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Jesperson and Lane #1
The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief
Should you find yourself in need of a discreet investigation into any sort of mystery, crime or puzzling circumstances, think of Jesperson and Lane ...
For several years Miss Lane was companion, amanuensis, collaborator and friend to the lady known to the Psychical Societs only as Miss X - until she discovered that Miss X was actually a fraud.
Now she works with Mr Jasper Jesperson as a consulting detective, but the cases are not as plentiful as they might be and money is getting tight - until a case that reaches across the entirety of London lands in their laps.
It concerns a somnambulist, the disappearance of several mediums, and a cat stuck up a tree ... the links with the cat are negligible, but there is only one team that can investigate the seemingly supernatural disappearances of the psychics and defy the nefarious purpose behind them: Jesperson and Lane, at your service.
For several years Miss Lane was companion, amanuensis, collaborator and friend to the lady known to the Psychical Societs only as Miss X - until she discovered that Miss X was actually a fraud.
Now she works with Mr Jasper Jesperson as a consulting detective, but the cases are not as plentiful as they might be and money is getting tight - until a case that reaches across the entirety of London lands in their laps.
It concerns a somnambulist, the disappearance of several mediums, and a cat stuck up a tree ... the links with the cat are negligible, but there is only one team that can investigate the seemingly supernatural disappearances of the psychics and defy the nefarious purpose behind them: Jesperson and Lane, at your service.
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First published June 16, 2016
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About the author
Lisa Tuttle
272 books409 followers(Wife of Colin Murray) aka Maria Palmer (house pseudonym).
Lisa Tuttle taught a science fiction course at the City Lit College, part of London University, and has tutored on the Arvon courses. She was residential tutor at the Clarion West SF writing workshop in Seattle, USA. She has published six novels and two short story collections. Many of her books have been translated into French and German editions.
Lisa Tuttle taught a science fiction course at the City Lit College, part of London University, and has tutored on the Arvon courses. She was residential tutor at the Clarion West SF writing workshop in Seattle, USA. She has published six novels and two short story collections. Many of her books have been translated into French and German editions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
April 9, 2017
This is an atmospheric Victorian era mystery of what might possibly be a series with the duo of investigative detectives, Jasper Jesperson and Aphrodite 'Di' Lane. It is an atmospheric read set in London in 1893. Miss Lane discovers her former friend and companion, Gabrielle Fox, working for the Psychical Society, is engaging in fraud. Shocked, she abruptly departs for London, looking for work and lodgings with little money. She comes across an advertisement for a assistant detective and applies. She meets Jasper and is hired on the spot as they both seem to click as people.
Jasper is an highly knowledgeable and skilled man, he is determined and can think laterally. Miss Lane is more logical, rational with a strong fascination in the psychic. The two have a number of cases, but they are minor and their customers are reluctant to pay. Finding themselves in dire financial straits, Jesper's confidence lands them a job from their landlord, Henry Sims. This entails getting to the bottom of why Mr Creevy, a happily married man, has suddenly resumed sleepwalking. Miss Lane reluctantly writes to all her previous contacts telling them of her change in career and recommending Jasper and herself for any investigations they may require. Lord Bennington invites them to a private seance by Mr Chase. The duo stumble on the fact that a number of mediums have vanished, including Hilda Jessup. The pair investigate only to find this connects with Mr Creevy's reasons for sleepwalking. Miss Lane finds herself the target of a ruthless, dangerous and powerful force as are other mediums. Will the two detectives survive and get to the bottom of the mystery?
There is plenty of period detail and description. The language is mannered in keeping with the Victorian era. The characters of the modest Miss Lane and the dynamic, confident Jasper fit well together and easily captured my interest. The subject of psychic phenomena was one that interested a large element in Victorian society. I very much enjoyed this novel and hope it turns out to be a series. Thanks to Random House Hydra for an ARC.
Jasper is an highly knowledgeable and skilled man, he is determined and can think laterally. Miss Lane is more logical, rational with a strong fascination in the psychic. The two have a number of cases, but they are minor and their customers are reluctant to pay. Finding themselves in dire financial straits, Jesper's confidence lands them a job from their landlord, Henry Sims. This entails getting to the bottom of why Mr Creevy, a happily married man, has suddenly resumed sleepwalking. Miss Lane reluctantly writes to all her previous contacts telling them of her change in career and recommending Jasper and herself for any investigations they may require. Lord Bennington invites them to a private seance by Mr Chase. The duo stumble on the fact that a number of mediums have vanished, including Hilda Jessup. The pair investigate only to find this connects with Mr Creevy's reasons for sleepwalking. Miss Lane finds herself the target of a ruthless, dangerous and powerful force as are other mediums. Will the two detectives survive and get to the bottom of the mystery?
There is plenty of period detail and description. The language is mannered in keeping with the Victorian era. The characters of the modest Miss Lane and the dynamic, confident Jasper fit well together and easily captured my interest. The subject of psychic phenomena was one that interested a large element in Victorian society. I very much enjoyed this novel and hope it turns out to be a series. Thanks to Random House Hydra for an ARC.
May 9, 2018
The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief is a delightful pairing of Sherlockian mystery and Victorian occult tale that stays true to both without falling prey to the clichés of either genre.
Tuttle's heroine, Di Lane (don't dare call her 'Aphrodite' Lane – she hates that), is daring and clever while still having to face challenges that emerge both from her times and within herself. Unlike the generic 'badass in a bodice' who lives in a deeply patriarchal society but somehow is completely free of its influence and found time to become the world's sleuth and greatest martial artist, Lane actively struggles to prove herself as a detective – especially when partnered with the positively Sherlock-like Mr Jesperson.
Jasper Jesperson makes an enjoyable partner for Lane, partly because he excels at so many things she doesn't, and does so with an ease and grace that makes you want to punch him every time he makes a brilliant deduction or plots an ingenious escape. Again, though, it's this very same unfairness that makes us root for Lane all the more.
In fact, Lane's weaknesses are precisely what make her interesting to follow. She's not starting out as a brilliant detective who can easily beat up her foes or outwit any conspiracy. Instead, she has to work at it – sometimes even against her own instincts. For the reader, this means getting both the joy of watching her succeed and the pain of watching her fail. Sometimes it's almost as if Tuttle intentionally wants us to think her heroine is just a frail girl – fitting uncomfortably into the attitudes of the time about a woman's role and the limits of her capabilities. But these moments are clearly meant to frustrate us and bring us into Lane's life and situation. Watching her uncover the truth of those events and overcome them becomes all the more satisfying.
What's more to say? Lisa Tuttle is a fantastic writer whose nuanced characters and flawless prose combine with a mastery of genre conventions that allow her to subvert them brilliantly. If this isn't your usual sub-genre of fantasy or mystery, think of The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief as a wonderful, relaxing venture into unexplored territory.
Tuttle's heroine, Di Lane (don't dare call her 'Aphrodite' Lane – she hates that), is daring and clever while still having to face challenges that emerge both from her times and within herself. Unlike the generic 'badass in a bodice' who lives in a deeply patriarchal society but somehow is completely free of its influence and found time to become the world's sleuth and greatest martial artist, Lane actively struggles to prove herself as a detective – especially when partnered with the positively Sherlock-like Mr Jesperson.
Jasper Jesperson makes an enjoyable partner for Lane, partly because he excels at so many things she doesn't, and does so with an ease and grace that makes you want to punch him every time he makes a brilliant deduction or plots an ingenious escape. Again, though, it's this very same unfairness that makes us root for Lane all the more.
In fact, Lane's weaknesses are precisely what make her interesting to follow. She's not starting out as a brilliant detective who can easily beat up her foes or outwit any conspiracy. Instead, she has to work at it – sometimes even against her own instincts. For the reader, this means getting both the joy of watching her succeed and the pain of watching her fail. Sometimes it's almost as if Tuttle intentionally wants us to think her heroine is just a frail girl – fitting uncomfortably into the attitudes of the time about a woman's role and the limits of her capabilities. But these moments are clearly meant to frustrate us and bring us into Lane's life and situation. Watching her uncover the truth of those events and overcome them becomes all the more satisfying.
What's more to say? Lisa Tuttle is a fantastic writer whose nuanced characters and flawless prose combine with a mastery of genre conventions that allow her to subvert them brilliantly. If this isn't your usual sub-genre of fantasy or mystery, think of The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief as a wonderful, relaxing venture into unexplored territory.
May 10, 2017
Let me get the most important thing out of the way - this book and I didn't get along well. There are numerous reasons why but I'll just list a couple of them. Now, I admit it could be the case of 'right book, wrong time'. However, I doubt it considering the characters.
The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief has a lot going in its favour. I don't know many people who don't like this time setting when spiritualist associations were trying to get to the bottom of things and a number of people claimed they have one or several psychic powers, communication with the dead being the most common one. Then, you have jewellery theft mixed into this story for good measure. And, who doesn't like the idea of private detective duo investigating all kinds of nefarious things? What's wrong with them if they don't? For these things only I am not throwing this into the 'I didn't like it' pile.
As I said, the idea is entertaining and I expected a lot. That was my first mistake, I think. We meet Miss Lane the first time on her way from Scotland. She has just found evidence of her friend Miss Fox being a charlatan. They were supposed to be above these things when investigating haunted places. Miss Fox, it seems, couldn't resist. When Miss Fox appears in the book later, they never talk about the white elephant in the room.
I really didn't enjoy being in Miss Lane's head and considering the fact that almost the whole book, with the exception of Mr Jasperson's notes regarding the case, is from Miss Lane's point of view, you can understand why it came close to be a chore to get through this. It starts well enough, though. I even thought I found another awesome story.
Jasper Jasperson is even worse. If you're interested in a child who whines when his mother tells him she's going to ask his uncle for help (money) because he will have to work as a clerk. The horror! I won't get into too many details, though. Even though he admits his flaws a bit later, I couldn't get over it. He is special, he knows everything, he learned stuff abroad.
There are some things that annoyed me, but it's possible they won't be in the book, so I won't bother listing them.
Overall, not a bad story, but I couldn't get past the characters' flaws.
The ending promises another case and I'm hoping that one will be better considering at least one revelation in this book. I hope the characters grow on me.
ARC received from Random House Publishing Group - Hydra via NetGalley
The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief has a lot going in its favour. I don't know many people who don't like this time setting when spiritualist associations were trying to get to the bottom of things and a number of people claimed they have one or several psychic powers, communication with the dead being the most common one. Then, you have jewellery theft mixed into this story for good measure. And, who doesn't like the idea of private detective duo investigating all kinds of nefarious things? What's wrong with them if they don't? For these things only I am not throwing this into the 'I didn't like it' pile.
As I said, the idea is entertaining and I expected a lot. That was my first mistake, I think. We meet Miss Lane the first time on her way from Scotland. She has just found evidence of her friend Miss Fox being a charlatan. They were supposed to be above these things when investigating haunted places. Miss Fox, it seems, couldn't resist. When Miss Fox appears in the book later, they never talk about the white elephant in the room.
I really didn't enjoy being in Miss Lane's head and considering the fact that almost the whole book, with the exception of Mr Jasperson's notes regarding the case, is from Miss Lane's point of view, you can understand why it came close to be a chore to get through this. It starts well enough, though. I even thought I found another awesome story.
Jasper Jasperson is even worse. If you're interested in a child who whines when his mother tells him she's going to ask his uncle for help (money) because he will have to work as a clerk. The horror! I won't get into too many details, though. Even though he admits his flaws a bit later, I couldn't get over it. He is special, he knows everything, he learned stuff abroad.
There are some things that annoyed me, but it's possible they won't be in the book, so I won't bother listing them.
Overall, not a bad story, but I couldn't get past the characters' flaws.
The ending promises another case and I'm hoping that one will be better considering at least one revelation in this book. I hope the characters grow on me.
ARC received from Random House Publishing Group - Hydra via NetGalley
October 2, 2017
Many thanks to Lisa Tuttle, Hydra Publishing, and Netgalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
I’m always in the market for a whimsical mystery series-one that doesn’t psychologically scar me. This is a bit like what if Sherlock Holmes tried to be less serious? I was thoroughly enthralled in the whodunnit. Right til the end. The narration is pleasant ; the situations are entertaining. It’s a bright beginning to a brilliant series. Bravo, Tuttle!
I’m always in the market for a whimsical mystery series-one that doesn’t psychologically scar me. This is a bit like what if Sherlock Holmes tried to be less serious? I was thoroughly enthralled in the whodunnit. Right til the end. The narration is pleasant ; the situations are entertaining. It’s a bright beginning to a brilliant series. Bravo, Tuttle!
Read
May 31, 2017DNF
Some aspects very interesting and thank you to Netgalley for my copy...but it didn't draw me in enough to finish😟
Some aspects very interesting and thank you to Netgalley for my copy...but it didn't draw me in enough to finish😟
November 4, 2023
I loved the idea of this book. Set in Victorian times, the era of Sherlock Holmes, and with more than a little feel of Conan Doyle's work, this concerns Miss Lane and Mr Jesperson. Mr Jesperson is a detective who requires an assistant. Miss Lane has been a psychic investigator and requires work. The joining of their two talents is fortunate as a number of mediums have gone missing and there is also the case of a somnambulist to investigate.
I found this an intriguing tale and it is populated by rather less than "run of the mill" characters. There is a good sense of time and place from the writing and the style and it catches the atmosphere of the era and the fascination with psychic phenomena very well. I really did enjoy the characters of Lane and Jesperson - they are worth getting to know and I was left with the feeling that more could be teased out in a future book about them. This is something of a Victorian melodrama which I guess might not appeal to everyone however for those with an interest this should be an entertaining read. While the tale is frequently quite simple it does have some aspects that are deeper which I appreciated. The use of the idea of Chinese handcuffs for example worked well as a illustration of deeper things. I genuinely enjoyed the ending and I do hope that there is more to come about this pair of investigators. 3.5/5 I guess.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
I found this an intriguing tale and it is populated by rather less than "run of the mill" characters. There is a good sense of time and place from the writing and the style and it catches the atmosphere of the era and the fascination with psychic phenomena very well. I really did enjoy the characters of Lane and Jesperson - they are worth getting to know and I was left with the feeling that more could be teased out in a future book about them. This is something of a Victorian melodrama which I guess might not appeal to everyone however for those with an interest this should be an entertaining read. While the tale is frequently quite simple it does have some aspects that are deeper which I appreciated. The use of the idea of Chinese handcuffs for example worked well as a illustration of deeper things. I genuinely enjoyed the ending and I do hope that there is more to come about this pair of investigators. 3.5/5 I guess.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
September 26, 2017
I loved this. I loved it so much that I let out a happy little yip and hit request immediately when I saw its sequel pop up on Netgalley, and another when I got it – I can't wait.
Lisa Tuttle has worked with George R.R. Martin, so I would expect her to know what she's doing, and she does. She knows how to build characters without bending herself or her narrative into knots to make sure I picture them just as she wants me to; the main characters of this book are excellent companions. Miss Lane and Mr. Jasper Jesperson, striving to build a private investigation practice in 1893 London, are neither of them perfect. As the book begins, she has fled a position with a psychical research group upon discovering that a woman in whom she had perfect faith, a friend, was planning to conduct a fraudulent séance; I kept wanting to poke the author, or the character, asking if they didn't want to make some kind of stand against such fakery or something? At first it felt cowardly of Miss Lane, although I surely understood her feelings of betrayal. In the end, where her moonlight flit could have seemed like an out-of-character maneuver included solely to put chess pieces in place for the next move – it didn't. It made sense – and because it made sense and worked for the character, the rest of the plot evolves organically from it.
And as for Mr. Jesperson – he is a bit arrogant, a bit of a Sherlock Holmes-wanna-be, a bit over-focused on his own ends… but as it turns out, he has reason to be a bit arrogant, and good cause to expect to emulate Holmes – and his vision isn't so tunneled that he can't see a child in distress. The kitten incident was a beautiful illustration of his abilities and capabilities.
And his mother is terrific.
The writing has an effortless-seeming clarity that makes the pages fly by. The author manages the disparate elements of the plot like an expert juggler, keeping all the balls in the air until they fall neatly into their places. I love the way the climax of the action is handled. The left hand (and the reader) doesn't really know what the right hand is doing, and the right hand can't let the left know without sabotaging the whole plan. Miss Lane is put into a position where she has to accept the possibility that her new partner has let her down at least as badly as her last friend and partner. And Mr. Jesperson has to handle the situation with an aplomb and pragmatism that would do Holmes proud.
Another area where the writing shines is what feels like effortless exposition – or withholding of exposition. Just enough of the characters' stories are told to make them extremely engaging while still leaving lots of ground for future books to cover (lots of future books, I hope). I love that there are lots of things in both Miss Lane's and Mr. Jesperson's pasts that aren't detailed – including in their shared past, as some of their very first cases are alluded to like the Giant Rat of Sumatra ("the curious affair of the deodand"). (Wow – I never heard of a deodand before- what a fascinating thing.) I love that … shall we say, to avoid spoilers, the origin of a certain, er, fashion accessory is never, ever provided.
Best of all, the author knows how to avoid that thing that has been driving me straight up the wall so much lately: recapping. So, so many books lately feature characters doing something, and then meeting someone who wasn't there and telling them all about it, or simply thinking about what happened a couple of chapters ago – during which the writer thoughtfully provides her apparently amnesiac reader with a summarization of those events, sometimes using just the same phrasings. Lisa Tuttle doesn't do this. "I gave him all the details, finishing just as we reached the station." I could just hug her for that.
I've been making note of a few fun names that have popped up in this year's books – like the one which used my name, except flipped, and the Mad Men character n WWII London. Here there is a set of twins named Amelia and Bedelia – and the Amelia Bedelia books (about a very Mary Poppins-ish lady, as I recall) were a staple of my early childhood. I wonder if that was on purpose.
It's such a great title – and I love that "psychic thief" doesn't mean what you might first think it means. And the somnambulism is a great deal of (sometimes very creepy) fun. (And I adore that cover.)
Yay, there is a second book – and I have it.
Great quote, and … well, yeah:
Why the dead should wish to communicate with the living in such a bizarre and roundabout way—materializing flowers, playing trumpets, rapping on tables—rather than sending straightforward messages through their mediums was a question no true believer would ask.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
Lisa Tuttle has worked with George R.R. Martin, so I would expect her to know what she's doing, and she does. She knows how to build characters without bending herself or her narrative into knots to make sure I picture them just as she wants me to; the main characters of this book are excellent companions. Miss Lane and Mr. Jasper Jesperson, striving to build a private investigation practice in 1893 London, are neither of them perfect. As the book begins, she has fled a position with a psychical research group upon discovering that a woman in whom she had perfect faith, a friend, was planning to conduct a fraudulent séance; I kept wanting to poke the author, or the character, asking if they didn't want to make some kind of stand against such fakery or something? At first it felt cowardly of Miss Lane, although I surely understood her feelings of betrayal. In the end, where her moonlight flit could have seemed like an out-of-character maneuver included solely to put chess pieces in place for the next move – it didn't. It made sense – and because it made sense and worked for the character, the rest of the plot evolves organically from it.
And as for Mr. Jesperson – he is a bit arrogant, a bit of a Sherlock Holmes-wanna-be, a bit over-focused on his own ends… but as it turns out, he has reason to be a bit arrogant, and good cause to expect to emulate Holmes – and his vision isn't so tunneled that he can't see a child in distress. The kitten incident was a beautiful illustration of his abilities and capabilities.
And his mother is terrific.
The writing has an effortless-seeming clarity that makes the pages fly by. The author manages the disparate elements of the plot like an expert juggler, keeping all the balls in the air until they fall neatly into their places. I love the way the climax of the action is handled. The left hand (and the reader) doesn't really know what the right hand is doing, and the right hand can't let the left know without sabotaging the whole plan. Miss Lane is put into a position where she has to accept the possibility that her new partner has let her down at least as badly as her last friend and partner. And Mr. Jesperson has to handle the situation with an aplomb and pragmatism that would do Holmes proud.
Another area where the writing shines is what feels like effortless exposition – or withholding of exposition. Just enough of the characters' stories are told to make them extremely engaging while still leaving lots of ground for future books to cover (lots of future books, I hope). I love that there are lots of things in both Miss Lane's and Mr. Jesperson's pasts that aren't detailed – including in their shared past, as some of their very first cases are alluded to like the Giant Rat of Sumatra ("the curious affair of the deodand"). (Wow – I never heard of a deodand before- what a fascinating thing.) I love that … shall we say, to avoid spoilers, the origin of a certain, er, fashion accessory is never, ever provided.
Best of all, the author knows how to avoid that thing that has been driving me straight up the wall so much lately: recapping. So, so many books lately feature characters doing something, and then meeting someone who wasn't there and telling them all about it, or simply thinking about what happened a couple of chapters ago – during which the writer thoughtfully provides her apparently amnesiac reader with a summarization of those events, sometimes using just the same phrasings. Lisa Tuttle doesn't do this. "I gave him all the details, finishing just as we reached the station." I could just hug her for that.
I've been making note of a few fun names that have popped up in this year's books – like the one which used my name, except flipped, and the Mad Men character n WWII London. Here there is a set of twins named Amelia and Bedelia – and the Amelia Bedelia books (about a very Mary Poppins-ish lady, as I recall) were a staple of my early childhood. I wonder if that was on purpose.
It's such a great title – and I love that "psychic thief" doesn't mean what you might first think it means. And the somnambulism is a great deal of (sometimes very creepy) fun. (And I adore that cover.)
Yay, there is a second book – and I have it.
Great quote, and … well, yeah:
Why the dead should wish to communicate with the living in such a bizarre and roundabout way—materializing flowers, playing trumpets, rapping on tables—rather than sending straightforward messages through their mediums was a question no true believer would ask.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
June 9, 2016
A solid series opener which hints at even better things to come. 3.5/5 stars
This review was originally posted on my book blog.
This is a well-written detective adventure whose prose successfully mimics the slightly stiff style of Conan Doyle and other writers of the Victorian period. Victorian London is also recreated in fantastically vivid detail. The smog, in particularly, is delightfully Dickensian and almost a character in its own right.
For those of you who dislike slow-builders, you’ll be pleased to hear that this story hits the ground running and continues at a brisk pace with plenty to keep us interested and intrigued. Meanwhile, the mystery is unravelled slowly, allowing us to see a piece of the puzzle and take a guess at what’s going on, before being told whether we’re right or not. This gives the reader the chance to feel smug and “in on it” with our detective acquaintances. All too often detective fiction can completely baffle the reader, shutting them out of the mystery entirely. I don’t find that sort of story enjoyable. Half the fun is being told just enough so you can keep up and have a guess at what’s happening, while still having some questions remain unresolved until the end.
I felt Lane and Jesperson were well-described and convincing but – at this early stage in a new series – they were still more like acquaintances to the reader than good friends. Miss Lane in particular is a bit glacial (something she herself recognises and tries to overcome) and I hope she might thaw into a more expressive person as this series continues.
SPOILER ALERT! The next paragraph contains a spoiler, please skip over it if you don’t wish to know anything about the mystery in this book!
This book only disappointed me in one significant way. I was convinced, given that Miss Lane had been so involved in debunking psychics and mediums, that there would be an entirely rational and astounding clever explanation for the mystery. So when it turns out that the psychics the duo are dealing with are real and the explanation is just… well, “it’s all magic!”, I felt a little let down.
SPOILERS OVER!
On a final note, this book is now in the running for my “title of the year” award, currently neck and neck with Time Travelling with a Hamster!
Overall: The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief is a well-written, entertaining mystery and solid series opener. I look forward to reading the next book and have a feeling this series will get better with every installment.
This review was originally posted on my book blog.
This is a well-written detective adventure whose prose successfully mimics the slightly stiff style of Conan Doyle and other writers of the Victorian period. Victorian London is also recreated in fantastically vivid detail. The smog, in particularly, is delightfully Dickensian and almost a character in its own right.
For those of you who dislike slow-builders, you’ll be pleased to hear that this story hits the ground running and continues at a brisk pace with plenty to keep us interested and intrigued. Meanwhile, the mystery is unravelled slowly, allowing us to see a piece of the puzzle and take a guess at what’s going on, before being told whether we’re right or not. This gives the reader the chance to feel smug and “in on it” with our detective acquaintances. All too often detective fiction can completely baffle the reader, shutting them out of the mystery entirely. I don’t find that sort of story enjoyable. Half the fun is being told just enough so you can keep up and have a guess at what’s happening, while still having some questions remain unresolved until the end.
I felt Lane and Jesperson were well-described and convincing but – at this early stage in a new series – they were still more like acquaintances to the reader than good friends. Miss Lane in particular is a bit glacial (something she herself recognises and tries to overcome) and I hope she might thaw into a more expressive person as this series continues.
SPOILER ALERT! The next paragraph contains a spoiler, please skip over it if you don’t wish to know anything about the mystery in this book!
This book only disappointed me in one significant way. I was convinced, given that Miss Lane had been so involved in debunking psychics and mediums, that there would be an entirely rational and astounding clever explanation for the mystery. So when it turns out that the psychics the duo are dealing with are real and the explanation is just… well, “it’s all magic!”, I felt a little let down.
SPOILERS OVER!
On a final note, this book is now in the running for my “title of the year” award, currently neck and neck with Time Travelling with a Hamster!
Overall: The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief is a well-written, entertaining mystery and solid series opener. I look forward to reading the next book and have a feeling this series will get better with every installment.
November 21, 2017
The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief goes to show that buying a book purely on the title and a bit of cover love is sometimes the right thing to do. This historical mystery, introducing the detective duo Miss Aphrodite "Di" Lane and Mr Jasper Jesperson offers readers psychic intrigue and a little bit of action as they work to uncover some dastardly goings on in historical London.When I had finished reading this it took me a while to decide how to rate it. I was torn between 3 and 4 stars, so I settled with 3.5. However, there are some aspects that I really liked that go beyond that rating and some aspects that didn't. Firstly, I will get the negative out the way. There were some aspects of this story that were introduced, but then seemed to be swept under the carpet, such as the consequences of Miss Lanes very hasty departure from her previous job. However, I may be doing the book a disservice and this is something that is addressed later in the series. But it niggled me. I also didn't think there was much 'detecting' going on. Mr Jesperson is supposed to be a Sherlock type character who can guess your life history just by a glance at the shine of your shoes, which is fascinating in some ways. However, massive leaps in logic were made and happy coincidences did seem to dot the landscape quite frequently.
However, I did like the atmosphere that Tuttle created, the gloomy and dark streets of London; the warm, yet slightly impoverished offices/home they occupied; the fever for psychics and spirits that was present in Victorian London at that time. It was all very well portrayed and despite some teething problems with the mystery it did reel me in. This was also written from Miss Lanes POV, with her logical and formal tone, which once again added to the atmosphere of the book.
Overall, I did like this book it kept me hooked, this series definitely has potential and with the dramatic way it ended, I will be picking up the next in the series.
Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
September 9, 2019
Lisa Tuttle is an author whom we associate with thought-provoking stories that are nuanced, sharp, and often horrific. In this book, she tries to do something different. By taking us all into the late Victorian (or early Edwardian) era when London was throbbing with crime, disparity, and Psychics. Amidst all these, she introduces our protagonists Lane and Jesperson. This surprisingly warm and contrasting duo navigate a labyrinth of lies to find out the truth.
So far, so good. But...
1. The world-building is intricate. The characterisation spot-on. But they take too long and too many words.
2. In a real world of crime and conjuring tricks, the author infuses real psychic (i.e. supernatural) stuff. This is the hole where many a story has fallen earlier, and it falters here as well. In comparison, Tim Prasil's Vera Van Syke mysteries, despite being unabashedly supernatural, come across as more 'real'.
Nevertheless, thanks to the writing and the warmth of the characters, I would return to this series. Maybe, in that book the author would go straight for the jugular, now that she has 'built base'.
So far, so good. But...
1. The world-building is intricate. The characterisation spot-on. But they take too long and too many words.
2. In a real world of crime and conjuring tricks, the author infuses real psychic (i.e. supernatural) stuff. This is the hole where many a story has fallen earlier, and it falters here as well. In comparison, Tim Prasil's Vera Van Syke mysteries, despite being unabashedly supernatural, come across as more 'real'.
Nevertheless, thanks to the writing and the warmth of the characters, I would return to this series. Maybe, in that book the author would go straight for the jugular, now that she has 'built base'.
May 29, 2017
3.5 of 5 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2017/05/18/th...
The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief is the start of a promising new detective series with a difference set in the Victorian era. I enjoyed this, it was an entertaining read and I will definitely read more even though I had some reservations.
At the start of the story we make the acquaintance of Miss Lane who appears to all intents and purposes to be fleeing on a late night train out of Scotland. It seems that Miss Lane has for the past few years worked with a close friend called Gabrielle Fox - known more commonly as Miss X by people in the psychic field. It seems that Miss Lane has discovered her friend to be a fraud and rather than confront her she packs her scant belongings and heads for London. She's as poor as a church mouse with only a few coins to her name and with no friends on which to impose she finds herself in desperate need of employment.
Quite by chance Miss Lane spots an advertisement for an assistant detective and thinking her skills will fit the bill applies within and in quick succession finds herself not only appointed to the post but also with a room and board included with the deal. Pretty lucky, you might be thinking, however, Mr Jesperson, the detective who she will be assisting, is new to the game and with little experience under his belt jobs are thin on the ground. In order to prevent themselves becoming destitute they take a job from their landlord, it seems his sister's husband has taken to sleep walking at night and not content with shambling round the bedroom like a zombie takes himself further abroad. From there things fairly quickly gather momentum. The two are invited to a seance where they make the acquaintance of the latest new medium looking to establish a name for himself, they are paid a visit by none other than Miss X herself and on top of that quickly find themselves embroiled in a missing persons case.
I did enjoy this. It has a lot going for it and I like the idea of a new detective series set in London during a period that is virtually the epitome of gothic with it's dark alleys and swirling pea soup fog. On top of this, as I said this is a detective series with a difference which is clearly going to come in the form of certain fantasy elements.
Before I go further I'm going to highlight a few of my niggles with the story. Firstly, and this probably seems a small thing, but at the start of the story Miss Lane is virtually running away from Miss Fox and yet when the two of them meet later in the book this issue is never tackled or discussed, it really is the elephant in the room. In fact the two of them meet and take up as though nothing has come between them at all. I was puzzled by that I must admit but I realise it's only a minor issue and perhaps it will be tackled later in the series.
I really like that 'otherworldly' elements are being brought into the story, they just fit the period so well and make for good reading, but I felt that something was lacking a little in the handling somehow. I think this is probably because in this day and age we tend to be very sceptical of psychic events whereas in the Victorian era seances and the like were all the rage - until of course all the gimmicks and hidden wires were discovered. Miss Lane is herself a sceptic and yet, when certain elements of the story literally take flight she was incredibly accepting of everything. Again, there is explanation for the whys and wherefores of events (and sorry to be mysterious but I'm trying not to be spoilery) but I guess I wanted some shock, or disbelief or outright astonishment or simply fainting and conniptions. It just felt like everything was accepted and things carried on. Like going to bed at night and finding a dragon curled up on your bed and casually thinking 'cool, dragons really do exist' and then going to sleep like everything is normal in the world - actually I do kind of like that notion.
Then there is the friendship/relationship with Miss Lane and Mr Jesperson. It feels like something is going to be developed further here - hopefully something that takes its own sweet time. At the moment the two of them feel quite awkward together, which is understandable. I think I wanted a little more from them in terms of their dialogue, just to make it more entertaining.
Finally, I think the actual detecting work was a little on the skimpy side. I think I had a notion that this might be a bit of a send up or maybe even a homage to Sherlock himself and that maybe Jesperson, in particular, was going to turn into one of those people who can just tell that you've been for a long walk with your dog and eaten a scone for afternoon tea from just a brief introduction. Okay, I recognise that's simply personal expectations and I'm not holding that against the book but it did seem that a lot of the actual investigation work was based on little more than supposition, I hope for more detecting in the next book.
So, that probably all sounds terribly negative and so to counter my own niggles above I'm going to end on the things I enjoyed in order to leave a favourable impression because I did enjoy this. I think it suffers a little from first book in series syndrome and over ambition in terms of what's actually going on but, in spite of that, it was a very quick read, fast paced and entertaining, amusing in parts and also suitably spooky in others. There are abductions and ghostly apparitions, stage performances and attempted murder. The writing is smooth, the time period quite effortlessly evoked. I like the characterisation so far and thought that there is plenty more yet to come both in terms of individual development and potentially a romantic slow burner and I thought some of the scenes were really quite gripping. Overall a very good foundation for a series that I would be keen to read more of. Holmes and Watson, allow me to introduce Jesperson and Lane and hopefully some more 'curious affairs'.
I received a copy through Netgalley courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
https://lynns-books.com/2017/05/18/th...
The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief is the start of a promising new detective series with a difference set in the Victorian era. I enjoyed this, it was an entertaining read and I will definitely read more even though I had some reservations.
At the start of the story we make the acquaintance of Miss Lane who appears to all intents and purposes to be fleeing on a late night train out of Scotland. It seems that Miss Lane has for the past few years worked with a close friend called Gabrielle Fox - known more commonly as Miss X by people in the psychic field. It seems that Miss Lane has discovered her friend to be a fraud and rather than confront her she packs her scant belongings and heads for London. She's as poor as a church mouse with only a few coins to her name and with no friends on which to impose she finds herself in desperate need of employment.
Quite by chance Miss Lane spots an advertisement for an assistant detective and thinking her skills will fit the bill applies within and in quick succession finds herself not only appointed to the post but also with a room and board included with the deal. Pretty lucky, you might be thinking, however, Mr Jesperson, the detective who she will be assisting, is new to the game and with little experience under his belt jobs are thin on the ground. In order to prevent themselves becoming destitute they take a job from their landlord, it seems his sister's husband has taken to sleep walking at night and not content with shambling round the bedroom like a zombie takes himself further abroad. From there things fairly quickly gather momentum. The two are invited to a seance where they make the acquaintance of the latest new medium looking to establish a name for himself, they are paid a visit by none other than Miss X herself and on top of that quickly find themselves embroiled in a missing persons case.
I did enjoy this. It has a lot going for it and I like the idea of a new detective series set in London during a period that is virtually the epitome of gothic with it's dark alleys and swirling pea soup fog. On top of this, as I said this is a detective series with a difference which is clearly going to come in the form of certain fantasy elements.
Before I go further I'm going to highlight a few of my niggles with the story. Firstly, and this probably seems a small thing, but at the start of the story Miss Lane is virtually running away from Miss Fox and yet when the two of them meet later in the book this issue is never tackled or discussed, it really is the elephant in the room. In fact the two of them meet and take up as though nothing has come between them at all. I was puzzled by that I must admit but I realise it's only a minor issue and perhaps it will be tackled later in the series.
I really like that 'otherworldly' elements are being brought into the story, they just fit the period so well and make for good reading, but I felt that something was lacking a little in the handling somehow. I think this is probably because in this day and age we tend to be very sceptical of psychic events whereas in the Victorian era seances and the like were all the rage - until of course all the gimmicks and hidden wires were discovered. Miss Lane is herself a sceptic and yet, when certain elements of the story literally take flight she was incredibly accepting of everything. Again, there is explanation for the whys and wherefores of events (and sorry to be mysterious but I'm trying not to be spoilery) but I guess I wanted some shock, or disbelief or outright astonishment or simply fainting and conniptions. It just felt like everything was accepted and things carried on. Like going to bed at night and finding a dragon curled up on your bed and casually thinking 'cool, dragons really do exist' and then going to sleep like everything is normal in the world - actually I do kind of like that notion.
Then there is the friendship/relationship with Miss Lane and Mr Jesperson. It feels like something is going to be developed further here - hopefully something that takes its own sweet time. At the moment the two of them feel quite awkward together, which is understandable. I think I wanted a little more from them in terms of their dialogue, just to make it more entertaining.
Finally, I think the actual detecting work was a little on the skimpy side. I think I had a notion that this might be a bit of a send up or maybe even a homage to Sherlock himself and that maybe Jesperson, in particular, was going to turn into one of those people who can just tell that you've been for a long walk with your dog and eaten a scone for afternoon tea from just a brief introduction. Okay, I recognise that's simply personal expectations and I'm not holding that against the book but it did seem that a lot of the actual investigation work was based on little more than supposition, I hope for more detecting in the next book.
So, that probably all sounds terribly negative and so to counter my own niggles above I'm going to end on the things I enjoyed in order to leave a favourable impression because I did enjoy this. I think it suffers a little from first book in series syndrome and over ambition in terms of what's actually going on but, in spite of that, it was a very quick read, fast paced and entertaining, amusing in parts and also suitably spooky in others. There are abductions and ghostly apparitions, stage performances and attempted murder. The writing is smooth, the time period quite effortlessly evoked. I like the characterisation so far and thought that there is plenty more yet to come both in terms of individual development and potentially a romantic slow burner and I thought some of the scenes were really quite gripping. Overall a very good foundation for a series that I would be keen to read more of. Holmes and Watson, allow me to introduce Jesperson and Lane and hopefully some more 'curious affairs'.
I received a copy through Netgalley courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
May 25, 2017
GNAB I received a free electronic copy of this historical novel (London 1883) from Netgalley, Lisa Tuttle, and Random House Publishing Group - Hydra in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all, for sharing your work with me.
This historical mystery written along the lines of Sherlock etc was an interesting read. I enjoyed it, and the mystery involved as well but it left me feeling stymied. I couldn't decided if it was just a bit too long-winded, or in need of another go with an editor. Whatever, it was a fun, fast read.
Pub date 16 May 2017
rec date 23 May 2017
This historical mystery written along the lines of Sherlock etc was an interesting read. I enjoyed it, and the mystery involved as well but it left me feeling stymied. I couldn't decided if it was just a bit too long-winded, or in need of another go with an editor. Whatever, it was a fun, fast read.
Pub date 16 May 2017
rec date 23 May 2017
October 17, 2018
As with my reviews, automatic point off for a cliffhanger. This is actually a complete story but Chapter 32, the last chapter is 1 1/2 pages of opening story and cliffhanger. Please just offer these as complimentary opening chapters of the next book.
Pleasant read, a tad slow in places but overall moves well. Period feel without espousing on details (a good thing for this reader).
Pleasant read, a tad slow in places but overall moves well. Period feel without espousing on details (a good thing for this reader).
May 19, 2017
Originally published at Reading Reality
I really enjoyed the beginning of this book. It was an interesting set up to a slightly off-beat Sherlock Holmes read-alike, with an even more eccentric Holmes and a female Watson who is not a doctor. On the one hand, their respective eccentricities make Jesperson and Lane closer to partners from the beginning. On that other hand, it also begins as a kind of tweak of the nose at Conan Doyle, because Aphrodite Lane becomes a detective after discovering that her friend and employer Gabrielle Fox, who is supposed to be a skeptical investigator for the Society for Psychical Research, is every bit as much of a fraud and a trickster as every medium they have ever investigated.
Miss Lane is willing to believe, but she wants empirical evidence. Evidence that doesn’t involve secret hooks and pulleys under the table. And I applauded her for that.
But about halfway through, The Curious Affair of the Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief turned into the most infuriating book I have read in a long time, perhaps ever.
I fully realize that sentence requires a bit more explanation.
At the beginning of the story, as Jesperson and Lane get started in their consulting detective business, the setting seems to be the same Victorian London as the Holmes and Watson stories. (There is a tip of the hat to Holmes as a fictional character they are both familiar with). There was, at that time, quite a bit of exploration of and belief in the supernatural, and frauds abounded.
Conan Doyle, in spite of his invention of that most rational detective, Holmes, was himself a great believer in spiritualism (and fairies!). Harry Houdini, formerly one of Conan Doyle’s great friends, practically had a second career as a debunker of mediums and psychic phenomena. Their friendship broke over this fundamental difference of belief.
When the first case is presented to Jesperson and Lane, that of the sleepwalking, Mr. Creavey (in other words, the somnambulist) they are looking for a logical and rational explanation. Which Jesperson eventually finds. Someone is controlling Mr. Creavey through a post-hypnotic suggestion.
And while psychic phenomena are bunk, hypnosis is a well-known and reproducible technique.
And this is where the story goes completely off the rails. At least for this reader. Because the so far rational and redoubtable Miss Lane, who is telling the story in the first-person, becomes completely irrational on the subject of hypnotism and hypnosis, when it is obvious to both Jesperson and to the reader that Miss Lane has herself been hypnotized. The only question yet to be completely resolved is whether her hypnotist is the same as Mr. Creavey’s, but even at the outset it seems all too likely. It would be much too coincidental, in the best detectival tradition, for there to be two different hypnotists involved in the same case.
Whether hypnosis works exactly as portrayed in the story is questionable, but it certainly does work and does exist to a significant extent. That the amount of control the hypnotist has over his victims seems rather greater than is considered the norm feels like it falls within the spectrum of fiction.
But it gets worse. While the formerly rational Miss Lane descends into risible irrationality, what drove this reader off the edge into fury was that the story seemed to change its basic premise. While throughout the book it seems to be part of the historical Victorian era, when mostly gullible or desperate people believed in spiritualism but it was not proven, the ending of the story requires that this setting become a world in which psychic phenomena are real and functional.
In other words, we began in rationality and ended with magic, with no explanation for how the basic way that the world works seems to have flipped on its head.
Escape Rating C-: I did finish, which gets the C grade. And I’m still thinking about the book, and still furious, which also keeps it in the C category. But, but and very definitely but. I am so disappointed. What read like a very promising start descended so far on so many levels. Miss Lane’s descent in particular, from rational action to idiocy was particularly galling, especially as we view the story from inside her head.
I enjoy stories where magic works. I love urban fantasy. But if that’s the case, it needs to be established, or at least hinted at, from the beginning. That’s not what happened here. And yes, I’m aware that some of the promotional materials delve a bit into the supernatural aspects, but a) promotional materials don’t always represent the work in hand, b) the switch between absolute belief in rationality to confirmed belief in “magic” is not even subtext in the actual text, and 3) the point-of-view character still changes from an interesting and rational being to a complete idiot.
Color me extremely disappointed. And very, very annoyed.
I really enjoyed the beginning of this book. It was an interesting set up to a slightly off-beat Sherlock Holmes read-alike, with an even more eccentric Holmes and a female Watson who is not a doctor. On the one hand, their respective eccentricities make Jesperson and Lane closer to partners from the beginning. On that other hand, it also begins as a kind of tweak of the nose at Conan Doyle, because Aphrodite Lane becomes a detective after discovering that her friend and employer Gabrielle Fox, who is supposed to be a skeptical investigator for the Society for Psychical Research, is every bit as much of a fraud and a trickster as every medium they have ever investigated.
Miss Lane is willing to believe, but she wants empirical evidence. Evidence that doesn’t involve secret hooks and pulleys under the table. And I applauded her for that.
But about halfway through, The Curious Affair of the Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief turned into the most infuriating book I have read in a long time, perhaps ever.
I fully realize that sentence requires a bit more explanation.
At the beginning of the story, as Jesperson and Lane get started in their consulting detective business, the setting seems to be the same Victorian London as the Holmes and Watson stories. (There is a tip of the hat to Holmes as a fictional character they are both familiar with). There was, at that time, quite a bit of exploration of and belief in the supernatural, and frauds abounded.
Conan Doyle, in spite of his invention of that most rational detective, Holmes, was himself a great believer in spiritualism (and fairies!). Harry Houdini, formerly one of Conan Doyle’s great friends, practically had a second career as a debunker of mediums and psychic phenomena. Their friendship broke over this fundamental difference of belief.
When the first case is presented to Jesperson and Lane, that of the sleepwalking, Mr. Creavey (in other words, the somnambulist) they are looking for a logical and rational explanation. Which Jesperson eventually finds. Someone is controlling Mr. Creavey through a post-hypnotic suggestion.
And while psychic phenomena are bunk, hypnosis is a well-known and reproducible technique.
And this is where the story goes completely off the rails. At least for this reader. Because the so far rational and redoubtable Miss Lane, who is telling the story in the first-person, becomes completely irrational on the subject of hypnotism and hypnosis, when it is obvious to both Jesperson and to the reader that Miss Lane has herself been hypnotized. The only question yet to be completely resolved is whether her hypnotist is the same as Mr. Creavey’s, but even at the outset it seems all too likely. It would be much too coincidental, in the best detectival tradition, for there to be two different hypnotists involved in the same case.
Whether hypnosis works exactly as portrayed in the story is questionable, but it certainly does work and does exist to a significant extent. That the amount of control the hypnotist has over his victims seems rather greater than is considered the norm feels like it falls within the spectrum of fiction.
But it gets worse. While the formerly rational Miss Lane descends into risible irrationality, what drove this reader off the edge into fury was that the story seemed to change its basic premise. While throughout the book it seems to be part of the historical Victorian era, when mostly gullible or desperate people believed in spiritualism but it was not proven, the ending of the story requires that this setting become a world in which psychic phenomena are real and functional.
In other words, we began in rationality and ended with magic, with no explanation for how the basic way that the world works seems to have flipped on its head.
Escape Rating C-: I did finish, which gets the C grade. And I’m still thinking about the book, and still furious, which also keeps it in the C category. But, but and very definitely but. I am so disappointed. What read like a very promising start descended so far on so many levels. Miss Lane’s descent in particular, from rational action to idiocy was particularly galling, especially as we view the story from inside her head.
I enjoy stories where magic works. I love urban fantasy. But if that’s the case, it needs to be established, or at least hinted at, from the beginning. That’s not what happened here. And yes, I’m aware that some of the promotional materials delve a bit into the supernatural aspects, but a) promotional materials don’t always represent the work in hand, b) the switch between absolute belief in rationality to confirmed belief in “magic” is not even subtext in the actual text, and 3) the point-of-view character still changes from an interesting and rational being to a complete idiot.
Color me extremely disappointed. And very, very annoyed.
March 22, 2017
The Curious Affair of the Somnambulist & the Psychic Thief caught my interest with the cover, the idea of a psychic, and this brief description: "Should you find yourself in need of a discreet investigation into any sort of mystery, crime or puzzling circumstances, think of Jesperson and Lane . . ."
The first page had promise. Miss Lane had been friend and collaborator to a "Miss X" -- a psychic investigator and member of the Society of Psychical Research, but when Miss Lane suspects her friend of her own brand of chicanery, Miss Lane takes abrupt leave of Miss X and returns to London.
In search of a job, Miss Lane happens on an advert for a position as a consulting detective with Mr. Jasper Jefferson. Her previous position involved investigating psychic phenomena, perhaps detective work would not be too much of a transition.
But the book didn't seem to know where to go: humor? quirky? serious? real or fake psychic abilities? The first seemed to offer an offbeat, quirky narrative, but that got lost fairly quickly. Miss X is initially presented as perhaps being vindictive and vengeful, but that, too, disappears. Miss Lane and Mr. Jesperson should have some chemistry, it is certainly implied, but it fails to feel genuine.
The possibility of fleshing out these characters remains, but in this first book in the series, Miss Lane and Mr. Jesperson remain two dimensional. Both characters need a good deal of development to help them evolve into interesting and unique personalities rather than pawns around which a story emerges. The plot is a little muddled and could use some efficient editing.
The Somnambulist & the Psychic Thief has potential for a fun and suspenseful series, and perhaps the next in the series will give a bit more "character" to the characters, a clearer tone, and a more incisive plot.
NetGalley/Random House
Paranormal/Mystery. First published in 2016; May 16, 2017.
The first page had promise. Miss Lane had been friend and collaborator to a "Miss X" -- a psychic investigator and member of the Society of Psychical Research, but when Miss Lane suspects her friend of her own brand of chicanery, Miss Lane takes abrupt leave of Miss X and returns to London.
In search of a job, Miss Lane happens on an advert for a position as a consulting detective with Mr. Jasper Jefferson. Her previous position involved investigating psychic phenomena, perhaps detective work would not be too much of a transition.
But the book didn't seem to know where to go: humor? quirky? serious? real or fake psychic abilities? The first seemed to offer an offbeat, quirky narrative, but that got lost fairly quickly. Miss X is initially presented as perhaps being vindictive and vengeful, but that, too, disappears. Miss Lane and Mr. Jesperson should have some chemistry, it is certainly implied, but it fails to feel genuine.
The possibility of fleshing out these characters remains, but in this first book in the series, Miss Lane and Mr. Jesperson remain two dimensional. Both characters need a good deal of development to help them evolve into interesting and unique personalities rather than pawns around which a story emerges. The plot is a little muddled and could use some efficient editing.
The Somnambulist & the Psychic Thief has potential for a fun and suspenseful series, and perhaps the next in the series will give a bit more "character" to the characters, a clearer tone, and a more incisive plot.
NetGalley/Random House
Paranormal/Mystery. First published in 2016; May 16, 2017.
May 1, 2017
This book is set in Victorian London and follows private investigators, Jasper Jesperson and Aphrodite 'Di' Lane. They make quite a good pair, Jesperson is confident and logical whilst Di is more modest and refined, with a strong fascination in the supernatural. What I did appreciate is that Lisa Tuttle was able to write an entire book with a male and a female protagonist without feeling the need to force them into a romantic relationship at any point. She was happy to keep them as platonic friends, and I was happy to read it. It certainly makes for a refreshing change.
The writing style succeeded in creating a suitably mysterious atmosphere, but as a reader I struggled to feel fully invested in the story because the main characters, despite the appeal of their platonic friendship, weren’t fleshed out as well as they could have been. Jesperson especially fell a bit flat for me, and I feel as if a more nuanced characterisation and more insightful backstory would have been helpful here. Another thing preventing Jesperson from coming across as a genuine character, and not just a cardboard cut-out, is that he never really interacts with a range of characters. It’s either Di or his mother, and if he does briefly talk to someone else it is about the details of a case, a conversation which doesn’t really add any colour to his character.
The mystery itself was a bit simplistic and slightly too convenient in the way all the different sub-plots and events were drawn together and found to be inter-related. The big reveal at the end was also slightly disappointing and predictable, especially since the strength of any mystery novel depends on the anticipated dramatic reveal at the end.
All in all, I enjoyed the book and wasn’t bored at any point but it didn’t make me feel anything much, meaning it will likely be among those books that are quickly forgotten.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishers for sending me a copy to review.
The writing style succeeded in creating a suitably mysterious atmosphere, but as a reader I struggled to feel fully invested in the story because the main characters, despite the appeal of their platonic friendship, weren’t fleshed out as well as they could have been. Jesperson especially fell a bit flat for me, and I feel as if a more nuanced characterisation and more insightful backstory would have been helpful here. Another thing preventing Jesperson from coming across as a genuine character, and not just a cardboard cut-out, is that he never really interacts with a range of characters. It’s either Di or his mother, and if he does briefly talk to someone else it is about the details of a case, a conversation which doesn’t really add any colour to his character.
The mystery itself was a bit simplistic and slightly too convenient in the way all the different sub-plots and events were drawn together and found to be inter-related. The big reveal at the end was also slightly disappointing and predictable, especially since the strength of any mystery novel depends on the anticipated dramatic reveal at the end.
All in all, I enjoyed the book and wasn’t bored at any point but it didn’t make me feel anything much, meaning it will likely be among those books that are quickly forgotten.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishers for sending me a copy to review.
May 29, 2017
I finished The Curious Affair of the Somnambulist & the Psychic Thief by Lisa Tuttle last night. I chose this book to review from Netgalley based solely on its title and I did not know at the time that Somnambulist is the correct term for someone who sleep walks. This is a period mystery, a bit cozy and a very respectable paranormal. Great main character, Miss Lane, who finds herself with ut a job and answering the call to become a detective assistant to a very charismatic man who calls himself detective. Living largely by her wits and abilities of observation Miss Lane is a fascinating character. The mystery is especially exciting and somewhat elusive. I hated to put the book down and I found myself thinking about it when had to put it down and walk away. Lisa Tuttle wrote this book for mystery lovers like you and me. I enjoyed The Curious Affair of the Somnambulist & the Psychic Thief.
October 6, 2020
This was such a very good read. Lisa Tuttle did an excellent job creating a well detailed plot with interesting characters. I had difficulty getting into the book at first but once I got into the story, I could not stop reading.
October 3, 2019
3.5 stars. The ending was a little rushed to me but overall, an enjoyable supernatural, detective novel.
October 16, 2018
3.5⭐ rounded up to 4 🙂
May 19, 2017
Lisa Tuttle's The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief was a very entertaining read. The story was set in late 19th century London. Ms. Lane worked with Gabrielle Fox researching psychic phenomena, until she finds out her friend is a sham. Leaving Ms. Fox's side abruptly she finds herself penniless with no job and no place to live. She stumbles upon a job as a lady detective and the job offers room and board. Jesperson and Lane's first "big" case is following a somnambulist and determining where he is going when he leaves home at night. Shortly after taking this job the London psychic scene is turned on its head when psychics start disappearing and an American Psychic comes to town to make his London debut. The story held my attention and when I put it down I hurried to return to it and learn more about the mystery and find out exactly what was happening. (ARC)
December 11, 2017
3½ Stars
This was a good historical cozy mystery. I wasn't looking for great, but a good, cozy read. It fit what I was looking for. The characters are well developed and likeable. I will be reading the next book eventually.
This was a good historical cozy mystery. I wasn't looking for great, but a good, cozy read. It fit what I was looking for. The characters are well developed and likeable. I will be reading the next book eventually.
June 15, 2016
I've read a number of Sherlock-Holmes influenced Victorian romps lately and at first I thought that's all this might be. So it was a pleasant surprise to see that while Holmes and Watson were duly acknowledged (as popular fiction of the time) and there are some superficial similarities - the address of Miss Lane and Mr Jesperson at 203A Gower Street, the mention by name of intriguing cases that are not described further - this isn't a new spin on Holmes and Watson.
To begin with, Miss Aphrodite Lane, employed as assistant to Mr Jasper Jesperson, is much more than a Watson. She's been working as a psychic investigator (until she begins to suspect her boss of fraud) and while she might not - at the start of the book - be practised in the arts of self-defence, she is fully up on the business of investigation.
Which is just as well. The two quickly become involved in the baffling mystery of a respectable gentleman who has begun sleepwalking and when the case widens out to include jewel thefts and vanishing mediums, Miss Lane's previous experience proves invaluable.
Then there's the outright psychic aspect. Tuttle plays with us here a little bit: the world of psychical research is clearly riddled with frauds - both those who pretend psychic abilities and those who pretend to ferret them out: the difference seems to be paper thin at times - but the world of this book might, just, be one where there is a grain of truth in these things. In which case, what are a pair of intrepid detectives to do? There was often a point when Holmes solved problems by force: it seems that might not work here...
It's all great fun, with a stubborn, intelligent heroine and a brave, dashing hero who don't fall into each others' arms at the first opportunity (hooray!)
Tuttle doesn't rush the plot and takes time to establish her characters, with Miss Lane introduced in flight from Scotland on the night train and only over several chapters setting set up in her post with Mr Jesperson. Then it's a little time before the actual case comes along, and a little longer before we're plunged into adventure. I think some readers may find things a little slow in the first third, but it's really not - there is quite a lot to establish: not only Lane and Jesperson but the whole background of Victorian mediumship, psychical research and the hinterland of mountebanks, hypnotists and the bored rich who avidly consumed all this stuff.
And once the story really gets going, it zips along, with peril, a real, melodramatic villain - you can almost here the moustache twirling and hear his laughter - a truly evil plot and a dramatic denouement.
The Curious Affair of the Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief is a genuinely refreshing book, not so much steampunk as psychicpunk, introducing two strong and intriguing central characters who could - despite everything I said at the start - easily give Holmes and Watson a run for their money. And at the very end Tuttle drops us right into the next adventure, so I'm hopeful there will be more from Jesperson & Lane.
To begin with, Miss Aphrodite Lane, employed as assistant to Mr Jasper Jesperson, is much more than a Watson. She's been working as a psychic investigator (until she begins to suspect her boss of fraud) and while she might not - at the start of the book - be practised in the arts of self-defence, she is fully up on the business of investigation.
Which is just as well. The two quickly become involved in the baffling mystery of a respectable gentleman who has begun sleepwalking and when the case widens out to include jewel thefts and vanishing mediums, Miss Lane's previous experience proves invaluable.
Then there's the outright psychic aspect. Tuttle plays with us here a little bit: the world of psychical research is clearly riddled with frauds - both those who pretend psychic abilities and those who pretend to ferret them out: the difference seems to be paper thin at times - but the world of this book might, just, be one where there is a grain of truth in these things. In which case, what are a pair of intrepid detectives to do? There was often a point when Holmes solved problems by force: it seems that might not work here...
It's all great fun, with a stubborn, intelligent heroine and a brave, dashing hero who don't fall into each others' arms at the first opportunity (hooray!)
Tuttle doesn't rush the plot and takes time to establish her characters, with Miss Lane introduced in flight from Scotland on the night train and only over several chapters setting set up in her post with Mr Jesperson. Then it's a little time before the actual case comes along, and a little longer before we're plunged into adventure. I think some readers may find things a little slow in the first third, but it's really not - there is quite a lot to establish: not only Lane and Jesperson but the whole background of Victorian mediumship, psychical research and the hinterland of mountebanks, hypnotists and the bored rich who avidly consumed all this stuff.
And once the story really gets going, it zips along, with peril, a real, melodramatic villain - you can almost here the moustache twirling and hear his laughter - a truly evil plot and a dramatic denouement.
The Curious Affair of the Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief is a genuinely refreshing book, not so much steampunk as psychicpunk, introducing two strong and intriguing central characters who could - despite everything I said at the start - easily give Holmes and Watson a run for their money. And at the very end Tuttle drops us right into the next adventure, so I'm hopeful there will be more from Jesperson & Lane.
December 16, 2023
2 Stars/
50%
While reading, you can see this was a well thought out plot, and well planned, but...the execution was a repeatedly substandard. To be fair - I enjoyed some bits. But other bits, overruled that attempt, and ruined the experience. The book was comparable to eating a dry piece of cake, with really quality icing on top, that has shards of chalk smuggled away amongst the veneer of sugary goodness. Absolutely adequate, with some really rather great bits that make you smile, followed by something that makes you roll your eyes and wonder why you havn't spat it out as you continue chewing.
Enough with metaphors, onwards. The plot should have captured me, I loved the idea of it.... the bright light and misty streets of this particular ethereal portrayal of Victorian London should have captured me...but it didn't. The city and the world just ...happened around the story. Almost as though the author kept remembering that is where the story is set, and kept inserting a reminder to herself and the audience the place was set in Victorian London. But you wouldn't know it by reading a chapter or three.
Anyways, this following section might seem a little harsh buuuuuuut it's half one in the morning and I have just crawled through the last third of the book in a single 2 hour push. Not because I wanted to desperately find out what happened, but instead because frankly, I have been sitting on it too long, not quite ever excited enough to come back to the moisture absorbing chalk-chunk filled cake of a book (couldn't quite let that metaphor go entirely).
So, item the first; World Building.
The world in question should be alive with a host of curious people, or quiet as the grave with a sinister atmosphere, but there was little atmosphere to speak of. Maybe I was expecting something to lean a little more on the spirit-side of things, but it didn't draw me into the world as much as I would have hoped. The world was...fairly 2 dimensional and not described in any great detail at any point. A rough watercolour painting, slightly yellowing on your nan's bathroom wall, kind of world. The rough shapes were there, but all actual detail and colour had long since migrated to somewhere else entirely. Not sure where, but point is, it was not here. This would not be a problem had the characters and their complex, gripping weaving development had been the focal point. Character did seem to be the focus....just without the rest of it.
Excellent segway into item the second; Character (or therelackof):
There were only 4 characters we ever saw in any great detail, or spent any great deal of time with...not including the antagonist. But it didn't ever feel like I got to know their personalities, something about them felt so...distant. And ludicrous. The background characters just felt a bit like a backdrop to everything else happening. There was no one you particularly got on with. The protagonist, Miss Lane, whos eyes the reader observes the case from, is...fine? I guess? There is some backstory at the beginning, but aside from that I never feel a great sense of connection. With her detective partner, Mr Jasper Jesperson (snazzy name to be fair), he irritated me for the first third, then I warmed to him for the second third, and then proceeded to be amused by him in the last third. In that last third we see him little but he does do some amusing things. He is a warm memory form this book, someone who I curiously feel I want to check up on in future...to glance through the next book just to see how he is doing. He annoys me if I stay for too long, but...kinda fond of him all the same. Anyway...the antagonist was a cartoon villain who may as well have been twirling a moustache; whose aims were never entirely clear, at least not from his mouth or actions. The clearest thing we got was from a stagehand near the end, which could have been speculation or sowing the seeds of plot; but we never hang around to find out. So, although being a generally terrible dinner guest and a bit of git, his grand aims as villain were never really established. We can now proceed with speed to the next part of the journey....writing.
Also sidenote, but no idea what happened to him or the other mediums. They seems to serve their purpose as objects, none of them with any real personality. Anyway moooooving on.
Next up; Writing.
The whole lack of direction and...anything actually happening in the middle of the book was not wholly assisted by some rather cliche writing, reminiscent if someone had described how people talked in heightened emotional states or in dangerous situations, to someone who had never really felt those things, who then further described them to someone who really liked international historical dramas replicating what it was like to live in Britain, who then went on to write the scenes. Cruel? Maybe. True? Yes. There were whole pages of amateurish turns of phrase and cheesy stand off quotes piling up, one after the other. This gave some major interactions between major characters a certain panto feel, whereas they should have exuded drama and threat.
And finally...Ending.
I read to the end. Mr Jesperson had kept me going, and I wanted to see the big finish. Something amusing, and stylish, and ridiculous. Something that would have made his mum proud, something over the top and dramatic that would have suited him to the ground. But in the penultimate chapter as his plan was described.....I knew we were not going to get that. We got the budget ending. The ending landed with all the excitement, grace and thudding noise, of a cardboard cut out falling over (gently falling over mind you). When told of what the original plan was, I felt a little cheated. And then it was over. No wrapping up of other characters (not that I cared hugely much, considering we never really spent any time with them), no follow up of criminal charges, no hunting down of errant servants of the antagonist. It was...just over.
OH AND THEN .....And then Miss Lane had a . Here at the end, the opportunity to at least wrap up two character arcs from the story was missed with rather alarming accuracy. The last chapter...was just something else that happened. Hard to connect to, didn't feel as though it had meaning, and just tumbled out the the way with the leaves in the wind.
I know this is harsh. There were moment I really enjoyed in this. But it was, unfortunately, more flawed than I initially anticipated when I started writing this. I want to return to see what Mr Jesperson has got up to, but...in something that is written a little better?
50%
While reading, you can see this was a well thought out plot, and well planned, but...the execution was a repeatedly substandard. To be fair - I enjoyed some bits. But other bits, overruled that attempt, and ruined the experience. The book was comparable to eating a dry piece of cake, with really quality icing on top, that has shards of chalk smuggled away amongst the veneer of sugary goodness. Absolutely adequate, with some really rather great bits that make you smile, followed by something that makes you roll your eyes and wonder why you havn't spat it out as you continue chewing.
Enough with metaphors, onwards. The plot should have captured me, I loved the idea of it.... the bright light and misty streets of this particular ethereal portrayal of Victorian London should have captured me...but it didn't. The city and the world just ...happened around the story. Almost as though the author kept remembering that is where the story is set, and kept inserting a reminder to herself and the audience the place was set in Victorian London. But you wouldn't know it by reading a chapter or three.
Anyways, this following section might seem a little harsh buuuuuuut it's half one in the morning and I have just crawled through the last third of the book in a single 2 hour push. Not because I wanted to desperately find out what happened, but instead because frankly, I have been sitting on it too long, not quite ever excited enough to come back to the moisture absorbing chalk-chunk filled cake of a book (couldn't quite let that metaphor go entirely).
So, item the first; World Building.
The world in question should be alive with a host of curious people, or quiet as the grave with a sinister atmosphere, but there was little atmosphere to speak of. Maybe I was expecting something to lean a little more on the spirit-side of things, but it didn't draw me into the world as much as I would have hoped. The world was...fairly 2 dimensional and not described in any great detail at any point. A rough watercolour painting, slightly yellowing on your nan's bathroom wall, kind of world. The rough shapes were there, but all actual detail and colour had long since migrated to somewhere else entirely. Not sure where, but point is, it was not here. This would not be a problem had the characters and their complex, gripping weaving development had been the focal point. Character did seem to be the focus....just without the rest of it.
Excellent segway into item the second; Character (or therelackof):
There were only 4 characters we ever saw in any great detail, or spent any great deal of time with...not including the antagonist. But it didn't ever feel like I got to know their personalities, something about them felt so...distant. And ludicrous. The background characters just felt a bit like a backdrop to everything else happening. There was no one you particularly got on with. The protagonist, Miss Lane, whos eyes the reader observes the case from, is...fine? I guess? There is some backstory at the beginning, but aside from that I never feel a great sense of connection. With her detective partner, Mr Jasper Jesperson (snazzy name to be fair), he irritated me for the first third, then I warmed to him for the second third, and then proceeded to be amused by him in the last third. In that last third we see him little but he does do some amusing things. He is a warm memory form this book, someone who I curiously feel I want to check up on in future...to glance through the next book just to see how he is doing. He annoys me if I stay for too long, but...kinda fond of him all the same. Anyway...the antagonist was a cartoon villain who may as well have been twirling a moustache; whose aims were never entirely clear, at least not from his mouth or actions. The clearest thing we got was from a stagehand near the end, which could have been speculation or sowing the seeds of plot; but we never hang around to find out. So, although being a generally terrible dinner guest and a bit of git, his grand aims as villain were never really established. We can now proceed with speed to the next part of the journey....writing.
Also sidenote, but no idea what happened to him or the other mediums. They seems to serve their purpose as objects, none of them with any real personality. Anyway moooooving on.
Next up; Writing.
The whole lack of direction and...anything actually happening in the middle of the book was not wholly assisted by some rather cliche writing, reminiscent if someone had described how people talked in heightened emotional states or in dangerous situations, to someone who had never really felt those things, who then further described them to someone who really liked international historical dramas replicating what it was like to live in Britain, who then went on to write the scenes. Cruel? Maybe. True? Yes. There were whole pages of amateurish turns of phrase and cheesy stand off quotes piling up, one after the other. This gave some major interactions between major characters a certain panto feel, whereas they should have exuded drama and threat.
And finally...Ending.
I read to the end. Mr Jesperson had kept me going, and I wanted to see the big finish. Something amusing, and stylish, and ridiculous. Something that would have made his mum proud, something over the top and dramatic that would have suited him to the ground. But in the penultimate chapter as his plan was described.....I knew we were not going to get that. We got the budget ending. The ending landed with all the excitement, grace and thudding noise, of a cardboard cut out falling over (gently falling over mind you). When told of what the original plan was, I felt a little cheated. And then it was over. No wrapping up of other characters (not that I cared hugely much, considering we never really spent any time with them), no follow up of criminal charges, no hunting down of errant servants of the antagonist. It was...just over.
OH AND THEN .....And then Miss Lane had a . Here at the end, the opportunity to at least wrap up two character arcs from the story was missed with rather alarming accuracy. The last chapter...was just something else that happened. Hard to connect to, didn't feel as though it had meaning, and just tumbled out the the way with the leaves in the wind.
I know this is harsh. There were moment I really enjoyed in this. But it was, unfortunately, more flawed than I initially anticipated when I started writing this. I want to return to see what Mr Jesperson has got up to, but...in something that is written a little better?
June 4, 2017
This is an enjoyable detective mystery set in Victorian London, with a bit of a twist, and more than a casual nod to Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes. We have a long, lanky, quirky detective, (J.J. Jesperson) with unusual observation skills, a partner named Aphrodite Lane (Dr. Watson), and Jesperson's mother (Mrs. Hudson) who cooks and cleans for her son.
Jesperson is looking for an assistant for his detective agency. Miss Lane has just broken off association with the Society for Paranormal Research and in particular a supposed clairvoyant named Gabrielle Fox. She is in need of immediate employment and answers Jesperson's ad. As it happens, a number of psychic mediums have mysteriously disappeared, and Jesperson and Lane are on the case.
I have to say I was taken aback by the plot reliance on psychic phenomena, hypnosis and the power of one human being to control the behavior of another with the power of the mind. Once I accepted that as the premise, I found it to be an entertaining read with a nice dollop of suspense thrown in.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this unusual detective story.
Jesperson is looking for an assistant for his detective agency. Miss Lane has just broken off association with the Society for Paranormal Research and in particular a supposed clairvoyant named Gabrielle Fox. She is in need of immediate employment and answers Jesperson's ad. As it happens, a number of psychic mediums have mysteriously disappeared, and Jesperson and Lane are on the case.
I have to say I was taken aback by the plot reliance on psychic phenomena, hypnosis and the power of one human being to control the behavior of another with the power of the mind. Once I accepted that as the premise, I found it to be an entertaining read with a nice dollop of suspense thrown in.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this unusual detective story.
July 11, 2025
Inicialmente fue así como lo típico de Agencia de detective nueva, relación un poco con casos donde había médiums/psíquicos y lo de los trucos, y también un poco lo del será que si o que no emparejen a
Pero llegado a cierto punto el libro te pide cierto salto de fe, si lo aceptas se pone entretenido y emocionante, pero en caso de que no pues si veo como el libro pues dirías "hay no, esas son patrañas"
Pero yo me dije, ok vamos a seguirle el juego y pues si me gusto.
4 stars
Popsugar 2025 - 26 A book where an adult character changes careers
SPOILERS
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SPOILERS
Pero llegado a cierto punto el libro te pide cierto salto de fe, si lo aceptas se pone entretenido y emocionante, pero en caso de que no pues si veo como el libro pues dirías "hay no, esas son patrañas"
Pero yo me dije, ok vamos a seguirle el juego y pues si me gusto.
4 stars
Popsugar 2025 - 26 A book where an adult character changes careers
SPOILERS
S
P
O
I
L
E
R
SPOILERS
August 21, 2016
About 100 pages too long, suffering from too much superfluous waffling from it's narrator. Also very hard to care about anyone as there's zero investment to be had here. The premise is good, but towards the end feels rushed and poorly prepped.
March 2, 2018
Forget Holmes and Watson! Give me Jesperson and Lane for all time!!
Do hope the author intends to write more!
Do hope the author intends to write more!
October 31, 2018
...something sparked between us. It was not that romantic passion that poets and sentimental novelists consider the only connection worth writing about between a man and a woman. But there was curiosity in that look, on both sides, and a tentative recognition – or at least the hope – that here there might be a congeniality of mind and spirit. [loc. 121]
1893: Miss Lane has been involved with the Society of Psychical Research for years, but flees her latest assignment after discovering that her 'closest companion', friend and employer Gabrielle Fox, has been using the same fraudulent tricks as the false mediums they've investigated.
Arriving in London with little luggage and less money, Miss Lane notices an advertisement in a shop window for a 'literate, brave and congenial' assistant to a consulting detective. Not Holmes, though one could be forgiven for confusing the two at first: Jasper Jesperson is brilliant but naive, a crack shot and a master of the deductive method I look forward to further cases.
June 27, 2017
It is 1893 and psychics are all the rage in London. Aphrodite Lane (call her Di) has left her employ as a psychic fraud investigator when she discovers her employer, herself, is a fraud. She answers an ad for an investigative assistant to detective J. Jesperson. The money’s not good but she will be provided room and board and, since job opportunities for young women are somewhat scarce, she accepts.
They are soon offered a case to follow a man who suffers from sleepwalking. He wants to know where he goes at night and, hopefully, find a way to stop him. It seems a rather odd job but, as paying cases for detectives are even scarcer than jobs for women, they accept.
At the same time, psychics are disappearing from all around London. Di is contacted by her old employer who believes that these mediums are being kidnapped and wants the agency to investigate. As the pair begin their new investigation while still following the somnambulist, they begin to suspect the two cases are linked especially after being invited to a séance with a visiting American psychic who seems to have some very unusual and amazing skills.
I had rather mixed feelings about The Curious Case of the Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief by Lisa Tuttle. On the plus side, both Jesperson and Lane are very likable protagonists. There is no real attempt to follow the mores of the time especially as they pertained to women - Miss Lane is no delicate Victorian Lady but rather brave, opinionated and very liberated, learning karate and wearing, oh my, trousers – but given the somewhat tongue-in-cheek nature of the tale, that works very well.
On the con side, the book seemed to be unsure what it wanted to be- historical fiction or historical fantasy. The first half of the book seems a sort of homage to Sherlock Holmes – logic and rational detecting skills, rather than psychic phenomena, will solve the case. However, somewhere in the middle of the book, it takes a turn to the fantastical that for me at least kind of upset the rhythm of the story and, not too surprisingly, my willing suspension of disbelief.
Still, overall, I enjoyed the book (and loved the title) and, for people who like their mysteries with likable protagonists, Victorian atmosphere, just a touch of humour, and a bit of the fantastic, this one is definitely worth the read.
3.5
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House –Hydra for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
They are soon offered a case to follow a man who suffers from sleepwalking. He wants to know where he goes at night and, hopefully, find a way to stop him. It seems a rather odd job but, as paying cases for detectives are even scarcer than jobs for women, they accept.
At the same time, psychics are disappearing from all around London. Di is contacted by her old employer who believes that these mediums are being kidnapped and wants the agency to investigate. As the pair begin their new investigation while still following the somnambulist, they begin to suspect the two cases are linked especially after being invited to a séance with a visiting American psychic who seems to have some very unusual and amazing skills.
I had rather mixed feelings about The Curious Case of the Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief by Lisa Tuttle. On the plus side, both Jesperson and Lane are very likable protagonists. There is no real attempt to follow the mores of the time especially as they pertained to women - Miss Lane is no delicate Victorian Lady but rather brave, opinionated and very liberated, learning karate and wearing, oh my, trousers – but given the somewhat tongue-in-cheek nature of the tale, that works very well.
On the con side, the book seemed to be unsure what it wanted to be- historical fiction or historical fantasy. The first half of the book seems a sort of homage to Sherlock Holmes – logic and rational detecting skills, rather than psychic phenomena, will solve the case. However, somewhere in the middle of the book, it takes a turn to the fantastical that for me at least kind of upset the rhythm of the story and, not too surprisingly, my willing suspension of disbelief.
Still, overall, I enjoyed the book (and loved the title) and, for people who like their mysteries with likable protagonists, Victorian atmosphere, just a touch of humour, and a bit of the fantastic, this one is definitely worth the read.
3.5
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House –Hydra for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
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