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Mad for Mod Mystery #10
Love Me or Grieve Me
Reports of Madison Night’s death have been greatly exaggerated…
When a junior copy editor at the local newspaper mistakenly uses interior decorator Madison Night’s life story in the obituary of a recently deceased woman with a similar name, Madison’s life turns upside down. Addison Nigh, a once in-demand jazz vocalist, had fallen into obscurity, and her death notice surprises only those who thought she died decades ago.
Canceled lines of credit and a swarm of condolences to Madison’s loved ones are just the tip of the iceberg, but when the decorator discovers evidence that the real dead woman played a part in an unsolved murder, their identity mix-up gives Madison backstage access to a life of secrets. As parallels between the singer’s life and her own become impossible to ignore, Madison questions the true price of fame. But Madison isn’t the only one to discover the singer’s buried secrets, and if she’s not careful, the next obituary might be her own.
Can Madison protect a mysterious past with notes similar to her own, or will exposing the truth be her swan song?
When a junior copy editor at the local newspaper mistakenly uses interior decorator Madison Night’s life story in the obituary of a recently deceased woman with a similar name, Madison’s life turns upside down. Addison Nigh, a once in-demand jazz vocalist, had fallen into obscurity, and her death notice surprises only those who thought she died decades ago.
Canceled lines of credit and a swarm of condolences to Madison’s loved ones are just the tip of the iceberg, but when the decorator discovers evidence that the real dead woman played a part in an unsolved murder, their identity mix-up gives Madison backstage access to a life of secrets. As parallels between the singer’s life and her own become impossible to ignore, Madison questions the true price of fame. But Madison isn’t the only one to discover the singer’s buried secrets, and if she’s not careful, the next obituary might be her own.
Can Madison protect a mysterious past with notes similar to her own, or will exposing the truth be her swan song?
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2022
24 people are currently reading
3087 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 42 reviews
January 12, 2023
Many cozy mysteries stick to the basic plot outline for any story: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement. Great writers take you beyond this framework and make observations about characters and why they do what they do and examine the cause and effect of the action. They give us reason to look more closely at our own lives and think about what we have learned from reading this book.
The mystery of how and why various people end up dead, the framework for this story, is a good one with multiple surprises and some major misdirections. But my overall response is to the characters involved and why they make the decisions that they make, either out of love or greed, and their ability to adapt.
Diane Vallere has always written entertaining books, and I happen to particularly like her Madison Night mysteries. I have learned a lot about Doris Day and come to respect her more as a person. I've also learned a lot about mid-fifties design and fashion. In this book, Ms. Vallere takes it up a notch as the MC, Madison Night, after a mistaken obituary and the domino effect of that mistake, starts to look at her life choices more closely and why she has made the life decisions she has made. There is nothing like people thinking you are dead to wake you up to present reality! Her introspection, and the results on those close to her, are lessons we all can learn. That is what makes this great writing: her observations, through her characters, makes it relatable to us today and to our lives.
Revealing a truth we all can identify with is an important part of any great story.
The mystery of how and why various people end up dead, the framework for this story, is a good one with multiple surprises and some major misdirections. But my overall response is to the characters involved and why they make the decisions that they make, either out of love or greed, and their ability to adapt.
Diane Vallere has always written entertaining books, and I happen to particularly like her Madison Night mysteries. I have learned a lot about Doris Day and come to respect her more as a person. I've also learned a lot about mid-fifties design and fashion. In this book, Ms. Vallere takes it up a notch as the MC, Madison Night, after a mistaken obituary and the domino effect of that mistake, starts to look at her life choices more closely and why she has made the life decisions she has made. There is nothing like people thinking you are dead to wake you up to present reality! Her introspection, and the results on those close to her, are lessons we all can learn. That is what makes this great writing: her observations, through her characters, makes it relatable to us today and to our lives.
It wasn't until this very moment that I realized how far Tex had evolved from the man he'd been when we first met, and if he had changed, then I had too. We were different people now, different every single day, than the person we were the day before. External factors forced us to adapt if we wanted to survive, not just physically but emotionally, too.
Revealing a truth we all can identify with is an important part of any great story.
October 25, 2022
Oh, no, Madison Knight is dead! We knew this would happen eventually if she didn’t stop butting in everywhere and taking chances. Good intentions but not always the best judgment and all that. But wait . . . she’s alive. The obituary announcing her death was a mistake by a junior editor. It’s been corrected. Mostly. So all good now, right? Not exactly. Cancelled lines of credit, frozen funds at the bank, and enough floral arrangements to bury you alive (oops). She doesn’t have time to straighten all this out. She has a business to run, and one of the biggest jobs of her career coming up – fully renovating a 1955 ranch house, inside and out, for a vow renewal ceremony for her clients. It’s Madison’s dream job. But she needs her life sorted out to do it right.
The story open with Madison attending her own funeral. Well, not really her funeral. The funeral for the woman who the obituary was supposed to be about: Addison Nigh, a once in-demand jazz vocalist who had fallen into obscurity. Of course Madison being Madison, she can’t leave well enough alone. She goes to the funeral, is spotted, questioned by Addison’s friends and family, and here we go. Embroiled in what was thought to be a simple, natural-causes death but maybe really isn’t. As Madison discovers long-buried secrets from Addison’s life some parallels emerge and suddenly her own life is in danger.
Remember Tex? Police captain Tex Allen and Madison have been dating for about a year. Seems longer, but maybe because it seems to be going so well. They are a settled, comfortable couple. Serious but not too, no long-term commitments. Madison was out of town with a dead phone when her death was announced. No big deal, she’s an independent woman, isn’t she? But now Tex is acting weird. Very, very weird. Are they at a crossroads?
Love Me or Grieve Me is a fabulous addition to the Mad for Mod mystery series. Always wonderful to catch up again with Doris Day look-alike Madison Knight, with her mid-century hair and clothes and decorating expertise. Her mid-century everything. But for all the excitement and suspense and pure fun, in this book Madison is forced to do a little soul-searching. She’s caring but you wouldn’t call her a caregiver, she’s attentive to those that matter to her but she doesn’t hover. She’s engaging but is she fully engaged in her life, or is her strong sense and display of independence in part avoidance, a cover up, a push to keep people at arm’s length so she doesn’t let down her defenses and get hurt again (don’t forget the handyman thing)? Madison has grown a lot from the more self-centered and careless woman we first met, but the events after that erroneous obituary give her a lot to reflect on. And on the fun side we have the pleasure of Madison dealing with difficult clients, coming up with fantastic decorating ideas, and describing in detail her amazing mid-century wardrobe.
Thanks to author Diane Vallere for providing an advance copy of Love Me or Grieve Me for my reading pleasure and honest review. This was a journey with Madison I was happy to go along on. She is such a well-drawn character her predicaments and life path always make for a most enjoyable read. I recommend this book, this series, all Vallere’s series without hesitation. All opinions are my own.
The story open with Madison attending her own funeral. Well, not really her funeral. The funeral for the woman who the obituary was supposed to be about: Addison Nigh, a once in-demand jazz vocalist who had fallen into obscurity. Of course Madison being Madison, she can’t leave well enough alone. She goes to the funeral, is spotted, questioned by Addison’s friends and family, and here we go. Embroiled in what was thought to be a simple, natural-causes death but maybe really isn’t. As Madison discovers long-buried secrets from Addison’s life some parallels emerge and suddenly her own life is in danger.
Remember Tex? Police captain Tex Allen and Madison have been dating for about a year. Seems longer, but maybe because it seems to be going so well. They are a settled, comfortable couple. Serious but not too, no long-term commitments. Madison was out of town with a dead phone when her death was announced. No big deal, she’s an independent woman, isn’t she? But now Tex is acting weird. Very, very weird. Are they at a crossroads?
Love Me or Grieve Me is a fabulous addition to the Mad for Mod mystery series. Always wonderful to catch up again with Doris Day look-alike Madison Knight, with her mid-century hair and clothes and decorating expertise. Her mid-century everything. But for all the excitement and suspense and pure fun, in this book Madison is forced to do a little soul-searching. She’s caring but you wouldn’t call her a caregiver, she’s attentive to those that matter to her but she doesn’t hover. She’s engaging but is she fully engaged in her life, or is her strong sense and display of independence in part avoidance, a cover up, a push to keep people at arm’s length so she doesn’t let down her defenses and get hurt again (don’t forget the handyman thing)? Madison has grown a lot from the more self-centered and careless woman we first met, but the events after that erroneous obituary give her a lot to reflect on. And on the fun side we have the pleasure of Madison dealing with difficult clients, coming up with fantastic decorating ideas, and describing in detail her amazing mid-century wardrobe.
Thanks to author Diane Vallere for providing an advance copy of Love Me or Grieve Me for my reading pleasure and honest review. This was a journey with Madison I was happy to go along on. She is such a well-drawn character her predicaments and life path always make for a most enjoyable read. I recommend this book, this series, all Vallere’s series without hesitation. All opinions are my own.
October 29, 2022
I just finished reading Diane Vallere’s latest cozy mystery “Love Me Or Grieve Me” and loved it. I’m still trying to figure out why this one feels a little different than the others, because it has many of the same elements as previous entries in the funny murder mystery series featuring Madison Night. Madison is a Doris Day fan who runs a design and interior decorating business focused on a Mid-Century Modern aesthetic. The story has the usual humor and several nods to Doris Day, there is a murder of course, there are colorful characters that ooze charisma and drop wisdom, and the on-going relationships with the residents of her neighborhood in Texas are still as engaging as ever.
After thinking about it, the subtle difference might be the writing. On Chapter Two, I remember being stuck by how well written the scene was between Madison and a mourner at the funeral of a local singing legend, who gets their obituary mixed up with Madison’s life history. The mourner, a musician who worked with the recently deceased singer, and Madison have a touching moment together, that has poignance and wit. I read the scene twice because I was struck by how natural and effortlessly it flowed. I kept reading through the rest of the story quickly, devouring how Madison’s life got complicated once friends and loved ones thought she was the one who died, how it caused her to lose clients, and drew the attention of a murderer.
I had this same feeling later when I got to Chapter Twenty Three, which featured a lengthy, heartfelt conversation between Madison and Donna ‘Nasty’ Nast, cop turned security consultant. Nasty is so self-possessed and comfortable with herself that you don’t feel like you are seeing a ‘character’ – you feel like you are hanging out with the city’s most bad-ass life coach and just absorbing all their wisdom and insights. It lights a fire in Madison Night. Madison shows some self-doubt and insecurity and Nasty just brushes it aside with her perceptive questions, goal focus, and a refusal to enable negative thinking. The writing in this interaction just flowed easily, naturally, and subtly.
So in addition to the clever plots that I always get with any of Diane Vallere’s books, I felt like in this book, the writing went to the next level. If you want an engaging mystery featuring interesting characters, a 1950’s era color palette and an unsolved 1950’s murder to go along with the present day murders plus multiple fake deaths, along with some unexpected life advice, this is the book for you.
(In exchange for an advanced reading copy, I am giving this honest opinion about the book.)
After thinking about it, the subtle difference might be the writing. On Chapter Two, I remember being stuck by how well written the scene was between Madison and a mourner at the funeral of a local singing legend, who gets their obituary mixed up with Madison’s life history. The mourner, a musician who worked with the recently deceased singer, and Madison have a touching moment together, that has poignance and wit. I read the scene twice because I was struck by how natural and effortlessly it flowed. I kept reading through the rest of the story quickly, devouring how Madison’s life got complicated once friends and loved ones thought she was the one who died, how it caused her to lose clients, and drew the attention of a murderer.
I had this same feeling later when I got to Chapter Twenty Three, which featured a lengthy, heartfelt conversation between Madison and Donna ‘Nasty’ Nast, cop turned security consultant. Nasty is so self-possessed and comfortable with herself that you don’t feel like you are seeing a ‘character’ – you feel like you are hanging out with the city’s most bad-ass life coach and just absorbing all their wisdom and insights. It lights a fire in Madison Night. Madison shows some self-doubt and insecurity and Nasty just brushes it aside with her perceptive questions, goal focus, and a refusal to enable negative thinking. The writing in this interaction just flowed easily, naturally, and subtly.
So in addition to the clever plots that I always get with any of Diane Vallere’s books, I felt like in this book, the writing went to the next level. If you want an engaging mystery featuring interesting characters, a 1950’s era color palette and an unsolved 1950’s murder to go along with the present day murders plus multiple fake deaths, along with some unexpected life advice, this is the book for you.
(In exchange for an advanced reading copy, I am giving this honest opinion about the book.)
November 2, 2022
Madison Night is alive and well… or is she? After all, it’s her name that cropped up in the local obituaries. At first it seems like a case of similar names and mistaken identities, but when Madison’s finances are put on hold, the floral arrangements start flooding in, and the real corpse has another death in the family, it seems that maybe someone is trying to put Madison out of the decorating game for good.
Vallere is in top form in this, the tenth book in the Madison Night Cosy Mystery series. Not only do the characters feel as fresh and interesting as when they were first introduced in 2012’s Pillow Stalk, but the pacing, plot, twists and turns will keep you guessing until the very end.
I found myself reading late into the night as I, like Madison, wondered just what was going on. Who would want to call the bank pretending to be her and freezing her own accounts? Or even bother reporting her as an imposter to a local newspaper’s lowly intern? How many florist shops were cleared of stock as the floral arrangements are not only filling her storefront and parking lot, but also the police precinct of boyfriend Captain Tex Allen? Just why is the police precinct sworn to secrecy over Tex’s response to the obituary? And could a local real estate broker and his wife possibly be involved as Madison tackles the largest remodel ever in her career.
Madison may be trying to keep herself distracted with her remodel but if she’s not careful it might just be her own funeral that’s next.
Vallere is in top form in this, the tenth book in the Madison Night Cosy Mystery series. Not only do the characters feel as fresh and interesting as when they were first introduced in 2012’s Pillow Stalk, but the pacing, plot, twists and turns will keep you guessing until the very end.
I found myself reading late into the night as I, like Madison, wondered just what was going on. Who would want to call the bank pretending to be her and freezing her own accounts? Or even bother reporting her as an imposter to a local newspaper’s lowly intern? How many florist shops were cleared of stock as the floral arrangements are not only filling her storefront and parking lot, but also the police precinct of boyfriend Captain Tex Allen? Just why is the police precinct sworn to secrecy over Tex’s response to the obituary? And could a local real estate broker and his wife possibly be involved as Madison tackles the largest remodel ever in her career.
Madison may be trying to keep herself distracted with her remodel but if she’s not careful it might just be her own funeral that’s next.
November 13, 2022
It's good to know what I have to do in case I'm mistakenly declared dead, but that's not the only reason to read this latest installment in Diane Vallere's excellent Madison Night series. The entire series has shown readers Madison's journey to self-realization and how she has changed through her experiences and the people who've come into her life along the way. Madison isn't a one-note wonder; she's changed and grown over the course of the series, and she finally realizes this in Love Me or Grieve Me. She even shows us why Doris Day is the perfect role model for her transformation. (Never fear-- being familiar with Doris Day and with mid-century modern interior design are not necessary to enjoy these books but don't be surprised if your interest is piqued.)
The mystery is a good one, but as always, my delight is in the details. How nepotism doesn't work in the newsroom. How it pays to be very careful in reading the details of a real estate listing. How having a reliable dog sitter is crucial. And how one of Madison's favorite pastimes ("letting someone from a different generation share their stories") and how her line of work shapes how she sees others ("It's impossible for me not to profile people based on their living spaces") make her even more special. (And since I just completed a kitchen renovation, it makes me wonder how Madison would profile me.)
Diane Vallere's Madison Night is one of the best cozy mystery heroines in the business, and I'd never miss a book in this fun (yet grown-up) series. More, please!
The mystery is a good one, but as always, my delight is in the details. How nepotism doesn't work in the newsroom. How it pays to be very careful in reading the details of a real estate listing. How having a reliable dog sitter is crucial. And how one of Madison's favorite pastimes ("letting someone from a different generation share their stories") and how her line of work shapes how she sees others ("It's impossible for me not to profile people based on their living spaces") make her even more special. (And since I just completed a kitchen renovation, it makes me wonder how Madison would profile me.)
Diane Vallere's Madison Night is one of the best cozy mystery heroines in the business, and I'd never miss a book in this fun (yet grown-up) series. More, please!
October 27, 2022
Love Me or Grieve Me by Diane Vallere, book ten in her Madison Night Mystery series, is another “grab you on page one and not let go until the end” whodunit. An unusual mistaken identity, thanks to the newspaper switching her name in an obituary for a woman who recently died and whose name was vaguely similar – Addison Nigh, puts Madison Night's life in a crazy predicament and smack dab in the middle of murder and mystery. Madison’s credit is shut down, her family is receiving condolences, her interior decorating business is being hurt and chaos is too calm a word to describe her situation. There is something strange about Addison Nigh’s death, grabbing Madison’s attention, compelling her to investigate. Twists and turns will take the reader on a wild journey to find out just what is going on here. She just might make some discoveries before a dangerous character comes after her too.
I genuinely enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. The story line was riveting, edgy and kept my attention to the very end; including the twists and turns I didn't expect. Ms. Vallere does an excellent job keeping her readers on their toes as they read her stories. She had lots of red herrings causing me to wrongly guess the killer was and boy was I surprised when I found out. I highly recommend Love Me or Grieve Me to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I genuinely enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. The story line was riveting, edgy and kept my attention to the very end; including the twists and turns I didn't expect. Ms. Vallere does an excellent job keeping her readers on their toes as they read her stories. She had lots of red herrings causing me to wrongly guess the killer was and boy was I surprised when I found out. I highly recommend Love Me or Grieve Me to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 27, 2022
Love Me or Grieve Me is another entertaining installment in Vallere's Mad for Mod cozy mystery series. Madison has accidently been declared dead by a local newspaper when a junior editor mixes up her name with the name of a recently deceased jazz vocalist. This mix-up causes quite a few complications for Madison affecting not just her business and credit score but by also putting some extra pressure on her relationship with Tex. The mix-up also leads to Madison discovering a dead body of the son of the real deceased leading her to want to solve this case.
Vallere sets up a compelling read as Madison needs to face some things that she probably wouldn't have without the mix-up. Madison faces some real personal issues that she didn't realize that she needed to face causing some growth for the character and her relationship. The book's mystery is well done full of enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Overall Love Me or Grieve Me proved to be an excellent read that I would most definitely recommend. I look forward to reading Madison's next adventure.
Received a copy of Love Me or Grieve Me from the author.
Vallere sets up a compelling read as Madison needs to face some things that she probably wouldn't have without the mix-up. Madison faces some real personal issues that she didn't realize that she needed to face causing some growth for the character and her relationship. The book's mystery is well done full of enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Overall Love Me or Grieve Me proved to be an excellent read that I would most definitely recommend. I look forward to reading Madison's next adventure.
Received a copy of Love Me or Grieve Me from the author.
October 25, 2022
First I want to thank Diane Vallere and BookFunnel for the ARC I received to give an honest review.
Madison Night's death, or so the newspaper thought, forced her into one of her greatest and hardest mysteries yet.
Can she solve an age old crime along with a fresh murder? It's a solid storyline with a solid ending. There were some twists and turns I didn't see coming.
I highly recommend this book and series in general. It's a lot of fun. I've never been disappointed with any of the books. A huge plus for me is my love of Doris Day. Madison Night is who I wish I could be.
Madison Night's death, or so the newspaper thought, forced her into one of her greatest and hardest mysteries yet.
Can she solve an age old crime along with a fresh murder? It's a solid storyline with a solid ending. There were some twists and turns I didn't see coming.
I highly recommend this book and series in general. It's a lot of fun. I've never been disappointed with any of the books. A huge plus for me is my love of Doris Day. Madison Night is who I wish I could be.
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December 12, 2022LOVE ME OR GRIEVE ME by Diane Vallere, the latest instalment in the Madison Night Mysteries, had all the important aspects of a cozy mystery while still feeling fresh and full of imagination!
Read the full review on Booktrib.com
Read the full review on Booktrib.com
October 12, 2022
A TYPO, AN ERRONEONOUS OBIT, & MURDER!
Diane Vallare has just released Love Me or Grieve Me: A Madison Night Mystery Book 10 and in my opinion, it is a winner! Her plot is centered around a typo, an erroneous obit, & murder! Madison Night, the interior decorator, has her life turned upside down when a junior copy editor at the smallest newspaper in Dallas makes a typo, and lists her name as the deceased instead of the real decedent, Addison Nigh. The two women’s names may have been similar, but they were separated by generations as well as lifestyles. Too make matters worse, all the larger Dallas papers picked up the story and ran in it in their editions alerting everyone, everywhere of her supposedly untimely demise, causing her business to take a hit when everyone believes she has passed. Night has one of her largest decorating jobs on the line but soon realizes that there is something sketchy going on behind the scenes and that it is somehow tied to Addison Nigh’s death, as well the deaths of some others.
What I like best is that Vallere weaves a wonderful mystery through several different scenarios. While she keeps Madison’s relationship with Tex at the forefront of this book, she keeps you guessing as to the status of their relationship. And, it is a relationship that has been working so well for them! This case is going to take them to the brink personally and relationally. Vallere also introduces new characters who help carry this story. They provide intriguing personalities for her to showcase her clever writing skills. This mystery will keep you guessing to the end, and enjoying it all as Vallere peels back all the layers!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Polyester Press. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
Diane Vallare has just released Love Me or Grieve Me: A Madison Night Mystery Book 10 and in my opinion, it is a winner! Her plot is centered around a typo, an erroneous obit, & murder! Madison Night, the interior decorator, has her life turned upside down when a junior copy editor at the smallest newspaper in Dallas makes a typo, and lists her name as the deceased instead of the real decedent, Addison Nigh. The two women’s names may have been similar, but they were separated by generations as well as lifestyles. Too make matters worse, all the larger Dallas papers picked up the story and ran in it in their editions alerting everyone, everywhere of her supposedly untimely demise, causing her business to take a hit when everyone believes she has passed. Night has one of her largest decorating jobs on the line but soon realizes that there is something sketchy going on behind the scenes and that it is somehow tied to Addison Nigh’s death, as well the deaths of some others.
What I like best is that Vallere weaves a wonderful mystery through several different scenarios. While she keeps Madison’s relationship with Tex at the forefront of this book, she keeps you guessing as to the status of their relationship. And, it is a relationship that has been working so well for them! This case is going to take them to the brink personally and relationally. Vallere also introduces new characters who help carry this story. They provide intriguing personalities for her to showcase her clever writing skills. This mystery will keep you guessing to the end, and enjoying it all as Vallere peels back all the layers!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Polyester Press. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
February 27, 2023
I would say this was one of my favorite books in the series. I enjoyed the project Madison was working on and her clients more than some in the previous books. The end was a bit of a let down because it felt like Madison and Tex were turning the corner into a new phase of their relationship but instead they stayed exactly where they are. I liked the mystery though, it was compelling and also involved a past case that took place in an old jazz club. A character that I loved from a previous book made an appearance too which added to the the story as well. My one critique would be the printing or editing was way off this time, which was unusual even after the author switched to publishing her books through her own company. Whole words were left out of sentences or words repeated on a page several times. Worst of all was the awful misspelling of Jane Austens name! It was spelled “Austin” like the city in Texas. Very strange and out of character for the author. While this might not affect the story itself, it made for an odd reading experience. At one point I felt like I was just looking for errors instead of fully immersing myself in the story.
October 1, 2022
Diane Vallere has brought this series to life with Madison becoming involved in more than staging using her Doris Day style each mystery has an ethereal quality few cozey writers can match, that said it dosen't mean she can't outdo hre previous mysterys even though they are amazingly well written and in writing this cozey mystery with a thread of murder Diane Vallere has exceeded any explanations I could ever have had. As usual the characters are vibrant, colorful, even quirky drawing you in wanting to get to know them better, but the mystery is what grabs you and the drama surrounding it, while the plot continues to thicken ,clues unfold you will become so enraptured that all else around you becomes unnoticed especially time one moment you've discovered a murder between the pages, then through all that fallows next you forget there's an ending until it's unexpected and climatic finnally. Acquire " Love Me or Grieve Me " for hours of intriguing enjoyable and captivating entertainment.😊 Kat
October 26, 2022
Diane Vallere has really outdone herself with this book. I loved the premise with the obituary and how that effects Madison's business and her personal life. Madison has to do some self-reflection on her current relationship and if her past may be influencing her present situation. She is also working on one of her biggest projects for a wealthy couple that will get a lot of publicity for her. But there are some unexpected twists with both the decorating job and the jazz singer's death as well as a cold case. This book kept me entertained and guessing as to how the story lines would tie together. I especially loved Jack, the elderly jazz musician, that Madison meets in this book and all of the information about jazz that added to the story. I always look forward to spending time with Madison and the mysteries are always well written.
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.
September 30, 2022
An unusual mistaken identity has put Madison's life in a crazy whirl and smack dab in the middle of murder and mystery. A great premise for a story (and it could happen to you) with so many side stories. It was a fast paced and absolutely dynamite storyline. I loved it!
The reader has a chance to get to know the "Sues" (detectives from Tex's police department) and see a slightly different slant on sharing information. The characters were interesting, with one sweet and funny older gent as an absolute favorite.
Don't miss a chance to "smell the flowers" and read this terrific episode in Madison Night's life and mid-century modern decorating business! I want Madison as my friend and decorator... Good thing the series is available to read and reread! It is definitely a wonderful entry in a series you won't want to miss!
The reader has a chance to get to know the "Sues" (detectives from Tex's police department) and see a slightly different slant on sharing information. The characters were interesting, with one sweet and funny older gent as an absolute favorite.
Don't miss a chance to "smell the flowers" and read this terrific episode in Madison Night's life and mid-century modern decorating business! I want Madison as my friend and decorator... Good thing the series is available to read and reread! It is definitely a wonderful entry in a series you won't want to miss!
October 26, 2022
The Dearly Departed . . .
A mistake at the newspaper puts Madison Night in a crazy dilemma. A story about her is mistakenly put in as the obituary of a woman who recently died and whose name was vaguely similar – Addison Nigh. Madison’s credit is shut down, her family is receiving condolences, and chaos is too calm a word to describe her situation! It’s not helping her interior decorating business either! But something strange about Addison Nigh’s death captures Madison’s attention and she starts investigating. Twists and turns will take the reader on a wild journey to find out just what is going on here. Will she make some discoveries before a dangerous character comes after her too?
A mistake at the newspaper puts Madison Night in a crazy dilemma. A story about her is mistakenly put in as the obituary of a woman who recently died and whose name was vaguely similar – Addison Nigh. Madison’s credit is shut down, her family is receiving condolences, and chaos is too calm a word to describe her situation! It’s not helping her interior decorating business either! But something strange about Addison Nigh’s death captures Madison’s attention and she starts investigating. Twists and turns will take the reader on a wild journey to find out just what is going on here. Will she make some discoveries before a dangerous character comes after her too?
October 26, 2022
it is a significant pain in terms of paperwork to get oneself declared not dead once one hss been presumed deceased.
sadly Madison and her loved ones must face the untimely condolences, credit damage, and hardships with house and home when she is mistaken for a similarly named person.
resurrection might actually be easier because divine intervention is key and allegedly available- one could only dream if such effective help when faced with grieving folks and impossible nightmares of litigious paperwork, attestations and other similarly painful bureaucratic challenges
drama packed action.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
sadly Madison and her loved ones must face the untimely condolences, credit damage, and hardships with house and home when she is mistaken for a similarly named person.
resurrection might actually be easier because divine intervention is key and allegedly available- one could only dream if such effective help when faced with grieving folks and impossible nightmares of litigious paperwork, attestations and other similarly painful bureaucratic challenges
drama packed action.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2022
We start out with an error at the post when the Madison Night we all know is accidentally identified in the obituaries. As if it isn't bad enough when her credit and bank accounts are canceled and frozen but now there's also a murder mystery to unravel. Trust our nosey interior decorator to jump right in.
The story pulls readers in for the ride and even if you don't already know the characters you'll feel like you know them. This story flowed well but did feel a bit different than others in the series I read, things felt at more of a crossroads and some relationships felt a little strained. Probably from everyone thinking Madison was dead.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story pulls readers in for the ride and even if you don't already know the characters you'll feel like you know them. This story flowed well but did feel a bit different than others in the series I read, things felt at more of a crossroads and some relationships felt a little strained. Probably from everyone thinking Madison was dead.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 29, 2022
4 full stars
Have to say, this book had less Tex than I liked, but Madison's growth through the misadventures that befall her are downright beautiful.
The mystery is interesting - Addison Nigh, 90+ year old Jazz singer dies, and Madison Night is dragged into the mess due to a name snafu and dumb intern at a local paper. Her morbid curiosity about the deceased woman brings her into a family drama surrounding the woman's legacy, and she gets herself entwined in ways that she never should have.
Through this debacle, Madison comes to realize that she can't only think about herself any longer, and that it is okay to care what others want for her and with her. It's nice forward progress, and was happy with where she and Tex are headed.
Have to say, this book had less Tex than I liked, but Madison's growth through the misadventures that befall her are downright beautiful.
The mystery is interesting - Addison Nigh, 90+ year old Jazz singer dies, and Madison Night is dragged into the mess due to a name snafu and dumb intern at a local paper. Her morbid curiosity about the deceased woman brings her into a family drama surrounding the woman's legacy, and she gets herself entwined in ways that she never should have.
Through this debacle, Madison comes to realize that she can't only think about herself any longer, and that it is okay to care what others want for her and with her. It's nice forward progress, and was happy with where she and Tex are headed.
October 12, 2022
You Are Who You Are and You Ain't Who You Ain't
This book is the tenth in a series of cozy mysteries. While it is always better to read a series in order, this one could probably stand on its own. Our heroine is in love with MCM and Doris Day is her hero. She is a decorator who specializes in MCM while she dresses like it is in the 1950s or 1960s. She is always innocently getting involved with murders and exasperates her Police Captain boyfriend to bits. This story involves the jazz scene of the mid-1950s, an MCM ranch that the owners want to be refreshed as a tribute to the 1950s. The plot is nicely twisted and many things are revealed about the recurring characters.
This book is the tenth in a series of cozy mysteries. While it is always better to read a series in order, this one could probably stand on its own. Our heroine is in love with MCM and Doris Day is her hero. She is a decorator who specializes in MCM while she dresses like it is in the 1950s or 1960s. She is always innocently getting involved with murders and exasperates her Police Captain boyfriend to bits. This story involves the jazz scene of the mid-1950s, an MCM ranch that the owners want to be refreshed as a tribute to the 1950s. The plot is nicely twisted and many things are revealed about the recurring characters.
October 15, 2022
When an obituary mixup occurs at the local newspaper, Madison is a “dead” woman, which causes problems in both her personal and professional life. This is only one of the many hurdles Madison must clear in this riveting new mystery! Ms. Vallere’s books are always exceptionally well written, with interesting characters and intriguing plots. Highly recommended! I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
October 20, 2022
Madison has a big problem: someone confused her name with that of a newly deceased jazz-singer and printed her obituary. Now everybody thinks she is dead. And as if that wasn't enough to deal with she stumbles across another murder victim.
I like this series about an interior designer/amateur sleuth that keeps getting involved into crimes and helps solving them. The characters are relatable and the crime keeps you guessing until the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I like this series about an interior designer/amateur sleuth that keeps getting involved into crimes and helps solving them. The characters are relatable and the crime keeps you guessing until the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 26, 2022
I'm alive, but can I stay that way?
Madison Night is dead, at least according to the Dallas papers! The only problem is she is very much alive and the papers were to write about a 95-year-old woman who actually died.
What is going to happen now? Will Madison be able to live her life? Can she solve the unsolved murder from Addison Nigh's life? With everything Madison knows will she be able to stay alive?
This author has written a story which will keep you hopping until the very last page!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Madison Night is dead, at least according to the Dallas papers! The only problem is she is very much alive and the papers were to write about a 95-year-old woman who actually died.
What is going to happen now? Will Madison be able to live her life? Can she solve the unsolved murder from Addison Nigh's life? With everything Madison knows will she be able to stay alive?
This author has written a story which will keep you hopping until the very last page!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 26, 2022
I'm alive, but can I stay that way?
Madison Night is dead, at least according to the Dallas papers! The only problem is she is very much alive and the papers were to write about a 95-year-old woman who actually died.
What is going to happen now? Will Madison be able to live her life? Can she solve the unsolved murder from Addison Nigh's life? With everything Madison knows will she be able to stay alive?
This author has written a story which will keep you hopping until the very last page!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Madison Night is dead, at least according to the Dallas papers! The only problem is she is very much alive and the papers were to write about a 95-year-old woman who actually died.
What is going to happen now? Will Madison be able to live her life? Can she solve the unsolved murder from Addison Nigh's life? With everything Madison knows will she be able to stay alive?
This author has written a story which will keep you hopping until the very last page!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2023
This is the 10th in the Madison Night series. This time there’s an obituary printed in the papers about her death. But she is definitely alive. It as supposed to be about a late Jazz singer, Addison Nigh. Madison has to do damage control on her finances, business and friends. She’s curious about this Addison Nigh and she ends up in the middle of an actual murder of the singer’s son and a murder from decades ago. I totally enjoy reading about Madison and her crazy, chaotic life. This book didn’t disappoint and I can’t wait to read the next one. Well done!
October 8, 2022
This is the first Madison Night book I have read and I really liked it! I have read other series by this author and have really enjoyed them. So I was looking forward to reading this book. And I am glad I did. It was not a problem at all that this is the tenth book in the series and I hadn't read any of the others. The story flowed very nicely and the characters are fun. I would definitely recommend this book!
September 30, 2022
As I expected, I was caught up in Madison’s latest adventure once I opened the book. The stakes are high and I loved watching how everything unfolded. The climax was suspenseful and answered all of our questions. The rest of the characters are just as sharp and interesting as Madison herself.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 25, 2022
It’s been a lot of fun to read about the adventures of Madison Night and this book in the series doesn’t disappoint! Madison is once again in the middle of a murder and trying to figure out what was really behind the mysterious death. This series is a winner!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 7, 2022
Clever way to get Madison involved in a murder mystery. There is even a cold case to solve. Interesting characters. It kept me guessing. Engaging and entertaining cozy mystery. Thanks to the author for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.
October 21, 2022
This was a great book by a new to me author. I can't wait to try another book by this author. I found it to have such a great storyline.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2022
This was a pretty good book. It was fun to follow along and try to figure out the mystery, and I liked the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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