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Bailey Weggins Mystery #6
So Pretty it Hurts
At long last, the New York Times bestselling author of The Sixes and the editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan brings back the sassy crime writer turned amateur sleuth Bailey Weggins in an addictive story involving the mysterious death of a supermodel.
Bailey Weggins, the Manhattan-based thirtysomething true-crime journalist, is in a good place. She's enjoying her regular gig at Buzz, a leading celebrity magazine, getting freelance work, and hoping her first book will garner attention. In the love department, she's finally back in the game with her recently-turned-exclusive boyfriend, Beau Regan. When Beau heads out of town one early December weekend, Bailey accepts an invitation from her office friend Jessie to a music mogul's house in the country, hoping for a fun, relaxing getaway. But a weird tension settles over the houseguests--a glamorous crowd that includes the famously thin supermodel Devon Barr. An impending snowstorm only adds to the unease. So when Devon's lifeless body is found in her bed, Bailey immediately suspects foul play: she can't stop thinking of the day before, when a frightened Devon shivered in the woods and pleaded, "I have to get out of here. . . . It's not safe for me." When Bailey starts to nose around, she finds herself a moving target--running closer to the truth and straight into danger.
With her trademark irreverent wit, Bailey is a heroine who keeps us laughing while on the edge of our seats. New and longtime fans alike will devour this eagerly awaited mystery.
Bailey Weggins, the Manhattan-based thirtysomething true-crime journalist, is in a good place. She's enjoying her regular gig at Buzz, a leading celebrity magazine, getting freelance work, and hoping her first book will garner attention. In the love department, she's finally back in the game with her recently-turned-exclusive boyfriend, Beau Regan. When Beau heads out of town one early December weekend, Bailey accepts an invitation from her office friend Jessie to a music mogul's house in the country, hoping for a fun, relaxing getaway. But a weird tension settles over the houseguests--a glamorous crowd that includes the famously thin supermodel Devon Barr. An impending snowstorm only adds to the unease. So when Devon's lifeless body is found in her bed, Bailey immediately suspects foul play: she can't stop thinking of the day before, when a frightened Devon shivered in the woods and pleaded, "I have to get out of here. . . . It's not safe for me." When Bailey starts to nose around, she finds herself a moving target--running closer to the truth and straight into danger.
With her trademark irreverent wit, Bailey is a heroine who keeps us laughing while on the edge of our seats. New and longtime fans alike will devour this eagerly awaited mystery.
318 pages, Hardcover
First published March 20, 2012
297 people are currently reading
2239 people want to read
About the author
Kate White
54 books2,811 followersKate White is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nineteen novels of suspense: eleven standalone psychological thrillers, including The Last Time She Saw Him (2024), and eight Bailey Weggins mysteries.
A former Glamour magazine Top Ten College Women Contest winner and cover girl, Kate had a long career in the media business, eventually running five national magazines. For fourteen years she was the editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, which under her became the most successful magazine in single copy sales in the U.S. Though she loved her magazine career, she decided to leave eleven years ago to concentrate full-time on another passion: writing suspense fiction.
Kate’s first mystery, If Looks Could Kill, was a Kelly Ripa Book Club pick, a #1 bestseller on Amazon, and an instant New York Times bestseller. She has been nominated for an International Thriller Writers Award in the fiction category, and her books have been published in over 30 countries.
Kate is a frequent speaker at libraries, bookstores, and conferences, and has appeared on many television shows, including The Today Show, CBS This Morning, Good Morning America, Morning Joe, and CNN’s Quest Means Business.
She is also the author of several bestselling career books, including I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This and the ground-breaking Wall Street Journal bestseller, Why Good Girls Don’t Get Ahead but Gutsy Girls Do.
Kate is an avid traveler and spends each winter with her husband at their home in Uruguay. She holds an honorary doctorate of letters from her alma mater, Union College, where she gave the 2022 commencement address.
A former Glamour magazine Top Ten College Women Contest winner and cover girl, Kate had a long career in the media business, eventually running five national magazines. For fourteen years she was the editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, which under her became the most successful magazine in single copy sales in the U.S. Though she loved her magazine career, she decided to leave eleven years ago to concentrate full-time on another passion: writing suspense fiction.
Kate’s first mystery, If Looks Could Kill, was a Kelly Ripa Book Club pick, a #1 bestseller on Amazon, and an instant New York Times bestseller. She has been nominated for an International Thriller Writers Award in the fiction category, and her books have been published in over 30 countries.
Kate is a frequent speaker at libraries, bookstores, and conferences, and has appeared on many television shows, including The Today Show, CBS This Morning, Good Morning America, Morning Joe, and CNN’s Quest Means Business.
She is also the author of several bestselling career books, including I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This and the ground-breaking Wall Street Journal bestseller, Why Good Girls Don’t Get Ahead but Gutsy Girls Do.
Kate is an avid traveler and spends each winter with her husband at their home in Uruguay. She holds an honorary doctorate of letters from her alma mater, Union College, where she gave the 2022 commencement address.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews
June 6, 2021
I have been reading Kate White's Bailey Weggins novels very slowly but I swear there is a method to my madness. This is one of my very favorite series and thanks to never wanting it to end, I am reading one every once and a while to satiate my appetite for them. So Pretty it Hurts was definitely worth the wait as it is one pretty wild ride. It ended up being a bit of a locked-room mystery thanks to the house in the country and a snowstorm, and I couldn't help but suspect every single person of the murder. Bailey goes on her usual sleuthing expedition, and the things she finds out are pretty shocking. I loved all of the drama, and I love Bailey's character every time.
I listened to the audiobook and was very happy with the narrator, Renee Raudman. I would love to see her narrate more of this series - keep in mind I have no idea who future narrators are, so this is wishful thinking! She made a very believable Bailey, and I really enjoyed her narration for the entire book. The mystery aspect of So Pretty it Hurts really surprised me as with all the other books in this series, and they are like comfort reads for me since I know I will always enjoy them. White's novels are always fun to read and very pacy, as well as being very witty. So Pretty it Hurts managed to keep me interested while also making me laugh and you can't ask for much more than that!
I listened to the audiobook and was very happy with the narrator, Renee Raudman. I would love to see her narrate more of this series - keep in mind I have no idea who future narrators are, so this is wishful thinking! She made a very believable Bailey, and I really enjoyed her narration for the entire book. The mystery aspect of So Pretty it Hurts really surprised me as with all the other books in this series, and they are like comfort reads for me since I know I will always enjoy them. White's novels are always fun to read and very pacy, as well as being very witty. So Pretty it Hurts managed to keep me interested while also making me laugh and you can't ask for much more than that!
May 8, 2012
hey goodreaders, did you miss me???
so, after a not-so-brief foray into vision problems, i'm back. and i've chosen to return to the world of "pleasure reading" with the latest in the bailey weggins series. because if you're going to do it, you might as well just leap right on in with the trashiest piece of literature you can get your grubby little paws on.
now, i loved this series initially, but each addition has brought with it a little less joy, a little less enthusiasm, and a little less fun. and, let's be frank, pleasure reading should never really ever feel like work, you know what i mean???
of course you do.
the last book was written several years ago and left on one heck of a chicklit cliffhanger: bailey had to choose between skeevy film-maker beau regan (yes, folks, that's his name) or superdreamy, younger actor chris somethingorother.
spoiler alert: she picked beau.
immediately, this bristled. look, i'm not saying i'm rooting for a scenario where bailey comes across like a slutty cougar, but beau is just so...blech. white's physical descriptions of the character include enticing details like: longish brown hair, rugged looks, chiseled body, and an exotic smell. i sort of picture the highlander. and that creeps me out beyond belief.
of course, bailey is about as emotionally mature in her fledgling relationship as you'd expect a job-hopping commitmentphobe to be. so mature that, when beau regan goes out of town on short notice, she seeks retribution by spending the week in the bowels of upstate new york at a rich guy's barnsion with several elite folks including a model, a journalist, a cookbook author, an aging rockstar, and several management sorts.
dead bodies ensue.
there are sideplots with anorexia, tell-alls, and bailey's job (the killer has bailey's integrity questioned and she almost loses her job...which...spoiler alert...doesn't matter because she quits when they don't have her back).
the killer is predictable (i had it narrowed down between two folks immediately), the motives a little more muddied, but ultimately the major plot points lack in luster what i had longed to be a decadent rebirth into the world of literary smut.
whatever.
my biggest gripe, obvious, is beau regan and his creepy brand of wooing. wine, fireplace massages...we were one bubble bath or long walk on the beach away from total cliche. and the fact that he puts all the blame for relationship tension on bailey is so distasteful! ladies, can we please demand chicklit that does not call for our female protagonist to dutifully accept her flaws as being the primary source of strife in this madcap world of love??? 1. beau knew about a lengthy trip and didn't tell bailey until the day before he was leaving and 2. his ex-lover calls and leaves naughtily suggestive phone messages and he puts the blame solely on her? bleeeecchhhh.
look, bailey isn't perfect. sure, she's got raging relationship dysfunctions. but it takes two to tango.
and, man, do i miss chris.
so, after a not-so-brief foray into vision problems, i'm back. and i've chosen to return to the world of "pleasure reading" with the latest in the bailey weggins series. because if you're going to do it, you might as well just leap right on in with the trashiest piece of literature you can get your grubby little paws on.
now, i loved this series initially, but each addition has brought with it a little less joy, a little less enthusiasm, and a little less fun. and, let's be frank, pleasure reading should never really ever feel like work, you know what i mean???
of course you do.
the last book was written several years ago and left on one heck of a chicklit cliffhanger: bailey had to choose between skeevy film-maker beau regan (yes, folks, that's his name) or superdreamy, younger actor chris somethingorother.
spoiler alert: she picked beau.
immediately, this bristled. look, i'm not saying i'm rooting for a scenario where bailey comes across like a slutty cougar, but beau is just so...blech. white's physical descriptions of the character include enticing details like: longish brown hair, rugged looks, chiseled body, and an exotic smell. i sort of picture the highlander. and that creeps me out beyond belief.
of course, bailey is about as emotionally mature in her fledgling relationship as you'd expect a job-hopping commitmentphobe to be. so mature that, when beau regan goes out of town on short notice, she seeks retribution by spending the week in the bowels of upstate new york at a rich guy's barnsion with several elite folks including a model, a journalist, a cookbook author, an aging rockstar, and several management sorts.
dead bodies ensue.
there are sideplots with anorexia, tell-alls, and bailey's job (the killer has bailey's integrity questioned and she almost loses her job...which...spoiler alert...doesn't matter because she quits when they don't have her back).
the killer is predictable (i had it narrowed down between two folks immediately), the motives a little more muddied, but ultimately the major plot points lack in luster what i had longed to be a decadent rebirth into the world of literary smut.
whatever.
my biggest gripe, obvious, is beau regan and his creepy brand of wooing. wine, fireplace massages...we were one bubble bath or long walk on the beach away from total cliche. and the fact that he puts all the blame for relationship tension on bailey is so distasteful! ladies, can we please demand chicklit that does not call for our female protagonist to dutifully accept her flaws as being the primary source of strife in this madcap world of love??? 1. beau knew about a lengthy trip and didn't tell bailey until the day before he was leaving and 2. his ex-lover calls and leaves naughtily suggestive phone messages and he puts the blame solely on her? bleeeecchhhh.
look, bailey isn't perfect. sure, she's got raging relationship dysfunctions. but it takes two to tango.
and, man, do i miss chris.
May 28, 2021
So Pretty It Hurts is the second to last book in the Bailey Weggins mystery series by Kate White and I’m kind of glad that I’m almost done with it. I’ve really enjoyed several books in this series, despite some flaws, but this story was very problematic for me.
Not only does Bailey continue to make really poor romantic choices, which she never recognizes, and some fairly careless decisions from an investigative standpoint, but the story continues in its rather crude and crass manner and addresses some important issues without a great deal of sensitivity or insight. There is abject disrespect of people’s body types, weight and eating issues, as well as a blatant bias and stereotype of Christians. The author uses some slang terms that are pretty juvenile, not to mention outdated, and there is an over-abundance of speculation in this novel, which becomes rather tedious. There are a few other trigger warnings that I don’t want to reveal because they are spoilers, but they weren’t handled very appropriately, in my opinion. On a minor note, there are also a lot of characters and I had to continually flip back to previous chapters to determine who is who.
I really liked several other books in this series, even though they tend to be dated and are often careless in the way they handling certain issues, and I am generally a Bailey fan and appreciate the way she unravels mysteries. This addition to the series, however, did not work for me.
Not only does Bailey continue to make really poor romantic choices, which she never recognizes, and some fairly careless decisions from an investigative standpoint, but the story continues in its rather crude and crass manner and addresses some important issues without a great deal of sensitivity or insight. There is abject disrespect of people’s body types, weight and eating issues, as well as a blatant bias and stereotype of Christians. The author uses some slang terms that are pretty juvenile, not to mention outdated, and there is an over-abundance of speculation in this novel, which becomes rather tedious. There are a few other trigger warnings that I don’t want to reveal because they are spoilers, but they weren’t handled very appropriately, in my opinion. On a minor note, there are also a lot of characters and I had to continually flip back to previous chapters to determine who is who.
I really liked several other books in this series, even though they tend to be dated and are often careless in the way they handling certain issues, and I am generally a Bailey fan and appreciate the way she unravels mysteries. This addition to the series, however, did not work for me.
April 19, 2012
Maybe it's been too long between Bailey Weggins stories (the last one was out in 2007), but it took a long time for me to get into this story. Bailey and a co-worker head for a house party weekend at a remote (albeit fancy) cabin in upstate New York. When a supermodel ends up dead, Bailey latches on to the thought it must be murder, even though events point toward an eating disorder fatality. Sleuthing ensues. The Bailey I remember had a great relationship with next door neighbor Landon, who spends his few scenes with a head cold in this story. Her mother was a hoot, and was limited to a couple phone calls this time. And her relationship with Beau, supposedly of so much concern, began so long ago that I don't really remember her angst over his trip to Turkey. To be honest, White's last two stand alone novels were much better, and the early Bailey books a treat.
September 21, 2018
I bought this book at chapters. I enjoyed reading it. It had a good story to it. It is my first book by this author. I hope to read more books by this author.
August 16, 2020
Fun story. Like the Bailey character. Quick mindless reads. Not going to win any awards for literature.
May 26, 2021
Content warning: lots of detailed discussions about weight, anorexia, and eating disorders.
Bailey Weggins is a true crime writer and journalist for Buzz, a celebrity gossip magazine. Her love life is currently a bit uncertain - she loves her boyfriend, Beau, but suspects he only agreed to a committed relationship because he thought he'd lose her otherwise - so she deals with it by escaping to a house party in the country. Sparks fly between several of the guests, culminating in the shocking death of Devon Barr, an extremely thin supermodel. Bailey immediately suspects that an eating disorder played a part in Devon's death, but additional events cause her to wonder if Devon's death was helped along by one of the other guests.
Yeesh, I got this ARC almost a decade ago and am just now reading it. This is the sixth book in a series I haven't previously read, but it wasn't at all hard to jump into. I could tell there were references to previous events, but it didn't feel like I'd missed out on anything vital.
I was not a fan of Bailey at the start. She introduced herself by saying she was the sort of person who'd bite off her nose to spite her face, but that she rarely regretted the results of her actions in the heat of the moment, because the look on the other person's face was generally worth it. Her boyfriend had, out of the blue, gone on a week-long trip to shoot a documentary and then later texted her to tell her that he might be back early. She didn't like how he worded his text, like maybe he expected her to keep her schedule free just in case, so when she was given a chance to attend a house party that overlapped with when Beau might be back, she agreed just because she was irked at him.
That, combined with the light and conversational first-person writing, made Bailey come across as a twentysomething rather than thirtysomething. Her fellow house party guests were even worse. Devon appeared to be trying to win back Tommy, her rockstar ex-boyfriend, who was now dating another model, Tory, who was also at the party and very unhappy about Devon's heavy flirting (Devon literally engineered a wardrobe malfunction to flash her breasts at him, so "heavy flirting" is an understatement). Bailey had reason to believe that Devon might be sleeping with Cap, her agent, whose wife was also at the party, so the character relationships were a mess.
I started to like Bailey more after Devon's death, however. Since she worked for a celebrity gossip magazine, I had assumed that she'd zero in on any shiny garbage she could play up in an article, but instead she handled things surprisingly professionally. She made sure people at the party didn't disturb Devon's body and the room more than they already had, talked to the cops before sending info on to her boss, and actually kept her word when she told people she'd keep certain things off the record. All the maturity she lacked in her romantic life she had in spades in her professional life.
Things got pretty tense at the house after Devon's death - things disappearing, weird occurrences, etc. - and I fully expected the snow to keep them all trapped there until things finally came to a head and the murderer was identified. Instead, Bailey headed back to work a little over a third of the way through the book, and the story shifted more into "meh" territory as Bailey interviewed people and fretted over Beau and issues with her job.
A couple clues made the murderer's identity pretty easy to guess, and I figured out their motive about 20 pages early. On the whole, things wrapped up in a lukewarm sort of way. This didn't leave me feeling an immediate need to read more in the series, but I could see myself trying another book one day, maybe.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
Bailey Weggins is a true crime writer and journalist for Buzz, a celebrity gossip magazine. Her love life is currently a bit uncertain - she loves her boyfriend, Beau, but suspects he only agreed to a committed relationship because he thought he'd lose her otherwise - so she deals with it by escaping to a house party in the country. Sparks fly between several of the guests, culminating in the shocking death of Devon Barr, an extremely thin supermodel. Bailey immediately suspects that an eating disorder played a part in Devon's death, but additional events cause her to wonder if Devon's death was helped along by one of the other guests.
Yeesh, I got this ARC almost a decade ago and am just now reading it. This is the sixth book in a series I haven't previously read, but it wasn't at all hard to jump into. I could tell there were references to previous events, but it didn't feel like I'd missed out on anything vital.
I was not a fan of Bailey at the start. She introduced herself by saying she was the sort of person who'd bite off her nose to spite her face, but that she rarely regretted the results of her actions in the heat of the moment, because the look on the other person's face was generally worth it. Her boyfriend had, out of the blue, gone on a week-long trip to shoot a documentary and then later texted her to tell her that he might be back early. She didn't like how he worded his text, like maybe he expected her to keep her schedule free just in case, so when she was given a chance to attend a house party that overlapped with when Beau might be back, she agreed just because she was irked at him.
That, combined with the light and conversational first-person writing, made Bailey come across as a twentysomething rather than thirtysomething. Her fellow house party guests were even worse. Devon appeared to be trying to win back Tommy, her rockstar ex-boyfriend, who was now dating another model, Tory, who was also at the party and very unhappy about Devon's heavy flirting (Devon literally engineered a wardrobe malfunction to flash her breasts at him, so "heavy flirting" is an understatement). Bailey had reason to believe that Devon might be sleeping with Cap, her agent, whose wife was also at the party, so the character relationships were a mess.
I started to like Bailey more after Devon's death, however. Since she worked for a celebrity gossip magazine, I had assumed that she'd zero in on any shiny garbage she could play up in an article, but instead she handled things surprisingly professionally. She made sure people at the party didn't disturb Devon's body and the room more than they already had, talked to the cops before sending info on to her boss, and actually kept her word when she told people she'd keep certain things off the record. All the maturity she lacked in her romantic life she had in spades in her professional life.
Things got pretty tense at the house after Devon's death - things disappearing, weird occurrences, etc. - and I fully expected the snow to keep them all trapped there until things finally came to a head and the murderer was identified. Instead, Bailey headed back to work a little over a third of the way through the book, and the story shifted more into "meh" territory as Bailey interviewed people and fretted over Beau and issues with her job.
A couple clues made the murderer's identity pretty easy to guess, and I figured out their motive about 20 pages early. On the whole, things wrapped up in a lukewarm sort of way. This didn't leave me feeling an immediate need to read more in the series, but I could see myself trying another book one day, maybe.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
August 15, 2012
BAILEY WEGGINS IS BACK & BETTER THAN EVER!
I was so excited to find that Kate White finally decided to add a 6th installment to her Bailey Weggins series! It's been 5 years since we last saw Bailey - I was sure she had been 'retired'. Two years ago, I wrote Kate White, asking her if she would be adding to the Bailey series. I never got an answer to my question, but she sent me a signed copy of 'Til Death Do Us Part'. NICE!
Bailey Weggins is like a hip, modernized Nancy Drew. She is always getting caught in situations where a mystery occurs & as a writer (and also a very curious buttinski!) Bailey saves the day with her wonderful mystery solving ways. These mysteries usually involve a dangerous tiff or two & she has to fight her way out of a life threatening situation. Very similar to a Nancy Drew mystery.
I recently reread an old Nancy Drew mystery & recalled how perfectly perfect Miss Drew was. Pretty, smart, rich, well mannered, talented, everybody's friend & we ALL wanted to be just like her! Everything she touched turned to gold! Bailey has her flaws, as is the fashion of women of our times, but I realized that in her way, Bailey is much the same. She handles tedious situations brilliantly. It reminds me of those Dear soandso articles in a fashion mag. Her reactions are always what I think the 'answers' to these letters would be. Perfectly thought out - the 'proper' way to do everything and anything. Bailey always does and says just the right things, she's UBER organized - down to each minute of her time - she's pretty, intelligent, and my favorite quality - she has guts of STEEL! In every book, I get such a kick of how gutsy she is! She's frighteningly pushy and stubborn. But she's still real and VERY likeable! She's a great role model for today's young women!
Unlike a Nancy Drew book, Kate White adds an appropriate amount of language and steam. Bailey is NOT the goodie-good that Nancy was - for sure! For me, the Bailey books are so totally fun and satisfying - I've adored her since book one. If you miss the good ole days of the Nancy Drew mysteries (or if you're too young to recall Nancy Drew but appreciate a good mystery - ) you've gotta check this series out if you haven't already!
I listened to this book via audiobook & must give the reader, Renee Raudman, the proper kudos. I always say that a reader can make or break any book. Thus, hiring the 'right' reader to represent your characters & their world is as important as the actual quality of the book you put out. Brilliant Kate White must agree! She chose a perfect voice for Bailey & friends! Renee Raudman IS Bailey Weggins for me. To listen to the audio version of a Bailey mystery is just icing on the cake. A great book made (somehow!) even better and even more enjoyable by an incredible reader!
Please keep more from Bailey coming! I was so excited for more, I realized later that I didn't even bother to consider what I would do if this book didn't live up to my high expectations. I can't imagine that even being possible. Kate White is a nice person and a very talented author. I also read and enjoyed Hush and The Sixes, but the Bailey series is close to the heart in my family. My daughter's name is Bailey & she has "grown up" with Bailey Weggins adventures in our home. My favorite pet name (& true compliment) for her is still "bailey weggins". We get the best giggles from that! She swears that someday she is just going to make it legal! (I guess that means she likes it!) :o) GOOOOOO BAILEY!
I was so excited to find that Kate White finally decided to add a 6th installment to her Bailey Weggins series! It's been 5 years since we last saw Bailey - I was sure she had been 'retired'. Two years ago, I wrote Kate White, asking her if she would be adding to the Bailey series. I never got an answer to my question, but she sent me a signed copy of 'Til Death Do Us Part'. NICE!
Bailey Weggins is like a hip, modernized Nancy Drew. She is always getting caught in situations where a mystery occurs & as a writer (and also a very curious buttinski!) Bailey saves the day with her wonderful mystery solving ways. These mysteries usually involve a dangerous tiff or two & she has to fight her way out of a life threatening situation. Very similar to a Nancy Drew mystery.
I recently reread an old Nancy Drew mystery & recalled how perfectly perfect Miss Drew was. Pretty, smart, rich, well mannered, talented, everybody's friend & we ALL wanted to be just like her! Everything she touched turned to gold! Bailey has her flaws, as is the fashion of women of our times, but I realized that in her way, Bailey is much the same. She handles tedious situations brilliantly. It reminds me of those Dear soandso articles in a fashion mag. Her reactions are always what I think the 'answers' to these letters would be. Perfectly thought out - the 'proper' way to do everything and anything. Bailey always does and says just the right things, she's UBER organized - down to each minute of her time - she's pretty, intelligent, and my favorite quality - she has guts of STEEL! In every book, I get such a kick of how gutsy she is! She's frighteningly pushy and stubborn. But she's still real and VERY likeable! She's a great role model for today's young women!
Unlike a Nancy Drew book, Kate White adds an appropriate amount of language and steam. Bailey is NOT the goodie-good that Nancy was - for sure! For me, the Bailey books are so totally fun and satisfying - I've adored her since book one. If you miss the good ole days of the Nancy Drew mysteries (or if you're too young to recall Nancy Drew but appreciate a good mystery - ) you've gotta check this series out if you haven't already!
I listened to this book via audiobook & must give the reader, Renee Raudman, the proper kudos. I always say that a reader can make or break any book. Thus, hiring the 'right' reader to represent your characters & their world is as important as the actual quality of the book you put out. Brilliant Kate White must agree! She chose a perfect voice for Bailey & friends! Renee Raudman IS Bailey Weggins for me. To listen to the audio version of a Bailey mystery is just icing on the cake. A great book made (somehow!) even better and even more enjoyable by an incredible reader!
Please keep more from Bailey coming! I was so excited for more, I realized later that I didn't even bother to consider what I would do if this book didn't live up to my high expectations. I can't imagine that even being possible. Kate White is a nice person and a very talented author. I also read and enjoyed Hush and The Sixes, but the Bailey series is close to the heart in my family. My daughter's name is Bailey & she has "grown up" with Bailey Weggins adventures in our home. My favorite pet name (& true compliment) for her is still "bailey weggins". We get the best giggles from that! She swears that someday she is just going to make it legal! (I guess that means she likes it!) :o) GOOOOOO BAILEY!
June 2, 2012
I picked up So Pretty It Hurts at the library when I'd run out of things to read, and I wasn't sure if I'd like it, given the subject matter (tragic death of a supermodel). I was even less sure when I cracked it open and discovered that the author is a Cosmopolitan editor. I went ahead and read it, since it was a big city twist on the country house murder genre.
Pretty much everyone at the country house was an unsympathetic character. I couldn't relate to the main character, Bailey, at all, because I have zero interest in celebrities or men who wear loafers. I was glad that she at least took a hike in the forest and talked about constellations and owl pellets. I kept reading because I wanted to find out whodunnit. It stretched my belief that the people involved would actually talk to Bailey after the fateful weekend. It also seemed that a savvy New York woman should be more careful not to get abducted or locked in a building or thrown off a balcony. I guess nothing would have happened if she'd been a bit wiser. I wanted to scream at her that her jealous boyfriend was a psychopath (he has nothing to do with the main plot, so that's not a spoiler). Yet she blames herself for their relationship difficulties. This is what happens when you date men who wear loafers (à la Vampire Bill).
So Pretty It Hurts would probably appeal to Sookie Stackhouse fans or women who are into fashion and nail polish and How to Please Your Man in 10 Different Ways. The style was gossipy and littered with celebrity jokes. There were some product placements, but not so many that they detracted from the story. The novel wasn't bad. I just should have read something else instead.
Pretty much everyone at the country house was an unsympathetic character. I couldn't relate to the main character, Bailey, at all, because I have zero interest in celebrities or men who wear loafers. I was glad that she at least took a hike in the forest and talked about constellations and owl pellets. I kept reading because I wanted to find out whodunnit. It stretched my belief that the people involved would actually talk to Bailey after the fateful weekend. It also seemed that a savvy New York woman should be more careful not to get abducted or locked in a building or thrown off a balcony. I guess nothing would have happened if she'd been a bit wiser. I wanted to scream at her that her jealous boyfriend was a psychopath (he has nothing to do with the main plot, so that's not a spoiler). Yet she blames herself for their relationship difficulties. This is what happens when you date men who wear loafers (à la Vampire Bill).
So Pretty It Hurts would probably appeal to Sookie Stackhouse fans or women who are into fashion and nail polish and How to Please Your Man in 10 Different Ways. The style was gossipy and littered with celebrity jokes. There were some product placements, but not so many that they detracted from the story. The novel wasn't bad. I just should have read something else instead.
January 9, 2012
When Bailey Weggins, a crime reporter for Buzz magazine, joins her friend Jessie for a weekend upstate while her boyfriend Beau is in Sedona, she believes she is just seeking entertainment. But did she feel insecure about his sudden departure? Was her decision to go to the house party a bit of payback?
Joining a mix of celebrities and other high profile individuals, Bailey expects the weekend to be a bit of a snooze.
So when a model turns up dead, her instincts kick into high gear. Was the death due to foul play? Meanwhile, the weekend turns into a longer stretch as a snowstorm keeps the guests house bound. A power failure, along with mysterious events that suggest a murderer might be on the loose, keep Bailey's senses tingling.
Home at last, she pursues the clues she has uncovered, but other obstacles threaten her life; someone unknown threatens her career; and at the same time, her boyfriend begins questioning her commitment.
A real page-turner, "So Pretty It Hurts: A Bailey Weggins Mystery" was a quick read that was full of intriguing and vivid characters and twisting and turning plots. This one earned five stars from me.
Joining a mix of celebrities and other high profile individuals, Bailey expects the weekend to be a bit of a snooze.
So when a model turns up dead, her instincts kick into high gear. Was the death due to foul play? Meanwhile, the weekend turns into a longer stretch as a snowstorm keeps the guests house bound. A power failure, along with mysterious events that suggest a murderer might be on the loose, keep Bailey's senses tingling.
Home at last, she pursues the clues she has uncovered, but other obstacles threaten her life; someone unknown threatens her career; and at the same time, her boyfriend begins questioning her commitment.
A real page-turner, "So Pretty It Hurts: A Bailey Weggins Mystery" was a quick read that was full of intriguing and vivid characters and twisting and turning plots. This one earned five stars from me.
January 18, 2020
This book was absolutely awful. The characters all felt very contrived. The ultimate conclusion of the mystery was so stupid and did not make any sense. But more than either of those thing I found this book offensive. It reeked of internalized misogyny. The main character was meant to be like a “strong independent woman™️” but her internal monologue was so hateful towards women. There was so much slut shaming and treating women as if they are dumb. Specifically the characterization of a model character as being so stupid that she couldn’t possibly be lying or a murderer is so tired. Why resort to that stereotype? I could go on and on about all of the issues like this. Further the fact that the ultimate reason for the murder was because the murdered person had an abortion felt very anti-choice. I would not read another book by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 26, 20182.5 Stars
Meh, it was almost comical at times.
Meh, it was almost comical at times.
January 22, 2023
This was nice palette cleanser for me since I was fresh off the heels of a True Crime book that was way to heavy and bad. Bailey Weggins provided a nice character that was easy to like and quite clever. Her character reminds me of a younger version of the Murder She Wrote lady. I enjoyed the mystery and over all plot of this book. I was honestly convinced I knew who the culprit was, but was in fact wrong.I love that! This book is not one of those that will stick with me in years to come, but it was a great quick fast past read.
If you are fresh off the heels of something heavy, deep and bad.....this will get you out of that rut!
If you are fresh off the heels of something heavy, deep and bad.....this will get you out of that rut!
May 4, 2020
I'm so used to excellence in this genre that I can't give this more than two stars. It was a mystery, sort of, but wandered around so much, in very unrealistic ways. I've another of hers I'm not even sure I'll bother reading.
May 19, 2025
3.9/5 only because I felt like initially it was a little slow to start, but once it got going it kept you on your toes! This was a definitely a good mystery book! Kept you guessing, but not actually all that predictable! I often found myself thinking of it as a modern day Nancy Drew novel (with a slightly more promiscuous sleuth) that takes place in New York. I would certainly recommend!
January 20, 2021
A group of acquaintenances stranded in a hotel in a blizzard and the typical outcome occurs. Some parts are predictable.
December 8, 2011
The upside of working for the industry is getting my hands on the ones that just aren't out yet - but here is a little preview for all you Kate White fans!
The New York Times Bestselling author of The Sixes will be bringing her magic to the market in early 2012, with this truly fantastic crime novel for all to read.
Focusing on Bailey Weggins once again, that true crime writer who has published her own book, but remarks that her small publisher hasn’t promoted it at all and it’s barely at 29,478 on Amazon, has to support herself by working as a reporter. Buzz is a celebrity magazine, and Bailey is the reporter for the ‘real’ crime that is occurring in the world of the ‘stars.’ She’s getting used to her job at Buzz, but still hopes that she’ll have some luck with her book so she can get on with her life.
At the moment she is also lucky in love with Beau Regan, who has just announced that he has to be away for the weekend to shoot a documentary in Sedona, Arizona. Bailey, with her busy imagination, is sure that Beau has a girl stashed in Arizona and is both jealous and upset that he won’t be with her on this winter weekend in New York so close to Christmas.
For a bit of a payback, when she finds out that Beau is coming home on Saturday, Bailey accepts an invitation from her pal, Jessie, to go to a weekend house party in the country. Scott Cohen, a record producer that Jessie has her eye on at the moment, is having a special party for his number one guest, long-time supermodel, Devon Barr. Along with her, Devon’s agent and his wife; her model friend, Tory; her ex-boyfriend rocker, Tony Quinn; her booker Christian Hayes; her assistant Jane; as well as Richard Parkin, a journalist and author from England, are attending. Apparently, Devon is about to come out with an album for Scott and the party is to introduce her as a singer.
This is an interesting crowd, and things begin to get a little testy as the complicated relationships between these people come unglued. To top it all off, there is a huge snowstorm that keeps the guests confined to the house and unable to leave the property until plows come to get them out.
There is a scream in the night and Devon’s dead body is found in her room by one of the employees of the homeowner. The police believe that the death is due to complications concerning anorexia, but Bailey is convinced that there is something far more to this death than meets the eye, and is so pushy that she gets in trouble not only with the houseguests, but also with the police and her boss.
Like her character, who is a dog with a bone, this author keeps everyone guessing until the very last pages about who the killer could possibly be, and fills the book with plenty of scenes that will have readers holding their breath and laughing hysterically at some of the antics that Bailey goes through to get her story.
Kate White’s fans will be super-excited to get this one in their hands!
The New York Times Bestselling author of The Sixes will be bringing her magic to the market in early 2012, with this truly fantastic crime novel for all to read.
Focusing on Bailey Weggins once again, that true crime writer who has published her own book, but remarks that her small publisher hasn’t promoted it at all and it’s barely at 29,478 on Amazon, has to support herself by working as a reporter. Buzz is a celebrity magazine, and Bailey is the reporter for the ‘real’ crime that is occurring in the world of the ‘stars.’ She’s getting used to her job at Buzz, but still hopes that she’ll have some luck with her book so she can get on with her life.
At the moment she is also lucky in love with Beau Regan, who has just announced that he has to be away for the weekend to shoot a documentary in Sedona, Arizona. Bailey, with her busy imagination, is sure that Beau has a girl stashed in Arizona and is both jealous and upset that he won’t be with her on this winter weekend in New York so close to Christmas.
For a bit of a payback, when she finds out that Beau is coming home on Saturday, Bailey accepts an invitation from her pal, Jessie, to go to a weekend house party in the country. Scott Cohen, a record producer that Jessie has her eye on at the moment, is having a special party for his number one guest, long-time supermodel, Devon Barr. Along with her, Devon’s agent and his wife; her model friend, Tory; her ex-boyfriend rocker, Tony Quinn; her booker Christian Hayes; her assistant Jane; as well as Richard Parkin, a journalist and author from England, are attending. Apparently, Devon is about to come out with an album for Scott and the party is to introduce her as a singer.
This is an interesting crowd, and things begin to get a little testy as the complicated relationships between these people come unglued. To top it all off, there is a huge snowstorm that keeps the guests confined to the house and unable to leave the property until plows come to get them out.
There is a scream in the night and Devon’s dead body is found in her room by one of the employees of the homeowner. The police believe that the death is due to complications concerning anorexia, but Bailey is convinced that there is something far more to this death than meets the eye, and is so pushy that she gets in trouble not only with the houseguests, but also with the police and her boss.
Like her character, who is a dog with a bone, this author keeps everyone guessing until the very last pages about who the killer could possibly be, and fills the book with plenty of scenes that will have readers holding their breath and laughing hysterically at some of the antics that Bailey goes through to get her story.
Kate White’s fans will be super-excited to get this one in their hands!
July 27, 2020
It was a quick read but Bailey still doesn't seem real to me, 6 books into this series. I had chalked up her use of "chick" or "dude" as a product of the times but even in this book, published a bit later in 2012, the language doesn't seem to be real. And Landon, who was always described as 70, is now in his late 60's?
The mystery is a cozy - Bailey and her friend Jessie go away for the weekend to a music mogul's house (really, two barns he moved to this isolated location) and Devon Barr, a model/singer, dies. But is her death natural or caused by someone who knew of her eating disorder?
The mystery is a cozy - Bailey and her friend Jessie go away for the weekend to a music mogul's house (really, two barns he moved to this isolated location) and Devon Barr, a model/singer, dies. But is her death natural or caused by someone who knew of her eating disorder?
October 23, 2012
I remember enjoying the previous Bailey Weggins mysteries I read, and I was excited when I found this one at the library.
However, either I've changed or the books have changed, because I didn't feel the magic this time.
First person narration is hard to carry off. The author has to walk the line between too much inner thought and not enough, plus the author is limited to what only the narrator can know - while at the same time the author can't build suspense by keeping pertinent information that the narrator knows from the reader.
For the most part, Kate White adeptly handles the latter - the mystery and suspense build seamlessly - but falls down on the former. Bailey is an exposition machine. She tells us everything, which leaves the reader little room to discover her on their own. And in the end, that makes Bailey, well, a bit boring. I could care less about her relationship dilemmas because Bailey seemed to care less. Oh sure, she TOLD us she was upset, but we never really saw it. Same for her workplace troubles - I had no investment whatsoever in Bailey's career.
But the mystery elements are handled well, and all the right New York City places are namechecked (even if setting a book in the world of celebrity journalism means that the book becomes dated very fast. Although the book came out this year, a reference to Tom and Katie's marriage marks it as ancient in pop culture time.)
A fun, non-taxing read for the beach or ski chalet, but you might not want to read the first few chapters while vacationing in a secluded cabin.
However, either I've changed or the books have changed, because I didn't feel the magic this time.
First person narration is hard to carry off. The author has to walk the line between too much inner thought and not enough, plus the author is limited to what only the narrator can know - while at the same time the author can't build suspense by keeping pertinent information that the narrator knows from the reader.
For the most part, Kate White adeptly handles the latter - the mystery and suspense build seamlessly - but falls down on the former. Bailey is an exposition machine. She tells us everything, which leaves the reader little room to discover her on their own. And in the end, that makes Bailey, well, a bit boring. I could care less about her relationship dilemmas because Bailey seemed to care less. Oh sure, she TOLD us she was upset, but we never really saw it. Same for her workplace troubles - I had no investment whatsoever in Bailey's career.
But the mystery elements are handled well, and all the right New York City places are namechecked (even if setting a book in the world of celebrity journalism means that the book becomes dated very fast. Although the book came out this year, a reference to Tom and Katie's marriage marks it as ancient in pop culture time.)
A fun, non-taxing read for the beach or ski chalet, but you might not want to read the first few chapters while vacationing in a secluded cabin.
June 19, 2012
Bailey Weggins is a trim crime journalist for Buzz, a celebrity magazine. She has been invited to a weekend getaway with her friend, Jessie. The house that Jessie and Bailey are going to belongs to Scott Cohen. Scott is a big time music producer. The guest of honor at the party will be Devon Barr, a supermodel. Nothing says a party like boozes, good friends, and murder.
I have read several of this author's books. I am middle of the road with Ms. White. Her latest mystery, So Pretty It Hurts is a classic mystery. It does not sway too far from the plot and all the major players are in the story. There are the obvious suspects and then the ones that the author tries to get you to think did it and then finally the one who really did it. Although it was not truely a surprise. I had no vested interest in the characters. They were all about themselves. The only person that kept things interesting was Bailey. This is because she was ruthless and determined to discover the truth. While, there is nothing wrong with a plain ole simple murder mystery story. It makes for a quick read. I hope that Bailey keeps a strong head on her shoulders and stays ruthless.
I have read several of this author's books. I am middle of the road with Ms. White. Her latest mystery, So Pretty It Hurts is a classic mystery. It does not sway too far from the plot and all the major players are in the story. There are the obvious suspects and then the ones that the author tries to get you to think did it and then finally the one who really did it. Although it was not truely a surprise. I had no vested interest in the characters. They were all about themselves. The only person that kept things interesting was Bailey. This is because she was ruthless and determined to discover the truth. While, there is nothing wrong with a plain ole simple murder mystery story. It makes for a quick read. I hope that Bailey keeps a strong head on her shoulders and stays ruthless.
July 22, 2020
I've read two other books by Kate White (Have You Seen Me? and Such A Perfect Wife), and overall I liked them and felt engaged. I got more of her books from the library. This one, however, is constantly grating on my nerves. I haven't even finished it yet (just over halfway done), but I'm already so annoyed by the dumb MC, her thinking she's such a cool girl and putting other women down (especially the better-looking, sexier ones). Apparently the author really hates women with big boobs, it reeks of jealousy on her part. I like smart main characters, not ones who constantly use words like ass, omigod, and natch. And please, can her boyfriend with the annoying name Beau just dump her please? I don't care about their relationship and it has no bearing on the story. I also don't need a step-by-step of them having sex. Just say they had sex and be done. And there are just so many characters who only were given description maybe once in the beginning, and then just their names are used. Who are they? Who is Richard, Scott, Christian? What a mess of a book. I really feel like Kate White just phoned this one in, or does she think her audience only have two brain cells?
March 20, 2012
Why read: Requested from Amazon Vine
What impressed me: I love this series. In So Pretty It Hurts, Bailey Weggins continues to be a serious crime journalist surrounded by celebrity gossip. This time she's snowed in with a variety of notable people when a supermodel is murdered. Of course, everyone had a motive, most of which being scandalously juicy. While the dirty laundry is aired, Bailey sifts through the revealed secrets to find the person behind the murder. Bailey is wonderfully funny and I loved the balance of humor, mayhem and scandal.
What disappointed me: Bailey is dating a new guy in So Pretty It Hurts and I'm just not loving them together. She's acting insecure and very much out of character when it comes to him. And he's coming off as more of a distraction to the rest of the story than a vital part of it.
Recommended: Definitely. This series has great mysteries with a slight chick lit feel that isn't overwhelming.
Continue series: Absolutely.
What impressed me: I love this series. In So Pretty It Hurts, Bailey Weggins continues to be a serious crime journalist surrounded by celebrity gossip. This time she's snowed in with a variety of notable people when a supermodel is murdered. Of course, everyone had a motive, most of which being scandalously juicy. While the dirty laundry is aired, Bailey sifts through the revealed secrets to find the person behind the murder. Bailey is wonderfully funny and I loved the balance of humor, mayhem and scandal.
What disappointed me: Bailey is dating a new guy in So Pretty It Hurts and I'm just not loving them together. She's acting insecure and very much out of character when it comes to him. And he's coming off as more of a distraction to the rest of the story than a vital part of it.
Recommended: Definitely. This series has great mysteries with a slight chick lit feel that isn't overwhelming.
Continue series: Absolutely.
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May 10, 2016So Pretty It Hurts by Kate White
I love the Bailey Weggins murder mystery series. Bailey Weggins is so flawed that she is perfectly flawsome. Her luck, however is seriously not so good. In this story, she is invited to a weekend getaway where she stumbles onto a murder mystery.
Kate White knows the formula for a good suspense story. This was a real page turner. However, on a side note, it was good to see Beau again. I love them together. He calls her out on her BS which is what she needs from time to time. Also it was good to see the regulars from the last couple of books too.
I felt that the story was good but it dragged in some areas. Although towards the end, I was biting my nails trying to figure out who the murderer was before Bailey did. I will recommend this story to others.
I give it 4/5 Platypires.
I love the Bailey Weggins murder mystery series. Bailey Weggins is so flawed that she is perfectly flawsome. Her luck, however is seriously not so good. In this story, she is invited to a weekend getaway where she stumbles onto a murder mystery.
Kate White knows the formula for a good suspense story. This was a real page turner. However, on a side note, it was good to see Beau again. I love them together. He calls her out on her BS which is what she needs from time to time. Also it was good to see the regulars from the last couple of books too.
I felt that the story was good but it dragged in some areas. Although towards the end, I was biting my nails trying to figure out who the murderer was before Bailey did. I will recommend this story to others.
I give it 4/5 Platypires.
July 28, 2015
I have been a Kate White fan for years and I love Bailey. She's a smart and independent woman who has a good fashion sense and doesn't take no for an answer. I have read all of the Bailey's Weggins books and while I loved them all this one really feel flat for me. Giving it 3 stars is a stretch, but I couldn't find it in my heart to give it two. Since Bailey has been on hold for awhile, maybe my expectations were too high. I thought Kate would give us the best Bailey story yet, but it was the same old formula. Same plot just different characters. I was bored half way through and forced myself to finish it. There were really were no big surprises, nothing to say, wow! I really wanted to love this, but I can't recommend it.
March 13, 2014
Sadly, this is the last novel (so far anyway, I have hopes for more!) in the Bailey Weggins murder mystery series by author, Kate White. And once again, I enjoyed this novel even better than the last. I've also enjoyed Ms. White's single title "The Sixes" and look forward to reading her latest novel, "Hush". If light mysteries are on your reading radar, you must give this series a try. Finishing this last novel feels like I'm saying good-bye to an old friend, and that speaks volumes, as mysteries are not usually a genre I read.
January 5, 2013
This is the forth Kate White novel I have read and probably the last! This book started off really good, but there is way to many far fetched scenarios going on in this book! However Bailey Weggins is a super funny fun character! I'm just really sick of the girl playing police detective, when she is not!!! She is a reporter, so why does she have to play detective? Make her a freaking detective then! It's so far fetched that cops would be that dumb and patient with Bailey. SORRY the book started out really good and then fizzled out!
March 27, 2012
After being away from Bailey Weggins for a while, I had forgotten that Kate White's writing can be a little juvenile (for lack of a better word). What I had also forgotten is how easily I get sucked into these suspenseful and thrilling mysteries, and how attached to Bailey I get. Kate White might not be the most descriptive writer in the world, but she sure knows how to put together a great story. I'm already looking forward to the next Bailey Weggins mystery!
March 4, 2012
I received this book through the First Reads giveaway program on Goodreads.
I loved the book. It was a quick and enjoyable read. Not sure about the main character's boyfriend though. Seems like I would have kicked him to the curb a while ago.
thanks Goodreads for the book! I will be sharing it with my friends.
I loved the book. It was a quick and enjoyable read. Not sure about the main character's boyfriend though. Seems like I would have kicked him to the curb a while ago.
thanks Goodreads for the book! I will be sharing it with my friends.
February 24, 2016
Another great book in the Bailey Weggins mystery series. The pacing is excellent. I didn't figure out who the murderer is until the end when Bailey had it narrowed down to two people.
March 9, 2025
I haven't read A Bailey Weggins book in forever. But I want to read books and authors I enjoyed years ago and I've read this series since Kelly Ripa had her book club years ago and recommended the first in the series. I was surprised I enjoyed this as much as I did. Kind of a modern Agatha Christie tale. Bailey is invited by her friend Jessie to a weekend party in the country. She is trying to impress a music mogul Scott Cohen who's house they're staying in. The house is two barns joined by a glass passage way which actually sounded kind of cool and I enjoyed the descriptions of the place. There are other celebrities in attendance, models, singers, agents, a chef and another free lance writer who drinks. The romance between Scott and Jessie fizzles out soon enough but on the last day of the party a snow/rain storm hits and one of the guests, model Devon Barr is found dead in her room, likely from an eating disorder. With people stuck the story takes on Christie vibes, a group of people trapped in the middle of nowhere in a storm and there's even a blackout. Devon didn't make many friends, her assistant Jane hates her, ex Tommy is making eyes at her and his girlfriend Tory also hates her for it, there's no shortage of suspects here. The roads clear and everyone returns home and Bailey finds herself in danger at every turn, dangerous cabbies, getting suspended from her job due to sabotage and locked in a barn that's set on fire. But ultimately the mystery gets resolved and I liked how it was done there was a neat twist to the end. Bailey also resolves issues with her boyfriend Beau officially committing to him and him alone. This was quite engaging and drew me in whenever I picked it up. It would start to wane then immediately pick up and I'm glad I came back to this series even though I think there's only two more books then it's over.
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