Claire and Present Danger (Mass Market Paperback)

But... I've finally figured out the big flaw in this series, or rather in the relationship between Amanda and CK. Simply put, the man that Amanda intends to marry absolutely REFUSES to take her seriously.

Over and over again, she has proven herself to be an intelligent, competent woman. But over and over again, CK just laughs and pats her on the head whenever she states an opinion that HE doesn't agree with. CK is truly the most passive-aggressive character that I have ever "read".

And the advice that Amanda gets from her future mother-in-law, married to the same type of man? "Oh, you'll learn how to manage him." How quaint.

Run, Amanda!

Mackenzie sends her to do an interview. She wants to do a good job on this her first solo investigation. Claire Fairchild doesn't make it easy. She wants Amanda to investigate her future daughter-in-law, Emmie. The problem is that Claire gives Amanda sketchy information about Emmie -- she says that this is why she wants her investigated. Amanda meets Emmie and likes her. Amanda is about to meet her future in-law's and is not sure she wants to investigate Emmie. But there are the anonymous letters Mrs. Fairchild received about Emmie.

When Amanda begins probing into Emmie's past, she finds there was a fatal accident that may have been murder. There are more questions about accidents in her past. Then things heat up when more things start happening. Is Emmie behind them or a victim herself? Amanda rushes to find the truth before it is too late.

I have enjoyed this series for some time. This is the best one yet as I enjoyed Amanda working with Mackenzie on this case. Yes, he still had his doubts and didn't go along with everything Amanda came up with, but I felt they were on the same side most of the time.

I also enjoy Amanda's interaction with her high school students. It is fun getting a glimpse into that side of her life in each book, some more than others.

I hope Mackenzie will become more involved in the stories in the future now that he is a PI.

The introduction of Mackenzie's parents is very interesting. His mother is a real character.

I highly recommend this book. It is a great cozy mystery.

This tightly written book deftly weaves together several subplots: Amanda's job at Philly Prep, where she has learned to manage her wimpy headmaster; Amanda's classroom, where she teaches Lord of the Flies with creative, contemporary techniques; Amanda's romance with C.K. Mackenzie and the impending descent of the inlaws; and most important, Amanda's foray into private investigation, under Mackenzie's supervision, which furnishes the main plot driver.

Hired to investigate a wealthy man's prospective bride, Emmie, Amanda and C.K. quickly learn the woman has a dark and complex past. Their investigation moves with lightning speed when Amanda coincidentally meets Emmie's old friend, Vicki. When Emmie realizes she has been investigated, she insists there's another side to the story, albeit a rather implausible one.

When Amanda finally figures out the real truth, we readers are treated to a delightful scene where we gain a new appreciation for Amanda's future mother-in-law. True, there are some coincidences that move the plot, but the book offers what cozy mystery readers want: a fast read, not too much danger, interesting characters, and some deeper points to ponder.

The pace and polish of this book show the author continues to grow and move her skills to the next level. I hope Amanda's marriage doesn't slow her down. And while I enjoyed the classroom scenes, I can't help wishing Amanda would find a more fulfilling, better-paying career. She's too smart to toil in underpaid anonymity under the supervision of an incompetent Headmaster Havemeyer.