Time's Up (A Maisie McGrane Mystery)

All her life, Maisie McGrane dreamed of following in her father and older brothers footsteps and joining the force. But when she s expelled from the police academy, she s reduced to taking a job as a meter maid. Now, instead of chasing down perps, she s booting people s cars and taking abuse from every lowlife who can t scrape together enough change to feed the meter.

McGranes weren t put on this earth to quit, however. When Maisie stumbles across the body of a City Hall staffer with two bullets in his chest, her badge-wielding brothers try to warn her off the case. But with the help of her secret crush, shadowy ex-Army Ranger Hank Bannon, Maisie s determined to follow the trail of conspiracy no matter where it leads. And that could put her in the crosshairs of a killer and all she s packing is a ticket gun.

Mack s outstanding debut conjures up equal parts Janet Evanovich (zany characters) and Michael Harvey (the Chicago political machine) Riotous characters, including the members of the large McGrane clan, enhance a fast and furious plot that expertly balances menace and laugh-out-loud hijinks. Publishers Weekly, STARRED Review

Mystery buffs will not only be swept up in the ingenious and well-crafted plot buy will love the irrepressible Maisie, who knows what she wants. Recommend for readers who miss the works of Eleanor Taylor Bland and enjoy those of Tim Dorsey. -- Library Journal, STARRED Review