The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter probably shouldn't work.  It is an anachronistic stew cooked from fan fiction, feminism, gothic horror, and mystery.  It thrives on referential plot twists, name drops an assortment of obscure characters of 19th century literature, and unfolds its plot in the kind of twice-removed, meta-commentariat snark that is more characteristic of contemporary digitalia than Victorian London.  But despite the mountain of improbability that she faced, author Theodora Goss still managed to spin a tale that made me laugh, cheer, and keep turning the pages.

The Alchemist's Daughter is essentially the first act of every superhero ensemble movie you've ever seen, which makes sense since it appears to be the anticipatory first book in a new series.  Beginning with Mary Jekyll, the unsuspecting daughter of the infamous Doctor, Goss assembles a crime fighting force of other fictional female oddballs that includes her half-sister Diana Hyde, the poisonous Beatrice Rappaccini, the former islander Catherine Moreau, and the spiritually outsized Justine Frankenstein.  Each of these women transcends the spiritual, and often physical, scars left on her by the men in her life, from unworthy fathers to untrustworthy lovers, and discovers a new life with her new friends.  Aided by the delightfully-secondary Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, this ragged and deadly detective squad uncover the mysteries of their histories and hamstring a ring of murderous scientists.

The Alchemist's Daughter offers no surprises.  It draws heavily on the fictional and factual tropes of its setting, with appearances by the capable and kindly housekeeper, an entirely politically incorrect circus and freak show, a home for wayward women, and--I'm pretty sure--Jack the Ripper.  But the result is neither tedious nor predictable.  It's more akin to the comfort that comes from watching the latest episode of your favorite tv show.  Maybe you don't find yourself surprised by what happens next, but since it's happening in a world and to characters that you already care about, you're still glad to see it unfold.  Goss has created a perfect blend of wish fulfillment and intrigue, and her book is the perfect solution when you're in the mood to spend some time with old friends.  The fact that these are new friends who still feel that familiar shouldn't deter you; you're going to like them that much anyway.