Her Majesty's Auditor

An Adventure Novel with Steampunk Elements

Fiction - Adventure
112 Pages
Reviewed on 10/20/2021
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Natalie Soine for Readers' Favorite

Her Majesty’s Auditor, written by Markus Pfeiler, tells the story of Howard Forsyth, who is employed to audit the accounts of the ore mines belonging to Queen Victoria. The mines are under the jurisdiction of Sir Fitzhugh, who reports to Lord Palmerston. When Howard obtains information from the previous accountant, Bryce Allen, he discovers discrepancies in the accounting. As a result, his life is threatened and what follows is a thrilling, action-packed train ride with flying objects and steam cars. When accountant Bryce Allen is found dead, Howard becomes the prime suspect, and together with the love of his life, Adeline, they fight for justice and are forced to take on Sir Fitzhugh and his army.

The tale of Howard and his acquaintances is a quick read filled with action-packed scenes, interesting characters, and a plot that will keep any reader’s attention from beginning to end. I particularly enjoyed the fast-paced and smooth flow of this story and the determination of Howard and Adeline. The author gives clear, vivid descriptions throughout the book, making it easy to visualize the steampunk locomotives and weapons. Her Majesty’s Auditor is set in Victoria, Greene County, during the reign of Queen Victoria. The Queen has created a world of segregation among the echelons of society. But as the author says, “Howard dreams of a world where everyone is equal, and no one had to struggle for much." I appreciate the index and easy-to-read font and line spacing. An AWESOME novel and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Edith Wairimu

An unlikely figure steps in to help a prominent auditor in Markus Pfeiler's exciting historical novella, Her Majesty's Auditor: An Adventure Novel with Steampunk Elements. When Howard Forsyth is appointed as the new auditor for the Queen's steel mines, he accepts the opportunity despite the danger of taking on such a risky and involving project. The mines are within the control of Sir Fitzhugh, a dangerous ex-soldier who is known to get rid of anyone or anything that stands against him. Howard takes on the new engagement and refuses to be intimidated by Fitzhugh and his infamous reputation. When Fitzhugh threatens Howard's life, the auditor refuses to back down. Fitzhugh does not relent. Howard is forced to seek help from his clandestine lover as he tries to sidestep Fitzhugh's schemes.

From the beginning, Her Majesty's Auditor by Markus Pfeiler has a fast pace. It moves from the opening scene that hints at Howard's secret relationship and the consequences the entanglement could cost him. The sub-plot, in addition to Howard's dangerous work, makes the story thrilling and engaging. As the plot unfolds, it reveals Fitzhugh's shocking and ambitious plans. Howard is a determined man, but he faces a ruthless foe. Fitzhugh will stop at nothing to get what he wants. The men's resolves heighten the conflict in the book. The stories of other characters, such as those of Howard's lover and his butler, add weight. I loved how the story ends with a touching and exhilarating scene. Her Majesty's Auditor is a historical piece packed with adventure and riveting scenes.

Susan Sewell

An audit of a royal mine leads to betrayal and murder in the fascinating science-fiction novel, Her Majesty's Auditor: An Adventure Novel with Steampunk Elements by Markus Pfeiler. Because of his father's profession as a doctor tending to the town's elite citizens, Howard Forsyth had the fortunate advantage of living in the better area of the city. After his father's death, Howard, now an accountant, inherited the large home. He hired Edmund, a conman he met on the city streets, to run the household and help him out at his office. Howard and Edmund both want to move uptown, so when Lord Palmerston requests Howard audit the steel mills belonging to the Queen, he can't turn him down, even though he must face the notoriously dangerous foreman, Fitzhugh. Once Howard accepts the job, his life takes an unexpected and unhappy turn when Fitzhugh sends men to murder him. On top of that, immediately after Howard retrieves the mine's previous books from his predecessor, someone murders the man, and a servant points the finger at Howard. With the city out for his blood, where can Howard turn for help?

Steampunk in nature, Her Majesty's Auditor by Markus Pfeiler is a speculative fiction tale that skillfully depicts a historical period similar to the Victorian era. The book is enthralling and transporting and captivates the reader with its intense plot, unique characters, dramatic settings, and thrilling storyline. The story's incredible imagery picturesquely portrays metropolitan and industrial scenes reminiscent of Victorian London and incorporating retro-futuristic technology inspired by 19th and early 20th-century steam-powered machinery. It is an exciting adventure filled with action, imminent peril, suspense, and intrigue. Everyone who relishes stories from the steampunk genre will not want to miss this delightful science-fiction and fantasy work.