This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel

Finished this book last night... it was certainly hard to put down once I was into the second half! This story is intended to be a prequel to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein classic, which I don't recall ever reading but I've seen enough on the screen to know the premise.

Enter Frankenstein twins Konrad and Victor, their distant cousin Elizabeth (who has been raised in their household), and best friend Henry. They stumble upon a secret passage to "the Dark Library", filled with scientific apparatus and alchemy books.  And Victor's fascination with alchemy begins.  When Konrad suddenly falls seriously ill, Victor turns to alchemy to seek a cure, and the adventures begin!

I loved Elizabeth's strong character, and the turmoil and internal struggle we witness Victor work through. I enjoyed the historical setting, although I think it could have used more description. And as I've already said, once the story hit high-adventure mode, I had a hard time closing the cover.  Now I need to go read Frankenstein!!!