Lilly Hawkins is a shooter for TV station KJAY in Bakersfield, California. After filming video at a murder scene, she's sure she got a great scoop, but when she gets back to the station, the tape is blank. However, the two thugs who come to her home seem convinced she does have something on film and is trying to profit from it. They demand she turn over the "real" tape in 36 hours...or else. Lilly's first inclination is to go to the police, but then she realizes the two men who threatened her are cops. When a local detective, who seemed to like her, also starts treating her like a suspect, Lilly doesn't know who to trust, so she turns to family. Her Uncle Bud has a mysterious (and most likely illegal) past, but he's always been there for her, and if anyone knows the way to avoid the watchful eye of the police, it's him. The two set about clearing Lilly's name while trying to figure out the good guys from the bad guys.

The action never stops in this first installment of a new mystery series. Lilly is surrounded by a colorful cast of characters, especially Uncle Bud, a scruffy homespun charmer. Although at times I found Lilly a bit too prone to act without thinking, that same quality is also kind of endearing. The narrative keeps readers guessing as people and situations are not always who or what they appear to be, but a few twists are somewhat predictable and some of the characters a bit stock. Nevertheless, the book is a promising beginning and a solid entry in the crowded amateur detective genre. Readers who like their mysteries with a healthy dose of humor (and a bit of romance) will particularly enjoy A BAD DAY'S WORK.