In this nasty Florida underworld romp, the sequel to A.K.A. Sheila Doyle
(2002), Jordan's antiheroine, the former Sheila Ryan, must deal with unfinished business from her previous illegalities before she can reunite with her lover and partner in crime, Bobby Squared. Opportunity soon presents itself when a gay black hairdresser crosses their path and provides them with inside information that could lead to one of the biggest scores in their career. Sheila uses her training as an actress to transform herself into the divorced Sheila Weinstein, who manages to master her inhibitions in order to join a stable of high-priced escorts who work for the White Witch, a lesbian gangster. Unfortunately, clichéd characters walk through a predictable and slow-moving plot against a perfunctory Florida backdrop. Sheila and her crew aren't even competent thieves; having gained an initial victory over the White Witch, these "experienced pros" don't even consider that their adversary might seek retribution. Jordan devotes most of his energy to depicting oral sex better suited to a pornography magazine than, as described in the press release, "A Novel of Crime." Numerous popular-culture celebrities also come in for gratuitous insults. Callous violence only adds to the unpleasantness. Leonard and Hiaasen fans are advised to steer clear. (Aug. 20)
Forecast:With first serial rights sold to
Penthouse, expect some crossover from fans of explicit erotic fiction.
