Dead File: Signed

Channel six television reporter Maxi Poole is on assignment to cover the murder of Gillian Rose, co-owner of one of the largest vitamin and herb retailers in the world. Arriving at the crime sight, Maxi studies Gillian's body, trying to make sense of the scene in front of her. Days later, someone breaks into the home of Carter Rose, Gillian's husband, in a failed attempt to murder him. A shaken Carter asks Maxi for help in finding Gillian's killer. Maxi can't help being intrigued by the magnetic Carter Rose. His earnestness, surprising shyness, playful wit, and boyish good looks all add up to one deadly attractive package. As Maxi gets sucked into Carter's world, she has to confront his indiscriminate philandering and shadowy friends. But Maxi isn't at all prepared for what she finds when she gets into a locked file in the channel six newsroom-the infamous 'dead file.'

In Lange's fluffy sequel to The Reporter (2002), lanky, blonde TV newshound Maxi Poole and her cameraman rush to downtown L.A. to cover the sudden death of Gillian Rose, owner of a successful herbal dietary supplement company. The station can't use the film footage they take, but right away we know it contains an important clue; too bad we have to wait for the end of the book for it. After the authorities pronounce Gillian's death natural, Maxi's self-styled snooping turns up enough questionable pharmaceutical evidence to prod the medical examiner into a second autopsy that proves Gillian was murdered. The brash Maxi insinuates herself into the case, interviewing Gillian's snappish husband Carter, his greedy mistress and Gillian's business colleagues. Red herrings and suspicious behavior by all the characters keep Maxi zooming around L.A.'s celebrity haunts. Finally, she pulls out the crime scene footage and identifies the murderer, a totally off-the-wall choice. The author's lavish descriptions of brand-name clothing and furnishings will tickle Jackie Collins fans, while others will welcome the insider look at how news programs are put together. Have a good day at the beach! Mystery Guild Featured Alternate. FYI: Lange is a former reporter and anchor for L.A.'s KNBC-TV.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Young and glamorous L.A. reporter Maxi Poole is back in another adventure that takes readers inside a TV news operation. When vitamin-supplement queen Gillian Rose is found dead, Maxi anticipates a big story, but when the police find no evidence of foul play, Maxi's gruff boss takes her off the story. Gillian's husband, Carter, who believes his wife was murdered, enlists a skeptical Maxi to help in solving the crime. Displeased with this arrangement is Carter's stunning secretary--and lover--Kendyl Scott. Meanwhile, the return of colleague Richard Winningham from assignment in the Middle East suggests that Maxi's Christmas might not be blue this year. That subplot and others involving a distraught has-been anchorman and a stolen book manuscript help make this Maxi's best outing yet. Adding to the story's richness is Lange's amusing yet affectionate portrayal of La-La Land; yes, it's superficial, she seems to say, but why not love it anyway? Terrific light entertainment. Jenny McLarin
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