cover image Pink Balloons and Other Deadly Things

Pink Balloons and Other Deadly Things

Nancy Tesler. Dell Publishing Company, $5.5 (224pp) ISBN 978-0-440-22406-8

Carrie Carlin is still feeling mighty hostile toward her ex-husband, Richard. So when Richard's new fiancee, Erica, is found dead, Carrie is the lead suspect. Carrie's (very) amateur sleuthing efforts, however, don't do much to clear her name. Fortunately, the detective on the case, Ted Brodsky, finds Carrie's inept assistance charming and together the two make a fine team. Carrie is a clever, slighty neurotic heroine whose personal life is in disarray--the kind of heroine that Susan Isaacs might put in a mystery. The plot isn't terribly original but Carrie is likable and this, combined with her burgeoning romance, should keep readers interested in her next appearance. (June)