DROP DEAD GORGEOUS

Health club owner Blair Mallory is rushing to make arrangements for her wedding to Police Lieutenant Wyatt Bloodsworth when she's hit by a car. Soon it becomes clear the incident was no accident when her condo is firebombed. Joyce Bean portrays the character of Blair as both a Southern belle and a self-sufficient woman. Wyatt is portrayed as a long-suffering lover, initially oblivious of death threats to his fiancée. Bean expertly reads the first-person narrative from Blair's point of view, varying her intonation slightly for the male characters. While Bean works hard to keep the action and the suspense breathless, don't expect a complex mystery or romance. Instead, Howard has created a great beach read, enhanced by Bean's flawless performance. M.B.K. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 07]