The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency To Write a Wrong, (Paperback)

Hilarious! Thats what I expect from Jen Turano and she delivers. Double fun in this second book in the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency is that we get to see more of Daphne Beekman from the first book. She is a mystery writer by day and an agent by night. When she meets fellow author Herman Henderson while she is trying to combat writers block it adds to the hilarity. I especially liked when Daphne talks to Winston, the one eyed dog and Pretty Girl, The thieving parrot. The glimpses into the writing world of the late 19th century was written as only a wordsmith could. Daphne is quirky and that is part of her charm and the reason Herman is taken with her. Herman ran a hand over his face again, feeling quite as if he had landed smack-dab into one of his more complicated plots and one he had no idea how to get out of successfully. Ms. Turanos writing reminds me of an Oscar Wilde play especially the house party at Hermans estate complete with matchmaking grandmothers and ladies who want nothing to do with Herman. The author rounds out the story with other interesting characters, on old mystery and weaving in seemingly overused situations to great effect. Im anxious to learn about mysterious Eunice in the next book. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

The short version: Yes, you want to read this, but only if you like quirky characters, a good mystery, high fashion, feisty heroines who faint on occasion, dashing heroes who are over-protected, well-meaning family, and knowing the bad guy (or girl) gets what (or she) deserves. If you want a simple, boring story, then this is not the story and Jen Turano is not the author for you. This is the second book in the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency series. Good news! If you haven't read the first one, it's okay to start here; you won't have missed anything important. Jump in here. Or go back and read To Steal a Heart first and then read this one. That would be a great idea too. I have read every book by Jen Turano and she still continues to surprise me. I thought I knew what to expect and so, foolishly didn't so much as skimming a description of this book before I began to read it and so I was surprised to discover Daphne matched with Herman rather than Cooper in this second novel in the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency series. Even as I met Herman, I was convinced he wouldn't be her romantic interest. They were far too similar. And, yet, because I wasn't paying attention, I didn't realize until the end that it was their similarities that made them perfect for each other. The conflict Daphne and Herman face on their road to Happily Ever After is not irreconcilable differences, but multiple murder plots and interfering family. It is an intriguing and entertaining path they take through New York City, a Hudson River house party, Boston, and back again to the City. All the while, they slowly adjust to the idea that they may have finally met their match in life and wonder what to do about it. As if that isn't enough of a struggle, they must also determine who is trying to kill Herman. I have to admit that was the biggest surprise of all. I received a complimentary copy from the Publisher without obligation. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.