Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Bias Cut

Rate this book
Burned out and bitter after a string of disappointments, Nicola Strozyk takes a short-term gig assisting Laurie Sparks, the design world's reigning enfant terrible. Barely in his twenties, Laurie has built himself an empire encompassing a chic Manhattan boutique and a role on an obnoxious reality series. Part worldly sophisticate and part cheerful scatterbrain, Laurie is beautiful and extravagant; at nearly twice his age, Nicola is jaded and resolutely unglamorous. When Laurie becomes obsessed with tracking down the origins of a mysterious coat, he and Nicola embark upon a champagne-fueled quest that takes them from the New York catwalks to glittery Hollywood parties and posh hotel suites in Paris. What begins as a lark takes an ominous turn when they start to unravel a decades-old mystery surrounding the murders of two young models. Nicola must protect Laurie from a pair of deadly threats: a mercurial fellow designer hell-bent on burying a dark secret, and an obsessive killer who has fixed his sights on nubile young Laurie.

260 pages, ebook

First published September 3, 2012

66 people are currently reading
746 people want to read

About the author

Morgan Richter

12 books72 followers
Morgan is the author of the neo-noir thriller THE DIVIDE (Knopf; August 2024), and the thriller THE UNDERSTUDY, which will be released by Knopf on August 5th, 2025.

Morgan is a graduate of the Filmic Writing program at the University of Southern California’s film school and has worked in production on several television shows, including ABC’s America’s Funniest Home Videos and E! Entertainment Television’s Emmy-winning comedy series Talk Soup. An avid popular culture critic, she is the author of Duranalysis: Essays on the Duran Duran Experience and has amassed a cult following on her analyses of classic Duran Duran videos. She has self-published five novels, but THE DIVIDE is her first foray into traditional publishing. Richter currently lives in Seattle.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
103 (29%)
4 stars
108 (31%)
3 stars
105 (30%)
2 stars
25 (7%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Nicole.
493 reviews26 followers
August 10, 2016
I got this book when it was free on Amazon, but after the first twenty pages, I knew that I would have enjoyed it even if I'd purchased it (this is my highest praise). I really liked the relationship between Laurie and Nicola, and rooted for both of them. They each gave the other something that he or she was lacking, but not in an overly sappy way. Laurie helped Nicola feel present in her life and vital in his, while she provided him with the sort of non-maternal grounding that he desperately needed. I was drawn into the mystery in much the same way as Nicola; it wasn't initially clear to me why Laurie cared so much about who'd designed the clothes, but seeing how things escalated upped my interest, quickly. The characters, more than the mystery, were what drew me to this story. If you're looking for a hard hitting, multi-faceted mystery, this probably isn't it. This book is more character-driven, and all the better for it. I would definitely read another book set in this world featuring Nicola and Laurie, and hope that we haven't seen the last of this duo.
Profile Image for bex.
2,435 reviews24 followers
May 1, 2013
The ideas in this book are pretty cool. The how they get into the mystery bit. However it just takes too long to get any tension and once you get there, it is back and forth between too fast and who cares. 52% before there is any death or danger.

Then there is another issue. There is more depth to the descriptions of clothing than the characterization. Especially odd when what little hint there is of the main person's character is that she doesn't care much about clothes. So why does she obsess so much about what the boy and everyone else is wearing?

The final thing might be a spoiler.

179 reviews
May 30, 2017
I ranked this 3 stars but 3.5 would be a better fit. I purchased Bias Cut on Book Bub & didn't get to it for a while, but now I'm glad I did.
It's an enjoyable read that surprised me in its well plotted out story that I didn't expect. A great "summer read".
Profile Image for Furio.
824 reviews53 followers
May 25, 2013
To give the author her due this mystery has some unquestionable assets:
- writing is in order;
- editing is professional: there are no mistakes and or inconsistencies except possibly one at the end;
- the general ideas for plot and characterization are also quite good and interesting. Especially good is the idea of not having the two leads getting involved with each other: a very young and flamboyant gay stylist and a middle-aged straight woman are bound not to.

The problem is that the reading experience, while never painful or embarassing, never takes off. There are several humorous moments that keep interest somewhat alive but neither plot nor characters fulfill their potential.

The ending feels hurried:
- first, it is not clear and not plot relevant why the two leads do not meet for a while after the case is apparently solved;
- one of the two, hurt in the final confrontation with the villain, has supposedly passed some time at home but when he meets the other he still has bruises while his broken bone is already fine.

I suppose this book can make a nice light read, but it could certainly have been better.
Profile Image for Lea Setegn.
110 reviews9 followers
November 11, 2013
I LOVED THIS BOOK and read it in one sitting. However, I acknowledge that this could be an experience particular to women who are:

* In their 40s.
* Familiar with the fashion world.
* Familiar with 1980s pop culture. (Typically goes hand-in-hand with being fortysomething these days.)
* Conversant in the ways of gay men of a certain type. (Because, as cute as he is, Laurie is not a lot more than a type.)
* Familiar with "raising" a twentysomething as a friend or mentor. (Been there, honey, and it looks a lot like this.)

I agree with other reviewers about the slow pace of the mystery at the beginning. I could have used a little less of Nikola going back and forth about working for Laurie and a little more interaction between the two before they left for LA. But due to fulfilling every item on the list above, I ultimately loved the relationship that developed between them. The mystery was great - there were enough clues to play along, and enough twists to be surprised - and the ending felt real.

Perhaps this book only resonates with a certain kind of reader. I'm OK with that. It's not like there are a lot of books out there pitched to fortysomething women!
Profile Image for Jerilyn Marler.
Author 3 books3 followers
August 26, 2013
I searched through the stack of books by my bed looking for something lighter than my usual murder mystery/international intrigue fare. I knew nothing about this author. We'd received the book as a gift from her uncle who is a friend of my husband's. I'm so glad I decided to give it a shot. Love Ms. Richter's writing, the delightful characterizations, the peek into the fashion world. It takes time to get to the mystery/suspense at the heart of the story, but I enjoyed hanging out with Nicola and Laurie so much that I didn't mind the pace. In fact, I thought it was refreshingly different. The dialog is insightful and often funny, which I value. It's a quick, satisfying read. I'll be reading her other books soon.
Profile Image for Donna Murray.
Author 17 books110 followers
May 25, 2013
If you need proof that Indie books can actually be better than many conventionally published books, try this one. In my view it was enjoyable in every way–solid plot, interesting background, but best of all an especially wonderful friendship between the two main characters. Of course it is a mystery, so that “biased” me somewhat, but look at it this way: I’ve read a ton of them!
302 reviews
February 21, 2020
Enjoy!

This title has been on my kindle for awhile and I almost didn't read it because of several negative reviews. I'm glad I did, because I found it to be a funny, read-it-in-day , good story. I liked the characters, and having been a middle age woman who has worked with young people, totally believable! Recommend!
Profile Image for dianne Snow-Posner.
112 reviews
September 2, 2021
So. So held my attention

My dogs and cats are not speaking to me. I read this book just today. I couldn’t put it down. It surprised me no end and the ending. It was excellent. My problem when I read a good a book as this. Is I am in the book also. A character. My pets are now fed and walked but the book still has me in it. Hope you all like it as much as I do
174 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2017
Deceiving title

This turned out to be a really good read. Once I started I couldn't put it down. The author brings very vivid images to the table and you can't help but get lost in it.
80 reviews3 followers
September 25, 2017
Delightful read

You will fall in love with the two main characters. The story is interesting and finally, there's a hint of mystery to the book. I'd like to see more of Laurie Sparks and Nicola.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,576 reviews1 follower
December 23, 2017
Good book

You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so that I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
Profile Image for Maura.
821 reviews
September 4, 2019
It starts out as a novel about the fashion industry and reality TV. But several chapters in it becomes a mystery of the fashion world before accelerating into a whodunit that kept me turning pages.
10 reviews
June 6, 2017
Unique story line. Keep s your interest, enjoyed.

Would recommend to my friend reader's.
Liked the style of writing,and fun to read, didn't want to lay down,glad I found.
Profile Image for Dany Denise.
33 reviews8 followers
June 7, 2017
Great Read

Romance, Mystery, Humor is it any wonder I couldn't put it down. Hopefully I can find more be this author.
Profile Image for Judie.
792 reviews23 followers
November 5, 2013
Nicole, newly arrived in New York City after a career in research in Los Angeles, got a job researching fashions of the mid-1980s for Laurie, a young, flamboyant, easily-rattled fashion designer. When Nicole shows up for work wearing her roommate’s raincoat, he is totally thrilled by it and sought more information about the designer.
They are able to trace it back to a store in LA that sells clothing used in movies and television shows and learn in what show it was worn, by whom, and who was credited as the designer. Laurie realized the workmanship was different from the named designer and decided to find out who really created it. His search takes him and Nicole to LA, Paris, Connecticut, and Nevada.
Two thirds through the book, we learn about the first murder victim. Others show up as well as they try to find the connection.
Morgan Richter tells a good tale in a well-written book. It’s fast moving. The main characters do not have a romance as is evident from the beginning. There is no blood or gore. Most situations follow some logic.
However, I found a few negatives. Laurie was described too often as “little” or “pretty.” It became an overused stereotype. His look, especially his clothing, was flamboyant. It didn’t have to be drilled in.
Two characters are in an automobile accident in a desert and their car ends up on its side in a ditch. Since there was a break in part of the windshield, the entire window would have fallen apart harmlessly and they could have gotten out of the car more easily than crawling out one of the doors. Also, air bags deflate almost as soon as they inflate so they should not have created an obstacle for exiting the car.
All in all, I found the book a quick read and a nice diversion.
I got the e-book book as a freebie from Amazon.com.
Profile Image for Candy.
236 reviews82 followers
June 21, 2013
When the author sent me this book for review, I wasn't sure it was something I would be interested in. It is set in the fashion world. I'm a jeans and t-shirt kind of a girl. And not even a fancy t-shirt. Like the "free" ones you get when you do a 5k. Hanes is my friend. Haute couture is wasted on me. LOL

HOWEVER, it is also a chick-lit book with some mystery thrown in and I was feeling like reading some good chick lit, so I decided to give it a whirl, figuring that I would just toss it if I couldn't make it through with all the fashion nonsense. I'm really glad I gave this book a chance, for sure.

The writing and, in particular, the editing - are absolutely fabulous. This is an author that cares about her work product and it shows. I think a lot of folks think chick-lit is just fluff and I don't disagree, in general, but sometimes you just need a good piece of fiction. Not all books are War & Peace (thank goodness for that!) Ha!

The story itself is well laid out and well executed. Yeah, the ending was a bit of a disappointment for me. It was definitely wrapped up too quickly, but I think it was also how it needed to end.

There's a bit of a fashion mystery in here. It rings oddly true, if a bit outlandish. But, I kind of believe that this kind of insanity happens within the industry. The mystery itself kept me guessing, I definitely never saw the actual ending coming, so well done, Ms. Richter.

Overall, recommended for chick-lit fans. A great breezy interesting read, pull up a beach chair and enjoy!
Profile Image for R. Diskin Black.
Author 2 books1 follower
May 5, 2014
This book was pure pleasure! A sordid tale of murder and mayhem in the fashion world, Richter with this clever story takes the reader from New York to Los Angeles to Paris to the desert of Nevada (a town called Decline!) and back to New York before its "please-don't-end" last pages. The protagonist, Nicola, is a completely believable and immensely likeable modern 40-year-old woman who finds herself working for reality TV and fashion sensation, Laurie, an infuriating, selfish, fabulous 20-something diva. He would have won an early season of Project Runway, but he didn't need that show to take the fashion world by storm. They stumble upon several murders that propel the story from fashion world expose to vintage mystery thriller, and the ride for the reader is pure page-turning fun. Sure the murders are grim stuff (they always are), but at its heart this novel is a buddy story - the archetypal 40-is-the-new-30 really smart straight woman meets don't-tell-me-not-to-wear-sequins-at-a-Nevada-truck-stop gay celebrity upstart. The only thing I might love more then this book is that Richter recently retold the story of these characters, but this time set in a post-apocalyptic America. That novel, "Lonely Satellite", is next on my list to read.
Profile Image for Kristeen Shuga.
20 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2013
I want to start off that I won this book from the Goodreads Giveaway.

In this novel, we meet flashy but chic Laurie Sparks with a clueless and carefree spirit who is renowned fashion designer. Along with him is his sidekick, Nicola of whom is blunt, motherly and has an issue with having to protect Laurie from the world. The story is off an running as they search for clues to help find out why a certain designer did not sew or design his third appearance of fashion week.

The story was well written and fast paced. I didn't think the story would be interesting at first, considering I rarely read murder mysteries. In fact, I finished this book in four hours from when I picked it up. It was so engrossing that I couldn't put it down until I finished it. The characters are well developed, the relationships interested me. The story was well rounded and was believable. I honestly wished it hadn't ended so quickly. I wanted to hear about what happened during the trial and what would Nicola do now other than the "non-art" part of his designing. Might be good for a second book, but I want more now! :D
Profile Image for Panda.
4 reviews
March 28, 2015
I just want to say that I received this book as part of the First Reads giveaway.

I thought this book was going to be way less entertaining than it actually was. I thought it was going to be more of a clichéd love story when I first read the synopsis but in the end I really liked how the book turned into more of an investigation novel.

I didn't like Nicola at first, she was a bit boring, but as the novel continued I really liked her relationship with Laurie and how far she was willing to go to protect his innocence from the world. I also grew to like Laurie's character. I thought he was going to be a boring diva but there were parts of the novel where he really showed his more mature and serious side. Together they really complimented each other with Nicola's maturity and Laurie's innocence.

The story was fast-paced and the ending came a bit too quickly, where everything was explained in a quick rush. Despite that, I really liked the amount of details that went into the whole story, especially the fashion aspect, and I liked the unexpected plot-points towards the end. This was a good book, and I definitely recommended others read it.
Profile Image for Lynda Kelly.
2,210 reviews106 followers
December 16, 2015
I didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did. It's one I downloaded over a year ago but kept skating over in favour of something more "me"" as I'm no fashion fan. However, although it's set in the world of fashion it doesn't matter and you don't get bogged down with it in the least.
I just adored Laurie and his and Nicola's relationship especially as she took no nonsense from the little pixie (who I picture as a smaller and younger Julian Clary but I imagine the author's American and may not know of him) BUT she did secretly adore him and wanted to look after him. I spent a lot of the time going "awwwww"....I see the author has written another story featuring him but it's like a time-travel story and really not for me. I'd have liked to read another book featuring both him and Nicola in their present incarnations !! There were some great, cutting lines used which made me laugh aloud in places.
I did spot a couple of errors but nothing excessive, just careless. Ducking instead of duckling and apostrophes left off ladies' room. At one time she used peckish and I think peevish was meant but that was it which always impresses me as well.
Profile Image for Jen Selinsky.
Author 415 books26 followers
February 1, 2014
"Bias Cut" follows the story of Nicola Strozyk and fashion designer Laurie Sparks. While Laurie is young, glamorous, and a star on a reality TV show, he is also lacking in life experience. This is where Nicola comes in. Even though she is almost the complete opposite of Laurie, the two of them seem to hit it off and become instant friends.

Nicola and Laurie draw inspiration from each other, thus driving the two of them to visit swanky parties in search of rare fashion items. As the two of them travel to many places, Nicola takes it upon herself to take care of Laurie, who seems to have a knack for getting himself into trouble. Their adventure turns serious when they become involved in an unsolved mystery, as the two of them search for answers which might end up costing them their lives.

"Bias Cut" is an excellent novel which mixes the world of fashion with suspense. As was the same case with "Wrong City," I had a difficult time putting it down until I was finished reading. I highly recommend the book for anyone who is looking to read a good mystery.
Profile Image for A.G. Lindsay.
146 reviews3 followers
July 7, 2013
I found this a fun, quick read (although I kept picturing Laurie (the wonderkind fashion designer) as Austin Scarlett from the first season of Project Runway.)

The mystery part doesn't seem to start until about half-way through the book. Until then, it's Nicola and Austin, er, Laurie running around in sort of a screwball comedy/slapstick quest for the designer of a coat Nicola was given by her room-mate.

It's a diverting read and also seems to "read true" about the NYC fashion week and also the "reality TV"/MTV celebrity culture.

After the mystery takes off, the book a bit less fun and the ending was a bit of a let-down. Fun as it was, I do hope there is not a sequel which would take all of the charm out of the story for me.
Profile Image for Jen.
119 reviews3 followers
December 13, 2013
Granted, I am the target audience for this book - I lived, loved and was formed by the 80s. I'm a SoCal girl who became a New Yorker. I understand fashion. I've been to those tea shops. So, perhaps no surprise that I found this *such* a fun read. Richter is spot-on with her characters, whom I both love, and her banter and description (yes, I think the fashions need to be described in a book about a fashion designer). So, even though the plot took a while to get rolling, I didn't mind at all. It was fun getting to know Nicola and Laurie and living in their worlds for a bit. I'm not a mystery genre reader, but the who done it was entertaining, plausible and well-paced. I thought the wrap-up perfect.

Now, where can I get that coat?
Profile Image for Kate.
147 reviews9 followers
February 28, 2013
**Please Note: I received this book for free from Goodreads First-reads**

Bias Cut was a gem of a book. Fast paced and with wonderfully developed characters I couldn't put it down. Richters descriptions are beautiful without being wordy or over the top. The main character, Laurie Sparks, could have been a nightmare but remained quirky and prissy yet still likable.

I would absolutely recommend this book to people and look forward to the next book that Richter puts out. My only criticism is the cover art. It feels dated and unfinished and I can honestly say that if I had seen this book on a store shelf I would have passed it by. That said, I am so glad that I didn't.
Profile Image for Judy.
3,381 reviews31 followers
August 18, 2015
I liked this a lot, and hope that there's a sequel with these characters. It's an interesting juxtaposition between a 40 year old researcher (Nicola) who really doesn't care about clothes, and an over-the-top 20-something fashion designer (Laurie) who lives in another world where he sparkles and wears extravagant makeup while creating his collection and starring in a reality TV show. Laurie realizes there is something strange about another designer's collection, and once he and Nicola start investigating, they keep turning up bodies and more mysteries. The mystery is good, and the ending dramatic, but the relationship between the two was my favorite aspect of the book.
Profile Image for Marge Mclaughlin.
34 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2013
I subscribe to the Kindle books & Kindle news daily mail and usually really quickly scan free books for descriptions of interest, which is how I found Bias Cut. I really liked the characters in this book. As I read along I was traveling with them through the scenes and adventures. The story line was not that compelling to me, but it didn't matter, whatever Nicola and Laurie were doing or saying, I enjoyed being there with them.
Profile Image for Sheila.
168 reviews
August 9, 2016
I downloaded this book as a free ebook, I don't think it was worth even that. The story started out okay. The characters were a bit different, then the more into the story you got, the cruder the language became. I don't think that it is necessary to have that type of language in a book, it ruins the whole story. The characters became more weird as well. I would not recommend this book or the author to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.