The Strange Case of Finley Jayne by Kady Cross is the prequel to The Steampunk Chronicles and is only available as an ebook.  It was long enough to hook me on the series, but short enough to read in one day.

If you have followed this blog you know I really enjoy Steampunk.  I know, my kids find that odd, too.  This is a fine example of what the genre can be, a mix of technology, Victorian dress and lifestyle, and a engaging mystery. 

Finley is a sixteen year old girl with a deep, violent inner self.  Luckily for Finley the violence comes forth only when warranted.  The first time it emerges is when the governess at a home where Finley serves is cruel to the child of the house.  After Finley is dismissed for attacking the governess she finds a position as a companion to a rich young woman who has just become engaged.  Phoebe is to be wed to a much older, wealthy and powerful Lord Vincent who creates automatons.

As with any mystery not everyone is what they seem and Finley's sense of foreboding is not just from reading Mary Shelly's Frankenstein.  There is something very wrong and it is Finley's job to find out what it is.

Try this quick read and I believe you will want to continue with The Steampunk Chronicles as well.