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Consignment Shop Mystery #3
Pearls and Poison
It’s election time in Savannah, Georgia, and Judge Guillotine Gloria—aka Reagan Summerside’s mom—is neck and neck in the polls with Kip “Scummy” Seymour. But the already dirty campaign is about to get downright filthy—with one candidate getting buried six feet under… With her strong opinions and knack for getting into trouble, Reagan is not an ideal volunteer for her mother’s alderman campaign. Plus, she’d rather be running her consignment shop, the Prissy Fox, and eating doughnuts with her dog, Bruce Willis. But when her mother’s opponent, Kip, is found poisoned and her mother is pegged as a suspect, Reagan nominates herself as lead murder investigator. Reagan is intent on finding Kip’s killer and clearing her mother’s good name, but she soon finds herself on the bad side of Kip’s enemies-turned-suspects. This time, no amount of costumes and makeup can keep her inconspicuous and out of danger. Because the closer Reagan gets to the truth, the hotter things get…
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2014
56 people are currently reading
1353 people want to read
About the author
Duffy Brown
13 books729 followersDuffy Brown loves anything with a mystery. While others girls dreamed of dating Brad Pitt, Duffy longed to take Sherlock Holmes to the prom. She has two cats, Spooky and Dr. Watson, her license plate is Sherlok and she conjures up who-done-it stories of her very own for Berkley Prime Crime. Duffy’s national bestselling Consignment Shop Mystery series is set in Savannah and the Cycle Path Mysteries are set on Mackinac Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
August 6, 2020
This is such a fun series and this book was no exception! I don't know how Reagan manages to get into all the trouble she does, although I know Aunt Kiki helps. The characters are fun and funny and the situations are laugh out loud (once you know everyone is safe). This one definitely kept me guessing and just when you think everything is wrapped up it isn't. Keep reading to the last page and you won't be disappointed.
January 16, 2016
With her strong opinions and knack for getting into trouble, Reagan is not an ideal volunteer for her mother’s alderman campaign. Plus, she’d rather be running her consignment shop, the Prissy Fox, and eating doughnuts with her dog, Bruce Willis. But when her mother’s opponent, Kip, is found poisoned and her mother is pegged as a suspect, Reagan nominates herself as lead murder investigator.
Reagan is intent on finding Kip’s killer and clearing her mother’s good name, but she soon finds herself on the bad side of Kip’s enemies-turned-suspects. This time, no amount of costumes and makeup can keep her inconspicuous and out of danger. Because the closer Reagan gets to the truth, the hotter things get…
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Another winner from Duffy Brown!!
These are some of the best cozy characters out there today. Reagan and Aunt Kiki are pure treasures. Boone continues to grow on me and he is starting to grow on Reagan as well. Judge Gloria was a little more mellow this time but then she was the prime murder suspect so she was “watching her p’s and q’s”, except she was “helping” at the Consignment Shop. Reagan exercised extreme patience with her mother. I don’t know how she did it :)
While this story is full of Southern charm it is the dialogue that makes this story stand out. When these characters communicate the reader can almost hear the words like they are right there in the Prissy Fox or running around with Reagan chasing down clues and ducking danger.
The political plot worked really well except I wouldn’t ever expect a judge to want to be an alderperson, but maybe that is the way things work in Georgia. Dirty politics is always a great jump off for mysteries and this one had plenty of twists to keep us guessing.
Great characters, wonderful setting, a believable plot, southern charm, sassy dialogue and humor all add up to make this one fine cozy.
Reagan is intent on finding Kip’s killer and clearing her mother’s good name, but she soon finds herself on the bad side of Kip’s enemies-turned-suspects. This time, no amount of costumes and makeup can keep her inconspicuous and out of danger. Because the closer Reagan gets to the truth, the hotter things get…
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Another winner from Duffy Brown!!
These are some of the best cozy characters out there today. Reagan and Aunt Kiki are pure treasures. Boone continues to grow on me and he is starting to grow on Reagan as well. Judge Gloria was a little more mellow this time but then she was the prime murder suspect so she was “watching her p’s and q’s”, except she was “helping” at the Consignment Shop. Reagan exercised extreme patience with her mother. I don’t know how she did it :)
While this story is full of Southern charm it is the dialogue that makes this story stand out. When these characters communicate the reader can almost hear the words like they are right there in the Prissy Fox or running around with Reagan chasing down clues and ducking danger.
The political plot worked really well except I wouldn’t ever expect a judge to want to be an alderperson, but maybe that is the way things work in Georgia. Dirty politics is always a great jump off for mysteries and this one had plenty of twists to keep us guessing.
Great characters, wonderful setting, a believable plot, southern charm, sassy dialogue and humor all add up to make this one fine cozy.
March 1, 2015
Golly, this was mostly bad - and that's really saying something, considering the first two books weren't exactly paragons of the cozy mystery genre either. I could never quite explain what kept me reading this series, but there was something about the first two books that made it strangely enjoyable and fun, despite the writing and the ridiculous amateur sleuth. But Pearls and Poison? I was this close to calling it quits on the entire series; only the final third saved it (somewhat... I think). I couldn't even remember the name of this book until I looked it up to write my review.
Everything that was wrong about the previous books is unfortunately still rampant: Appalling editing (shocking grammar, names not capitalized, spelling mistakes - you name it, this book has it), our heroine Reagan still hasn't gotten a clue about how to investigate without blundering around provoking suspects with stupid accusations, and we still have incompetent police who're literally treated as a joke. Detective Ross has actually become a mindless (implied weight gain problems as well, if that's a trigger for some readers) sprinkle donut-obsessed figure who can be distracted from her job by food.
What really sunk Pearls and Poison, however, was the abuse of language. If you're not Southern and/or acquainted with Southern slang/idioms/manner of speech, this book will read quite literally like it was written in a foreign language, not English. I confess I didn't understand half of what was going on in this book - 99% of the mystery flew right over my head because apparently no one could use normal words without substituting it for another quaint Southern expression. I could understand if there was a smattering of Southern to create an authentic atmosphere and setting, but it's quite a different story when the author decides to drown the book in it every chance she got.
Reagan and Kiki's use of stupid nicknames for all the suspects and people about town didn't help, because on top of the cited language abuse, every single damn person had at least 2-3 different superficial nicknames/variations of their names. For example, they call Kip Seymour "Kip," "Seymour," "Scumbucket" or "Scummy," his wife "Honey" or "Money-Honey"... and so on. What are we, 5 years old? It's just not cute.
Number of times the nickname "Scummy" appeared in the book: 71
For the reasons above, I can't even really rate the effectiveness of the mystery - random names that I can't remember being thrown in my face repeatedly does not help me work out what's going on in a book, particularly when the heroine herself has no idea half the time. Reagan's method of "investigating" continues to involve charging around town accusing everyone related to the murder of being guilty, being threatened and/or manhandled for it and then moving on to her next target. Unfortunately, her aunt and even her mother (a criminal judge!) are enthusiastic assistants in her chaos. I have a very low bar for grown adults behaving like idiotic children, and Reagan and her family & friends running amok like this comes pretty close to wearing out my patience. Like I said, it's just not cute.
The one thing that really saved me from throwing in the towel with this book and the series as a whole is Walker Boone - lawyer, love interest to Reagan and seemingly the only person with sense in the whole town of Savannah. Oh, there is one other highlight: Reagan finally loses the ugly dye job/blonde roots. Hooray for improvements? For Walker Boone, I might read the following novella...
Everything that was wrong about the previous books is unfortunately still rampant: Appalling editing (shocking grammar, names not capitalized, spelling mistakes - you name it, this book has it), our heroine Reagan still hasn't gotten a clue about how to investigate without blundering around provoking suspects with stupid accusations, and we still have incompetent police who're literally treated as a joke. Detective Ross has actually become a mindless (implied weight gain problems as well, if that's a trigger for some readers) sprinkle donut-obsessed figure who can be distracted from her job by food.
What really sunk Pearls and Poison, however, was the abuse of language. If you're not Southern and/or acquainted with Southern slang/idioms/manner of speech, this book will read quite literally like it was written in a foreign language, not English. I confess I didn't understand half of what was going on in this book - 99% of the mystery flew right over my head because apparently no one could use normal words without substituting it for another quaint Southern expression. I could understand if there was a smattering of Southern to create an authentic atmosphere and setting, but it's quite a different story when the author decides to drown the book in it every chance she got.
Reagan and Kiki's use of stupid nicknames for all the suspects and people about town didn't help, because on top of the cited language abuse, every single damn person had at least 2-3 different superficial nicknames/variations of their names. For example, they call Kip Seymour "Kip," "Seymour," "Scumbucket" or "Scummy," his wife "Honey" or "Money-Honey"... and so on. What are we, 5 years old? It's just not cute.
Number of times the nickname "Scummy" appeared in the book: 71
For the reasons above, I can't even really rate the effectiveness of the mystery - random names that I can't remember being thrown in my face repeatedly does not help me work out what's going on in a book, particularly when the heroine herself has no idea half the time. Reagan's method of "investigating" continues to involve charging around town accusing everyone related to the murder of being guilty, being threatened and/or manhandled for it and then moving on to her next target. Unfortunately, her aunt and even her mother (a criminal judge!) are enthusiastic assistants in her chaos. I have a very low bar for grown adults behaving like idiotic children, and Reagan and her family & friends running amok like this comes pretty close to wearing out my patience. Like I said, it's just not cute.
The one thing that really saved me from throwing in the towel with this book and the series as a whole is Walker Boone - lawyer, love interest to Reagan and seemingly the only person with sense in the whole town of Savannah. Oh, there is one other highlight: Reagan finally loses the ugly dye job/blonde roots. Hooray for improvements? For Walker Boone, I might read the following novella...
March 15, 2014
Pearls and Poison is another cozy mystery masterpiece of Southern murder and mayhem, featuring the hilarious detecting methods of consignment shop owner, Reagan Summerside, her Aunt Kiki, and friends! When a local politician is murdered and Reagan's mamma is accused, Reagan and Aunt Kiki are prepared to get down and dirty to prove mamma's innocent! I do declare! Is romance looming on the horizon between Reagan and Boone? Write faster, Duffy Brown!! I wanna know soon!!!
March 5, 2014
Duffy Brown brings readers the third installment in her Consignment Shop mystery series, Pearls and Poison. If readers are looking for a book with a lot of old style Southern charm, witty dialogue and characters that are both over-the-top and lovable, this is the book they were meant to read. Brown does an amazing job of making every word count. Her prose flows well and her skills with dialogue are exceptional. She uses humor to lighten the mood and red herrings to deepen the mystery. A great new whodunit, in a well established series!
What I liked:
Duffy Brown has a lot potential. The consignment shop series, is quickly becoming one of my favorites for several reasons. I love the Savannah setting. It has that nostalgic feeling of the old South, where women wore dresses that were ten miles wide and the men were always courteous and helpful. It gives off a vibe that makes the reader feel like they've been transported back in time. There are just some cities that evoke that kind of feeling and Savannah is one of them. Brown uses that to her advantage in this series in the characters she has created and in the places she allows them to go. Atmosphere is really important in a good cozy and this one has it in spades.
Once again Brown astounds with her dialogue skills. Pearls and Poison is a very character driven novel and the interactions between characters are essential to making it work. Brown uses snappy, witty dialogue and banter that is engaging and seeks to draw the reader in. Usually, the dialogue is the part that slows down the book. It mires it in too much detail and information that's not necessarily helpful in moving the plot forward, not so with Duffy Brown's writing. The dialogue is what makes this novel sing. It shows humor and emotion and all of the things that make this series so good.
Reagan is a great character and lead for this series. She has a mind of her own and she isn't afraid to use it. She gets herself into some serious situations with her overly analytic mind but she manages to get herself right back out again. She's a recent divorcee and shows a lot of heart in trying to make her consignment shop a success and she can't help but find her ex-husband's lawyer a bit attractive. I love the way that Brown writes Reagan. She's tough but she's got a heart of gold. She might be trying to figure out if you're the killer, but she does it with style. Just an all around great character. Looking forward to seeing where personal life goes, just as much as her amateur sleuthing.
What I didn't like:
This one had a great plot line. Reagan's mom is running for office and her opponent ends up dead. I felt like the idea was good and there were plenty of suspects, but the mystery aspects of the story were a little light. Brown uses humor a lot in her writing and generally that's a good thing, but in this one I think it took a little bit away from the seriousness of the election and the murder. Brown needs to strike a good balance between the two sides of the book in each novel in the series and the balance was slightly off in this one. Not a deal breaker though, I still loved it.
Bottom Line:
This is a very well written addition to the series. A lot of Southern charm, a dose of humor and a good old fashioned whodunit. If you are a fan of the series, you have to read it. If you're not, you've got to try it!
What I liked:
Duffy Brown has a lot potential. The consignment shop series, is quickly becoming one of my favorites for several reasons. I love the Savannah setting. It has that nostalgic feeling of the old South, where women wore dresses that were ten miles wide and the men were always courteous and helpful. It gives off a vibe that makes the reader feel like they've been transported back in time. There are just some cities that evoke that kind of feeling and Savannah is one of them. Brown uses that to her advantage in this series in the characters she has created and in the places she allows them to go. Atmosphere is really important in a good cozy and this one has it in spades.
Once again Brown astounds with her dialogue skills. Pearls and Poison is a very character driven novel and the interactions between characters are essential to making it work. Brown uses snappy, witty dialogue and banter that is engaging and seeks to draw the reader in. Usually, the dialogue is the part that slows down the book. It mires it in too much detail and information that's not necessarily helpful in moving the plot forward, not so with Duffy Brown's writing. The dialogue is what makes this novel sing. It shows humor and emotion and all of the things that make this series so good.
Reagan is a great character and lead for this series. She has a mind of her own and she isn't afraid to use it. She gets herself into some serious situations with her overly analytic mind but she manages to get herself right back out again. She's a recent divorcee and shows a lot of heart in trying to make her consignment shop a success and she can't help but find her ex-husband's lawyer a bit attractive. I love the way that Brown writes Reagan. She's tough but she's got a heart of gold. She might be trying to figure out if you're the killer, but she does it with style. Just an all around great character. Looking forward to seeing where personal life goes, just as much as her amateur sleuthing.
What I didn't like:
This one had a great plot line. Reagan's mom is running for office and her opponent ends up dead. I felt like the idea was good and there were plenty of suspects, but the mystery aspects of the story were a little light. Brown uses humor a lot in her writing and generally that's a good thing, but in this one I think it took a little bit away from the seriousness of the election and the murder. Brown needs to strike a good balance between the two sides of the book in each novel in the series and the balance was slightly off in this one. Not a deal breaker though, I still loved it.
Bottom Line:
This is a very well written addition to the series. A lot of Southern charm, a dose of humor and a good old fashioned whodunit. If you are a fan of the series, you have to read it. If you're not, you've got to try it!
March 4, 2014
Reagan Summerside’s Mamma, Judge “Guillotine” Gloria, is running for alderman of Savannah and the election is getting nasty. Her opponent, Kip “Scummy” Seymour is fighting dirty and Reagan is very protective of her Mamma.
Ready to give Kip a piece of her mind, Reagan goes to his office with her Auntie Kiki but when they get there they find him dead as a doornail. To make everything more complicated, all the evidence points to Gloria as his killer. Reagan is convinced someone is framing her Mamma and she intends to find out who and why. With the help of her Auntie, Mamma, and a host of other town friends, the women find themselves getting deeper and deeper into trouble and danger.
Attorney Walker Boone is determined to keep his eye on Reagan and protect her from herself, but she’s not about to let anyone stop her from clearing her Mamma’s good name - least of all the attorney who destroyed her during her divorce proceedings. However, she must admit, despite her own misgivings she does find the man attractive.
What a fun ride this series is! It will keep you laughing and cheering for Reagan and her cohorts through the entire book. Duffy Brown keeps her readers on their toes with so many twists and turns, your head will spin. The author has a true flair for writing snappy dialogue and bringing the reader right into her story. Her characters aren’t just characters in a book, they become friends. I know I felt as if I was visiting with old friends.
Duffy Brown splashes Southern charm and coziness throughout the entire book. Nobody does it better than she does.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Ready to give Kip a piece of her mind, Reagan goes to his office with her Auntie Kiki but when they get there they find him dead as a doornail. To make everything more complicated, all the evidence points to Gloria as his killer. Reagan is convinced someone is framing her Mamma and she intends to find out who and why. With the help of her Auntie, Mamma, and a host of other town friends, the women find themselves getting deeper and deeper into trouble and danger.
Attorney Walker Boone is determined to keep his eye on Reagan and protect her from herself, but she’s not about to let anyone stop her from clearing her Mamma’s good name - least of all the attorney who destroyed her during her divorce proceedings. However, she must admit, despite her own misgivings she does find the man attractive.
What a fun ride this series is! It will keep you laughing and cheering for Reagan and her cohorts through the entire book. Duffy Brown keeps her readers on their toes with so many twists and turns, your head will spin. The author has a true flair for writing snappy dialogue and bringing the reader right into her story. Her characters aren’t just characters in a book, they become friends. I know I felt as if I was visiting with old friends.
Duffy Brown splashes Southern charm and coziness throughout the entire book. Nobody does it better than she does.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 21, 2014
I love this series and it just keeps getting better.
July 22, 2019
I love this series. Kiki and Reagan crack me up as they go out and about solving murders. This time Reagan must find the killer of the man running against her mother for alderman. If she cannot solve it, mama is going up for it. I love how Reagan manages to upset everyone. She leaves Boone befuddled. She is not going to listen to Boone to keep her nose out of it but she knows the cop sent from Atlanta to handle the case is not going to look further than her mom so she does what she must. I have so much fun watching Reagan and Kiki get into trouble and managing to survive.
March 3, 2014
PEARLS AND POISON is a hoot & a half! Duffy Brown's third book in her Consignment Shop Mystery series is a witty and well-crafted whodunit that kept me guessing and giggling until the end.
Reagan Summerside is one of my favorite amateur sleuths. She's likable, funny, and someone I could see being friends with. She's a recent divorcee struggling to make ends meet by running a consignment shop called the Prissy Fox. She often strolls the streets of Savannah with her dog (Bruce Willis) and her giant yellow purse (Old Yeller), daydreaming of being able to pay the water bill. Even though times are tough, Reagan manages to keep her head above water and a smile on her face...but, she also has a knack for ending up in the middle of murder investigations.
This time around, Reagan's mama is in big trouble. Judge "Guillotine Gloria" Summerside is running for city council, and her main opponent ends up dead under suspicious circumstances not long after they have an ugly public altercation. The victim had an enemy list a mile long, so Reagan has her work cut out for her.
Reagan is supported by a cast of memorable secondary characters who add warmth, humor, and intrigue to the story, including her beloved and quirky Aunt KiKi, her best friend Chantilly, a few Seventeenth Street gang members, and the handsome lawyer/potential love interest, Walker Boone. I enjoyed the romantic tension between Walker and Reagan, and after their rocky beginning, I can't wait to see where their relationship goes. It was also wonderful to get to know more about Reagan's mom, including her connection to Walker.
PEARLS AND POISON was a delightful cozy mystery with wonderful characters and a charming Southern setting. Looking forward to my next trip to the Prissy Fox.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Source: Review copy from the publisher
Reagan Summerside is one of my favorite amateur sleuths. She's likable, funny, and someone I could see being friends with. She's a recent divorcee struggling to make ends meet by running a consignment shop called the Prissy Fox. She often strolls the streets of Savannah with her dog (Bruce Willis) and her giant yellow purse (Old Yeller), daydreaming of being able to pay the water bill. Even though times are tough, Reagan manages to keep her head above water and a smile on her face...but, she also has a knack for ending up in the middle of murder investigations.
This time around, Reagan's mama is in big trouble. Judge "Guillotine Gloria" Summerside is running for city council, and her main opponent ends up dead under suspicious circumstances not long after they have an ugly public altercation. The victim had an enemy list a mile long, so Reagan has her work cut out for her.
Reagan is supported by a cast of memorable secondary characters who add warmth, humor, and intrigue to the story, including her beloved and quirky Aunt KiKi, her best friend Chantilly, a few Seventeenth Street gang members, and the handsome lawyer/potential love interest, Walker Boone. I enjoyed the romantic tension between Walker and Reagan, and after their rocky beginning, I can't wait to see where their relationship goes. It was also wonderful to get to know more about Reagan's mom, including her connection to Walker.
PEARLS AND POISON was a delightful cozy mystery with wonderful characters and a charming Southern setting. Looking forward to my next trip to the Prissy Fox.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Source: Review copy from the publisher
April 15, 2015
This was another get story by Duffy Brown. There was a lot to like about the mystery in this story, there were a lot of suspects that I thought each had a perfect good reason why, they would want the victim murdered. I was a little concern at the end though, I was glad it didn't turn out to be who Reagan and Auntie KiKi thought it was, there was just way to many clues pointing in their direction that at moments, I thought, if this person did the murder, their either really not bright or someone I hope, is framing them.
As usual, the characters are what makes this series so good. Reagan and Auntie KiKi, are just as hilarious in the story as they were in the first two books. I'm glad we got to spend more time with Gloria, Reagan's mother in this story. From what has been said and seen of her in the first two books, she is a wonderful character that I hope, is in the next book just as much. I'm glad we got to see a little bit more of Walker Boone's past life come to the front, he is so mysterious that it makes for interesting reading to see, what Duffy brings out about him in each book.
Overall, another great read and I'm looking forward to staring the next book real soon.
As usual, the characters are what makes this series so good. Reagan and Auntie KiKi, are just as hilarious in the story as they were in the first two books. I'm glad we got to spend more time with Gloria, Reagan's mother in this story. From what has been said and seen of her in the first two books, she is a wonderful character that I hope, is in the next book just as much. I'm glad we got to see a little bit more of Walker Boone's past life come to the front, he is so mysterious that it makes for interesting reading to see, what Duffy brings out about him in each book.
Overall, another great read and I'm looking forward to staring the next book real soon.
March 6, 2014
This was Duffy Brown at her best. This is probably my favorite cozy series. Reagan and her antics really keep a person entertained. Pearls and Poison is probably the best in the series yet. When Reagan's mamma is accused of murdering her opponent in the race for Savannah city Alderman, Reagan has to find the real killer. How one person can have as much trouble as Reagan, I'll never know, but it is hilarious and very entertaining. This series if filled with eccentric characters that embody the essence of the south. Throw in the chemistry between Reagan and Boone Walker and this is one great read. I cannot wait for the next book in the Consignment Shop Mystery Series. Please, Duffy, keep the laughs coming!
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.
April 30, 2014
This series makes me laugh!! Are they over-the-top sometimes? Yes! But when they make me smile like these books do, I don't mind. Reagan's mom, the judge, is being framed for the murder of a man who was running against her for alderman. The fact that she was caught punching him in the nose just prior to his demise doesn't help her any. Reagan, Aunt Kiki and Boone are on the case, though Boone would much prefer that Reagan & Kiki let him do the investigating. Fun read and the last chapter was a bit of surprise! RECOMMEND!
March 13, 2014
I love this series, Ms. Brown has a way of writing that you can feel the old southern charm of Savannah but is updated and fresh. The characters in this book are people that I can relate to. Family that will drive you nuts but so lovable. I love Boone, enough said there, and I love the introduction of Mercedes, I hope that we see more of her. The mystery was good with enough twists to keep me guessing until the end. I will definitely read the next when it comes out.
January 16, 2015
What with Judge Gloria running for Alderman and Aunt Kiki trying to get Reagan to help out, you'd think they'd be too busy to get into trouble. But since the Judge is ignoring the mud slinging things just have to fall apart. Reagen is going to end up in more trouble then all her other adventures combined. Just read the book and see for yourself.
March 21, 2014
I love this series. A bit reminiscent of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum, but Southern, smarter, and less repetitive. A good mystery with humor and a hint of romance. Terrific characters who are not caricatures or one-note; in fact, the complexity of the characters is one of the highlights.
January 25, 2025
This is the 3rd book in the Consignment Shop Mystery series. Giving 2 stars because it was slightly better than the second book. I probably should have waited to read this because of the political climate going on right now. This book has to do with an election for a new Alderman, and one of the candidates ends up dead because they were poisoned.
I bookmarked a couple of pages that rubbed me the wrong way:
1.) On page 14 the author skinny shames Office Ross and compared her to looking like a stick. The whole weight thing didn't even need to be included.
2.) Why does everyone comment on Reagan's purse? I've never had anyone tell me that my purse was ugly. And even if it was, they just didn't say anything. All of these people are rude to say shit like that.
3.) Why is Reagan's mother running for alderman? She is a judge, and the goofiest one that I ever heard of. She is supposed to be conservative, and she is running all willy-nilly with her daughter and sister. Stay out of police business. She should know better.
4.) On almost the last page...Boone picks Reagan up and kisses her. I just knew that was going to happen. Ugh. He is such an asshole. I can not stand him at all.
I did, however, agree with this statement found on page 112:
"I hated Facebook. I hated the Zuckerberg guy and the Twitter guy and any communication device with a lower case i in front of it." - same girl, same.
I bookmarked a couple of pages that rubbed me the wrong way:
1.) On page 14 the author skinny shames Office Ross and compared her to looking like a stick. The whole weight thing didn't even need to be included.
2.) Why does everyone comment on Reagan's purse? I've never had anyone tell me that my purse was ugly. And even if it was, they just didn't say anything. All of these people are rude to say shit like that.
3.) Why is Reagan's mother running for alderman? She is a judge, and the goofiest one that I ever heard of. She is supposed to be conservative, and she is running all willy-nilly with her daughter and sister. Stay out of police business. She should know better.
4.) On almost the last page...Boone picks Reagan up and kisses her. I just knew that was going to happen. Ugh. He is such an asshole. I can not stand him at all.
I did, however, agree with this statement found on page 112:
"I hated Facebook. I hated the Zuckerberg guy and the Twitter guy and any communication device with a lower case i in front of it." - same girl, same.
March 23, 2019
This is such a fun, lighthearted, cozy series. There’s plenty of humor and quirky characters full of Southern charm. I laughed out loud numerous times from their endless banter or silly actions. It definitely gives me a very toned down Stephanie Plum vibe. Reagan gets herself in some pretty ridiculous predicaments ... case in point - there’s a potted plant dropped inside a casket during a viewing and she manages to get her eyebrows blown off. If that wasn’t enough, throw in Aunt KiKi, who is a hoot all on her own, sweet Bruce Willis (the hot dog loving canine, not the actor), and bothersome lawyer named Walker Boone - the chemistry between the two of them is killing me!
It also included a really great mystery. It’s centered around local politics so there are plenty of untrustworthy suspects to work your way through. Fans of fashion will also appreciate all of the designer finds that make their way through Reagan’s consignment shop.
The story wrapped up fairly quickly leaving me quite curious to see how a certain relationship will progress in book four, Demise in Denim.
It also included a really great mystery. It’s centered around local politics so there are plenty of untrustworthy suspects to work your way through. Fans of fashion will also appreciate all of the designer finds that make their way through Reagan’s consignment shop.
The story wrapped up fairly quickly leaving me quite curious to see how a certain relationship will progress in book four, Demise in Denim.
December 15, 2020
Well, there's nothing like a Georgia election to add spice to life. (Written in late 2020). In the fictional Savannah city council election in which Regan Summerside's mom is a candidate, the end result is death and laugh-out-loud mayhem.
Ultra-liberal Regan's equally conservative mom is about to shed the robes of judgeship to become part of the city council. Her campaign derails when someone poisons one of the candidates. Reagan's mom, nicknamed Guillotine Gloria, is briefly charged with the murder. Naturally, Reagan and her zany Aunt Ki-Ki will do everything in their power to clear Gloria, and the end result is pages of good humor and fun.
Brown creates Reagan Summerside in such a way that you will become her ardent defender, even when she winds up on her butt in an alley full of rats and garbage. You're so on her side you'd even let her ride in your clean car.
I didn't predict the killer in this book, which adds to its pleasure. But it is quintessentially Southern woman Reagan with her can-do spirit, her great sense of humor, her stack of bills, and so much more that will keep you coming back for more of this series.
Ultra-liberal Regan's equally conservative mom is about to shed the robes of judgeship to become part of the city council. Her campaign derails when someone poisons one of the candidates. Reagan's mom, nicknamed Guillotine Gloria, is briefly charged with the murder. Naturally, Reagan and her zany Aunt Ki-Ki will do everything in their power to clear Gloria, and the end result is pages of good humor and fun.
Brown creates Reagan Summerside in such a way that you will become her ardent defender, even when she winds up on her butt in an alley full of rats and garbage. You're so on her side you'd even let her ride in your clean car.
I didn't predict the killer in this book, which adds to its pleasure. But it is quintessentially Southern woman Reagan with her can-do spirit, her great sense of humor, her stack of bills, and so much more that will keep you coming back for more of this series.
September 1, 2017
With each one of these books I read, I fall more and more in love with the series. Pearls and Poison is fast-paced and full of fun. I enjoyed the mystery plot and the pages practically sizzled whenever there was a scene with Reagan and Boone. Duffy Brown has become one of my favourite cozy mystery authors and I hope this series will continue for a long time.
November 13, 2017
Pearls and Poison by Duffy Brown was fun reading from beginning to end. A deftly plotted mystery that is quickly paced and plenty of suspects for Reagan and Aunt Kiki to check out. The reveal at the end surprising for me because I never guessed who had "done it". I laughed and I cringed for Reagan and Kiki as they were trying to keep "Guillotine Gloria" out of jail.
March 15, 2020
This cozy series is set in Savannah and features Reagan Summerside as the main character. This time Reagan is trying to help her mother after the murder of a man in the same race for alderman as Reagan's mother. The other or somewhat secondary characters are what make the series come alive as they are just so over the top. The book was an easy read.
May 27, 2025
Cute little murder mystery. Really enjoyed the characters. Fun read.
March 6, 2014
This is the third book in Duffy Brown’s popular Consignment Shop Mysteries. It features Reagan Summerside, who is recently divorced, blonde, and the proprietor of a struggling consignment shop she set up in her historic old home—the only thing of value she managed to hang onto in the divorce.
You will know you’re reading something fun right from the start, when Auntie Kiki says "Oh for crying in a bucket, Reagan.... Time to put on your ironclad bloomers get to work," in the second paragraph. The southern folksy expressions are a lot of fun. They appear throughout the story, giving it a fun, lighthearted feel.
Reagan’s ever-present sidekick is her Auntie Kiki, who lives across the street. Kiki is the slightly wacky wife of a golf-obsessed heart surgeon (aka Uncle Putter). We are told "Auntie Kiki was a roadie for Cher back in the day and never quite got off the bus. From time to time she bursts into Cher-isms whether they fit or not."
I enjoyed the first two books in the series. The necessary role of the handsome bad-boy love interest is filled by Walker Boone, a former gang member turned lawyer who is the primary reason Reagan lost almost everything in her divorce. Boone represented her ex-husband. Somehow, in spite of Reagan’s lively hatred for him, Boone seems to show up repeatedly to rescue her from the dizzy and dangerous situations that seem to attract her about every 30 to 50 pages. By the end of this third book, their unlikely relationship is progressing nicely.
This time, the problem arises from Reagan’s mother. Mom is a local judge, not always affectionately known as Guillotine Gloria. She’s running for city council. Her main opponent, referred to as “Scumbag” turns up dead at an inconvenient moment. Judge Gloria is immediately suspected and arrested for the murder. The book plays out as Reagan, Auntie Kiki, and a supporting cast of almost believable odd characters work frantically to clear the judge by finding the real murderer.
As I read this third book in the series, keeping my literary eyes open for things worthy of a reviewer’s comment, I began to realize that the book had gone beyond the normal mildly humorous cozy mystery and was approaching the status of a madcap, zany cozy mystery. Writing a madcap, zany cozy mystery is a real balancing act. At the moment, Janet Evanovich is the queen of the genre, somehow allowing us to suspend our natural disbelief and be vastly amused by the antics of Stephanie Plum and her bizarre associates.
I have to tell you, though; Duffy Brown has the talent to create the same kind of delightful zaniness that whisks you along believing (at least temporarily) the improbable and funny things that take place. I've read many authors who have tried to perform this most elusive balancing act. Duffy Brown does the best job yet. Her characters are not nearly as absurd as Evanovich's, but the pacing and near inevitability of the hilarious crash-and-burn consequences of Reagan's earnest plans work beautifully.
There is also the setting. Savannah, Georgia's quirkiness as presented by Brown is very believable. I have no idea if there is any truth in it at all, but it works for me as presented. I loved the local gossip network, the “kudzu vine,” which is so efficient that by the time Reagan gets home from any misadventure, everyone knows all about it already. It’s also fun to have Twitter and FaceBook play a big part in feeding the kudzu vine. I haven’t seen that reality of modern life mentioned in many cozy mysteries yet.
There is a lot to like in this book and this series. It is wildly funny without going over the top in its efforts to amuse us. The series has a lot of room left for new things to happen. The Reagan-Boone romance, for one, will take a while to fully develop, and even this he-man male reader is interested in what will eventually happen. The murders so far in all three books make sense. Too many cozy mystery series have to invent increasingly unlikely situations to bring about murders for our heroes to solve. So far, that isn’t a problem with this series.
Too many series also seem to wear out their charm and the potential for continuing interest after three or four books. I don’t see that happening here.
I am anxiously waiting for the next installment. Get to work, Ms. Brown! Your fans are waiting for the further adventures of Reagan and Auntie Kiki.
You will know you’re reading something fun right from the start, when Auntie Kiki says "Oh for crying in a bucket, Reagan.... Time to put on your ironclad bloomers get to work," in the second paragraph. The southern folksy expressions are a lot of fun. They appear throughout the story, giving it a fun, lighthearted feel.
Reagan’s ever-present sidekick is her Auntie Kiki, who lives across the street. Kiki is the slightly wacky wife of a golf-obsessed heart surgeon (aka Uncle Putter). We are told "Auntie Kiki was a roadie for Cher back in the day and never quite got off the bus. From time to time she bursts into Cher-isms whether they fit or not."
I enjoyed the first two books in the series. The necessary role of the handsome bad-boy love interest is filled by Walker Boone, a former gang member turned lawyer who is the primary reason Reagan lost almost everything in her divorce. Boone represented her ex-husband. Somehow, in spite of Reagan’s lively hatred for him, Boone seems to show up repeatedly to rescue her from the dizzy and dangerous situations that seem to attract her about every 30 to 50 pages. By the end of this third book, their unlikely relationship is progressing nicely.
This time, the problem arises from Reagan’s mother. Mom is a local judge, not always affectionately known as Guillotine Gloria. She’s running for city council. Her main opponent, referred to as “Scumbag” turns up dead at an inconvenient moment. Judge Gloria is immediately suspected and arrested for the murder. The book plays out as Reagan, Auntie Kiki, and a supporting cast of almost believable odd characters work frantically to clear the judge by finding the real murderer.
As I read this third book in the series, keeping my literary eyes open for things worthy of a reviewer’s comment, I began to realize that the book had gone beyond the normal mildly humorous cozy mystery and was approaching the status of a madcap, zany cozy mystery. Writing a madcap, zany cozy mystery is a real balancing act. At the moment, Janet Evanovich is the queen of the genre, somehow allowing us to suspend our natural disbelief and be vastly amused by the antics of Stephanie Plum and her bizarre associates.
I have to tell you, though; Duffy Brown has the talent to create the same kind of delightful zaniness that whisks you along believing (at least temporarily) the improbable and funny things that take place. I've read many authors who have tried to perform this most elusive balancing act. Duffy Brown does the best job yet. Her characters are not nearly as absurd as Evanovich's, but the pacing and near inevitability of the hilarious crash-and-burn consequences of Reagan's earnest plans work beautifully.
There is also the setting. Savannah, Georgia's quirkiness as presented by Brown is very believable. I have no idea if there is any truth in it at all, but it works for me as presented. I loved the local gossip network, the “kudzu vine,” which is so efficient that by the time Reagan gets home from any misadventure, everyone knows all about it already. It’s also fun to have Twitter and FaceBook play a big part in feeding the kudzu vine. I haven’t seen that reality of modern life mentioned in many cozy mysteries yet.
There is a lot to like in this book and this series. It is wildly funny without going over the top in its efforts to amuse us. The series has a lot of room left for new things to happen. The Reagan-Boone romance, for one, will take a while to fully develop, and even this he-man male reader is interested in what will eventually happen. The murders so far in all three books make sense. Too many cozy mystery series have to invent increasingly unlikely situations to bring about murders for our heroes to solve. So far, that isn’t a problem with this series.
Too many series also seem to wear out their charm and the potential for continuing interest after three or four books. I don’t see that happening here.
I am anxiously waiting for the next installment. Get to work, Ms. Brown! Your fans are waiting for the further adventures of Reagan and Auntie Kiki.
March 14, 2014
Reagan is back at it in Book 3 in The Consignment Shop Mysteries. This time though, the murder suspect is none other than mayor-elect, Gloria Summerside - Reagan's mom, who's also a local judge. After meeting with another mayoral candidate, Gloria tells the public that she's going to extend the olive branch to her competition and not long after she goes to his headquarters, Kip Seymour is found dead. And the bottle of wine Gloria has given to Seymour as a gift is the murder weapon, having been laced with poison.
Humor abounds in this novel about murder, set-ups, deceit, and family chaos. The humor was well placed and kept the book from becoming overly serious. The death of a mayor candidate and a judge being the main subject are pretty heavy situations that could have easily sent this book over the edge of cozy mystery right into the jagged rocks of a suspense or thriller mystery. I find that I love the balance between the humor and elements of the mystery and wouldn't want the author to change her style.
The heroine, Reagan, is snarky, funny, and very enjoyable. Her love/hate relationship with Walker Boone is written so well. There are definitely dynamics at work between them but do we get to see more from them in Book 3? You'll have to read the book yourself.
Her aunt KiKi, a southern socialite that teaches dancing classes in her home, is Reagan's partner-in-crime-solving. She's married to a cardiologist and said crime solving has to be done on the sly. Thank goodness he's gone a lot at "conferences" (aka golf outings). Kiki is a martini-aholic and is just as humorous as Reagan.
Walker Boone sounds like a typical lawyer but he has made huge strides as a friend and protector as the series progresses. He definitely has some redeeming qualities and shows up at some of the best times to help/save/annoy Reagan. His love/hate relationship with Reagan sometimes reminds the reader of the little boys on the playground in elementary school - they pull pigtails or tease because they like the girl on the receiving end of the negative attention. All-in-all Boone is a fantastic hero/nemesis to Reagan's heroine character.
I wasn't at all clued in to who the the culprit(s) was/were until the end when all was revealed. Duffy places some strategically placed red herrings that successfully take the reader down another avenue. The world building continues in this pretty close Savannah town but Duffy does a great job keeping most things new and fresh. Reagan Summerside, amateur detective/trouble maker/murder magnet was exhausting in a couple of places (you can only take a heroine making the same dumb decisions over and over before getting to that point) but they are minute in stature. I find that now that I'm writing this review, I can't even place exactly where the problems were in the novel; they are there but I haven't been dwelling on them, so they must not fully drag away from the story (and I didn't write them down when I was taking notes - yes, I take notes).
Duffy is an excellent writer and just gets better with this addition to the series. This third installment of the Consignment Shop Mysteries does not disappoint!
I'm a big ban of cozy mysteries - they are one of my favorite genres, in fact - and this book fits in nicely. No sex, no language issues, no gory details, very little violence.
Paperback Review Copy Courtesy of the Author, Duffy Brown, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review.
Humor abounds in this novel about murder, set-ups, deceit, and family chaos. The humor was well placed and kept the book from becoming overly serious. The death of a mayor candidate and a judge being the main subject are pretty heavy situations that could have easily sent this book over the edge of cozy mystery right into the jagged rocks of a suspense or thriller mystery. I find that I love the balance between the humor and elements of the mystery and wouldn't want the author to change her style.
The heroine, Reagan, is snarky, funny, and very enjoyable. Her love/hate relationship with Walker Boone is written so well. There are definitely dynamics at work between them but do we get to see more from them in Book 3? You'll have to read the book yourself.
Her aunt KiKi, a southern socialite that teaches dancing classes in her home, is Reagan's partner-in-crime-solving. She's married to a cardiologist and said crime solving has to be done on the sly. Thank goodness he's gone a lot at "conferences" (aka golf outings). Kiki is a martini-aholic and is just as humorous as Reagan.
Walker Boone sounds like a typical lawyer but he has made huge strides as a friend and protector as the series progresses. He definitely has some redeeming qualities and shows up at some of the best times to help/save/annoy Reagan. His love/hate relationship with Reagan sometimes reminds the reader of the little boys on the playground in elementary school - they pull pigtails or tease because they like the girl on the receiving end of the negative attention. All-in-all Boone is a fantastic hero/nemesis to Reagan's heroine character.
I wasn't at all clued in to who the the culprit(s) was/were until the end when all was revealed. Duffy places some strategically placed red herrings that successfully take the reader down another avenue. The world building continues in this pretty close Savannah town but Duffy does a great job keeping most things new and fresh. Reagan Summerside, amateur detective/trouble maker/murder magnet was exhausting in a couple of places (you can only take a heroine making the same dumb decisions over and over before getting to that point) but they are minute in stature. I find that now that I'm writing this review, I can't even place exactly where the problems were in the novel; they are there but I haven't been dwelling on them, so they must not fully drag away from the story (and I didn't write them down when I was taking notes - yes, I take notes).
Duffy is an excellent writer and just gets better with this addition to the series. This third installment of the Consignment Shop Mysteries does not disappoint!
I'm a big ban of cozy mysteries - they are one of my favorite genres, in fact - and this book fits in nicely. No sex, no language issues, no gory details, very little violence.
Paperback Review Copy Courtesy of the Author, Duffy Brown, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2014
If you start reading this book, be ready for some crazy Southern ladies, southern charm, foodstuffs, lots of quaint sayings, and typical Southern guilt trips between family members.
Gloria is doing what she can to keep her head above water, working in her consignment shop, wearing clothes and shoes that are falling apart, in the hopes of being able to pay the next water bill, or electricity bill, or whatever. In tourist season she manages some ghost tours, but now that it is getting colder, she really needs to make some serious money. So having to help her mother with her run for Alderman, is not really something she wants to do. But of course, she has no choice in the matter. When her mother’s main competitor comes into their campaign headquarters, boasting about his next sleazy move against her mother, her mother flips. And then she needs to make up for it, and try to get Kip to stop his next campaign advertisement besmirching her good name. But Kip ends up dead, and her mother is the police’s main suspect. Of course, being a judge, means that Gloria has enemies a plenty. The bad guys she sent to prison and their friends and family as well.
The town brings in a police detective from outside, to handle the case fairly, but the man is set against her mother from the start. And so Regan has no choice but to start investigating by herself, and of course with the help of her dear auntie KiKi and some other friends. Her mother doesn’t want her to, she has faith in the system as a judge, and her mother’s lawyer Boone certainly wants her to stay out of things. She only makes people suspicious and clam up, so how can he find the real killer if he has to get her out of trouble time and again?
But Regan does manage to find some leads and suspects, and yes she does get in trouble big time.
I enjoyed this third book in the series a lot; the characters are over the top but still believable and fun to hang out with. The plot was good and I really did not guess who the real killer was before it was almost too late. It was very well done by Duffy Brown to keep me guessing like that. I liked Mercedes, a new friend Regan makes.
I wonder if there will ever be a relationship between Regan and Boone, she certainly is not ready for that yet. Her slimy ex-husband is still trying to sell her beloved Cherry House out from under her, and Regan will do whatever she can to keep it and make it beautiful again.
Regan also helps her friends as much as she can, in finding a job or love or whatever they need. She is a good person, and I like her. She does her best.
This is a fun cozy mystery series, and I hope there will be many more. These books are pure entertainment and it is all written so lively and vivid, I will recognize some things when I will ever be able to visit there.
9 stars.
Gloria is doing what she can to keep her head above water, working in her consignment shop, wearing clothes and shoes that are falling apart, in the hopes of being able to pay the next water bill, or electricity bill, or whatever. In tourist season she manages some ghost tours, but now that it is getting colder, she really needs to make some serious money. So having to help her mother with her run for Alderman, is not really something she wants to do. But of course, she has no choice in the matter. When her mother’s main competitor comes into their campaign headquarters, boasting about his next sleazy move against her mother, her mother flips. And then she needs to make up for it, and try to get Kip to stop his next campaign advertisement besmirching her good name. But Kip ends up dead, and her mother is the police’s main suspect. Of course, being a judge, means that Gloria has enemies a plenty. The bad guys she sent to prison and their friends and family as well.
The town brings in a police detective from outside, to handle the case fairly, but the man is set against her mother from the start. And so Regan has no choice but to start investigating by herself, and of course with the help of her dear auntie KiKi and some other friends. Her mother doesn’t want her to, she has faith in the system as a judge, and her mother’s lawyer Boone certainly wants her to stay out of things. She only makes people suspicious and clam up, so how can he find the real killer if he has to get her out of trouble time and again?
But Regan does manage to find some leads and suspects, and yes she does get in trouble big time.
I enjoyed this third book in the series a lot; the characters are over the top but still believable and fun to hang out with. The plot was good and I really did not guess who the real killer was before it was almost too late. It was very well done by Duffy Brown to keep me guessing like that. I liked Mercedes, a new friend Regan makes.
I wonder if there will ever be a relationship between Regan and Boone, she certainly is not ready for that yet. Her slimy ex-husband is still trying to sell her beloved Cherry House out from under her, and Regan will do whatever she can to keep it and make it beautiful again.
Regan also helps her friends as much as she can, in finding a job or love or whatever they need. She is a good person, and I like her. She does her best.
This is a fun cozy mystery series, and I hope there will be many more. These books are pure entertainment and it is all written so lively and vivid, I will recognize some things when I will ever be able to visit there.
9 stars.
© 2014 Reviews by Aurian
April 25, 2014
This fun little book was my first Goodreads author giveaway and I was tickled pink to win! Accordingly, I would like to thank the author, Duffy Brown, for her generosity and Goodreads for the opportunity.
For precisely the same reason that I enjoy the Stephanie Plum series, I enjoyed this book. Quirky, clumsy, and endearingly "broke"-but-proud divorcee solves crimes and eats pastries with the help of her motley crew. What could possibly be wrong with that? Upgrade the hampster to a dog and the Jersey accent with a drawl... And you've got your story. While Evanovich provides a little more steam, Ms. Brown offers the Southernisms we Southerners adore. And "kudzu vine" makes so much more sense than a grape vine anyway- everyone knows you can't stop kudzu with even the greatest determination and your cutest gardening outfit.
It was as if Stephanie Plum traveled South of the Mason Dixon, got highlights, and learned to dance. I must admit that the parallels to Eavnovich's novels and the (arguably) over-the-top Southernisms had me saying "Say what!?" for the first few pages. However, I found myself eager to discover what would happen next, enjoying the unfolding of events, and relating to many of the nuances of family and relationships. I also enjoyed the sights unique to Savannah. I drink Wild Turkey and have been to Zunzi's (incredible, btw) so the text touched home once or twice (not to mention the countless number of times when I have been told to touch up my roots for my mother's sake). It's always fun to read a book and see little pieces from you own life.
If I were pressed to identify a weakness, it would probably be the relatively stereoytyped and caricatured Black characters (not unique to just this book, but something I see from many authors). Although Ms Brown captured many accessible elements, it would make me happy to see interactions a little less stereotypical and superficial. These complaints are likely irrelevant to many readers and could be dismissed by anyone pointing out that none of the characters appear especially endowed with much depth and could all be viewed as stereotypes or caricatures.
All that said, If you're looking for an easy, entertaining escape that doesn't demand too much from you and feels a little like home... then give Pearls and Poison a shot. I'm mighty glad I did!
For precisely the same reason that I enjoy the Stephanie Plum series, I enjoyed this book. Quirky, clumsy, and endearingly "broke"-but-proud divorcee solves crimes and eats pastries with the help of her motley crew. What could possibly be wrong with that? Upgrade the hampster to a dog and the Jersey accent with a drawl... And you've got your story. While Evanovich provides a little more steam, Ms. Brown offers the Southernisms we Southerners adore. And "kudzu vine" makes so much more sense than a grape vine anyway- everyone knows you can't stop kudzu with even the greatest determination and your cutest gardening outfit.
It was as if Stephanie Plum traveled South of the Mason Dixon, got highlights, and learned to dance. I must admit that the parallels to Eavnovich's novels and the (arguably) over-the-top Southernisms had me saying "Say what!?" for the first few pages. However, I found myself eager to discover what would happen next, enjoying the unfolding of events, and relating to many of the nuances of family and relationships. I also enjoyed the sights unique to Savannah. I drink Wild Turkey and have been to Zunzi's (incredible, btw) so the text touched home once or twice (not to mention the countless number of times when I have been told to touch up my roots for my mother's sake). It's always fun to read a book and see little pieces from you own life.
If I were pressed to identify a weakness, it would probably be the relatively stereoytyped and caricatured Black characters (not unique to just this book, but something I see from many authors). Although Ms Brown captured many accessible elements, it would make me happy to see interactions a little less stereotypical and superficial. These complaints are likely irrelevant to many readers and could be dismissed by anyone pointing out that none of the characters appear especially endowed with much depth and could all be viewed as stereotypes or caricatures.
All that said, If you're looking for an easy, entertaining escape that doesn't demand too much from you and feels a little like home... then give Pearls and Poison a shot. I'm mighty glad I did!
February 15, 2014
It's election time in Savannah, Georgia, and Judge Guillotine Gloria~~aka Reagan Summerside's mom~~is neck and neck in the polls with Kip "Scummy" Seymour. But the already dirty campaign is about to get downright filthy~~with one candidate getting buried six feet under...
With her strong opinions and knack for getting into trouble, Reagan is not an ideal volunteer for her mother's alderman campaign. Plus, she'd rather be running her consignment shop, the Prissy Fox, and eating doughnuts with her dog, Bruce Willis. But when her mother's opponent, Kip, is found poisoned and her mother is pegged as a suspect, Reagan nominates herself as lead murder investigator.
Reagan is intent on finding Kip's killer and clearing her mother's good name, but she soon finds herself on the bad side of Kip's enemies-turned-suspects. This time, no amount of costumes and makeup can keep her inconspicuous and out of danger. Because the closer Reagan gets to the truth, the hotter things get...
My Thoughts...
Duffy Brown has written a fun folksy, southern comfort, cozy mystery with Reagan as a spunky heroine. The book contains lots of humor, plenty of intrigue, and lots of suspense.
This is the third book in this series, but it is still a stand-alone book. Auntie Kiki is back, she is a fun character always spouting off her Cher quotes, whether they fit the situation or not and she is still giving her dance lessons.... And than, Walker Boone is back with all the fun and high jinks between him and Reagan, I smell a romance hatching between them, just enough sexual tension to keep the story fun. The book is filled with a lot of quirky characters that keeps the story moving along through the streets of Savannah, Georgia.
This book was provided to me by the author, Duffy Brown, to read and give an honest review. Thanks Duffy for a few fun-filled days visiting old friends in Savannah, Georgia.
I enjoyed this book enough to award it 4 Southern Comfort Stars.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading and reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers and authors I am under no obligation to write a positive review.
With her strong opinions and knack for getting into trouble, Reagan is not an ideal volunteer for her mother's alderman campaign. Plus, she'd rather be running her consignment shop, the Prissy Fox, and eating doughnuts with her dog, Bruce Willis. But when her mother's opponent, Kip, is found poisoned and her mother is pegged as a suspect, Reagan nominates herself as lead murder investigator.
Reagan is intent on finding Kip's killer and clearing her mother's good name, but she soon finds herself on the bad side of Kip's enemies-turned-suspects. This time, no amount of costumes and makeup can keep her inconspicuous and out of danger. Because the closer Reagan gets to the truth, the hotter things get...
My Thoughts...
Duffy Brown has written a fun folksy, southern comfort, cozy mystery with Reagan as a spunky heroine. The book contains lots of humor, plenty of intrigue, and lots of suspense.
This is the third book in this series, but it is still a stand-alone book. Auntie Kiki is back, she is a fun character always spouting off her Cher quotes, whether they fit the situation or not and she is still giving her dance lessons.... And than, Walker Boone is back with all the fun and high jinks between him and Reagan, I smell a romance hatching between them, just enough sexual tension to keep the story fun. The book is filled with a lot of quirky characters that keeps the story moving along through the streets of Savannah, Georgia.
This book was provided to me by the author, Duffy Brown, to read and give an honest review. Thanks Duffy for a few fun-filled days visiting old friends in Savannah, Georgia.
I enjoyed this book enough to award it 4 Southern Comfort Stars.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading and reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers and authors I am under no obligation to write a positive review.
June 24, 2014
Pearls and Poison (A Consignment Shop Mystery)
By Duffy Brown
Berkley Prime Crime
March 2014
A Consignment Shop Mystery ~ Book 2
Reagan Summerside, owner of the upscale consignment shop, The Prissy Fox, is campaigning for her mother, Judge “Guillotine” Gloria Summerside, who is running for alderman. One of the two men competing against Gloria, Kipling “Scummy” Seymour, is running a very dirty, underhanded, and untrue campaign, and the idiot makes it a point to come to Gloria’s election headquarters to inform her it is going to get a lot dirtier. The two contestants have quite a verbal battle in front of witnesses, and after Kip leaves Gloria decides to take him a bottle of honey bourbon, his favorite, and try to make peace with him. It isn’t too much later that Kit is dead on the floor, and guess who the prime suspect is. Detective Ross has to arrest Gloria for murder, and she also arrests the judge’s sister, Kiki, for general purposes.
It seems like everyplace that Reagan goes she keeps running into attorney Walker Boone, mainly because he is pulling her out of one jam after another. She just won’t stay out of this mystery, and when she and her Aunt Kiki go out to hunt a killer together, it’s a wonder they both aren’t strangled by somebody. Neither Reagan nor Kiki seem to grasp how evil the villain is that they are trying to find.
Pearls and Poison is pure slapstick style entertainment. Duffy Brown has generated a true puzzler and the killer could be one of umpteen suspects. Seymour was not popular with the local business people because of the way he ran roughshod over them; his wife, “Money” Honey was aware of his infidelities; and, the third candidate in this political race had some real personal issues with “Scummy”. Ms. Brown wraps the whodunit up neatly and has a surprise ending that will have repercussions in the next volume of A Consignment Shop Mystery. There is something brewing between Reagan and Boone; and, Reagan and Kiki will continue to risk life and limb solving future mysteries.
Betty Cox, Staff Reviewer
ReaderToReader.com
March 14, 2014
A girl has gotta do all she can to help her Mamma, no matter what it necessitates.
It’s election time in Savannah and Reagan Summerside’s mom, Judge Gloria, is running for a city council seat. The front-runner is Kip “Scummy” Seymour and the race is getting dirty. Reagan only wants to run her consignment shop, the Prissy Fox, rather than manning the phone in support of her Mamma’s campaign.
When Reagan and her Auntie Kiki go to confront Kip about his dirty politics, they find him dead and all the evidence is pointing to Gloria as the killer. Reagan knows her Mamma and is determined to find who’s framing her for murder. As she searches for the real killer, Reagan gets deeper into trouble and closer to danger.
Attorney Walker Boone tries to keep an eye on Reagan as she begins snooping, but Reagan’s not too fond of him since he destroyed her during her divorce proceeding. But, despite herself, she begins to find him quite attractive.
Author Duffy Brown write with Southern flare and charm. Her characters are quirky, but so realistic they seem like neighbors you know. The secondary characters add depth and allure to the story.
With an eye for detail, Brown brings the reader into the story and holds them spellbound. She weaves numerous twists and turns to keep you guessing. The story flows smoothly, at a steady pace with a rich blend of humor and suspense.
PEARLS AND POISON is the third installment in the Consignment Shop Mystery series, but can be read on its own. New readers aren’t left in the dark without having read the prior installments and returning fans will enjoy visiting familiar faces.
The setting and Southern hospitality is brought to life as Brown sets her protagonist on a course for a humorous and suspenseful tale.
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me as part of the author's blog tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
It’s election time in Savannah and Reagan Summerside’s mom, Judge Gloria, is running for a city council seat. The front-runner is Kip “Scummy” Seymour and the race is getting dirty. Reagan only wants to run her consignment shop, the Prissy Fox, rather than manning the phone in support of her Mamma’s campaign.
When Reagan and her Auntie Kiki go to confront Kip about his dirty politics, they find him dead and all the evidence is pointing to Gloria as the killer. Reagan knows her Mamma and is determined to find who’s framing her for murder. As she searches for the real killer, Reagan gets deeper into trouble and closer to danger.
Attorney Walker Boone tries to keep an eye on Reagan as she begins snooping, but Reagan’s not too fond of him since he destroyed her during her divorce proceeding. But, despite herself, she begins to find him quite attractive.
Author Duffy Brown write with Southern flare and charm. Her characters are quirky, but so realistic they seem like neighbors you know. The secondary characters add depth and allure to the story.
With an eye for detail, Brown brings the reader into the story and holds them spellbound. She weaves numerous twists and turns to keep you guessing. The story flows smoothly, at a steady pace with a rich blend of humor and suspense.
PEARLS AND POISON is the third installment in the Consignment Shop Mystery series, but can be read on its own. New readers aren’t left in the dark without having read the prior installments and returning fans will enjoy visiting familiar faces.
The setting and Southern hospitality is brought to life as Brown sets her protagonist on a course for a humorous and suspenseful tale.
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me as part of the author's blog tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
March 7, 2014
A fun read!
It's election time iin Savannah, Ga. and Reagan's mother, Judge "Guillotine Gloria" Summerfield is in a tightly contested race for Alderman with Kip Seymour. Seymour is a crooked scum bucket through and through, and he comes to Gloria's campaign headquarters to tell Judge Summerfield about his new campaign ad that will just about ruin her chances to win the race. Gloria loses her temper at his lies and says things she shouldn't have. Later that day she feels remorse and she and Reagan go to Seymour's headquarters to apologize. When Reagan and Gloria go into his office they find him dead from apparent poisoning. Quite naturally, the police feel that Gloria is the killer and they are way more interested in getting more evidence to arrest her, rather than looking for any other possible suspects.
So it's time for Reagan and her Aunt Kiki to go undercover to sort out the truth. They soon find that there many suspects to look at, from the other contractors that were losing jobs because of being under bid, to the campaign worker who was Seymour's lover, to his a power hungry wife.
This is the third book in this series, and I've enjoyed all three. If you're looking for a lot of Southern charm, humorous and witty dialog, a wonderful setting in the historic Savannah district and warm, eccentric, lovable characters, this is the book and series for you. Duffy Brown does an amazing job with Reagan Summerfield, Kiki, her aunt, BW her doggy, Boone Walker, the hot attorney and possible love interest ( I hope) for Reagan, Chantilly, Reagan's best friend, and all the other colorful Savannah
friends and enemies of the Summerfields.
There was enough madness, mayhem and red herrings thrown in and the mystery was so well thought out, that I didn't guess who the killer was.
I'll be looking forward to the next book.
It's election time iin Savannah, Ga. and Reagan's mother, Judge "Guillotine Gloria" Summerfield is in a tightly contested race for Alderman with Kip Seymour. Seymour is a crooked scum bucket through and through, and he comes to Gloria's campaign headquarters to tell Judge Summerfield about his new campaign ad that will just about ruin her chances to win the race. Gloria loses her temper at his lies and says things she shouldn't have. Later that day she feels remorse and she and Reagan go to Seymour's headquarters to apologize. When Reagan and Gloria go into his office they find him dead from apparent poisoning. Quite naturally, the police feel that Gloria is the killer and they are way more interested in getting more evidence to arrest her, rather than looking for any other possible suspects.
So it's time for Reagan and her Aunt Kiki to go undercover to sort out the truth. They soon find that there many suspects to look at, from the other contractors that were losing jobs because of being under bid, to the campaign worker who was Seymour's lover, to his a power hungry wife.
This is the third book in this series, and I've enjoyed all three. If you're looking for a lot of Southern charm, humorous and witty dialog, a wonderful setting in the historic Savannah district and warm, eccentric, lovable characters, this is the book and series for you. Duffy Brown does an amazing job with Reagan Summerfield, Kiki, her aunt, BW her doggy, Boone Walker, the hot attorney and possible love interest ( I hope) for Reagan, Chantilly, Reagan's best friend, and all the other colorful Savannah
friends and enemies of the Summerfields.
There was enough madness, mayhem and red herrings thrown in and the mystery was so well thought out, that I didn't guess who the killer was.
I'll be looking forward to the next book.
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