cover image Getting Mine

Getting Mine

Jean Femling. St. Martin's Press, $18.95 (264pp) ISBN 978-0-312-05437-3

A scam involving claims for false injuries in automobile accidents enmeshes Orange County, Calif., insurance investigator Moz Brant (first met in Hush, Money ) in murder, and in the process she almost becomes a victim herself. Seeking to collect a large reward offered for evidence concerning organized fraudulent claims, Moz suspects waitress LaDonna Treece has faked her back injuries and, moreover, is part of a ring. The woman seems inclined to talk to Moz, but before she does, apparently commits suicide. Moz suspects murder, although she can't convince the police. She follows various leads to a jolly, musical but kinky doctor; his chic bookkeeper; a physical therapist; and a well-to-do lawyer. When an attempt is made on her life, Moz feels she is closing in on her goal, but further mayhem and danger ensue before she cracks the case. Femling has a good eye for the Southern California lifestyle--gritty, greedy and stylish--but the characters, even the detective who struggles with boyfriend and AA, don't inspire much interest or sympathy. (May)