Romance Books

#BookReview – “Photographs and Phantoms” by Cindy Spencer Pape

Book Review graphic

Blurb

Brighton, 1855

As a member of the Order of the Round Table, Kendall Lake is overqualified to be investigating strange phenomena at a seaside photography studio. But since the photographer is related to the Order’s most powerful sorcerer, Kendall reluctantly boards a dirigible to Brighton.

Amy Deland is haunted by a shadow that appears in some of her recent portraits. In each case, the subject died within days of the sitting. Does she have her grandmother’s gift of foresight, or has she somehow caused the deaths?

As Kendall and Amy search for answers, their investigation draws them together in a most improper way – but it seems the evil presence in the studio is determined to keep them apart…

Review

In book 2 in The Gaslight Chronicles, photographer Amy Deland is in dire straits. In some of the photos she’s taken, a mysterious shadowy snake has appeared around some of her clients, and those clients later died. So she contacted her great-uncle, a powerful sorcerer and a man she’s never met, for help.

Lord Kendall Lake, a Knight of the Order of the Round Table, accepts the mission. Though he expected the lady photographer to be matronly, Amy is anything but. Attraction sizzles, but he’s determined to never marry, and she’s equally determined to maintain her independence and continue her art.

I love Victorian Steampunk stories. Both Kendall and Amy are great characters. While they didn’t technically fall into insta-love, they did fall fairly quickly, after twenty-four hours.

This story is the first I’ve read from Ms. Pape and I’d like to read more.

4 Stars

— If you’ve read this book, I’d love to know what you think of it. Please comment below.