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Crime of Fashion #8
Death on Heels
Fashion reporter Lacey Smithsonian returns home to Sagebrush, Colorado, to prove the innocence of her former boyfriend, cattle rancher Cole Tucker, who has been arrested for the murders of three women.
328 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 7, 2012
6 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Byerrum
24 books322 followersEllen Byerrum was a Washington, D.C., news reporter, now a novelist and playwright. In the interest of research, she also earned a Virginia private investigator's registration. She has written comic mysteries, a thriller, a middle grade mystery, and a children's rhyming picture book.
Most recently, she published the 1940s prequel to her Crime of Fashion Mysteries, THE BRIEF LUMINOUS FLIGHT OF THE FIREFLY, starring Mimi Smith, a young woman from out west who goes to Washington, DC to do her part for the war effort.
Her Crime of Fashion mysteries star a savvy, stylish sleuth: Lacey Smithsonian, a reluctant fashion reporter in Washington D.C., "The City Fashion Forgot."
Lacey would rather be working "hard news," but her nose for nuance, eye for a great story, and talent for getting into trouble make her the right reporter for the Crimes of Fashion beat. In her vintage suits and killer heels, she trips over fashion clues, fabulous shoes, dangerous women, drop-dead men, and of course the occasional corpse (who wouldn't be caught dead dressed like that).
Most recently, she published the 1940s prequel to her Crime of Fashion Mysteries, THE BRIEF LUMINOUS FLIGHT OF THE FIREFLY, starring Mimi Smith, a young woman from out west who goes to Washington, DC to do her part for the war effort.
Her Crime of Fashion mysteries star a savvy, stylish sleuth: Lacey Smithsonian, a reluctant fashion reporter in Washington D.C., "The City Fashion Forgot."
Lacey would rather be working "hard news," but her nose for nuance, eye for a great story, and talent for getting into trouble make her the right reporter for the Crimes of Fashion beat. In her vintage suits and killer heels, she trips over fashion clues, fabulous shoes, dangerous women, drop-dead men, and of course the occasional corpse (who wouldn't be caught dead dressed like that).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 20, 2017
fun author and stories!
November 19, 2018
This books is probably my favorite in the series this far. I loved that they left DC. The plot kept my guessing as to who was the bad guy.
August 24, 2021
Fun light mystery. Enjoyed reading it while on vacation.
October 16, 2021
This is another rom-mys (romantic mystery) as I call them. Not a bad mystery. I enjoyed the fashion comments as well as all the descriptions of cowboy boots.
May 19, 2024
Was hoping for a bigger twist, but the ending did not disappoint with chaotic action/hijinks/shenanigans! Fun book, great for a weekend read or if you need a break from heavier reading
March 31, 2023
Never say never ... Lacey Smithsonian had vowed never to return to Sagebrush, Colorado ...
In the latest installment of the Crime of Fashion Mysteries, Lacey Smithsonian, Washington, D.C.'s fashion reporter and pseudo murder mystery sleuth, is heading back home to Sagebrush, Colorado, to prove that her ex-boyfriend is innocent of murder. Sexy cowboy cattle rancher Cole Tucker has been arrested for the murder of three women, and claims he was set up, but an anonymous tip call and evidence found on his property isn't helping his case. When Lacey goes to the courthouse to see Cole prior to his arraignment proceedings, their visit turns into a jailbreak escape with Lacey being kidnapped by Cole. While on the run Cole enlists Lacey's help on proving his innocence and using her "Fashion" clues to uncover the identity of the real killer. What ensues is a wild goose chase to figure out this murder mystery, and Lacey has help from her usual cast of characters to help her out. Will Lacey's unique fashion sense and nose for ferreting out clues prove Cole's innocence? One thing is for certain, Lacey is going to get to bottom of this murder mystery!
Death on Heels is a fun, fast paced whodunit that will keep you in stitches! The storyline is well-written and intriguing, it engages the reader to follow along with Lacey as she works her fashion sense and penchant for crime solving on this latest murder mystery adventure. The characters are realistic and fun-spirited, their interactions and dialogue with each other make the story so much fun to read, their antics will keep you laughing all the way through the book. I absolutely loved Lacey, she is so sassy, self-assured and feisty, one can't help but love this woman! Lacey's Fashion Bites articles were fantastic, I loved her fashion-sense mixed with her own witty style and sarcastic flair for describing the dos and don'ts for fashion forward women. I was really intrigued with Lacey's penchant for vintage 1930-1940s clothing, it made me wish that there were pictures in this book just so I could satisfy my curiosity. I also loved Cole's character, his sexy cowboy swagger had me on drool alert, his interactions with Lacey were thoroughly entertaining and kept me snickering. The supporting cast of characters are so much fun, their individual personalities and interactions add that much more entertainment value to the story. Finally, I love how the author added a nice touch of romance to this mystery story, I think the mixture of mystery and romance made the story more compelling. This story has so much action and adventure, the many twists and turns will definitely keep the reader on their toes as they turn the pages.
When I signed up to participate as a host for this virtual book tour, I didn't realize that Death on Heels was part of a series, and I was worried that I wouldn't enjoy it since I didn't read the first seven books in the series. My worries were for naught as this book would also make a great stand alone story. I can honestly say that I really enjoyed reading this book, and my interest has been peaked enough to go back and read the other books in the series.
Death on Heels is an entertaining whodunit story that has a really cool mix of suspense, romance and fashion tidbits that will not disappoint murder mystery suspense fans and romance / chick lit fans as well.
Disclaimer: At the request of the author, publisher and Chick Lit Plus, a paperback edition of the book was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review and participation in the virtual book tour event.
Virtual Book Tour Event: On Wednesday, March 14, 2012, in association with Chick Lit Plus, author Ellen Byerrum participated in a virtual book tour event with a Author Guest Post on Jersey Girl Book Reviews. http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
In the latest installment of the Crime of Fashion Mysteries, Lacey Smithsonian, Washington, D.C.'s fashion reporter and pseudo murder mystery sleuth, is heading back home to Sagebrush, Colorado, to prove that her ex-boyfriend is innocent of murder. Sexy cowboy cattle rancher Cole Tucker has been arrested for the murder of three women, and claims he was set up, but an anonymous tip call and evidence found on his property isn't helping his case. When Lacey goes to the courthouse to see Cole prior to his arraignment proceedings, their visit turns into a jailbreak escape with Lacey being kidnapped by Cole. While on the run Cole enlists Lacey's help on proving his innocence and using her "Fashion" clues to uncover the identity of the real killer. What ensues is a wild goose chase to figure out this murder mystery, and Lacey has help from her usual cast of characters to help her out. Will Lacey's unique fashion sense and nose for ferreting out clues prove Cole's innocence? One thing is for certain, Lacey is going to get to bottom of this murder mystery!
Death on Heels is a fun, fast paced whodunit that will keep you in stitches! The storyline is well-written and intriguing, it engages the reader to follow along with Lacey as she works her fashion sense and penchant for crime solving on this latest murder mystery adventure. The characters are realistic and fun-spirited, their interactions and dialogue with each other make the story so much fun to read, their antics will keep you laughing all the way through the book. I absolutely loved Lacey, she is so sassy, self-assured and feisty, one can't help but love this woman! Lacey's Fashion Bites articles were fantastic, I loved her fashion-sense mixed with her own witty style and sarcastic flair for describing the dos and don'ts for fashion forward women. I was really intrigued with Lacey's penchant for vintage 1930-1940s clothing, it made me wish that there were pictures in this book just so I could satisfy my curiosity. I also loved Cole's character, his sexy cowboy swagger had me on drool alert, his interactions with Lacey were thoroughly entertaining and kept me snickering. The supporting cast of characters are so much fun, their individual personalities and interactions add that much more entertainment value to the story. Finally, I love how the author added a nice touch of romance to this mystery story, I think the mixture of mystery and romance made the story more compelling. This story has so much action and adventure, the many twists and turns will definitely keep the reader on their toes as they turn the pages.
When I signed up to participate as a host for this virtual book tour, I didn't realize that Death on Heels was part of a series, and I was worried that I wouldn't enjoy it since I didn't read the first seven books in the series. My worries were for naught as this book would also make a great stand alone story. I can honestly say that I really enjoyed reading this book, and my interest has been peaked enough to go back and read the other books in the series.
Death on Heels is an entertaining whodunit story that has a really cool mix of suspense, romance and fashion tidbits that will not disappoint murder mystery suspense fans and romance / chick lit fans as well.
Disclaimer: At the request of the author, publisher and Chick Lit Plus, a paperback edition of the book was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review and participation in the virtual book tour event.
Virtual Book Tour Event: On Wednesday, March 14, 2012, in association with Chick Lit Plus, author Ellen Byerrum participated in a virtual book tour event with a Author Guest Post on Jersey Girl Book Reviews. http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
June 17, 2016
Stars: 3.5 / 5
Recommendation: An easy mystery read that is weaved through the world of fashion, style and dressing from the view point of a fashion stylist.
Death on Heels is the eighth installment in the Crime of Fashion series by Ellen Byerrum published in February of 2012. This time around Lacey Smithsonian gets involved with her ex-boyfriend, cattle rancher Cole Tucker when he is arrested.
Lacey Smithsonian had moved from her hometown Sagebrush, Colorado to Washington, D.C. not only for her career but also to get away from the small town gossip, Vic Donovan (at that time she wanted to get away) and vowed never to look back. However when her ex-boyfriend who had wanted to marry her was arrested for murders of three women, she takes it upon herself to go back to that town and help Tucker. She didn’t believe that Tucker could be a killer at all. And to prove that she not only needed a lot of guts, courage and sheer determination but also her best, dandified, make-a-statement cowboy boots.
Seventeen years old Rae Fowler, a pretty run-away from Denver was the first alleged victim. This brought back memories for Sean Victor "Vic" Donovan as well. This was the case that Vic had investigated when he was working a the Chief of Police for Sagebrush. For Vic, this was one of those cases that haunts cops and he was heading back to help the current chief a closure to the case - which means even if he unearth clues that would hang Tucker eventually. For Lacey, this was not just helping an ex-boyfriend but also a murder with fashion clues written all over it - all three girls were found mostly dressed but with no shoes on. Why would anyone take the shoes from the victims? And also to prove to herself that she wasn’t a bad judge of character as well. Despite Vic objecting her going to Sagebrush - not just because she gets tangled with murders always but also his doubt that Lacey might still hold a candle to Tucker - Lacey joins Vic and heads to Sagebrush.
The list of suspects was not long but it did include Dodd Muldoon - Lacey's old boss when she worked for Sagebrush daily newspaper - which surprised her very much. Then there is Montana McCandless Donovan Schmidt - Vic's ex-wife - still living around Sagebrush. Lacey dreaded that Montana might try again to get Vic back just she had done a year ago. Braving herself, Lacey joins Vic in Sagebrush to tackle all these and help Tucker. What will she uncover? Is Tucker really a killer? Had Lacey never knew anything about him? Why Tucker being so adamant to speak what really happened? Is he still holding a candle to Lacey? Well, the adventure begins folks, brace yourself. :)
The sub-plots covered in the book are - wedding between Stella and Nigel and blooming love between Brooke and Damon - of Lacey's best friends. They add a comic relief and tie in well with the main plot. Lacey's mother and sister also join her in Sagebrush adding to the anxiety that Lacey already was going through. How does Lacey battle all these? Another good murder-mystery by Ellen with fashion clues. An easy read for those lazy days. Read further and enjoy. And don’t forget the fashion bites. Here's a snippet from Lacey's Fashion Bites.
Lacey Smithsonian's Fashion Bites: Hey There, Annie Oakley, It's Western Wear , Not a Costume
The key is to know what pieces to choose, not the entire Sedona Arizona collection. Remember, nothing screams outsider as much as putting on the whole little dogie. You don’t want to look like an extra in a cowboy film. Unless, of course, you are an extra in a film.
Recommendation: An easy mystery read that is weaved through the world of fashion, style and dressing from the view point of a fashion stylist.
Death on Heels is the eighth installment in the Crime of Fashion series by Ellen Byerrum published in February of 2012. This time around Lacey Smithsonian gets involved with her ex-boyfriend, cattle rancher Cole Tucker when he is arrested.
Lacey Smithsonian had moved from her hometown Sagebrush, Colorado to Washington, D.C. not only for her career but also to get away from the small town gossip, Vic Donovan (at that time she wanted to get away) and vowed never to look back. However when her ex-boyfriend who had wanted to marry her was arrested for murders of three women, she takes it upon herself to go back to that town and help Tucker. She didn’t believe that Tucker could be a killer at all. And to prove that she not only needed a lot of guts, courage and sheer determination but also her best, dandified, make-a-statement cowboy boots.
Seventeen years old Rae Fowler, a pretty run-away from Denver was the first alleged victim. This brought back memories for Sean Victor "Vic" Donovan as well. This was the case that Vic had investigated when he was working a the Chief of Police for Sagebrush. For Vic, this was one of those cases that haunts cops and he was heading back to help the current chief a closure to the case - which means even if he unearth clues that would hang Tucker eventually. For Lacey, this was not just helping an ex-boyfriend but also a murder with fashion clues written all over it - all three girls were found mostly dressed but with no shoes on. Why would anyone take the shoes from the victims? And also to prove to herself that she wasn’t a bad judge of character as well. Despite Vic objecting her going to Sagebrush - not just because she gets tangled with murders always but also his doubt that Lacey might still hold a candle to Tucker - Lacey joins Vic and heads to Sagebrush.
The list of suspects was not long but it did include Dodd Muldoon - Lacey's old boss when she worked for Sagebrush daily newspaper - which surprised her very much. Then there is Montana McCandless Donovan Schmidt - Vic's ex-wife - still living around Sagebrush. Lacey dreaded that Montana might try again to get Vic back just she had done a year ago. Braving herself, Lacey joins Vic in Sagebrush to tackle all these and help Tucker. What will she uncover? Is Tucker really a killer? Had Lacey never knew anything about him? Why Tucker being so adamant to speak what really happened? Is he still holding a candle to Lacey? Well, the adventure begins folks, brace yourself. :)
The sub-plots covered in the book are - wedding between Stella and Nigel and blooming love between Brooke and Damon - of Lacey's best friends. They add a comic relief and tie in well with the main plot. Lacey's mother and sister also join her in Sagebrush adding to the anxiety that Lacey already was going through. How does Lacey battle all these? Another good murder-mystery by Ellen with fashion clues. An easy read for those lazy days. Read further and enjoy. And don’t forget the fashion bites. Here's a snippet from Lacey's Fashion Bites.
Lacey Smithsonian's Fashion Bites: Hey There, Annie Oakley, It's Western Wear , Not a Costume
The key is to know what pieces to choose, not the entire Sedona Arizona collection. Remember, nothing screams outsider as much as putting on the whole little dogie. You don’t want to look like an extra in a cowboy film. Unless, of course, you are an extra in a film.
March 25, 2012
Fashion reporter Lacey Smithsonian is shocked when she learns her ex-boyfriend Cole Tucker has been arrested for murder. Lacey decides a trip from Washington, D.C. back to Sagebrush, Colorado is necessary so she can attend Cole’s arraignment and get the inside story on what’s really going on. However, Lacey gets more than a scoop when she visits Cole in jail. Cole dupes the guard and escapes - taking Lacey with him! Lacey doesn’t know if this is the act of a man desperate to prove his innocence or of a guilty man trying to get away with murder!
Since she doesn’t have a choice but to spend some time with Cole, Lacey decides to hear him out and see if there are other likely suspects in murder of the three women in the area. Lacey can’t bear to think she misjudged her boyfriend and that he is really a murderer and will not rest until she learns the truth.
Death on Heels is part of the long running Crime of Fashion series. This is a light-hearted series and Lacey is a fun main character. Maybe it’s the change of setting in this book, but I found it to be more enjoyable than other books in the series that I have read. While some of the people Lacey encounters scoff that a fashion reporter gets involved with murder investigations, Lacey explains this by saying as a reporter, she looks for pictures and what doesn’t seem to fit the facts of a case, and that those things that don’t fit and provide valuable clues, often involve clothes. I like that she uses her reporter’s instincts, logic, and deduction to see things that the professional investigators looking into a case miss.
The beginning chapters of the book are a bit slow. While they give needed background information about the main characters to new readers, too much time is spent having Lacey talk about going to see Cole before she takes action. It’s nice to see Lacey’s friends Stella and Brooke, but can’t relate to her mother or her sister, so it took a while for me to get through those beginning scenes. However, once Lacey finally does make the planned trip to see her ex, the action picks up and the fun begins. Cole on the run with Lacey is entertaining, but I especially like the parts of the book when Lacey and her current boyfriend Vic Donovan discuss the murders and possible solutions.
Lacey’s “Fashion Bites” columns are scattered throughout the book and add humor and information about a variety of fashion trends. The columns cover anything from tote bags to cowboy boots, but all tie in with fashion items Lacey has discussed as part of the storyline. I like the humor in the columns and the way they fit with the plot of the book.
The book has a dramatic ending with the crimes solved and explained and also hints of some excitement to come in future books. If you haven’t read this series, but enjoy Elaine Viets, Laura Levine, or Susan Kandel, then Ellen Byerrum is definitely an author you will want to check out.
This review was originally written for The Season EZine. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Since she doesn’t have a choice but to spend some time with Cole, Lacey decides to hear him out and see if there are other likely suspects in murder of the three women in the area. Lacey can’t bear to think she misjudged her boyfriend and that he is really a murderer and will not rest until she learns the truth.
Death on Heels is part of the long running Crime of Fashion series. This is a light-hearted series and Lacey is a fun main character. Maybe it’s the change of setting in this book, but I found it to be more enjoyable than other books in the series that I have read. While some of the people Lacey encounters scoff that a fashion reporter gets involved with murder investigations, Lacey explains this by saying as a reporter, she looks for pictures and what doesn’t seem to fit the facts of a case, and that those things that don’t fit and provide valuable clues, often involve clothes. I like that she uses her reporter’s instincts, logic, and deduction to see things that the professional investigators looking into a case miss.
The beginning chapters of the book are a bit slow. While they give needed background information about the main characters to new readers, too much time is spent having Lacey talk about going to see Cole before she takes action. It’s nice to see Lacey’s friends Stella and Brooke, but can’t relate to her mother or her sister, so it took a while for me to get through those beginning scenes. However, once Lacey finally does make the planned trip to see her ex, the action picks up and the fun begins. Cole on the run with Lacey is entertaining, but I especially like the parts of the book when Lacey and her current boyfriend Vic Donovan discuss the murders and possible solutions.
Lacey’s “Fashion Bites” columns are scattered throughout the book and add humor and information about a variety of fashion trends. The columns cover anything from tote bags to cowboy boots, but all tie in with fashion items Lacey has discussed as part of the storyline. I like the humor in the columns and the way they fit with the plot of the book.
The book has a dramatic ending with the crimes solved and explained and also hints of some excitement to come in future books. If you haven’t read this series, but enjoy Elaine Viets, Laura Levine, or Susan Kandel, then Ellen Byerrum is definitely an author you will want to check out.
This review was originally written for The Season EZine. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2012
I received my copy of Death on Heels by Ellen Byerrum via CLP Blog Tours. I was really excited for this tour because I had heard of the Lacey Smithsonian mystery series but had never had the chance to read one of the books. Byerrum and her books are super popular and have such a loyal fan base. Some of her novels were even adapted to film by the Lifetime Movie Network! So, needless to say, I was thrilled to have the chance to work with such an accomplished author.
Diving in the book, I was immediately wanting to be friends with Lacey, fashion reporter living in Washington DC. She moved there from the rugged little town of Sagebrush, Colorado, where she never wanted to return. But with her former boyfriend accused of murdering three women, Lacey is hot on the case. She knows Cole Tucker would never harm another woman, much less murder them. Until he abducts her right from the courthouse. Is Lacey in danger with Cole? Or is there a bigger ploy going on in the small town of Sagebrush?
This was such a fun story! I love a good mystery, and this book featured so many possible suspects. I loved the touch that Lacey was a reporter trying to track down a murderer, but could always be counted on for her fashion forward thinking as well. This was the definition of a chick lit murder mystery. If you haven’t yet picked up a Lacey Smithsonian novel, I suggest you do!
Diving in the book, I was immediately wanting to be friends with Lacey, fashion reporter living in Washington DC. She moved there from the rugged little town of Sagebrush, Colorado, where she never wanted to return. But with her former boyfriend accused of murdering three women, Lacey is hot on the case. She knows Cole Tucker would never harm another woman, much less murder them. Until he abducts her right from the courthouse. Is Lacey in danger with Cole? Or is there a bigger ploy going on in the small town of Sagebrush?
This was such a fun story! I love a good mystery, and this book featured so many possible suspects. I loved the touch that Lacey was a reporter trying to track down a murderer, but could always be counted on for her fashion forward thinking as well. This was the definition of a chick lit murder mystery. If you haven’t yet picked up a Lacey Smithsonian novel, I suggest you do!
May 31, 2013
Just a few pages in, and I'm remembering why I took a break from this series. Lacey is a snob! She's better than everyone. Smarter. More clever. More stylish. Her poor friends are portrayed as lacking whatever Lacey has. One friend wears boring clothes, doesn't care about style, and dates a conspiracy nut. The other friend wears clothing on the other extreme, dyes her hair crazy colors, and dates a shady jewel thief (who, of course, Lacey is still suspicious of - but her friend is blindly in love with). Then there's Lacey: Perfectly coiffed at all times. Impeccable style. Perfect blond hair and curvy (but never overweight) body. Smart. Feisty. Better than everyone. And she has the perfect tall, dark and handsome boyfriend with his own security firm (and of course lots of money).
After several books, this 'perfection' is getting quite old.
Semi spoiler alert:
It sure was convenient for the perps to discuss their whole kidnapping and killing plan at the end. In the long trek to the cabin that everyone inside could hear from. In a discussion among themselves about things they all knew but felt like unnecessarily rehashing. Silly attempt at a neat wrap up.
After several books, this 'perfection' is getting quite old.
Semi spoiler alert:
It sure was convenient for the perps to discuss their whole kidnapping and killing plan at the end. In the long trek to the cabin that everyone inside could hear from. In a discussion among themselves about things they all knew but felt like unnecessarily rehashing. Silly attempt at a neat wrap up.
November 25, 2012
I read this book back in October, but I'm a bit behind on posting reviews. If you have ever visited my blog then you know The Crime of Fashion Mystery Series is one of my all time favorite series. The books are always a good, solid, entertaining read.
In this latest installment, Lacey heads back to her home state of Colorado. As I am a transplanted Texas living in Colorado, that just made the story even more interesting. The ensemble of quirky side kicks (co-workers from The Eye Street Observer, Lacey's family, and her BFFs) make the transition from Washington, D.C. to the wild wild west just fine, though I'm not sure Colorado will ever be the same after their visit. There is plenty of mystery, adventure, romance, and humor in this latest installment to keep readers entertained and engaged.
Byerrum has created a well plotted series that never fails to entertain. I loved it when a few of the earlier installments were made into movies on the Lifetime Movie Network. If you have not yet discovered this series, I highly recommended you check it out - the books and the movies - though we all know the books are always better.
In this latest installment, Lacey heads back to her home state of Colorado. As I am a transplanted Texas living in Colorado, that just made the story even more interesting. The ensemble of quirky side kicks (co-workers from The Eye Street Observer, Lacey's family, and her BFFs) make the transition from Washington, D.C. to the wild wild west just fine, though I'm not sure Colorado will ever be the same after their visit. There is plenty of mystery, adventure, romance, and humor in this latest installment to keep readers entertained and engaged.
Byerrum has created a well plotted series that never fails to entertain. I loved it when a few of the earlier installments were made into movies on the Lifetime Movie Network. If you have not yet discovered this series, I highly recommended you check it out - the books and the movies - though we all know the books are always better.
April 19, 2012
I am just now stepping into the Crimes of Fashion series with DEATH ON HEELS (which is book 8) and I absolutely loved this book. Lacey is back in her old town; Sagebrush, Colorado to solve a crime. This may not appear to be a very big deal since Lacey has solved many crimes using her fashion knowhow, but to Lacey it is everything. Lacey must face the past to save her ex- boyfriend, Cole, from going to jail for murders Lacey knows he did not commit.
Lacey decides as a news reporter and as Cole's ex, she needs to get to the bottom of what is going on. Lacey and her crazy cast of characters get into a lot of shenanigans throughout this delightful whodunit. There is action, suspense, a touch of romance and a lot of great dialogue. Lacey's "Fashion Bites" are a cute and humorous addition that I very much enjoyed. I feel like I would be doing myself a disservice if I did not start at the beginning of this series and see where Lacey came from. I recommend this book and rate it 4 stars.
Lacey decides as a news reporter and as Cole's ex, she needs to get to the bottom of what is going on. Lacey and her crazy cast of characters get into a lot of shenanigans throughout this delightful whodunit. There is action, suspense, a touch of romance and a lot of great dialogue. Lacey's "Fashion Bites" are a cute and humorous addition that I very much enjoyed. I feel like I would be doing myself a disservice if I did not start at the beginning of this series and see where Lacey came from. I recommend this book and rate it 4 stars.
April 5, 2012
I really enjoyed this cozy murder mystery. It was set in the main sleuth's hometown of Sagebrush, Colorado and all the fashion tips and murder tips revolved around Cowboy/Cowgirl wear.
The main sleuth is Lacey Smithsonian and she heads back home to the town she swore she would never return to, in aid of her ex-boyfriend, Tucker. Tucker has been collared for the triple murders of young women. Lacey can't believe that she would have ever dated a killer.
Along for the round-up comes new characters as well as current boyfriend, Vic, who had been the former Chief of Police of Sagebrush and is now a Private Investigator. Lacey's boss and fellow journalist join in. All are circled by Lacey's Mom and Sister.
It was really a fun read and I look forward to more by this author.
The main sleuth is Lacey Smithsonian and she heads back home to the town she swore she would never return to, in aid of her ex-boyfriend, Tucker. Tucker has been collared for the triple murders of young women. Lacey can't believe that she would have ever dated a killer.
Along for the round-up comes new characters as well as current boyfriend, Vic, who had been the former Chief of Police of Sagebrush and is now a Private Investigator. Lacey's boss and fellow journalist join in. All are circled by Lacey's Mom and Sister.
It was really a fun read and I look forward to more by this author.
February 19, 2012
Lacey has herself in her usual hilarious fix. Three women have been found dead - and barefoot - on various country roads in the area of Sagebrush, Colorado. Since Lacey began her journalism career in this Western Slope town, she is naturally drawn back there when an ex-boyfiend is charge with the crimes. One kidnapping, two cross country horseback rides, a western wear shopping trip and may meals later, anther young woman in fancy cowgirl boots disappears. Lacey's co-workers Mac and Tony, her mother Rose and drop-kicking sister Cherise and her private-eye boyfriend Vic all lend a hand here. Love this feisty woman and her Fashion Bites!
September 5, 2012
I love this series. This was so good!!!!!
When fashion reporter Lacey Smithsonian moved to Washington, D.C., from rugged, small town Sagebrush, Colorado, she thought she’d never look back. But when her former boyfriend, cattle rancher Cole Tucker, is arrested for the murders of three women, Lacey digs her cowboy boots out of her closet and hops on the next plane.
She is certain of Tucker’s innocence, until he abducts her during a daring courthouse escape. Is Tucker capable of murder, too? Or is there a larger conspiracy in the small town? Lacey needs to rustle up all the help she can get for this case before her old flame is snuffed out for good...
When fashion reporter Lacey Smithsonian moved to Washington, D.C., from rugged, small town Sagebrush, Colorado, she thought she’d never look back. But when her former boyfriend, cattle rancher Cole Tucker, is arrested for the murders of three women, Lacey digs her cowboy boots out of her closet and hops on the next plane.
She is certain of Tucker’s innocence, until he abducts her during a daring courthouse escape. Is Tucker capable of murder, too? Or is there a larger conspiracy in the small town? Lacey needs to rustle up all the help she can get for this case before her old flame is snuffed out for good...
April 26, 2012
Lacey does it again. As a girl who grew up in the wild wild west, I love a good western. I also truly understand the need, want, and stature that the perfect pair of cowboy boots have. But in true Lacey Smithsonian style we have another murder mystery in need of solving. And as always Vic Donovan is there trying to keep His Girl Friday out of trouble. The usual cast of characters help muddle through the twists and turns of solving the murders pinned on Lacey's ex fiance. (She could never have loved a murder... could she?) Every time I thought I found the predictable ending I was sucked in another direction. A fun quick read, I can't wait for the next adventure.
March 2, 2012
This is one of my favourite cozy mystery series and I was thrilled when Ms. Byerrum started writing them again. I have to admit at first I wasn't looking forward to this one as much, since I'm not a fan of my mystery series taking place "away" from the home turf. But Ms Byerrum won me over by seamlessly incorporating the cast of characters I've grown to love into this madcap, entertaining plot. The mystery itself was solid and well thought out and I absolutely loved the ending. I sincerely hope this series is here for the duration.
March 26, 2012
Reporter Lacey Smithsonian returns to her journalistic roots in Sagebrush, CO, to help an old friend accused of murder. On the scene, she encounters something far worse: TWO editors. *shudder* Ellen Byerrum's Lacey Smithsonian mysteries are among my favorite comfort reads, and this installment did not disappoint. :-)
April 28, 2013
Blah! This 7th book in Ellen Byerrum's Lacey Smithsonian series is a real dud. Takes place outside Washington DC & barely any fashion from Aunt Mimi's trunk. Only redeeming factor of the book is the progression of Lacey & Vic's relationship. Veiled Threat better be better or I may have to take a break from this series :(
July 11, 2012
I love this series. I think it's a lot of fun. This may have been the best one in the series. It was a good mystery, fun read and a unique angle. I'll admit I may have been rooting for Lacey to fall back in love with Tucker a little bit (0=
March 6, 2012
I love Lacey & so look forward to her adventures that I savor these treats... This one took us "back" to Sagebrush, CO... And now I want a new pair of cowboy boots! I just have one thing to add to her commuter bag Fashion Bite- mine also must hold a book! Or else it is worthless to me.
April 18, 2012
Another great book of the adventures of Lacey Smithsonian. I love when a series takes place away from the home area of the main character, no matter if it a place they have been before or a new place. This book leads you to wonder about how many new adventures Lacey and freinds can find.
May 27, 2012
This is the second Crime of Fashion book I've read. I really enjoyed the first one but this one was so much better! I'm very much enjoying the characters and am looking forward to reading the first 7 books.
January 16, 2013
Falsely accused ex-boy friend accused of murder. Heroine comes to rescue with unusual talent for solving mysteries. She does it with fashion clues. In this case she uses cowboy boots. Fun but oh so light.
July 3, 2013
Still enjoying this series. I was a little surprised I liked this one so much as a lot of my attraction to the series is that it happens in DC. This one takes place in CO. Maybe it was all the descriptions of the amazing cowgirl boots.
August 26, 2013
A breezy entertainment tied in to some nice description of backwoods Colorado and nasty real estate and mineral interests. This time the fashion references are boots rather than dresses. Read this one on paper from the library because there's no electronic.
August 21, 2014
I'm not sure how Vic puts up with Lacey and her old boyfriend. Sometimes I just want to shake Vic, but I guess he's in LOVE. Lacey's Mother and sister were not to over powering. They helped out with the friend of the hostage instead of being the problem.
October 7, 2012
Good mystery. I did not guess who the murderer was. It was fun seeing Lacey back in the place she ran away from
May 3, 2012
Another fun installment in this series. This one sends us to Colorado where cowboy boots reign and so does the fashion sense of Lacey Smithsonian.
May 7, 2012
Standard fare, although Lacey may have been slightly less snobbish this time around.
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