Audio Book Review: Galvanism and Ghouls, Book 2 of Manners and Monsters Collection by Tilly Wallace

I like these characters and the mystery of this series.

Manners and Monsters Collection: A Regency paranormal mystery series
by Tilly Wallace
Narrated By: Marian Hussey

Duration: 23 hours 46 minutes;
book 2, Galvanism and Ghouls.
Book 2 Length: 8 hrs and 36 mins
Release date: 03-03-21
Publisher: Tilly Wallace
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Gaslamp, Paranormal
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Galvanism and Ghouls
Publisher's Summary
Time reveals all secrets....
A new unnatural horror is about to rattle Hannah Miles' quiet existence, and it's not the short-tempered viscount prowling the hallways. Someone is creating a monster by stitching together pieces of different people. When a limb makes an escape attempt, Viscount Wycliff is called to investigate. All of London knows there is one mad scientist among them capable of creating such an ungodly monster...Sir Warren Miles.
Hannah's father is suspected of a most heinous crime, and she is determined to clear his name, even as Wycliff works to see the murderer hang. Buried secrets that touch all their lives will be brought to the surface. One such secret belongs to Hannah and could tear her world apart.
With Hannah and Wycliff on opposing sides, can they find the real monster, and will it be the hand that wields the scalpel or the creature hiding in the dark?
©2019 Tilly Wallace (P)2019 Tilly Wallace

Review:
Growly Viscount Wycliff is called out to investigate a “monster” terrorizing the public. He doesn’t immediately find the monster but he finds a dismembered arm and hand…that is still moving. Wycliff brings it back to the Miles’ household where Hannah and her father get to examine the specimen. Hannah realizes that the hand is sentient, and she makes a ‘pet’ out of it. Next thing, they are using the hand as a blood hound to search out the rest of its body!

As other citizens go missing and stitched up bodies are discovered, the public begins to call for the arrest of the scientist they believe capable of these atrocities – Hannah’s father, Sir Warren Miles. Wycliff has no choice but to allow the arrest of Sir Wiles. Hannah is horrified and now opposes the mysterious viscount more than ever.

But both Hannah and Wycliff are hiding secrets. When the secrets are revealed, will their animosity create a complete divide, or will they learn to empathize for each other? Meanwhile, what happens to the hand and the monster?

I enjoy the mystery and the humor of these characters and their situations. I like how the author is developing the relationship between Hannah and Wycliff. I suspect I will listen to book three, Gossip and Gorgons, sooner than later. I recommend this series to fans of paranormal and historical mysteries.

Audio Notes: Marian Hussey does a wonderful job with the narration. She provided distinct voices and I get caught up in listening. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 11/1/2020 Audiobooks.com Credit Purchase. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Brass Queen by Elizabeth Chatsworth

I did enjoy this fun, steampunk romance.

The Brass Queen
By: Elizabeth Chatsworth
Narrated by: Michelle Babb

Length: 13 hrs and 38 mins
Release date: 12-01-21
Publisher: CamCat Publishing, LLC
Genre: Fantasy, Gaslamp, Steampunk
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
She knows a liar when she sees one. He knows a fraud when he meets one. In a steam-powered world, Miss Constance Haltwhistle is the last in a line of blue-blooded rogues. Selling firearms under her alias, the “Brass Queen”, she has kept her baronial estate’s coffers full. But when US spy J.F. Trusdale saves her from assassins, she’s pulled into a search for a scientist with an invisibility serum. As royal foes create an invisible army to start a global war, Constance and Trusdale must learn to trust each other. If they don’t, the world as they know it will disappear before their eyes.
If you like the Parasol Protectorate or Invisible Library series, you’ll love this gaslamp fantasy - a rambunctious romantic romp that will have you both laughing out loud and wishing you owned all of Miss Haltwhistle's armaments.
©2021 Elizabeth Chatsworth (P)2021 CamCat Publishing

Review:
Constance is not your usual Victorian miss, and not even a usual bluestocking. She is a young woman raised with science in her blood and genes. Her father has secretly moved into an alternate world to be with his wife who is alive there, though dead in Constance’s world. Constance has had free reign and the responsibility of maintaining her family estate, complete with fields, servants, and hidden laboratories. She has sold her steampunk inventions and firearms with the help of her mentor, another female scientist. But Constance’s Uncle is threatening to demolish the full estate if her father has not shown himself or if she fails to marry in three days.

Constance hosts a huge ball in an effort to locate a last-minute husband. Unfortunately, the ball is ruined when an airship drops a cage and kidnaps the three primary scientists using the three warrior autonomans which should have been unattainable. Constance has been rescued by a brash, but daring, American, J. F. Truesdale. Although they both are holding secrets, they will need each other to help if they want to rescue the scientists. Along the way, they uncover a plan of assassination and now have to get a warning out as well as completing their rescue mission.

The story is on the zany side but both Constance and Truesdale are lovely characters, and I was glad for the friendship that developed between them. I enjoyed the various inventions and the creativity with which the author equipped her protagonists to solve puzzles along the way. I would like to read more by Ms. Chatsworth. I recommend this to fans of steampunk and/or Victorian romance with unconventional characters.

Audio Notes: Michelle Babb does a nice job of narrating. She has her own style which fit with the mix of dry and snarky humor in this story. I appreciated receiving this title in audio to enjoy.

Source: 11/28/21 Audible Code from narrator. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook and 2021 Review goals.