Hi Readers! Fall is in the air and the next few months will be filled with fun even though very hectic. And as avid readers, we know that it can be hard to set aside time for our favorite addiction-reading! This is why we here at BCT have our monthly Clearing Off The Book Shelves, a way put a little dent in the TBR pile by reading something that has been on the shelves six months or longer.
MURDER IN WHITE LACE
By
Karen Sue Walker
Released: October 18th, 2016
Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Max Walters is a busy bridal consultant with dreams of being a designer. When her boss goes on vacation, things quickly unravel when one of her brides-to-be collapses in the shop during a fitting and dies at the hospital soon after, apparently poisoned. When her childhood friend is accused of the murder, Max decides to investigate and clear his name. With help from her new assistant, Keiko, and the other colorful residents of Crystal Shores, Max begins to weave together a list of suspects, much to the concern of the handsome Detective Cruz. Will she be able to tie up the loose threads and catch the murderer - or will the murderer get to her first?
After romance and all it's genres and subgenres, I am a big fan of cozy mysteries. I love their covers and many have catchy play on word titles. But I have preferences. The mysteries that appeal to me feature either bookshops, fashion, and/or are paranormal. And they usually have a romance element.
The Bridal Shop mystery series is off to a great start with MURDER IN WHITE LACE. This is Karen Sue Walker's debut novel and I think that her new series will be around for a long time. The story is filled with a crazy cast of characters and the story moves along in a fun and breezy pace.
Max is a likeable heroine and is the reason why the bridal shop she works as a consultant is so successful. She has a natural talent for all things wedding and she creates some custom wedding dresses as well. When one of her high-maintenance customers is murdered in the shop, Max finds her inner Nancy Drew when a long time friend and former crush becomes a person of interest. Of course, there is a good looking detective discouraging her from her investigating. IMO he may be wee bit jealous because Max has a natural knack for discovering secrets.
I enjoyed so many of the characters. Besides Max, there is a quirky new assistant she hired named Keiko who also wants to design wedding fashions. I love her sassiness and smart mouth.
I did enjoy Ms Walker's writing style and she provided plenty of crazy characters and red herrings in the mystery. With her wonderful descriptions, I could visualize Max's creations.
All in all, I loved the story and her knack for searching out the clues. My only complaint would be since she is an amateur sleuth she makes what could be a deadly mistake. Sometimes Max blurts out her suspicions which could cause her trouble if the wrong ears are listening. But then, there would be no story! Call me a fan, because I will be continuing with this smart and sassy new series.
October 19-
