Jacq of Spades is a mystery in the vein of Arthur Conan Doyle, if Doyle had written steampunk. Jacqueline Spadros is a detective—a female Sherlock Holmes in Bridges, a post-apocalyptic world reminiscent of a Victorian era city, but one that is run by four mysogynistic and brutal crime families.The mystery, thick with tension and backstory, unfolds descriptively from the first page and does not let up until the end. I noted that this was “Part One”, which I am sure, heralds a Part Two that continues the mystery. I did feel that the mystery was resolved sufficiently to satisfy me at the end.The characters were skillfully drawn, as were the descriptions of the city itself. Great world-building.What I also liked about the book was the excellent and skillful editing. In most books I read, I find errors, even if a few, and this book was free of any kind of error. Congratulations, Ms. Loofbourrow, for a job well done! I would highly recommend this book for discerning readers of a steampunk mystery. There is very little, if any, not to like here.
