Mysteries and More

Here's the scoop on the new YA books that just hit my desk:

The Angel of Death and The Christopher Killer, both by Alane Ferguson
These are forensic mysteries. The main character is the 17 year-old daughter of a coroner, who works as an assistant in her father's office. I haven't read either of these yet, but according to reviews they are excellent, but very realistic in their descriptions of autopsies and other forensic stuff, and not for the squeamish.

The Murder of Bindy Mackenzie by Jaclyn Moriarty
Bindy Mackenzie believes herself to be the smartest, kindest girl at Ashbury High. Unfortunately, she is alone in that belief. To prove her likability, Bindy decides to document her life in transcripts, essays, and e-mails. What this reveals is a girl who's funny, passionate, hilariously self-righteous...and in danger. Someone wants to kill Bindy Mackenzie. The clues are in the documents. The detectives are the very students who hate her most. And time is running out.

Terrier by Tamora Pierce
Another series set in Tortall, but 200 years before the Song of the Lioness series. This one features Beka Cooper, a rookie law enforcement officer who can communicate with the dead, and uncovers an underworld conspiracy.

The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin
Don't expect Werlin's usual mystery, but do plan on a suspenseful book about 18-year-old Matthew's attempt to rescue himself and his younger siblings from their unstable, abusive mother.

Man vs. Beast by Robert Muchamore
The latest installment of the popular Cherub series has James and the other Cherub agents (a secret branch of British Intelligence made up of teenagers) going up against a radical animal rights group.

Lord Loss by Darren Shan
The first installment in the horror series, The Demonata, has gruesome murders, werewolf lore, family curses and plenty of gore.