The Red Plague Affair

By: Lilith Saintcrow

Narrated by: Jane Collingwood

The service of Britannia is not for the faint of heart -- or conscience. . .

Emma Bannon, Sorceress Prime in service to Queen Victrix, has a mission: to find the doctor who has created a powerful new weapon. Her friend, the mentath Archibald Clare, is only too happy to help. It will distract him from pursuing his nemesis, and besides, Clare is not as young as he used to be. A spot of Miss Bannon's excellent hospitality and her diverting company may be just what he needs.

Unfortunately, their quarry is a fanatic, and his poisonous discovery is just as dangerous to Britannia as to Her enemies. Now a single man has set Londinium ablaze, and Clare finds himself in the middle of distressing excitement, racing against time and theory to find a cure. Miss Bannon, of course, has troubles of her own, for the Queen's Consort Alberich is ill, and Her Majesty unhappy with Bannon's loyal service. And there is still no reliable way to find a hansom when one needs it most. . .

The game is afoot. And the Red Plague rises.

The fantastic follow-up to The Iron Wyrm Affair, set in an alternate Victorian world where magic has turned the Industrial Revolution on its head.

Critic reviews

" Saintcrow scores a hit with this terrific Steampunk series that rockets through a Britain-that-wasn't with magic and industrial mayhem with a firm nod to Holmes. Genius and a rocking good time."—Patricia Briggs on The Iron Wyrm Affair

"Saintcrow melds a complex magic system with a subtle but effective steampunk society, adds fully-fleshed and complicated characters, and delivers a clever and highly engaging mystery that kept me turning pages, fascinated to the very end."—Laura Anne Gilman on The Iron Wyrm Affair

"Innovative world building, powerful steam punk, master storyteller at her best. Don't miss this one....She's fabulous. "—Christine Feehan on The Iron Wyrm Affair

"Lilith Saintcrow spins a world of deadly magic, grand adventure, and fast-paced intrigue through the clattering streets of a maze-like mechanized Londonium. The Iron Wyrm Affair is a fantastic mix of action, steam, and mystery dredged in dark magic with a hint of romance. Loved it! Do not miss this wonderful addition to the steampunk genre."—Devon Monk on The Iron Wyrm Affair

"Lilith Saintcrow's foray into steampunk plunges the reader into a Victorian England rife with magic and menace, where clockwork horses pace the cobbled streets, dragons rule the ironworks, and it will take a sorceress' discipline and a logician's powers of deduction to unravel a bloody conspiracy."—Jacqueline Carey on The Iron Wyrm Affair

Gripping and Fresh

The narrator was highly skilled and truly enjoyable to listen to. The story is thrilling and original.

New reader

I didn't enjoy as much. But I liked the book itself. Ready for next book

Great series!

I would highly recommend it as long as we finally find out what the deal is with Mikal.

Eagerly anticipating the next installment

What made the experience of listening to The Red Plague Affair the most enjoyable?

As a huge Sherlock Holmes fan the similarities between the two characters are inescapable. Yet they are so different, as is the England in which they are set as to be almost unrecognizable. It is a unique take as well a delicious roll reversal of the famous old English detective and his erstwhile companion. While I can't say that this is a great series, I can say that it is a very good one. The interaction between the two protagonists is very well done.

It is with eager anticipation that I look forward to seeing these two characters develop.

What did you like best about this story?

Both the similarities and differences to the most famous of English sleuths and the England in which he lived. The addition of sorcery to the mix is very well done.

What about Jane Collingwood’s performance did you like?

Ms. Collingwood's performance is spot on. Enough said.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely. But the book was far more enjoyable by stretching it out over a period of days.

Any additional comments?

I recommend this series to anyone who loves Sherlock Holmes and/or a good fantasy novel. It is sure to please.

great series

this second installment let's us see a closer look at the relationship Miss Bannon has with her shields Mr Claire and those closest to her. An engaging story and great narration.