Steampunk Sleuths will be released on the 30th of August (but the Kindle version is available for pre-order today at just $1.99 instead of $3.99). You can also add it today to your Goodreads bookshelf. To celebrate this anthology that perfectly aligns the gears that drive the genres of steampunk and mystery, we’re interviewing the contributing authors. Don your aviator goggles, but keep your magnifying glass close at hand, because these steamy puzzles won’t solve themselves!
Hi Cameron,
There’s nothing quite as captivating as a great detective story, but what specifically is it about mystery in a steampunk world that gets your gears turning?
A great fair-play mystery story is built from a handful of essential nuts and bolts... and a few cogs! My contribution to the anthology is that most prized of puzzles; the locked-room mystery. What really got the little grey gears of my mind turning for this particular story, The Untimely Death of Clockmaster Tollsmead, was the prospect of conjuring a clockwork means of committing a murder in a locked room. Not only did I want the solution to fit perfectly with the setting in a Victorian clockwork society, but also to reflect present-day concerns the reader will be familiar with.
Tell us about your protagonist. Is this the first puzzle your main character has solved?
This is only the second story (both locked-room mysteries) featuring my clockwork technician protagonist, Eardley Holborn. The first adventure is referenced within this story, so readers who enjoy this tale can do a little detective work of their own and track down the anthology featuring the first. Eardley isn't a professional detective or even really an amateur sleuth. This is simply the second time he has found himself in the right place at the right time to solve a crime. He is Chief Clockwork Artist at the Urseau Institute of Mechanical Theatrics, so his job is to create magic shows and edge-of-the-seat tricks for stage performances. Readers familiar with the British TV show Jonathan Creek might (rightly) guess from whence I drew part of my inspiration.
It’s time for Show and Tell! What’s the most steampunk antique, item of clothing, book, game, or household item you have?
My pocket watch is without a doubt the item that best represents the atmosphere of this puzzle and Eardley Holborn's style. Eardley's appearances are never untimely.
Where can we find you online?
Everywhere! My official website is camerontrost.com but you can find my social media links at LinkTree.
Thanks for playing along!
Thanks for having me!
