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Chasing Trouble
SHE LED HIM A MERRY CHASE...
When San Francisco heiress Sally MacArthur's sister absconds with their father's priceless jade falcon, Sam Spade's biggest fan hires the most low-down private eye in the book.
Unshaven, cynical Jack Diamond knows he's crazy to get tangled up with such a woman, whose tale of larceny has more holes in it than a pound of Swiss. But Diamond can't resist the allure of this damsel in distress.
It's a two-way attraction that's as sizzling as the hot water Diamond finds himself in when he takes the case.
Tough guy Diamond is Sally's fantasy detective come to life--a fantasy man who's started spinning a few fantasies of his own.
When San Francisco heiress Sally MacArthur's sister absconds with their father's priceless jade falcon, Sam Spade's biggest fan hires the most low-down private eye in the book.
Unshaven, cynical Jack Diamond knows he's crazy to get tangled up with such a woman, whose tale of larceny has more holes in it than a pound of Swiss. But Diamond can't resist the allure of this damsel in distress.
It's a two-way attraction that's as sizzling as the hot water Diamond finds himself in when he takes the case.
Tough guy Diamond is Sally's fantasy detective come to life--a fantasy man who's started spinning a few fantasies of his own.
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 1991
104 people want to read
About the author
Anne Stuart
205 books2,062 followersAnne Stuart is a grandmaster of the genre, winner of Romance Writers of America's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, survivor of more than thirty-five years in the romance business, and still just keeps getting better.
Her first novel was Barrett's Hill, a gothic romance published by Ballantine in 1974 when Anne had just turned 25. Since then she's written more gothics, regencies, romantic suspense, romantic adventure, series romance, suspense, historical romance, paranormal and mainstream contemporary romance for publishers such as Doubleday, Harlequin, Silhouette, Avon, Zebra, St. Martins Press, Berkley, Dell, Pocket Books and Fawcett.
She’s won numerous awards, appeared on most bestseller lists, and speaks all over the country. Her general outrageousness has gotten her on Entertainment Tonight, as well as in Vogue, People, USA Today, Women’s Day and countless other national newspapers and magazines.
When she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Northern Vermont with her luscious husband of thirty-six years, an empty nest, three cats, four sewing machines, and one Springer Spaniel, and when she’s not working she’s watching movies, listening to rock and roll (preferably Japanese) and spending far too much time quilting.
Anne Stuart also writes as Kristina Douglas.
Her first novel was Barrett's Hill, a gothic romance published by Ballantine in 1974 when Anne had just turned 25. Since then she's written more gothics, regencies, romantic suspense, romantic adventure, series romance, suspense, historical romance, paranormal and mainstream contemporary romance for publishers such as Doubleday, Harlequin, Silhouette, Avon, Zebra, St. Martins Press, Berkley, Dell, Pocket Books and Fawcett.
She’s won numerous awards, appeared on most bestseller lists, and speaks all over the country. Her general outrageousness has gotten her on Entertainment Tonight, as well as in Vogue, People, USA Today, Women’s Day and countless other national newspapers and magazines.
When she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Northern Vermont with her luscious husband of thirty-six years, an empty nest, three cats, four sewing machines, and one Springer Spaniel, and when she’s not working she’s watching movies, listening to rock and roll (preferably Japanese) and spending far too much time quilting.
Anne Stuart also writes as Kristina Douglas.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 13, 2012
I can always count on Anne Stuart for a good read, and I'm glad to say that this book was another winner. It was written as a clear hommage to noir movies, from the heroine Sally's fascination with Bogart, Bacall, Sam Spade and Raymond Chandler to the cynical lines uttered by the jaded hero P.I. Diamond. Gotta love that! :)
Diamond smoked too much, drank too much and lived a life-style that was as foreign as it was romantic, but he was so charming doing it that I couldn't help falling for him. Obviously, it was only a matter of time before he changed his ways due to Sally's "nagging", and it was fun to watch him trying to fight that lost battle.
Sally was kind of ditzy, prone to lying and, let's say it, acted TSTL at times, but I ended up loving her anyway. Probably because she drove Diamond nuts, making room for a lot of funny banter between them. Bottom line, Diamond and Sally's interaction was what made this story work for me.
The plot was a bit convoluted, with a few twists thrown here and there, but it was in sync with the film noir setting so I'm guessing that was planned and not a result of "bad writing". As for the ending, the final showdown with the bad guys wasn't as thrilling as I had expected it to be, but Ms. Stuart made up for it later with Diamond's delightful proposal:
"James," she said in a broken little voice. "You really do love me, don't you?"
He'd almost reached her. "I thought you'd already figured that out. Who else could make me give up cigarettes and hooch?"
"You said you wouldn't love me till 1999."
...
"I'm a quick learner. So what's it gonna be, doll? Marriage to a shamus like me, or a life full of empty pleasures? Name your poison."
"Diamond," she said happily, "I'm yours."
And so am I, honey!
Note: I don't think the scene above is a spoiler, since the HEA is a given in romance novels. But if anyone thinks I'm giving too much away, just let me know and I'll use the spoiler tags to hide it.
Diamond smoked too much, drank too much and lived a life-style that was as foreign as it was romantic, but he was so charming doing it that I couldn't help falling for him. Obviously, it was only a matter of time before he changed his ways due to Sally's "nagging", and it was fun to watch him trying to fight that lost battle.
Sally was kind of ditzy, prone to lying and, let's say it, acted TSTL at times, but I ended up loving her anyway. Probably because she drove Diamond nuts, making room for a lot of funny banter between them. Bottom line, Diamond and Sally's interaction was what made this story work for me.
The plot was a bit convoluted, with a few twists thrown here and there, but it was in sync with the film noir setting so I'm guessing that was planned and not a result of "bad writing". As for the ending, the final showdown with the bad guys wasn't as thrilling as I had expected it to be, but Ms. Stuart made up for it later with Diamond's delightful proposal:
"James," she said in a broken little voice. "You really do love me, don't you?"
He'd almost reached her. "I thought you'd already figured that out. Who else could make me give up cigarettes and hooch?"
"You said you wouldn't love me till 1999."
...
"I'm a quick learner. So what's it gonna be, doll? Marriage to a shamus like me, or a life full of empty pleasures? Name your poison."
"Diamond," she said happily, "I'm yours."
And so am I, honey!
Note: I don't think the scene above is a spoiler, since the HEA is a given in romance novels. But if anyone thinks I'm giving too much away, just let me know and I'll use the spoiler tags to hide it.
May 15, 2020
Diamond said with an easy smirk that reminded Sally of Tom Cruise. And then the names registered. Raymond Chandler, creator of the magnificent Philip Marlowe. And Velma, one of Chandler's quintessential good/bad girls.
Sally was going to marry this man if it was the last thing she ever did.
"Chasing Trouble" is the story of Sally and Jack.
Oh what a FUN read!
When San Francisco heiress Sally MacArthur's sister absconds with their father's priceless jade falcon, she cleverly plans to hire the most low- down private eye in the business, Jack Diamond.
Our hero has lived through a lot- been an ex cop, and currently working as a barely employed detective who is very much behind on his rent and bills. Loving his alcohol and cigarettes as much as his decrepit little Volkswagen Beetle, he knows he's crazy even considering getting tangled up with such an obviously lying woman, but is unable to resist the allure of a damsel in distress.
As attraction sizzles between this unshaven, very brooding hero and our overly optimistic, cleverly deceitful as well as emotional heroine- sparks fly. Soon they are entangled in a mystery where the hero gets to play the Philip Marlowe, Sam Spade, Rhett Butler and Dirty Harry the heroine always envisioned, while she privately imagines herself as Lauren Bacall, Velma, Shirley MacLaine and Bridget O'Shaunessy (just to name a few).
The crux of the plot lies in the wings of a Manchurian falcon, which has gone missing from her father's collection and is now wanted by the Calderinis and the Chinese, and could be somehow connected to her flighty sister's safety.
This is a thrilling and hilarious story with two sweet MCs- involving a very impulsive heroine and a very exasperated hero. They weren't perfect- our heroine chastised the hero throughout for smoking and drinking, he got beaten up a couple of times, she cried at the drop of a hat- but in the end it was so engaging and enjoyable to read!
Safe
4/5
Sally was going to marry this man if it was the last thing she ever did.
"Chasing Trouble" is the story of Sally and Jack.
Oh what a FUN read!
When San Francisco heiress Sally MacArthur's sister absconds with their father's priceless jade falcon, she cleverly plans to hire the most low- down private eye in the business, Jack Diamond.
Our hero has lived through a lot- been an ex cop, and currently working as a barely employed detective who is very much behind on his rent and bills. Loving his alcohol and cigarettes as much as his decrepit little Volkswagen Beetle, he knows he's crazy even considering getting tangled up with such an obviously lying woman, but is unable to resist the allure of a damsel in distress.
As attraction sizzles between this unshaven, very brooding hero and our overly optimistic, cleverly deceitful as well as emotional heroine- sparks fly. Soon they are entangled in a mystery where the hero gets to play the Philip Marlowe, Sam Spade, Rhett Butler and Dirty Harry the heroine always envisioned, while she privately imagines herself as Lauren Bacall, Velma, Shirley MacLaine and Bridget O'Shaunessy (just to name a few).
The crux of the plot lies in the wings of a Manchurian falcon, which has gone missing from her father's collection and is now wanted by the Calderinis and the Chinese, and could be somehow connected to her flighty sister's safety.
This is a thrilling and hilarious story with two sweet MCs- involving a very impulsive heroine and a very exasperated hero. They weren't perfect- our heroine chastised the hero throughout for smoking and drinking, he got beaten up a couple of times, she cried at the drop of a hat- but in the end it was so engaging and enjoyable to read!
Safe
4/5
April 22, 2018
3.25 stars
dnf
July 4, 2019What a bore?
The hero seems so dull.
Sorry I hate such guys.
The hero seems so dull.
Sorry I hate such guys.
March 28, 2015
Chasing Trouble by Anne Stuart is one of her oldies and nevertheless an enjoyable one at that. By the time I finished reading, I was sighing over the book, typical reaction to having read an Anne Stuart romance. My life undergoing a bit of a change right now means that I don’t have as much time as I used to, to read for fun. And when I do, I want the book to sweep me away on a journey, just as if I was discovering the wonderful genre of romance anew. Anne Stuart books have a way of surprising you with just that and Chasing Trouble is one of those stories that had me pleasantly surprised and of course giddy with the whole effect of it when I was done.
Sarah “Sally” Gallimard MacArthur is looking for a private investigator and an “unsavory one” at that, one who would ask less questions and help her find her sister. While James Michael Diamond fits the mold that she is looking for, James proves to be a tougher nut to crack than she imagined he would be. James would like nothing more than to forget the classy Sally that walked into his office, trying to convince him to find her sister. But then Sally proves to be a difficult woman to forget, before long, James finds himself saddled with a woman who talks too much and still manages to drive him crazy with the secrets that she harbors close to her heart.
Chasing Trouble is a story that manages to deliver the great stuff that the romance genre is legendary for, and yet the stories of the present seem to quite not be able to deliver. It does not present a mystery that makes your heart pound. But what it does is present two complex characters that the reader would like to peel the layers off to find what lies beneath.
James is the sort of cynical detective, whose life as a cop and his failed marriage has helped shape him to who he has become. Sally, while she might have led a privileged life, suffers from issues of her own which you become privy to as you read along. Both are reluctant to let other people close enough to trust the other with their heart, but eventually its a losing battle they fight when you factor in the sizzling hot attraction that makes the whole body hum.
Anne Stuart is legendary for the types of heroes that she manages to create for her stories. While James is a tamped down version of the caliber of heroes that Anne Stuart is ever famous for, his impact is no lesser. The control that he exerts on himself was one that I wanted to break down under the onslaught that his senses were being subjected to by Sally. I loved the witty banter which is of course another trademark of Anne Stuart novels. This one has got a lot of that going down and boy, do the sparks fly! The “mystery” aspect of the novel has little bit of twists to throw your way and I think everything worked out just wonderfully in the end.
Rating = 4/5
For more reviews & quotes, please visit www.maldivianbookreviewer.com
Sarah “Sally” Gallimard MacArthur is looking for a private investigator and an “unsavory one” at that, one who would ask less questions and help her find her sister. While James Michael Diamond fits the mold that she is looking for, James proves to be a tougher nut to crack than she imagined he would be. James would like nothing more than to forget the classy Sally that walked into his office, trying to convince him to find her sister. But then Sally proves to be a difficult woman to forget, before long, James finds himself saddled with a woman who talks too much and still manages to drive him crazy with the secrets that she harbors close to her heart.
Chasing Trouble is a story that manages to deliver the great stuff that the romance genre is legendary for, and yet the stories of the present seem to quite not be able to deliver. It does not present a mystery that makes your heart pound. But what it does is present two complex characters that the reader would like to peel the layers off to find what lies beneath.
James is the sort of cynical detective, whose life as a cop and his failed marriage has helped shape him to who he has become. Sally, while she might have led a privileged life, suffers from issues of her own which you become privy to as you read along. Both are reluctant to let other people close enough to trust the other with their heart, but eventually its a losing battle they fight when you factor in the sizzling hot attraction that makes the whole body hum.
Anne Stuart is legendary for the types of heroes that she manages to create for her stories. While James is a tamped down version of the caliber of heroes that Anne Stuart is ever famous for, his impact is no lesser. The control that he exerts on himself was one that I wanted to break down under the onslaught that his senses were being subjected to by Sally. I loved the witty banter which is of course another trademark of Anne Stuart novels. This one has got a lot of that going down and boy, do the sparks fly! The “mystery” aspect of the novel has little bit of twists to throw your way and I think everything worked out just wonderfully in the end.
Rating = 4/5
For more reviews & quotes, please visit www.maldivianbookreviewer.com
February 7, 2008
And it's another interesting and funny story by Stuart, this time with a Film Noir theme. Lovers of Phillip Marlowe and The Maltese Falcon can find lots of references to both in this book.
Sally MacArthur decides to hire a private detective to find her missing sister and valuable manchurian falcon in jade. She gives a false name but Diamond quickly sees through her and although at first hesitant about helping her he soons finds himself running after the bad guys with her.
Throw in the mix a father who seems oblivious but knows everything, a mother who has more marriages in her past that she can remember and a crime family who wants the falcon to sell it to the chinese mafia and you are in for some adventurous fun.
Sally and Diamond are really nice characters even if he does do his best not to be. He is thinking to himself what's the best way to get rid of her for most of the book but at the same time he can't stop himself from liking her and try to help her. It's only in the end that he admits to his feelings. It's a light and quick read but really really good.
Grade: A
How I wish I could have the Maltese Falcon to watch again now!
And I've just realised that there is not one Anne Stuart book in the AAR Top Ten Poll. Unbelievable!!!!
Sally MacArthur decides to hire a private detective to find her missing sister and valuable manchurian falcon in jade. She gives a false name but Diamond quickly sees through her and although at first hesitant about helping her he soons finds himself running after the bad guys with her.
Throw in the mix a father who seems oblivious but knows everything, a mother who has more marriages in her past that she can remember and a crime family who wants the falcon to sell it to the chinese mafia and you are in for some adventurous fun.
Sally and Diamond are really nice characters even if he does do his best not to be. He is thinking to himself what's the best way to get rid of her for most of the book but at the same time he can't stop himself from liking her and try to help her. It's only in the end that he admits to his feelings. It's a light and quick read but really really good.
Grade: A
How I wish I could have the Maltese Falcon to watch again now!
And I've just realised that there is not one Anne Stuart book in the AAR Top Ten Poll. Unbelievable!!!!
October 26, 2018
3 e 1/2
"A quel punto, James ebbe la conferma che non poteva opporsi a lei e che non era in grado di combattere il desiderio che gli impediva di allontanarsi. «Non credo nelle storie a lieto fine» disse fra i denti.
«È un vero peccato» rispose lei. «Perché stai per viverne una.»"
La trama forse è un poco fuorviante, perché Sally, pur essendo un ereditiera, non è affatto "sognatrice" e tanto meno viziata XD Anzi, è una vera e propria forza della natura, che non si ferma davanti a nulla e mostra una determinazione spaventosa, capace di piegare (volente o nolente XD) anche il burbero detective scelto per il suo amore per i vecchi film XD In effetti James, pur essendo abbastanza cinico e sgarbato, è lontano anni luce dai veri "bad boy" per cui la Stuart è famosa (e che a me, francamente, spesso fanno solo che innervosire XD) e questo è senza dubbio un punto a favore perché per una volta eroe ed eroina sembrano quasi sullo stesso livello ;D Per il resto la storia è carina anche se rimane breve e abbastanza confusa in più punti, sopratutto verso la fine, dove tutto finisce a tarallucci e vino dopo il gran parlare di mafia e pericolosissimi boss che non sparano nemmeno un colpo XD (ma si dilettano a menare il povero James D:)
"A quel punto, James ebbe la conferma che non poteva opporsi a lei e che non era in grado di combattere il desiderio che gli impediva di allontanarsi. «Non credo nelle storie a lieto fine» disse fra i denti.
«È un vero peccato» rispose lei. «Perché stai per viverne una.»"
La trama forse è un poco fuorviante, perché Sally, pur essendo un ereditiera, non è affatto "sognatrice" e tanto meno viziata XD Anzi, è una vera e propria forza della natura, che non si ferma davanti a nulla e mostra una determinazione spaventosa, capace di piegare (volente o nolente XD) anche il burbero detective scelto per il suo amore per i vecchi film XD In effetti James, pur essendo abbastanza cinico e sgarbato, è lontano anni luce dai veri "bad boy" per cui la Stuart è famosa (e che a me, francamente, spesso fanno solo che innervosire XD) e questo è senza dubbio un punto a favore perché per una volta eroe ed eroina sembrano quasi sullo stesso livello ;D Per il resto la storia è carina anche se rimane breve e abbastanza confusa in più punti, sopratutto verso la fine, dove tutto finisce a tarallucci e vino dopo il gran parlare di mafia e pericolosissimi boss che non sparano nemmeno un colpo XD (ma si dilettano a menare il povero James D:)
March 4, 2021
I felt the emotions when reading- the annoyance, the anger and the hurt. The bantering between the characters is funny in a way. Sally has a lot of fantasy from the movies. I wasn’t able to finish the book quickly coz I got busy and forgot about it. Good thing I saw the book yesterday and I got to read it and finish it.
March 23, 2013
DNF. Whiny, annoying heroine. She has been engaged six times in five years, and she hasn't even allowed the men to kiss her. She behaves unreasonably, assuming she is free to stick her nose into trouble and someone else will have the duty to bail her out.
The heroine lies all the time "because she can get away with it or she is getting bored".
She expects to get her way all the time and throws a tantrum when she doesn't. For example, when the hero isn't adequately impressed with her cooking, she tips the table over him, scalding him with hot soup and coffee.
Another thing that annoyed me is how the secondary female characters were such stereotypes: uncaring mother and more beautiful but sly younger sister.
I've only discovered Anne Stuart recently and she has quickly become one of my favourite romance authors. Some of her older books seem to have too cliched plots to my liking. I love the Ice Series and will wade through her other stuff to find the ones I like.
The heroine lies all the time "because she can get away with it or she is getting bored".
She expects to get her way all the time and throws a tantrum when she doesn't. For example, when the hero isn't adequately impressed with her cooking, she tips the table over him, scalding him with hot soup and coffee.
Another thing that annoyed me is how the secondary female characters were such stereotypes: uncaring mother and more beautiful but sly younger sister.
I've only discovered Anne Stuart recently and she has quickly become one of my favourite romance authors. Some of her older books seem to have too cliched plots to my liking. I love the Ice Series and will wade through her other stuff to find the ones I like.
September 12, 2011
Reread
Heroine wants a Micky Spillane type PI to find her sis that stole Dads costly Chinese vasH
Heroine wants a Micky Spillane type PI to find her sis that stole Dads costly Chinese vasH
May 20, 2016
In-order to get what she wanted, Anne created so many loopholes that to jump over them became tedious by the end.
Written beautifully, plot not so great.
Written beautifully, plot not so great.
dnf
October 17, 2012I tried twice; I give up.
October 15, 2012
The heroine was majorly annoying.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews