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Consignment Shop Mystery #1
Iced Chiffon
There's always something to gossip about in Savannah, Georgia, and Reagan Summerside always seems to be in the middle of it. She's busy enough running her consignment shop, the Prissy Fox, with her vivacious auntie, KiKi, but now the gossip--and the sales--are about to pick up, after a gruesome discovery...
Reagan's messy divorce has left her with nothing but a run-down Victorian and a bunch of designer clothes. Strapped for cash, Reagan makes use of the two things she has left, turning the first floor of her home into a consignment shop and filling it with the remnants of her rich-wife wardrobe.
Thanks to his cunning lawyer, Walker Boone, her ex got everything else, including the Lexus--not to mention a young blonde cupcake. When Reagan finds the blonde dead in the Lexus, she's determined to beat Boone to finding the murderer. As it turns out, the gossip fiends flooding Reagan's shop can give her a lot more than just their unwanted clothes--they have information more precious than a vintage Louis Vuitton...
Reagan's messy divorce has left her with nothing but a run-down Victorian and a bunch of designer clothes. Strapped for cash, Reagan makes use of the two things she has left, turning the first floor of her home into a consignment shop and filling it with the remnants of her rich-wife wardrobe.
Thanks to his cunning lawyer, Walker Boone, her ex got everything else, including the Lexus--not to mention a young blonde cupcake. When Reagan finds the blonde dead in the Lexus, she's determined to beat Boone to finding the murderer. As it turns out, the gossip fiends flooding Reagan's shop can give her a lot more than just their unwanted clothes--they have information more precious than a vintage Louis Vuitton...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 2, 2012
107 people are currently reading
2720 people want to read
About the author
Duffy Brown
13 books730 followersDuffy Brown loves anything with a mystery. While others girls dreamed of dating Brad Pitt, Duffy longed to take Sherlock Holmes to the prom. She has two cats, Spooky and Dr. Watson, her license plate is Sherlok and she conjures up who-done-it stories of her very own for Berkley Prime Crime. Duffy’s national bestselling Consignment Shop Mystery series is set in Savannah and the Cycle Path Mysteries are set on Mackinac Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews
October 2, 2012
Rarely do I give five stars to a debut novel because rarely do I feel the book is complete. Well, this is one of those that feels like the series has already become comfortable, reliable characters, interesting plot and more.
Author Duffy Brown is a force to contend with in mystery writing. She is a born story teller and I easily flew through the book, somewhat like running a chiffon scarf through my hands.
Reagan Summerside is in the midst of divorce fallout. All she kept was her home, Cherryhill, and now that is in danger as well. Reagan is trying to scrape money from the barrow, when she decides to sell her formerly, wealthy wife clothes to earn food money. Cherryhill has a beautiful, if empty of furniture, parlour, kitchen, pantry etc. Reagan's UPS Lady comes up with the idea of a consignment store and before you can blink, the Prissy Fox is born.
All this is now in jeopardy, when Reagan goes to deliver her former backyard water display to a noxious woman, and finds, the trunk of her ex's Lexus to contain a body! Now, the worm has decided to pay for his attorney (1st degree murder comes at a price,) by selling off Cherryhill.
Reagan decides to 'save' the fees by solving the murder herself. Of course, she need help, like her Dancing Teacher Auntie, various gossips and more!
I really don't want to say too much as this book is filled with surprises and laughter. It will continue to twist and turn until even the very last sentence, but don't read the ending first as the book is just too good to miss.
Highly recommended for repeat reading! In full disclosure, I received this book from the Author, but have purchased a copy for myself to give as a gift to my library. Everyone should have a chance to read, "Iced Chiffon," by Duffy Brown.
Author Duffy Brown is a force to contend with in mystery writing. She is a born story teller and I easily flew through the book, somewhat like running a chiffon scarf through my hands.
Reagan Summerside is in the midst of divorce fallout. All she kept was her home, Cherryhill, and now that is in danger as well. Reagan is trying to scrape money from the barrow, when she decides to sell her formerly, wealthy wife clothes to earn food money. Cherryhill has a beautiful, if empty of furniture, parlour, kitchen, pantry etc. Reagan's UPS Lady comes up with the idea of a consignment store and before you can blink, the Prissy Fox is born.
All this is now in jeopardy, when Reagan goes to deliver her former backyard water display to a noxious woman, and finds, the trunk of her ex's Lexus to contain a body! Now, the worm has decided to pay for his attorney (1st degree murder comes at a price,) by selling off Cherryhill.
Reagan decides to 'save' the fees by solving the murder herself. Of course, she need help, like her Dancing Teacher Auntie, various gossips and more!
I really don't want to say too much as this book is filled with surprises and laughter. It will continue to twist and turn until even the very last sentence, but don't read the ending first as the book is just too good to miss.
Highly recommended for repeat reading! In full disclosure, I received this book from the Author, but have purchased a copy for myself to give as a gift to my library. Everyone should have a chance to read, "Iced Chiffon," by Duffy Brown.
June 18, 2017
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more in the series. I liked Reagan and Boone and feel like there is something there. The Savannah setting was fun too. I was really excited because my suspect was guilty.
October 9, 2017
Totally loved this book. It contained many instances of humor that made me chuckle out loud while reading and not too many books do that to me. I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of cozy mysteries. I have added Duffy Brown to my list of favorite authors!
September 23, 2012
Thanks to a messy divorce, Reagan Summerside is left broke and the center of gossip in Savannah, Georgia. All she has left is a broken down Victorian house and a collection of designer clothes. Desperately trying to get her feet back on the ground, she turns part of her home into a consignment shop called Prissy Fox featuring her collection of clothes. It doesn’t take long for her shop to be a success, but things take a nasty turn.
Her ex-husband’s young girlfriend turns up dead in the trunk of a Lexus. Did I mention that it’s the same Lexus Reagan lost in the divorce settlement? Did I mention that Reagan was the one who was driving the Lexus and found the dead body in the trunk? The evidence all points towards her ex and he’s immediately thrown in jail. Reagan doesn’t know what to believe, but when she learns he’s going to sell her Victorian home to pay for his legal expenses, she’s furious. His lawyer, Walker Boone, is the same one who made sure Reagan was left with nothing in the divorce settlement.
Reagan isn’t about to lose everything this time. She’s determined to find the killer so her ex won’t incur anymore legal expenses and will leave her home alone. Walker has his own investigation going and the two of them clash at every turn.
This is the first book of Duffy Brown’s “A Consignment Shop Mystery” series. It’s off to an amazing start with a very strong female lead. She’s not about to lose everything she worked for and wait for someone else to save her. She takes the bull by the horns and does it herself. She even gets herself a cute dog named Bruce Willis or BW for short.
The town is filled with zany characters and each one has something to hide. Reagan and Walker have their work cut out for them. One other character I must mention is Reagan’s Aunt KiKi. She not only helps Reagan run her consignment shop, but she helps her track down a murderer. She, also, has a Cher quote for every occasion which keeps me laughing.
The story is fast-paced and there’s a hint of romance tossed in the middle between Reagan and Walker. I’m looking forward to seeing if this relationship leads to anything. It has the makings of a sizzling romance.
I love a book that takes you into their world and away from your own hectic and stressful life. That’s what Iced Chiffon did for me and I’m more than ready to read book two. A fun cozy mystery that cozy fans will devour!
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Her ex-husband’s young girlfriend turns up dead in the trunk of a Lexus. Did I mention that it’s the same Lexus Reagan lost in the divorce settlement? Did I mention that Reagan was the one who was driving the Lexus and found the dead body in the trunk? The evidence all points towards her ex and he’s immediately thrown in jail. Reagan doesn’t know what to believe, but when she learns he’s going to sell her Victorian home to pay for his legal expenses, she’s furious. His lawyer, Walker Boone, is the same one who made sure Reagan was left with nothing in the divorce settlement.
Reagan isn’t about to lose everything this time. She’s determined to find the killer so her ex won’t incur anymore legal expenses and will leave her home alone. Walker has his own investigation going and the two of them clash at every turn.
This is the first book of Duffy Brown’s “A Consignment Shop Mystery” series. It’s off to an amazing start with a very strong female lead. She’s not about to lose everything she worked for and wait for someone else to save her. She takes the bull by the horns and does it herself. She even gets herself a cute dog named Bruce Willis or BW for short.
The town is filled with zany characters and each one has something to hide. Reagan and Walker have their work cut out for them. One other character I must mention is Reagan’s Aunt KiKi. She not only helps Reagan run her consignment shop, but she helps her track down a murderer. She, also, has a Cher quote for every occasion which keeps me laughing.
The story is fast-paced and there’s a hint of romance tossed in the middle between Reagan and Walker. I’m looking forward to seeing if this relationship leads to anything. It has the makings of a sizzling romance.
I love a book that takes you into their world and away from your own hectic and stressful life. That’s what Iced Chiffon did for me and I’m more than ready to read book two. A fun cozy mystery that cozy fans will devour!
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 5, 2012
Reagan's messy divorce has left her with nothing but fixer upper Victorian home and a bunch of designer clothes. She needs to make a living so she turns her first floor into a consignment shop and starts out selling her own wardrobe. She starts to think things may turn out o.k. until she borrows her ex's Lexus and finds his new girlfriend dead in the trunk. Of course her ex is the prime suspect and expects Reagan to sell the house to pay his attorney, Walker Boone. Reagan decides to find the murderer herself before Boone to keep the attorney's costs to the bare minimum. Turns out her customers give her much more than their old clothes to sell. "They have information more precious than a vintage Louis Vuitton" that can help her solve the case and save her house.
Dollycas's Thoughts
This is a fantastic debut!!
It is outrageously funny with larger than life characters.
Reagan has the worse possible luck and she gets herself in situations that reminded me of Lucille Ball in I Love Lucy. The very best intentions always seem to just go wrong.
Aunt Kiki is Reagan's perfect cohort in this crazy investigation. Aunt Kiki was a roadie on one of Cher's tours and at times I believe she still thinks she is on tour and Cher is her best friend. For example: Cher says "If you really want something, you can figure out how to make it happen." While Cher wasn't an actual character, Kiki quotes her often, so much you almost think she may appear right there is Savannah. Maybe in a future story :)
Elsie and AnnieFritz are a hoot, think Mrs. Kravitz from the old Bewitched television show. They just have to know everyone's business and what they don't hear around the neighborhood they pick up at funerals. Elsie and AnnieFritz are professional mourners.
At times I thought Walker Boone was sweet but then I just wanted to slap him. The jury is still out on him for me.
How could I not fall for a pup named Bruce Willis? They perfect pet for Reagan as long as she keeps his favorite treats handy.
I hope the author sent a copy of this book to Cher and another to Bruce Willis. I know they would both enjoy the way their personas were used in this story!
I don't know exactly why but this story reminded me of the old sitcoms I liked to watch but in a modern day setting. Maybe Hollywood should be scoping out the current cozy mysteries for new sitcom ideas.
This story truly is a perfect escape, I loved it! I didn't want to leave Savannah. I guess I will just have to wait for the next installment. Write fast Duffy!!!
Dollycas's Thoughts
This is a fantastic debut!!
It is outrageously funny with larger than life characters.
Reagan has the worse possible luck and she gets herself in situations that reminded me of Lucille Ball in I Love Lucy. The very best intentions always seem to just go wrong.
Aunt Kiki is Reagan's perfect cohort in this crazy investigation. Aunt Kiki was a roadie on one of Cher's tours and at times I believe she still thinks she is on tour and Cher is her best friend. For example: Cher says "If you really want something, you can figure out how to make it happen." While Cher wasn't an actual character, Kiki quotes her often, so much you almost think she may appear right there is Savannah. Maybe in a future story :)
Elsie and AnnieFritz are a hoot, think Mrs. Kravitz from the old Bewitched television show. They just have to know everyone's business and what they don't hear around the neighborhood they pick up at funerals. Elsie and AnnieFritz are professional mourners.
At times I thought Walker Boone was sweet but then I just wanted to slap him. The jury is still out on him for me.
How could I not fall for a pup named Bruce Willis? They perfect pet for Reagan as long as she keeps his favorite treats handy.
I hope the author sent a copy of this book to Cher and another to Bruce Willis. I know they would both enjoy the way their personas were used in this story!
I don't know exactly why but this story reminded me of the old sitcoms I liked to watch but in a modern day setting. Maybe Hollywood should be scoping out the current cozy mysteries for new sitcom ideas.
This story truly is a perfect escape, I loved it! I didn't want to leave Savannah. I guess I will just have to wait for the next installment. Write fast Duffy!!!
March 5, 2016
2.5 stars.
The book is centered around Reagan who owns a consignment shop in Savannah, Georgia. Soon after the book starts her ex-husband is found dead in the back of the Lexus that was owned by her husband. Reagan's ex husband Hollis is accused of murder and Reagan decides to help prove his innocence.
I picked this book because I love Savannah, Georgia. I haven't read to many cozy mysteries. However if I was evaluating the genre just on this book not sure I would try another one.
My major issue with the book is to many characters to keep track of. Many were in just a chapter and it was hard figuring out if they were just there for background or were central to the story.
The other issue I had was it would of been better to have at least two chapters before the muder occurs. Instead it happened half way thru the first chapter. At this point we haven't even gotten a chance to get to know Reagan the main character and now we are to believe that she is going to change her occupation from owning a consignment shop to becoming a private eye.
I did like the character of Reagan. She was funny and someone to root for. However my issue was by the time I cared about her I was half checked out of the story. The two other characters that were fun were Boone the ex-husband lawyer who I could see Reagan having a romance in future stories. Her aunt kiki was a hoot someone I liked from the first page.
The book is centered around Reagan who owns a consignment shop in Savannah, Georgia. Soon after the book starts her ex-husband is found dead in the back of the Lexus that was owned by her husband. Reagan's ex husband Hollis is accused of murder and Reagan decides to help prove his innocence.
I picked this book because I love Savannah, Georgia. I haven't read to many cozy mysteries. However if I was evaluating the genre just on this book not sure I would try another one.
My major issue with the book is to many characters to keep track of. Many were in just a chapter and it was hard figuring out if they were just there for background or were central to the story.
The other issue I had was it would of been better to have at least two chapters before the muder occurs. Instead it happened half way thru the first chapter. At this point we haven't even gotten a chance to get to know Reagan the main character and now we are to believe that she is going to change her occupation from owning a consignment shop to becoming a private eye.
I did like the character of Reagan. She was funny and someone to root for. However my issue was by the time I cared about her I was half checked out of the story. The two other characters that were fun were Boone the ex-husband lawyer who I could see Reagan having a romance in future stories. Her aunt kiki was a hoot someone I liked from the first page.
August 23, 2016
I am so kicking myself in the butt for not reading this book sooner. It is superb! I'm such a huge cozy mystery fan, and Duffy Brown has written one that has tons of unique characters, a great plot, and the charm of the South.
The author has set up the potential for a great series. Someone gets killed and the main character gets pulled into the investigation for one reason or another. There seems to be no end to the number of possible suspects. The danger increases as Reagan gets closer and closer. And that ending was a total shocker to me. One other thing that I have to point out is that the secondary characters, especially Aunt Kiki, really shine in this story.
I'm looking forward to revisiting Savannah and Reagan's shop, the Prissy Fox, for another adventure soon. That shouldn't be hard. There are four other books in this series to enjoy.
The author has set up the potential for a great series. Someone gets killed and the main character gets pulled into the investigation for one reason or another. There seems to be no end to the number of possible suspects. The danger increases as Reagan gets closer and closer. And that ending was a total shocker to me. One other thing that I have to point out is that the secondary characters, especially Aunt Kiki, really shine in this story.
I'm looking forward to revisiting Savannah and Reagan's shop, the Prissy Fox, for another adventure soon. That shouldn't be hard. There are four other books in this series to enjoy.
September 29, 2017
Reagan Summerside is always scrambling to make ends meet. Since her messy divorce from Hollis Beaumont III, she's sold everything she can get her hands on in order to keep from losing her beloved Cherry House, the Victorian that they had bought together and she's put all kinds of blood, sweat and tears into renovating it, not to mention her money. When she and Aunt KiKi find the body of her ex's fiancee, Janelle and he's arrested for the murder, Reagan knows she has to work extra hard and ever harder than Hollis's lawyer to solve the case. She's afraid she'll lose Cherry House if Hollis is convicted.
With all the selling that she's doing, somehow inadvertently a consignment shop named the Prissy Fox is born from Reagan's downstairs. In scrounging for her own nice clothes to resell, people would start talking about the place and start to bring their own clothes in to resell. It also didn't hurt that the murder victim was found outside Reagan's house, lots of interest just coming to the house.
While investigating and listening to the local gossip, freely supplied by her aunt and various people in town, she finds out that a lot of people had a reason to want Janelle dead. If she doesn't hurry up and find the killer, she may find herself dead as well!
This was a book that I could barely put down. I just had to keep reading and finding out what was going on. Not only was it hilarious in places, I just really enjoyed the characters, especially Aunt KiKi. She was such a hoot! It was so funny how she'd trade favors with Reagan and grudgingly go along on a sleuthing mission but then end up all interested in it after all. I liked all the little side mysteries, like all the people seemingly had secrets they needed to keep hidden. I also really enjoy any mystery that is set in the South. I can always picture the gorgeous homes and their landscapes.
I'd be missing out on a great character if I didn't mention BW aka Bruce Willis, the stray dog that showed up underneath Reagan's porch and quickly squirmed his way into her heart. BW got to play a pretty good part in the take down as well. I really didn't see this conclusion coming at all, was totally surprised by the reveal. I had suspected a couple of people but kind of abandoned that after awhile. The one I thought did it was definitely not the killer.
I will be reading the rest of this series! Reagan acts like she hates the lawyer of Hollis's but he bailed her out of some situations so I have a feeling she might start liking him eventually. I'll have to read and see!
With all the selling that she's doing, somehow inadvertently a consignment shop named the Prissy Fox is born from Reagan's downstairs. In scrounging for her own nice clothes to resell, people would start talking about the place and start to bring their own clothes in to resell. It also didn't hurt that the murder victim was found outside Reagan's house, lots of interest just coming to the house.
While investigating and listening to the local gossip, freely supplied by her aunt and various people in town, she finds out that a lot of people had a reason to want Janelle dead. If she doesn't hurry up and find the killer, she may find herself dead as well!
This was a book that I could barely put down. I just had to keep reading and finding out what was going on. Not only was it hilarious in places, I just really enjoyed the characters, especially Aunt KiKi. She was such a hoot! It was so funny how she'd trade favors with Reagan and grudgingly go along on a sleuthing mission but then end up all interested in it after all. I liked all the little side mysteries, like all the people seemingly had secrets they needed to keep hidden. I also really enjoy any mystery that is set in the South. I can always picture the gorgeous homes and their landscapes.
I'd be missing out on a great character if I didn't mention BW aka Bruce Willis, the stray dog that showed up underneath Reagan's porch and quickly squirmed his way into her heart. BW got to play a pretty good part in the take down as well. I really didn't see this conclusion coming at all, was totally surprised by the reveal. I had suspected a couple of people but kind of abandoned that after awhile. The one I thought did it was definitely not the killer.
I will be reading the rest of this series! Reagan acts like she hates the lawyer of Hollis's but he bailed her out of some situations so I have a feeling she might start liking him eventually. I'll have to read and see!
June 18, 2021
Do yourself a favor and read this book! It was SO good! I would have loved a little more detail on the transition into her consignment shop, but I think it was so fun to see how it grew. Her Auntie Kiki was a hoot and I loved her interaction with her ex-husbands lawyer. I guessed the wrong person as the killer. I am looking forward to book 2.
October 9, 2012
Iced Chiffon by Duffy Brown
Cozy Mystery
Penguin Publishers
$7.99 paperback
Sex level: politely stated references, but no love scenes
Five stars
Reagan Summerside is in a fix. She married the wrong man, a real estate agent named Hollis, who left her for a beautiful blonde nicknamed Cupcake. Low on funds, she is selling anything of value that is left after the divorce. Her neighbor, who wants to win the home and garden tour of Savannah GA, offers to buy her birdbath fountain, an elaborate work with lily pads and iron animals. It would be the focal point of the new garden she recently added to her historic home.
Reagan agrees to sell the heavy metal work, but doesn’t have a car to deliver it in. She goes to the real estate office, borrows the keys to the Lexus her husband got in the settlement, and borrows the car without asking. When she pops the trunk, she finds Cupcake in the trunk, wrapped in plastic.
The main suspect is her ex-husband, Hollis. Before he is hauled off to jail, he tells her that he will have to sell her home to pay for the legal bills. This is the last straw for a woman who has endured public humiliation, and a one-sided settlement. Reagan decides that she can avoid the bills and losing her home by trying to find the killer herself.
The plot isn’t anything special. It involves the usual dead body, list of potential killers, attacks to warn her off the case, and a lawyer with a shady side. What makes the book delightful is Reagan herself. The author did a wonderful job of capturing the entire meaning of GRITS (Girls Raised In The South).
Reagan’s aunts, neighbors and friends are all of the Southern belle culture where the women look their best, marry a doctor, and spend their afternoons helping out with a charity or decorating their own homes. Reagan used to be a part of that culture, too, but the divorce has stripped her of more than just a nice wardrobe. Her hair has a horrible dye job because she can no longer afford a salon job, her wardrobe is comprised of what her ex left behind, her polished nails are reduced to stubs because she has to do her own home repairs, and her income requires mooching dinners off of her aunt KiKi. She is no longer a belle, but she is still a GRITS.
There’s something about GRITS that you have to love. You may not agree with their choices, respect their life style, or agree with their opinions, but you have to love them anyway. They have an opinion about everything and the nerve to say it. They won’t be stopped once they’ve made up their minds. And they truly believe that their way of living is the only way to live.
Reagan’s character is just as enjoyable as the ones in “Fried Green Tomatoes” or “Driving Miss Daisy”.
If I could give it six stars, I would. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Cozy Mystery
Penguin Publishers
$7.99 paperback
Sex level: politely stated references, but no love scenes
Five stars
Reagan Summerside is in a fix. She married the wrong man, a real estate agent named Hollis, who left her for a beautiful blonde nicknamed Cupcake. Low on funds, she is selling anything of value that is left after the divorce. Her neighbor, who wants to win the home and garden tour of Savannah GA, offers to buy her birdbath fountain, an elaborate work with lily pads and iron animals. It would be the focal point of the new garden she recently added to her historic home.
Reagan agrees to sell the heavy metal work, but doesn’t have a car to deliver it in. She goes to the real estate office, borrows the keys to the Lexus her husband got in the settlement, and borrows the car without asking. When she pops the trunk, she finds Cupcake in the trunk, wrapped in plastic.
The main suspect is her ex-husband, Hollis. Before he is hauled off to jail, he tells her that he will have to sell her home to pay for the legal bills. This is the last straw for a woman who has endured public humiliation, and a one-sided settlement. Reagan decides that she can avoid the bills and losing her home by trying to find the killer herself.
The plot isn’t anything special. It involves the usual dead body, list of potential killers, attacks to warn her off the case, and a lawyer with a shady side. What makes the book delightful is Reagan herself. The author did a wonderful job of capturing the entire meaning of GRITS (Girls Raised In The South).
Reagan’s aunts, neighbors and friends are all of the Southern belle culture where the women look their best, marry a doctor, and spend their afternoons helping out with a charity or decorating their own homes. Reagan used to be a part of that culture, too, but the divorce has stripped her of more than just a nice wardrobe. Her hair has a horrible dye job because she can no longer afford a salon job, her wardrobe is comprised of what her ex left behind, her polished nails are reduced to stubs because she has to do her own home repairs, and her income requires mooching dinners off of her aunt KiKi. She is no longer a belle, but she is still a GRITS.
There’s something about GRITS that you have to love. You may not agree with their choices, respect their life style, or agree with their opinions, but you have to love them anyway. They have an opinion about everything and the nerve to say it. They won’t be stopped once they’ve made up their minds. And they truly believe that their way of living is the only way to live.
Reagan’s character is just as enjoyable as the ones in “Fried Green Tomatoes” or “Driving Miss Daisy”.
If I could give it six stars, I would. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
February 9, 2014
I love murder mysteries, and the idea of one set in a consignment store in a Victorian house sounded great. Unfortunately, the store comes together by accident and doesn't really make a lot of sense. There were a lot of instances of spelling and grammar mistakes, which makes me think less of the book.
The identity of the murderer was someone I had suspected for a while, though that could be because I'm really into this genre. The ending only made me angry and left a great deal to be desired. I won't be reading another murder mystery by Duffy Brown.
The identity of the murderer was someone I had suspected for a while, though that could be because I'm really into this genre. The ending only made me angry and left a great deal to be desired. I won't be reading another murder mystery by Duffy Brown.
February 2, 2014
For about half the book, I thoroughly enjoyed Iced Chiffon; it's amusing and littered with quirky characters, though I get the sense I'd understand the jokes and behaviour a lot better if I wasn't a complete stranger to the Southern setting. Unfortunately it goes downhill rather fast from the halfway mark, when characters start to make "quirky" the understatement of the year and Reagan's idiotic attempts at "investigating" wear out their welcome.
Starting with the good:
Aunt Kiki and Reagan make a hilarious duo. I liked the consignment shop as well; maybe it's the love of clothes speaking in me, but I adored the idea of her making something of gorgeous clothes that she didn't need anymore. There was surprisingly little of the consignment shop in the mystery, since Reagan's activities usually took her elsewhere, but nevertheless it's a convenient way for Reagan to connect with others in her community.
There's no real romance in the book since Reagan's newly divorced, but the tension between her and Walker Boone might be interesting in the future. Of course, he's the calm and collected one who has the money and resources to go to her aid while Reagan's a mess (it seems to be the go-to dynamic in cozies), but the hints about his less-than-savory past is intriguing and I look forward to finding out more.
The not-so-good:
There's very little believable about the setup - Reagan's motivations, the way her consignment shop basically begins as an accidental success with the sale of a few secondhand brand name items (I only wish starting a business was actually that easy in real life) and the fact that everyone seems to willing to share personal information with Reagan - but I could wave all that aside.
What I drew the line at, however, was that Reagan's idea of "finding clues" is to break into everything; I think she broke into something like 3-4 people's houses AND the lawyer's office (which includes accidentally letting a gun go off and sabotaging his computer with pizza). And she is not only found out every single time, but everyone just seems to get a bit irritated and then shrug it off. What in the ever-living hell. She also tails people (in a painfully obvious manner) and thinks it's a good idea to challenge potential murderers via face-to-face accusations and/or talking it over with them in their houses. Alone.
To top this off, Reagan's response to the numerous warnings from friends and actual threats to her person is that of consistent indifference. Apparently if you think you have a perfectly good reason to investigate, you'll just blithely ignore everything that's happening to you. I get it, Reagan. You have a death wish.
I also guessed the murderer quite early on in the game, but what really annoyed me was that the culprit's true reasons were such a letdown. Readers were deliberately led to believe that a certain aspect would be key to the case, only to realize that it wasn't crucial at all.
One last thing to add: There are some pretty shocking typographical errors in here which shouldn't have slipped through at all. A particularly bad stretch saw Baxter Armstrong and his wife Trellie being referred to alternatively as "Baxter Anderson," "Baster" and "Tillie" in the same chapter.
I'll be reading the next book anyway; hopefully most of these issues will ease off by then.
Starting with the good:
Aunt Kiki and Reagan make a hilarious duo. I liked the consignment shop as well; maybe it's the love of clothes speaking in me, but I adored the idea of her making something of gorgeous clothes that she didn't need anymore. There was surprisingly little of the consignment shop in the mystery, since Reagan's activities usually took her elsewhere, but nevertheless it's a convenient way for Reagan to connect with others in her community.
There's no real romance in the book since Reagan's newly divorced, but the tension between her and Walker Boone might be interesting in the future. Of course, he's the calm and collected one who has the money and resources to go to her aid while Reagan's a mess (it seems to be the go-to dynamic in cozies), but the hints about his less-than-savory past is intriguing and I look forward to finding out more.
The not-so-good:
There's very little believable about the setup - Reagan's motivations, the way her consignment shop basically begins as an accidental success with the sale of a few secondhand brand name items (I only wish starting a business was actually that easy in real life) and the fact that everyone seems to willing to share personal information with Reagan - but I could wave all that aside.
What I drew the line at, however, was that Reagan's idea of "finding clues" is to break into everything; I think she broke into something like 3-4 people's houses AND the lawyer's office (which includes accidentally letting a gun go off and sabotaging his computer with pizza). And she is not only found out every single time, but everyone just seems to get a bit irritated and then shrug it off. What in the ever-living hell. She also tails people (in a painfully obvious manner) and thinks it's a good idea to challenge potential murderers via face-to-face accusations and/or talking it over with them in their houses. Alone.
To top this off, Reagan's response to the numerous warnings from friends and actual threats to her person is that of consistent indifference. Apparently if you think you have a perfectly good reason to investigate, you'll just blithely ignore everything that's happening to you. I get it, Reagan. You have a death wish.
I also guessed the murderer quite early on in the game, but what really annoyed me was that the culprit's true reasons were such a letdown. Readers were deliberately led to believe that a certain aspect would be key to the case, only to realize that it wasn't crucial at all.
One last thing to add: There are some pretty shocking typographical errors in here which shouldn't have slipped through at all. A particularly bad stretch saw Baxter Armstrong and his wife Trellie being referred to alternatively as "Baxter Anderson," "Baster" and "Tillie" in the same chapter.
I'll be reading the next book anyway; hopefully most of these issues will ease off by then.
May 18, 2024
This is a fun debut to a series. The characters are entertaining and interesting. The mystery is well-plotted with plenty of twists and turns. I love all the southern charm.
October 12, 2012
In spite of several things being fundamentally wrong with this story, and the fact that I nailed the murderer almost from the start, I enjoyed this book.
First what I didn't like:
The story is about a woman just coming out of her divorce who gets nothing except her house. He ex has yet to sign over his half of the house to her, so when he's arrested for murder he claims he's going to force her to sell the house to pay his legal fees. Now, I've been divorced in Georgia and the agreement for house would be in writing in the legal document outlining the divorce agreement, so he wouldn't have the right to sell something he'd previously given away.
Now, I understand not everything is truly accurate in cozies, but this is rather huge as it's meant to set up the whole motivation for her investigating this murder - to keep her ex from trial and to keep her house from being sold. So, the whole fallacy makes the plot much weaker and like an amateur effort.
Also, throughout the book Reagan makes constant mention of what the lawyer fees are costing her - but never in the book is it mentioned that she's taking on responsibility of paying for her ex's legal fees. Why would she do that? She doesn't like the man, has no residual feelings for the man. His legal fees are his responsibility, . It feels like this, too, was contrived merely to give an excuse to the banter between her and Boone and it felt weak and amateurish.
What I did like:
I love stories taking place in Savannah - it almost guarantees a quirky setting and interesting characters. If a town was ever made for mystery, it is Savannah.
The supporting cast of characters are wonderful - each unique, quirky, and southern in the best way. Vividly written and likeable.
The tension between Reagan and Boone promises to be great fun and I love the friendship between Reagan and her Aunt Kiki. Boone has the requisite amount of mystery in his background that he could be interesting for a long time to come.
I'll read the next book in the series eagerly and hope for a more well developed, thought-out plot than this first effort offered. And I really truly look forward to seeing what the great cast of characters gets up to next.
First what I didn't like:
The story is about a woman just coming out of her divorce who gets nothing except her house. He ex has yet to sign over his half of the house to her, so when he's arrested for murder he claims he's going to force her to sell the house to pay his legal fees. Now, I've been divorced in Georgia and the agreement for house would be in writing in the legal document outlining the divorce agreement, so he wouldn't have the right to sell something he'd previously given away.
Now, I understand not everything is truly accurate in cozies, but this is rather huge as it's meant to set up the whole motivation for her investigating this murder - to keep her ex from trial and to keep her house from being sold. So, the whole fallacy makes the plot much weaker and like an amateur effort.
Also, throughout the book Reagan makes constant mention of what the lawyer fees are costing her - but never in the book is it mentioned that she's taking on responsibility of paying for her ex's legal fees. Why would she do that? She doesn't like the man, has no residual feelings for the man. His legal fees are his responsibility, . It feels like this, too, was contrived merely to give an excuse to the banter between her and Boone and it felt weak and amateurish.
What I did like:
I love stories taking place in Savannah - it almost guarantees a quirky setting and interesting characters. If a town was ever made for mystery, it is Savannah.
The supporting cast of characters are wonderful - each unique, quirky, and southern in the best way. Vividly written and likeable.
The tension between Reagan and Boone promises to be great fun and I love the friendship between Reagan and her Aunt Kiki. Boone has the requisite amount of mystery in his background that he could be interesting for a long time to come.
I'll read the next book in the series eagerly and hope for a more well developed, thought-out plot than this first effort offered. And I really truly look forward to seeing what the great cast of characters gets up to next.
March 1, 2015
This was such a fun read. It had me laughing out loud during a lot of its telling. The two main characters, Reagan and Aunt KiKI, are hilarious when they are together. I think Aunt KiKi is my favorite character out of the book. She is wonderful. The banter between Reagan and Walker was amusing as well. I liked how they were able to annoy and push each others buttons so will.
I think the actual story plot was a little off though, I didn't buy the fact, Reagan had to pay for her ex's lawyer. With them being divorced, I would think he should be the one that would have to pay for that, not her. And the plot around Reagan's ex selling the house from her, didn't seem like a real problem, she should have been able to buy his share of the house out and then, he could have taken that money to pay for the lawyer.
But overall, I liked the characters and I really want to start reading the second book as soon as I get a copy of it.
I think the actual story plot was a little off though, I didn't buy the fact, Reagan had to pay for her ex's lawyer. With them being divorced, I would think he should be the one that would have to pay for that, not her. And the plot around Reagan's ex selling the house from her, didn't seem like a real problem, she should have been able to buy his share of the house out and then, he could have taken that money to pay for the lawyer.
But overall, I liked the characters and I really want to start reading the second book as soon as I get a copy of it.
December 29, 2015
This is a funny southern cozy mystery. First in the Consignment series. I just loved it! Duffy Brown has created some amazing characters especially Aunt KiKi. She is a hoot! Reagan went through a messy divorce and all she was let with was the run down old Victorian home and some designer clothes. Now her ex is accused of murdering his girlfriend and wants to sell the house to pay for his defense. Reagan who is almost penniless and does not want to lose the house decides to find the murderer so she can keep her house. So the fun begins. Read the book today that will keep you guessing until the end of the book.
January 3, 2021
This mystery, set in Savannah, Georgia, features a young woman who husband dumped her, left her with a big house (which she is struggling to keep) and has gone off with a new chick - whose body the MC finds dead in the trunk of her ex-husband's car. There are lots of suspects, lots of quirky characters, and lots of situations that are fun for the reader!
May 9, 2021
Iced Chiffon was a delightful mystery with fun characters and twists and turns!
August 25, 2020
This book was a fun and entertaining read. It was a nice diversion from self help and history books.
November 6, 2012
We meet Reagan Summerside. She is divorced and hanging by a financial thread. Her former husband, Hollis, is the kind of guy who could slide under a door without opening it. He and his lawyer, Boone, left Reagan with not much except a run down house she loves. And he has a girl friend who helped end the marriage, Janelle - the Cupcake.
Janelle is murdered, and Hollis is arrested and wants to sell the house in order to pay his attorney's fees.
As a form of self defense, Reagan decides she must find the murderer in order to save her home. She drafts her Aunt Kiki, dance teacher extraordinaire, to be her investigating partner.
We meet a list of suspects. They are all people who have been blackmailed by Janelle. It turns out she was not a nice woman. What a surprise.
There are many twists and turns. We go from one suspect to the next and each one has a story that is a strong reason for murder. Being blackmailed does not bring out the best in people.
I must admit, I figured out the murderer about half way through. But every time I knew I was right, another possibility reared its ugly head.
This book has humor, which I really enjoyed. The characterizations are terrific. When Duffy Brown does descriptions or dialogue, she is right on the money. The characters are so well developed that you can picture the people as though they were friends.
Since this is the first in a series, it appears there may be a relationship developing between Reagan and the not so rotten lawyer, Boone. He is a good match for her in wit, humor and intelligence. And he is a hunk. I look forward to seeing how that goes.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery. Ms Brown is a talented writer and it is evident she will produce a quality series for cozy mystery readers. You will want to move to Savannah, have coffee with Aunt Kiki and the sisters, and play golf at the Country Club.
For full disclosure, I won this book in a contest and was asked to write an honest review.
Janelle is murdered, and Hollis is arrested and wants to sell the house in order to pay his attorney's fees.
As a form of self defense, Reagan decides she must find the murderer in order to save her home. She drafts her Aunt Kiki, dance teacher extraordinaire, to be her investigating partner.
We meet a list of suspects. They are all people who have been blackmailed by Janelle. It turns out she was not a nice woman. What a surprise.
There are many twists and turns. We go from one suspect to the next and each one has a story that is a strong reason for murder. Being blackmailed does not bring out the best in people.
I must admit, I figured out the murderer about half way through. But every time I knew I was right, another possibility reared its ugly head.
This book has humor, which I really enjoyed. The characterizations are terrific. When Duffy Brown does descriptions or dialogue, she is right on the money. The characters are so well developed that you can picture the people as though they were friends.
Since this is the first in a series, it appears there may be a relationship developing between Reagan and the not so rotten lawyer, Boone. He is a good match for her in wit, humor and intelligence. And he is a hunk. I look forward to seeing how that goes.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery. Ms Brown is a talented writer and it is evident she will produce a quality series for cozy mystery readers. You will want to move to Savannah, have coffee with Aunt Kiki and the sisters, and play golf at the Country Club.
For full disclosure, I won this book in a contest and was asked to write an honest review.
April 17, 2014
Very cute. I particularly liked the main characters--Reagan, Auntie Kiki, and Boone. All were fun and amusing and appealing in their own ways. Reagan is poor (because of her ex-husband's divorce lawyer and prenup) who offhandedly gets involved in a consignment business when some people stop by her elegant Savannah fixer-upper and find some of her left over fancy clothes and want to buy them. Auntie Kiki lives next door and is always ready for some excitement when she's not teaching salsa dancing or ballroom dancing to her students. Boone is the previously mentioned lawyer, but he is a tough but sweet guy who definitely seems as though he will turn into a love interest in future books in this series (maybe). The murder victim is her ex-husband's current girlfriend who is also involved in some blackmail schemes. No one likes her so there are lots of potential murderers, and Reagan visits them all to find out whodunit. I liked the references to the Savannah setting and Brown's fun turns of phrases. Very enjoyable read. I will certainly continue with this Consignment Shop Mystery series.
February 7, 2017
I'm hoping this series improves as it goes on. In the beginning of the book you are thrown into the middle of a situation. I found it difficult to understand how a business "just starts up". It wasn't a surprise who the killer was. I enjoyed the consignment shop aspect of the book as well as the southern setting, but I found it difficult to relate to the main character. She allows people to belittle her and doesn't defend herself. Not exactly a strong heroine. I'll continue with the series but only because I have already purchased them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2015
I found Iced Chiffon to be an enjoyable read for the most part, but as often happens, the quirky behaviors and short-sighted, half-baked actions of the characters begin to wear thin.
The consignment shop setting is what caught my attention but it develops by accident and without any effort by the Reagan, the main character. It is actually a side-bar to the story since the action takes place everywhere but there!
As for the obligatory budding romance, it wasn't really there. There is however, intense dislike for her ex-husband's divorce lawyer/current defense lawyer, which shows signs of developing into something. The hints about his unsavory past and current connections make him a very intriguing future love interest.
I do have to add a comment about the typographical errors. Twice, I found my self going back because I was confused by the misspelling of character names. When Trellie became Tillie, which did make more sense as a name, I thought I had missed someone. But when Baxter became Baster....well, time for better editing.
The consignment shop setting is what caught my attention but it develops by accident and without any effort by the Reagan, the main character. It is actually a side-bar to the story since the action takes place everywhere but there!
As for the obligatory budding romance, it wasn't really there. There is however, intense dislike for her ex-husband's divorce lawyer/current defense lawyer, which shows signs of developing into something. The hints about his unsavory past and current connections make him a very intriguing future love interest.
I do have to add a comment about the typographical errors. Twice, I found my self going back because I was confused by the misspelling of character names. When Trellie became Tillie, which did make more sense as a name, I thought I had missed someone. But when Baxter became Baster....well, time for better editing.
October 25, 2012
If you like reading about the antics of "southern belles" than you will love Iced Chiffon. Reagan is recently divorced from Hollis and still fighting to keep her house when the ex-husbands new fiance is killed, leaving Hollis at the prime suspect.
What follows is a rollicking good time. Reagan decides she needs to clear Hollis because he hasn't yet signed her house over to her, and if he goes to trial the bills will have to be paid, using her house! Reagan is a bit of a chicken and a fairly visible character who gets caught almost every time she goes into any business or house looking for clues. The dead Janelle, or Cupcake and Reagan and her beloved aunt KiKi call her, seems to have amassed an amazing number of enemies in her short time in Savannah.
With lots of local color and a group of friends, family and enemies Reagan makes for a fascinating character.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series..
What follows is a rollicking good time. Reagan decides she needs to clear Hollis because he hasn't yet signed her house over to her, and if he goes to trial the bills will have to be paid, using her house! Reagan is a bit of a chicken and a fairly visible character who gets caught almost every time she goes into any business or house looking for clues. The dead Janelle, or Cupcake and Reagan and her beloved aunt KiKi call her, seems to have amassed an amazing number of enemies in her short time in Savannah.
With lots of local color and a group of friends, family and enemies Reagan makes for a fascinating character.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series..
Read
December 18, 2016This is the first book in the consignment shop mystery. It is a funny and adventurous story with a cast of eccentric Southern characters. To save her home Reagan Summerside has to solve the murder and free her ex-husband. The shenanigans Reagan goes through are the meat of the story.
A quote I enjoyed from the book: “I suppose it’s like Cher said: There is no such thing as bad publicity.” “Cher said that?” “She would have if she’d thought of it first.”
Find Iced Chiffon at the Westminster Public Library.
A quote I enjoyed from the book: “I suppose it’s like Cher said: There is no such thing as bad publicity.” “Cher said that?” “She would have if she’d thought of it first.”
Find Iced Chiffon at the Westminster Public Library.
December 10, 2018
I think I picked this one up at a used book store sale because it looked cute. It was annoying. First off, why does the ex-wife HAVE to pay for the lawyer. And she has a deep misunderstanding about how lawyers bill. It really doesn't matter if she catches the bad buy or not, the lawyer is still working to get the ex out of jail. Also, why was the ex in jail so long without being charged? The pizza in the computer was stupid and also not really possible. And how does she accidentally start a consignment business? People started bringing her clothes just because she was selling some of her's? And it sounded like her stuff that she was selling was super high end, but she admits repeatedly that she lives in flip flops? Um, yeah. This one just kinda annoyed me.
March 7, 2014
This is a really cute cozy, with a Southern feel to it!
It’s set in Savannah, Georgia with lots of Southern flair and personality! Reagan has just opened a Consignment store in her home…(she recently went through a divorce and she had some bills to pay,).. she loves her home and wants to continue living there.. But her challenges are getting more complex, when she helps to solve a Murder.
I find her Aunt Kiki really charming (Kiki’s quotes from Cher are so cute! ) If you like books about the South, be sure and pick this one up!
I liked the storyline, and her consignment shop idea! - it really kept me guessing who did it to the very end!
It’s set in Savannah, Georgia with lots of Southern flair and personality! Reagan has just opened a Consignment store in her home…(she recently went through a divorce and she had some bills to pay,).. she loves her home and wants to continue living there.. But her challenges are getting more complex, when she helps to solve a Murder.
I find her Aunt Kiki really charming (Kiki’s quotes from Cher are so cute! ) If you like books about the South, be sure and pick this one up!
I liked the storyline, and her consignment shop idea! - it really kept me guessing who did it to the very end!
October 5, 2012
What great fun in a new cozy series! Set in the captivating city of Savannah, the Consignment Shop mysteries should be around for a long time. In this series debut we meet Reagan, a recent victim of a rough divorce and the economic down turn. Her solution is to start her own consignment shop (where I'd really like to drop by). The mystery is clever, the dialogue funny and the local color a treat. Author Duffy Brown makes you feel like you've known these characters forever. Definitely recommended!
April 17, 2022
I loved this book. Life got in the way and prevented me from finishing it sooner. But I enjoyed the story and characters so much, already bought the second book in the series. Found myself chuckling and laughing out loud through much of the book. Duffy Brown is a very talented author.
April 13, 2013
This is the first in the Consignment series- It is great- funny- so very southern- and I loved every word. I can't wait for the sequel next month
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