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Tucker Sinclair #3
Short Change
The “fun and feisty heroine” (Janet Evanovich) Tucker Sinclair Returns
Tucker Sinclair is finally getting her consulting firm off the ground. But now she has to help private investigator Charley Tate save his own business—and life. It started when Eve Lawson, a bland writer with an equally bland taste in fashion, stumbled into his office to find out who was following her. When the case explodes into murder, Tucker has to make sure Charley won’t be next...
Tucker Sinclair is finally getting her consulting firm off the ground. But now she has to help private investigator Charley Tate save his own business—and life. It started when Eve Lawson, a bland writer with an equally bland taste in fashion, stumbled into his office to find out who was following her. When the case explodes into murder, Tucker has to make sure Charley won’t be next...
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2007
About the author
Patricia Smiley
35 books87 followersPatricia Smiley is the author of nine novels: four featuring amateur sleuth Tucker Sinclair, three in the PACIFIC HOMICIDE series about LAPD homicide detective Davie Richards, and two in the Justice Bay series featuring amateur sleuth Emmaline McCoy.
Patty's short fiction has appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine and Two of the Deadliest, an anthology edited by Elizabeth George. She has taught writing classes at various conferences in the U.S. and Canada and served as the vice president of the Southern California chapter of Mystery Writers of America and as president of Sisters in Crime/Los Angeles. Patty lives in Los Angeles with her opinionated Siberian forest cat.
Patty's short fiction has appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine and Two of the Deadliest, an anthology edited by Elizabeth George. She has taught writing classes at various conferences in the U.S. and Canada and served as the vice president of the Southern California chapter of Mystery Writers of America and as president of Sisters in Crime/Los Angeles. Patty lives in Los Angeles with her opinionated Siberian forest cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 15, 2022
I loved the cover and the author's last name, but I didn't love the book.
I enjoyed the book's first three chapters but after Chapter 3, “Short Change” fell short.
The plotline seemed juvenile and, overall, the book lacked excitement with a story that was just all over the place.
"Short Change" is Book #3 in the author's Tucker Sinclair series and perhaps I would have liked the book better had I started off with Book #1.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator Allyson Ryan did a fabulous job with the narration.
I enjoyed the book's first three chapters but after Chapter 3, “Short Change” fell short.
The plotline seemed juvenile and, overall, the book lacked excitement with a story that was just all over the place.
"Short Change" is Book #3 in the author's Tucker Sinclair series and perhaps I would have liked the book better had I started off with Book #1.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator Allyson Ryan did a fabulous job with the narration.
June 8, 2018
“Short Change” by Patricia Smiley is book three in the Tucker Sinclair series. It is not necessary to have read the other books to enjoy this one. It is a fast-paced murder mystery about a business consultant. While consulting with Private Investigator Charley Tate she finds herself doing more investigating and less setting up his business plan.
It is an enjoyable book with some drama, a few laughs, a problematical murder and interesting characters who are not always who they seem to be. There is even a little romance. The plot was easy to follow without too many complications but with enough intrigue to keep me involved as I walked.
I listened to the audio version with narration by Allyson Ryan who did a wonderful job with the dialogue and descriptions.
It is an enjoyable book with some drama, a few laughs, a problematical murder and interesting characters who are not always who they seem to be. There is even a little romance. The plot was easy to follow without too many complications but with enough intrigue to keep me involved as I walked.
I listened to the audio version with narration by Allyson Ryan who did a wonderful job with the dialogue and descriptions.
August 16, 2010
Short Change (Patricia Smiley)
A fast paced murder mystery. Tucker Sinclair is a business consultant, who just branched off on her own. She needs each client to make things work. When she takes on a job for PI Charley Tate, she winds up more involved than she thought.
Eve Lawson is a novice author who is writing a book about real estate, not to mention the sole heir to a real estate tycoon, she hires on Charley to see who is following her. Soon Tucker is involved, she finds herself investigating with Charley. Someone is missing ,another is dead and Tucker is in for a wild ride as she investigates deeper.
Tucker is a likable quirky character, add her Wesite Muldoon, a grumpy PI, some humor, murder, twists and turns. A delightful fast paced, nice end of summer read.
A fast paced murder mystery. Tucker Sinclair is a business consultant, who just branched off on her own. She needs each client to make things work. When she takes on a job for PI Charley Tate, she winds up more involved than she thought.
Eve Lawson is a novice author who is writing a book about real estate, not to mention the sole heir to a real estate tycoon, she hires on Charley to see who is following her. Soon Tucker is involved, she finds herself investigating with Charley. Someone is missing ,another is dead and Tucker is in for a wild ride as she investigates deeper.
Tucker is a likable quirky character, add her Wesite Muldoon, a grumpy PI, some humor, murder, twists and turns. A delightful fast paced, nice end of summer read.
September 13, 2010
I would categorize this as the perfect in-the-car book. Which is exactly what it was for me.
In other words, it didn't grip my attention. It didn't make me feel as if I just had to finish it now. It was perfect for picking up, reading small amounts, setting down, and knowing it was there whenever I was in the car, but it wasn't requiring my attention or time.
That's the best I can give to this book. Oh, well, and the fact that it only cost me 1.25 at Dollar General.
In other words, it didn't grip my attention. It didn't make me feel as if I just had to finish it now. It was perfect for picking up, reading small amounts, setting down, and knowing it was there whenever I was in the car, but it wasn't requiring my attention or time.
That's the best I can give to this book. Oh, well, and the fact that it only cost me 1.25 at Dollar General.
August 4, 2011
Tucker Sinclair runs her own business consulting firm. What was supposed to be a short job helping P.I Charley Tate get his practice established has turned into a full time job as Charley pushes her to save not only his business but possibly his life. It all starts when Eve Lawson comes into Tate investigations saying someone is following her andd she wants to hire Charley to find who it is. Eve says she is writing a book about real estate. Eve dresses like someone from the eighties. But work means income income for Tucker and Charley, they strike gold when murder enters the equation. And Eve disappears. Its up to Tucker and Charley to find out what is really going on .
July 21, 2015
What an enjoyable book! It had a little of everything: a few laughs, an intricate murder mystery, lots of action, believable, interesting characters and there was also a little romance between Tucker and her Cop-boyfriend. The author put it all together in a well written style, reminiscent of the Stephanie Plum series of novels. Reading more "Smileys" will keep me happy.
April 12, 2026
A solid third entry in a series that channels the Stephanie Plum energy for the corporate consulting world. Smiley returns to 30-something Los Angeles management consultant Tucker Sinclair, now struggling to get her own business off the ground while her clients face threats to both their companies and their lives. The author's MBA background and LAPD reserve experience show in the authentic business details and procedural awareness. Tucker remains appealingly flawed, ambitious yet prone to stumbling into danger, and the LA setting feels genuinely observed rather than tourist-brochure. The plot moves efficiently through its consulting-world stakes, though some readers may find the 3.56 rating reflects occasional predictability in the mystery structure. What distinguishes this series is Smiley's refusal to make Tucker superhuman: she's competent at business analysis, less so at personal relationships, and genuinely worried about making rent. For fans of humorous mysteries with professional-woman protagonists and West Coast atmosphere, this delivers. The 2007 publication date shows its era, but Tucker's struggles remain relatable.
July 14, 2019
Between all the needy men she encounters, her attempt to get her new consulting business off the ground and disappearing women, Tucker has a lot to deal with. And she does it admirably in spite of the misleading information and chaotic people she encounters.
July 6, 2022
I love the way this writer writes. It's as though she is speaking just to you or you are reading from her diary. Very interesting murder mystery with a little bit of a lost person story going on to find out a twist in the end. Very good and a fast read.
June 4, 2023
Prepublished book from Marcia. Fun, quick ready about Tucker Sinclair who is a business consultant who gets caught into finding a missing peroson with her clinet Charley Tate. There was a surprise ending (but kinda canned) but I liked Tucker and was happy that it wasn't a romantic ending!
November 6, 2017
Cute book, reminds me of a Kinsey Millhone story.
July 9, 2018
First read of this author; would read more.
February 4, 2020
Third in the Tucker Sinclair series, this is an action-packed page-turner.
December 31, 2015
I really enjoy these somewhat "light"mysteries by this author, which is a shame because apparently there is only one more book after this one. I like the intelligence of the heroine (though she is another one who somehow gets involved in investigations without having had any training or experience), the subtle humor, the more realistic characters, and the pace. I will have to do some research on Ms. Smiley to find out why there are no more Tucker Sinclair stories after #4 - I will miss them.
February 3, 2014
I read this one first, and it made me want to read more. What I like about Patricia's/Tucker's world is that the events a credible and cary me to areas where I have only passing knowledge. Liked it a bushel and a peck!
September 20, 2016
I thought this might read like a Lisa Scottoline. I got to page 118 and I can go no more. It reads junior. And, the storyline gets confusing in parts. I wanted to like the character but it wasn't enough to finish it.
September 18, 2007
Just started it a few nights ago, but I must have read her books before as I recognize characters. I am enjoying is so far.
December 9, 2007
read 12.09.07
Want to Read
July 1, 200806/30/08 rec via pbs
July 22, 2008
Better than the first two. I'll read the next one if there is one to come out.
August 6, 2008
My favorite of the three books. Tucker Sinclair (that's the main lady) solves another crime by teaming up with a PI. I was a fan and am now just waiting for the next book.
September 19, 2008
Very funny new author!
January 20, 2009
Well written-but cops out at the end. Fun read, but a bit of a disappointment at the wrap up.
January 30, 2010
A quick enjoyable read, good characters and settings that I wish I could step into.
June 7, 2010
Complicated plot.
Amusing bits, such as the description of a small Nevada town: "It's a place where people can water-ski and lose their child's college fund all in the same weekend."
Amusing bits, such as the description of a small Nevada town: "It's a place where people can water-ski and lose their child's college fund all in the same weekend."
August 20, 2010
fun and easy read.
October 5, 2010
from a friend
Surprisingly enjoyable writer. I'll find more of her stuff
Surprisingly enjoyable writer. I'll find more of her stuff
January 4, 2015
I enjoyed this book, and plan to read the other books in the series.
February 24, 2015
I enjoyed this book & will read more Tucker Sinclair mysteries.
July 25, 2015
I liked the character Tucker Sinclair but the story line was weak and way too characters in the book. I rated it i3 stars but should have been 2. Will try her next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews