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Miss Sharp's Monsters #3
A Vampire in Bavaria
Vampires, vengeance…and a mutinous Victorian lady’s maid.
It’s not always easy to deal with a ticking bomb—and Miss Sharp just happens to have thrown this one straight at Queen Victoria’s royal train.
Liz was only trying to save lives, but now she must face the Kabale, a secret tribunal of royal monsters who don’t easily forgive a stray bomb. If Liz can’t convince them of her loyalty, her life will be forfeit.
Her best hope for survival may well rest with her worst enemy: the vampiric Grand Duke Vasily, who offers to help her bring down the Kabale, breaking their iron grip on Europe. Collaborating with Vasily comes with a price, and even if they succeed, Liz will be on the run for the rest of her life. Worst of all, she’ll make an enemy of the starchily attractive Inspector Short, for whom Liz has begun to feel something warmer than professional respect.
But if she doesn’t take the war to the Kabale, more people will die—herself among them.
It’s a good thing she has a secret weapon in the shape of her imperturbable employer, Princess May…
Miss Sharp’s Monsters reaches its thrilling conclusion in a romantic historical fantasy adventure perfect for fans of The Parasol Protectorate or The Nevers! One-click A Vampire in Bavaria today and join Miss Sharp in the monstrous ballrooms of 1890s Europe.
It’s not always easy to deal with a ticking bomb—and Miss Sharp just happens to have thrown this one straight at Queen Victoria’s royal train.
Liz was only trying to save lives, but now she must face the Kabale, a secret tribunal of royal monsters who don’t easily forgive a stray bomb. If Liz can’t convince them of her loyalty, her life will be forfeit.
Her best hope for survival may well rest with her worst enemy: the vampiric Grand Duke Vasily, who offers to help her bring down the Kabale, breaking their iron grip on Europe. Collaborating with Vasily comes with a price, and even if they succeed, Liz will be on the run for the rest of her life. Worst of all, she’ll make an enemy of the starchily attractive Inspector Short, for whom Liz has begun to feel something warmer than professional respect.
But if she doesn’t take the war to the Kabale, more people will die—herself among them.
It’s a good thing she has a secret weapon in the shape of her imperturbable employer, Princess May…
Miss Sharp’s Monsters reaches its thrilling conclusion in a romantic historical fantasy adventure perfect for fans of The Parasol Protectorate or The Nevers! One-click A Vampire in Bavaria today and join Miss Sharp in the monstrous ballrooms of 1890s Europe.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2021
69 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Suzannah Rowntree
34 books605 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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October 24, 2025
A Vampire in Bavaria
by Suzannah Rowntree
An exciting, action-packed story of Royals that have paranormal abilities, and our bodyguard lady to one of the Royal women. Exciting and great characters, twists in the plot, wonderful world-building, and a touch of romance. A delightful series!
by Suzannah Rowntree
An exciting, action-packed story of Royals that have paranormal abilities, and our bodyguard lady to one of the Royal women. Exciting and great characters, twists in the plot, wonderful world-building, and a touch of romance. A delightful series!
my-books
April 15, 2021BEHOLD - the third and final book of MISS SHARP'S MONSTERS.
What do you do with a ticking bomb? Why, throw it somewhere it'll do no harm, of course...and pray that it doesn't disturb Queen Victoria's morning tea...
This book contains monsters, a number of references to the Stephen Sommers VAN HELSING movie I adore so much, and an increasingly flustered Inspector Short.
What do you do with a ticking bomb? Why, throw it somewhere it'll do no harm, of course...and pray that it doesn't disturb Queen Victoria's morning tea...
This book contains monsters, a number of references to the Stephen Sommers VAN HELSING movie I adore so much, and an increasingly flustered Inspector Short.
October 25, 2023
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh oh my pumpernickel.
I legitimately could not put this book down. I picked it up last night, thinking "Oh, I'll start this, read a few chapters, and finish by Thursday." And then it hit a bit after 11:30, and I was on Chapter 11, and I thought "Oh, sure, one more chapter so I end on a nice number and then I'll wrap up."
And then I did not wrap up until the book did. So now it's a people-heavy day that I'm facing on somewhat less than six hours of sleep (because the ending of this was so thrilling that I could hardly stop thinking about it long enough to settle down), but it's WORTH IT for this book.
There is genuinely so much to enjoy about this book. Sharp's adventures are thrilling, and the voice in which they're told is consistently enjoyable and memorable. The plot never drags thanks to twists aplenty (though I will admit that the number of betrayals started to border on unbelievable by the end), and the ending was excellent. All of our favorite characters (and even some not-so-favorites) get their moments to shine, both in the climax and throughout the book. We see them work through bitterness, though lies, through prejudice, through things they've placed at the cores of who they are but now have to ask if it's right.
I also truly appreciated the look we get at the monsters of Liz Sharp's world and how they operate. Likely because this is the end of the story, we see all the secrets exposed at last, and it's a terrible thing to see, this corruption — but it resonates.
A few additional things I wish to note:
-I wasn't sure about Anton at the start of this story, but I really warmed to him by the end. He's a bit of a mess, but so is everyone in this book, and I can't help appreciating the kind of people who refuse to stand on ceremony with anyone.
-Vasily is an overdramatic disaster. We knew the first bit before, but the second part becomes really clear in this book.
-Everyone just keeps saving each other from mortal peril and it's the best. Like, it feels like often in other series, there's a few people who keep getting captured and a few others who keep having to rescue them? But in this series (and especially this book), everyone gets a few turns on both sides. I don't know why this makes me so happy, but it does.
-Sharp really had to go four for four, didn't she? (If you've read the book, you know what I mean. If you haven't read the book, read it and you'll figure it out.)
-Missy is awful, but I'm pretty sure that if this series wasn't indie, she'd have a set of hardcore fans/stans/whatever. You have to admit she has a certain something to her.
-The last sentence tho. I want to know if it means what I think it means, and I certainly HOPE it does.
Anyway, yeah. Read this book. Or this series. Or both. It's excellent, and I love it.
I legitimately could not put this book down. I picked it up last night, thinking "Oh, I'll start this, read a few chapters, and finish by Thursday." And then it hit a bit after 11:30, and I was on Chapter 11, and I thought "Oh, sure, one more chapter so I end on a nice number and then I'll wrap up."
And then I did not wrap up until the book did. So now it's a people-heavy day that I'm facing on somewhat less than six hours of sleep (because the ending of this was so thrilling that I could hardly stop thinking about it long enough to settle down), but it's WORTH IT for this book.
There is genuinely so much to enjoy about this book. Sharp's adventures are thrilling, and the voice in which they're told is consistently enjoyable and memorable. The plot never drags thanks to twists aplenty (though I will admit that the number of betrayals started to border on unbelievable by the end), and the ending was excellent. All of our favorite characters (and even some not-so-favorites) get their moments to shine, both in the climax and throughout the book. We see them work through bitterness, though lies, through prejudice, through things they've placed at the cores of who they are but now have to ask if it's right.
I also truly appreciated the look we get at the monsters of Liz Sharp's world and how they operate. Likely because this is the end of the story, we see all the secrets exposed at last, and it's a terrible thing to see, this corruption — but it resonates.
A few additional things I wish to note:
-I wasn't sure about Anton at the start of this story, but I really warmed to him by the end. He's a bit of a mess, but so is everyone in this book, and I can't help appreciating the kind of people who refuse to stand on ceremony with anyone.
-Vasily is an overdramatic disaster. We knew the first bit before, but the second part becomes really clear in this book.
-Everyone just keeps saving each other from mortal peril and it's the best. Like, it feels like often in other series, there's a few people who keep getting captured and a few others who keep having to rescue them? But in this series (and especially this book), everyone gets a few turns on both sides. I don't know why this makes me so happy, but it does.
-Sharp really had to go four for four, didn't she? (If you've read the book, you know what I mean. If you haven't read the book, read it and you'll figure it out.)
-Missy is awful, but I'm pretty sure that if this series wasn't indie, she'd have a set of hardcore fans/stans/whatever. You have to admit she has a certain something to her.
-The last sentence tho. I want to know if it means what I think it means, and I certainly HOPE it does.
Anyway, yeah. Read this book. Or this series. Or both. It's excellent, and I love it.
May 14, 2021
I can't believe we've come to the end of this series already!
Okay, so I admit I was a bit worried when I started this book, because I was so nervous about how everyone's stories would turn out! I couldn't help but feel like I was liking characters I wasn't intended too, lol. I needn't have worried; I was very pleased with how it all ended. And you know what? When all was said and done, I think my favorite character in the whole thing was George. For all his faults, he's such a golden retriever of a fellow, and his character arc is *chef's kiss*
And characters I wasn't originally keen on really grew on me, too.
Looking back, I think my only complaints are that sometimes I grew a bit impatient with the pacing? Also, as an allegory or metaphor (?) I'm not sure I totally agreed with *everything* from the law enforcement angle, but this may just be a combination of me being too much like Short and also being biased with a brother who's now in the police force.
STILL these books are wild and unpredictable, and definitely some of the absolute best steampunk novels I've read.
And honestly, I can't end without saying that the thing I'm actually MOST excited about is this book's VERY LAST SENTENCE. But I shall not tell you about it and so leave you wondering until you read the book yourself.
*I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a positive review.
Okay, so I admit I was a bit worried when I started this book, because I was so nervous about how everyone's stories would turn out! I couldn't help but feel like I was liking characters I wasn't intended too, lol. I needn't have worried; I was very pleased with how it all ended. And you know what? When all was said and done, I think my favorite character in the whole thing was George. For all his faults, he's such a golden retriever of a fellow, and his character arc is *chef's kiss*
And characters I wasn't originally keen on really grew on me, too.
Looking back, I think my only complaints are that sometimes I grew a bit impatient with the pacing? Also, as an allegory or metaphor (?) I'm not sure I totally agreed with *everything* from the law enforcement angle, but this may just be a combination of me being too much like Short and also being biased with a brother who's now in the police force.
STILL these books are wild and unpredictable, and definitely some of the absolute best steampunk novels I've read.
And honestly, I can't end without saying that the thing I'm actually MOST excited about is this book's VERY LAST SENTENCE. But I shall not tell you about it and so leave you wondering until you read the book yourself.
*I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a positive review.
May 7, 2021
The grand finale to Miss Sharp's Monsters was a heart-warming, heart-pounding, heart-wrenching ride full of twists, humor, shocks, and high stakes (including the kind to the heart).
I've come to love these characters so much. Rowntree has a particular talent for taking flat faces from history and bringing them back to life in a potent, rich way.
While this story closes a chapter, I am so on board for more. Yeah, I need more. I'm a greedy reader.
I've come to love these characters so much. Rowntree has a particular talent for taking flat faces from history and bringing them back to life in a potent, rich way.
While this story closes a chapter, I am so on board for more. Yeah, I need more. I'm a greedy reader.
March 2, 2022
4.75 stars // read March 2022
Favorite quotes:
“If I truly loved a man who was truly doing something wrong, how better to show my love, except in opposition?”
“I have always believed there is hope for wicked people. That is what it means to be a Christian, after all.”
“I could not yield what I felt to be right, merely because it meant opposing someone I liked.”
“We are not monsters; we are seasonal eccentrics!”
Favorite quotes:
“If I truly loved a man who was truly doing something wrong, how better to show my love, except in opposition?”
“I have always believed there is hope for wicked people. That is what it means to be a Christian, after all.”
“I could not yield what I felt to be right, merely because it meant opposing someone I liked.”
“We are not monsters; we are seasonal eccentrics!”
August 30, 2025
FRIENDS TO ENEMIES TO LOVERS —my EMOTIONS!!!
A VAMPIRE IN BAVARIA starts off with a bang—because there is a bomb. An automaton impersonating Princess May is poised to explode a train. Liz foils the explosion—but no one thanks her for it.
What to say about the ending of MISS SHARP other than woooowwww? This installment we see Liz Sharp in opposition to almost everyone. Betrayal by those closest to her? Could it be? Don’t despair, though! We even get more explanations for the revenants and an ending that was truly genius. The comedic gold continues apace, as well as Rowntree’s insightful delving into the monstrous and what that really means.
The slow burn finally reaches a boil here and I clutched my chest too many times!!
“I looked at his mouth again, at the sharp lines etched from nose to lips. “Don’t look so sad, Shor—I mean Alexander. Why don’t you kiss me?” “What?” he whispered. “Told you I’d give you a kiss,” I mumbled, “in Eger.” His arms around me trembled; and then suddenly he pulled me close. I sighed with anticipation, but he had only tucked me within the circle of his right arm so that he could pull back the bedcovers with his left and roll me within.”
Torturous I tell you!! The side characters also get their HEA as well after three books. I did want to sit and bask in the emotions but A Vampire in Bavaria gallops along at the same clip of the other books and doesn’t let up. The speed did vex me at times but all in all this was a marvelous end to the series!! 4.5 Stars!!!!
I was kindly given an arc by the author. This is my honest review.
A VAMPIRE IN BAVARIA starts off with a bang—because there is a bomb. An automaton impersonating Princess May is poised to explode a train. Liz foils the explosion—but no one thanks her for it.
What to say about the ending of MISS SHARP other than woooowwww? This installment we see Liz Sharp in opposition to almost everyone. Betrayal by those closest to her? Could it be? Don’t despair, though! We even get more explanations for the revenants and an ending that was truly genius. The comedic gold continues apace, as well as Rowntree’s insightful delving into the monstrous and what that really means.
The slow burn finally reaches a boil here and I clutched my chest too many times!!
“I looked at his mouth again, at the sharp lines etched from nose to lips. “Don’t look so sad, Shor—I mean Alexander. Why don’t you kiss me?” “What?” he whispered. “Told you I’d give you a kiss,” I mumbled, “in Eger.” His arms around me trembled; and then suddenly he pulled me close. I sighed with anticipation, but he had only tucked me within the circle of his right arm so that he could pull back the bedcovers with his left and roll me within.”
Torturous I tell you!! The side characters also get their HEA as well after three books. I did want to sit and bask in the emotions but A Vampire in Bavaria gallops along at the same clip of the other books and doesn’t let up. The speed did vex me at times but all in all this was a marvelous end to the series!! 4.5 Stars!!!!
I was kindly given an arc by the author. This is my honest review.
July 10, 2021
I will admit, I was very selfish with this book. I guarded my time with it jealously, shutting out family and friends to read it, and only allowing myself to read bits at a time so that I didn't blow through it in one sitting. (This is selfish because I had promised the author an honest, prompt review, but my desire to savor it piece-by-piece won out. Whoops.)
The final installment in the Miss Sharp trilogy, A Vampire in Bavaria is an even bigger adventure than the previous books combined. (No small feat!) With its rip-roaring pace, heartrending moments, twist after twist that I did not see coming, and more, I was entranced from chapter 1. Plus, at the very end we're left with some hope for even more in-universe books in the future!
Though I'll be eagerly waiting on the edge of my seat for yet more installments, this book was the perfect conclusion to an excellent series. If you haven't read these yet, get started ASAP!
The final installment in the Miss Sharp trilogy, A Vampire in Bavaria is an even bigger adventure than the previous books combined. (No small feat!) With its rip-roaring pace, heartrending moments, twist after twist that I did not see coming, and more, I was entranced from chapter 1. Plus, at the very end we're left with some hope for even more in-universe books in the future!
Though I'll be eagerly waiting on the edge of my seat for yet more installments, this book was the perfect conclusion to an excellent series. If you haven't read these yet, get started ASAP!
May 17, 2021
This is a madcap, gorgeous, juicy finish to the trilogy. Sharp goes to the heart of the monster empires and faces betrayal and intrigue and her own feelings! It’s the funniest book yet! The relationships are complicated and intense and heart warming! There is literally a MASKED MONSTER BALL and more royal cameos than you can shake a sceptre at! (Who knew the last Tsar has a lisp?!) Characters read Anthony Trollope novels in quiet moments between shoot ‘em ups and explosions and secret tribunals and society weddings!
Is it even legal to have this much fun?
Is it even legal to have this much fun?
May 2, 2022
A smashing conclusion to this series! This one goes back and forth between plans and everything coming crashing down and Liz Sharpe picking up the pieces to try again. I was on the edge of my seat, sure that the characters were going to all die at any given moment.
This series is such a fun, slightly dark, slightly zany re-imagining of the early 19th century with faux history where European royalty are werewolves, vampires, sirens, and other fantasy creatures.
The audiobooks of this series are SO well done, and I highly recommend listening to it for the well-done narration!
This series is such a fun, slightly dark, slightly zany re-imagining of the early 19th century with faux history where European royalty are werewolves, vampires, sirens, and other fantasy creatures.
The audiobooks of this series are SO well done, and I highly recommend listening to it for the well-done narration!
September 14, 2022
And yet another adventure for Miss Sharp and her friends as well as her enemies!
This time they're all off to Germany, where we meet more monsters, more royals, more anarchists and also a lot of well known faces from the previous books.
Yet again I loved the humour & banter, the friendships, the mix of history & fantasy and even the dash of romance that didn't take over the story, but was just a natural part of it.
A Vampire in Bavaria manages to be a satisfying end to the series, while still leaving enough open ends to allow for more stories in the same world.
There's enough betrayals and political maneuvering to keep the story surprising and yet enough expected turns to still feel plausible within itself. Some darkness as well as a lot of hope and a refusal to give up.
When you're looking for a fun read, with strong female characters this is a perfect choice!
This time they're all off to Germany, where we meet more monsters, more royals, more anarchists and also a lot of well known faces from the previous books.
Yet again I loved the humour & banter, the friendships, the mix of history & fantasy and even the dash of romance that didn't take over the story, but was just a natural part of it.
A Vampire in Bavaria manages to be a satisfying end to the series, while still leaving enough open ends to allow for more stories in the same world.
There's enough betrayals and political maneuvering to keep the story surprising and yet enough expected turns to still feel plausible within itself. Some darkness as well as a lot of hope and a refusal to give up.
When you're looking for a fun read, with strong female characters this is a perfect choice!
April 4, 2022
GUYS GET YOUR HANDS ON THE WHOLE SHEBANG! 🎊 Es goooooood 👻
What a white-knuckle rollick to cap off the series!
Rowntree doesn't spare us heartbreak, betrayal, suspense, terror, laughs, silliness, satisfying character arcs, or a fantastic final page.
Behold, the plot *COMPLEXIFIES*
I will admit, there were times when I was baffled by the numerous betrayals and reunions, times when the momentum went around and around in circles, and times when I wondered why Sharp was so demmed self-righteous.
But I enjoyed the irresistible impetus of her dogmatic desire to infiltrate the Kabale, unmask the villains and obviate any further monstrosities from being inflicted on the populace of Europe.
When her schemes are thwarted, she must improvise. When justice is impugned, she must push to the limits of her mettle. She must wrangle with friends and foes alike. Sharp will take this war to the very throne of hell before she will back down.
The plot is a bit scrambled eggs, but even so it pulled together for a dramatic, climactic, fantastic ending. And the undertow of theme is present for those who like a bit of meaningful stuff with their fluff.
Going into book 3, Inspector Short was my least favourite character. But two particular scenes stirred me to a kind of internal conflict. There are dynamic, touching, discordant character clashes. Their resolution or dissolution? You'll have to read it for yourself.
Anton is advancing as a sane, tame, well-adapted, ordinary human being at the same rate as a zucchini. But I like where he's going. He won't fit into any niche. He just wades into the action with a combo of doing-what's-right and not-giving-a-damn.
Rowntree's propensity to poke fun at her characters and take the mick out of common cliches of the genre is constantly entertaining.
As usual, the best line is on the last page. Or rather, it IS the last page. So what are you waiting for? ;)
***I was honoured to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review (not required to be positive, but it is all the same!).***
What a white-knuckle rollick to cap off the series!
Rowntree doesn't spare us heartbreak, betrayal, suspense, terror, laughs, silliness, satisfying character arcs, or a fantastic final page.
Behold, the plot *COMPLEXIFIES*
I will admit, there were times when I was baffled by the numerous betrayals and reunions, times when the momentum went around and around in circles, and times when I wondered why Sharp was so demmed self-righteous.
But I enjoyed the irresistible impetus of her dogmatic desire to infiltrate the Kabale, unmask the villains and obviate any further monstrosities from being inflicted on the populace of Europe.
When her schemes are thwarted, she must improvise. When justice is impugned, she must push to the limits of her mettle. She must wrangle with friends and foes alike. Sharp will take this war to the very throne of hell before she will back down.
The plot is a bit scrambled eggs, but even so it pulled together for a dramatic, climactic, fantastic ending. And the undertow of theme is present for those who like a bit of meaningful stuff with their fluff.
Going into book 3, Inspector Short was my least favourite character. But two particular scenes stirred me to a kind of internal conflict. There are dynamic, touching, discordant character clashes. Their resolution or dissolution? You'll have to read it for yourself.
Anton is advancing as a sane, tame, well-adapted, ordinary human being at the same rate as a zucchini. But I like where he's going. He won't fit into any niche. He just wades into the action with a combo of doing-what's-right and not-giving-a-damn.
Rowntree's propensity to poke fun at her characters and take the mick out of common cliches of the genre is constantly entertaining.
"To think I should live to hear such language in my own family! We are not monsters; we are seasonal eccentrics!"The narrative is peppered with Oscar Wilde-esque quips, and this one takes the cake. But there are plenty to go around; let me indulge myself...
"It is far more agreeable to regret the past in luxury than in penury, my dear."Thus the Grand Duke Vasily defends his extravagances. Yes, everybody is talking about the Grand Duke Vasily, but because of spoilers, all I can say is that to our delight he is indeed BACK in action, and slipperier than ever.
The Tecks had originally not been invited at all, for when one's ancestor has introduced a countess into the family tree, one cannot expect to be treated like proper royalty.And speaking of the Tecks, May takes a primary role and I must say she shines. Although at one point she gives rise to her mother's grievance, and we are treated to the splendiferous outburst of her full name.
___________________________These are the kind of digs I thrive on.
He was all swaddled up in silks and furs, looking more like an Asiatic prince than a supremely unimaginative English gentleman.
___________________________A favourite!
“Do you think that would be proper?"
"Dear May, are you really asking me what would be proper?"
___________________________George is one of those characters who simply must change or be damned. He will drive you NUTS but also...other things...
The effect was not lost upon George, who, after some effort, retrieved his tongue from the back of his throat, where it seemed to have gotten tangled up among his tonsils.
___________________________Rowntree's purple prose will choke you laughing.
His shirt-front was the exact colour of a snowy Alpine slope on a spring morning, and his trousers that rare and delicate shade of grey found only on the inside of an angel's wing.
___________________________And some profound stuff to satisfy the thematic demands.
Those who want change will never accept less than total revolution. They would choose the worst of anarchists any day over the best of monsters.
I had been taught to pray at Saint Botolph's, by people who expected it to make me meek and biddable. ...I had learned religion... Was there any substance in what I believed, or had it only ever been a tool of control, an empty gesture to tradition?Thoughts I can relate to. Questions I've wrestled with.
___________________________Ah the Australianism! It couldn't stay corseted under all that Englishness - I knew it would poke through!
"For having done me this service, I shall this once look the other way. Don't make me regret it, Miss Sharp!"
"Why don't you chuck me a tenner for good measure?" I said.
As usual, the best line is on the last page. Or rather, it IS the last page. So what are you waiting for? ;)
***I was honoured to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review (not required to be positive, but it is all the same!).***
July 3, 2022
3.5 stars
I can't believe Alexander was the weakest link of this book!! 😫
I've been enjoying May throughout the series but this book really solidified how much I love her. I love the commentary in this series about being involved in unjust systems, and different ways to do good in the world.
I also really liked the elements of humor in this book, which also helped lighten the mood since some parts of this one get pretty dark.
Vasily is still such an interesting character and I'm so excited to know that he will appear in the next series!
I do think this was a satisfying conclusion, but the thing that really INFURIATED me about this one was Alexander's behavior. This is one of those cases where if his decisions / actions had happened earlier in the series I wouldn't have minded nearly as much, because he would have had plenty of time to grow from them. But
Like yeah he and Liz had some great scenes together, but I cannot forgive him as easily as she did. I feel like the author did a great job of convincing me they had incompatible goals and values and not as great a job of convincing me he had changed his mind. We get a small moment of realization from Alexander about this, but nowhere near enough, especially compared to the amount of pagetime spent on him being an idiot and refusing to do the right thing.
Tbh if Alexander had just gotten his shit together this would probably have been 4 stars or 4.5 stars. As it was, this is a solid conclusion and I highly recommend this series, but I would have liked this book even more if Alexander had actually acted like the sympathetic character we were supposed to view him as. His worries and scruples about the law were much more understandable before this book - by now, he should know better. ESPECIALLY when the plan didn't involve any violence!!
CW: Violence, classism, attempted murder, blood, references to murder
I can't believe Alexander was the weakest link of this book!! 😫
I've been enjoying May throughout the series but this book really solidified how much I love her. I love the commentary in this series about being involved in unjust systems, and different ways to do good in the world.
I also really liked the elements of humor in this book, which also helped lighten the mood since some parts of this one get pretty dark.
Vasily is still such an interesting character and I'm so excited to know that he will appear in the next series!
I do think this was a satisfying conclusion, but the thing that really INFURIATED me about this one was Alexander's behavior. This is one of those cases where if his decisions / actions had happened earlier in the series I wouldn't have minded nearly as much, because he would have had plenty of time to grow from them. But
Like yeah he and Liz had some great scenes together, but I cannot forgive him as easily as she did. I feel like the author did a great job of convincing me they had incompatible goals and values and not as great a job of convincing me he had changed his mind. We get a small moment of realization from Alexander about this, but nowhere near enough, especially compared to the amount of pagetime spent on him being an idiot and refusing to do the right thing.
Tbh if Alexander had just gotten his shit together this would probably have been 4 stars or 4.5 stars. As it was, this is a solid conclusion and I highly recommend this series, but I would have liked this book even more if Alexander had actually acted like the sympathetic character we were supposed to view him as. His worries and scruples about the law were much more understandable before this book - by now, he should know better. ESPECIALLY when the plan didn't involve any violence!!
CW: Violence, classism, attempted murder, blood, references to murder
June 13, 2021
I wanted to love this book. I really did. The first two books were great and for the end of the series, this felt like a letdown. I spent the first 50-75% of the book wanting to throw my kindle against the wall because several of my favorite characters decided to leave their brains at the door.
Halfway through the story, the literal heroine of the series who has REPEATEDLY saved lives in epic and heroic ways turns into a helpless damsel who thinks to herself (direct quote): “I have never been a heroine…”
I’m sorry, WHAT? Are you kidding me?!? Liz’s character development throughout this book was disappointing to me.
The last quarter of the book tied up the loose ends of the series well, and George ended up being the solid gold character I knew he could be back in book 1, so that was nice. The resolution was pretty quick for how long the build up was though.
*spoiler* And maybe it’s just me, but the enemy to lovers plot line would have been more satisfying if there had been a scene with an explicit apology for druging and attacking Liz instead of her just internally deciding to gloss over it because of his misplaced good intentions. That’s not cute, its abusive.
All in all, if you liked the first two books, the overarching storyline has an intriguing conclusion so you should probably read it, but be aware that it is a more frustrating read than the first two installments.
Halfway through the story, the literal heroine of the series who has REPEATEDLY saved lives in epic and heroic ways turns into a helpless damsel who thinks to herself (direct quote): “I have never been a heroine…”
I’m sorry, WHAT? Are you kidding me?!? Liz’s character development throughout this book was disappointing to me.
The last quarter of the book tied up the loose ends of the series well, and George ended up being the solid gold character I knew he could be back in book 1, so that was nice. The resolution was pretty quick for how long the build up was though.
*spoiler* And maybe it’s just me, but the enemy to lovers plot line would have been more satisfying if there had been a scene with an explicit apology for druging and attacking Liz instead of her just internally deciding to gloss over it because of his misplaced good intentions. That’s not cute, its abusive.
All in all, if you liked the first two books, the overarching storyline has an intriguing conclusion so you should probably read it, but be aware that it is a more frustrating read than the first two installments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2024
Wow, I had to drag myself through this one. It read like a bad DnD game where no one knows what they should do next so the group just bounces between places getting into fights for no good reason. Liz has been kind of dumb this entire series but this book made her past choices look brilliant. Did not like this series. The only character I cared about was the vampire. Two stars just for him.
January 4, 2026
As I said with the 1st book in this series, this is not the normal kind of thing I read, but I really enjoyed it. I knew the author was someone I could trust not to get out of line with the story and I was right.
This one was the best of the series. It is very exciting with lots of action and close calls. But it does all come out right in the end. Really fun series.
This one was the best of the series. It is very exciting with lots of action and close calls. But it does all come out right in the end. Really fun series.
March 6, 2024
Loved this series!
May 2, 2026
Entertaining and delightfully original. There isn't another series out there quite like this.
February 14, 2023
SUCH a great conclusion to the trilogy!!!!! Loved every second of it!
June 4, 2021
Sharp Victorian monster hunter
I love the whole series! Liz Sharp is awesome as the heroine, strong, kind , funny and intelligent. Her sense of justice is pure and she has a positive effect on the rest off the characters, a truly driven and delightful character.
I love the whole series! Liz Sharp is awesome as the heroine, strong, kind , funny and intelligent. Her sense of justice is pure and she has a positive effect on the rest off the characters, a truly driven and delightful character.
September 26, 2021
RTC...
Actually, no. I want to say something.
This series marks the second series in which there is a a very careful character whom I learn to like better after their Very Carefully Maintained Self is mussed by something or SOMEONE.
In my haste to gobble up this book, I, doubtless, missed many wonderful things. Which is why I will refrain from writing out a full review. But know that this is a thoroughly thought-provoking and nerve-wracking read that had me vastly uncomfortable with how much I had to think about various issues. Yet this is also a book full of people trying to do what’s right for the good of both the European continent as a whole and the individuals that they’ve come to care for greatly but having no clue how to balance these goals in the face of the threats they face. It’s a troublesome book, but it’s definitely worth the read, especially if you’ve already read the first two books.
(if I have heart issues after today it’s because of this book)
Actually, no. I want to say something.
This series marks the second series in which there is a a very careful character whom I learn to like better after their Very Carefully Maintained Self is mussed by something or SOMEONE.
In my haste to gobble up this book, I, doubtless, missed many wonderful things. Which is why I will refrain from writing out a full review. But know that this is a thoroughly thought-provoking and nerve-wracking read that had me vastly uncomfortable with how much I had to think about various issues. Yet this is also a book full of people trying to do what’s right for the good of both the European continent as a whole and the individuals that they’ve come to care for greatly but having no clue how to balance these goals in the face of the threats they face. It’s a troublesome book, but it’s definitely worth the read, especially if you’ve already read the first two books.
(if I have heart issues after today it’s because of this book)
August 21, 2021
If you liked the first two books in Miss Sharp's Monsters, you'll love the conclusion. The overall flavor was established quickly in book one and has stayed consistent, so as someone who likes that hint of predictability in fiction I am very pleased. Which isn't to imply that there aren't unpredictable plot twists but the series feels like a coherent whole. The characters I love finally got their happy endings — or satisfyingly unhappy endings as the case may be. Suzannah is already a master of this new-to-her storytelling style, so I'm thrilled that there will be another series set in the same world! I'm not ready to say goodbye to theses characters. See you there!
September 2, 2021
I'm... honestly still trying to process everything that happened in this book, since it was really fast-paced, and while everything was tied up fairly neatly, the themes that are developed are... a lot. I'm still thinking a whole lot about the whole monsters defanging thing, because I don't know if I agree with it entirely unless I look at it from more of a theological angle (which is what I think the author was going for).
For the romance, while I kind of knew Liz and Short would end up together, I think what didn't help me is that Short is the protagonist I liked the less in this book (unfortunately) and I missed the character he was in the previous installments? But he's also very much the kind of person Liz needs in her life when it comes to marriage and having a family, so I can't say I'm upset either, if that makes any sense. Anton actually grew on me and him begrudgingly liking May was hilarious, George finally sticking it to his family gave me the payoff I wanted since book 1 (although, personality-wise... he's closer to his son Bertie than the actual George V, but I know that was voluntary on the author's part), Alix and Nicky were adorable (Nicky's lisp when he has his fangs had me snorting every time, like, what a lamb XD), and I'm not even mad about Missy of Edinburgh being a villain even if she's one of my favorite granddaughters of Queen Victoria - I mean, you love to hate her in this book, don't you?
Also, no shade meant here but I also kind of wonder if the Darkling wasn't an inspiration for Vasily, and I mean it in a good way - except I think what Leigh Bardugo was trying to do with the Darkling was overall better done with Vasily, plus he gets a redemption arc which is a definitive plus in my book, and there are no slut-shamey vibes when it comes to Liz's dynamic with him. And needless to say, I am very excited we'll see more of our favorite (de)fanged, jewel-robber drama king *prayer circle for a romance*
I'll also admit I'm still wondering what is the deal with other kingdoms that weren't mentioned or were mentioned very quickly - we have Rudolf and the tragedy at Mayerling is basically a conspiracy to stop him from running away to Peru with Maria Vestera, but it does, let's say, perplex me a little that Austria-Hungary wasn't more involved in this story, especially since Empress Elisabeth (aka Sissi) was eventually killed by an anarchist if she isn't already in this universe, and it does make me wonder what's this world's take on the French Revolution, but I guess this is what fanfic is for.
So, yeah. If you're looking for a good steampunk series with supernatural elements, this should be right up your alley. Seriously, these books are ridiculously good and entertaining.
For the romance, while I kind of knew Liz and Short would end up together, I think what didn't help me is that Short is the protagonist I liked the less in this book (unfortunately) and I missed the character he was in the previous installments? But he's also very much the kind of person Liz needs in her life when it comes to marriage and having a family, so I can't say I'm upset either, if that makes any sense. Anton actually grew on me and him begrudgingly liking May was hilarious, George finally sticking it to his family gave me the payoff I wanted since book 1 (although, personality-wise... he's closer to his son Bertie than the actual George V, but I know that was voluntary on the author's part), Alix and Nicky were adorable (Nicky's lisp when he has his fangs had me snorting every time, like, what a lamb XD), and I'm not even mad about Missy of Edinburgh being a villain even if she's one of my favorite granddaughters of Queen Victoria - I mean, you love to hate her in this book, don't you?
Also, no shade meant here but I also kind of wonder if the Darkling wasn't an inspiration for Vasily, and I mean it in a good way - except I think what Leigh Bardugo was trying to do with the Darkling was overall better done with Vasily, plus he gets a redemption arc which is a definitive plus in my book, and there are no slut-shamey vibes when it comes to Liz's dynamic with him. And needless to say, I am very excited we'll see more of our favorite (de)fanged, jewel-robber drama king *prayer circle for a romance*
I'll also admit I'm still wondering what is the deal with other kingdoms that weren't mentioned or were mentioned very quickly - we have Rudolf and the tragedy at Mayerling is basically a conspiracy to stop him from running away to Peru with Maria Vestera, but it does, let's say, perplex me a little that Austria-Hungary wasn't more involved in this story, especially since Empress Elisabeth (aka Sissi) was eventually killed by an anarchist if she isn't already in this universe, and it does make me wonder what's this world's take on the French Revolution, but I guess this is what fanfic is for.
So, yeah. If you're looking for a good steampunk series with supernatural elements, this should be right up your alley. Seriously, these books are ridiculously good and entertaining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
May 21, 2021In this gaslamp romp of a series this book is the rompiest. Despite being set in a single town (Coburg), A Vampire in Bavaria is packed to bursting with the back and forth shenanigans of Sharp and her crew: filled with betrayals and backstabbings, kidnappings and captures, trials and Kabales, and not one… not two… but three romantic contenders for our heroine.
What I liked best — the revenants, including a brand new kind. And the Kabale, a shadow organisation controlling Europe and her royal houses.
What I'm still thinking about — the means by which Sharp is saved and the means by which she saves the day. The first is tied up rather (too?) quickly. With the second, I would have loved . And yet, both also worked…
I'm torn about how to rate this one… can't yet decide. I LOVED book one and book two. And this one is a fitting, thrilling end to an excellent series.
What I liked best — the revenants, including a brand new kind. And the Kabale, a shadow organisation controlling Europe and her royal houses.
What I'm still thinking about — the means by which Sharp is saved and the means by which she saves the day. The first is tied up rather (too?) quickly. With the second, I would have loved . And yet, both also worked…
I'm torn about how to rate this one… can't yet decide. I LOVED book one and book two. And this one is a fitting, thrilling end to an excellent series.
August 6, 2021
In A Vampire in Bavaria, Miss Sharp continues her enigmatic association with the Grand Duke Vasily of Russia. She falls afoul of the Kabale, a group of monsters who control what their kind can and cannot do. Determined to bring down the Kabale, Liz develops a plan to defang them involving a serum made of special blood–but if the blood is not given willingly, how is Liz any better than the monsters who maraud through the streets of Europe’s capital cities?
This is a remarkable paranormal series that takes gaslamp/steampunk fantasy and mixes it with beasts of legend. Although there are hints of romance in the series, the books are clean, refusing to go down the path of lust and seduction ubiquitous in vampire literature. The author also poses an ethical dilemma–certainly, monsters who kill deserve to be punished for their crimes, but if they are also people too, just how should they be punished? The sacramental nature of blood, and blood freely given, is explored in the series. In the end, Liz Sharp has to be willing to give up all hope of victory if it means doing what is right.
This highly original series is an entertaining read for teens or adults. Recommended.
This is a remarkable paranormal series that takes gaslamp/steampunk fantasy and mixes it with beasts of legend. Although there are hints of romance in the series, the books are clean, refusing to go down the path of lust and seduction ubiquitous in vampire literature. The author also poses an ethical dilemma–certainly, monsters who kill deserve to be punished for their crimes, but if they are also people too, just how should they be punished? The sacramental nature of blood, and blood freely given, is explored in the series. In the end, Liz Sharp has to be willing to give up all hope of victory if it means doing what is right.
This highly original series is an entertaining read for teens or adults. Recommended.
September 27, 2023
I'm outrageously behind on writing reviews of the things that I've read this year, so, because I basically read it all at once, I'm going to briefly review this trilogy as a whole.
Such a fun read. Loved the copious allusions to everyone from GK Chesterton to Elle Woods.
Miss Short makes subversive choices every chance she gets, yet remains completely wholesome. This is meta-level subversiveness going on here, and it is delightful.
I once had a conversation with a good friend about whether one can write historical fiction about real people without breaking the commandment not to bear false witness against your neighbor. I had a chuckle remembering that conversation while navigating a literary universe in which all of the Victorian-era monarchs are literal monsters. Ultimately, I concluded that there must be some wiggle room in the law for the historical fantasy fiction genre. The series does invite some deeper than expected thought about the role of government and the nature of civil authority, but the reading is enjoyable regardless of where you land on such issues.
Such a fun read. Loved the copious allusions to everyone from GK Chesterton to Elle Woods.
Miss Short makes subversive choices every chance she gets, yet remains completely wholesome. This is meta-level subversiveness going on here, and it is delightful.
I once had a conversation with a good friend about whether one can write historical fiction about real people without breaking the commandment not to bear false witness against your neighbor. I had a chuckle remembering that conversation while navigating a literary universe in which all of the Victorian-era monarchs are literal monsters. Ultimately, I concluded that there must be some wiggle room in the law for the historical fantasy fiction genre. The series does invite some deeper than expected thought about the role of government and the nature of civil authority, but the reading is enjoyable regardless of where you land on such issues.
June 3, 2025
I find it interesting how so many authors excel at creating alluring characters and fascinating world-building, yet somehow fail to deliver a satisfying ending to their story.
This series is a prime example of that🤔
The only character arcs that felt remotely satisfying to me were George’s and Anton’s. The rest of the cast seemed to be operating without a brain for 90% of the book, including Liz. The hostage exchange scene? Pathetic to the extreme🙈
Also, I’ll never understand why the author decided to completely rewrite Short’s character after two whole books and suddenly turn him into an insufferable attempt at a domineering male🥲. The moment he tried to drug and kidnap Liz, it was one step too far. Then the author threw in a mind-control trope, and what we ended up with was one of the most disappointing male leads I’ve ever read💁🏻♀️ He really didn’t deserve this transformation.
And of course, at the very end, Liz suddenly unlocked her special snowflake power to (talk to God, apparently 😅) free all the revenants. Sure. Why not.
After two decent books, this third one just feels chaotic, random, and dissatisfying.
This series is a prime example of that🤔
The only character arcs that felt remotely satisfying to me were George’s and Anton’s. The rest of the cast seemed to be operating without a brain for 90% of the book, including Liz. The hostage exchange scene? Pathetic to the extreme🙈
Also, I’ll never understand why the author decided to completely rewrite Short’s character after two whole books and suddenly turn him into an insufferable attempt at a domineering male🥲. The moment he tried to drug and kidnap Liz, it was one step too far. Then the author threw in a mind-control trope, and what we ended up with was one of the most disappointing male leads I’ve ever read💁🏻♀️ He really didn’t deserve this transformation.
And of course, at the very end, Liz suddenly unlocked her special snowflake power to (talk to God, apparently 😅) free all the revenants. Sure. Why not.
After two decent books, this third one just feels chaotic, random, and dissatisfying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2024
Is this the completely true prequel to WWI?
The events that really sparked the first world war are so unbelievable and contrived that this novel feels like a much more believable account.
Of course, if you've read the first two Miss Sharp's Monsters books, you know that the timeline won't allow for the great war for many more years. Even so the events of this novel are the match that lights the fuse.
I was completely enthralled with everything about this story. The tension, the characters and the power behind the royal monsters. I also loved how the author seamlessly wove her faith into the story as Liz Sharp struggled with her own search for truth.
The narrator did a remarkable job, as she has on the previous two books. She brings each character to life with a different voice and she exhibits a great range of emotions and an impeccable sense of comedy, as she perfectly nails Sharp's sarcastic asides.
A Vampire in Bavaria is a thrilling conclusion not to be missed, but only after you read the first two books.
The events that really sparked the first world war are so unbelievable and contrived that this novel feels like a much more believable account.
Of course, if you've read the first two Miss Sharp's Monsters books, you know that the timeline won't allow for the great war for many more years. Even so the events of this novel are the match that lights the fuse.
I was completely enthralled with everything about this story. The tension, the characters and the power behind the royal monsters. I also loved how the author seamlessly wove her faith into the story as Liz Sharp struggled with her own search for truth.
The narrator did a remarkable job, as she has on the previous two books. She brings each character to life with a different voice and she exhibits a great range of emotions and an impeccable sense of comedy, as she perfectly nails Sharp's sarcastic asides.
A Vampire in Bavaria is a thrilling conclusion not to be missed, but only after you read the first two books.
December 14, 2025
I read this trilogy straight through, as one. So, I'll just go ahead and review it as such, though the books do break at natural points with their own particular challenges to overcome.
If you enjoyed The Parasol Protectorate, I firmly believe you will enjoy this series. There are definite similarities (and enough differences to avoid feeling like a dupe). Like Alexia Tarabotti, Elizabeth Sharp is an eminently practical heroine. I do so appreciate a practical heroine who just gets on with getting on, even in the most outrageous situations. Her Scooby Doo crew is endearing (even if some of them don't get the screen time I wish they would have), the world is interestingly developed, and the villains villainous. I did feel a little detached from the action, never fully invested in it all. But for the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed this series.
If you enjoyed The Parasol Protectorate, I firmly believe you will enjoy this series. There are definite similarities (and enough differences to avoid feeling like a dupe). Like Alexia Tarabotti, Elizabeth Sharp is an eminently practical heroine. I do so appreciate a practical heroine who just gets on with getting on, even in the most outrageous situations. Her Scooby Doo crew is endearing (even if some of them don't get the screen time I wish they would have), the world is interestingly developed, and the villains villainous. I did feel a little detached from the action, never fully invested in it all. But for the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed this series.
May 25, 2025
Three and a half stars, Sharp is a naive idealist with no grasp on consequences and was honestly so annoying that I felt bad for Short having to deal with her. By book 3 I would have assumed she would have matured a little bit, though I guess the timeline is only a couple of months but the constant "oh this person I trust disagrees with me, clearly, even though they have a LOT more experience, I am right and will not be taking any questions" was so tiring :/
"I think you like to be a victim, then nothing that happens to you will every be your fault" was such a banger accusation tho, I think I'm one of the bad guys.
Also, George deserves better.
"I think you like to be a victim, then nothing that happens to you will every be your fault" was such a banger accusation tho, I think I'm one of the bad guys.
Also, George deserves better.
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