‘Searching for Secrets’: Rebooted mystery/romance is a fun, quick read

In Elaine Orr's 'Searching for Secrets,” a Kirk, a police officer with a chip on his shoulder, and Christa, a schoolteacher with a tenacious turn of mind, team up to solve a crime in Iowa City. Along the way - and despite a host of misunderstandings - they fall in love.

Orr first self-published the book in 2006. She then rewrote it for publication as an e-book in 2012, adjusting the blend of the two plotlines. She recently offered the updated version as a free giveaway.

The balance of mystery and romance is just about right in the current version of 'Searching for Secrets.” The book is fairly short, which means the romance rockets from first attraction through deep distrust en route to talk of babies with somewhat alarming alacrity. Still, the love story complements the mystery well.

The mystery stems from some computers that are donated to Christa's classroom and promptly tampered with by persons unknown. Because the book is set a decade ago, some of the technology is, of course, outdated, but the book is convincingly of its time.

Its setting is also convincing. Locals will recognize plenty of Iowa City landmarks that are central to the plot, including City Park and the downtown area.

Readers may quibble about how quickly a cop and teacher team up (despite official rules about such things) and fall in love (despite their best efforts to dislike one another), but 'Searching for Secrets” is a brisk, enjoyable read.