The Curious Case of the Clockwork Man

The Curious Case of the Clockwork Man continues Mark Hodder's Burton & Swinburne series, set in an alternate Victorian London where history has diverged dramatically from our own. Sir Richard Francis Burton and poet Algernon Swinburne investigate mysterious events involving a mechanical man, black diamonds, and a spiritualist movement sweeping across England. The investigation leads Burton and Swinburne through London's transformed landscape of steam-powered vehicles and advanced technology that shouldn't exist in 1862. The pair must unravel connections between a time-traveling philosopher, ancient Greek artifacts, and a plot that threatens the stability of the British Empire. This steampunk adventure combines historical figures with fantastical elements, creating a world where scientific progress has accelerated beyond recognition. The story moves between London's aristocratic circles and its criminal underbelly while exploring themes of technological advancement, class warfare, and humanity's relationship with machines. The novel raises questions about free will versus determinism and examines how small changes in history can create massive ripples through time. Through its alternate history lens, it considers what makes us human in an increasingly mechanized world.

Readers call this steampunk adventure entertaining but not as strong as the first book in the series. Many note it maintains the alternate history atmosphere while adding more supernatural elements. Likes: - Complex world-building and Victorian details - Humorous dialogue between Burton and Swinburne - Integration of historical figures into the plot - Fast-paced action sequences Dislikes: - Plot becomes convoluted in second half - Some find supernatural elements overshadow the mystery - Several readers mention difficulty following multiple storylines - Less focused than the first book Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,744 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (56 ratings) Reader quote: "The clockwork man subplot felt underdeveloped compared to the political intrigue." - Goodreads reviewer Several readers note they needed to re-read sections to follow the timeline jumps and character connections, but still recommend it for fans of the first book.

The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters by Gordon Dahlquist Three unlikely allies battle a Victorian conspiracy involving mind-control glass and aristocratic debauchery.

The Difference Engine by William Gibson Steam-powered computers alter the course of Victorian England as a female programmer uncovers a plot involving punch cards and political revolution.

Perdido Street Station by China Miéville A rogue scientist in a steampunk city combines magic and technology to help a bird-woman fly again, unleashing consequences that threaten the entire metropolis.

The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers A literature professor travels through time in Victorian London and encounters Egyptian sorcerers, body-switching criminals, and a plot to destroy the British Empire.

Boneshaker by Cherie Priest A mother ventures into a walled-off, zombie-filled Seattle powered by steam technology to save her son from a mad inventor's legacy.

🔍 Mark Hodder won the Philip K. Dick Award for the first book in this series, "The Strange Affair of Spring Heeled Jack" ⚙️ The book reimagines real historical figures Sir Richard Francis Burton and poet Algernon Swinburne as Victorian-era detectives in an alternate steampunk London 🤖 This novel incorporates the legend of Spring Heeled Jack, a mysterious figure from Victorian folklore who reportedly could leap incredible heights and breathe blue flames 🎭 The series explores a drastically altered timeline where Queen Victoria was assassinated in 1840, leading to significant technological and social changes in Britain 🗝️ The book blends elements of several genres, including steampunk, alternate history, detective fiction, and science fiction, creating a unique hybrid style that defines the Burton & Swinburne series