A Girl in Time, by John Birmingham

Thoroughly modern gamer-girl Cady finds an unlikely partnership with 19th century cowboy Smith when the two are accidentally lost in time. They are pursued by the murderous Apprentices, who are trying to correct the time anomalies caused by the pair jumping all over the past and possible futures. Can Cady’s brains and Smith’s brawn keep them out of trouble long enough for them to figure out how to return to their rightful times? And how much damage will they inflict in the meantime? This rollicking adventure tale is told with Birmingham’s customary attention to detail, with appealing and relatable characters. The pace is swift enough to quickly bypass the occasional dialogue clunk and plot jar, leaving the reader wanting more. Fortunately a sequel is in the works.