Set at an elite spa in Baja, known New York food writer, and the monthly periodical writer at MetroScene Magazine, Nora Franke is getting away from a relationship that is leaving her feeling stifled. Nora, filling in for the Spas’ nutritionist (on maternity leave) is consulting on menus, giving seminars in proper nutrition, and obtaining the necessary information for a Spa cookbook.  

Even as she arrives, the first victim is lying up the mountain dying. As the job progresses with its’ trying schedule of massage, yoga, and hot tub time, her new friend CeCe is poisoned with nicotine, without enjoying the rush/pause that smoking allows. The owners, mysterious Mexican brothers, and the land holders of a large local marijuana crop, soon become interested in Nora. Shunned by the staff, Nora is befriended by the “hot click.” 

The concept for this mystery is fantastic! The writing style is a bit jerky, flitting from point to point, and would be a lot better if it flowed. The reader is bounced from scene to thought process of the investigator, to the next “move it connect it” idea/thought.  It is also very convenient for Nora to have an ex-maybe - current lover, who is also a New York, based US Attorney, at her beck and call for information. Max (the attorney) gives the local Mexican Detective all of the information Nora comes up with – another convenience, as the detective sort of “keeps an eye on her” for her attorney. The ending is a bit anti-climatic, as Nora allows the perpetrator to simply walk away. This reviewer liked the characters, the menu suggestions, the interactions, and the descriptions. This is a light, quick “B” read, and definitely worth the time.

© Love Romances, 2001-2007. All Rights Reserved