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Miss Sharp's Monsters #1
The Werewolf of Whitechapel
Murder, monsters…and a disreputable lady’s-maid on a mission.
A killer prowls the grimy streets of Whitechapel. Scotland Yard seems determined to turn a blind eye. But with one look at her best friend's corpse, Liz Sharp knows the truth: the killer is a werewolf, one of the monsters that rules Europe.
If she doesn't hold the monster accountable, no one else will. But Liz is a werewolf victim herself, her scars condemning her as the sort of female who'd sell her blood for easy money. Even if she finds out who’s responsible for Sal’s death, who would believe her?
Probably not the emotionally repressed princess whom Liz serves as a lady's-maid/bodyguard. And definitely not the irritatingly personable policeman dogging her steps from the slums of Whitechapel to the palaces of St James.
As corpses mount up, Liz discovers that no one is precisely who she thought: not Sal, not herself, and certainly not the werewolf. The one thing she knows for sure? The truth will cost her everything. And Liz is hardly in a position to pay.
Luckily she has a few tricks hidden in the pockets of her trusty bloomers…
A witty historical fantasy adventure, perfect for fans of the Parasol Protectorate or Pride and Prejudice and Zombies! Follow the intrepid Miss Sharp into an 1890’s Europe ruled by werewolves, vampires, and sirens…
A killer prowls the grimy streets of Whitechapel. Scotland Yard seems determined to turn a blind eye. But with one look at her best friend's corpse, Liz Sharp knows the truth: the killer is a werewolf, one of the monsters that rules Europe.
If she doesn't hold the monster accountable, no one else will. But Liz is a werewolf victim herself, her scars condemning her as the sort of female who'd sell her blood for easy money. Even if she finds out who’s responsible for Sal’s death, who would believe her?
Probably not the emotionally repressed princess whom Liz serves as a lady's-maid/bodyguard. And definitely not the irritatingly personable policeman dogging her steps from the slums of Whitechapel to the palaces of St James.
As corpses mount up, Liz discovers that no one is precisely who she thought: not Sal, not herself, and certainly not the werewolf. The one thing she knows for sure? The truth will cost her everything. And Liz is hardly in a position to pay.
Luckily she has a few tricks hidden in the pockets of her trusty bloomers…
A witty historical fantasy adventure, perfect for fans of the Parasol Protectorate or Pride and Prejudice and Zombies! Follow the intrepid Miss Sharp into an 1890’s Europe ruled by werewolves, vampires, and sirens…
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2021
213 people are currently reading
1138 people want to read
About the author
Suzannah Rowntree
34 books598 followersHi! I live in a big house in rural Australia with my awesome parents and siblings, drinking fancy tea and writing historical fantasy fiction that blends real-world history with legend, adventure, and a dash of romance.
If you like the historical fantasy of Gail Carriger, S. A. Chakraborty or Naomi Novik, you'll probably like my stories too!
You can visit me online at https://suzannahrowntree.site
GOODREADS FRIEND POLICY: I'm afraid I don't accept every single friend request I receive, unless we already know each other, or it looks like we have tastes broadly in common. However, please feel free to follow and interact.
If you like the historical fantasy of Gail Carriger, S. A. Chakraborty or Naomi Novik, you'll probably like my stories too!
You can visit me online at https://suzannahrowntree.site
GOODREADS FRIEND POLICY: I'm afraid I don't accept every single friend request I receive, unless we already know each other, or it looks like we have tastes broadly in common. However, please feel free to follow and interact.
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February 24, 2021I had RIDICULOUS amounts of fun writing this.
June 23, 2025
The Werewolf of Whitechapel
by Suzannah Rowntree
This is a very enjoyable werewolf story with a woman who is a real tough gal. She is a bodyguard for a very rich and important woman. She also wants to solve the murder of her friend who was murdered by a werewolf. The characters are terrific and great on her face that's She also can't remember her early life before she woke up with three marks that had scarred. Definitely will follow up with next book.
by Suzannah Rowntree
This is a very enjoyable werewolf story with a woman who is a real tough gal. She is a bodyguard for a very rich and important woman. She also wants to solve the murder of her friend who was murdered by a werewolf. The characters are terrific and great on her face that's She also can't remember her early life before she woke up with three marks that had scarred. Definitely will follow up with next book.
February 26, 2025
excellent!
fun! explosions! shenanigans on trains!
a bit of grit and a lot of heart, the best kind of gaslamp
fun! explosions! shenanigans on trains!
a bit of grit and a lot of heart, the best kind of gaslamp
Read
March 29, 2021This was a thoroughly enjoyable historical fantasy, with exactly the kind of action I prefer. Set in an alternate late Victorian England, the premise is that the ruling houses of Europe--all but England--are monsters: vampires, werewolves, and sirens. And they're not the misunderstood monster type; they are brutal and prey on commoners, and since they're royalty, no one dares stand up to them. England's relationship with her continental siblings is uneasy, given that Queen Victoria and her family are proud of being human. They, too, have to give respect to the monsters, and sometimes that means the government looks the other way when it comes to crimes committed by other nobles. I liked the tension this setup provides, and how it gives rise to groups of "anarchists," scare quotes used to indicate that only some of those groups are the typical bomb-throwing type.
Our heroine is Elizabeth Sharp, disfigured by an encounter with a werewolf she does not remember--in fact, she remembers nothing of her life before coming to St. Bodolph's, a home/school for women who are victims of monster attacks. Trained as a bodyguard, she is hired to protect Princess May of Teck, a young member of a noble house who is likely to become engaged to a member of the royal family. But Sharp's life is upended by the murder of a dear friend from St. Bodolph's who was on the track of a mystery that might also reveal something of Sharp's past.
I am not a fan of monsters who aren't monstrous (yes, all right, I'm writing a series about werewolves who aren't monsters, I'm sometimes inconsistent). I thought I didn't like vampire stories until I read 'Salem's Lot and discovered I just want the vampire to be the villain. So this premise was something I was on board with. I also liked the sense of helplessness the good guys, particularly the investigator Detective Short (not short), had when it came to criminals who were above the law regardless of what they did. The werewolves and other monsters are frightening and powerful, and Sharp, despite her skills and the strength imparted to her by her werewolf attack, is sometimes unable to prevail. That kept the tension going nicely.
I also like the sensibilities of the book, which uses the conceit of Sharp relating the events some thirty years after they happened. This may put off some readers, particularly the hints she drops about her marriage and children when there's no one in her life at the time of the story, but I enjoyed it very much. The style also feels very 19th-century and reminded me occasionally of Arthur Conan Doyle's Watson. Sharp doesn't behave anachronistically, or at all like a 21st-century woman dropped into Victorian England, and that's something else I appreciate. Many of the characters are real historical figures, which adds to the charm.
I don't think it's perfect. The resolution of the mystery feels a little abrupt, without enough of the clues that should let me look back over the story and see that the evidence was there all along. I also believe But the action moves along very well, the final confrontation and its resolution are great, and overall I was very pleased with the book.
The ending is the right kind of cliffhanger, setting up the events of the sequel (which will be out very soon, thank heaven) rather than not resolving the events of the story. I'm looking forward to more of Miss Sharp's adventures.
Our heroine is Elizabeth Sharp, disfigured by an encounter with a werewolf she does not remember--in fact, she remembers nothing of her life before coming to St. Bodolph's, a home/school for women who are victims of monster attacks. Trained as a bodyguard, she is hired to protect Princess May of Teck, a young member of a noble house who is likely to become engaged to a member of the royal family. But Sharp's life is upended by the murder of a dear friend from St. Bodolph's who was on the track of a mystery that might also reveal something of Sharp's past.
I am not a fan of monsters who aren't monstrous (yes, all right, I'm writing a series about werewolves who aren't monsters, I'm sometimes inconsistent). I thought I didn't like vampire stories until I read 'Salem's Lot and discovered I just want the vampire to be the villain. So this premise was something I was on board with. I also liked the sense of helplessness the good guys, particularly the investigator Detective Short (not short), had when it came to criminals who were above the law regardless of what they did. The werewolves and other monsters are frightening and powerful, and Sharp, despite her skills and the strength imparted to her by her werewolf attack, is sometimes unable to prevail. That kept the tension going nicely.
I also like the sensibilities of the book, which uses the conceit of Sharp relating the events some thirty years after they happened. This may put off some readers, particularly the hints she drops about her marriage and children when there's no one in her life at the time of the story, but I enjoyed it very much. The style also feels very 19th-century and reminded me occasionally of Arthur Conan Doyle's Watson. Sharp doesn't behave anachronistically, or at all like a 21st-century woman dropped into Victorian England, and that's something else I appreciate. Many of the characters are real historical figures, which adds to the charm.
I don't think it's perfect. The resolution of the mystery feels a little abrupt, without enough of the clues that should let me look back over the story and see that the evidence was there all along. I also believe But the action moves along very well, the final confrontation and its resolution are great, and overall I was very pleased with the book.
The ending is the right kind of cliffhanger, setting up the events of the sequel (which will be out very soon, thank heaven) rather than not resolving the events of the story. I'm looking forward to more of Miss Sharp's adventures.
March 4, 2021
Well, that was a lark! I've been eager for this series to start ever since Rowntree first mentioned it. And she certainly delivered!
With a mad mix of history, humor, adrenaline, mayhem, and monsters, our main character has quite the tale to tell.
I loved Miss Sharp. Rowntree has the magical ability to write female leads that I actually like. Sharp felt so real, so natural that I honestly forgot I was reading a story written by someone today and just fell away in our lead's voice, emotions, and storytelling.
The other characters and plot were great as well. I was pulling out the history books to refresh my mind on a few things and got silly giddy when I realized a certain story thread was inspired by one of my favorite more macabre historical rumors. But I won't spoil it.
(On another note, I have to admit, I may be crushing on Inspector Short. If Sharp doesn't want him, please send him my way).
I'm all eyes and ears for the sequel! Someone tell me it won't be far off....
Perfect for fans of W.R. Gingell and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
With a mad mix of history, humor, adrenaline, mayhem, and monsters, our main character has quite the tale to tell.
I loved Miss Sharp. Rowntree has the magical ability to write female leads that I actually like. Sharp felt so real, so natural that I honestly forgot I was reading a story written by someone today and just fell away in our lead's voice, emotions, and storytelling.
The other characters and plot were great as well. I was pulling out the history books to refresh my mind on a few things and got silly giddy when I realized a certain story thread was inspired by one of my favorite more macabre historical rumors. But I won't spoil it.
(On another note, I have to admit, I may be crushing on Inspector Short. If Sharp doesn't want him, please send him my way).
I'm all eyes and ears for the sequel! Someone tell me it won't be far off....
Perfect for fans of W.R. Gingell and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
August 8, 2025
How have I never reviewed this before?? Since this is 99c on kindle worldwide right now for August, I'll give it a go.
This is an exciting, shilling-shocker-style romp written in a convincing 1890s voice, following an amnesiac lady's maid/bodyguard to a (real historical) English princess in an alt history version of Victorian Europe where monstrous royals use their social position to prey on the lower classes. It has a delightful and rare balance of shocking events involving vampires and werewolves alongside deeply researched royal history and highbrow literary allusions (mostly Anthony Trollope).
It is aimed at adults, but since it is what is known today as no-spice I'd consider it appropriate for upper YA (but please do your own research if you are considering for teens - every family is different). It does have a lot of violence, some sensuality, and the trilogy has truly wicked villains and protagonists who struggle with the darker parts of themselves, but there is also a lot of hope and redemption. (Oh, and you should be aware that the series uses monstrous assaults like vampires taking blood as a bit of a parallel for sexual assault and the way victims are blamed for their attacks, but not in a graphic way.)
I've heard Suzannah describe her books as "nobledark", and that conveys it I think--too optimistic for grimdark but more gritty/toothy than noblebright.
Oh, and the audiobooks are DELIGHTFUL!
This is an exciting, shilling-shocker-style romp written in a convincing 1890s voice, following an amnesiac lady's maid/bodyguard to a (real historical) English princess in an alt history version of Victorian Europe where monstrous royals use their social position to prey on the lower classes. It has a delightful and rare balance of shocking events involving vampires and werewolves alongside deeply researched royal history and highbrow literary allusions (mostly Anthony Trollope).
It is aimed at adults, but since it is what is known today as no-spice I'd consider it appropriate for upper YA (but please do your own research if you are considering for teens - every family is different). It does have a lot of violence, some sensuality, and the trilogy has truly wicked villains and protagonists who struggle with the darker parts of themselves, but there is also a lot of hope and redemption. (Oh, and you should be aware that the series uses monstrous assaults like vampires taking blood as a bit of a parallel for sexual assault and the way victims are blamed for their attacks, but not in a graphic way.)
I've heard Suzannah describe her books as "nobledark", and that conveys it I think--too optimistic for grimdark but more gritty/toothy than noblebright.
Oh, and the audiobooks are DELIGHTFUL!
March 15, 2021
Well, that was everything I didn't know I desperately needed and wanted.
I don't even know where to begin with this review. But I supposed I'll begin with what the book is: a magnificent, quick-paced mystery taking place in a fantastical alternate Victorian Era England, in which the monsters of mythology hold the thrones of every European nation save England. It's led and narrated by the series-titling Miss Sharp — lady's maid/bodyguard, werewolf victim, whip-smart sleuth (by circumstance, though not trade), and stubbornly protective friend. I liked Miss Sharp the minute I met her; she's clever and witty and brave and devoted, but she's also very real — she makes mistakes, she holds grudges, she's dedicated to the truth to a sometimes disadvantageous degree. The rest of the characters were excellent as well, but Sharp is my favorite.
With Miss Sharp at the helm, the narrative style almost reminds me of W.R. Gingell's Masque — which, it should be noted, is another of my favorite fantasy-mysteries ever. (I think Miss Sharp and Isabelle would get on famously, side note.) It feels period, but with a modern quick pace, and it's full of little asides and comments to the reader that are just delightful.
And in terms of the story itself, this book is magnificent. No details are wasted, and all the clues are laid just right so that I didn't see the reveal coming — but once all was made plain, I could easily say, "Oh! Of course! It all makes sense now!" (which is what one ought to be able to say at the end of such a mystery).
I'll also note that, as always, Rowntree's use of historical elements is magnificent. Even with the fantastical changes, everything felt very real and grounded. You can always tell, reading this author's books, that Rowntree does her research.
Anyway. This book is magnificent, and the next one can't get here soon enough!
I don't even know where to begin with this review. But I supposed I'll begin with what the book is: a magnificent, quick-paced mystery taking place in a fantastical alternate Victorian Era England, in which the monsters of mythology hold the thrones of every European nation save England. It's led and narrated by the series-titling Miss Sharp — lady's maid/bodyguard, werewolf victim, whip-smart sleuth (by circumstance, though not trade), and stubbornly protective friend. I liked Miss Sharp the minute I met her; she's clever and witty and brave and devoted, but she's also very real — she makes mistakes, she holds grudges, she's dedicated to the truth to a sometimes disadvantageous degree. The rest of the characters were excellent as well, but Sharp is my favorite.
With Miss Sharp at the helm, the narrative style almost reminds me of W.R. Gingell's Masque — which, it should be noted, is another of my favorite fantasy-mysteries ever. (I think Miss Sharp and Isabelle would get on famously, side note.) It feels period, but with a modern quick pace, and it's full of little asides and comments to the reader that are just delightful.
And in terms of the story itself, this book is magnificent. No details are wasted, and all the clues are laid just right so that I didn't see the reveal coming — but once all was made plain, I could easily say, "Oh! Of course! It all makes sense now!" (which is what one ought to be able to say at the end of such a mystery).
I'll also note that, as always, Rowntree's use of historical elements is magnificent. Even with the fantastical changes, everything felt very real and grounded. You can always tell, reading this author's books, that Rowntree does her research.
Anyway. This book is magnificent, and the next one can't get here soon enough!
August 28, 2025
The power of friendship!!! Also, werewolves.
Liz Sharp is an amnesiac female bodyguard newly employed by Princess May, who seems likely to marry into the royal line of succession in a world where many of the crown heads of Europe are monsters. But Miss Sharp soon becomes embroiled with murder and monster mayhem, along with Inspector Short, who isn’t. Short, that is. In order to gain justice for the victims, Miss Sharp must discover the identity of the murderer...and still somehow be a good lady’s maid in the process.
This book is SO FUNNY, firstly. Rowntree has captured the tone of Victorian novels to a T, including the conversational memoir style of the protagonist. There are so many funny asides I screamed multiple times. It’s just so Fun to live in Miss Sharp’s head.
Secondly, WEREWOLF OF WHITECHAPEL is a riotous romp of an adventure that lures you into mystery, but also manages to interrogate Victorian morality and power structures in a very smart way, as well as what it means to seek truth and justice. It also delves into female friendship with peers and also between classes. I’m so excited to see where Miss Sharp goes next, especially with that killer of an epilogue!!
Please run, do not walk, to snatch up your copy of THE WEREWOLF OF WHITECHAPEL.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Liz Sharp is an amnesiac female bodyguard newly employed by Princess May, who seems likely to marry into the royal line of succession in a world where many of the crown heads of Europe are monsters. But Miss Sharp soon becomes embroiled with murder and monster mayhem, along with Inspector Short, who isn’t. Short, that is. In order to gain justice for the victims, Miss Sharp must discover the identity of the murderer...and still somehow be a good lady’s maid in the process.
This book is SO FUNNY, firstly. Rowntree has captured the tone of Victorian novels to a T, including the conversational memoir style of the protagonist. There are so many funny asides I screamed multiple times. It’s just so Fun to live in Miss Sharp’s head.
Secondly, WEREWOLF OF WHITECHAPEL is a riotous romp of an adventure that lures you into mystery, but also manages to interrogate Victorian morality and power structures in a very smart way, as well as what it means to seek truth and justice. It also delves into female friendship with peers and also between classes. I’m so excited to see where Miss Sharp goes next, especially with that killer of an epilogue!!
Please run, do not walk, to snatch up your copy of THE WEREWOLF OF WHITECHAPEL.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
November 9, 2025
Delightful read that does a great job of melding the classic Victorian-era mystery with certain modern fantasy tropes. Like Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, it's a book you could thoroughly see being written back in the time it's depicting. And I appreciated the thematic undercurrents Rowntree tackles in this story.
March 26, 2021
My friends-
Do you like monsters, mysteries, and historical inaccuracies that still feel more accurate than 98% of all "historical" YA fiction? Fellow readers, then this is for you.
Despite the fact that this book is ridiculously fun, it's also a bit darker and deeper than it first appears. I've tried books of a similar genre before (most notably Soulless) only to be woefully disappointed; The Werewolf of Whitechapel is everything I wanted it to be and more. It's got friendship! Jack-the-Ripper-esque Murder! Ethical discussions on truth and justice! A handsome police detective! What more could a girl want?
I'm just itching to get to the next books- to see how the worldbuilding develops, to discover Miss Sharp's past, and to watch her romance (!?) eventually unfold. (also, maybe...find some good "monsters?" I'm a sucker for good monsters.)
*I received this book for free from the author, but was not obligated to give it a positive review.
Do you like monsters, mysteries, and historical inaccuracies that still feel more accurate than 98% of all "historical" YA fiction? Fellow readers, then this is for you.
Despite the fact that this book is ridiculously fun, it's also a bit darker and deeper than it first appears. I've tried books of a similar genre before (most notably Soulless) only to be woefully disappointed; The Werewolf of Whitechapel is everything I wanted it to be and more. It's got friendship! Jack-the-Ripper-esque Murder! Ethical discussions on truth and justice! A handsome police detective! What more could a girl want?
I'm just itching to get to the next books- to see how the worldbuilding develops, to discover Miss Sharp's past, and to watch her romance (!?) eventually unfold. (also, maybe...find some good "monsters?" I'm a sucker for good monsters.)
*I received this book for free from the author, but was not obligated to give it a positive review.
February 28, 2021
The author, Suzannah Rowntree, describes this book as a romp, and who am I to disagree? Yet I'd add that I found the work sage and gripping, as well as being funny, easy to read, and extremely fast-paced. My wife was sent an ARC — I picked it up merely to give it a look in, and could not put it down. I shot through the whole thing in the spare minutes of a busy weekend.
At points it had me screaming in abject terror and literally clutching the bedcovers.* And then, just as often, it had me savouring Sharp's sage outbursts of eminently quotable commentary on power, truth, and justice. A romp yes, but a Rowntree romp - with the unique, explosive mix of fantasy, history, and moral philosophy we've come to expect from the author.
--
* I suppose I'm easily spooked. But Miss Sharp loves argument and adventure and will rush into every fray, without a solid plan. Including, every sort of abysmally foolish encounter with supernaturally powerful, exceedingly dangerous monstrous royal beings. Sharp is not the sort to let a monster get away with going bump in the night.
At points it had me screaming in abject terror and literally clutching the bedcovers.* And then, just as often, it had me savouring Sharp's sage outbursts of eminently quotable commentary on power, truth, and justice. A romp yes, but a Rowntree romp - with the unique, explosive mix of fantasy, history, and moral philosophy we've come to expect from the author.
--
* I suppose I'm easily spooked. But Miss Sharp loves argument and adventure and will rush into every fray, without a solid plan. Including, every sort of abysmally foolish encounter with supernaturally powerful, exceedingly dangerous monstrous royal beings. Sharp is not the sort to let a monster get away with going bump in the night.
May 24, 2021
The book starts well and even though I found the ‘world’ created by the author a bit muddled I was really enjoying the story. By halfway I was beginning to have doubts, the main character Liz had a ‘bull in a china shop’ approach to her investigations and I really didn’t like Inspector Short, especially as the only ‘virtue’ the author can attribute to him, is he is good looking. There was also the issue of annoying clichés, like managing to drop your gun at a crucial moment.
The second half of the book continued in this vain with Liz making too many mistakes and with yet more clichés, this time the gun jams just as Liz is about to be attacked.
Overall the story wasn’t bad and Liz has potential, but I wasn’t convinced by the ‘world’ and the different paranormal beings. If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
One other minor thing, I don’t really like stories that keep including snippets of information from the future e.g. Within the first few pages we find out Liz is going to be married with children sometime in the future.
The second half of the book continued in this vain with Liz making too many mistakes and with yet more clichés, this time the gun jams just as Liz is about to be attacked.
Overall the story wasn’t bad and Liz has potential, but I wasn’t convinced by the ‘world’ and the different paranormal beings. If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
One other minor thing, I don’t really like stories that keep including snippets of information from the future e.g. Within the first few pages we find out Liz is going to be married with children sometime in the future.
October 19, 2023
Reread October 2023: Still just as good as the first time around!
~~~~~
Original review:
Well, that was everything I didn't know I desperately needed and wanted.
I don't even know where to begin with this review. But I supposed I'll begin with what the book is: a magnificent, quick-paced mystery taking place in a fantastical alternate Victorian Era England, in which the monsters of mythology hold the thrones of every European nation save England. It's led and narrated by the series-titling Miss Sharp — lady's maid/bodyguard, werewolf victim, whip-smart sleuth (by circumstance, though not trade), and stubbornly protective friend. I liked Miss Sharp the minute I met her; she's clever and witty and brave and devoted, but she's also very real — she makes mistakes, she holds grudges, she's dedicated to the truth to a sometimes disadvantageous degree. The rest of the characters were excellent as well, but Sharp is my favorite.
With Miss Sharp at the helm, the narrative style almost reminds me of W.R. Gingell's Masque — which, it should be noted, is another of my favorite fantasy-mysteries ever. (I think Miss Sharp and Isabelle would get on famously, side note.) It feels period, but with a modern quick pace, and it's full of little asides and comments to the reader that are just delightful.
And in terms of the story itself, this book is magnificent. No details are wasted, and all the clues are laid just right so that I didn't see the reveal coming — but once all was made plain, I could easily say, "Oh! Of course! It all makes sense now!" (which is what one ought to be able to say at the end of such a mystery).
I'll also note that, as always, Rowntree's use of historical elements is magnificent. Even with the fantastical changes, everything felt very real and grounded. You can always tell, reading this author's books, that Rowntree does her research.
Anyway. This book is magnificent, and the next one can't get here soon enough!
~~~~~
Original review:
Well, that was everything I didn't know I desperately needed and wanted.
I don't even know where to begin with this review. But I supposed I'll begin with what the book is: a magnificent, quick-paced mystery taking place in a fantastical alternate Victorian Era England, in which the monsters of mythology hold the thrones of every European nation save England. It's led and narrated by the series-titling Miss Sharp — lady's maid/bodyguard, werewolf victim, whip-smart sleuth (by circumstance, though not trade), and stubbornly protective friend. I liked Miss Sharp the minute I met her; she's clever and witty and brave and devoted, but she's also very real — she makes mistakes, she holds grudges, she's dedicated to the truth to a sometimes disadvantageous degree. The rest of the characters were excellent as well, but Sharp is my favorite.
With Miss Sharp at the helm, the narrative style almost reminds me of W.R. Gingell's Masque — which, it should be noted, is another of my favorite fantasy-mysteries ever. (I think Miss Sharp and Isabelle would get on famously, side note.) It feels period, but with a modern quick pace, and it's full of little asides and comments to the reader that are just delightful.
And in terms of the story itself, this book is magnificent. No details are wasted, and all the clues are laid just right so that I didn't see the reveal coming — but once all was made plain, I could easily say, "Oh! Of course! It all makes sense now!" (which is what one ought to be able to say at the end of such a mystery).
I'll also note that, as always, Rowntree's use of historical elements is magnificent. Even with the fantastical changes, everything felt very real and grounded. You can always tell, reading this author's books, that Rowntree does her research.
Anyway. This book is magnificent, and the next one can't get here soon enough!
May 15, 2025
absurdly exciting, really well researched. just unputdownable.
October 2, 2021
Very much enjoyed this gaslamp fantasy mystery about a version of Victorian England where all the royal houses of Europe (except England!) are literally monsters, such as werewolves and vampires.
Our heroine, a scarred survivor of a werewolf attack, is hired to be the lady's maid and occasional bodyguard to Princess May, who is engaged to the heir of the throne... but how can she protect her from monsters when every werewolf has diplomatic immunity?
A very different take on Jack the Ripper.. and a well-paced read.
Our heroine, a scarred survivor of a werewolf attack, is hired to be the lady's maid and occasional bodyguard to Princess May, who is engaged to the heir of the throne... but how can she protect her from monsters when every werewolf has diplomatic immunity?
A very different take on Jack the Ripper.. and a well-paced read.
August 18, 2025
The Werewolf of Whitechapel by Suzannah Rowntree
Sometimes you pick up a book and it is exactly what you needed. That was this one for me.
This is a super fun and entertaining historical fantasy. It is not written to be painstakingly accurate history, but it is still better researched than plenty of “serious” historical novels I have read, which made me enjoy it even more.
The setup is brilliant: an alternate late-Victorian England where the royal houses of Europe are literal monsters. Vampires, werewolves, and sirens rule and prey on their people with impunity. England alone is proud of remaining human (seemingly), but that does not stop the monsters from throwing their weight around, or the government from looking the other way when it is politically convenient. That tension sets the stage for murder, politics, and plenty of danger. While the character, tone and style make for the humour and light reading!
Our heroine, Elizabeth Sharp, is unforgettable. She survived a werewolf attack and now lives with scars, gaps in her memory, and some strange “gifts” like an enhanced sense of smell. Raised at St. Bodolph’s, a refuge for women who have been attacked by monsters, she is trained as both a lady’s maid and a bodyguard. Hired to protect Princess May of Teck, Sharp soon finds herself pulled into a murder mystery tied to her own past.
I loved Liz’s voice and matter-of-fact personality. She deals with whatever comes her way with a mix of snark and propriety, and I found myself cheering for her right away. She is clever, determined, and wonderfully human in her flaws. Because she tells her story years later, we also get little asides and hints about what her future holds. I have always been a fan of this kind of retrospective narration, like in Marie Brennan’s Lady Trent books, and it works perfectly here.
The mystery itself is tightly plotted, with clues laid just right so that the ending feels both surprising and inevitable. The writing captures a convincing late-19th-century voice without ever feeling slow or heavy, which makes the book for fans of Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate.
There are tiny touches of romance, but no endless pining or melodrama, just a hint of possibilities to come. The focus stays on the action, the intrigue, and the characters’ struggles with themselves and the monsters around them.
Altogether, this was exactly my kind of historical fantasy: murder mystery, questionable morals, richly drawn characters both delightful and despicable, and a heroine I could not get enough of.
A ripping good tale, full of atmosphere, danger, and charm. If you like your fantasy with teeth, claws, and a heroine who refuses to back down, this series is well worth sinking into.
Sometimes you pick up a book and it is exactly what you needed. That was this one for me.
This is a super fun and entertaining historical fantasy. It is not written to be painstakingly accurate history, but it is still better researched than plenty of “serious” historical novels I have read, which made me enjoy it even more.
The setup is brilliant: an alternate late-Victorian England where the royal houses of Europe are literal monsters. Vampires, werewolves, and sirens rule and prey on their people with impunity. England alone is proud of remaining human (seemingly), but that does not stop the monsters from throwing their weight around, or the government from looking the other way when it is politically convenient. That tension sets the stage for murder, politics, and plenty of danger. While the character, tone and style make for the humour and light reading!
Our heroine, Elizabeth Sharp, is unforgettable. She survived a werewolf attack and now lives with scars, gaps in her memory, and some strange “gifts” like an enhanced sense of smell. Raised at St. Bodolph’s, a refuge for women who have been attacked by monsters, she is trained as both a lady’s maid and a bodyguard. Hired to protect Princess May of Teck, Sharp soon finds herself pulled into a murder mystery tied to her own past.
I loved Liz’s voice and matter-of-fact personality. She deals with whatever comes her way with a mix of snark and propriety, and I found myself cheering for her right away. She is clever, determined, and wonderfully human in her flaws. Because she tells her story years later, we also get little asides and hints about what her future holds. I have always been a fan of this kind of retrospective narration, like in Marie Brennan’s Lady Trent books, and it works perfectly here.
The mystery itself is tightly plotted, with clues laid just right so that the ending feels both surprising and inevitable. The writing captures a convincing late-19th-century voice without ever feeling slow or heavy, which makes the book for fans of Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate.
There are tiny touches of romance, but no endless pining or melodrama, just a hint of possibilities to come. The focus stays on the action, the intrigue, and the characters’ struggles with themselves and the monsters around them.
Altogether, this was exactly my kind of historical fantasy: murder mystery, questionable morals, richly drawn characters both delightful and despicable, and a heroine I could not get enough of.
A ripping good tale, full of atmosphere, danger, and charm. If you like your fantasy with teeth, claws, and a heroine who refuses to back down, this series is well worth sinking into.
March 21, 2021
What to expect: things that go bump in the night plus political intrigue and witty banter and amnesaic lady's maids who are also bodyguards. Oh, and did I mention, all that in Victorian England. This book is indescribable and delicious. You should read it. It's FUN—positively sparkling with cleverness, silvery weapons, and plot twists.
Fortunately for me book 2 is coming out very shortly. The mystery is book one is wrapped up by the end (no irritating cliffhanger), but the epilogue gives a peak of what is to come and raises so mainy questions! Highly recommend this series for fans of gaslamp fantasy, nerdy references to classic literature, WR Gingell's City Between books, or bunyips.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author. A positive review was not required.
Fortunately for me book 2 is coming out very shortly. The mystery is book one is wrapped up by the end (no irritating cliffhanger), but the epilogue gives a peak of what is to come and raises so mainy questions! Highly recommend this series for fans of gaslamp fantasy, nerdy references to classic literature, WR Gingell's City Between books, or bunyips.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author. A positive review was not required.
Read
August 25, 2023DNF @ 65%
This has taken me an age to get through and in the end I realised it's just not for me.
I like the main character which is why I hung on so long but I felt the story was a step too far and some of the "action" scenes dragged.
I think if you read it more quickly than me it would work but that wasn't my experience unfortunately.
This has taken me an age to get through and in the end I realised it's just not for me.
I like the main character which is why I hung on so long but I felt the story was a step too far and some of the "action" scenes dragged.
I think if you read it more quickly than me it would work but that wasn't my experience unfortunately.
dnf
June 24, 2021DNF 51%
I was trying to get into this one but sadly the characters felt a bit flat for me.
I was trying to get into this one but sadly the characters felt a bit flat for me.
July 9, 2021
Really enjoyable historical fantasy where werewolves, sirens and vampires abound- amongst the Royalty of Europe. Very well done. Recommended.
May 9, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fantasy murder mystery. It fulfilled my love for intelligent characters, spooky atmosphere, and my insatiable justice streak. I look forward to seeing how these characters grow and develop in the coming books, and how my ship plays out. ShortSharp FTW!
March 10, 2021
If Charlotte Brontë wrote urban fantasy (urban for her time, that is, Victorian) and was decidedly not depressing, I imagine the result would be something like this. Pacey, witty, and touching, Miss Sharp has it all.
Above all, this book was fun. I know relatively little about the Victorian era, but I'm a stickler for historical accuracy, and this book had it. I felt like I was actually reading about characters from the era, instead of the more frequent instance nowadays wherein you have very modernized characters with modern attitudes pasted into a different time period, which takes me right out of the story. These characters, on the other hand, and this story, feels real—hopefully there are no monsters in our midst, though.
Speaking of which, the monsters! There's far more than just werewolves in Miss Sharp, and I adored the variety. Also intriguing was the concept behind the nobility of various nations and their sometimes monstrous natures. (I am also very hung up on a sexy, borderline-but-not-quite feral vampire. I hope we get a lot more time with him.)
There is more to this book than I can write down, so suffice to say, go and get your copy.
With an abundance of female friendship, plot twists that made me audibly gasp, and many secrets left to uncover, I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Above all, this book was fun. I know relatively little about the Victorian era, but I'm a stickler for historical accuracy, and this book had it. I felt like I was actually reading about characters from the era, instead of the more frequent instance nowadays wherein you have very modernized characters with modern attitudes pasted into a different time period, which takes me right out of the story. These characters, on the other hand, and this story, feels real—hopefully there are no monsters in our midst, though.
Speaking of which, the monsters! There's far more than just werewolves in Miss Sharp, and I adored the variety. Also intriguing was the concept behind the nobility of various nations and their sometimes monstrous natures. (I am also very hung up on a sexy, borderline-but-not-quite feral vampire. I hope we get a lot more time with him.)
There is more to this book than I can write down, so suffice to say, go and get your copy.
With an abundance of female friendship, plot twists that made me audibly gasp, and many secrets left to uncover, I can't wait for the next book in the series!
September 8, 2023
Due to the cover, I was anticipating far more of a romance flavor to this story, but I was surprised instead to find a fast-paced murder mystery with werewolves, vampires, sirens, and the dark streets of London. At the heart of the book we find Elizabeth Sharp, an impulsive, determined protagonist who has vowed to uncover the truth about the death of a close friend.
This story was a thoroughly enjoyable page-turner, each twist and turn keeping me up late at night to finish the next chapter. I love the combination of murder mystery and fantasy, and I would love to see more of it!
Elizabeth was an engaging protagonist, despite her consistent recklessness. Her relationship with Princess May was sweet. The headlong rush into every possible danger did become a bit questionable at times, but it didn't pull me out of the story.
There is a very, very faint romantic subplot in this story, and while I am always open to a good romantic storyline, this one felt as if it sort of fell by the wayside and happened more out of plot intention than authentic believability.
I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style of this story, and I think it was most likely my favorite element overall. The author writes in a very charming, engaging prose style with plenty of personality and detail. It was easy to immerse in the first-person narrative without feeling trapped by it, which is always an impressive feat for this style of storytelling. The atmosphere and intrigue was done with the right amount of humor alongside darker themes.
Overall, this was a fast-paced, fun and enjoyable read with great writing style and fun characters. I'm not surprised it earned a SPFBO semi-finalist position. Well deserved!
Cawpile Score: 7/10
Characters: 6
Atmosphere/Setting: 7
Writing Style: 8
Plot: 7
Intrigue: 7
Logic/Relationships: 6
Enjoyment: 8
This story was a thoroughly enjoyable page-turner, each twist and turn keeping me up late at night to finish the next chapter. I love the combination of murder mystery and fantasy, and I would love to see more of it!
Elizabeth was an engaging protagonist, despite her consistent recklessness. Her relationship with Princess May was sweet. The headlong rush into every possible danger did become a bit questionable at times, but it didn't pull me out of the story.
There is a very, very faint romantic subplot in this story, and while I am always open to a good romantic storyline, this one felt as if it sort of fell by the wayside and happened more out of plot intention than authentic believability.
I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style of this story, and I think it was most likely my favorite element overall. The author writes in a very charming, engaging prose style with plenty of personality and detail. It was easy to immerse in the first-person narrative without feeling trapped by it, which is always an impressive feat for this style of storytelling. The atmosphere and intrigue was done with the right amount of humor alongside darker themes.
Overall, this was a fast-paced, fun and enjoyable read with great writing style and fun characters. I'm not surprised it earned a SPFBO semi-finalist position. Well deserved!
Cawpile Score: 7/10
Characters: 6
Atmosphere/Setting: 7
Writing Style: 8
Plot: 7
Intrigue: 7
Logic/Relationships: 6
Enjoyment: 8
March 25, 2021
Fun, hilarious perfect
If Dracula was instead written by Enola Holmes (sister of Sherlock, perditorian) who had been attacked by, but then taught to fight monsters at her reforming boarding school, you would end up here in this fantastically clever "gaslamp monster romp." Werewolves, vampires, sirens (oh my!) rule the foreign courts in this Victorian narration. The voice of the main character is so strong, it's more of a conversation than the reader as an observant fly on the wall. And, even though people die, and there's some monster peril, the humor and wit of the lead character deflect the blows to be engaging but not terrifying. Furthermore, one of the characters I want to know more about seems to be getting on the train to the next book, so I'm hooked. I also didn't guess who the bad guy was so -- point to the author!
With very Little romance, a little court intrigue, mostly a detective story, and perfect use of the word 'lugubrious', I really enjoyed this read!
Anxiety alert: monsters in the dark bite and kill with their teeth and claws. The murder victims are cognitively more disturbing upon reflection than I felt in the midst of the reading. Normal, but not exhausting monster peril. I'm a scardy cat with horror and had no issue here, but I also like van helsing monster stories.
If Dracula was instead written by Enola Holmes (sister of Sherlock, perditorian) who had been attacked by, but then taught to fight monsters at her reforming boarding school, you would end up here in this fantastically clever "gaslamp monster romp." Werewolves, vampires, sirens (oh my!) rule the foreign courts in this Victorian narration. The voice of the main character is so strong, it's more of a conversation than the reader as an observant fly on the wall. And, even though people die, and there's some monster peril, the humor and wit of the lead character deflect the blows to be engaging but not terrifying. Furthermore, one of the characters I want to know more about seems to be getting on the train to the next book, so I'm hooked. I also didn't guess who the bad guy was so -- point to the author!
With very Little romance, a little court intrigue, mostly a detective story, and perfect use of the word 'lugubrious', I really enjoyed this read!
Anxiety alert: monsters in the dark bite and kill with their teeth and claws. The murder victims are cognitively more disturbing upon reflection than I felt in the midst of the reading. Normal, but not exhausting monster peril. I'm a scardy cat with horror and had no issue here, but I also like van helsing monster stories.
March 25, 2021
Love this book. Suzannah Rowntree is an absolute marvel, and I really wish I didn't have to wait for the next book, gggrrrrr.
This first installment of Miss Sharp's Monsters is clever and wonderfully written. It strikes an excellent balance between fun and dark – light enough that it's not heavy (🙄) or depressing, with enough dark that it's not a ball of fluff. This book has a Pride & Prejudice and Zombies vibe but instead of zombies there are werewolves, plus a little vampire and siren thrown in for good measure.
The characters and plot are very well done, the dialogue is witty, and there is a measure of (accidental 😉) historical accuracy for the history buffs.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
This first installment of Miss Sharp's Monsters is clever and wonderfully written. It strikes an excellent balance between fun and dark – light enough that it's not heavy (🙄) or depressing, with enough dark that it's not a ball of fluff. This book has a Pride & Prejudice and Zombies vibe but instead of zombies there are werewolves, plus a little vampire and siren thrown in for good measure.
The characters and plot are very well done, the dialogue is witty, and there is a measure of (accidental 😉) historical accuracy for the history buffs.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Want to read
February 23, 2024This is not a full review. I read through the beginning of all 300 SPFBO9 contest entries. This was a book I wanted to read more of.
An amnesiac, disfigured by a werewolf in an incident she doesn’t remember, finds a way out of the institute that trained her as a lady’s maid in the employ of a child royal. Will she finally learn who she is?
This has a terrific regency/victorian voice. It is playfully verbose, and yet the prose is focused, shaping our vision of the characters without getting distracted by unnecessary details.
The dialogue is rich, lively, revealing of character, and introduces story elements just as well as it moves the narrative along.
The single, fantastical detail of a werewolf disfiguring our character as a thing that sometimes happens to people wonderfully sets the stage for the sort of hightened, gothic English setting this story will take place in.
The narrative resists, tantalizingly, diving into any more paranormal details just yet. We, the reader, are firmly conceived of as being residents in this world as much as the narrator protagonist.
She seems determined, and strong willed, and has had to endure the reactions of people seeing her face for the first time. They do not react well. This understated character introduction - I cannot overstate this - makes me love her.
I try to go into all of these reads as blind as possible to meet every book as a reader at the shelves might. But there comes a point sometimes when I’m reading a book that I say, “This HAS to be a semi-finalist.” I’m pleased to find this is.
Our MC is on a mission of self-discovery, tho not the kind coming of age stories often pursue. She wants to know who she is, where she came from, and exactly how this grizzly thing that happened to her came to pass.
A werewolf is surely lurking in the city mist and fog. Who knows what else we will find in this historical fantasy that has already introduced a colorful cast of characters in no time flat. This is wonderfully written. I have nothing but praise for it. I’m in!
An amnesiac, disfigured by a werewolf in an incident she doesn’t remember, finds a way out of the institute that trained her as a lady’s maid in the employ of a child royal. Will she finally learn who she is?
This has a terrific regency/victorian voice. It is playfully verbose, and yet the prose is focused, shaping our vision of the characters without getting distracted by unnecessary details.
The dialogue is rich, lively, revealing of character, and introduces story elements just as well as it moves the narrative along.
The single, fantastical detail of a werewolf disfiguring our character as a thing that sometimes happens to people wonderfully sets the stage for the sort of hightened, gothic English setting this story will take place in.
The narrative resists, tantalizingly, diving into any more paranormal details just yet. We, the reader, are firmly conceived of as being residents in this world as much as the narrator protagonist.
She seems determined, and strong willed, and has had to endure the reactions of people seeing her face for the first time. They do not react well. This understated character introduction - I cannot overstate this - makes me love her.
I try to go into all of these reads as blind as possible to meet every book as a reader at the shelves might. But there comes a point sometimes when I’m reading a book that I say, “This HAS to be a semi-finalist.” I’m pleased to find this is.
Our MC is on a mission of self-discovery, tho not the kind coming of age stories often pursue. She wants to know who she is, where she came from, and exactly how this grizzly thing that happened to her came to pass.
A werewolf is surely lurking in the city mist and fog. Who knows what else we will find in this historical fantasy that has already introduced a colorful cast of characters in no time flat. This is wonderfully written. I have nothing but praise for it. I’m in!
March 31, 2021
I understand the author was partly inspired by a Dr. Who episode featuring Queen Victoria. There's certainly an air of the good Doctor about this slightly manic period piece and its monsters - exuberant and comic and slightly cheesy, so that I could easily imagine Miss Sharp whipping out a sonic screwdriver. I enjoyed the G. K. Chesterton reference too (at least the one I spotted, maybe there are more)? I struggled a little with suspension of disbelief though. There's a larger and more serious republican/anarchist sentiment trying to make itself heard here too, but serious political discussions felt a bit artificial in the context of chasing werewolves around.
Miss Sharp is quite fun, though. Just need to send her to Alabama for a crossover with Bubba Shackleford (MHI, from 1895), and then we'd really be hunting with style.
Miss Sharp is quite fun, though. Just need to send her to Alabama for a crossover with Bubba Shackleford (MHI, from 1895), and then we'd really be hunting with style.
September 10, 2022
It was a disappointment. Started great: victorian mistery, amnesiac, scarred heroine, a crime story, a royal secret, and werewolves, vampires, sirens as monarchs around the world. And then... it went from great to so-so, when intrigue unfurled, and when we started to getting to culprits, it went from so-so to just boring. I was skipping a lot.
Not fun.
Not fun.
March 5, 2021
If you're looking for a paranormal story of mystery and manners in a gloriously gaslamp setting, look no further. There are curiosities aplenty in this slow-burn urban fantasy that plays around with historical figures and supernatural strangeness without being a paranormal romance in disguise.
It's the story of Liz Sharp, a lady's maid with a difference: scarred by a werewolf attack that stole away her memories, she now possesses extra human abilities. Not that she's become a werewolf mind, that sort of thing is reserved for royalty. German royalty, specifically. Trained in all things from fighting to bomb diffusion by a special school for supernatural attack survivors, she's brought in to be the maid-slash-bodyguard of Princess May, a minor royal without her family's "condition", to protect her from the anarchists roaming London's streets as she becomes engaged to a British prince. But her attentions are diverted when a friend is murdered in suspiciously supernatural circumstances, and her werewolf-enhanced senses may be the key to sniffing out just whodunnit.
It's one of those playfully period narration style stories, told as if recounted by the smooth-talking Liz. Her wit and observations on supernatural Society (yes, capital S) really help to make it a compelling read. Only a profusion of semi-colons break the flow of the writing (maybe a stylistic choice) that otherwise reads beautifully. You can't help but be drawn in by the twisted gaslamp gothic world that plays fast and loose with historical royal figures. I won't say the twists were unexpected , but they're perfectly paced and well executed. Also: British people acting British is always a plus (though repeated exclamations of "the dickens" could get a tiny bit much!) Places in Victorian London are name-checked a lot; a little more description could have helped to go alongside the street names for atmosphere, but it's all very in-keeping with the memoir style.
There are a lot of names and family connections to get your head around, but if you're a mystery fan you'll more than cope (my sieve-brain always struggles with these things, so I had to be one of those readers who just went with the flow). The story is very focussed on Liz herself with not much room for side characters to become known well, but it's obvious that May will be a force to be reckoned with, and a certain Inspector of Scotland Yard will be making many more appearances (can we get some applause for subtlety?)
Anyone wary of starting a new series fearing cliffhangers have no cause to worry; the main mystery is sewed up nicely by the end of the book, leaving Liz's personal questions as the hook to keep you guessing.
Mysteries aren't always my thing, but I appreciate a good narrator who can make one come alive. By the book it may be, but it's a very promising start to a new series and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to fans of quirky paranormal mysteries.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's the story of Liz Sharp, a lady's maid with a difference: scarred by a werewolf attack that stole away her memories, she now possesses extra human abilities. Not that she's become a werewolf mind, that sort of thing is reserved for royalty. German royalty, specifically. Trained in all things from fighting to bomb diffusion by a special school for supernatural attack survivors, she's brought in to be the maid-slash-bodyguard of Princess May, a minor royal without her family's "condition", to protect her from the anarchists roaming London's streets as she becomes engaged to a British prince. But her attentions are diverted when a friend is murdered in suspiciously supernatural circumstances, and her werewolf-enhanced senses may be the key to sniffing out just whodunnit.
It's one of those playfully period narration style stories, told as if recounted by the smooth-talking Liz. Her wit and observations on supernatural Society (yes, capital S) really help to make it a compelling read. Only a profusion of semi-colons break the flow of the writing (maybe a stylistic choice) that otherwise reads beautifully. You can't help but be drawn in by the twisted gaslamp gothic world that plays fast and loose with historical royal figures. I won't say the twists were unexpected , but they're perfectly paced and well executed. Also: British people acting British is always a plus (though repeated exclamations of "the dickens" could get a tiny bit much!) Places in Victorian London are name-checked a lot; a little more description could have helped to go alongside the street names for atmosphere, but it's all very in-keeping with the memoir style.
There are a lot of names and family connections to get your head around, but if you're a mystery fan you'll more than cope (my sieve-brain always struggles with these things, so I had to be one of those readers who just went with the flow). The story is very focussed on Liz herself with not much room for side characters to become known well, but it's obvious that May will be a force to be reckoned with, and a certain Inspector of Scotland Yard will be making many more appearances (can we get some applause for subtlety?)
Anyone wary of starting a new series fearing cliffhangers have no cause to worry; the main mystery is sewed up nicely by the end of the book, leaving Liz's personal questions as the hook to keep you guessing.
Mysteries aren't always my thing, but I appreciate a good narrator who can make one come alive. By the book it may be, but it's a very promising start to a new series and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to fans of quirky paranormal mysteries.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2021
Liz Sharp, survivor of a werewolf attack, finds herself with more strength and fewer options than most women. She takes on the job of lady’s maid--and bodyguard--to Princess Mary of Teck. I’m automatically interested in any story featuring a lady’s maid, especially when it’s set in a very specific decade of British history instead of being vaguely “Victorian, you-know-how-they-were-back-then”--and this one was lots of fun.
The setting works well. Alternative history with monsters isn’t in itself a novelty anymore; but in this rendering, monsterism is an inherited genetic condition of royalty. That makes the concept quite interesting, because this was an era in which anarchists and other radicals were busy arguing for social revolution and the overthrow of the “parasitical” ruling classes. Giving the rulers an actual thirst for human blood certainly heightens that tension.
I also enjoyed the characters. Often, female protagonists in historical fiction end up being annoying, at least to me. I was thinking about why this one felt more balanced. One strength is the way the author has created and humanized so many female characters from different social classes, and given them different roles to play.
It made me realize that what I often dislike in modern fiction is not the inclusion of a stereotypically “strong female character,” but the implication that only a few women in history--the ones with headstrong, hyper-independent personalities--were fully human, whereas all the rest of female humanity were nothing more than boring, stupid stooges for the patriarchy because they liked dresses, sewing, or even babies. Funny that simply having more women in the book (and letting them help the heroine) would make such a difference!*
Personally, there were a few places where I thought the pacing (particularly the occasionally over-efficient dialogue) felt forced; as if the book was in too great a hurry. I realize, however, that it’s supposed to be a snappy page-turner and it does a good job at this.
My baby was sick last week, and it was nice to have something to read while my brain was tired from all the night waking. Especially something this smart and entertaining.
*It was fun to find out, via a Quarancon author's panel I listened to, that this was very intentional.
The setting works well. Alternative history with monsters isn’t in itself a novelty anymore; but in this rendering, monsterism is an inherited genetic condition of royalty. That makes the concept quite interesting, because this was an era in which anarchists and other radicals were busy arguing for social revolution and the overthrow of the “parasitical” ruling classes. Giving the rulers an actual thirst for human blood certainly heightens that tension.
I also enjoyed the characters. Often, female protagonists in historical fiction end up being annoying, at least to me. I was thinking about why this one felt more balanced. One strength is the way the author has created and humanized so many female characters from different social classes, and given them different roles to play.
It made me realize that what I often dislike in modern fiction is not the inclusion of a stereotypically “strong female character,” but the implication that only a few women in history--the ones with headstrong, hyper-independent personalities--were fully human, whereas all the rest of female humanity were nothing more than boring, stupid stooges for the patriarchy because they liked dresses, sewing, or even babies. Funny that simply having more women in the book (and letting them help the heroine) would make such a difference!*
Personally, there were a few places where I thought the pacing (particularly the occasionally over-efficient dialogue) felt forced; as if the book was in too great a hurry. I realize, however, that it’s supposed to be a snappy page-turner and it does a good job at this.
My baby was sick last week, and it was nice to have something to read while my brain was tired from all the night waking. Especially something this smart and entertaining.
*It was fun to find out, via a Quarancon author's panel I listened to, that this was very intentional.
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