Reviewed By Liz

ISBN 0-451-41227-3

I like Bubbles Yablonsky. Bubbles is the main character in a series by Strohmeyer that doesn’t take itself too seriously and is a lot of fun. Bubbles is a former hair stylist who worked hard to graduate to reporter for the local newspaper. She juggled single motherhood, a full-time job, and night school at Two Guys Community College (where she took an amazing assortment of classes) to achieve her goal and we admire her determination.

And we laugh at her, too. Bubbles is an unusual combination of knowledge (and lack thereof) that Strohmeyer plays for laughs. For example, Bubbles’ New Year’s Resolution in this book is to be able to recognize rhetorical questions when she hears them. But Bubbles knows all about hair, makeup, and how to put together a leopard print outfit for maximum effect.

Bubbles also has a great supporting cast. Her mother and the heavily armed Genevieve, her smart daughter Jane, the mysterious and handsome Stiletto, her best friend Sandy, and her ex-husband Dan are well described and have active roles in the stories. Throw in the staff from the newspaper, the ladies from the salon, and Jane’s on-again, off-again boyfriend named “G,” and you have a whole wacky community to support Bubbles and her sometimes outlandish adventures.

I tend to think of the Bubbles books as more of a romp than a mystery, so I don’t worry too much about actually solving the mystery – I am along for the ride. But Bubbles does do a lot of research for her stories and investigating when there is a crime committed, so these books aren’t light on activity.

Favorite character? Genevieve is always a favorite of mine. Did I guess it? Parts. Will I read another? Absolutely. I have read all the Bubbles books and look forward to the next adventure.

Mystery Book Reviews by Liz at http://reviewedbyliz.com ©2007

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