Couldn't get into this book. ( )

Twice before, Nick has come into Phil's life and changed it for the better. Twice before, he's left without a word. Now he's back, asking for her help.

Nick has come back to his hometown in response to a summons from his domineering grandmother, only to find her lying in a pool of blood, a dagger in her neck. Fearing a frame-up, he turns to childhood friend Phil who, to his surprise, is not a lawyer.

However, when Phil investigates, there's no body, no blood, and she suspects Nick is trying to trick her.

Both Nick and Phil have family issues. Phil has, because of Nick's previous influence, broken away from the family expectation of becoming a lawyer, but her family still makes their demands felt. Nick has lived away from what remains of his family--his brother and his grandmother--for some years, but he still feels responsible for his brother.

Third Time Lucky is about taking control of your life, and finding love along the way. It's about family expectations and responsibilities. It's about trusting your heart and taking a risk.

Claire Cross is one of my favorite authors, and Third Time Lucky is one of the reasons. The characters are realistic, with real problems that they overcome during the book. The plot is a page-turning balance between screwball comedy and mystery. It made me laugh, brought tears to my eyes, and put me on the edge of my seat. Just a wonderful read. ( )