Cross Your Heart and Hope to Die
Blackbird Sisters Mystery Series

By Nancy Martin

     My first intoduction to Martin's mysteries was a short mystery in the book, Drop-Dead Blonde, entitled Slay Belles, featuring the Blackbird Sisters as they worked together to solve a murder mystery related to a personal shopper at a high-end department store.I enjoyed it, so I looked forward to reading Cross Your Heart and Hope To Die.

     For those of you unfamiliar with the Blackbird Sisters, they are three high-flying women whose life of luxury came to a screeching halt when their parents squandered the family fortune. Now the debutante sisters have entered the unfamiliar, but always interesting, world of working for a living. Nora Blackbird is a columnist who is desperately trying to save the family farm after her parents drained the trust funds and left her with millions in back taxes on the property. Libby, the middle sister, is mother of five and has started her own business selling sex toys. The baby sister, Emma, is the wild one of the trio who just finished a foray in a rehab center for the rich and famous.

      When Nora's boss sends her off at the last last minute to cover a fashion show showcasing designer Brinker Holt's "Brinker Bra" (a strapless and wireless miracle for ladies needing a pushup and enhancement), it dawns on Nora that Brinker was the creep who had previously assaulted Emma and took delight in torturing other kids for personal entertainment in his younger years. Shortly thereafter, Nora's boss, who was banned from Brinker's fashion show, turns up dead on Nora's doorstep. Unfortunately, Nora's boyfriend Michael Abruzzo becomes a prime suspect in the murder, due to his suspected mob connections. Nora uses her sassy smarts and wit to find the real murderer and has the help of her feisty sisters as they get to the bottom of whodunnit.

     I recommend Cross Your Heart and Hope To Die to all mystery fans looking for an entertaining, witty read.

Reviews of other titles in this series

Cross Your Heart and Hope to Die #4
Have Your Cake and Kill Him Too #5
Murder Melts in Your Mouth #7
Drop-Dead Blonde - Nancy Martin, Elaine Viets, Denise Swanson, Victoria Laurie