Nip, Tuck, Dead: A Pauline Sokol Mystery    by Lori Avocato Order:  USA  Can Avon, 2006 (2006) Paperback Read an Excerpt    Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Ex-nurse Pauline Sokol is just the right investigator to go undercover at a posh hospital that is suspected of bilking an insurance company. Plastic surgery is being performed on a grand scale – a little too much on some of its more well-heeled patients. She's ensconced as a private duty nurse for her good friend Goldie - who, in the interest of assuring Pauline's income, is having a nose job. Of course, nothing is as it appears and Pauline gets herself in quite a few scrapes. Yikes! seems to be a favorite expletive. Pauline moves at a fast pace in her employment, determined to catch the bad guys. It's kind of hard to ferret out the bad guys, when one she considered good is pegged for a murder. Pauline is also over thirty and hears her clock ticking. Jagger – a man who always seems to be covering her back – appears at the most convenient times to save her bacon, but is almost hands-off as far as she herself is concerned. Pauline is openly looking for a man. One she can trust. Pauline does not seem to be well-rounded - but I may be missing the personality developed in previous episodes starring this intrepid nurse/investigator. The mystery moves quickly but never settles down enough at any one point to really get into the story. Nip, Tuck, Dead is a fun book with a few whacky characters who bring a smile to the reader's face. But comparing it to Janet Evanovich - as is done on the cover - is going a little too far for me. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews