In this espionage-school series' third installment, Sidheag receives bad news about her werewolf pack and sneaks away from the Finishing Academy's dirigible for home. Sophronia and Dimity follow; once reunited, they commandeer a train to get to Sidheag's pack--and uncover a plot to hijack England's ubiquitous mechanical servants. The well-wrought steampunk/supernatural setting provides a vibrant backdrop to fast-paced adventures and witty banter.

Gr 6 Up-Sophronia Temminick and her friends once again face adventure and mystery in Carriger's Victorian steampunk, fantasy mash-up. Sophronia is going home for a ball in honor of her brother's wedding. Her biggest concern should be practicing her etiquette and the use of her fan as a weapon. Instead, she's worried about her friend Sidheagh, whose family of werewolves are facing exile or perhaps worse. Sidheagh is determined to return home to help her family and Sophronia is just as determined to help her. Soon she and her friends, including Dimity, Soap, and Lord Felix Mersey, are on their way via hot air balloon and train. Along the way they discover a Pickleman plot and the protagonist finds herself torn between friendship and possible love. Carriger's trademark wit and humor are ever-present, and this outing in the "Finishing School" series (Little, Brown) finishes on a more emotional note as the heroine discovers where her heart lies. Jane Jorgenson, Madison P.L., WI