Bad Publicity
An Isobel Spice Novel, Book 2
Joanne Sydney Lessner
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Dulcet Press
Date of Publication: April 2, 2013
Number of pages: 248
In the world of PR, there’s only one crime worse than killing a deal—killing a client.
Aspiring actress and office temp Isobel Spice finds a warm welcome at Dove & Flight Public Relations, thanks to her old school friend Katrina Campbell. However, the atmosphere chills considerably when Isobel unwittingly serves an important client a deadly dose of poisoned coffee. Her stalwart temp agent, James Cooke, rushes to her aid, but balks when he learns that the victim was the fraternity brother who got him expelled from college. News that Dove & Flight is being acquired by an international conglomerate quickly supplants the murder as the hot topic of office gossip, but Isobel is convinced the two events are related. When all roads of inquiry lead back to Katrina, Isobel is forced to consider the possibility that her friend’s killer instincts go beyond public relations.
Please note: this is a cozy mystery with an edge; contains some adult language.
Review:
This is the second book in the Isobel Spice Series by Joanne Sydney Lessner. This story takes place approximately 4 months after the ending of the first book and opens with Isobel finding a man dead in the conference room of her current temp job at the PR firm of Dove & Flight. At first Isobel is concerned that the coffee that she had served him was poisoned, but then it appears that Jason Whiteley, a fit 28 year old, has had a heart attack. Of course, Isobel later finds out that the heart attack was helped along by via medications. When another life is claimed at the PR firm and a corporate merger is threatened, Isobel's instincts tell her that she needs to figure out what is going on - and fast.
I was so thrilled that this book was even better than the last. I really enjoy seeing things from Isobel's temp agent, James Cooke's perspective as well as her own. The way that Isobel and James each gather information that leads to catching the killer is unique and so very interesting. Plus, Isobel has the possibility of a romance in this book. It was totally not what I wanted for her, but things get complicated and the budding romance is put on hold. Also, the return of some of the secondary characters from the first book were a welcome addition. Isobel getting to meet Jayla, James' ex, face to face was priceless. The pacing continues to be spot on and move smoothly from scene to scene. I missed Isobel's younger brother Percival, though he did get a mention. Hopefully we will see more of him in the next book.
I am giving this book 4 stars on Goodreads. This is a good solid follow up to a great first novel. I can't wait to see what book 3 brings.
Giveaway:
THREE (3) Kindle copies of Bad Publicity by Joanne Sydney Lessner to three random commenters during the tour. Contest is tour-wide and ends May 27.
So follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.
Please make sure to leave your email address in the comment section, because if you win, we want to be able to contact you! :D
Book Tour Info:
Don't forget to check out the other stops on the Book Tour:
May 20 - Chloe Gets a Clue
May 21 - Omnimystery
May 21 - Thoughts in Progress
May 22 - Musings and Ramblings
May 23 - Traveling with T
May 24 - According to Squenn
May 25 - A Blue Million Books
May 26 - The Self Taught Cook
Author Bio:
Joanne Sydney Lessner is the author of PANDORA'S BOTTLE, a novel inspired by the true story of the world's most expensive bottle of wine (Flint Mine Press, 2010), which Paperback Dolls named one of the top five books of 2010. THE TEMPORARY DETECTIVE (Dulcet Press, April 2012) introduces Isobel Spice, aspiring actress and resourceful office temp turned amateur sleuth. Isobel's adventures continue in BAD PUBLICITY. No stranger to the theatrical world, Joanne enjoys an active performing career, and with her husband, composer/conductor Joshua Rosenblum, has co-authored several musicals, including the cult hit FERMAT'S LAST TANGO and EINSTEIN'S DREAMS, based on the celebrated novel by Alan Lightman. For more information, please visit http://joannelessner.com.To connect with the author online:
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