They Came to Baghdad by Agatha Christie

Published in 1951 the feel of the Cold War sets the stage for this novel that begins in London and quickly travels to the Middle East.

Victoria Jones lies much better than she tells the truth which gets her into a variety of situations, not all of them positive. 

Fast paced with several twist and turns this is a lighter novel by Dame Agatha. 

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Once again we join Tess, Jem, and Will at the London Institute.  Jem and Tessa are engaged to be married.  Will loves them both so hides his feelings well, only wishing for happiness for his parabatai and his chosen.

Of course nothing is ever simple with Nephiliam.  Gabriel and Gideon Lightwood have come to the institute and then need help in a family emergency, that is stating it lightly but to do otherwise would be to give to much away.

Mortiman is on the trail of Tessa and with each interaction we learn more of exactly what she is and why her angel necklace is so special.

A wonderful read and the epilogue is the best part! Not many books can say that.

Cloaked by Alix Flinn

Johnny works in his the family business, a shoe repair shop in South Beach.  Barely keeping the bills paid with his nose to the grindstone this high school student does not wish for much, just a bit of money to help his mama out.

Enter  one princess with tales of magic and a quest for Johnny to go in search of her brother who has been turned into a frog. 

A great combination of fairy tales in a modern setting.


*From the author of Beastly.

To Ride Pegasus b y Anne McCaffrey

Published in 1973 To Ride Pegasus is on the leading edge of Science Fiction Fantasy.  In a world of overcrowded cities psychic talent is used to keep things running smoothly. Either through precog to prevent disaster, telekinesis to move things, or a telepath to keep people from rioting, all have a place. 

As with any set of people that are set somewhat apart people not of their group will find fault.  Citizens, politicians, corporate entities, all want a piece of what they see as a lucrative pie.

Follow several main characters as they go about setting up a new way of looking at Talent while avoiding the pitfalls placed along the way.

Second Wind - Dick Francis

Meteorologist are usually just looked upon only for the weather but Perry Stuart is a favorite of the racing crowd and his fame helps him get a ride into a hurricane.  Now you may ask how does a weatherman in England end up in a plane in the Caribbean and that would be a good question.  In typical Francis style it is answered in a very logical way that keeps you turning the pages until late at night.

Limited steeplechase exposure in this novel but still an excellent read.

Seeing A Large Cat by Elizabeth Peters

Amelia Peabody and her intrepid husband Emerson are back once again in Eygpt for a season of digging but of course none of that goes smoothly.  Mysterious messages, irritating gad abouts, danger, and secrets, pretty normal season.

In 1903 Cairo is a hotbed of dalliants, want-a-be archeologiest, and serous scholars. Seperating the grain from the chaff takes a sharp eye.  When Amelia dreams of a Large Cat she takes it as a message of something more to come. 

Ramses, their son, Nefret their adoptive daughter, and David, the grandson of their reis add a few more layers to the happenings within the family.

Filled with humor and a classic who done it style you will laugh out loud as your read.

Beyond by Graham McNamee

A ghost story, a mystery, or is it a tale of possession?  The reader must decide.  A face paced page turner that has a few disturbing moments which really stick with you later.  Good enough that I know I will wait a year and reread it again to find the things I missed the first time around because I wanted to see what happened next.

Note, does deal with a child molestor/abductor so not for the younger crowd, more a high school book in my opinion.