Reticence

Percival Tunstell enjoys crumpets, science, and philosophy. Sentimental ideas like matrimony could never sway an intellectual like him! Yet when Dr. Arsenic Ruthven a beautiful, modern, well-read Scottish physician joins the Spotted Custard's crew, Percy's thoughts suddenly turn to romance. The fourth entry of Carriger's Custard Protocol series has the airship's lovable band of misfits sailing to Japan in search of a new breed of shapeshifter. As always, Rue (now pregnant) barks orders; Percy makes social gaffs; and Primrose thinks tea can solve any problem. Arsenic bold, sharp, and friendly is a welcome addition to the cast, able to comment on the others' shenanigans as both an insider and outsider. Beautiful descriptions of Edo's floating Paper City and other Japanese-inspired traditions adds to Carriger's already richly built world. One of the biggest draws of Carriger's steampunk travelogues is the writing style, and she again delivers witty dialogue and amusing internal monologues. This may be Carriger's final Custard Protocol novel, but hopefully we'll see more adventures set in her much-beloved, neo-Victorian setting.--Biz Hyzy Copyright 2010 Booklist

This charming conclusion to the Custard Protocol steampunk series (following 2018's Competence) sees the unorthodox crew of the good airship Spotted Custard taking on a new ship's doctor before setting forth for Japan to investigate rumors of unknown shapeshifters. Dr. Arsenic Ruthven is just what they need: forthright, dedicated, and comfortable with "explosions and cats." She's also an intellectual match for Percival Tunstell, the ship's navigator and overeducated stick-in-the-mud; much to everyone's surprise (and secret relief), Arsenic and Percy develop a bond over their mutual love of scholarship, though neither is ready to admit the growing attraction. Meanwhile, Capt. Prudence Akeldama is pregnant and no one knows whether her child will be mortal. Things take a turn for the complicated and diplomatically awkward when they dock at the flying city of Edo and stumble across its long-held secrets. Carriger's prose is playful and droll, with frequent laugh-worthy moments, tongue-in-cheek humor, and sparkling repartee. While the characters never truly feel in danger, there's still an underlying weight to their emotional connections and the unusual family they've created. A familiarity with previous installments is recommended, but newcomers can still enjoy Percy and Arsenic's blossoming romance amid steampunk hijinks. Agent: Kristin Nelson, Nelson Literary. (Aug.)