Evelina Cooper, the heroine of The Baskerville Affair series, is the niece of Sherlock Holmes. Naturally, she has to do some detective work in the course of the trilogy, but she also has to fight battles that require more than her brain. Willpower, physical agility, and a dash of magical powers come into play as well—not to mention the feminine wiles required to cope with dashing rakes and steampunk pirates.
Evelina is not alone in this quandary. Steamy heroines are faced with the problem of how to conduct themselves. On one hand there are villain and dangers a-plenty and on the other the requirements of polite society dictate what a well-bred lady can and cannot do. How is a properly-raised young woman expected to cope?
There are five things I believe must be kept foremost in her mind.
- Dress and deportment: Whether battling evil sorcerers, burning up zombies, or taking a turn on the dance floor, a young lady must choose her gown accordingly. Too many ruffles at a graveyard scene are vulgar, and an aether weapon is never welcome at an afternoon musicale, however bad the singers.
- Self-defense: A lady should never carry a weapon that cannot conveniently be carried as an accessory. Parasols are tried and true. Pistols should fit inside one’s reticule—anything larger is cumbersome and likely to clash with one’s accessories. Cleverly, Evelina uses magic which, though illegal, goes with whatever she is wearing.
- Mechanical aptitude: While engaging in a steampunk adventure, an understanding of machinery seems natural. And, of course, even if one actually knows what a thingamajig does, it’s not necessary to admit to the fact. Mechanical emergencies are a fine excuse to engage the attention of another person—preferably one inclined to muck about with noisy, greasy objects hazardous to one’s gown (see “suitors” below).
- Companions: Although rules of propriety require a chaperone, this if often hard to maintain when involved in a bout of vigorous espionage. Here is where where trusty companions are useful. Evelina has her best friend, Imogen, and also her pets, the living automatons Mouse and Bird.
- Suitors: While not strictly necessary, these are delightful accompaniments to any adventure scenario, whether singly or in multiples. They can be of a dark and dangerous variety or the noble and dashing type. The wise heroine will not settle on the first young blade that comes along. Victorians were avid explorers, after all. Permit the lady to consider her options.
That’s my list – can you think of anything else she should have or consider?
GIVEAWAY TIME
Comment on this post and you’ll be entered into a draw for a copy of one book from The Baskerville Affair trilogy – your choice of title and format. Giveaway is international.
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All three books in The Baskerville Affair trilogy are now available!
A Study in Silks – Book One
Evelina Cooper, the niece of the great Sherlock Holmes, is poised to enjoy her first Season in London’s high society, but there’s a murderer to deal with—not to mention missing automatons, a sorcerer, and a talking mouse . . .
In a Victorian era ruled by a Council of ruthless steam barons, mechanical power is the real monarch, and sorcery the demon enemy of the Empire. Nevertheless, the most coveted weapon is magic that can run machines—something Evelina has secretly mastered. But rather than making her fortune, her special talents could mean death or an eternity as a guest of Her Majesty’s secret laboratories. What’s a polite young lady to do but mind her manners and pray she’s never found out?
But then there’s that murder. As Sherlock Holmes’s niece, Evelina should be able to find the answers, but she has a lot to learn. And the first decision she has to make is whether to trust the handsome, clever rake who makes her breath come faster, or the dashing trick rider who would dare anything for her if she would only just ask . . .
A Study in Darkness – Book Two
When a bomb goes off at 221B Baker Street, Evelina Cooper is thrown into her Uncle Sherlock’s world of mystery and murder. But just when she thought it was safe to return to the ballroom, old, 
new, and even dead enemies are clamoring for a place on her dance card.
Before Evelina’s even unpacked her gowns for a country house party, an indiscretion puts her in the power of the ruthless Gold King, who recruits her as his spy. He knows her disreputable past and exiles her to the rank alleyways of Whitechapel with orders to unmask his foe.
As danger mounts, Evelina struggles between hiding her illegal magic and succumbing to the darker aspects of her power. One path keeps her secure; the other keeps her alive. For rebellion is brewing, a sorcerer wants her soul, and no one can protect her in the hunting ground of Jack the Ripper.
A Study in Ashes – Book Three
As part of her devil’s bargain with the industrial steam barons, Evelina Cooper is finally enrolled in the Ladies’ College of London. However, she’s attending as the Gold King’s pet magician, in handcuffs and forbidden contact with even her closest relation, the detective Sherlock Holmes.
Not even Niccolo, the dashing pirate captain, and his sentient airship can save her. But Evelina’s problems are only part of a larger war. The Baskerville Affair is finally coming to light, and the rebels are making their move to wrest power from the barons and restore it to Queen Victoria. Missing heirs and nightmare hounds are the order of the day — or at least that’s what Dr. Watson is telling the press.
But their plans are doomed unless Evelina escapes to unite her magic with the rebels’ machines–and even then her powers aren’t what they used to be. A sorcerer has awakened a dark hunger in Evelina’s soul, and only he can keep her from endangering them all. The only problem is…he’s dead.
Emma Jane Holloway
Ever since childhood, Emma Jane Holloway refused to accept that history was nothing but facts prisoned behind the closed door of time. Why waste a perfectly good playground coloring within the 
timelines? Accordingly, her novels are filled with whimsical impossibilities and the occasional eye-blinking impertinence—but always in the service of grand adventure.
Struggling between the practical and the artistic—a family tradition, along with ghosts and a belief in the curative powers of shortbread—Emma Jane has a degree in literature and job in finance. She lives in the Pacific Northwest in a house crammed with books, musical instruments, and half-finished sewing projects. In the meantime, she’s published articles, essays, short stories, and enough novels to build a fort for her stuffed hedgehog.
Enjoyed the post. Thanks for the giveaway.
Loved the books – thanks so much for the giveaway!
Way excited about The Baskerville Affair trilogy, great blubs…thanks for the contest!
I love the Suitors listing, LOL! About the parasol – would it be a weapon on its own (blunt object) or would it conceal a blade? Would a proper young lady know how to use a blade?
I love this post! I could not have lived in regular Victorian times, but I think I would have enjoyed it as you write it. A little challenging, but enjoyable.
Thank you for this fab *grin* on a windy three days into my New Year morning….
I was captivated with this fascinating and informative post which was enjoyable. Thanks for this great feature.
Steampunk has become my latest obsession and I’ve always loved Sherlock Holmes. I look forward to adding you to my list of fav authors!
I enjoyed this blog. I have now put this series on my TBR list. I look forward to visiting the world that you have created and become addicted to your work!
Thanks for the giveaway! Happy New Year
I love Mouse and Bird and I am so behind on the series I didn’t realize that books 2 and 3 were out! Thanks for the giveaway and Happy New Year!
Great article! 🙂
I really enjoy reading about her. Thanks for the contest
I am so glad that I found your series. I have visited your website and liked your page. I have put you on my Wish List.
Excellent points! I am looking forward to this series.
Excited about this giveaway!
I thought the excerpt was very interesting and can’t wait to read the series.
The series sounds really fun.
Such a fun list. I have no mechanical aptitude so I’d be in trouble right there.
Assuming the “magic” is real and not illusion, a consideration of cause and effect would be useful to understand the implications of changing the “natural” order of things by external forces.
Not that “Steam Punk” has any regard for such things as a genre. Every example I’ve read is riddled with engineering inconsistencies, regardless of how good the storytelling.
This series ranks as one of my best of 2013! I highly recommend all three books if you haven’t read them yet.
I am so excited to find new books that are as good as the other authors. I am very interested to read the series. it’s going to be in my tbr list.
I absolutely agree that heroines must have that 5 things. they have to know how to defrnse themselves in
this violence world. what the best is having a protected suitor.
I am new to this series of books ,but so far I am liking what I am reading. Looking forward to more.
What a fun post. Maybe she should have some sort of snazzy transport at the ready?
I loved A Study in Silk. Would love to. Win A Study in Darkness. Great list.
Fun post. I can’t think of anything to add.
Since I already have the first book, I’m dying to see what follows, therefore I would like A Study in Darkness – Book Two, of course, gentle bloggers. (And oh those covers !) Such a great concept and I love Steampunk !
Just found these books. Really enjoyed A Study in Silks and am currently reading A Study in Darkness. Would love to win a copy of a Study in Ashes. Loved this post!
I’d like to add to the ‘Dress and Deportment’ category. Shoes should be mentioned. They should look good with your gown and still be comfortable enough to run in. And a shoe might also make the self-defense category. As a weapon itself, or as a place to conceal a weapon. But I cannot stress the comfort factor enough. Uncomfortable shoes can ruin any occasion! I have A Study in Silks, but have not read it yet. Your post has moved it up on my to-be read queue! Thanks!
I have only just discovered the genre of Steampunk and can’t believe what I have been missing. Also love Sherlock Holmes. Great looking series.
I enjoyed the article
That’s a great List Emma!!! The first thing that popped into my mind was: she have to have a great back up plan, great excuses, and a comrade to back her up on those points to avoid any gossips and scandals about her escapades. LOL
This is just the new type of series that i need to get stuck into. sounds awesome. would be unreal to win this >.< xo
These books sound like a fun and delightful way to start my new year!!!
I always loved Sherlock Holmes so I am sure I would love the Baskerville Affair Trilogy with his niece, Evelina Copper. These books sound exciting. There would be a lot of action and mystery, plus some fun. I love everything about this character.
These books do look good. I will have to see about getting the first one on my Kindle
Intriguing books
bn100candg at hotmail dot com
I enjoyed the blog…5 things…definitely need to ensure any and all weapons match the outfit…though magic is an excellent choice.
I read the first two books. The conflict is really building. I need to find out what will happen with the love triangle and will Evelina be free of the Gold King.
I can’t think of anything beyond your list. I would need to re-read the books again.
Thanks for the giveaway and Happy New Year.
Thanks for the spotlight on such an interesting sounding series. I am a huge fan of steampunk and I love that this one features a relative of Sherlock Holmes. Definitely added to my TBR.
I am always looking for new books and this one looks really good.
What a great novel combination: Sherlock’s niece and steampunk. It should be a winner!
Thanks for posting this great advice!
Yay thanks for the giveaway!~ I was looking for some new steampunk books and this one looks really great!!!!!
A female Sherlock Holmes. I just started reading Steampunk and have added your series to my tbr wishlist. Thanks for the chance to win the first book.
Thank you for blogging about this series! I can’t wait to start reading them. Your heroine’s name is very close to my daughter’s name. Probably pronounced the same I spelled it ‘Evalina’. I love the name & am excited to read about Evelina’s adventures!!!
I’ve been really intrigued about these books since I heard about them last year, but they’re not available from AmazonUK unfortunately.
Living automatons, magic and parasols, those must be the best friends of a girl indeed 😉 Very nice post.
Have a great steampunk year!
Awesome books and contest Emma Jane 🙂
I’m looking forward to reading them!
thanks for the cool contest ,
Mindy 🙂
Birdsooong@comcast.net
I really cannot think of anything else to add to your list, unless you want to expand upon your deportment description to include/describe proper language. You could possibly add information about education. During the Victorian era, women weren’t encouraged to be educated in the same areas as men. They were more likely to be educated in proper etiquette, household management and budgeting, etc. Few were educated past the 8th grade.
Would love to read them but can’t find them in e book format here in the UK.
What an enjoyable blog post! I agree with Michelle re the education. My daughter loves steampunk and read the list, commenting that she tries to meet these criteria, minus the ruffles, everyday.
I’m glad to see this “outshoot” of Sherlock Holmes. I hope you will write more than the 3 books that are out.
I would love to read A Study in Silks – Book One. I have never read any of this series…new author for me.
Congratulations to the winner of my contest, Kimberley C!