"Pretty in Ink: A Tattoo Shop Mystery" by Karen E. Olson

Book Description:

Brett Kavanaugh is a tattoo artist and owner of one of Vegas's hottest tattoo shops, The Painted Lady. And in her spare time, she does some sleuthing -- because nothing needles her more than murder.

After Brett and company ink Sin City's newest drag queen stars, they're invited to opening night at the Strip's glamorous Nylons and Tattoos show. An evening of glitter and dancing ends in disaster when a stranger with a queen of hearts tattoo fells Britney Brassieres with a wayward champagne cork.

Even though Britney recovers, she mysteriously dies soon after, and then another drag queen is found poisoned. Someone's targeting Vegas's fabulous femmes. And sharp-as-a-needle Brett must crack the case before the show's over for good.

Review:

"Pretty in Ink" is the second installment in Karen E. Olson's Tattoo Shop Mystery series, the first novel being "The Missing Ink". Brett Kavanaugh is a full-time tattooist with a knack for getting involved in solving mysteries,

I won't lie, I was first drawn to this series mostly because the main character is a tattoo artist. And I love tattoos, I think they're beautiful. I have to say, I'm still glad I picked up this series. The dialogue is funny, the characters interactions are believable, and the mysteries always leave you guessing.

While this is part of a series, you don't need to read them in order (there is currently only two books out so far, the third one will be out in Fall of 2010). I, personally, prefer to read a series in order, but like most mysteries, you can read these in any order since (so far) nothing from the previous books are actually relevant. Though, if you're like me, and love knowing about the characters, reading from the beginning is usually helpful.

So, if you like murder, intrigue, some Vegas high-rollers, drag queens, and some killer tattoos, you have to pick this one up. You won't be disappointed.