Spying in High Heels

Life in L.A.'s fast lane, from Sherman Oaks' porn studios to swank Beverly Hills salons, sets the pace for Halliday's debut novel, the first installment in a stylish High Heels mystery series. When shoe designer Maddie Springer finds her boyfriend, Richard, has gone missing, along with $20 million of his company's funds, she's determined to track him down—partly because she's certain he's innocent, but mostly because her period is late. Maddie persuades her best friend, Dana, to be her partner in crime solving, and it isn't long before they stumble on the body of Richard's boss—just moments after he's been shot dead. Enter sexy LAPD detective Jack Ramirez, who just wants Maddie to "go home and let him handle this," which, of course, isn't going to happen. The only clues to the murder are two blond hairs and the imprint of a stiletto heel, pointing to a female killer; topping the suspect list is receptionist and designer fashion junkie Jasmine, followed by porn-star Bunny, who's up to her implants in debt. The nonstop action runs the gambit from faulty EPTs to wild rides on L.A.'s freeways to wedding plans gone awry, all of which are guaranteed to keep chick lit and mystery fans happy. (Aug.)