Snoops in the City [Mass Market Paperback]

Darlene Gardner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2004

Tori Whitley might be the world's worst snoop.

As a favor to her private-detective cousin, she's supposed to investigate Seahaven businessman Grady Palmer. From afar, not up close and personal. That's impossible now that he's spotted her.

So what's an undercover PI to do when she starts falling for her subject? Especially because corruption's afoot and Grady's keeping almost as many secrets as Tori. Should she trust the clues - or her heart?

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Tori Whitley is at her wit's end. Her checking account is dwindling rapidly; she's behind on the rent; and her weekend job will never support her. Then her cousin, Eddie, a private investigator, offers her a job. Tori is reluctant--what does she know about being an investigator?--but with the wolves at the door, she takes it. Her assignment is to find out as much as she can about Grady Palmer, president of Palmer Construction. Grady quickly realizes that Tori is tailing him. When he confronts her, the only excuse she can think of is that he's so good-looking, she wants to get to know him better. He doesn't really believe that, but they do end up as a couple. Unfortunately, Tori suspects that Grady is offering bribes to city officials; then he finds out what Tori is actually up to. Can their budding relationship survive? Readers will find it worth their while to find out in this charming tale. Maria Hatton
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"Snoops in the City is a fun romance, with some suspense and a mystery intertwined. The developing relationship between Grady and Tori is enjoyable to watch, and the secondary romance is as good as the main event."
--RT Book Reviews, Sept. 2004

"For a fun and enjoyable tale, as well as one that keeps you guessing, pick up Snoops in the City."
--Romance Reviews Today, Sept. 2004

"Highly recommended as a fun read you will really enjoy. Just the right blend of humor and romantic fun to lighten your day."
--ReaderToReader.com, Sept. 2004

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 339 pages
• Publisher: Love Spell (July 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0505525860
• ISBN-13: 978-0505525864
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,439,423 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

While working as a newspaper sportswriter, Darlene Gardner realized she'd rather make up quotes than rely on an athlete to say something interesting. So she quit her job and concentrated on a fiction career. Visit Darlene on the web at www.darlenegardner.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Failed PI uncovers the perfect man..., July 24, 2004

By 

Chadwick H. Saxelid "Bookworm" (Concord, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Snoops in the City (Mass Market Paperback)

Tori Whitley is desperate enough to turn to her 'black sheep' cousin Eddie for a job. Eddie is a private investigator and he needs a little surveillance help. Tori agrees, but the subject, one Grady Palmer, quickly finds the pretty lass on his tail and confronts her. The best excuse for following him that Tori can come up with is 'I think you're hot!' Well, Grady is. But he is also very suspicious of his pretty little follower, so he plays along, hoping to find out who is looking into him and why. Add one ugly cat, a cranky landlady, and a set of twins stretching the terrible twos into the threes and you have a winner. Highly recommended.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very highly recommended, August 20, 2004

By 

C. Penn "WordWeaving" (Greenville, SC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Snoops in the City (Mass Market Paperback)

Desperate to pay her rent, twenty-five year old Tori Whitley accepts her cousin Eddie's job offer to become a PI. A few chapters of an Idiot's Guide for the Private Eye and she is ready to pursue her quarry. Tori's contact insists on calling her Jane Bond, and is rather reticent regarding her motives for having Grady Palmer followed. Unfortunately, she cannot conceal herself when she tales the hunky businessman, yet her brazen attempts unexpectedly land her the opportunity to investigate Grady up close and personal. All she needs to do is determine if Grady has any shady deals going with the city officials of Boca Raton, Florida.

Meanwhile, Grady cannot resist the beautiful woman who so ineptly follows him. When he confronts her, Tori claims irresistible attraction, but Grady cannot decide if she is part of the corruption he investigates, or if she has her own agenda. Instead of being angry or trying to slip away, Grady invites her to accompany him. Surprisingly, Grady invites Tori to accompany him, giving him the opportunity to observe her closely. Hanging out together, Tori and Grady quickly realize that their fierce attraction may lead to consequences neither bargained for.

Darlene Gardner has long proven her talent for penning quirky, amusing prose that keeps fans coming back to series romance. SNOOPS IN THE CITY proves that this multifaceted, multitalented author certainly has the sass and pizzazz to make the leap mainstream romance. Her unmistakable flair for outrageous situations and memorable characterizations keep the pages irresistible turning. Secondary characters likewise sparkle, including a scene-stealing cat. Quirky, amusing and charming, SNOOPS IN THE CITY comes very highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Humorous tale!, July 3, 2004

By 

Huntress Reviews (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Snoops in the City (Mass Market Paperback)

Tori's first case as an apprentice detective seems simple enough; follow Grady Palmer and report to the client, Ms. M, if he is a good man or not. Whether or not he is good, Tori can tell he's hot from the first moment she lays eyes on him. Unfortunately, he lays eyes on her too, and is quick to figure out that she is tailing him. So, he offers to make the job easier and just tell her where he's going and even escort her there. Tori quickly comes up with a half truth, she's following him because she's attracted, and it's more than half true to be honest. She's not sure why Ms M wants to find out about Grady, but in the conflict of interest dispute, Tori is sure of one thing, Grady has her heart and she's not going to let him be hurt.

Meanwhile, Grady's secretary is having her own adventure, proving to a divorced father of two that she's not a self absorbed, shallow twit and would make a terrific step mom.

*** Laugh out loud fun is guaranteed in this screwball comedy of family and love. Between a scraggly cat, cute twins, and a daffy elderly lady, you will giggle from page one to the end. ***

Amanda Killgore for Huntress Reviews.