Flirting with Disaster

Dahl’s second Jackson: Girls Night out contemporary (after Looking for Trouble), set in the mountains of Wyoming, introduces a very strong, slightly flighty heroine who proves that it’s possible to thrive, survive, and find love without being dependent on another person. Artist Isabelle West and her cat share a quiet cabin far removed from the hustle and bustle. Her tranquility is shattered when Deputy U.S. Marshal Tom Duncan knocks on her door while guarding one of her neighbors. Something about Isabelle’s tense response triggers alarms for the lawman; little does he know that she’s on the run and using an assumed name. As the plot unfolds and their mutual attraction grows, it becomes clear that forgetful Isabelle has steel in her spine. Tom is baffled by her, but when she pulls him into a clinch, he’s quite willing to go along. Quirky characters with atypical reactions lend a spark of intrigue and reality to Dahl’s trademark merry raunchiness, while the suspense-laden plot takes a backseat. A bonus novella, “Fanning the Flames,” starring Isabelle’s friend Lauren, will please series fans. Agent: Amy Moore-Benson, AMB Literary Management. (Feb.)