About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
When jewelry-store owner Gina Gallo and her boyfriend Pete take a week's vacation, she leaves the store in the hands of her cousin from New York.
After all, cousin Carmine is a certified gemologist—but Carmine is also in the Mob. When Gina gets back, she discovers that her cousin has spent his time switching real gems for fakes in the jewelry of some of her best customers. With her reputation on the line, what's a Mob goddaughter to do? Mastermind a string of burglaries to get the gems back, of course! But nothing ever goes entirely smoothly for Gina. Soon she and her eccentric cousin Nico are the toast of the town, as the local paper and everyone else follow the antics of their very own Pink Panthers.
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for older teen readers and adults who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!
Awards
- Winner, The Short Mystery Fiction Society Derringer Awards - Best Novelette
- Winner, The Crime Writers of Canada Arthur Ellis Award - Best Novella
Editorial Reviews
"A mysterious story about a jewel heist with a twist...This story delivers a lot of tongue-in-cheek one-liners and a type of slapstick comedy one might expect in some mobster movies...Campbell weaves a light, airy story with witty humor and a heroine with a likeable personality. This easy read has all the elements necessary to interest any reader, as well as teach lessons about literary elements like setting, plot, and characterization. It is a topic of high interest and readers will want to continue reading. This story will elicit a smile and a laugh or two. Give this to readers who enjoy a deliciously funny tale."
— VOYA
"As funny, if not funnier, than The Goddaughter. When Gina's mob family comes together the adventures become crazy, illegal and entertaining. I'm not sure I remember a time that I laughed harder within such a short time span...With every story I love this family more and more. They put the "fun" in dysfunctional...Another home run from Canada's funny girl, Melodie Campbell."
— A Prairie Girl Reads blog
"[Campbell has] intertwined a bit of comedy with the suspense and danger. Gallo’s family history added in the mix makes for a very good read...A novel that is very difficult to put down."
— CM Magazine
"A non-stop switchero tale...By the time you've reached Union Station, all that glitters is real gold. Short, sharp and full of what makes a Rapid Read feel like a great cup of coffee."
— The Hamilton Spectator
