Popped
A Regan Reilly Mystery  
By Carol Higgins Clark

     Popped takes Carol Higgins Clark’s private eye, Regan Reilly, from her usual stomping grounds of Los Angeles to Las Vegas, where she is hired by an old friend, Danny Madley, who is producing a reality TV show. The concept of the show is to take three married couples, who have been married for quite some time, and put them in a contest to renew their vows—in a hot air balloon. They also will win one million dollars!

    Not only does Carol take us inside the casinos and all of their bright lights and high-rolling action, but she gives quite an in-depth look at the world of hot air balloons. If you have ever wondered about them, you will come out of reading this book with an expanded knowledge.

    Popped has a wide array of colorful characters who show up to “help” both Danny and Regan. Regan’s boyfriend, Jack, a cop back in LA, pitches in to dig up the dirt on the various contenders for the grand prize. My favorites among the characters were Danny’s parents, who managed to get into a good bit of trouble on their own.

    The mystery was a bit buried, in my opinion, but it was still a fun read. This is the first of Carol Higgins Clark’s books that I have read, although I have been a fan of her mother’s books for many years. They have a new Christmas book coming out this year, and I look forward to it as well. If you want a fast, light read, I recommend that you pick up a copy of Popped.