The Red Plague Affair

Disclaimer: I received an copy of this book through netgalley.

I've read a few of Saintcrow's books and I must say that she's a very versatile writer. In this third volume of her Bannon and Clare series, we return to a victorian London that never was. Meshing the true language of the times with tales that speak to the urban fantasy, steampunk, and alternate history crowds, this book is interesting. The plot takes place several years after the events in the first book. A strange plague has befallen Londimum. Sorceress Bannon and mentath Clare set out to unravel the plot behind it and save Britiannica.

I liked the world that this book is set in. It's very much a recreation and re-envisioning of our world. There are glaslamps and clockwork beasts, and magick of all flavors. It's fun to watch Bannon and Clare's relationship develop as one is steeped in magic and the other in pure logic that has a hint of sherlockian appeal. The plot contained many twists and it kept me guessing until the end.

The story is told in alternating chapters from both characters. This I had no issues with. On the other hand, the writing is very different than what passes for normal. But, Saintcrow has a love of language and period stories and it shows in how she chose to stay as close to being period in her Bannon and Clare books. They aren't 100% easy reads. Even one schooled in English, you have to look up words or infer meanings from words selected as staples in this world. The first book was hard to digest in this fashion but it's easier in this second.

Bottom Line: Readers with a love of Holmes, steampunk and magic would enjoy this series.