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winemakerssister's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
An interesting mystery that's right in my sweet spot - that magic place between a too-cute cozy and a too-gruesome thriller.
At 20+ years old, the book hold up pretty well. The main old skool element that drove me a bit batty was White's use of weight to indicate either bad guys or characters Bailey didn't like. She was so dismissive of their tight clothing and/or struggle with weight. Thank goodness most writers have moved beyond the 'weight is evil/bad' idea.
The only other thing that struck me was her constant use of NYC cabs on a daily basis. As a freelance writer, I would guess that she doesn't have that sort of income. But perhaps cabs were more affordable in 2002? Or her income was higher than I imagined?
My other quirky note was that Bailey described pretty much every thing she ate and drank. I enjoy reading descriptions of food, so that was right up my alley. But other readers might find it a bit tiresome.
Now on to the resolution of the mystery... Most of the books I read are audiobooks, but this one wasn't available on audio so I read the ebook/Kindle version from the library. I mostly read ebooks at night before I fall asleep so it took longer to read this than most books for me. And that gave me a longer period of time to ruminate on the killer. I figured out whodunnit at about 70% or so, which is pretty standard. But, knowing the identity of the killer, the last 25 pages or so seemed kind of heavy handed.
An interesting mystery that's right in my sweet spot - that magic place between a too-cute cozy and a too-gruesome thriller.
At 20+ years old, the book hold up pretty well. The main old skool element that drove me a bit batty was White's use of weight to indicate either bad guys or characters Bailey didn't like. She was so dismissive of their tight clothing and/or struggle with weight. Thank goodness most writers have moved beyond the 'weight is evil/bad' idea.
The only other thing that struck me was her constant use of NYC cabs on a daily basis. As a freelance writer, I would guess that she doesn't have that sort of income. But perhaps cabs were more affordable in 2002? Or her income was higher than I imagined?
My other quirky note was that Bailey described pretty much every thing she ate and drank. I enjoy reading descriptions of food, so that was right up my alley. But other readers might find it a bit tiresome.
Now on to the resolution of the mystery... Most of the books I read are audiobooks, but this one wasn't available on audio so I read the ebook/Kindle version from the library. I mostly read ebooks at night before I fall asleep so it took longer to read this than most books for me. And that gave me a longer period of time to ruminate on the killer. I figured out whodunnit at about 70% or so, which is pretty standard. But, knowing the identity of the killer, the last 25 pages or so seemed kind of heavy handed.
Spoiler
Bailey going to the killer's house by herself felt a lot like the teenager in a slasher moving going down into the basement to investigate the sounds she hears down there. I kept wanting to say "Don't do it!"lorireads2much's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
cami0323's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.0
probably_confused's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
thephdivabooks's review against another edition
4.0
I'm doing a Kate White series on my blog! White is a favorite author of mine. See my blog post on PhDiva and stay tuned for more!
I’m starting my Kate White series off with the first book in her Bailey Weggins novels, If Looks Could Kill. Bailey is a journalist and an amteur sleuth, and she begins the series in quite a tricky situation when she receives a cryptic phone call from her boss early one Sunday morning. Bailey Weggins is smart, sassy, and won’t back down from threats. I loved this book and it started my obsession with the Bailey Weggins series!
About the Book
True crime writer and journalist Bailey Weggins receives a call from her boss Cat Jones, the editor of Gloss magazine, in a panic. Cat is calling first thing Sunday morning, and she is worried about her nanny Heidi's well-being. Despite the fact that Bailey is currently shacked up with a gorgeous new love interest, she gives in to Cat's panic and goes over to help.
When Bailey arrives at Cat's townhome though, something is definitely wrong. Heidi's lights in the basement apartment are on and jazz music is playing. Even worse, Bailey notices that there is a foul smell coming from the apartment. Something is definitely wrong!
When Bailey enters the apartment only to find Heidi dead and a box of chocolates on the table, she finds herself smack in the middle of a murder investigation. As the police arrive and discover that the chocolates may have been meant for Cat, not Heidi, Cat becomes even more upset. She asks Bailey to help with her own investigation because she may be able to get people to confide in her in a way the police won't.
As Bailey begins her investigation, she can't help but become a target herself! Is someone targeting successful editors of Women's magazines? Or is this intentionally directed at Cat herself, and disguised as a serial killer? Will Bailey be able to figure out what happened before her own life is in danger?
Reflection
I first discovered Kate White when I read her standalone novel The Sixes (which I loved). Her first installment in the Bailey Weggins novels is wonderful—a perfect vacation read or commuter read. I actually started it on some time off and finished it on the airplane home for Thanksgiving break.
Bailey is a fantastic leading character. She is intelligent, courageous, and a bit sassy, but she is also wonderfully imperfect. I love when writers allow their leads to have some flaws. To not always get what they want, and to not always make the exact perfect moves. Bailey is so relateable in that way!
The mystery itself is fast-paced and moves quickly. Lots of twists and turns along the way of her investigation, but Bailey can’t let the case go. I felt like I was reading my childhood heroine Nancy Drew all grown up and in the modern city of New York! As the mystery progresses, White keeps lots of paths open before you get to the final reveal. I found myself suspecting many people along the way and I didn’t guess the reveal!
Cat is a great character as well! She’s admirable but kind of ridiculous—cold but kind at times. She is a narcissist, but I got the impression she cares for Bailey and trusts her. But Cat definitely had the feeling of a woman with some secrets!
I loved the level of detail and description White uses. Even in seemingly frivolous areas such as the clothing and looks of a character, I really loved it because it helps me picture who this person is and what the scene looks like. The scenes and characters were very vivid to me, which I enjoy!
I loved this first book in the Bailey Weggins series, and I’m excited to share more on my blog! I hope you enjoy!
I’m starting my Kate White series off with the first book in her Bailey Weggins novels, If Looks Could Kill. Bailey is a journalist and an amteur sleuth, and she begins the series in quite a tricky situation when she receives a cryptic phone call from her boss early one Sunday morning. Bailey Weggins is smart, sassy, and won’t back down from threats. I loved this book and it started my obsession with the Bailey Weggins series!
About the Book
True crime writer and journalist Bailey Weggins receives a call from her boss Cat Jones, the editor of Gloss magazine, in a panic. Cat is calling first thing Sunday morning, and she is worried about her nanny Heidi's well-being. Despite the fact that Bailey is currently shacked up with a gorgeous new love interest, she gives in to Cat's panic and goes over to help.
When Bailey arrives at Cat's townhome though, something is definitely wrong. Heidi's lights in the basement apartment are on and jazz music is playing. Even worse, Bailey notices that there is a foul smell coming from the apartment. Something is definitely wrong!
When Bailey enters the apartment only to find Heidi dead and a box of chocolates on the table, she finds herself smack in the middle of a murder investigation. As the police arrive and discover that the chocolates may have been meant for Cat, not Heidi, Cat becomes even more upset. She asks Bailey to help with her own investigation because she may be able to get people to confide in her in a way the police won't.
As Bailey begins her investigation, she can't help but become a target herself! Is someone targeting successful editors of Women's magazines? Or is this intentionally directed at Cat herself, and disguised as a serial killer? Will Bailey be able to figure out what happened before her own life is in danger?
Reflection
I first discovered Kate White when I read her standalone novel The Sixes (which I loved). Her first installment in the Bailey Weggins novels is wonderful—a perfect vacation read or commuter read. I actually started it on some time off and finished it on the airplane home for Thanksgiving break.
Bailey is a fantastic leading character. She is intelligent, courageous, and a bit sassy, but she is also wonderfully imperfect. I love when writers allow their leads to have some flaws. To not always get what they want, and to not always make the exact perfect moves. Bailey is so relateable in that way!
The mystery itself is fast-paced and moves quickly. Lots of twists and turns along the way of her investigation, but Bailey can’t let the case go. I felt like I was reading my childhood heroine Nancy Drew all grown up and in the modern city of New York! As the mystery progresses, White keeps lots of paths open before you get to the final reveal. I found myself suspecting many people along the way and I didn’t guess the reveal!
Cat is a great character as well! She’s admirable but kind of ridiculous—cold but kind at times. She is a narcissist, but I got the impression she cares for Bailey and trusts her. But Cat definitely had the feeling of a woman with some secrets!
I loved the level of detail and description White uses. Even in seemingly frivolous areas such as the clothing and looks of a character, I really loved it because it helps me picture who this person is and what the scene looks like. The scenes and characters were very vivid to me, which I enjoy!
I loved this first book in the Bailey Weggins series, and I’m excited to share more on my blog! I hope you enjoy!
rmhs14's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
It was good, not great just because it got a little long in spots.
mirandal's review against another edition
5.0
Love Love Love the Bailey Wiggins Series!! Hope that there are more coming in this series.
cathiedalziel's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars. Meh...Couldn't care who did what. Thank God that's over.
Main characters who are full of themselves, think themselves as wonderful(which they are not). Have "thee" "it" jobs, "best" friends, "best" toys and bubblegum for brains.
Main characters who are full of themselves, think themselves as wonderful(which they are not). Have "thee" "it" jobs, "best" friends, "best" toys and bubblegum for brains.
littlelady_28's review against another edition
3.0
While there was nothing particularly memorable about this book, I enjoyed reading it and it kept me guessing as to who the murderer was. Bailey Weggins is awakened early one Sunday morning by her high-powered coworker from Gloss magazine to help her locate the nanny. Unfortunately Bailey discovers the nanny is dead, so she uses her skills as a free-lance true-crime writer to figure out who killed her and why. The overall plot was rather implausible, but I liked having an insider's view of the magazine industry, and as I said before, it was an enjoyable read. I give it a B-.
samalvarez823's review against another edition
5.0
The book that started the series and made me love Kate White's writing! I absolutely enjoy this series and Baileys personality!!