Knock Off

I had such a great time reading "Knock Off." If you are familiar with any of Janet Evanovich's novels, you could compare this book to her Stephanie Plum series. It was a surprise to me that this is Janet Pollero's first book. She writes like an old pro. The characters and dialogue were fun and easy to identify with. There is plenty of humor, and I caught myself laughing out loud a few times throughout this book. Bravo, Ms. Pollero! You have a new fan.

Rhonda Pollero writes a book thats really a great read. If you love Evanovich's Stephanie Plum you will love Finley. I found myself laughing out loud many times with Finleys adventures. I hope she never stops writing. This an enjoyable read

"If I could find a way to deep-fry chocolate, my life would be whole." This first sentence sets the tone for the book. The heroine, Finley Anderson Tanner (nickname 'Fat'), is a para-legal with an eye for cut-price fashion and accessories - she's building her own Rolex from parts bought on e-Bay - and a nose for an investigation. She works for the Estates and Trusts Department of a prestigious law firm, but her safely dull routine is up-ended when a distraught widow is determined to prove that her husband has been murdered. Finley gets pushed into investigating what has happened, then the death threats start... There are shades of Janet Evanovich and Sarah Strohmeyer here, with the slightly ditsy but spunky and good-hearted heroine surrounded by loyal girlfriends and a confused love-life. What I most enjoyed was the dry humour and the way we get to hear Finley's wry unspoken thoughts - especially when she was dealing with her snobbish mother. Lots of puzzled glances came my way on the train as I laughed out loud in mid-page! I'm happy that further books in this series are planned; can't wait for the next one, 'Knock 'em Dead', and I thoroughly recommend this one if you're into the comedy-murder genre.

"Knock Off" was a great read. It is exactly what I look for in this kind of book. Likeable characters, a clever mystery, not too much "romance novel" emotional blather and a sense of fun. Finley is a paralegal who is more interested in shopping online at work than climbing the corporate ladder until she is drawn into solving the death of the husband of one of her probate clients. The only gripe I have with the story is that the motive of the culprit is weak (or weakly developed). Finley's character and attitude definitely make up for it though.

I loved KNOCK OFF. And before anyone jumps in to point out the obvious, Rhonda is a friend of mine. But I have dozens of friends who write, and I assure you, I don't always love what they write, no matter how much I love *them*. KNOCK OF is clever, fast paced and frequently laugh out loud funny. Finley is so unashamedly unambitious and fun that I find her refreshing in this day of kick-butt heroines who can leap buildings in a single bound. Her smart mouth, her quick repartee, her hellacious mother, her relationship with her girlfriends, and her sizzle with Liam all make for a fun, entertaining read. I highly recommend KNOCK OFF.