Size 12 is Not Fat

The first in a (planned) mystery series starring former tween pop star Heather Wells, “Size 12 is Not Fat” is a quick & entertaining read. After some serious downgrading in her circumstances (she walked in on her fiance and another performer, um, performing; her mother/agent ran away with all her funds; her recording contract was cancelled), Heather Wells takes a job as assistant residence director, at a posh New York college. The position is adequate, if less than challenging. All that changes when a young woman is found dead at the bottom of the residence hall's elevator shaft. Although the death is labeled an accident, Wells feels sure that elevator surfing is not the deceased girl's idea of a hot date. She's sure that something more is going on, but the cops, her friends & coworkers, & her hot private investigator/landlord (and ex-fiance's brother) Cooper all think that the drama is only in her mind. Until another girl dies. And when 'accidents' start happening to Heather, an intriguing investigation ensues.

Author Meg Cabot (of Princess Diaries fame) has written a book filled with strong characters- The heroine is no ordinary damsel in distress: She's a smart, a bit neurotic, funny, & sometimes obsessive. The ending of the book made me glad that I already knew there was going to be a sequel- there's definitely a relationship worth investigating further and an amusingly unique plot. I look forward to the next installment (not due till next year).