Force of Habit: A Falcone & Driscoll Investigation

In Loweecey's spirited debut, virginal 29-year-old Giulia Falcone, formerly Sister Mary Regina Coelis, has a huge crush on her Pittsburgh employer, Francis "Frank" Xavier Driscoll, of Driscoll Investigations, who encourages her to train for her PI license. Frank enlists her help in finding out who's stalking sexy Blake Parker and Blake's fiancée, socialite Pamela van Alstyne. Five former girlfriends are among the prime suspects, and even Giulia becomes a target for some nasty surprises from an outraged ex out to stop the upcoming nuptials. Giulia faces many difficulties in the world outside the convent, especially after she explores the strange world of role-playing gamers engaged in some heavy-breathing hijinks. Although sometimes Giulia gets a bit too wide-eyed, her fresh take on crime fighting is a delight in this blend of light farce and mystery. (Feb.)