Like most murder mysteries of its kind, the book centers on a lead woman character (Brenda Midnight in this case) who has a job doing something else (millinery) and who has a cast of characters (Elizabeth, Chuck) as friends and at least one love interest (two in this case, Johnny and Ray), with the option of a pet (a little dog named Jackhammer), and through her pluck and determination she must solve the murder of someone close to her (a dress designer friend named Carla).

All that said, and with the acknowledgement that the plot was implausible to say the least, this was a really fun read. Brenda is plucky, clever, and determined. She's also very lucky, which propels the plot and helps solve some dilemmas and situations within.

The writing is well suited to the genre, the characters are interesting and work well together, the dialogue is generally solid, and the setting in New York City is a lot of fun. There's also genuinely amusing situations and a lot of New York City panache to go with them.

As light reading, this is a great book. ( )