Review: Very Good At What it Sets Out to Be
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 16, 2011
This book is a Sherlock Holmes type/themed steampunk novel, where instead of Sherlock Holmes and Watson, we have a mystery man and a nice looking razor sharp 19th Century lass.  The novel is a bit on the short side, and doesnt try to be anything grand.  The plotting and dialogue is not terribly remarkable, neither overly witty nor overly gripping, and its rather doubtful the book will make a permanent impression.  Nonetheless, it is simply, tightly and well written, with a nice bit of action, charm and a serving of mystery.  It succeeds in being what it sets out to be, and if my first sentence holds any appeal at all, its an easy recommendation.This is the second book I've enjoyed from this author -- also enjoyed Public Enemy Zero.  The comparison is perhaps instructive -- that book pulls off the remarkable task of making a seemingly crazier plot (a man suddenly finds all coming in contact with him quickly turning into rage filled maniacs) actually work, and is in some ways a more interesting/noteworthy read, with probably more action too.  However, the two side plots in that book were not done particularly well, and I had to mark the book down to 4 stars as a result.  The Chronological Man feels a bit less ambitious, but benefits from hitting its target consistently throughout the book, which helps a good deal with feel, charm & immersion, hence a slightly higher rating.Highly Recommended.