Finger Lickin' Fifteen

Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich

Stephanie Plum is at it again. I've been reading these books for years (years!) and while they aren't high-lit, they're very entertaining. I'm a little behind as it's up to 18 now. If you're looking for something fun to read and laugh a little, go back to the beginning and read One For the Money.

Soulless

Soulless by Gail Carriger

Soulless is a Victorian-era story of werewolves, vampires, ghosts, and a preternatural named Alexia Tarabotti. I love Alexia, she's stubborn and opinionated.

Here's the first part of the books description: "Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette" (source).

4 out of 5 stars

Fallen

Fallen by Lauren Kate

There's something strange about Sword and Cross reform school. When Luce arrives after her boyfriend dies in a mysterious fire she feels out of place. She's new and everybody seems to know each other so of course she doesn't fit in.

I had a feeling early on that there was something unusual about the school. Luce sees Daniel and feels inexplicably drawn to him. He is rude and dismissive but she can't stay away. At one point she asks him if they know each other from someplace else. Cam is gorgeous and uber nice, but she can't stop thinking about Daniel. Daniel and Cam seem to hate each other. Strange love triangle.

Then the shadows arrive. Luce has seen them most of her life and they always leave her with a sense of foreboding. She has strange and vivid dreams. The "strange" begins to spill over into her waking life. I began to wonder if the people around her know what's happening, or if maybe she was a little crazy.

Usually when reading the first book in a series I grant a little leeway to the story, knowing that there will be more to come. I really love the concept of this one. I am hoping that the plot tightens up a bit and we don't spend quite so much time in Luce's head filled with self-doubt.

Torment is book two, out now. Passion comes out this summer. I am certainly checking them out.

Thereby Hangs a Tail

Thereby Hangs a Tail by Spencer Quinn

This is book two in a series. I read Dog On It last year and there's a third title that follows this one; To Fetch a Thief (which I haven't read yet). The stories follow the private detective partnership of Chet and Bernie and are told from Chet's perspective. Chet is a dog. So see? Great premise.

I love dogs. I love detective stories. There's something about these that just don't quite do it. I enjoy thinking about the world from a dog's-eye-view and the first book was great fun. I found myself struggling to get through the second one. Maybe it was just the story, about an abducted show dog named Princess. I found it a little tedious.

The third one is in my to-be-read pile, and I'm sure I'll read it. I hope I enjoy it as much as the first one, I hope I hope. Because, if it doesn't measure up I'm afraid I'll have to stop with the series. Life is too short and there are way too many really good books out in the world ...

Have you read these? Do you feel the same?

Curse of the Spellmans

Curse of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz

If you havent read The Spellman Files go. Go read it now. I'll wait. Done? Great. Now read Curse of the Spellmans.

Izzy Spellman is a ridiculous mess. And her family isn't any better. Actually, the women in this family are all hilarious. Izzy, her younger sister Rae and their mom Olivia are all crazy. But in a lovable way. The men (brother David and father Albert) tolerate them, sometimes barely. From compulsive surveillance, going on "disappearances," and good 'ole BandE, the stories themselves aren't so full of mystery that you're on the edge of your seat. What makes these stories such good reads are the characters and the dialogue. They're page-turners. I actually laugh out loud.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

Have you read the Spellmans? I can't wait to read book three!