Aug 10 2007

REVIEW: Whose Number is Up, Anyway? by Stevi Mittman

By Jayne • B Reviews, B Reviews Category, Book Reviews • • Tags: • • • Author:

Dear Mrs Mittman,

Whose Number Is Up, Anyway? (Harlequin Next)Thank you for the autographed copy of your latest Teddi Bayer mystery. Did you and Jane meet up at RWA or something? She said nothing to me about it but all of a sudden, here’s this nice surprise in the mail. I’m glad to say I think book four is humming along and keeping me entertained. I did notice that a lot more of the story appears to be focused on Drew and Teddi’s romance/relationship but that makes sense at this point. Not that the mystery bits were bad– in fact I enjoyed the reason for the killer’s motivation. After all, who hasn’t dreamed that way?

I totally agree with Teddi: who would want to survive if you can’t eat chocolate? Re Teddi’s problems with Dana — sounds like you’ve gone through the “mother dealing with a growing teenage girl” years yourself. This is something I’ve enjoyed throughout this series — how good and caring a mother Teddi is. It’s easy to stand at the sidelines and know exactly how to handle these crisises but hard when you’re in the middle of the pile-up. I think, despite the time needed to get her fledgeling decorating business off the ground and help Drew solve murders, Teddi does a great job.

As for Drew’s partner, Hal — if someone calls for help and he does nothing, can his badge be suspended? It needs to be. And how can June hang out with Carmine? Does she still feel betrayed by her husband’s one time affair? But it was a long affair so – maybe. Mark is almost too good to be believed. Teddi needs to stop causing him problems — a good handyman is worth his weight in gold. ;) Teddi also needs to stop wearing short skirts and high heels, especially in combo during sleet storms.

Teddi’s doing better about calling for help/getting backup — I guess all her family’s comments about her dying and Rio getting the kids finally made an impression and the scenes set in front of the the various deli counters in the area were priceless. Life in Long Island really is cut-throat in more ways than who’s number is up next. B

~Jayne

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