Janet Evanovich called Gretchen Archer “A smart, snappy writer who hits your funny bone!” This blurb on the cover caught my attention for two reasons. First I’m a huge fan of Janet Evanovich and second I love funny mysteries. So despite the fact that I’m not a fan of casinos, I decided to take a gamble and read it. I’m delighted that I did.

 “Double Dip’ is Gretchen Archer’s second book in the Davis Way Crime Caper Mystery series. Davis Way works as part of an undercover security team at the Bellissimo, a casino on the beach in Biloxi, Mississippi. Because of Davis’s uncanny likeness to the casino owner’s daughter, Bianca Casimiro Sanders, she often doubles for her at social events.

It’s the slot tournament season. As the story opens Davis is asked to investigate a seventy-four year old woman who has registered for every slot tournament. She lists her address as a church. But before Davis can get started she finds Bianca Sanders shot. The plot twists and turns with mad cap action that will keep you up all night laughing.

I liked the characters. Davis is a smart, resourceful woman. She has some baggage in terms of an awful ex-husband who appears occasionally to complicate her life. Her job is crazy with long hours, which is causing difficulties in her personal life. The circumstances of her life are what are causing you to laugh, not because she is foolish.

The plot intrigued me. While it is fast paced and humorous, it does touch on some timely topics such as the health care system and scams associated with the elderly.

Read “Double Dip” for pure enjoyment. It is sure to brighten a gloomy day.

Five stars out of five.

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In accordance with the FTC guidelines for reviewers, I would like to clarify that this book was provided to me by the publisher free of charge.  I am not compensated by the author or publisher for my review.  All they expect is an honest review of the work.