A murderer is at work and Dr. Eliza Jekyll is determined to stop him, using the latest gadgets and technology available to a crime scene investigator in an alternate version of Victorian London. "The Chopper" is crafty and it will take all of her skills to uncover his identity. Meanwhile, Eliza has to deal with Royal Society member, Captain Remy Lafayette, while keeping a secret that could get her killed. Eliza has a second personality, Lizzie, who is becoming stronger and stronger and Eliza fears being accused of witchcraft and sentenced to death. However, Remy has a secret of his own. Will Eliza and Remy learn to work together in order to stop "The Chopper"?

I love the classic novel, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, so the idea of a steampunk retelling of this favorite guaranteed THE DIABOLICAL MISS HYDE would be a must-read for me! THE DIABOLICAL MISS HYDE is the first book in the Electric Empire series and, as you would expect, there are some unresolved story threads. I can't wait to see more of the deadly but oh- so-suave, Mr. Todd in future books!

The character development in THE DIABOLICAL MISS HYDE is superb! Viola Carr does a marvelous job with the two personalities, Eliza and Lizzie. Their voices and personalities are quite distinctive and it is easy to follow along, particularly when they begin emerging near simultaneously. I like how we get to know the other characters gradually, as it adds to the aura of mystery where everyone is a suspect.

THE DIABOLICAL MISS HYDE is an intriguing steampunk takeoff of an old classic as Viola Carr delivers readers a story that is well worth reading. The story itself is complete with just enough tantalizing tidbits left unresolved, leaving the reader wanting the next book right now. I look forward to seeing the Electric Empire series unfold.