A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark

A Master of Djinn (Dead Djinn Universe) by P. Djèlí Clark, 396 p.

Cairo, 1912: Though Fatma el-Sha’arawi is the youngest woman working for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities, she’s certainly not a rookie, especially after preventing the destruction of the universe last summer.

So when someone murders a secret brotherhood dedicated to one of the most famous men in history, al-Jahiz, Agent Fatma is called onto the case. Al-Jahiz transformed the world 50 years ago when he opened up the veil between the magical and mundane realms, before vanishing into the unknown. This murderer claims to be al-Jahiz, returned to condemn the modern age for its social oppressions. His dangerous magical abilities instigate unrest in the streets of Cairo that threaten to spill over onto the global stage.

Alongside her Ministry colleagues and her clever girlfriend Siti, Agent Fatma must unravel the mystery behind this imposter to restore peace to the city - or face the possibility he could be exactly who he seems...."--Goodreads blurb 

Arabic women police investigators in a magical world of djinn, ghouls, and other unpleasant creatures? Yes, please! I really loved the main character, Fatma's, sense of gender-bending fashion. Her relationship and the twists and turns within it with her new (and forced upon) partner, Siti was a great storyline. The big reveal was a little bit of a "whomp whomp" for me, because I had it figured out already, but overall, this was a great read. I hope the author continues on within this world and maybe even with these characters. 

A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones

 A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones, 400 pages

Sunshine Vicram has been elected Sheriff of Del Sol New Mexico thanks to her parents who nominated her and got her name on the ballot.  Her first case is a missing teen - a far bigger crime than she ever thought she would face.

Pros and Cons: A Short Story by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg

Pros and Cons: A Short Story by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg, 35 pages

This was an extremely short story only available for ereaders.  Pros and Cons is a teaser for the new Janet Evanovich book, the Heist.  It introduces us to her new characters, Kate and Nick.  If you like the Stephanie Plum books, you will probably love this short story.  Except in this book, Nick is the bad guy, and Kate is a FBI agent chasing him down.  I enjoyed this short story so much that I may go out and buy the Heist.

Spare Change-A Sunny Randall Novel by Robert B. Parker

Spare Change-A Sunny Randall Novel by Robert B. Parker 291 pages

Phil Randall investigates a serial killer in Boston. As suddenly as the killings begin, they stop. Until 20 years later. Is it the original killer or a copy cat? The police recall Phil Randall from retirement, and Phil Randall enlists his daughter, Sunny Randall, to help. In the first set of killings, the killer sends boastful letters to Phil Randall. This time the letters are sent to Sunny Randall. Can Sunny Randall and her retired father find the killer? Or will Sunny Randall be the next victim? (This is the last Sunny Randal novel before the Author’s death)

Blue Screen-A Sunny Randall Novel by Robert B. Parker

Blue Screen-A Sunny Randall Novel by Robert B. Parker 306 pages

Sunny Randall is hired to protect an up and coming movie star named Erin Flint. But the movie star’s sister, Misty, is killed. Was it mistaken identity? The death is in Jesse Stone’s jurisdiction, so Sunny Randall and Jesse Stone work very closely to solve this crime. Who did it? Was it: the pimp? The loan shark? The billionaire producer?

V is for Vengeance by Sue Grafton

V is for Vengeance by Sue Grafton - 437 pages

Intrepid detective Kinsey Milhone observes a crime in progress becomes enmeshed in a web of lies that extends across state lines and across many years.  Kinsey's world that Grafton fleshed out way back in A is for Alibi is as vibrant as ever with her neighbor Henry and the cast of characters at Rosie's Bar.  It takes a while for the different strings of the story to come together but the end payoff is worth it.  I do find it a little difficult to take off my modern blinders and remember that these books are set in the 1980s.  I catch myself thinking, "just use your cellphone"  or "just google it."  However, I do enjoy Kinsey's appreciation for libraries as a great source of information!