Review: What a pleasant surprise !
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 27, 2012
I just finished this book, which I picked out because I got it recommended - and I was more than pleasantly surprised.A previous reviewer compared it with a Sherlock Homes story mixed with Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. I understand this reviewer, but would change it to a mixture of Jane Austen, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and add a bit of Jules Verne.Jane Austen represents the time the story plays - end of the 18 th century somewhere in England. It shows in the heroine, depending on her rich relatives -  her only chance for a satisfied future their mercy . She is obedient and willing, but shows the reader so much more potential others are not aware of.The Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde part is represented by the male lead - Emile Dubois - who struggles during the story the change - physically and mentally -  he is going through, trying to stay true to himself, but unable to realize the impossible changes obvious to the people surrounding him.The Jules Verne part is mirrored in the mystery of the story - time travel, vampires ,manipulations - all intriguing to the reader and wrapping the characters together.This book is hard to put down and every page teases you more and makes you turn to the next.The only criticism I have is a miner one and maybe another reader does not see it that way. The female lead is at the beginning too gullible for my taste - to naive and adoring, but that is also what a Jane Austen character would be in this situation.....I truly enjoyed the story. The end wrapped up all the loose ties  and won't leave the reader to an unsatisfied end. I only hope now, that Ms Elliot is continuing the story of The Scroundrel and his company, because speaking for myself, I sure would love to read it.