DATING CAN BE DEADLY

Tabitha Emery, the psychically talented star of Canadian author Roberts's chick-friendly debut mystery, works as a receptionist at a prestigious Seattle law firm, where she hopes for a better position—and some attention from hunky lawyer Clay Sanderson. A purse-snatching (hers) and a broken-down car (also hers) put her in a bind, though she can turn to friends Jenny, Lara and Cathy for both drinking companionship and support. When her psychic abilities lead to the discovery of a murder site, the result is suspicion on the part of the police, solicitous attention from Sanderson and suspension (automatic) from the law firm. She also receives, with ambivalence, attentions from the darkly handsome owner of the Scrying Room, a metaphysical retail establishment. Despite her dithering doubts about her own attractiveness, intelligence and decision making, Tabitha emerges as a likable damsel in distress with a promising series future. Agent, Richard Curtis. (Feb.)