Debra Webb Never Happened

Never Happened

Debra Webb

Harlequin Next, Jul 2006, $5.50

ISBN: 0373880995

Alexis "Alex" Jackson runs NEVER HAPPENED, a cleaning service that expunges signs of death (natural, suicidal or homicidal) from a home. Her business is a success as the market is booming with no indication that it will slow down. However, while her work has enabled her to remain independent, the forty years old woman is lonely though she has dated a cop or two and has her recovering alcoholic mom to take care of.

Used to the dead, even Alex is shook when she reads in the Miami Tribune that Miami Beach Detective Rich Henson was dead. She had a drink with him last night and slept with him three months ago. CIA operative Austin Blake enters her life wanting to know more about her relationship with the dead cop and one of her clean-ups. Some of his inquiries seems a bit personal to Alex, but he is the CIA and they spy on everyone or is that NSA. Still the cleanup woman and the spy are attracted to one another, but first the gizmo she found during one of her jobs may be the key to explain the cop, the CIA, and the cleanup woman.

NEVER HAPPENED is a fascinating espionage romance with the emphasis on the relationship between Austin and Alex. The fascination comes with Alex's business as she cleans up the messes that death leaves behind. The story line is an amusing suspense thriller that at times feels more like a middle age chick lit tale due to Alex's asides than a spy tale. Fans who appreciate a lighthearted romp will enjoy the escapades of the spy who came in from the cold seeking warmth from the cleanup woman.

Harriet Klausner