The Transatlantic Conspiracy

Falksen’s (the Ouroborus Cycle series) delicious tale of undersea chicanery combines Agatha Christie–esque mystery with steampunk fantasy to create a richly engaging story that examines themes of alienation, young love, and imperialism. It’s 1908, and Rosalind Wallace, a young American with feminist leanings, has spent the social season in London with her friends Cecily and Charles. After Rosalind’s father insists that she return home on the maiden voyage of his crowning achievement, the world’s first transatlantic underwater railway, her friends offer to accompany her to New York. Of course, nothing goes as planned: Charles disappears before the trip, and several tragedies follow, including Cecily’s death. Rosalind is caught up in her grief and the whirl of the momentous journey, but she isn’t about to trust the authorities to find Cecily’s killer. Fantastical alternate history details blend seamlessly with multifaceted characters and tightly woven elements of intrigue, suspense, and romance to create a story, and a world, that will long linger in readers’ imaginations. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 14–up. [em]Author’s agent: Lauren Abramo, Dystel & Goderich Literary Management. (June) [/em]