Spying in High Heels

Admittedly, I don't read much chick lit. Okay, fine, I'll come clean: I don't read any at all. With that said, if your average "chick lit" is as good as SPYING IN HIGH HEELS, well...I just might be a convert. Honestly, I found this book to be hugely entertaining, filled to overflowing with clever turns of phrases, hilarious characters, a surprisingly cool mystery and, finally, wonderful writing. And that's just it: Gemma Halliday can flat-out write. If ever there is a writer destined for greater success, it is she. I'll be looking out for the next book in this killer new series.

Maddie Springer is a children's shoe designer in L. A. Her boyfriend, Richard Howe, an attorney, has gone missing, along with $20 million in embezzled funds. Maddie can't believe he is involved, but the longer he's missing, the more she wonders.

When Maddie stumbles upon a murder, Jack Ramirez, a sexy cop, works with Maddie to help uncover the embezzlement. She's also aided by her best friend Dana who is a bit sex-crazed. They end up in various hilarious adventures. Can Maddie catch the killer before the killer sets his/her sights on her?

I loved this hilarious romantic chick lit mystery. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. Maddie is such a fun-loving protagonist. I found it hard to put down. I was also laughing out loud many times. My husband kept asking me what was so funny!

I thought the author did a great job of creating characters, setting, and plot. I kept wondering who the killer/embezzler was. I didn't figure it out until right before everything was revealed.

I highly recommend this book.

Wow! What a fabulous first book for this very talented author!! I am so impressed that someone new can leap off the block with a first book and show this much talent! Gemma Halliday has a wonderful future ahead of her. This book is as well written..actually, better written than many experienced authors today. It is a very fun read, great comedy, a totally fresh and energetic character to follow through the dialogue, and so very likable. The who-dun-it was indeed a mystery until the end..so not who I expected!! I can't wait until the next one is out...I am soooo ready to read more by this inspired new author:)

I really loved this book! It was the perfect mix of mystery, romance and humor. All the characters combined make this an entertaining read. I'm so glad to know there'll be a sequel 'Killer in High Heels' in 2007.

Also recommended:
* Blondes Have More Felons by Alesia Holliday

Twenty-nine-year-old Maddie Springer has always lived her life based on three very important facts: Fashion. Fashion. And more fashion. Sure, she doesn't lead the most glamorous life, and her job leaves much to be desired - not surprising, considering she designs children's shoes complete with Strawberry Shortcake emblems, and the like. But she does have a great boyfriend, and a killer wardrobe, so things aren't so bad. At least, they weren't so bad, until Maddie stumbled upon the clever work of a brutal killer, and suddenly the latest Manolo styles are taking a backseat to murder. Then, the ultimate twist takes place - Maddie's boyfriend has pulled a Houdini, and is missing, along with $20 million in embezzled funds. Now, every step Maddie takes is being watched by the LAPD. Of course, Maddie doesn't mind too much, considering the cop is a hottie, and Maddie wants to make him hers - once she gets the boyfriend off her mind, that is. Now, with the help of her oversexed best friend, an over-the-hill bridezilla of a mother in the midst of planning her wedding to a man who could, quite possibly, be gay, and a 300-pound psychic, Maddie must strap on her most comfortable pair of stilettos, and hop on the trail of a murderer, in an attempt to clear her lying boyfriend's name, and stop the murders before anyone else ends up dead. But now she's beginning to wonder whether she'll be able to catch the killer before the killer catches her; and whether or not, even through all the lies, she can ditch her boyfriend, and make nice with the police officer of her dreams.

Maddie Springer is the Carrie Bradshaw of the amateur-detective world. The creme de la creme of high fashion, and high crime. The President of the United States of Manolos. She's also one of the most entertaining characters to hit fiction in years; whose fast-food cravings make you want to join her on her navigation through Los Angeles streets in search of the perfect hamburger. Gemma Halliday is, without question, one of the most hot-to-trot new authors to emerge in the writing world in years. Her dialogue is hip and trendy - as are the clothing designers she name-drops - while her plot is upbeat, fashionable, mysterious, and romantic - all rolled into one. An amazing first novel from a to-die-for new author. Readers will be tapping their heels anxiously as they await the next Maddie Springer novel.

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer