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A Domestic Bliss Mystery #6
Poisoned by Gilt
Green with envy
To the newly formed design team of Steve Sullivan and Erin Gilbert, it seemed like a great a competition to design and build the most earth-friendly home in Crestview, Colorado. But who would have dreamed that someone’s idea of saving the planet might include murder?
Environmental guru Richard Thayers was Steve Sullivan’s architectural mentor and the judge of the contest. Now he is dead—poisoned by some supposedly nontoxic gold paint. Sullivan is certain that Richard’s demise was no accident, but Gilbert’s not so sure. One thing’s clear, the mysterious death is quickly poisoning their burgeoning romantic relationship. Suddenly, when another figure in the contest is killed and Sullivan becomes distracted by an attractive divorcee, Erin goes on a not only to find the killer, but to expose the true Steve Sullivan—and the designs he’s hiding in his heart….
To the newly formed design team of Steve Sullivan and Erin Gilbert, it seemed like a great a competition to design and build the most earth-friendly home in Crestview, Colorado. But who would have dreamed that someone’s idea of saving the planet might include murder?
Environmental guru Richard Thayers was Steve Sullivan’s architectural mentor and the judge of the contest. Now he is dead—poisoned by some supposedly nontoxic gold paint. Sullivan is certain that Richard’s demise was no accident, but Gilbert’s not so sure. One thing’s clear, the mysterious death is quickly poisoning their burgeoning romantic relationship. Suddenly, when another figure in the contest is killed and Sullivan becomes distracted by an attractive divorcee, Erin goes on a not only to find the killer, but to expose the true Steve Sullivan—and the designs he’s hiding in his heart….
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
19 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Caine
13 books52 followersAka Leslie O'Kane
(about the photo from author's own webpage)
"This is an old photo of my daughter and me in front of our house in Colorado. She is now in college and looks quite different, but amazingly, I haven't changed one bit!"
(from author's own webpage--abbreviated)
As the opening for my "Meet Leslie" page, here's a touch of biographical information: I have been married for more than two decades and have two not-so-young children. My daughter is in college and my son is in high school. I have a bachelor in journalism, a degree as an electrical-engineering technician (I repaired computers for IBM for three years), and am a certified interior decorator, though I only rarely work as a decorator.
DEATH BY INFERIOR DESIGN is Leslie Caine's first book, but is actually my eleventh published mystery novel. I've dropped a syllable from last name, and it's my hope that I'll be writing the "Domestic Bliss" series for many years to come so that I won't continue this name-shortening strategy. (I don't see myself writing books as: "L," though that would come in handy for quick signatures.) One of the first questions I'm asked at signings is why I chose to use a penname for this series, and the answer is that, while I'm proud of my previous works, I wanted a fresh start. To use a designer analogy, my penname is like emptying the room to enable the fabulous "makeover."
(about the photo from author's own webpage)
"This is an old photo of my daughter and me in front of our house in Colorado. She is now in college and looks quite different, but amazingly, I haven't changed one bit!"
(from author's own webpage--abbreviated)
As the opening for my "Meet Leslie" page, here's a touch of biographical information: I have been married for more than two decades and have two not-so-young children. My daughter is in college and my son is in high school. I have a bachelor in journalism, a degree as an electrical-engineering technician (I repaired computers for IBM for three years), and am a certified interior decorator, though I only rarely work as a decorator.
DEATH BY INFERIOR DESIGN is Leslie Caine's first book, but is actually my eleventh published mystery novel. I've dropped a syllable from last name, and it's my hope that I'll be writing the "Domestic Bliss" series for many years to come so that I won't continue this name-shortening strategy. (I don't see myself writing books as: "L," though that would come in handy for quick signatures.) One of the first questions I'm asked at signings is why I chose to use a penname for this series, and the answer is that, while I'm proud of my previous works, I wanted a fresh start. To use a designer analogy, my penname is like emptying the room to enable the fabulous "makeover."
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 24, 2023
Sullivan and Gilbert have entered a "sustainability" themed contest. Their client is hated by one of the judges, a mentor to Sullivan. When the mentor winds up dead, a result of supposedly nontoxic gold paint, Gilbert suspects murder. She's correct, but as usual, it takes another dead body to wake everybody else up.
Not as humorous as the first couple of entries.
Not as humorous as the first couple of entries.
February 23, 2016
I really enjoy the Domestic Bliss series even if there is anything but domestic bliss going on. This time has Sullivan and Gilbert Design helping with the decorating of a house that is up for the top prize for the "greenest" house in Crestview. There is a lot of craziness involved with this contest and a couple of murders too. Erin and Steve's relationship is still in it's eternal turmoil. I'm looking forward to the next book.
March 26, 2019
The 6th book in the Domestic Bliss series, it was nice to revisit these characters. I do like Erin, but the constant “will they or wont they” with Steve is starting to wear thin. Also the book gave me more information about building a “green” house than I needed. A solid mystery.
May 24, 2010
I've read (or tried to read) six in this series. I should have liked them a lot. After all, I like cozies, more or less. I like interior design and architecture. I like women heroines. So what's not to like? Well, the two main characters, for one. I don't feel the "spark" between them that everybody seems to see, including them. I don't like the snide tone that seems to be constant. I don't like the plots (you can see the author saying, what would make this more convoluted?). I don't like characters who smirk.
April 2, 2010
This is the first book I've read in this series and it is okay. I would not say it is poorly written, but I did not fall in love with the main characters. It is almost too realistic at times with Erin's inner thoughts. But, she's much more girly than I am so I did not really connect with her. I don't know that I want to go back and read this series from the beginning. I fear that it's a Stephanie Plum-like scenario where Gilbert and Sullivan are "made for each other" but that their romance has trouble getting off the ground and never really gets anywhere. In fact, that is a strong reason I may have disconnected from the story in the first place. It's just something that doesn't work for me. I'm not really sure what to say about the mystery. It was a little odd and the reveal seemed a little uneven. It felt delayed and rushed all at the same time. Very odd to me. Oh well. The book didn't suck, but I'm not sure I'm going to read any others in this series.
September 19, 2009
The sixth mystery in the Domestic Bliss series, Poisoned by Gilt is another fun, well-crafted summer read by Leslie Caine, a certified interior decorator, as well as author. Once again she serves up a suspenseful mystery with a topping of romance and a side of interior decorating tips. Her writing is well-crafted and moves the story along, denying the answer to "who done it" right up to the end. These stories revolve around the business and personal relationships of Steve Sullivan and Erin Gilbert of Sullivan & Gilbert Design and their clients, set against the backdrop of Crestview, Colorado. My only criticism is that the romantic aspects of Steve and Erin's relationship occasionally seems a bit childish for a couple their age (maybe I've just forgotten what it's like to be that young), but I'm willing to overlook that--no need to throw the baby out with the bathwater.
August 7, 2016
Non-Steve Sullivan part of the story 4 stars. Steve Sullivan's attitude 1 star.
Though I enjoy this series, I didn't particularly care for this book. It wasn't the mystery, which I found interesting and involving. Erin and Audrey's interactions are always fun. It had more to do with the personal part of the story, how Steve Sullivan treated his partner, and maybe girlfriend, Erin Gilbert.
In this entry, Steve's mentor is killed. As she investigates the murder, Steve basically blames Erin for the death, for not understanding his feelings, for not agreeing with him that his mentor walked on water. He treated Erin like a doormat. He can't hold a conversation with Erin without getting angry about something and walking out. Heartbreaking.
Though I enjoy this series, I didn't particularly care for this book. It wasn't the mystery, which I found interesting and involving. Erin and Audrey's interactions are always fun. It had more to do with the personal part of the story, how Steve Sullivan treated his partner, and maybe girlfriend, Erin Gilbert.
In this entry, Steve's mentor is killed. As she investigates the murder, Steve basically blames Erin for the death, for not understanding his feelings, for not agreeing with him that his mentor walked on water. He treated Erin like a doormat. He can't hold a conversation with Erin without getting angry about something and walking out. Heartbreaking.
December 11, 2014
Interesting that this was about a decorator and a contest about Green building. I just heard a story on NPR about Zero Waste. Interesting concept but definitely not easy to do today. But worth trying.
Enjoyed the story!
Enjoyed the story!
Read
July 27, 2011Pretty good if not equaly as frustrating as the others:D Just let them get together already!!
August 18, 2012
Nancy 4 stars
May 17, 2016
First time reading Leslie Caine. Really enjoyed this book. Great storyline, characters and the book just flowed. Enjoyable. Recommend.
December 27, 2022
3 1/2 - Very Good
September 13, 2012
Sucked.
September 12, 2013
An easy read. Nice after reading a complex novel.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews