The Transatlantic Conspiracy, G.D Falksen
Soho Teen, New York, USA, 2016
The story follows Rosalind Wallace, a young woman living in aristocratic London, who is suddenly called home to the United States, where her engineer father has completed his masterpiece: An underwater railway from America to Germany. He demands she ride the train to reassure the public that it is safe, and despite not being too happy that her return is a publicity stunt, it is eased by the presence of her brother, Charles, and her friend Cecily.
However, things take a turn for the worst when Charles vanishes, and Cecily is gruesomely murdered, leaving Rosalind as the prime suspect. She begins to investigate in order to prove her innocence, and soon discovers the train's true mission and some discrepancies in the servants' behaviours.
The book itself appears to be inspired by Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express (1934), and reminds me of the videogame Bioshock (2007), which features an underwater city. The tale itself is riveting, featuring a strong female lead who chafes at the typical expectations of women in the early 1900's. Falksen himself is a seasoned writer for the Steampunk genre, and the ending also leaves the possibility of a sequel very likely, so it will leave readers chomping at the bit for more.
Professional Reviews:
Booklist (May 1, 2016; vol. 112, no. 17)Publisher's Weekly (March 14, 2016; vol. 263, issue 11)
Kirkus Reviews (April 15, 2016)
Author's Website
Well, speaking of trains, I've one to catch very soon, so I must be off. I leave you with a sample of the audiobook, which I hope will entice you enough to give Falksen's book a read.
Regards,
E.
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