Sex: A Mystery by Fiona Quirina

From the Publisher

But in the therapy biz, she's what's called a "sex surrogate." It's a job Lydia fell into after her recent position as Senior Vice President of a major conglomerate came to a resounding finale when she blew the whistle on some seriously unethical business practices.

At least Lydia is able to meet the rent on her Fifth Avenue duplex, keep her closet full of designer clothes, and support the homeless ministry of her roommate. Until one of her favorite clients is stabbed in the back with an ice pick in her very own bed.

Now, Lydia finds herself the prime suspect, and-to clear her name-she must step into what is probably the world's second oldest profession: detective.

Publishers Weekly

Quirina's stylish debut combines a solid mystery, a refreshingly different heroine, a splendid supporting cast and enough sparkle to keep the pages turning. After a whistle-blowing episode derails her first career as a senior marketing vice-president for a major conglomerate, successful Harvard MBA Lydia Quess segues happily into the well-paid role of sexual surrogate (or "courtesan," as she prefers) under the tutelage of a former school chum who's now a sex therapist. Her new career allows her to maintain the Fifth Avenue duplex she shares with unorthodox priest Paddy Riordin in a strictly platonic way. Lydia shares her charms with a relatively steady stable of clients, until one of them is found murdered in her bed. Given the narrow window of opportunity for the murder, she, her wealthy and powerful clients and her way of life become suspect. Quirina handles Manhattan chic with assurance while treating the subjects of prostitution, sexual dysfunction and surrogacy with candor, humor and aplomb. Hopefully, Lydia will make many more appearances-and future entries in the series will have more imaginative titles. Agent, Howard Morhaim. (Mar. 1) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

Formerly a highly paid business executive who blew the ethical whistle on her employer's business practices, Harvard-educated sex surrogate Lydia Quess takes pride in her new "calling," which she operates out of her Fifth Avenue duplex. The murder of a high-profile banker client in her bed while she's downstairs, however, shakes her up, makes her a suspect, and starts her sleuthing. With help from her platonic roommate, a priest who deals with the homeless, she searches among client spouses, business rivals, and others for the culprit. A fascinating, clever plot and an authentic New York City setting makes this series debut a good choice for most mystery collections. Under her real name, the pseudonymous Quirina is the author of four mysteries and three medical thrillers. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Product Details