These Penny Dreadful books were the first thing I read from Sarah Eden last year and since I have been steadily working my way through her entire backlog. This series though has a special place as my first from her so I was anxiously awaiting the chance to read this next installment!
I really enjoyed Brogan’s character in the previous books (and his sister) and I was quite excited to get in his head and have his story. He is one of those guys that is just quintessentially good. He doesn’t have a lot in life but he uses what he does have to help others at every corner. But his kind and generous heart doesn’t mean that he doesn’t also know how to fight to protect those under his care.
Vera was a great addition to the group, I loved her wit and spunk her secret love of stories.
Vera and Brogan were well-matched in pretty much every way. They gave as good as they took with banter yet also knew when to be serious. And I loved the way they truly worked as partners, letting each other be who they were and do what they needed to do without stepping on toes yet always being right there to back them up when the time came!
It was of course intriguing as they puzzled out more of the schemes of the big bad they’ve been trying to nab throughout the series. Every turn seems to uncover more questions and danger but I’m loving it!
The Penny Dreadful serials woven amongst the chapters again added a fun level to the book and we’re enjoyable in their own right!
All in all a smashing addition to the series and I’m already counting down till we get another!

I liked this book way more than the last one in the series! It had its problems, but as a whole, it was a super entertaining read.

The one thing that set this one apart from the others had to be the romance. In the last one, both me and my buddy read partner were disappointed by the lack of angst. There were problems, but they were resolved almost immediately. Yes, I dislike unnecessary angst, but some is required to keep things dynamic. Anyway, this book did a much better job of promising conflict, and then delivering on it!

Also, I absolutely loved the dynamic between Brogan and Vera. They started out as friends, and slowly grew to something more. It did grow a bit fast near the end, but I enjoyed the development of their relationship.

I had originally thought this series was going to be a trilogy, so I am slightly disappointed by the lack of resolution in it. It definitely set up for the next book, but it also felt unfinished. Unlike the others, the main mystery is barely solved, and we're left with more questions than answers. It's not a bad thing, it's just something I wasn't expecting.

The reason this isn't 5 stars is the penny dreadfuls it contains. I absolutely loved them in the first book, they were fresh and unique. They've gotten continually worse though. In this book, they just threw off the pacing, and interrupted the pacing. They also felt hastily finished, and I wasn't a fan of either one.

Although I was disappointed by several elements of this one, I still really enjoyed it! I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series, as I can't wait to see what it brings.

Thanks to Sarah M Eden and Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review

I am always astounded by Sarah's books, but this one is truly something special. I have been intrigued by this series since The Lady and the Highwayman and this third book is just stunning. Brogan is an incredible hero. He is so relatable that it's a bit unnerving. Feeling like you can't be a leader because you are surrounded by leaders is a pretty common experience and seeing how Brogan handles this challenge is amazing especially because he isn't confident he can be a leader. Vera is a delightful heroine. I loved her from the very first mention of her. She and Brogan go so well together that it just makes me happy!
This story is unique because it furthers the overall story in the dread penny series while also helping the readers to better understand the world of Victorian era. It also throws some Irish folklore into it which is just fun! This series just keeps getting better and better which is a very impressive accomplishment!

The Merchant and the Rogue is another satisfying entry in the Dread Penny Society series. It contains another happily-ever-after ending for a new couple but also plenty of unresolved intrigue for future stories. There are many characters left to find their own HEAs (mostly likely all straight m/f couples though). This is a light series heavy on flirtation and easily resolved misunderstandings. Although societal issues are addressed the sordid realities are not detailed. This is escapist reading - a clean and breezy read. The pages from the Penny Dreadfuls are a fun touch.

I read an advance reader copy of The Merchant and the Rogue from Netgalley.

Once again, Sarah Eden has given us a masterful plot with twists and turns aplenty. Not only do we get one story but since the main character is also an author we get, three stories in one book. All are well written with well rounded characters. I can't wait to read about the rest of the PDS members.

I've always enjoyed Sarah Eden's writing. I think this might be my favorite series of hers. I love the bit of mystery and intrigue mixed within the romance. A perfect balance and mix of the three in this book. As the mystery unfolds I was grateful it wasn't overly complicated to make this reader unable to follow. Yet, not simplistic at all and held my attention very well in reading the romance bloom and layers of the mystery unfold. The penny dreadfuls are a great addition. I had fun reading it just as much as the rest of the story. This was easy to get caught up in and swept away by the mysery, following the dreadfuls and cathing glimpses into actual Victorian life. I think the bits of history worked into the book helped bring the story to life and feel authentic. As well, as the dialogue and slang used. This really helped me feel like I was right there in London. Of course, there were some moments that had me say "awww". I'm excited to read more in the series & find out who The Mastiff is!
Thank you very much to Netgalley for an ARC. All opinions are 100% my own.

Each of the Penny Dreadful books Sarah Eden writes is better than the previous-and I've enjoyed all of them! I love when a romance also has a mystery to solve. Weaving through this story are two other stories that mirror the events of the main story. It is very entertaining to read. If you haven't read the other stories you may want to before reading this one because reference is made to them and events that happen in them. That said, this is standalone. so you could read it without reading the others.

4.5 stars

Such a fun addition to this series!! Please note, these books are best read in order, in my opinion, as there are references to characters and situations from the previous books, as well as the main villain in those two is still at large in this book. I love Eden's attention to detail, the humor she adds to her stories, and how well she crafts her books, to draw me in and make things believable and make me see everything! This book also includes two different penny dreadful serials that are mixed in between the chapters of the regular action of the story line, one written by Brogan (the male lead in this book), though the other is from Mr. King who rarely makes an appearance in this book (maybe one time??). As before, these stories parallel somewhat of the story line as well. Brogan's penny dreadful story (<i>The Dead Zoo</i>) was interesting but the shortest and least developed (in my opinion) of the two penny dreadfuls and very open-ended, leaving a lot up to the reader's imagination. The series apparently will go on, as the ending is left with lots of questions and not many answers as to who the Dread Master is, as well as how the Dreadfuls will deal with The Mastiff. There's a hint of a future romance and possible future book for two of the characters, so it'll be interesting to see if Eden does indeed take the series in that direction. Such a varied cast at play in this series! What a unique idea, and I am loving how Eden is executing every aspect of this! A clean read with plenty of entertainment value, not to be missed if you like historical fiction!!

I was struck with this book how darn impressive it is that Sarah can write stories from other authors with a completely different voice than her own. And multiple distinct voices and styles of writing at that. I mean, holy cow! Not only can she write perfectly for her own novels but she can literally create novels by other writers with their own distinct voices and have them be so good. Is there anything Sarah M. Eden can't do?!?

This book was lighter than the second in the series so I liked it better. Both of the Penny Dreadfuls were entirely captivating. I am getting a bit tired of the ultimate plot not being fully resolved in every book. I know we are making progress, and that it is actually very realistic. But also I'm ready for the Dreadfuls to fully win.

I'm still so impressed at the creative idea and execution of this series. The first will always be my favorite but this is definitely a close second (due in large part to those incredible Penny Dreadfuls).

I’m hooked on books from regency. Those are my Nitch. They have some flare and things that makes me want to read these kind of books.

This book is the 3rd in the series. It continues to follow the stories of the Penny Dreadful authors as well as the mission of the Dread Penny Society. This book follows the similar pattern of the others. Children and people in need, misunderstandings, strong female roles, brewing romance and the good of humanity coming together. Also like the other books there are two Penny Dreadful novels intwined within the story. It’s like getting 3 tales in one which is part of why I enjoy these books. This book was entertaining, intense, romantic, and full of mystery and adventure. I can tell there will be more to come and I have my suspicions on who’s story comes next. We shall see!!

Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishing for the ARC.

This continuation of the Dread Penny Society series doesn't disappoint! There is wonderful character development and it keeps you wanting for more resolution to the evils that continue multiplying. I really enjoyed getting to know Brogan. There are also multiple value conundrums that make you think. Every book leaves you hungry for the next one!

Thank you netgalley for the book!

I cannot get enough of how the penny dreadfuls are so artfully woven into the main story.

I fell in love with Brogan in The Gentleman and the Thief and was excited to learn more about his story. It did not disappoint. The looming storm on the horizon in this book is gaining speed. One can only sit on pins and needles as secrets and lies abound and are revealed to throw hurt. Trust has to be rebuilt in many facets and as it does the story comes alive.

The real question is, after a meeting of the Mastiff in the last book, how will that effect this one? You gotta read to find out.

Thanks to Net Galley for the book!

Sarah Eden has become one of my favorite authors, especially with her Dread Penny Society series. Her use of intriguing plots and fabulous characters are seamless as you read first one book and then another. Each member of the secret Dread Penny Society (DPS) helps in combating evil and helping others who need them.

Brogan Donnelly is a likable Irish penny dreadful author who feels like he isn’t a fully contributing member of the DPS like his colleagues. Imagine his surprise when the mysterious unseen head of the organization asks him to go undercover and unmask a diabolical plan that would rock British society.

With mysterious comings and goings at a print shop, Brogan begins to suspect that Mr. Sorokin and his lovely daughter, Vera, may be a part of this criminal plot. Both seem secretive and cautious to trust anyone. As both Brogan and Vera become attracted to each other, Brogan is going to have to make a decision about what he has done to learn about this plot.

The brilliant use of two penny dreadfuls that are interspersed throughout the book add details and some symbolism to the main story. These stories are filled with superstition, suspense, and Gothic elements. The three intriguing stories all wrapped up into one book made me clear my calendar so I could finish without being interrupted. I like how Ms. Eden uses these historical pieces from literature to create her own versions in order to write her own unique books.

I am always disappointed when each book end because there are questions of, “What happens next?”. This particular story because I see all kinds of possibilities with what is presented at the end of the story. (no spoilers here!) This is the third book in the Dread Penny Society and I would begin with The Lady and the Highwayman for a better understanding of the characters, although this can be read independently. I highly recommend this series if you enjoy mysteries, romance, or Gothic novels. This has all of these elements.

Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an advanced reader’s copy of this book. I was not required to write a review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thoroughly enjoyable clean historical romance with an intriguing mystery. I quite enjoyed the format of having the penny dreadful story move along with the main story.

I have read the two previous books in The Dread Penny Society series by Eden and was delighted to get an ARC of her latest. This adventure keeps the same format with two Penny serial stories interspersed with the main storyline. Brogan Donnelly is Irish, a Penny serial writer, and member of the Dread Penny Society. The Society is a group of writers who unite to help the poor in London, especially women and children. He receives a secret assignment that requires him to quit the society and gather information about a Russian ambassador on his own. He takes a job with Vera Sorokina, a Russian immigrant, who with her father runs a book and print shop. The father has been seen at the home of the ambassador. It is all very vague but he takes up the challenge willingly.

Vera is a wonderfully strong character. She is mindful of the her neighborhood, the children in poverty and especially caring of her father. When neighborhood shops are threatened she organizes and leads. Friendship develops with Donnelly as they work days together. There are many small plots that I don't want to spoil but clearly 1865 London can be a rough place to live. Eden delivers in bringing different accents and unusual slang and words to life. (I assume they are time period correct and not made up.) The main story focuses on Vera and Brogan which keeps things simpler to follow.

I really enjoyed this historical fiction with a slice of romance. The two leads are wonderful together. The other society members get some storyline especially near the end. I was also happy to see the two love interests from the other books make appearances and wish there was more of them. This book can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading them in order. There is an overall menacing plot flowing thru the books that isn't resolved yet.

This book is clean for language and steaminess with some fighting and drinking. I can't wait for the next adventure. Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this installment of the Dread Penny Society Series. I think that the penny dreadfuls contained in this novel are my favorite of the series thus far. Brogan is such a great character. I just love him and Moirin (his sister). Hopefully she will get her own story in the future. I loved learning more of Brogan's background in Ireland. Vera is a great female lead. I love that she isn't afraid to hold her own and that her friendship with Moirin gives her even more confidence to stand up for herself and others. Vera and Brogan are a great pair. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and survive trials. I look forward to the next installment of this series! Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced ebook.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3803770575

Another offering from one of my very favorite authors, yeah! This was a good story with lots of character development, which I love, and some good surprising twists and turns. The Dread Penny stories didn't have as much to do with the original story going on as some of the other ones have, but it was still interesting, probably because it allowed us to see into what the characters including the children were reading. I appreciated the principles the main characters held to, the fears they experienced and even the disappointments they fully expected. Fortunately, some of those disappointing expectations were replaced with lovely outcomes. This was a very nice next Dread Penny Society offering! (Although it did leave one hanging for the next one...)

I gratefully received a prerelease version for my honest review. #TheMerchantandtheRogue #NetGalley

3 stars

A fun read about a penny dreadful writer & his charitable work that leads to confronting some dangerous criminals—& to love. This is a lighthearted story with a clean romance. I liked the characters, but there are many plot inconsistencies & contrived conflicts.

[What I liked:]

•Brogan is a very likable person. He’s warm hearted, & his fierce bond with his older sister is very touching.

•The cast of side characters on Vera’s street are all very charming & give a homey feel to the neighborhood. Seeing them all come together to help each other was heart warming.

•There are two short stories written in a supposedly “penny dreadful” serial style with chapters interspersed between the main story’s chapters. Those stories didn’t seem related to the novel other than they’re written by characters in the book, so I’m not really sure why they were included. That said, they were both cute & entertaining.


[What I didn’t like as much:]

•I don’t like the prose. There are awkward word choices, the dialogue often doesn’t feel natural, & sometimes descriptions leave me confused rather than enlightened. It’s not bad writing, but it leaves some to be desired. Plus, in the third person narration, why use “‘twas” & other nonstandard/archaic forms? It feels like it’s trying to hard.

•Why, if the members of the PDS have to keep their membership super top secret, would they publish their penny dreadful writings under their real names? Why do they need a super secret society to do charitable work? Why does Brogan have to go undercover, & why does he have to pretend he left even after the other members get involved in his supposedly “solitary” mission? Why, even after they find out he never left the society, do they still treat him suspiciously? There’s a lot that doesn’t add up.

•The main conflict between Vera & Brogan is petty & contrived. She, a grown woman & book lover, thinks all writers are evil & deceitful just because her paranoid father does? Either she’s a hypocrite, or very short on critical thinking abilities.

CW: physical violence (fist fighting)

[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]

Brogan Donnelly has always worked best with others. Whether he’s with his sister assisting people in poor neighborhoods or joining his fellow Dread Penny Society members in their latest scheme, Brogan prefers a supporting role rather than the lead. So when the Dread Master gives him a secret mission separate from the rest of the DPS, Brogan finds himself a little lost. Then he meets Vera Sorokina. Vera and her father run a small printing shop that sells books, including Penny Dreadfuls by one Brogan Donnelly. Using the name Ganor O’Donnell, Brogan begins working at Vera’s shop. When shopkeepers in the neighborhood begin receiving mysterious notes, Vera and Brogan must team up to defend their little community from a shadowy threat.

This is the third installment in the Dread Penny Society series. Although it is possible to enjoy this story without reading the previous books, I would recommend reading them first. Characters and plot points from the earlier books come into play here.

Just like the two earlier books in the series, this novel contains two Penny Dreadfuls that are woven into the main storyline. This time around they are The Merchant and the Rogue by Mr. King and The Dead Zoo by Brogan Donnelly.

I’ve noticed that as the series progresses, the Dread Penny Society finds itself digging deeper and deeper into a conspiracy and the stakes are getting higher and higher. Judging by what happens at the end of this novel, I can only imagine what’s in store next.