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Ladies of WACK #1
A Study in Steam
It’s 1870, and women are finally allowed to attend university in Brythion, well, four women at least. Pippa Stanhope can barely contain her excitement, she was accepted to Grantabridge University. Pippa’s dreams have come true. She’s attending university and has the opportunity to study steam engineering with the very best.
However, all is not as it seems at Grantabridge University. Society does not condone women seeking an education. There are very few people that welcome the ladies, let alone with open arms. In fact, Pippa can only think of two, the handsome Kaiden Fremont and Professor Aneurin.
After some break-ins and destruction at the ladies dorms, one more advocate of ladies attending university dies. The detective accuses Pippa of their murder. To clear her name and find the actual murderer, Pippa finds herself amid a dangerous conspiracy. With the help of her friends and Kaiden, Pippa is determined to find the real killer.
Will Pippa be able to bring the killer to justice before it’s too late?
However, all is not as it seems at Grantabridge University. Society does not condone women seeking an education. There are very few people that welcome the ladies, let alone with open arms. In fact, Pippa can only think of two, the handsome Kaiden Fremont and Professor Aneurin.
After some break-ins and destruction at the ladies dorms, one more advocate of ladies attending university dies. The detective accuses Pippa of their murder. To clear her name and find the actual murderer, Pippa finds herself amid a dangerous conspiracy. With the help of her friends and Kaiden, Pippa is determined to find the real killer.
Will Pippa be able to bring the killer to justice before it’s too late?
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2022
129 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie K. Clemens
18 books67 followersStephanie K Clemens is known for many things: an author, photographer, dog mom, instagrammer, adventurer, teacher, lawyer, and more. When she’s not sitting behind her laptop she can be found on some adventure. Most of the time it’s a road trip with her two doggos, but recently it has been in the pages of a book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 14, 2022
As a daughter of a viscount, Pippa Stanhope is not supposed to have her own ideas. She definitely isn’t supposed to attend a university and get a decent education.
Pippa has been making inventions with steam technology, she wants to learn more and has sent in an application to join a university.
Four girls are “accepted” to join and study: Pippa, Georgi, Mads & Willa. But if they were expecting a “welcome to our university”, they were sadly mistaken.
Not everyone is happy about the ladies joining the ranks and strange things start to happen. There are even murders involved… And there’s a cute (to be) duke, Kaiden.
Will they be able to overcome the difficulties they are facing & find out who the murderer is?
Really enjoyed the story! Lovable (not all) diverse characters, murder/mystery, a little (spicy) romance & some Victorian values mixed in. Definitely recommend!
Pippa has been making inventions with steam technology, she wants to learn more and has sent in an application to join a university.
Four girls are “accepted” to join and study: Pippa, Georgi, Mads & Willa. But if they were expecting a “welcome to our university”, they were sadly mistaken.
Not everyone is happy about the ladies joining the ranks and strange things start to happen. There are even murders involved… And there’s a cute (to be) duke, Kaiden.
Will they be able to overcome the difficulties they are facing & find out who the murderer is?
Really enjoyed the story! Lovable (not all) diverse characters, murder/mystery, a little (spicy) romance & some Victorian values mixed in. Definitely recommend!
January 25, 2022
• 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 •
𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: A Study in Steam
𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Ladies of WACK #1
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Stephanie K. Clemens
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ☆☆☆☆ 4/5
𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲: 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘈𝘙𝘊. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
This read was so different from my normal reads and I enjoyed it a lot. I loved the historical setting in the book and all the steampunk. I feel like the author did her research very well. The romance in this book is a very slow burn that does ignite at some point. I do wish the romance had a bit more build up (I wanted to feel the connection between Pippa and her love interest more), but it was very hawt lol. I fell in love in the beginning of the book. It was so different and I liked the flow of the sentences. There was a part of the book, I think it was around the middle, where I wished the pacing was a bit faster… however, it did pick up towards the end. The mystery surrounding the killer was interesting and I liked how all the hints were placed in the book, I did found the killer to be a bit obvious. I loved the characters and their different representations (yay for the diverse characters as well). I think the girls were my favorite part of the book, the friendship and companionship growing between them was awesome. For those who like the one bed trope, it’s in there lol. I think this was a great debut for Stephanie K. Clemens!
A lot of my reviews are also available with photo at my Bookstagram: @justmyfantasyworld
𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: A Study in Steam
𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Ladies of WACK #1
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Stephanie K. Clemens
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ☆☆☆☆ 4/5
𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲: 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘈𝘙𝘊. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
This read was so different from my normal reads and I enjoyed it a lot. I loved the historical setting in the book and all the steampunk. I feel like the author did her research very well. The romance in this book is a very slow burn that does ignite at some point. I do wish the romance had a bit more build up (I wanted to feel the connection between Pippa and her love interest more), but it was very hawt lol. I fell in love in the beginning of the book. It was so different and I liked the flow of the sentences. There was a part of the book, I think it was around the middle, where I wished the pacing was a bit faster… however, it did pick up towards the end. The mystery surrounding the killer was interesting and I liked how all the hints were placed in the book, I did found the killer to be a bit obvious. I loved the characters and their different representations (yay for the diverse characters as well). I think the girls were my favorite part of the book, the friendship and companionship growing between them was awesome. For those who like the one bed trope, it’s in there lol. I think this was a great debut for Stephanie K. Clemens!
A lot of my reviews are also available with photo at my Bookstagram: @justmyfantasyworld
August 13, 2023
I couldn't finish it for the in-your-face politics
The writing itself is incredible. The language and the descriptors are first rate! But the plot left me cold. With radical feminism all over the headlines right now, the last thing I wanted was to find it in my fiction, which I read to escape our crazy current culture. This just threw the whole thing right back in my face. Yes, until the late 20th century, women didn't have all the advantages of men. But this is steampunk; this is fantasy, and while set in the Edwardian / Victorian eras, women can do any damn thing they want including being sky pirates, and here I am getting a lecture on "toxic masculinity." No. Just no. The Parasol Protectorate this is not!
The writing itself is incredible. The language and the descriptors are first rate! But the plot left me cold. With radical feminism all over the headlines right now, the last thing I wanted was to find it in my fiction, which I read to escape our crazy current culture. This just threw the whole thing right back in my face. Yes, until the late 20th century, women didn't have all the advantages of men. But this is steampunk; this is fantasy, and while set in the Edwardian / Victorian eras, women can do any damn thing they want including being sky pirates, and here I am getting a lecture on "toxic masculinity." No. Just no. The Parasol Protectorate this is not!
September 29, 2023
Brilliant!
While there is a definite undercurrent or nod to the times (staid alternate Victorian customs and behaviour) this book describes perfectly the first time women are admitted to university, but that's where it stops. The author manages to write an action-filled blockbuster with the trials of the four heroines front and centre, from the attempts of the entitled aristocracy and a secret society to force them to leave culminating in two brutal murders. While I would have liked more of the steampunk theme there is enough to hold your interest and some of the inventions are terrific, it's difficult to explain the storyline further without ruining the convoluted plot. You don't want to miss this amazing book, Baz.
While there is a definite undercurrent or nod to the times (staid alternate Victorian customs and behaviour) this book describes perfectly the first time women are admitted to university, but that's where it stops. The author manages to write an action-filled blockbuster with the trials of the four heroines front and centre, from the attempts of the entitled aristocracy and a secret society to force them to leave culminating in two brutal murders. While I would have liked more of the steampunk theme there is enough to hold your interest and some of the inventions are terrific, it's difficult to explain the storyline further without ruining the convoluted plot. You don't want to miss this amazing book, Baz.
April 30, 2022
A Study in Steam: The Ladies of WACK
What a complete delight. Now on first glance there would appear to be little here to make a meal on, but that would be a terrible waste.
The writer has created a Victorian world similar to our own, but yet different. Unfortunately the similarities are the regrettable ones, greed, stupidity, arrogance, rigidity, and status. But it serves as a reminder that even as we have come a long way there is still plenty of those vices lurking about.
In any mystery, much less a murder mystery there must be a mystery and this the writer deliverers in spades. There’s offensive behavior, sabotage, class distinction, official incompetence and did I mention a murder?
This could easily have devolved into a saccharine romance, boy meets girl, etc., but it doesn’t. Oh yes, there is romance and even a bit of modest groping and (Gasp!) sexual union. But it grows with the story, naturally and with a proper pace for people who have yet to discover Victoria’s Secrets. The central character comes to the story with no intention to engage in the marriage dance and is even a bit butch for the time. But as the story progresses she finds and connects with not only a desirable mate but someone with a bit of extra she was not supposed to have a chance at. Take that you prim and prudent ladies of fashion.
The supporting cast, the ladies of WACK, are all well drawn and have lives and personalities of their own. Even the gormless hero is fully fleshed out. It is a tough job to be a hero in a ladies book, for one must be attractive and dependable, with a certain amount of dash and capable of fending off legions of fiends, rakes and cads, and still be sensitive enough to only rescue when really needed.
The secondary characters lack as much attention and do at times seem as placeholders only. Those with a direct connection to the Ladies have more life, but once a full step away they lose color and substance.
In this the principle villain joins the rest of the background players as he comes in fully developed with a nasty attitude and no backstory to give any indication why he is so mean-spirited.
But this does not halt the flow of the story, only take a touch of the glow off.
In the end there is more mystery than steam and enough bits left dangling to make great hooks for the next novel, which I will look forward to with a worm on my tongue.
Read the ladies of WACK to find your favorite and enjoy the bits of Steampunk here and there. The book is fast, easy and a wonderful read. Break out the cucumber sandwiches and sherry cobbler and sit back to spend the day with the Ladies in their new and exciting adventures
What a complete delight. Now on first glance there would appear to be little here to make a meal on, but that would be a terrible waste.
The writer has created a Victorian world similar to our own, but yet different. Unfortunately the similarities are the regrettable ones, greed, stupidity, arrogance, rigidity, and status. But it serves as a reminder that even as we have come a long way there is still plenty of those vices lurking about.
In any mystery, much less a murder mystery there must be a mystery and this the writer deliverers in spades. There’s offensive behavior, sabotage, class distinction, official incompetence and did I mention a murder?
This could easily have devolved into a saccharine romance, boy meets girl, etc., but it doesn’t. Oh yes, there is romance and even a bit of modest groping and (Gasp!) sexual union. But it grows with the story, naturally and with a proper pace for people who have yet to discover Victoria’s Secrets. The central character comes to the story with no intention to engage in the marriage dance and is even a bit butch for the time. But as the story progresses she finds and connects with not only a desirable mate but someone with a bit of extra she was not supposed to have a chance at. Take that you prim and prudent ladies of fashion.
The supporting cast, the ladies of WACK, are all well drawn and have lives and personalities of their own. Even the gormless hero is fully fleshed out. It is a tough job to be a hero in a ladies book, for one must be attractive and dependable, with a certain amount of dash and capable of fending off legions of fiends, rakes and cads, and still be sensitive enough to only rescue when really needed.
The secondary characters lack as much attention and do at times seem as placeholders only. Those with a direct connection to the Ladies have more life, but once a full step away they lose color and substance.
In this the principle villain joins the rest of the background players as he comes in fully developed with a nasty attitude and no backstory to give any indication why he is so mean-spirited.
But this does not halt the flow of the story, only take a touch of the glow off.
In the end there is more mystery than steam and enough bits left dangling to make great hooks for the next novel, which I will look forward to with a worm on my tongue.
Read the ladies of WACK to find your favorite and enjoy the bits of Steampunk here and there. The book is fast, easy and a wonderful read. Break out the cucumber sandwiches and sherry cobbler and sit back to spend the day with the Ladies in their new and exciting adventures
July 1, 2022
The story follows Pippa who has a love for inventing and tinkering with gears and steam powered gadgets. But she has to hide this interest until the University opened up for women. I loved Peppa as a character she's definitely before her time as a strong and powerful woman. I loved the twists and turns of the books takes and the author writes an amazing world of creativity as well as an amazingly written characters that make you want to fall in love with them
June 10, 2022
Sooo Good!!!
I was enraptured with this book!! Stephanie K. Clemens has written the perfect mystery novel with the most amazing group of female characters! I’m soo excited to continue reading the journey the Ladies of WACK will continue on and I’m so happy this was included in the June TBR TikTok list!!
I was enraptured with this book!! Stephanie K. Clemens has written the perfect mystery novel with the most amazing group of female characters! I’m soo excited to continue reading the journey the Ladies of WACK will continue on and I’m so happy this was included in the June TBR TikTok list!!
June 10, 2022
This book was a fantastic read! Normally not the kind of story I read but this book simply draws you in. It has a good story and I loved the characters
April 28, 2024
First, what a gorgeous cover!
My thoughts in bullet point form:
The story was good,
the villain was immediately evident,
there was a slow burn romance,
lots of steampunk elements n a sciencey kind of way but not a lot of things like dirigibles, clockwork robots, etc. This was more science and engineering based.
Occasional use of modern terms (ie ‘I felt seen’) that I didn’t care for
Nice there were very few typos or errors
I really liked the FMC and MMC. We never heard what happens to them after the proposal though, perhaps this will be in the other books in the series
There was lots of preaching and lecturing about women”a rights to the point of it being heavy-handed and boring. It’s fine to have a theme but this was a bit much. So many words and explanations!
Medium steam although there are a couple open door s3x scenes, plus kissing.
I couldn’t seem to get into this book. There was lots of action, decent character development, a good (if standard) plot but I think the amount of preaching put me off.
My thoughts in bullet point form:
The story was good,
the villain was immediately evident,
there was a slow burn romance,
lots of steampunk elements n a sciencey kind of way but not a lot of things like dirigibles, clockwork robots, etc. This was more science and engineering based.
Occasional use of modern terms (ie ‘I felt seen’) that I didn’t care for
Nice there were very few typos or errors
I really liked the FMC and MMC. We never heard what happens to them after the proposal though, perhaps this will be in the other books in the series
There was lots of preaching and lecturing about women”a rights to the point of it being heavy-handed and boring. It’s fine to have a theme but this was a bit much. So many words and explanations!
Medium steam although there are a couple open door s3x scenes, plus kissing.
I couldn’t seem to get into this book. There was lots of action, decent character development, a good (if standard) plot but I think the amount of preaching put me off.
June 14, 2022
If you want a book that has awesome examples of girl power, women supporting women, independent women that also includes a bit of romance and lots of laughter, totally the book for you!
These 4 women go against convention and fight for a woman’s right to learn. It’s encouraging to see how they band together to build each other up and work to help others at the same time.
The romance was more in the background & without it, the plot is still very much there. I did feel that the romance seemed rushed for such a level headed woman, but love makes us do crazy things I suppose. 😃
Looking forward to see what’s next for WACK!
These 4 women go against convention and fight for a woman’s right to learn. It’s encouraging to see how they band together to build each other up and work to help others at the same time.
The romance was more in the background & without it, the plot is still very much there. I did feel that the romance seemed rushed for such a level headed woman, but love makes us do crazy things I suppose. 😃
Looking forward to see what’s next for WACK!
November 28, 2024
Pippa loves to tinker. As a matter of fact, she invented her own steamer cycle and rides it everywhere she could. When the opportunity comes to attend university to study; she would give up everything to attend. Meantime though, women were not wanted at the university and sinister things are threatening their position there especially when Pippa herself was rumoured to be the perpetrator. These ladies will stand and defend themselves and their right to learn.
I really want to love this one as I think the premise has such promise that I would love it. I can't put my finger on it but I feel there's something missing. I didn't quite feel the sparks and dialogues weren't as smooth. I want to liken this to India Holton's (which I love dearly) but yet it falls rather short.
I really want to love this one as I think the premise has such promise that I would love it. I can't put my finger on it but I feel there's something missing. I didn't quite feel the sparks and dialogues weren't as smooth. I want to liken this to India Holton's (which I love dearly) but yet it falls rather short.
July 13, 2022
The book is WACK in the best way
This is so good. I loved the characters and watching the budding romance evolve and can’t wait to see who’s story will be next and what threat will be next and how they start making a difference in the lives of the women in town society and commoners alike.
This is so good. I loved the characters and watching the budding romance evolve and can’t wait to see who’s story will be next and what threat will be next and how they start making a difference in the lives of the women in town society and commoners alike.
January 6, 2024
Women Adventurers' Consortium of Knowledge
Phillipa (Pippa) Stanhope, daughter of a Viscount, defies convention at every turn. Blessed with a brilliant mind for engineering and inventing, she joins 3 other unconventional women as the first to attend University. With much opposition against them, including sabotoge, theft, assault, kidnapping, and murder, these ladies must band together to survive.
Despite being disowned for choosing to attend University, Pippa is thrilled to get the chance to learn with like minded people. Her initial disappointment that there are no formal classes is tempered when Professor Aneurin agrees to meet with her regularly. Having a mentor who understands her and supports her is a dream come true. But where there is progress, there are always those in power who resent it. The professor is murdered and Pippa is targeted as the main suspect. While a nasty smear campaign is set in motion around her, Pippa and her friends investigate. Also helping is Kaiden Fremont, reluctant heir to a Dukedom. His older brother, Edmund, had been a supporter of women & commoners attending University. Could his murder be linked to the professor's? Kaiden is fascinated with Pippa in all her unconventionality. Falling for a Duke may not have been in her plans, but spending time with Kaiden looking for answers just feels right.
A Study in Steam pulls you in from the beginning. Set in a world similar to our own in the Victorian time period, it focuses on the voices for and against progress. Pippa, Georgi, Mads, & Willa are fully formed and well thought out characters. A diverse group of ladies brought together by their thirst for knowledge, they become fast friends, fully supportive of each other. I'm looking forward to each of their stories. Blending mystery, romance, & secret societies as well as class and gender struggles against a steam punk background, this book had me turning pages from start to finish. Although the main villain is a bit obvious, the fact that he's not working alone opens up avenues for future conflicts.
Phillipa (Pippa) Stanhope, daughter of a Viscount, defies convention at every turn. Blessed with a brilliant mind for engineering and inventing, she joins 3 other unconventional women as the first to attend University. With much opposition against them, including sabotoge, theft, assault, kidnapping, and murder, these ladies must band together to survive.
Despite being disowned for choosing to attend University, Pippa is thrilled to get the chance to learn with like minded people. Her initial disappointment that there are no formal classes is tempered when Professor Aneurin agrees to meet with her regularly. Having a mentor who understands her and supports her is a dream come true. But where there is progress, there are always those in power who resent it. The professor is murdered and Pippa is targeted as the main suspect. While a nasty smear campaign is set in motion around her, Pippa and her friends investigate. Also helping is Kaiden Fremont, reluctant heir to a Dukedom. His older brother, Edmund, had been a supporter of women & commoners attending University. Could his murder be linked to the professor's? Kaiden is fascinated with Pippa in all her unconventionality. Falling for a Duke may not have been in her plans, but spending time with Kaiden looking for answers just feels right.
A Study in Steam pulls you in from the beginning. Set in a world similar to our own in the Victorian time period, it focuses on the voices for and against progress. Pippa, Georgi, Mads, & Willa are fully formed and well thought out characters. A diverse group of ladies brought together by their thirst for knowledge, they become fast friends, fully supportive of each other. I'm looking forward to each of their stories. Blending mystery, romance, & secret societies as well as class and gender struggles against a steam punk background, this book had me turning pages from start to finish. Although the main villain is a bit obvious, the fact that he's not working alone opens up avenues for future conflicts.
February 2, 2024
Started slow but once it got going (around 40%), I loved it!
July 23, 2022
Pippa is the daughter of a viscount. When the university decided to allow woman to apply, pippa took her chance. Her only problem was affording it, which is where her aunt comes in. Newly disowned from her family pippa sets off to college, only when she gets there it’s way different than she expected. The classes are taught independently but thanks to her professor she gets to learn one on one, the other woman were not so lucky. When the ugly house and the misinformation didn’t slow them down, one student begins sabotaging there home and lives. Instead of backing down pippa decided the recent murders were connected to her being sabotaged and she decided to solve it.
I have a recent obsession with murder mystery taken place in different historical time periods, it just adds an extra layer. I really liked this one, I wasn’t sure at first because I didn’t read the summary and didn’t know it was a mystery book to and I’ve never taken well to historical fiction but I liked it. You should read it
I have a recent obsession with murder mystery taken place in different historical time periods, it just adds an extra layer. I really liked this one, I wasn’t sure at first because I didn’t read the summary and didn’t know it was a mystery book to and I’ve never taken well to historical fiction but I liked it. You should read it
January 26, 2022
Murder, mystery, and romance!
What a ride! I highly enjoyed this book! It takes place in the 1800s when women in society were ment to be obedient, run a house hold, and look pretty all the time. Never to question men or be educated. Well Pippa is the complete opposite of women her age. She has a passion for learning and building. She has no interest in marriage or frilly gowns. When the opportunity arises to attend the University, that only men have attended, she jumps on the chance.
Now obviously everyone is upset that a few chosen women, like Pippa, have been allowed to attend University. Pippa and her fellow ladies find themselves in unsual situations. Will they stay or will the go?
What a ride! I highly enjoyed this book! It takes place in the 1800s when women in society were ment to be obedient, run a house hold, and look pretty all the time. Never to question men or be educated. Well Pippa is the complete opposite of women her age. She has a passion for learning and building. She has no interest in marriage or frilly gowns. When the opportunity arises to attend the University, that only men have attended, she jumps on the chance.
Now obviously everyone is upset that a few chosen women, like Pippa, have been allowed to attend University. Pippa and her fellow ladies find themselves in unsual situations. Will they stay or will the go?
January 19, 2022
This book was an interesting read, with mystery, romance, and steampunk all rolled into one novel. It reads like a period piece, but takes place in a steam-powered fantasy world called Brythion. The main character, Pippa, as well as the other ladies of WACK, are unique, well-developed characters with their own talents, ambitions, and experiences. Meeting each of the characters was my favorite part of the book. I can't wait to see where they all end up!
July 2, 2022
Beautifully written! Would definitely read the rest of the series! I listened to this in audio book and the Narrator (Caitlin Riblett) is very easy to listen too. The story is a mix of historical, mystery and who done it which i really enjoyed. One of my favourite parts was that the lead character pippa wasnt a boring lead! She was sassy and rebellious and didnt care what her parents or anyone thought!
January 15, 2022
This book had my attention from the very first page, didn't want to stop reading it. Would totally recommend to my friends and family plus anyone else who is an avid book reader. Once you start reading you will not want to stop, you will feel like your part of the story.
February 11, 2023
The ladies here are a trip!
The ladies were both delightful and adventurous, though at times their minds were so different I was tilting my head at their methods. Certainly the steampunk and era were prominent as well as some steamy scenes. I am willing to see where this may go.
The ladies were both delightful and adventurous, though at times their minds were so different I was tilting my head at their methods. Certainly the steampunk and era were prominent as well as some steamy scenes. I am willing to see where this may go.
November 6, 2022
Pioneering Ladies in a "Man's" Wotld
In the alternative world of Steampunk England, the first four women are admitted to a prestigious university. After arrival, they learn they are not wanted. Their dormitory is a hovel. They can attend courses but not get degrees. Their rooms are repeatedly vandalized and they are scorned by many students and faculty.
Our heroine, Lady Phillipa, dreams of becoming a steam engineer. Like her friends, she has had to educate herself at home and needs further knowledge to fulfill her dreams.
But more roadblocks are thrown in the way of the four companions. Pippa's mentor is murdered, and her enemies try to frame her for the crime. It is up to the four and a few enlightened male allies to proper her innocence.
Stephanie K. Clemens vividly draws the prejudices of upper class male society against women and the lower classes in the Victorian era. Her characters are three dimensional and their repartee is amusing and sharp.
I look forward to the future adventures of the intrepid Ladies of WACK.
In the alternative world of Steampunk England, the first four women are admitted to a prestigious university. After arrival, they learn they are not wanted. Their dormitory is a hovel. They can attend courses but not get degrees. Their rooms are repeatedly vandalized and they are scorned by many students and faculty.
Our heroine, Lady Phillipa, dreams of becoming a steam engineer. Like her friends, she has had to educate herself at home and needs further knowledge to fulfill her dreams.
But more roadblocks are thrown in the way of the four companions. Pippa's mentor is murdered, and her enemies try to frame her for the crime. It is up to the four and a few enlightened male allies to proper her innocence.
Stephanie K. Clemens vividly draws the prejudices of upper class male society against women and the lower classes in the Victorian era. Her characters are three dimensional and their repartee is amusing and sharp.
I look forward to the future adventures of the intrepid Ladies of WACK.
April 27, 2024
First person stories are in fashion, but this one makes me feel like I'm in the brain of the author, thoughts popping up at random ('now where was I', 'oh wait not that', etc ). The writing is juvenile, the main character is supposed to a 'Victorian' age young woman, I have no idea how old she is, but she acts like a twenty-first century high school age teenager. I keep waiting for her pull out her cell phone and text her bff.
The only character I really liked was Aunt Honoria. I wouldn't mind reading a book about her.
There are also some time-line inconsistencies, loose ends, chapters will end abruptly, or a character will be standing or sitting while ruminating and then suddenly they're asleep without any progression. And of course there's a cliffhanger ending.
I give it 2 stars only because I liked the idea of the plot. Author needs an editor.
The only character I really liked was Aunt Honoria. I wouldn't mind reading a book about her.
There are also some time-line inconsistencies, loose ends, chapters will end abruptly, or a character will be standing or sitting while ruminating and then suddenly they're asleep without any progression. And of course there's a cliffhanger ending.
I give it 2 stars only because I liked the idea of the plot. Author needs an editor.
March 11, 2023
I thought this blend of steampunk, wit, and mystery was delightful.
There is one chapter of explicit content, which I don’t do, so know that going in if you avoid such things too. However, it’s not super relevant to the plot so you can just skip it without missing much.
The physical version could have used a little more TLC: paragraph indentations and margins looked a little wonky to my eye; dialogue tags had redundant qualifiers at times; that sort of thing.
HOWEVER.
The narrator was amazing and completely brought the humor and personalities to light. Highly, highly recommend listening to this hilarious steampunk mystery. Just maybe skip Chapter 13.
Definitely reading the second one in audiobook form!
There is one chapter of explicit content, which I don’t do, so know that going in if you avoid such things too. However, it’s not super relevant to the plot so you can just skip it without missing much.
The physical version could have used a little more TLC: paragraph indentations and margins looked a little wonky to my eye; dialogue tags had redundant qualifiers at times; that sort of thing.
HOWEVER.
The narrator was amazing and completely brought the humor and personalities to light. Highly, highly recommend listening to this hilarious steampunk mystery. Just maybe skip Chapter 13.
Definitely reading the second one in audiobook form!
June 15, 2025
Once I got over my flaming disappointment this was not, in fact, A Study in Steam, and, in fact, had very little in the way of Steam Punk outside of the FMC's occasional second hobby (after crying), and reframed my expectations to "Group of Oppressed Victorian Era Ladies All More Interesting Than The FMC Who Go After Obvious Badguy", it was an okay fun little romp. I cannot call it a mystery as there was only ever one villain and I cannot call it an intrigue as the obstacles were all pigs, except the MMC, who was conveniently also handsome. Unfortunately, I also cannot call this steampunk, so good luck ladies.. if going after the next Evil Man proves too much, there's always each other, pants, and a good book.
April 17, 2025
This book was good. I enjoyed how the writer set the story in 1800’s Victorian England at a university where women weren’t allowed to have an education, but four women were accepted as a trial run. I also loved how the story focused on the murder mystery and added some romance between Pippa and Kaiden that helped the story grow.
The supporting characters also were a delight because they all have different personalities and talents that are unique to them. It’s great to see how much we’ve changed as a society when it comes to careers for women but there are also some people who don’t like change at all.
May read the next book and continue on this journey.
The supporting characters also were a delight because they all have different personalities and talents that are unique to them. It’s great to see how much we’ve changed as a society when it comes to careers for women but there are also some people who don’t like change at all.
May read the next book and continue on this journey.
April 9, 2024
An OK read
So I liked the premises of the story, enough to want to finish it, but I couldn't quiet engage fully with the writing style.
I ended up skim reading the whole thing, skimming through paragraphs; yet that didn't result in me feeling I'd missed anything.
And I sort of do want to find out what happens next with the hook the author created in the close. But I'm not sure I'm invested enough to buy the next book.
I think of you like the authors style, you'll like the book and want to read the next one.
So I liked the premises of the story, enough to want to finish it, but I couldn't quiet engage fully with the writing style.
I ended up skim reading the whole thing, skimming through paragraphs; yet that didn't result in me feeling I'd missed anything.
And I sort of do want to find out what happens next with the hook the author created in the close. But I'm not sure I'm invested enough to buy the next book.
I think of you like the authors style, you'll like the book and want to read the next one.
December 7, 2023
Victorian Women Fight for Rights
Four women are accepted into a prestigious university but not able to earn a degree. Someone wants them to leave and does many devious things to force them out. The brave band of women lead by the petite Phillippa Stanhope work to discover who is behind the effort to drive them away. First of an excellent series. Looking forward to the next book.
Four women are accepted into a prestigious university but not able to earn a degree. Someone wants them to leave and does many devious things to force them out. The brave band of women lead by the petite Phillippa Stanhope work to discover who is behind the effort to drive them away. First of an excellent series. Looking forward to the next book.
February 6, 2023
Steampunk cozy
I really enjoyed this book. It's a light read with quirky characters. Highly predictable plot so far. However, it's written in a gentle friendly tone that draws you into story and leaves you wanting more.
I really enjoyed this book. It's a light read with quirky characters. Highly predictable plot so far. However, it's written in a gentle friendly tone that draws you into story and leaves you wanting more.
December 6, 2023
surprising
A Study in Steam is a delightful read. It held adventure, romance, and mystery. There was a lot fashion advice I’ll not use but it worked with the story and characters. I think I found a new series to explore.
A Study in Steam is a delightful read. It held adventure, romance, and mystery. There was a lot fashion advice I’ll not use but it worked with the story and characters. I think I found a new series to explore.
December 15, 2023
Great adventure story
I enjoyed the thrill of sleuthing the murderer out. The premarital sex was a little over the top for the time period. Even with the one descriptive sex scene, I recommend this story for the mature young adult reader.
I enjoyed the thrill of sleuthing the murderer out. The premarital sex was a little over the top for the time period. Even with the one descriptive sex scene, I recommend this story for the mature young adult reader.
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