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Meanwhile, at the Dernstrum Institute...
England, 1923: Following the death of her eccentric inventor father, Constance Wright has no money and no prospects. She takes a secretarial job at the scientific institute founded by her late godfather. There, in between learning to type, fending off her boss, coping with the Giant Walking War Machine, ghosts, and a dangerous variety of cabbage, she discovers her godfather left her a trail of clues to follow. Clues that might lead her to a fortune... if she can find it. And someone else is already on the trail...
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2015
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33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 15, 2021
Meanwhile, at the Dernstrum Institute was interesting enough, though it might have benefited a little more from a slower conclusion.
I have my own blog now, so please do pay it a visit if you're interested in my other reviews :)
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If I had to attach the book to a genre, then it will be closer to mystery than fantasy. I enjoy both genres a lot, so to me, I was very ready to see what the author has in store.
The basic premise of the book is simple enough with an outsider going to a new, slightly suspicious place, and learning there's more to it. Seeing Constance try to navigate this new situation and position was interesting. I also really liked how the differences in offered education opportunities for the genders, was a point of subtle discussion at different positions in the book.
Constance is trying her best in her new job and most of the time, it did work. But, the challenges to that when it comes to other characters and slight barriers because of previous opportunities was a nice added bonus.
That being said, the book could have used a little more time to establish a few more things in regards to the characters. There are a few, and now that I'm writing this review almost 10 days later, I can't say that they were all that memorable. They're mainly distinct with attributes, or areas of study more so than anything else. The good part about this point though, is that being closer to fantasy makes the areas of said study open to anything. Weird plants, weird machines, sightings and the like.
The mystery in itself, the source of the problem I mean, was incredibly easy to work out. The why however, took a while and then the final reveal came to be. This is where the pacing of the book, for me, worked against it. The progression till that final bit was on the mellow side, but it was not boring in any way. I really liked seeing Constance try to figure it out with the small clues that she has and given that she was a smart one, made it all the more appealing.
Though, the final part of it, or the confrontation wasn't as enjoyable. It sort of took the laid-back side of the novel and threw it out the window, before adding a totally different other vibe. I don't think I consider it bad, per say, but I do consider it lesser than the parts leading up to it.
Overall, this is not a novel that should be discussed at length. The shortness of the book from one side and the different weird things to see from another, would be ruined if I do go in depth.
All I will say to wrap this one up however, is that it was an interesting book. I wish it was a little longer, and had a different progression of its ending, but I enjoyed myself for the quick easy read that it was.
I have my own blog now, so please do pay it a visit if you're interested in my other reviews :)
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If I had to attach the book to a genre, then it will be closer to mystery than fantasy. I enjoy both genres a lot, so to me, I was very ready to see what the author has in store.
The basic premise of the book is simple enough with an outsider going to a new, slightly suspicious place, and learning there's more to it. Seeing Constance try to navigate this new situation and position was interesting. I also really liked how the differences in offered education opportunities for the genders, was a point of subtle discussion at different positions in the book.
Constance is trying her best in her new job and most of the time, it did work. But, the challenges to that when it comes to other characters and slight barriers because of previous opportunities was a nice added bonus.
That being said, the book could have used a little more time to establish a few more things in regards to the characters. There are a few, and now that I'm writing this review almost 10 days later, I can't say that they were all that memorable. They're mainly distinct with attributes, or areas of study more so than anything else. The good part about this point though, is that being closer to fantasy makes the areas of said study open to anything. Weird plants, weird machines, sightings and the like.
The mystery in itself, the source of the problem I mean, was incredibly easy to work out. The why however, took a while and then the final reveal came to be. This is where the pacing of the book, for me, worked against it. The progression till that final bit was on the mellow side, but it was not boring in any way. I really liked seeing Constance try to figure it out with the small clues that she has and given that she was a smart one, made it all the more appealing.
Though, the final part of it, or the confrontation wasn't as enjoyable. It sort of took the laid-back side of the novel and threw it out the window, before adding a totally different other vibe. I don't think I consider it bad, per say, but I do consider it lesser than the parts leading up to it.
Overall, this is not a novel that should be discussed at length. The shortness of the book from one side and the different weird things to see from another, would be ruined if I do go in depth.
All I will say to wrap this one up however, is that it was an interesting book. I wish it was a little longer, and had a different progression of its ending, but I enjoyed myself for the quick easy read that it was.
November 25, 2017
A curio of sorts, Catherine Griffin's book lies somewhere between modern(ist?) English fantasy and cozy mystery - almost as if Agatha Christie had once dipped a toe into the genre. Along with the isolated and austere Institute of the title, where a small collection of odd characters have assembled as if in anticipation of a murder, there are hints and allegations of SFF - vampiric cabbages, walking war machines, and red seaweed - that don't so much intrude as intersect with the plot politely every few chapters.
Constance Wright, our narrator and heroine, definitely falls into the Christie mould, though she idolises Conan Doyle's Holmes. Her sarcastic asides, particularly about Mrs Jones, are very well observed. Griffin rolls the plot along quickly, though it does start to bog down when the murder I anticipated... doesn't actually happen. The middle of the book needed something more to push Constance through to the end, I thought. That's not to say that there's no peril, because Miss Wright still manages to find herself savaged by red-eyed sheep and tendril-whipping brassicas. If this sounds faintly over-the-top, don't worry - it's all played with the same properly straight British bat that presents characters such as the Anglepoise-Smyths without blinking an eye.
Constance Wright, our narrator and heroine, definitely falls into the Christie mould, though she idolises Conan Doyle's Holmes. Her sarcastic asides, particularly about Mrs Jones, are very well observed. Griffin rolls the plot along quickly, though it does start to bog down when the murder I anticipated... doesn't actually happen. The middle of the book needed something more to push Constance through to the end, I thought. That's not to say that there's no peril, because Miss Wright still manages to find herself savaged by red-eyed sheep and tendril-whipping brassicas. If this sounds faintly over-the-top, don't worry - it's all played with the same properly straight British bat that presents characters such as the Anglepoise-Smyths without blinking an eye.
February 23, 2016
Meanwhile, at the Dernstrum Institute is a beautifully written and briskly paced book, a light period mystery set in 1920's England. What struck me most while reading it was the pure quality of the prose. The author does nothing complicated or overwrought; every sentence seems to strike a perfect balance between evocative and economic.
The story is told in the first person by the sole protagonist, Constance Wright. Her adventures during her employment at the Dernstrum Institute are told with style and wit. The cast of eccentric supporting characters is fun and light – “Meanwhile…” doesn’t concern itself with deep character studies. All of the author’s efforts are focused on delivering a fast-moving and clever narrative, and in this she has easily succeeded.
My quibbles are minor. The story is told so directly and quickly, I was left wishing for more emotional connection to the narrator, and despite my appreciation of the book’s pace, I would have liked for the story to have slowed down occasionally to allow for more character development. And I thought Ms. Wright moved too quickly in places through the mystery itself, often making confident leaps of logic that didn’t seem all that obvious to me as a reader. But I enjoyed the sentence-crafting so thoroughly, and there were so many delightful and creative moments, that I was hardly bothered by the book’s few imperfections. The writing stands head and shoulders above just about everything I’ve come across in the self-published world, and easily compares with the quality one expects from traditionally-published fare.
“Meanwhile…” is a short novel, the sort of page-turner that one could easily consume in a day or two, especially given how the action ramps up during the final quarter of the story. The ending implies that there could easily be sequel; I hope that someday there is!
The story is told in the first person by the sole protagonist, Constance Wright. Her adventures during her employment at the Dernstrum Institute are told with style and wit. The cast of eccentric supporting characters is fun and light – “Meanwhile…” doesn’t concern itself with deep character studies. All of the author’s efforts are focused on delivering a fast-moving and clever narrative, and in this she has easily succeeded.
My quibbles are minor. The story is told so directly and quickly, I was left wishing for more emotional connection to the narrator, and despite my appreciation of the book’s pace, I would have liked for the story to have slowed down occasionally to allow for more character development. And I thought Ms. Wright moved too quickly in places through the mystery itself, often making confident leaps of logic that didn’t seem all that obvious to me as a reader. But I enjoyed the sentence-crafting so thoroughly, and there were so many delightful and creative moments, that I was hardly bothered by the book’s few imperfections. The writing stands head and shoulders above just about everything I’ve come across in the self-published world, and easily compares with the quality one expects from traditionally-published fare.
“Meanwhile…” is a short novel, the sort of page-turner that one could easily consume in a day or two, especially given how the action ramps up during the final quarter of the story. The ending implies that there could easily be sequel; I hope that someday there is!
December 27, 2020
What a lovely little gem this book is! It's a mystery set in rural England with a bit of fantasy and gothic elements, and got me hooked from the very first page.
The prose is clear and precise, there's not a single overwrought or purple sentence. The story flows in a relatively fast pace, there are no unnecessary or boring details. Not that I don't enjoy flowery prose or the minutiae of daily life when it's done well. But in this case, the author's ability to keep the prose simple yet captivating is truly admirable.
We have a colourful cast of characters at the institute. Being a biologist myself, I liked the botanist and felt sorry for him when his life's work turned out... weirdly wrong. Our main character, Constance, is likeable, brave, and competent. While she doesn't make a good secretary, she's very good with machines. Though as another reviewer pointed out, she often jumps to the conclusion a bit too fast.
There were maybe one or two errors in the whole text, so kudos for the editing as well.
Also the ending was hinting at a sequel and I'd very much like to see one in the future!
The prose is clear and precise, there's not a single overwrought or purple sentence. The story flows in a relatively fast pace, there are no unnecessary or boring details. Not that I don't enjoy flowery prose or the minutiae of daily life when it's done well. But in this case, the author's ability to keep the prose simple yet captivating is truly admirable.
We have a colourful cast of characters at the institute. Being a biologist myself, I liked the botanist and felt sorry for him when his life's work turned out... weirdly wrong. Our main character, Constance, is likeable, brave, and competent. While she doesn't make a good secretary, she's very good with machines. Though as another reviewer pointed out, she often jumps to the conclusion a bit too fast.
There were maybe one or two errors in the whole text, so kudos for the editing as well.
Also the ending was hinting at a sequel and I'd very much like to see one in the future!
Read
February 22, 2020In this steampunk-flavoured mystery, heroine Constance Wright takes on a job at an isolated research institute founded by her late godfather (who was estranged from her own father for initially unknown reasons). We meet a larger-than-life array of characters, from an obsessed cabbage grower to the Giant Walking War Machine's engineer and a particularly nippy sweetie of a housekeeper.
This was a quick and fun read, and I didn't notice any typos other than one or two missing punctuation marks. Although the inventions had their own (perhaps not all that plausible) roles in the plot, I found the story to shine more in the interactions between the characters, which had me chuckling in a few places. If you're happy not to dig too deeply into the logic, and don't mind a few odd decisions by Constance, it's a very enjoyable read.
This was a quick and fun read, and I didn't notice any typos other than one or two missing punctuation marks. Although the inventions had their own (perhaps not all that plausible) roles in the plot, I found the story to shine more in the interactions between the characters, which had me chuckling in a few places. If you're happy not to dig too deeply into the logic, and don't mind a few odd decisions by Constance, it's a very enjoyable read.
January 29, 2016
The title of this book caught my eye, so I checked the "Look Inside" on Amazon. What immediately grabbed my attention was the precise prose and pacing the author uses to set up the opening chapter. I purchased the book, read it all, the author's use of language and dialogue to move the story forward is seamless. It took me a chapter or two to become used to the British convention for single quotes around dialogue, but the story just carried me along.
If you have KU or are a reader browsing titles, take a moment to get a glimpse of the "look inside" on this title on Amazon. Catherine Griffin is truly a wordsmith, the story is quite campy and unique, and this is well worth the read.
If you have KU or are a reader browsing titles, take a moment to get a glimpse of the "look inside" on this title on Amazon. Catherine Griffin is truly a wordsmith, the story is quite campy and unique, and this is well worth the read.
March 3, 2021
This is a book that I think I found via r/Fantasy's book bingo. It's similar to a golden age mystery crossed with slight SFF themes, but only as nods rather than full-fledged incorporated. The characters are a bit thin, but the plot speeds along quickly and is enjoyable enough. An orphan seeks out a job with the Institute set up by her father's estranged business partner and ends up in the middle of a mystery regarding something he may have left to her.
August 21, 2016
Constance after losing her father at 22 is looking for work. Discussion with a friend of her fathers requesting a secretarial job at the Durstrom institute, what she finds are men with a passion for their inventions and a disregard for much else!! This is Constance finding her feet in the world after the war and as a grown orphan. Funny in places and clever in others a great read to occupy me.
December 11, 2019
Unusual and mysterious
The main character shows remarkable backbone with all of the challenges she faces.as a writer I like reading other authors to see how they developed the characters and try to learn from them. I am going to read more by this author. I hope my readers feel the same way about my books. Donna Arthur
The main character shows remarkable backbone with all of the challenges she faces.as a writer I like reading other authors to see how they developed the characters and try to learn from them. I am going to read more by this author. I hope my readers feel the same way about my books. Donna Arthur
July 14, 2018
I loved this book for the fact that all the characters are lovable and the mystery is fantastic definitely in my list of books I will read again
May 26, 2019
Fascinating
Very unusual crime and a bit of fantasy thrown in quite intriguing characters especially for the time period most enjoyable
Very unusual crime and a bit of fantasy thrown in quite intriguing characters especially for the time period most enjoyable
March 11, 2020
I liked this story and it was recommended to me by another author. The characters were unusual, the plot a bit vague at times, but overall it is a story well worth reading.
April 18, 2021
A mostly light romp of events told in first person POV by the intrepid heroine, Meanwhile, at the Dernstrum Institute..., is a light and easy read. It falls firmly in the category of a cozy mystery, with a splash of steampunk and a dash of fantasy, and is great on a Sunday with a cup of tea.
Overall, it is a well-written book, but I did have some issues with the mystery plot reveal and the showdown with the villain at the end, which is why I only give it 3.5 stars.
What I liked:
The heroine is smart, plucky and determined to do what she can to make her way in the world. She has a mechanical mind and is able to fix engines and other machines quite easily, but the typewriter alludes her. This is one of her flaws, which is endearing.
I also like that she makes a plan and sticks to it, rather than waffling around not making decisions or allowing life to overwhelm her. Overall, she's a strong voice in the book.
The other characters are also quite well-written, featuring eclectic and unique voices. And I loved the rabid cabbages - taking something mundane and turning it into a murderous secondary character will always catch my interest.
What I didn't like:
The author made a choice in the middle of the mystery that makes the intelligent fun character look inept. It's as if there is a neon sign flashing above her head that the reader can see, but she can't and it was just... not good. A little bit of finesse, a little bit of subtly, and the plot could continue on its merry way without me wanting to throw my phone at the wall.
I also didn't like the big villain scene, mainly because there was no time between I value you to I have to kill you. A little more build up of the villain's instability or more action, dialogue or internal narrative between the two points would make that scene more believable.
Summary:
With all of that said, however, this did not end up on my DNF pile because I did enjoy it. I pushed through the section I didn't like because I wanted to know how it ended - she wrote interesting characters in which I was completely invested. So for that, I would recommend you read this book on a lazy Sunday when you're looking for something light and fun.
Overall, it is a well-written book, but I did have some issues with the mystery plot reveal and the showdown with the villain at the end, which is why I only give it 3.5 stars.
What I liked:
The heroine is smart, plucky and determined to do what she can to make her way in the world. She has a mechanical mind and is able to fix engines and other machines quite easily, but the typewriter alludes her. This is one of her flaws, which is endearing.
I also like that she makes a plan and sticks to it, rather than waffling around not making decisions or allowing life to overwhelm her. Overall, she's a strong voice in the book.
The other characters are also quite well-written, featuring eclectic and unique voices. And I loved the rabid cabbages - taking something mundane and turning it into a murderous secondary character will always catch my interest.
What I didn't like:
The author made a choice in the middle of the mystery that makes the intelligent fun character look inept. It's as if there is a neon sign flashing above her head that the reader can see, but she can't and it was just... not good. A little bit of finesse, a little bit of subtly, and the plot could continue on its merry way without me wanting to throw my phone at the wall.
I also didn't like the big villain scene, mainly because there was no time between I value you to I have to kill you. A little more build up of the villain's instability or more action, dialogue or internal narrative between the two points would make that scene more believable.
Summary:
With all of that said, however, this did not end up on my DNF pile because I did enjoy it. I pushed through the section I didn't like because I wanted to know how it ended - she wrote interesting characters in which I was completely invested. So for that, I would recommend you read this book on a lazy Sunday when you're looking for something light and fun.
August 17, 2025
Think Agatha Christie meets pulp horror movies featuring mad scientists. Add a pinch of gaslamp and stir until intriguingly tense.
I couldn't help but feel the end wasn't the end, as if there was going to be a sequel (I just like more closure I guess). The romantic angle too didn't quite have the build up to make me really love it.
But qualms aside, it was an enjoyably strange treasure hunt mystery set in the perfsct remote village complete with moody mansion full of very odd people. If you like the usual tropes, there's even a thunderstorm to amuse you! I really liked the first person narration; Constance is a relatable woman who knows what she's good at... and what she's not. Secretarial work and spying are the latter, but to find out the truth behind the mysterious research institute she has to try both while dealing with the eccentric cast of nice and not so nice people.
There's a tiny hint of humour about it all, though not the laugh out loud kind. It's a book that knows what it's doing, and has fun with all the trappings of the semi-cozy mystery genre.
I couldn't help but feel the end wasn't the end, as if there was going to be a sequel (I just like more closure I guess). The romantic angle too didn't quite have the build up to make me really love it.
But qualms aside, it was an enjoyably strange treasure hunt mystery set in the perfsct remote village complete with moody mansion full of very odd people. If you like the usual tropes, there's even a thunderstorm to amuse you! I really liked the first person narration; Constance is a relatable woman who knows what she's good at... and what she's not. Secretarial work and spying are the latter, but to find out the truth behind the mysterious research institute she has to try both while dealing with the eccentric cast of nice and not so nice people.
There's a tiny hint of humour about it all, though not the laugh out loud kind. It's a book that knows what it's doing, and has fun with all the trappings of the semi-cozy mystery genre.
October 17, 2025
This was just a random pick for me—I didn’t know much about it going in. I only read a bit of the description, but it fit a reading prompt I needed and was short, which I always appreciate in a book. I decided to give it a try, and I have to say, it turned out to be quite a delight to read!
There’s just enough mystery to keep you guessing, and the pace moves quickly enough to hold your attention. It has that nice little touch of gothic atmosphere, too, which I really enjoyed. And I especially liked the ending—it tied things up nicely.
Overall, I’m giving this one 4 stars. It’s a quick, satisfying read, and I definitely recommend giving it a try.
There’s just enough mystery to keep you guessing, and the pace moves quickly enough to hold your attention. It has that nice little touch of gothic atmosphere, too, which I really enjoyed. And I especially liked the ending—it tied things up nicely.
Overall, I’m giving this one 4 stars. It’s a quick, satisfying read, and I definitely recommend giving it a try.
June 14, 2019
A little out there
The storyline for this book was a little bizarre . It never really came together for me. Human hating cabbages, giant walking robots, a possible human sharkman, seances and poltergeists. All the while the heroine is on a goosechase to try to solve the riddle of her dead godfather and deal with a hateful housekeeper. Just too much that didn't quite gel.
The storyline for this book was a little bizarre . It never really came together for me. Human hating cabbages, giant walking robots, a possible human sharkman, seances and poltergeists. All the while the heroine is on a goosechase to try to solve the riddle of her dead godfather and deal with a hateful housekeeper. Just too much that didn't quite gel.
April 22, 2016
Meanwhile At The Derntrum Institute is a dark, but delightful English cozy mystery with sprinkles of light fantasy and even bit of steampunk.
Best read on a dark winter night while curled up by the fire drinking hot tea, Griffin's slightly Gothic tale of betrayal, murder and science gone awry is sure to please. The pace is slow and methodical, allowing the reader to sink into the atmosphere of early 20's England. The writing itself is actually quite good and Ms. Wright makes a strong heroine. Not only is she adept at car mechanics, but in the final conflict, we find her armed with a crowbar and duct tape (or rather what passed for it at the time). Full of dark mysteries, strange characters and a bit of mischievous humour, Griffin brings her characters to life subtle zeal.
The writing is actually quite good and it's impossible not to enjoy the twists and turns of the mysterious plot. Constance Wright has no money and her father has recently died. Desperation drivers her to take up an assignment at the institute of her deceased and estranged godfather. Clues to a miracle substance have been left behind along with warnings as she enters the foreboding house full of strange inventors and pseudo scientists and overzealous botanists. Secrets of childhood abound as she unlocks veiled facts about her past, the genuinely creeper Doctor Langston and of course, nothing is quite as it seems.
All in all I was quite taken with this book and I think most readers would agree. Please enjoy!
Best read on a dark winter night while curled up by the fire drinking hot tea, Griffin's slightly Gothic tale of betrayal, murder and science gone awry is sure to please. The pace is slow and methodical, allowing the reader to sink into the atmosphere of early 20's England. The writing itself is actually quite good and Ms. Wright makes a strong heroine. Not only is she adept at car mechanics, but in the final conflict, we find her armed with a crowbar and duct tape (or rather what passed for it at the time). Full of dark mysteries, strange characters and a bit of mischievous humour, Griffin brings her characters to life subtle zeal.
The writing is actually quite good and it's impossible not to enjoy the twists and turns of the mysterious plot. Constance Wright has no money and her father has recently died. Desperation drivers her to take up an assignment at the institute of her deceased and estranged godfather. Clues to a miracle substance have been left behind along with warnings as she enters the foreboding house full of strange inventors and pseudo scientists and overzealous botanists. Secrets of childhood abound as she unlocks veiled facts about her past, the genuinely creeper Doctor Langston and of course, nothing is quite as it seems.
All in all I was quite taken with this book and I think most readers would agree. Please enjoy!
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