Elementary, My Dear Watkins

Reviewed by Regan Windsor for Reader Views (4/07) Jo Tulip inherited her "Tips from Tulips" column from her grandmother. Her knack for becoming involved in murders, however, is all her own. In this third and final of the Smart Chick Mystery series there is no murdered body, not yet anyway, but someone's life is in danger. Could it be Jo's? With her longtime best friend, and new boyfriend, Danny, out of the country and Jo still recovering from injuries incurred during the last murder case, she is keeping a low profile. That is until she finds out via email that her life is in danger. She may not have given it another thought except that Bradford, her ex-fiancé due to abandonment at the altar, also calls and warns her. She meets up with him in a public place, not entirely trusting him, and sure enough an attempt is made to off her while she waits at the subway. Discovering a connection between the attempt on her life and the family business, Bosworth Industries, she makes a quick escape to her grandmothers' estate and headlong into the family she has spent a lifetime keeping her distance from. In a web of family and corporate secrets she races against the killer to solve the mystery of who and why. The list of possible suspects is long - but does she have the full list? "Elementary My Dear Watkins," in true "Smart Chick Mystery" fashion, is highly addicting murder mystery chicklit. The character of Jo Tulip is lovable, her ability to attract adventure is contagious, and her knack for household tips in the strangest places makes for a fun and lighthearted read. While I'm sorry to see this fabulous series end, Mindy Starns Clark does a brilliant job of wrapping up the story. I can't wait to see what new adventures this author will introduce to readers next!

While her boyfriend Danny is in Paris on Scene It magazine business, Jo "Tips from the Tulip" remains home in New York recuperating from some injuries. Jo looks forward to Danny's return because the couple plans to marry soon afterward. However, not wanting to worry Danny or worse have him abort his photography internship work in France to come home, Jo hides from her fiancé her simple assertion that someone wants her dead. Resolute and having solved some recent mysteries, Jo decides to investigate with the help of her grandmother, who she believes is somehow involved; at least the amateur sleuth thinks so. As Jo begins to uncover clues to motive and hopefully the identity, Danny has some difficult decisions to make that affect both of them. The third Smart Chick mystery is like its predecessors (see BLIND DATES CAN BE MURDER and TROUBLE WITH TULIP) a delightful suspense thriller starring an intrepid heroine with health and household issues even before someone threatens her. The story line is fast-paced as Jo deals with her life threatening problems while across the ocean Danny struggles with his life choices. With plenty of suspects even family members, red herrings, and wit, chick lit mystery fans will immensely enjoy this entertaining amateur sleuth tale. Harriet Klausner

This was my favorite of the 3rd in the series of A Smart Chick Mystery. I have read all of Mindy Starns Clark's books and enjoy them immensely. I give these books 5 stars! Marilyn Fitzgerald Carlsbad, CA

It hasn't even quite been two months since Jo Tulip was almost killed by a maniac. She's almost recovered when she gets an anonymous e-mail telling her that her life is in danger. The police just aren't taking it very seriously. Then her ex-fiance comes back into her life. Bradford has a bomb shell of his own. He finally explains why he left her at the alter six months before. But then he, too, warns her that her life is in danger. Before he can explain any more, someone tries to kill Jo, but Bradford winds up hurt instead. Meanwhile, half a world away, Danny Watkins' internship is going extremely well. In fact, he's just gotten the opportunity to work for one of his professional heroes on a photo shoot. He happily heads out, unaware of the problems Jo is facing back home and just how they might affect his future. Once again, Mindy Starns Clark has written a wonderful novel. It takes quite a while to figure out how Danny's storyline ties in with the rest of the book, but it does eventually do so. And that's the only complaint. Jo's plot is riveting, and actually ties things together nicely from the first book. Jo and Danny are wonderful characters to spend time with, and it's so easy to root for them to win. In stead of being preachy, this novel weaves the Christian elements expertly into the story. You really do need to read this trilogy in order, but they are great reads. Be sure to set aside plenty of time because these books will draw you in and not let you go until the final page.

I love Mindy Starns Clark's book. I have read ALL of her books and I love everyone of them. I hope that she writes more books. Lets keep our fingers crossed.