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Mad for Mod Mystery #9
The Kill of it All
Madison Night’s star is on the rise. Thanks to a series of TV spots to promote her decorating business’s grand reopening, she’s busier than ever. The police commissioner, impressed with her screen presence, engages her to replace the original actress in his feel-good campaign for local law enforcement. But when the first spokeswoman’s body is found on set after Madison’s testimonial airs, the last thing the police need is publicity.
Madison steers clear of the controversy by focusing on her company relaunch, but when gossip links the victim to someone special in her life, she gets involved by proxy. She uses her soapbox to draw out suspects, but if she’s not careful, it might serve as a coffin instead.
Can Madison reveal a hidden killer before the bubble bursts on her newfound success?
Madison steers clear of the controversy by focusing on her company relaunch, but when gossip links the victim to someone special in her life, she gets involved by proxy. She uses her soapbox to draw out suspects, but if she’s not careful, it might serve as a coffin instead.
Can Madison reveal a hidden killer before the bubble bursts on her newfound success?
270 pages, Paperback
First published February 22, 2022
13 people are currently reading
2234 people want to read
About the author
Diane Vallere
86 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 15, 2022
When a low quality promotional advertisement nets Mad for Mod (Madison Knight's decorating business) lots of new clients, she tries to film a new ad with a professional crew with disappointing results. But following her shoot there is an ad being filmed to promote the police department and she hangs around awhile to watch. From there Madison ends up being hired to do the police department ad as well. And things go down hill rapidly.
This terrific new book in the series has everything you could want. Wonderful characters? You bet! Exciting locations? Oh yes, and they include an abandoned furniture store complete with new old inventory. Romance? Uh huh! Mystery? A doozy! References to Doris Day movies? Yes with a reminder of one of my favorite scenes from THE THRILL OF IT ALL. Everything we have come to love about Madison and her world is included. In short, a stupendous book that I devoured in one sitting. Love this series that keeps getting better and better!
This terrific new book in the series has everything you could want. Wonderful characters? You bet! Exciting locations? Oh yes, and they include an abandoned furniture store complete with new old inventory. Romance? Uh huh! Mystery? A doozy! References to Doris Day movies? Yes with a reminder of one of my favorite scenes from THE THRILL OF IT ALL. Everything we have come to love about Madison and her world is included. In short, a stupendous book that I devoured in one sitting. Love this series that keeps getting better and better!
February 23, 2022
Madison Knight is a smart woman. She is an interior designer, that focuses on the mid-century modern era, and has an eye for detail. She notices things that others may not and this has come in handy for her in helping the police solve crimes in the past. This series has wonderful characters and I love the descriptions of Madison's outfits. I enjoy the humor in these books and the mystery is always well thought out and keeps me guessing. This book is a definite page turner and I was up late reading because I couldn't wait to see how it ended.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 9, 2022
As each new book comes out, I am growing more and more to regard Madison Night as a dear friend & I want to spend more time with her. This cozy mystery, involving the filming of commercials as a foundation, has many twists & turns to keep you guessing, a lot of humor to keep you chortling, and very real characters to populate your imagination. It was a joy to read!
February 23, 2022
This is a fantastic addition to the Mad for Mod Mystery series. The author has crafted a story that quickly drew me in and held me captive as I turned the pages. There is plenty of suspense, anticipation, and a whole lot more. I’m looking forward to reading what happens next.
February 21, 2022
SPECTACULAR!
I have been a fan of Diane Vallere’s Madison Night Mystery Series since Book 1 and The Kill of It All (Book 9) is, in my opinion, the best to date! Vallere always keeps her leading lady, Madison Night, in character but always provides her with situations that continue to grow and strengthen. In this sequel, Madison has finally started enjoying success in her Mad for Mod boutique decorating firm. This has come after a series of unfortunate events that saw Madison come close to losing everything. Vallere has written a strong plot that involves plenty of mischief, lots of mayhem, and murder! She also includes a great deal of humor by putting Madison in situations that make you laugh out loud as you read. Vallere’s descriptions are so spot-on, you can visualize the exact action and that makes it all the more fun! She has Madison plan a big surprise for her man, Tex. This surprise is a perfect example of Vallere’s descriptions and humor. There are plenty of other examples as well. There is also the romance factor with Tex. Their relationship continues to grow. Where is it going to lead? Back to the mischief, mayhem, and murder – there are enough complications to keep your attention from the first page to the last! Overall, a truly spectacular read!
I was provided a complimentary of this book by Polyester Press. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
I have been a fan of Diane Vallere’s Madison Night Mystery Series since Book 1 and The Kill of It All (Book 9) is, in my opinion, the best to date! Vallere always keeps her leading lady, Madison Night, in character but always provides her with situations that continue to grow and strengthen. In this sequel, Madison has finally started enjoying success in her Mad for Mod boutique decorating firm. This has come after a series of unfortunate events that saw Madison come close to losing everything. Vallere has written a strong plot that involves plenty of mischief, lots of mayhem, and murder! She also includes a great deal of humor by putting Madison in situations that make you laugh out loud as you read. Vallere’s descriptions are so spot-on, you can visualize the exact action and that makes it all the more fun! She has Madison plan a big surprise for her man, Tex. This surprise is a perfect example of Vallere’s descriptions and humor. There are plenty of other examples as well. There is also the romance factor with Tex. Their relationship continues to grow. Where is it going to lead? Back to the mischief, mayhem, and murder – there are enough complications to keep your attention from the first page to the last! Overall, a truly spectacular read!
I was provided a complimentary of this book by Polyester Press. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
February 25, 2022
Author Diane Vallere has done it again: given us another excellent addition to the wonderful Madison Night mystery series. She’s the one who looks just like Doris Day, remember? And loves every single thing mid-century. If you don’t already know Madison, you need to meet her because you will love her. Her age is right around mid-century too, so she’s lived life with its ups and downs, successes and failures, love and heartbreak. She may not always know exactly what she wants or where she’s headed, but she’s got a pretty good idea of who she is and is always striving to know herself better. She’s tough and focused and centered, but retains an innocence and gullibility, a spontaneity, and she is an amazing, forward-looking, determined businesswoman. Her brain is like an encyclopedia, full of a mind-boggling number of facts about mid-century fashion, design and trends. She knows what’s in her warehouse, what was popular with who and when, what faded out and what continued on. Her own fashion sense is quirky but impeccable. I always look forward to the descriptions of her outfits, accessories and hairstyles. I would love to see her home and her showroom that are so fabulously put together.
Madison may be hooked on mid-century style but she is not mired in mid-century thinking or business practice. After suffering devastating business losses she worked to build back better from the ground up. She went to college to get a decorating MBA, to see what she didn’t know, and as The Kill of It All opens she is entering the advertising world. She prepared some ads of her own using her phone but now has the opportunity to have them done professionally. Even though she’s reluctant, and even more reluctant when she gets pulled into things she didn’t see coming, she also realizes that here is yet another aspect of business she knows little about, so how can she refuse when the success of her business is so important to her? But of course, being Madison Night, we know this won’t be easy and uneventful. There will most likely be a dead body or two somewhere, danger for Madison, a little friction between her and Tex because he’d really rather she didn’t get involved in solving the mystery. And most definitely some laugh-out-loud moments.
What can I say? This is a great read, a great series, a great author. So enjoyable because Madison is a real woman. The relationship with Tex is not a schoolgirl crush; it’s adult and fun, built on trust and respecting who the other is, growing at just the right pace. Madison can be silly or girlish or impulsive but never irritatingly immature. The supporting cast of characters is varied and well-developed, menacing or helpful or annoying as appropriate. Being immersed in mid-century everything is a treat and a blast from the past, and the pets are just an added bonus. The story moves along at just the right pace, building the suspense and mystery, popping in just the right amount of background info about decorating, advertising, business or whatever Madison is currently consumed with. And who doesn’t love a woman who says when talking about filming and outtakes: “I don’t think there were any intakes. I couldn’t loosen up. I had a hot flash while we were filming thanks to those big lights.”
And thanks to author Vallere for providing an advance copy of The Kill of It All for my reading pleasure (yes!) and my honest review. It’s another perfect standalone but do yourself a favor and go back to the beginning and see how Madison’s life and career have progressed, how she’s become the woman she is today. You’ll be glad you did. I recommend this book and every other book and series Diane Vallere writes without hesitation. All opinions are my own.
Madison may be hooked on mid-century style but she is not mired in mid-century thinking or business practice. After suffering devastating business losses she worked to build back better from the ground up. She went to college to get a decorating MBA, to see what she didn’t know, and as The Kill of It All opens she is entering the advertising world. She prepared some ads of her own using her phone but now has the opportunity to have them done professionally. Even though she’s reluctant, and even more reluctant when she gets pulled into things she didn’t see coming, she also realizes that here is yet another aspect of business she knows little about, so how can she refuse when the success of her business is so important to her? But of course, being Madison Night, we know this won’t be easy and uneventful. There will most likely be a dead body or two somewhere, danger for Madison, a little friction between her and Tex because he’d really rather she didn’t get involved in solving the mystery. And most definitely some laugh-out-loud moments.
What can I say? This is a great read, a great series, a great author. So enjoyable because Madison is a real woman. The relationship with Tex is not a schoolgirl crush; it’s adult and fun, built on trust and respecting who the other is, growing at just the right pace. Madison can be silly or girlish or impulsive but never irritatingly immature. The supporting cast of characters is varied and well-developed, menacing or helpful or annoying as appropriate. Being immersed in mid-century everything is a treat and a blast from the past, and the pets are just an added bonus. The story moves along at just the right pace, building the suspense and mystery, popping in just the right amount of background info about decorating, advertising, business or whatever Madison is currently consumed with. And who doesn’t love a woman who says when talking about filming and outtakes: “I don’t think there were any intakes. I couldn’t loosen up. I had a hot flash while we were filming thanks to those big lights.”
And thanks to author Vallere for providing an advance copy of The Kill of It All for my reading pleasure (yes!) and my honest review. It’s another perfect standalone but do yourself a favor and go back to the beginning and see how Madison’s life and career have progressed, how she’s become the woman she is today. You’ll be glad you did. I recommend this book and every other book and series Diane Vallere writes without hesitation. All opinions are my own.
April 17, 2022
I walked into this series with the fourth book, The Decorator Who Knew Too Much, which I loved so much that I went back and snapped up the first three books to read. Since then I haven't looked back. This series is one that I keep up with, gobbling up each new book when it's released. With all the series mysteries that I read, that's saying something: Madison Night is very special.
The wait to get Madison back to work in her design firm seemed to drag on forever, but The Kill of It All shows readers that her creative mojo is just as strong as ever. Diane Vallere has led me to a better appreciation of both the actress Doris Day and of mid-century modern furniture and design, and when she shows Madison deep in her creative process, I'm totally absorbed.
There are so many pieces the author puts together to make The Kill of It All such a satisfying read. The work Tex is putting into making his police force better. How reading obituaries leads Madison to estate sales that add to her inventory (and what those purchased inventories say about the people they belonged to). Readers even get to see some of what goes into the making of television commercials. And there's one scene in particular that brought a very wet James Garner to mind.
If there's anything I'd want to change in this book, it's the fact that Madison never gets a chance to go back to that old furniture warehouse; it sounded as though it was filled with treasures. But I suppose I can always hope that Madison can get back to it in the next book.
If you're a reader who's come across these books and decided not to give them a try because the covers look too "cute," think again. Madison Night is fiftysomething, a strong, intelligent woman with plenty of life experience, common sense, and talent. It is altogether possible to get a great deal of enjoyment from reading these books even if you don't care for Doris Day movies or mid-century modern furniture and design. This is some fine storytelling that should not be missed. You can start at book one (Pillow Stalk) or do what I did and jump in midstream. Whatever you do, just give this series a try. I'm pretty sure you're going to turn into a fan just like me.
The wait to get Madison back to work in her design firm seemed to drag on forever, but The Kill of It All shows readers that her creative mojo is just as strong as ever. Diane Vallere has led me to a better appreciation of both the actress Doris Day and of mid-century modern furniture and design, and when she shows Madison deep in her creative process, I'm totally absorbed.
There are so many pieces the author puts together to make The Kill of It All such a satisfying read. The work Tex is putting into making his police force better. How reading obituaries leads Madison to estate sales that add to her inventory (and what those purchased inventories say about the people they belonged to). Readers even get to see some of what goes into the making of television commercials. And there's one scene in particular that brought a very wet James Garner to mind.
If there's anything I'd want to change in this book, it's the fact that Madison never gets a chance to go back to that old furniture warehouse; it sounded as though it was filled with treasures. But I suppose I can always hope that Madison can get back to it in the next book.
If you're a reader who's come across these books and decided not to give them a try because the covers look too "cute," think again. Madison Night is fiftysomething, a strong, intelligent woman with plenty of life experience, common sense, and talent. It is altogether possible to get a great deal of enjoyment from reading these books even if you don't care for Doris Day movies or mid-century modern furniture and design. This is some fine storytelling that should not be missed. You can start at book one (Pillow Stalk) or do what I did and jump in midstream. Whatever you do, just give this series a try. I'm pretty sure you're going to turn into a fan just like me.
February 24, 2022
The Kill of It by Diane Vallere, book nine in her humorous Madison Night Mystery series, is another “grab you on page one and not let go until the end” whodunit. Madison Knight is an interior designer, who focuses on the mid-century modern era, and has an eye for detail; she notices things that others may not. A home-made advertising video puts her decorating business, Mad for Mod, in the spotlight, bringing in lots of new clients, making her consider filming a better ad using a professional crew. This new ad is nothing but a disaster as she struggles with the crew’s demands and location. Following her shoot is an ad filmed to promote the police department; for which she hangs around awhile to watch. From there Madison ends up being hired to do the police department ad as well. The ad isn’t quite up to the police’s standards, which has the police commissioner to ask her to star in public service ads for the police department. This leads to Madison finding a dead body and now a there’s murder to solve.
Ms. Vallere does an excellent job keeping her readers on their toes as they read her stories. I genuinely enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. The story line was riveting, edgy, filled with twists and turns to keep you guessing, and a lot of humor that keeps you laughing. There were a lot of red herrings causing me to wrongly guess the killer was and boy was I surprised when I found out. I highly recommend The Kill of It reat to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Ms. Vallere does an excellent job keeping her readers on their toes as they read her stories. I genuinely enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. The story line was riveting, edgy, filled with twists and turns to keep you guessing, and a lot of humor that keeps you laughing. There were a lot of red herrings causing me to wrongly guess the killer was and boy was I surprised when I found out. I highly recommend The Kill of It reat to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
February 22, 2022
This was the second novel I have by this author, but the first in this series. I must say that I am very impressed. Now as I say this is my first read, I obviously did not read them in order. The novel was such that I did not have any trouble reading and enjoying the novel. I liked it so much that I hope that I might be able to go back and read the rest of the novels in this series, I highly recommend this novel. The author is quite gifted and just grabbed my attention right from the beginning. I received this novel from BookFunnel. This is my honest review.
February 22, 2022
Another fabulous read from Diane Vallere! Madison’s life is busier than ever after her home-made advertising video puts her decorating business in the spotlight and the police commissioner hires her to star in public service ads for the police department. And then there’s a murder to solve! Extremely well written and highly recommended! I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one. I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
February 26, 2022
Madison Night is once again in the thick of things. This was my favorite book in this series so far. It was captivating, and a real page turner. I love the way Diane Vallere weaves her stories that entertain and keep you guessing. This book had a great cast of characters, and I like the direction this story took. I highly recommend this book and this series!
February 26, 2022
This is the only cozy mystery series I read. It combines the best of the genre with a mid century vibe that I love. The Kill of it All also features tons of nods to the Doris Day movie that inspired the title. I cannot wait for Madison's next adventure! I love this series.
March 17, 2022
As I started reading “The Kill Of It All”, the latest installment of Diane Vallere’s fun murder mystery series, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The series features Madison Night, a decorator who loves 1950’s era designs and Doris Day movies, and the murders that seem to seek her out as stylishly builds her business of designing for clients who embrace her retro-mod style. Often in a series, an author feels that something dramatic has to happen every book to keep a reader’s interest. In recent books, Madison has inherited a pajama factory, had a movie made about her ex-partner, been sued and lost her design business, and gone back to school to get a business degree to help her re-build her business.
All of these felt organic to Madison’s journey but sometimes you aren’t looking for drama and major life changes. When you go out to dinner with your friends, you aren’t hoping for screaming matches, loud music, bad news, tragedy and tears, aggressive pickup attempts, and drunken antics every time. Sometimes you just want to chill out and enjoy your friend’s company, to have interesting conversations while you catch up with each over a nice meal and bottle of wine. I like it when an author takes time to stop and focus on their characters, not another zany, convoluted plot.
This book feels like a nice dinner party with friends. You learn more about Madison and Tex’s relationship and see them simply existing as a couple, you appreciate the rich secondary characters in the series (shout out to my favorite secondary character - Donna ‘Nasty” Nast, a gorgeous, smart, tough cop-turned-security-consultant), and you learn about the interior design and decorating, something that drew me to this series in the first place.
Of course, you also pit your wits against the killer and see if you, and Madison, can figure out who the killer is before they strike again. Is it the stripper turned actress that lost a role to Madison’s acting debut? Is it the director trying to keep a secret? Is it the acting coach who is also Madison’s current decorating client? Grab this book and find out. It is a charming, ice cream colored respite from the next big major life twist. And by now, Madison has had more than her share of twists. She deserves a chance to just enjoy being with her sheriff boyfriend and get her business back on track. I really enjoyed seeing the author take the time to do a deeper dive into the nuts and bolts of decorating industry and how Madison comes up with her designs.
(In exchange for an advanced reading copy, I am giving this honest opinion about the book.)
All of these felt organic to Madison’s journey but sometimes you aren’t looking for drama and major life changes. When you go out to dinner with your friends, you aren’t hoping for screaming matches, loud music, bad news, tragedy and tears, aggressive pickup attempts, and drunken antics every time. Sometimes you just want to chill out and enjoy your friend’s company, to have interesting conversations while you catch up with each over a nice meal and bottle of wine. I like it when an author takes time to stop and focus on their characters, not another zany, convoluted plot.
This book feels like a nice dinner party with friends. You learn more about Madison and Tex’s relationship and see them simply existing as a couple, you appreciate the rich secondary characters in the series (shout out to my favorite secondary character - Donna ‘Nasty” Nast, a gorgeous, smart, tough cop-turned-security-consultant), and you learn about the interior design and decorating, something that drew me to this series in the first place.
Of course, you also pit your wits against the killer and see if you, and Madison, can figure out who the killer is before they strike again. Is it the stripper turned actress that lost a role to Madison’s acting debut? Is it the director trying to keep a secret? Is it the acting coach who is also Madison’s current decorating client? Grab this book and find out. It is a charming, ice cream colored respite from the next big major life twist. And by now, Madison has had more than her share of twists. She deserves a chance to just enjoy being with her sheriff boyfriend and get her business back on track. I really enjoyed seeing the author take the time to do a deeper dive into the nuts and bolts of decorating industry and how Madison comes up with her designs.
(In exchange for an advanced reading copy, I am giving this honest opinion about the book.)
March 9, 2022
Another great addition to the Mad for Mod series with likeable characters and a mystery that grabs you from the beginning with so many red-herrings, twists and turns and a lot of humor. Madison Night is passionate about her interior design and decorating business that she makes a homemade commercial and falls into a local tv spot that nets her a lot of business. So she decides she wants to make another more professional one and while she is trying to successfully pull off a commercial a scantily dressed actress, Olivia, comes in with a couple of fake dressed police to film a "feel good" commercial for the town police. The director, Denton, had told Madison he would shoot her commercial, but he has another contracted to do for the town. The interaction between Olivia and Madison makes you want to smack the full of herself Olivia from the beginning. That night, Madison's boyfriend, Tex, captain of the police department and Madison were invited to the Police Commissioner's home for a dinner party. Arlene Fraleigh, the commissioner's wife saw Madison't original commercial and glomed onto her immediately. They got along famously and in the end, they fired the self-centered Olivia and wanted Madison to do the professional commercial for the town police. She finally agreed if they were to do it in Arlene's now closed furniture warehouse/store. With a new director, Olivia's makeup and stylist, who Olivia had fired they started to film the commercial. When the director called a break and coffee and donuts are out back, the fun began! Madison finds Olivia's dead body with a bloody coffee urn next to her. Now we have a murder. With Tex asking her to continue doing the commercial as the "inside man" she agreed and does some sleuthing on her own. But does she get too close? With so many potential suspects, since it seemed no on liked the deceased. Which includes a new customer of Madison's who has a strange past but is this a subplot or is it connected to the murder, but how? I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
April 21, 2022
An excellent, intricate, and well-crafted story. There is a lot going on in this book but the author does a good job keeping it all flowing together. The main character is busy figuring out how to do commercials and keeping her niche decorating business going, while also solving a murder and a major scam operation. The culprit was a surprise, disclosed in a very tense but also hilarious scene.
Ms. Vallere is very honest about her main character, Madison Knight, from her age (complete with hot flashes), to her bum knee, along with realistically portraying the difficulties of keeping a relationship going while both people have very busy and intense careers. I also enjoyed seeing her creative process at work, both in the creating the commercials as well as how she redid a design concept to better match her skills and the needs of the client.
Madison's boyfriend is a cop so the fact that she keeps coming across dead bodies does keep them working together. It helps that they both have a healthy respect for what each other is capable of doing to find the culprit(s), though I was a surprised by the danger he exposed her to in the furniture store.
It is good to see that life is finally going in a positive direction for her business and her relationship with Tex. The fact that he could reference a Doris Day movie when his jeep had a mishap says quite a bit about the strength of their relationship. They get each other and accept each other's foibles.
Madison Knight is an fascinating character. People are important to Madison, from her clients to the people she works with to the people whose estates she buys items from for her for her mid-century design business. I like how she remembers the life stories that go with many of the items she uses. Madison is one of those characters that you wish you could meet over coffee somewhere. Diane Vallere does Doris Day proud!
Ms. Vallere is very honest about her main character, Madison Knight, from her age (complete with hot flashes), to her bum knee, along with realistically portraying the difficulties of keeping a relationship going while both people have very busy and intense careers. I also enjoyed seeing her creative process at work, both in the creating the commercials as well as how she redid a design concept to better match her skills and the needs of the client.
Madison's boyfriend is a cop so the fact that she keeps coming across dead bodies does keep them working together. It helps that they both have a healthy respect for what each other is capable of doing to find the culprit(s), though I was a surprised by the danger he exposed her to in the furniture store.
It is good to see that life is finally going in a positive direction for her business and her relationship with Tex. The fact that he could reference a Doris Day movie when his jeep had a mishap says quite a bit about the strength of their relationship. They get each other and accept each other's foibles.
"Tex was right. Repeatedly, my choices had led me to life-threatening situations. He's warned me off and then accepted that our minds worked similarly when it came to solving a puzzle, and homicides were puzzles."
Madison Knight is an fascinating character. People are important to Madison, from her clients to the people she works with to the people whose estates she buys items from for her for her mid-century design business. I like how she remembers the life stories that go with many of the items she uses. Madison is one of those characters that you wish you could meet over coffee somewhere. Diane Vallere does Doris Day proud!
March 7, 2022
The Kill of It All is another exciting installment of Vallere's Mad for Mod cozy mystery series. Madison finds herself busier than ever thanks to some accidental tv spots about the reopening of her business. Things take an unexpected turn when she is asked to do some promotion for the police department as a result of her newfound fame. Hoping to get a redo of her own commercial, Madison agrees not expecting to find the woman she was replacing murdered on the set. Madison finds herself helping Tex and the local police department solve this unexpected caper.
Vallere does a great job at setting up a compelling mystery that combines Madison's work with Tex's making the stakes higher than ever. I really enjoyed seeing this new phase of Madison's relationship with Tex and the two of them working together. I also really loved seeing my favorite secondary characters back especially Nasty along with some new ones. Vallere sets up an entertaining mystery that captures the reader's interest from the beginning and never lets go. The Kill of It All is an entertaining read that I would most definitely recommend. I look forward to reading Madison's next adventure.
Received a copy of The Kill of It All from the author.
Vallere does a great job at setting up a compelling mystery that combines Madison's work with Tex's making the stakes higher than ever. I really enjoyed seeing this new phase of Madison's relationship with Tex and the two of them working together. I also really loved seeing my favorite secondary characters back especially Nasty along with some new ones. Vallere sets up an entertaining mystery that captures the reader's interest from the beginning and never lets go. The Kill of It All is an entertaining read that I would most definitely recommend. I look forward to reading Madison's next adventure.
Received a copy of The Kill of It All from the author.
March 2, 2022
I enjoy reading the Madison Night series and am always glad to be back in her world. This next book in the series didn’t disappoint and was terrific. Madison made her own commercial to promote her Mad For Mod decorating business, but did it using her phone. So not very professional, but it was getting her business. Because of it, the Police Commissioner and his wife want her to replace the original spokesperson to do a spot to promote the Lakewood Police department. And it would be filmed at an old mid-century furniture store, so how could she refuse. But when Madison finds that first spokesperson dead at the location, the police need to find the killer without alerting the film crew that they are possible suspects. In the midst of all this, Madison is juggling the commercial shoot, her clients and a surprise she’s keeping from her boyfriend, Captain Allen. Diane Vallere does a great job of writing a cozy mystery full of plot twists that keeps you involved. I know I didn’t want to stop reading until I found out who the murderer was, and what was happening next in her crazy, chaotic life.
March 16, 2022
When I heard there was another Madison Knight book in the works, I was excited. She is my favorite character and series written by Diane Vallere. I was not disappointed! I loved the twists and turns the story took. And as a Doris Day fan, also really enjoyed finding the little nuggets throughout which gave nod to the movie, “The Thrill of it All.”
We find Madison working to get her business back off the ground through the use of means she hadn’t really explored previously. In my opinion, there are more comedic moments in this story than the previous Mad for Mod installments, and that brings a freshness to the brand…and a curiosity in wondering where she will go from here and what might just happen next!
As always, I am willing to recommend this story to anyone 12 years of age, or older…or younger depending on their reading level. Ms. Vallere keeps things clean in content and language – something that is very important to me as a reader.
I did receive a free, advanced copy of this book in return for my review. And the bottom line – I enjoyed myself while reading this story!
We find Madison working to get her business back off the ground through the use of means she hadn’t really explored previously. In my opinion, there are more comedic moments in this story than the previous Mad for Mod installments, and that brings a freshness to the brand…and a curiosity in wondering where she will go from here and what might just happen next!
As always, I am willing to recommend this story to anyone 12 years of age, or older…or younger depending on their reading level. Ms. Vallere keeps things clean in content and language – something that is very important to me as a reader.
I did receive a free, advanced copy of this book in return for my review. And the bottom line – I enjoyed myself while reading this story!
March 7, 2022
Too Many Secrets Spoil The Romance
This is the ninth in a series of cozy mysteries and it can be read and enjoyed without having read the other books. But, as always, the reader will enjoy it more by knowing all of the background details by reading the series in order. In this episode, all Madison is trying to do is make a simple commercial to generate more business. And you will never guess how that turns out. The mystery is great, and the reveal is surprising. There is lots of humor to enjoy along with the Doris Day references and mid-century style. I received this ARC for free from the author and I am happy to give it my honest review.
This is the ninth in a series of cozy mysteries and it can be read and enjoyed without having read the other books. But, as always, the reader will enjoy it more by knowing all of the background details by reading the series in order. In this episode, all Madison is trying to do is make a simple commercial to generate more business. And you will never guess how that turns out. The mystery is great, and the reveal is surprising. There is lots of humor to enjoy along with the Doris Day references and mid-century style. I received this ARC for free from the author and I am happy to give it my honest review.
November 25, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded up
Shenanigans. That's what this book felt like, but it was fun and frivolous and all kinds of crazy. When Madison has a week, she really has a week!
Regrowing her business, Madison filmed a commercial that landed her in a series of promo videos for the Lakewood Police Department. After a local stripper turned actress ends up dead, Madison is not only in the middle of several commercial shoots, but also in the middle of a murder investigation and several decorating projects. Everything feels in limbo, but Madison falls into success yet again, by being in the wrong/right place at the wrong/right time. And this time there's gelato!
Good fun.
Shenanigans. That's what this book felt like, but it was fun and frivolous and all kinds of crazy. When Madison has a week, she really has a week!
Regrowing her business, Madison filmed a commercial that landed her in a series of promo videos for the Lakewood Police Department. After a local stripper turned actress ends up dead, Madison is not only in the middle of several commercial shoots, but also in the middle of a murder investigation and several decorating projects. Everything feels in limbo, but Madison falls into success yet again, by being in the wrong/right place at the wrong/right time. And this time there's gelato!
Good fun.
May 30, 2022
Okay Tex and Madison are seriously THE cutest couple. The only reason this one gets three stars is because of the two scenes that payed homage to one of my favorite Doris Day movies of all time. Outside of those scenes and the interactions between Madison and Tex this was a ridiculous mystery. The killer was only in the first two chapters and barely spoke to Madison or the victim. It was slow reading during the description of the commercials. Definitely not my favorite book in the series but I still look forward to the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2023
I LOVE this series! Reading these books feels like I'm watching a show and get very upset when someone interrupts me.
They flow so well, feel genuine and make me laugh. The dialogue, the interactions amongst the characters, the backstop behind the outfit or piece - it's all perfect.
They flow so well, feel genuine and make me laugh. The dialogue, the interactions amongst the characters, the backstop behind the outfit or piece - it's all perfect.
March 1, 2022
An amusing, entertaining cozy mystery that makes an excellent addition to the series. I only wish the book was longer.
March 5, 2022
I stayed up all night to finish this PG cozy mystery set in Lakewood, Texas near Dallas during March. My ARC arrived via Bookfunnel and this voluntary review is my own opinion.
July 11, 2022
Thrill of it All
Madison's business is stronger and growing. Her 'Go Big Or Go Home' approach is paying off. Unfortunately, just as she gets started on a series of commercials to help the police paint a better image starts, she finds the body of a local minor celebrity and exotic dancer.
Can Madison figure out acting and solve a crime before becoming the next body of work for our criminal? Great read.
Madison's business is stronger and growing. Her 'Go Big Or Go Home' approach is paying off. Unfortunately, just as she gets started on a series of commercials to help the police paint a better image starts, she finds the body of a local minor celebrity and exotic dancer.
Can Madison figure out acting and solve a crime before becoming the next body of work for our criminal? Great read.
March 16, 2022
3.5 stars As always, I love the clothes and decor. The Doris Day film reference was very funny, and the mystery and Madison's story were enjoyable.
July 1, 2024
Madison Night has recently shot a commercial to drum up customers for her recently reopened business. But she regrets it when she gets talked into filming a public service commercial for the local police department. Madison is replacing an actress who wasn’t working out, but she doesn’t expect to find the woman dead behind the building where they are supposed to film. Suddenly, the crew are looking like suspects. Can Madison figure out who committed the crime?
I let a little more time than normal go between visits with Madison, but it was wonderful to be back in her presence. The story starts quickly and doesn’t let up, with several great surprises on the way to the logical climax. The characters, both returning and new, are as strong as always, and I enjoyed seeing Madison grow a bit more here. Fans of Doris Day movies will recognize the setup from one of them, but that movie wasn’t a murder mystery. There are plenty of great surprises along the way (and another couple of fun homages). Unfortunately, there are still a few things that I wish had been caught in an edit, but they are minor irritants. If you are looking for a fun mystery, be sure to pick up this series.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I let a little more time than normal go between visits with Madison, but it was wonderful to be back in her presence. The story starts quickly and doesn’t let up, with several great surprises on the way to the logical climax. The characters, both returning and new, are as strong as always, and I enjoyed seeing Madison grow a bit more here. Fans of Doris Day movies will recognize the setup from one of them, but that movie wasn’t a murder mystery. There are plenty of great surprises along the way (and another couple of fun homages). Unfortunately, there are still a few things that I wish had been caught in an edit, but they are minor irritants. If you are looking for a fun mystery, be sure to pick up this series.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
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