Die Buying is the first in the new Mall Cop series by Laura DiSIlverio. Emma-Joy “EJ” Ferris suffered a severe leg and knee injury in Afghanistan. EJ had served in the U.S. Air Force as a member of the security police force, but after a forced medical retirement, is now working as a mall security guard at the Fernglen Galleria in Vernonville, Virginia.

While searching for missing lizards and snakes that have escaped from the mall’s reptile shop, EJ is called to the scene of a dead body found naked in the window display of an upscale boutique. The victim, Jackson Parker, is a developer who had planned to build a new golf, hotel, and shopping complex nearby that would compete with some of the mall shops and possibly endanger the environment. While not officially on the case, EJ is named the mall liaison for the local police. With the help from her “Grandpa Atherton”, who was formally in the CIA, EJ conducts her own investigation of Porter’s murder, in part to prove to Vernonville police detective, Anders Helland, that she is more than just a “mall cop”.

This book has a highly original premise. I love how the story shows the many things a mall security officer must handle, and EJ’s military background adds to the unusual concept of the book. The author served in Air Force, so the descriptions of EJ’s experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan come across as honest and authentic.

EJ is a unique and likeable character. She’s tough, but vulnerable at the same time. While serious about proving herself as a skilled detective, EJ has a great sense of humor, and the book is filled with amusing dialogue and humorous situations. I enjoyed seeing her investigation in action and also the way she interacts with some of her friends, fellow “mall cops”, and other mall employees. Especially amusing are the scenes with EJ’s octogenarian grandfather and the different ways he helps EJ with various situations.

EJ’s best friend, Kyra, runs her aunt’s magic shop at the mall. There are times when their friendship seems fun and sincere, such as their TV nights together. However, their friendship doesn’t appear to be very deep, especially considering they’ve known each other since they were children. Kyra seems to overreact to something EJ says in the course of the murder investigation and makes some very hurtful comments to EJ. EJ forgives her, but the whole scene seems a little forced and out of character for Kyra and for someone that has been EJ’s longtime friend. Hopefully, future books will deepen their friendship without unnecessary drama.

While it’s definitely not love at first site, EJ and Detective Helland seem to be gaining a mutual respect, and possibly attraction, for each other by the end of the book. This is just one of the unresolved situations in EJ’s life left up in the air at the end of the book, and I am eager to read a sequel. While these type of “cliff-hanger” situations create interest in the series, a couple of details related to the investigation are also left unexplained, which is a little disappointing. However, I was entertained throughout this fast-paced book, so the few flaws don’t take much away from this great debut. If you are looking for an original female sleuth with the humor of Elaine Viets’ Josie Marcus, Mystery Shopper series, then put Die Buying at the top of your shopping list.

~ Christine K.