Jane Kelly is lamenting her lack of focus about a career (she is serving eviction notices for a private investigator's customers) when she asked by an attorney to work for the ex-wife of one of Lake Chinook, Oregon's most wealthy residents, Cotton Reynolds. The ex is the mother of a man who is wanted in the murders of his wife and children and she is convinced that Cotton is hiding their son. She says she has heard that Cotton is ill and is afraid that he will die without letting her see her son. She wants Jane, who has an in with Cotton, to try to get some information from him. Well, that is what she says anyway. Jane soon finds herself in the midst of a mystery that is far deeper than she ever expected.

I enjoyed this book. I admit it took a bit of getting into, but once it hit it's stride I was sold. I really like Jane Kelly, she is witty and has the instincts of a bulldog. She is driven to solve the mystery and find the answers to all the questions that get raised. I liked the supporting cast as well. I really like Binks, the pug she inherits. I think the mystery was very well crafted and kept me wondering. I only had the answer (for sure) only about a page before she did the reveal. I will definitely read the second in the series. ( )

Solid mystery with a likable heroine. The cover blurb compares her
to Stephanie Plum, but I wouldn't go that far. There's a levity that
surrounds Stephanie Plum and her world regardless of the body count.
In Jane Kelly's world, things are a bit more real (and sometimes ugly
too). That's not to say there isn't humor, there definitely is, but
its tempered by reality.
I enjoyed this book, but I would have preferred a slightly more
developed romance. Oh well.
And I do have to mention the cover. Did the illustrator even read the
book? Who is the leggy redhead in the slinky red dress supposed to
be? And the gun garter? Jane doesn't look or dress anything like
that and she never once touches a gun. ( )

I love this series! If you are looking for a Stephanie Plum read-a-like, this series is for you. This first book didn't seem to flow well at first, but towards the middle, it finds its rhythm. The books all have witty dialogue, sexual tension, and hilarious (and very realistic!) descriptions of Binky-the-pug! ( )

A fun, easy, quick read from an Oregon author. Jane is pretty easy to keep up with and her dog is a bundle of fun. ( )