New author- light-weight mystery featuring stripper in Panama City.

Sierra Lavotini has mountainous hooters. It’s not really relevant to the story, but I just thought I’d throw it out there, since this kind of information is important when you’re a guy. It’s mentioned early on (page four to be exact), along with the exact dimensions (38DDs), so it takes all suspense and mystery out of the equation, and I can focus on the task at hand. Which is writing my review and engaging your attention for the next few minutes or so.

What struck my attention wasn’t the cup size of the main character, although it did hold a certain appeal, but the potential contained within this bite-sized tale. Sure, the dialogue was a bit cheesy at times, and Nancy Bartholomew resorted to the tried and true mistake of a beginning author by dropping character’s names over the course of a conversation much more often than would happen in real life, and sure, the plot of THE MIRACLE STRIP might have exceeded the potential of even my own imagination at times. But the voice sold me on page one, and I would have followed Ms. Lavotini back to her trailer park home, just to hear her tell me her tale over the course of a few hours, and I probably would have left with a smile on my face, even if I didn’t get a glimpse at the merchandise.

Sierra’s a stripper with machine gun jubblies and an attitude to match; a female companion named Fluffy, who has more bite and bark than her pint-size and name would otherwise entail; a redheaded knockout named Denise who often exudes more trouble than sense; she’s the marquee act at the Tiffany Club, but she’s got plenty of competition; and she drives her Camaro Z28 like a bat out of hell, tearing down the road with more purpose than sense. With a heart as big as her breasts, she’s a loyal friend to have.

The plot focused more on nude dancing (interesting research material), pole face time, and Sierra’s relationships with Raydean, Fluffy, John Nailor, Lyle, and Vincent Gambuzzo than it did on dognapped Arlo and dead bodies. But I went along for the ride with the top down and my hair blowing in the breeze. If you’d rather not dig your five inch stilettos in too deep, and you’re looking for a light, breezy read, you may find yourself having a party with all of your clothes still on and finding some enjoyment in the process.

Sierra Lavotini is a beautiful exotic dancer whose friend Denise's dog is missing with a $100,000 ransom. Sierra discovers that she doesn't know very much about her friend after Denise disappears and Sierra tries to find her. This book was filled with the colorful characters in Sierra's life from the strip club and her trailer park. It was an interesting story with a fast pace.

3.5

A rollicking good read. I'd have given 3.5 stars if I could. Loved Sierra Lavotini! I'm still laughing over, "We all put up walls. We've all got secrets. I mean, do you think I would tell anyone that I like to read and maybe want to be a writer?!"

Nancy Bartholomew's Mystery series featuring stripper/detective Sierra Lavotini. They may not be as outrageously funny, but they do include quirky secondary characters, fast pacing, snappy dialog, and a sassy heroine. Start with The Miracle Strip.

This was crazy fun. Fresh characters. Surprise turns. Couldn't put it down.

This book is the first in the Sierra Lavotini mystery series. They are set in Panama City, Florida.

As a native Floridian, and from north Florida at that, I found Nancy Bartholomew's descriptions of the area and people to be believable and entertaining. I really enjoyed the confidence of the lead character, Sierra. Typically, I don't like the first novel in a series, but this one was great, and has left me eager to see the development of the characters as the series progresses.

On the blurb of the book, it was compared to Janet Evanovich & the series she writes. I did not find this one to be near as funny as the Plum series. I did enjoy the book & some parts were funny. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series by this author

Fun mystery/crime with a woman heroine (sort of). Fun Series

3.5 stars. 2nd in series. Sierra Lavotini comes from a family of Philly firefighters. She is making her own way as a stripper at an "elegant" club in Panama City, Florida. A few quirky but realistic characters, nice plot lines that aren't obvious and just enough humor and violence makes this an entertaining series. Not new, so no cell phones, only dial up computer access, etc. Numbers 3 and 4 are waiting for me at my public library!

Funny, witty, and engaging story.