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Deadly Notions Mystery #2
A Dollhouse to Die For
Daisy Buchanan thinks of her shop, Sometimes a Great Notion, as more than just a business. For her, it’s a haven of vintage sewing notions and other treasures, excellent coffee, and camaraderie. But when an antique dollhouse provokes some bizarre behavior on the part of a customer, Daisy makes it her business to find out what secrets are hidden behind its tiny doors…
At an estate auction, Daisy is delighted to find the perfect present for a young girl she knows—a charming dollhouse in need of restoration. But when local collector Harriet Kunes tries to strong-arm Daisy into selling it, she’s in for a shocking—and deadly—surprise.
After an intruder breaks in and tries to steal the dollhouse, Daisy wonders why everyone has developed such an obsession over it. As she builds her collection of clues, she suspects that the miniature Victorian holds the key to a second unsolved murder, and soon she stumbles across much more than she bid on…
Includes creative tips for vintage notions!
At an estate auction, Daisy is delighted to find the perfect present for a young girl she knows—a charming dollhouse in need of restoration. But when local collector Harriet Kunes tries to strong-arm Daisy into selling it, she’s in for a shocking—and deadly—surprise.
After an intruder breaks in and tries to steal the dollhouse, Daisy wonders why everyone has developed such an obsession over it. As she builds her collection of clues, she suspects that the miniature Victorian holds the key to a second unsolved murder, and soon she stumbles across much more than she bid on…
Includes creative tips for vintage notions!
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 6, 2014
25 people are currently reading
1388 people want to read
About the author
Cate Price
3 books121 followersCate Price is a regular sight on the streets of her home town walking her two amazing rescue dogs, and enjoys gardening, antiquing, and cooking with friends. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime and Romance Writers of America.
Writing this series proved to be rather a dangerous project, because while researching auction houses, she also became addicted to bidding on box lots. GOING THROUGH THE NOTIONS and A DOLLHOUSE TO DIE FOR are the first and second books in the Deadly Notions mystery series, and Cate is hard at work on the third, LIE OF THE NEEDLE.
She loves to connect with friends at her website, www.cateprice.com, via email to cate@cateprice.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/catepriceauthor
Writing this series proved to be rather a dangerous project, because while researching auction houses, she also became addicted to bidding on box lots. GOING THROUGH THE NOTIONS and A DOLLHOUSE TO DIE FOR are the first and second books in the Deadly Notions mystery series, and Cate is hard at work on the third, LIE OF THE NEEDLE.
She loves to connect with friends at her website, www.cateprice.com, via email to cate@cateprice.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/catepriceauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 19, 2014
I got this free from the author. This is my honest review.
This book had my attention with the title. Loving all things about dollhouses, I had high hopes for this book and it definitely exceeded my expectations. Daisy Buchanan runs her vintage notions and sewing shop, Sometimes A Notion, as a guilty pleasure after having taught school for a number of years. It's position amongst other speciality shops makes it a great place for gathering friends for gossip and some of friend, Martha's, baked goods.
Daisy wants to give her young friend, Claire, a dollhouse for her birthday, and finds just the perfect one to buy and fix up for her at a local estate sale. But when another collector goes bonkers trying to buy it from Daisy, something becomes very strange and deadly. What is it about this particular dollhouse that is so special? Daisy's maintaining her store may depend upon her finding out about murder and wills.
I love the characters in these Deadly Notions Mysteries. First if all, the heroine is happily married, with the usual frictions found in marriages. With so many books focusing on single or divorced folks, I enjoy that Daisy is more like myself for a change. Daisy's friends in the community are all unique and fun--folks I'd enjoy having around. The descriptions and information about dollhouses is great, especially about the lighting. All around great story with a mystery that kept me thinking right along with Daisy. This is becoming one of my favorite series!!
This book had my attention with the title. Loving all things about dollhouses, I had high hopes for this book and it definitely exceeded my expectations. Daisy Buchanan runs her vintage notions and sewing shop, Sometimes A Notion, as a guilty pleasure after having taught school for a number of years. It's position amongst other speciality shops makes it a great place for gathering friends for gossip and some of friend, Martha's, baked goods.
Daisy wants to give her young friend, Claire, a dollhouse for her birthday, and finds just the perfect one to buy and fix up for her at a local estate sale. But when another collector goes bonkers trying to buy it from Daisy, something becomes very strange and deadly. What is it about this particular dollhouse that is so special? Daisy's maintaining her store may depend upon her finding out about murder and wills.
I love the characters in these Deadly Notions Mysteries. First if all, the heroine is happily married, with the usual frictions found in marriages. With so many books focusing on single or divorced folks, I enjoy that Daisy is more like myself for a change. Daisy's friends in the community are all unique and fun--folks I'd enjoy having around. The descriptions and information about dollhouses is great, especially about the lighting. All around great story with a mystery that kept me thinking right along with Daisy. This is becoming one of my favorite series!!
January 16, 2016
Daisy loves her store and some changes in town put that store in jeopardy. While Daisy is dealing with that her husband Joe finds a new hobby. Add to this a very unusual murder and they have their hands full.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I absolutely loved this story. Daisy and Joe are one of my favorite cozy couples. Retired but not ready to stop working and they have both found new passions. We found out about Daisy’s in Going Through the Notions and now Joe seems to have found his too. Plus their lives are not easy. In addition to trying to catch a killer, they have to work to find time together, and must deal with leaky pipes and emergency home repairs.
I also enjoyed Daisy working with Cyril to restore the dollhouse and Joe being mentored by Mac in his new project. Tony Serrano, the hunky detective, still makes even married women’s heart beat a little faster. Eleanor, Laura and Martha are back too. The main and supporting characters are so well developed. It is so easy to feel like you actually know them.
The mystery itself was a complex and had its share of surprising twists. I read the book all in one sitting. I just could not put it down even to go to sleep.
The book also includes tips for decorating a dollhouse and a preview of Book 3, Lie of the Needle.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I absolutely loved this story. Daisy and Joe are one of my favorite cozy couples. Retired but not ready to stop working and they have both found new passions. We found out about Daisy’s in Going Through the Notions and now Joe seems to have found his too. Plus their lives are not easy. In addition to trying to catch a killer, they have to work to find time together, and must deal with leaky pipes and emergency home repairs.
I also enjoyed Daisy working with Cyril to restore the dollhouse and Joe being mentored by Mac in his new project. Tony Serrano, the hunky detective, still makes even married women’s heart beat a little faster. Eleanor, Laura and Martha are back too. The main and supporting characters are so well developed. It is so easy to feel like you actually know them.
The mystery itself was a complex and had its share of surprising twists. I read the book all in one sitting. I just could not put it down even to go to sleep.
The book also includes tips for decorating a dollhouse and a preview of Book 3, Lie of the Needle.
May 7, 2014
5 Stars!! Highly recommended! It's fall in the quaint village of Millsbury, PA, and Daisy Buchanan's shop, Sometimes A Great Notion, is doing a booming business selling vintage linens and sewing notions! Harriet Kunes, a rather irritating customer, wants to buy a dollhouse Daisy recently purchased at an auction, even though it's not for sale!! It's a birthday gift for a special little girl in Daisy's life. When an angry Harriet leaves her eyeglasses at the shop, Daisy and her husband, Joe, take them by her house, only to find Harriet dead amidst her enormous dollhouse collection!
Handsome Detective, Tony Serrano, is called to the suspicious crime scene. Harriet and her husband, Birch, are separated, and his mistress, Bettina, is preggers. Someone is trying to scare Daisy, and her new landlord wants to drastically increase her rent. The number of suspects rises, and Daisy can't make sense out of all the chaos going on.
Cate Price skillfully sets up roadblock after roadblock as you try to make sense of the secrets being hidden by more than one person. Once all the secrets are revealed, you'll know that where there's a will, there's a way.
I was provided with an advanced reader copy by the publisher, and I left an honest review.
Handsome Detective, Tony Serrano, is called to the suspicious crime scene. Harriet and her husband, Birch, are separated, and his mistress, Bettina, is preggers. Someone is trying to scare Daisy, and her new landlord wants to drastically increase her rent. The number of suspects rises, and Daisy can't make sense out of all the chaos going on.
Cate Price skillfully sets up roadblock after roadblock as you try to make sense of the secrets being hidden by more than one person. Once all the secrets are revealed, you'll know that where there's a will, there's a way.
I was provided with an advanced reader copy by the publisher, and I left an honest review.
October 14, 2022
There is something about this series that draws me in. I’m not much on sewing and notions in particular but I like learning the little tidbits offered in each book. I will definitely be looking at the sewing notions at flea markets with a new eye wondering about the story behind them.
This book takes place in the fall and ends around Halloween time and is a perfect read for a chilly fall night. I wished I had a cozy fireplace to snuggle up to while reading. The pumpkin storyline added fun. I’ve seen these award-winning pumpkins and how serious the growers get.
My only complaint was we didn’t get to see Claire’s reaction to her birthday present of the dollhouse. The dollhouse was the center of the story and new friendships were made over it and boom the murder was solved and no more about it. Maybe the last book in the three book series will give me closer on this storyline.
This book takes place in the fall and ends around Halloween time and is a perfect read for a chilly fall night. I wished I had a cozy fireplace to snuggle up to while reading. The pumpkin storyline added fun. I’ve seen these award-winning pumpkins and how serious the growers get.
My only complaint was we didn’t get to see Claire’s reaction to her birthday present of the dollhouse. The dollhouse was the center of the story and new friendships were made over it and boom the murder was solved and no more about it. Maybe the last book in the three book series will give me closer on this storyline.
May 5, 2014
A Dollhouse to Die For is the second book in the A Deadly Notions Mystery series.
Daisy Buchanan has found a "fixer-upper" dollhouse at an auction that will be ideal for Claire, a ten year old friend of hers. Then Harriet Kunes comes to her shop and offers $1,000 for the dollhouse she is quite surprised, but still refuses to sell it. Daisy then finds that Kune has forgotten her eye glasses, Daisy and her husband decide to return them to her. But when they get there, the front door is ajar and Kunes has been electrocuted by one her many dollhouses. Then the next day someone breaks into Daisy's shop and is making off with the dollhouse just as she is going by the shop. When Daisy finds out that Sophie, who had owned the dollhouse had died of possibly not natural causes, she wants to know if the two deaths might be related and who might have the most to gain. Sophie dies without leaving a will, but there is talk that one does exist and maybe it is somehow tied into the dollhouse.
Most all the wonderful characters from the first book are back to help Daisy to reconstruct the mystery surrounding the possibly valuable dollhouse. Martha is back and baking wonderful desserts and Eleanor, who has a shop across the street, is as a sounding board for Daisy's sleuthing. Daisy's husband, Joe, has found a new hobby of making furniture for dollhouse, which causes some consternation for Daisy. The handsome detective, Tony Serrano, is back sending the women's hearts a flutter.
Helpful household hints and recipes are also included.
Looking forward to visiting this quaint little Pennsylvania community.
Daisy Buchanan has found a "fixer-upper" dollhouse at an auction that will be ideal for Claire, a ten year old friend of hers. Then Harriet Kunes comes to her shop and offers $1,000 for the dollhouse she is quite surprised, but still refuses to sell it. Daisy then finds that Kune has forgotten her eye glasses, Daisy and her husband decide to return them to her. But when they get there, the front door is ajar and Kunes has been electrocuted by one her many dollhouses. Then the next day someone breaks into Daisy's shop and is making off with the dollhouse just as she is going by the shop. When Daisy finds out that Sophie, who had owned the dollhouse had died of possibly not natural causes, she wants to know if the two deaths might be related and who might have the most to gain. Sophie dies without leaving a will, but there is talk that one does exist and maybe it is somehow tied into the dollhouse.
Most all the wonderful characters from the first book are back to help Daisy to reconstruct the mystery surrounding the possibly valuable dollhouse. Martha is back and baking wonderful desserts and Eleanor, who has a shop across the street, is as a sounding board for Daisy's sleuthing. Daisy's husband, Joe, has found a new hobby of making furniture for dollhouse, which causes some consternation for Daisy. The handsome detective, Tony Serrano, is back sending the women's hearts a flutter.
Helpful household hints and recipes are also included.
Looking forward to visiting this quaint little Pennsylvania community.
July 10, 2014
A Dollhouse to Die For by Cate Price
The Second Deadly Notions Mystery
Daisy Buchanan discovers a dollhouse that will be a perfect gift for a young friend, after a little restoration. But Daisy gets more than she bargained for with this purchase. There must be something more than meets the eye to this dollhouse. A dollhouse fanatic tries to buy it from her at a price much higher than its value, then someone tries to steal it! When Daisy finds the fanatic dead, electrocuted by one of her own dollhouses, she can't help but look into the crime. Unfortunately, she also has to look for a new location for her store, Sometimes a Great Notion, as she has a new landlord who wants to raise her rent threefold.
I admit that I had some issues with Daisy Buchanan in the first book of the series. I didn't really like her. In her second outing, however, I find that the behavior that bothered me in Going Through the Notions wasn't noticeable in A Dollhouse to Die For. Perhaps Daisy has grown, or possibly, the simple fact that she wasn't interacting with her daughter meant she hadn't the opportunity to bother me. Whatever the case, Cate made me like Daisy in this book and I enjoyed reading it.
Cate Price showcases the world of dollhouses and their collectors in the second book of the Deadly Notions Mystery series. We see the interest and the fanaticism, and how easily one can lead to the other. By the end of the book even I wanted to fix up my own dollhouse!
Household tips and recipes included.
The Second Deadly Notions Mystery
Daisy Buchanan discovers a dollhouse that will be a perfect gift for a young friend, after a little restoration. But Daisy gets more than she bargained for with this purchase. There must be something more than meets the eye to this dollhouse. A dollhouse fanatic tries to buy it from her at a price much higher than its value, then someone tries to steal it! When Daisy finds the fanatic dead, electrocuted by one of her own dollhouses, she can't help but look into the crime. Unfortunately, she also has to look for a new location for her store, Sometimes a Great Notion, as she has a new landlord who wants to raise her rent threefold.
I admit that I had some issues with Daisy Buchanan in the first book of the series. I didn't really like her. In her second outing, however, I find that the behavior that bothered me in Going Through the Notions wasn't noticeable in A Dollhouse to Die For. Perhaps Daisy has grown, or possibly, the simple fact that she wasn't interacting with her daughter meant she hadn't the opportunity to bother me. Whatever the case, Cate made me like Daisy in this book and I enjoyed reading it.
Cate Price showcases the world of dollhouses and their collectors in the second book of the Deadly Notions Mystery series. We see the interest and the fanaticism, and how easily one can lead to the other. By the end of the book even I wanted to fix up my own dollhouse!
Household tips and recipes included.
August 3, 2015
Daisy is a really fun gal. She’s a retired teacher and by combining her love of history with a vintage notions store, she’s created a perfect niche for herself. I loved all of her friends and the supporting characters. Well—I loved most of the supporting characters. A few were just plain jerks…but that’s to be expected in any town. The characters were well developed and I felt a rapport with them. It was as if I was sitting around with my coffee klatch women discussing everything and nothing all at the same time.
Overall, this second installment in the series is really well crafted and well written. I have not read the first book in the series, but this title stands alone. I think for a second book, Cate Price shows incredible talent and is developed farther than I would have expected. There were a few times where the story slowed and more red herrings that I usually like in a story, but the characters were charming and distinct and the storyline was well developed. I look forward to more titles from Cate Price in the future.
-- ROBYN
Overall, this second installment in the series is really well crafted and well written. I have not read the first book in the series, but this title stands alone. I think for a second book, Cate Price shows incredible talent and is developed farther than I would have expected. There were a few times where the story slowed and more red herrings that I usually like in a story, but the characters were charming and distinct and the storyline was well developed. I look forward to more titles from Cate Price in the future.
-- ROBYN
March 15, 2015
Let’s visit the small, quaint town of Millsbury, PA. It is here
that Daisy Buchanan owns a shop called Sometimes A Great
Notion. She sells vintage sewing items and notions. She attends
auctions to obtain some of her wares. In this book, Daisy bids
and wins a dollhouse that she will spruce up as a birthday
present. But this dollhouse is creating a sensation, thus the title
“ A Dollhouse to Die For”
Get ready to settle down for a good cozy mystery. The
characters are well developed, unique and vivid. They become
involved in plenty of mystery, suspense with some romance.
There are many twists and turns surprising you at every turn.
This cozy will is a compulsive page turner.
It was real interesting learning the seriousness of dollhouse
owners in designing their houses.
This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand
alone and easily understood. I have not read the first but will be
doing so as the characters are very entertaining
that Daisy Buchanan owns a shop called Sometimes A Great
Notion. She sells vintage sewing items and notions. She attends
auctions to obtain some of her wares. In this book, Daisy bids
and wins a dollhouse that she will spruce up as a birthday
present. But this dollhouse is creating a sensation, thus the title
“ A Dollhouse to Die For”
Get ready to settle down for a good cozy mystery. The
characters are well developed, unique and vivid. They become
involved in plenty of mystery, suspense with some romance.
There are many twists and turns surprising you at every turn.
This cozy will is a compulsive page turner.
It was real interesting learning the seriousness of dollhouse
owners in designing their houses.
This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand
alone and easily understood. I have not read the first but will be
doing so as the characters are very entertaining
July 19, 2016
I love dollhouses. I find them interesting and sometimes even a little bit creepy, in a good way, so I was drawn to this book immediately. I loved the characters so much. Daisy Buchanan owns a vintage sewing shop called Sometimes a Great Notion. She also sells other various items and antiques. She attends an estate sale and buys an old dollhouse for the daughter of a friend. It seems very suspicious when a customer, and dollhouse collector, practically demands that Daisy sell her the dollhouse. Later, this customer turns up dead and the puzzle begins. With many twists and turns, and very likable, unique characters, this book grabbed me from the very beginning and I really almost hated for it to end. I'm very much looking forward to the next in the series.
July 18, 2014
So much fun to be back in Millbury with Daisy and the gang for a second caper! This time, the coveted object is a dollhouse, described lovingly and realistically (made me want one of my own). The secondary characters are quirky and fun, and Price keeps you guessing as the clues--and the bodies--pile up. A sweet bonus is the enviable marriage of Joe and Daisy, who even at a "certain age" engage in public make-out sessions. Also looking forward to see what the author also has in mind for the hunky Detective Serrano, who in a hilarious sub-plot, seems to be running from every passionate female in town!
June 16, 2014
An excellent read if you're a fan of the "Cozy" mystery genre.
January 12, 2015
A page turner!!!!!.....Better than her first book...I'm hooked!!
May 11, 2016
Very interesting cozy mystery. Definitely worth the read especially if you like your protagonists a bit older.
December 30, 2019
2019 bk 429. Rarely do I pick up the second book in a series and read it all the way through without putting it down to purchase number 1 so that I will understand what is going on in #2. The author did such a good job of incorporating essential information from book 1 that I felt I was reading the first book in the series. I loved this cozy mystery. Things didn't always go the way I anticipated, I did learn more about dollhouses and dollhouse furniture and commercial real estate than I thought I would. The author writes excellent descriptions, characters that I wish were alive and that I knew, and even the side characters were 3 dimensional. Loved it.
June 21, 2017
It was an interesting cozy mystery, and I learned more about dollhouses and miniatures than I ever thought I would know. Some suspense, but not enough to stress me out. Just enough clues to have me guessing and trying to figure out "who done it."
December 14, 2017
Interesting book. I love Cate Price's quirky descriptions!
March 18, 2018
I am not at all interested in dollhouses and miniatures but found this book a good read due to the interesting characters.
May 13, 2014
http://openbooksociety.com/article/a-...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
A Dollhouse To Die For is a lively romp of a cozy, filled with so many enjoyable characters and twists and turns a plenty. Daisy Buchanan owns Sometimes a Great Notion, a store full of vintage sewing goodies and other treasures. Her friends Martha and Eleanor stop by most mornings for chat sessions and delicious baked goods courtesy of Martha. When Daisy picks up a vintage dollhouse in an estate sale that she plans to repair and give to a friend’s daughter everything goes crazy. After a dollhouse collector winds up dead and a break in at the shop, Daisy finds herself embroiled in the investigation. Along with Detective Serrano(hunk of the village), Daisy sets out to find answers. And she does eventually, after several wrong turns.
The setting is the quaint village of Millbury, PA. Not only is the town enchanting and described beautifully, but all of the many characters come to life with entertaining dialects, fun situations and true village camaraderie. While I did feel there were a few too many characters to deal with, Ms Price was able to make them all not only fit together well, but to keep them pertinent to the story line. Even for someone who does not know the first thing about sewing or dollhouses, the information Ms Price uses in this book is enjoyable and a pleasure to read about. There were so many little stories within the big picture that you never got bored or had the time to figure the whole mystery out too early.
I did not read the first book in the series, Going Through the Notions, however that was not a problem. The murder investigation was entertaining and intelligent. The characters were well developed and for the most part believable. Daisy was not portrayed as the silly amateur some cozy main characters can be. The only complaint I would have is the seemingly required jealousy that a lot of cozy series have. And while I did enjoy all of the many characters, I would have preferred less of them to keep track of in the story line and am not sure they were all necessary.
I would recommend A Dollhouse to Die For to any cozy reader. I have definitely found a new series to enjoy. For anyone who enjoys dolls, dollhouses or vintage trinkets, this would be a perfect fit. The book is entertaining and well written. Anyone that enjoys a good mystery, with good friends and an occasional glass of wine will be truly pleased with this book. Also as an added bonus, at the end you will find not only fun dollhouse hints and creative tips for vintage notions, but several great recipes as well. I can not wait for the 3rd installment of Deadly Notions Mysteries. And will probably have to go back and read the first installment as well.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
A Dollhouse To Die For is a lively romp of a cozy, filled with so many enjoyable characters and twists and turns a plenty. Daisy Buchanan owns Sometimes a Great Notion, a store full of vintage sewing goodies and other treasures. Her friends Martha and Eleanor stop by most mornings for chat sessions and delicious baked goods courtesy of Martha. When Daisy picks up a vintage dollhouse in an estate sale that she plans to repair and give to a friend’s daughter everything goes crazy. After a dollhouse collector winds up dead and a break in at the shop, Daisy finds herself embroiled in the investigation. Along with Detective Serrano(hunk of the village), Daisy sets out to find answers. And she does eventually, after several wrong turns.
The setting is the quaint village of Millbury, PA. Not only is the town enchanting and described beautifully, but all of the many characters come to life with entertaining dialects, fun situations and true village camaraderie. While I did feel there were a few too many characters to deal with, Ms Price was able to make them all not only fit together well, but to keep them pertinent to the story line. Even for someone who does not know the first thing about sewing or dollhouses, the information Ms Price uses in this book is enjoyable and a pleasure to read about. There were so many little stories within the big picture that you never got bored or had the time to figure the whole mystery out too early.
I did not read the first book in the series, Going Through the Notions, however that was not a problem. The murder investigation was entertaining and intelligent. The characters were well developed and for the most part believable. Daisy was not portrayed as the silly amateur some cozy main characters can be. The only complaint I would have is the seemingly required jealousy that a lot of cozy series have. And while I did enjoy all of the many characters, I would have preferred less of them to keep track of in the story line and am not sure they were all necessary.
I would recommend A Dollhouse to Die For to any cozy reader. I have definitely found a new series to enjoy. For anyone who enjoys dolls, dollhouses or vintage trinkets, this would be a perfect fit. The book is entertaining and well written. Anyone that enjoys a good mystery, with good friends and an occasional glass of wine will be truly pleased with this book. Also as an added bonus, at the end you will find not only fun dollhouse hints and creative tips for vintage notions, but several great recipes as well. I can not wait for the 3rd installment of Deadly Notions Mysteries. And will probably have to go back and read the first installment as well.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
May 12, 2014
If you are in the notion to read about notions, this is the book! A Dollhouse to Die For is the second book in the Deadly Notions series and readers are treated to story that keep them guessing all the way through. Cate Price gives readers not a only two murders to consider, but lots of fantastic details about collecting and working with dollhouses and what they can be worth. Price has created a series with great characters and lots of different mystery angles to work with. A great addition to an interesting series.
What I liked:
In the first book of this series, readers are introduced to the idea of a 'notions store', a place where buyers can find unique and different kinds of items. I loved the idea from the beginning. It's also interesting to me the way shop owner, Daisy Buchanan goes about getting her items. The dollhouse which is a big part the latest book, comes from an estate sale. It's like antiquing, only a little different. Daisy sells everything from vintage linens to toys. And Cate Price has certainly done her homework on the kinds of things people might come looking for in a shop of this type. It comes across as authentic and very believable.
Do I think a dollhouse can be so valuable that people would kill for it? Absolutely! People have killed for a lot less to be sure. The idea was certainly plausible. There are lots of different reasons that something can be valuable and I liked the way that Price, explains some of that to the reader along with the back story for this book. The dollhouse angle was interesting and made me even go back and take a look at the dollhouse I had as a kid. One of my most prized possessions as a child. Loved all the collecting facts and tidbits of information about dollhouses in this one. An interesting and unique idea.
Daisy once again surprises me with her intuition and her ability to get down to the nitty gritty when it comes to figuring out what happened. Not only is a local dollhouse collector dead, but the lady who previously owned the dollhouse died under mysterious circumstances. Then someone tries to steal the dollhouse. There's definitely something up with this dollhouse! Daisy doesn't stand around twiddling her thumbs she gets her hands dirty and starts sorting through it all. I love the secondary characters in the book and how they helped her, including her husband Joe and the handsome police detective.
What I didn't like:
There was a little too much focus on Daisy's personal life to suit me. Figuring out where she was going to live should not have been on par with figuring out who committed two murders. But I did enjoy learning more about Daisy as a person, as opposed to Daisy the salesman and Daisy the amateur sleuth.
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent story. I loved the dollhouse facts and Price certainly kept it interesting from first word to last. Not bad for a second book in the series. Lots of potential here.
What I liked:
In the first book of this series, readers are introduced to the idea of a 'notions store', a place where buyers can find unique and different kinds of items. I loved the idea from the beginning. It's also interesting to me the way shop owner, Daisy Buchanan goes about getting her items. The dollhouse which is a big part the latest book, comes from an estate sale. It's like antiquing, only a little different. Daisy sells everything from vintage linens to toys. And Cate Price has certainly done her homework on the kinds of things people might come looking for in a shop of this type. It comes across as authentic and very believable.
Do I think a dollhouse can be so valuable that people would kill for it? Absolutely! People have killed for a lot less to be sure. The idea was certainly plausible. There are lots of different reasons that something can be valuable and I liked the way that Price, explains some of that to the reader along with the back story for this book. The dollhouse angle was interesting and made me even go back and take a look at the dollhouse I had as a kid. One of my most prized possessions as a child. Loved all the collecting facts and tidbits of information about dollhouses in this one. An interesting and unique idea.
Daisy once again surprises me with her intuition and her ability to get down to the nitty gritty when it comes to figuring out what happened. Not only is a local dollhouse collector dead, but the lady who previously owned the dollhouse died under mysterious circumstances. Then someone tries to steal the dollhouse. There's definitely something up with this dollhouse! Daisy doesn't stand around twiddling her thumbs she gets her hands dirty and starts sorting through it all. I love the secondary characters in the book and how they helped her, including her husband Joe and the handsome police detective.
What I didn't like:
There was a little too much focus on Daisy's personal life to suit me. Figuring out where she was going to live should not have been on par with figuring out who committed two murders. But I did enjoy learning more about Daisy as a person, as opposed to Daisy the salesman and Daisy the amateur sleuth.
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent story. I loved the dollhouse facts and Price certainly kept it interesting from first word to last. Not bad for a second book in the series. Lots of potential here.
December 20, 2015
A Dollhouse to Die For is the second book in the Deadly Notion Mystery series.
Daisy is planning to restore the dollhouse she purchased at auction and give her as a birthday gift to Claire, the little girl of her friend, Patsy Elliott. Harriet Kunes, a fanatic local collector of dolls and dollhouses with a bad attitude, tries to buy the dollhouse from Daisy and makes a great fuss when Daisy refuses to sell it.
Daisy and her husband, Joe find Harriet dead in her house. She was apparently electrocuted by one of her beloved dollhouses. After an intruder breaks into her shop, Sometimes a Great Notion and tries to steal the dollhouse, Daisy becomes curious about why there is such an interest in it. The dollhouse belonged to a local wealthy woman who recently died. She was known as a recluse and was a great friend of Harriet's. Daisy starts to wonder about what secret does the dollhouse contain, about her former owner and how does the dollhouse connect to Harriet and her death.
In A Dollhouse to Die For, Daisy has to deal with a string of bad luck. Besides finding dead bodies, she has problems with the lease of her shop, with her house and she is trying to economise. Also, Joe has discovered a new interest in making miniatures and she isn't sure how she feels about it.
Daisy's friends from Millbury, who were present in Going Through the Notions, make an appearance in this novel, too and the secret of the mysterious and hot detective, Tony Serrano is revealed.
I enjoyed reading this book very much. I loved the talk about dolls and dollhouses. It reminded me of my childhood. I liked to play with dolls and I had a lot of accessories for them. Even though I never had a dollhouse, I would have been over the moon happy to have one.
I like Cate Price's style of writing. She has characters you can sympathise with. They are real in believable situations.
There were a lot of suspects in this book and I was very curious to know what happened. I found it very hard not to peek at the end, to see who the killer was.
Daisy is planning to restore the dollhouse she purchased at auction and give her as a birthday gift to Claire, the little girl of her friend, Patsy Elliott. Harriet Kunes, a fanatic local collector of dolls and dollhouses with a bad attitude, tries to buy the dollhouse from Daisy and makes a great fuss when Daisy refuses to sell it.
Daisy and her husband, Joe find Harriet dead in her house. She was apparently electrocuted by one of her beloved dollhouses. After an intruder breaks into her shop, Sometimes a Great Notion and tries to steal the dollhouse, Daisy becomes curious about why there is such an interest in it. The dollhouse belonged to a local wealthy woman who recently died. She was known as a recluse and was a great friend of Harriet's. Daisy starts to wonder about what secret does the dollhouse contain, about her former owner and how does the dollhouse connect to Harriet and her death.
In A Dollhouse to Die For, Daisy has to deal with a string of bad luck. Besides finding dead bodies, she has problems with the lease of her shop, with her house and she is trying to economise. Also, Joe has discovered a new interest in making miniatures and she isn't sure how she feels about it.
Daisy's friends from Millbury, who were present in Going Through the Notions, make an appearance in this novel, too and the secret of the mysterious and hot detective, Tony Serrano is revealed.
I enjoyed reading this book very much. I loved the talk about dolls and dollhouses. It reminded me of my childhood. I liked to play with dolls and I had a lot of accessories for them. Even though I never had a dollhouse, I would have been over the moon happy to have one.
I like Cate Price's style of writing. She has characters you can sympathise with. They are real in believable situations.
There were a lot of suspects in this book and I was very curious to know what happened. I found it very hard not to peek at the end, to see who the killer was.
February 16, 2015
Oh my goodness, what a fun and exciting read!
Daisy Buchanan has a lot going on for her. She owns a quaint little shop called Sometimes a Great Notion, that is more than just a business to her - it's her happiness and a place to escape. When she wins the perfect little dollhouse for a little girl to restore before delivering it for her birthday, the last thing Daisy expected was for a local collector Harriet Kunes to be so adamant upon buying the dollhouse at whatever cost. Baffled by this, Daisy is unsure of what the sudden interest in the dollhouse is, but before she could find out farther from Harriet - the woman turns up dead midst her own dollhouse.
I really enjoyed this one. I never owned a dollhouse growing up or in my life, so it was kind of fun to read about it in the book. I have heard of people buying these specialty houses where they can customize basically everything. So when I saw this book, I knew I just had to read it. I didn't know how much work is put into the little furniture for the dollhouses or how high the price can be for the little mini's. But I did learn that it came in different varieties as well!
Besides learning a bit about dollhouses I really enjoyed the story. Daisy is a wonderful sleuth that I was more than happy to follow around as she tried to uncover the secret to the dollhouse and the fact that it might hold something to a second unsolved murder. And just who might kill in order to get to it? With Harriet's estranged husband and his pregnant new fiancée on top of her list, Daisy not only tries to uncover the mystery behind the murder but she needs to do it on time before her new landlord raises her unfair rent and takes away everything she ever loved.
Really loved Daisy, a great mystery to follow and the mysteries but handsome Detective Tony Serrano has me wondering just what he has to hide. Looking forward to more of Daisy :)
I got a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
Daisy Buchanan has a lot going on for her. She owns a quaint little shop called Sometimes a Great Notion, that is more than just a business to her - it's her happiness and a place to escape. When she wins the perfect little dollhouse for a little girl to restore before delivering it for her birthday, the last thing Daisy expected was for a local collector Harriet Kunes to be so adamant upon buying the dollhouse at whatever cost. Baffled by this, Daisy is unsure of what the sudden interest in the dollhouse is, but before she could find out farther from Harriet - the woman turns up dead midst her own dollhouse.
I really enjoyed this one. I never owned a dollhouse growing up or in my life, so it was kind of fun to read about it in the book. I have heard of people buying these specialty houses where they can customize basically everything. So when I saw this book, I knew I just had to read it. I didn't know how much work is put into the little furniture for the dollhouses or how high the price can be for the little mini's. But I did learn that it came in different varieties as well!
Besides learning a bit about dollhouses I really enjoyed the story. Daisy is a wonderful sleuth that I was more than happy to follow around as she tried to uncover the secret to the dollhouse and the fact that it might hold something to a second unsolved murder. And just who might kill in order to get to it? With Harriet's estranged husband and his pregnant new fiancée on top of her list, Daisy not only tries to uncover the mystery behind the murder but she needs to do it on time before her new landlord raises her unfair rent and takes away everything she ever loved.
Really loved Daisy, a great mystery to follow and the mysteries but handsome Detective Tony Serrano has me wondering just what he has to hide. Looking forward to more of Daisy :)
I got a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
March 21, 2016
Daisy Buchanan runs a vintage sewing notions shop, Sometimes a Great Notion, in the quaint village of Millbury, Pennsylvania. The shop is more than a business to her, it’s a haven, something she does for herself after a teaching career. She loves the camaraderie with her customers who have become friends and the ability to be her own boss as much as she loves the things she sells.
At an estate auction, Daisy is delighted to find the perfect present for a young friend – a charming dollhouse in need of restoration. A local collector tries to force Daisy to sell the house, and then an intruder breaks into the shop and tries to steal it. Daisy wonders why everyone has developed such an obsession over it.
I enjoy this series enough to get it in paperback. With each book, I learn something about crafting with miniatures. I like the relationship between Daisy and the younger, attractive, tormented police detective. She’s married, and entirely faithful to her husband, but I find the relationship between Daisy and the detective intriguing. In this book, he comes to realize she can help him and while he doesn’t like involving a civilian, he respects her knowledge. I find the relationships between the characters believable, and I enjoy the quirky nature of the secondary characters.
I understand this is a three-book series, which saddens me a little because I made an emotional connection with Daisy. I find the world of miniatures fascinating, I enjoy learning about vintage sewing notions, and I’m really curious about what happens in Millbury. I’ll definitely be picking up book 3, in paperback, so I can see what happens next. This is a series I will at some point want to re-read.
At an estate auction, Daisy is delighted to find the perfect present for a young friend – a charming dollhouse in need of restoration. A local collector tries to force Daisy to sell the house, and then an intruder breaks into the shop and tries to steal it. Daisy wonders why everyone has developed such an obsession over it.
I enjoy this series enough to get it in paperback. With each book, I learn something about crafting with miniatures. I like the relationship between Daisy and the younger, attractive, tormented police detective. She’s married, and entirely faithful to her husband, but I find the relationship between Daisy and the detective intriguing. In this book, he comes to realize she can help him and while he doesn’t like involving a civilian, he respects her knowledge. I find the relationships between the characters believable, and I enjoy the quirky nature of the secondary characters.
I understand this is a three-book series, which saddens me a little because I made an emotional connection with Daisy. I find the world of miniatures fascinating, I enjoy learning about vintage sewing notions, and I’m really curious about what happens in Millbury. I’ll definitely be picking up book 3, in paperback, so I can see what happens next. This is a series I will at some point want to re-read.
June 22, 2014
Review from Backchatting Books
When Daisy Buchanan buys an antique dollhouse at auction, she has no idea that she is going to be embroiled in another investigation. Shortly after local collector Harriet Kunes demands Daisy sell it to her, she is electrocuted. Suspicion quickly falls on Harriet’s estranged husband Birch who is now free to marry his very pregnant mistress but Daisy isn’t so sure.
Read it for…
The relationship between Daisy and Joe. Without Joe, Daisy wouldn’t have realised that the wiring in Harriet’s dollhouse was tampered with and without Daisy, Joe wouldn’t have found his new hobby which quickly absorbs all of his attention. Life isn’t a cake walk though as Daisy is about to be evicted from her shop’s premises if she doesn’t agree to the large rent rise. Unfortunately, the large cast of secondary characters aren’t well rounded and it was hard to get too invested in them. I probably would have engaged with them more if I had read the first in the series and had a chance to get to know them slowly rather than all at once.
Price wove information about notions and dollhouses into story well so I never felt I was being lectured or overwhelmed. I think she pitched her level right as well with enough interesting facts to attract anyone who, like me, knows little about either hobby. The mystery’s not bad and there are enough clues so you should be able to work out the crook without too much drama.
A cute crafty cozy.
When Daisy Buchanan buys an antique dollhouse at auction, she has no idea that she is going to be embroiled in another investigation. Shortly after local collector Harriet Kunes demands Daisy sell it to her, she is electrocuted. Suspicion quickly falls on Harriet’s estranged husband Birch who is now free to marry his very pregnant mistress but Daisy isn’t so sure.
Read it for…
The relationship between Daisy and Joe. Without Joe, Daisy wouldn’t have realised that the wiring in Harriet’s dollhouse was tampered with and without Daisy, Joe wouldn’t have found his new hobby which quickly absorbs all of his attention. Life isn’t a cake walk though as Daisy is about to be evicted from her shop’s premises if she doesn’t agree to the large rent rise. Unfortunately, the large cast of secondary characters aren’t well rounded and it was hard to get too invested in them. I probably would have engaged with them more if I had read the first in the series and had a chance to get to know them slowly rather than all at once.
Price wove information about notions and dollhouses into story well so I never felt I was being lectured or overwhelmed. I think she pitched her level right as well with enough interesting facts to attract anyone who, like me, knows little about either hobby. The mystery’s not bad and there are enough clues so you should be able to work out the crook without too much drama.
A cute crafty cozy.
August 6, 2016
I absolutely LOVED A Dollhouse to Die For, by Cate Price. Full of terrific characters, humor, and emotion, this book sweeps you into the quaint town of Millbury, where its easy to feel like you are part of the closely-knit community. The heroine, Daisy, is terrific - likable, smart, and the type of person who genuinely cares about the people around her. In this book, she faces a heartbreaking dilemma: she may have to close her beloved store because the new rent is far too expensive. Her dilemma deepens when someone breaks into her store in an attempt to steal a dollhouse, which heralds a series of mysteries that has everyone in town scratching their heads. Unravelling these mysteries may help save her business - and will keep Daisy out of jail when the bright light of suspicion suddenly shines upon her.
Not only is it great fun to join Daisy as she solves this mystery, we learn more about the incredibly sexy Detective Serrano. Judging by the excerpt at the end of the book, it looks like Cate Price's next release will feature Serrano's story, and I can't wait to get my hands on him...er, I mean, his story.
I give A Dollhouse to Die For my highest recommendation!! I promise, you'll love this book.
Not only is it great fun to join Daisy as she solves this mystery, we learn more about the incredibly sexy Detective Serrano. Judging by the excerpt at the end of the book, it looks like Cate Price's next release will feature Serrano's story, and I can't wait to get my hands on him...er, I mean, his story.
I give A Dollhouse to Die For my highest recommendation!! I promise, you'll love this book.
May 6, 2014
I think I liked this book so much better, twists and turns. There was more details into the life of the so handsome Detective Tony Serrano. The other great about this book besides the loveable characters is the information the story line details about the history and advice it gives you on the hobby of dollhouses. I really wanted to see if I could do one for my own granddaughter. I also love the antiquity of the atmosphere of the collections and the store. The mystery story was amazing, in that you gave a evil eyebrow while you were reading wondering just who it was. There also is a great feeling and friendship with the trust Daisy has for her friends. and the romantic close love she has for her husband.
July 3, 2015
This is a really great murder plot and totally entertaining! Daisy owns an antique notions and more store in a small Pennsylvania town. I really like that the main characters are in their 50's, plus. There is a lot depth to them that really pulls the story line together. The setting is totally realistic and blends in with everything else. Murder starts over an antique dollhouse that Daisy is restoring for her 9 year old friend's birthday. The plot weaves back and forth and ends up with three murders and two murderers but all connected with the same thread. This a seriously good mystery for any fan, cozy reader or not. This is the second book in the series and can be read alone but find the first one too as it was just as enjoyable and entertaining.
March 14, 2016
A fun and enjoyable series
I thoroughly enjoyed all the books in this series. I like the small town friendships of all the characters and the description of their daily life. The characters have strong friendships & band together,I good times and bad. I felt a connection to their lives. She is a retired school teachers, and all the characters have unique skills and life stories that connect to make the stories believable. I'm ready for the next book. If I added anything to the book I would have liked a small reference map at the beginning of the story as to the proximity and location of the areas where the characters live and the town's that were near by. .
I thoroughly enjoyed all the books in this series. I like the small town friendships of all the characters and the description of their daily life. The characters have strong friendships & band together,I good times and bad. I felt a connection to their lives. She is a retired school teachers, and all the characters have unique skills and life stories that connect to make the stories believable. I'm ready for the next book. If I added anything to the book I would have liked a small reference map at the beginning of the story as to the proximity and location of the areas where the characters live and the town's that were near by. .
July 28, 2014
Take a notions, or a lot of notions, stir the pot (nosy around that is) and put oneself in danger! That's what Daisy once again has a perchance of doing. This time, all it took was the purchase of a miniature dollhouse for her favorite little girl's birthday to enmesh her into yet another mystery, of the murderous kind! Read Cate Price's A Dollhouse to Die For and be ready for an on-the-toes, can't-put-down mystery!
May 7, 2014
A wonderful followup to Cate Price's "Going Through the Notions." Many of the original characters are back and as quirky and funny as ever. The details about the Dollhouse add a brilliant touch to this story and the cute detective Tony Serrano adds the Mmmm factor. I look forward to the next book. A solid mystery throughout.
October 16, 2014
I love Cate Price's books! They are quirky, fun cozy mysteries featuring an older cast of characters. Her excellent writing is crisp and reader-friendly and her setting descriptions are vivid. If you enjoy visiting antiques shops, flea markets, and searching for hidden treasures you'll probably enjoy Cate's books. I do, and can hardly wait for book #3 in the series.
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