Her Majesty’s Psychic Service, Book 1
Synopsis: On a freezing Christmas Eve in 1879, a forensic psychic reader is summoned from her Baker Street lodgings to the scene of a questionable death. Alexandrina Victoria Pendlebury (named after her godmother, the current Queen of England) is adamant that the death in question is a magically compromised murder and not a suicide, as the police had assumed, after the shocking revelation contained by the body in question, Alex must put her personal loss aside to uncover the deeper issues at stake, before more bodies turn up.
Turning to some choice allies–the handsome, prescient Lieutenant Brooks, the brilliant, enigmatic Lord Desmond, and her rapscallion cousin James–Alex will have to marshal all of her magical and mental acumen to save Queen and Country from a shadowy threat. Our singular heroine is caught up in this rousing gaslamp adventure of cloaked assassins, meddlesome family, and dark magic.
Review: I saw some very good reviews about this book and I admit that I was impatient to begin it to discover the whole story. It must be said that it had it all: a fantasy aspect, a good investigation, murders and all that taking place during the Victorian period. What more can we ask for?
So we discover Alexandrina Victoria Pendlebury, a young woman part of the secret services and helping the police to solve some murders. Indeed, her gift allows her to feel the emotions of others, of a place, helping her to find more effective clues. At the beginning of the novel, our heroine is called to investigate another murder that will completely change her life. Without realizing it, Alexandrina is present on the murder scene of her father whom she has not seen for 10 years … a great upheaval you will tell me. Yet from that moment, life will completely change for our agent and it will only get worse over the situation. Forced to return to live with her family who does not appreciate her, she is accompanied by a newcomer to the secret services: Brooks. Together, they will embark on an investigation that will change their life.
I loved Alexandrina. This is a young woman full of qualities and she does not hesitate to try to do the best whatever the situation. She tries to be strong at the loss of her father and yet this is far from simple. It must be said that all her life, her father’s, her family’s will be questioned and our heroine will have to determine whom she can turn to and whom she can trust. Fortunately for her, she will not be alone in this adventure and Brooks will always be here to help her, whatever he might think. He will also have to face some events which he had never imagined the possibility. It was pretty cute to see that the two were slowly attracted to the other, and that this agent was always available for the young woman. This is also very easy to understand Alexandrina, to see her doubts, hopes and desires.
Through this survey, which also holds many surprises, we discover our heroine, her past, the trials she must go through but also her hidden secrets throughout the years. I confess also that the end of the novel really touched me and it is true that we fully understand the resentment of the young woman.
You can understand that it was a very good book with a very good plot and a story that keeps us going throughout the chapters. I had a lot of fun with this first novel and I confess that I am very curious to read more now.
kindlemom1
This really does sound like it has it all and that it delivered too, that is awesome!
Wonderful review!! I hope you have an amazing weekend!
Melliane
yes it was a really good book there. thank you, to you as well.
Silvia
Sounds a fascinating story, and the cover looks good, too. Noted! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Melliane 🙂
Melliane
my pleasure!
Joy // Joyousreads
I love that it has a romance, too. Because I’m all about the romance. Lol. Also she’s an investigator in the Victorian period? Love that concept!
Melliane
it’s quite behind but it’s nice. Yes she is!
Tracy Terry
Loving the cover.
I’ve also heard lots of things about this one, all positive it has to be said.
Great review. There are so many aspects of this book that appeal to me, not least of which is the idea of a forensic psychic reader.
Melliane
You need to try!
Jenny @ Supernatural Snark
Oooo I like the sound of this one Melliane! I think I’m going to be a big fan of Alexandrina’s (though I know I’m going to be calling her Alexandria in my head the whole time). Can’t wait to read!
Melliane
lol Alex is better
LilyElement
Sounds like a good book! Great review!
Kim @ BookSwoon
I had the chance to read a sneak-peek of this on NetGalley and really enjoyed what I got to read. It’s on my tbr list for sure. I’m so glad you enjoyed it Melliane!
Happy Friday – have a lovely weekend 🙂
Melliane
I hope the whole book will please you
blodeuedd
Sounds good!
Ohh i like how she has her hat like that,a bit spooky
Braine
Why didn’t they release a full arc of this?!?! I so wanted to feature it for my Sunday thing because it’s all sort of awesome. Your 4 feathers is making me sad… hold me!
Melliane
I didn’t know that it was a part in ARC, I wouldn’t have expected that
Ramona
Alexandrina and Brooks both seem interesting characters. And yes, I agree that this novel has a lot to offer. I love stories set in Victorian times!
Melliane
yes they definitely are.
Heidi
This book is calling to me. I am so glad you liked it. I have been tempted to try this author she writes a cozy mystery series but the name escapes me right nwo.
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
Glad you liked this book! I thought it was wonderfully atmospheric and I do have a soft spot for women in detective-like roles 🙂 Some very unexpected twists and turns and it had more action than I thought it would.
Melliane
I agree, it’s always so great.
ShootingStarsMag
Oh wow, her father! That’s very interesting. Sounds like a good one.
Melliane
yes it definitely was
Melissa (Books and Things)
I’ve wanted to read this author and this book looks good. Alexandra sounds like a great character. Adding this one to the wishlist.
Jennifer Bielman @ Bad Bird Reads
Not sure if this is my kind of read but happy you loved it.
kara-karina
Hot damn! I so wanted to review you this one too, but my copy never arrived. Glad you enjoyed it!
kimbacaffeinate
I love the sound of this and yes book one! The cover is lovely as well which is an added bonus