The Spriitglass Charade by Colleen Gleason

Stoker and Holmes are working together again and things are moving right along.  A young lady is becoming involved in the séance scene, trying to communicate with her dead mother to help her find her brother.  What seems at first a simple solution of course has to become much more involved.

Mina and Evaline's characters become richer in this second adventure, and much more likeable.  The twist on two famous families from literature is very interesting and I eagerly await the next installment,

The Harlequin by Laurell K. Hamilton

Anita Blake Vampire Hunter is not hunting vampires, they all seem to be wanting to have her as a consort for the power that she gives to her relationships.  One emergency after another with weres, vampires, and assorted bad guys running all around. 

Her relationship with Richard is bad, then good, then seemingly over. Jean Claude still makes her flutter and the collection of weres expands.

I keep giving this series a try as the first few books I really liked but the sex theme is getting old.

No True Way -Mercedes Lackey

A collection of short stories set in Valdemar by a variety of authors.  The final installment is penned by Mercedes Lackey.

Several stories have a link to weaving but the theme of poor, put upon main character becomes tiring after three short stories.  There are a couple of bright spots but overall lacks the depth of previous collections.

On the plus side short stories are nice because it gives that little touch of magic that can brighten the day.

Standup Guy by Stuart Woods

Stone Barrington becomes involved in the strangest things. From a major political move supporter to giving "hypothetical" situation advice on how to launder money from a long ago robbery.  For such a sharp lawyer though he certainly makes some foolish decisions in her personal life. 

Quick paced, well written, just not my favorite novel by Mr. Woods.

The City of Death by Sarwat Chadda

Go a bit deeper than Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom into the lore of India.  The goddess Kali is all about death and Ash Mistry, through a minor accident, is her tool of death.  Just being in the eighth grade makes that last bit a hard pill to swallow.

Follow Ash through many lands as he meets demons, magicians, and rashaka of many kinds.

At time dark and a bit disturbing The City of Death has Ash really evaluating his motivation and actions, and the decisions are not easy at any point.  A good read, the second in a series.

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.