Dating Dead Men by Harley Jane Kozak
Broadway, 2005
Crime Fiction; 352 pgs
After hearing Harley Jane Kozak speak during a panel discussion at the L.A. Times Festival of Books one year, I had to try out her series. A greeting card artist and shop manager, Wollie, isn't the type of person you'd expect to get mixed up in trouble. At least not the kind that puts her life at risk. In an effort to make some extra cash, Wollie has signed up for a research project put on by a radio talk show host who is writing a book. She must date 40 men in 60 days. Doesn't sound so bad except for the fact that she came into the project late and is now rushing to fit in as many dates as she can in a short amount of time. Wollie is also under close scrutiny by the company who she works for as they determine whether she is franchise material or not. But that's just background information.
The trouble comes when Wollie receives a call from her brother about a murder at the mental hospital where he is a patient, discovers a dead body on the road, is taken hostage by a rather good looking and charming man, and becomes a target of the mafia. Yes, this book requires a bit of suspension of that ol' disbelief, but it's actually quite fun and comical.
Wollie is a great character--she doesn't always make the smartest choices, but she certainly is no slouch. There were only a couple of eye rolling moments; and as much as I could see the appeal of her main love interest, he was a bit too perfect. But you know what? That's okay. This book hit the spot and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Now to get my hands on the second book in the series . . .
You can learn more about Harley Jane Kozak and her books on the author's website and the blog The Lipstick Chronicles in which she contributes.
Source: I purchased a copy of the book many moons ago.
© 2011, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
This sounds fun! Like a Stephanie Plum novel or the Burglar series. Looking forward to hearing more about these books!
ReplyDeleteI would be attracted to this book by the cover alone. I'm glad to see it's so good.
ReplyDeleteOh this does look like a great book to get all wrapped up in! I don't mind suspending my disbelief as long as things aren't too ridiculous. It sounds like you really enjoyed this one, and that makes me think I will too. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like just the kind of fun book I like. I'm definitely checking for it when I go to the library today!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun read!
ReplyDeleteWhen a book hits the spot we will always make allowances for a few silly things. Sounds like a fun premise and a promising start!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun book!
ReplyDeleteI love a spunky character and Wollie sounds like one I'll have to get to know!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your well-written review!
Hmm..I hadn't heard of this author or this series but I really do think that I want to give it a try. Thanks for sharing about it!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a lot of fun! I'm off to add it to my wish list.
ReplyDeleteAlso want to mention I enjoyed the introduction/getting to know you posts! How fun! I love learning little tidbits about the bloggers who I've come to "know" and like. I might steal your idea for my blogoversary that's coming up soon.
Well if you are looking for the sequel it must be good!
ReplyDeleteThats a new one to me but looks like it could be good!
ReplyDeleteDate 40 men in 60 days? What a challenge (but something I'd love to put myself in - haha!). If I see this book, I might read it.
ReplyDeleteLove the review. Dating 40 men in 60 days? I think I should really read this crime fiction.
ReplyDelete