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Sierra Lavotini #1
The Miracle Strip
A Sexy Stripper-Sleuth Bares It All to Catch a Cold-Blooded Killer
The whip-smart Sierra Lavotini is the hottest act on Panama City's strip scene. She's the headliner at the bare-all bar, the Tiffany Club. Besides her bodacious business, Sierra's life is fairly simple. And that's the way she likes it. But when a good friend, Denise, seeks her help, Sierra's life takes a murderous turn.
Seems Denise's furry friend Arlo has just been "dognapped." From the pricey ransom note, Sierra figures there's much more to this case than meets the eye. And her hunch proves correct when a quick trip to Denise's apartment reveals a fresh corpse. Sierra can't shake the feeling that her friend isn't telling her the whole story--especially after Denise turns up missing and the body count continues to rise. Determined to reveal the naked truth, Sierra tackles this steamy caper head on, digging in her stiletto heels until the dangerous job is done.
The whip-smart Sierra Lavotini is the hottest act on Panama City's strip scene. She's the headliner at the bare-all bar, the Tiffany Club. Besides her bodacious business, Sierra's life is fairly simple. And that's the way she likes it. But when a good friend, Denise, seeks her help, Sierra's life takes a murderous turn.
Seems Denise's furry friend Arlo has just been "dognapped." From the pricey ransom note, Sierra figures there's much more to this case than meets the eye. And her hunch proves correct when a quick trip to Denise's apartment reveals a fresh corpse. Sierra can't shake the feeling that her friend isn't telling her the whole story--especially after Denise turns up missing and the body count continues to rise. Determined to reveal the naked truth, Sierra tackles this steamy caper head on, digging in her stiletto heels until the dangerous job is done.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 20, 2012
Sierra Lavotini has mountainous hooters. It’s not really relevant to the story, but I just thought I’d throw it out there, since this kind of information is important when you’re a guy. It’s mentioned early on (page four to be exact), along with the exact dimensions (38DDs), so it takes all suspense and mystery out of the equation, and I can focus on the task at hand. Which is writing my review and engaging your attention for the next few minutes or so.
What struck my attention wasn’t the cup size of the main character, although it did hold a certain appeal, but the potential contained within this bite-sized tale. Sure, the dialogue was a bit cheesy at times, and Nancy Bartholomew resorted to the tried and true mistake of a beginning author by dropping character’s names over the course of a conversation much more often than would happen in real life, and sure, the plot of THE MIRACLE STRIP might have exceeded the potential of even my own imagination at times. But the voice sold me on page one, and I would have followed Ms. Lavotini back to her trailer park home, just to hear her tell me her tale over the course of a few hours, and I probably would have left with a smile on my face, even if I didn’t get a glimpse at the merchandise.
Sierra’s a stripper with machine gun jubblies and an attitude to match; a female companion named Fluffy, who has more bite and bark than her pint-size and name would otherwise entail; a redheaded knockout named Denise who often exudes more trouble than sense; she’s the marquee act at the Tiffany Club, but she’s got plenty of competition; and she drives her Camaro Z28 like a bat out of hell, tearing down the road with more purpose than sense. With a heart as big as her breasts, she’s a loyal friend to have.
The plot focused more on nude dancing (interesting research material), pole face time, and Sierra’s relationships with Raydean, Fluffy, John Nailor, Lyle, and Vincent Gambuzzo than it did on dognapped Arlo and dead bodies. But I went along for the ride with the top down and my hair blowing in the breeze. If you’d rather not dig your five inch stilettos in too deep, and you’re looking for a light, breezy read, you may find yourself having a party with all of your clothes still on and finding some enjoyment in the process.
What struck my attention wasn’t the cup size of the main character, although it did hold a certain appeal, but the potential contained within this bite-sized tale. Sure, the dialogue was a bit cheesy at times, and Nancy Bartholomew resorted to the tried and true mistake of a beginning author by dropping character’s names over the course of a conversation much more often than would happen in real life, and sure, the plot of THE MIRACLE STRIP might have exceeded the potential of even my own imagination at times. But the voice sold me on page one, and I would have followed Ms. Lavotini back to her trailer park home, just to hear her tell me her tale over the course of a few hours, and I probably would have left with a smile on my face, even if I didn’t get a glimpse at the merchandise.
Sierra’s a stripper with machine gun jubblies and an attitude to match; a female companion named Fluffy, who has more bite and bark than her pint-size and name would otherwise entail; a redheaded knockout named Denise who often exudes more trouble than sense; she’s the marquee act at the Tiffany Club, but she’s got plenty of competition; and she drives her Camaro Z28 like a bat out of hell, tearing down the road with more purpose than sense. With a heart as big as her breasts, she’s a loyal friend to have.
The plot focused more on nude dancing (interesting research material), pole face time, and Sierra’s relationships with Raydean, Fluffy, John Nailor, Lyle, and Vincent Gambuzzo than it did on dognapped Arlo and dead bodies. But I went along for the ride with the top down and my hair blowing in the breeze. If you’d rather not dig your five inch stilettos in too deep, and you’re looking for a light, breezy read, you may find yourself having a party with all of your clothes still on and finding some enjoyment in the process.
January 27, 2024
Sierra Lavotini is the feature attraction at the Tiffany, a slightly upscale strip club in Panama City, Florida. Her big heart is matched only by her impressive chest, and she's very, very good at what she does. That big heart leads her into trouble when Denise, the bartender at the club, receives a ransom note for her beloved dog, Arlo.
Things get more and more complicated as a biker gang, some drug dealers, and an alarming number of dead bodies start intruding on Sierra's nice quiet life as a stripper and devoted dog-mother. Her and Fluffy get dragged into a bigger and bigger mess, accompanied at varying points by her crazy neighbor Raylene, dedicated Detective John Nailor, and a host of other bizarre characters.
Sierra won't stop poking into things when Denise, too, disappears, and Sierra gets a lot of surprises as the case unfolds. We also learn more about her family, and I give the author points for not going in the stereotypical direction when Sierra's father finds out what she does for a living. Her quick thinking and obvious assets help save the day near the climax of the story.
It's a fun read with some unique characters. I enjoyed it, and will probably look for more in the series as time allows.
Things get more and more complicated as a biker gang, some drug dealers, and an alarming number of dead bodies start intruding on Sierra's nice quiet life as a stripper and devoted dog-mother. Her and Fluffy get dragged into a bigger and bigger mess, accompanied at varying points by her crazy neighbor Raylene, dedicated Detective John Nailor, and a host of other bizarre characters.
Sierra won't stop poking into things when Denise, too, disappears, and Sierra gets a lot of surprises as the case unfolds. We also learn more about her family, and I give the author points for not going in the stereotypical direction when Sierra's father finds out what she does for a living. Her quick thinking and obvious assets help save the day near the climax of the story.
It's a fun read with some unique characters. I enjoyed it, and will probably look for more in the series as time allows.
January 23, 2020
On the blurb of the book, it was compared to Janet Evanovich & the series she writes. I did not find this one to be near as funny as the Plum series. I did enjoy the book & some parts were funny. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series by this author
April 27, 2020
This is my first cozy mystery, and I definitely need to read more to see if it was this book or the genre.
Miracle Strip just didn't appeal to me, though, and I couldn't bring myself to continue something I wasn't enjoying.
Miracle Strip just didn't appeal to me, though, and I couldn't bring myself to continue something I wasn't enjoying.
July 6, 2020
It is such a shame that Nancy Bartholomew is no longer writing as I loved these books - funny but exciting. There are so few thrillers that are a) funny b) written from a woman's point of view - I really do not understand why these aren't wildly popular.
October 5, 2018
This was crazy fun. Fresh characters. Surprise turns. Couldn't put it down.
November 21, 2018
Fun easy to read story. I’ve become interested in the characters and want to read more. I have only given it 3 Stars because it needs editing. Too many grammatical mistakes. It’s distracting.
May 3, 2025
Cosy murder set in a strip joint - with a stripper heroine? I'm in. This was 3.5 star read. A little dated, but major props for the premise and our heroine.
June 18, 2015
I was looking for a series like the Stephine Plum series. I found Nancy Bartholmew's "sierra" and feel this is BETTER then Stephanie Plum. Sierra needs help but can also take care of her self, whereas Stephanie has become somewhat weak as time goes on. The "stripper" character , I feel , is totally believable .
The mystery is also written better, there is actually a mystery. Granted shes not an agatha christy, it is still an easy read, but enjoyable.
Unfortunately, St. Martins, the publisher, didn't choose to continue the series and they hold the rights to the Strip series.
Please write them and beg them to bring this series back!
The mystery is also written better, there is actually a mystery. Granted shes not an agatha christy, it is still an easy read, but enjoyable.
Unfortunately, St. Martins, the publisher, didn't choose to continue the series and they hold the rights to the Strip series.
Please write them and beg them to bring this series back!
March 11, 2013
This book is the first in the Sierra Lavotini mystery series. They are set in Panama City, Florida.
As a native Floridian, and from north Florida at that, I found Nancy Bartholomew's descriptions of the area and people to be believable and entertaining. I really enjoyed the confidence of the lead character, Sierra. Typically, I don't like the first novel in a series, but this one was great, and has left me eager to see the development of the characters as the series progresses.
As a native Floridian, and from north Florida at that, I found Nancy Bartholomew's descriptions of the area and people to be believable and entertaining. I really enjoyed the confidence of the lead character, Sierra. Typically, I don't like the first novel in a series, but this one was great, and has left me eager to see the development of the characters as the series progresses.
December 2, 2013
3.5 stars. 2nd in series. Sierra Lavotini comes from a family of Philly firefighters. She is making her own way as a stripper at an "elegant" club in Panama City, Florida. A few quirky but realistic characters, nice plot lines that aren't obvious and just enough humor and violence makes this an entertaining series. Not new, so no cell phones, only dial up computer access, etc. Numbers 3 and 4 are waiting for me at my public library!
June 12, 2008
Sierra Lavotini is a beautiful exotic dancer whose friend Denise's dog is missing with a $100,000 ransom. Sierra discovers that she doesn't know very much about her friend after Denise disappears and Sierra tries to find her. This book was filled with the colorful characters in Sierra's life from the strip club and her trailer park. It was an interesting story with a fast pace.
July 13, 2009
A rollicking good read. I'd have given 3.5 stars if I could. Loved Sierra Lavotini! I'm still laughing over, "We all put up walls. We've all got secrets. I mean, do you think I would tell anyone that I like to read and maybe want to be a writer?!"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 26, 2009Nancy Bartholomew's Mystery series featuring stripper/detective Sierra Lavotini. They may not be as outrageously funny, but they do include quirky secondary characters, fast pacing, snappy dialog, and a sassy heroine. Start with The Miracle Strip.
December 8, 2006
Fun mystery/crime with a woman heroine (sort of). Fun Series
November 28, 2008
it's a funny amateur sleuth mystery, for those who like Janet Evanovich type mysteries
April 23, 2009
I really enjoyed this series about Sierra Lavotini. She was a funny, likable, heroine with an unusual occupation. I wish that there were more books in the series or that it felt more completed.
January 24, 2011
This was a fun fast mystery. I am hoping this is not the last I will see of Sierra Lavotini.
February 11, 2011
New author- light-weight mystery featuring stripper in Panama City.
July 21, 2012
Funny, witty, and engaging story.
November 2, 2014
Exotic Dancer, Sierra Lavotini-funny light mystery
April 17, 2010
The Miracle Strip (Sierra Lavotini Mysteries) by Nancy Bartholomew (1998)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews