Customer Reviews

Speak Now

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The cover blurb by Donna Andrews describes the book as "a modern day Nick and Nora Charles," and I'd say she's not far off. The characters are part of the upscale, San Francisco, theatre, cocktail set, but it's the self-deprecating, first person voice that gives the story balance and humor. All of the supporting characters are wonderful, particularly Flank. It's a quick, fun read that is cozy with a bit of romance, but also an entertaining break for those of us who usually prefer something darker. I'll be looking forward to Charley and Jack's next adventure.

I really like reading funny books, and this one has some funny stuff in it. I've been looking for an author besides Janet Evanovich that I found to be funny, and Dumas is it. There's a character in the book named Flank--well, I won't ruin it for you, but there are some funny scenes with him. But it's not just funny, there's a good mystery going on too. I hope I will read more soon from this author.

As she returns from London to San Francisco, Charley Van Leeuwen wonders how her friends will react to the hunk sharing the first class row with her as everyone knows Charley as the "most romantically challenged woman in the Western hemisphere". Charley is bringing with her a husband Jack Fairfax whom she met six weeks ago, but the hunk's eyes hooked the commitment phobic woman.

Jack and Charley stay at the Mark Hopkins, but when she goes to turn on the water in the bathtub, she finds a corpse there. SFPD Inspector Yahata leads the investigation, but Charley asks all the questions. The honeymooners go to another room, but Charley's ensemble of friends arrives to interrupt.

Converting from single life to married becomes more chaotic as Charley is in the middle of a tangle involving a ransom and bullets aimed at her and Jack. Realizing her spouse is not just the weatherman, Charley takes charge of insuring he, Uncle Harry, other family members, and her friends are safe from kooks, killers and kidnappers while also trying to keep her not for profit repertory theater from bankruptcy.

SPEAK NOW is a fabulous screwball mystery that is reminiscent of the zany 1930s Bob Hope movies. The story line is action-packed but with a tongue in cheek manner as Jack comes across as James Bond but "protected" by his theatrical spouse. While Jack and Charley adapt to marital bliss, the ensemble (friends and foes) interrupt their romantic moments. Readers will take immense delight with this solid amateur sleuth espionage thriller that never slows down until the final confrontation with the realtor.

Harriet Klausner

This book introduces ultra-rich, ultra-fun Charley, the best group of friends anyone could have, and her husband, who may just be a retired spy! Readers wanting more of Charley can continue on with "How to Succeed in Murder." Guys, don't be afraid of the mention of "chick-lit" - this is a great read for anyone! I hear there are plans for more books in this series - I can't wait!

Charley Van Leeuwen surprises everyone by returning from London with a new husband, Jack Fairfax. A mild mannered meteorologist who is tall, dark and handsome. But Charley begins to suspect there is more to Jack than meets the eye, especially after finding a dead body in their bathtub, following him on a ransom drop and being rescued by Jack while bullets are flying. Charley has her hands full dealing with kidnapping, murder, bitter ex-boyfriends, crazy relatives and trying to stage a play for her struggling repertory theater.

Margaret Dumas has written a delightfully funny mystery featuring Charley and Jack who are reminiscent of Nick & Nora Charles with a modern twist. Witty banter, humorous characters and a good solid mystery keep you enthralled from beginning to end. An entertaining debut novel that will leave you wanting to hear more about the adventures of these madcap newlyweds.