"How can you trust a person who has eyebrows as thick and black as hairbrushes and smells of boiled cabbage and pickled onions?  Besides, I'm beginning to suspect he's up to something.  What's worse, I think he suspects I'm up to something.  Which I usually am."

Theodosia Throckmorton lives an unusual life: her father is the head curator of the Museum of Legends and Antiquities in London, her mother conducts archaeological digs in Egypt.  But only Theo can literally *see* the ancient curses and black magic clinging to the artifacts in the museum.  What's more, she's done research to learn nearly-forgotten magic to remove the curses and protect her family from the sinister forces lurking around every corner.  When Theo's (clueless) mother returns with the Heart of Egypt -- a legendary amulet belonging to an ancient tomb -- our plucky and intrepid heroine must brave thugs in the street, form alliances with strangers, and learn that no one can be trusted, in order to save the world from the Serpents of Chaos!

The first in a series (I hope!) set in Edwardian England, Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos, is part Indiana Jones, part Nancy Drew, with a smidge of From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler thrown into the mix.  Written by Santa Barbara author and fabulous human R.L. LaFevers, this fast-paced and creative adventure is illustrated in dark and moody acrylics by Yoko Tanaka.  A perfect blend of mystery, magic, and museums for anyone who likes a good story, but especially for girls (of all ages) who long for adventure and are too smart for their own good.  This would also make a fun read-aloud for families or classes studying ancient Egypt.