Dead File

June 23, 2003
In Lange's fluffy sequel to The Reporter
(2002), lanky, blonde TV newshound Maxi Poole and her cameraman rush to downtown L.A. to cover the sudden death of Gillian Rose, owner of a successful herbal dietary supplement company. The station can't use the film footage they take, but right away we know it contains an important clue; too bad we have to wait for the end of the book for it. After the authorities pronounce Gillian's death natural, Maxi's self-styled snooping turns up enough questionable pharmaceutical evidence to prod the medical examiner into a second autopsy that proves Gillian was murdered. The brash Maxi insinuates herself into the case, interviewing Gillian's snappish husband Carter, his greedy mistress and Gillian's business colleagues. Red herrings and suspicious behavior by all the characters keep Maxi zooming around L.A.'s celebrity haunts. Finally, she pulls out the crime scene footage and identifies the murderer, a totally off-the-wall choice. The author's lavish descriptions of brand-name clothing and furnishings will tickle Jackie Collins fans, while others will welcome the insider look at how news programs are put together. Have a good day at the beach! Mystery Guild Featured Alternate. Agent, Robin Rue. (July 17)FYI:Lange is a former reporter and anchor for L.A.'s KNBC-TV.

July 1, 2003
Sleuthing TV news anchor Maxi Poole, one of LA's most recognizable faces, just happens to have been acquainted with the city's newest high-profile murder victim, one Gillian Rose. The woman's billion-dollar vitamin business continues under her grieving husband's direction, but all is not as it seems. Someone apparently breaks into the couple's mansion in order to attack the widower; a secret valuable formula goes missing from company offices; and an entrepreneurial takeover effort threatens the business. Poole works her own vivacious charm, but it brings her danger as often as not. An attractive heroine, free-flowing prose, and a believable plot make Lange's second Maxi Poole adventure (after The Reporter) a good choice for most collections. Lange is also the author of Gossip and Trophy Wife.

Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2003
Young and glamorous L.A. reporter Maxi Poole is back in another adventure that takes readers inside a TV news operation. When vitamin-supplement queen Gillian Rose is found dead, Maxi anticipates a big story, but when the police find no evidence of foul play, Maxi's gruff boss takes her off the story. Gillian's husband, Carter, who believes his wife was murdered, enlists a skeptical Maxi to help in solving the crime. Displeased with this arrangement is Carter's stunning secretary--and lover--Kendyl Scott. Meanwhile, the return of colleague Richard Winningham from assignment in the Middle East suggests that Maxi's Christmas might not be blue this year. That subplot and others involving a distraught has-been anchorman and a stolen book manuscript help make this Maxi's best outing yet. Adding to the story's richness is Lange's amusing yet affectionate portrayal of La-La Land; yes, it's superficial, she seems to say, but why not love it anyway? Terrific light entertainment.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)