Her debut novel, Boston Metaphysical Society: A Storm of Secrets not only received a Silver Medal in the Science Fiction/Fantasy category of the Feathered Quill Book Awards, but also received The Write Companion Award for Best Overall TOP PICK in the Adult, Children’s and Young Adult categories.

Politics and power. Demons and spirits.

When ex-Pinkerton detective Samuel Hunter married Elizabeth Weldsmore, the heir to one of Boston's Great Houses, he knew his life would change forever, but he never expected the return of Elizabeth's psychic abilities.

Not only do they have to keep it a secret, but Elizabeth must learn quickly how to master them. For a psychic in a Great House is a political liability which her father, Jonathan Weldsmore, knows only too well.

As the Great Houses jockey for power, the three of them must contend with treachery, subterfuge, and potentially a new demonic threat, in this political and supernatural thriller set in an alternate-history Boston of 1890.

This novel is the prequel to the popular graphic novel, Boston Metaphysical Society: The Complete Series.

Silver Medalist in the Authorsdb Cover Contest 2018.

Title: Boston Metaphysical Society: A Storm of Secrets

Author: Madeleine Holly-Rosing

Genres: Thriller / Steampunk

Paperback, 262 pages

Publishing Date: September 14th, 2018

Publishing House: Brass-T Publishing

ISBN: 0996429255 (ISBN13: 9780996429252)

Edition Language: English

Literary Awards: Feathered Quill Book Award for Science Fiction/Fantasy (2nd) (2019)

My Review

Airships, Houses in power and political intrigue. This alternate historical steampunk novel is set around 1890 in Boston and boasts with supernatural demons, sabotage, and enough tech to geek out over.

The Weldsmore House is just one of a few upper-class strongholds in power with so much pull in the shipbuilding trade and assets invested, Jonathan Weldsmore is in danger of being assassinated at any moment. With different investors vying for bids and the development of better airships, an impending uprise in Europe is of detrimental consequence and a cause for a race in arms. With demon spirits crossing the threshold into the real world, Weldsmore is certain someone is behind the dirty work to sabotage his efforts. But who?

Elizabeth Weldsmore, the great heir of the house and daughter of Jonathan has just returned with her newlywed husband Samuel Hunter an ex-detective. Taking some time to settle back into Boston, she is interested in partnering/opening a welcoming detective agency in town with her husband. The at first reluctant Samuel is getting full on board with the idea after a lead of Elizabeth's psychic abilities proofs to be helpful in the aid of missing person cases in town. What Elizabeth, however, does not tell him is the fact that while she is posing as a medium to reach other spirits, there is a force causing her physical harm in reality.

A deadly investigation that edges the realm of demons, while political sabotage is happening on the business side. A combination most intriguing that will have the reader engaged and guessing.

***

This was an interesting and enjoyable novel to read. I don't have a lot of steampunk experience but I know it is something I definitely want more of in my life. The entire premise was intriguing from the demons to political games and the backstabbing power triangle. A carefully crafted story that albeit the unexpected ending seemed to be revving up for more to follow and it didn't, which left me a bit wondering. This could be because it is the prequel to a series that already exists and I don't know it or perhaps a cliffhanger was intentional.

I did enjoy the cast of characters from the good guys to the snarky ones and the whole thing seemed to have a British tone to it, very proper for its time period and a perfect fit for the detective work involved. At some point in the novel, I thought of The Walking Dead rising up which was fantastic.

This book is very appealing with its gorgeous cover and the supernatural elements. I definitely recommend it if you enjoy steampunk and thriller elements. The combo was really edgy.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you so much Madeleine Holly-Rosing.

Instagram Twitter Goodreads