The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief
‘[A] lively, entertaining blend of murder mystery and supernatural adventure’ George R. R. Martin
Should you find yourself in need of a discreet investigation, think of Jesperson and Lane . . .
For several years Miss Lane was companion, collaborator and friend to the lady known to the Psychical Society only as Miss X – until she discovered that Miss X was actually a fraud.
Now Miss Lane works with Mr Jasper Jesperson as a consulting detective, but the cases are not as plentiful as they might be and money is getting tight – until a wife’s concern for her husband’s nocturnal ramblings piques their interest, and mediums begin to disappear all over London.
There is only one team with the imagination and intelligence to uncover the nefarious purpose behind the vanished psychics and the somnambulist’s wanderings.
Jesperson and Lane: at your service.
Should you find yourself in need of a discreet investigation, think of Jesperson and Lane . . .
For several years Miss Lane was companion, collaborator and friend to the lady known to the Psychical Society only as Miss X – until she discovered that Miss X was actually a fraud.
Now Miss Lane works with Mr Jasper Jesperson as a consulting detective, but the cases are not as plentiful as they might be and money is getting tight – until a wife’s concern for her husband’s nocturnal ramblings piques their interest, and mediums begin to disappear all over London.
There is only one team with the imagination and intelligence to uncover the nefarious purpose behind the vanished psychics and the somnambulist’s wanderings.
Jesperson and Lane: at your service.
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Reviews
The mystery was intriguing, the inclusion of psychic powers surprising, and the characters absolutely lovely. I found myself slowing down when reading this one, just so it would last a little longer.
The book is beautifully written [and] very well researched. If you like a good tale, well told, or if you like a strong female protagonist, or if you like to get in on the ground floor of what is set to be one of the most entertaining detective series of the decade ... read this book
A gloriously entertaining mystery story full of twists and turns . . . Tuttle executes it with a delicate touch and great elan
A great story . . . Two great main characters and a lovely atmosphere throughout the book
Smart and entertaining fiction that has fun with the touchstones of Victorian literature - Wilkie Collins and Arthur Conan Doyle are both name-checked, and have clearly influenced Tuttle's atmosphere and characterisation- while also exploring, in a light-hearted, light-touch way, what lies behind the curtain.
Both comical and exciting, this is a delight of a read, and when a new case emerges on the horizon of the final page, it makes you want to urge the author to write the duo's second set of adventures faster so we can feast on it as soon as possible
Tuttle's delivery is impeccable and "The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief" is an enjoyable romp that's a continuous pleasure to read . . . As an opening to the series "The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief" works remarkably well so it'll be interesting seeing where she takes the series next.
A fantastic first instalment to what I hope will be a long running series . . . Miss Lane is a delight; independent, resourceful and free thinking and Jesperson and his mother are fantastically drawn . . . This is the first book I've read by Lisa Tuttle but it certainly won't be the last
If you like detective stories, then this is a wonderful addition to not only that genre but with the twists and turns hinting at the supernatural as well
The Somnambulist And The Psychic Thief is a great read and definitely a series worth pursuing. It looks like it will make a good regular read alongside my other favourite sleuths
The story zips along in entertaining and enjoyable way, and it is very well written. The characters have previously appeared in some of Lisa Tuttle's shorter fiction, and the novel seems set up for a series. I certainly hope so
A fantastic blend of Victorian-era detective fiction and the (possibly) supernatural
Excellent!
A solid beginning to a new series . . . If you enjoy the Independent Victorian Lady Detective genre (I know I do) then this one is worth adding to your Borrowbox library
A delightful pairing of Sherlockian mystery and Victorian occult tale . . . Lisa Tuttle is a fantastic writer whose nuanced characters and flawless prose combine with a mastery of genre conventions that allow her to subvert them brilliantly
Tuttle is as skilled in prose as she is in characterisation. Spending time with Mr Jesperson and Miss Lane, and the rest of the characters, was a delight. Their relationship - a bit of a Mulder and Scully - is expertly drawn. The prose was an easy read, with the plot cracking along at a terrific pace
Tuttle's powerful prose sparkles and leaps off the page - she perfectly captures the repressed nature of Victorian times
The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief was a great start to series . . . I had fun, and it was great to get back to Victorian-era detecting.
The writing has an effortless-seeming clarity that makes the pages fly by. The author manages the disparate elements of the plot like an expert juggler . . . I loved it so much that I let out a happy little yip and hit request immediately when I saw its sequel pop up
It kept me hooked. This series definitely has potential and with the dramatic way it ended, I will be picking up the next in the series
The characters are engaging . . . the atmosphere and setting up are the dynamics that are the focus of this book, and the characterisations really shine
This book is now in the running for my "title of the year" award, currently neck and neck with Time Travelling with a Hamster! The Somnambulist and the Psychic Thief is a well-written, entertaining mystery and solid series opener. I have a feeling this series will get better with every instalment
A stylish, distinctive storyteller
This John W. Campbell Award-winning author remains one of fantasy's best
Her ability as a storyteller is equalled only by her skill in portraying her characters with a few, precise words
Tuttle does a lovely job of putting us back in the foggy streets of Victorian London in this lively, entertaining blend of murder mystery and supernatural adventure. Arthur Conan Doyle would have approved
Lisa Tuttle has created a most engaging detective duo in Jasper Jesperson and Miss Lane ... an intriguing and thoroughly enjoyable mystery
Lisa Tuttle has been writing remarkable, chilling short stories and powerful, haunting novels for many years now, and doing it so easily and so well that one almost takes it, and her, for granted
[Lisa Tuttle] has a prize-winning knack of doing what a lot of fantasy writers can only dream of: making the impossible seem everyday, and writing legend in such a way that it seems like a very present and nerve-tingling possibility
A wonderful mystical journey through the darkened rooms of Victorian séances and stagecraft - beautifully written and researched. I absolutely loved it
A fitting tale of intrigue that makes for a thoroughly enjoyable read . . . thrilling and entertaining story. 9/10
A well-written, entertaining mystery and solid series opener. I look forward to reading the next book and have a feeling this series will get better with every instalment
Zips along, with peril, a real, melodramatic villain - you can almost here the moustache twirling and hear his laughter - a truly evil plot and a dramatic denouement . . . easily give[s] Holmes and Watson a run for their money
I really did enjoy the characters of Lane and Jesperson - they are worth getting to know . . . I do hope that there is more to come about this pair of investigators
An enjoyable first mystery in the Jesperson and Lane series. Well plotted and written
An easy read, with the plot cracking along at a terrific pace . . . a fun dance through spiritualism and Victoriana with a lot of heart and soul
