Beauty to Die For

Jan 29, 2013 Lisa Johnson rated it 3 of 5 stars

Title: Beauty to Die for
Author: Kim Alexis & Mindy Starns Clark
Pages: 340
Year: 2012
Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
Beauty to Die for is the beginning of the new spa mystery series. The story uses Kim Alexis’ supermodel background and Mindy Starns Clark mystery writing skills. The setting is the Palm Grotto Resort and Spa in California. The novel is classified in the Christian mystery/suspense genre. There are two main storylines that are neatly wrapped up in the end.
Juliette Taylor is a...more Title: Beauty to Die for
Author: Kim Alexis & Mindy Starns Clark
Pages: 340
Year: 2012
Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
Beauty to Die for is the beginning of the new spa mystery series. The story uses Kim Alexis’ supermodel background and Mindy Starns Clark mystery writing skills. The setting is the Palm Grotto Resort and Spa in California. The novel is classified in the Christian mystery/suspense genre. There are two main storylines that are neatly wrapped up in the end.
Juliette Taylor is a former supermodel from the 80s. She is now 49 years old, single, and part-owner of a skin care line. As part of her ministry, she offers retreats at various spas for women to rest and relax with a weekend of pampering, God-centered lectures given by Juliette, fellowship, and dining. Upon arriving in California, Juliette runs into an old colleague. After a quirky exchange, Juliette is off to the spa with her business partner Didi. Who arrives at the spa and what do Didi and Juliette witness taking place between this guest and one of the employees? Never far from her thoughts are thoughts of TOTGA…the one that got away. She reminisces about Marcus Stone, the man who encouraged her to change her life, stole her heart and then left her high and dry for 25 years. What is he doing now? Does he ever think of her? Why did he never contact her after their brief meeting like he said he would? Juliette also has launched an internal investigation within her company to find out how counterfeit products are being distributed to clients. Why is her company targeted? One of the spa guests is murdered and Juliette’s skin care product may be the culprit. Juliette wants to clear her name, her partner’s name, as well as her company’s name. How could this have happened?
Marcus Stone is a handsome, 50-something, single father. He has just finished working on a case with the FBI involving a terrorist group using counterfeit products to earn money to support their activities. They successfully capture the criminals, but find a list of names with no explanations as to why the criminals were targeting these particular people. Juliette’s name is on the list. Marcus recalls their brief meeting 25 years ago and how Juliette gave him the strength to leave his job and start his own business. She also won his heart in that short time. He eventually tries to contact her, but never makes a connection. Why? When he sees her name on the list, his protective instincts kick in. He wants to see her again to protect her, but also to see if what they had so long ago still exists. How is he going to handle their first meeting? Can he keep her safe? Will God finally bring them together again?
I’ve read several of Mindy Starns Clark’s other mystery books and found them very good, but this one was just so-so. It just seemed to drag at the beginning. Hopefully, the next book in the series will have improved on the pace of the storyline. This was not my favorite mystery, but I haven’t written off the series. I’ll await the second book and give it a try.
My rating is 3 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo... . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson...
(less)

like · see review

Jun 15, 2013 Robin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Beauty to Die For
Kim Alexis and Mindy Starns Clark

Book Summary: Juliette Taylor walked away from her career as a supermodel twenty-five years ago. Now approaching fifty - an emotionally complex milestone -- she co-owns a beauty supply company that makes skincare products for salons and spas. Her niche is pampering Christian women who usually spend more time caring for others than for themselves under the slogan: Isn't it time someone took care of YOU for a change? When Juliette arrives at the Pa...more Beauty to Die For
Kim Alexis and Mindy Starns Clark

Book Summary: Juliette Taylor walked away from her career as a supermodel twenty-five years ago. Now approaching fifty - an emotionally complex milestone -- she co-owns a beauty supply company that makes skincare products for salons and spas. Her niche is pampering Christian women who usually spend more time caring for others than for themselves under the slogan: Isn't it time someone took care of YOU for a change? When Juliette arrives at the Palm Grotto Spa to host a spiritual retreat, she runs into an old modeling colleague, Raven, who had always been disliked in the industry for many reasons. She isn't there for the retreat; in fact, her presence at the spa is somewhat mysterious. Not long after Raven makes a cryptic threat to Juliette, the unsympathetic back-then beauty is found dead, poisoned by something in the green clay of a chai soy wrap. The following morning, a banner for the retreat has been unceremoniously altered: It's your turn to be nurtured, to be restored . . . to be murdered. Suspicion is directed at Juliette who has history with Raven and certainly knows how to use beauty products. But for murder?! Now she must find the real killer before the police really take care of her.
Review: I found some the beginning to be slow. There was much background that merged with the present. That was nicely done overall. I found the mystery to be small in comparison to the romance. The mystery was actually well woven into the story. I thought that the suspense of the mystery could have been increased to make it a page turner. The ending was great and made reading the entire book fantastic. I found Marcus to be a little too good to be true. Didi, Crystal and the Stone family were great. They helped move the story along and were extremely believable. I am looking forward to the next book in the series with great anticipation of how the characters will continue in their relationships with each other, especially Didi and Marcus. While I would like more suspense I do think the way it was written is the way real mysteries unfold with little suspense and a lot of timing. I did guess who did it but more out of pure guessing than sleuthing. The ending brought me to tears and totally changed how I viewed the entire book.
I would like to thank Net Galley and B & H Publishing Group for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
(less)

like · see review

Apr 15, 2013 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: inspirational-novels

Former supermodel from those 1980 days of acclaim Kim Alexis teams up with best-seller Mindy Starns Clark to write the spa mysteries. Beauty to Die For is about one of those former-model types, twenty-five years after the hype.

Juliette Taylor gets the gumption to walk away from modeling through a magical afternoon meeting with the perfect dream man while stuck at an airport. Marcus Stone is at a crossroads moment in his life as well, and the two of them challenge each other to be true to themse...more Former supermodel from those 1980 days of acclaim Kim Alexis teams up with best-seller Mindy Starns Clark to write the spa mysteries. Beauty to Die For is about one of those former-model types, twenty-five years after the hype.

Juliette Taylor gets the gumption to walk away from modeling through a magical afternoon meeting with the perfect dream man while stuck at an airport. Marcus Stone is at a crossroads moment in his life as well, and the two of them challenge each other to be true to themselves, and to meet up later when they get their lives together. Twenty-five years of Stuff Happens.

Meanwhile, Juliette opens up her own very successful skin-care business. A Christian, Juliette also does retreats and conferences, aka Juliette Taylor Events. Her skin care products, however, were used as a terrorist money-maker front when her products were counterfeited and sold with substandard and dangerous ingredients. When a former colleague dies right at the very spa Juliette is conducting one of her Events, Juliette hopes and prays a counterfeit JT Lady product isn’t to blame.

Since Marcus has become an expert in disaster prevention and relief, he participates in busting the counterfeiters. Once he sees Juliette’s name as a potential suspect/victim, he devises a plan to meet her again. Now divorced, he’s ready to reclaim his soul mate. But does she feel the same?

The counterfeiting also affects the spa workers, and while sometimes a lethal reaction to particular ingredients is just an accident, sometimes it’s murder. Clark walks a fine line when she reveals information late enough to almost be cheat-the-reader material. Fortunately, the revelation does nothing to add to or change the plot or character motivations.

It’s fun to see how Juliette and Marcus get together, work together and save each other. A subplot includes a romance between coworkers at the spa. Self-examination by faith-based characters will challenge readers to do the same. Told from multiple viewpoints and flashbacks, Beauty to Die For has some slow moments and repetitious re-hashing angst, but otherwise, those who like lighter-side suspense with emotional men and long-lost and found love will find a few enjoyable hours of entertainment.
(less)

like · see review

Oct 25, 2012 My Book Addiction and More MBA rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: spa-mystery, cozy-mystery

BEAUTY TO DIE FOR by Kim Alexis & Mindy Starns Clark is an interesting and intriguing christian mystery. It is chunked full of madness,mystery,a murder or two,faith,healing,forgiveness,a health resort,rivalry,a bit of mayhem,twists and turns and of course "the one ghat got away". When a murder occurs Juliette Taylor,who walked away from a supermodel career finds herself a suspect and must find the real killer,before they strike again. Enter Marcus Stone, "the one who got away",now Juliette m...more

like · see review

Oct 08, 2012 Rhonda rated it 4 of 5 stars

4 STARS

Beauty to Die For is a Spa Mystery.
It is a good who dun it mystery that kept me guessing till the end. I did not put the book down till I finshed it.
It is a clean read with a bit of a Christian flavor not much to turn anyone off.
Juliette Taylor was a supermodel who at the height of her career walked away from the money to choose a different path that made her happier.
Now she has a skin care company that sales mostly through spas. Now thier is someone
making fakes of her products and they a...more

like · see review

Aug 14, 2012 Lenore Webb rated it 4 of 5 stars

Do you watch shows like America's Next Top Model and Project Runway? I am never going to be a thin lil model but I do love watching them. Especially good to see that no matter what body image you are we are all insecure in our own viewpoints. Isn't that really just amazing?

Kim Alexis has been a top model for many years. Now with the help of Mindy Starns Clark (her new partner in crime) Kim is also a published author. Kim has been the spokesperson for several iconic American beauty brands. Her de...more

like · see review

Aug 07, 2012 Iola rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, christian-fiction, kindle, netgalley, romantic-suspense

Juliette Taylor is visiting the Palm Grotto Resort and Spa in Cahuilla Springs, California, to lead a Christian retreat weekend. The ex-supermodel has a brand of exclusive skincare products, JT Lady, and Palm Grotto is one of her main customers. However, an internal investigation suggests that products are being counterfeited.

Also on his way to Palm Grotto is Marcus, an expert in disaster prevention and recovery. He met Juliette decades ago when she was at the height of her fame, and fell hard...more Juliette Taylor is visiting the Palm Grotto Resort and Spa in Cahuilla Springs, California, to lead a Christian retreat weekend. The ex-supermodel has a brand of exclusive skincare products, JT Lady, and Palm Grotto is one of her main customers. However, an internal investigation suggests that products are being counterfeited.

Also on his way to Palm Grotto is Marcus, an expert in disaster prevention and recovery. He met Juliette decades ago when she was at the height of her fame, and fell hard for her. Marcus has been working with the FBI on a counterfeiting case, and it seems that Juliette's business has been targeted by the criminals, which gives him an excuse to reconnect.

Another spa guest is Raven, an ex-supermodel with a reputation for diva behaviour and temper tantrums, and a difficult past. Raven's presence is a puzzle that turns into a mystery when she is found to have died during a routine beauty treatment. Juliette joins up with Marcus to protect the reputation of her products by finding the real culprit.

Beauty to Die For didn’t really work for me, despite the cool cover and the catchy title. In the beginning, Juliette and Raven have a mini-showdown in the airport before arising at the resort. As a reader, I thought Juliette was totally misinterpreting what Raven said to her, and I couldn’t understand why. I still don’t, as it turns out that my immediate interpretation of Raven’s comment was, in fact, correct. But it took Juliette most of the book to work that out, even though she’s supposed to be this switched-on businesswoman.

We are told early in the book that people don’t really understand how difficult modelling is. Well, this isn’t really a statement that is going to gain sympathy from many readers, because it just seems to show how out of touch with reality the fashion industry is (many jobs in life are difficult. Supermodels have the advantage of having found a high-paying difficult job, not a minimum-wage difficult job). Later (much later) in the book, Juliette is remembering a photo shoot, and we are actually shown the difficulties she alluded to. This scene gave me a much better understanding of the issues, and made Juliette seem a lot more likeable. But it should have come earlier. As readers, we want to like our fictional heroines and heroes, so we need to be given reasons to like them.

I also got annoyed by the supposed incompetence of the police investigating Raven’s death. They didn’t actually feature in the story, except to get things wrong or to not look at vital evidence. Instead, Juliette was all over the resort, listening in on conversations and finding all the missing links. This also seemed odd – no one questioned that a guest (albeit an important guest) kept nosing around staff-only areas? And the counterfeiting seemed to be set up to be a major plot point, but really was just a device to get Marcus in the picture. There was potential, but aspects of the plot were too unbelievable, even for fiction.

It’s not to say I didn’t like the book at all. I thought the action scenes were well done, the ending was lovely, and I really liked the way the spa weekend was aimed at Christian women who spend too much time giving to others was great (sign me up!). But the second half of the book was not strong enough to make up for the weak first half.

Thanks to B&H Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
(less)

like · see review

Aug 06, 2012 Ellen Dark rated it 4 of 5 stars

The book is a Christian romantic suspense about a former supermodel and the one who got away.
Juliette Taylor has transferred from being a supermodel in her twenties to a successful
business woman in her forties. Juliette left modeling at the peak of success and started a
cosmetics business. Her company supplies products to high end spas around America. Juliette's
company also runs retreats for women at the same high end spas.
When arriving for a Juliette Taylor Event" at Palm Grotto in Arizona, Juli...more

like · see review

Jul 27, 2012 Sharon Tyler rated it 3 of 5 stars

Beauty to Die For: A Spa Mystery by Kim Alexis and Mindy Starns Clark is a novel that combines romance, mystery/suspense and christian fiction. it is scheduled for release on August 1, 2012. Juliette Taylor was once a super model, but after a long talk in an airport with a stranger she was able to walk away from a life that was slowly killing her. Since then, she has partnered with a good friend and started a company that is now very successful, but facing so serious issues that could put everyt...more Beauty to Die For: A Spa Mystery by Kim Alexis and Mindy Starns Clark is a novel that combines romance, mystery/suspense and christian fiction. it is scheduled for release on August 1, 2012. Juliette Taylor was once a super model, but after a long talk in an airport with a stranger she was able to walk away from a life that was slowly killing her. Since then, she has partnered with a good friend and started a company that is now very successful, but facing so serious issues that could put everything at risk. when an old friend/enemy is killed in the spa Juliette is hosting a spiritual retreat, she wants to find the truth. The stranger that made such a difference in Juliette's life was equally changed. he was inspired to leave the power and money hungry engineering industry in search of helping those facing disaster. Now, as a FBI consultant Marcus Stone is on a personal mission to protect Juliette and reconnect with her after too many years have past.Together they search for the truth behind the murder, and how counterfeit products might be connected.

Beauty to Die For is a good combination of genres. The mystery and suspense elements played a major role in the story, while the romance portion was important but not distracting. The romance between Juliette and Marcus is mature and realistic, although readers looking for steam will be disappointed, but remember this is Christian fiction as well. the suspense and mystery aspects of the story are my favorite. I had my suspicions through out the book, and while some proved at least partially correct i was not completely accurate on much. That was a nice change of pace for me; who spent a childhood surrounded with detective novels and mysteries (and later television shows) because those were my mother's favorites, so find myself working on the mystery pretty hard in everything I read.

I am not normally a big fan of Christian fiction, even though I am a practicing Christian. I find that many books read like the religious element is tacked on as an afterthought, or simply overwhelms all other aspects of the story. Neither of these things are true in Beauty to Die For. The religious elements and prayer included in the story are consistent with the characters and ring true. While there were a couple moments where the religion did rise a little stronger, and gives a brief moment that read a little too conversion seeking for my tastes, it still fit perfectly in with the character's personality and the story.

I recommend Beauty to Die For for readers that like romance that is mature and rather hands off (there is a little kissing), readers that enjoy well done Christian fiction, and readers that like to be surprised with how a mystery is resolved. Judging by the title, and the room left in the story in regards to the counterfeit materials and FBI connections, I am betting that a sequel will not be far behind. If I run across a sequel I will certainly read it, but I do not think it is one I will be hunting for when released.(less)

like · see review

Sep 11, 2012 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle

This story starts out with former supermodel Juliette Taylor arriving for a Christian retreat at Palm Grotto spa. Juliette and her best friend Didi are partners now with a chain of beauty products called JT Lady. Juliette encounters a former supermodel named Raven who also is staying at the same spa as Juliette. Marcus Stone is a consultant for disaster prevention and he is also planning to take his mom to the retreat at Palm Grotto for two reasons-he is wanting to protect Juliette and he is wan...more

like · see review

Oct 19, 2012 Arlena rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 5-stars, adult-read, christian-fiction, fiction-reviews, fiction, my-reviews, romance, mystery

Author: Kim Alexis & Mindy Starns Clark
Published By: B & H Books
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Blog For GMTA
Rating: 5

Review:

"Beauty to Die For" by Kim Alexis and Mindy Starns Clark was a good read. We got some drama, mystery, little romance, murder and lots of crimes going on...all that had a way of keeping you wondering just what, who....guessing till the very end. Be ready for a novel that will have some much going on you will have to pay close attention because of all o...more Author: Kim Alexis & Mindy Starns Clark
Published By: B & H Books
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Blog For GMTA
Rating: 5

Review:

"Beauty to Die For" by Kim Alexis and Mindy Starns Clark was a good read. We got some drama, mystery, little romance, murder and lots of crimes going on...all that had a way of keeping you wondering just what, who....guessing till the very end. Be ready for a novel that will have some much going on you will have to pay close attention because of all of its twist and many turns.

Juliette was once a top supermodel now she owned a skin care company...was now hosting a spiritual retreat at the Palm Grotto Resort. Then there is Raven who Juliette had once been friendly with ...but now it seemed like things had changed as Raven had yelled she will murder her(Juliette) if she thinks she can take it (skin care) from her upon seeing her at the airport. This had been a natural for Raven to rant at people... only later to be found dead during a treamtnet with one of Juliette's products. Now this is the part where I will say you must pick up this good novel to see what is in store from all of this? It could be anyone.. why...because Raven wasn't liked by anyone....except? Something else was up...the FBI had found Juliettes's name on a terrorist list? Who will come to her rescue? Now, who is Marcus and how does he fit into this big picture? What will Juliette find in all of this process of what is going on in her life? Would Juliette and Marcus get together? Again, you will have to pick up "Beauty to Die for" to find out!

"Beauty to Die For" will present a smooth glimpse into the modeling field and just what one is willing to do...even kill to get just what they want. There were a great many characters that really made this novel so readable. I was surprised who was behind what had been going on and you may be too.

In the end after all the drama, mystery, romance, murder, and many twist and turns you will get a great finale. With that being said, I would recommend to you..."Beauty to Die For" as a excellent read.(less)

like · see review

Nov 12, 2012 Chrissy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, for-review, read-in-2012, netgalley

I'm really not a huge fan of mysteries, which made BEAUTY TO DIE FOR: A SPA MYSTERY an odd choice for a book I selected to read and review. But, the cover is cute and the premise sounded adorable and fun, so it was worth a risk despite my slight genre bias.

So, starting off with the plot -- Juliette is an ex-supermodel who grew weary of the superficiality and chaos of her job, finally getting up the nerve to leave her career behind after a random encounter with he who would later be known as the-...more I'm really not a huge fan of mysteries, which made BEAUTY TO DIE FOR: A SPA MYSTERY an odd choice for a book I selected to read and review. But, the cover is cute and the premise sounded adorable and fun, so it was worth a risk despite my slight genre bias.

So, starting off with the plot -- Juliette is an ex-supermodel who grew weary of the superficiality and chaos of her job, finally getting up the nerve to leave her career behind after a random encounter with he who would later be known as the-one-who-got-away. Marcus happened to be stuck in the same airport at the same time as Juliette and the two quickly bonded over their mututal distain for their current lifestyles, agreeing each would leave their problematic jobs and meet up again in the future once their individual issues had been resolved.

Despite the strong feelings of attraction and undestanding, Marcus never showed up again to meet Juliette -- or so she thinks, at least. Years later, Juliette owns a successful beauty supply line that works with spas, often on retreats for Christian women, and Marcus works as a disaster specialist, providing assistance lately to the FBI on terroism issues.

Recently, though, a terrorist plot has been involving counterfeit products, including beauty supplies, which somehow leads Juliette to be a prime target on a terrorist hit list that Marcus uncovers on the job. Although he cannot violate confidentiality agreements with the FBI, he feels obligated to somehow warn the woman who stole his heart so many years ago. He arranges an "accidental" meeting at Juliette's next spa retreat to covertly give her just enough information to keep her safe...

Unfortunately, in the meantime, another former supermodel, Raven, has unexpectedly shown up at the same spa retreat. Juliette suspects Raven is trying to sneak her way into the beauty product industry or wonders if she might be somehow caught up in the beauty counterfeit business -- but things get out of control when Raven is found dead on a massage table after one of Juliette's products is poisoned.

Soon, there is long list of possible suspects and motivations for tihs murder, and it is soon revealed at this may not be the first murder related to this particular spa. So, is this all about counterfeit beauty products or is there something more sinister going on now? And can Marcus really protect Juliette while keeping her in the dark, or will this former supermodel be the next to die?

I actually thought this was a pretty entertaining, engaging mystery and I was surprised to find that I didn't know within the first half of the book how things might end. At times it felt like there were a lot of extra characters and side stories, to the point that I found myself flipping back and forth to remind myself what names went with what crimes. On the one hand, this made things feel a little unnecessarily busy and muddled, but on the other hand it definitely kept me more unable to guess, before the end, who might really be behind the murders.

This *is* a Christian mystery, but I don't think the message is in-your-face enough to really deter someone who is not particularly seeking out an inspirational read. The messages and lessons are really subtle without being overtly preachy, but I do think they're present enough to please readers who are specifically wanting a nice, clean read.

I think I'd recommend this more to fans of chick lit than to hardcore mystery fans, especially those who enjoy chick lit centered on characters who are a little older than what you'd expect in most novels of this type. The story was fun and cute enough that I'd definitely consider reading other selections by this author in the future.

I did receiver an electronic copy of this book for the purposes of providing an honest review -- and I do stand by the fact that all thoughts are my own and are influenced by the manner in which the book was received.(less)

like · see review

Aug 30, 2012 Mercedes Cordero rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction

This novel has a few great things going for it: a nice cover, a good premise that gets the reader interested and that gives the expectation of a cozy, fun and enjoyable murder/mystery ride. It is told from different, very well written point of views that flow nicely from one character to the next. It has a very, very likable male lead, written with the perfect man in mind and it works. Marcus’ character was written so well; this is the kind of man every woman wants. The story has a nicely writte...more This novel has a few great things going for it: a nice cover, a good premise that gets the reader interested and that gives the expectation of a cozy, fun and enjoyable murder/mystery ride. It is told from different, very well written point of views that flow nicely from one character to the next. It has a very, very likable male lead, written with the perfect man in mind and it works. Marcus’ character was written so well; this is the kind of man every woman wants. The story has a nicely written romantic side for Juliette and her long lost love, Marcus, that was sweet, cute and very refreshing. I also really liked how well developed Crystal’s character was, as well as her part in advancing the story.

However, as well written as Marcus’ character was, Juliette’s was not. Although we got to know Marcus, his feelings, his emotions, and his thoughts, we mostly see Juliette as a business woman. Yes, we get to see her afraid, feel threatened, be in love, but not to the same extent as Marcus. And that is a shame because Juliette is the lead, the heroin, but by the end of the book you still cannot feel connected to her, at least not in the same way as with Marcus.

Also, I really didn’t like how dumb the lead characters were. In the beginning, Raven threatens Juliette and says something that baffles her. The reader, however, will know right away what Raven is referring to and seeing the leads racking their brains trying to figure it out is very irritating. Also, there are a few times that the secondary characters had to explain their conclusions to the leads as if they were children because they couldn’t understand. Again, the reader gets it instantly and it’s very easy to lose your patience with the main characters.

The story takes too long to advance; too much time is spent with information that, while valuable, was unnecessary in a book of fiction. Too much talk about counterfeit goods or counterfeiting in general, too many explanations about Marcus’ job, too much information about bombs, among other stuff. While I appreciate the fact that the authors did their research, they should have used that information for their benefit, not include it in the plot. The readers do not need a lecture on terrorist cells, or how a certain agency works, or what are counterfeit products and how big that problem is and how dangerous those fake products are.

Finally, I didn’t like the fact that, although it is a Christian fiction novel, there is no mention of Juliette’s faith in the beginning (or anyone else’s for that matter), and, all of a sudden, starting in the middle, it is mentioned constantly. And not only is Juliette a Christian, but also this other guy and another girl. As a Christian, I enjoy Christian characters, but as a reader, I expect consistency. If the characters are Christian, why hide it in the beginning only to talk about it nonstop later on?

The story is mostly good, but there are so many things that get in the way, making it long and sometimes tedious, making it advance almost in slow motion, that it disappoints. However, when it starts to round up nicely (around page 200), the action moves well, the pace moves quicker, the book gets a whole more enjoyable, the mystery gets more interesting and the time spent reading feels more validated. An ok start, a disappointing middle, and a very good ending.

2 3/4 stars.

*I received a copy of this book from B&H Publishing Group through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.(less)

like · see review

Oct 01, 2012 Mtlusty rated it 4 of 5 stars

This cozy mystery is written by Mindy Starns Clark, best-selling author, and Kim Alexis, an original supermodel of the 80's. Alexis lends her expertise in healthy living and behind the scenes in modeling. The authors are a winning combination. The main character is Juliette, a former supermodel who runs a successful skin care line and sponsors spa retreats especially for women who caregive or volunteer. Her theme is, “Isn’t it time someone took care of you for a change?” This year’s retreat is b...more

like · see review

Aug 19, 2012 Cheryl rated it 2 of 5 stars

Juliette and her business partner, Didi are heading to Palm Grotto Resort to talk about their beauty product line JT Lady. It looks like it is going to be a good weekend. That is until Juliette bumps into her rival, Raven. It seems that Raven is also heading to Palm Grotto Resort for some rest and relaxation. How much is the cost of beauty worth…murder? It seems that it is as Raven is murdered.

This book sounded like a fun, chick-lit, cozy mystery. This book for me was just ok. The reasons for th...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 02, 2012 Kay Defreese rated it 4 of 5 stars

Beauty to Die for: A Spa Mystery is a nice little cozy mystery that will keep you guessing until nearly the end of the book. Raven, a top model has died while undergoing a spa treatment. It was determined that her death was a murder but who murdered her? It could be anybody because Raven was not liked by anybody. Everybody despised her but who hated her enough to murder her? Juliette Taylor was at the spa at the same time promoting her line of exclusive beauty products to Christian women. She is...more

like · see review

Aug 03, 2012 Victor Gentile rated it 5 of 5 stars

Kim Alexis and Mindy Starns Clark in their new book, “Beauty to Die For” Book One in A Spa Mystery Series published by B&H Publishing Group introduces us to Juliette Taylor and Marcus Stone.

From the Back Cover: Twenty-five years ago, Juliette Taylor walked away from her career as a supermodel after a chance encounter with a handsome stranger. She’s never regretted that decision–and never forgotten the man who gave her the courage to change her life.

These days Juliette’s ministry is providing...more

like · see review

Jul 13, 2012 Nancy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery-suspense, netgalley

Former supermodel turned skincare product entrepreneur Juliette Taylor is on her way to Palm Grotto Spa to lead a spritual retreat aimed at Christian women, letting them know it is okay to pamper themselves. On the way she runs into Raven, a fellow former supermodel whose diva personality has turned a lot of people off. Soon after making a strange threat to Juliette, Raven is found dead in one of the massage rooms. Could Juliette's chai soy wrap (or a counterfeit thereof) be the culprit? Or was...more

like · see review

Oct 01, 2012 Brittany (The Book Addict's Guide) marked it as did-not-finish

Shelves: arc, mystery-thriller, netgalley-edelweiss, cozy-mystery

DNF
I hate not finishing a book but I've been "reading" this book for 4 months now and I haven't even had the desire to pick it back up and see how it ends. I made it a little less than halfway through and I'm just not interested in the plot at all. I feel like with a good cozy mystery, if the mystery is good, I can read about any type of theme - the theme here being the spa/beauty aspect. If done right, not a big deal. But I was just bored out of my mind. The two main characters who are supposed...more

like · see review

Feb 15, 2013 Nancy Rogan rated it 4 of 5 stars

I picked this book up because I saw it was co-written by Mindy Starns Clark. I have read her Million Dollar series and enjoyed it. Since the other co-writer of this one is Kim Alexis, I'm assuming it's a stand alone. This book is a Christian mystery/romance much like the other things she has written. It is a good read with a good storyline, good writing and nice romance. It's really more romance than mystery with just enough Christian slant. I recommend her books for an easy enjoyable read.

like · see review

Oct 03, 2012 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Beauty to Die For has interesting characters and the premise was a good one. However, there was too much going on and too many bad guys. The main mystery got a little muddied by the side mysteries. Also, for a book with a strong Christian theme, it sure seemed like most of the characters seemed to be criminals (or at least have criminal tendencies). Kind of a pessimistic view of human nature.

like · see review

Sep 06, 2012 Crystal rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

The premise of this book grabbed me from the start…the idea of a murder mystery taking place at a spa was both intriguing and terrifying! Who wants to run the risk of death while in such a relaxed state!

In the mix of this murder mystery we’ve got a love story and a whole separate set of crimes going on, so it’s a pretty busy plot with a lot of different relationships and characters to keep up with. Since no one knows why Raven was murdered, let alone who did it, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether...more

like · see review

May 07, 2013 Terri rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mysteries

Former supermodel turned skin products producer,is running a wellness retreat at a spa when a former model dies while getting a wrap using her products. Is it linked to the counterfeit products she has been battling? And how will she deal with the re-entrance into her life of the One that Got Away?

I really enjoyed this story. The characters were interesting and the mystery more complex than I expected. And the setting was definitely a place I'd like to go... Fun.

1 like · like · see review

Aug 15, 2012 Mary Ellen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great "cozy" mystery from Mindy Starns Clark! Insight into the world of models from Kim Alexis made the story so believable. Characters were perfectly developed.

like · see review

Sep 26, 2012 Cara rated it 2 of 5 stars

This book, a collaboration between Mindy Starns Clark (whose books I usually enjoy) and Kim Alexis (a former supermodel, apparently), was a bit disappointing for me. I thought that it moved a little slowly, wasn't written very tightly and didn't draw me in. Skippable.

like · see review

Jan 31, 2013 Vicky Beltz rated it 3 of 5 stars

Good story and mystery. The writing was stiff, never really got into the characters.

like · see review

Jun 19, 2012 Mary-Katharine rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a really fun read. Take it to the beach this summer!

like · see review

Jun 29, 2012 Holly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-books

The authors give a top notch romantic mystery. Loved it!

like · see review

Feb 16, 2013 Barbara Campbell rated it 4 of 5 stars

http://bookaholicconfessions.blogspot...

like · see review

Feb 13, 2013 Andrea Guy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-reads, cozy-mystery, 2013cruisinthroughthecoziesreadingc, christian, mystery

review to follow shortly

like · see review

title link	preview: Beauty to Die For: A Spa Mystery
avg rating	preview: Beauty to Die For: A Spa Mystery Goodreads rating: 3.49 (73 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12957428-beauty-to-die-for?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1343847395l/12957428.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12957428-beauty-to-die-for?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Beauty to Die For: A Spa Mystery by Kim Alexis[/url]

Beauty to Die For: A Spa Mystery

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (2)

Genres

About Kim Alexis

Books by Kim Alexis

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Beauty to Die For...

Beauty to Die For: A Spa Mystery

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

combineOther Editions (2)

Genres

About Kim Alexis

Books by Kim Alexis

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Beauty to Die For...

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (2)