What the Lady Wants

Been in a backlist sort of mood lately, and found some treasures along the way. Jennifer Crusie is one of my new favorite writers. If you've read some of her later novels (Bet Me, Faking It) and enjoyed them as much as I did, you'll be happy to know that her older novels are just as good. Crusie has a sly and subtle sense of humor that infuses all her writings. What the Lady Wants is no exception. Originally published in 1995, and still available at quality bookstores and many libraries, What the Lady Wants is Crusie's own (and far from typical) take on a Maltese Falcon sort of story.

Mitch Peabody, a private investigator bored with the routine of spying on cheating spouses, gets the challenge he's been waiting for (and a lot more than he bargained for) when Mae Sullivan walks into his office. Mae comes looking for someone to help her solve the mystery of her dead uncle's diary, and things just get more complicated for both of them as time goes on.

It's a quick and funny read, full of moments both absurd and tender. Crusie's writing is fast-paced and energetic, and she manages to keep what could be a storyline fraught with clich?s both fresh and surprising.