Natalie Stenzel, Seeking Miss Scarlet

Natalie Stenzel, Seeking Miss Scarlet - Eight years as a Chicago cop and now a private investigator have not prepared Jack Harrison to deal with Valerie Longstreet, owner of a mystery theater. While she vamps him in an effort to form a partnership where she would pay him, among other incentives, to serve as a consultant to her guests, he hides his attraction to her behind a scowl and refuses her tantalizing offer. When he receives a note announcing her murder, he rushes across the street, sees her on the floor, and panics as he thinks she is dead. When he realizes she is performing, Jack angrily accuses her of crossing the line. Valerie reminds him that she has been in his face with different offerings so why would she use the not-so-subtle writing histrionics.

Jack admits to himself he likes the outrageous Miss Scarlet as she calls herself and the even kookier Aunt Lillian who insists they have three ghosts residing in the theater, including a kleptomaniac spirit. When Val becomes involved in a real case, Jack gets involved in more than just the case as he tries to keep her safe, but his fee is that Miss Scarlet is his alone as he loves Val.

SEEKING MISS SCARLET is an amusing, private investigative romance with a touch of the paranormal that will keep the audience laughing yet has a serious mystery to liven the plot. The storyline is character-driven, especially when Val vamps her neighbor, which she does all the time as she knows Jack desires her. Her aunt and the ghosts along with the who-done-it add depth to a fine funny tale.

Harriet Klausner