Stiff Lizard

When a book starts off with the main character letting herself be tased to help train older folks in self-defense, you know it's going to be quite a ride. Stiff Lizard didn't disappoint. I absolutely loved it! Xena Cali is a private investigator and spy shop owner. Rodent Roger (yes, his actual name) is the island's top exterminator, and he's concerned about a sudden rash of green iguanas, especially when he's seeing flyers for Lizard Liquidators. Is someone moving in on Rodent's territory, or is there a more sinister motive? Before Xena can answer that question, Rodent goes missing. His wife, Ultima Penelope Roger, hires Xena to find him. (Isn't that just a heck of a name?! Ultima. I love it.)

There's a fun secondary story line that has Dora, one of Xena's employees, going way undercover to investigate a cruise singer. The cruise is most definitely NOT your typical Carnival Cruise, and Dora's reports are absolutely hilarious. I think she's my favorite character. I'm probably pretty close to her in age and mindset, and I expect my insights on an “adventurous” cruise would be similar to hers. I'd read more of the series just for Dora.

Stiff Lizard has something for everyone: a strong female protagonist who does some crazy parkour and who's really trying to figure out how to people better (I can relate, Xena – to the peopling, not the parkour); a fascinating cast of characters; a good mystery; and lots and lots of offbeat humor. It's the third in a series. I didn't have any problem following the storyline, but now I have to read the first two.

Stiff Lizard may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it sure was my shot of whiskey! Five stars for Ms. Haneberg, and Xena Cali is now on my must-read list.