What do you think?
Rate this book
Laura Carnegie Murder Mysteries #2
Death of a Supermodel
A Murder on the Runway When stick-thin supermodel Thomasina Wente dies of poisoning, the irony isn’t lost on fledging designer and reluctant sleuth Laura Carnegie. It was widely assumed not eating would do Thomasina in, making her unglamorous exit twice as shocking for New York’s fashion aficionados, not to mention disastrous for Laura, her sister, and their very first, make-or-break runway show.
A Catwalk Full of Suspects After Laura got to the bottom of the Pomerantz case, she decided sleuthing was too last season. She hopes Detective Cangemi can handle all the heavy lifting this time since plenty of folks wanted Thomasina Bob, the football-star-turned-hedge-fund guru; Rolf, the sociopathic brother with skinhead connections; Roquelle Rik, modeling agent, and Penelope Sidewinder, model minder, the twin dragons of the fashion world. Yet, with so many leads to choose from, Cangemi focuses on Laura’s sister, Ruby. For Laura, her sister as murderer just doesn’t make the cut.
The Fashion Avenue Mysteries In Death of a Supermodel , Laura Carnegie, her sister Ruby, Jeremy St. James, Stu, and a supporting cast of backstabbers, manipulators and ruthless ladder-climbers return for another merry go-round through New York’s fashion center.
A Catwalk Full of Suspects After Laura got to the bottom of the Pomerantz case, she decided sleuthing was too last season. She hopes Detective Cangemi can handle all the heavy lifting this time since plenty of folks wanted Thomasina Bob, the football-star-turned-hedge-fund guru; Rolf, the sociopathic brother with skinhead connections; Roquelle Rik, modeling agent, and Penelope Sidewinder, model minder, the twin dragons of the fashion world. Yet, with so many leads to choose from, Cangemi focuses on Laura’s sister, Ruby. For Laura, her sister as murderer just doesn’t make the cut.
The Fashion Avenue Mysteries In Death of a Supermodel , Laura Carnegie, her sister Ruby, Jeremy St. James, Stu, and a supporting cast of backstabbers, manipulators and ruthless ladder-climbers return for another merry go-round through New York’s fashion center.
- GenresMysteryContemporary
264 pages, Paperback
First published July 23, 2012
9 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Christine DeMaio-Rice
8 books56 followersI moved to Los Angeles to study screenwriting at USC, and even though you couldn't drag me back into the screenwriting business with the promise of money or candy, I love screenplay structure. Use it all the time. It is the crowbar that removes my head from my rectum when such a procedure is required.
I love all types of speculative fiction, and yes I admit to reading vampire books and YA. However, I have not yet met a vampire that inspired me enough to write about him, which is probably the only barrier between myself and a bathtub full of royalty checks.
People (meaning, my friends) have begged me for years to write about the fashion industry, so I'm doing that in the form of a cozy mystery. It's a funny story, which it had to be because the fashion industry can't be taken seriously.
On that, I bid you a fond farewell. Thanks for reading this little bio.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 17, 2012
I love this series.
Having grown up on Agatha Christie, I search and search for mystery books that satisfy me in the same way. There are many "cozy" mystery series, and most of them are not worth reading. This one has everything. I love the characters and the setting, but even more importantly, the mystery itself is well-crafted, and exactly how I like it. You have most of the information you need from the beginning, and you might figure some things out along the way, but the author is a master of misdirection. She gives you the information, but cleverly manipulates you so you don't realize the importance of a detail, or you forget about it, and then when it's important you realize you had this clue all along.
Since the book has all that going for it, it doesn't necessarily need more. But oh, it has more! Issues of money, class, power and exploitation run through the story, placed so deftly and effortlessly that the mystery is enhanced rather than bogged down by its examination of complex social issues. The relationship between sisters Laura and Ruby reads true, capturing the seemingly contradictory qualities of simplicity and complexity that define what sisters are to each other. On top of all that, it has fascinating details about the fashion industry and some truly excellent swoon factor.
I hate that I will have to wait for the next one, and almost wish I hadn't discovered this series until there were at least 6 of them for me to devour.
Having grown up on Agatha Christie, I search and search for mystery books that satisfy me in the same way. There are many "cozy" mystery series, and most of them are not worth reading. This one has everything. I love the characters and the setting, but even more importantly, the mystery itself is well-crafted, and exactly how I like it. You have most of the information you need from the beginning, and you might figure some things out along the way, but the author is a master of misdirection. She gives you the information, but cleverly manipulates you so you don't realize the importance of a detail, or you forget about it, and then when it's important you realize you had this clue all along.
Since the book has all that going for it, it doesn't necessarily need more. But oh, it has more! Issues of money, class, power and exploitation run through the story, placed so deftly and effortlessly that the mystery is enhanced rather than bogged down by its examination of complex social issues. The relationship between sisters Laura and Ruby reads true, capturing the seemingly contradictory qualities of simplicity and complexity that define what sisters are to each other. On top of all that, it has fascinating details about the fashion industry and some truly excellent swoon factor.
I hate that I will have to wait for the next one, and almost wish I hadn't discovered this series until there were at least 6 of them for me to devour.
December 31, 2022
Once again this author delivers a witty and intriguing mystery, with a return to familiar characters and the intricate details of the fashion industry, yet in a whole new plot. It's not all just glamour as this story spots a light on the illegal trade of sex trafficking and the effects of bulimia and anorexia in modelling. A sequel worth reading.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2013
A fairly decent mix of mystery and romance. Kept me entertained although I would not call it the great american novel.
February 10, 2013
Laura Carnegie and her sister Ruby started their own designer clothing line called Sartorial Sandwich. After working their butts off they’re pulling off their first show when disaster strikes. Their top model, Thomasina Wente, is found dead in the portable bathroom right before the big finale. Laura can’t believe she’s stumbled upon another dead body after what happened a few months ago in her former employer’s office, but unlike the obvious murder of Gracie Pomerantz, Thomasina is presumed to have overdosed. Presumed that is, until the police focus on Ruby as a likely suspect of Thomasina’s murder by poison. Laura is once again off and running to solve a murder before someone she cares about is sent to prison for a crime she doesn’t believe they committed.
A great addition to the Fashion Avenue Mysteries series. Fast-flowing, twisty plot, great characters and an excellent inside view of how big designers do things. I found Laura to be a bit irritating in her quest to find the real killer though. She’s a fashion snob, a little too preachy about what is hip and what’s not and too quick to judge the lives of ‘giraffes’ (supermodels) and rich people, but she is in fashion, so I cut her a little slack. I also was surprised she dropped everything to do with her fledgling company to help a sister she is in constant competition with and who appears to actively resent and hate most of the time. But then I don’t have a sister, so maybe I’m missing something there.
All-in-all an entertaining read and a surprise ending. I look forward to Book 3 and seeing who will be the next dead body Laura happens upon.
*Many thanks to Red Adept Publishing for providing me with a review copy. Please see disclaimer page on my blog.
A great addition to the Fashion Avenue Mysteries series. Fast-flowing, twisty plot, great characters and an excellent inside view of how big designers do things. I found Laura to be a bit irritating in her quest to find the real killer though. She’s a fashion snob, a little too preachy about what is hip and what’s not and too quick to judge the lives of ‘giraffes’ (supermodels) and rich people, but she is in fashion, so I cut her a little slack. I also was surprised she dropped everything to do with her fledgling company to help a sister she is in constant competition with and who appears to actively resent and hate most of the time. But then I don’t have a sister, so maybe I’m missing something there.
All-in-all an entertaining read and a surprise ending. I look forward to Book 3 and seeing who will be the next dead body Laura happens upon.
*Many thanks to Red Adept Publishing for providing me with a review copy. Please see disclaimer page on my blog.
October 10, 2012
I read and loved the first book in this series, so I jumped on Book Two as soon as I realized it was out. Once again, the author did not dissappoint. Some of the cast from the first book are back and better (or worse) than ever, plus we've got several new odd balls too. Throw in a few shady characters, some nefarious motives and its a party you don't want to miss!
DeMaio-Rice had me guessing as to whodunit until the end (and it was refreshing that Laura, the main character seemed just as unsure at times too.) Death of a Supermodel was every bit as witty, tight and expertly written as the first book, and I can't wait to see where Laura ends up in the next one!
DeMaio-Rice had me guessing as to whodunit until the end (and it was refreshing that Laura, the main character seemed just as unsure at times too.) Death of a Supermodel was every bit as witty, tight and expertly written as the first book, and I can't wait to see where Laura ends up in the next one!
March 25, 2013
Suspense, murder and high fashion set the stage for this riveting mystery. The reader is given an inside look at the less glamorous side of modeling in the process. An enjoyable whodunit that was impossible to figure out until the culprit was revealed at the end.
January 17, 2015
DeMaio-Rice has done it again. Weaved the intricacies of the fashion world into a superb murder-mystery plot. Death of a Super Model is the second book in the Fashion Avenue Mystery series, and for me, it was as big of a hit as round one, Dead is the New Black.
Still set in the fashion hub of New York, Laura Carnegie takes on another journey to find a crazy killer. Last time, she worked desperately to prove the man she loved was innocent, and that was a battle close to her heart; but this time, she's even more determined because the frailty that might break is none other than her baby sister Ruby.
At the opening show for Sartorial Sandwich (the clothing line for Laura and Ruby) one of the giraffes, Thomasina Wente, (a super model -I LOVE this term, makes me giggle every time) is found dead in the bathroom. Again, just like in Dead is the New Black, I'm giving nothing away here. This happens right in chapter one. *Sidenote: I love this detail of DeMaio-Rice, the way she gets right into the action of the plot. Laura, stressed to the max because the dead model is her super-star for the best dress of the night, panics and pulls another model in to do the runway walk. This is business folks, and a dead model cannot stop the show. While the show is a success, twisted and questionable connections begin to rise between Ruby, Laura's sister who is beside herself over Thomasina Wente's murder, the companies financial backer (isn't it always about money?), her former boss, and a prestigious modeling agency dedicated to the mental and physical well-being of the giraffes. The same detective makes his circuitous path around this murder scene, and of course isn't at all surprised to find Laura right in the middle of it. However despite the detectives warnings to stay out of the way this time, Laura Carnegie isn't your average seamstress and her modern day Sherlock Holmes surfaces with pride that she must, MUST, clear Ruby's name.
Death of a Supermodel packs a great mystery punch without being over the top "police-chase-catch-thriller". It appeals mostly to women, especially those with an interest in fashion because it combines the best of two worlds - the beautiful, and the damned.
DeMaio-Rice's writing impresses me. She took me on a range of emotions for her characters and I loved and hated the same people at different times throughout the book. I like this kind of author, because it parallels real life - we don't always love everyone. At times I wanted to slap some sense into Ruby, and then DeMaio-Rice would reveal some detail that made her every action appropriate. At other times, I could have just strangled Laura, all the while being reminded that she was driven by an undying devotion to her baby sister. The range of emotions DeMaio-Rice uses to build her female characters is impressive, and she leaves her male characters to surface amidst the female roller coaster; again, that's as close to the real world as it comes.
This series for me has become a must read and I look forward to the next installment. DeMaio-Rice is going places as an author. She spent 20+ years in the fashion industry, I've no doubt she has many more stories to tell.
Still set in the fashion hub of New York, Laura Carnegie takes on another journey to find a crazy killer. Last time, she worked desperately to prove the man she loved was innocent, and that was a battle close to her heart; but this time, she's even more determined because the frailty that might break is none other than her baby sister Ruby.
At the opening show for Sartorial Sandwich (the clothing line for Laura and Ruby) one of the giraffes, Thomasina Wente, (a super model -I LOVE this term, makes me giggle every time) is found dead in the bathroom. Again, just like in Dead is the New Black, I'm giving nothing away here. This happens right in chapter one. *Sidenote: I love this detail of DeMaio-Rice, the way she gets right into the action of the plot. Laura, stressed to the max because the dead model is her super-star for the best dress of the night, panics and pulls another model in to do the runway walk. This is business folks, and a dead model cannot stop the show. While the show is a success, twisted and questionable connections begin to rise between Ruby, Laura's sister who is beside herself over Thomasina Wente's murder, the companies financial backer (isn't it always about money?), her former boss, and a prestigious modeling agency dedicated to the mental and physical well-being of the giraffes. The same detective makes his circuitous path around this murder scene, and of course isn't at all surprised to find Laura right in the middle of it. However despite the detectives warnings to stay out of the way this time, Laura Carnegie isn't your average seamstress and her modern day Sherlock Holmes surfaces with pride that she must, MUST, clear Ruby's name.
Death of a Supermodel packs a great mystery punch without being over the top "police-chase-catch-thriller". It appeals mostly to women, especially those with an interest in fashion because it combines the best of two worlds - the beautiful, and the damned.
DeMaio-Rice's writing impresses me. She took me on a range of emotions for her characters and I loved and hated the same people at different times throughout the book. I like this kind of author, because it parallels real life - we don't always love everyone. At times I wanted to slap some sense into Ruby, and then DeMaio-Rice would reveal some detail that made her every action appropriate. At other times, I could have just strangled Laura, all the while being reminded that she was driven by an undying devotion to her baby sister. The range of emotions DeMaio-Rice uses to build her female characters is impressive, and she leaves her male characters to surface amidst the female roller coaster; again, that's as close to the real world as it comes.
This series for me has become a must read and I look forward to the next installment. DeMaio-Rice is going places as an author. She spent 20+ years in the fashion industry, I've no doubt she has many more stories to tell.
September 19, 2012
Overall Feedback: So Christine asks me to review the second in her series and I figure, what the heck I hate her main character, might as well. I began the story knowing I was going to hate Laura and holding onto that hate as best as I could. Then as the pages began falling away and the story started comforting me like my favorite blanket I felt something other than hate. About halfway through the story I stopped reading as I realized that I was beginning to like Laura. No this could not happen, she is a pretentious B**** afterall. Picking back up on reading I let go of the hate and I began trying to help Laura telepathetically help her sister. I would have to place this book as a have to read. Going from the first to the second shows you how an author can/should be able to turn your feelings for a character.
Point of View: Once again you are looking at Laura (fashionista detective).
Voice: I was so ingrained in thew characters that I did not even begin to check for author voice. Personally I think that Christine is all about wit.
Character Development: Wow, Christine is able to take your emotions for a character and confuse them to the point of being convuluted just to drop you back off at endearment. You will begin to argue for Laura. (I did)
Plot: In every book we read we are always driven forward by the plot. Without a good plot the story dies and we never finish. With that said you should hold on for dear life because this book's plot does not drive you, it drags you.
Dialogue: I only know what I know of the fashion world from TV and the first book in this series. With that said I would have to say that the dialogue is smooth and effortless. One question though "Giraffes" really?
Pacing: Hope you like to be dragged through the plot instead of driven. Without sounding too crass your mind will be raped by this author, but in a good way.
Setting: Again I am not a fashionista but I am now afraid of them.
Continuity: Tied up tight like a supermodel's waistline.
Point of View: Once again you are looking at Laura (fashionista detective).
Voice: I was so ingrained in thew characters that I did not even begin to check for author voice. Personally I think that Christine is all about wit.
Character Development: Wow, Christine is able to take your emotions for a character and confuse them to the point of being convuluted just to drop you back off at endearment. You will begin to argue for Laura. (I did)
Plot: In every book we read we are always driven forward by the plot. Without a good plot the story dies and we never finish. With that said you should hold on for dear life because this book's plot does not drive you, it drags you.
Dialogue: I only know what I know of the fashion world from TV and the first book in this series. With that said I would have to say that the dialogue is smooth and effortless. One question though "Giraffes" really?
Pacing: Hope you like to be dragged through the plot instead of driven. Without sounding too crass your mind will be raped by this author, but in a good way.
Setting: Again I am not a fashionista but I am now afraid of them.
Continuity: Tied up tight like a supermodel's waistline.
July 28, 2012
Death of a Supermodel is characterized by the same trademark wit and sarcasm I've come to associate with this author. The main character is one of those women who takes no ca-ca and comes out swinging like a he!!cat on the other side. In this installment of DeMaio-Rice's Fashion Avenue mysteries, Laura and her sister find themselves embroiled in a scheme even closer to home than the death of the first book (Dead Is the New Black) -- and Laura's sister just might be in trouble. Laura -- as determined as a momma hen on an egg -- refuses to let her sister fall for something she didn't do, and takes it upon herself to figure out just what really happened.
As good, if not better than the first book. This series belongs front-facing on the shelves of Barnes & Noble.
DeMaio-Rice is a talented voice in the mystery genre with a certain je ne sais quoi that is unbeatable.
My favorite line hands down -- "You can't take the hard things too seriously, really. It all works out in the end."
As good, if not better than the first book. This series belongs front-facing on the shelves of Barnes & Noble.
DeMaio-Rice is a talented voice in the mystery genre with a certain je ne sais quoi that is unbeatable.
My favorite line hands down -- "You can't take the hard things too seriously, really. It all works out in the end."
October 6, 2012
In this second installment of DeMaio-Rice’s Fashion Avenue Mysteries, the protagonist is once again fashion designer Laura Carnegie, who either finds herself forced into solving a murder (if we’re to believe her) or insists on poking her nose into things that are none of her business (if we’re to believe the police). The setting is once again among the New York fashion industry (as presumably all the series will be).
Those who liked Dead is the New Black, the first in this series, will find Death of a Supermodel to their liking, too. Laura Carnegie is a likable character who the reader wants to see succeed as she avoids some of the less savory characteristics and fashion industry clichés suffered by many of the minor characters. Laura is shaping up as an excellent addition to the literary world of amateur sleuths.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
Those who liked Dead is the New Black, the first in this series, will find Death of a Supermodel to their liking, too. Laura Carnegie is a likable character who the reader wants to see succeed as she avoids some of the less savory characteristics and fashion industry clichés suffered by many of the minor characters. Laura is shaping up as an excellent addition to the literary world of amateur sleuths.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
October 11, 2012
After reading Dead is the New Black, I was definitely looking forward to the second in this series, and though the ending was not what I expected, I was not disappointed in the outcome. The author's snarky, witty voice shines through with this book that opens up with the murder of a runway model. This time Laura's sister is the prime suspect in the murder, so she must, once again, set out to prove the innocence of someone she loves. Laura puts herself in some pretty sticky situations and even risks life and limb to prove her sister's innocence. This book exposes the ugly underbelly of the fashion industry, touching on subjects such as underage models, eating disorders and sexual abuse, but somehow, despite the many disturbing situations, the author manages to inject humor where you'd least expect it. Another amazing read!
January 10, 2014
After reading Dead is the New Black, I was definitely looking forward to the second in this series, and though the ending was not what I expected, I was not disappointed in the outcome. The author's snarky, witty voice shines through with this book that opens up with the murder of a runway model. This time Laura's sister is the prime suspect in the murder, so she must, once again, set out to prove the innocence of someone she loves. Laura puts herself in some pretty sticky situations and even risks life and limb to prove her sister's innocence. This book exposes the ugly underbelly of the fashion industry, touching on subjects such as underage models, eating disorders and sexual abuse, but somehow, despite the many disturbing situations, the author manages to inject humor where you'd least expect it. Another amazing read!
August 9, 2012
Things I love about this book:
1. It doesn't offer a fetishistic, glamorous view of the fashion industry. It is grounded on a phenomenal amount of insider, no-frills know-how that gives the book a layer of credibility you don't find in other books set in the fashion world.
2. Laura Carnegie. The main character isn't beautiful; she's cynical and bitter; she often says very stupid things she regrets; and she doesn't have everything figured out from the beginning. In short, she's much more real and relatable than most who-done-it heroines who always seem to be unrealistically sexy and cool.
3. I genuinely didn't know who the killer was. Usually I do, but there was never a moment where I felt like I was ahead of the book.
1. It doesn't offer a fetishistic, glamorous view of the fashion industry. It is grounded on a phenomenal amount of insider, no-frills know-how that gives the book a layer of credibility you don't find in other books set in the fashion world.
2. Laura Carnegie. The main character isn't beautiful; she's cynical and bitter; she often says very stupid things she regrets; and she doesn't have everything figured out from the beginning. In short, she's much more real and relatable than most who-done-it heroines who always seem to be unrealistically sexy and cool.
3. I genuinely didn't know who the killer was. Usually I do, but there was never a moment where I felt like I was ahead of the book.
March 11, 2016
Death of a Super Model is the second book in the series. Laura and Ruby Carnegie have started their own Designer Clothing line called Sartorial Sandwich. Their having Their first show when disaster strikes. Thomasina Wente their Top Model is found dead in the portable bathroom right before the grand finale. Laura can't beleive she has found another Dead Body. The Police focus their attencion on Ruby as the killer seems Thomasina was poisoned. Laura is off and running to prove Ruby innocent and to catch the real killer before someone she loves goes to prison for a crime they didn't commit.
March 7, 2013
I didn't like this one quite as much as the first one, but I still loved Laura, Ruby and Jeremy, and the the last two chapters were PERFECT!
March 26, 2013
Had to read it. Needed something mindless and this did the trick. I finished the book, but I don't know a lot about the fashion world so was lost along the way.
July 8, 2013
This book was 2nd in a series; I read the first and third also. Not my absolute favorite but still pretty good.
January 1, 2014
Another fantastic book in the Fashion Avenue mystery series! Once again, I was kept guessing until the end. Ms. Demaio-Rice has a way of making her characters so real. I love this series so much!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews