A Study in Silks

By: Emma Jane Holloway

Narrated by: Angele Masters

Evelina Cooper, the niece of the great Sherlock Holmes, is poised to enjoy her first Season in London Society. But there's a murderer to deal with - not to mention missing automatons, a sorcerer, and a talking mouse.

In a Victorian era ruled by a council of ruthless steam barons, mechanical power is the real monarch and sorcery the demon enemy of the Empire. Nevertheless, the most coveted weapon is magic that can run machines - something Evelina has secretly mastered. But rather than making her fortune, her special talents could mean death or an eternity as a guest of Her Majesty's secret laboratories. What's a polite young lady to do but mind her manners and pray she's never found out?

But then there's that murder. As Sherlock Holmes' niece, Evelina should be able to find the answers, but she has a lot to learn. And the first decision she has to make is whether to trust the handsome, clever rake who makes her breath come faster, or the dashing trick rider who would dare anything for her if she would only just ask.

©2013 Naomi Lester (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

A Credit to the Steampunk Genre!

I have read a few books in the steampunk genre and have enjoyed most of them. This is DEFINITELY one of the best! It combines fantasy, mystery and fun! I can't wait to read the next two installments! Angele Masters does an excellent job bringing this fun story to life. Although it is a long story, I just couldn't get enough! Emma Jane Holloway is now a MUST READ for me!

Very Good!

There's a little more romance than I would enjoy. Sometimes it jars you out of the mystery. But the plot is good, it sets up the sequel very well, and I enjoyed the relationship between Holmes and his niece. She isn't an investigator, and all she can do is hold the clues until Uncle Holmes comes to town. The world doesn't need another female Holmes. Adler is bad enough.

Good listen

I enjoyed this book very much, enough to get the next in the series. The narrator was excellent I will be looking for more books she has done. At first so many characters where introduced I felt overwhelmed but everything smooths out and a good mystery takes over.

Too much of a bad thing

Is there anything you would change about this book?

First of all, the story had zero humor. I liked the core storyline, but the author spent far too much time on the whole love triangle, with zero humor between any of the characters. I am used to some of the other steampunk authors like Pip Ballantine, and Gail Carriger who add a lot of humor along with a good story. This book was like listening to a teen girl whining about two boys she liked. The book could have been great with about fifty percent of the love triangle junk removed, and some humor added.

What do you think your next listen will be?

I doubt I'll listen to the rest of the series, since it was just to drab and slow moving. As a man, I don't think I can listen to all the confused love triangle stuff either. I need to listen to one of the other steam punk authors to get back to sanity.

What does Angele Masters bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Angele is a great reader, which was one of the only reasons I continued to listen, since the story seemed to drag on and on throughout. Her change of voice for characters is good, and she keeps you hooked well enough to keep the play button going.

Did A Study in Silks inspire you to do anything?

Yes, make sure a book isn't mostly a love story, instead of an adventurous steam punk story I was expecting.

Any additional comments?

Don't bother if you are expecting a fun adventure with steam punk. The story just drags and drags, with zero humor, and far too much "oh I love him, or no i love that guy, oh wait I love this guy again." At the end of the story the main character ends up looking like a foolish girl, while the guys are all jerks.Now I don't mind a love triangle, but it seemed as though the book was saturated with confusing little girl thoughts of who she liked or disliked.

A well narrated and we'll written

A masterful combination of the mind of Sherlock Holmes, a younger narrative and a touch of magic.