Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
Interesting new series debut. NYC fashionista returns to Lucky Cove after inheriting her grandmother 's consignment shop, Kelly Quinn return is full of estranged family and friends, business difficulties and, of course, murder. Series has great potential and I'm looking forward to the next one. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
A nicely written mystery which ended with a hint of a romance, but not overly done. Hopefully the romance will bloom in the next book. It was nice to read a mystery novel without an underlying social message (two of the mystery books I have recently read have addressed fracking and the opioid epidemic.) This one is a really nice, light read
This is a series I've been wanting to start for a while! I love fashion and I love a fashion theme cozy mystery and Debra Sennefelder is speaking my love language in this first book of five in her Resaled Boutique cozy mystery series.
There were times I found the MC Kelly Quinn immature and thoughtless but I loved Kelly overall even if there were times I found her annoying. Looking forward to seeing her grow and seeing her hopefully stand up to her uncle and step-aunt.
I really enjoyed this mystery and the reveal of who the murderer was at the end was a surprise to me and a great twist that I didn't see coming! Looking forward to reading the other books in this series and her food blogger series.
There were times I found the MC Kelly Quinn immature and thoughtless but I loved Kelly overall even if there were times I found her annoying. Looking forward to seeing her grow and seeing her hopefully stand up to her uncle and step-aunt.
I really enjoyed this mystery and the reveal of who the murderer was at the end was a surprise to me and a great twist that I didn't see coming! Looking forward to reading the other books in this series and her food blogger series.
Murders Wears a Little Black Dress by Debra Sennefelder takes readers on a journey to Lucky Cove, New York. Kelly Quinn has inherited her grandmother’s consignment shop, Lucky Cove consignment Shop much to her Uncle Ralph’s disappointment. Kelly has big plans to make the shop profitable and change it into an upscale boutique. She is having a three day sale to help clear out the unwanted items. Bernadette Rydell, the local psychic, comes in and tries on a little black dress. While wearing the dress, Bernadette has a vision of a man being murdered. The shop quickly clears of customers while rumors of the “haunted dress” swirl about town keeping shoppers at bay. Kelly needs to get her sale back on track and starts by visiting the dresses consignee. She then gets a call from Bernadette asking her to stop by right away. Kelly arrives at Bernadette’s cottage and finds her dead on the floor. She is shocked when Bernadette walks through the door. The victim is Maxine Lemoyne, Bernadette’s cousin, who could pass for her twin sister. Which cousin was the intended target? Detective Nora Wolman is on the case, and she has Kelly at the top of her suspect list. The situation at her shop deteriorates when Valerie Leigh holds an impromptu séance and claims a chair is haunted which results in a customer filing a lawsuit. Kelly is determined to clear her name and the shop’s. However, someone is not happy with her sleuthing and tries to discourage her. When a second person connected to the case is murdered, Kelly knows she must be getting close to the truth. Kelly needs to work quickly, or she could end up the subject of the séance.
Murder Wears a Little Black Dress is the debut novel in A Resale Boutique Mystery series. Kelly Quinn has inherited her grandmother’s consignment boutique and she is determined to make it work. Kelly lost her job as an assistant buyer in New York and her old boss has had her blackballed in the fashion industry. She wants to make changes to the shop to feature clothing and accessories only (getting rid of furniture and tchotchkes). Pepper Donovan, her grandmother’s friend and employee does not like the changes Kelly plans to make to the shop (I want to know how a shop making no profit can afford an employee). I thought Murder Wears a Little Black Dress was a quick, easy to read cozy mystery. It is fashion oriented with detailed clothing descriptions. The mystery was straightforward and avid mystery readers will find it a piece of cake pinpointing the killer. I wish the author had provided more details on Kelly’s past. Some information is imparted throughout the book and details on how she lost her job is slowly revealed. Kelly has tension with Ariel Barnes over an incident that occurred back in high school. Again, the information is slowly provided as the story progresses (very drawn out). To me it should have been an emotional part of the story, but the feelings were not there. There is a smidgeon of paranormal in the story and a hint of romance. Murder Wears a Little Black Dress is a lively cozy mystery with fashionable clothes, personable characters, murder, mystical forces, and mayhem.
Murder Wears a Little Black Dress is the debut novel in A Resale Boutique Mystery series. Kelly Quinn has inherited her grandmother’s consignment boutique and she is determined to make it work. Kelly lost her job as an assistant buyer in New York and her old boss has had her blackballed in the fashion industry. She wants to make changes to the shop to feature clothing and accessories only (getting rid of furniture and tchotchkes). Pepper Donovan, her grandmother’s friend and employee does not like the changes Kelly plans to make to the shop (I want to know how a shop making no profit can afford an employee). I thought Murder Wears a Little Black Dress was a quick, easy to read cozy mystery. It is fashion oriented with detailed clothing descriptions. The mystery was straightforward and avid mystery readers will find it a piece of cake pinpointing the killer. I wish the author had provided more details on Kelly’s past. Some information is imparted throughout the book and details on how she lost her job is slowly revealed. Kelly has tension with Ariel Barnes over an incident that occurred back in high school. Again, the information is slowly provided as the story progresses (very drawn out). To me it should have been an emotional part of the story, but the feelings were not there. There is a smidgeon of paranormal in the story and a hint of romance. Murder Wears a Little Black Dress is a lively cozy mystery with fashionable clothes, personable characters, murder, mystical forces, and mayhem.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I enjoyed reading this first book in a new cozy series. Kelly has returned home to Long Island after losing her fashion job in NYC and inheriting her Grandmother's Consignment shop. A psychic tries on a little black dress and has a vision of a murder and her shop becomes known for the murder dress. When she discovers a real dead body and becomes the prime suspect she sets out to solve the crime. I really enjoyed the fashion background and the characters. The mystery was good and there was a twist at the end. The book is a quick fun read. I am looking for word to reading the next one. Enjoy
MURDER WEARS A LITTLE BLACK DRESS by Debra Sennefelder
The First Resale Boutique Mystery
After a humiliating dismissal as a buyer for a New York department store, Kelly Quinn has returned home to Lucky Cove. Restyling her late grandmother's consignment shop into an upscale clothing boutique is a challenge, however. Pepper, her grandmother's best friend and Kelly's employee is not shy about voicing her displeasure about the changes Kelly wants to make. When a local psychic collapses after receiving a vision when trying on a dress in the shop, the resale boutique gets lots of publicity. People are coming to hear about the "murder dress" and visit the "haunted shop", but not buying any wares. Desperate to stop the negative publicity, matters get worse when Kelly becomes a suspect after she finds the murdered body of the psychic's cousin. Now she's determined to find the truth behind, not only the current murder, but the "murder dress" while she wonders if her decision to come home was the right one.
MURDER WEARS A LITTLE BLACK DRESS is about growing up, finding your place, and fighting for what's right. Kelly Quinn is a likeable, if somewhat juvenile protagonist. In fact, almost all of the characters are a blend of likable with notable character flaws...except for the obvious bad guys like Kelly's uncle and his new wife who are completely unpleasant. One of my favorite characters is Kelly's cousin, Frankie. A chef with an interest in the occult, Frankie is a good-natured goof and a peace-keeper in the family. I hope we get to see more of him in future books.
While the first Resale Boutique Mystery should not be classified as a paranormal mystery, I really enjoyed its paranormal aspect. The mystery here was interesting, with many angles, as was Kelly's involvement and increasing belief in Bernadette's psychic ability. MURDER WEARS A LITTLE BLACK DRESS is a good start to a new series.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The First Resale Boutique Mystery
After a humiliating dismissal as a buyer for a New York department store, Kelly Quinn has returned home to Lucky Cove. Restyling her late grandmother's consignment shop into an upscale clothing boutique is a challenge, however. Pepper, her grandmother's best friend and Kelly's employee is not shy about voicing her displeasure about the changes Kelly wants to make. When a local psychic collapses after receiving a vision when trying on a dress in the shop, the resale boutique gets lots of publicity. People are coming to hear about the "murder dress" and visit the "haunted shop", but not buying any wares. Desperate to stop the negative publicity, matters get worse when Kelly becomes a suspect after she finds the murdered body of the psychic's cousin. Now she's determined to find the truth behind, not only the current murder, but the "murder dress" while she wonders if her decision to come home was the right one.
MURDER WEARS A LITTLE BLACK DRESS is about growing up, finding your place, and fighting for what's right. Kelly Quinn is a likeable, if somewhat juvenile protagonist. In fact, almost all of the characters are a blend of likable with notable character flaws...except for the obvious bad guys like Kelly's uncle and his new wife who are completely unpleasant. One of my favorite characters is Kelly's cousin, Frankie. A chef with an interest in the occult, Frankie is a good-natured goof and a peace-keeper in the family. I hope we get to see more of him in future books.
While the first Resale Boutique Mystery should not be classified as a paranormal mystery, I really enjoyed its paranormal aspect. The mystery here was interesting, with many angles, as was Kelly's involvement and increasing belief in Bernadette's psychic ability. MURDER WEARS A LITTLE BLACK DRESS is a good start to a new series.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The first book in a new series and it was very enjoyable! I love cozies anyway and this one checked off all the boxes of what I expect - a protagonist that inserts themselves into an investigation while not being a detective/police officer, red herrings, twists in the plot and with the characters, multiple suspects..the list goes on.
I have not read many series that center around a thrift/consignment store and so I found this one quite interesting since Kelly took over this store when her grandmother died and they have different objectives to make the store a success. Kelly has a background in fashion so it makes her the perfect person to run the shop. Granted she wants to put her own stamp on the shop but comes across resistance from her grandmother's best friend and employee, Pepper. Change is hard but eventually, both Pepper and Kelly come to a mutual understanding.
The mystery itself was hidden well and I did not expect the twist at the end. I supposed I should have seen it coming because there are some subtle clues hidden in the text.
There is another mystery that isn't revealed yet - who is Lulu that runs a blog and is spilling some information about Kelly's shop that may or may not help? I can't wait to find out how long the identity of this blogger remains a secret.
I have not read many series that center around a thrift/consignment store and so I found this one quite interesting since Kelly took over this store when her grandmother died and they have different objectives to make the store a success. Kelly has a background in fashion so it makes her the perfect person to run the shop. Granted she wants to put her own stamp on the shop but comes across resistance from her grandmother's best friend and employee, Pepper. Change is hard but eventually, both Pepper and Kelly come to a mutual understanding.
The mystery itself was hidden well and I did not expect the twist at the end. I supposed I should have seen it coming because there are some subtle clues hidden in the text.
There is another mystery that isn't revealed yet - who is Lulu that runs a blog and is spilling some information about Kelly's shop that may or may not help? I can't wait to find out how long the identity of this blogger remains a secret.
Murder Wears a Little Black Dress by Debra Sennefelder is the first book of Kelly's return to Lucy Cove, New York, and it's such a doozy.
Will Kelly save her blossoming business?
Kelly Quinn
Ms. Kelly Quinn inherited Lucky Cove Consignment Shop from her late grandmother. She has been slowly integrating her ideas for the shop. The reason for the slowness is that she has to get rid of some inventory that doesn't suit her vision for the store. Kelly's only employee doesn't like the new shop. I adore Kelly. She is a great character, and I love seeing this side of her that is hesitant about her vision. It is also lovely to see her being the shop owner at a young age. It's fabulous how she doesn't allow her relatives to walk all over her. I'm talking about you, Uncle Ralph, and money-grabbing Summer. I know how their relationship is in the later books, but I like how it starts this way.
Kelly is a fantastic character. I love how she's adamant about clearing not only her name but the shop's name, too. She did not sell haunted clothes and furniture.
The Mystery
Kelly has a customer come in, who is a psychic, who tried on a dress and has a vision of a man being murdered. The very next day, her cousin, who looks eerily like her, is dead in the house that they are both renting. The police are looking into Kelly and the psychic who tried on the dress that started this whole thing. I have to say that I had no clue who ended up doing it or really why until it was revealed. Ms. Sennefelder did well in hiding the clues to follow to find out who did it.
Five Stars
Murder Wears a Little Black Dress by Debra Sennefelder is an excellent start to this wonderful series that I have read almost all the books. I have been reading them out of order, and I love seeing how the Kelly I was introduced to in book 2 got her start in this book, along with how she got to be the great woman she is in books 4 and 5. Ms. Sennefelder is a great author, and I love spending time in this little Long Island town.
I am giving five stars to Murder Wears a Little Black Dress by Debra Sennefelder, and I'm recommending it to all.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Murder Wears a Little Black Dress by Debra Sennefelder.
Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.
Will Kelly save her blossoming business?
Kelly Quinn
Ms. Kelly Quinn inherited Lucky Cove Consignment Shop from her late grandmother. She has been slowly integrating her ideas for the shop. The reason for the slowness is that she has to get rid of some inventory that doesn't suit her vision for the store. Kelly's only employee doesn't like the new shop. I adore Kelly. She is a great character, and I love seeing this side of her that is hesitant about her vision. It is also lovely to see her being the shop owner at a young age. It's fabulous how she doesn't allow her relatives to walk all over her. I'm talking about you, Uncle Ralph, and money-grabbing Summer. I know how their relationship is in the later books, but I like how it starts this way.
Kelly is a fantastic character. I love how she's adamant about clearing not only her name but the shop's name, too. She did not sell haunted clothes and furniture.
The Mystery
Kelly has a customer come in, who is a psychic, who tried on a dress and has a vision of a man being murdered. The very next day, her cousin, who looks eerily like her, is dead in the house that they are both renting. The police are looking into Kelly and the psychic who tried on the dress that started this whole thing. I have to say that I had no clue who ended up doing it or really why until it was revealed. Ms. Sennefelder did well in hiding the clues to follow to find out who did it.
Five Stars
Murder Wears a Little Black Dress by Debra Sennefelder is an excellent start to this wonderful series that I have read almost all the books. I have been reading them out of order, and I love seeing how the Kelly I was introduced to in book 2 got her start in this book, along with how she got to be the great woman she is in books 4 and 5. Ms. Sennefelder is a great author, and I love spending time in this little Long Island town.
I am giving five stars to Murder Wears a Little Black Dress by Debra Sennefelder, and I'm recommending it to all.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Murder Wears a Little Black Dress by Debra Sennefelder.
Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.
Having read Ms. Sennefelder's Food Blogger mystery series, which I enjoy, I decided to give the Resale Boutique Mystery a try. I found this book to be an fast paced, entertaining read. Kelly Quinn is an enjoyable protagonist. She is fun, feisty, determined and can get herself in trouble quickly. The cast of secondary characters are interesting and enjoyable as well. The mystery is woven throughout the story nicely, and the author throws in some nice twists that surprised me and made for a good reveal. There is a bit of the paranormal with one of the secondary characters being a psychic but it wasn't a lot and I'm not sure she will be a regular.
This was good start to a new series and I will be on the lookout for more books in the series.
This was good start to a new series and I will be on the lookout for more books in the series.