George Mann

I was hooked on Newbury & Hobbes after consuming this book. A definite page turner with lots of intrigue. I love how the occult is such an important part in Newbury's role as an agent for the queen. The characters are all very well developed and easy to get attached to. I always try to recommend this series of books to folks who are into Sherlock Holmes style mysteries and seem to have an appreciation for fantasy as well (or are at least willing to explore that genre a bit). A must read for any steampunk!… (more)

A worthy followup to the first novel, The Affinity Bridge, sees the return of Newbury and Hobbes and yet more mysteries to be unraveled. Newbury is tasked by the queen with finding an operative that has apparently gone rogue. But he has very little to go on. Meanwhile Hobbes is investigating the dissappearance of several girls that seem to be connected by a magic show and its magician. As the two work each work their investigation alone it becomes quickly apparent that they need each other's help. I like these characters a lot and Mann has constructed an intricate plot to weave around them. These tales are somewhat grisley, at least thus far, but are very readable and move quickly with plenty of action. Mann''s characters are a bit of a reflection of Doyle's Holmes and Watson, if they were in a steampunk novel. Newbury is remiscent of Holmes and Hobbes makes a passable feamle Watson. The steampunk adds an extra dimension to the story. These are fun reads.… (more)