The League of Dangerous Young Ladies
In 1909, Rose Moriarty is haunted by the disappearance of her school’s headmistress when a count shrouded in mystery shows up asking for help. He’s acquired an ancient orb which may be able to confer godlike powers; the question is how? To crack the case, Rose will need to call upon her former schoolmates, including Seffy Moreau, daughter of the infamous doctor. Hoping the count and his ward Clara can help an ailing friend, which requires the use of vampire’s blood, the game’s afoot.
I’ve read other novels regarding the daughters of infamous inventors/monsters, and Morgenstein has penned a fun, twisty adventure that stands apart from the pack. The plot moves quickly, carrying characters from one dangerous situation to the next, and they’re all easy to empathize with. The novel raises questions like how these daughters define themselves apart from their notorious legacies and what prejudices follow someone who is the child of Professor Moriarty or of Dr. Moreau. A touch of whimsy in the narration helps balance the darker elements, particularly surrounding Seffy’s past. From Rose, whose analytical mind can unlock puzzling mysteries but isn’t as helpful with matters of the heart, to Clara’s sweet innocence, to Seffy’s protective nature, each character has a distinct voice. There’s a charming found-family element highlighting the strong relationships as well as the mystery-solving dynamics Rose, Seffy, Clara (and one other whom readers encounter later) share, each person bringing a skill necessary to navigate the challenges of their escapade. My only question is the ability for these young women to so easily run around in fashion of the day, which included constrictive corsets and long dresses. Appropriate for young adult readers who enjoy a spoonful of sarcasm with their daring and twisty crime capers. Recommended!
