Name Dropping

The name's the thing in this lively romantic thriller in the Susan Isaacs tradition, a theme set up in the opening scenes when Manhattan preschool teacher Nancy Stern gets flowers from an unknown admirer.

As she soon learns, however, the bouquet is not for her, and neither are the phone calls from intriguing-sounding men or the invitations to film screenings and glamorous parties. Another Nancy Stern, a celebrity journalist, has just moved into the penthouse in our heroine's building. It's enough to make a teacher who hasn't had a date in months accept one of the mistaken invitations. The man proceeds to steal her heart, and the longer she waits to tell him about the mix-up in identities, the less she wants to.

But when the other Nancy Stern is killed and the murder makes the headlines, the charade is over. Or is it? It seems the killer was confused, too--he meant to put sweet Nancy out of the picture, and it all has to do with a gaudy brooch given to her by one of her pupils, a little boy who claims his father is a pirate and has a treasure chest full of booty.

This is the perfect summer read--as frothy as an incoming wave, as refreshing as a Popsicle on a hot day. If you liked Susan Isaacs's Compromising Positions , you'll love Jane Heller's Name Dropping . And on your way to pick up some extra sunblock, you'll want to add Heller's earlier caper Sis Boom Bah to your beach bag. --Jane Adams