The Curse of the Brimstone Contract

Written by Corrina Lawson

Narrated by Ana Clements

In a Victorian London where magic fuels steam technology....

Joan Krieger dreams of revolutionizing fashion for this new, modernized world but a hidden enemy stalks her family's clothing business, turning her dream into a nightmare.

When Joan is a witness to a client being murdered by magic, she turns to the only man who can help: Gregor Sherringford, consulting detective. Together, they become a formidable team but their investigation pulls aside a curtain of sorrow and secrets that threaten everything in Joan's life. Only by risking her very soul can she uncover the truth, a truth that Gregor fears she may not survive.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bryant Street Publishing
• Release date: Aug 3, 2021
• ISBN: 9781094420981

Corrina Lawson

Corrina Lawson is an award-winning former newspaper reporter with a degree in journalism from Boston University. A mom of four, she now writes fiction in a variety of genres, from steampunk to superhero romance to alternate history. She's also written an award-winning erotic paranormal romance. She's currently a freelance journalist who has covered everything from movies to comics to television shows like Wynonna Earp and Snowpiercer and has been a panelist at conventions of all sizes, from Comic-Con in San Diego to her local con, Connecticon, in Hartford, Connecticut.

Reviews for The Curse of the Brimstone Contract

[Dave Johnson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An interesting take on magic. The inter-cultural aspect is nice.

[Natale Michaud · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Steampunk, Magic, different backgrounds, different religions, a little romantic, this series kept me entertained and driving 14 straight.

[PamelaJoyceSilva · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The narrator was excellent. I thought the romance was a little hurried. I loved the protagonist.

[Lyn McKenna · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful! First book I have listened to from Corrina Lawson & thoroughly enjoyed the drama & storyline! It was narrated well & the narrator had the perfect voice for this story. On now to listen to book 2.

[Ruth Galicia-lopez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I truly enjoyed both the story and the narrator. Well written and interesting with powerful characters and interesting plot twists.

[sandra williams · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of my favorite books. I read this year Very enchanting.

[AAA · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great mystery- I read a lot of mysteries and didn’t anticipate the end!! Also great characters and a lil sweet romance :) LOVED IT!!

[sharon mudgett · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

good
listen! kept my attention and the narrator was really awesome

[petra sophia · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a good and entertaining book, the narration was absolutely fabulous, without giving spoilers I can say I particularly enjoyed the main character and the way the mystery was presented and concluded.
The writing and narration was immersive enough that I felt invested in the outcome of the story and in the future of the characters.
The main character was both adventurous and likable enough without jumping off the edge into being too virtuous and knowledgeable that she was unbelievable or being a frustrating damsel.

[Sam Ashish · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved this book, full of mystery, a little humour. Lots of magic and great writing, definitely recommend, similar to CJ Archer and Tilly Wallace and last but certainly not least a great narrator

[Arosa Colon · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Don’t expect adventure here. The idea is good but the book is so unbearably slow that the reader loses interest. I wanted to enjoy it - and I’m FORCING my way further - but I cannot say, truthfully, that I am.

[Rebekah Sandell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great read, well developed characters and I didn't figure out who done it by the end of Chapter 2. Looking fore MORE.

[Sheena Gurbakhash · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Beautifully narrated. The voices are distinct and diverse and the pacing is well done.

The story has lots of twists and turns are you try to figure out the villain and the heroes.

[Emily Preun · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Historical fiction meets forbidden magic and I am here for it. Krieger and Sims was such a real place in my mind and I could feel Joan's abilities and talent in her seamstress ability. I loved her fierce independence and fight for autonomy. I would love to read the sequel!

[Kimberly L. Robinson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

So far, there are two books in this series and this is definitely the superior of the two.

The Sherlock Holmes of this world is Lord Gregor. His Watson becomes female and Jewish in the form of seamstress Joan Krieger. They embark on a mystery together in an attempt to save her family business. Joan learns a lot about her family and her own abilities in the process.

This is an unusual take on the lore of Sherlock Holmes and I liked it. In a way, it reminded me of “A Study in Emerald” by Neil Gaiman, who also ventured into steampunk territory with his Sherlock story.

The mystery itself is a little obscure until the end but it’s satisfying enough.

[Marty Bucholz · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Really not sure how this is so well rated. The characters are cartoons and Joan... Jeez she had almost no agency save choosing her white knight. Even when she wins, the men have to step in to secure her victory, and the ultimate villain here.... really... All to save the abusive father. Despite all the anti patriarchy text this book only seems to hold it up at every opportunity.

[Gerard Neaux · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I guess this isn't a terrible book but I don't have patience for the inane dialogue and the informed attributes of the characters. Also the murderer is probably the suitor who wants the main character for her magic or something trite like that.

[Jenna Vaughn · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book.

The characters are well written. The protagonist (Joan Cohen) is a Jewish woman who clings to her heritage but whose father has engaged her to man who is a peer of the Realm who does not share her faith. She's not sure why he wants her, someone far beneath his social status. Dissatisfied with her fate, she seeks the help of a detective, who will definitely bring to mind Sherlock Holmes, with whom she later shares a fledgling romance. I found myself caring about Joan, her plight, the workers in her business, her family, and her feminine bent. I was drawn right in and finished quickly.

[Susan Young · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I can’t finish it. I have 4 hours left and the main character just experienced something that should have been exciting but it fell so flat I found myself fake gagging. I can’t tell if it’s the writing or the narration but I’m done.

The narrator is flat toned. She proclaims “damn him” with the same effort and energy that you would ask to pass the salt.