Slay Belles

Blackbird Sisters Mystery #7.5

by Nancy Martin

Whoever coined the phrase “Shop till you drop” certainly never meant “Shop till you drop dead.” But premier personal shopper Popo seems to have done just that—except this shopper’s been murdered. After Popo’s body is found on a display bed in the luxurious Haymaker’s department store, Nora Blackbird is forced to put solving a murder before finishing her Christmas shopping. With sister Libby off on a spending spree and sister Emma checked into rehab, it’s up to Nora to see who had a personal vendetta against this personal shopper—and to determine if a certain designer handbag was worth killing for.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Romance

103 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 3, 2012

About the author

Winner of the 2009 Lifetime Achievement award for mystery writing from Romantic Times magazine, Nancy Martin announces the release of the 8th book in her popular Blackbird Sisters mystery series, NO WAY TO KILL A LADY. Set in Philadelphia, the story features three heiresses whose parents have run off with their trust funds. Now thay have a chance to regain their wealth when their aunt, "Madcap Maddy" Blackbird dies in a volcano and leaves her estate to the sisters. But Nora Blackbird soon discovers all the treasures in Aunt Maddy's house have disappeared...information that leads her to believe maybe Maddy didn't die the way everybody thinks.

Author of 48 pop fiction novels in mystery, suspense, historical and romance genres, Nancy created The Blackbird Sisters in 2002--- mysteries about three impoverished heiresses who adventure in couture and crime --as if “Agatha Christie had wandered onto the set of Sex and The City.” Nominated for the Agatha Award for Best First Mystery of 2002, HOW TO MURDER A MILLIONAIRE won the RT award for Best First Mystery and was a finalist for the Daphne DuMaurier Award. Currently, she is at work on the Roxy Abruzzo mystery series for St. Martin’s Minotaur. In 2009 she received the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award for mystery writing.

Nancy lives in Pittsburgh, serves on the board of Sisters in Crime and is a founding member of Pennwriters. Find her on Pinterest and Facebook.

Reviews

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐

Slay Belles is a short story in the book of four short stories titled Drop-Dead Blonde by Nancy Martin.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nora Blackbird must interrupt her Christmas shopping to investigate the murder of a personal shopper. Popo's body was found after hours in Haymaker's Department Store. Nora has a handful of suspects, each looking guiltier than the next. Nora's man-crazy sister, Libby, helps out with the investigation, along with a Salvation Army Santa and Nora's sexy boyfriend, Nick.

This novella is part of Nancy Martin's Blackbird Sisters Mystery series. It was a quick read and a fun mystery. I loved having Santa Claus help out with the action. If you're reading this series, don't miss out on this novella. My rating: 4 Stars.

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series to read while on vacation.

[❂ Murder by Death · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how I missed this one when it was first published - but I'm so glad I found it. As a huge Blackbird sisters fan, I was delighted to find this short novella about Nora at Christmas time, trying to solve the murder of her former personal shopper. Usually these novellas are barely mysteries, and are more to offer background on the characters' lives. But Slay Belles was a full mystery, just not meaty enough for a full book.

The full cast of characters make an appearance with the exception of Emma. Libby is still insane, Spike is in his leg casts, Mick still skirting the law.

Makes me ever so eager for the next book in August.

[Darlene Ferland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Blackbird series is always entertaining and I'm so glad Nancy Martin gave us this special e-book edition at the holidays. For me Christmas and, anything Christmas, is at the top of my lists. Slay Belles should be on any mytery lovers list. . .

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main character, Nora is MacGUYVER meets coutoure. Nancy Martin never disappoints with her books! The book is filled with excitement, shopping, murder, deceit, and more. I feel like I can't get my hands on her books quick enough!

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for these e-book novelettes. This wasn't anything special, but it was worth the few dollars I spent for the Kindle download. I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit I like the books, but the Blackbird sisters are always good for a laugh and light hearted drama mystery.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little story. It's labeled as 7.5 in the series but that's not where it fits into the chronology since Emma is still in rehab. It's always nice to get a bit more Michael, though. And Libby is still Libby, lol.

[Michaela Mason · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute short story...

This was a cute short story. It wasn't as good as the author's main books in this series but it was good and it did have the trademark humor that the rest of the Blackbird Sisters series is known for.

[Maggi Shelbourn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Nancy Martin's books. ALL of them. And I'm so glad she is continuing with the Blackbird Sisters novels. Woot!

[Myrn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a Blackbird Sisters mystery fan- this novella doesn't disappoint.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute quick read.

[Barb Foerst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice short read. The Blackbird Sisters books are always a good read.

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun, quick read with a holiday twist. You can never get enough of the Blackbird clan!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, NM delivers a fast paced, well plotted, witty and satisfying tale of murder and mayhem, a combination that keeps me coming back for more every time.

[Julianne O'Brien · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun novella that was helpful in providing a refresh as I dive back into this series that I haven't read in a few years.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short, but a great read

[Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only 103 pages.