Nerds Like it Hot by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Gillian McCormick just witnessed a murder and the murderer has ties to the mafia. Her friend Cora hatches a plan to give her a complete makeover and send her on a cruise for nerds in order to escape the mob. Cora also hired a private investigator, Lex Manchester to go along to help protect her. Once on the cruise, Gillian – aka Norma Jean – first finds herself the victim of a burglary and then almost ends up dead after an apparent accident. But worse of all, she finds herself falling in love with Lex. Now can Gillian leave Lex and go into hiding to stay alive or will Lex follow her to the bitter end?

Another great book for Vicki Lewis Thompson. While the plot is somewhat predictable, the cast of characters is great – ranging from a cross-dressing killer to a detective who's closet nerd, and a retired 82 year old actress, who’s outlasted several husbands and is ready for yet another, not to mention a complete assortment of nerds in all shapes and sizes. If you’re a nerd like me or just love reading about nerds, run out right now and get this book. You’ll love it.

Details: St. Martins, August 2006

Bottom line: A great book