Califia's Gold — Richard Levesque

Attempted assassination. Royal kidnapping. When Beatrix is blamed for a national calamity, she'll stop at nothing to restore order even if it costs her life.Beatrix Philby is a loyal and fearless agent in the employ of California's royal family, charged with protecting the heir to the island nation's throne. She's also just as loyal to her twin sister, an ambitious actress in California's fledgling film industry. When her sister gets into an embarrassing bind, Beatrix must call upon her most cunning skills to save her reputation. But that also means turning her attention away from safeguarding the princess at the same time that sinister forces decide to strike. In the resulting upheaval, Beatrix must shoulder the blame. Setting things right means following a handful of clues that lead across a hostile landscape. Soon, Beatrix and a small group of allies are in a race against ruthless foes, each side seeking to uncover long buried secrets. If Beatrix succeeds, she can save a princess and herself. But if her enemies outwit her, Beatrix and all she holds dear will be obliterated.If you like strong heroines, intricate plots, and an imaginative steampunk world, you'll love Califia's Gold.