Genre: Contemporary Romance, Mystery, Comedy

Publisher: L&L Dreamspell

Publication Dates: June 2010

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

Laurel McKay really isn’t sure she’s interested in dating at all. Divorced and barely holding her job and her family together, adding dates to the mix doesn’t seem like a wise idea. But still, she decides that instead of trying internet dating, she’ll give a higher end ‘love club’ a try. With an extensive security process and more elite clients, she’s sure that it’s going to work better than previous dates she’s had. Unfortunately, this one sets a record for nearly the worst date ever. After he tries to go too far with him, she smashes him in the face with his cell phone and the next morning? He ends up dead. She, of course is covered in his blood from the night before and her fingerprints are all over the inside of the car. Not good.
What’s worse for Laurel is that the detective investigating the crime is a soccer dad whose daughter plays against Laurel’s son and whom Laurel doesn’t really like very much. So when Detective Hunk…er Hunter, hits the case, Laurel isn’t sure what to think. He makes a joke about following her on her next date to make sure the homicide count doesn’t rise. Hah. Hah.

Remember when I said that her earlier date was almost the worst date ever? Her second Love Club attempt turns out worse. How can it be worse than a date showing up dead the next day? How about dying mid-date – while Laurel is in the bathroom with no alibi!

Cindy Sample’s story is funny, smart and has a fast paced plot that keeps you guessing. Could it be her boss? Her ex-husband? Some random killings? And how does Laurel manage to hold herself together in the midst of a serial killer’s work?

Sample’s characters are realistic and quirky without being over the top. They are easily relatable and as you’re reading, it would be easy to see yourself hanging out with them. As her heroine balances life, divorce, romance and mystery solving, she does it with grace, panache and just enough humor to keep you laughing along.

I enjoyed reading this book and found it to be a fun weekend read. Light, funny and clean enough to be shared amongst friends without apologies or remorse, Dying for a Date will keep you laughing, intrigued, and very very happy that Cindy Sample isn’t writing your life story.