The Hunchback Assignments Series by Arthur Slade

Hunchback Assignments - Bk. 1

Hunchback Assignments

by Arthur Slade

    An interesting, steampunk twist to the classic Hunchback if Notre Dame, set in 19th century London.

    Modo is a young boy who is a hunchback. He is more than he appears, for he is gifted with the ability to temporarily change his appearance. 

    After being rescued from a traveling freak show by Mr. Socrates, Modo becomes an agent for the Permanent Association.

    With his partner the clever Octavia, the pair uncover a sinister plot by Clockwork Guild. They have been murdering prominent members of society, and turning orphan children into automatons.

    It is up to Modo and Octavia to get to the bottom of this mystery. 

    Another 'male lead' book that appears from the reviews to have a strong, confident female as a share lead (though she seems a bit more secondary than in Leviathan). 

    Part mystery/crime and steampunk/sci-fi which again from reviews seems to focus a bit more on action themes than some other recommendations.

• Dark Deeps (Book 2)
• Empire of Ruins (Book 3) Due out September 2011

Australian/UK covers. Harper.

Slade, Arthur. The hunchback assignments, Sydney : Angus & Robertson, 2009.