In this future Umuns have despoiled the Erth and almost wiped themselves out... Now the planet is managed by the Zecla and Umuns are either slaves/workers or pets - though some are 'free' or living in secret underground.

Homa follows a number of Umuns as well as a few Zecla as they navigate a new disease that seems to have jumped species - from Erth animals to Umuns and also to Zecla... In a series of short chapters we learn a surprising amount about everyday life in the several groups, both on planet and in space (Over-Homa - a space station; on several ships). The various individuals are connected in ways that don't become clear until almost the end of the book.

I enjoyed the clever use of altered language (Erth, Umuns... ) - which is easily read phonetically (unlike Feersum Endjinn by Iain Banks!). As mentioned the various groups are connected - and it gradually becomes clear just how. The ending isn't entirely 'feel good' but is optimistic.

Less daunting than The Red Dog Conspiracy this is a good 'taster' for those new to the author.

A fair amount of action and some eye openers in this episode as Jacqui continues to question what the Red Dogs really want. Still, lots of questions but not so many answers. The intrigue really draws you in as you try to gain more insight. I can hardly wait to move on to the next in the series.

I think this is the best episode to date. Plenty of action, lots of twists, unexpected revelations, and a sense of progress. A compelling read.

Really enjoyed this exciting and entertaining story. Characters are well-written and developed. Story held my interest and attention, was hard to put down so I stayed up way too late reading! Can definitely recommend.

Very exciting. Great characterisations & a riveting storyline. I never give spoilers, as I hate to see them, but I highly recommend this book! Great work Patty!

The web surrounding Jacqui seems to be growing stronger and tighter. People around her are being murdered and someone is trying to kill her. Her marriage is a disaster. She doesn't know who she can trust and she doubts her own judgement. Bridges is on the brink of chaos and the Families are feeling vulnerable. Can Jacqui find a way to defeat the Red Dog Conspiracy?

Those who have yet to begin this series - probably not the best place to start! However, those new to the Red Dog Conspiracy have the pleasure of following the progress so far... I'd urge them to start at the beginning and enjoy this expansive narrative.

Set in the far future domed city of Bridges, major changes have been occurring in the last few years. As the wife of the head of one of the four Families who have divided the city into four Jacqueline Spadros has a number of rôles to play. Her marriage is, not to put too fine a point on it, troubled - but she has hopes that her son and the heir to the Spadros name will bring her husband closer in time.

Meanwhile she is making slow progress on investigating the kidnapping of a young boy, and the murders by the Strangler - but progress is being made and by the end of this volume it is clear who is behind the unrest plaguing the city. We also learn more about the status of Bridges in the wider Mercan Federation - and edge closer to finding how the city is powered, areas that have been previously touched upon but not explored in detail.

There is a sense that matters are coming to a climax - and in the final two 'Chapters' we can hope that all will become clear.

Stunning cover! I also love the dirigible in the upper corner. The front and back covers are sturdy. Inside the pages have a dot grid. I imagine it soon filled by lots of colorful pens! I love it!

I really enjoyed this book, all I can say is I definitely recommend it!

Excellent characters, the story line is very interesting I couldn't put it down. A must read

With the atmospheric artwork on the cove, this is a notebook to leave out where it will be useful. The paper is good quality and lovely to write on.The size is perfect, big enough to be practical but not so big as to be in the way. And I really appreciate the spiral binding - so much neater and easier to use than glued or sewn bindings. Note jotters will love it!

A futuristic 'Victorian' steampunk city, somewhere in what used to be America, ruled by four Families named after the card suits. The protagonist is married into one of these families - an arranged marriage - but has a sideline as a private investigator, unknown to her husband at least.

One of the interesting things about the book is that we are thrown into the middle, as it were, with very little background. The author gradually reveals some elements - but by the end we still know very little about the city of Bridges and its history. (There is a prequel which adds a lot of the missing history but it's not essential reading - and there is a wealth of online material as well, for those who care to search it out.)

An intriguing plot which is essentially resolved - but enough threads are left dangling for at least one sequel.

This is the first novel I have read by Patricia Loofbourrow and my first dive into what I read was steampunk noir. So I thought I would stick my toe in by reading a prequelle – little did I that I was taking a plunge and I loved it. Jacqui Spadros, our protagonist, is a touch, gritty detective by day and a Mafia Queen by night. Ms Loofbourrow sews this plot althougher with the intricate stictches of the finest tailor. It was a thrill to read this novel. I believe that it is the perfect precursor to the rest of the series. I really enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to others. I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Wow! Fantastic book! A young woman in a very stratified society manages to acquire what freedom she can while staying within the bounds of the system officially.An empowering story of powerful women striving to survive in an unequal system.Buy this book! I can't wait to find out what happens with these characters

I received this book as an Arc from the author and I’m writing a review because I want to. I enjoy a good Steampunk book. This is a mystery with a good plot and interesting characters! Highly recommended!