One Last Kiss

Grace Slick was a very unusual little girl growing up. While others her age played with dolls or growing up to be a princess, she was fascinated with crime solving and busting criminals, and aspired to be like Pam Grier in "Foxy Brown." As an adult, she did become a police detective, one of the best in New Jersey, before she retired to become a private investigator, aided by her heiress girlfriend, Laura Charles. In "One Last Kiss," Slick is contacted by her former precinct captain to take on a murder that might implicate another detective, a homophobic jerk who she clashed with many times while on the force. Making the crime even more personal is the fact that the victim, a high-class prostitute, was actually one of Slick's first lovers, who apparently tried to send her a list of her clients (which included many prominent men, including a well-known politician) right before she was murdered. Slick and Laura take their investigations from the streets of Newark to prestigious society events, getting information (and misinformation) from sources including from the victim's mother, twin 6'4" transvestite prostitutes and an "outed" politician, discovering unexpected developments on their way to solving the crime. I was very impressed by this well-written, original and cohesive mystery/crime novel, especially the author's apparent talent for providing realistic, fully-developed primary and secondary characters to keep readers (of either gender or any sexuality) interested as well as entertained. Bravo, and five street-smart stars out of five!

The twist and turns will keep you guessing cover to cover. if you like mysteries with unexpected turns this book is for you.

Former Newark police officer turned private investigator Cassandra Slick lives her childhood employment choice of detective though she feels she is not quite at the kick butt level of her heroine Foxy Brown. Her wealthy white significant other and business partner Laura Charles believes Slick is better than some Pam Grier movie character as what she does is real. Her former NPD precinct Captain and mentor Frank DeStasio asks Slick for a favor. Cop Tom Brandeal is the prime suspect for the murder of black prostitute Paradise nee Gloria Roxley in Echo Lake. Brandeal is his own worst enemy with his homophobic rants, but Slick ignores her personal disgust for him because she wants to know who killed her friend Paradise. She learns of Paradise's diary that include high class clients especially members of a private men's club with affluence and power they use without regard to others. The latest Slick-Charles private investigative tale (see NAUGHTY LITTLE SECRETS) is a fantastic Newark whodunit due to the plausible engaging spins; each time the audience settles back smirking with the solution, Mary Wilbon provides a twist. The lead characters are a wonderful couple and the street people are a delight who refresh the mystery with their antics; fans will especially adore the amateur sleuth transvestites Dijonnaise and Buffet. ONE LAST KISS is a deep look at the mean streets of Newark through the eyes of those who are the last bastions of true Adam Smith capitalism selling their wares right on the street. Harriet Klausner

Cassandra Slick gave up her police detective badge and went to work for her partner's clam company, although solving crimes is her passion. With the help of her partner, Laura, she starts her own private investigation agency and she has been asked to help in the investigation of the death of a local prostitute. However, Cassandra doesn't want to take the case because her former police nemesis, Brandeal, is a suspect. In her mind, why should she help a cop who is not only dirty, but a racist and homophobe? Yet, she takes on the case because the prostitute played a healthy part in Cassandra's past and whoever murdered her deserves to be captured. With the backdrop of a political campaign and numerous suspects, the story is a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns as you try to discern who did it and why. Several of the suspects have something to lose because of their ties to the prostitute and her secrets. Wilbon keeps readers guessing, as well as laughing throughout the story. The characters are well-drawn and the plot is believable. ONE LAST KISS is one fast-paced suspenseful ride. Reviewed by Cashana Seals of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers