For a good compact 9mm, I'd go with a Kahr K9 or one of the SIG's (229, 225, 228, 239).
I'm really impressed with the K9 that I've had for a couple of years. It is very accurate, 100% reliable, and well made. The DAO trigger pull is a little longer than most, but it is smooth as glass right out of the box.
I've got a SIG P226 which is my favorite gun. Any of the smaller guns in the SIG line-up are also excellent. Impossible to go wrong with any one of them.