by Michael Lee West

Minotaur Books, $24.99, 342 pages

Teeny Templeton’s life has never been easy but has just gotten complicated: after finding her now former fiancé playing naked badminton with equally naked company, she is charged with assault after hurling peaches at them. If that wasn’t bad enough, Teeny finds herself the main suspect when Bing is found dead a few days later. Working with her lawyer and former flame, Teeny must scramble to find the killer before time runs out and she is the next victim.

Charming, witty and frothy, Michael Lee West has written a story that is great for summer reading. Her character, Teeny is nicely written and is vulnerable, loyal, sometimes exasperatingly short-sighted and hilarious. With her tiny stature and big heart, she is a heroine that readers will root for. The mystery aspect of the novel is fairly standard and unsurprising but the quirky characters and setting make up for the lack of true intrigue. Gone with a Handsomer Man is a fun and light read – perfect for the beach or the porch (while sipping some peach iced tea, of course).

Reviewed by Barbara Cothern