Originally published in 1990, this novel set in Toronto
reflects a prejudice against a woman doing a man's job,
which we can hope has now vanished. Sandy DiGianni has
taken a post in Police Digest magazine, having worked her
way up through women's magazines - which don't count, as
far as men are concerned. Now she's meeting a contact with
a tip.
NO PAINE, NO GAINE shows that Sandy isn't daft. She knows
crime reporting won't be easy, and her source, Charlie, looks
unsavoury. He wants money for tips on unsolved murders.
Despite her misgivings, Charlie turns out to have the
straight dope on various crimes and she writes up good
articles after checking facts. However, this could get her
into trouble with the police media department. It makes the
police look bad, and it gives away information that could
resolve the case if a witness comes forward. There's no
pleasing everyone, and her editor is the one who counts.
Sergeant Ted Gaine wants a word with the upstart
journalist, who just has to protect her sources. He's a
personable man, but he's mainly interested in warning Sandy
that she could be walking into trouble. While the police
deny the existence of a hitman, a murderer could try to
silence the investigative journalist if she gets too close.
If she does discover information, why not turn it over to
him so he can solve the case?
I enjoyed watching Sandy get established and learn about
her job. It's also nice to see her visit her Italian family
for dinner, making her a well-rounded character. All told
NO PAINE, NO GAINE is a great suspense story with a steady
build up of an interesting romance. There's danger and
drama aplenty as the intrepid reporter does her job, with
many a second thought it has to be said. The police
detective is wholly professional and can't let his feelings
for Sandy surface while he is on the case. We have to
respect him and enjoy the growing tenderness at the same
time. Edwina Franklin, listed as the original author, is
a pen name for Arlene F. Marks who has done exactly the
right thing by re-releasing NO PAINE, NO GAINE for a new
field of readers to enjoy. I highly recommend this exciting
tale.
The most dangerous killer? The one who hides in plain sight.
Sandy DeGianni, new crime reporter for Police Digest
Magazine, figured digging up fresh information about a
series of historical cold cases would spice up an otherwise
tame assignment.
Instead she’s up to her neck in trouble with her editor—and
the subject of some uncomfortable police scrutiny.
Especially from a handsome detective who will neither
confirm nor deny that the prime suspect, the mysterious “Mr.
Vanish”, really exists.
Ted doesn’t know how Sandy got her hands on secret police
files, but it’s his job to plug the leak. And rescue the
feisty, spirited journalist from a sudden series of freakish
accidents. No doubt in Ted’s mind, the mastermind behind the
mishaps could only be Dr. Vanish, untouchable master of
disguise.
As they try to stay ahead of a rising tide of dead bodies,
sparks of attraction have Sergeant Gaine walking a
dangerously thin line between public protector who must keep
Sandy at arm’s length, and a man in love who’d make any
sacrifice to keep her safe.
This Retro Romance release was originally published in 1990
by Harlequin.
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