Among her charges is one of her own students, Belinda, who is eager to please, but suffers from dyslexia and lacks the self-discipline to learn to cope with it. When Belinda's beaten body is found, Bel is shocked. The police aren't sure if this is a case of a boyfriend with a temper or if the murder is connected to a recent string of incidents at the Seacacus Outlets where Belinda had just take a security job. Because of her connection with many of the participants, Bel finds herself drawn into an investigation that she is certain will not have a happy ending for anyone.

This latest outing of middle-aged, urban Bel Barrett will appeal to a large audience. Readers in the throes of midlife will appreciate the way Bel approaches these life changes (menopause, grandmotherhood) with grace and humor. Readers that are nearing midlife will enjoy the lighter look at what is often portrayed as a very depressing time in life. Out of Hormone's Way also tackles the serious issue of breast cancer as Bel and her friends support one of them through the earliest stages of detection and treatment.

Belinda's murder and subsequent investigation are neatly woven into these issues, along with Bel's impending "solo Grandma" weekend, another source of anxiety. While there are several suspects and possible solutions, readers will find themselves leisurely along for the ride, enjoying the scenery, rather than anxiously racing to the end to find out "whodunit." Readers will note the inclusion of the Windows on the World restaurant (at the top of the former Twin Towers). Jane Isenberg makes no apologies in keeping this scene in the story, as this landmark was a big part of Jersey City and Hoboken life for over twenty years.

Out of Hormone's Way is a fun, quick reading entry in a series with a down to earth, true to life heroine and her friends.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry