Wow! Let me just say that I believe Susan May Warren is my new favorite Christian writer! "Licensed for Trouble," the third in the series, is the first book I have read of this author. I read a lot, many top best sellers, and seldom see a book that has it all, like this one did. Suspense, mystery, romance, danger, adventure and laugh-out-loud humor, all infused with a God depth that takes it well past the realm of simple entertainment. PJ Sugar is a very well developed character who we get to know through her hysterical could-my-life-get-any-more-ridiculous point of view. Her witty banter, that she actually makes fun of at one point, and snarky comments are reminiscent of the Gilmore Girls, only truly funny. And the scenes, whether hilarious, or seething with danger are so vividly drawn that I would have to nominate this as the best book to be made into a movie, although it is unlikely Hollywood would do it justice; unlikely, but possible.She is getting mixed romantic signals from the private investigator she is training under and is often at odds with him. In fact, it seems he is so protective of her that he gives her only the softest, most safe assignments and even those she can't seem to quite pull off. During one of her frustrating verbal altercations with him, she fires back at him, "You're not the boss of me!" And you can just see her roll her eyes as she remembers that he is indeed her boss, and the one she will have to deal with if she is going to fulfill her dream of becoming a full-fledged private investigator.The series of events that unfold throughout her quest cause her to put her life on the line more than once. But, more than once, it is her sensitivity towards the deep needs of others, that eventually pulls her past her own feelings of inadequacy, showing forth her own true grit. And showing forth her great sense of instinct about people which turns out to be a real asset in crime solving.Without trying to summarize the plot I will just say that as a writer Susan May Warren has quite a lot of talent and just the right touch to leave a lasting impression on her readers, leaving us inspired, maybe even better off than we were before she found her way into our hearts. Five stars!!! I won this through Goodreads giveaways program.I hadn't read any of the other PJ Sugar books, but enough background was given that I didn't feel like I was missing any information.The mystery was quite enjoyable. PJ isn't perfect, far from it. She reminds me a bit of a cleaner version of Stephanie Plum. A few things did bother me a bit, the way PJ always refered to herself as "nothing but trouble" (it was worked into the story quite well though, other characters found it a bit irritating too). Also, when I signed up for the contest, I hadn't realized it was an inspirational book. I generally don't read them, too much of the dialog feels un-natural to me. (I just don't know or really talk to people that constantly mention praying for someone or God's plan for them.) Putting that aside, it was a nice light read. A good beach read, or for anytime your mind needs a rest.I probably won't go out of my way to read more in this series though, I might pick up one at the library if I happen to see. Inspirational just isn't something I read much of (mostly by accident).
What do You think about Licensed For Trouble (2010)?
3rd book in a trilogy, and I am now a PJ Sugar fan. Good mystery. and interesting characters.
—Haley
REally like this series. Wish there were more! It's like a wholesome Stephanie Plum.
—mlinley12
