A Study in Silks

A Study in Silks (The Baskerville Affair #1)

Emma Jane Holloway

ISBN: 9780345537188

September 2013

4 Stars

*I received this uncorrected galley from NetGalley*

The niece of Sherlock Holmes, Evelina Cooper, has found herself enveloped in a murder mystery that needs to be solved. The timing is very inconvenient as she is about to have her first season and she has the attention of a handsome rake and an old friend who has held her heart before.  When the murder leads her in the directions of her friend’s family and the powerful steam baron she must put her secret weapon to use to find the clues before time runs out.

If the pacing hadn’t been so slow this novel would have gotten 5 stars. With the length and subject matter there needed to be some more action to keep the pages turning quickly.  The plot was great and there were lots of little twists to keep the mystery unpredictable. Nothing seemed to be cluttered or suffocating.  The characters were written very well and it was easy to become invested in them. I will recommend this one and I look forward to the next installment.

 

Control

Control

Lydia Kang      

ISBN: 9780803739048

December 2013

5 Stars

*I received an uncorrected galley from Penguin first to read*

The year 2150 is bad for Zel and Dyl after an accident takes the life of their father.  Before the sisters can even adjust to their loss Dyl is kidnapped by strangers with strange weapons making Zel unable to put up much of a fight. As soon as the incident is over Zel finds herself living amongst teens with strange abilities that should not even exist. Those new friends will end up being just what she needs in dealing with all that’s happened and with the possibility of rescuing her sister.

First of all this plot is unique (at least in my reading experience). It also crosses genre boundaries very well. There is a little bit of something for everyone.  These characters are very engaging and their relationships have a family dynamic that is relatable.  The protagonist, Zel, is a strong lead even though her character is wrought with the normal teenage self-worth doubts.  I found this to be a fun read and among the best young adult books I have read this year.   I have already recommended this novel and will continue to do so.