Deadly Decor

Caprice De Luca Home Staging Mystery #2

by Karen Rose Smith

Quiet Kismet, Pennsylvania, may look like any other small town, but as a home stager, Caprice De Luca can see behind closed doors--and it seems someone has designs on murder. . .Life is a full house for Caprice these days. She's dating, she's rescuing adorable cocker spaniels, and she's decorating the roomy interiors of Kismet's most well-heeled residents with fun fantasy themes. But she's worried about her pregnant sister. Bella's marriage is coming apart like a bad wallpaper job, and to make matters worse, she's decided to meet up with a former flame Bob Preston, a house painter Caprice frequently employs. When he's found dead in a pool of green paint swirling with blood, it's time for Caprice to stage an investigation. With all eyes trained on Bella's husband, Caprice shifts her attention from finding the perfect curtains to finding the perfect culprit. . .

Praise for Staged to Death

"A fascinating inside look at the art of home-staging--but did I mention it's also an elegantly crafted murder mystery featuring an irresistible sleuth?" --Leslie Meier

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Romance

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Award-winning author Karen Rose Smith was born in Pennsylvania. Although she was an only child, she remembers the bonds of an extended family. Family is a strong theme in her books and she suspects her childhood memories are the reason.

In college, Karen began writing poetry and also met her husband to be. They both began married life as teachers, but when their son was born, Karen decided to try her hand at a home-decorating business.

She returned to teaching for a while but changes in her life led her to writing relationship novels. Now she writes romances as well as mysteries full time. Her first book was published in 1992; her 110th novel will be published in 2024. A winner of New Jersey's Golden Leaf Award in Short Contemporary Romance, Colorado Romance Writers Award Of Excellence for short contemporary, as well as the Phoenix Desert Rose Chapter's Golden Quill for Traditional Romance, she has also been honored with Cataromance.com's award for Best Special Edition and Washington Romance Writers Career Achievement Award. Her romances have made both the USA TODAY list and the Amazon Romance and Contemporary Romance Bestseller lists. Her mysteries have made the USA TODAY and Barnes and Noble bestseller lists.

She has written for Meteor/Kismet, Kensington, Silhouette and Harlequin. Readers can contact Karen through her website, on Facebook (Karen Rose Smith Author) and on Twitter @ Karenrosesmith, on TIKTOK at karenrosesmithauthor and on Instagram. They can also follow her monthly e-zine IN TOUCH with KAREN ROSE SMITH which has the latest news about her books, recipes and contests.

Reviews

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*. A good mystery though some elements in the book started to make me a little loopy. Specifically the tendency to repeat certain facts as well as sometimes overdone rehashing and introspection.

I do love the family vibe, the closeness and care that the siblings and parents have for each other. Also love that the mc has such care for animals, especially strays.

I do plan to try the third in the series, as thus far the positives outweigh negatives.

[Ronna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book free from the author. This is my honest review.

Home stager, Caprice DeLuca is working on a glitzy high end home for sale while trying to also help one of her sisters, Bella, with her marriage. But Bella isn't really cooperating because she's getting herself involved with her high school sweetheart again. Bob is also Caprice's go to guy for painting and helping to stage homes. Caprice goes to meet the pair and finds Bella standing over Bob's bloodied body. Once again, Caprice finds herself caught up in a murder investigation to save her family and friends.

Meanwhile, Caprice has also found an adorable stray cocker spaniel in her flower garden. She's put "lost dog" posters all around town to no avail. Shasta, named for where she was found, is also pregnant. Since Caprice rescues stray cats and dogs, she makes the dog part of her household with her cat, Sophia, who is mistress of all she surveys.

The is a traditional cozy mystery filled with wonderful home staging descriptions, family adventures, tasty food descriptions, and interesting pet rescue information. Something for everyone. Must add--you should definitely try Fran's Pasta Fagioli recipe at end of this book too. A perfect tasty treat after a very satisfying mystery!

[Dawn Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this from the author. It is great! This is the second book in the Caprice De Luca series. Caprice is a home stager, amateur sleuth, and she rescues pets. In this book she again finds herself wrapped up in a murder investigation, this time involving her sister. It definitely kept me guessing until the end. I love this series! Caprice and her family are alot of fun! I am looking forward to the next book!

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yep! Seth's out of the way. I just knew he was not a keeper. Come on Grant!

Another fun read in this series. ;)

[Shelly Itkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Staged to Death we met Caprice DeLuca and her family and now we are reintroduced to them once again. Caprice has always been very close with her family and so it is no surprise when a friend, Bob, a house painter if found murdered that Caprice gets involved.

How could she not when her sister Bella and then Joe her husband are both possible suspects in his murder. Bella had dated him when she was in High School and finds him dead. She is the first person on the scene to discover the body and in just a few minutes later Caprice arrives to find her sister bending down and covered in blood over Bob’s body.

The family is all involved but of course we know that Caprice has not learned her lesson from Staged to Death where she herself almost got killed in finding the real murder.

We see how Caprice opens her home once again; to an adorable cocker spaniel which she finds hiding in her mother’s tomato plants. Little does she know that Shasta, the name she gives her is pregnant and will be delivering very shortly?

Once Caprice starts investigating she finds out things about Bob she never knew before and also realizes he has lots of enemies. Which makes this harder for Caprice to solve but she won’t give her till she clears her sister and brother in law.

I loved the book and you will to, now we will have to wait to see if there will be a third story to this series.

Merged review:

In Staged to Death we met Caprice DeLuca and her family and now we are reintroduced to them once again. Caprice has always been very close with her family and so it is no surprise when a friend, Bob, a house painter if found murdered that Caprice gets involved.

How could she not when her sister Bella and then Joe her husband are both possible suspects in his murder. Bella had dated him when she was in High School and finds him dead. She is the first person on the scene to discover the body and in just a few minutes later Caprice arrives to find her sister bending down and covered in blood over Bob’s body.

The family is all involved but of course we know that Caprice has not learned her lesson from Staged to Death where she herself almost got killed in finding the real murder.

We see how Caprice opens her home once again; to an adorable cocker spaniel which she finds hiding in her mother’s tomato plants. Little does she know that Shasta, the name she gives her is pregnant and will be delivering very shortly?

Once Caprice starts investigating she finds out things about Bob she never knew before and also realizes he has lots of enemies. Which makes this harder for Caprice to solve but she won’t give her till she clears her sister and brother in law.

I loved the book and you will to, now we will have to wait to see if there will be a third story to this series.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted a copy of "Deadly Decor" by the author Karen Rose Smith. This is the second book in the Caprice De Luca Home Staging Mystery series. The quiet Kismet, Pennsylvania,town is the perfect setting for someone who has designs on murder. Although things are never what they seem in the small town, Caprice De Luca, as a home stager, has a view inside the opulent homes of the wealthy and discovers secrets they try to hide.

She uses her skills as a home stager to help her affluent clients sell their homes in the bad economic times by de-cluttering their homes and choosing a theme for each home. The homes are designed to bring to light the unique theme she has chosen and to highlight the furnishings she chose. With the assistance of various helpers including Bob Preston, a painter, and the gorgeous antiques she finds to compliment the home, she is set for the grand opening gala for potential buyers.

Caprice's life is also full. She is dating a handsome doctor named Seth, as well as rescuing dogs. Her latest rescue is a cocker spaniel who is expecting and she must learn to care for the puppies when they arrive. In addition, she's worried about her pregnant sister Bella, who is having marriage problems. To add to the fire, Bella has decided to meet up with Bob,(he is also a former beau)who works for Caprice occasionally, for coffee. Caprice is worried when she finds out that Bella has met him on several occasions. When Bob is found dead in a pool of green paint by Bella who was questioned by the police Caprice has to investigate to help clear Bella's name and repair some of the damage done to Bella's marriage. As the investigation progresses Bella's husband, Joe, is now the main suspect. Caprice shifts her attention from finding the perfect curtains to finding the perfect culprit.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and "Deadly Decor" is even better!! The author has used the unique home staging service along with romance to create a very engaging and lively cozy mystery. I am looking forward to reading more in this delightful series and would highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys cozies.

[Katrina Epperson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Rose Smith takes us back to Pennsylvania to visit with Caprice DeLuca. Caprice was an interior designer who turned to home staging with the downward plunge of the economy. She has taken a fledgling idea and grown it into a prosperous business. She is at present working closely with a realtor to stage the home of Eliza Cornwall who is planning to relocate to California. Caprice comes from a close, Italian, family and when one is having problems it can put a great strain on everyone. She is know as a bit of an oddball with her hippie style of dress. She is a great lover of animals and has been known to take them in until homes can be found.
At present Caprice is dating a local doctor, Seth, who has moved from Virginia to Kismet. She has been hurt in the past so a slow, easy relationship is what she needs. Her sister, Bella, and husband, Joe, are having marital problems over an unexpected pregnancy. What she doesn't expect is for Bella to show up at her job to talk or that she would agree to meet an old flame for coffee. Caprice plans to talk to Bella at their Sunday family dinner, but gets distracted when she finds a young, female cocker spaniel hiding in her parents garden. Needing to rush the dog to the vet puts her talk with Bella on hold, but later in the week she runs to the community center to intercept Bella before her coffee date. Unfortunately soon after arriving she hears her sister scream and runs to find her. Bella is in the back of the community center covered in the blood of Bob Preston who is obviously dead. Due to Bella and Bob's history, the fact that she's with the body and covered in it's blood the police automatically have a viable suspect. As Caprice starts connecting the dots she realizes Bella needs an attorney so she calls her bother, Vince, for his assistance. Caprice knows that neither Joe nor Bella could have murdered Bob, but also knows once the police have a viable suspect they won't look any further. Caprice plans to start asking questions even though she has been asked repeatedly by friends and family member not to get involved.
I was so excited to get Deadly Décor. I became invested in this series with the first book. The cover is gorgeous with all the vivid colors and the playful puppies. Even though this is part of a series, it's a stand alone story. I love the humor and mystery that is interlaced through out the book. I like the romantic tension between Grant and Caprice even if they don't understand it yet. The storyline is well written and pulls the reader into the story immediately. A good, clean read. I would recommend this book to anyone. I received this book as a gift from the author for a true and unbiased review as stated above.

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caprice De Luca is a captivating heroine who has a caring heart and a giving nature. She will help anyone in distress, regardless if they're people or animals. When her sister, Bella, and her husband are suspected of murder, she begins tracking down leads. In addition, she is caring for a pregnant cocker spaniel that she found. Can Caprice find the murderer? No one writes a cozy mystery like Karen Rose Smith. Caprice is tenacious in her investigation. She's determined to find the truth. I love all the De Luca family. They are a close knit and loving family who look out for each other. The story has plenty of suspects along with potential motives which will keep the reader guessing up until the very end. I love the romance interwoven into the plot. I'm half in love with Grant. He has his secrets but I know that he cares deeply for Caprice. This story has it all - romance, secrets, and murder. I enjoy the fact that Caprice loves and takes care of any animal that need help. I'm hooked on this series. I can't wait for the next book which comes out in early 2015. By the way the recipes are great. I tried the Blueberry Vanilla Pecan Bread. What a tasty treat!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Decor" has picked up where "Staged To Death" left off, this is a great second book. We get re-introduced to Caprice's sister Bella and brother-in-law Joe who are having marital problems after Joe finds out last that Bella is pregnant with their third child. Caprice falls into the murder solving business again when she finds her sister, Bella standing over the dead body of her painter Bob. Then Bella's husband Joe is also accused of the murder and Caprice must scramble to solve this murder before her family ends up in jail permanently. Caprice's love for animals finds herself with a new stray(Shasta,Cocker Spaniel) that she found in her mother's garden, who just happens to be pregnant. When it comes time to deliver the puppies Grant is there by her side and their friendship takes more unexpected twists. Her love life has become more confusing than ever, no spoilers here, you will just have to read the book to find out what happens on all fronts.

[Judy Pflueger · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Bob Preston is murdered, Caprice's sister, Bella and her husband Joe becomes prime suspects. Caprice knows from experience that Detective Jones can be a bit narrow minded with his investigations. Caprice sets out to find some answers on her own and almost becomes a murder victim herself. Bella and Joe already have enough stress in their marriage without being considered murders. Caprice is kept on her toes with her own love life, running her business, and nurturing a stray dog. This book ties in nicely with the first in the series "Staged to Death" but does not make you feel like you missed something if you did not read the first book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book. In the amidst of her investigation, She was taking care of pregnant Cocker spaniel and doing home staging for Ace Richmond. She also found out from Seth that he was moving to another city and accepting a fellowship in continuing his expertise in a different field of medicine for a year. The investigation was centered from Bella and Joe Santini marriage and Bella pregnancy. Caprice was a caring sister to Bella by helping to solve the mystery who killed Bob Preston.

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caprice is once again drawn into a murder in this outstanding second outing in the Caprice de Luca Home Staging Mystery series.

The dynamic of her relationships is the driving force in this well balanced and intelligently plotted story.  Her growing relationship with Seth takes an unexpected twist while her connection with Grant becomes even more confusing.
Her newest rescue. an adorable pregnant Cocker Spaniel, offers, and of course her cat Sophia provide calm moments in an tense novel.

A 5 Star book at any any other site, I highly recommend this beautifully written novel.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever cozy mystery with an interesting career for the amateur sleuth. I was given a copy of the book to review. While I knew I had ample time before the publication date, I was eager to read the continuing story of Carice De Luca. Now that it is published, I am eagerly awaiting book #3 in this series.

[Mare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caprice De Luca does not disappoint! In the second installment of the series she is treating the reader to decorating tips, family relationships, and of course, murder. Karen Rose Smith has managed to create a charming town with unforgettable characters and page turning prose. I hope to see many more books in this series and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good, solid cozy mystery.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, Karen Rose Smith gives us a great read with Deadly Decor. I loved this book and when I put it down, I couldn't wait until I could pick it up again.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite a letdown from the first one. Mostly because the problems that needed to be tightened up there were just exacerbated here. Most glaringly were very detailed detours that had no impact on the plot, which yes can happen in cozies but there were just... too many... There were still some very abrupt transitions, too.

Oh, and don't get me started on the implausibility of using a pool skimmer as a means of trying to drown/scare someone.

Still an interesting setting and characters—the portrayal of PA is good and I like Caprice's dedication to fostering animals—so I might give the next one a shot. 2.5 stars.

[Susan Leech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caprice De Luca, runs her own home staging business, preparing homes to sell on the market. She is also known to get involved with a murder investigation quite often.

Kismit, Pennsylvania, is your every day quiet small town where everyone knows everyone, as well as their business, there are not many secret that goes unnoticed.

Eliza Cornwall, owner of a mansion, hired Caprice to stag her mansion as she wants to move to L.A. with her Connect Xpress business. Connect Xpress is a video on line dating service.

Everything was going fine until Bob Preston, Caprice's home painter is found murdered behind Kismit's Community Center by Caprice's sister Bella.

The town becomes a busy one with the only leads to the murder leading in the direction of Bella and her husband Joe.

Caprice had to find answers to clear her sister's and brother-in-law's name. Much to the disapproval of the law as well as her lawyer, who happens to be Caprice's brother.

Caprice was stepping on dangerous ground in her questioning and ended up having people following her and giving her the impression she was getting too close to the answers.She continued the search placing herself in line to be the next victim.

Join Caprice De Luca and her family in small town Kismit, Pennsylvania, a close knit family whose warmth will encircle you and cause you to want to be right there with them.

[Lynn Farris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Rose Smith, a prolific and best-selling romance author for over twenty years, has ventured into the mystery genre with an outstanding new series featuring Caprice De Luca. “Deadly Decor” is the second book in the Caprice De Luca Home Staging Mystery Series. This book is squarely in the romantic suspense category.

It isn’t a surprise that one of the great strengths of this book is the romance between the main character, Caprice, and three charming suitors, a doctor, a veterinarian and a lawyer. I rooted for her to stay with each of the three men and they were all amazing in their own right. My guess is we will see this romantic square again in the next book. (Is that what you call it when there are 3 suitors?) I have never read any of Karen Rose Smith’s romances, but based on the romance in this mystery, I understand why she is so successful.

However, romance isn’t the only appealing feature of “Deadly Decor.” I was fascinated by the occupation of home staging and how she goes further to make the open house an event which includes catering by her sister, Nikki. The author includes recipes from the book on her web page.

For the rest of the review, please see: http://www.examiner.com/article/enjoy...

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kismet, PA, Caprice De Luca finds herself in a murder mystery. The problem is it is her ex Bob Preston (house painter). Her sister Bella Santini (P/G, Bee) & Joe are having marriage problems.

Detective Carstead, Detective Jones & Chief Mack Powalski are doing a very thorough investigation.

Caprice carry’s on her daily business of interior decorating (home stager).

Caprice who is quite sneaky is doing her own investigating also. These are her prime suspects: Jeff Garza, Kent Osgood, Jackie Fitz (f) & Danny Flannery.

Will Caprice solve the murder mystery & bring the criminal t justice?

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written murder mystery book. It was very easy to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. No grammar errors, repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make great murder mystery movie, or mini TV series. For the animal lover includes doggies & kitties. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Advance reading copy (Goodreads ARC) book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Décor is the second book in Caprice De Luca Home
Staging Mystery series. The setting is in Kismet, Pennsylvania.
The characters besides Caprice included her whole family, a
doctor she is dating, the clients, the workers used for her jobs,
her brother’s partner, the police, her cat Sophia, a pregnant dog
Shasta/Honey plus the towns people. They are all artfully drawn
sharing with the reader their goodness, quirky or evil tendencies.
The plot involves murder, suspense and load of suspects. You
never guess who the murderer is until the very end with all the
twists and turns the author creates.
The book contains a touch of humor along with a touch of
romance. At the end of the book are delicious recipes.
A quick cozy read you will enjoy!!

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home-stager, Caprice De Luca, finds trouble in every direction in this excellent cozy mystery. Her pregnant sister, Bella, is on the verge of divorce. Her boyfriend, Seth, has a job dilemma. Caprice has found a stray cocker spaniel that's expecting 5 puppies. Her main, go-to painter, just kicked the bucket. And, worst of all, someone's trying to kill her, too!! Caprice's decorating business is doing great, but unless she can figure out who's drawn a target on her back, and why; her plans may go up in smoke. So cleverly plotted; I never suspected nor gave this murderer a second thought! I was stunned at the reveal. Once you start reading, you won't want to put this book down!

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carpirce De Luca, the namesake of this series, once again finds herself embroiled in a murder. This time her own sister, Bella, as well as Bella's husband, Joe, are both suspects in the killing!

Honestly, Ms. Smith had me scrambling for a guess on this one. She wrote in plenty of red herrings to throw the reader off track. I never did guess correctly! Once I knew "whodunit", I realized just how clever the author had been.

Decorating, the retro look, love of animals, strong relationships, and of course a great mystery, insure there will be further, adventures in the Caprice De Luca Mystery series.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every bit as good as the first one - I've found a new "keeper" author! This second book wasn't as vividly descriptive of Clarice's vintage clothing or home staging and I did miss that a little. Clarice is a realistic character that I like a lot. I also prefer a dash of romance with my cozies and the author provides that in a way that enhances the story, but in no way overpowers it. I am eagerly awaiting the next in the series and have already pre-ordered it!

[Homerun2 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping this book would build on and be better than the first. But I only made it to page 84. Caprice is a stubborn, meddling know-it-all with a parasitic relationship with her overly self-absorbed yet one-dimensional family. Done with them.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad mystery but it got a bit overshadowed by the main character's love life, decorating and dog birthing tips. Pleasant diversion.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars The issue of transitions without page or chapter break continues. Also unnecessary filler.

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like Caprice even though she would definitely Sto declutter. The character is written as a very caring person that is dedicated to family, animals and her clients. When her brother-in-law and sister become the main suspects in a murder, she steps in trying to find out who did it. At, the same time, she is caring for a lost dog that is expecting, her own cat and her house staging business. The sister was meeting with a former flame who was a house painter. Bella is pregnant and her husband wonders if it is his. She stages homes and a rock musician buys one she decorated and hires her to re-do his new home before a party in ten days. His daughter hates her room and Caprice gets him to hire a young man who did a mural in his pool house to do one in his daughter's room. It is a good match and the musician is willing to help the young man go to art school and sell his t-shirts and sneakers. This book is very well-written. I enjoyed that Caprice was up for an award and goes shopping for a dress. She chooses a 20ths theme dress and I had just gone to a 1920's themed New Year's Eve party. I will use this book as my career based cozy mystery. It is a very good one.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caprice and family and friends are at it again. This time, it's her sister and b-i-l who are suspect in a murder. So of course, Caprice can't leave it alone. And her love life continues to become more complicated as well.

Karen Rose Smith writes a good mystery with characters who are so real, I want to hire Caprice to stage my house! (Though she can leave the murder stuff at home, thank you very much). Real characters with real problems, a murder, and a small town that is also very real. This is an enjoyable read that leaves you satisfied at the end, and family recipes included in the end are a nice touch.

A good cozy mystery that is sure to satisfy.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caprice is dating, rescuing adorable cocker spaniels and decorating room interiors. She is worried about her pregnant sister Bella and her marriage that seems to be crumbling apart. She tries to help her sister by telling her to talk to Joe (her husband) and find out what is keeping him out so late at night. Then a former friend from high school wants to meet Bella for coffee. The former flame is found dead in a pool of blood and house paint. All eyes are on Bella's husband and Caprice is out to help Joe and prove him innocent. Caprice gets involved in finding suspects and almost gets killed twice in the process. Good read and Lots of action.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caprice gets caught up in a new murder mystery to keep her sister Bella and her brother-in-law Joe out of jail. Meanwhile she rescues a sweet dog who is pregnant and finds out her boyfriend Seth is taking a year-long fellowship in another city. Fortunately she has family and friends who help and her complicated relationship with Grant, her brother's law partner. Caprice's staging business takes a back seat to decorating for a famous musician and his daughter. This was a sound follow up to the first book in the series, a cozy, fast read with a nice, but nosy heroine.