Murder at Somerset House is no exception. To the quirky, blended family that Wrex and Charlotte have formed, we get a new addition: a preteen girl with a passion for raising and training carrier pigeons. It may take her a while to grow accustomed to a family that includes a notoriously volatile Earl who dabbles in chemistry, an unconventional artist skilled at both the art of satire and the art of disguise, two former street urchins who love mathematics and art and mischief, and a biracial scientific prodigy... and all of whom have a penchant for pursuing truth and justice by solving crimes together. Who wouldn't be daunted? And who wouldn't love them?
As usual, the plot revolves around the cutting-edge science and technology of Regency England, this time with a healthy dose of Napoleonic danger added to the intrigue. Spying, secrecy, and science make for a combustible combination, and no mistake. Also, this may sound really weird, but the stock exchange played a vital role in this book, and I now actually kind of understand how trading stocks and bonds and such works, for the first time in my life. That's pretty nifty.
Particularly Good Bits:
"Self-reliance -- the art of knowing how to think through problems and solve them -- is a fundamentally important skill to have in life" (p. 167).
"Taking joy in each other's passions is part of the bonds that tie a family together" (p. 250).
Henning let out a rusty laugh. "Is there anyone normal in this family?"
"Heaven forfend," drawled the earl. "They wouldn't last long" (p. 286).
If This was a Movie, I Would Rate It: PG-13 for murder, violence, and some era-appropriate cussing.
I haven't heard of these, but they sound and look interesting! I do like a good mystery now and then. :)
ReplyDeleteRissi, I can't understand why these aren't super well known, because they are EXCELLENT. I highly recommend them.
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