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Tapped Out (Jenny T. Partridge Dance Mysteries, No. 2) |
Author: Natalie M. Roberts
Published: 2007-10-02 |
List price: $6.99
Our price: $6.99
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As of: January 08th, 2009 06:56:20 AM
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Customer comments on this selection.
 Cozy mystery series hits home
"Tapped Out" is the second of a series that began with "Tutu Deadly." As I write this, I find that a third book, "Pointe and Shoot," which I have not yet encountered, was published last May and has received one five-star Amazon review.
It has become the norm in the cozy mystery genre for authors to fix upon some profession or business that is slightly out of the norm for their heroines (or, on quite rare occasions, for their heroes). This, in turn, provides the setting and framework for the highly stylized dance with the readers' expectations that is the essence of this addictive genre.
Considered simply as representative examples of cozy mysteries, I feel no qualms about describing the first two books of this series as good, solid, professionally competent, entertaining and sometimes amusing short novels. Indeed, I strongly suspect it will be equally true for the third book, too. On that basis, a four-star rating is fully justified.
However, I find myself particularly drawn to this series because I have met the heroine, Jenny T. Partridge--or at least her real world avatars--not once but three times in my life. Ms. Partridge is the proprietor, chief employee and lowliest drudge of a school for very young beginners in the art of dance. This school provides Jenny with endless problems, perpetual uncertainty and meager, even minute financial reward. Her life, by common standards, is a shambles and she regularly has reason to worry about how she can afford her next meal, not to mention such luxuries as shelter, heat and clothing. Despite these minor drawbacks, Jenny would almost rather die than give up this chaotic existence, for it provides her soul with nourishment quite above and beyond that to be found in a bank account and three mundane square meals a day.
Many years ago, I knew Jenny--under a different name, of course. She had given up both comfortable corporate employment and certainty in order to sail the chaotic seas of art in command of a small opera company. The company thrived (and still does, having celebrated its fiftieth anniversary a couple of years ago), reviews were good, audiences grew, money flowed in at the box office and from the deep-pocketed sponsors. Alas, the takings then flowed out just as fast for the myriad costs inherent in theatrical production, and almost none stuck with my friend, the producer. For one too-long stretch, it seemed to me that she was subsisting on corn flakes--not so very unlike the fictional Jenny. And like Jenny, she could think of no reward greater than running that little opera company.
At about the same time, I ran into another Jenny. This one was a very Russian lady of a certain age who claimed to have danced with the great ones of Europe. I didn't ... exactly ... disbelieve her. She ran a dance school for adorable moppets and mad mothers, just like Jenny, although her school, unlike the fictional one in the books, concentrated solely on ballet. Imagine my surprise when one day her friend, the great Ulanova, by then also a very Russian lady of a certain age, turned up a performance to give the little ballerinas a few words of praise and encouragement. The moppets were almost overwhelmed. So, by heaven, was I.
And this very evening, I attended my third opera in three weeks, all produced by a brand new and absolutely barebones opera company right here in Vancouver. The operas (strong principal singers and wretched chorus) were rough and ready, but still provided some of the most entertaining and moving theater I've seen this year. Jenny was there, of course, this time in the form of a man, but that's of no significance, for the true Jenny is eternal, however her avatars may change.
I, for one, will be faithfully following this series, for amidst all the foofraw and canoodling of the cozy mystery form, it's built on a core of real truth.
Five stars.
Tapped Out
I'm constantly amazed at how many venues there are for women to be in and finding crime at their doorstep. I've read two by this author and look forward to more. Good characters and good plots.
A laugh out loud read...
Tapped Out is the second book in the Jenny T. Partridge Dance Mystery series and a fun, fast read. Jenny is smart, funny, and her world is populated with interesting characters. If you like books that make you laugh out loud while reading, then Tapped Out is a great book to kick back with and forget your worries for a few hours.
 Good Story
This is a cute new series that's a lot of fun to read.
One word of advice to the author though...contractions! The lack of them makes the dialogue stilted and annoying to read.
A cozy mystery, sure to please
Reviewed by Kathy Perschmann
This second in the series after Tutu Deadly has Jenny Partridge helping out old flame and fellow dancer, Bill, with his annual Starmakers dance contest and workshop. They will be in Ogden, Utah, where Jenny's dance studio is located, only a few days.
Jenny was going to enter two of her classes in the competition, with one of her best students performing a solo. She is desperate for the money, so she agrees to help, and promises the assistance of her overly dramatic gay teacher James. When Jenny goes to meet with Bill and his other teachers (two teachers have disappeared-the reason she and James are needed), she also meets his possessive, malicious girlfriend Bonnie.
Everything seems normal, but Jenny is a bit concerned about the missing teachers, and calls in her boyfriend, Detective Tate. As usual when Jenny gets involved, things get a bit crazy. She gets nasty phone calls, and her pink VW bug is blown up. Then Bill disappears after a drunken fight with Bonnie, the night before the contest! Tate is desperately trying to keep her safe, finally deciding to have her move in with him, which is a big boost for their stalled relationship.
Added to the mix is Sal, a runaway Mormon missionary who ONLY wants to dance, and who begs Jenny's help in getting released from his commitment. More mayhem occurs at the contest and dance workshops. Jenny is the product of a Mormon and Catholic background, and the setting of Ogden, Utah, makes these books unusual and fun.
Author Roberts is a dance mom who is involved with her daughter's dance studio, and writes about dance with knowledge and flair. Comparable to Evanovich and Crusie, this series is a combination of funny chick lit and cozy mystery.
I will definitely keep my eyes open for the 2008 installment, Pointe and Shoot.
Armchair Interviews says: Fun and funny cozy you'll certainly enjoy.
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