thisandthatwithkaren's review against another edition
5.0
This was the first time I had read one of Gayle's books and I thoroughly enjoyed it "A Ghostly Fashionista Mystery" series is off to a great start. This series also has a nice hint of the paranormal with the ghost of Max. This book had me hooked from the beginning and I finished in a couple nights.
The mystery was well written and carries through the entire story. There were a couple of twists and turns that I didn't see coming but I did guess the killer halfway through. The author brought all the characters to life for me and I really love a book that makes me feel like I can see everything in my minds eye. I enjoyed the relationship between Amanda and her Grandpa Dave and even the blossoming romance between Amanda and Jason.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this charming series, and I highly recommend this series to all my cozy mystery loving friends.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
The mystery was well written and carries through the entire story. There were a couple of twists and turns that I didn't see coming but I did guess the killer halfway through. The author brought all the characters to life for me and I really love a book that makes me feel like I can see everything in my minds eye. I enjoyed the relationship between Amanda and her Grandpa Dave and even the blossoming romance between Amanda and Jason.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this charming series, and I highly recommend this series to all my cozy mystery loving friends.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
peggyemi's review
4.0
I thought this was a charming start to a new series for author Gayle Leeson. I was hooked right from the start and kept turning pages. The characters are terrific. Amanda and her new paranormal best friend are well written, spunky and fun individuals. I loved the relationship between Amanda and her Grandpa Dave. It was warm and loving and added a nice dimension to the story. Max, the resident ghost in Amanda's new shop is really a fun character. She was enchanting and provided a good bit of humor. The mystery was a bit light and not overly complicated but there were plenty of suspects to choose from among the shop owners.
All in all, I thought this was a delightful read and I will definitely be back for more books in the series.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher though Netgalley.
All in all, I thought this was a delightful read and I will definitely be back for more books in the series.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher though Netgalley.
karen_the_baroness's review against another edition
5.0
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Designs on Murder by Gayle Leeson is fantastic. I absolutely adored everything! I was so gone after “the elephant’s eyebrows.” The characters are smart, witty and so funny. The setting is perfect, from the small town atmosphere to the diners, and the Shops On Main.
Amanda is so talented, with her designing gown to fit the individual, sewing and creating the finished dresses. She is smart with her degrees and actual use of them. Amanda has that modest beauty, grace, and Southern charm. Oh, her manners. She is just marvelous. Did I mention that she can see ghosts? Well, Amanda has that gift of sight. She is such a wonderfully positive character.
Amanda’s one flaw would be self-confidence. I feel part of that has to do with her mother. But the men in her family make up for that.
Max is just so pure; she has such sophistication and grace. Yet, she is also a little snarky, and oh, her expressions are to die for. Max seems so tough and worldly, but she has a heart of gold. Amanda is teaching Max how to use technology, but in turn, she is giving Amanda the courage to make her design business shine.
Max’s flaw would be that she is a ghost and can’t leave the house.
I would consider Amanda and Max to both be the sleuths in this mystery as they are both of the curious nature. Max a bit more, but she can’t go around asking questions now can she? I feel like these two will be the best of friends, Amanda since she likes her fashions from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s and Max who is one of the original fighters for women’s rights in the 20s.
I felt like he has to be mentioned. Dave also is known as “Grandpa” to Amanda and “Silver Fox” to Max, is such a gracious and loving man. He takes care of his granddaughter, with love and encouragement. Dave cooks, make bookshelves, but most importantly he is there to spend time with Amanda and now Max. Oh, and Dave also has the sight as his grandmother did. So, that trait must skip a generation.
The mystery is well plotted with a few red herrings here and there. I enjoyed the dynamics of the recent murder, and the explanation of Max’s death is combined with a little history thrown in was well done.
My rating for Designs on Murder by Gayle Leeson is five stars. This story is so wonderfully written and filled with humor, drama, mystery, history, and fashions. I think its lovely and recommend it all the cozy mystery and ghost lovers out there.
March 25 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog - REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW
March 25 – T's Stuff – SPOTLIGHT
March 26 – Cozy Up With Kathy - REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 26 – StoreyBook Reviews - REVIEW
March 27 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
March 27 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
March 28 – Ruff Drafts – GUEST POST
March 29 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 29 – Books Direct – GUEST POST
March 30 – Brooke Blogs – CHARACTER GUEST POST
March 30 – MJB Reviewers - REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
March 31 - Mallory Heart's Cozies – REVIEW
March 31 - Nadaness In Motion - REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
April 1 – Laura`s Interests - REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
April 2 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews - REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW
April 3 – Baroness' Book Trove - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
April 4 – Moonlight Rendezvous - REVIEW, GUEST POST
April 4 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT
April 5 – Socrates Book Reviews – REVIEW
April 6 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
April 6 – I'm All About Books – REVIEW
April 6 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today!
Prize: (1) Digital Copy - Designs On Murder: A Ghostly Fashionista Mystery by Gayle Leeson plus $25 Amazon Gift Card
Fashion, Murder, and a Ghost, Oh, My!
Designs on Murder by Gayle Leeson is fantastic. I absolutely adored everything! I was so gone after “the elephant’s eyebrows.” The characters are smart, witty and so funny. The setting is perfect, from the small town atmosphere to the diners, and the Shops On Main.
The Characters
Amanda Tucker
Amanda is so talented, with her designing gown to fit the individual, sewing and creating the finished dresses. She is smart with her degrees and actual use of them. Amanda has that modest beauty, grace, and Southern charm. Oh, her manners. She is just marvelous. Did I mention that she can see ghosts? Well, Amanda has that gift of sight. She is such a wonderfully positive character.
Amanda’s one flaw would be self-confidence. I feel part of that has to do with her mother. But the men in her family make up for that.
Maxine “Max” Englebright
Max is just so pure; she has such sophistication and grace. Yet, she is also a little snarky, and oh, her expressions are to die for. Max seems so tough and worldly, but she has a heart of gold. Amanda is teaching Max how to use technology, but in turn, she is giving Amanda the courage to make her design business shine.
Max’s flaw would be that she is a ghost and can’t leave the house.
I would consider Amanda and Max to both be the sleuths in this mystery as they are both of the curious nature. Max a bit more, but she can’t go around asking questions now can she? I feel like these two will be the best of friends, Amanda since she likes her fashions from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s and Max who is one of the original fighters for women’s rights in the 20s.
Dave Tucker
I felt like he has to be mentioned. Dave also is known as “Grandpa” to Amanda and “Silver Fox” to Max, is such a gracious and loving man. He takes care of his granddaughter, with love and encouragement. Dave cooks, make bookshelves, but most importantly he is there to spend time with Amanda and now Max. Oh, and Dave also has the sight as his grandmother did. So, that trait must skip a generation.
Mystery
The mystery is well plotted with a few red herrings here and there. I enjoyed the dynamics of the recent murder, and the explanation of Max’s death is combined with a little history thrown in was well done.
5 Stars for Designs on Murder by Gayle Leeson
My rating for Designs on Murder by Gayle Leeson is five stars. This story is so wonderfully written and filled with humor, drama, mystery, history, and fashions. I think its lovely and recommend it all the cozy mystery and ghost lovers out there.
Tour Schedule
March 25 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog - REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW
March 25 – T's Stuff – SPOTLIGHT
March 26 – Cozy Up With Kathy - REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 26 – StoreyBook Reviews - REVIEW
March 27 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
March 27 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
March 28 – Ruff Drafts – GUEST POST
March 29 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 29 – Books Direct – GUEST POST
March 30 – Brooke Blogs – CHARACTER GUEST POST
March 30 – MJB Reviewers - REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
March 31 - Mallory Heart's Cozies – REVIEW
March 31 - Nadaness In Motion - REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
April 1 – Laura`s Interests - REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
April 2 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews - REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW
April 3 – Baroness' Book Trove - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
April 4 – Moonlight Rendezvous - REVIEW, GUEST POST
April 4 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT
April 5 – Socrates Book Reviews – REVIEW
April 6 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
April 6 – I'm All About Books – REVIEW
April 6 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW
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Tour Giveaway
Prize: (1) Digital Copy - Designs On Murder: A Ghostly Fashionista Mystery by Gayle Leeson plus $25 Amazon Gift Card
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Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
jody_j's review
4.0
I was so excited to be able to read the first book in a new series by Gayle Leeson. Designs on Murder is part of the Ghostly Fashionista Mystery Series. If the series is going to be anything like this first book, you are going to fall in love with it. Amanda has opened up her new fashion studio in historic Abingdon, Virginia. The shop she leases comes with one of the most loveable characters, Max. She just so happens to be a ghost and becomes Amanda’s best friend. Gayle brought all these characters to life for me very well. I love a book that makes me feel like I am watching everything that is happening. I cannot wait to read the next book in this delightful series, and yes, I would highly recommend this series to everyone who enjoys this genre. I want to thank Gayle, the publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
melmo2610's review
5.0
A super fun intro a new cozy series! I really loved this mystery, from the setting, to the fact that Amanda is setting up a new clothing boutique to the mystery to her new friend Max-who's a ghost! A charming cozy and I can't wait for the next installment!
capriciousdream's review
4.0
The beginning of a new paranormal cozy series that was a lot of fun. I haven't read many paranormals, but I added this one to my TBR short list for Halloween. I enjoyed the mystery and the characters, including Max the ghost. I'll be continuing with the series!
krisrid's review
3.0
This was a pretty good story, and I mostly liked the characters. But I wish I had not had this as an audio book.
The narrator for this book cannot be a professional narrator, with the number of words she mispronounced. And I'm talking about basic everyday words that anyone, and especially a professional narrator, should know how to say. It was distracting and annoying, and whoever produced the audio version should have had someone listen to it with the print version to do a quality check, especially when you are charging $12.99 for the audio book.
Aside from that, this was a fun, light cozy, and I enjoyed it for what it was. I would have liked Amanda to be a bit more spunky and less nervous all the time, but the rest of the characters - especially Max, the ghost - were fun and entertaining.
I would consider other books in this series, but won't get them in audio version. The quality of the audio book was lacking for the cost.
The narrator for this book cannot be a professional narrator, with the number of words she mispronounced. And I'm talking about basic everyday words that anyone, and especially a professional narrator, should know how to say. It was distracting and annoying, and whoever produced the audio version should have had someone listen to it with the print version to do a quality check, especially when you are charging $12.99 for the audio book.
Aside from that, this was a fun, light cozy, and I enjoyed it for what it was. I would have liked Amanda to be a bit more spunky and less nervous all the time, but the rest of the characters - especially Max, the ghost - were fun and entertaining.
I would consider other books in this series, but won't get them in audio version. The quality of the audio book was lacking for the cost.
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