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For me, where this book really shines is in its premise and world building� a slightly ahistorical but still recognizably postbellum America intertwined with all the hallmarks late 19th century culture (railroads, Pinkerton agents, show girls, cemetery men, corrupt law enforcement and intrepid muckraking reporters) plus a broad spectrum of the supernatural (vampires, werewolves, witches and pretty much everything else, oh my). Against this backdrop, who wouldn’t want to spend time with supernaturally gifted secret service agents trying to make things just a little bit safer? Especially when their super-secret lair is a fully tricked out Pullman car? It helps that said agents are interesting individuals in their own right, and that they’re bolstered by a fascinating cast of supporting characters (I’m saying it now: the butler/assistant/witch needs his own series, he’s fabulous). Plus the case that throws these characters together has great pacing, and a solid amount of peril and intrigue. Honestly, the only part of the story that fell a bit flat for me was the romance: it just doesn’t feel like there’s time, in the whole “stop the potential end of the world� thing they’ve got going, to actually get to know each other or spend enough time together, especially since they have the added layer of caution and potential misunderstanding that comes from the serious consequences of the social stigma against same sex relationships� I believe the protagonists have chemistry and attraction, but actual feelings for each other? Maybe that would be more plausible when they’ve had more than *checks notes* two and half conversations. Overall, however, this feels like the start to a great series of adventures, and I’ll be deeply interested to see where Calvin, Owen, (and Winston! Love ya, Winston) go next.