Speak Now

September 6, 2004
Short-listed for Britain's C.W.A. 2003 Debut Dagger Award, Dumas's sparkling debut should appeal to both cozy and chick-lit fans. Thirty-four-year-old Charley Van Leeuwen, who runs her own "non-profit rep company in San Francisco," has married Jack Fairfax, a dashing former U.S. Navy meteorologist (who reminds her of "Roman Holiday
Gregory Peck"), six weeks after meeting him in London. Their honeymoon comes to an abrupt halt when they discover a dead body in their bathtub at San Francisco's posh Mark Hopkins Hotel. Charley must solve the mystery (which somehow involves Jack) and direct a new play while getting kidnapped and held at gunpoint along the way. Stock characters abound: the queeny, bisexual artistic director of her theater; the no-nonsense, sometimes tactless financial manager; the uptight, shy women's studies professor. At times Charley comes across as little more than a collection of references to designer labels and expensive champagne, but her engaging voice ("It would be nice if I could say I look like Aubrey Hepburn, but I'm not delusional") will keep readers turning the pages. (Oct. 1)

Forecast:
Blurbs from Donna Andrews and Penny Warner will alert their fans to this fresh voice.

June 1, 2004
Carley Van Leeuwen seems to have married the perfect, mild-mannered meteorologist-until she finds a dead body in her bathtub. Things only go downhill from there. This first novel was shortlisted (and highly commended) for the 2003 CWA Debut Dagger Award. Dumas lives in the Bay Area.

Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2005
Adult/High School -Charley Van Leeuwen is a 30-something woman of considerable financial means who enjoys independence and life's finer things. Narrating the story in a wryly humorous voice, she explains that though her money cushions her from most of life's bumps, she does work hard, managing (and largely financing) an independent repertory theater company in San Francisco. A year before she had sold her flat, left her beloved Rep in the hands of associates, and gone to England to study theater. While away, with uncharacteristic impulsiveness, she acquired a husband after knowing him only six weeks. Jack is a handsome meteorologist just retiring from the U.S. Navy (but why was he stationed in the desert?) and, as the story begins, she is bringing him home with her. They plan to stay in a luxurious hotel until they can find a place to live, but as soon as they get there, a dead body turns up in the bathtub. As Charley struggles to keep her unstable company together, put on a new show, dodge embarrassing questions from friends and family members about her sudden marriage and mysterious husband, and deal with the occasional kidnapping, she tries to figure out what's going on. With its San Francisco setting; theatrical background; hint of espionage; a witty, sophisticated hero and heroine who thoroughly enjoy one another's company; and brisk pace, this humorous if unlikely tale will entertain readers who like a light mystery with an urban attitude." -Christine C. Menefee, Fairfax County Public Library, VA"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.