Shopaholic to the Rescue

This book picks up directly from Shopaholic to the Stars and resolves its cliffhanger, so it should be read second. The road-trip structure suits Becky well: a cramped camper van, a mismatched group of travellers and a series of stops give plenty of room for comedy and confrontation. Becky's attempts to be the responsible one are often very funny.

Beneath the comedy, the story is about family loyalty and putting things right. The mystery of what Becky's father is trying to fix has a satisfying resolution, and the subplot involving Suze and her husband, who has fallen under the influence of a smooth-talking adviser, adds tension and warmth.

The large cast can feel crowded, and some readers find Becky's frenemy's transformation too convenient. There is less shopping than in earlier books, which some fans will miss. As a cheerful, good-hearted conclusion to the Hollywood storyline, it is very enjoyable, with a final act that brings the whole family together in a satisfying way. Fans will also appreciate the many affectionate callbacks to earlier books in the series. About 368 pages in the Dial Press hardcover; library catalogs list 350.