I wouldn’t have believed that anyone could write a good book with werewolves, steampunk, spies, romance, zombies, a female engineer and her twin sister, a Welshman and a necromancer, set it in France with other scenes in Russia, then top it all off with dialog delivered in several different languages.

Which is why I didn’t buy the book the first time I saw it.

Then I had another chance to buy and read Esprit de Corpse (yes, Corpse—you’ll understand when you read it) and decided to give it a try.

Mon Deiu! I’m glad I did.

Author Ef Deal masterfully combines all of the above and more; setting her tale of international intrigue in the 19th century. The amazing part is how well Deal intertwines those elements and makes them work. I also enjoyed the use of the language of the time and the use of foreign words. I might have run to a dictionary to look up a word or term—if I wasn’t so involved in the story (and if I didn’t trust the author would explain it in time).

Esprit de Corpse begins with a train ride, and I enjoyed “the ride” to the very last word. If you like any of the above-named genres, you’ll definitely enjoy Ef Deal’s spirited melange.