If you thought those two names looked familiar you're right. In THE CLOCKWORK SCARAB, the first book in her Stoker and Holmes series, Colleen Gleason introduces the reader to Evaline Stoker, sister to Bram and Mina Holmes, niece to Sherlock. Stoker is also the grand-niece of Victoria Gardella from Gleason's Gardella Vampires series, but it's not necessary to have read those books to enjoy this historical romp in Victorian London.

Evaline and Mina first meet when they are called to the British Museum late at night to help solve the mystery of two missing society girls who have turned up dead. Tasked to work together, Evaline and Mina butt heads. Evaline, a vampire hunter comfortable in society, and Mina, the logical-minded girl who is hesitant in social situations don't at first appreciate each other's talents. And then there are the three potential love interests, a cop, a thief with a good heart and a man from more than 100 years in the future.

The only clue the two have is an Egyptian clockwork scarab found at the crime scenes. What does it mean? Where did it come from? These are just two of the questions for which Evaline and Mina must find answers using their brawn and brains respectively. The adventure takes them from London's ballrooms to its notorious stews, and there is a plentiful cast of supporting characters to keep things interesting.

Gleason knows Victorian London well and brings this version where electricity is illegal to life. This London has different levels to its sidewalks and one must pay to use the upper levels where the nicer vendors ply their trades. Mina has a steam-powered gun, and the girls use clockwork trinkets as ornaments to their finery. My one complaint is that I'd like more depth to both Evaline and Mina, but I'm thinking that will come in future installments. Gleason does a nice job transitioning from "adult" fiction to the young adult arena.

Gleason excels at plot as well with twists and turns aplenty and incorporates humor for nice balance. If you like young adult steam punk, you'll devour this one.

Book Summary

Evaline Stoker and Mina Holmes never meant to get into the family business.

But when you're the sister of Bram and the niece of Sherlock, vampire hunting and mystery solving are in your blood. And when two society girls go missing, there's no one more qualified to investigate.

Now fierce Evaline and logical Mina must resolve their rivalry, navigate the advances of not just one but three mysterious gentlemen, and solve murder with only one clue: a strange Egyptian scarab. The stakes are high.

If Stoker and Holmes don't unravel why the belles of London society are in such danger, they'll become the next victims.