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Miss Dark’s Apparitions #2
Dark Clouds
A cursed diamond…a cyborg detective…and a gang of would-be jewel thieves in Victorian London!
All her life, Molly Dark has been haunted by the restless dead—and now she’s finally able to do something about it. When the rich and monstrous take what they want, Miss Dark and her crew steal it back. At least, that’s the idea.
In reality?
In reality, the irritable inventor walks out, saying she doesn’t believe in ghosts and has important scientific research to conduct.
The charming ex-vampire prince is only waiting for the perfect opportunity to stab Molly in the back.
The millionaire American prosthete she’s decided to marry is also a celebrated amateur detective hunting for jewel thieves.
And the fabulous, cursed Noor-Jahan diamond isn’t just the key to righting a decades-old wrong—it’s the bait in a fiendish trap.
Miss Dark’s Apparitions continues with a rollicking historical fantasy heist perfect for fans of Leverage and The Parasol Protectorate!
All her life, Molly Dark has been haunted by the restless dead—and now she’s finally able to do something about it. When the rich and monstrous take what they want, Miss Dark and her crew steal it back. At least, that’s the idea.
In reality?
In reality, the irritable inventor walks out, saying she doesn’t believe in ghosts and has important scientific research to conduct.
The charming ex-vampire prince is only waiting for the perfect opportunity to stab Molly in the back.
The millionaire American prosthete she’s decided to marry is also a celebrated amateur detective hunting for jewel thieves.
And the fabulous, cursed Noor-Jahan diamond isn’t just the key to righting a decades-old wrong—it’s the bait in a fiendish trap.
Miss Dark’s Apparitions continues with a rollicking historical fantasy heist perfect for fans of Leverage and The Parasol Protectorate!
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2023
19 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Suzannah Rowntree
34 books596 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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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 10, 2025
Dark Clouds
by Suzannah Rowntree
This is book #2 in the series. A paranormal book with supernatural creatures set in an alternative London at the turn of the century. Great plot, characters, and world-building. Molly Dark can see ghosts, has dealt with Royals, which are creatures such as werewolves and vampires. Has a Duke who has saved her multiple times and obviously loves her. She has noticed a great improvement in him and finds she likes his company but remains unsure. A slow burn fang-filled supernatural romance second to the action.
by Suzannah Rowntree
This is book #2 in the series. A paranormal book with supernatural creatures set in an alternative London at the turn of the century. Great plot, characters, and world-building. Molly Dark can see ghosts, has dealt with Royals, which are creatures such as werewolves and vampires. Has a Duke who has saved her multiple times and obviously loves her. She has noticed a great improvement in him and finds she likes his company but remains unsure. A slow burn fang-filled supernatural romance second to the action.
February 11, 2023
what a gloriously chaotic book! leverage x gaslamp and i know you're all here for Vasily so rest assured that there will BE Vasily in all the best and worst ways possible
eta star rating which i somehow forgot??
eta star rating which i somehow forgot??
Read
February 27, 2024Why should you read this series? Well, yes, it’s a steampunk heist-with-a-conscience romp featuring delightful characters, but more importantly, behold this passage from the beginning of the book, when our heroine contemplates what she must do to support her family:
“So I shall marry money. But I shall make the money so happy it will never know the difference. The money may dictate; I shall yield. The money may come home at the end of some long, hard day in the arena of masculine endeavour, and I shall fetch the money its slippers, and kiss it, and caress it, and tell it with melting looks how much more splendid a sum it is than any other. I shall handle the money so wisely that it will never for a moment regret the moment of weakness in which it was induced to make me an offer.”
Suzannah Rowntree has read her Trollope, and it SHOWS.
“So I shall marry money. But I shall make the money so happy it will never know the difference. The money may dictate; I shall yield. The money may come home at the end of some long, hard day in the arena of masculine endeavour, and I shall fetch the money its slippers, and kiss it, and caress it, and tell it with melting looks how much more splendid a sum it is than any other. I shall handle the money so wisely that it will never for a moment regret the moment of weakness in which it was induced to make me an offer.”
Suzannah Rowntree has read her Trollope, and it SHOWS.
May 15, 2023
I GOBBLED this book down. Every bit as delightful, intriguing, and action-packed as Miss Sharp's Monsters. I loved getting more Vasily in this book, and adored seeing more of Nijam and Alphonse as well. (Plus, more of Dark's family!) As someone who's also entranced with the British Museum and Indian history, this book was right up my alley.
I can't say enough good things about Miss Dark's Apparitions and this installment. This is the book that made me decide to purchase the full series in paperback sooner versus later (as I only have an ecopy right now). I was waiting to see if special editions of the series would come out, but I can't wait. I need them now!
I can't say enough good things about Miss Dark's Apparitions and this installment. This is the book that made me decide to purchase the full series in paperback sooner versus later (as I only have an ecopy right now). I was waiting to see if special editions of the series would come out, but I can't wait. I need them now!
April 2, 2023
Dark Clouds was every bit the wild and unpredictable ride that was its predecessor. Pluses include Alphonse Schmidt, a great heist, and more than a touch of extra romantic tension between our prim governess and everyone's favorite Russian grand duke.
... Yes, I know, all of those things were in the first book as well, but just to see them again together are good enough for me.
I really enjoyed this sequel to Tall & Dark. It was so cool getting a peek of what those Americans are up to in Rowntree's monstrous-and-unmagical world--I hope we'll get to see more stuff like that in future installments (especially with India... like what were their monsters before the British?)! Also, at this point I don't know if Molly is in denial about everything or just truly that oblivious. I'm not sure if the effect is supposed to be intentional or not, but her constant assertions that "Reader, I have no idea why they all turned to me as if in possession of some secret knowledge of which I was currently uninformed" or such nonsense are a little too on-the-nose. I also got annoyed with Nijam on more than one occasion, mostly because she was being so... rude to everyone? I know it's part of her arc but how dare you insult Alphonse Schmidt. Repeatedly!! (I still like her; don't worry; I just needed to complain.)
Vasily was Vasily. There is nothing more to say on this front; he has been and will always be Vasily Nikolaevitch Romanov. There would be no point if otherwise. (Though... it seriously STBY, buddy.)
One last note before we close: the author says readers have called this book the happiest one she's ever written. I beg to differ?? Did we read the same novel?? Have you ever seen Vasily Nikolaevitch Romanov happy because I sure haven't, and until we do I'm afraid I just cannot call a book "happy"!! Okay so maybe I shouldn't have gone into this book expecting sunshine and rainbows and characters linking hands around a campfire from Suzannah Rowntree but a girl can dream!! (Yes I know this is silly but let me be)
*I received an ARC of this book from the author. A positive review was not required; all views and opinions expressed are my own.*
... Yes, I know, all of those things were in the first book as well, but just to see them again together are good enough for me.
I really enjoyed this sequel to Tall & Dark. It was so cool getting a peek of what those Americans are up to in Rowntree's monstrous-and-unmagical world--I hope we'll get to see more stuff like that in future installments (especially with India... like what were their monsters before the British?)! Also, at this point I don't know if Molly is in denial about everything or just truly that oblivious. I'm not sure if the effect is supposed to be intentional or not, but her constant assertions that "Reader, I have no idea why they all turned to me as if in possession of some secret knowledge of which I was currently uninformed" or such nonsense are a little too on-the-nose. I also got annoyed with Nijam on more than one occasion, mostly because she was being so... rude to everyone? I know it's part of her arc but how dare you insult Alphonse Schmidt. Repeatedly!! (I still like her; don't worry; I just needed to complain.)
Vasily was Vasily. There is nothing more to say on this front; he has been and will always be Vasily Nikolaevitch Romanov. There would be no point if otherwise. (Though... it seriously STBY, buddy.)
One last note before we close: the author says readers have called this book the happiest one she's ever written. I beg to differ?? Did we read the same novel?? Have you ever seen Vasily Nikolaevitch Romanov happy because I sure haven't, and until we do I'm afraid I just cannot call a book "happy"!! Okay so maybe I shouldn't have gone into this book expecting sunshine and rainbows and characters linking hands around a campfire from Suzannah Rowntree but a girl can dream!! (Yes I know this is silly but let me be)
*I received an ARC of this book from the author. A positive review was not required; all views and opinions expressed are my own.*
March 24, 2023
I love Suzannah Rowntree’s books, but while always thrilling, suspenseful, and satisfying, they are not always comforting. This is one feels like a comfort read! It’s still funny, twisty, and exciting, but I loved how she nudged several characters along to a healthier place. I loved getting a sense of what Vasily sees in Molly and getting to know Molly’s family. I also loved how Nijam’s relationship with her cultural heritage changes, and finding out more about Anglo-Indian history. As always, I adore blunt, mercenary Mimi and I was amazed to discover that the Skeleton Room was a real place in the British Museum.
To summarise, this one keeps the campy fun of the first Miss Dark while having more heart and hope. I’m crossing my fingers that the next one features a Mimi deep dive!
To summarise, this one keeps the campy fun of the first Miss Dark while having more heart and hope. I’m crossing my fingers that the next one features a Mimi deep dive!
March 26, 2023
This book was an absolute DELIGHT that encapsulates all the things I love best about stories in this world AND heist stories. You should ABSOLUTELY, without a shadow of a doubt, read it.
Rowntree bills Dark Clouds as “perfect for fans of Leverage and The Parasol Protectorate,” and the first half of that description couldn’t be more accurate. Reading this feels very much like watching an episode of the show, from the grand heist to set right a wrong committed by those too powerful to be prosecuted by normal means to the schemes and twists involved in carrying out that heist. Let me tell you, it’s an absolute delight. Of course, even if you’re not a Leverage fan, if you enjoy a good heist and a plot driven by clever characters fully exercising their cleverness, you’ll still love this. Plus, the antagonist of this book — Vandergriff, an American “prosthete” (read: gaslamp-era cyborg) multi-millionaire who tracks down jewel thieves as a hobby — is simply excellent, with just the right blend of rough charm, casual menace, and keen wit to make him a formidable, but intriguing, opponent and a very interesting change of pace from Rowntree’s usual antagonists in this world.
Of course, it's the characters that make or break a book, and that’s never more true than when it comes to a heist story. I can think of multiple books where an excellent concept and thrilling scheme fell flat because the characters and the dynamics between them just weren’t working. The key, of course, is that the team has to be a team — yes, they have their differences in opinion and agenda as well as skill set, they have clashes of personality and motive. But when the chips are down and the heat is on, they’re working together, and they know and understand each other well enough to do that. And yes, maybe you have an edge or two of potential betrayal, just for spice, but in order for the reader to care, in order to get maximum impact when the potential traitor makes their choice, you have to have that strong team dynamic. Rowntree knows this, and she clearly gives plenty of care to developing both the characters and their dynamics, especially now that they really are starting to work as a properly intentional team, rather than the more tentative alliances in Tall and Dark. And I particularly want to call out the relationship between Molly and Vasily, which is truly excellent.
Speaking of our favorite Grand Disaster Duke, Vasily is in fine form here! He continues to be a mess, caught between the monster that he’s been and the person who he could be, between the self-serving lifestyle he still tries to maintain and a reluctant attachment to the other members of the crew. He’s growing, but reluctantly — partially because he’s surrounded by people who aren’t taken in by his act. Again, his interactions with Molly are a delight, as he's coming around to caring rather more for her than he's probably willing to admit. Oh, and of course there's his interactions with Vandergriff, who ends up as his rival/nemesis in particular on several different fronts, and that's another excellent dynamic.
Finally, while I'm raving about character dynamics, let me take a moment to point out that Dark Clouds takes place in London, Molly’s home . . . and the home of her sisters, who she loves and would very much like to keep far away from any schemes, heists, and similar. You can probably guess about how well that goes. But it was a delight to see Molly interacting with her sisters, to see how much she cares about them and they care for her. And as for the interactions between the sisters and Molly’s new friends, well . . . let’s just say that they make for some of my favorite chapters in the book.
On a more serious note, Dark Clouds is set when the British Empire was at its height, and the cursed diamond at the story’s center is part of the rather ill-gotten spoils of conquest. This means that tensions between the English and the people they've conquered — specifically, the people of India — have something of a significant role. This conflict is embodied most in Nijam's character arc, as she comes to terms with a heritage that she's spent much of her life despising. Rowntree handles these elements of the plot well, using them to deepen the story without drowning it and providing a read that’s enjoyable in the moment and gives you something to chew on later.
All in all, I cannot recommend this book highly enough, and I also can't wait for the next installment in the series.
Rowntree bills Dark Clouds as “perfect for fans of Leverage and The Parasol Protectorate,” and the first half of that description couldn’t be more accurate. Reading this feels very much like watching an episode of the show, from the grand heist to set right a wrong committed by those too powerful to be prosecuted by normal means to the schemes and twists involved in carrying out that heist. Let me tell you, it’s an absolute delight. Of course, even if you’re not a Leverage fan, if you enjoy a good heist and a plot driven by clever characters fully exercising their cleverness, you’ll still love this. Plus, the antagonist of this book — Vandergriff, an American “prosthete” (read: gaslamp-era cyborg) multi-millionaire who tracks down jewel thieves as a hobby — is simply excellent, with just the right blend of rough charm, casual menace, and keen wit to make him a formidable, but intriguing, opponent and a very interesting change of pace from Rowntree’s usual antagonists in this world.
Of course, it's the characters that make or break a book, and that’s never more true than when it comes to a heist story. I can think of multiple books where an excellent concept and thrilling scheme fell flat because the characters and the dynamics between them just weren’t working. The key, of course, is that the team has to be a team — yes, they have their differences in opinion and agenda as well as skill set, they have clashes of personality and motive. But when the chips are down and the heat is on, they’re working together, and they know and understand each other well enough to do that. And yes, maybe you have an edge or two of potential betrayal, just for spice, but in order for the reader to care, in order to get maximum impact when the potential traitor makes their choice, you have to have that strong team dynamic. Rowntree knows this, and she clearly gives plenty of care to developing both the characters and their dynamics, especially now that they really are starting to work as a properly intentional team, rather than the more tentative alliances in Tall and Dark. And I particularly want to call out the relationship between Molly and Vasily, which is truly excellent.
Speaking of our favorite Grand Disaster Duke, Vasily is in fine form here! He continues to be a mess, caught between the monster that he’s been and the person who he could be, between the self-serving lifestyle he still tries to maintain and a reluctant attachment to the other members of the crew. He’s growing, but reluctantly — partially because he’s surrounded by people who aren’t taken in by his act. Again, his interactions with Molly are a delight, as he's coming around to caring rather more for her than he's probably willing to admit. Oh, and of course there's his interactions with Vandergriff, who ends up as his rival/nemesis in particular on several different fronts, and that's another excellent dynamic.
Finally, while I'm raving about character dynamics, let me take a moment to point out that Dark Clouds takes place in London, Molly’s home . . . and the home of her sisters, who she loves and would very much like to keep far away from any schemes, heists, and similar. You can probably guess about how well that goes. But it was a delight to see Molly interacting with her sisters, to see how much she cares about them and they care for her. And as for the interactions between the sisters and Molly’s new friends, well . . . let’s just say that they make for some of my favorite chapters in the book.
On a more serious note, Dark Clouds is set when the British Empire was at its height, and the cursed diamond at the story’s center is part of the rather ill-gotten spoils of conquest. This means that tensions between the English and the people they've conquered — specifically, the people of India — have something of a significant role. This conflict is embodied most in Nijam's character arc, as she comes to terms with a heritage that she's spent much of her life despising. Rowntree handles these elements of the plot well, using them to deepen the story without drowning it and providing a read that’s enjoyable in the moment and gives you something to chew on later.
All in all, I cannot recommend this book highly enough, and I also can't wait for the next installment in the series.
May 26, 2023
This was chaotic in the most delightful way and Molly and Vasily still have their good ol' Crafty Stupid energy, upped to eleven. You can see everyone in the main crew slowly going towards a certain point for their respective character development - it's a slow build, and you sometimes want to shake some of them, but I can tell the conclusion will be very satisfying by the end of it all. We also get a lovely glimpse into Molly's family, and I honestly hope we get to see her sisters again at some point.
On a more serious note, there's also some great commentary about the British Empire, Nijam coming to terms with her heritage, and I can say it's all pretty well-handled (at least to my limited sensibilities, although I do know there was a sensitivity editor for this).
(Also, for those of you worried about Molly's American fiancé - never fear, he's the worst.)
On a more serious note, there's also some great commentary about the British Empire, Nijam coming to terms with her heritage, and I can say it's all pretty well-handled (at least to my limited sensibilities, although I do know there was a sensitivity editor for this).
(Also, for those of you worried about Molly's American fiancé - never fear, he's the worst.)
March 22, 2023
Perfectly crafted — my favourite book in the growing Rowntree monsterverse since the first Miss Sharp (The Werewolf of Whitechapel).
At the heart of the story is an Indian diamond plunder and caper reminiscent of Wilkie Collin's Moonstone, but with all the hilarious hijinks and cutting social critique of a genuine Rowntree. Worth every page.
At the heart of the story is an Indian diamond plunder and caper reminiscent of Wilkie Collin's Moonstone, but with all the hilarious hijinks and cutting social critique of a genuine Rowntree. Worth every page.
August 27, 2023
So good to be back with everyone! I loved Nijam's powerful awakening to her heritage as well as the cozy laughs with Molly Dark's sisters. They're so dear and real. Vasily was a little too reformed for me at points, but I loved the climax, and the romantic/suspense payoff with him and Dark was very satisfying. That ball was *chef's kiss*.
September 18, 2023
Long may this author drink awesome tea and produce fantastically funny adventures. Miss Molly Dark continues her quest for riches through con games and, possibly, marriage. However there's many a slip between cup and lip, especially when you spend more time kissing an ex-vampire Grand Duke rather than the desired rich American fiancé. There's also the problem of werewolves at the Savoy (aka German royalty) and animated skeletons at the British Museum(pay attention when the sign says keep out), and a very cursed diamond as well. Luckily Molly has a "crew" that helps her plot out several ways to solve their problems and escape the consequences. And their overly complicated love lives make for great background to Molly's adventures.
November 24, 2023
I was going along with the current when it came to shipping Molly and Vasily, and then that final shipboard conversation happened and I am now wholeheartedly a fervent supporter aaaaaaaaaah
Also the moment Nijam saw herself in the mirror as glorious for the first time. MY HEART I MAY HAVE CRIED A LITTLE
Also the moment Nijam saw herself in the mirror as glorious for the first time. MY HEART I MAY HAVE CRIED A LITTLE
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2023
Whee!
Book 2 was even better than the first one which leaves me wondering how Miss Rowntree can possibly surpass herself in the next one! But I can't wait to find out. The characters have really blossomed, especially Nijam, and I am on tenterhooks. The only complaint I have is that we never get the story of what happened in Jerusalem, lol.
I highly recommend reading book 1 before this one and really recommend reading the Miss Sharp trilogy first. That explains what happened in Coberg.
Book 2 was even better than the first one which leaves me wondering how Miss Rowntree can possibly surpass herself in the next one! But I can't wait to find out. The characters have really blossomed, especially Nijam, and I am on tenterhooks. The only complaint I have is that we never get the story of what happened in Jerusalem, lol.
I highly recommend reading book 1 before this one and really recommend reading the Miss Sharp trilogy first. That explains what happened in Coberg.
September 19, 2024
I admittedly didn't enjoy this quite as much as the first one in the series. There was just a little too much ignoring of obviously red flags for the sake of a wealthy marriage and, well, too much going on about marriage for me. But I did still very much enjoy the rest of it.
I liked Nijam coming to appreciate her heritage, and her and Alphonse's subtle banter was cute. Watching Vaily and Mary needle each other is a continuous joy, and the introduction of her family was fun. I look forward to continuing the series.
I liked Nijam coming to appreciate her heritage, and her and Alphonse's subtle banter was cute. Watching Vaily and Mary needle each other is a continuous joy, and the introduction of her family was fun. I look forward to continuing the series.
May 3, 2025
love Molly’s sisters, LOVE Vasily’s interaction with said sisters, and let us not fail to mention the Moment at the end with the diamond and unexpected non-betrayal (so much superior to unexpected betrayal, you know?) (I had a Feeling)
these books are catnip for me
also I demand more Molly’s sisters
these books are catnip for me
also I demand more Molly’s sisters
March 27, 2023
Having just finished the first book in the series I was more than ready to dive into this book. Continuing with the characters from the first book, this sequel ups the fun, the tension, and introduces a rather frightening villain/arch-nemesis.
The writing was superb, with rich vocabulary and a satisfying amount of references to literary classics and authors. A completely enjoyable read.
The writing was superb, with rich vocabulary and a satisfying amount of references to literary classics and authors. A completely enjoyable read.
November 29, 2024
This book is the second of the series, and it has the distinction of having broken me out of a reading slump. I had enjoyed Tall and Dark so much and always meant to read the rest of the series, which I now have.
Molly and her companions with the exception of Nijam have agreed to help Franz Haber in righting the wrongs that cannot seek the help of the law. When the book begins, they have finished one job, barely, getting into all kinds of trouble without Nijam but they have managed to extricate themselves and finish the job.
Meeting a rich American on the train gives Molly an idea. Her circumstances and the necessity of having to support her sisters have meant that she always wanted to marry money, and Mr. Vandergriff seems like the perfect mark. If only Vasily wouldn't keep butting in on her dates, claiming he's helping. Of course, Griff being the nephew of Sir Humphrey Seton's wife doesn't help matters because Sir Humphrey Seton is none other than the partner of Molly's father, who was nearly ruined by him, and who had undertaken to educate Molly at his own expense.
To complicate things, Nijam wants some manuscripts that Sir Humphrey owns, Vasily and Mimi are after the famous diamond, Noor Jahan, that again, Sir Humphrey owns, and Griff is a prosthete who is not above strangling a woman if she suspects her. The Noor Jahan also carries with it a history of blood and murder, and Molly knows that to put them to rest, the gem needs to be returned to its owners. But Griff suspects Vasily, and Molly knows that the former Grand Duke and vampire is only waiting for an opportunity to double cross her.
I loved how everyone has a motive, while Molly just wants to be left alone in peace while she manages to bring her American millionaire to heel. There were several times when I wanted to yell at Molly because everyone could see that Griff is not a good person, but Molly just convinces herself he's not so bad, that she has to do this. Even her sisters don't want her to do it, but she feels like she must.
The plot goes on at a spanking pace from London ballrooms to hotels, to the British Museum, to Indian restaurants. I love how Nijam gets an insight into the culture of her father that she had always looked down on. She also has to face the fact that ghosts and imprints may be real, and her rational mind is also shocked to learn that the Indian mathematicians used poetry as their medium. Poor Nijam. Add to it Alphonse Schmidt's insistence that he doesn't want to recover his memories, and it's no wonder she's feeling completely overwhelmed.
I loved how Molly is such an unreliable narrator, especially when it comes to Vasily. I'm seriously considering shaking her so she would see it for herself, but then I think she needs to learn her own lessons.
But if Vasily doesn't get a happy ending in this series, I am seriously contemplating murder.
Molly and her companions with the exception of Nijam have agreed to help Franz Haber in righting the wrongs that cannot seek the help of the law. When the book begins, they have finished one job, barely, getting into all kinds of trouble without Nijam but they have managed to extricate themselves and finish the job.
Meeting a rich American on the train gives Molly an idea. Her circumstances and the necessity of having to support her sisters have meant that she always wanted to marry money, and Mr. Vandergriff seems like the perfect mark. If only Vasily wouldn't keep butting in on her dates, claiming he's helping. Of course, Griff being the nephew of Sir Humphrey Seton's wife doesn't help matters because Sir Humphrey Seton is none other than the partner of Molly's father, who was nearly ruined by him, and who had undertaken to educate Molly at his own expense.
To complicate things, Nijam wants some manuscripts that Sir Humphrey owns, Vasily and Mimi are after the famous diamond, Noor Jahan, that again, Sir Humphrey owns, and Griff is a prosthete who is not above strangling a woman if she suspects her. The Noor Jahan also carries with it a history of blood and murder, and Molly knows that to put them to rest, the gem needs to be returned to its owners. But Griff suspects Vasily, and Molly knows that the former Grand Duke and vampire is only waiting for an opportunity to double cross her.
I loved how everyone has a motive, while Molly just wants to be left alone in peace while she manages to bring her American millionaire to heel. There were several times when I wanted to yell at Molly because everyone could see that Griff is not a good person, but Molly just convinces herself he's not so bad, that she has to do this. Even her sisters don't want her to do it, but she feels like she must.
The plot goes on at a spanking pace from London ballrooms to hotels, to the British Museum, to Indian restaurants. I love how Nijam gets an insight into the culture of her father that she had always looked down on. She also has to face the fact that ghosts and imprints may be real, and her rational mind is also shocked to learn that the Indian mathematicians used poetry as their medium. Poor Nijam. Add to it Alphonse Schmidt's insistence that he doesn't want to recover his memories, and it's no wonder she's feeling completely overwhelmed.
I loved how Molly is such an unreliable narrator, especially when it comes to Vasily. I'm seriously considering shaking her so she would see it for herself, but then I think she needs to learn her own lessons.
But if Vasily doesn't get a happy ending in this series, I am seriously contemplating murder.
January 31, 2025
More of the same! If you read the 1st book and wanted more, then read it. On the whole, I still enjoy it more than the "Miss Sharp's Monsters" series for some reason. Perhaps because the main character isn't as ridiculously overpowered? In this book, we start to see more cracks forming in her "proper English gentlewoman" facade. She is still shocked by silly things, such as the idea of women riding bicycles, but she is getting over it. I feel like the author's goal is to expose how one's culture and upbringing are hugely influential to how one behaves and initially reacts to things, no matter what logic might dictate, but also how one can work to consciously change those thoughts and feelings after that initial reaction.
In much the same vein, Nijam gets a few moments in the spotlight in this book. Her perspective was interesting; some might find it offensive or strange that she had racist attitudes towards "her own people" but when a person of color is raised by white society, this is actually not at all uncommon. You could call it internalized racism, except that of course she doesn't perceive herself (or, for that matter, other properly "British" people who aren't white) as lesser. To her, it's not about race, but culture. Not that cultural bigotry is any better, but it's not the SAME. In any case, though, she didn't perceive them as "her people" since she identifies as British. Despite often being the victim of racism (and sexism) herself, she couldn't help having a snobby British cultural attitude towards people from India. However, after spending time with several characters from India and talking with them, her mind is changed and her horizons expanded. I wish we'd seen more of these characters and I hope that they return in the future -- perhaps for the favor they owe to Mimi?
Lastly, I have to say I listened to the audiobook version of the book and it's mostly good... the reader has a pleasant and clear voice, and is good at giving different European accents to the various characters which sound good enough to my untrained ear... but sometimes she can't seem to pronounce words in English. Every time she messes up a word's pronunciation it drags me out of the story and makes me wonder if I'M pronouncing it wrong, or if that's the British way of pronouncing it, or what... I don't even know what advice to give. Maybe "if you're not 100% sure, please google how to say those words"? It really grates on me. (It was a problem in book 1 as well, and in book 3, which I'm currently halfway through.) Luckily it's not SUPER common, but it's common enough that I notice it at least a few times per book.
In much the same vein, Nijam gets a few moments in the spotlight in this book. Her perspective was interesting; some might find it offensive or strange that she had racist attitudes towards "her own people" but when a person of color is raised by white society, this is actually not at all uncommon. You could call it internalized racism, except that of course she doesn't perceive herself (or, for that matter, other properly "British" people who aren't white) as lesser. To her, it's not about race, but culture. Not that cultural bigotry is any better, but it's not the SAME. In any case, though, she didn't perceive them as "her people" since she identifies as British. Despite often being the victim of racism (and sexism) herself, she couldn't help having a snobby British cultural attitude towards people from India. However, after spending time with several characters from India and talking with them, her mind is changed and her horizons expanded. I wish we'd seen more of these characters and I hope that they return in the future -- perhaps for the favor they owe to Mimi?
Lastly, I have to say I listened to the audiobook version of the book and it's mostly good... the reader has a pleasant and clear voice, and is good at giving different European accents to the various characters which sound good enough to my untrained ear... but sometimes she can't seem to pronounce words in English. Every time she messes up a word's pronunciation it drags me out of the story and makes me wonder if I'M pronouncing it wrong, or if that's the British way of pronouncing it, or what... I don't even know what advice to give. Maybe "if you're not 100% sure, please google how to say those words"? It really grates on me. (It was a problem in book 1 as well, and in book 3, which I'm currently halfway through.) Luckily it's not SUPER common, but it's common enough that I notice it at least a few times per book.
December 19, 2023
Това е втората поредица на Сузана Раунтри, развиваща се в алтернативна стиймпънк вселена, където всяко кралско семейство на земята е някакъв тип легендарна гад – вампир, върколак, сирена или друго, хранещо се с човешки материал създание. Но ако първата ѝ поредица беше за инфилтриране на повредената от благородниците почти жертва мис Шарп, която като същински Блейд си постави за цел да им върне състоянието на синьокръвните към по-човешки измерения, тук разказваме за мис Дарк, чийто план е малко по-постижим – просто ще ги окраде. И за целта като същинска Дани Оушън тя събира своя екип от надарени със специални умения почти престъпници, основно концентрирани в опразване на джобове, сейфове и тайници с минимални жертви. Е, това последното е ясно, че няма да се получи.
Поредицата се води като мемоарите на Дарк, започнала като фалшив медиум, еволюирала до истински такъв, която влачи със себе си една тумба призраци, един бивш вампир, една кисела френска балерина, една индийска стиймпънк гениална изобретателка, за която мизантропична си е направо комплимент, и един симпатичен хубавец без памет, в който останалите разпознават най-великият химик на хилядолетието, въпреки че няма никакво основание за това. На странната ни трупа се пада да се инфилтрира между богаташи и благородници, генетично изменени или просто чудовища, които просто си плачат да бъдат остригани като пролетни агнета, и да се лишат от някоя и друга безумно скъпа дрънкулка или купчинка злато с неясен легален произход. Направо като Робин Худ, ако същият си запазваше приходите за себе си и инвестираше в личните си мечти и проекти. Доста практично, без съмнение.
Очаква ви стегнато и задъхано действие, стиймпънк виториана с чудовища и странни изобретения, добро количество саркастичен хумор, разбираема, ако и трудна романтична история, даваща малко вкус, но не задаваща общото настроение на поредицата. Из цяла Европа има сума ти богаташки монстри за поизтръскване, а призраците и приятелите на мис Дарк нямат никакви скрупули, особено що се отнася до осигуряване на вечерята плюс някоя друга диамантена огърлица – абсолютният минимум, нали разбирате. Чисто забавление, леко хапещо, леко премятащо, и просто много, много добро.
Поредицата се води като мемоарите на Дарк, започнала като фалшив медиум, еволюирала до истински такъв, която влачи със себе си една тумба призраци, един бивш вампир, една кисела френска балерина, една индийска стиймпънк гениална изобретателка, за която мизантропична си е направо комплимент, и един симпатичен хубавец без памет, в който останалите разпознават най-великият химик на хилядолетието, въпреки че няма никакво основание за това. На странната ни трупа се пада да се инфилтрира между богаташи и благородници, генетично изменени или просто чудовища, които просто си плачат да бъдат остригани като пролетни агнета, и да се лишат от някоя и друга безумно скъпа дрънкулка или купчинка злато с неясен легален произход. Направо като Робин Худ, ако същият си запазваше приходите за себе си и инвестираше в личните си мечти и проекти. Доста практично, без съмнение.
Очаква ви стегнато и задъхано действие, стиймпънк виториана с чудовища и странни изобретения, добро количество саркастичен хумор, разбираема, ако и трудна романтична история, даваща малко вкус, но не задаваща общото настроение на поредицата. Из цяла Европа има сума ти богаташки монстри за поизтръскване, а призраците и приятелите на мис Дарк нямат никакви скрупули, особено що се отнася до осигуряване на вечерята плюс някоя друга диамантена огърлица – абсолютният минимум, нали разбирате. Чисто забавление, леко хапещо, леко премятащо, и просто много, много добро.
March 7, 2023
This is the second book in "Miss Dark's Apparitions" a series that is a spin-off of "Miss Sharp's Monsters" and these books just keep getting better with each installment. Given the set up at the end of the last book, I was expecting this story to be set in Jerusalem, but it picks up after whatever transpires there. (We can only hope this means there will be a short story or novella to recount these events sometime in the future). Instead, this book largely takes place in the less exotic locale of London and centres around a cursed yet highly sought after diamond. Miss Dark wants to see it returned to its rightful owners and the only way to acheive this is to steal it from it's secure display case in the heart of the British Museum whilst simulateneously attempting to secure her future by luring a wealthy American ametuer detective into marriage and keep her family from learning of the larceny all the while working with confederates of dubious loyalty. What could possibly go wrong?
Part gaslamp fantasy, part clever heist, the book is pure fun from start to finish and I can not wait for the next adventure.
Part gaslamp fantasy, part clever heist, the book is pure fun from start to finish and I can not wait for the next adventure.
September 11, 2024
Very, very good gaslamp fantasy. We've got Victorian England, ghosts, monsters of all kinds (werewolves, vampires, sirens, and so on), and fancy technologies that remind me of steampunk. But more importantly, we have loyal friends, found family, real family, snark and banter, heartwarming and bittersweet moments, and Vasily. All the Vasily.
I've read several of this author's books before, and always thought they were good, but never enjoyed them as much as I enjoyed this one. I wonder how much of that was because I read them through the not-very-good library app, rather than on my ereader? Or I am such a mood reader, was I just in the perfect mood for this today? Or maybe Rowntree's writing, or perhaps my tastes, have changed, such that they mesh better?
Whatever the reason, I couldn't put it down. Chores were neglected all day in favor of reading.
4.5 stars, rounded up because I enjoyed reading it so much
I've read several of this author's books before, and always thought they were good, but never enjoyed them as much as I enjoyed this one. I wonder how much of that was because I read them through the not-very-good library app, rather than on my ereader? Or I am such a mood reader, was I just in the perfect mood for this today? Or maybe Rowntree's writing, or perhaps my tastes, have changed, such that they mesh better?
Whatever the reason, I couldn't put it down. Chores were neglected all day in favor of reading.
4.5 stars, rounded up because I enjoyed reading it so much
March 27, 2023
This book should come with a warning ... to make sure you have cleared your schedule before sitting down to read it. Suzannah Rowntree's Victorian world of royal monsters is a fabulous place in which to romp and Dark Clouds is no exception. This time, Miss Dark and her delightful cast of partners-in-heist are up against a new enemy (think creepy misogynistic Inspector Gadget) with a cursed diamond up for grabs. Her relationship with the morally grey Grand Duke Vasily remains twisty and tense in all the best ways through a sequence of high-stakes capers that refuse to grant you a reprieve. Needless to say, I am already itching for Book 3.
October 7, 2024
A steampunk-flavored heist with two very, very slow-burn romances, paranormal beings, and a healthy dollop of anti-colonialism. I really enjoy Molly Dark (who can see spirits) and her friends: a (mostly) unrepentant vampire aristocrat and a British/Indian scientist just starting to identify with her heritage. Molly herself has a tendency to suspect her friends of harboring thoughts of betrayal, and she goes back and forth between finding everyone attractive and exclaiming how improper things are -- but she's getting better!
March 30, 2023
A fun romp, parts reminded me of the Moonstone, Inspector Gadget, White Caller and Leverage.
I enjoyed the second book more then the first and am excited to read the third.
I do ship the wicked Duke and Miss Molly
Maybe Miss Molly and Miss Sharp will meet some day.....
I enjoyed the second book more then the first and am excited to read the third.
I do ship the wicked Duke and Miss Molly
Maybe Miss Molly and Miss Sharp will meet some day.....
May 13, 2023
Once again, Suzannah delivers a fabulous romp of a steampunk book. I early devoured this and can't wait for the next book.
Suzannah somehow manages to critique all that is bad with British Victorian imperialism while delivering a lighthearted heist.
Suzannah somehow manages to critique all that is bad with British Victorian imperialism while delivering a lighthearted heist.
June 12, 2023
Good second in this series about a woman who sees imprints of the dead and who is forced by pecuniary necessity to assist in less than legal undertakings with some unusual compatriots. The mysteries are complex, the villains are monstrous, literally and figuratively, and the action is swift.
November 28, 2024
Recommended page turner !
September 1, 2025
I loved this book when I read it in ARC and I love it still.
Leverage with ghosts remains true—we are heisting a HAUNTED DIAMOND!! And the gang is growing together and having crises and being mercilessly teased by Molly’s younger sisters. Molly and Nijam grifting (in their own particular ways) was also quite fun. A lovely installment and I look forward to book 3 VERY EAGERLY!!
Leverage with ghosts remains true—we are heisting a HAUNTED DIAMOND!! And the gang is growing together and having crises and being mercilessly teased by Molly’s younger sisters. Molly and Nijam grifting (in their own particular ways) was also quite fun. A lovely installment and I look forward to book 3 VERY EAGERLY!!
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