I love these stories. They’re paced so perfectly with great characterisation and intriguing mysteries and compelling subject matter. The slow burn romance is also delightful, with the hint of another in the insinuations between the lines.

The time period is enthralling. The historical setting is fantastic. The educational use of Latin and scientific discoveries and historical context are brilliantly executed. And the cheeky dialogue is bright, intelligent, sharp and witty.

But I have some complaints. 

‘took out his pocket watch and watched’

‘gooseflesh on her flesh’

‘called the Porter for some port’

…to name a few. Choice terms and phrases are repeated just a touch too often, and rather than retain their creativity and interest, they begin to grate on the reader.

But, who’s so picky? Well. Me. I like a repetition of terms when it’s useful in poetry or flowing poetic prose, but that’s not the case here—neither is it the case that Ms Penrose hasn’t the vocabulary to utilise creative phrasing. Cos she has a stellar vocabulary. But no. This is lazy, uncreative editing, I’d wager.

Unfortunate. Also… I recommend reading over audiobook as James Cameron Stuart, while excellent at the voices and accents, has such a choppy pace to his reading that every sentence carries three of four lurching burdens.

But I can overlook some cliché phrasing and repetitive idioms and expressions—and other bits— because of the complex stories and super interesting characters…they’re just clean, addictive fun.