The Ape Who Guards the Balance by Elizabeth Peters

A dull year appears to be shaping up for the Emerson.  Not a criminal in sight and a year of boring tombs that have already been partially excavated.  Of course before they even leave England there is a bit of a ruckus at a suffrage movement where it is supposed the Master Criminal Sethos plays a part.
On to Egypt and a boring start of the season until the secrets the family keeps from each other almost gets Ramses and David in more a pickle than they can handle.
As always the Emerson family are on top of archeological methods of the time, work diligently and become involved in the strangest cases.  A fun read that will have the reader laughing out loud.

Finding the Way and Other Tales of Valdemar edited by Mercedes Lackey

A collection of short stories in the country of Valedemar and surrounding kingdoms.  From the expecting story of being Chosen and one such story that was a bit different to talks of bards, healers, and even a servant of Vankis Sunlord. 

Each story adds to the fabric of the land and gives the reader a richer understanding of the world that Valdemar inhabits. 

The Julius House by Charlaine Harris

Roe Teagarden is in love and about to be married.  Things are just perfect in her life.....until a question or two about her man comes up.  Despite all of this she is very happy with the choices she has made.

Even though her new home is the site of a mysterious disappearance six years ago there are no funny feelings or hauntings, but her curiosity is just about enough to kill the cat.  Layers of mystery, false leads and all in a well written format.

About half way through I realized I had read this book when it first came out and enjoyed it so the ending was not a surprise this time but it was still good. :)

The Beast by Faye Kellerman

Decker gets a call that is a bit wild, a dead man with a Bengal tiger in his apartment.  Just so you know, the tiger did not do it.

A story built around the concept that money can buy just about anything, except integrity.  Even small amounts of money are enough to turn the heads of many people.

Long hours of tracking things down, a few lucky breaks and a lot of hard work finally bring the case to a close.  As always, a gritty read with dips into the seedy underside of Los Angeles.

Jupiter's Bones by Faye Kellerman

Cult's are always a bit creepy and when there are children involved it makes it all a bit more sinister.  When Father Jupiter, famous astronomer in his previous life, is found dead all types of things are put into play.  A reflection of the news in many ways, which makes it all to real at times.

I had read this a long time ago, probably when it was newly out, but could not remember much about it.  There are some very gritty parts that involve children at the end which is why I chose not to remember it I am sure.

Well written, just not what I normally like to read.

Three Bedrooms, One Corpse by Charlaine Harris

Aurora Teagarden is settling into her life post inheritance and is a bit bored to tell the truth.  She is still dating the minister but does not really see herself as a preacher's wife, thinking of selling real estate but honestly that does not appeal either.  Of course something has to happen.

When asked to show a house at the last minute for her mother she meets the most interesting man and also finds a body in the master bedroom.  Things get more interesting from that point on to say the least.

Fast paced, fun to read and the last couple of chapters are the best!