Book Review: Film Strip

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Film Strip     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Nancy Bartholomew
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth   Humorous
Series: Sierra Lavotini # 3
St. Martin’s, Nov 2000` $23.95, 272 pp.

Although she agreed to work with the visiting porn star, Venus Lovemotion, Tiffany’s Gentleman Club headliner Sierra Lavotini expected a pain in the butt. However, she never anticipated that the ache would come from a bullet that killed Venus as it passed through her body and penetrated one of Sierra’s covered cheeks.

A second homicide of a visiting superstar of the velvet circuit occurs. Panama City homicide detective John Nailor uncovers evidence that points towards Sierra’s local rival, Marla as the killer. Although she cannot stand Marla who is a bigger pain to her butt than a bullet, Sierra decides her peer is too stupid to have pulled off the two murders. Sierra decides to assist John, hoping to also land him in her bed, during the intermission of solving the case.

The third Lavotini mystery (see MIRACLE STRIP and DRAG STRIP) is a very humorous, satirical work that strips bare the essence of the amateur sleuth sub-genre. The story line starts off with an amusing shot in the dark and continues its funny plot until the tale is finished. However, don’t be fooled by the droll plot, the murder investigation is well written and the support cast (especially Sierra’s investigative aides) brings the Florida resort town to life. John is a wonderful cop, but when this tale is stripped to the bone, like the previous two novels, the headliner remains Sierra.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner