Search - The Affinity Bridge (Newbury & Hobbes Investigations, Bk 1)

The idea of this novel is engaging - a Victorian London developing slightly differently, with airships and steam cabs - but the execution isn't. The prose is bare bones flat, and the characters two dimensional such that I found it impossible to get interested in them or their problems. This might work better as a graphic novel, where the art could fill in for the tired prose, or a movie, where the actors could lend the characters some personality. I can't recommend this book, except to people who like zombie automaton sorts of stories. Steampunk is cool, but this book isn't a good example of it.

George Mann is leading the way in the steampunk genre, and Affinity Bridge establishes his universe. The book is a fast, fun read, but has a major flaw. First, the buzz over the book is that Newbury is a character in the tradition of Sherlock Holmes. Nothing could be further from the truth. Although there is a mystery to be solved, and England is troubled by murders. Hobbes and Newbury don't deduce much; they stumble onto the answers. Without giving anything away, the major crime involves mixing flesh and machinery in a creepy combination. The heroes don't ferret this out, but uncover it during an assault by the villain. If they were not attacked, the crime would never been solved. Having said that, the characters are enjoyable and the alternate universe is interesting. The chemistry between the two is good, and the twist at the end that Queen Victoria secretly manipulates their relationship is interesting. I will definitely read the rest of the series. Enjoy The Affinity Bridge but don't expect much mystery solving.