Christine Rimmer, Ralphie's Wives

Ralphie's Wives

Christine Rimmer

Harlequin HQN, Mar 2007, $6.99

ISBN: 0373772300

Former country singer Phoebe Jacks understands that "if it has tires or tentacles, you're going to have trouble with it." Her former husband Ralphie Styles is a prime example. The charmer married her and divorced her; married her best friend Cimarron and divorced her; married another close pal Tiffany and divorced her; and married for the fourth time Darla Jo. Though before he said I do to his current wife, Phoebe did not know her. Still, the bartender remains a business partner of Ralphie and even became a friend of numero four.

However in Oklahoma City at four in the morning on IRS day, a red van runs over Ralphie before leaving the scene. The OCPD suspects number 4, but Phoebe disagrees and wants to insure justice occurs. Ralphie's best friend, private investigator Rio Navarro, arrives in Oklahoma City to uncover who killed him. He suspects one of the ex-wives of the current pregnant widow, but soon exonerates Phoebe though he wonders if his lower head persuaded him as he is attracted to the courageous, loyal woman as much as he realizes a killer stalks her.

This is a fun, romantic suspense with the emphasis on the Ralphie wives' club moreso than the investigation. Rio is amusing as he wonders how his late best friend put up with this harem of spousal hens while the Jacks wild witty words of wisdom will leave readers laughing. Although the whodunit never takes center stage until late in the plot, fans of lighthearted romps will enjoy the antics of RALPHIE'S WIVES.

Harriet Klausner