The Clockwork Detective tells the story of Aubrey Hartmann, a war hero and constable who finds herself working a case in Aqualinne, a backwater trading town growing too fast for its own good. A young druwyd has died, and unfortunately, suspicions fall on the fae living in the nearby woods. Tensions in the Empire are already high, what with the war going on, and Aubrey will need to navigate the potential fall-out with the utmost care and respect. Meanwhile, the secret police become involved, and foreign interests are also scoping the situation out.

I have the highest praise for McCandless’s book. Aubrey is a nuanced protagonist, who is both strong yet vulnerable, with flaws that make her human and relatable. The story itself kept me on my toes, as political interests weave in with the magical. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science fiction, fantasy, steampunk, and anything in between.