Agent in Old Lace

by author, G.G. Vandagriff

I read this book all in one sitting yesterday, and haven't stop chuckling over it. Although it is packed with scary suspense from the first page on, it also overflows with humor. Tristi is mistress of the one liner. Speaking of the villain, the FBI agent says, "He's taken a psychological disorder and turned it into a hobby." I roared at that one. These little gems sparkle throughout the story, so be certain you are someplace where you can laugh out loud.

The book's heroine, Shannon Tanner, is a refreshingly honest character from page one. She has no agenda, she reacts from the heart. Tristi wishes she had had more time for development of her minor characters, however with Shannon she did a wonderful job making her unique, and not just another feminist trying not to be a damsel in distress.

The plot has a constant undercurrent of menace, even when it appears the case has been resolved. Shannon is being used as bait by the FBI to lure her ex-boyfriend who has embezzled millions of dollars with impunity over a period of years. Her protection is her "Aunt Anita," an FBI agent in drag. As you can predict, this situation is ripe for comedy and suspense.

I recommend Agent In Old Lace highly as a great read.

Agent in Old Lace a triumph for Tristi Pinkston

author Candace E. Salima

Can I just tell all my Blogland friends how MUCH I enjoyed reading Tristi Pinkston's "Agent in Old Lace?" I'm not kidding, I love the humor and the mystery. It is a work of triumph for Tristi in her first foray into romantic comedy with some great suspense. Congratulations, my friend!

Let's check out the backliner ... for you non-authors that would be the description of the story on the back of the book, hence the term "backliner."

"Shannon Tanner's perfect life is turned on end when she discovers her boyfriend, Mark, is not what he seems. Fearing for her safety, she enlists the FBI, who puts its best man on the job Rick Holden, who dons a dress and goes undercover as Shannon's roommate. For a while it seems that life is safe again, until Mark kidnaps Shannon s best friend. Shannon realizes the only way to save her friend and herself is to send Rick, her only protection, away."

"Agent in Old Lace" is a thrilling combination of action, suspense, and romance that will keep you turning the pages until the end.

Tristi Pinkston is the author of Nothing to Regret, Strength to Endure and Season of Sacrifice, all fantastic, page-turning historical fiction which can be purchased off her website. But I have known Tristi for five years now and have encouraged her, along with dozens upon dozens of our peers, to write something which highlighted her delightful, not to mention hysterical, sense of humor.

Agent in Old Lace introduces us to that quirky sense of humor, coupled with Tristi's writing which is crisp, strong and brings the reader into the world she has created which they are always reluctant to leave. I literally curled up on my couch, opened the book and refused to get up until I turned the last page.

Tristi's books are always a great read, but this one will introduce you to a new side of Tristi you won't soon forget. It is a great precursor to her Secret Sisters series which unleashes the full strength of Tristi's sense of humor.

Thanks for giving me a highly enjoyable couple of hours, Tristi. This book gets a HUGE two thumbs up. It is a "must buy" and a wonderful addition to your home libraries. Trust me on that one.

A Fast-Paced and Engaging Read

Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Mystery, suspense and romance create a fast-paced and engaging read in "Agent in Old Lace" by Tristi Pinkston.

Shannon Tanner's world turns upside down when she realizes her boyfriend Mark isn't the Prince Charming she thought he was. When she discovers his secret, Mark turns on her and Shannon's life is suddenly in danger.

The FBI assigns a female agent to go undercover as Shannon's roomate to see if they can flush out Mark. But when this agent is injured right before the assignment, the FBI must turn to their top agent, Rick Holden.

For a while things seem like they will be okay. Rick is by Shannon's side--even though he's wearing a dress most of the time--and Mark might have taken off for good. When Shannon's best friend Tate is kidnapped, Shannon realizes that only way to stop Mark once and for all is to make Rick move out. Can Shannon lure Mark out into the open? And if she does, can Rick save her before it's too late?

After enjoying Tristi's novel, "Season of Sacrifice", I knew I wanted to read "Agent in Old Lace" when it came out. This is a decidely different book than "Season of Sacrifice", but it is equally as engaging and riveting.

Shannon discovers her life isn't quite as perfect as it seems and she suddenly finds herself in danger from the man who supposedly loves her. In steps Rick Holden, the dashing FBI agent who ends up having to room with her to keep her safe from Mark. That proves challenging because everyone knows Shannon would never have a male roommate, so Rick becomes a woman. This leads to many funny scenes that help to break up the suspense of Mark being on the loose and waiting for the chance to get back at Shannon.

One of the subplots of "Agent in Old Lace" is that while all this is going on, Shannon's father is fighting for his life from some mysterious illness that the doctors have yet to identify. This raises the stakes for Shannon because she needs to worry about her father's health, her mother's safety, and trying to draw Mark out without getting killed. Pinkston certainly knows how to push characters to their limits.

While the formula has been done before, the extra element of faith that is added to "Agent in Old Lace makes" this romantic suspense novel unique. All the main characters are LDS, and Shannon uses the power of prayer on more than one occasion to help bring her through her troubles.

Fans of romantic suspense will be flocking to "Agent of Old Lace" by Tristi Pinkston. Don't miss this one. It's worth every penny!

Peer Endorsement

as of August 14, 2009

As an author: Tristi Pinkston has a skill and knack for writing that surpasses many authors being published today. I await each new book and sit curled in the corner of my couch, turning page after page 'til the last one is reached. Tristi has her own shelf in my vast library. ~ Candace E. Salima

As an editor: As an author myself, I submit no manuscripts until Tristi has gone through them thoroughly. She has an ability to find every problem as well as everything that is good. She is efficient and I deliver a polished manuscript every single time ... if I listen to her advice. And if I don't, I end up with egg all over my face!  ~ Candace E. Salima