Thursday, October 12, 2017

Thugs and Kisses by Sue Ann Jaffarian


First Line: "Why am I not surprised?"

Paralegal Odelia Grey doesn't know which way to jump. Not only was the class bully murdered at her thirtieth high school reunion, her boss has also gone missing. Fortunately, someone else makes the decision for her as to which case to concentrate on. Now if they could only "decide away" the tangled connections, buyer's remorse, and contract killers that she discovers. Oh well, at least this helps Odelia keep her mind off her foundering relationship with Greg.

If you like fun, suspenseful mysteries with realistic, well-drawn characters, and a wonderful sense of humor, I bid you welcome to the world of Odelia Grey. This paralegal does not fit the Los Angeles area's size 0 body criteria, but she more than makes up for it with her warm heart, her sense of humor, and her sharp detecting skills. 

Odelia's relationship with Greg has hit a snag. He's called an end to it because he doesn't like the way her amateur investigations put her in danger. But if she had her way, she wouldn't lift a finger to help police find Donny Oliver's killer; the class bully was beyond cruel. Moreover, if her law firm wasn't paying her to find her annoying boss, Michael Steele, she wouldn't bother with him either-- she's enjoying the peace and quiet.

Thugs and Kisses contains a good, solid mystery with plenty of tension at the end. It also reveals what happened to Odelia at her high school senior prom, and it's guaranteed to make anyone shrivel up in sympathy. Jaffarian skillfully combines a wide range of emotions with her tight plotting and nuanced characterizations to make a series that's so much fun to read. Odelia walks roughshod over clichés and worn-out expectations and right into your kitchen to share a chat over a cup of coffee. I've come to rely on my fictional best friend Odelia to deliver a dose of smarts, heart, and humor.
   

Thugs and Kisses by Sue Ann Jaffarian
ISBN: 9780738710891
Midnight Ink © 2008
Paperback, 336 pages

Cozy Mystery, #3 Odelia Grey mystery
Rating: B+
Source: Paperback Swap


4 comments:

  1. Oh, this does sound fun, Cathy. I like wit, and the context sounds really interesting. GLad you enjoyed it.

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    1. Jaffarian is a talented writer, and I enjoy following along in her life via her Facebook page as well.

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  2. This isn't a legal mystery, right? It sounds like fun.

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    1. Although her job as a paralegal does come into play in the series occasionally, Thugs and Kisses is not a legal mystery.

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