Photographs and Phantoms by Cindy Spencer Pape - Book Review

Title: Photographs and Phantoms

Author: Cindy Spencer Pape

Publisher: Carina

Publication Date: April 2011

Format: Ebook - EPUB

Pages: 70

Genre: Steampunk

Source: Free Ebook from store






As a member of the Order of the Round Table, Kendall Lake is overqualified to be investigating strange phenomena at a seaside photography studio. But since the photographer is related to the Order's most powerful sorcerer, Kendall reluctantly boards a dirigible to Brighton.

Amy Deland is haunted by a shadow that appears in some of her recent portraits. In each case, the subject died within days of the sitting. Does she have her grandmother's gift of foresight, or has she somehow caused the deaths?

As Kendall and Amy search for answers, their investigation draws them together in a most improper way—but it seems the evil presence in the studio is determined to keep them apart... (Goodreads Synopsis)


I got this as a free ebook. I had seen a few reviews floating around for it and decided to give it a try.

On the whole, I enjoyed the novella. The characters were engaging and I liked the idea behind the story as it gradually built up. I am still fairly new to the world of Steampunk, but am enjoying it. I liked the way this book blended the steampunk romance with chivalry and an order of knights battling magical forces.

I am giving this three and not four stars because, for me, the ending felt a little sudden. There was this gradual build up as the mystery unfolded, but then once everything was exposed it was over in a heartbeat. I just would have liked a little more from the climax after the world and characters had been so well constructed earlier in the story.