Steam Powered: Lesbian Steampunk Stories edited by JoSelle Vanderhooft

Steam-Powered: Lesbian Steampunk Stories edited by JoSelle Vanderhooft

Torquere Press, 2011.

Overview: This is a collection of sixteen short stories by as many authors, and while I am not really familiar with steampunk in any form, let alone literature, I think that they were generally well chosen to represent a wide range of takes on the genre that, nonetheless, allowed a new reader to identify certain tropes and themes.

My reaction: I put this book down for several weeks (a danger of short story collections is that that can be easy to do!), but I am still able to remember the plots of most of the stories. I was not surprised to see that some of the authors have substantially less published writing experience when skimming their short bios, because it definitely showed. I will say that the stories that irked me on a technical level often gave me an interesting idea or two to chew on, which is why I'm rating this collection "decent" as a whole. 

Human-machine blends and humanoid automatons were the subject of most of my favorites, but there were a couple of wacky stories involving the supernatural that as far as I can tell might not be traditional  steampunk. "Copper for Trickster" by Mikki Kendall was my favorite of these, as it posed some interesting moral questions for me. Others I recommend are "Steel Rider" by Rachel Manija Brown, "Where the Ocean Meets the Sky" by Sara M. Harvey, "Suffer Water" by Beth Wodinski,  and "The Effluent Engine" by N.K. Jemisin. The one that I almost didn't finish because of the character's casual racism and entitlement issues was "Owl Song" by D.L. MacInnes. I couldn't quite tell if the reader was meant to take offense at that, and dislike the character, or whether it was just the author trying to be "realistic" or what. I was kind of leaning toward the latter until the narrator descends into icky patronization of the protagonist's landlady, but that landlady does call out her tenant's racism, which I was relieved by, and caused me to reconsider the author's motives yet again. That said, I was still disturbed by the story as a whole. "Under the Dome" by Teresa Wymore also upset me, but I was interested in (and repelled by!) the idea of human/non-human hybrids being turned into workers/curiosities.

With all that said, this was a decent collection. It included authors that I would read more from (particularly Rachel Manija Brown and Sara M. Harvey), and I had fun with most of it.  

Kissing the Witch by Emma Donoghue

Kissing the Witch by Emma Donoghue

Joanna Cotler Books (Imprint of HarperCollins), 1997

Overview: Kissing the Witch is a collection of thirteen lesbian/feminist retellings of classic fairy tales. Though each is self-contained, the stories also form a cyclical narrative which builds as a minor character from the previous story tells a story of her own.

My Reaction: I’m a fairy tale nut, so Kissing the Witch was right up my alley. Classic Grimms’ Kinder- und Hausmärchen AND lesbians? I’m in! Donoghue did not disappoint. While retaining enough essence of the familiar stories, she highlighted the strong relationships between women already present in many fairy tales, while subverting the paradigm that all powerful women must feel animosity towards each other (think Snow White and her stepmother, who are bitter rivals in any familiar recounting of the story, but here are recast as lovers). Donoghue’s interconnected format allows for those who often have no backstory, such as stepmothers, fairy godmothers or even Beauty’s Beast (remade into a woman) to recount their histories.

Not all of these stories are for the faint of heart; like the original Grimms’ tales, many contain disturbing violence or hints of incest. While it can be easy to ignore disturbing images told in the often deceptively simple voice of fairy tale narrative (which Donoghue captures well), some aspects might not sit well with everyone. Also like fairy tales, you almost have to read between the lines for the romance – you won’t find any heart-pounding scenes of passion. However, I definitely would argue for Kissing the Witch’s inclusion here, even sans overt romance or discussion of sexuality for the way it sensitively highlights the strong attractions between women.

Another reason why I liked this book is that it reminds me of The Rose and the Beast by Francesca Lia Block, another collection of re-spun fairy tales (though not queer), that were important to me as a teenager. Like that book, Kissing the Witch might also appeal to a YA audience, especially those who love fairy tales, but want ones that celebrate strong and courageous women. 

A Killing Cure: A Jane Lawless Mystery by Ellen Hart

A Killing Cure by Ellen Hart

St. Martin's Press, 1993. 

Overview: I don't want to drive readers away by reviewing all twenty Jane Lawless books, but after reading the fourth one, I can testify to the fact that this series just gets better and better. In The Killing Cure, Jane gets her first paid detective gig to investigate the deaths connected to a prestigious women's club, and gets into several life-threatening situations along the way. (I've got to say, I think that $500 was a paltry sum considering all she had gone through by the conclusion of the case!)

My reaction: This was not only the most thrilling installment thus far, but also one of the more complicated mysteries. I enjoyed speculating which characters were trying to pin crimes on others and why, and while I solved one aspect of the mystery fairly early on, the suspense was sustained to the end thanks to the other, more sinister part of the investigation. 

As with the other books, I laughed out loud at many of Jane and Cordelia's interactions,  and was happy that both of them had brushes with romance. I think the Lesbrarian and I can safely recommend this series in its entirety, but if we find any books in it that disappoint, we may review them here.

Jane Lawless Series

1. Hallowed Murder, 1989
2. Vital Lies, 1991
3. Stage Fright, 1992
4. A Killing Cure, 1993
5. A Small Sacrifice, 1994
6. Faint Praise, 1995
7. Robber's Wine, 1996
8. Wicked Games, 1998
9. Hunting the Witch, 1999
10. Merchant of Venus, 2001
11. Immaculate Midnight, 2002
12. An Intimate Ghost, 2004
13. The Iron Girl, 2005
14. Night Vision, 2006
15. The Mortal Groove, 2007
16. Sweet Poison, 2008
17. The Mirror and the Mask, 2009
18. The Cruel Ever After, 2010
19. Lost Women of Lost Lake, 2011
20. Rest for the Wicked, 2012
21. Forthcoming: Taken by the Wind, 2013

Death by the Riverside by J.M. Redmann

Death by the Riverside by J.M. Redmann

Bella Books, 2001. Originally published 1990.

Overview: Micky Knight is a scrappy independent private investigator living from paycheck to paycheck when a seemingly routine case leads her into an investigation of drug-running and murder. While Micky has a tough case to unravel herself, the reader gets a little bonus mystery as Micky is forced to deal with a mysterious tragic past that is revealed in bits and pieces.

My reaction: Micky Knight definitely wins first prize for Traumatizing Backstory and Quantity of Whiskey Consumed in the mysteries I've reviewed here! In a refreshing twist, however, the Traumatizing Backstory actually involved other characters that Micky has to deal with as she investigates the drug-running and murder.  For all that I may poke fun at seeing yet another tough-as-nails functioning alcoholic private eye with a tragic past in print, Redmann managed to do something really interesting with the tropes by making them relevant to the plot, instead of just letting them stand as a lame attempt at color. 

It was also pretty well written, aside from the occasional typo, and kept me engaged to the last page. I'll definitely be reading more!

Other titles in the Micky Knight Series:

Deaths of Jocasta, 1992.
The Intersection of Law and Desire, 1995.
Lost Daughters, 1998.
Death of a Dying Man, 2009.
Water Mark, 2010.
Ill Will, 2012.
Forthcoming: Shoal of Time, 2013.

Jane Lawless, Books Two and Three by Ellen Hart

Jane Lawless, Books Two and Three by Ellen Hart

Vital Lies

Seal Press, 1991

Overview: When Jane’s friend Leigh invites her to spend Christmas at her country bed and breakfast, Jane looks forward to a relaxing break from her restaurant. But when a series of disturbing events interrupt her quiet vacation, Jane finds herself once again in the center of a mystery. Why does someone want Leigh to sell the inn? Why to all the guests seem to have dark, mysterious pasts? Only Jane, with her ever-dramatic sidekick Cordelia, can untangle this web of lies.

My Reaction: I was right! Hart’s Jane Lawless series is awesome. Vital Lies is an intricately plotted, fast moving page-turner. Plus, it’s one of those great mysteries set in a closed environment where everyone knows that the murder must be amongst them; reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, but told with more compassion and psychological depth. Jane is a thoroughly likable detective, and her friend Cordelia is lovably eccentric – the kind of person wont to flop dramatically onto a bed, but who will be there when Jane’s in a pinch (with only a few grumbles). Two excellent protagonists, combined with the cozy setting of a bed and breakfast at Christmas time, make Vital Lies a delightful and thoughtful mystery, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Stage Fright

Seal Press, 1992

Overview: The Werness family has been a veritable theatrical dynasty for decades, and Cordelia’s theater company has just agreed to stage the oldest daughter Antonia Werness’ latest play. While the show is a success, strange things begin to happen to those connected to the family. Once again, it’s up to Jane and Cordelia to discover who is truly innocent and who is merely acting a part.

My Reaction: On the back of my copy of Stage Fright there is a review from Minneapolis Women’s Press which compares Jane and Cordelia to Nancy Drew and George but “grown up and out as lesbians.” I think that captures what I find appealing about Hart’s series; Jane and Cordelia’s often comical friendship provides a lighthearted center to the psychologically rich mystery narrative. Stage Fright especially has some dark moments; be forewarned about disturbing family secrets revealed in the end. But there’s also a potential new love interest for Jane (hooray!) as well as more delicious sounding food AND Cordelia in drag. Definitely recommended!

Previously Reviewed: Hallowed Murder

Jane Lawless Series

1. Hallowed Murder, 1989
2. Vital Lies, 1991
3. Stage Fright, 1992
4. A Killing Cure, 1993
5. A Small Sacrifice, 1994
6. Faint Praise, 1995
7. Robber's Wine, 1996
8. Wicked Games, 1998
9. Hunting the Witch, 1999
10. Merchant of Venus, 2001
11. Immaculate Midnight, 2002
12. An Intimate Ghost, 2004
13. The Iron Girl, 2005
14. Night Vision, 2006
15. The Mortal Groove, 2007
16. Sweet Poison, 2008
17. The Mirror and the Mask, 2009
18. The Cruel Ever After, 2010
19. Lost Women of Lost Lake, 2011
20. Rest for the Wicked, 2012
21. Forthcoming: Taken by the Wind, 2013

The Last Nude by Ellis Avery

The Last Nude by Ellis Avery

Riverhead Books, 2012.

Overview: Like Thrity Umrigar's The World We Found that was reviewed here two weeks ago and Carol Anshaw's Carry the One, reviewed last week, The Last Nude is up for a Lambda Literary Award in the Lesbian General Fiction category this year. Its nomination is certainly well-deserved, as it is an amazing novelization of  Tamara de Lempicka, a Polish expat who became a successful Parisian Art Deco painter in 1920s and '30s. The model for some of her best work, Rafaela, was also rumored to be her lover, and it is this much admired but mysterious woman that Avery chooses to be the main voice of her novel. Interestingly enough, de Lempicka's daughter's biography, Passion by Design: The Art and Times of Tamara de Lempicka, claims that Rafaela said, "When I am alone at night, I get crazy. I go out into the street and look for men. I cannot live without a man." Without reading it (I found this quote on a number of blogs, but it was cited on http://www.artistas-americanos.com/biography/lempicaen.html), I don't know whether this is just her daughter trying to deny her mother's bisexuality, but I can assure you that Rafaela is not longing for a man in Avery's novel!

My reaction: This is a fantastic read. It's got all the passion of a romance, but the writing brings the characters and time period to life. The little research I did into de Lempicka's life after finishing the novel was consistent with Avery's account, so I would recommend saving your Googles for later to avoid a spoiler or two! I loved doing that research, though, and looking at the paintings that Avery described with the fictionalized backstory in mind. I was especially drawn to the complexities of the relationship of  this painter/nude model. That is, Tamara is paying Rafaela well, but the intense desire on both of their parts and a spoken agreement makes it clear that she is not paying for the sex. On the other hand, she gets all the pleasure of painting her, and being rewarded both socially and monetarily for doing so, while Rafaela suffers a combination of both pain and desire during her long posing sessions. That power dynamic could get a little icky to me at times, but it definitely kept things interesting! 

Hallowed Murder by Ellen Hart

Hallowed Murder by Ellen Hart

The Seal Press, 1989

Overview: On an early morning walk, Jane Lawless finds a body floating in a lake. Worse, she recognizes the body; it is Allison, one of the members of the Kappa Alpha Sigma sorority where Jane is an alumna advisor. When the police find out that Allison was a lesbian, they quickly rule the death a suicide, but Jane suspects otherwise. Soon, other members of the sorority come forward with their own tales of disturbing happenings around the house and Jane, with the help of her very theatrical friend Cordelia, knows she must get to the bottom of the mystery before anyone else gets hurt.

My Reaction: Whew!  This one is exciting and a little crazy. Suspects abound, and I kept guessing until the end who might have committed the murder. Overall, it was a well done mystery, told from multiple perspectives, and held together by the sensible, late-thirty-something Jane (a lesbian herself and owner of the most cozy and delicious-sounding restaurant ever, which I wish was real).

A warning to those who are sensitive to rabid homophobia, even from unlikable characters: I found some of the homophobic religious perspectives aired in the book a little off-putting, even if they are clearly realistic and whole-heartedly discredited. Jane is positive about being a lesbian, but she’s in the closet, especially around the other alumnae of her former sorority. Also, while I enjoyed the story, it definitely felt dated (it was written over 20 years ago), both in the ways characters talk about queer folks and in the social structure of the sorority itself (do sororities still have house mothers?).

I give this one a decent, but I think Hart’s series has a lot of potential. There must be a reason why my local library bought three copies of the newest Jane Lawless book, published last year, and that all three are checked out!

Jane Lawless Series

1. Hallowed Murder, 1989
2. Vital Lies, 1991
3. Stage Fright, 1992
4. A Killing Cure, 1993
5. A Small Sacrifice, 1994
6. Faint Praise, 1995
7. Robber's Wine, 1996
8. Wicked Games, 1998
9. Hunting the Witch, 1999
10. Merchant of Venus, 2001
11. Immaculate Midnight, 2002
12. An Intimate Ghost, 2004
13. The Iron Girl, 2005
14. Night Vision, 2006
15. The Mortal Groove, 2007
16. Sweet Poison, 2008
17. The Mirror and the Mask, 2009
18. The Cruel Ever After, 2010
19. Lost Women of Lost Lake, 2011
20. Rest for the Wicked, 2012
21. Forthcoming: Taken by the Wind, 2013

To Play the Fool by Laurie R. King

To Play the Fool by Laurie R. King
St. Martin's Press, 1995.

Overview: Police Inspector Kate Martinelli is working in the field again after six months of pushing papers while she focused her attention on Lee, her partner, who was shot and paralyzed from the waist down when the trap for the serial killer Kate was pursuing went wrong. When she and Inspector Alonzo Hawkin are put on the case to discover who murdered a homeless man, they quickly discover that an eccentric "Holy Fool" might be connected. Unfortunately for Martinelli and Hawkin, the Fool only speaks in quotations from the Bible, Shakespeare, and other classics. That complication slows down the investigation, and is a mystery in itself.

My reaction: While I have gotten hooked on King's Sherlock Homes and Mary Russell series, this Martinelli book, like its predecessor (reviewed here), is not nearly as well-written as those. The plot of this one is much more tolerable to me--one unpleasant grown man is murdered versus a number of innocent little girls--but I felt that the book got mired down in constant analysis of the Fool's speech, and lacked the action of A Grave Talent. I also thought that the ending was somewhat anticlimactic, but I honestly wasn't expecting a thrilling conclusion after a couple hundred pages of frustration. (I'll give King that--I was definitely as frustrated as the detectives!) Unless you're already a Laurie R. King fiend and interested in seeing how her career developed, I'm sad to say that I'd give these a pass.

Kate Martinelli Series:

A Grave Talent, 1993

To Play the Fool, 1995

With Child, 1996

Night Work, 2000

The Art of Detection, 2006

You Can’t Run from Love by Kate Snowdon

You Can’t Run from Love by Kate Snowdon

Bella Books, 2013.

Overview: Jess Brewster, an attractive outdoorsy Scot, meets Rachel Cummings, a "gorgeous" American children's book illustrator, at the lodge she owns with her uncle, who raised her after her parents were killed in a car accident. Pining and palpable sexual tension ensues, with more than a splash of tragic backstory for both lovebirds. 

My reaction: This is the first romance reviewed on this blog, and after laughing and cringing my way through a few chapters of a Harlequin romance (the Lesbrarian had to read one for a class on adult genre fiction), it soars high over that low bar in terms of writing. I can't go so far as to praise the plot on its own merits, but on the whole it was an enjoyable and quick read. That said, I'd give the plot a B-. It's definitely a fun setting, mostly appealing protagonists, etc., but my goodness, some things just don't make sense. Your dying uncle wants you to be happy? MUST. NOT. GET. TOGETHER with someone who has an awesome (totally platonic) relationship with him (It's not like he's homophobic!). Instead, be unhappy because you're extremely horny for each other and won't do anything about it. Perfectly logical. That's the major thing  that drove me crazy, but it was pretty important to the plot. Also, when communication issues cropped up, I wanted to  yell, "Talk to each other!!" 

On the other hand, sex scenes get an A-. The "-" is for some giggle-inducing terminology (WHY must this not be the first book I've read in which a woman has "feasted" on another??! Blech) and some things that are slightly unrealistic (in my opinion) but still sexy. I've gotta say, Jess and Rachel are REALLY into each other, and that definitely carries it.

Strictly speaking, this falls into our "Meh" category, but I wouldn't want that to scare anyone off from a good afternoon read. It might be NSFW, though, depending on how susceptible you are to the genre!