The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Mary lives in a world surrounded by fences.  A world where the Unconsecrated hunger for human flesh.  A world of rules and isolation  where a single mistake will let you make one choice, to be killed quickly because you are infected or to be put into the forest as you change into a zombie.

In a world in which an experiment went very wrong and isolation is the key to survival there is not much flexibility of thinking.  Only by following the rules is survival possible but the rules have also caused the digression of the society.

The first couple of chapters set the stage and then things begin to move quickly.  The first in the series the ending offers hope for humankind.

Blast From the Past by Kinky Friedman

Written as a prequel Blast From the Past looks back into the past to introduce us all into the particular way in which Kinky goes from a barely employed musician to a barely employed musician and private eye.

With the unique mixture of humor, satire, irony, and crudeness that is the Kinkster you will either love it or hate it.  There is a tremendous amount to drinking and drugs along with unhealthy living in general.  Of course being chased by a madman is not very healthy for living either.

If I had not read any of Friedman's work before and enjoyed it I probably would have stopped after about chapter three.  Luckily I had read him before and about chapter six it got better and was enjoyable.  The off putting was not the writing, I just do not enjoy reading about people getting high or drunk ever other page.

Dragondrums by Anne McCaffrey

Dragondrums is the third installment in the Harper Hold segment.  Piemur, a rascally apprentice in the Harper Hall takes us through an adventure on Pern set during the time of Lessa, F'lar, Master Robinton, and the Oldtimers.

Although there are dragons they are not the focus and the adds depth and character to the world of Pern.  Everyone can not be a dragonrider, there are also crafts, holders, villains, harpers, healers, and even drudges to take out the ashes.

This is one of my favorites and was written in 1979 which is when some of the best Pern novels were penned.  It is enjoyable to visit with old friends in the summer.

Claws and Effect by Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown

Something strange is going on in Crozet and of course Harry Harristeen, along with Mrs. Murphy, Tee Tucker, and Pewter, just must get involved.  When the head of maintenance at Crozet Hospital is murdered Harry can not help but investigate and almost becomes a victim herself.

Through a deep freeze Murphy, Tucker, and Pewter make observations and do all they can to keep Harry on the green side of the grass.

Includes a couple of good fox hunts and acute observations about human nature. A fun mystery although a favorite member of Crozet is killed off towards the end.

Reserved For the Cat by Mercedes Lackey

Ninette Dupond is the daughter of a very poor Parisian mother.  Her mother has made sure that Ninette has received training in dance in the hopes that one day, when she is old enough, she will attract the eye of sponsor.  It is known that she will be expected to return certain favors but better to have an understanding with a gentleman then be forced to work the streets.

After her mother dies things are tough but Ninette is dedicated to her dance and makes it by with just a bit of luck.  Of course good luck is followed by bad and when a patron notices her the dancer that claims that patron ensures that Ninette is jobless, which will also mean homeless within just a few days.

Then things get interesting. Her cat talks to her, gives her a purse of money, and instructions on how to get to England. 

To tell more gives to much away but be assured that if you like Historical Fantasy this book will meet your needs.

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.