I had Katherine Addison Witness for the Dead book 3 on pre-order, so when it magically arrived on my Kindle I went back to re-read from book 1 and churned through all three books in a day. This was well worth it as the series (writing, plot, characters, world building, all of it) is subtle and beautiful. I was also in the right mood for a long suffering stoic protagonist and a moody atmosphere. Anyway, that third book was fantastic, and I love this entire series.
I also am in mid re-read for the Last Binding series by Freya Marske — charming queer Victorian magical romance novels, a bit smutty in a good way. Now about to finish my re-read of book 2 and jump into book 3. I recommend them, if you like that sort of thing! The writing is good, the magic system is interesting, and the characters delightful. I’m actually busy this afternoon (!!! yay!!) but still, will be done with book 3 probably before I fall asleep so I need to line up something else for the evening and to tide me over if I wake up in the night.
I’m still thinking about the not-yet-published book I read recently and seriously cannot WAIT for it to get published and for everyone to read it so I can talk about it. Oh, my god! Its initials are T.S.B. Sorry to be mysterious/not sorry!
I just came across Cold Comfort Farm at work and was thinking you might like it, though i expect you’ve actually already read it! It has that daffy mid-century Mitfordian British thing going, with a very subtle retro -futuristic element.
I have read it and thought it was great! I think probably on Iris Storm’s recommendation!