I'm guessing that the dead have been around long enough that everyone has just gotten used to it and prayed they stayed locked in the cemetery.In Victorian-era Philadelphia, 16-year-old Eleanor Fitt worries more about “hungry and dangerous” reanimated corpses than about parasols and corsets. One problem I did have with the book was the ease with how everyone accepted the dead walking, people didn't really discuss it or worry unless they heard the bell indicating the dead had gotten free, people still attended the theatre and gossiped over each other evening wear. Personally, I like full, deep descriptions so I can be there along with the character, seeing things just as the author imagined them. Eleanor never gets a full description of herself. Susan doesn't describe in detail, she likes to give the bare basics and allows you to build up an image.

His poor status and lack of proper grammar makes him believe he doesn't deserve Eleanor as she is from a wealthy family. He is an intelligent inventor understanding mechanics with a background as an engineer on a steamship, but his background also has a secret from an old job he was made to do which affects how he does things. The characters in this book are very well rounded and consistent, Daniel in particular. Even when the love interest is introduced, where as in many books the protagonist would worry how they look and be struck but the perfectness of the man, waffling on about his glossy hair and deep eyes, in Something Strange and Deadly, Daniel and Eleanor don't get on at first, and all she is bothered about is obtaining his help which allows a slow build up of emotions. Her family have fallen on hard times and her brother is missing, so she has other things on her mind. Eleanor doesn't spend the book wondering if her dress looks nice or her hair is done properly, like some of her female acquaintances.

Eleanor is strong, stubborn, self reliant and witty, often quoting Shakespeare. I think this is a pretty good quote to use to show how great a protagonist this book has. 'Miss Fitt, you know curiosity gets men killed.'I grinned.

Things feel a little disjointed so I felt a little off-put however as the story progresses, Susan really finds her feet and it flows immaculately pulling you in and turning pages for you. The first couple of chapters of Something Strange and Deadly felt slightly awkward, as if Susan was finding her feet in the story.

Something strange and deadly