Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
Diane Vallere's Material Witness cozy series continues to be one of my very favorites, due in part to Poly's ability to look at a bolt of fabric, find divine inspiration, and then whip up something fabulous. Poly is also strong, intelligent, funny, and kind, and she needs all the help she can get from her friends since her relationship with Vaughan isn't working out. (What can I say? Their backgrounds are just too dissimilar. Aren't they?)
As Poly tries to solve the crime, she learns even more about her friends and other residents there in San Ladrón-- especially the fact that several of them seem to have hidden agendas.
Vallere has a good cast of characters as well as a good mystery, but there's always something more. This time readers get an inside look at beauty pageants; at how divisive they usually are, and what they really could be with some know-how and determination from the right people. Also... remember how I told you that Poly is incredibly talented at the bolt-of-cloth-to-brilliant-designer-outfit thing? She's also great at thinking up great ideas for drumming up business-- especially in tandem with other business owners.
Poly not only has an excellent head for solving mysteries, she's got a good head for business and for friendship, and that's why I'll keep coming back to her shop Material Girl over and over again.
As Poly tries to solve the crime, she learns even more about her friends and other residents there in San Ladrón-- especially the fact that several of them seem to have hidden agendas.
Vallere has a good cast of characters as well as a good mystery, but there's always something more. This time readers get an inside look at beauty pageants; at how divisive they usually are, and what they really could be with some know-how and determination from the right people. Also... remember how I told you that Poly is incredibly talented at the bolt-of-cloth-to-brilliant-designer-outfit thing? She's also great at thinking up great ideas for drumming up business-- especially in tandem with other business owners.
Poly not only has an excellent head for solving mysteries, she's got a good head for business and for friendship, and that's why I'll keep coming back to her shop Material Girl over and over again.
Silk Stalkings by Diane Vallere is the third book in a Material Witness Mystery series. Polyester Monroe (aka Poly) owns Material Girl in San Ladron, California. The town is getting ready for the Miss Tangorli pageant. It is an annual beauty pageant sponsored by Harvey Halliwell and his company, Halliwell Industries. Poly has agreed to help the twenty finalist design and create their gowns (level the playing field). Poly has contacted her former boss, Giovanni for assistance with the sewing. He has agreed to bring his ladies to town to sew the gowns. Harvey Halliwell came by Material Girl to work out the details with Poly (instead of his assistant, Nolene Kelly). Poly had seen Harvey having a disagreement the night before with a man at the Midnight in Paris event. Poly tried to talk to him about it, but Harvey brushed it aside. Poly is out later and notices something under a tree. She finds Harvey Halliwell dead with a knife in his side. Why would someone kill Harvey? Poly sets out to find the person responsible. In addition, Poly is worried about her friend, Charlie Brooks. Poly noticed the man who was arguing with Harvey go into Charlie's Automotive, and Charlie has been acting strangely. What is she up to? Poly wants to make sure that Charlie is safe and does not get caught up in the murder investigation. So much for a quiet life in a small town. Can Poly find the killer before the new Miss Tangorli is crowned? You will have to read Silk Stalkings to find out!
Silk Stalkings was a wonderful novel. The novel has likeable characters (that you want to know and be friends with) and a great close-knit community in a small town. I found Silk Stalking to be well-written and easy to read (good pace or flow). The mystery is intricate with lots of twists making it difficult to solve (I loved it). I truly enjoy a mystery that puzzles me and makes me think (keeps the brain cells active). The subplot with Charlie was equally interesting. There are also beautiful descriptions of the fabric in Poly's store especially the silk satin that the ladies are using for their gowns. While Silk Stalkings is the third book in a Material Witness Mystery series, it can be read alone. The author brings the reader up-to-date on what happened in the prior novels and the character's background (though I highly suggest reading the first two books as they are just as delightful). I give Silk Stalkings 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it). I will definitely be reading future novels in a Material Witness Mystery series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Silk Stalkings was a wonderful novel. The novel has likeable characters (that you want to know and be friends with) and a great close-knit community in a small town. I found Silk Stalking to be well-written and easy to read (good pace or flow). The mystery is intricate with lots of twists making it difficult to solve (I loved it). I truly enjoy a mystery that puzzles me and makes me think (keeps the brain cells active). The subplot with Charlie was equally interesting. There are also beautiful descriptions of the fabric in Poly's store especially the silk satin that the ladies are using for their gowns. While Silk Stalkings is the third book in a Material Witness Mystery series, it can be read alone. The author brings the reader up-to-date on what happened in the prior novels and the character's background (though I highly suggest reading the first two books as they are just as delightful). I give Silk Stalkings 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it). I will definitely be reading future novels in a Material Witness Mystery series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
