The Mesmerist, by Ronald L. Smith

The Mesmerist, by Ronald L. Smith

Still working on organizing things here, so here’s an older Kirkus column about Ronald L. Smith’s The Mesmerist:

So much to love here! There are tons of details about the time period—Jess is concerned about her mother’s absinthe habit, even—and it’s atmospheric while still feeling very SPECIFIC. (So much so that it made me realize how often atmospheric historicals set in England rely on MIST and FOG and FOOTSTEPS ON WET COBBLESTONES rather than, as I said, specific period details.)

Smith creates a core cast of characters from a broad range of socio-economic backgrounds and experiences—one of them in particular has a Secret Backstory that is especially deftly handled—and his secondary and tertiary characters are all vivid and well-drawn as well. I love love LOVE that Jess’ thoughts and actions occasionally contradict themselves—she’s aware that reading minds is a horrible invasion, for instance, but she keeps trying to do it, because of course she does. That makes her feel far more real than she would have if she’d exhibited Lawful Good Immediate Restraint.