Step into the shadowy, spellbound streets of New Amsterdam, where vampires solve crimes, magic crackles in the air, and the British Empire still holds sway over a colonial America that never was! Elizabeth Bear’s New Amsterdam series is a dazzling blend of fantasy, detective fiction, and alternate history, following the sharp-witted sorceress Abigail Irene Garrett and the enigmatic vampire detective Don Sebastien de Ulloa as they unravel mysteries in a richly imagined world.
With its steampunk flair, political intrigue, and deep dives into identity and power, this series is a hidden gem for readers craving something fresh yet timeless. Ready to board a zeppelin and explore this captivating universe? Let’s dive in!
How New Amsterdam Began
Elizabeth Bear, a Hugo and Campbell Award-winning author, launched the New Amsterdam series in 2007 with a vision to reimagine history through a fantastical lens. Inspired by classic detective stories like Sherlock Holmes and Randall Garrett’s Lord Darcy tales, Bear crafted a world where magic and the supernatural shape geopolitics. Her goal? To blend gritty noir with lush alternate history, set in a late 19th to early 20th-century America where the American Revolution never happened, and airships glide over a British-ruled New Amsterdam (think New York with a colonial twist).
Bear’s love for complex characters and intricate world-building shines through, drawing readers into a series that feels both familiar and wildly original. Published by Subterranean Press, the series began as a collection of linked short stories, evolving into novellas that deepen the saga’s lore.
The Heart of New Amsterdam
The series kicks off with New Amsterdam (2007), a collection of six interconnected stories set between 1899 and 1903. Here, we meet Abigail Irene Garrett, a forensic sorceress and Detective Crown Investigator, who tackles magical crimes with grit and a penchant for whiskey. Alongside her is Sebastien de Ulloa, a centuries-old vampire detective with a knack for solving locked-room mysteries. Together, they navigate murders, demonic schemes, and colonial tensions, all while grappling with personal desires and societal taboos.
The saga continues in Seven for a Secret (2009), a novella set in a 1938 London occupied by a victorious Prussia, where Abby Irene and Sebastien confront a sinister plot involving werewolves. The White City (2011) takes them to Moscow, weaving a murder mystery across two timelines (1897 and 1903), while Ad Eternum (2012) brings Sebastien back to New Amsterdam in 1962, reflecting on loss and renewal. The series’ themes—identity, mortality, power dynamics, and the cost of loyalty—are woven into a steampunk-tinged world where magic limits colonial expansion, and Native nations hold their own against European powers.
Bear’s prose is sharp and evocative, blending noir’s cynicism with fantasy’s wonder. The setting, from zeppelin-filled skies to gas-lit streets, feels alive, while the mysteries, though sometimes secondary to character drama, keep you guessing. Fans of Agatha Christie, urban fantasy, or alternate history will find plenty to love.
Why New Amsterdam Resonates
Despite its niche status, New Amsterdam has carved a loyal following among fantasy and mystery enthusiasts. Its bold mix of genres—steampunk, vampire fiction, and historical drama—offers a refreshing take on familiar tropes, while Bear’s nuanced characters, like the scandalous yet brilliant Abby Irene, challenge stereotypes. The series’ exploration of identity, especially through Sebastien’s immortality and Abby’s defiance of Victorian norms, resonates with readers seeking depth in their fantasy.
Critics praise Bear’s world-building, with outlets like Publishers Weekly calling the series “richly textured” and “ingeniously mysterious.” Its influence lies in proving that alternate history can be both fantastical and grounded, inspiring writers to blend genres with confidence. For fans, it’s a reminder that even lesser-known series can leave a lasting mark.
- Publication Years: 2007–2012
- Number of Books: Four (one short story collection, three novellas)
- Key Genres: Fantasy, alternate history, detective fiction
- Notable Recognition: Elizabeth Bear’s broader work has earned Hugo and Campbell Awards
Dust off your detective hat and grab New Amsterdam to dive into a world of magic, mystery, and colonial intrigue. Elizabeth Bear’s series is a thrilling ride you won’t want to miss!