Reviews

The Curious Case Of The Clockwork Menace by Bec McMaster

amybraunauthor's review

Go to review page

5.0

This was a fun little short story with two side characters that charmed me in the previous book. I found their banter to be fun and looked forward to more of it. This was everything I hoped for and then some! I am completely attached to these two and can understand why McMaster has given them so much attention in the series.

Perry is smart, independent, and clever. The perfect foil for Garrett, a flirty, witty, intelligent man who has stolen her heart. They had some truly great character moments in this short story, and their banter and bickering made for a really enjoyable read.

McMaster had a great time using her eloquent writing style to craft a fun mystery that had me wondering until the very end. She also added a surprising amount of action and foreshadowing to the story.

These two might genuinely be my favourite pair of the series, and I am extremely excited to see what kind of trouble they get into together!

birdloveranne's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I did enjoy this story. The world, as in previous books, is stunningly realistic. Loved the characters, and the mysery was very interesting.

alikatson's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This was an entertaining mystery set in a steampunk London. The two main characters, Garrett and Perry were introduced in the previous book as detective partners in the Nighthawks - basically the second and third to Jasper Lynch.

This book actually takes place in the past, before the events of the previous novel and does not involve a romance -but the background to the feelings Perry has for Garrett, and perhaps the start of his feelings for her.

The mystery was interesting and quite fun - I enjoyed following the characters around for their detective work.

timitra's review

Go to review page

3.0

Rated 3.5 Stars

megatza's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

laurenjodi's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

The Curious Case of the Clockwork Menace
4 Stars

A short prequel to the 4th book in Bec McMaster’s excellent London Steampunk series. In this novella, readers are given insight into the relationship between the hero and heroine of book four, Nighthawks Garrett Reed and Perry Lowell, as they investigate the disappearance of a young actress.

The mystery is well developed for such a short story. The characters are compelling, especially Lovecraft (who I can only assume is the titular character although he is neither a clockwork nor a menace), and there are some exciting and tension filled scenes. Nevertheless,the focus is on Garrett and Perry’s partnership and the changes in their perceptions of and feelings for one another; emotions that they are loath to admit even to themselves let alone share.

This is an entertaining read and only whets the appetite for more of Garrett and Perry. I look forward to reading their full length story very soon.

alisonb's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Perry is a tough heroine who is soft on the inside, but is hiding something big about her past. She knows Garrett will not ever see her as a woman, and being his partner in the Nighthawks, and his friend, is as close as she’ll ever get to the man she loves.

Garrett struggles with why Perry is so upset with him as they work to solve another case. I adore watching a rake hero who has feelings before he is aware he has feelings.

The angst and attraction in this novella was mind-blowing. I’m glad I read this before starting Forged by Desire, which I am currently in the middle of reading.

mslori's review against another edition

Go to review page

mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.25

nelsonseye's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Reread 2019: Oh Perry and Garrett. I do like their friendship/relationship. I'd forgotten how suspenseful some of the scenes were too.

Really good.

alexa_ayana's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Hueeee not realized this only novellas. Now I should follow read order to book 3 or jump to Garret and Perry at book 4th?