Our heroine is Nelly Bly, intrepid female reporter in a male dominated profession. While researching her famous expose of the New York mental hospital on Blackwell’s Island , Nelly stumbles across a mad murderer, know to the inmates and staff as “The German Doctor.” Though he escapes justice in New York, he cannot escape Nelly’s interest as she follows clues that first lead her to London and the infamous Jack the Ripper murders and then to France to investigate similar murders of prostitutes in Paris. The police do not want to upset the tourists that are in Paris for the 1889 World’s Fair; so, Nelly must investigate in secret. She enlists the aid of such historical figures as Jules Verne, Dr. Pasteur and Oscar Wilde. There is mystery, intrigue, science both appropriate for and ahead of its time, and a villain sure to live in your memory.

The action is non-stop and the ending is satisfying while leaving room for the follow-up novel which apparently will tell of Nelly’s secret adventures on her trip Around the World in 72 Day with a hinted-out repeat appearance by Jules Verne. I heartily recommend this book and eagerly await the next in the series. ~~ Stephanie L Bannon

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