City of Angels

Author: Sheralyn Pratt

Publisher: Cedar Fort/Bonneville Books

Published: 2010 (originally published in 2003 as Spies, Lies, and a Pair of Ties)

Paperback: 215 pages

ISBN: 978-1-59955-404-4

FTC FYI: I borrowed from the library

“A joyful sob mingled with the happy chatter of birds in the outdoor restuarant. “Yes!” the woman three tables down on my right cried out, just before leaning to drop a kiss on the man kneeling before her.  The proposal and acceptance earned a gentle clap from older couples at surrounding tables.

… And my date was late” (page 1)

Rhea Jensen is my kind of girl.  Spunky, fun, smart, and real smart alec.  City of Angels starts off fast and never lets go.

Rhea is on a case.  Her date is late, so she practices trying to get out a handcuffs with a special device she’s made.  She seats herself in a secluded corner in the restaurant and “tags” her best friend/reporter Kaye.  Rhea is trying to stop a serial date rapist by posing as one of his dates, even down to faking being drugged by a tainted drink.  While pretending to bob her head, she pulls out her cop-style cuffs and hides them under the table.  Date man shows up, thinking she is out of it, and what he gets is the surprise of his life.

Rhea is a private investigator, one of the best.  Her boss Elliott, has another case for her.  A big shot at Jock Stock, Stephan Martel, is suspected of embezzling from his company, but here’s the catch.  The amount of money, isn’t a lot to shake a stick at, 200k.  But enough to land him in jail.  Martel is sure he knows who is it, but once she takes the case, Rhea has her own suspicions.

Of course, I’m paraphrasing.  Lots of things happen. I haven’t mentioned her crazy roommates that drive her nuts, Ben, (who needs a couple paragraphs to explain their relationship) and Kaye.  And oh yeah, LDS missionaries.

What I like most about Sheralyn’s books is the action.  But also, she has a perfect way of adding things that you’ll care about and want for Rhea.  How it’s added in, is great.  Especially the missionaries part.

4 out of 5 stars.  I have also read book 2 in this series, Welcome to Stalk Lake City.  I would give that one 4.5 stars out of five.  There are two more books: City Limits and Kay’sville. Kay’sville was nominated for a 2010 Whitney.  On a personal note, Sheralyn is a great gal, and an awesome author.  I picture her as Rhea as I’m reading.  She is awesome to be around, very spunky, and fun!