Jinx (Valerie) Curry is the star of Tracey Lampley’s book All Money Ain’t Good Money. She is a single mum and works as a private investigator for Capricorn Hayes – they are also having an affair. The problem, as far as Tracey is concerned, is that she is only ever given tame assignments such as stalking cheating husbands and wives. She longs for a big case and her chance comes when she is tasked with finding the missing daughter of a congressman. She has no idea of the danger she will face as she interviews a prominent rapper who is surrounded by bodyguards; the politician himself with more than a few shady connections; and a black Corvette that attempts more than once to run her over. Add to this, a pregnant teenage daughter who is hell on wheels and a bomb designed to kill both of them. Altogether, Jinx is not having a good life.

All Money Ain’t Good Money is the first book in the Jinx Curry Mysteries by Tracey Lampley. It is an easy read, and the plot is straightforward. Jinx has just about everything thrown at her. There are several attempted assassinations, thugs threatening her with guns, a mother with a gambling problem whose debts she needs to pay, and an impatient loan shark who is doubling the interest every day. Set in the Stone Mountain area near Atlanta, the majority of the characters are of African American descent and the dialogue reflects this. It is essentially a very American book, where the characters carry guns, and indulge in a healthy interest in the bedroom. The reader bonds with the characters. The relationship between Jinx and her daughter Arielle is horrific. I wanted to give the daughter a good shake and admired Jinx’s patience with her. The book has a good storyline and a satisfactory ending.

All Money Ain't Good Money by Tracey Lampley is a detective story that will keep readers captivated from start to finish. The protagonist, Jinx Curry, asks for a different investigative case than the marital infidelity ones usually assigned to her. She has to find Elena, the granddaughter of a prominent, much-feared, domineering politician. Elena could be dead or on the run. Jinx has to solve the case in one week, or she will lose a much-needed cash bonus. However, can Jinx focus in addition to the weight of her own problems? Plus, someone is trying to kill her, increasing her stress even further. And being romantically involved with her boss is often stifling. Jinx is resolute that no one is taking this case from her.

All Money Ain't Good Money by Tracey Lampley is a modern-day investigative novel with many twists. Readers will be kept guessing who the main suspect is and whether Elena is alive. Jinx, the protagonist, does not give up easily despite having a tough time. It is evident from the dialogue that she is a tough, caring, and responsible mother. I was intrigued by the drama of her daughter at a rebellious age. It struck a chord with me as the scenes unfolded; the tough decisions of a single parent when juggling a crucial time in her career. The suspects, Elena's boyfriend and Congressman Calloway, were equally strong, increasing the mystery behind the case. The story contains a fair amount of mature content and therefore is suitable for adults only.