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Haley Randolph #2
Purses and Poison
While subbing for a sick server at a Holt's Department Store luncheon, fashionista Haley Randolph, who can spot a fake Louis Vuitton at fifty paces, is accused of murdering beauty queen Claudia Gray, the ex-girlfriend of her boyfriend and store owner Ty Cameron.
258 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2009
47 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Howell
78 books272 followersDorothy Howell writes for two publishing houses, in two genres, under two names. She writes mysteries as Dorothy Howell historical romance novels under the pseudonym Judith Stacy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
November 12, 2018
I wasn't going to give this book 4 stars.
I really wasn't.
Certain...crass comments - hinted at it book 1 and 6 - come out quite loudly in this book. From lesbians to special needs, Haley's comments hold bite that lack humor.
Villain was predictable but I don't think I've read one of these mysteries where the villain wasn't.
Yet for all that...I love the random nature of these plots. Haley is always juggling a million different things and while some of it comes from her self-absorbed nature, she also cares about her friends and gets dragged into * cough * murder * cough* investigations that don't relate to her at all. I like how that plays out.
So extra random plot bumped this to 3.5 stars.
What bumped this book up to 4 stars was the pleasure Haley gets in spending time with her Mom. Because yes, Haley has a horrible work ethic and makes terrible financial decisions and has a serious Snicker addiction, but she also has these sweet moments...like how much she enjoys quality time with her Mom even though it would be easy for the author and reader to write the Mom off as an even more self-centered former beauty queen.
I don't know how much sense I'm making because I don't want to overstate Haley's likableness. But I really do like her.
And I think I like Ty. Jury is still out. I like that he's not omnipotent or perfect. He's a regular guy (who also happens to have a lot of money.)
Also, also, Doug was way, way, way too relatable. Like literally every interaction she had with him, I could match with a similar story.
I really wasn't.
Certain...crass comments - hinted at it book 1 and 6 - come out quite loudly in this book. From lesbians to special needs, Haley's comments hold bite that lack humor.
Villain was predictable but I don't think I've read one of these mysteries where the villain wasn't.
Yet for all that...I love the random nature of these plots. Haley is always juggling a million different things and while some of it comes from her self-absorbed nature, she also cares about her friends and gets dragged into * cough * murder * cough* investigations that don't relate to her at all. I like how that plays out.
So extra random plot bumped this to 3.5 stars.
What bumped this book up to 4 stars was the pleasure Haley gets in spending time with her Mom. Because yes, Haley has a horrible work ethic and makes terrible financial decisions and has a serious Snicker addiction, but she also has these sweet moments...like how much she enjoys quality time with her Mom even though it would be easy for the author and reader to write the Mom off as an even more self-centered former beauty queen.
I don't know how much sense I'm making because I don't want to overstate Haley's likableness. But I really do like her.
And I think I like Ty. Jury is still out. I like that he's not omnipotent or perfect. He's a regular guy (who also happens to have a lot of money.)
Also, also, Doug was way, way, way too relatable. Like literally every interaction she had with him, I could match with a similar story.
March 13, 2017
A quick read. But did not like the main character Haley. It is hard to get interested in such a selfish person who only did things for herself. She lied all the time, because she felt she was too important to bother. Don't think I will read any more about her. Too many good books out there to read.
October 18, 2019
Dlaczego,dlaczego ktoś znów to zrobił i wpisał tę książkę w kategorii KRYMINAŁ???
Bo jeśli ktoś się nastawi na typowy kryminał ,to się rozczaruje .Jak dla mnie to literatura obyczajowa/współczesna z wątkiem kryminalnym .
Bardzo polubiłam bohaterkę tej serii Haley Randolph .Ciagle wpakowuje się w jakieś kłopoty ,ma bujną wyobraźnię ,a to że "wyłącza" się podczas zebrań w pracy też na dobre jej nie wychodzi .
Fajna książka ,jako odskocznia od literatury "cięższego" kalibru.
Kolejne części już czekają :-)
Bo jeśli ktoś się nastawi na typowy kryminał ,to się rozczaruje .Jak dla mnie to literatura obyczajowa/współczesna z wątkiem kryminalnym .
Bardzo polubiłam bohaterkę tej serii Haley Randolph .Ciagle wpakowuje się w jakieś kłopoty ,ma bujną wyobraźnię ,a to że "wyłącza" się podczas zebrań w pracy też na dobre jej nie wychodzi .
Fajna książka ,jako odskocznia od literatury "cięższego" kalibru.
Kolejne części już czekają :-)
March 29, 2022
This is a fun series.
Best line I've ever read.
..."We can figure this out. We can find a way to make thing work," he said. "We just need to decide how to get started.
"You can make the big decisions," I told Ty. "And I'll make the small decisions."
He frowned. "Are you sure?"
"Of course," I said. "But I'll decide which decisions are big, and which decisions are small."
Ty grinned. "Sounds good to me."
Best line I've ever read.
..."We can figure this out. We can find a way to make thing work," he said. "We just need to decide how to get started.
"You can make the big decisions," I told Ty. "And I'll make the small decisions."
He frowned. "Are you sure?"
"Of course," I said. "But I'll decide which decisions are big, and which decisions are small."
Ty grinned. "Sounds good to me."
March 27, 2020
I'm completely ambivalent ... things I liked and lots that I didn't. The character is too shallow for my taste and I don't care for mysteries where simple things could be discovered by something like not ignoring a phone call or making a phone call.
November 20, 2014
I read the first novel in the series earlier this year. I don't recall the exact time frame and decided I would try another title in the series. I classify this type of book as "light and fluffy" and I sometimes can enjoy the fun moments in a light read. However, I didn't enjoy this novel beginning on the opening page of Chapter 2 and unfortunately retain that opinion as I finished it.
A few paragraphs into Chapter 2, the main character, Haley Randolph says, "I pointed to a heavyset woman wearing jeans and a man's T-shirt. I picked her because she looked like a lesbian, and you can always count on a lesbian in a crisis." WoW! I realize this isn't a 2014 copyright but I don't think this was appropriate in 2009 either. I believe there are usually multiple individuals that read an author's manuscript as it moves through the phases to published novel and I'm very disappointed that even if the author didn't have the good sense to remove these sentences that someone giving it one of those first reads didn't push for the removal. I have the same opinion when someone still describes a librarian with her hair up in a bun, telling everyone to shhhhhh! AND her glasses are falling down on her nose. Enough! These types of stereotype characterizations are NOT appropriate and they need to stop. I like to think of authors as helping the world to become a better place, to open minds, and to open new possibilities. I can characterize too, and Haley Randolph is a not a character that I want to spend more time with as reading time is precious and there are many other possibilities to explore!
Other copy editing needs:
Last paragraph of Chapter 3:
"I know you're nervous, but don't worry." Ty grasped by arm. "I'll go with in you, and I'll stay right beside you the entire time."
Perhaps ... "I'll go in with you,..."
Chapter 8:
"That's why she was needed her passport, wasn't it?" I said,...
Perhaps..."That's why she needed her passport, wasn't it?" I said,...
A few paragraphs into Chapter 2, the main character, Haley Randolph says, "I pointed to a heavyset woman wearing jeans and a man's T-shirt. I picked her because she looked like a lesbian, and you can always count on a lesbian in a crisis." WoW! I realize this isn't a 2014 copyright but I don't think this was appropriate in 2009 either. I believe there are usually multiple individuals that read an author's manuscript as it moves through the phases to published novel and I'm very disappointed that even if the author didn't have the good sense to remove these sentences that someone giving it one of those first reads didn't push for the removal. I have the same opinion when someone still describes a librarian with her hair up in a bun, telling everyone to shhhhhh! AND her glasses are falling down on her nose. Enough! These types of stereotype characterizations are NOT appropriate and they need to stop. I like to think of authors as helping the world to become a better place, to open minds, and to open new possibilities. I can characterize too, and Haley Randolph is a not a character that I want to spend more time with as reading time is precious and there are many other possibilities to explore!
Other copy editing needs:
Last paragraph of Chapter 3:
"I know you're nervous, but don't worry." Ty grasped by arm. "I'll go with in you, and I'll stay right beside you the entire time."
Perhaps ... "I'll go in with you,..."
Chapter 8:
"That's why she was needed her passport, wasn't it?" I said,...
Perhaps..."That's why she needed her passport, wasn't it?" I said,...
September 21, 2013
Original review posted at A Date with a Book
I am enjoying this series. There’s not a lot of depth with the characters, but definitely a lot of humor in the story. Haley is a perfect sleuth. As ditzy as she may seem because of her love of purses and not wanting to pay attention at times, she is able to settle down and solve the crime. She also is connected with her resources to assist her in getting what she need. I loved how Haley got wrapped up with the cat and kittens escapade.
The murder in this story was unique to me. The story surrounding the murder was interesting as well as the event the murder took place. This kept me reading. I liked the setting as I was worried that being in the department store was going to limit the author to unique commission of murder.
I liked the new characters and potential suspects in the crime. They added uniqueness and depth to the story. Also, Haley’s roller coaster relationship with Ty is quite hilarious and I will definitely be reading book three to find out how this continues.
This is a great cozy series that I highly recommend to readers who like fluff and no much food for thought!
I am enjoying this series. There’s not a lot of depth with the characters, but definitely a lot of humor in the story. Haley is a perfect sleuth. As ditzy as she may seem because of her love of purses and not wanting to pay attention at times, she is able to settle down and solve the crime. She also is connected with her resources to assist her in getting what she need. I loved how Haley got wrapped up with the cat and kittens escapade.
The murder in this story was unique to me. The story surrounding the murder was interesting as well as the event the murder took place. This kept me reading. I liked the setting as I was worried that being in the department store was going to limit the author to unique commission of murder.
I liked the new characters and potential suspects in the crime. They added uniqueness and depth to the story. Also, Haley’s roller coaster relationship with Ty is quite hilarious and I will definitely be reading book three to find out how this continues.
This is a great cozy series that I highly recommend to readers who like fluff and no much food for thought!
November 7, 2014
I finished this book last night. I think the author, Dorothy Howell, did not like the protagonist she created. I wonder if she was under some sort of a deadline and didn't have the time to craft a mystery, but just wrote verbatim what the voices in her head dictated to her. I found the protagonist unlikeable. She was a silly, spoiled girl who cared only for herself. This is the second cozy mystery I have reviewed where I use those words to describe the main character. Is that a feature of this genre? Surely not!
October 11, 2016
A fun read in this second installment of the Hayley Randolph series. Although I am no "fashionista" and I usually consider a bargain to be a great purse found at a yard sale or at thrift shop, I enjoy reading about her (mis) adventures. Finding who poisoned her possible romantic rival is not easy and there are as many as there are designer handbags. The romantic tension between her and Ty escalates, almost a bit too much for me, but not enough to sidetrack the mystery.
I look forward to the next book!
I look forward to the next book!
November 9, 2011
This book...was pretty bad. Haley Randolph is a horrible human being who very occasionally does something nice. If you like those insipid Shopaholic books, you'll love Haley....she makes the same stupid mistakes and tells the same type of lies. The "who" in whodunit was pretty transparent. The ending was sad and pathetic, without meaning to be. Just, blech. It gets an extra star because it was very readable and I didn't give up on it. No, really. I'm feeling generous.
September 18, 2009
I absolutely love Hayley Randolph. She's become the comic relief in my stressful life! This is far from the typical thriller/murder mystery. Hayley's logic is laugh out loud funny. I hope the author writes fast, because I can't wait for the next book.
January 6, 2025
Several times in reading this I was fairly certain that I had read it before. Apparently, Haley Randolph's escapades are so similar that reading an older one made me think that. Still, it would get five stars for hilarity. The goofy, ditzy Haley, daughter for another fluffhead and former beauty queen, managed, nevertheless, to get to the bottom of a murder at a Holt's department store grand reopening celebration. Because her mother's catering business had supplied some of the items for the caterer, when Haley found one of the servers sick and desperate, she disguised herself and worked in the server's place. During this time, the murder was committed -- by food, of course. Haley didn't disclose her part in serving because the detective in charge, not a fan of hers, would have instantly presumed her guilty.
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October 19, 2020I liked the first book in this series (Handbags and Homicide) but in this second book the heroine-amateur-detective Haley just irritated me. She seemed just too shallow, clueless (well, the clues were there - she just didn't see them), insecure and insincere (really, she was a pathological liar) to keep me on her side. I still like the So Calif setting and the premise is good but I felt like this installment didn't quite pull it off.
April 24, 2019
Haley Grows Up (a little)
In the first book, I didn't like Haley at all. She came off as a spoiled, whiney brat. In this book, she is spoiled and whiney, but by the end she is showing some maturity. Not a spoiler, the end leaves you guessing what is her next decision will be. Let's hope she grows up in each successive book.
In the first book, I didn't like Haley at all. She came off as a spoiled, whiney brat. In this book, she is spoiled and whiney, but by the end she is showing some maturity. Not a spoiler, the end leaves you guessing what is her next decision will be. Let's hope she grows up in each successive book.
August 16, 2022
The main character is kind of cringy and self obsessed. She has a lot of mummy issues and only tried to help because of jealousy. All the characters are boring and unrelatable. Oh and so many words and phrases were reused, it seemed like every chapters ending was "Oh, crap." However this book was written in 2009 so it's bound to have some cringy things in it. The plot is ok, i think the ending was a little rushed yet she took her time explaining irrelevant things. the MC gets sidetracked a lot aswell. it's supposed to be murder mystery but there's no suspense at all. was not hooked at all but i like to finish all my books, so i did
May 27, 2017
Sigh where to begin. I found myself rooting against Haley. For one hot minute I actually thought Ty had a brain and would drop her. She is in her 20s and my 16 year old son is more mature than her. I find it difficult to believe that she was smarter than the cops once again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2019
Excellent book
This book had so many enjoyable characters.
It was a enjoyable book to read.
The main characters were very funny.
This book is part of a series of books to read.
This book held my interest till the end.
This book had so many enjoyable characters.
It was a enjoyable book to read.
The main characters were very funny.
This book is part of a series of books to read.
This book held my interest till the end.
August 8, 2020
It's really hard to like a book where the main character sets your teeth on edge. Hayley is selfish and shallow and generally just not likable as a person. Every decision made was terrible. The plot is decent though, so that's the only reason this ended bring a did not finish.
June 22, 2021
The story ended fine, but I find the main character so annoying not sure I can read anymore in this series. She isn't a nice character, and gets herself into so much trouble by not telling the truth...
December 19, 2021
I am trying to read the whole series but the main character is a pathological liar. She lia about things that she doesn't need to lia about. I am really trying to give this series try, but really hard.
December 3, 2018
I wanted to bludgeon the main character with her own book.
December 17, 2021
Poison, handbags, stalkers, oh my!
December 19, 2021
Listened to audiobook.
January 23, 2022
2.5 stars. I wasn't going to continue this series, but the ending set itself up well for the next in series.
July 13, 2022
It was a cute read that was a little nerve racking with her constantly lying and being self centred. The ending was worth the whole read. IT was just so darn cute!
August 21, 2022
Not a very likable main character- vacuous, liar, insecure, lazy, selfish, self-centered. Though she did do a couple of nice things.
May 2, 2024
At first it was really hard to like Haley, but she did grow on me so I will read another in the series.
June 22, 2025
My song suggestion with this book would be "Made You Look" by Meghan Trainor
July 13, 2025
This high quality cozy mystery is loaded with vibrant and bright storytelling. The twists and turns from the lying and clueless behavior keep it exciting. Very well written.
May 20, 2012
I wasn't expecting a lot from this book. And in the end, I didn't get much. Pretty much a cliché book with it's never ending foreshadowing and thoughtless cliffhangers.
The characters were pretty bland and remained pretty two-dimensional throughout the whole thing. I especially disliked the way the main character was portrayed; she seemed like a totally independent stereotypical female that likes to "solve crimes". Sort of leaning towards the Nancy Drew side of this. Surprisingly I didn't hate her mother as much as she hated her mother herself but personally, I think the type of men she dated were a pain in the ass. Haley herself seems like the type that would date any kind of men just to be loved in return.
The plot itself wasn't very original and it's safe to assume that there are a bunch of other books like this out there.
I have to give Dorothy Howell some credit though, simply because of the fact that I got some cheap laughter and entertainment out of this.
I'd classify this book as a "read when you have free time" kind of book. I'd say I was pretty generous in giving this book a 2 star though.
The characters were pretty bland and remained pretty two-dimensional throughout the whole thing. I especially disliked the way the main character was portrayed; she seemed like a totally independent stereotypical female that likes to "solve crimes". Sort of leaning towards the Nancy Drew side of this. Surprisingly I didn't hate her mother as much as she hated her mother herself but personally, I think the type of men she dated were a pain in the ass. Haley herself seems like the type that would date any kind of men just to be loved in return.
The plot itself wasn't very original and it's safe to assume that there are a bunch of other books like this out there.
I have to give Dorothy Howell some credit though, simply because of the fact that I got some cheap laughter and entertainment out of this.
I'd classify this book as a "read when you have free time" kind of book. I'd say I was pretty generous in giving this book a 2 star though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews