A review by kamatari2021
The Clockwork Detective by R.A. McCandless

5.0

Steampunk is such a romantically creative genre and I really did enjoy this book. It follows injured war veteran-turned-detective Aubrey Hartmann who is attempting to solve a murder. The story tilts towards fantasy rather than science fiction as she encounters fae creatures and supernatural beings that feed of a city's collective fear.
I give it a 5 stars rating, but 4 1/2 might be more accurate, but I round up, not down. I quite liked Aubrey and some of the side characters. The mystery was engaging enough to hold my attention and the world in which it is set is rich and immersive. My only complaint is that the story dragged towards the end as it attempted to set up what I assume is going to be a continuing series with Aubrery solving paranormal crime and battling with her wits and trusty can sword against Imperial inspectors and Fae forces.
However, just say the word, and I'll be back for more. I suspect many others will be too.