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!

Melodie Campbell's profile page

• Winner, The Short Mystery Fiction Society Derringer Awards - Best Novelette
• Winner, The Crime Writers of Canada Arthur Ellis Award - Best Novella

"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