A painting holiday in steampunk Venice. A villa on the canal. A body in the water? Lady Georgia Brunel, widowed a year, has been looking forward to her holiday in the Duchy of Venice with her companion, Millicent Brunel. The clockwork city’s annual art exhibition is in full swing, and old friends and new acquaintances make for an exciting social whirl. The married Sir Francis Thorne would pursue her if he dared. Several members of the nobility, including those with connections to Lord and Lady Dunsmuir, make entertaining companions. And Georgia will never admit that Dustin Seacombe, the disheveled and irritating Texican Ranger who steps on one’s gown and will not confide his business in Venice, is the most interesting of all. And then early one morning, the body of Sir Francis washes up on the water stairs at the Brunel villa. An empty gondola floats nearby. Many assume it is an accident. The Duchy police assume a lover’s quarrel, with Georgia as their suspect. For there are powerful factions in the city who want this case solved and submerged as soon as possible. Georgia and Millie must act quickly to clear her name and discover the real murderer, before Georgia finds herself dancing with death instead. The Clockwork City is the first novel in the Lady Georgia Brunel Mysteries series set in the Magnificent Devices steampunk world. Though the books can be read as standalones, there are threads of love and family running through them all. No strong language, just a very proper kiss or two and a satisfying solution. Enjoy!
Shelley Adina is the author of 24 novels published by Harlequin, Warner, and Hachette, and a dozen more published by Moonshell Books, Inc., her own independent press. She writes steampunk and contemporary romance as Shelley Adina, and as Adina Senft, writes Amish women’s fiction. She holds an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania, where she teaches as adjunct faculty. She won RWA’s RITA Award® in 2005, and was a finalist in 2006. When she’s not writing, Shelley is usually quilting, sewing historical costumes, or hanging out in the garden with her flock of rescued chickens.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
An entertaining steampunk mystery!
This is the first book I've read by Shelley Adina, and I enjoyed her easy-to-read writing style and well-integrated worldbuilding. I'm not a big reader of steampunk novels, but I found the mixture of historical and fantastical elements intriguing.
Both Georgia and her aunt Millie were well-developed characters, but I did feel a bit disconnected from them. Still, I liked following along with their adventures.
The plot moved quickly and kept my attention. I appreciated that Shelley Adina kept the romance and language clean except for the addition of one or two British cuss words.
On a different note, I loved the cover. The bright colors are so cool!
Overall, I found The Clockwork City to be an entertaining read that I'd recommend to those who enjoy clean fiction, steampunk novels, and mysteries.
Shelley Adina is quickly becoming a go to author for fun, clean steampunk adventures! This delightful mystery completely pulled me in and had me quickly turning the pages. It’s a fantastic introduction to a new series I’m looking forward to reading more of.
Lady Georgia Brunel is finally free after a year of mourning her abusive husband’s death. She and his aunt Millicent who has become her friend and traveling companion embark on a painting holiday in Venice. At the opening of the art exhibition, Georgia dances with the persistent but married ambassador Lord Somersby and meets his lovely young daughter, Cora. When he’s found dead on the water stairs of her villa, she and Millie are determined to discover the mystery behind his death, especially when the authorities want to quickly brush it aside.
There’s also danger surrounding Lord Somersby’s daughter Cora. When Georgia & Millie take her in while they try to reach her mother, they become targets. Working with a handsome, charming Texican Ranger Dustin Seacombe, whom Lady Brunel met at the gala, the team braves all sorts of dangers including the deadly kraken that surround the city of Venice as they try to solve the mystery behind a dastardly plot.
It’s a fast-paced delightful mystery that kept me thoroughly engaged. I enjoyed all of the characters including the two precocious children who assist in the mystery. Georgia and Millie are intelligent, witty heroines and I look forward to reading more of their adventures. Dustin Seacombe is the kind of lovable roguish hero who lends a bit of romance to the story. I’m excited to see future interactions between him and Georgia. The steampunk aspects were fun and I loved the kraken! It’s a clean steampunk adventure with a hint of romance that’s perfect for teens and adults. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own & voluntarily given.
Author Shelley Adina has written an intriguing steampunk mystery in her book The Clockwork City. This story takes place on a painting holiday in Venice, Italy and is filled with plenty of Victorian era murder, mystery, and mayhem. This includes corrupt officials and kidnapping as well. Although the story has some Italian language mixed in, which potentially could be a barrier, Adina makes sure to use the words in such a way that readers still have an understanding and know what is going on. This story is a great beginning to a new series from Adina, that readers will enjoy.
Series: Lady Georgia Brunel Mysteries Genre: steampunk, mystery Publisher: Moonshell Books, Inc Publication date: May 24, 2023 Number of pages: 260
Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
To me, Venice is already a city of fantasy with its canals and bridges rather than streets connecting the small islands that compose it. The Clockwork City adds an almost believable steampunk touch to its rich historical background that combined with a murder mystery makes it a delightfully clean adventure.
Widow Lady Georgia Brunel and her late husband’s Aunt Millicent have traveled to Venice for a leisurely painting holiday but that quickly changes course when a body is found floating at the entrance to her rented villa. Local law enforcement appears to be overlooking the case one minute and accusing Georgia of murder the next. Determined to solve the mystery and reunite the victim’s daughter with her mother, Georgia and Millie join forces with a Texican Ranger on a dangerous and deadly quest that will keep the reader engaged. Encounters with the fabled kraken add a special touch to the story.
I enjoyed this first book of the series and look forward to seeing if a certain potential romance will transpire in the next installment. An excellent book for teens, I recommend it to all who enjoy a steampunk theme with clean, faith-based content.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by JustReads Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
What a fun read! I love a good historical fiction, and one with elements of fantasy is even better. The author did a fantastic job sucking me into the story, it was like I was there! I loved when the historical blurred with the fantastical. Shelley Adina is one author that I will be looking into her back list of books to find something new to read!
Lady Georgia Brunel is a newly-made widow, rejoicing in that circumstance as her late husband was a horrible man. Now that her mourning period is over, she has decided to take a holiday with her late husband's spinster aunt, Millie Brunel, to the clockwork city of Venice. With the idea of painting and shopping and just reveling in being free, Georgia ends up quickly getting entangled in a murder investigation... as the prime suspect!
There were quite a few things that I really enjoyed from this novel, one of which was the author making our heroine in her mid-to0-late 30s. She was actually close to my age, but didn't act like a 70-year-old widow (why is it when historical fiction write someone close the the age of 40, they're a shriveled up old woman?). Georgia had spunk, energy, and life. Reading about her adventure was invigorating! And I'm not even going to get into the whole kraken bit, but I will say you should read it to find out!
All in all, I loved it and am looking forward to the next Georgia Brunel adventure!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The Clockwork City is the first book I’ve read by author Shelley Adina, but it won’t be my last! A steampunk-era mystery is a first for me…so fun, intriguing, and original! Lady Georgia Brunel has been widowed a year, and is now off to the Duchy of Venice with her friend and companion, Millicent Brunel, the aunt of Georgia’s husband. Georgia and Millie plan to while the days away painting and attending events. A persistent presence at one of these events, Lord Somersby, is found dead on the steps where Georgia and Millie are staying. Now Georgia is a suspect, but she and Millie can’t leave all the sleuthing to the police. They need to find a way to clear her name, all while dealing with forces trying to thwart them, as well as caring for Lord Somersby’s daughter. This was such a fun read, plus it has my favorite thing in a book…an epilogue! So don’t be a numpty…take off your top hat and goggles, and take a rest with The Clockwork City. You’ll be glad you did! I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
The Clockwork City was my first book by Shelley Adina. The steampunk elements in The Clockwork City were light, relatable and easily understood.
Georgia, a 38 yr old widow just out of mourning an abusive husband, and her Aunt Millie on her late husband's side, are given carte blanche by Georgia's son, a Baron, to explore the world now that she is finally free from her horrible husband. So they take an airship to Italy for a painting tour. Murder happens.
I was super into the first 45% or so of this book and then we hit a bit of a drag. I would not call this a mystery, per se. It was more of two ladies get caught up in drama of "powerful people"and have to get themselves out of it with the help of a Texas Ranger. Yes, a Texas Ranger. I enjoyed the characters but again, thought the mystery wasn't all that as there was nothing to solve... more of a "bad guys reveal themselves" mystery. With the Texas Ranger on the ground, I thought there would be more investigations happening but that didn't end up being the case. Also struggled with the narration. It was definitely mid. I don't really know if my lost enthusiasm of the second half was the result of the story or the narration finally getting on my nerves to the point it impacted that enjoyment.
It's been awhile since I've read any stempunk books by Shelley Adina, but I thoroughly enjoyed the first in her new stempunk mystery series featuring Lady Georgia Brunel. In this first entry in the series we meet what I assume will be the two main characters -- Lady Georgia and her aunt Millie -- as well as a host of secondary characters who i hope we see again.
The setting for this book is Venice, and it was familiar from a past series that stopped there. I believe I have either encountered some of the minor characters mentioned in this book, or their relatives, in past series by the author. And of course, there are chickens!
I thoroughly enjoyed this and look forward to reading the next in the series when it's released.
Such an interesting juxtaposition of historical, mystery and steampunk. Set in Venice, the setting offers a good background that adds intrigue and curiosity.
I really liked the tone and world building of the book. The tone really suites the historical aspect, and the world building is well thought through with strong steampunk elements.
And on top of that, you've got an interesting cast of characters and a mystery. Dustin Seacombe offered interesting cultural and personality contrast with Lady Georgia Brunel to give the story additional depth.
This is book 1 of the new mystery series by Shelly Adina. It’s been quite some time since I’ve read her books so I’ve forgotten a lot. It was ok to read this without having read the other books as I still vaguely remembered events and people but in retrospect, I wish I had reread the other books first. I feel like I would’ve gotten a bit more out of the book but that is just me. However it is quite ok to read this book without having read the others. I enjoyed the setting, the plot the characters, and the events. I also liked the steampunk elements of the story, something at which Adina is a master. The gears under the city which move entire neighbourhoods are an interesting invention. Of course we have some traditional steampunk elements such as the kraken and airships too. There’s a touch of romance in the book. Nothing is resolved here but there are hints the romance may continue in the next book. I’m anxious to find out what happens there. There’s lots of action in the book which kept me interested. I enjoyed watching how Georgia, Millie, Lady Thorne and even Cora helped to solve the mystery. Lots of strong women characters here to enjoy. Mr. Seacombe, Marcus and Lorenzo are excellent partners for all the strong women in the book. I wonder if we shall see Marcus and Cora have their own series in a few years? All in all, a fun debut to Adina’s new series. I shall look forward to the next book.
Two of my favorite genres, clean mysteries and steampunk, magically meld in The Clockwork City, and I am so here for it! This novel is oozing charm and imagination and has been so fun to read! I love a good mystery, and when you add steampunk it takes things to a whole other level.
At the beginning of the novel we find Lady Georgia Burnel emerging from her year of mourning, after the death of her abusive husband, and she is ready for rest and relaxation. With her Aunt Millie, Georgia embarks on an Italian getaway that ends up being anything but relaxing. There are a lot of names thrown at you at the beginning of the story, making the start a bit mirky, but the narrative flows so naturally that it’s not long before you’re completely immersed in this world, seeing it all through the eyes of these multifaceted characters.
The overall pace is brisk, but has a certain lightness to it, though there is a darkness that lingers just below the surface. All of the characters are great, but Cora and Marcus, the two adolescents who aid in the sleuthing, bring a sweetness that won me over. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Mr. Seacombe when he was first introduced, but as the story went on, and he continued to offer his quiet strength to Georgia and Millie, I found myself enjoying his Texican charm. Georgia and Millie were marvelous, and are the perfect pair that compliment one another nicely.
I’m not normally one for stories of fantasy, but there is something about steampunk that vibes with me. I love the uniqueness this genre brings, especially in details of the town, and the kraken. There is so much imagination that really brings a unique facet to an otherwise ordinary mystery.
This novel kicks off the new Lady Georgia Burnel Mysteries series and I am so excited to see what adventures Georgia will embark on next! The tinge of romance, the support of friendship, and the thirst to find the truth makes for quite an enjoyable read.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
I'm quite new to steampunk fiction. But even with my lack of experience, I could tell that Shelley Adina is a gifted storyteller in this genre! In The Clockwork City, Englishwomen Lady Georgia Brunel and her aunt-by-marriage and close companion Millicent Brunel (Millie) are on a painting holiday in Venice. Georgia is recently widowed, and her son, the new baron, has sent them by airship to Venice. And there's so much to take in! Along with painting, there's the ball that's hosted by royals, during which Georgia and Millie dance with some wonderful (and one not-so-wonderful) dancing partners. The vacation is going swimmingly.
Until the morning after the ball, when it's discovered that a murder has been committed--apparently right outside Georgia's villa. The British ambassador is quite helpful, as is the Texican Ranger who's also visiting Venice. Then, there's the newly orphaned daughter, who's taken in by Georgia and Millie. But just how much danger are they all in? And do they have more to fear than the Venetian police, who seem quite suspicious? And what danger lurks beneath the canals?
Shelley Adina's marvelous world of steampunk Venice, with its incredible machinery and inventions placed side by side with its canals, islands, and bridges, is absolutely captivating. As are Georgia and her friends--and her enemies. Don't miss this wonderful book. It's a stellar read, and I highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
The Clockwork City: A steampunk adventure mystery by Shelley Adina is book #1 in Lady Georgia Brunel Mysteries. Georgia and Millie set off on an adventure in the city of Venice. They are enjoying lazy days while painting and doing social events. The morning after one such event, she goes outside to paint the flowers and ends up discovering a body on the water steps outside of her villa. Unfortunately, it's a man she knew. She actually danced a few dances with him the previous night. Sir Francis Thorne is found dead. At first it's assumed that it was an accident, but Lady Georgia and Millie her traveling companion thinks it's straight out of their beloved Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novels. They investigate with along with their acquaintance Texican ranger Dustin Seacombe. She must act quickly though because the police suspect her for killing Sir Francis in a lover's quarrel. Can she clear her name before it's too late? OMS! I am in love with this series and can't wait until the next one comes out. This is my first book by Shelley Adina & I'm so looking forward to reading others. She has a detailed yet simple style that allows you to be able to follow along and know exactly what's going on despite the the year (1895) and sometimes language difference (Italian). I plowed through this book. I couldn't put it down until I figured out the whodunit. Lady Georgia and Millie along with the other characters take you along for the ride and you won't want to stop. But then you get to the epilogue and you'll be happy and can't wait for book #2. Cause then it will be a whole other adventure. I was given a copy, but all opinions are my own.
The Clockwork City Lady Georgia Brunel Mysteries#1 By Shelley Adina
Lady Georgia Brunel has been in mourning for a year, following the death of her husband. With Society's expectations met, she is venturing out, taking a painting holiday in Venice. Along with her late husband's aunt, Millicent Brunel, she expects to enjoy the sights and paint. All too soon, her plans are upended when Lord Somersby is found dead on the water steps of the villa at which Georgia and Millie are staying.
With Georgia ordered to stay in Venice while the police investigate her possible ties to the murder, the two do a little sleuthing of their own. With Lord Somersby's young daughter in their care, they are quickly caught up in something more than they were expecting. With political forces they don't understand, danger is closer than they know.
I always love a well-written Steampunk mystery that is clean, and The Clockwork City definitely fits all these criteria. The story is engaging, and the cast of characters play well together even if they aren't playing nice. The mystery is a subtle thread that weaves its way throughout the story so that my attention, once captured, was held throughout my reading. I can easily say I'm looking forward to what happens next.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I give my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Suitable for teen - adult No Sex No vulgar language Plenty of Action Danger and Intrigue
Setting - Venice, Italy in the 1890's - (notable) Sea monsters live in the canals
Main Characters: -Lady Georgia -Aunt Millie -Cora, a little girl who has become separated from her father -Mr. Seacombe, a bodyguard or agent of some kind from America -Marcus, the son of Seacombe
Plot no spoilers: After a party that Lady Georgia attended and where she met Seacombe, a body washes up in the canal near where she and Millie are staying. Drownings are an unfortunate part of life along the canal, but this one was no accident. Not long thereafter, Georgia and Millie take charge of a little girl named Cora who turns out to be the daughter of the "drowned" man. For some reason Cora is being sought by criminals. The investigation into the murder is complicated by the fact that the land surrounded by the canals rotates on a set schedule through clockwork technology. Also, city officials continue to dismiss the death as a drowning.
Good story, but I admit to being confused at times about who was who and where. Perhaps this was due to my own busy schedule. I will seriously consider reading a sequel, having already read a short story featuring Lady Georgia and Millie.
This is a steampunk novel. And it’s the first novel in a new series. This is a mystery who-dun-it type series. Might actually remind me a bit of Agatha Christie but with a very modern spin on it.
You’re going to fall in love with this novel as much as I did. I can’t wait for more mystery adventures.
A gala. A murder. And a married man who showed his interest in Lady Georgia shows up dead. When Georgia and her companion/aunt set out to solve the case they take in Cora who is the daughter of the deceased and danger seems to follow her.
This was a fast-paced wonderfully written novel with characters that really reach out to you and make you have to continue reading. You’ll love it!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Taking a painting holiday in Venice, Lady Georgia Brunel is accompanied by her late husband’s aunt, Miss Millicent Brunel. When an acquaintance is found drowned outside their villa, they are in for an adventure complete with a Texican Ranger, corrupt officials, kidnapping, and watery prisons.
As a fan of Steampunk, the stand-out elements for me were the clockwork nature of the city and this author’s take on the kraken. I’ve been curious to read Shelley Adina’s books for some time, and I am so glad to have started with The Clockwork City and to have such a fabulous backlist to explore.
Recommended for fans of mysteries set in the Victorian era, Steampunk, and Venice.
This review refers to a paperback that I voluntarily received and reviewed, courtesy of the author. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
I'm a longtime fan of steampunk costuming and cosplay, but I haven't read many steampunk novels. Though The Clockwork City was my first steampunk mystery, it definitely won't be my last! Thrust into the amateur detective role to clear her name when she falls under the polizia's suspicions, Lady Georgia is a plucky protagonist, in a similar vein of Nancy Drew or Miss Marple. Shelley Adina also shines in establishing her fantastical steampunk re-imagining of Venice as a clockwork city with gondola filled waterways. I don't want to spoil any of the plot, but fans of the golden age of detective fiction or cozy mysteries looking to expand their horizons may enjoy this fantasy tinged, yet historically-inspired, steampunk novel.
[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes via Just Read Tours.]
Steampunk, mystery and women who are not afraid to speak their mind! I've greatly enjoyed this journey into Shelley Adina's steampunk world. There's no shortage of great characters and I love how she twines mystery with science and creates a drama that unfolds page after page. Georgia is a tough woman who's still sweet, genuine, and gracious after suffering through an abusive marriage. Her scientific mind and need to follow a mysterious death through to the finding of the murderer kept the story moving at a fast pace that I truly enjoyed. I received a copy of this book from the author through JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
The first full-length outing for a new heroine - as redoubtable as those she follows. Newly widowed (a year ago) Lady Georgia Brunel is venturing abroad for a painting holiday - initially to Venice. The 'Clockwork City' is a hotbed of intrigue and Georgia becomes fully embroiled... Set in the late Victorian period there are passing references to earlier books - and a few chickens make it into the pages as well.
I loved this story, so full of adversaries, supposed evil krakens, resourceful children and flying airships. The protagonist characters are vivid, clever, and easily beloved. The antagonists are evil and greedy beyond belief. The plot is straightforward, and the premise is helping the the murdered diplomat's engineer wife find her daughter and escape Venice. There are unsaid heroes in a most unusual form that you simply must read about and I absolutely loved the ending. Justice prevailed. I most highly recommend this book and look forward to the rest of the series.
I really enjoy all of Shelley Adina’s Steampunk series of books, this first book in a series I hadn’t yet encountered fits so we into her universe. It’s a nice fun cosy mystery with a deeper story arc that promises to be a good romp in future books. This has many of the features I’ve come to expect, strong female characters, nasty villains, great clothing descriptions and a couple of chickens. Most splendid, I’m looking forward to the next.
A cosy(ish) murder mystery set in the Victorian Era and in a clockwork/steampunk version of Venice. Whilst I enjoyed our female MC's, the lack of sex, the clockwork mechanism of the city & the large airships, there was a feel of something missing. Not as steampunk as I expected, and there was always an easy way out for the heroines whenever they found themselves in a predicament. Perfect popcorn read, this would be for fans of Gail Carringer (but a lightweight version) or Suzanna Rowntree
Venice played prominently in a prior Shelley Adina book. The man who was in charge of the clockwork mechanisms and prisoners sent underwater to clean the gears was evil personified. When is he going to get his just rewards? Really? I feel like the book was left hanging, even though it had a good ending for the good characters. It was a great story that I could barely put down to go to the bathroom.
A very enjoyable read, full of twists and turns and steampunk details. I love this alt-history world, and am looking forward to seeing where the author goes with the series
Enchanting story fully detailed Nd imaginative..if.you enjoyed the rest of Shelley's works, youll.adore this ! If you're new to her tomes, you adore this ! Can't wait for the next.lady Georgia Mystery !
Extremely enjoyable romp through a clockwork Venice, the city itself built on a giant clockwork engine that spins the city into a new orientation. Action, adventure, intrigue, mystery, danger, kidnapping, entrepreneuring characters... honestly, anything a Victorian-Era mystery lover could wish for!
Jeg er normalt vild med Shelley Adinas bøger, men denne gang var det svært at blive rigtig fanget. Det bedste var alt dey med kraken. Det var ret interessant