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Automatic Woman

by Nathan Yocum (Goodreads Author)

4.0 of 5 stars 4.00 · rating details · 32 ratings · 25 reviews

There are no simple cases. Jacob “Jolly” Fellows knows this.

The London of 1888, the London of steam engines, Victorian intrigue, and horseless carriages is not a safe place nor simple place…but it’s his place. Jolly is a thief catcher, a door-crashing thug for the prestigious Bow Street Firm, assigned to track down a life sized automatic ballerina. But when theft turns to...more

Kindle Edition, 200 pages

Published August 6th 2012 by Curiosity Quills Press

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Dec 29, 2012 BamaGal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley-edelweiss, steampunk

3.5 Stars. Odd little story, really different. I was expecting the Steampunk aspects of the story; but the twists and turns of the story kept it moving along at a brisk pace, even when the plot stalled a bit in places. I really think that Yocum did a better job of keeping the story moving along smartly than the plot allowed, often with the use of a colorful cast of characters.

Jacob Fellows, or Jolly as he is known because of the breadth of his girth, is a Bow Street Runner or 'thief catcher', as...more

5 likes · like · see review

May 01, 2013 Terryann rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: advanced-copy, nook, netgalley

i thoroughly enjoyed the premise of this book. i am a fan of steam-punk storylines and using historical figures in fiction. this book centers around a feud between THE darwin and a (probably famous)lord over evolution. the poor sap caught in the middle is just trying to get through his day, but turns out to be just as smart as either of them. the voice of the main character is very distinctive and i could really imagine the guy richie movie that would ensue. at times funny, at times strange, thi...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 26, 2013 Linda Baker rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley

I requested Automatic Woman from netgalley on a whim, as I do like steampunk as a rule. I certainly was not expecting to meet someone like Jacob "Jolly" Fellowes. By his own admission, Jolly is fat, ugly and violent. The violent part comes in handy as he acts as muscle for the Bow Street Firm, chief thief catchers in London. The fat and ugly part is handy as well- Jolly quite often can intimidate people with his looks alone.

Jolly is called in to search for "the Swan", a remarkable automatic woma...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 10, 2013 Tahlia Newland rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: steampunk

I ordered Automatic Woman from Netgally because I thought it was steampunk, and I like steampunk, but I didn’t like this very much, possibly because it wasn’t really steampunk, just an action story with a murderous automaton. It also had a little too much gore for my taste.

After setting the events in motion, the automaton pretty much disappeared from the story, and we were left with a man playing a pawn in a deadly game between Charles Darwin and his nemesis.

The story is unusual, one where we’r...more

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Dec 07, 2012 Vicki Trask rated it 3 of 5 stars

So I’m going to start off by saying I probably wouldn’t have chosen this book to be my next read. I would have gotten to it next on my list it wasn’t very high up there. The story follows Jacob “Jolly” Fellows a P.I. strong arm for a Victorian Lord who knows everything about everyone. When Jolly is sent out to investigate a stolen automaton, the ball starts rolling on a conspiracy for all times.

When I first opened the book it read, to me, like a crime noir novel set in the 1800s which really app...more

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Dec 03, 2012 James Wymore rated it 5 of 5 stars

Nathan Yocum’s latest book, Automatic Woman, is a triumph. This action packed detective noir novel is set in London against a Steampunk background. With intriguing characters and tantalizing prose, this is one of those stories you just can’t put down. The fun ride starts on the first page.

The first thing about this book I really enjoyed was the atypical protagonist. It wasn’t a handsome guy with flowing hair and a six-pack of abs. He didn’t dawn a trench coat or fancy hat. I found it refreshing...more

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 16, 2012 Fel rated it 5 of 5 stars

(Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review.)
In 1888, London, Jacob “Jolly” Fellows (what a name!) is a thief catcher, and his size happens to also make him one of the best thief wranglers in the business. In his work for the Bow Street Firm, he’s assigned to help Dr. James Saxon, a strange man of science. Jolly soon finds out that Saxon has been spending a great deal of time in the creation of an entire troupe of life-sized, ballerina, robots. These robots are programmed...more (Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review.)
In 1888, London, Jacob “Jolly” Fellows (what a name!) is a thief catcher, and his size happens to also make him one of the best thief wranglers in the business. In his work for the Bow Street Firm, he’s assigned to help Dr. James Saxon, a strange man of science. Jolly soon finds out that Saxon has been spending a great deal of time in the creation of an entire troupe of life-sized, ballerina, robots. These robots are programmed to respond to the music of Swan Lake, executing each step in beautiful perfection for the eyes of Dr. Saxon only. But, one of the robots has gone missing, the star, Dr. Saxon’s Swan Princess. Jolly sets straight to work, predicting that with such a large and unique object he’ll have no trouble wrapping this one up in short order. To my surprise, he was right, finding the Swan Princess robot was only the beginning of his story, from there, we follow Jolly as he tries to prove his innocence in a murder committed by the supposedly harmless robot.

I imagined that, as a historian, I’d surely have a difficult time suspending my belief and allowing the story to happen instead of what was supposed to happen. However, Nathan does a delightful job of pulling us into his own version of the late 19th century London. Written in first person, the cadence, vocabulary, structure, and mood immediately threw me back in time. I felt an immediate connection with Jolly, and the sense that I was immersed in another place and time. I didn’t care that historical dates were thrown off, because everything happened for a reason. It is possible that even the smallest events could have drastically thrown off the discovery of penicillin, so, why not?

As a hero, I loved Jolly. He was candid in his descriptions, especially of himself;

“I’ve often looked for a solution to my roundness. I’m physically active at work and in leisure. I love football and am bloody hell on gears in the goalie box. Nevertheless, my cheeks are round and my jowls hang.” Nathan L. Yocum, Automatic Woman (Kindle Locations 21-22). Curiosity Quills Press.

He may not be the best looking guy in the crowd, but his build certainly helps in some situations (like when he’s trying not to be killed by a certain robot). He thinks well on his feet, and relies on observation and intuition. And, I could certainly see the influence of Sherlock Holmes sprinkled throughout the book.

My verdict–If you haven’t tried steampunk, if you’ve had doubts, I recommend you give this one a shot, (especially if you love a good mystery). If you’re a fan of steampunk, stop reading my review and find this book!(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 17, 2012 Thea Gregory rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: alternate-history

I was offered the chance to review Nathan Yocum's Automatic Woman, and as always, when asked for my thoughts I am more than happy to oblige. This was certainly a very unique piece, and I found myself immersed in the Victorian England that never was.

Main character Jolly Fellows is a thief-catcher who is just doing his job. Unfortunately for Jolly, but very fortunately for us, he gets assigned the wrong case at the wrong time. Assigned to find the missing and presumed stolen clockwork Swan Princes...more I was offered the chance to review Nathan Yocum's Automatic Woman, and as always, when asked for my thoughts I am more than happy to oblige. This was certainly a very unique piece, and I found myself immersed in the Victorian England that never was.

Main character Jolly Fellows is a thief-catcher who is just doing his job. Unfortunately for Jolly, but very fortunately for us, he gets assigned the wrong case at the wrong time. Assigned to find the missing and presumed stolen clockwork Swan Princess, he quickly finds himself mired in a conspiracy and the secret, personal war of two old men.

There's one thing about Jolly Fellows that I absolutely must share. Upon reading his description, my mind decided that he looks like the Baron Harkonnen from the 1983 Dune movie. Yes, I watched it, shut up. Thus, most of the book was envisioned as the Baron Harkonnen kicking ass, taking names and getting hopped up on some seven percent solution and proceeding to smash some faces. While I realize that Fellows is not quite that corpulent, it was pretty funny.

Before my next thought, I shall point out that I am probably not the type who should read alternative history. I found that using actual noteworthy people of the time would jolt me out of the suspension of disbelief (Charles Darwin, Bram Stoker, and Doctor Conan Doyle) and having injected penicillin over fifty years before it was developed in the "prime" universe were a little jarring. The penicillin thing is still crashing my brain, but I'm an admitted history of science junkie. It's pretty minor, and my only real complaint about the book.

As for the overall feel of the book, I loved that it used the robust vocabulary of Victorian England. It was told in the first-person perspective, something I usually find a little off-putting, but the use of language was brilliant and side-stepped most of the issues with first-person perspective. The scenes were so real, and it brought out the charm and character of the era. At times, I couldn't believe the book was published in 2012, such was the extent of the authentic flavor.

In short, the plot keeps you guessing, the book moves quickly and at the end I was wishing for more. (less)

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 08, 2012 Jaime rated it 4 of 5 stars

The London of 1888, the London of steam engines, Victorian intrigue, and horseless carriages is not a safe place nor simple place…but it’s his place. Jolly is a thief catcher, a door-crashing thug for the prestigious Bow Street Firm, assigned to track down a life sized automatic ballerina. But when theft turns to murder and murder turns to conspiracy, can Jolly keep his head above water? Can a thief catcher catch a killer?

Jolly is the hero of the everyman. He’s overweight, not handsome, not suav...more

4 likes · like · see review

Feb 04, 2013 Andrienne rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this book, but the review copy I got didn't indicate that there's a sequel so the end just hangs. The book felt steampunk and it was written really well--it really puts you in that mood. The main character is anything but dashing (he's overweight with mutton chops), but somehow it works out. I was very intrigued by the story--lots of biblical references--the storytelling reminds me of bedtime stories. The author can really write a good story. The title of a book refers to a myster...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 23, 2013 Julie rated it 3 of 5 stars

As the saying goes "third times the charm" and that's how many attempts it took for me to get into this book.

The first 50 pages I kept having to re-read because the words just weren't sinking in. Finally, after Jolly had been released from the holding cells, the story got going. It got a bit silly though, what with all the famous people popping up, Darwin, Rasputin and Stoker to name a few.

Once he finds out what's going on and who all the players are and what he means to them, that's when it ge...more

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Nov 05, 2012 Wayne McCoy rated it 4 of 5 stars

A rip-roaring "steampunk noir" novel. Jacob "Jolly" Fellows is a big bruiser of a man. When he gets involved in a case that sees him framed unjustly for murder, he decides to investigate. Along the way he runs across A certain Dr. Doyle who offers him a "seven percent solution" to keep him going, and one of the antagonists is a certain Charles Darwin.

What is at stake is the Automatic Woman of the title. A robotic woman programmed to dance in Swan Lake, but who, it seems, has gained a life of her...more

3 likes · like · see review

Sep 06, 2012 Stephen Ormsby rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is one great book. The language and style of it just sucked me and before I knew it, I'd read a large chunk of it in one sitting. It is strange, wierd but a hell of a lot of fun.

Jolly is a gret character and you just want him to get through as the tension builds to a great conclusion that leaves just enough dangling to hint at a follow up. I already want to read that sequel. But that is all I am going to say about the plot. You should sit down and read it to really get a feel for it. Dark,...more

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 15, 2012 Bree Ogden rated it 4 of 5 stars

I love this book. It is very clear that this book was written by a screenwriter. It is very fast paced and the scenes are very intense.

The first person point of view really sucked me in to the storyline. Jolly is a perfect antihero, she has perfections and flaws and the surrounding cast of characters really help bring these to light.

The amalgam of genres is quite perfect. Steampunk and noir work very well together in this novel.

This high impact novel is beautifully written and fits together li...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 05, 2013 Dani Moore rated it 5 of 5 stars

Jolly was suspended, drunk and accused of murder. No one would believe the mechanical, clockwork woman had killed the old man and not Jolly.
The Swan Princess had done the deed, but how can you prove that? Can you? Before you, yourself are a victim.
You will find this a dark and twisted mystery, with danger at every turn. You want to close your eyes, but can't resist looking.
From a visit with Charles Darwin, who knew the old man before the automaton's creation, to Lord Barnes, known as the greates...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 21, 2013 Raven Paramour rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: finished-reading, awesome-books, favorites, arcs-net-galley

It is no secret that I love steampunk. Steampunk itself started off as a small literary genre, or least a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy that includes social or technological aspects of the 19th century (such as the steam) usually with some deconstruction of, re-imagining of, or rebellion against parts of it (the punk aspect). Steampunk doesn't stop at literature-there is steampunk music, clothes, jewelry, performance art, philosophy and films. In recent years, the subgenre has expanded...more It is no secret that I love steampunk. Steampunk itself started off as a small literary genre, or least a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy that includes social or technological aspects of the 19th century (such as the steam) usually with some deconstruction of, re-imagining of, or rebellion against parts of it (the punk aspect). Steampunk doesn't stop at literature-there is steampunk music, clothes, jewelry, performance art, philosophy and films. In recent years, the subgenre has expanded and gained more popularity among mainstream society.

Automatic Woman has a main character that isn't the handsome loner with a tragic backstory, the Liam Neeson /Jason Statham type heroes in such movies as Taken and Taken 2 or Crank or the wealthy playboy with a heart of gold. Instead, it uses what can be described as a typical British bloke. Make that a fat British bloke named Jacob "Jolly" Fellows with the knack of breaking skulls who works for the Bow Street Firm as a thief catcher and his size happens to also make him one of the best thief wranglers in the business. Don't ask him to tell a joke. Even though that Jolly isn't eye candy, he isn't a mindless brute either. Despite his weight and not being school smart, he makes it up for being able to thinks well on his feet, and relies on observation and intuition.

He also has street smart skills that help him in the story. And anyone who has ever read any of the Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle can see the influences sprinkled throughout the entire book. Why even Arthur Conan Doyle makes an appearance as a character along with Bram Stoker, Charles Darwin, and Grigori Rasputin. And the best part is that these historically characters are added in but it makes sense to the context of the story. It never came across as random or a poor attempt made by the author to add real historical figures to make the book seem historical plausible.

Automatic Woman is set in an alternate late 19th century London. I was able to suspend my belief and allowed myself to be lost in the story instead of focusing on the minutia. It starts off with a bang- Jolly Fellows latest case involves tracking down and finding a life sized automatic ballerina called the Swan Princess. Yet this case causes him to be thrust into murder and conspiracy. Jolly Fellows finds the Swan Princess who killed her creator before attacking him. He wakes up to find that he's been accused of murder; time is ticking as he tries to clear his name.

The suspense never lets up-not even for a moment- as we follow Jolly on his adventure. The pacing was fast but not too fast that you became lost and didn't know what was going on. The world building is subtle; descriptive but without endless pages of minutia. And there was never a massive info dumps. You get a clear picture of an alternative Victorian London but are left with enough room to fill in the details.

With villains you love to hate and a likable hero, Automatic Woman is one of the best stories I've read in a while. The ending itself leaves you hanging-but in a good way- the mystery of the automatic woman remains at the end, visible but just out of reach, as you know that a sequel is in the works. Just like Guy Richie's Sherlock Holmes-its action packed and has a gripping plot. I looking forward to reading the sequel and hope this develops into a series.
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Jan 18, 2013 Anzu The Great Destroyer rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: punks-who-are-into-steam, arc-galley, could-have-been-sooo-much-better, not-my-cup, reviewed-2013

I have received the Automatic Woman ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. No chocolate kitties were offered as bribe. No bunnies were threatened with death. Promise.

So let’s get on with it, shall we? Automatic Woman is a pretty decent Steampunk story. The beginning of it was entertaining. I really liked crazy old doctor and his swan lake ballerinas. A very nice idea indeed. BUT it did not live up to all those praises from its description. This particular phrase got my hopes up:

A

...more

6 likes · like · see review

Jan 13, 2013 Dlee rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was expecting a bit more action involving the Automatic woman and a little more Steampunk. Rather than disappointing me, this book ended up thrilling me. The hero was very different. He was a man who completely defied not only his own brutish looks but the role he was given in life. He was a brute, but a brute with purpose and a brute with loyalty. I would expect a book that drew Bram Stoker, Charles Darwin and Conan Doyle into the plot would end up silly but somehow it all came together quite...more

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 16, 2012 Kathyk21 rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Automatic Woman by Nathan Yokum is what I would call "steampunk lite". It is definitely worthy of a read by any steampunk fan, although there aren't a particularly large number of clever inventions; and the time frame of the story just barely borders the steampunk epoch.

Jacob (Jolly) Fellows, the speaker of the story, is a rough and tumble detective with the Bow Street Firm. He was hired for and is used for his tough fighting strength. Surprisingly, he is quite clever, intuitive, and thought...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 01, 2013 Carolyn Brown rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: steam-punk

The Automatic Woman by Nathan Yocum is a fascinating read, taking the reader into a world of well known historical figures of science, twisting historical possibilities which lead into an imaginative tale of a power struggle between two very well known characters from our past.

The main character Jacob Fellows, an investigator for a private service, back in olde England, becomes hunted by police and the special secret service he works for, when he is found in extenuating circumstances at a murder...more

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Aug 06, 2012 Gertie marked it as to-read

A new book by the author of The Zona, yet another book for the TBR list.

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Dec 28, 2012 Jamie (The Title Page) marked it as to-read

Shelves: arc-to-read

DISCLAIMER: I received Automatic Woman as a publisher ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This review can also be found at The Title Page

Rating: Stars

Review to come

Publish: August 6th, 2012

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Mar 01, 2013 David Marshall rated it 2 of 5 stars

A very lightweight steampunk story of automata loose in London.

http://opionator.wordpress.com/2013/0...

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Dec 29, 2012 Bridgitte rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: crime, sf, 2012

A really fun read. Sort of Gods of Gotham with more steampunk and less darkness.

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Apr 30, 2013 Stewie's Mom rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: april-2013

I loved this book right up to the ending. I was disappointed when I reached the last word and realized that it had ended so abruptly. I feel a bit short-changed,

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Jun 14, 2013 Steve rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: scifi-fantasy

Jun 05, 2013 Zita Martin marked it as to-read

Jun 04, 2013 Dana marked it as to-read

May 31, 2013 Maurício Lacerda marked it as to-read

Shelves: steampunk

May 24, 2013 Lauren marked it as to-read

Shelves: ebook, y-books

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Apocalypse Whenever: New Steampunk from Author of The Zona	12	73	24 de Ago 11:26
Goodreads Authors...: Automatic Woman - New Harboiled Steampunk	1	3	7 de Ago 13:10
SciFi and Fantasy...: Hardboiled Steampunk at its finest!	1	7	7 de Ago 13:08
Sci-Fi Fantasy Bo...: New Steampunk from the author of The Zona	1	5	7 de Ago 13:06
Sci Fi Aficionados: New Steampunk from the author of The Zona	1	7	7 de Ago 13:05
SciFi and Fantasy...: New Steampunk from the author of The Zona	1	15	7 de Ago 13:03
Steampunk, New We...: New Steampunk from the author of The Zona	2	28	6 de Ago 20:44

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About Nathan Yocum

Nathan L. Yocum is an author, teacher, and entrepreneur living on the Big Island of Hawai'i. His first novel, The Zona, is available through Curiosity Quills.

He is also the editor-in-chief of SpecLit Masters Magazine. Available on amazon, nook, and smashwords.

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