The Clockwork Scarab

Gr 8 Up—This book has it all: plot, setting, character development. An alternate, steampunk version of 19th-century London is the setting for this first title of a proposed series. Reluctantly at first, Mina Holmes, the teenage niece of Sherlock Holmes, and Evaline Stoker, the teenage sister of Bram Stoker, combine their sleuthing and hand-to-hand combat talents to find out why society girls are turning up dead. As the pair infiltrates opium dens, pubs, society balls, and seedy criminal lairs, they discover that a secret society based on Egyptology is at the heart of the bad business. As the teens get closer to the truth, they get closer to being counted among those killed. Holmes, highly logical and serious, comes across as aloof, even a bit of a snob. However, readers come to discover that she uses her snobbishness as protection. At heart, she is insecure about her looks and worries about what guys think of her. Stoker, a pretty and vivacious vampire hunter, is brave and strong, but she, too, has her vulnerabilities. Throughout their adventure, they have the help (and admiration) of mysterious, possibly criminal, Pix; intelligent Inspector Grayling; and accidental time-traveler Dylan. Sherlock Holmes and Bram Stoker add familiar excitement with their cameo appearances. All in all, the vivid setting and the finely drawn, compelling heroines make this a fine choice for readers who like their stories with steampunk spice and smart, strong women.—Jennifer Prince, Buncombe County Public Libraries, NC