The Stiff and the Dead: A Pauline Sokol Mystery

...seeing that we follow Pauline in her investigation for prescription fraud - Viagra being stolen and bought by some of the seniors. Pauline is none too happy that she's back in nurse's scrubs, but Jagger is back, and has her covered with the help of his myriad collection of disguises. Pauline's having to be in her own disguise, this time around, is too much fun, as is the Casanova of the senior center who keeps trying to hit on her. And let's not forget movie star material, Nick, whom Pauline gets a tad closer to in this book with hilarious results. I'm thoroughly addicted to this series, and am now reading ONE DEAD UNDER THE CUCKOO'S NEST. This one is a little more serious and deeper, with darker undertones than the other two, but no less entertaining. Stay tuned! : )

Pauline Sokol left nursing and is now a medical insurance fraud investigator. So why is it every time she gets a case, she ends up back in nursing under cover. This time she's investigating prescription fraud in a local seniors' center. She finds the easiest way to get information is to become a senior. Her fellow investigator, Jagger, keeps making work interesting. Can she keep her mind on work with him around? Plus there's Nick. What's a girl to do? Pauline uncovers an illegal Viagra ring at the seniors' center, but she can't put her finger on the person behind it. Will she be able to before there's another victim? I really like this series. Pauline is so funny. She keeps me laughing. I like the tension with her, Nick, and Jagger a lot, too. Goldie is a hoot. I read in bed at night and found myself trying not to laugh out loud to wake my husband. That's hard to do while reading this book! I highly recommend it! www.mysteryloverscorner.com www.romanceloverscorner.com

I read The Stiff and the Dead before reading Lori's first book A Dose of Murder, and I can only say that Lori only gets better. Pauline only gets funnier in this book as she is desperate to prove to everyone that she really can be good at what she does..because she is determined. Jagger is back once again and is sexier than in her first book. Nick makes a bigger appearance in this book and leaves us hoping he will make another appearance in her other books. Goldie and Miles are better than before leaving you laughing out loud. Throw in Pauline's other family members and you have a unforgettable cast of characters that leaves you hanging for more. This book has the hidden romance, the suspense and laughter that almost anyone could enjoy. I look forward to all of the Pauline Sokol mysteries.

I don't buy many books, because I think very few are worth the money. Because I enjoyed "A Dose of Murder" so much, though, I made an exception for "The Stiff and the Dead." I was not disappointed. Humor is again used to great effect and the mystery is reasonably entertaining, but what made me come back were the terrific characters. They're what I loved in the first book and what I look forward to in the next. Pauline remains a fun character almost anyone can identify with, and we learn more about Jagger as they work together. The Sokol family also appears again, as well as Pauline's good friends Goldie and Miles; her new boyfriend, Nick; and her dog, Spanky. The writing is tighter than in "A Dose of Murder." For instance, the words "ack" and "yikes" don't appear nearly as often, and Pauline's detective skills have progressed believably. Areas that could stand some improvement: Well, the editing needs work. I winced at mistakes such as affect/effect, missing commas, and the phrase "dose off" (instead of "doze off"). Plus, at one point Pauline wonders if a particular event actually did occur. I don't want to give away the plot, so I'll just say that if this thing did happen, she should know for sure one way or the other. Yet, in the book, she remains clueless. But those complaints are minor. I very much enjoyed this book and am eagerly anticipating the next in the series. We don't have the option of giving a book 4 1/2 stars and this one was better than 4, so I'm rating it a 5. Give it a try.

Ex-nurse Pauline Sokol gets her second case working for Scarpello and Tonelli Insurance Company. This time it is prescription fraud. Pauline's best suspect is Sophie Banko. To keep tabs on Sophie, Goldie helps disguise Pauline as an elderly lady. This way Pauline infiltrates the Hope Valley Senior Citizens Center to spy on Sophie. In addition to that, Pauline begins working (as a Temp) at the Hope Valley Clinic and its pharmacy. The case is a bit above what Pauline is ready for, but since Goldie has tonsillitis, she has time to help Pauline with disguises and advice. Good thing too, because Pauline needs lots of advice to deal with her two romantic interests, Nick and Jagger. Nick is clean cut, handsome, and a co-worker. Jagger is mysterious, irritating, and dangerously attractive. And it will probably take both of them to help Pauline on this case. **** The author, Lori Avocato, spends a bit more time on romance this time around. Readers get another taste of the mysterious Jagger, as well as, of the romantic Nick. But the author does not skimp on the investigation plot either. You will get to sink your teeth into another "whodunit" type mystery while being constantly amused with the colorful cast of characters that surround Pauline and her hectic life. Another delightful romp with Pauline and her unusual life style. **** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.