A-List (A Jake Longly #2)

When A-list actor Kirk Ford wakes up with a dead girl in his bed, Jake Longly and his girlfriend Nicole are hired to look into what appears to be a pretty straightforward case. As much as Nicole wants to believe that her old friend Kirk is as innocent as he claims, the fact remains that two people were in a locked hotel room, and Kristi Guidry wound up dead. Be that as it may, this case is not as open and shut as it would seem. Newfound evidence casts substantial doubt on Kirk's guilt. As Jake and Nicole continue to unravel the curious details surrounding the crime, the question looms: if Kirk did not kill Kristi, who did?

Set in spectacular New Orleans, the second book in the Jake Longly series explores the city and all its trappings in exquisite detail. Mr. Lyle has written a deliciously entertaining book filled to the brim with colorful characters. Nicole is intelligent and resourceful, while Jake is the very antithesis of the stereotypical private investigator. The narrative is fun and quirky, but this book should not be read as a standalone. Readers will almost certainly feel lost without the necessary backstory to fill in the gaps. As enjoyable as this book is, the alternating point of view from first to third person in various chapters may be disconcerting to some. Additionally, the subdued ending does not offer one enough closure. In short, if readers are looking for a fast-paced read set in a wonderful locale, "A-list" is sure to satisfy!

Chantel Hardge