Killer in High Heels by Gemma Halliday

I read Ms. Halliday's previous book, Spying in High Heels, last summer I believe. It was a cute, fun read so I noted the author's name and title of her upcoming book on my list for books to be on the lookout for. Killer in High Heels finally came in to me through the interlibrary loan and I was glad I read it. A B+.

L.A. shoe designer Maddie Springer hasn't seen her father since he reportedly ran off to Las Vegas with a showgirl named Lola. So she's shocked when he leaves a desperate plea for help on her answering machine- ending in a loud bang. Gunshot? Car backfire? Never one to leave her curiosity unsatisified, Maddie strapps on her stilettos and, along with her trigger-happy best friend, makes tracks for Sin City in search of her MIA dad.

Maddie hits the jackpot all right. She finds not only her dad, but also a handful of aging drag queens, an organized crime ring smuggling fake Prada pumps, and one relentless killer. Plus it seems the LAPD's sexiest cop is doing a little Vegas moonlighting of his own. In a town where odds are everything, Maddie bets it all on her ability to out-step a vicious murderer. She just hopes her gamble pays off... before her own luck runs off.

This book was a lot of fun. Maddie is a really likeable character and her friends and family members that also play a role in the story are really interesting. I especially liked Maddie's mother who had me laughing out loud a few times. Maddie and her love interest, Ramierez, have some great chemistry and you really are rootinig for them to make it official, if you know what I mean.

While the ending of the book had a good resolution to the mystery, I think there were some things that were left unsaid. I hope that the author continues the series and answers some of the unresolved questions. I will definitely be looking for a continuation whether at the library or the bookstore.

Just a warning. I know some people are sick of chick lit where the heroine is obssessed with shoes and fashion. While this tends to get on my nerves as well, I knew what I was getting into just from the title. Ms. Halliday does mention a lot about shoes and it does grate a bit, but the fun story definitely outweighs any negative problems with it.

Up next is Back on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber. It's a library book, the last of what I have out. I did not finish Sex on the Beach Book Club and it is already returned. I got through the first chapter and the characters were annoying me, so with one quick look at the TBR bookshelves, I decided life is too short to read something I don't enjoy. It is probably a good book, but I just wasn't in the mood or the writing is off for me. I would be interested to see what others have to say about it. Happy Reading!

RED WINGS ARE UP 4-0!!!! END OF SECOND PERIOD. DIRTY HIT ON TOMAS HOLMSTROM FROM ANAHEIM! THIS IS A GREAT GAME!