There's nothing more I like than relaxing with a good book, and during Fall I tend to lean towards more of the mystery/Sherlockian genre. Below are some of my favorite books I've read that fit this type which would be perfect during this season.
The Clockwork Scarab: A Stocker and Holmes Novel by Colleen Gleason
Review: 4/5; this book is a great weekend read. It's the first book in a series so while there isn't a lot of character development, the plot is fast paced and definitely worth a read.
Summary: When Evaline Stoker, the sister of Dracula author Bram Stoker, and Mina Holmes, the niece of famous detective Sherlock Holmes, meet and begin to investigate the disappearance of two society girls, their reputations aren't the only thing at stake. They have to put away their rivalry and the advances of gentlemen in order to solve a murder, with the only clue being a Egyptian scarab. Set in an alternate reality where 1800s London has turned steampunk, this story is a great example of Victorian futurism.
Review: 4.3/5; this book takes the classic characters John Watson and Sherlock Holmes and forms them into a modern, coming of age story. Saying this, there is also a great plot that keeps you guessing until the very end.
Summary: Charlotte Holmes is the descendent of famous investigator Sherlock Holmes and Jamie Watson, the descendent of John Watson, has always been intrigued with her, but when they end up in the same boarding school Charlotte's not interested into getting nay new friends. But when a student's death comes straight out Sherlock Holmes stories, they are forced together in order to solve the case... and each other.
A Madness So Discreet by Mindy McGinnis
Review: 4.5/5; this is such a great read for anyone who is interested in mental illness and the impact it can have on a person. This story, while having hints of romance, focuses entirely how the mind, not beauty, is the greatest weapon a woman can have.
Summary: This historical thriller is about Grace Mae, a girl who has nothing but the bulge in her belly and the silence in her mind to keep her company in an insane asylum. When a visiting doctor recognizes Grace's talent for observation, he helps her escape in the night so that in return she will help him solve crime. But as Grace begins to find hope, one case will threaten to unhinge her hidden rage.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Review: 5/5; this is my favorite book to read in Fall. While it's not a mystery, this book has a plethora of amazing characters and world development. Every page will keep you guessing and wanting to know more. Not only is it a definite read for Fall, but a necessity for any aspiring bookworm.
Summary: A convict, sharpshooter, runaway, spy, Heartrender, and thief band together to pull off a heist of a lifetime, but they'll have to overcome many obstacles before getting their money, if they don't kill each other in the process.
Storm Front (Dresden Files) by Jim Butcher
Review: 4.7/5; I always describe this story as if Harry Potter and Sherlock Holmes made a crossover and was placed in Chicago. Not only does it have all forms of supernatural beings (wizards, vampires, werewolves, fey, etc.) but also a mystery case that even the best plot guessers won't be able to predict. **Note: all other books have been securely in the Young Adult genre, this book is Sci-Fi and is not for you average 14/15 year old.**
Summary: When Harry Dresden, a professional wizard, is invited to consult on a double murder investigation, he doesn't realize that this case will soon bring him to heads with the Chicago mob and a mysterious figure known as the Shadowman, drawing him into a circle of black magic and danger. Harry will have to risk execution in order to track down the Shadowman before it takes another victim.
