Red Dog Conspiracy Act 1 [Signed paperback]

The Jacq of Spades: A Future Noir Novel (Red Dog Conspiracy Book 1), my first read from author Patricia Loofbourrow. An enjoyable, well-written book with memorable characters. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018.

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!