Imogene Roth has been missing the companionship of her best friend, Evelina Cooper, ever since she was banished from their estate after the events of A Study in Silks. However, she's overheard something about The Baskerville Affair, bombs, and a threat to Evelinas childhood friend, Nick, that has her determined more than ever to get Evelina -- and consequently Evelinas uncle, Sherlock Holmes, to assist. Unfortunately, Evelina ends up under the thumb of the Gold King and now Evelina will have to risk everything if she is to protect and save everyone she loves.

A STUDY IN DARKNESS picks up right where A Study in Silks left off. Don't try to read this as a standalone story as the world building and ongoing intrigues between the various members of the Steam Council and their opposition forces have been building over the course of the prior novel. A STUDY IN DARKNESS is steampunk at its finest, as we have automatons, bombs, pirates, the Whitechapel Murders of Jack the Ripper, kings, and magic. What more could you ask for?

The action starts from the very first page and never relents. Emma Jane Holloway does a marvelous job at keeping the intensity of the storyline high while continuing to develop the world. A STUDY IN DARKNESS is a complex, twisted and thoroughly delightful adventure. Emma Jane Holloway throws quite a few curveballs at the reader as the unpredictability is part of the fun.

One note of warning, however- the cliffhanger for A STUDY IN DARKNESS is a doozy! I did miss seeing as much of Mouse and Bird (Evelina's magically created companions) but I love the shocker at the end. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Book Summary

When a bomb goes off at 221B Baker Street, Evelina Cooper is thrown into her uncle Sherlock’s world of mystery and murder. But just when she thought it was safe to return to the ballroom, old, new, and even dead enemies are clamoring for a place on her dance card.

Before Evelina’s even unpacked her gowns for a country house party, an indiscretion puts her in the power of the ruthless Gold King, who recruits her as his spy. He knows her disreputable past and exiles her to the rank alleyways of Whitechapel with orders to unmask his foe.

As danger mounts, Evelina struggles between hiding her illegal magic and succumbing to the darker aspects of her power. One path keeps her secure; the other keeps her alive. For rebellion is brewing, a sorcerer wants her soul, and no one can protect her in the hunting grounds of Jack the Ripper.