Taking a Chance by Deborah Burrows

Book Description

Secondhand. Good condition. Wear to book corners. Inscribed by author. Pages have sunned. Scratch to back cover near spine. Remnant of price sticker on back cover.

This historical romance/crime is set in Perth during the Second World War.

Nell is an Australian journo, and quite the fashionable lady and Johnny is a captain with the American Press Corps who has a bit of a shady romantic past. Johnny's ex-lover, Lena Mitrovic, has been convicted of the murder of caddish artist Rick Henzell.

Convinced of Lena's innocence, Johnny ropes Nell in to help him find the truth. During their investigation, they uncover a seedy and unsavoury side to wartime Perth. British, Australian and American servicemen are in the city looking to have a good time and many of the local girls are seeking excitement and romance.

What they find is less wholesome. Some of these young girls fall into prostitution and become "Lost Girls". Nell hopes to improve conditions for these Lost Girls and for the women in Fremantle Gaol. Johnny hopes to find the true killer of Rick Henzell.

The chemistry between the two main characters is immediate. They are both attractive, witty, sassy and willing to throw themselves into the fray. But Nell is "engaged" to an Australian lawyer and suspicious of Johnny's reputation. As well she might be... (publisher blurb)