The Diabolical Miss Hyde

Carr’s steampunk debut is electrifying, memorable, and razor sharp. Eliza Jekyll—daughter of the late Dr. Henry Jekyll, a forensic investigator for the London police—continues her father’s work by battling serial killers and other monsters. No one knows that she hides a monster of her own: Lizzie Hyde, her seductive, wild alter ego, who comes out to play at night. Eliza’s current case has her tracking a murderer who steals body parts, and every avenue of investigation seems to take her into deeper, darker territory. While Lizzie’s influence and desire for freedom grow, Eliza is forced to work with Remy Lafeyette, a member of the Royal Society who could unmask her unnatural state at any time. The shift between Eliza and Lizzie’s narrative voices further amplifies their complex, difficult relationship, and Carr evokes a host of Victorian nightmares—Jack the Ripper, Sweeney Todd, Frankenstein’s monster, and more—as she brings the subtly disturbing setting to life. Agent: Marlene Stringer, Stringer Literary Agency. (Feb.)