When I first started reading Jinxed by Beth Ciotta I wondered why she didn't go with a New York publisher. As the subplot unfolded I understood, and I applaud Beth on handling it matter-of-factly and with taste.

Afia St. John was born on Friday the Thirteenth, and her mother convinced her she was unlucky. Afia's life had been a series of bizarre incidents including the separate deaths of her father and her two husbands. When her financial adviser absconded with all her money, she's forced to get a job, something she'd never done.

Enter Jake Leeds. Afia's godfather paid Jake, a private investigator, to take her on as an employee. He had baggage, too, including a pregnant and broke sister about to give birth. He took in Afia and actually used her on a case. Sparks began to fly. Afia began to gain confidence and question her unlucky status.

With class and humor Jinxed traces Jake and Afia's path to discovering themselves and each other. Ms. Ciotta has given us well-rounded characters that we can care about, and I recommend this as a great read.

Reviewed By: Chris Redding
© June 2004