Mischief Becomes Her
Kasey Michaels
Harlequin HQN, Nov 2008, $6.99
ISBN: 0373773188

Former Philadelphia cop turned private investigator Teddy Sunshine is found dead stunning his three adult children, Jolie, Jade and Jessica. However, even more shocking the police say he killed himself and murdered the wife of mayoral candidate Joshua Brainard. None of the three Sunshine sisters believe their father would commit suicide or a homicide; they agree to solve his cases because they feel one of them led to two murders.

Meanwhile TV reporter Jessica teams up with homicide detective Matt Denby who cannot believe his former mentor would commit a murder-suicide. As they fall in love their inquiry spin them into meeting the Beckets and a cursed emerald the Empress

The second Sunshine Girls romantic suspense (see 'Dial M For Mischief) is a terrific tale that attempts to bring the Michaels recent mythos into one universe with an apparent link to the Beckets of Romney Marsh regency fame. The storyline is fast-paced and filled with intelligent often amusing bantering between the reporter and the cop. Although somewhat overloaded with dangling threads (the climax will be a packed gem), fans will appreciate the enjoyable middle caper.

Harriet Klausner