I first read Revenge Gifts when it was originally published in paperback in 2005 and enjoyed it very much. I was quite disappointed to discover that there was no sequel, since it so obviously cried out for one. Imagine my pleased surprise to find it reissued in ebook format and with not just one, but two sequels and another on the way.

Cindy Cruciger has created a fascinating character in Tara Cole. She tends bar in a beachside dive in the Florida Keys and runs an online mail order business out of her bungalow. Her business is revenge. She sells lace pillows filled with cat hair for the allergic, boxer shorts that set off metal detectors and chocolates for those trying to count their calories. All for people trying to creatively exact revenge. Tara can also see ghosts. Somehow she ends up embroiled in some nasty events involving a voodoo curse. There is also an attractive man named Howard who says he wants to go into business with her, and possibly more.

Tara is dark, angry and sarcastic. Her various friends and acquaintances are funny and interesting. The author uses in the setting of the Keys very effectively (the sequels take place in part in Puerto Rico and Haiti also to great effect). Tara is a gifted computer programmer so there is also some funny geek humour.

I would recommend this book to fans of paranormal romance and urban fantasy with a dark and funny edge. ( )

Posted bloggers' personal info (real names, family members, job info) online in retaliation for a news post about a bankrupt publisher.

Not hard to imagine what she'd do in response to a bad review.

Fuck that noise.