FLYING THROUGH FORTY is a mystery that is written to capture the attention of women over forty. Lolla Baines is an ex-New York model- turned-pilot.  She runs a crop-dusting business for her taciturn, widowed father and hangs with the regulars at Roxanne's Truck Café.  Until Lolla's trophy red Cadillac is stolen, and she is implicated for murder.

Lolla not only has to deal with the crop dusting business and a pilot who is causing more trouble than he is worth.  She now has to clear her name and try to figure out how all of the pieces fit into the same puzzle.  Pieces that bear absolutely no resemblance to one another when they are examined individually, but when they are held up against the backdrop of an old murder they suddenly have the same border.

FLYING THROUGH FORTY is an acquired taste that does get better as the story unfolds.  Ms. Dahlke has paid a lot of attention to details and sometimes the story gets bogged down because of it.  However, as the story progresses, it becomes more and more interesting.  From that point on, I found it harder to put down. Lolla’s dad, Caleb Stone, and her best friend definitely help keep the book rolling along.

  FLYING THROUGH FORTY is the first Lolla Baines book.  Ms. Dahlke will soon have a sequel out entitled Flying Blind.  I wouldn’t mind reading it just so that I can see how everyone winds up.