Spying in High Heels

From the book blurb

L.A. shoe designer, Maddie Springer, lives her life by three rules: Fashion. Fashion. Fashion. But when she stumbles upon the work of a brutal killer, her life takes an unexpected turn from Manolos to murder. And things only get worse when her boyfriend disappears - along with $20 million in embezzled funds - and her every move is suddenly under scrutiny by the LAPD's sexiest cop. With the help of her post-menopausal bridezilla of a mother, a 300 pound psychic and one seriously oversexed best friend, Maddie finds herself stepping out of her stilettos and onto the trail of a murderer. But can she catch a killer before the killer catches up to her.

Author

Gemma had a hard time figuring out what she wanted to be when she grew up. She worked as a film and television actress, a teddy bear importer, a department store administrator, a preschool teacher, a temporary tattoo artist, and a 900 number psychic, before finally selling her first book, Spying in High Heels, in 2005 and deciding to be a writer.

Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader's Choice award and three RITA nominations. Her books have hit both the USA Today and the New York Times Bestseller lists.

Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.

Characters

Madison Louise Springer aka Maddie is a kid’s shoes designer. She is doubtful if she is pregnant when her boyfriend goes missing. She is funny, confused and crazy. She is a year away from thirty. Yet she is like any other giggly teenage girl. She is impulsive and scared. She is interesting and a real fun!

Ramirez is a cop. He is a keen observer with a soft heart. He has a big family and he believes in charity. For him, work comes first.

Dana, Maddie’s one and only girlfriend is hot. She is an aerobics trainer and a struggling actor. She is crazy and practical. She is bold and beautiful, if I may say so!

Richard, is confused and insecure. He is a good liar and very selfish. He is timid and has a wavering mind.

Then there are many-many characters in the form of Maddie’s mom, her step dad, Ralph. Her mother’s friend Mrs R. Then there are Jasmine and Althea. Oh! So many more…

What I think

The book title is interesting and it rightly conveys what is in store. The cover-page is simple and unique enough to attract readers.

The narrative is lucid and never once bores the reader. The editing is crisp and the book itself is about 240pages. So it is well tailored.

Each character is different and that adds to the charm of the book.  The flow is impeccable and keeps the reader glued to the book. I completed this one day!

I enjoyed the events related with Maddie’s mom’s pre-wedding preps and the wedding itself. Then, the budding attraction and romance between Maddie and Ramirez. (Oops! Was that a spoiler?)

This is the first one in the High heels series and this is a best start!

But...

Most of the times, the book sounds more like a chic-lit than an investigation series. It seldom builds the tension and stresses the reader.

It is girly girl. So, if you are looking for some serious thriller, this could be a wrong choice.

Should you read it?

Go for it…

It will keep you glued…

And an assured page-turner!

Rating

3/5

Thank you

JaicoPublications for giving away this book for review

PS: This is my 50^th Book Review post...

Elated!!!