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Costume Shop Mystery #1
A Disguise to Die For
Someone is dressed to kill in the debut Costume Shop Mystery from the national bestselling author of the Material Witness mysteries.
No sooner does former magician’s assistant Margo Tamblyn return home to Proper City, Nevada, to run Disguise DeLimit, the family-owned costume shop, than she gets her first big order. Wealthy nuisance Blitz Manners needs forty costumes for a detective-themed birthday bash. As for Blitz himself, his Sherlock Holmes is to-die-for—literally—when, in the middle of the festivities, Margo’s friend and party planner Ebony Welles is caught brandishing a bloody carving knife over a very dead Blitz.
For Margo, clearing Ebony’s name is anything but elementary, especially after Ebony flees town. Now Margo is left to play real-life detective in a town full of masked motives, cloaked secrets, and veiled vendettas. But as she soon learns, even a killer disguise can't hide a murderer in plain sight for long.
FIRST IN A NEW SERIES!
No sooner does former magician’s assistant Margo Tamblyn return home to Proper City, Nevada, to run Disguise DeLimit, the family-owned costume shop, than she gets her first big order. Wealthy nuisance Blitz Manners needs forty costumes for a detective-themed birthday bash. As for Blitz himself, his Sherlock Holmes is to-die-for—literally—when, in the middle of the festivities, Margo’s friend and party planner Ebony Welles is caught brandishing a bloody carving knife over a very dead Blitz.
For Margo, clearing Ebony’s name is anything but elementary, especially after Ebony flees town. Now Margo is left to play real-life detective in a town full of masked motives, cloaked secrets, and veiled vendettas. But as she soon learns, even a killer disguise can't hide a murderer in plain sight for long.
FIRST IN A NEW SERIES!
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 2, 2016
62 people are currently reading
2260 people want to read
About the author
Diane Vallere
84 books1,013 followersRequest MURDER ON A MOON TREK on NetGalley: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...
I use Goodreads to track my reading and TBR list. For that reason, my rating scale is less important. I don't force myself to finish books, and I don't rate books I DNF. Each year I choose my own BOTY from my have-read list.
AUTHOR BIO: Diane Vallere is the national bestselling author of several mystery series. She edited the Agatha Award-winning essay collection Promophobia: Taking the Mystery out of Promoting Crime Fiction. Diane majored in art history at the College of William and Mary and worked in luxury retailing before reigniting her love of fiction. She currently lives in Pennsylvania. Find out more at: www.dianevallere.com.
Amazon: http://bit.ly/DianeVallere
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3aVXczm
YouTube: https://bit.ly/2RfiyAE
I use Goodreads to track my reading and TBR list. For that reason, my rating scale is less important. I don't force myself to finish books, and I don't rate books I DNF. Each year I choose my own BOTY from my have-read list.
AUTHOR BIO: Diane Vallere is the national bestselling author of several mystery series. She edited the Agatha Award-winning essay collection Promophobia: Taking the Mystery out of Promoting Crime Fiction. Diane majored in art history at the College of William and Mary and worked in luxury retailing before reigniting her love of fiction. She currently lives in Pennsylvania. Find out more at: www.dianevallere.com.
Amazon: http://bit.ly/DianeVallere
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3aVXczm
YouTube: https://bit.ly/2RfiyAE
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
February 20, 2016
Margo Tamblyn is returning home to Proper City, Nevada, to help out at Disguise DeLimit after her father had a heart attack. She has hardly arrived back before they get a big order. Wealthy Blitz Manners needs forty costumes for a detective-themed birthday party. Unfortunately, Blitz manage to get himself killed on his own party and Margo’s friend and mother figure Ebony Welles is the cops nr 1 suspect. Now Margo must do whatever it takes to find the real killer.
This is the first Diane Vallere I have read and I found it quite charming. A Disguise to Die For is the kind of book that is perfect as a between books to read. When one need something relaxing but still engaging to read. I mean we have a main character that loves to dress in costume all the time, the 50s clothes one day, Native American the next. And, I just love that there is a district in town named after Winnie the Pooh characters.
And, Ebony having a dog called Ivory. That is just perfect. The mystery was also good, several suspects, red herrings and in the end, a big confrontation. Just the way I like it.
All and all, a good read and a series I would gladly read more books from.
I want to thank Liz D Publicity for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
This is the first Diane Vallere I have read and I found it quite charming. A Disguise to Die For is the kind of book that is perfect as a between books to read. When one need something relaxing but still engaging to read. I mean we have a main character that loves to dress in costume all the time, the 50s clothes one day, Native American the next. And, I just love that there is a district in town named after Winnie the Pooh characters.
My dad had said that Blitz Manners lived in the mansion at the end of Winnie Lane, but it turned out he was slightly mistaken. The large white mansion sat at the intersection of Winnie Lane and Pooh Bear Drive, making it the house at Pooh Corner. I wondered how that looked on an engraved invitation!
And, Ebony having a dog called Ivory. That is just perfect. The mystery was also good, several suspects, red herrings and in the end, a big confrontation. Just the way I like it.
All and all, a good read and a series I would gladly read more books from.
I want to thank Liz D Publicity for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
February 2, 2016
Margo Tamblyn returns home to help her father with the family costume shop, Disguise DeLimit, in time to put together a bunch of detective costumes for a birthday party. But when the guest of honor is murdered in the kitchen and Margo’s good friend Ebony is the prime suspect, Margo has to put her own detective costume on to find the killer.
This was a fantastic start to a new series. The plot was great with many twists and surprises before we reached the logical conclusion. The characters were stronger and had more depth than many characters in long running series do. And the costume element was just plain fun, as I expected it would be. I can’t wait to revisit these characters again soon.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This was a fantastic start to a new series. The plot was great with many twists and surprises before we reached the logical conclusion. The characters were stronger and had more depth than many characters in long running series do. And the costume element was just plain fun, as I expected it would be. I can’t wait to revisit these characters again soon.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
February 14, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Disguise is the limit!! This is a soaring debut!
Margo Tamblyn had a very interesting upbringing. She lost her mother at birth and grew up with her father running their costume shop, Disguise DeLimit. From an early age and still today Margo wears costumes or parts of costumes as her everyday attire. She marches to her own drummer and is stronger than she knows. She has been working in Las Vegas as a magician’s assistant, but after her father suffers a heart attack she quickly finds a replacement and comes home. She wants to look after her father but knows she has to keep the store open. She is unsure about her father’s finances but is sure his recent trip to the hospital left him with some bills to pay. When Blitz Manners enters the store demanding she pull together 40 costumes for his birthday party as soon as possible she is thrilled to do so. It is a detective-themed party so she starts putting costumes together for Sherlock Holmes, Kojak, Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew and more. What she wasn’t expecting was the birthday boy to end up dead before the end of the party and her party planning friend Ebony to be accused of his murder. Margo decides she needs to actually become a detective, not just look like she plays one on t.v. Her friend needs her help and she is going to find the real killer.
What a great story!! I have been looking forward to this book since I first saw the cover. Disguise DeLimit is quite a store with every costume imaginable and if they don’t have what you want they will custom make it for you. I really like Margo but her father is great person too. He has kept this shop going through thick and thin. His favorite part is traveling to find new costumes for the store. That part has taken a back seat since Margo moved away but he does take a very interesting trip in this book. Ebony, who has a dog named Ivory, that is him on the cover, helped raise Margo and is a mother figure to her. She is a very unique individual with a huge heart. We also meet Tak Hoshiyama but you have to read about him yourself, he starts out as a bit of a mystery and I don’t want to spoil that.
The plot and subplots are excellent. The mystery is kind of a closed room mystery but there are so many suspects and they are all in costume so figuring out the real culprit is no easy task. It came together for me after Margo figured it out. There were so many twists and diversions but it all came together perfectly. I was just not puzzling things out well at all :)
There is a Special Preview of the next book in the series, Masking For Trouble, coming in October and great costume ideas and recipes in the back of the book too!
If you are looking for something fun to read this is a perfect choice!
Disguise is the limit!! This is a soaring debut!
Margo Tamblyn had a very interesting upbringing. She lost her mother at birth and grew up with her father running their costume shop, Disguise DeLimit. From an early age and still today Margo wears costumes or parts of costumes as her everyday attire. She marches to her own drummer and is stronger than she knows. She has been working in Las Vegas as a magician’s assistant, but after her father suffers a heart attack she quickly finds a replacement and comes home. She wants to look after her father but knows she has to keep the store open. She is unsure about her father’s finances but is sure his recent trip to the hospital left him with some bills to pay. When Blitz Manners enters the store demanding she pull together 40 costumes for his birthday party as soon as possible she is thrilled to do so. It is a detective-themed party so she starts putting costumes together for Sherlock Holmes, Kojak, Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew and more. What she wasn’t expecting was the birthday boy to end up dead before the end of the party and her party planning friend Ebony to be accused of his murder. Margo decides she needs to actually become a detective, not just look like she plays one on t.v. Her friend needs her help and she is going to find the real killer.
What a great story!! I have been looking forward to this book since I first saw the cover. Disguise DeLimit is quite a store with every costume imaginable and if they don’t have what you want they will custom make it for you. I really like Margo but her father is great person too. He has kept this shop going through thick and thin. His favorite part is traveling to find new costumes for the store. That part has taken a back seat since Margo moved away but he does take a very interesting trip in this book. Ebony, who has a dog named Ivory, that is him on the cover, helped raise Margo and is a mother figure to her. She is a very unique individual with a huge heart. We also meet Tak Hoshiyama but you have to read about him yourself, he starts out as a bit of a mystery and I don’t want to spoil that.
The plot and subplots are excellent. The mystery is kind of a closed room mystery but there are so many suspects and they are all in costume so figuring out the real culprit is no easy task. It came together for me after Margo figured it out. There were so many twists and diversions but it all came together perfectly. I was just not puzzling things out well at all :)
There is a Special Preview of the next book in the series, Masking For Trouble, coming in October and great costume ideas and recipes in the back of the book too!
If you are looking for something fun to read this is a perfect choice!
March 20, 2016
Margo Tamblyn leaves her magician's assistant job in Las Vegas, NV, to return home and help her aging dad run the family's custom costume shop, Disguise DeLimit. Jerry had a heart attack and is in a wheelchair while he slowly recuperates. Family friend, Ebony Welles is the only woman Margo's ever known as a mother figure. She's an independently minded African American woman who dresses 70's glam, has a huge Afro, and a cute little dog named, Ivory. Ebony also owns a party planning business, and often works with the costume shop.
A wealthy customer, Blitz Manners, wants to hire Disguise DeLimit to provide 40 detective-themed costumes for his birthday celebration, and he wants them immediately. Being a people pleaser, Margo rushes to fill his expectations, however; when he comes back drunk and insulting, she returns the $20,000 fee he paid her earlier. Blitz's best friend, Grady, convinces Margo to go ahead with plans for the costumes, and he pays the bill. Before he can blow out the candles on his birthday cake, however; Blitz is stabbed dead---and Ebony is nearby, holding a knife!
Margo is a likeable, quirky, gutsy female sleuth embraced by a cast of very interesting secondary characters. She meets Tak, a mysterious, attractive lawyer who seems to be looking out for her best interests.
Author Diane Vallere expertly places suspect after suspect under a magnifying glass and lets readers examine their alias's, alibi's, and motives. The mystery is similar to a 1000 piece, interlocking puzzle---all the pieces must be in place to see the final picture. I finished reading the story feeling a blend of love, family, charity, and hope that has always been the heart of a traditional cozy mystery.
A wealthy customer, Blitz Manners, wants to hire Disguise DeLimit to provide 40 detective-themed costumes for his birthday celebration, and he wants them immediately. Being a people pleaser, Margo rushes to fill his expectations, however; when he comes back drunk and insulting, she returns the $20,000 fee he paid her earlier. Blitz's best friend, Grady, convinces Margo to go ahead with plans for the costumes, and he pays the bill. Before he can blow out the candles on his birthday cake, however; Blitz is stabbed dead---and Ebony is nearby, holding a knife!
Margo is a likeable, quirky, gutsy female sleuth embraced by a cast of very interesting secondary characters. She meets Tak, a mysterious, attractive lawyer who seems to be looking out for her best interests.
Author Diane Vallere expertly places suspect after suspect under a magnifying glass and lets readers examine their alias's, alibi's, and motives. The mystery is similar to a 1000 piece, interlocking puzzle---all the pieces must be in place to see the final picture. I finished reading the story feeling a blend of love, family, charity, and hope that has always been the heart of a traditional cozy mystery.
January 30, 2016
There is no disguising the fact that author Diane Vallere has penned a winner of a mystery!
I was introduced to Diane Vallere’s writing through her Material Witness Mystery series. I really enjoy the flow of that series, so I was delighted when I heard about her new costume Shop Mysteries. She didn’t disappoint.
It was a lot of fun getting to know series lead, Margo Tamblyn, and the other characters in A DISGUISE TO DIE FOR. I found the costume shop, Disguise DeLimit to be a unique setting, and I can see where it will lend itself to many entertaining books to come. And you’ll love the way Margo dresses!
A cleverly written whodunit, I read this book very quickly. I didn’t want to put it done until I had all the answers. I never would have guessed the culprit in this one. Very well done.
If you’re looking to start a new series, pick up A DISGUSIE TO DIE FOR. And if this will be your first book by author Vallere, I recommend you also pick up her books, SUEDE TO REST and CRUSHED VELVET, the first to books in her Material Witness Mystery series.
Fun recipes, mystery costume ideas, and the excerpt for MASKING FOR TROUBLE, book two in the Costume Shop Mysteries, can all be found at the back of the book!
I was introduced to Diane Vallere’s writing through her Material Witness Mystery series. I really enjoy the flow of that series, so I was delighted when I heard about her new costume Shop Mysteries. She didn’t disappoint.
It was a lot of fun getting to know series lead, Margo Tamblyn, and the other characters in A DISGUISE TO DIE FOR. I found the costume shop, Disguise DeLimit to be a unique setting, and I can see where it will lend itself to many entertaining books to come. And you’ll love the way Margo dresses!
A cleverly written whodunit, I read this book very quickly. I didn’t want to put it done until I had all the answers. I never would have guessed the culprit in this one. Very well done.
If you’re looking to start a new series, pick up A DISGUSIE TO DIE FOR. And if this will be your first book by author Vallere, I recommend you also pick up her books, SUEDE TO REST and CRUSHED VELVET, the first to books in her Material Witness Mystery series.
Fun recipes, mystery costume ideas, and the excerpt for MASKING FOR TROUBLE, book two in the Costume Shop Mysteries, can all be found at the back of the book!
March 21, 2016
Once I first heard about this book I knew I wanted to read it. A cozy mystery set in a costume shop sounded just way too much fun. And this book was all that I hoped for and more. From the first pages I easily got sucked into the story and the cozy small town and the costume shop that Diane Vallere had created. There was a bit of an introduction and we meet the victim and learn about the party before the murder actually takes place. I thought this approach worked really well in this book.
The mystery was really well done. Normally in cozy mysteries it's always a bit weird how the main character can investigate the murder alongside the detective. here it's not as much that the main character does the investigation, but more that she's tied into it closely as Ebony, who is like a mother to the main character, is the main suspect. Ebony finds some evidence and clues and reports most of the important things to the detective, but also does a bit of sleuthing on her own. I felt like this was handled very naturally.
I didn't predict who the murderer was and it was a nice surprise when Margo found out who the murderer was and everything fell on it's place. I would've liked a few hints in that direction, but it was nice to be surprised by the big twist. I also liked how we learn a lot about Blitz, the guy who get's murdered during the investigation. I thought it was very nicely done how I felt like we actually knew the guy who had died and who he had been.
The main character, Margo was such a likely character. She cares strongly about her father and Ebony and she's 100% certain Ebony hasn't committed the murder and she wants to prove that. I also liked how she dressed into costume every day, sure it was a bit weird and quirky, but I thought it was fun and fit her character. Then there are some side characters and the small town that really comes alive. By the end of the book I was fully invested in this town and the shop and I can't wait for the next book in this series.
This is one of the few cozy mysteries where I actually liked the romance, normally the romance in cozy mysteries is a bit meh or they have a love triangle set-up. here it was neither of those and the slow paced romance really fit the tone of the book. The love interest is a mysterious guy and Margo isn't sure if she can trust him at first, but they slowly get to know each other and while it isn't really a romance yet by this point, I really liked how their relationship grew in this book and I hope we get to see more of these two int eh next book. definitely a hit how the romance was handled. It didn't take over the plot, but it did have me caring for these two and feeling their connection.
The small town setting was done well. It's a small town close to Las Vegas which is well know for their love for costume parties. I loved getting a feel for this town and the inhabitants and I liked the feel fo the town. Then there is the costume shop where Margo her father works and I just loved the shop. It was fun to hear about what they sold and how they managed the shop. I really liked the costume shop aspect and the store really came alive in my mind and I could imagine well how it all looked.
To summarize: This is one of the best cozy mysteries I've read so far! It has a great and interesting mystery, the main character her involvement in the mystery felt natural and it was a nice twist who the murderer was. I liked how we got to know the victim during the investigation and get a feel for his personality. Margo is a great main character, very caring and I liked how she dressed up in costume. There is a nice cats of side characters and I liked getting a feel for the inhabitant of this small town in Nevada. I also thought the romance was really well done, it fits nicely into the story and doesn't distract from the plot. I enjoyed seeing how their relationship slowly builds form strangers to slowly learning to trust each other and I hope to see more of these two in the next book. All in all a great start to the series and I really want to check out this author her other books as well now.
The mystery was really well done. Normally in cozy mysteries it's always a bit weird how the main character can investigate the murder alongside the detective. here it's not as much that the main character does the investigation, but more that she's tied into it closely as Ebony, who is like a mother to the main character, is the main suspect. Ebony finds some evidence and clues and reports most of the important things to the detective, but also does a bit of sleuthing on her own. I felt like this was handled very naturally.
I didn't predict who the murderer was and it was a nice surprise when Margo found out who the murderer was and everything fell on it's place. I would've liked a few hints in that direction, but it was nice to be surprised by the big twist. I also liked how we learn a lot about Blitz, the guy who get's murdered during the investigation. I thought it was very nicely done how I felt like we actually knew the guy who had died and who he had been.
The main character, Margo was such a likely character. She cares strongly about her father and Ebony and she's 100% certain Ebony hasn't committed the murder and she wants to prove that. I also liked how she dressed into costume every day, sure it was a bit weird and quirky, but I thought it was fun and fit her character. Then there are some side characters and the small town that really comes alive. By the end of the book I was fully invested in this town and the shop and I can't wait for the next book in this series.
This is one of the few cozy mysteries where I actually liked the romance, normally the romance in cozy mysteries is a bit meh or they have a love triangle set-up. here it was neither of those and the slow paced romance really fit the tone of the book. The love interest is a mysterious guy and Margo isn't sure if she can trust him at first, but they slowly get to know each other and while it isn't really a romance yet by this point, I really liked how their relationship grew in this book and I hope we get to see more of these two int eh next book. definitely a hit how the romance was handled. It didn't take over the plot, but it did have me caring for these two and feeling their connection.
The small town setting was done well. It's a small town close to Las Vegas which is well know for their love for costume parties. I loved getting a feel for this town and the inhabitants and I liked the feel fo the town. Then there is the costume shop where Margo her father works and I just loved the shop. It was fun to hear about what they sold and how they managed the shop. I really liked the costume shop aspect and the store really came alive in my mind and I could imagine well how it all looked.
To summarize: This is one of the best cozy mysteries I've read so far! It has a great and interesting mystery, the main character her involvement in the mystery felt natural and it was a nice twist who the murderer was. I liked how we got to know the victim during the investigation and get a feel for his personality. Margo is a great main character, very caring and I liked how she dressed up in costume. There is a nice cats of side characters and I liked getting a feel for the inhabitant of this small town in Nevada. I also thought the romance was really well done, it fits nicely into the story and doesn't distract from the plot. I enjoyed seeing how their relationship slowly builds form strangers to slowly learning to trust each other and I hope to see more of these two in the next book. All in all a great start to the series and I really want to check out this author her other books as well now.
November 9, 2015
Diane Vallere is one of my favorite mystery authors, and this might be my favorite series of hers yet. Before I began reading I already loved the idea of a costume shop mystery, and Margo and the rest of the characters quickly won me over. I feel very lucky to have been able to read an advance copy.
April 24, 2018
I'm so glad one of my online book clubs picked this for their April book because this is yet another one of the series I've been wanting to start for awhile. I loved the whole idea of running a costume shop and the fact that our main sleuth, Margo, grew up with the business and now she's in a position to help out her dad when he needs the help.
Margo Tamblyn was a magician's assistant by trade in Las Vegas but she was from small town Proper City, NV. She was still at the point of finding herself having gone through many jobs before settling into Vegas. Her dad's health called her home and since it was just the two of them (her mom died giving birth to her 32 years ago) she went home, no questions asked. Her visit home and running the shop might be extended since she ended up trying to clear her friend Ebony of murdering the town spoiled brat man-child at his birthday party that Ebony had catered and Margo's shop had sold the costumes to him. Ebony had been like a mom to her since she was five and Margo was determined, with the help of Tak, a DA office friend of just about everyone in town. Hopefully Margo herself won't become the killer's next victim!
I really loved this eclectic mix of characters! From Margo herself, her dad Jerry, Bobby Kay who was Margo's bestie and of course Ebony who unfortunately was caught holding what looked like a murder weapon at the scene. The female detective wasn't totally unlikable as in some books I've read and even the guy who was killed had his nicer moments especially when Margo's friend Bobby explained about his charitable side and how down deep, he really was just missing his real dad who had passed away.
I definitely didn't guess the killer this time, what a surprise along with an exciting but nail biting take down! The ending was really satisfying too and I'm anxious to read more in this awesome series!
Margo Tamblyn was a magician's assistant by trade in Las Vegas but she was from small town Proper City, NV. She was still at the point of finding herself having gone through many jobs before settling into Vegas. Her dad's health called her home and since it was just the two of them (her mom died giving birth to her 32 years ago) she went home, no questions asked. Her visit home and running the shop might be extended since she ended up trying to clear her friend Ebony of murdering the town spoiled brat man-child at his birthday party that Ebony had catered and Margo's shop had sold the costumes to him. Ebony had been like a mom to her since she was five and Margo was determined, with the help of Tak, a DA office friend of just about everyone in town. Hopefully Margo herself won't become the killer's next victim!
I really loved this eclectic mix of characters! From Margo herself, her dad Jerry, Bobby Kay who was Margo's bestie and of course Ebony who unfortunately was caught holding what looked like a murder weapon at the scene. The female detective wasn't totally unlikable as in some books I've read and even the guy who was killed had his nicer moments especially when Margo's friend Bobby explained about his charitable side and how down deep, he really was just missing his real dad who had passed away.
I definitely didn't guess the killer this time, what a surprise along with an exciting but nail biting take down! The ending was really satisfying too and I'm anxious to read more in this awesome series!
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November 21, 2021Book 1 Margo came back to Proper City from Las Vegas to help her her dad Jerry run his Costume Shop Disguise DeLimit. ( where they can have plans to do themes like Wizard of Oz or just choose character like a cowgirl) Margo father had opened the shop in the 70's. Jerry (Margo dad) and Margo mom were going to be partners in shop but something happened to Margo mom at Margo child birth. Ebony a woman that is the owner of Shindig a party planner business was like a mom to Margo when she was young. The 1st book of the series is about Blitz that is a wealthy 20 something that come into Disguise DeLimit and tells Margo and Ebony he wants a detective costume party. And he want Margo to do designs and Ebony to do planning. Blitz wants it modern. He gave them 20,000 to do it the next day. Margo said we cannot. She handed him the money. But it turned out Margo did it anyway for Blitz. There is a murder in this one. A who done it. Love all the costumes they have in the costume shop they talk about. Love Margo she 33 and still dressed up in all different outfits from Disguise DeLimit. This is a book about family and some that close to your heart always should stick together. Love the story in this book. Will read more Love
February 1, 2016
This is the first in a new series, and my first book by this author. I am already looking forward to the next book in this series, and to exploring other of her series as well.
I really loved that the first book in a mystery series about a costume shop featured a detective-themed birthday party (be sure to check the list at the back of the book for all of the detectives represented!). And the whole idea of a costume shop as the main location in the series will provide a huge variety of party themes for future books.
This was a quick easy read, with a few plot twists to throw the reader off track. There is also plenty of humor, as well as the beginnings of back stories for the main characters, which I'm sure will be developed further as the series continues.
Aside from the costume list I mentioned above, there are some other goodies at the end of the story: costume ideas, recipes, and an excerpt from the next book in the series, MASKING FOR TROUBLE. Don't miss any of them!
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
I really loved that the first book in a mystery series about a costume shop featured a detective-themed birthday party (be sure to check the list at the back of the book for all of the detectives represented!). And the whole idea of a costume shop as the main location in the series will provide a huge variety of party themes for future books.
This was a quick easy read, with a few plot twists to throw the reader off track. There is also plenty of humor, as well as the beginnings of back stories for the main characters, which I'm sure will be developed further as the series continues.
Aside from the costume list I mentioned above, there are some other goodies at the end of the story: costume ideas, recipes, and an excerpt from the next book in the series, MASKING FOR TROUBLE. Don't miss any of them!
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
August 13, 2017
Exciting series
I just finished this new cozy mystery. I've been wanting to read it for a while and I finally found the time.
Margo is a colorful, unique character. I love the fact that she dresses in costume. Owning the family costume shop provides a wide variety of outfits.
Margo returns home to help her dad who is recovering from a heart attack.
When rich boy Blitz Manners makes a drunken visit to her shop, Margo has no idea what will happen next.
I just finished this new cozy mystery. I've been wanting to read it for a while and I finally found the time.
Margo is a colorful, unique character. I love the fact that she dresses in costume. Owning the family costume shop provides a wide variety of outfits.
Margo returns home to help her dad who is recovering from a heart attack.
When rich boy Blitz Manners makes a drunken visit to her shop, Margo has no idea what will happen next.
April 27, 2018
This was my first book by Diane Vallere but sure won't be the last. I loved her writing! The book flowed great, had great characters, and storyline. Even had some great humor that had me chuckling. The Costume Shop Mystery was a lot of fun.
September 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to reading the others in the series. I liked Margo and loved hearing about what she decided to wear everyday (I didn't feel the same way about reading about her smoothie every morning). I liked the other characters and I got a small giggle every time they mentioned Disguise DeLimit by name because what a cute name for a costume shop. The mystery was good and kept me guessing. Recipes and costume tips are included at the end.
March 29, 2018
Not good, not bad. Good for passing the time, but I liked her Material Witness series better. I have another of these that's Halloween themed, so I'll read it but probably no further in the series unless that one knocks my socks off.
March 1, 2016
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review. I gave it three stars because I liked it and I don't want to make my expectations too high for each book afterwards. It was well written, moved through the story well, good character development and endless possibilities.
I enjoyed meeting this small town of characters. Proper, Nevada sounds like an interesting place to live. And by being a town known for it's costume parties, there is a potential for many books of murder and mayhem. The plot was fun. Who wouldn't want to go to a costume party dressed as their favorite detective and then be a murderer?
By being the first book in the series, the author has potential to have a large pool of characters and suspects. She keeps the characters to a minimum(which is nice at times) to be able to develop the characters. It hit a little close to home, when the premise is Margo coming home to help her father after a heart attack and I lost my own father this past summer to a heart attack.
I don't want to give away anything, but Tak sounds like an interesting possible boyfriend for our heroine as does Grady. There could be a triangle there possibly in future books or a double triangle with Detective Nancy being Tak's ex-girlfriend that isn't over him.
I enjoyed this book and was a little surprised by who was the murderer.
Definitely room for growth and I can't wait to read the next book!
I enjoyed meeting this small town of characters. Proper, Nevada sounds like an interesting place to live. And by being a town known for it's costume parties, there is a potential for many books of murder and mayhem. The plot was fun. Who wouldn't want to go to a costume party dressed as their favorite detective and then be a murderer?
By being the first book in the series, the author has potential to have a large pool of characters and suspects. She keeps the characters to a minimum(which is nice at times) to be able to develop the characters. It hit a little close to home, when the premise is Margo coming home to help her father after a heart attack and I lost my own father this past summer to a heart attack.
I don't want to give away anything, but Tak sounds like an interesting possible boyfriend for our heroine as does Grady. There could be a triangle there possibly in future books or a double triangle with Detective Nancy being Tak's ex-girlfriend that isn't over him.
I enjoyed this book and was a little surprised by who was the murderer.
Definitely room for growth and I can't wait to read the next book!
October 3, 2016
A Disguise to Die For by Diane Vallere is the first book in the Costume Shop Mystery series. I always get so excited reading the first book in a series. Anyhow...Margo Tamblyn lives in Las Vegas, not too far from her hometown of Prosper City, Nevada. She works as a magician's assistant. She is called back home to help with her dad's costume shop, Disguise DeLimit (see what she did there?!), after his heart attack.
Her first day back has her and her father, Jerry, putting together 40 costumes for a detective themed party. Blitz Manners, the spoiled rich man who commissioned the costumes, winds up dead at his own detective birthday party. Margo's friend, Ebony, is suspected of murdering Blitz. Ebony is like a mother to Margo, and Margo sets out to prove her innocence. She has a little help from Tak Hoshiyama (and I'm so hoping there's a romance there!).
This was a fun cozy mystery. I loved all the little nuances throughout that were costume related. Margo really dresses the part, in a different costume every day, and it's a lot of fun to read about her different outfits. Even Ebony dresses in a '70s theme every day, and the author makes sure to describe Ebony's outfit of the day as well. This cozy was easy to read and fast-paced. Though I figured out the killer a little before Margo did, I still enjoyed the mystery. The setting was awesome, and I am anxious to see what develops between Margo and Tak. If you're looking for a new cozy series, pick this one up.
Her first day back has her and her father, Jerry, putting together 40 costumes for a detective themed party. Blitz Manners, the spoiled rich man who commissioned the costumes, winds up dead at his own detective birthday party. Margo's friend, Ebony, is suspected of murdering Blitz. Ebony is like a mother to Margo, and Margo sets out to prove her innocence. She has a little help from Tak Hoshiyama (and I'm so hoping there's a romance there!).
This was a fun cozy mystery. I loved all the little nuances throughout that were costume related. Margo really dresses the part, in a different costume every day, and it's a lot of fun to read about her different outfits. Even Ebony dresses in a '70s theme every day, and the author makes sure to describe Ebony's outfit of the day as well. This cozy was easy to read and fast-paced. Though I figured out the killer a little before Margo did, I still enjoyed the mystery. The setting was awesome, and I am anxious to see what develops between Margo and Tak. If you're looking for a new cozy series, pick this one up.
March 11, 2016
Some spoilerish thing are in this review. I felt unsatisfied with this book. There were a lot of moments that it was so cheesy that I physically rolled my eyes. The main character is childish, not very bright, and overly querky. The fact that she talks to her cat about her life problems in a serious way was just too much. I typically enjoy crime novels but this was kitschy and the plot was loose. I also didn't like that the only two people of color in this book were basically written as stereotypes. The author writes well, but I don't think she's putting her powers to good use. There was more I found to be wrong with this book, like how stupid the evidence was, how the main character withheld evidence from the police, but annoyingly called them all the time to give them leads, how the killer came forward for no reason at all and got caught, when they could have just kept their mouth shut and gotten away with it. The fake romance in the book was also tedious, and the constant recap of what all the fake evidence meant added tons of unnecessary pages to this book. A lot of other people seemed to like this book, apparently this(chick lit?) is not the genre for me. I won this book from a good reads giveaway.
February 27, 2016
I loved this book, once I got started I had a hard time putting it down and that was because of work issues not that the book was slow to start, I was grabbed pretty quickly. Margo comes home to help at the family costume store when her father has a heart attack and is recovering. When a body is discovered with a woman that Margo considers to be a second mother is found standing over the body the twists and turns begin. I cannot begin to say enough good about the characters in this book. Each is has their own distinct personality, some may be quirky but not over the top. The closeness between them comes through and characters are introduced at a pace that I did not find overwhelming. The mystery was excellent and actually surprised me, I figured it out right along with Margo. I usually don't expect much from a first in series, and this one went over and beyond. I cannot wait for the next one in this series, it jumped right to one of my favorites. Did I say that I love it?
There is the added bonus of some yummy sounding recipes and one that had me laughing out loud, nice touch. Also there are some costume ideas.
I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review, and this is my honest opinion.
There is the added bonus of some yummy sounding recipes and one that had me laughing out loud, nice touch. Also there are some costume ideas.
I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review, and this is my honest opinion.
May 18, 2020
Diane Vallere has pulled out all the stops with this new book/series and I can't wait to read more! The owner of Disguise DeLimit (love the name!) has had a heart attack and so his daughter heads back home to help him recuperate and run the shop, leading to a local trust fund "baby" wanting costumes for his birthday party in a few days time, the theme ends up being classic detectives and that is so far so good, only at the party the poor, little rich boy ends up well and truly dead and Margo's surrogate mother (her own died giving birth to Margo) is in the frame for the part of the murderer!
Now Margo needs to run the shop, find out who wanted Blitz Manners dead, save Ebony from jail and stop her father overdoing it (the latter one being the hardest), now with misdirections worthy of her job back in Vegas as a Magician's assistant, Margo needs to decide who she can trust and who is lying through their teeth.
Now Margo needs to run the shop, find out who wanted Blitz Manners dead, save Ebony from jail and stop her father overdoing it (the latter one being the hardest), now with misdirections worthy of her job back in Vegas as a Magician's assistant, Margo needs to decide who she can trust and who is lying through their teeth.
February 26, 2016
What a fun book! I really enjoyed the quirky theme, costumes. The plot was tight and the characters were a hoot! I would like for the main character to have more self confidence than Margo (the main character) in that I want someone who knows who they are and what they want in life. Perhaps as the series progresses, Margo will become more of a stable, confident character and not live vicariously through her costumes. I always enjoy small town charm and this book had that aspect. This book had me guessing up until the end. It was an easy book to read and held my attention easily. The author has a wonderful way of putting you in the scene with her descriptions. I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series.
December 6, 2015
Margo Tamblyn is a magician's assistant in Las Vegas Nevada. After her father had a heart attack, Margo took a temporary leave of absence and returned to her home town of Proper City, Nevada to take care of her dad and help him run their family's costume shop Disguise DeLimit. She and her father get a huge order on costumes for a detective themed birthday party for a wealthy client. When a murder happens at the party and someone close to Margo is accused, she does everything she can to make sure the real murderer is found. This story is a first in a new series. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put this book down! Diane Vallere is a wonderful author and I can't wait for the next book in this series. This book is a must read!
May 29, 2016
My first mystery by Diane Vallere was Suede to Rest in the Material Witness mystery series and I love the series. So naturally I couldn't wait to get my hands on this new book and series. I enjoyed the mystery A LOT but somewhere in the middle it was dragging out a bit and even though I wanted to find out more I couldn't get 100% back into the story. I am definitely looking forward to the next installment.
February 29, 2016
This was a very good book! A very good start to a new series. I really like Margo and her quirkiness with her costume clothes. I really enjoyed her relationship with her dad and Ebony. As far as the mystery of who did it, I didn't have that figured out. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
I received a free copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
February 7, 2016
Fun and breezy cozy reminiscent of Charlaine Harris's Lily Bard and Aurora Teagarden series.
June 29, 2023
Complete fluff and kind of silly, but it was clean. It's kind of fun to read a cozy mystery that is entirely junk food for the brain once in a while.
April 22, 2018
This was a fun story. I loved seeing what outfits she picked out each day to get dressed up in.
This was a contemporary story, taking place in Nevada outside of Las Vegas.
There was a lot of asking questions of the local residents and no sex or gore.
A brain teaser.
I borrowed a copy from the public library.
This was a contemporary story, taking place in Nevada outside of Las Vegas.
There was a lot of asking questions of the local residents and no sex or gore.
A brain teaser.
I borrowed a copy from the public library.
April 16, 2018
Review to come later
May 16, 2017
Since Silk Stalkings was just that good, I decided to try Diane Vallere's new series, and it was lots of fun.
Now I need to stock up on costumes. ;)
Now I need to stock up on costumes. ;)
February 18, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/a-...
A Disguise to Die For
Costume Shop Mystery #1
By Diane Vallere
ISBN: 9780425278284
Author Website: www.dianevallere.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
No sooner does former magician’s assistant Margo Tamblyn return home to Proper City, Nevada, to run Disguise DeLimit, the family-owned costume shop, than she gets her first big order. Wealthy nuisance Blitz Manners needs forty costumes for a detective-themed birthday bash. As for Blitz himself, his Sherlock Holmes is to-die-for—literally—when, in the middle of the festivities, Margo’s friend and party planner Ebony Welles is caught brandishing a bloody carving knife over a very dead Blitz.
For Margo, clearing Ebony’s name is anything but elementary, especially after Ebony flees town. Now Margo is left to play real-life detective in a town full of masked motives, cloaked secrets, and veiled vendettas. But as she soon learns, even a killer disguise can’t hide a murderer in plain sight for long. (From Goodreads)
Review:
A Disguise to Die For is fascinating and fun first in Diane Vallere’s new A Costume Shop Mystery. Well, fun except for the murder. As a fan of the author’s Material Witness Mystery series, I couldn’t miss starting this new mystery; even if I weren’t familiar with her, the cover art invites one to grab this one quickly.
We first meet Margo Tamblyn, who temporarily left her position as a magician’s assistant in Las Vegas when her father had a heart attack. She was determined to care for him as he always had for her, yet only had a few days to spend in Proper City, a long desert drive from Vegas. Her father, Jerry, was equally determined to get back to work at the Disguise DeLimit (don’t you love that name!), the family’s costume shop.
Ebony, owner of the party planning shop Shindig, and Jerry were good friends and worked together with costume parties for many years. Ebony was Margo’s only mother figure; her mother had died giving birth to her. They met when Margo was five, and they shared a sweet bond. It was no surprise then, when events spiraled out of control at a party the two of them pulled together at the last minute, that Margo was willing to go to any lengths to keep her from going to jail.
Blitz Manners had received his father’s entire estate of twenty five million dollars when he turned eighteen. He threw a birthday party for himself a couple year later, and wanted to purchase 40 costumes for a detective-themed party. Ebony was hired to plan and cater. Costumes ranged from Sherlock Holmes to Charlie’s Angels. What a great party to attend! Especially if the characters each knew and played the role of the detective. Blitz didn’t have fun for long, however. Margo went to the kitchen to see if Ebony needed help to find her clutching a knife, with Blitz on the floor, very dead.
The primary characters are really likable. Margo is loyal and loving. I especially enjoy cozies written in first person and in this case, getting to know Margo. What we learn about Jerry and Ebony is mostly through her thoughts, yet we also see their actions that round out who they are. The characters who might be in only this novel are limited, defined only as needed for their one-time role. One of Blitz’ friends and Tak become better known by the reader as the story progresses – one of whom this reader hopes Margo and we all get to know even better!.
This has been an intriguing, fun, and suspenseful read. I enjoyed the setting, a costume shop that Jerry purchased when a young man. While I don’t know if I could work up the passion for the business that Jerry and Margo have, it would be a fun place to spend some time. Margo’s reminisces about growing up there tells much about her. It’s hard to imagine what growing up in a well-known costume shop would be like; oh, the fun they must have had over time as they visited thrift stores and special sales to acquire some costumes and accessories. Now it would be great fun to dress up and be someone different to keep from being too serious about life.
There were so many potential suspects! Trying to clear Ebony of being the murder suspect was certainly a challenge for Margo. Having had grown up in the little town, it had to have been hard to focus on any one person as The Killer! The real antagonist was certainly a surprise to this reader! This is a novel that draws one in, then keeps the pages moving The plot is executed with finesse, leaving me looking forward to the next in series. The setting is unique, the characters are interesting, conversations and actions are not forced, but natural. I highly recommend this successful first-in-series A Disguise to Die For for fans of Diane Vallere, those who enjoy uniquely different settings, and enjoy a well-written mystery. The attractive cover art invites on to pick it up and find the delightful story within.
A Disguise to Die For
Costume Shop Mystery #1
By Diane Vallere
ISBN: 9780425278284
Author Website: www.dianevallere.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
No sooner does former magician’s assistant Margo Tamblyn return home to Proper City, Nevada, to run Disguise DeLimit, the family-owned costume shop, than she gets her first big order. Wealthy nuisance Blitz Manners needs forty costumes for a detective-themed birthday bash. As for Blitz himself, his Sherlock Holmes is to-die-for—literally—when, in the middle of the festivities, Margo’s friend and party planner Ebony Welles is caught brandishing a bloody carving knife over a very dead Blitz.
For Margo, clearing Ebony’s name is anything but elementary, especially after Ebony flees town. Now Margo is left to play real-life detective in a town full of masked motives, cloaked secrets, and veiled vendettas. But as she soon learns, even a killer disguise can’t hide a murderer in plain sight for long. (From Goodreads)
Review:
A Disguise to Die For is fascinating and fun first in Diane Vallere’s new A Costume Shop Mystery. Well, fun except for the murder. As a fan of the author’s Material Witness Mystery series, I couldn’t miss starting this new mystery; even if I weren’t familiar with her, the cover art invites one to grab this one quickly.
We first meet Margo Tamblyn, who temporarily left her position as a magician’s assistant in Las Vegas when her father had a heart attack. She was determined to care for him as he always had for her, yet only had a few days to spend in Proper City, a long desert drive from Vegas. Her father, Jerry, was equally determined to get back to work at the Disguise DeLimit (don’t you love that name!), the family’s costume shop.
Ebony, owner of the party planning shop Shindig, and Jerry were good friends and worked together with costume parties for many years. Ebony was Margo’s only mother figure; her mother had died giving birth to her. They met when Margo was five, and they shared a sweet bond. It was no surprise then, when events spiraled out of control at a party the two of them pulled together at the last minute, that Margo was willing to go to any lengths to keep her from going to jail.
Blitz Manners had received his father’s entire estate of twenty five million dollars when he turned eighteen. He threw a birthday party for himself a couple year later, and wanted to purchase 40 costumes for a detective-themed party. Ebony was hired to plan and cater. Costumes ranged from Sherlock Holmes to Charlie’s Angels. What a great party to attend! Especially if the characters each knew and played the role of the detective. Blitz didn’t have fun for long, however. Margo went to the kitchen to see if Ebony needed help to find her clutching a knife, with Blitz on the floor, very dead.
The primary characters are really likable. Margo is loyal and loving. I especially enjoy cozies written in first person and in this case, getting to know Margo. What we learn about Jerry and Ebony is mostly through her thoughts, yet we also see their actions that round out who they are. The characters who might be in only this novel are limited, defined only as needed for their one-time role. One of Blitz’ friends and Tak become better known by the reader as the story progresses – one of whom this reader hopes Margo and we all get to know even better!.
This has been an intriguing, fun, and suspenseful read. I enjoyed the setting, a costume shop that Jerry purchased when a young man. While I don’t know if I could work up the passion for the business that Jerry and Margo have, it would be a fun place to spend some time. Margo’s reminisces about growing up there tells much about her. It’s hard to imagine what growing up in a well-known costume shop would be like; oh, the fun they must have had over time as they visited thrift stores and special sales to acquire some costumes and accessories. Now it would be great fun to dress up and be someone different to keep from being too serious about life.
There were so many potential suspects! Trying to clear Ebony of being the murder suspect was certainly a challenge for Margo. Having had grown up in the little town, it had to have been hard to focus on any one person as The Killer! The real antagonist was certainly a surprise to this reader! This is a novel that draws one in, then keeps the pages moving The plot is executed with finesse, leaving me looking forward to the next in series. The setting is unique, the characters are interesting, conversations and actions are not forced, but natural. I highly recommend this successful first-in-series A Disguise to Die For for fans of Diane Vallere, those who enjoy uniquely different settings, and enjoy a well-written mystery. The attractive cover art invites on to pick it up and find the delightful story within.
July 21, 2023
Cute series set in a costume shop. There is a murder several suspects emerge. The characters are amazing and very unique.
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