The Clockwork Scarab by Colleen Gleason

Meet Mina Holmes, niece of Sherlock Holmes, and Evalin Stoker, sister of Bram.  The setting is an alternative London although the time is correct.  Now add in a secret cult that is trying to awaken an Egyptian goddess and you have a face paced mystery.

Using the logical explanations of Holmes and knowledge of things best not spoken of with powers that Stoker possess makes for a fast paced steam punk type novel.  The first in a series will leave you wanting more.

Bloodline by Felix Francis

Mark Shillingford is happy in his life as a race commentator.  Most of all he loves getting to call races in which his sister is one of the jockeys riding a speedy Thoroughbred.  All that comes to an end with the apparent suicide of his twin.

Race fixing, blackmail, affairs, threats, betting, and a behind the scenes look at what goes into producing a seamless racing program for the live television audience.  All things combine for a face paced read that will make you gallop through the chapters.

This is the first novel I have read by Felix Francis and he does a good job of continuing the legacy of his father Dick Francis.

Killer by Jonathan Kellerman

Child psychologist Alex Delaware is offered what looks like an easy case in a child custody dispute between two sisters, with one saying the other is not a fit mother.  Of course being a mystery novel nothing is ever simple.

Dr. Delaware has his life threatened, there is a murder, and Milo Sturgis, friend and LAPD detective becomes involved. 

Medium paced novel that gets the reader to think, always a positive.  The ending is interesting as all of Kellerman's books tend to be and leaves you wanting just a few more pages. 

Part of a series but the books do not have to be read in order.

Hollow City by Ransom Riggs

Hollow City starts with a dangerous escape from a secluded island that is being bombed by the Germans and things go downhill from there. 

Miss Peregrine's loop has been invaded, the house is bombed, she is stolen, recovered, and off the children go looking for another loop and help to save Miss Peregrine. 

Once again the vintage photographs make the story much richer, making the reader pause to pursue the pictures and enhance the story line. 

A real page turner that leaves the reader wanting more.  I just hope that Riggs is not taking vacations and is glued to the typewriter, or more likely computer, working on more peculiar novels.

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare

By. The. Angel!  Okay, Magnus might not like that but this is an amazing collection of stories through a great period of time.  Filled with Downworlders, Shadowhunters and even a few mundanes are there to tell the story of an adventures life.  The glimpses into characters lives, past and present is very well done.  Great job ladies!

Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan

Roman and Greek demigods are working together before Gaea, the Earth Mother can awaken.  It is a good thing as the gods are confused and are at war with themselves, struggling between their Greek and Roman aspects.

You know the drill, a quest, fights against giants, monsters, etc.  The best part though is the character development and the way things end for Nico made the book perfect. Pick it up and read it but of course it is better read in order of the series. ;)

Amber House by Kelly Moore, Tucker Reed, and Larken Reed

Sarah Parsons has never visited her grandmother's home but upon the death of her mother's mother she does.  As with many good stories strange things begin to happen fairly soon.

Sarah "sees" things that have happened in the past, she is encouraged to "find the diamonds" and as always, there are two young men that seem to be after her.

A tale of despair, hope, paranormal events, and the fact that money does not solve everything. Very good reading enjoyable to the young adult reader and the older adult that still believes.