by Pip Ballantine, Tee Morris
Narrator: James Langton
Length: 14 hrs and 6 mins
Genres: Steampunk
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups
Evildoers beware Retribution is at hand, thanks to Britain's best-kept secret agents. Certainly no strangers to peculiar occurrences, agents Wellington Books and Eliza Braun are nonetheless stunned to observe a fellow passenger aboard Britain's latest hypersteam train suddenly vanish in a dazzling bolt of lightning. They soon discover this is not the only such disappearance . . . with each case going inexplicably unexamined by the Crown. The fate of England is once again in the hands of an ingenious archivist paired with a beautiful, fearless lady of adventure. And though their foe be fiendishly clever, so then is Mr. Books . . . and Miss Braun still has a number of useful and unusual devices hidden beneath her petticoats.
In the Janus Affair, we once again join the duo of Eliza Braun and Wellington Books, officers at the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences in Britain. It was a fantastic ride filled with murder, missing persons and revelations. They are traveling home aboard Britain’s latest hypersteam train when the hair rises on the back of Eliza’s neck. A woman of Eliza’s acquaintance vanishes before their eyes in a bright bolt of lightning. Eliza and Wellington are stunned, but back in the archives they find this strange occurrence is happening all over.
I love this duo, from their banter to investigative skills. Their personalities blend wonderfully. She loses her restraint, he keeps her in check. When they discover someone at the ministry is burying these missing cases in the archives they step in to solve the case. From Woman fighting for Suffrage to an old flame of Eliza’s showing up the tale is suspenseful, with the most creative characters. While we have been privy to the growing feelings developing between our heroes…they seemed completely unaware and it was delightful watching them realize their true feelings. It was delicious being in their minds as they worked it out. These two make me giggle aloud, pace the floor and hold my breath.
Ballentine and Morris have a creative imaginations and it’s all in the details. I love the inventions, the diabolic plots and the language. James Langton is once again the narrator, and I enjoy his rendition. He brilliantly brings out Wellingtons stuffiness and Eliza’s snark. Through tone and inflection, he helps create the mood, ratchet up the tension and his narration for the villains, ex-lover and superiors at the ministry were spot on.
The Janus Affair was another excellent addition in the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series. Fans of steampunk, banter and mystery will delight in the adventures of Wellington and Eliza.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Tyler H Jolley
I love the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series. I adore Eliza and Wellington’s chemistry, banter, wittiness. Ballatine and Morris did such an awesome job at developing their characters.
kimbacaffeinate
I completely agree Tyler. The audio just adds a whole new element to these already fantastic novels. I have the third novel cued and read to listen to.
Christy
I’m sort of the same way with steampunk as I am with Historical romance. I like it, but I rarely ever read it.
kimbacaffeinate
*headdesk*
DannyBookworm
A Steampunk! This is the one genre which I never really started to get into. I’m waiting for THE series to get my hooked! I love how you mention a diabolic plot, this definitely sounds intriguing!
kimbacaffeinate
I love the mysteries in this and you could not ask for better characters
Lisa
I don’t think I’ve ever read a steampunk book before. Crazy?! Yup. I should fix that for sure. Any suggestions on a good first one?? 😀 Glad you enjoyed this one! Great review!!
kimbacaffeinate
For YA Lisa try The Strange Case of Finley Jayne (Steampunk Chronicles 0.5)by Kady Cross. It is a novella and will give you a taste or Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, #1) by Gail Carriger. Boneshaker (The Clockwork Century, #1) by Cherie Priest is a great adult steampunk or Bronze Gods (Apparatus Infernum, #1) by A.A. Aguirre. A great idie would be Chasing the Star Garden (The Airship Racing Chronicles #1)by Melanie Karsak. Good luck!
Lola
I actually discovered the steampunk genre some months ago only, so I’m not very comfortable with those kinds of books. So far, the maximum rating I could give to one is 3 stars but it’s not bad. This series though looks REALLY interesting although I’m probably going to read it (if possible) because I prefer that to audio books. 😛 Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
The books are available Lola. I hope this one impresses you!
Diana Leigh
I love that cover. I’ve never tried the Steampunk genre before…
kimbacaffeinate
I love the added element of the gadgets and these are done well.
Heidi
Glad to see the second installment was just as strong for you, I know Maja loves this series and it is on my wish list!
kimbacaffeinate
I am so enjoying them Heidi, and I know Melissa loves this series as well.
Candace
I read the first but it’s been AGES now. How was the narration? Do you think I’ll be confused at all since it’s been so long since I read the first? I’m thinking this might be one I’d be interested in listening to, but I’m not sure…
kimbacaffeinate
No you can slide right back in, since each contains a separate mystery and I am sure the overall arc will come back to you, since they do a good job of recapping.
Kris
This sounds like a fantastic book! Eliza and Wellington sounds like a wonderful duo. Plus, I love when an author gives attention to the details. Lovely review. You have me wanting to read this book right now!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Kris, I love the wicked banter and Eliza’s snark. The mysteries are quite good too
Trish
That cover is just so cool! Steampunk and banter and secret agents sounds like a fun mix! Great review Kim, I’m def interested in this series now 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Trish, this series is a hoot on audio 🙂
Braine Talk Supe
Thanks for reminding me that I have this series, I should schedule a back to back read one of this coming Sundays.
kimbacaffeinate
Perfect for Steampunk Sundays 🙂
Lark
Every time you review this series it sounds fantastics, and I promise myself I will start it. And every time, it falls through the cracks. I’m glad to hear the MCs’ relationship is developing – I hate it when authors drag out the will-they-won’t-they too long. Book one is still on my TBR…
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you remember this time 🙂
kindlemom1
I am pretty sure I bought the first book because of you. I really need to start it soon, sounds like I am missing out.
kimbacaffeinate
Good. *grins*
Debbie Haupt
Okay I’m a fan of Steampunk, banter and mystery. Thanks for putting this one on my Peculiar Radar Kimba 😉
kimbacaffeinate
:snort: You are welcome 🙂
Christa
I loved steampunk! Thanks for putting this series on my radar.
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo enjoy Christa it is delightful 🙂
Jenny
Yeah Snark! I think Eliza and I will get along just fine:) It’s been a while since I’ve read a steampunk book, so I think maybe I need to check out book one!
kimbacaffeinate
She just makes me grin from ear to ear 🙂
Nick
I love the sound of the banter between the characters and the imaginative writing of the authors. This is the first time I’m hearing of this series, but I have to check it out more thoroughly.
Great review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Thankfully I read reviews from Maja and Melissa because this series is a blast 🙂
Mary
I haven’t yet read this series (I don’t think…uhg. I’m reading too much that I can’t remember! Wait. Is there ever too much reading?) but need to.
kimbacaffeinate
No there is no such thing as too much reading 🙂
brandileigh2003
The banter sounds like an element that I would really enjoy.
kimbacaffeinate
It is hilarious Brandi 🙂
Livia
Ohhhh, yes, yes, I want!! Haven’t gotten to read the first yet though, but I totally will!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Livia, I am having such fun listening to them
Rashika
A steampunk series with cool ass investigators, SOLDDDD. I have no idea why I haven’t heard of this one but I definitely need this book in my life. Plus banter. Banter is magical.
Plus it’s going to be pretty fun to watch them realize their feelings when I get to book 2 *rubs hands*.
Fabulous review, Kimba!!! 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Rashika, this series is fun 🙂
blodeuedd
I was not a fan of book 1 so I will just leave it be
kimbacaffeinate
Boo 🙁
Melliane
Oh I love a good steampunk book and I hard so many great things about this series, I don’t know why I haven’t tried it yet. I really should!
kimbacaffeinate
I love the banter:)