(Historical SF) In 1899 London, Inspector Grant investigates a lady who claims her big electrical apparatus is for a camera, even though it looks like a bomb or a death ray. (8,457 words; Time: 28m)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ Average
"The Influence Machine," by Sean McMullen [bio] (edited by Andy Cox), appeared in Interzone issue 269, published on March 15, 2017 by TTA Press.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: The Victorian London setting is excellent. Inspector Grant, with his self-doubts, is a fun character. And the device to look into alternate dimensions is fascinating.
Con: The original plot is resolved as soon as Inspector Grant figures out what the device really does, and the story flounders after that.
Once the secret conspiracy of rich people who really run the British Empire gets involved, the story goes downhill fast.
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Sean McMullen Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
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Con: The original plot is resolved as soon as Inspector Grant figures out what the device really does, and the story flounders after that.
Once the secret conspiracy of rich people who really run the British Empire gets involved, the story goes downhill fast.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 269)
Sean McMullen Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Follow RSR on Twitter, Facebook, RSS, or E-mail.
This story was a good solid 3-star story, and I enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteIt was an entertaining read.