I think that one of the reasons she was able to communicate so well with her uncle is because she had similar traits as he did (and you got a hint that her father did also). How could you not love Uncle Tully? I wanted to see into his workshop, especially on winding day. Automatons – an added bonus! It’s not often you get to say that about a book.

It’s so interesting about the real Welbeck Abbey. Like you, I loved that the story was based on historical precedent.

Also, did you notice how Katharine echoed her uncle’s full-blown Asperger/autistic traits? She had a facility with numbers, counted her steps as she walked in a couple scenes (when no one else was present), and rocked back and forth a couple times while anxiously waiting for something to happen.

The very end worked for me. He’s got to go away and see a bit of the world before he can come back and settle down. However, I did mind the consequences of the flood. I didn’t fully believe what had happened until they were sitting by the grave. Then it was kleenex time.

And finally, I’m a little annoyed that it’s being called steampunk because it’s not! Let it be a regular ole historical/gothic novel; there’s nothing wrong with that, and frankly that genre could use a little boosterism.