Cloud Nine: When Pigs Fly

Planning for a rainy day has never been Val's forte. But when a storm brews up right in her own backyard, Val's forced to get off her lounge chair and spring into action. A shady, ham-fisted developer's threatening to knock down Val's favorite beach haunt, along with all the precious memories held within its shabby walls. With the owner's signature on the bill of sale, the plan seems like a done deal. Or is it? Something fishy is going on at the beach, and it's going to take all the wits Val can muster to put a pig-headed developer out to pasture. But with her friend Goober missing in action, can Val get her act - and her troops - together in time to keep Sunset Beach from being wiped off the map? Sandwiched between ghosts of the past and hopes for the future, Val needs to whip up a miracle if she's going to save her own bacon.... If you enjoy Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum or Jana Deleon's Fortune Redding, you'll probably find yourself resonating with Val Fremden, too. She's a lovable, bungling mess who's a bit older, a tad more jaded, and a ton more experienced in big-time failure. Life's been tough for Val. Still, she always manages to find her way with sardonic humor and an intrepid spirit. A gin and tonic now and then helps, too. Life's a beach and then you die. If you're ready for a good laugh and a great mystery, check out Cloud Nine. Florida-based mysteries don't get any wackier-or truly heartfelt.