At the beginning of this read, we see The Amazing Beatrix, who has a body like a boy, is surrounded by a cast of circus characters. I like that we learn a little about each of the character's traits in this traveling circus.
Beatrix is not in a safe place. In part, that is because she is a trapeze artist who works without a net but also because her ringleader, Ziro, is a tyrant who abuses her.
Beatrix trades one frightening adventure for another when she is taken to Chartish Manor and meets Lord Chartish.
From here she finds herself with Colonel James Bacchus, a problem solver who traverses continents in his four-story hot air balloon called The Ox. We see Beatrix rather fancies this Englishman she calls the dandelion man. Beatrix narrowly escapes with Bacchus and her magic lantern in the balloon directed by the Swiss wind.
Readers soon learn Beatrix ( Bee - as Bacchus calls her) agrees to help Bacchus hunt down the criminal who is searching for the Blue Star Spninx - but where you find one criminal - you may find many.
This is a well-written likable steampunk tale that includes the impressive detailing of technological inventions and the most isolated island on Earth.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
About the Author
Patrick Canning is the author of the novels For Your Benefit (2024), Cryptonalia (2021), Hawthorn Woods (2020), The Colonel and the Bee (2018), and Cryptofauna (2018).
His work often blends genres, combining elements of fantasy, humor, adventure, and mystery. The stories typically feature quirky characters and imaginative settings.