Thankfully, Laurell seems to have addressed the "musical" problem in her most recent books... but she still hasn't dealt with the Superman problem.

I know what you mean. It was actually from reading her Anitas that I tell students to beware the Superman Syndrome. Everyone has an Achille's heel...or should.

Yes, even Allie! But she hasn't hit that wall yet.

I liked the paranormal mystery seasoned with romance...or in the Merry Books, well thought-out culture and politics for the "fey" folk. You're right -- without that strong plot string, we're just waiting for someone to say: "Let's put on a musical!"