The Stiff and the Dead

Burned out at her job, Pauline Sokol gave up her career in nursing to take on something a bit more exciting. Her new job investigating insurance fraud claims proves to fit the bill... even if she has no real idea what she is doing. Assigned to investigate prescription fraud by senior citizens does not seem too tough, but her latest case may be more than she expected. After all, one of the suspects is already dead and inside sources (her Uncle Sal) hint at foul play. To get close, Pauline must 'infiltrate' the senior set by becoming one of the gang. So now it is back to scrubs for Pauline, working at the clinic where the suspected fraud is occurring during the day. And with a bit of makeup magic from the ever effervescent Goldie, by evening Pauline becomes Peggy Doubtme, latest member of the over 65 club. When Jagger, the mysterious hottie who Pauline suspects investigates for some sort of government agency (no one seems to know for sure and he is not telling!), arrives on the scene claiming they should work together on this one, she knows it is not going to be so easy after all. This suspicion immediately proves true... after all, the stolen drug in question is Viagra and octogenarian Joey has been giving her the eye....

Pauline and the gang from A Dose of Murder, are back again and funnier than ever. I recommend trying to get your hands on the first book, A Dose of Murder, but if you cannot... do not hesitate to pick up this one! It is a full and complete mystery, comedy adventure unto itself. Pauline is once again in over her head, bumbling her way through another case with the help of a cast of odd and hilarious characters. Jagger is a sexy man of mystery with a job of unknown origin and the ability to make Pauline forget her own name. Nick is cute and interested in Pauline but pales under the 'Jagger' shadow. Then there is Miles, Pauline's gay roommate and his 'boyfriend' Goldie (not to be missed!). This book has more than one moment of laugh out loud humor, my favorite without a doubt being the scene in the garden shed... too funny!

I will be eagerly awaiting the next Pauline Sokol mystery to hit the bookstores. One last comment... knowing the book is about Viagra fraud sort of puts a whole different twist on the title....don't you agree?!! A great read!

Reviewed by: Johnna