The Clockwork Princess

The Clockwork Princess
By Cassandra Clare
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2013.  570 pgs. Young Adult

There is great unrest at the Shadowhunters London Institute. Jem has run out of his medicine and is dying. Will is hiding his true love for Tessa, who happens to be engaged to Jem. Charlotte, who is head of the Institute, is fighting the Shadowhunters hierarchy to maintain control. All the while, Mortmain is determined to destroy the Shadowhunters with his ruthless army of automatons and kidnap Tessa to use her shapeshifting talent for his gain.

It could have been I was just in the right mood for this type of book and it could also have something to do with Daniel Sharman’s narration that sweeps you into the story, but this has been one of my favorite books this year. It has action, humor, and romance— pretty much everything I hope for in a book.  Clare’s Infernal Devices trilogy is far superior to her Mortal Instruments series. I just wish this was the series picked up for film rights instead of the other.


KK

His Majesty's Hope

His Majesty’s Hope 
by Susan Elia Macneal
Bantam Books, 2013. 354 pgs. Mystery

Maggie is off on her first foreign mission for MI5, right into the heart of Berlin during WWII. Her objective: to plant a bug in the home of a high society Nazi supporter Clara Hess. The story also follows Elise, a German nurse, who just happens to be Clara Hess' daughter.

Maggie’s personal and family life is just as complicated before and at times can be a bit frustrating, but I guess that is how relationships normally are. The addition of Elise’s character allows the reader a snippet of the German home front and the struggles they went through. And once again Macneal throws in that one little extra plot twist at the end that leaves you wanting.  Not a perfect read, but an enjoyable one.

KK

Princess Elizabeth's Spy

Princess Elizabeth’s Spy
By Susan Elia MacNeal
Bantam Books, 2012. 369 pgs. Mystery

After doing an outstanding job in helping save the Prime Minister’s life in Mr. Churchill's Secretary, Maggie is sent on a secret assignment to guard Princess Elizabeth as an undercover math tutor. Though restless in her new position, she takes it upon herself to solve a murder that occurs at Windsor Castle because it doesn’t seem as cut and dry as the authorities are making it out to be.

The war continues but it is the insight into the royal family that makes this an interesting read. I am anxiously waiting for the third book, due out in May, to see how a plot line hinted at near this book’s conclusion plays out.

KK

Mr. Churchill's Secretary

Mr. Churchill’s Secretary
By Susan Elia MacNeal
Bantam Books, 2012. 373 pgs. Mystery

Maggie Hope, an American in London during the onset of WWII, is a mathematician skilled in ciphers, but being a woman, her only job opportunity is to be a secretary. However, she ends up being a secretary to none other than the Prime Minister himself—Mr. Churchill. Things are not boring at 10 Downing, and she might be in the perfect position to help her adopted country after all.

This is a great historical mystery with lots of detail of London life during the war, without bogging down the plot. Fans of Kathryn Miller Haines will enjoy Maggie’s strong-willed character in this edgier mystery series, and those who enjoy Jacqueline Winspear’s works but would prefer a lot more action will find what they’re looking for here.

KK

Sentinel

Sentinel

By Matthew Dunn
William Morrow, 2012. 313 pgs. Fiction

Tensions are brewing between the United States and Russia and a double British agent in the Russia submarine division has uncovered a plot that one of Britain’s own is setting things in motion to create war between the countries. Special agent Will Crochrane is called in to rendezvous with the agent to vary the information, only to find the agent brutally stabbed and with his last breathe saying only Sentinel can stop it. It’s up to Will to find Sentinel and of course, save the world from nuclear warfare.  

This second installment in the Spycatcher series has tighter editing and more realistic outcomes (unlike in Spycatcher, when Will was shot in the stomach three times and two days later flying out on a mission with some pain killers. But than again, we expect that of Bond, so why not all agents?) Unfortunately with that, Dunn also has softened up Will’s character a bit, but I think Will will turn around by the next novel. Don’t get me wrong, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward eagerly to the next installment. One of the best new series I have read this year.

KK

Rebel Fire

Rebel Fire
By Andy Lane
Farrar Straus Giroux, 2012. 343 pgs. Young Adult

A supposedly dead notorious American assassin is alive in England, and Sherlock’s British diplomat brother Mycroft believes that the assassin is involved in another plot against America. Sherlock, in trying to help investigate, only makes matters worse when his surveillance makes the group of conspirators flee for America. They take along a hostage close to Sherlock to dissuade Sherlock from following; undeterred, Sherlock sails off to America to rescue a friend, save America, and get into more trouble than he counted on.

I enjoyed the second outing in this series just as much as Death Cloud as Sherlock develops his skills and we learn more about the boy who became the world’s greatest detective.

KK

The Turn of the Screw

The Turn of the Screw
by Henry James
Penguin Books, 2010. 120 pgs. Fiction

A young woman is hired to be the governess of two orphaned children who are under their uncle’s care, out on a country estate. Upon hiring the governess, the uncle, who lives in London, informs the governess that he does not want to be bothered with any details about the children’s concerns and to handle them on her own. Puzzled about that stipulation but determined to do her best, she sets out and realizes she couldn’t ask for better children and a better situation, until she starts seeing ghosts.

I had some hopes that the slow beginning might be setting a stage for a creepy story, but it fell flat. Many readers will find that the governess’ first-person narration actually hinders the story; a major theme is her own mental state, and some readers will find the ambiguity of the reliability of the narrator to be irritating. The only thing going for the book was that it was short.

KK

The Garner Files

The Garner Files
By James Garner
Simon & Schuster, 2011. 273 pgs. Biography

James Garner--known for his iconic roles in television and film- Maverick, The Rockford Files, The Great Escape, and Support Your Local Sheriff to name just a few--brings his career to light in this pleasant memoir. It reads as if you are having a chat with Garner on a Saturday afternoon over lunch. In fact, you enjoy the stories so much you don’t realize until the end that he really didn’t share about his personal life after he became a star. While that is typical of Garner, always a private man, what you do get out the memoir is the character of the man who stands up for what he believes is right, even if it means going against the studio. Although he fell into acting because he needed a job, he is still going strong fifty years later. Minus the chapter on golfing (I’m just not as enthusiastic about the sport as Garner), I enjoyed every minute of the book and would recommend it for any classic television or film fan.

KK

Notes from a Small island

Notes from a Small Island
By Bill Bryson
Morrow, 1995. 324 pgs. Nonfiction

About to return to the States after twenty years of living in England, Bryson realized he wanted to take a trip of the British Isles, visiting every place he'd ever heard of and revisiting some old favorites. In recounting his experience, Bryson makes readers laugh and has them wanting to pack their bags and fly across the ocean to discover these little known places for themselves. Although he drags out a few points that he's particularly passionate about, and there is some strong language, in the end, this is a delightful read, even if you are a couch traveler.

KK

The Hound of the Baskervilles

The Hound of the Baskervilles
By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Aladdin Classics, 2000. 246 pgs. Mystery

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are on the case to investigate a mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville to determine if the new heir to the estate, Sir Henry, is at risk of falling prey to the same curse, the curse of the Hound of Baskerville.

Most stories about Holmes are short stories and don’t offer readers enough information to solve the mysteries along with Holmes; instead, they must wait for his declaration. Here, though, in one of the few full length stories about Holmes, clues are dropped throughout the story and readers can practice their detective skills along with Holmes. A classic mystery that does not move at fast pace, but has enough hooks to keep the modern reader interested in its conclusion.

KK

The Closers

The Closers
By Michael Connelly
Little Brown, 2005. 579 pgs. Mystery

Harry Bosch, returning to the Los Angeles police force after a three year break, is assigned to the Open/Unsolved Unit. First day on the job with his old partner, Kiz Rider, they are handed a 17-year-old case; the murder of a teen girl that is being reinvestigated due to new DNA evidence. Bosch, trying to prove he is worthy to be back on the force, battles department politics and possible cover-ups, all the while trying to resolve a case that should have been closed years before.

An engaging story with rich characters that will leave the reader wanting to read the rest of the series.

KK

The Undertaker's Widow

The Undertaker’s Widow
By Phillip Margolin
Doubleday, 1998. 312 pgs. Fiction

After ruling on a high profile case, Judge Richard Quinn is selected to preside over a controversial case against Congresswoman candidate Ellen Crease, who may or may not be involved in the death of her husband.

Though a legal thriller, not much of the action takes place in the court room, much to my delight. One line of investigation leads to another, and soon, deceit, passion, money and power all come into play in this enthralling story.

KK

Carte Blanche 007

Carte Blanche 007
By Jeffrey Deaver
Simon & Schuster, 2011. 414 pgs. Fiction

British intelligence picks up chatter that there is going to be an attack against the British with casualties in the thousands. Bond is called in and given carte blanche to squelch the plan, all with the signature Bond formula that we have grown to love- exotic locations, beautiful intelligent women, a villain we want to see to be taken down and few gadgets thrown in to help save the day.

I enjoy Deaver’s fresh updated take on the Bond character that still stays true to the classic. The story is tight, and the action keeps the pages turning. This book is a great stepping stone for those older teens that enjoy Charles Higson’s young James Bond series and are ready to read adult spy thrillers.

This Dark Endeavor

This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein
By Kenneth Oppel
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2011. 298 pgs. Young Adult

Twin brothers Victor and Konrad Frankenstein are inseparable. When Konrad falls gravely ill, Victor decides to venture into the family’s forbidden Dark Library to find the recipe for the Elixir of Life to cure Konrad. With the help of his friends, Elizabeth and Henry, they seek help from an infamous apothecary that can aid them in deciphering the recipe. The bonds of brotherhood and friendship are tested as they encounter various obstacles to get the needed supplies.

Once again, Oppel, with his great writing style, sweeps you away into an adventure that lets you glimpse into the reason why as an adult Frankenstein would create his monster.

KK

Daniel X: Alien Hunter

Daniel X: Alien Hunter
By James Patterson and Leopoldo Gout
Little, Brown & Co, 2008. 127 pgs. Graphic Novel

Daniel, an alien with the power to create things from his imagination, protects the universe from invading alien forces. This time around, Daniel is protecting Tokyo from Alien Number 7, who is on his alien watch list. Things get complicated when Daniel befriends Number 7’s son Kildare, a lone alien who just wants to find peace, and reminds Daniel a lot of himself.

James Patterson’s snarky character Daniel works well in the graphic novel format. I had to laugh when I saw that Daniel’s imaginary father looks little like Clint Eastwood. But then again, if you needed someone to train you in ways of fighting, Dirty Harry would be one to turn to. A great read for teen boys.

KK

The Full Burn

The Full Burn: On the Set, at the Bar, Behind the Wheel, and Over the Edge with Hollywood Stuntmen
By Kevin Conley
Bloomsbury, 2008. 214 pgs. Nonfiction

Conley interviews stuntmen from times past to present about the skills it takes to put your life on the line for a stunt. The men and women of the trade are just as rough living off screen as they are on as they build their resume of tricks. This book is filled with humor and moments of sadness as they open up about a world that is generally unknown.

An interesting read about what happens behind the scenes of film, not quite a history of the profession, more of the culture of the people in the job.

KK

Bucking the Sarge

Bucking the Sarge
By Christopher Paul Curtis
Wendy Lamb Books, 2004. 259 pgs. Young Adult

Fourteen-year-old Luther wants to become a philosopher someday. He already has great ideas; he just needs the college degree to go with it. To save money for college, he runs the Happy Neighbor Group Home for Men that his mother owns. The trouble is he does not like the way his mother runs the place. She is mean and cheap, always trying to find an angle to make a buck. Then one day a new resident comes to live at the home, opening Luther’s eyes to new possibilities of what life could have in store for him.

This very funny book is not for everyone, as it has a few mature themes, but it is well worth the read.

KK

My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business

My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business: A Memoir
By Dick Van Dyke
Crown Archtype, 2011. 287 pgs. Biography

His father feared that he would never amount to anything. Boy, was he wrong. Dick shares his struggles in trying to make it in show business starting with local club acts to starring in his own show, The Dick Van Dyke Show, to making Hollywood classics like Mary Poppins. He decided early on that he wanted to be involved in productions that he would not be embarrassed for his family to watch, and for that, he has become a family favorite to many. Life was not always perfect for him; he discusses his battle with alcoholism and finding peace with himself. Dick Van Dyke keeps talking about retiring but it looks like this 86-year-old has no intentions of slowing down.

To be honest, I usually “read” biographies by looking at the pictures and checking the index who they mention and look at their connection but this memoir grabbed me from the beginning and I found myself reading into the night. You will not find any dirty gossip about Hollywood but you will hear a lot of funny stories.

KK

Heart of a Samurai

Heart of a Samurai
By Margi Preus
Amulet Books, 2010. 301 pgs. Young Adult

In 1841, fourteen year old Manjiro, while out fishing with some companions, gets caught up in a storm and becomes shipwrecked on an island. Though they survive they can not return to their homeland of Japan because their custom states that once you leave you have been influenced by foreign ways and are forbidden to return. Just when they are about to give up hope of ever leaving the island, they are rescued by a whaling ship. At first, both sides mistrust each other, but Manjiro, always eager to learn, learns English and begins to help around the ship. The Captain, seeing the eagerness of the boy, begins to form a bond with Manjiro and when it comes time to return to America, invites Manjiro to join him.

This interesting piece of unknown history is told in an approachable way, with its short chapters and Manjiro’s own artwork sprinkled throughout the book.

Factotum

Factotum
By D. M. Cornish
G. P. Putman’s Sons, 2010. 648 pgs. Young Adult

Rossamund, now knowing the true meaning of his name and the life threatening secret it reveals, leaves the Lamplighter service to become Lady Europe’s Factotum, the person who mixes her brew to give her powers. Even under the fierce monster hunter’s care Rossamunds life is still at risk, so his two old school masters, Fransitart and Craumpalin, join Lady Europe’s service to help keep an eye on him. A battle is brewing against man and monster and Rossamund is in the middle of it.

This concluding book in the Monster Blood Tattoo series is filled with battles, monsters, and contemplations about whether it matters what our names says we are.

KK