What do you think?
Rate this book
The Catalyst: An Annabelle Sweeting Mystery
Annabelle Sweeting has come to London. Set in a steampunk world, a country girl with a quirk for gears and fashion makes her way through the busy streets in the hopes of discovering herself. What she does discover, however, are two dashing men vying for her attention, an unexpected series of murders, and an underestimated talent for being in the middle of it all. Can she navigate her way through the haughty ton, help the handsome Constable Weston solve the murders, and not get killed herself?
197 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2022
3 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
LK Billips
6 books15 followersLK Billips (born April 1983 in the United States) got her start as a serialized author on Kindle Vella. She has now self-published her debut novel, The Catalyst- An Annabelle Sweeting Mystery. She writes in the steampunk fantasy and paranormal romance genres. She is working her way through the self-publishing world in her quest to become a successful author. LK Billips is new to her writing career but has been reading and sharing stories since she was a kid. She is hopeful for the future and wants to share her work with a large and welcoming audience.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 18, 2025
A Fun Steampunk Adventure with Mystery and Romance
I picked up The Catalyst by LK Billips out of sheer curiosity. I met the author at an event where she described her work as "steampunk." I'll admit, I wasn't sure if steampunk was a real book genre—I thought it was just about cool fashion! But when she mentioned 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, I decided to give it a shot. I'm glad I did.
This book is part mystery, part romance, and has a definite steampunk vibe. The story follows Annabelle Sweeting, a country girl with a love of gears and gadgets, as she heads to 1817 London to find herself. The book starts off slow, taking time to introduce Annabelle and her world. At first, I wasn’t sure where it was going, but by the time the action picked up, I was hooked. The characters—especially Annabelle, her quirky cousin Jaime, and a charming young street urchin named Nathan—were easy to root for and fun to follow.
The story reminded me of Pride and Prejudice, with its focus on balls, dinners, and the drama of upper-class society. If that kind of thing bores you, this might not be your kind of book. But for me, the steampunk twist made it stand out. There’s even a mechanical manticore named Purgatorio that I absolutely loved! It’s a fierce but lovable robot (or AI, as we’d call it now) that added a lot of charm to the story.
The mystery itself wasn’t super complex, and some of the side characters felt a bit flat, but that didn’t bother me too much. The short chapters (4-5 pages) kept things moving, and the steampunk gadgets Annabelle uses to save the day were so clever and fun.
I don’t usually read romance or mystery, but I ended up really enjoying this book. It’s light, entertaining, and full of personality. If you’re curious about steampunk or just want a fun read with likable characters, I’d definitely recommend The Catalyst. I’m even thinking about grabbing the sequel!
I picked up The Catalyst by LK Billips out of sheer curiosity. I met the author at an event where she described her work as "steampunk." I'll admit, I wasn't sure if steampunk was a real book genre—I thought it was just about cool fashion! But when she mentioned 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, I decided to give it a shot. I'm glad I did.
This book is part mystery, part romance, and has a definite steampunk vibe. The story follows Annabelle Sweeting, a country girl with a love of gears and gadgets, as she heads to 1817 London to find herself. The book starts off slow, taking time to introduce Annabelle and her world. At first, I wasn’t sure where it was going, but by the time the action picked up, I was hooked. The characters—especially Annabelle, her quirky cousin Jaime, and a charming young street urchin named Nathan—were easy to root for and fun to follow.
The story reminded me of Pride and Prejudice, with its focus on balls, dinners, and the drama of upper-class society. If that kind of thing bores you, this might not be your kind of book. But for me, the steampunk twist made it stand out. There’s even a mechanical manticore named Purgatorio that I absolutely loved! It’s a fierce but lovable robot (or AI, as we’d call it now) that added a lot of charm to the story.
The mystery itself wasn’t super complex, and some of the side characters felt a bit flat, but that didn’t bother me too much. The short chapters (4-5 pages) kept things moving, and the steampunk gadgets Annabelle uses to save the day were so clever and fun.
I don’t usually read romance or mystery, but I ended up really enjoying this book. It’s light, entertaining, and full of personality. If you’re curious about steampunk or just want a fun read with likable characters, I’d definitely recommend The Catalyst. I’m even thinking about grabbing the sequel!
May 23, 2025
The Catalyst by LK Billips is a delightful story, even though there is murders to be solved, with an electic group of characters.
In The Catalyst main character Annabelle Sweeting moves to London to live with her cousin Jaime to pursue her passion. She makes all of her own outfits using bold colors and fabrics as well as nuts, bolts, and gears making her a very unique and one of a kind dresser. She hopes to open up a shop or do something with her creations.
Little does Annabelle know that she would meet some amazing people and get herself in the middle of a murder investigation !! Annabelle meets Nathan while just getting off train when he tries to pickpocket her. After a brief conversaton, she decides he will be helpful while she is there and hires him immediately. She also meets Constable Weston there as well. Little does she know how important the two are going to be to her.
Before Annabelle has enough time to unpack and settle in at her cousins they are invited to a party at the Thetford Estate where she meets more interesting people ... some she will find out are jealous and manipulating individuals.
One thing that sets this book apart from other books is that it is set in 1817 and there is a gentleman Miro who builds "bots" (in this story they are flying robots that have multiple features and are different mythical creatures). While at the above mentioned party she catches the eye of one of them which is a manticore and Miro insists that she take it home. Annabelle names it Purgatorio and it will also play a big part throughout the story.
Also during this party Annabelle is drawn to the band playing, especially the fiddler player. The next morning Annabelle is out for a walk with Purgatorio when she comes across Constable Weston. The two proceed to a nearby garden where they come across the fiddler from the party the night before dead and staged like she is dancing.
Annabelle and Constable Weston are about to be thrown into a very disturbing case .....
Oh there is so much I could tell you but I really hope that you grab your copy and go on this ride with them. There is so much to love about the book, the characters, the outfits, the parties, the case, the relationships, the food and so much more !!! One thing I really loved was that Billips gives the chapters names/headings that entice the reader even more !!!
I am very excited to dig into the next book, The Coggery, to see what trouble Annabelle gets herself into.
March 14, 2024
I LOVED THIS! I found it by chance. The title and blurb intrigued me and the cover is eye-catching.
The author's World building is fantastic. I have not read steam punk before and I will definitely read more.
The characters are well thought out, likeable, and work well together. Nate and Luke are definitely favourites.
The story flowed well and kept me hooked.
Well worth a read and I will definitely be continuing the series!
The author's World building is fantastic. I have not read steam punk before and I will definitely read more.
The characters are well thought out, likeable, and work well together. Nate and Luke are definitely favourites.
The story flowed well and kept me hooked.
Well worth a read and I will definitely be continuing the series!
May 29, 2024
So happy this book is out in hard copy! It is an amazing story in steampunk style! Annabelle Sweeting is a adventurous young woman who undertakes a mystery of murders while positioning herself in a new environment. This story is made even better by all the intricate detail provided by the author. Edge of your seat intrigue until the very end! I can’t wait for more from the author and hope she continues with more in The Catalyst saga! I love these characters!
Read
June 4, 2024This story was everything I hoped it would be and more! It was filled with so much detail that I could vividly imagine each and every scene. It was creative and paced wonderfully. There was not one moment that I even considered putting it back in the shelf. I could not put it down. It was filled with beautiful detail, unique perspectives, and a mystery worth figuring out! Highly recommend!!!
April 2, 2022
Such a good book! The plot and storyline were so well done, kept me turning the pages in anticipation! The detail and descriptions of the characters and the settings were flawless! Cant wait to read more in the series!! Keep 'em coming!!
January 26, 2024
This was an amazing tale of murder and mayhem. Can’t wait for the next sweeting mystery
March 30, 2024
Great 1st book!
Love reading things from new authors. Can’t wait to see what else you put out! Keep on with the writing! G.L.
Love reading things from new authors. Can’t wait to see what else you put out! Keep on with the writing! G.L.
August 12, 2025
Very good story with interesting and eccentric characters. My first time in a long while reading a steampunk theme book, which I loved! I read this in 2 days!
December 16, 2025
The Catalyst: An Annabelle Sweeting Mystery was an absolute joy to read. From the moment Annabelle steps into steampunk London, the story pulls you in with its rich atmosphere whirring gears, elegant fashion, and a society buzzing with secrets. The setting feels alive and lovingly crafted, making it easy to get lost in this imaginative world.
Annabelle Sweeting is a wonderful protagonist: curious, clever, and refreshingly independent. I loved how her passion for mechanics and fashion sets her apart in a world that constantly underestimates her. Watching her grow in confidence while navigating the rigid expectations of the ton was just as satisfying as following the mystery itself.
The murder plot is well-paced and genuinely intriguing, with enough twists to keep you guessing without ever feeling confusing. Annabelle’s involvement feels natural rather than forced, and her dynamic with Constable Weston adds both tension and charm. The romantic elements are handled beautifully subtle, engaging, and never overpowering the mystery.
What truly stood out to me was the balance this book strikes: mystery, romance, humor, and steampunk flair all woven together seamlessly. It’s smart, stylish, and thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a clever heroine, a touch of romance, and a unique steampunk twist, this book is absolutely worth your time. I’m already eager to read the next installment in Annabelle Sweeting’s adventures.
Annabelle Sweeting is a wonderful protagonist: curious, clever, and refreshingly independent. I loved how her passion for mechanics and fashion sets her apart in a world that constantly underestimates her. Watching her grow in confidence while navigating the rigid expectations of the ton was just as satisfying as following the mystery itself.
The murder plot is well-paced and genuinely intriguing, with enough twists to keep you guessing without ever feeling confusing. Annabelle’s involvement feels natural rather than forced, and her dynamic with Constable Weston adds both tension and charm. The romantic elements are handled beautifully subtle, engaging, and never overpowering the mystery.
What truly stood out to me was the balance this book strikes: mystery, romance, humor, and steampunk flair all woven together seamlessly. It’s smart, stylish, and thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a clever heroine, a touch of romance, and a unique steampunk twist, this book is absolutely worth your time. I’m already eager to read the next installment in Annabelle Sweeting’s adventures.
January 11, 2024
Steampunk tales are a guilty pleasure for me. I love the incorporation of tech into the past to create something new and fascinating. This Steampunk tale did not disappoint.
Annabelle or Belle was a lady ahead of her time or a lady well suited for this Steampunk tale. She had a penchant for taking in strays which leads her to build a team that could handle future mysteries in future stories. In the early chapters of this story, she has a meet cute with each of per possible suitors and I clearly favored one over the other.
Adding to the mystery were the descriptions of Belle's outfits that mixed fashion and gadgets to set her apart. She quickly became the talk of the town. I tried to picture them in my minds eye but would love to see actual pictures of some of her creations.
Her cousin Jaime was a man out of touch with traditional tales from the time this story was set. His flamboyant style and manners made him a fun companion for Belle and his being a good man at heart allowed Belle's stays to be part of their family. The mysterious deaths in the story were well plotted and while i had my suspicions on who our villain was, I did not guess.
I like the story and hope to see Belle and her little family and her suitor back for more mysterious.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Annabelle or Belle was a lady ahead of her time or a lady well suited for this Steampunk tale. She had a penchant for taking in strays which leads her to build a team that could handle future mysteries in future stories. In the early chapters of this story, she has a meet cute with each of per possible suitors and I clearly favored one over the other.
Adding to the mystery were the descriptions of Belle's outfits that mixed fashion and gadgets to set her apart. She quickly became the talk of the town. I tried to picture them in my minds eye but would love to see actual pictures of some of her creations.
Her cousin Jaime was a man out of touch with traditional tales from the time this story was set. His flamboyant style and manners made him a fun companion for Belle and his being a good man at heart allowed Belle's stays to be part of their family. The mysterious deaths in the story were well plotted and while i had my suspicions on who our villain was, I did not guess.
I like the story and hope to see Belle and her little family and her suitor back for more mysterious.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2024
I want to preface this review by stating that this is my first steam punk romance mystery novel. I won this book as part of a giveaway, and I'm glad I got the chance to jump into Billips' fictional world. In the beginning it was a detail-oriented overload for me, but I soon grew used to her vernacular and the rhythm of her words as she painted her scenes. Billips' story is filled with lots of little details that are like cogs in a machine. Each chapter seamlessly glides together, and you don't see the full picture, or in this case the full machinations that make up the machine, until you step back and review everything at the end. If anything, it left me wanting to learn more about the lives she created, and I could see this turning into a series where each character has their own story to tell. "The Catalyst" is definitely worth picking up and diving into for a quick, mysterious getaway into a steampunk world.
October 4, 2025
The Catalyst: An Annabelle Sweeting Mystery by LK Billips is an absolute delight from start to finish. Annabelle is a charming and refreshing heroine—curious, clever, and brimming with individuality. The richly imagined steampunk London setting pulls you in with its gears, gadgets, and atmospheric intrigue. The blend of romance, social drama, and mystery keeps the pages turning, as Annabelle finds herself entangled in both a love triangle and a string of shocking murders. Constable Weston and the supporting cast add depth and tension, making every twist both surprising and satisfying.
LK Billips crafts a perfect balance of humor, elegance, and danger, creating a story that feels both whimsical and thrilling. Fans of historical mysteries, steampunk adventures, or clever female leads will adore this book. A true page-turner that leaves you eager for Annabelle’s next adventure!
LK Billips crafts a perfect balance of humor, elegance, and danger, creating a story that feels both whimsical and thrilling. Fans of historical mysteries, steampunk adventures, or clever female leads will adore this book. A true page-turner that leaves you eager for Annabelle’s next adventure!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2025
The Catalyst: An Annabelle Sweeting Mystery is a wonderfully engaging blend of mystery, romance, and steampunk adventure. LK Billips creates a vivid, imaginative version of London where gears, fashion, and secrets collide, and where an unlikely heroine proves far more capable than anyone expects.
Annabelle Sweeting is an absolute joy to follow. Her curiosity, mechanical talent, and independent spirit make her a refreshing and memorable protagonist. Watching her navigate the rigid expectations of society while stumbling into murder investigations is both entertaining and empowering. The steampunk elements are seamlessly woven into the story, adding texture and flair without overshadowing the mystery itself.
Annabelle Sweeting is an absolute joy to follow. Her curiosity, mechanical talent, and independent spirit make her a refreshing and memorable protagonist. Watching her navigate the rigid expectations of society while stumbling into murder investigations is both entertaining and empowering. The steampunk elements are seamlessly woven into the story, adding texture and flair without overshadowing the mystery itself.
October 3, 2025
A dazzling steampunk mystery with wit, romance, and suspense!
The Catalyst: An Annabelle Sweeting Mystery by LK Billips is an absolute delight from start to finish. Annabelle is a charming and refreshing heroine—curious, clever, and brimming with individuality. The richly imagined steampunk London setting pulls you in with its gears, gadgets, and atmospheric intrigue. The blend of romance, social drama, and mystery keeps the pages turning, as Annabelle finds herself entangled in both a love triangle and a string of shocking murders. Constable Weston and the supporting cast add depth and tension, making every twist both surprising and satisfying.
October 6, 2025
This book is an absolute delight! From the very first page, I was swept into Annabelle Sweeting’s steampunk London a world full of gears, fashion, intrigue, and unexpected romance. The heroine is charming, clever, and relatable, and her journey of self-discovery against the backdrop of mystery and high society is captivating.
The blend of romance, suspense, and steampunk atmosphere is perfectly balanced. The murder mystery kept me turning the pages, while the love triangle added just the right amount of tension and excitement. Constable Weston, in particular, is a standout character, and watching Annabelle navigate danger, desire, and discovery was pure fun.
The blend of romance, suspense, and steampunk atmosphere is perfectly balanced. The murder mystery kept me turning the pages, while the love triangle added just the right amount of tension and excitement. Constable Weston, in particular, is a standout character, and watching Annabelle navigate danger, desire, and discovery was pure fun.
December 16, 2025
This steampunk adventure is charming, clever, and irresistibly fun. Annabelle Sweeting is a refreshing and spirited heroine—smart, stylish, and delightfully curious—whose love for gears and fashion brings the world vividly to life. The story blends mystery, romance, and danger with ease, keeping the pace lively and the stakes high. With dashing suitors, intriguing murders, and a richly imagined steampunk London, this book is an engaging read from start to finish. A wonderful mix of wit, suspense, and heart.
January 13, 2026
Set in a vibrant steampunk London, this novel follows Annabelle Sweeting, a clever country girl with a talent for gears and an eye for fashion, as she searches for her place in high society. What she finds instead are dangerous secrets, two irresistible suitors, and a murder investigation that places her squarely in harm’s way. With sharp world-building, engaging romance, and a gripping mystery, this story delivers charm, suspense, and a heroine who refuses to be underestimated. A thoroughly entertaining read.
January 8, 2026
The Catalyst by Billips is a delightful blend of steampunk charm, mystery, and romance. Annabelle Sweeting is a refreshing heroine, curious, stylish, and far more capable than society expects. As she navigates London’s haughty ton, tangled romances, and a chilling murder investigation, the story stays lively and engaging. The world-building is vivid, and the plot keeps you guessing. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy strong female leads, intrigue, and steampunk flair.
October 1, 2025
A thrilling and charming steampunk mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Annabelle Sweeting is a delightful heroine, clever, courageous, and full of personality. The Catalyst blends intrigue, romance, and clever twists in a richly imagined world, making it an unforgettable and page-turning adventure.
May 17, 2024
Pudgy saves the day
I am an avid reader and I am so glad I found this book. It's interesting and I love reading about all the "gadgets" and I recommend your books to anyone who loves a good mystery.
I am an avid reader and I am so glad I found this book. It's interesting and I love reading about all the "gadgets" and I recommend your books to anyone who loves a good mystery.
June 14, 2024
"The Catalyst" is a thought-provoking and entertaining read, perfect for fans of speculative fiction who appreciate a well-told story that challenges the mind and touches the heart. Billips has undoubtedly delivered a standout addition to the genre.
October 1, 2025
A dazzling steampunk adventure! Annabelle Sweeting is witty, brave, and impossible not to root for as she navigates London’s high society, romance, and a string of dark murders. Suspenseful, stylish, and utterly addictive—this book is a must-read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews