Penny Warner, How to Host a Killer Party, first in the "Party-Planning Mystery" series. Nice use of San Francisco setting, well written. I'm not too crazy about some of the dumbass moves by the protagonist (amateur sleuth/party planner). That is typical in these series, though -- lack of common sense by the lead character, witless risk-taking, and (as in this one) flouting of the law. Readable, though. And without dumbass moves, etc., probably no book.
--Ken
P.S. Cannot recommend this one after finishing it. Murder method too implausible (convoluted and unpersuasive), protagonist too much of a dunce, and some nonsensical plot points.