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With this first in the Isobel Spice series, Lessner creates a likeable if somewhat scatty heroine in a world where office politics is murder.

 

About the Book

Isobel Spice is an aspiring actress and, at times, her own worst enemy. Just landed in New York and desperate for work, luck and perseverance see her placed as a temp in the procurement section of InterBank Switzerland. Dysfunction rules this workplace and Isobel soon finds herself at the mercy of petty politics. Luckily, the nasty Doreen is soon dispatched by a pair of plunging scissors; unluckily for Isobel, it’s she who finds the body—and the scissors have her prints all over them.

My Thoughts

The Temporary Detective is more chicklit than mystery as Isobel and her new band of friends ricochet from one clue to another. ‘Plucky’ is the best way to describe Isobel. If that sounds a little old fashioned maybe that’s because, for me, Isobel and events in this story could have been set in the 1920’s or 1940’s as easily as in contemporary New York.  There’s no problem with that. I enjoyed Isobel’s voice and read this in one sitting. Still, those expecting something grittier will be disappointed. There are times when suspended disbelief is stretched a little far, yet the characters are engaging and after a few adjective heavy pages, I found myself pulled into Isobel’s plight. Insights into the harsh realities of making it as an actress in New York added an unexpected and enjoyable dimension, as does James’s battle with alcoholism and his problem with Jayla, his current girlfriend. The Temporary Detective is pure escapism. And plenty of fun. If you’re looking for something light and have a penchant for cozies, give this one a go.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Dulcet Press for the DRC.

About the Author

Joanne Sydney Lessner is the author of PANDORA’S BOTTLE, a novel inspired by the true story of the world’s most expensive bottle of wine (Flint Mine Press, 2010), which Paperback Dolls named one of the top five books of 2010. THE TEMPORARY DETECTIVE (Dulcet Press, April 2012) introduces Isobel Spice, aspiring actress and resourceful office temp turned amateur sleuth. Isobel’s adventures continue in BAD PUBLICITY. No stranger to the theatrical world, Joanne enjoys an active performing career, and with her husband, composer/conductor Joshua Rosenblum, has co-authored several musicals, including the cult hit FERMAT’S LAST TANGO and EINSTEIN’S DREAMS, based on the celebrated novel by Alan Lightman.

 

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