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Crime of Fashion #9
Veiled Revenge
Home of the helmet hairdo and congressional comb-over, Washington, D.C., is a hotbed of fashion faux pas. If anyone should know, it’s “Crimes of Fashion” columnist Lacey Smithsonian. She dishes out advice to the scandal-scorched and clothing-clueless, doing her part to change this town—one fashion victim at a time....
SHAWL TALE
Washington, D.C., fashion reporter Lacey Smithsonian has always believed clothes can be magical, but she’s never thought they can be cursed. Until now. Lacey’s best friend, Stella, is finally getting married, and at her bachelorette party, fellow bridesmaid—and fortune-teller—Marie Largesse arrives with a stunning Russian shawl. A shawl, Marie warns, that can either bless or curse the wearer. When a party crasher who mocks the shawl is found dead the next day, the other guests fear the curse has been unleashed. But Lacey has her doubts, and she must employ all her Extra-Fashionary Perception to capture a villain who has vowed that nobody at this wedding will live happily ever after….
SHAWL TALE
Washington, D.C., fashion reporter Lacey Smithsonian has always believed clothes can be magical, but she’s never thought they can be cursed. Until now. Lacey’s best friend, Stella, is finally getting married, and at her bachelorette party, fellow bridesmaid—and fortune-teller—Marie Largesse arrives with a stunning Russian shawl. A shawl, Marie warns, that can either bless or curse the wearer. When a party crasher who mocks the shawl is found dead the next day, the other guests fear the curse has been unleashed. But Lacey has her doubts, and she must employ all her Extra-Fashionary Perception to capture a villain who has vowed that nobody at this wedding will live happily ever after….
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 5, 2013
6 people are currently reading
576 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Byerrum
24 books322 followersEllen Byerrum was a Washington, D.C., news reporter, now a novelist and playwright. In the interest of research, she also earned a Virginia private investigator's registration. She has written comic mysteries, a thriller, a middle grade mystery, and a children's rhyming picture book.
Most recently, she published the 1940s prequel to her Crime of Fashion Mysteries, THE BRIEF LUMINOUS FLIGHT OF THE FIREFLY, starring Mimi Smith, a young woman from out west who goes to Washington, DC to do her part for the war effort.
Her Crime of Fashion mysteries star a savvy, stylish sleuth: Lacey Smithsonian, a reluctant fashion reporter in Washington D.C., "The City Fashion Forgot."
Lacey would rather be working "hard news," but her nose for nuance, eye for a great story, and talent for getting into trouble make her the right reporter for the Crimes of Fashion beat. In her vintage suits and killer heels, she trips over fashion clues, fabulous shoes, dangerous women, drop-dead men, and of course the occasional corpse (who wouldn't be caught dead dressed like that).
Most recently, she published the 1940s prequel to her Crime of Fashion Mysteries, THE BRIEF LUMINOUS FLIGHT OF THE FIREFLY, starring Mimi Smith, a young woman from out west who goes to Washington, DC to do her part for the war effort.
Her Crime of Fashion mysteries star a savvy, stylish sleuth: Lacey Smithsonian, a reluctant fashion reporter in Washington D.C., "The City Fashion Forgot."
Lacey would rather be working "hard news," but her nose for nuance, eye for a great story, and talent for getting into trouble make her the right reporter for the Crimes of Fashion beat. In her vintage suits and killer heels, she trips over fashion clues, fabulous shoes, dangerous women, drop-dead men, and of course the occasional corpse (who wouldn't be caught dead dressed like that).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 9, 2013
I have just finished this book and though I read and loved most of her other books this one took me forever to get into. The characters are still great, but I did not love the plot of this one. Worth a read if you have read all the others.
April 29, 2014
This is the ninth book in a usually-charming series of mysteries solved by a fashion reporter's eye for clothing-related clues. I have generally enjoyed them, and I liked the way the books introduced the reader to Washington, DC. I even liked the last volume, when Lacey and the gang went to the Wild West to solve a serial killing. But there was one book I loathed, volume 4, Raiders of the Lost Corset. From its irritating title to its tone-deaf globetrotting to the way it magnified the most strident caricatures of the supporting cast, I was hoping the series would forget it ever happened.
Veiled Revenge is the sequel to Raiders of the Lost Corset. Most of the cast spends paragraphs every few chapters reminiscing about the time they made me want to pull my eyes out. It felt like more time was spent calling back to that story than moving this one along at all. I love continuity, but it was distracting how many times the author spelled out which books each supporting cast member had been in, and the trend kept up in the latter half of the book, when characters kept rehashing a plot summary from two events that had taken place less than a hundred pages before.
Style aside, the plot of the book is that Lacey's friend is getting married, and a fortune-teller she knows offers to read some futures at her bachelorette party wearing a haunted Russian shawl, a family heirloom. A buzzing gnat of a character from the first volume of the series (and no, the reader is never allowed to forget this) makes fun of the shawl and is found dead the next day. The rest of the book is spent with characters legitimately believing he was just cursed, and given how much murder and mystery they have solved in the last year, it comes across as offensively naive. A couple of action sequences at the end of Acts 2 and 3 saved this book from a 1-star review, but I am now done with this series. It's a shame, because I really loved the last couple of entries, but I have lost my trust in this work. I recommend readers pick this series up, skip volume 4, and end the series with volume 8, Death on Heels.
Veiled Revenge is the sequel to Raiders of the Lost Corset. Most of the cast spends paragraphs every few chapters reminiscing about the time they made me want to pull my eyes out. It felt like more time was spent calling back to that story than moving this one along at all. I love continuity, but it was distracting how many times the author spelled out which books each supporting cast member had been in, and the trend kept up in the latter half of the book, when characters kept rehashing a plot summary from two events that had taken place less than a hundred pages before.
Style aside, the plot of the book is that Lacey's friend is getting married, and a fortune-teller she knows offers to read some futures at her bachelorette party wearing a haunted Russian shawl, a family heirloom. A buzzing gnat of a character from the first volume of the series (and no, the reader is never allowed to forget this) makes fun of the shawl and is found dead the next day. The rest of the book is spent with characters legitimately believing he was just cursed, and given how much murder and mystery they have solved in the last year, it comes across as offensively naive. A couple of action sequences at the end of Acts 2 and 3 saved this book from a 1-star review, but I am now done with this series. It's a shame, because I really loved the last couple of entries, but I have lost my trust in this work. I recommend readers pick this series up, skip volume 4, and end the series with volume 8, Death on Heels.
February 6, 2013
This latest romp with Lacy Smithsonian sees her back from the West, her engagement to Vic a closely-held secret, and we open with the bachelorette party Lacey and Brooke are holding for Stella. Psychic Marie is present and telling the bachelorettes' fortunes. She has with her a family treasure given to her by her fiancée Gregor Kepelov, which is said to be cursed. All is going well until the party is crashed...
One body and several near-misses later, Stella has called off the wedding amid a general uproar. In short order, maid-of-honor Lacey has to save the wedding, make the wedding dress acceptable to the bride, make Brooke order a pink dress for the wedding, get her columns written for work, and find a killer.
Readers of the series will enjoy seeing old friends, like Turtledove, Miguel, and Kepelov again. Background characters, like Lacey's seamstress Alma are brought into the story to mingle with new characters like Stella's irritating mother. Damon isn't given a role, really, beyond a world-class irritant, and it seems that his blog may lead Lacey to a Krakatoa-sized meltdown in the future. It's nice to see the evolution of nascent friendships between Lacey and Nigel and Kepelov, and a treat to see Mac and Kim so close to adopting their foster daughters. I enjoyed the references to some of Lacey's other adventures, including my favorite, Raiders of the Lost Corset.
The mystery here is well-plotted and thoroughly enjoyable; a lark of a story perfect for a spring wedding under the cherry blossoms. It moves along at a good clip--not so quickly as to lose valuable detail, but the action keeps on pace to a satisfying conclusion. Unlike other long-running series, this one has not suffered a decline in quality, and Lacey shows no sign of running out of steam or good stories. I'm hoping that the next installment comes along at a similarly good pace.
One body and several near-misses later, Stella has called off the wedding amid a general uproar. In short order, maid-of-honor Lacey has to save the wedding, make the wedding dress acceptable to the bride, make Brooke order a pink dress for the wedding, get her columns written for work, and find a killer.
Readers of the series will enjoy seeing old friends, like Turtledove, Miguel, and Kepelov again. Background characters, like Lacey's seamstress Alma are brought into the story to mingle with new characters like Stella's irritating mother. Damon isn't given a role, really, beyond a world-class irritant, and it seems that his blog may lead Lacey to a Krakatoa-sized meltdown in the future. It's nice to see the evolution of nascent friendships between Lacey and Nigel and Kepelov, and a treat to see Mac and Kim so close to adopting their foster daughters. I enjoyed the references to some of Lacey's other adventures, including my favorite, Raiders of the Lost Corset.
The mystery here is well-plotted and thoroughly enjoyable; a lark of a story perfect for a spring wedding under the cherry blossoms. It moves along at a good clip--not so quickly as to lose valuable detail, but the action keeps on pace to a satisfying conclusion. Unlike other long-running series, this one has not suffered a decline in quality, and Lacey shows no sign of running out of steam or good stories. I'm hoping that the next installment comes along at a similarly good pace.
February 23, 2013
There are so many things about this cozy series, and this book, that I'd typically not like at all: The overthetop behaviour of Brooke, Damon, and Stella being the biggest, but this series and Veiled Revenge just works for me, and works brilliantly! Ms. Byerrum manages to make these characters so off-the-wall and kooky in such a way that I can't help but want more. I love that the psychic who faints whenever she has a vision is amongst Lacy's sanest, calmest friends.
This would have been a 5 star read for me, but I'm sad to say I guessed the murderer as soon as they were introduced into the story. I don't know why and I truly don't think it was a failing on the part of Ms. Byerrum in any way; it was just one of those weird moments when I just thought "that's who dunnit" (although with better diction). The story itself still rocked, and was wildly entertaining. I would have liked a bit of explanation behind Stella's mother's animosity, but it was a minor thing.
I genuinely love this series, it's one of my all time favorites and this book was a great addition. Dipping into one of these books is like a visit with friends and I hope I can look forward to many more visits to come.
This would have been a 5 star read for me, but I'm sad to say I guessed the murderer as soon as they were introduced into the story. I don't know why and I truly don't think it was a failing on the part of Ms. Byerrum in any way; it was just one of those weird moments when I just thought "that's who dunnit" (although with better diction). The story itself still rocked, and was wildly entertaining. I would have liked a bit of explanation behind Stella's mother's animosity, but it was a minor thing.
I genuinely love this series, it's one of my all time favorites and this book was a great addition. Dipping into one of these books is like a visit with friends and I hope I can look forward to many more visits to come.
July 2, 2016
Stars: 2.5 / 5
Recommendation: An easy mystery read that is weaved through the world of fashion, style and dressing from the view point of a fashion stylist.
Veiled Revenge is the ninth installment in the Crime of Fashion Mystery Series by Ellen Byerrum published in February of 2013. Lacey Smithsonian, the fashion reporter for The Eye Street Observer in Washington D.C., gets tangled with another fashion murder while preparing for her best friend Stella Lake's - manager of Stylettos Salon - wedding.
At the seemingly happy wedding shower for Stella Lake, the resident fortune-teller Marie Largesse cautions everyone to not to mock her shawl - supposedly given by her Gregor Kepelov, an ex-KGB - as she believes that it comes with some powers and if you mock you may lose our way, your money or your life. Despite the chills it gives everyone Marie allows Stella to try the shawl on. With her wedding a week away Stella had become more and more superstitious - adding cause for pain to the maid of honor, Lacey herself. Stella was all set to marry Nigel Griffin though - even if there is a dead body found from now till next week.
The story goes that the shawl was Maries was sporting at the party wasin the Kepelov family for generations originally came from one of their ancestors named Irina Katya Kepelova. Each and every Kepelova woman had contributed in the making the shawl and adding the story to the shawl as generations passed. Their blood, tears and perhaps a piece of their soul is trapped in the shawl - and hence considered haunted or cursed, whatever way one sees it. A nice story but a chilling past. Stella's nemesis Leonardo I-am-too-cool-to-have-last-name - the hairstylist who had left Stylettos in bitter terms - crashes the party and mocks the shawl while playing with it despite the efforts of everyone to remove it from his clutches. Suddenly Leonardo throws the shawl away complaining that it bit his neck. And Marie faints. When Marie faints it is never good as it always follows with something really dreadful.
True to everyone's superstitious thoughts, come Monday morning, to their shock, they find that Leonardo is dead. Stella, Miquel and Brooke Barton - Esquire, lawyer by day and wacky conspiracy theorist by night - all think that since Leo mocked the Shawl the previous night at the party, the shawl now killed him. Although they ask her to use her extra-fashionary perception and investigate, Lacey shuns them off saying its just a coincidence. But, is it? Is the shawl really cursed? Lacey also has all of her news reporter colleagues to fight with to get the exclusive on Leonardo's murder - Harlan Wiedemeyer (The Eye's death-and-disemberment reporter) and Trujillo (The Eye's police reporter) - and Damon - mad genius behind the popular Conspirancy Clearance Website also knows as Deadfed dot com - Brooke's boy friend. Yet, Lacey just moves on to the idea of "if clothing can be haunted" and work for her fashion bites. Can clothes have powers? Can they have bad karma? However, for Lacey they have magic just like her Aunt Mimi's trunk which was a treasure trove of styles of the late 1930s and 1940s full of enchanting material, style, design and made to fit a real woman. For Lacey this was magic.
Lacey is also working, although grudgingly, on the "true crime" book based on what happened in Sagebrush for their paper () along-side Tony and Mac Jones - The Eye Street Observer's Editor. She is overwhelmed with the wedding planning for Stella and to top it all its Spring in Washington D.C. And she want to be out here in the middle of it rather than between this chaos. Now her mind is all crowded with Maries fainting spell, the supposedly haunted / cursed shawl and the untimely death of Leonardo. So what does Lacey do? Naah not investigate but hand it over to her rival reporter, Tony, hoping that she isnt pulled or pushed into the mix again. But eventually she gets in the middle of it again.
Leonardo died of poison. Who could have poisoned him or how? Everyone at the party at the same food and drinks but no one else died. What is the reason for the bitterness between Miguel Flores and Leonardo? Could there be more to this rivalry? What exactly is the shawl supposed to have done / harmed someone? Is there any truth to the history behind the shawl? And now the shawl has gone missing. The mystery gets more mysterious and haunting as it proceeds. The line of suspects is not short at all - Bryan Culpeper - the obnoxious British friend of Nigel Griffin and his best man; Rosalie - annoying cousin of Stella; Gregor Kepelov - Ex-KGB and Marie's boyfriend; Olga Kepelova - sister of Gregor Kepelov; Kevin Early - Leonardo's room-mate; Rene Thibodeaux - childhood friend of Turtledove, in D.C. from New Orleans looking for his girlfriend Leah. Who is trying to kill them? And why? What are Olga and Gregor not telling? Someone messed with Vic's brakes? Why is Vic being targeted? What is Rene doing here in D.C.? Is his reason really valid? Stella's mother Retta Lake is creating all kind of nightmares for Stella that is adding to her apprehension to get married. This time Lacey certainly managed to be in a really thick layer of shawl, shall we say. :)
Another interesting murder mystery involving fashion, style and legends. Ellen Byerrum did her best in this again although I did feel at time the text was too much. It took almost half the book for Lacey to actually start investigating all the while denying it or ignoring the pleas from her friends. It was getting a tad bit tiring to hear her keep on saying "I am not investigating that murder" - although not in the same words. But I also feel sorry for her since she gets forced into investigating it because of Stella. And Stella's temper-tantrums of getting married and not getting married was too much to take. Oh boy wish I could conk her head with a pan and get some sense into her head. However, who know why brides behave like that, not being experienced myself, cant comment much other than get irritated. I wish the story could have speeded up a bit even though the plot is really good. That alone was the saving grace for me to continue reading. However, if you want to read it, you can skip a few chapters and still finish the book with knowing what is going on. A good one for those quick cursory read books that you might be looking for. Anyways signing off with another of Lacey's fashion bites.
Lacey Smithsonian's Fashion Bites: The Magical Properties of Clothes
Our clothes help us create our own aura, our own style, our own magic. Some days our clothes just do their jobs and we do ours, no magic involved. But think about this the next time you're dressing for a big event, a first date, a special party, a wedding: Is the magic in the clothes we wear, or is the magic in us? And does that magic linger in what we wear, even after we've put the clothes aside?
Spoiler Alerts:
The plot talks about the move The Philadelphia Story and it peeked my interest enough to watch. Review coming up soon.
The dress that Lacey wears for the bachelorette party is mentioned as pale-yellow 1930s garden party dress. Intrigued me enough to check it out. Here is one that I found very cute…wish it had a full view - https://www.pinterest.com/pin/2890748...
Lacey has a secret with regards to her relationship with Vic Donovan - her boyfriend. Is she going to be engaged? Will she finally accept Vic's proposal?
There are quite few references to previous books in the series in this book. Makes one wonder if this would be the last in the series. But I do know there is another book after this which I am yet to read.
I do want to check out the restaurant Co Co. Sala in Washington, D.C. that is mentioned quite a few times in the book. Looks interesting. Check it out here (http://www.cocosala.com/)
Recommendation: An easy mystery read that is weaved through the world of fashion, style and dressing from the view point of a fashion stylist.
Veiled Revenge is the ninth installment in the Crime of Fashion Mystery Series by Ellen Byerrum published in February of 2013. Lacey Smithsonian, the fashion reporter for The Eye Street Observer in Washington D.C., gets tangled with another fashion murder while preparing for her best friend Stella Lake's - manager of Stylettos Salon - wedding.
At the seemingly happy wedding shower for Stella Lake, the resident fortune-teller Marie Largesse cautions everyone to not to mock her shawl - supposedly given by her Gregor Kepelov, an ex-KGB - as she believes that it comes with some powers and if you mock you may lose our way, your money or your life. Despite the chills it gives everyone Marie allows Stella to try the shawl on. With her wedding a week away Stella had become more and more superstitious - adding cause for pain to the maid of honor, Lacey herself. Stella was all set to marry Nigel Griffin though - even if there is a dead body found from now till next week.
The story goes that the shawl was Maries was sporting at the party wasin the Kepelov family for generations originally came from one of their ancestors named Irina Katya Kepelova. Each and every Kepelova woman had contributed in the making the shawl and adding the story to the shawl as generations passed. Their blood, tears and perhaps a piece of their soul is trapped in the shawl - and hence considered haunted or cursed, whatever way one sees it. A nice story but a chilling past. Stella's nemesis Leonardo I-am-too-cool-to-have-last-name - the hairstylist who had left Stylettos in bitter terms - crashes the party and mocks the shawl while playing with it despite the efforts of everyone to remove it from his clutches. Suddenly Leonardo throws the shawl away complaining that it bit his neck. And Marie faints. When Marie faints it is never good as it always follows with something really dreadful.
True to everyone's superstitious thoughts, come Monday morning, to their shock, they find that Leonardo is dead. Stella, Miquel and Brooke Barton - Esquire, lawyer by day and wacky conspiracy theorist by night - all think that since Leo mocked the Shawl the previous night at the party, the shawl now killed him. Although they ask her to use her extra-fashionary perception and investigate, Lacey shuns them off saying its just a coincidence. But, is it? Is the shawl really cursed? Lacey also has all of her news reporter colleagues to fight with to get the exclusive on Leonardo's murder - Harlan Wiedemeyer (The Eye's death-and-disemberment reporter) and Trujillo (The Eye's police reporter) - and Damon - mad genius behind the popular Conspirancy Clearance Website also knows as Deadfed dot com - Brooke's boy friend. Yet, Lacey just moves on to the idea of "if clothing can be haunted" and work for her fashion bites. Can clothes have powers? Can they have bad karma? However, for Lacey they have magic just like her Aunt Mimi's trunk which was a treasure trove of styles of the late 1930s and 1940s full of enchanting material, style, design and made to fit a real woman. For Lacey this was magic.
Lacey is also working, although grudgingly, on the "true crime" book based on what happened in Sagebrush for their paper () along-side Tony and Mac Jones - The Eye Street Observer's Editor. She is overwhelmed with the wedding planning for Stella and to top it all its Spring in Washington D.C. And she want to be out here in the middle of it rather than between this chaos. Now her mind is all crowded with Maries fainting spell, the supposedly haunted / cursed shawl and the untimely death of Leonardo. So what does Lacey do? Naah not investigate but hand it over to her rival reporter, Tony, hoping that she isnt pulled or pushed into the mix again. But eventually she gets in the middle of it again.
Leonardo died of poison. Who could have poisoned him or how? Everyone at the party at the same food and drinks but no one else died. What is the reason for the bitterness between Miguel Flores and Leonardo? Could there be more to this rivalry? What exactly is the shawl supposed to have done / harmed someone? Is there any truth to the history behind the shawl? And now the shawl has gone missing. The mystery gets more mysterious and haunting as it proceeds. The line of suspects is not short at all - Bryan Culpeper - the obnoxious British friend of Nigel Griffin and his best man; Rosalie - annoying cousin of Stella; Gregor Kepelov - Ex-KGB and Marie's boyfriend; Olga Kepelova - sister of Gregor Kepelov; Kevin Early - Leonardo's room-mate; Rene Thibodeaux - childhood friend of Turtledove, in D.C. from New Orleans looking for his girlfriend Leah. Who is trying to kill them? And why? What are Olga and Gregor not telling? Someone messed with Vic's brakes? Why is Vic being targeted? What is Rene doing here in D.C.? Is his reason really valid? Stella's mother Retta Lake is creating all kind of nightmares for Stella that is adding to her apprehension to get married. This time Lacey certainly managed to be in a really thick layer of shawl, shall we say. :)
Another interesting murder mystery involving fashion, style and legends. Ellen Byerrum did her best in this again although I did feel at time the text was too much. It took almost half the book for Lacey to actually start investigating all the while denying it or ignoring the pleas from her friends. It was getting a tad bit tiring to hear her keep on saying "I am not investigating that murder" - although not in the same words. But I also feel sorry for her since she gets forced into investigating it because of Stella. And Stella's temper-tantrums of getting married and not getting married was too much to take. Oh boy wish I could conk her head with a pan and get some sense into her head. However, who know why brides behave like that, not being experienced myself, cant comment much other than get irritated. I wish the story could have speeded up a bit even though the plot is really good. That alone was the saving grace for me to continue reading. However, if you want to read it, you can skip a few chapters and still finish the book with knowing what is going on. A good one for those quick cursory read books that you might be looking for. Anyways signing off with another of Lacey's fashion bites.
Lacey Smithsonian's Fashion Bites: The Magical Properties of Clothes
Our clothes help us create our own aura, our own style, our own magic. Some days our clothes just do their jobs and we do ours, no magic involved. But think about this the next time you're dressing for a big event, a first date, a special party, a wedding: Is the magic in the clothes we wear, or is the magic in us? And does that magic linger in what we wear, even after we've put the clothes aside?
Spoiler Alerts:
The plot talks about the move The Philadelphia Story and it peeked my interest enough to watch. Review coming up soon.
The dress that Lacey wears for the bachelorette party is mentioned as pale-yellow 1930s garden party dress. Intrigued me enough to check it out. Here is one that I found very cute…wish it had a full view - https://www.pinterest.com/pin/2890748...
Lacey has a secret with regards to her relationship with Vic Donovan - her boyfriend. Is she going to be engaged? Will she finally accept Vic's proposal?
There are quite few references to previous books in the series in this book. Makes one wonder if this would be the last in the series. But I do know there is another book after this which I am yet to read.
I do want to check out the restaurant Co Co. Sala in Washington, D.C. that is mentioned quite a few times in the book. Looks interesting. Check it out here (http://www.cocosala.com/)
February 11, 2020
“Veiled Revenge” is a campy, fun, LOL read! It winds its way through the capitol at cherry blossom time, spies, a cursed Russian shawl a wedding (maybe), a pink Cadillac and of course there is a murder! Lacey Smithsonian is the “Miss Fisher” of Washington, D.C. and the Queen of vintage fashion. If you are looking for a great weekend read with a bottle of wine and maybe a chocolate or two or just celebrating because the sun came out, this is your book! I highly recommend the whole “Crimes of Fashion” mystery series they are fantastically fun!
August 19, 2018
Hokey. Typical ending. Weak story line. Mediocre character development. Quick easy, non-thought out read. Those who like fifty shades may enjoy this. I didn't get anything out of it. Don't waste your time.
February 20, 2013
When it comes to fashion, no one knows it quite like Lacey Smithsonian, ‘Crimes of Fashion’ columnist in Washington, D.C.
Working as a fashion reporter in Washington, D.C., Lacey dishes advice to the clothing-clueless big wigs on the political scene as she improves the town one fashion disaster at a time.
In Veiled Revenge Lacey’s best friend, Stella, is finally getting married and fashion is the utmost importance when planning a wedding. But the clothes may have a different effect for this wedding party. Marie Largesse, bridesmaid and fortune teller, bring a stunning Russian shawl to Stella’s bachelorette party. She warns the shawl can either be a blessing or curse for the one who wears it.
A party crasher mocks the shawl and the next day is found dead. Could the shawl really be cursed? Lacey believes otherwise and sets out to find the killer in order to give her friend the ‘happily every after’ she deserves.
Author Ellen Byerrum, a journalist herself, has created a realistic protagonist in Lacey that readers are drawn to and adore. The cast of supporting characters are well developed, engaging and add to the intrigue of the story. The reader is placed in Washington, D.C., amid the action.
The story flows smoothly and keeps you guessing until the end. With twists and turns, Veiled Revenge will be hard to put down once you begin. Bits of fashion tips are also scattered throughout the story as an added bonus.
Veiled Revenge is the 9th installment in the Crime of Fashion Mystery series, but can be read on its own. However, to really appreciate the protagonist and the journey she has made, I would recommend reading the series in order. The others books include: Killer Hair (August 2003), Designer Knockoff (August 2004), Hostile Makeover (August 2005), Raiders of the Lost Corset (July 2006), Grave Apparel (July 2007), Armed and Glamorous (July 2008), Shot Through Velvet (February 2011), and Death on Heels (February 2012).
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Working as a fashion reporter in Washington, D.C., Lacey dishes advice to the clothing-clueless big wigs on the political scene as she improves the town one fashion disaster at a time.
In Veiled Revenge Lacey’s best friend, Stella, is finally getting married and fashion is the utmost importance when planning a wedding. But the clothes may have a different effect for this wedding party. Marie Largesse, bridesmaid and fortune teller, bring a stunning Russian shawl to Stella’s bachelorette party. She warns the shawl can either be a blessing or curse for the one who wears it.
A party crasher mocks the shawl and the next day is found dead. Could the shawl really be cursed? Lacey believes otherwise and sets out to find the killer in order to give her friend the ‘happily every after’ she deserves.
Author Ellen Byerrum, a journalist herself, has created a realistic protagonist in Lacey that readers are drawn to and adore. The cast of supporting characters are well developed, engaging and add to the intrigue of the story. The reader is placed in Washington, D.C., amid the action.
The story flows smoothly and keeps you guessing until the end. With twists and turns, Veiled Revenge will be hard to put down once you begin. Bits of fashion tips are also scattered throughout the story as an added bonus.
Veiled Revenge is the 9th installment in the Crime of Fashion Mystery series, but can be read on its own. However, to really appreciate the protagonist and the journey she has made, I would recommend reading the series in order. The others books include: Killer Hair (August 2003), Designer Knockoff (August 2004), Hostile Makeover (August 2005), Raiders of the Lost Corset (July 2006), Grave Apparel (July 2007), Armed and Glamorous (July 2008), Shot Through Velvet (February 2011), and Death on Heels (February 2012).
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
January 19, 2013
"Veiled Revenge" is a cozy mystery. This book is the ninth in a series. While you can understand and enjoy this book without reading the previous novels, you'll probably enjoy it more if you have read them (which I haven't). There were many references to events in a previous novel, including spoiler information on how that novel turned out.
The characters were likable and engaging even when creating drama. Whether quirky, weird, flamboyant, or not, they were all unique. I don't care much about fashion, so I wasn't sure I'd like Lacey, but she's nice and wasn't a fashion snob like I half expected.
The book was almost more of a suspense novel than a mystery--will Stella get wed or not? And who killed the wedding crasher and is trying to kill Lacey, Stella, and Stella's fiancé? The mystery was clue-based. I was able to correctly guess whodunit about a third of the way through I didn't have any idea as to why or exactly who that person was until near the end.
There were no sex scenes. There was a fair amount of explicit bad language (about 55 to 61 bad words, depending on what you count as bad language). Overall, I'd recommend this personality-filled adventure, especially if you've read and enjoyed the previous books in the series.
I received this book as a review novel from the publisher.
The characters were likable and engaging even when creating drama. Whether quirky, weird, flamboyant, or not, they were all unique. I don't care much about fashion, so I wasn't sure I'd like Lacey, but she's nice and wasn't a fashion snob like I half expected.
The book was almost more of a suspense novel than a mystery--will Stella get wed or not? And who killed the wedding crasher and is trying to kill Lacey, Stella, and Stella's fiancé? The mystery was clue-based. I was able to correctly guess whodunit about a third of the way through I didn't have any idea as to why or exactly who that person was until near the end.
There were no sex scenes. There was a fair amount of explicit bad language (about 55 to 61 bad words, depending on what you count as bad language). Overall, I'd recommend this personality-filled adventure, especially if you've read and enjoyed the previous books in the series.
I received this book as a review novel from the publisher.
August 1, 2013
Do you ever wonder about the history behind a friend's favorite shawl or another article of clothing that is vintage? There are a few series that touch on this subject. In this 'Crime of Fashion Mystery' novel, our resident vintage wearer becomes aware of a 'haunted shawl' at her best friend, Stella's bachelorette party.
For entertainment, Maid of Honor, Lacey Smithsonian, asks mutual friend and fortune teller, Marie Largesse to read fortunes. Marie brings along a stunning Russian shawl with a curse attached. No one must disrespect the shawl or face a dire consequence. Everyone is enthralled with the tale until a party crasher arrives and is felled by the 'killer shawl.'
Lacey quickly finds out the shawl is missing, and someone is trying to kill the remaining wedding party. While Stella vacillates between getting married or not, Lacey faces attempted vehicular murder, cut brakes, poisonings, and more, while trying to keep the wedding on track.
This novel was a joy to read. I was laughing, confused as to who would be the criminal, and amazed at Stella's dress choices. A completely satisfying read from hem to neckline.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
For entertainment, Maid of Honor, Lacey Smithsonian, asks mutual friend and fortune teller, Marie Largesse to read fortunes. Marie brings along a stunning Russian shawl with a curse attached. No one must disrespect the shawl or face a dire consequence. Everyone is enthralled with the tale until a party crasher arrives and is felled by the 'killer shawl.'
Lacey quickly finds out the shawl is missing, and someone is trying to kill the remaining wedding party. While Stella vacillates between getting married or not, Lacey faces attempted vehicular murder, cut brakes, poisonings, and more, while trying to keep the wedding on track.
This novel was a joy to read. I was laughing, confused as to who would be the criminal, and amazed at Stella's dress choices. A completely satisfying read from hem to neckline.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
March 27, 2013
Lacey Smithsonian is back with her pack of hilarious friends. This time, her hair stylist and friend Stella is getting married, Lacey is the maid of honor and, of course, true love can't possibly run smoothly. At the bachelorette party, a party crasher is accidentally poisoned by a legendary Russian shawl. As if that weren't weird enough, the bride, the groom, the maid of honor and another attendant are each attacked. Then the shawl disappears. Meanwhile, Lacey tries to write columns for her newspaper, keep Stella calm and centered, get the bridal gown altered at the last minute and just generally keep everybody on the straight and narrow. Oh, and did I mention that Lacey's birthday falls in the middle of all this? I love the D.C. locations, the goofy group of friends, Lacey's hunky boyfriend Vic, and the generally happy vibe of these mysteries, even if the culprit in this case was a tad hard to believe! This was a good vacation read.
February 4, 2017
There was no indication on the book that it could not be read without having read the other books in the series, but that was definitely the case. It tried to be stand-alone, but would give one or two sentences to these crucial past events that directly effect present occurrences, which was nowhere near enough explanation.
The author's writing style made it very difficult to care about the characters. Maybe it works if you've read the books from the beginning but I doubt it. There was often just dialogue with no reflection of what the characters were thinking, or why they would suddenly be annoyed by an innocuous statement. Add to that some of the most self-absorbed characters I have ever encountered in a book whom the narrator considers best friends for no discernible reason since they only please themselves.
The two stars were because it was fast and easy and was successful at taking me to Washington, D.C.
The author's writing style made it very difficult to care about the characters. Maybe it works if you've read the books from the beginning but I doubt it. There was often just dialogue with no reflection of what the characters were thinking, or why they would suddenly be annoyed by an innocuous statement. Add to that some of the most self-absorbed characters I have ever encountered in a book whom the narrator considers best friends for no discernible reason since they only please themselves.
The two stars were because it was fast and easy and was successful at taking me to Washington, D.C.
April 1, 2013
My first encounter with the cast of characters designed to delight by Ellen Byerrum! Thanks Goodreads Giveaway!
I loved the setting and all the details about Washington, D.C. which I'll be tracking down the next time I'm in town!
The writing is fresh, the fashion critique crisp and the dialogue engaging. Luckily I was reading it at home so I didn't have people stare at me while I laughed in public!
I have to disagree with previous reviewers who said this book is a stand alone. As I read the book I learned the plot, outcome and pertinent details of previous selections in this series. As a result, I probably won't read any of the previous novels and am sorry I'll miss out on the antics that led up to their gathering around Lacey and Stella in hopes that the wedding does go on!
I loved the setting and all the details about Washington, D.C. which I'll be tracking down the next time I'm in town!
The writing is fresh, the fashion critique crisp and the dialogue engaging. Luckily I was reading it at home so I didn't have people stare at me while I laughed in public!
I have to disagree with previous reviewers who said this book is a stand alone. As I read the book I learned the plot, outcome and pertinent details of previous selections in this series. As a result, I probably won't read any of the previous novels and am sorry I'll miss out on the antics that led up to their gathering around Lacey and Stella in hopes that the wedding does go on!
April 14, 2014
This book was my spring break treat to myself.
Anyone who knows me, also knows that The Crime of Fashion Mysteries are one of my all time favorite series. I love Lacey Smithsonian and I adore her creator, Ellen (whom I was blessed to have attend a fundraiser for my 2014 Avon Walk).
Veiled Revenge has a bit of everything, wedding drama, a hint of Russian intrigue, mystery, a touch of the paranormal, fashion tips and cherry blossoms. Ellen has created yet another entertaing edge of your seat mystery. I’ve always enjoyed Ellen’s books, but while reading Veiled Revenge I really felt as though I were right there in D.C. with the characters. I can’t wait to see what happens next with Lacey.
If you a looking for a great series to follow, I strongly recommend this one.
Anyone who knows me, also knows that The Crime of Fashion Mysteries are one of my all time favorite series. I love Lacey Smithsonian and I adore her creator, Ellen (whom I was blessed to have attend a fundraiser for my 2014 Avon Walk).
Veiled Revenge has a bit of everything, wedding drama, a hint of Russian intrigue, mystery, a touch of the paranormal, fashion tips and cherry blossoms. Ellen has created yet another entertaing edge of your seat mystery. I’ve always enjoyed Ellen’s books, but while reading Veiled Revenge I really felt as though I were right there in D.C. with the characters. I can’t wait to see what happens next with Lacey.
If you a looking for a great series to follow, I strongly recommend this one.
June 1, 2013
In Byerrum’s mystery novel, fashion reporter Lacey Smithsonian believes that clothes can be magical, but until recently she never suspected they could be cursed. Stella, Lacey’s best friend, is getting married, and during her bachelorette party, fortune-teller Marie Largesse arrives with an amazing Russian shawl. According to Marie, the shawl is capable of blessing the wearer or cursing them. When a party crasher mocks the shawl and is found dead the following morning, everyone fears for their own safety. But level-headed Lacey has her doubts, and quickly pulls out her sleuthing skills to find a villain before more harm is done.
A first-rate story and great addition to the A Crime of Fashion Mystery series.
A first-rate story and great addition to the A Crime of Fashion Mystery series.
February 28, 2013
I love this series... Do you need to read the fashion mysteries from the start? No, but you will miss the characters growing... And this is what I love about the newest- the camaraderie the girls have together (although I did want to smack Brooke- get over it- wear pink for the day ;) ) And I love the fashions, especially Lacey's retro-wear. A yellow spring party dress for a Bachelorette? YES, please! And anytime there's a wedding I say YES to talking about the dress! (What is about wedding gowns that I can simply look & look & look?) Love.
April 13, 2013
Picked it up on a whim - probably because the cover was pink.
Waaaaay more emphasis on fashion than I was interested in, (bear in mind, I think a clean T-shirt and jeans are appropriate attire for nearly everything).
There were many references to previous mysteries involving these characters. The plot held together without having read any of them.
It was cute - just to see how much pink one person could cram into a wedding.
Not great, but it was an escape from real life, and if you're into vintage clothing, you'd probably find it really good.
Waaaaay more emphasis on fashion than I was interested in, (bear in mind, I think a clean T-shirt and jeans are appropriate attire for nearly everything).
There were many references to previous mysteries involving these characters. The plot held together without having read any of them.
It was cute - just to see how much pink one person could cram into a wedding.
Not great, but it was an escape from real life, and if you're into vintage clothing, you'd probably find it really good.
February 15, 2013
I have liked every book in the Crimes of Fashion series, and this one is no exception. Lacey Smithsonian and all of her zany friends are back in another entertaining story. During the week before Stella's wedding, Lacey is thrown into several mysteries, including a murder involving a haunted shawl. At the same time, as Stella's maid of honor, she must deal with multiple crises to ensure that the wedding takes place as planned. I am left, as always, eager for the next book.
March 18, 2013
Another winner from Ellen Byerrum! Veiled Revenge was a page turner with an unexpected twist. And the cherry blossom wedding theme is a delight for anyone familiar with the beauty those flowers bring to Washington DC in the springtime.
I recommend this book for mystery buffs looking for a relaxing read with adventure minus the gore. Just make sure you read The Crime of Fashion books in order so you don't miss anything!
I recommend this book for mystery buffs looking for a relaxing read with adventure minus the gore. Just make sure you read The Crime of Fashion books in order so you don't miss anything!
April 11, 2013
I enjoy this series but found this installment lacking. The whole story line seemed forced, as if the author wasn't really comfortable with it, something was just off. I rated it three stars because I like the characters but if this had been the first book in the series and not the ninth I wouldn't be reading anymore of them.
April 16, 2013
Lacey's in the middle of another crime of fashion. Someone does not want Stella's wedding to happen. And Lacey learns that being a maid of honor is time consuming. Enjoyable storyline
My review: Traveling With T
My review: Traveling With T
March 16, 2013
This cozy series has fun characters - you really need to start at the beginning and read each mystery in order - there are quite a few characters and they keep recurring from book to book
Set in Washington, DC, they do give you a travelougue of the city and I really want to look into Lacey's fashion trunk....
Set in Washington, DC, they do give you a travelougue of the city and I really want to look into Lacey's fashion trunk....
March 20, 2013
I loved this. I am a fan of cozy mysteries and this is among the best of them. True, I also love fashion, especially Vintage, and I love the D.C. background/setting. But even without those elements, the characters in this series are so much fun. I have enjoyed the whole series and look forward to the next one.
November 15, 2013
Got this one on my Kindle for instant gratification. Read it over a weekend and enjoyed every bit. Set during the Cherry Blossom festival in Washington, DC Lacey's best friend and hair dresser Stella is getting ready to marry Nigel, her English cutie whom she met in Raiders of the Lost Corset. Of course there's a murder and mayhem ensues. Whodunit? Read to find out.
May 22, 2013
The series does a good job of integrating the mystery with Lacey's personal life and this installment stays true to that technique. The story is succinct. I like that the action happens in an area familiar to me. I am jealous of Lacey's seamstress, however, because I haven't found a good one in all the years I've lived here.
July 10, 2016
Fortunately, Veiled Revenge by Ellen Byerrum was much better than the previous episode in the series. I went back to the series because it is set in Washington DC. This book surrounded a friends' wedding in pink & during cherry blossom season. Of course there was a murder, but the allure of the series are the vintage fashion descriptions & Lacey Smithsonian's fashion tips!
September 9, 2016
Lacey Smithsonian's ExtraFashionPerception kicks into high gear when a cursed shawl kills an obnoxious (and uninvited) guest at Stella's bachelorette party. Psychics, fashion, Russian spies and pink feature prominently as Lacey works her crime-solving skills simultaneous with maid-of-honor duties. The wedding must go on, even when the bride cancels it ... or does she?
March 9, 2013
Good fun. This one has all the usual suspects that show up in all the books in this series. Everyone is getting ready for Stella an d Nigel's wedding what a killer shows up in their midst. Highly recommended!
October 27, 2013
It's hard for authors to write a good series. If you're struggling with that, I suggest reading Ellen Byerrum's Crime of Fashion mysteries. The latest in the series is awesome, the twists make you want to go back and read the whole series all over again. I can't wait for the next entry!
February 3, 2014
Another crazy adventure. Enjoyed it very much
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