Harley Jane Kozak - Dating Dead Men (2004)
Now we come to a more lighthearted book, something most of us can use from time to time. This one is somewhat curious, as the author is Harley Jane Kozak, a successful Hollywood actress who appeared in such films as "Parenthood" and "Arachnophobia."
It's hard not to come to a book written by a celebrity without wincing at the probability that is dreadful. Never fear -- Kozak has done a bang-up job.
Her debut novel, Dating Dead Men, is about a greeting card designer with a schizophrenic brother, a convoluted scheme to date 40 different guys in a month, and a pair of Swedish hit men on her trail.
All Wollie Shellie wants to do is settle down and run her card store, but things keep getting in the way. Notable among them is the mysterious Gomez Gomez, who has a mute daughter and an inquisitive ferret, all three of whom might just hold the keys to her heart.
In the fine tradition of Janet Evanovich and Stephanie Plum, Kozak and her creation pack a welcome laugh into a first-rate mystery plot. Brava!
Posted by David J. Montgomery in Book Reviews | Permalink
