River's Edge by James Blaylock- A slight change in the St. Ives and Hasbro cannon. Still a Victorian adventure, but without much of the steampunk influence that flavors previous entries. This matters little as there are familiar characters and new threats galore to the gentle countryside far from bustling London. This is a tale of deception, murder, and thievery of more than just money but of lives and the very land they inhabit.
A paper mill along the river Medway is polluting its waters, killing its fish and birds, and making people ill. Langdon St. Ives is investigating this with his friend Hasbro when they are set upon by persons unknown. Something about this paper mill is dark and unsavory. From different points of view, we meet the owners and the workers and see gradually how very dire the situation really is.
I found it interesting that an ecological theme could be tied to a story of intrigue and foul play, but then history is littered with disastrous affronts to nature. The story moves along from scene to scene, character to character, very smoothly. Not much violence and what there is happens usually off stage or is more implied. Might be a little bland for some, but I found it an entertaining quick read and look forward to the next installment