Reviews

A Design to Die For by Kathleen Bridge

theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition

4.0

A Design to Die For by Kathleen Bridge is the 5th A Hamptons Home & Garden Mystery. While this book can be read on its own, I believe it is best if the series is read in order. You will then know the characters, their relationships, and their backgrounds. Meg Barrett is a decorator who owns Cottages by the Sea in Montauk. She has been invited to be one of the decorator’s for Montauk’s first annual Designer Showhouse being held at Enderly Hall. There is tension from the beginning thanks to Jenna’s pompous husband, Roland Cahill. It is no shocker when he ends up dead at the bottom of the cliff before the showhouse opens to the public. Unfortunately, the killer is framing Roland’s wife, Jenna (and Meg’s friend) for the crime. Meg cannot resist snooping. There are a number of people who disliked Roland from the showhouse decorators to his boss. I liked the incorporation of Captain Kidd into the mystery as well as the history of Enderly Hall and Jenna’s family. There are a variety of suspects along with misdirection. There is action throughout the book as well as Meg searching for clues and talks to suspects. The whodunit was fun to solve. The clues are there to help you if you pay close attention. I like that the mystery was completely wrapped up. Meg is no longer seeing Cole, but her feelings have yet to disappear. When Cole ends up missing, Meg is worried. There is a new love interest for Meg who shares her passion for poetry. I enjoyed the descriptions of the beautiful furniture used to furnish Enderly Hall and Shepherds Cottage. There were interesting outside the box design tips at the end from Meg and Elle. I am eager to explore a couple of them. There are also recipes from the meal served at Meg’s first Dead Poets Society Book Club Meeting. A Design to Die For is an eventful cozy mystery with fine furniture, galling ghost hunters, a surfeit of suspects, an appalling police chief, designer duds, and a surprise shindig.

thisandthatwithkaren's review against another edition

4.0

A Design to Die For by Kathleen Bridge is the 5th instalment in the "Hamptons Home & Garden Mystery" series. I really enjoy this series, although this can be read as a stand-alone I do recommend you read from the beginning.

I found myself engrossed in the story, I like the setting of the Hamptons and the overall feel of the place. I really enjoy the main character of Meg, and Her bff Elle. Book 4 was the first I read in the series and I have since purchased the previous 3 books.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises. I can’t say I guessed whodunit but I was starting to lean towards them. This would make a great beach read and it includes some great recipes as well.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

bookwoman37's review

lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I have been reading and enjoying this series since the beginning.  In this one Meg is decorating a designer showcase estate with other Hampton designers.  The owner of the estate is an old friend, Jenna,  from her New York Magazine days.  Jenna's husband is found murdered at the home and she is the prime suspect. Add ghost hunters and hidden treasure.  I really enjoy the Hampton setting, the antique background and the characters in this series. The mystery was OK and I was able to figure it out.  There was not a lot of investigation.  I also missed learning more about antiques and decorating.  I am looking for word to the next book in the series.  Enjoy

pussreboots's review against another edition

emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

morticia32's review against another edition

4.0

Book 5 in the series.

This series just gets better.

The plot was fun and fast moving, though I did find the secondary plot a bit of a distraction (and the character name of the leader of the ghost hunters, could the author have been any more obvious in her choice? Mac Zagan/Zak Bagans? Haha)

The wrap up was a bit of a surprise, though I did rather suspect who the real murderer was before then.

All in all, this is probably my favorite of the series. I honestly didn't want to put it down until the end. I'm looking forward to more Montauk and Meg.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided to me by the publisher, via NetGalley*

annarella's review against another edition

4.0

This is a good addition to this excellent series. I was happy to meet again the cast of characters, they are well written. The setting is interesting and the solid mystery kept me guessing.
I can't wait to read the next instalment, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

annarella's review

4.0

This is a good addition to this excellent series. I was happy to meet again the cast of characters, they are well written. The setting is interesting and the solid mystery kept me guessing.
I can't wait to read the next instalment, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine