It seems like I always have a historical novel going on doesn’t it? Well, I’ve finished two novels set in Victorian times and wanted to tell you about those.
First there’s The Somnambulist by Jonathan Barnes (click on title for my review). When I received this ARC I placed it high up on my nightstand. A tale of magic, strange happenings and the dark side of Victorian London. This sounded wonderful but unfortunately the further I got into the story the more confused I was by what was going on. I have heard some good reviews of this one so perhaps you’ll enjoy it more than I did.
Next up is a story I read for the Graphic Novels challenge. The Case of Madeleine Smith by Rick Geary (click on title for my review) wasn’t on my original list of books for the challenge but I picked this up at the library on a recent visit and am so glad I did. I’d never heard of this series by Geary, A Treasury of Victorian Murder, but I will definitely be looking for more of titles.
In case you are wondering if I have more historicals to look forward to… I do. Lots of them in fact. Here is just a small list of some other novels set in Victorian times which I’m hoping to get to one of these days.
- Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn
- The Hellfire Conspiracy by Will Thomas
- The Observations by Jane Harris
- And Only to Deceive by Tasha Alexander
- Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
And, totally unrelated but I know I had promised some pics from bookbinding class. Unfortunately I forgot my camera and it’s just as well as I was dealing with a lot of glue today and probably wouldn’t have gotten the camera out anyway. I’m still working on my chunky book and I even started a new project. More on both of those later.
Oh, so you’ve Silent in the Grave too! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts about it. I haven’t got around to reading this yet… there’re so many books to choose from! 😉
I’ve heard good things about Fingersmith so I’m adding this one to my wishlist!
Like you, I enjoy a good Victorian Mystery. The good thing is that there is an abundance of historical mystery books available. I look forward to hearing about your bookbinding adventures !
Congrats on your two reads and reviews.
And on your determination in building your book. I can’t wait to see the final results.
I’ve had my eye on the Somnabulist book, but it will probably be a long while before I actually get to it, if ever.
Did you know there’s a historical fiction challenge going on right now? I just joined up. I know, I need to join another challenge like I need another book on my shelves.
Oh, and I love, love, love Fingersmith – probably my favorite by Waters, that or Affinity.
It’s too bad The Somnambulist didn’t work out for you. It’s one I’d like to pick up some day, and I do hope I enjoy it more.
The Case of Madeleine Smith sounds very interesting. I had no idea that series existed either, and it sounds very good.
Such a tease with the bookbinding photos and now danlging a new project out there too! 🙂
Melody – I know, we are drowning in books aren’t we. Ah well, at least we know we have some good ones to look forward to! 🙂
Gavin – It seems like victorian lit is the thing nowadays isn’t it? Not that I’m complaining at all as I just love that setting.
Isabel – I can’t wait to see what my books will look like either 🙂
Lesley – I think I’ve seen that challenge – it’s the one with a “hot” button isn’t it? I was so tempted but I’m also eyeing a couple of other challenges so I’m trying to have a bit of control. ha,ha… Oh and I loved Affinity by Waters.
Nymeth – Definitely check out The Somnambulist. I really have read some glowing reviews so you may enjoy it a bunch. The graphic novel was super. I’m hoping the library has more of those in the series.
Stefanie – hee,hee… I plan to be doing some bookbinding this weekend so maybe I’ll take some pics of work in progress 🙂
Fingersmith. Just read it. It’s fantastic!!
Tara – It seems everyone loves this book.I can’t wait to finally get to it one day!
I love, love Deanna Raybourn (and her books!) I think you’re really going to enjoy Lady Julia Grey’s exploits. At least I hope you do. 🙂
I’ve been following the discussion of The Somnabulist over at B&N’s site and it’s been interesting reading the author’s input. I enjoyed reading your review of the book.
I thought you already read Fingersmith–you Have to read it soon! Of course the Raybourn and Alexander books are really good, too, as is the Harris. I’ve still not read anything by Will Thomas, but I do have his first mystery. I love historicals, too!!
Oh I’ve been wanting to read The Somnabulist!! It sounds so good!
I read The Observations last year (I think?) and enjoyed it very much. I’ve been wanting to read Rayburn as well. I used to adore historical fiction but find I don’t read it as often as I used to. I need to remedy that.
I loved Silent in the Grave when I read it not too long ago. Of the others you mentioned I have also read The Observations and And Only to Deceive and enjoyed both of them.
Chelle – I’m pretty sure I remember your post on her books. I’m glad to hear you’ve enjoyed these 🙂
Literary Feline – Oh I bet that is interesting. I may have to check that out and maybe my “confusion” on some parts of the book will be solved.
Danielle – No, but I have read Affinity and Tipping the Velvet – both which I thought were fabulous. The Will Thomas books are fun so I hope you get to those one day. I’m the same – I have to read the first in the series!
Heather – You should pick it up and see what you think. Like I said, I didn’t care for it too much but I’ve heard some great reviews on it.
Marg – Oh sounds like I have lots of good reads ahead of me – yay 🙂