It’s 1958 and Marion Lane lives with her grandmother, who is feverishly trying to get her married off as soon as possible, and it doesn’t really matter who to. Marion has a job in an old bookshop, a bookshop that hides an amazing world of fantastic libraries, laboratories and a whole new life for her. But something dark is going on. A woman has been murdered, rumours run riot and it seems the murderer has left no clues, other than it looks as though it has to be an inside job. Although Marion is just a first year apprentice, she is determined to help solve this murder, as she gets drawn into the enquiry when it seems as though someone close to her is going to be accused of it.

This story fairly gallops along, throwing in amazing gadgets, storylines bouncing off the walls of the underground tunnels and the obvious baddies - or are they? The main character, Marion, is stronger than she realises, is likeable and believable. This is a really enjoyable read for all types and ages of readers. It’s atmospheric of a post war London, with enough back story to please even the most jaded reader. I look forward to the next instalment as the setting really lends itself to further tales.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Well, that was good! How to describe "Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder"? The blurb compares this to an Agatha Christie, a Stuart Turton and any number of locked-room mysteries. I'd say, rather, Genevieve Cogman with a touch of Alison Goodman and Rachel Caine. Maybe even Ben Aaronvitch.

It's London in 1958, and a filing clerk is murdered after receiving a letter, delivered through a wonderful series of underground pneumatic tubes. Switch to Marion Lane, a quiet young woman living with a grandmother who desperately wants to see her married, and who works in an old bookshop.

Only she doesn't. Courtesy of a nice summary, we learn she is an apprentice "enquirer", a member of an underground (literally) detective agency. When her colleague is framed for the murder, she takes it upon herself to clear his name.

What follows is a delightful tale of tunnels, gadgets, clues and red herrings. Nothing too deep, dark or complex, but a wonderful adventure. The main characters are well enough developed, but with plenty left to explore in future books.

There a touch of steampunk in here, with a whiff of Harry Potter and I'm sure it will appeal to a wide variety of readers. The story moves along at a nice pace, and satisfies in all the right places. Ms Willberg is South African, so probably hasn't spent much time in London, but it doesn't stop her from drawing a nice picture of a (possibly) alternate city.

Oh, and even for a Netgalley ARC, my copy included a map! Extra points.