Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
Clutches and Curses (Haley Randolph #4)
In Howell's delightful new Haley Randolph novel, the amateur sleuth and handbag enthusiast must catch a killer before she's labeled an accessory--to murder.
Hardcover, 308 pages
Published
June 1st 2011
by Kensington
(first published May 4th 2011)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
This book is not yet featured on Listopia.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
410)
Synopsis (from bn.com):
Life is finally looking good for amateur sleuth/professional fashionista Haley Randolph. Her sort-of-boyfriend Ty is now her official boyfriend, her job at Holt’s department store is going well, and she’s on track to get her hands on the Delicious—the hottest purse of the season. What could possibly go wrong?
A curse from an irate customer? Haley doesn’t believe in curses but when things start to go really wrong she jumps at the chance to pack up her wardrobe and transfer t...more
Life is finally looking good for amateur sleuth/professional fashionista Haley Randolph. Her sort-of-boyfriend Ty is now her official boyfriend, her job at Holt’s department store is going well, and she’s on track to get her hands on the Delicious—the hottest purse of the season. What could possibly go wrong?
A curse from an irate customer? Haley doesn’t believe in curses but when things start to go really wrong she jumps at the chance to pack up her wardrobe and transfer t...more
Everything was going along quite uneventful for Haley Randolph. Between tolerating her job at Holt’s Dept. Store, trying to understand her relationship with “Official Boyfriend”, wealthy Ty Cameron; the fifth generation to own the Holt’s Dept. Store chain as well as her boss, and the quest for “The Delicious”, the ultimate handbag the fashion conscious only dream about, her life was as full and a bit goofy as ever. That was until an irate customer cast a spell on her! Haley scoffed in disbelief...more
This is my first Howell novel and I truly have enjoyed it! The details that Howell uses regarding the purses, the scenery (Vegas and the surrounding areas), and the Haley’s thoughts and feelings are fantastic. Reading first person (and writing it) is sometimes difficult for me to place myself into the story, but Howell has done an exceptional job pulling me into Haley’s self-absorbed life.
I do feel that I would have understood Haley more had I read the previous three novels in this series. She s...more
I do feel that I would have understood Haley more had I read the previous three novels in this series. She s...more
All in all not a bad book. It was a bit repeatative and a bit silly. I haven't read any of the previous books in this series and I don't really think I will. A good murder mystery is always fun but all the fashion nonsense is a turn off for me. I'll bet there are many many women who would love this book but with not knowing anything about the fashion things she's talking about, makes this book kind of annoying.
Plus the attitude of the heroine is obnoxious. I know that there are people out ther...more
Plus the attitude of the heroine is obnoxious. I know that there are people out ther...more
This is book 4 from the ongoing Mystery Series featuring 24 year old female sleuth Haley Randolph. This series has been described by critics as Jane Evanovich meets shopaholic. I purchased my copy via ipad in the ibooks app and it costs $9.99 as its the most recent release in the series. Book 1-3 can be pursed via Amazon or ibook for about $5 but the christmas novella Slay bells and Satchels is only available via Kindle app for $2. Book 5 is scheduled for June 2012
What's it about? After being cu...more
What's it about? After being cu...more
This was a book I won through the First Reads program. And, one of the nicest benefits of the book give-away is that it introduces readers to authors they may not have encountered otherwise.
Dorothy Howell and her publishers have to be complimented for their chutzpah, creating a series around a character who is every employer's nightmare. Haley Randolph is a slacker; a spendthrift; insensitive; irresponsible and narcissistic------and, that is what adds spice to this very frothy mystery. Clever, h...more
Dorothy Howell and her publishers have to be complimented for their chutzpah, creating a series around a character who is every employer's nightmare. Haley Randolph is a slacker; a spendthrift; insensitive; irresponsible and narcissistic------and, that is what adds spice to this very frothy mystery. Clever, h...more
Haley Randolph is a fashionista and an amateur sleuth & she also works at Holt's department store. After an irate customer puts a curse on her things start to go wrong in her life. She decides to volunteer to be transferred to Holt's new store in Las Vegas but the curse has followed her. She finds the body of her old school mate in the dressing room. Since she's the police's number one suspect she decides to find the killer herself. While she's doing that she's also trying to track down a "D...more
I have never read any of the others in this series, but I am not sure that was necessary, there were places which stated something and then said it is a long story which I took to be told in the other books, but did not take away from the storyline in this book. This is very much Stephanie Plum (Janet Evanovich) meets Shopaholic (sophie Kinsella). That twist is different and it was an entertaining story of a very vain woman and the things she gets into. As long as you read it for the fluff and e...more
Aug 14, 2012
Kathy
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Cozy mystery fans, women who love a good handbag
Shelves:
mysteries-and-thrillers
Haley Randolph is back and dealing with the things she's always dealing with: non-existent finances, the search to find the hottest new handbag, an overbearing pageant mom, her relationship with her official boyfriend (and owner of the department store chain where she works (although she'd never openly admit that to anyone she knows), her feelings towards her favorite way hot private detective, and, oh, yes, being the prime suspect in yet another murder. This time, the victim happens to be a for...more
Ended excellent. I wasn't so sure about Haley at first, she seemed to be a spoiled woman, shopping and drinking frapps nonstop without a work ethic was driving me crazy. But somewhere along this cute little mystery, she grew on me and I am very sad it ended. I can't wait to pick up more Haley!
When Haley's mom wants her to fill in at the mother daughter week spa thing, she decided to go to Vegas on the spur to help the department store she works for get a new store together. Haley doesn't have mu...more
When Haley's mom wants her to fill in at the mother daughter week spa thing, she decided to go to Vegas on the spur to help the department store she works for get a new store together. Haley doesn't have mu...more
I thought this was great and suspenseful and fun too! I love the character's sarcasm and the way the author mocks her when revealing her (the character's thoughts)
I think this is a great series, I have enjoyed every one of the books! I think they are much more developed than the Stephanie Plum series, and harder to figure out whodunit.
I look forward to the next book in the series, I wish it would come out quickly so I can have another good cozy read with Haley and the evolving characters!
Jul 01, 2012
Emilee
added it
I always love a good mystery especially one from Dorothy Howell. It was hard to put down and I already ordered the next book from the library. I especially relate to Haley Randolph (mc), although she may be a little immature. At least she has a handsome boyfriend who treats her well. Loved!
I loved this story and the author's writing!! I did my walk-through in the local library recently and found this book on a shelf in the front. The pocketbook title and graphic caught my attention. I was delighted to have the purse theme throughout the story line (being a bit of a handbag addict myself). Of course, now I cannot wait to start the previous three novels. Kudos to Dorothy Howell!!!
I stumbled into Dorothy Howell and Haley Randolph a few years ago and I absolutely adore this series. I really enjoyed that this book was moved to Vegas since the previous 3 were all in LA. Also I forgot how hysterical Dorothy's writing was. For anybody looking for a light, easy and entertaining read, I highly recommend this book (and the entire series)!
This heroine makes a mud puddle look deep and clear. Shallow, unlikeable, not so awfully bright and mean on top of it. Save time and read something else. The phone book would be better.
This is the 2nd Haley Randolph book I've read and I really enjoyed it.
Very similar in style to a Shopaholic book but with a mystery thrown into the mix.
Very similar in style to a Shopaholic book but with a mystery thrown into the mix.
This is a fun "fluff" series to read. I like the fashion references, and Haley Randolph, the heroine, is such a self-absorbed, irresponsible, but surprisingly likable character.
I'd forgotten about this series until I found this on the library shelf! I really like this series, Haley Randolph is a very lovable character. I can relate to the "oh crap" moments!
If you're looking for a fun read for the summer this is pretty good. It's a mystery, but not the gruesome kind. Funny too!
This was a Goodreads giveaway.
Even though chick lit is not my favorite genre I did ultimately enjoy this light, breezy, cozy mystery. While on a temporary job at the new Holt’s department store in Las Vegas, Haley Randolph, a 20 something fashionista, self-centered and with a terrible work ethic, finds herself number 1 suspect in the murder of an old high school friend.
Clearing her name, finding the real killer, and helping a few people along the way did make her more likable and the supporting...more
Even though chick lit is not my favorite genre I did ultimately enjoy this light, breezy, cozy mystery. While on a temporary job at the new Holt’s department store in Las Vegas, Haley Randolph, a 20 something fashionista, self-centered and with a terrible work ethic, finds herself number 1 suspect in the murder of an old high school friend.
Clearing her name, finding the real killer, and helping a few people along the way did make her more likable and the supporting...more
Another hilarious winner. Love the "purse whore" as she calls herself.
Haley's selfishness comes shining through once again
E
I have read the other three books in the series...but this one was painful at times. Haley got on my nerves, dropping the purse names, drinking Starbucks, having no money. She kept forgetting Trey, her "official boyfriend".
Ironically, as painful certain parts of the book were, I thought the end happened very quickly. I need Haley to mature a little in the next book...seriously go to school or commit to Trey. Something!
Ironically, as painful certain parts of the book were, I thought the end happened very quickly. I need Haley to mature a little in the next book...seriously go to school or commit to Trey. Something!
This is kind of the same story as the other three books. It is a light easy read for fun. Rated it 3 out of 5 stars.
this was good! fun and easy.
Highly entertaining book - wasn't too sure when I looked at it - thought it would be corny - but really was very well written! Keep up the excellent writing!
These books have a Evanovich and Kinsella feel to them but they don't meet the standard.
Another Haley episode of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Another Haley episode of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
This one wasn't quite as good as the others in the series and I'm not sure why. It was still a fun adventure.
Jul 24, 2011
Diana
added it
This is such a great book! Reading about Haley and her mystery really made my day!! thumbs up!
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Dorothy Howell writes for two publishing houses, in two genres, under two names. She writes mysteries as Dorothy Howell historical romance novels under the pseudonym Judith Stacy.
More about Dorothy Howell...
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
