The Trouble with Tulip by Mindy Starns Clark has some fun characters, interesting tips and a mystery to be solved.  This book is the first in the Smart Chick series.  The challenge of this novel is the method in which the author chose to communicate her characters’ actions and motives.  Every chapter is filled with short segments depicting many different characters.  As a reader it feels a little disjointed and never seems to spend enough time on any one character.

Future installments of the series will likely bring more mysteries to be solved and short snippets of each character’s motives.  Although the bulk of the plot lines are resolved, Clark leaves a few unknowns which will hopefully be addressed in future novels.  This story isn’t a bad one, but it does not compel or really cause readers to fall in love with Jo Tulip, the main character.  Those looking for a relatively easy and somewhat mysterious read might be interested in giving this story a try.

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Violence/Gore:  Description of dead body, little blood; character reported to have been hit with object; character grabs another and pulls a gun; gun fired at others; character ties up another; reference to suicide.

Sex/Nudity:  Non-married characters embrace, briefly hold hands and kiss on cheek; character referred to as sexy.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of spouse, friend, family member, deceit, murder.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Character sips a drink of alcohol in a bar; character is said to be out drinking.