As the second in Phyllis Smallman's mystery series about bartender Sherri Travis, we return to Jacaranda just a few months after the events of [b:Margarita Nights|3220779|Margarita Nights|Phyllis Smallman|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1277070072s/3220779.jpg|3254805]. Sherri is struggling with her independent nature, trying to build a relationship with Clay and recover from the murder of her childhood sweetheart. Tending bar at the Sunset, Sherri hears more than a few secrets and when Gina confesses that she is on the trail of her sister's murderer, the circumstances of the recent death of socialite, Bunny, is too similar to ignore. As a hurricane bears down on the coastal town, Sherri finds herself embroiled in another brutal murder.Smallman has created a complicated protagonist who is easy to relate to, Sherri is a flawed character and emminently likeable for that. A lot of her character history is established in [b:Margarita Nights|3220779|Margarita Nights|Phyllis Smallman|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1277070072s/3220779.jpg|3254805] and I think that background is important in understanding her motivations and relationships in this book. Her romance with Clay is equally complicated, but his character lacks depth so it's hard to invest in it.I like Smallman's style of writing, it's accessible with a sense of humor. The pacing is much improved from Margarita Nights with some chilling and tense moments as Sherri is stalked by the murderer. The mystery is perhaps not as cohesive with possibly too many suspects introduced but it is still interesting and the resolution is well handled.I'd suggest you read [b:Margarita Nights|3220779|Margarita Nights|Phyllis Smallman|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1277070072s/3220779.jpg|3254805] first, though this could work as a stand alone as it's strength lies in characterisation. Sex in a Sidecar is an entertaining, light read with plenty to recommend it as an amatuer sleuth mystery series. I hope to continue reading it with [b:A Brewski For The Old Man|7853613|A Brewski For The Old Man|Phyllis Smallman|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41pHyzzqw+L._SL75_.jpg|10982313] ( )