Book: The Gaslight Series
B
Nene Adams's Gaslight books, a series of three mystery novels set in Victorian London, is one of my favorite series of all times. A fourth book has been announced, but unfortunately for us fans, has not yet been released. No matter, I could read these three again and again.
In addition to being excellent mysteries (with a greater arc of wonderful, angst-ridden romance) the books are outstandingly well researched. Every detail is meticulously vetted, and each book contains a glossary of terms that the modern reader may not be familiar with. These books were the first LGBTQ historicals I ever read, and they inspired me to begin writing historicals myself. Even more importantly, they showed me the importance of doing research right.
(FYI, the author's website advertises Victorian fact-checking for a price, as well as all sorts of nifty goodies.)
But on to the books.
Black by Gaslight, the first book, introduces the main characters, former prostitute Rhiannon Moore and dashing consulting detective Evangeline St. Claire. After a Cinderella-type whirlwind courtship, our detectives find themselves pitted against none other than Jack the Ripper. A very exciting, well-constructed story, and a pleasure to read.
The Madonna of the Sorrows continues the adventures of Moore and St. Claire, as they travel to the Great Exhibition in Paris. While there, they tackle a stolen painting and the murder of a priest. In addition, their relationship (which, in the first book, seemed to be a little too uncomplicated IMO) is thrown into chaos by the emergence of a skeleton from St. Claire's closet. Leaving their relationship uncertain at the end of the book was a bold move, IMO, and left me breathless, waiting for the next book.
The Witch's Kiss did not disappoint. Moore is called to Scotland on family business, and, though their relationship is in shreds, separation brings both women to the brink of self-destruction. In addition, each woman is confronted with a separate murder to solve: Moore in Scotland, and St. Claire back in London.
The publisher of the series, P.D. Publishing lists the release date for the fourth book, The Curse of the Jade Dragon as Winter 2010. Whether that meant winter 2009-2010 or winter 2010-2011 is unclear. However, if it's still not relased after you've read the first three, and you're hungry for more, please try Adams's other books, which are equally compelling.
Nene Adams's Gaslight books, a series of three mystery novels set in Victorian London, is one of my favorite series of all times. A fourth book has been announced, but unfortunately for us fans, has not yet been released. No matter, I could read these three again and again.
In addition to being excellent mysteries (with a greater arc of wonderful, angst-ridden romance) the books are outstandingly well researched. Every detail is meticulously vetted, and each book contains a glossary of terms that the modern reader may not be familiar with. These books were the first LGBTQ historicals I ever read, and they inspired me to begin writing historicals myself. Even more importantly, they showed me the importance of doing research right.
(FYI, the author's website advertises Victorian fact-checking for a price, as well as all sorts of nifty goodies.)
But on to the books.
Black by Gaslight, the first book, introduces the main characters, former prostitute Rhiannon Moore and dashing consulting detective Evangeline St. Claire. After a Cinderella-type whirlwind courtship, our detectives find themselves pitted against none other than Jack the Ripper. A very exciting, well-constructed story, and a pleasure to read.
The Madonna of the Sorrows continues the adventures of Moore and St. Claire, as they travel to the Great Exhibition in Paris. While there, they tackle a stolen painting and the murder of a priest. In addition, their relationship (which, in the first book, seemed to be a little too uncomplicated IMO) is thrown into chaos by the emergence of a skeleton from St. Claire's closet. Leaving their relationship uncertain at the end of the book was a bold move, IMO, and left me breathless, waiting for the next book.
The Witch's Kiss did not disappoint. Moore is called to Scotland on family business, and, though their relationship is in shreds, separation brings both women to the brink of self-destruction. In addition, each woman is confronted with a separate murder to solve: Moore in Scotland, and St. Claire back in London.
The publisher of the series, P.D. Publishing lists the release date for the fourth book, The Curse of the Jade Dragon as Winter 2010. Whether that meant winter 2009-2010 or winter 2010-2011 is unclear. However, if it's still not relased after you've read the first three, and you're hungry for more, please try Adams's other books, which are equally compelling.