Blood Ties by Kay Hooper

To those of you that really, really don't like change, I apologise. (something expert bloggers say I should never do - but it feels right) For this month only, as we focus on 'chick lit', the reviews will follow the 'chick lit check list'.

1. fiction that, often humourously, explores issues of modern womanhood  There is some, rather dark, humour from time to time in the novel. It is a tricky thing to insert humour into a story about a serial killer torturing and ... well ... killing people to taunt the SCU (a special, psychic unit of the FBI ). Not a laugh out loud kind of humour - more of a 'I can't believe he said that but I still have to chuckle' humour. Does Kay Hooper explore issues of modern womanhood in Blood Ties? It's a reach but, if we consider one issue of modern womanhood to be how to use your psychic powers to capture the bad guy without being killed in the process, then yes. (Not buying that one, eh? Ya - me neither) 
2. features young adult women who are primarily career driven YES!! The women in this novel are all in their 20's or maybe 30's but no older. They are also all gorgeous and fit and psychic. The females in the SCU focus all of their energy on using their various psychic powers to be the best FBI agents they can be. 
3. protagonist is addicted to shopping and how she looks NO. Although Hollis is gorgeous without trying, not once during the entire investigation does she go shopping or stop to do her hair. She does look in the mirror once or twice and cringe at how tired she looks. Does that count?
4. may or may not involve a romantic plot line Blood Ties has sub-plots that are the most romantic of plot lines. (Back me up on this, girls.) Greek god like men, amazing looking and totally ripped, who can read the minds of the women they are 'connected' to. So they always know what their women are thinking and feeling and what they need from their men. And the men are there to support the women, in every instance, without criticism, and jump in if they need to play the rescuer. When Hollis over uses her powers to the point of collapse, Reese DeMarco is right there to carry her to bed and protect her with his shield until she is rested. (and no, that is not a euphemism)
5. written by women for women Despite the violence and action involved, this is not a 'man's book'.
6. post-feminist The women in Kay Hooper's novels are not bra-burners but they are strong, likable and can take care of themselves and those around them.

Although this book is not the first in the series, it can easily stand alone. I like that Ms Hooper has started adding footnotes and an afterword that help the reader to keep up with who's who, what they can do and which book in the series features them in a 'starring' role.

So is it chick-lit. I say yes. And it's a fun read besides.