Sandra Shulman

Sophie has suffered the loss of her father. At his request, she has been transferred to the care of Sir Pelham, an adventurer and long time companion to her father until her 21st birthday. As she travels to the Castlecliffe estate, Sophie encounters strange reactions from others upon telling them of her destination and a rogue highwayman relieves her of her inheritance papers. The house is uninviting with peculiar tenants. Mr. Pelham is an invalid and in the care of the sinister Mr. Rashid who appears to be manipulating everything, including what he calls a "science club" with bizarre members who are almost cultish. Sophie despairs and her only ally appears to be the ruthless thief, Jack Midnight. Although she is aware that she should not be consorting with criminals, there is an attraction to Jack and he stays in her thoughts as the plot unravels. What could her father have been thinking?

This story is very remarkable but not in a good way. The story itself is so extremely bizarre and frankly I was shocked at the activities going on within the "club". I welcome unique and fantastical but this wasn't my cup of tea. Alas, I can't recommend the book.… (mere)