Review: "A Funny Short Story"
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 18, 2013
This is the second story I've read by Author Gemma Halliday.  She is definitely talented and whimsical in her writings.  In this story, fashion shoe designer, Maddie Springer, is married to LAPD Detective Jack Ramirez.  He has a tough job which is very demanding and leaves little time to spend with his wife of nearly one year.  Maddie is not very happy when he stands her up at Giseppi's Restaurant. Again, another dead body gets all his attention.  It was an important dinner she had planned ... to celebrate her birthday.  How would you feel if after waiting for him and then having to leave the restaurant without a joyful dinner?  Maddie had designed some shoes for a film nominated for a Viewers's Choice Award to be held in a couple of days, so she had to get ready to face that red carpet in a borrowed Versace designed dress.  Her friend Dana had been her aerobics instructor but now was an actress dating Ricky Montgomery, a major hot film star.  They will be arriving together at the awards presentation.  As she and Dana meet over coffee, Dana assures Maddie that, surely, Ramirez would not miss Valentine's Day.  It would be their first Valentine's Day since being married, and it was also their first anniversary.  Maddie had it all planned out ... well, what is the saying about best laid plans faltering?  Dana suggests something really sexy to buy at the Peach's Pleasure Den.  But what they found at the Den did not enhance sexual pleasure:  a dead woman's body covered in blood.  After a heated discussion between Ramirez and Maddie when she learns he'll be working the case on their special day she finally gets an idea of how to solve the dilemma ...  How?  Maddie will solve the crime for him!  This can only lead to more trouble!  This story is a totally, fun read, well written, many twists and turns. I only wish it were a little longer. Highly absorbing and funny.  You'll enjoy it, too!