The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches by Alan Bradley

SYNOPSIS:  Flavia has just had a shock.  Her mother has been found.  In so many ways, this news changes everything around her.  However, she will not rest until she solves all the mysteries surrounding this new development.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I don't think it is a mystery that I am a huge Flavia de Luce fan.  (Pun not intended.)  The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is one of my all-time favorite books.  However, I did feel a bit let down with this latest installment of the series.  I loved the Sherlock Holmes mysteriousness of the previous books.  This book was more in the direction of The 39 Clues.  There was also more grotesque violence in this book than in its predecessors.  That being said, however, I thought it was very well written, and I still enjoyed it quite a lot.

AUDIENCE:  Adults and Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Violence

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Agency, Cahills vs. Vespers

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

SYNOPSIS:  When Colton's appendix burst, he spends several days on the brink of death.  However, more than just his recovery proves to be miraculous, when he begins telling stories of his stay in Heaven.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This book was an interesting and heart-wrenching read.  It was quite short, and as a parent, I was caught up in the author's painful story of his son's illness.  Regardless of personal beliefs, I think the son's account of the afterlife was quite interesting.

RATING:  PG for Adult Topics

AUDIENCE:  Adults

STARS:  2

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Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter

SYNOPSIS:  Cammie feels like there is a target on her back, after she finds out the truth about a series of attacks.  However, when her favorite teacher is accused of being an enemy, she feels she must find out the truth, even if it means throwing herself into danger.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Each of the books in this series is a bit more mature than the last, and this book fit the pattern.  However, even with more betrayal and consequences, the book still keeps questionable content to a minimum.  Although it does have some violence and very mild sexual references, I think it would be a fun adventure for teens.

AUDIENCE:  Teens

RATING:  PG with some Violence

STARS:  2 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Evil Genius, Airhead

Genius Wars by Catherine Jinks

SYNOPSIS:  Cadel's life is finally normal.  Prosper is still on the run, but Cadel has been keeping himself away from the investigation.  He feels he has an unspoken agreement with Prosper to stay out of each others' business.  When Sonja is severely injured, however, Cadel realizes it's still not over.  As those he loves become the targets of attacks, he decides to find Prosper himself.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I like this series, because it has adventure and mystery, and is intelligently-written.  However, it does have some violence, as well as quite a bit of language and crude jokes.  I would recommend it for mature readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Language and Violence

STARS:  2

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Die for Me Series by Amy Plum

SYNOPSIS:  Kate is still reeling from her parent's tragic accident when she moves to Paris to live with her grandparents.  When she meets Vincent, she feels like she has found something to live for.  However, when she discovers that he is not quite human, her world is turned upside-down once again.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Reading this book felt a little like reading an amateur version of Twilight.  I'm getting kind of bored with remakes.  However, for die-hard fans, it may be a good enough imitation to pass muster.  As far as content goes, there were some brief scenes of sensuality, albeit mild, in the first book, and some strong sensuality and sexual references in the second.  There was also quite a bit of graphic violence.  I would reserve it only for mature readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adult

RATING:  PG13 for Mild Sensuality and Strong Violence

STARS:  1 1/2

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