Newt's Emerald, by Garth Nix

Known as a master of compelling YA fantasy, a regency romance from Garth Nix seems an extraordinary departure. The style owes everything to Georgette Heyer, the queen of regency romance, and at first it does sit a little awkwardly. But Nix soon finds his own rhythm and seamlessly blends his world of magical powers and enchanted jewels into the early 19th century. And if we can have Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, then why the hell not? A fast-paced blend of mystery crime thriller, fantasy and historical romance, it is reminiscent of Phillip Pullman’s Victorian era novels, featuring accountant Sally Lockhart. Although Newt’s Emerald is lighter in tone, like Pullman Nix writes women well and his heroine, the improbably named Lady Truthful, is intrepid and endearing. The novel lends itself to a sequel and would make a fun film., so hopefully there is more to come.