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A Meeting in the Ladies Room
In the rarefied world of Manhattan publishing, most of the intrigue takes place in the books. But all that is about to change for respected editor Jacqueline Blue. . .
It's not easy being one of the few African Americans in an overwhelmingly white industry. Yet, until now, Jackie's biggest problem has been her unrequited love for Victor Bell, a handsome member of the Black Pack, her weekly professional group. Does Victor prefer tall women? Light-skinned sisters?
But then comes the morning her boss is suddenly murdered. It seems that Jackie was the last person to see Annabelle Murray alive--and the circumstances were not pretty. Jackie's fingerprints are all over the crime scene and, to make matters worse, she had sworn not to tell anyone why she was invited to her boss's home in the first place. And just as everything is hitting the fan, Victor asks her out to dinner. Jackie knows that when it rains it pours--but now she's knee-deep in hot water--and bailing herself out will be the toughest challenge she's ever faced. . .
It's not easy being one of the few African Americans in an overwhelmingly white industry. Yet, until now, Jackie's biggest problem has been her unrequited love for Victor Bell, a handsome member of the Black Pack, her weekly professional group. Does Victor prefer tall women? Light-skinned sisters?
But then comes the morning her boss is suddenly murdered. It seems that Jackie was the last person to see Annabelle Murray alive--and the circumstances were not pretty. Jackie's fingerprints are all over the crime scene and, to make matters worse, she had sworn not to tell anyone why she was invited to her boss's home in the first place. And just as everything is hitting the fan, Victor asks her out to dinner. Jackie knows that when it rains it pours--but now she's knee-deep in hot water--and bailing herself out will be the toughest challenge she's ever faced. . .
256 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2004
3 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Anita Doreen Diggs
10 books8 followersAnita Doreen Diggs was born and raised in New York City. She is the eldest of two children and attended local public schools. Ms. Diggs started her book publishing career in 1989 as Executive Secretary to the CEO of New American Library (now part of Penguin Books USA). Following that job, she worked as a book publicist for Dutton Books for 3 years before quitting to write.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 15, 2018
This wasn't really a mystery at all (there was really no attempt to hide the culprit) but I appreciated the exploration of being an African American woman in a field where they are clearly the minority. Personally I thought it was a really good read, mystery or not. Great characterization, very descriptive and enjoyable overall.
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October 17, 2011Good book but I knew who the killer was before he ending, it was kind of obvious. Wish it would have been more challenging as to who the killer was. And I agree with a previous comment from another reader, the ending came all out too fast. Pretty much in a couple of pages, it was done.
January 21, 2022
This book was just ok. It's not really a mystery. There was a time or two I hesitated but the "villain" was pretty obvious. I really wanted more from the main character and the ending. The title doesn't seem to fit the story. This was my first book by this author, I will give her another try.
August 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It captivated me very early on. Great characterization. It was a short book so fast paced. It would have been great if it was longer to expound upon some of the events that happened and their consequences. I did guess the "plot twist" / killer pretty early on but that didn't ruin the book for me. I'd definitely read more from this author.
August 27, 2017
Well-written. Interesting. Different. Honest.
I am glad she ended up with the right man.
I am glad she ended up with the right man.
December 5, 2018
I figured out whodunnit early on. Interesting read.
August 18, 2019
well written, intriguing and at times emotional. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and will look for more by this author.
June 5, 2009
This was a quick read - nothing you'll want to read twice, but it should keep you occupied on a train or plane ride.
Jackie visits her boss over the weekend to work on a secret project that no one at the office knows they're working on, finds out the boss is giving the promotion to a co-worker and storms out in a huff. The boss is later found strangled in her bathroom, and Jackie gets fingered for the murder. Jackie also happens to be a member of the Black Pack - a group of high level African Americans in the publishing business who get together on a regular basis to encourage each other, tear each other down, and gossip. :-)
And she's also totally in love with this one guy in the Black Pack, but he doesn't seem to know she exists. The totally cool guy who likes her - she thinks is not her style. But he turns out to be a rock during the investigation and trial and the other guy....well, like I said, it's a quick read. You'll figure things out pretty quickly.
Jackie visits her boss over the weekend to work on a secret project that no one at the office knows they're working on, finds out the boss is giving the promotion to a co-worker and storms out in a huff. The boss is later found strangled in her bathroom, and Jackie gets fingered for the murder. Jackie also happens to be a member of the Black Pack - a group of high level African Americans in the publishing business who get together on a regular basis to encourage each other, tear each other down, and gossip. :-)
And she's also totally in love with this one guy in the Black Pack, but he doesn't seem to know she exists. The totally cool guy who likes her - she thinks is not her style. But he turns out to be a rock during the investigation and trial and the other guy....well, like I said, it's a quick read. You'll figure things out pretty quickly.
April 23, 2009
Not as bad as I had feared. With all that buildup on the accused-of-murder storyline, though, I was pretty disappointed with how everything unraveled so quickly. I wanted more ethical dithering over the blackmail! The finding-a-man subplot was heavy-handed and too neatly resolved as well.
October 23, 2013
Bravo! This book was a pleasant surprise. I loved the imperfect characters and their secrets. I was not expecting a mystery when I selected this book. Once I started reading it, I could barely put the book down!
June 16, 2009
Great book. I was surprised at in end. I just know that victor was gay.
I would have never guessed he did it. Paul was gooood man. You won't find one like him in real life.
I would have never guessed he did it. Paul was gooood man. You won't find one like him in real life.
December 8, 2010
Not very good...predictable plot...stereotypical characters
November 9, 2010
Good reading. Liked it.
April 14, 2011
This was excellent! Very well written; great descriptions of characters. I have already gotten another one of her books.
August 14, 2013
Needed something to read during flights on a biz trip - predictable & mediocre writing but I can think of worst ways to pass the time.
January 7, 2014
I did like this book. It was warm and hot at the same time.
March 27, 2015
Jackie was a big daydreamer until real life came into focus. She found out quickly who her real friends were and to stop writing down so much personal daydream and anger thoughts.
September 4, 2015
Very good book, wanted to keep reading!
November 21, 2022
Alexa read it to me!! Good read.
Great read. Great Great ending to a suspenseful book! I thought something else was up with Victor and his friend so that was a great twist.
Great read. Great Great ending to a suspenseful book! I thought something else was up with Victor and his friend so that was a great twist.
October 10, 2012
Just a cool read. Romance and mystery.... awesome work, Anita Doreen Diggs
May 12, 2016
This was a quick and easy read. Very fast paced although some moments were predictable.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews