Sharp Turn by Marianne Delacourt

This is the second book in the Tara Sharp series. The first book in the series is Sharp Shooter. I definitely recommend that you read the books in order as the first book describes how Tara ends up with an unorthodox PI business, or rather a "Paralanguage and Kinesics Agency". Tara sees auras and this helps her determine whether people are lying and how they will behave. I know it sounds a bit flakey but its a fast paced, fun series that you will not be able to put down. It comes with some interesting characters like Nick Tozzi who lines her up with some jobs and narcoleptic Wal Grominsky, former client, current bodyguard and a couple of pet galahs named Hoo and Brains. With more luck and determination, rather than skill, Tara solves a couple of cases.

If you like Janet Evanovich you will love this series. It is set in Perth and Australian author Marianne Delacourt keeps you entertained. I love the Perth setting and I love the Australianisms like 'tracky daks', though it took me a while to figure out that 'LBD' was Little Black Dress. I can't wait for the next book!

Violent Exposure by Katherine Howell

Just finished this crime novel by Australian author Katherine Howell, a former NSW ambulance officer. This is her fourth novel featuring Detective Ella Marconi. I really enjoyed this book and will have to go back and read the previous three!

The story opens with ambulance officers responding to a posssible domestic violence incident. Shortly afterwards Suzanne Crawford is found stabbed to death and her missing husband is suspected. Eventually Ella solves the case with some assistance from the ambulance officers. Katherine Howell's experience as an ambulance officer really comes through, making this an interesting read.