This book is described by the author as "steampunk noir fantasy" and it fits well. It's a somewhat-gloomy atmospheric mystery set in an alternate Victorian era with both magic and tech complicating the case. The characters are fun, if kind of rote. Neither had a particularly unique personality, and their banter-heavy, will-we-won't-we relationship is a very old hat that has never my taste. Still, the plot progressed briskly and the creative setting kept interesting events going at a steady rate which made for an easy read.

I found this an entertaining, if rather bland, story. I know that when I read Ann Aguirre's books, I often wasn't sold on the first one, and she is one half of the duo writing this one, so I would read the sequel if I happened across it to see if it tightened up, but I probably won't seek it out.

One of the starting volumes in the Otherworldly (Shrinking) Bookbox

Taking from the "Otherworldly" bookbox.