NOW YOU DIE

Author: Christiane Heggan ISBN: 0778322289 11/2005 CONTEMPORARY SUSPENSE Publisher: MIRA

When cartoonist Zoe Foster stumbles across a woman's lifeless body in an alley beside her New York office, she does what any good, civic-minded citizen would do: she calls 911. But when the police arrive, there's one small problem—the woman is gone. Without proof of foul play, the police dismiss her concerns, but like Kitty Floyd, P.I., the heroine of her popular comic strip, Zoe is not easily discouraged. Her curiosity is piqued even further when she learns that the missing woman, Lola Malone, was a singer at Blue Moon, a nightclub owned by Zoe's ex-husband, Rick Vaughn. Trying to set aside their differences, the two team up in an effort to find Lola. But the search turns hazardous when Zoe comes up with a new story line based on the singer's disappearance, and immediately becomes a killer's target. All evidence points to one of her fans, an individual who seems to know her every move, and who will do whatever it takes to stop Zoe from finding out the truth.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

If you are looking for a page-turning, thrilling romantic suspense look no further than NOW YOU DIE.

From a guaranteed attention-grabbing opener to a really cleverly done mystery, Ms. Heggan's story moves with the vibrant, intelligent energy of its heroine, Zoe Foster.

Quirky, inquisitive Zoe is the heart and soul of NOW YOU DIE. As Zoe stumbles into a murder mystery she is determined to solve and into a rekindled romance with her ex-husband, Rick Vaughn, she sweeps readers along for an exciting roller coaster ride.

With some nifty twists and turns, Ms. Heggan's mystery angle is also cleverly delivered. The way Ms. Heggan uses Zoe's cartoon to help solve the murder is especially well-done...and refreshing.

Now for the downside of NOW YOU DIE. As full-bodied as Zoe's character was, I was disappointed in Rick Vaughn. Aside from being appropriately yummy and a good guy, I never got a real feel for Ms. Heggan's hero. The romance was a bit shaky, too, mainly, I think, because Zoe and Rick were not really given enough time together.

Aside from those two points, NOW YOU DIE is a treat. Sexy, fast moving and exciting, Ms. Heggan's richly told story is definitely worth a read.

Debbie Jett