‘Sticks and Stones’ by K. J. Larsen

 Published by Head of Zeus Ltd,
13 September 2013 
ISBN 9781908800534

This book goes at a fizzing pace as heroine Cat DeLuca pursues various crooks. She is a PI who investigates men whose wives believe they are cheating on them to get the evidence of their perfidy; and sometimes she looks at women whose husbands suspect them of extra-marital activity The task involves much chasing of cars and much clambering on to places from which clear photos of the behaviour of the men and their paramours can be taken. It is not an easy task! The name of Cat’s agency is the Pants On Fire Detective Agency.

The people that Cat works for are frequently rather eccentric in their responses to their cheating spouses - guns feature strongly! This particular story centres on Cleo who is assisting Cat in her business burt also angry with her cheating, lying husband Walter. When Walter is shot Cleo is the obvious suspect so Cat has to work hard to show her friend’s innocence. Cat comes from a big exuberant Italian- American family with strong involvement in the law business which can be difficult but also helpful to her as a PI. Her Mama is constantly distressed that her daughter won’t take a safe job in dispatching for the police. When Cat is in her mother’s good books she is given heavenly homemade cannoli but when she isn’t the food is withheld.

Food is a major feature here. Cat succeeds against the odds in tracking down the real murderer and solves other crimes at the same time!

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Reviewer: Jennifer S Palmer

This is the second adventure for Cat DeLuca - the first was Liar, Liar. A further story, Some Like it Hot is previewed at the end of Sticks and Stones

K J Larsen. The three sisters Kari, Julianne, and Kristen write under the pen name, K.J. Larsen. Writing a novel together was second nature for the three sisters who created their own Nancy Drew mysteries as kids
Kari Larsen lives at the foothills of Mt. Rainier and loves hiking, stand-up comedy, and the Blues. She’s written a column for a local paper as well as numerous plays and children’s stories. Kari is also a regular contributor at www.kidamentals.com with blogs and information on how to encourage creativity in children. Julianne is the youngest of the six Larsen girls.   She teaches classes in organic gardening and is a gifted artist and poet. She lives on a farm with her horses, her beagle, and more four legged children than any person with good sense.

http://kjlarsenauthor.com/

Jennifer Palmer Throughout my reading life crime fiction has been a constant interest; I really enjoyed my 15 years as an expatriate in the Far East, the Netherlands & the USA but occasionally the solace of closing my door to the outside world and sitting reading was highly therapeutic. I now lecture to adults on historical topics including Famous Historical Mysteries.