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London Steampunk #3.5
The Curious Case of the Clockwork Menace
Friends, partners, and professionals... So just why is this case coming between them?
In a Victorian London ruled by the blood-drinking elite, Perry Lowell is a logical and accomplished Nighthawk: a rogue blue blood who tracks murderers and thieves for the Guild. So when she and her charming-but-reckless partner, Garrett, are charged with finding a missing theatre starlet, it should be a simple solve.
But with an entire theatre of suspects, including a flirtatious understudy and whispers of a Clockwork Menace haunting the place, tension is brewing between the pair of them. Can they come together to solve the case - or will it be too late, when the murderer turns his gaze on Perry herself?
Warning: This is not a traditional HEA. Set three years before Forged By Desire (available Sept 2014), it's a pre-romance novella featuring Perry and Garrett. Heads will butt, tempers will flare - and perhaps one of them might come to realise just what the other truly means to them?
In a Victorian London ruled by the blood-drinking elite, Perry Lowell is a logical and accomplished Nighthawk: a rogue blue blood who tracks murderers and thieves for the Guild. So when she and her charming-but-reckless partner, Garrett, are charged with finding a missing theatre starlet, it should be a simple solve.
But with an entire theatre of suspects, including a flirtatious understudy and whispers of a Clockwork Menace haunting the place, tension is brewing between the pair of them. Can they come together to solve the case - or will it be too late, when the murderer turns his gaze on Perry herself?
Warning: This is not a traditional HEA. Set three years before Forged By Desire (available Sept 2014), it's a pre-romance novella featuring Perry and Garrett. Heads will butt, tempers will flare - and perhaps one of them might come to realise just what the other truly means to them?
148 pages, ebook
First published August 14, 2014
48 people are currently reading
1099 people want to read
About the author
Bec McMaster
65 books3,459 followersKidnapped by a dread pirate when she was a child, USA Today Bestselling Author Bec McMaster was raised on myth and legend, and offered her younger siblings to the goblin king many a time. Unfortunately, he did not accept.
Now she writes epic fantasy romance with a dark and sexy twist, which is almost as much fun. She has a secret weakness for villainous heroes, wicked fae princes and dangerous vampires, though in all her daydreams, she’s the one rescuing them.
Bec lives happily-ever-after with her very own hero and princess-in-training in the wilds of Australia, where she can often be found drinking tea or plotting her next travel adventure.
Escape the ordinary at www.becmcmaster.com
Join Bec's mailing list at http://eepurl.com/F_LkD for all the latest news on releases, exclusive excerpts, cover reveals, and epilogues.
Newest Release: CROWN OF DARKNESS (Available now)
Next release: MASTER OF STORMS (Legends of the Storm #5--coming January, 2021)
Where to start?
If you want deliciously dark fae princes, then try Dark Court Rising or Court of Dreams.
For sexy dragon shifters, see Legends of the Storm.
Sorcery and magic?
Try the Dark Arts series.
Kick-bustle ladies-saving-the-day steampunk romance?
Then check out London Steampunk and the London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy series.
For rocket-fuelled post-apocalyptic romance with a twist on the werewolf theme, then read the Burned Lands.
Now she writes epic fantasy romance with a dark and sexy twist, which is almost as much fun. She has a secret weakness for villainous heroes, wicked fae princes and dangerous vampires, though in all her daydreams, she’s the one rescuing them.
Bec lives happily-ever-after with her very own hero and princess-in-training in the wilds of Australia, where she can often be found drinking tea or plotting her next travel adventure.
Escape the ordinary at www.becmcmaster.com
Join Bec's mailing list at http://eepurl.com/F_LkD for all the latest news on releases, exclusive excerpts, cover reveals, and epilogues.
Newest Release: CROWN OF DARKNESS (Available now)
Next release: MASTER OF STORMS (Legends of the Storm #5--coming January, 2021)
Where to start?
If you want deliciously dark fae princes, then try Dark Court Rising or Court of Dreams.
For sexy dragon shifters, see Legends of the Storm.
Sorcery and magic?
Try the Dark Arts series.
Kick-bustle ladies-saving-the-day steampunk romance?
Then check out London Steampunk and the London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy series.
For rocket-fuelled post-apocalyptic romance with a twist on the werewolf theme, then read the Burned Lands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
May 29, 2020
This novella is the expanded introduction of Garrett and Perry, two Nighthawk delective partners set to investigate the disappearance of a missing actress, Netly Tate.
There are special interesting side characters, like James Hobbs and Lovecraft. As the investigation plot is set the book focuses on Garrett and Perry's relationship. We get a glimpse of Perry's developing feelings for Garret. Perry is an all-knowing, headstrong and independent woman while Garret is the easy-going, flirtatious and emotional man. There is jealousy, sizzling-tensions and arguments.
This story doesn't have an end yet. The story is set few years before we were introduced to Garret and Perry in other previous books of this series. I'm eager to see how these two end up together.
There are special interesting side characters, like James Hobbs and Lovecraft. As the investigation plot is set the book focuses on Garrett and Perry's relationship. We get a glimpse of Perry's developing feelings for Garret. Perry is an all-knowing, headstrong and independent woman while Garret is the easy-going, flirtatious and emotional man. There is jealousy, sizzling-tensions and arguments.
This story doesn't have an end yet. The story is set few years before we were introduced to Garret and Perry in other previous books of this series. I'm eager to see how these two end up together.
April 26, 2019
4 'Intermezzo' stars
I've said it many times already but I must say it again - I really adore this series 💕💕💕 The world building, storyline, characters, everything is perfect. However, I just couldn't bring myself to read this novella. I like all the main characters but Garrett and Perry are my least favorite among them. Despite that, I was interested in their story. Just not that much that I would want to read a novella about them before reading their novel. I wouldn't mind a novella about any of the previous couples. It would be great to visit Blade and Honoria again or see how Rip and Esme are doing. Even better would be to see how Lena is adapting to her new life or have a little story about new Duke and Duchess of Bleight. But Garrett and Perry... I was not exactly thrilled.
Now, after reading it, I must admit I rather like it. And I started to like both Nighthawks much more than I did before. They really shine in this book. Also, there's a brief appearance of Lynch and Byrnes, which was a welcome bonus :D And now I can say, I'm officially excited for Perry and Garrett's book. The premise was absolutely promising and I can't wait for the continuation of their story.
I've said it many times already but I must say it again - I really adore this series 💕💕💕 The world building, storyline, characters, everything is perfect. However, I just couldn't bring myself to read this novella. I like all the main characters but Garrett and Perry are my least favorite among them. Despite that, I was interested in their story. Just not that much that I would want to read a novella about them before reading their novel. I wouldn't mind a novella about any of the previous couples. It would be great to visit Blade and Honoria again or see how Rip and Esme are doing. Even better would be to see how Lena is adapting to her new life or have a little story about new Duke and Duchess of Bleight. But Garrett and Perry... I was not exactly thrilled.
Now, after reading it, I must admit I rather like it. And I started to like both Nighthawks much more than I did before. They really shine in this book. Also, there's a brief appearance of Lynch and Byrnes, which was a welcome bonus :D And now I can say, I'm officially excited for Perry and Garrett's book. The premise was absolutely promising and I can't wait for the continuation of their story.
September 22, 2014
I actually liked this novella slightly more than FORGED BY DESIRE; the romantic elements were subtler, but it delivered a better rounded plot action-wise. I think my opinion of the most recent full length book would have been higher had I read this short first instead of after because it made amends for certain areas in which the other lacked. The author succeeded in fleshing out Garrett and Perry's relationship better in these 181 pages than in the former's 436. It's rare that two main protagonists get a novella and an installment within the same series, so obviously McMaster had similar thoughts. The whodunit mystery was cleverly executed, and THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE CLOCKWORK MENACE helped put into context a couple of tidbits that pop up in book 4. I'm not usually a fan of shorts because I find that as a general rule they add little if anything to the main plot arc, but in this particular instance it was a welcomed extra. I'd recommended reading this novella and FORGED BY DESIRE back-to-back for maximum enjoyment.
February 4, 2018
This was an entertaining mystery set in a steampunk London. The two main characters, Garrett and Perry were introduced in the previous book as detective partners in the Nighthawks - basically the second and third to Jasper Lynch.
This book actually takes place in the past, before the events of the previous novel and does not involve a romance -but the background to the feelings Perry has for Garrett, and perhaps the start of his feelings for her.
The mystery was interesting and quite fun - I enjoyed following the characters around for their detective work.
This book actually takes place in the past, before the events of the previous novel and does not involve a romance -but the background to the feelings Perry has for Garrett, and perhaps the start of his feelings for her.
The mystery was interesting and quite fun - I enjoyed following the characters around for their detective work.
February 28, 2018
In the aristocratic Echelon, only men (and only the privileged ones) receive the craving virus that make them into blue bloods. But sometimes there's anomalies. It's the case in London where there's two women blue bloods. Perry is one of them. She's also a Nighthawk, which mean her and her comrades have to look into possible crimes and stop criminals. When an actress goes missing and only traces of blood are found, Perry and her partner Garett investigate the disappearance. What really happen to Nelly ? And is someone for the theatre is the culprit or is it someone else ?
Like the synopsis said, this novella is a prelude to the fourth book in the series where Perry and Garrett will find their HEA. So no romantic encounter for them in this story (but it's not devoid of affection and feelings begin to emerge) but you'll get to know a little bit about their dynamics and about the heroine's past. There's also a very good mystery and maybe like me you'll be touched and have tears in your eyes when it comes to an unconventional secondary character.
When I first read this series a couple years ago, I didn't have a Kindle, so novella wasn't a thing in my world at the time. Yesterday, I wondered if I really needed to read this before rereading book 4. I thought since there was no romance in it maybe I wouldn't find it interesting... Well, I was so wrong and damn glad for it! It was so entertaining, with lots of action and depth.
Like the synopsis said, this novella is a prelude to the fourth book in the series where Perry and Garrett will find their HEA. So no romantic encounter for them in this story (but it's not devoid of affection and feelings begin to emerge) but you'll get to know a little bit about their dynamics and about the heroine's past. There's also a very good mystery and maybe like me you'll be touched and have tears in your eyes when it comes to an unconventional secondary character.
When I first read this series a couple years ago, I didn't have a Kindle, so novella wasn't a thing in my world at the time. Yesterday, I wondered if I really needed to read this before rereading book 4. I thought since there was no romance in it maybe I wouldn't find it interesting... Well, I was so wrong and damn glad for it! It was so entertaining, with lots of action and depth.
June 28, 2017
The Curious Case of the Clockwork Menace
4 Stars
A short prequel to the 4th book in Bec McMaster’s excellent London Steampunk series. In this novella, readers are given insight into the relationship between the hero and heroine of book four, Nighthawks Garrett Reed and Perry Lowell, as they investigate the disappearance of a young actress.
The mystery is well developed for such a short story. The characters are compelling, especially Lovecraft (who I can only assume is the titular character although he is neither a clockwork nor a menace), and there are some exciting and tension filled scenes. Nevertheless,the focus is on Garrett and Perry’s partnership and the changes in their perceptions of and feelings for one another; emotions that they are loath to admit even to themselves let alone share.
This is an entertaining read and only whets the appetite for more of Garrett and Perry. I look forward to reading their full length story very soon.
4 Stars
A short prequel to the 4th book in Bec McMaster’s excellent London Steampunk series. In this novella, readers are given insight into the relationship between the hero and heroine of book four, Nighthawks Garrett Reed and Perry Lowell, as they investigate the disappearance of a young actress.
The mystery is well developed for such a short story. The characters are compelling, especially Lovecraft (who I can only assume is the titular character although he is neither a clockwork nor a menace), and there are some exciting and tension filled scenes. Nevertheless,the focus is on Garrett and Perry’s partnership and the changes in their perceptions of and feelings for one another; emotions that they are loath to admit even to themselves let alone share.
This is an entertaining read and only whets the appetite for more of Garrett and Perry. I look forward to reading their full length story very soon.
September 24, 2015
3+ stars
A very nice introductory novella to book #4 that will whet your appetite for more.
There's no romance in this one, but the mystery is quite interesting and we get to know Garrett and Perry better since they didn't have such a big role in the series so far.
A very nice introductory novella to book #4 that will whet your appetite for more.
There's no romance in this one, but the mystery is quite interesting and we get to know Garrett and Perry better since they didn't have such a big role in the series so far.
August 20, 2014
The Curious Case Of The Clockwork Menance was a wonderful little tease for the next book Forged by Desire. Nighthawks Perry and Garrett are looking into the case of a missing actress. This is not a romance but we get a glimpse into Perry's hidden feelings for her partner and a scare has him on the verge of seeing her in a different light as well. Can't wait for the rest of their story - think it is only a week to go. This story will probably work best for those readers who are at least a little familiar with the alternate Victorian world of McMaster's London Steampunk series and vampiric upper class who are literally blue bloods.
As of this posting the story is free on smashwords here (you need to turn off the adult filter to see this)
As of this posting the story is free on smashwords here (you need to turn off the adult filter to see this)
tbr-series-sequels-x
December 24, 201425 August 2014: $0.00 FREE on Kindle (finally matched)
19 August 2014: $0.00 FREE on Smashwords
19 August 2014: $0.00 FREE on Smashwords
June 9, 2018
4.5 Stars... We catch a glimpse of the complex relationship between Garrett and Perry in this mystery filled with murder and mayhem... Give me two characters who are smart, witty, independent, headstrong, and somewhat damaged and put them together to see the sparks fly; that is my type of romance... Both Garrett and Perry have histories that I am eager to explore and chemistry that we just start to see flicker in this novella but that has the potential to ignite an inferno... I eagerly anticipate reading their full story in "Forged by Desire" to see how these two characters overcome the obstacles standing in the way of their HEA:)
September 1, 2022
Perry happens to be one of only 2 female blue-bloods (because Patriarchy) and as such she always (always) has to be on the best behavior. She is also a Nighthawk. Garrett is her partner and he has been for about 6 years. They know each other well and are friends.
In this prequel to book 4, they are tasked with finding a missing actress. What makes this unqiue, is, she had a clockwork leg that was custom made just for her. This was a nice peak into Perry and Garrett's working relationship and friendship. Except Perry's feelings have changed. And maybe Garrett's have started too. Maybe. She also has a tracker now, from Garrett hidden in a dagger she got from Garrett.
RBSB Steampunk square.
In this prequel to book 4, they are tasked with finding a missing actress. What makes this unqiue, is, she had a clockwork leg that was custom made just for her. This was a nice peak into Perry and Garrett's working relationship and friendship. Except Perry's feelings have changed. And maybe Garrett's have started too. Maybe. She also has a tracker now, from Garrett hidden in a dagger she got from Garrett.
RBSB Steampunk square.
March 17, 2021
I should have read this one before the third installment in this series, anyway now I will read their "real story" and I'm ok but not enthusiastic about that, but I have faith....
Avrei dovuto leggere questa novella prima del terzo libro, ma comunque ora leggeró il quarto, che é proprio la "loro storia", nonostante non ne sia proprio entusiasta, ma magari mi sbaglio....
Avrei dovuto leggere questa novella prima del terzo libro, ma comunque ora leggeró il quarto, che é proprio la "loro storia", nonostante non ne sia proprio entusiasta, ma magari mi sbaglio....
September 9, 2021
I enjoyed this look into Perry and Garrett's past through their investigation into a murder case. A nice lead-in to their full book.
August 14, 2023
I liked this story. It was a great little mystery. I enjoyed all the twists and turns, it kept me guessing who the true criminal was right to the very end. What left me wanting was the end. It was not the typical Bec McMaster ending. I wanted the HEA. Perry deserves more than that ending. Just not right.
March 15, 2019
4 1/2 stars
May 8, 2019
I wanted more from this in the way of romance. The story was good but after Clash of Storms this one didn't deliver for me.
November 18, 2022
Audiobook- Quick little novella. No romance although the dynamics of Perry and Garrett's relationship are explored while they are solving a murder case. Can't wait to read their story now 🔥
February 17, 2018
The mystery was well done and the variety of characters kept me guessing who did it. It was also interesting to see the relationship between Perry and Garret in their earlier years. This novella also sets up the spinoff series and I can’t wait to get my hand on Byrnes story!
August 31, 2014
London Steampunk series is easily one of my best discoveries this year…the series keeps getting better and better with each book I read.
The Curious Case of the Clockwork Menace is a pre-romance mystery involving two Nighthawks Perry and Garrett originally introduced in the third book of the series My Lady Quicksilver. This story takes place a few years prior to when we last saw them.
Perry and Garrett have been assigned to the case of a missing theatre starlet. It’s no secret that Garrett has an easy way with women, but when Perry witnesses Garrett with his latest conquest and then his flirtatious way of interviewing the primary female witness/suspect, Perry’s feelings for Garrett start boiling to the surface. Perry is known for her all-work-and-no-play persona and with her short hair and manly attire, Garrett doesn’t even see her as a woman. Perry’s jealousy quickly causes tensions and arguments between her and Garrett, risking herself and the case.
I loved this!!
I love friends-to-lovers stories and even though Perry and Garrett are not yet lovers, I know it’s coming next in Forged by Desire. There was plenty of obvious sexual tension happening between the two of them in My Lady Quicksilver, and this story was perfect for getting me even more excited to read their big story. Gah!! There is not really any romance in this book, but it gives a nice picture of how some of their feelings of more-than-just-friends-and-partners started to develop. I just can’t wait for when Garrett finally starts recognizing Perry as a woman.
I loved the mystery. I couldn’t figure it out! There were so many possibilities and decoys that my attention didn’t stay on one suspect for long.
It was sad!!!!! OMG I almost cried in several places! Not for Perry or Garrett but for one of the secondary characters. Dammit it made me so sad!
Lynch! The original Nighthawk. It was nice getting to see a little bit of him again. His book is still my favorite…for now.
Doesn’t look like you HAVE to read this story before reading Forged by Desire, but why would anyone not want to read it???
4.5 Stars
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
The Curious Case of the Clockwork Menace is a pre-romance mystery involving two Nighthawks Perry and Garrett originally introduced in the third book of the series My Lady Quicksilver. This story takes place a few years prior to when we last saw them.
Perry and Garrett have been assigned to the case of a missing theatre starlet. It’s no secret that Garrett has an easy way with women, but when Perry witnesses Garrett with his latest conquest and then his flirtatious way of interviewing the primary female witness/suspect, Perry’s feelings for Garrett start boiling to the surface. Perry is known for her all-work-and-no-play persona and with her short hair and manly attire, Garrett doesn’t even see her as a woman. Perry’s jealousy quickly causes tensions and arguments between her and Garrett, risking herself and the case.
I loved this!!
I love friends-to-lovers stories and even though Perry and Garrett are not yet lovers, I know it’s coming next in Forged by Desire. There was plenty of obvious sexual tension happening between the two of them in My Lady Quicksilver, and this story was perfect for getting me even more excited to read their big story. Gah!! There is not really any romance in this book, but it gives a nice picture of how some of their feelings of more-than-just-friends-and-partners started to develop. I just can’t wait for when Garrett finally starts recognizing Perry as a woman.
I loved the mystery. I couldn’t figure it out! There were so many possibilities and decoys that my attention didn’t stay on one suspect for long.
It was sad!!!!! OMG I almost cried in several places! Not for Perry or Garrett but for one of the secondary characters. Dammit it made me so sad!
Lynch! The original Nighthawk. It was nice getting to see a little bit of him again. His book is still my favorite…for now.
Doesn’t look like you HAVE to read this story before reading Forged by Desire, but why would anyone not want to read it???
4.5 Stars
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
September 3, 2014
The Curious Case of the Clockwork Menace is a wonderful whodunit mystery set in Bec McMaster’s London Steampunk world. It is listed as book 3.5, but story does go back 3 years in time. The book shares the story of one of Perry and Garrett's cases, one of some significance that is mentioned in book #4, Forged by Desire. It can be read as a stand alone story, or in conjunction with Forged, and in fact, I didn’t ever read it until after I finished Forged by Desire. In the context of the series, it is a great piece of backstory, and is clearly an event that helped bring Perry and Garrett together in Forged.
The nighthawks are commissioned by Lord Rommell after his lead actress and mistress Nelly Tate goes missing. Soon detectives Perry, the lone female nighthawk, and Garrett find themselves with a handful of suspects, one dead shop owner, and an impatient member of the Echelon, wanting this all put behind him. What the pair wasn't expecting was a growing tension which develops between the longtime partners and friends. Please note: this is NOT the story of Perry and Garrett's romance; their story is told in Forged by Desire.
The mystery of what happens to Nelly Tate is involved and engrossing. As the plot thickens, the author provides additional clues and diversions to keep the detectives, and this reader, guessing up until the end. And while the story would stand on its own merits with the mystery alone, Ms. McMaster expertly weaves a budding awareness of something more than friendship between long-time friends.
Having read Perry and Garrett's story in Forged by Desire first, I enjoyed learning about this event, which is mentioned a few times within Forged. However, it is a well-written stand alone mystery. I was riveted to the book; engrossed by the details and unfolding plot. The pieces of the puzzle were all there, it was just a matter of putting them in place. The mystery is superbly executed, and I enjoyed trying to figure it all out.
My Rating: A- Enjoyed A Lot
The nighthawks are commissioned by Lord Rommell after his lead actress and mistress Nelly Tate goes missing. Soon detectives Perry, the lone female nighthawk, and Garrett find themselves with a handful of suspects, one dead shop owner, and an impatient member of the Echelon, wanting this all put behind him. What the pair wasn't expecting was a growing tension which develops between the longtime partners and friends. Please note: this is NOT the story of Perry and Garrett's romance; their story is told in Forged by Desire.
The mystery of what happens to Nelly Tate is involved and engrossing. As the plot thickens, the author provides additional clues and diversions to keep the detectives, and this reader, guessing up until the end. And while the story would stand on its own merits with the mystery alone, Ms. McMaster expertly weaves a budding awareness of something more than friendship between long-time friends.
Having read Perry and Garrett's story in Forged by Desire first, I enjoyed learning about this event, which is mentioned a few times within Forged. However, it is a well-written stand alone mystery. I was riveted to the book; engrossed by the details and unfolding plot. The pieces of the puzzle were all there, it was just a matter of putting them in place. The mystery is superbly executed, and I enjoyed trying to figure it all out.
My Rating: A- Enjoyed A Lot
August 20, 2014
Bec McMaster's London Steampunk series is my favorite new-found series this year and I'd love to recommend it to anyone. When Bec McMaster announced that she would have a novella in between book 3 and 4, featuring Garrett and Perry (who would become the main couple in book 4) I was ecstatic. I practically stalking Bec McMaster's twitter and asked her several times on the release date.
Now, this novella did NOT offer romance. Happened three years prior to Forged by Desire, this was more a mystery rather than romance. Although it also foreshadowed what kind of friends-to-lovers romance we would get. Because in here, we got the glimpse of what Perry was feeling -- including that classic theme of not wanting to destroy their friendship, especially when Garrett seemed to regard her mainly as friends/partners but not as a "woman".
Anyway, the story definitely appealed to mystery-lover part of me. I loved the case and the investigation. To be honest, if not for the 'fantasy technical' terms like the mech, Echelon, etc, this felt like modern murder mystery. Especially with Garrett and Perry being called "Detective" and there was a doctor doing autopsy of the victims. I highly enjoyed it.
There was a scene that just broke my heart -- -- but it also showed the danger and threats that these Nighthawks were facing. Plus it also gave way for that emotional moment for Garrett.
All in all, I thought it was a great addition to the series. I can't wait to read book 4 in September! I don't get ARC nor I read early reviews, I'm going BLIND for it, people!
PS: I wonder if
Now, this novella did NOT offer romance. Happened three years prior to Forged by Desire, this was more a mystery rather than romance. Although it also foreshadowed what kind of friends-to-lovers romance we would get. Because in here, we got the glimpse of what Perry was feeling -- including that classic theme of not wanting to destroy their friendship, especially when Garrett seemed to regard her mainly as friends/partners but not as a "woman".
Anyway, the story definitely appealed to mystery-lover part of me. I loved the case and the investigation. To be honest, if not for the 'fantasy technical' terms like the mech, Echelon, etc, this felt like modern murder mystery. Especially with Garrett and Perry being called "Detective" and there was a doctor doing autopsy of the victims. I highly enjoyed it.
There was a scene that just broke my heart -- -- but it also showed the danger and threats that these Nighthawks were facing. Plus it also gave way for that emotional moment for Garrett.
All in all, I thought it was a great addition to the series. I can't wait to read book 4 in September! I don't get ARC nor I read early reviews, I'm going BLIND for it, people!
PS: I wonder if
August 28, 2014
I was ecstatic to discover that the author published this novella basically developing the characters and introducing their deeper backgrounds in preparation for the launch of their full story coming behind it in the series. Garrett and Perry have appeared in minor roles in earlier books, but this novella brings them into the spotlight by offering a case for them to work on as partners.
The novella would not function well as a standalone in that it assumes the reader has read earlier books and is familiar with the London Steampunk world though I suppose if the reader were just to go on character development and plot and not mind the confusion of what things like 'bluebloods', 'echelon' and 'mechs' are then it would be fine.
Perry and Garrett are assigned a case involving the disappearance of an actress with foul play suspected. The two Nighthawks are immersed in the world of the theater for this newest case. They are stumped at first, but then the clues, motives and suspects start to fall into place. Distractions occur when their usually strong partnership becomes awkward and riddled with arguments, accusations and possible mistrust in fellow partner. This forces them both to access things between them. In Garrett's case, he realizes that he really doesn't know much about his partner of six years beyond the job and he can't understand what has suddenly come between them. In Perry's case, she does work out what caused the rift and it's her feelings- her unrequited feelings for Garrett.
The case is solved within the novella and things between the two partners are left at an interesting place all as set up for their main story in Forged by Desire. Can't wait!
All in all, I was thrilled to get this shorter gem and I am grateful to the author for putting it out as a freebie for her fans to enjoy between novels.
The novella would not function well as a standalone in that it assumes the reader has read earlier books and is familiar with the London Steampunk world though I suppose if the reader were just to go on character development and plot and not mind the confusion of what things like 'bluebloods', 'echelon' and 'mechs' are then it would be fine.
Perry and Garrett are assigned a case involving the disappearance of an actress with foul play suspected. The two Nighthawks are immersed in the world of the theater for this newest case. They are stumped at first, but then the clues, motives and suspects start to fall into place. Distractions occur when their usually strong partnership becomes awkward and riddled with arguments, accusations and possible mistrust in fellow partner. This forces them both to access things between them. In Garrett's case, he realizes that he really doesn't know much about his partner of six years beyond the job and he can't understand what has suddenly come between them. In Perry's case, she does work out what caused the rift and it's her feelings- her unrequited feelings for Garrett.
The case is solved within the novella and things between the two partners are left at an interesting place all as set up for their main story in Forged by Desire. Can't wait!
All in all, I was thrilled to get this shorter gem and I am grateful to the author for putting it out as a freebie for her fans to enjoy between novels.
September 13, 2014
Nighthawks Perry Lowell and Garrett Reed have worked together for years; Perry is cool and logical, where as her partner Garrett is charming yet reckless, between them the small matter of an actress going missing should be a simple case to solve. But the more they look into her disappearance the stranger the case looks until all they have is a theatre full of suspects and a dead body.
Bec McMaster gives us a look in to Perry and Garrett’s life as they work on a difficult case together, a case that soon becomes personal. This was a great novella and after the small glimpses we have had of the characters in My Lady Quicksilver it was great to see more of them, especially as they are featured next in the series in Forged by Desire.
It was great to see the dynamics of Perry and Garrett’s friendship and I can’t wait for this to be explored further in Forged by Desire Perry’s unrequited loved and Garrett’s seeming obliviousness to it, yet intense protective instincts towards her all promise a fantastic next installment. But as well as seeing Perry and Garrett work together, the case itself was interesting and kept me guessing as once again Bec McMaster weaves an intriguing story full of action and excitement.
A great novella full of action, the promise of romance to come as well as some very likable characters, if you are a fan of this series than this is a must read and if you haven’t tried this series before, than I highly recommend you give it a go.
May 5, 2017
3.5
I can't really decide if should round this up or down.
The Curious Case Of The Clockwork Menace is more murder mystery than romance. That said, we see Perry and Garrett's friendship/partnership slowly changing into something new; something they find unable and unwilling to explore, never mind define. At least at this stage. No wonder, though, as the next full novel, Forged By Desire, will feature this couple.
The murder mystery was well done but nothing too exciting.
However, I highly enjoyed the slight shifts in Perry and Garrett. It's a proper build up and made me want to move on to their full story already, which I have obviously. Their exchanges were sharp and reflected the changes in their relationship very nicely.
At this stage, and actually even already at book three, My Lady Quicksilver, I wouldn't consider this as a stand alone. Ms. McMaster's world building is enormous and imposing, albeit at times a little illogical. But then, this is PNR/Steampunk, and whether I read paranormal books or watch paranormal films/tv shows, there are always moments where I have to suspend my disbelief. Nonetheless, her steampunk London is impressively thought through compared to some other series' that feature alternate/new worlds (*cough* Elle Kennedy's Claimed *cough*) where the world building left me with huge plot holes.
Anyway, on to the next one. It's going to be three stars, actually. Made my mind up whilst writing this. Too much murder mystery.
I can't really decide if should round this up or down.
The Curious Case Of The Clockwork Menace is more murder mystery than romance. That said, we see Perry and Garrett's friendship/partnership slowly changing into something new; something they find unable and unwilling to explore, never mind define. At least at this stage. No wonder, though, as the next full novel, Forged By Desire, will feature this couple.
The murder mystery was well done but nothing too exciting.
However, I highly enjoyed the slight shifts in Perry and Garrett. It's a proper build up and made me want to move on to their full story already, which I have obviously. Their exchanges were sharp and reflected the changes in their relationship very nicely.
At this stage, and actually even already at book three, My Lady Quicksilver, I wouldn't consider this as a stand alone. Ms. McMaster's world building is enormous and imposing, albeit at times a little illogical. But then, this is PNR/Steampunk, and whether I read paranormal books or watch paranormal films/tv shows, there are always moments where I have to suspend my disbelief. Nonetheless, her steampunk London is impressively thought through compared to some other series' that feature alternate/new worlds (*cough* Elle Kennedy's Claimed *cough*) where the world building left me with huge plot holes.
Anyway, on to the next one. It's going to be three stars, actually. Made my mind up whilst writing this. Too much murder mystery.
August 23, 2014
Very nice, but I wish this had been out in June before I read Forged By Desire. This helped give the reader a good handle on Perry and Garret's 10 year working relationship and background; and it was an interesting case they were investigating. Solid, entertaining read.
It was nice to find out the how and the why of the tracking device Garret put on Perry. It was obvious there was something between them, but four years of simmering attraction...
It was nice to find out the how and the why of the tracking device Garret put on Perry. It was obvious there was something between them, but four years of simmering attraction...
August 31, 2014
What a great teaser for the next book, Forged by Desire.
I love fellow Aussie Girl Bec McMaster's writing and the London Steampunk in general . Great characters, intriguing story lines and evocative romance. If you are looking to try steampunk this is the series for you!
I love fellow Aussie Girl Bec McMaster's writing and the London Steampunk in general . Great characters, intriguing story lines and evocative romance. If you are looking to try steampunk this is the series for you!
September 2, 2014
Novella which provides more background to Perry and Garrett's relationship as friends and partners in the nighthawks. It's also a fun mystery set in one of my favourite genres. Though the woman needs to give up the day job and write quicker.
May 7, 2016
Great Novella now I can move on to their full length novel.
July 3, 2016
Excellent. I loved seeing Perry and Garrett interact and look forward to their HEA in Forged By Desire.
December 27, 2015
This was fun but not spectacular. The case dragged on a little too long for a short story.
Garrett really needs to buy a clue, and I'm looking forward to when he finally does.
Garrett really needs to buy a clue, and I'm looking forward to when he finally does.
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