I have to say that chick lit mystery is a new genre for me. Actually, if anyone had voiced such a genre even a few months ago to me, I would have been hard-pressed to think of one book that fits the bill. With SEX, A MYSTERY, however, Ms. Quirina has hit the nail on the head. A delightful blend of humor, wisecracks, mystery, and an adorable amateur sleuth as a heroine-this book just plain works.

Lydia Quess is a Harvard graduate who believes she's found her niche as a corporate bigwig for a huge food conglomerate. That is, until she opens her mouth to blow the whistle on the company's baby food formula, which is less than nutritious and healthy for the babies. Now unemployed and unqualified for any job other than international marketing, Lydia finds herself on the wrong side of Manhattan's lifestyle chain.

Her good friend Dr. Sylvie Kahn, a renowned sex therapist, harbors the idea of Lydia becoming a "sex surrogate"-or, to Lydia's way of thinking-a courtesan of sorts. All is progressing quite well, with Lydia able to keep her Fifth Avenue duplex, stylish clothes on her back, and fashionable shoes on her feet, until one Michael Peabody Linscott III is found murdered-in Lydia's bed.

Suddenly, the former executive with the MBA turned surrogate sex professional is the prime suspect in a murder. What's a single woman at her peak to do? Turn in her therapeutic badge for one as a detective.

SEX, A MYSTERY is a real treat. Lydia's escapades are hilarious, the dialogue is funny and refreshing, and her quest to find out who murdered Michael Linscott is a hoot. Ms. Quirina has found a niche with this chick lit mystery, and I personally can't wait to see what she comes up with. ( )