Regan Reilly, the LA investigator who's evidently never worked at home or for money, is at it again, this time dogging the steps of the thief who's been disguising himself as a Santa at children's parties in order to clean out paintings from some old acquaintances in Aspen, Colorado. The leading suspect is Sam and Kendra Wood's missing caretaker, Eben Bean, but we knowand after a while even Regan knowsthat Eben's been kidnapped by Judd and Willeen, the real thieves, looking for cover while they bide their time waiting for their big score: the famous Beasley portrait of crusty old Geraldine Spoonfellow's grandfather, a portrait also coveted by Judd and Willeen's archrival, the Coyote. While Eben and kidnapped housekeeper Bessie Armbuckle alternately struggle to get out of their handcuffs and swap limp quips with their abductors (not exactly a triumph of realism, these scenes), and the shamus hired by Geraldine rushes to her side with an amazing revelation (!!!), Regan makes warmly supportive remarks, and in no time at all the crooks are behind bars where they belong. Despite the title, Clark's third (Snagged, 1993, etc.) gets by without homicideand without suspects, mystery, suspense, or detection. Her obvious competitors, the Nancy Drew stories, are much cheaper, and illustrated with line drawings. (Mystery Guild main selection; national advertising; author tour)

Given the huge popularity of Clark's first two Regan Reilly mysteries, plus the astonishing amount of hype her publisher is prepared to provide for her, plus the instant name recognition (Mom is superstar suspense writer Mary Higgins Clark), Clark can hardly fail with her third effort. Thirtysomething private investigator Reilly is headed for the ski slopes of Aspen for the Christmas holidays, parents in tow. Mom and Dad are to be houseguests of television actress Kendra Wood while Regan visits with an old friend who's opening a new restaurant. But the Reillys walk into more than just a cheery holiday ski party--Kendra Wood's valuable art collection has been stolen, and her trusted housekeeper, Eben Bean, is missing. That's all Regan needs to know to send her off in pursuit of Eben and the sneaky thieves. After assorted hijinks, adventures, false alarms, and--yes--plain old silliness, the plot finally gets all tied up in a nice, neat, mostly happy ending that will no doubt charm even the most Scrooge-like reader. Solidly entertaining, mostly clever, occasionally funny, and always fun, this one is sure to please the author's growing audience. (Reviewed May 15, 1995)044651764XEmily Melton

YA‘Regan Reilly, private investigator, finds mystery on her Christmas vacation in Aspen, Colorado. She wonders who is stealing the paintings from wealthy owners as she doesn't believe that it's the person the police have accused. Readers know part of the answer, but they don't learn until the climax the surprising identity of the ``Coyote,'' who has been glimpsed throughout as he makes plans to steal from the thieves. This fun, fast-paced novel is a good choice for teens, who will enjoy the wit, the characters, and the modern setting. The text is mainly easy-to-read dialogue and there is plenty of action. Although there are many supporting characters and the chapters shift frequently between them, the plot is simple to follow as the mystery develops.‘Claudia Moore, W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Clark's two previous mysteries, Decked ( LJ 7/92) and Snagged (Warner, 1993), sold well in spite of lukewarm reviews. In Iced , intrepid sleuth Regan Reilly encounters murder most foul while vacationing at a swank ski lodge. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

In a continuation of the Regan Reilly series, the detective's Christmas holiday in Aspen is interrupted by the theft of some high-priced paintings. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved