You can also read this review on my blog 
 In short: Curtsies & Conspiracies by Gail Carriger is a strong and inventive sequel to a brilliantly quirky series. 
 When I read Etiquette & Espionage earlier this year, I was instantly smitten. And how could I not be? With hilariously clever writing, memorably vibrant characters, and a refreshingly whimsical tone, Etiquette & Espionage was simply a joy to read! I was so impressed at Gail Carriger's talent for humorous scenes and fast paced entertaining plots that I couldn't wait to return to Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality to read more about Sophronia and her adventures with her ragtag group of friends in Curtsies & Conspiracies. 
 And thankfully, the fun continues in Curtsies & Conspiracies! The stakes are raised a bit as well as Sophronia becomes entangled in numerous conspiracies and gets to practice her ever-broadening intelligencer skills. Gail Carriger somehow manages to weave these multiple storylines into one tightly paced and expertly plotted book that culminates in a chaotic climax. The cast of characters - both main and supporting - are as vibrant and fun as ever. A bit of a love triangle is introduced in Curtsies & Conspiracies and while I remain firmly Team Soap, neither gentleman is a viable option for a lady of Sophronia's position so I'm curious how that will play out. 
 Curtsies & Conspiracies is capital entertainment. It is perhaps a bit fluffy, but I welcomed it. Gail Carriger combines the paranormal and steampunk genres to create a fresh and inventive plot in a hilariously exaggerated Victorian setting. Curtsies & Conspiracies is a strong sequel to a brilliantly quirky series. Highly recommended.