The Mangler of Malibu Canyon

McAffee Twins #2

by Jennifer Colt

Twin sisters Kerry and Terry McAfee are well on their way to becoming Los Angeles’s most notorious PIs. With their bright red hair, canine sidekicks, and preferred mode of transportation--a hot-pink Harley--the girls are quickly getting a reputation for more than just sleuthing skills. So after nabbing the Butcher of Beverly Hills, they decide to take some time off and lay low for a while.

But then the girls’ rich Aunt Reba calls with the news that she’s found a decapitated body in her new Malibu beach house. Kerry insists that they call the police—partly because she hopes to catch a glimpse of her former flame, the hunky Detective John Boatwright. But no sooner do the cops begin investigating than Reba and the girls are shocked by the arrival of their Cousin Robert—carrying a blond-haired head in a mesh bag with no memory of where he’s been.

Now it’s up to the twins to find the real killer, as Reba and Robert face the prospect of life behind bars. As they search for clues, Kerry and Terry find themselves dealing with Mafia movie producers, wacko cultists, has-been actresses, and even visitors from outer space. With a razor-sharp wit that brilliantly brings to life L.A.’s most eccentric personalities, The Mangler of Malibu Canyon is fast-paced, sexy, and more fun than a ride down the Pacific Coast Highway.

Genres: Mystery, Chick Lit, Fiction

384 pages, Paperback

First published June 13, 2006

About the author

Jennifer Colt is the author of the zany chick-lit crime series, featuring identical twin investigators Terry and Kerry McAfee.

Reviews

[Katy Springer]

I d'nfed this book half way in. I liked the humour and the fast pace, but there were too many characters that kept popping up that seemed to have an entirely different story than the one that you were reading. Also, the twins saving the plane gig was just too far fetched. However, I will try the next book because I do like the authors style. I think that she was just one of those authors that wrote an awesome first book, petered out on the second, and got her groove back in book three.

[Dogsandbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny, clever. Fun. DPL book. 3.5

[Buck Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leave it to the twins to lighten up and cause chaos in Malibu. A fun 2nd read in the series.

[Ladiibbug · Rating 4 out of 5]

#2 in the McAfee twins PI series

1- The Butcher of Beverly Hills

LOL funny, funny, funny! Kerry & Terry McAfee, 20 something twins, are PI's the way Stephanie Plum is a bounty hunter -- flying by the seat of their pants, stumbling into funny situations, and causing much havoc along the way.

#2 was just as hilarious, sparkly and well written as the first book.

#3 is The Vampire of Venice Beach (but I'm pretty sure it's not a paranormal - these aren't)

#4 The Con Artist of Catalina Island came out in hard cover first, so hopefully that's a sign that this series will enjoy a long run!

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second installment of the McAfee twins trials and tribulations as PI was not quite as funny as the first go- round. But still very enjoyable. These girls get themselves into the zaniest situations imaginable, both while together and apart. I would gladly recommend both books to any mystery lover. The plots are always convoluted and insane. I can usually gleam where the story is going, but I have been surprised by these interwoven storylines. Another good book.

[Lois Baron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now that I've got who is who straight and wrapped my mind around the pink Harley--and don't get slowed down as in the first book by the back store--narrator Kerry is mroe amusing. A plot full of all sorts of bits, which all get sorted out in the end, of course.

[Jenine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started to write that it was maybe more plausible than the first one. But then I remembered the subliminal messaging and so forth. Ha! Still a very pleasant read. The smart end of the light and frothy fiction shelf.

[Kevin Connery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Double Indemnity 2. Frothy but fun.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Such a disappointing follow up to a book I remember being really musing. To read the third in the series or not to read it...

[Amber Jones · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not too much to say except I am grateful that I am done. This book was very slow, disjointed, and really far-fetched.

Wondering if I'm going to continue in this series.