The Difference Engine, co-authored by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling, is a thrilling alternative history mystery set in a Victorian era where Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine was successfully built. The story follows Sybil Gerard, a young woman caught in a web of political intrigue and technological advancements. As she investigates a series of murders, she uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to change the course of history. This book seamlessly blends elements of steampunk, mystery, and historical fiction.