Reading right now:

            “Prudence” by Gail Carriger. You may wonder why I’m including a steampunk novel in my mystery blot, but since these books appeal to me I think that many of you may find them as fun to read as I do. “Prudence” is the first in a new series called the Custard Protocol series. While this book is a fantasy, it has many elements of mystery and suspense and could also appeal as a spy novel. Prudence is a rare creature who can steal the shape of vampires, werewolves, and other shapeshifters for a brief time. As an English representative, she travels to India in her dirigible to negotiate the importation of a new type of tea. Along the way, she uncovers a kidnapping, new types of shapeshifters, and stops a war. Carriger also wrote the very enjoyable Parasol Protectorate series. Carriger books feature strong, independent women with an interest in science. 

On hold right now:

            “Eighth Grave After Dark” by Darynda Jones. Coming out in May, this is the eighth book in the Charley Davidson series. This sexy paranormal series features PI and Grim Reaper Charley Davidson who now has to worry about solving the murder of a nun, twelve hellhounds who are out to destroy her, and why her demon husband is acting more strangely than ever. This action packed series is both funny and hot.

Other Mysterious Things:

There are a growing number of paranormal mysteries available. They include everything from ghosts, to zombies, werewolves, vampires, fairies, and much more. Jim Butcher’s 15 books in the Dresden Files series set the standard for the paranormal private investigator starting with “Storm Front” in 2000. His is a great series. Andrew Klavan’s new book “Werewolf Cop” is the first in the Zach Adams series about a cop who is turned into a beast, but continues to try to fight bad guys including the evil within him. Nicholas Kaufmann’s Dying is my Business series includes two books so far and are about a man who can’t be killed who is trying to fight evil. Children’s author Stefan Petrucha has written two adult books featuring recently dead Hessius Mann who is now working as a private investigator. Kevin J. Anderson’s zombie private investigator books gives the phrase cold case a new meaning. Carrie Patel’s new Buried Life series starts off when Inspector Liesl Malone investigates the murder of a renowned historian in the underground city of Recoletta.

 

Victoria Laurie’s books are cozies with a paranormal edge. She has two adult series right now: the Psychic eye series and the Ghost Hunter series. Both are well worth reading. The Psychic Eye series started with “Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye” and the 13^th book comes out in July. The Ghost Hunter series now has nine books available. Madelyn Alt is the author of the Bewitching mystery series where witches try to help solve mysteries. Dawn Eastman’s psychic ex-cop series adds a third book in April. This isn’t the first time I’ve mentioned paranormal mysteries and it won’t be the last! I find that once in a while a ghost, zombie, or werewolf adds some spice to the mystery genre.