A Bomb in February is the second Samantha Rialto mystery in the new series by Evan Katy. Samantha, barely recovered after the injuries sustained in the first book, is again at risk when her neighbor's house is incinerated and her own is damaged. Working with her old mentor, Turnbuckle, and her possible boyfriend, Ben, her best friend forever Maxie, and other characters from the first story, Samantha again experiences injury, kidnapping, explosions and confusion.Will Ben, her former husband's former partner, be able to let go of his guilt for not realizing the abuse she sustained in her marriage? Will her ex-husband continue to pursue her forgiveness? Will her father, the retired chief of police, and her mother, distraught at her daughter's choice of companions and part time employment, offer her shelter without overruling her choices? And with all of this happening, will she be able to resume her career as a middle school music teacher, restoring the school's focus on learning beyond academics?This book held my attention into the wee hours of the night. It is a mystery with many layers, driven by characters whose emotions are as complex as a Celtic knot. Evan Katy has created Samantha Rialto as a character who will last through many novels ahead, and I'm on board to read each one as it arrives. Snarky middle-school music teacher stumbles into dead bodies, bombs and blackmail. Samantha Rialto and her sidekick Maxie are funny, smart and on the lookout for trouble. The cast of characters include Ben, Sam's almost girlfriend and Skipper, a private eye with 42 rules. I laughed outloud as Sam stumbles through to the truth, even with a toilet stuck on her front door from the house that exploded across the street from her.
What do You think about A Bomb In February (2011)?
Not quite as good as the first, but still a fun read! Can't wait for the next one in the fall.
—nightcruiser55
