BOOK REVIEW: Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer

Lucie and Gracie had nothing on this dame. Cranky Agnes, the celebrity chef and quirky heroine of this screwball tale of love, murder, and food, is a throwback to the girl Fridays who came armed with razor-sharp wit. Agnes has one up on them: she's also been notoriously armed with a frying pan, which she wields with great effect upon the unsuspecting males who turn the heat up under here.

Out of all of the kitchens in all the world, Shane the hitman has to walk into hers -- really. He's there to protect Agnes at the behest of a friend, who also happens to be a friend of Agnes, AND a friend of the Mob. In the meantime, Agnes finds out that she needs more protection than she had ever thought possible: scheming relatives, dead bodies in the basement, and a seemingly unceasing series of attempted hits on Agnes by a small-time crime family. What starts off as being a simple accident opens the door to much deeper secrets being kept by everyone. Like Hepburn and Tracy, Agnes and Shane verbally (and physically) parry and thrust their way through a rollicking good time to true love. You will, too.

For an easy, fun read that delivers on many levels, I give this one four Dunhills and a pound of Carnival Cake flavored Community Coffee.