Dating Can Be Deadly

January 24, 2005
Tabitha Emery, the psychically talented star of Canadian author Roberts's chick-friendly debut mystery, works as a receptionist at a prestigious Seattle law firm, where she hopes for a better position—and some attention from hunky lawyer Clay Sanderson. A purse-snatching (hers) and a broken-down car (also hers) put her in a bind, though she can turn to friends Jenny, Lara and Cathy for both drinking companionship and support. When her psychic abilities lead to the discovery of a murder site, the result is suspicion on the part of the police, solicitous attention from Sanderson and suspension (automatic) from the law firm. She also receives, with ambivalence, attentions from the darkly handsome owner of the Scrying Room, a metaphysical retail establishment. Despite her dithering doubts about her own attractiveness, intelligence and decision making, Tabitha emerges as a likable damsel in distress with a promising series future. Agent, Richard Curtis.

February 15, 2005
Tabitha Emery's clairvoyant powers can't save her from having her purse snatched, but they do help her uncover a crime scene across from the movie theater where she has just taken a second job. The police are quite suspicious about how Tabitha just happened upon a dumpster with an inverted pentagram spray-painted on it and a significant amount of blood inside it. Clay Sanderson, a sexy lawyer at the firm where Tabitha works, advises her to stay away from the case. Instead, she visits a local "magick" store, the Scrying Room, where she meets the handsome proprietor, Lucien Roskell. Lucien gives her a special mirror and encourages her to channel her psychic abilities. She does, but what she learns causes the police to become more skeptical about her knowledge and attracts the killer's attention. Roberts' first novel blends chick lit--Tabitha frequently shares her guy troubles with friends over drinks at a local bar--with paranormal romance and mystery in a seamless, entertaining story.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)