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lynseyisreading's review against another edition
3.0
A Study in Steampunk.
Back with the fantastically entertaining Evelina Cooper, niece to Sherlock Holmes, in this second instalment of the Steampunk mysteries - The Baskerville Affair. This time we start with the main characters all scattered hither and thither after the events at the end of the last book. It's fair to say I was bitterly, bitterly disappointed in Tobias' character in A study in Silks. Not all the way through, of course. Just the spineless move he pulled at the end. He let me down, in particular, because he was my pick for Evelina. Now, I don't think he deserves her if he's unable to man up when it counts. I probably best not go into more detail in case you haven't read in order or are peeking ahead to this review, but he was not in my good books as I set out to read A Study in Darkness, put it that way. And I was therefore hoping to see a great deal less of him in this book. And, hopefully, the swift return of childhood friend Nick. Or should I say, The Indomitable Niccolo!
Well, Nick's return wasn't quite as swift as I'd liked, as it turns out. In fact, he seemed to take an inordinate amount of time to make an appearance, but I loved every scene he was in when he finally did! The love triangle, if you can call it that, has taken such an interesting turn. My own loyalties have been hoodwinked and bamboozled, so God only knows how poor Evelina must feel! I think the romance aspect of these books, while small, is so well done. So subtle and yet so full of feeling. Really clever stuff!
As for the rest of the plot, Holloway ingeniously found a way to work in, with a bit of jiggery-pokery and a whole load of imagination and flair - real life serial murderer Jack the Ripper to her Steampunk world. I thought this aspect - the way she made it fit her plot - was truly fantastic! I honestly cannot fault the worldbuilding side of things at all. It seems water tight and is highly enjoyable to read.
So, why am I being a miserable cow and only giving it 3.5 stars? Well, simply because the beginning, before Nick reappeared, was rather slow-going. These are big books, five-hundred some pages, so it doesn't take much for it to feel like you're hardly moving. And indeed, this time, it felt like we were purposely delaying the action. Therefore, I have to in all honesty give it less than I gave book one, which moved at a much smoother tempo. Still, I found much to enjoy, as ever, and can't wait for book three!
3.5 Stars ★★★1/2
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Back with the fantastically entertaining Evelina Cooper, niece to Sherlock Holmes, in this second instalment of the Steampunk mysteries - The Baskerville Affair. This time we start with the main characters all scattered hither and thither after the events at the end of the last book. It's fair to say I was bitterly, bitterly disappointed in Tobias' character in A study in Silks. Not all the way through, of course. Just the spineless move he pulled at the end. He let me down, in particular, because he was my pick for Evelina. Now, I don't think he deserves her if he's unable to man up when it counts. I probably best not go into more detail in case you haven't read in order or are peeking ahead to this review, but he was not in my good books as I set out to read A Study in Darkness, put it that way. And I was therefore hoping to see a great deal less of him in this book. And, hopefully, the swift return of childhood friend Nick. Or should I say, The Indomitable Niccolo!
Well, Nick's return wasn't quite as swift as I'd liked, as it turns out. In fact, he seemed to take an inordinate amount of time to make an appearance, but I loved every scene he was in when he finally did! The love triangle, if you can call it that, has taken such an interesting turn. My own loyalties have been hoodwinked and bamboozled, so God only knows how poor Evelina must feel! I think the romance aspect of these books, while small, is so well done. So subtle and yet so full of feeling. Really clever stuff!
As for the rest of the plot, Holloway ingeniously found a way to work in, with a bit of jiggery-pokery and a whole load of imagination and flair - real life serial murderer Jack the Ripper to her Steampunk world. I thought this aspect - the way she made it fit her plot - was truly fantastic! I honestly cannot fault the worldbuilding side of things at all. It seems water tight and is highly enjoyable to read.
So, why am I being a miserable cow and only giving it 3.5 stars? Well, simply because the beginning, before Nick reappeared, was rather slow-going. These are big books, five-hundred some pages, so it doesn't take much for it to feel like you're hardly moving. And indeed, this time, it felt like we were purposely delaying the action. Therefore, I have to in all honesty give it less than I gave book one, which moved at a much smoother tempo. Still, I found much to enjoy, as ever, and can't wait for book three!
3.5 Stars ★★★1/2
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
outoftheblue14's review against another edition
5.0
E-galley received through Netgalley for review.
Wow, so much happens in this book. It's awesome.
Wow, so much happens in this book. It's awesome.
samrushingbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Wow...this second book of the Baskerville Affair really intensifies everything that is going on. Several questions are answered and yet even more pop up. There was also more Sherlock in this one which pleased me greatly. So many cliffhangers were left that closing the book left me disappointed because this world and these characters have drawn me in so fully that I need to read more. Thank goodness I gained approval for an eARC for the final book from NetGalley.
tinynavajo's review against another edition
5.0
Oh. My. Holy. Hell... *Full Review to Come*
So, second in The Baskerville Affair, we find Evelina Cooper not only avoiding foul play at the hands of the Steam Barons, but now playing spy for the most prominent one after he learns of her secret.
Evelina must find out who the maker for Kind Coal is, and fast, else her life as a lady will be forever destroyed by her past. But finding out who the maker is, and actually finding out who the maker is are two very different things, especially when there is a deadline attached. But Evelina being Evelina, she finds a way to not only find the maker, but to become his student as well, as he is the only one who can teach her about her own magic. The teaching comes at a price though, as she learns that there are many ways in which a man take away what's yours, and not all of them come at the price of money or a knife.
So, second in The Baskerville Affair, we find Evelina Cooper not only avoiding foul play at the hands of the Steam Barons, but now playing spy for the most prominent one after he learns of her secret.
Evelina must find out who the maker for Kind Coal is, and fast, else her life as a lady will be forever destroyed by her past. But finding out who the maker is, and actually finding out who the maker is are two very different things, especially when there is a deadline attached. But Evelina being Evelina, she finds a way to not only find the maker, but to become his student as well, as he is the only one who can teach her about her own magic. The teaching comes at a price though, as she learns that there are many ways in which a man take away what's yours, and not all of them come at the price of money or a knife.
kel_pru's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked the last one, but this one dragged for me. I mean...I still like the series. A lot.
mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
4.0
Book 2 in a Victorian Sherlock Holmes Steampunk series I read for the Endeavour Award. Not bad, better than the first - a little tighter, a little faster, a little shorter. Though I am beyond weary at the use of Jack the Ripper in the slightest. Still this tied together enough loose ends from the first book. And the characters are just interesting enough - though I could have done with a slightly different final ending. Book 3 hopefully continues the improvement - that said real endings are apparently more difficult than middle books.
westcoastchelle's review against another edition
4.0
OoooOooo that took a while to finish but it was good!! I do wonder if there will be more though ;)
felinity's review against another edition
4.0
[b:A Study in Darkness|17264584|A Study in Darkness (The Baskerville Affair, #2)|Emma Jane Holloway|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1368485412s/17264584.jpg|23862387] takes magical steampunk to a new level. Holloway's descriptions left me breathless, horrified, apprehensive, worried, relieved and distraught. Nick and Evelina's precarious relationship may stand a chance, now that Tobias has promised himself to Alice, but what of Nick's wild magic? Where is the middle ground where a Gypsy and an almost-lady could meet?
There are some hard truths revealed here, and some hard lessons learned as tempting offers prove to be nothing but a lure, but internal honesty allows honesty with others. The truth about Anna, previously hinted at, is now revealed, and the stakes are higher than I imagined.
Evelina is rightfully the heroine in this story, and I love her honesty and sense of humor. Her thoughts about her famous uncle (including wondering how on earth Dr. Watson managed to live with him all these years) reveal a quick wit and incisive observations. Drawn to her new world of comfort and ease, she still desires the freedom of her childhood, and isn't too proud to admit it... at least, not to Nick.
The political intrigue almost takes a back seat here, but its thread is constant, nonetheless, as is the threat from the Steam Barons and the growing threat from the rebels. I'm looking for book 3 now.
There are some hard truths revealed here, and some hard lessons learned as tempting offers prove to be nothing but a lure, but internal honesty allows honesty with others. The truth about Anna, previously hinted at, is now revealed, and the stakes are higher than I imagined.
Evelina is rightfully the heroine in this story, and I love her honesty and sense of humor. Her thoughts about her famous uncle (including wondering how on earth Dr. Watson managed to live with him all these years) reveal a quick wit and incisive observations. Drawn to her new world of comfort and ease, she still desires the freedom of her childhood, and isn't too proud to admit it... at least, not to Nick.
The political intrigue almost takes a back seat here, but its thread is constant, nonetheless, as is the threat from the Steam Barons and the growing threat from the rebels. I'm looking for book 3 now.
bahbadook's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
deeana's review against another edition
4.0
Yet another unexpected genius!!
I like this one better than the "study in silks" with respect to both plot and pace.
The only condition for criticism being, Miss Holloway tends to end her books in some apocalyptic haste. Like the final trails of sand slipping through one's fingers. I wonder if she runs out of paper?? I can imagine she might (given the length of the book).
I like this one better than the "study in silks" with respect to both plot and pace.
The only condition for criticism being, Miss Holloway tends to end her books in some apocalyptic haste. Like the final trails of sand slipping through one's fingers. I wonder if she runs out of paper?? I can imagine she might (given the length of the book).