Waistcoats & Weaponry

By: Gail Carriger

Narrated by: Moira Quirk

Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

Class is back in session...

Sophronia continues her second year at finishing school in style - with a steel-bladed fan secreted in the folds of her ball gown, of course. Such a fashionable choice of weapon comes in handy when Sophronia, her best friend Dimity, sweet sootie Soap, and the charming Lord Felix Mersey stowaway on a train to return their classmate Sidheag to her werewolf pack in Scotland. No one suspected what - or who - they would find aboard that suspiciously empty train. Sophronia uncovers a plot that threatens to throw all of London into chaos and she must decide where her loyalties lie, once and for all.

Gather your poison, steel tipped quill, and the rest of your school supplies and join Mademoiselle Geraldine's proper young killing machines in the third rousing installment in the New York Times best-selling Finishing School Series by steampunk author, Gail Carriger.

©2014 Gail Carriger (P)2014 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"[A] delightfully madcap espionage adventure..." (Kirkus Reviews)

"Teenage and adult fans alike will rejoice that Carriger retains her flair for musical prose, over-the-top names, clever wit, and strange yet helpful mechanical devices of all kinds. Carriger's blend of comically exaggerated characters and madcap action will easily win over readers once again." ( Publishers Weekly)

"[Carriger] jumps right into the thick of the action, developing a fast-paced plot that is sure to keep readers' attention... this is a must-have purchase." ( School Library Journal)

Another amusing escapade

If you are familiar with this series, this is another strong addition. It wraps up Lady Kingheir's future, which is already mapped out by the "Parasol" series which featured her much older self as well as the main character's love interest, Soap. Much more than this would give away too much, and that would be a a shame.


I am, so far, sad when a book from Gail Carriger ends, because that means an ending to my being ensconced in the wonderful world she brings to life. I do not believe I have EVER given out 5 stars in all three categories audible has listed at the top for a single book let alone two series from the same author but these series deserves it.

A grand romp!

Of all the books in Carriger's various series, this is the one you can read without needing to know any of the back story. It helps, but it's a good romp all on its own with a tidy happy (ish) ending.

I love the song at the end.

listen all the way to the end. and keep listening to Gail garriger. seriously do.

Loved It!

I love the madness & mayhem in each book. Can't wait to read the next book.

More Adventures

I don't want to say too much since this is the 3rd book in the series. But, I still loved this book, it may be my favorite of the series! Werewolves <3 Excited to reread book 4. but hate the series ending again :( Narrator was fantastic as always.

Fantastic narration!

This series is great fun! Each book is better than the one before. Gail Carriger is one of my favorite authors. She writes character driven books with adventure, mystery a dash of romance and best of all humor.

LOVE the Finishing School series!!

Great character development, well paced writing, excellent use of details, and little clues scattered through like scone crumbs make for another tasty tale!

Love these books -and a bit of a shock!

I won't tell you the shock, but once again our favorite intelligencers are under the geas of friendship and so strike out on their own to help one another. Ms. Carriger's characters are well drawn and fully-fleshed, petticoats and all. If you are into Steampunk this set of young adult books is worth the read as well as worth gifting to an intrigued youngster. Come along for the ride!

The Fun Continues

Another great adventure for Ms. Sophronia and friends. I was really disappointed in the voice change for Felix but otherwise wonderful narration.

Love Gail Carriger

My third time reading and that ending gets me every time. Rereading whole series before May release of Defy or Defend. ☂️