I have to say, I almost didn't purchase this book because the of the 3 star reviews. However, the book summary was interesting enough that caused me to have hope. I am very glad that I made my own decision and decided to read "The Peculiars" because I really enjoyed it.
Lena Mattacascar has lived a very lonely life with her mother and grandmother. Her father left when she was just five and her unusual physical characteristics have caused her to be scorned and the butt of people's cruel jokes and remarks. Lena has extra long hands and feet which she always covers with gloves. The doctors have informed her mother that it is just a genetic disorder; but her cruel grandmother accuses her of being a goblin like her 'no good' father.
On Lena's 18th birthday, she receives to envelopes from her father. The first contains a small monetary inheritance and the second constains a map and deed to a mine in Scree. Scree is a wild domain where it is rumored 'the peculiars' live. It is also a mining area rich in coal and copper. Lena's mother is adamant that she should not venture there but Lena wants to find her father. So, she sets out by train to locate him.
While on a train, Lena meets Jimson Quiggley, a young librarian on his way to Knoster to work for a wealthy man. He has no experience and very little training. However his curiosity in Science is amazing. When Lena goes to the dinning car for dinner, she witnesses two men one armed and the other dressed. They demand the release of a prisoner enroute to the prison in Scree. It seems Scree is a penal colony for peculiars and they are considered without souls. They are used to work in the coal mines twelve hours a day.
As Lena manages to make her way back to her box car, she realizes that her purse is missing. When she returns to the dinning car to find it, she walks straight into the chest of the marshall, Thomas Saltre. He interviews her about the crime. The last stop for the train is Knoster so Lena and Jimson part ways. She misleads him into thinking she will be staying with a cousin when in fact she will be staying at a boarding house for women.
Lena attempts to locate someon who will guide her to Scree and after interviewing the owner of a local tea shop, she is once again confronted by the marshall. He takes her to dinner and enlists her assistance in discovering the habits of Tobias Beasley, owner of the library Jimson has gone to work for. He assures her that if she assists him he will provide her with a personal escort into Scree.
When Lena goes to Zephyr House to see Jimson and Mr. Beasley what she finds is kindness, room and board for her assistance with the library. Will she be able to find out if something unusual is happening at the House? Will it be something sinister? or Has she been caught in the snares of an even greater evil? These are the questions that will answered once you have read this book.
I found the writing to be good, the world building excellent and the characterizations superb. I could empathize with Lena's character and the plight of the peculiars. If I had a criticism, it would be that I was left wanting more. I am not sure if this is a series or just a single title book. I sure hope there will be another book. Ms. McQuerry what do you say?
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club?
Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
![The Peculiars by [Maureen Doyle McQuerry]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Bh7jqOoqL._SY346_.jpg)
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
-
Apple
-
Android
-
Windows Phone
-
Android
To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number.
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
