Model Under Cover: A Crime of Fashion

Model Under Cover #1

by Carina Axelsson

Introducing Axelle Anderson: fashion's most stylish detective.

Despite her long legs and fashion-obsessed family, all Axelle wants to do is solve mysteries. So when star designer Belle La Lune vanishes, Axelle seizes the chance to go undercover as a model to crack the case – even if it means being tortured with eyelash-curlers and teetering on sky-high heels. Aided by the distractingly gorgeous Sebastian, Axelle races against the clock to solve the mystery at the heart of Paris Fashion Week...

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Contemporary, Fiction, Crime, Childrens

432 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2014

About the author

Hi everyone,

I'm Carina Axelsson, author of the MODEL UNDER COVER and ROYAL REBEL book series.

Model Under Cover stars sixteen-year-old fashion detective, Axelle Anderson, and combines three of my favourite things: mystery, fashion and, of course, romance!

My love of detective fiction inspired me to write the series, and my experience as a former fashion model has inspired many of the scenes in the book. So if you're looking for a pacey read with adventure, romance and a young, sassy detective, then give MODEL UNDER COVER a go - no magnifying glass or high heels required!

My new series, Royal Rebel, is for slightly younger readers. Follow the adventures of Her Royal Highness Lilian Athena Isabella Marie the Crown Princess of Waldenburg ( the world's only QUEENDOM!) and find out all about Lily's HUGE secret - something the palace would definitely NOT approve of...if you like girl-power, palaces and ponies, queendoms and comedy, dogs, secret turrets - plus a big sparkly dollop of DIY fashion - then get your tiara on and crack open Royal Rebel!

To find out more about me, my books, and what I'm up to, please visit my website:
http://www.carinaaxelsson.com

You can also find me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarinaAxelss...

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/carinaaxelsson/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/carinaaxelssonwr...

PS: Although you can leave me a comment here, please feel free to head over to the Contact page of my website and send me an email from there: http://www.carinaaxelsson.com/contact You can also DM me via Instagram and Facebook. I love hearing from my readers so thanks in advance!
Carina x

Reviews

[Jess at Such a Novel Idea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book via the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion. It does not affect my review in any way.

First of all, I just want to give that cover a big, giant hug. Both the US and the UK book covers are just all kinds of adorable. When I was asked to do the cover reveal for this book, I came down with a serious case of grabby hands, so I was really excited to be asked to read and review it.

Model Undercover: A Crime of Fashion was the kind of book that I can get behind. It’s based in the fashion world, but the main character Axelle has her head on straight. She is a serious, dedicated girl who will be a wonderful role model for the girls who become attached to this series. She is the Nancy Drew for the next generation.

I loved that this book focused on a sixteen year old, but is targeted for middle grade and younger ya readers. This opens up the book to a wider audience, and allows them to grow with the series.

Axelle cares nothing about fashion. She is a serious detective who has a dream of becoming a private eye when she grows up. Not one to wait for things to happen, Axelle practices her detective work at sixteen. She works to blend in, she asks tough questions, and she shuns makeup. But then, her mother ships her to Paris during fashion week to work with her editor of a fashion magazine aunt and she kind of gets swept away. Basically, a mystery of a missing fashion designer leads Axelle on a whirlwind trip she’ll never forget. She goes ‘undercover’ as a model to get the answers.

First of all, I loved learning about the fashion world. Most of what I know about these things come from movies and television, so it was really neat hearing the perspective from these characters, and an author who has actually been there. If you have any investment in modeling or the world of fashion, this will definitely keep you interested.

This is the kind of book that is light, but still makes you think. On the surface, it is an adorable mystery and a young girl trying to find her place in the world. But under the surface, it is a girl who is trying to adjust who she is compared to who her mother wants her to be. This is a pretty common theme for teens — trying to be who you want to be (sometimes in spite of) who your parents want you to be. Axelle is not only thrust into a world she never wanted to be in, but learns that everything doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Sometimes the world isn’t black and white, but many shades of grey.

Overall, the writing in this book is incredible, the story is fantastic, and the book will keep you engaged from page one. I recommend this to all young teens who are looking for a great mystery!

This review was originally posted on Such a Novel Idea.

[Neha Azhar-Fahad · Rating 5 out of 5]

The moment I fell head-over-heels in love with this novel...

Let me enlighten you.

First page, the first three lines:

She was being pushed up a stairwell - of that much Belle was sure.
"Come on, faster," urged the gruff voice behind her.
"Do you think we're window-shopping at Chanel?"

Yup, that's that moment.
I mean, a kidnap mystery wrapped in glamour topped with world-class brand references, covered in cheeky fashion advises/remarks? Sign. Me. The. Eff. Up! Don't forget a gorgeous sidekick who wears leather jackets and biker boots with a wicked smile. That's what I'm talking about, baby.

This is not my usual pick but after some usual bouts of depression and anxiety, with sad books topping everything off, I NEEDED a break. Aaand I'm about to start Virginia Woolf so God help me I could use all freshening up methods to wind my head around some Woolf philosophy. So I decided I'd go with Model under Cover: A Crime of Fashion. Thoroughly satisfied.

Toward the end, when I thought I had enough giggling at the expense of Italian my-tongue-refuses-to-pronounce-these names of fashion brands, Miss Carina Axelsson hits me with:

It could't be my mum. With romance on the cards she wouldn't have rung me even if Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani and Coco Chanel, back from the grave, had called her asking to speak to me.

That definitely sounds like my mother.

The best part was - which was pretty much bullshit (or so I think) but still the best part - how the protagonist chose detective work over overnight fame of being a supermodel, with brands lining up to book her and the world under her feet. I hate makeup and expensive brands and love detective work and I'd choose the latter in a heartbeat if given Axelle's choice. But then again, this specific thing makes the book really great and different from other in the genre. Also spices up the comical element.

The dialogues were outstanding; the narration fun, witty, and made me want to finish the book in a day (which I did, by the way, in less than eighteen hours), altogether a perfect combo of crime, fashion, romance and family drama.

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh

[michelle ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆ 4.5

Where do I even start? I love both fashion and mysteries, THIS IS BOTH!! ♡

I really enjoyed Axelle's character, I could probably only describe her as really hardworking in what she does, she really ATE! ♡

She's so committed to solving the disappearance of Belle by disguising herself as a model! I loved the fun phrases that models would use throughout the book, it is really interesting (they're all on the back of the book which explains them all)

The setting is in Paris and you know what this just enhances the need for me to go and visit the place, there's literally a list of places recommended on the back of the book it is a sign!

I love the relationship between Axelle and Sebastian, they're adorable and although it's more of a subplot in the book I adore them both together. When he calls her 'Holmes' and she calls him 'Watson' AGHHH MY HEART why are you doing this to me, they're too cute ♡

Also the twists? I was lowkey not expecting them until like nearly 300 pages into the book, like HELLO? spoliers, but I can't believe it was her Aunt Venetia...like she was in freaking catacombs and smuggling stolen art and kidnapped a famous designer because she got caught...twice by them. That's insane girl, she was doing too much just for her retirement and also I think she held a grudge against Fiona because she stole her man sort of AND she tried framing Philippe (poor guy) because he is related to the La Lunes but also he didn't want to acknowledge that, there was a lot going on. I will say though, Venetia was a diva.

I loved the ending, it was enjoyable and technically ended in a cliffhanger but was still satisfying to me!

I'm so happy for Axelle and Sebastian omg like when they kissed at the end??? my heart (it was a slow burn) ♡

[Toby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fluffy, light YA mystery that was good brain candy. It was slightly unrealistic and I also figured out whodunnit, but it was fairly well written (I loved the descriptions as well as the characters, slightly stereotyped as they were). Perfect nightmare antidote!

[Ajla ♤♡◇♧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fv book series to this day

[Caitlin Gill · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF/Did not finish. Man, I have tried to read this about six times ever since I was eleven or twelve. I'm eighteen now. The main character Axelle is boring, she's not as intelligent as the author initially makes her out to be and Axelle has no sass or spunk to her either. Her aunt is strict but not mean or funny enough to make her an interesting and compelling character, and her aunt obviously isn't nice either, which just makes her stale and boring. The plot is very slow and from what I read the mystery started off interesting and exciting, but just got lame and boring real quick. I didn't understand the makeover either? Just slightly different clothes and glasses: literally still a sweater, jeans, and sneakers, but "Designer" and all of a sudden she's pretty? This basically conveys the message "the richer you are, the prettier you are." *rolls eyes*. The love interest was boring and a cardboard cutout of every teen love interest ever written: tall, handsome, smooth dark hair, abs and muscles, e.t.c. The setting being Paris doesn't do much either. It could be set in Rome, Berlin, or even New York or Los Angeles and basically, be the same story. Essentially the premise seemed super interesting, but when I actually read the book, the execution was stale, boring, lifeless, and fell flat and fell extremely short of what I would consider to be a good read.

[Danniella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Model Undercover: A Crime Of Fashion is one of the most intriguing books I've ever read, it's clear how Axelle feels about the world of fashion and being a part of it, but it's clear how much being a detective means to her and her passion shines through it. This book was excellent at keeping me guessing, the author added plenty of detail to the mystery and I could never think of who was the culprit, after rereading it, there are plenty of parts where I say, "How did I not see it?!" This book is so captivating that everyone must read it.

[Dahlia Cee-Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

*DOESN'T contain any spoilers*


A brilliant book. I love the plot, I think it's very creative. My only piece of criticism would be the chapters could be a page or two shorter, sometimes it drags on.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the mystery in this book when axelle try’s to solve a case I love reading

[Liralen · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a day: hair and glasses gone, another disappearance, a new friend, a sidekick, a modeling career, a narrowly avoided attempt on my life—and a cache of letters to read through. (142)

Dumb-cute, in the best of senses. Do I believe for a second that Axelle could do, oh, even fifteen percent of what she manages in this book? Nope. But it's an entertaining ride.

A couple of things to note: first, Axelsson makes a point to make Axelle run up against some of the seedier sides of fashion—not just the disappearances, but this: "Is that the way fashion works?" I asked. "I mean, he clearly threatened to confirm me or cancel me depending on whether I went out with him!" (244) Axelle is lucky to have a more experienced, compassionate voice in her corner, but it's interesting to me that that's the one thing Axelsson apparently really wanted to touch on. (On the other hand, she strips almost all mentions of weight, and the pressure models are under to stay slim, from the book...Although Ellie says something about a very specific diet, Axelle cheerfully eats whatever she wants, and measurements are not mentioned as things that show up on comp cards.)

At any rate...it's fun. I got a little lost in all the historical details at time, but I enjoyed pretty much all of the characters, which doesn't happen enough. Good for Axelle for sticking to her guns. (But why o why does an English model [with a bit of Frenchified family] refer to her mother as 'Mom'?)

[CherryCarrot · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the premise of this series, but found the book a bit of a struggle to finish.
That being said, the parts focusing on fashion felt convincing, and although it is not my cup of tea, I can see readers enjoying it. Axelle was too ditsy and exaggeratedly clumsy for me to really like, but, again, I can see others liking her a great deal.

Unfortunately, the book felt over-long, poorly written in parts and the central mystery just wasn't engaging. Never was there a sense of pace or particular risk, bar the chapter in the catacombs. The inclusion of a number of letters from the past slowed everything down, especially as they turned out not to be especially important. There were also far too many characters to keep track of. The mystery would have been better executed had there been a smaller cast, and more happening in the present. Writingwise, Axelle used a large number of words that felt too adult, and the book would have been much pacier had it been edited down a good couple of thousand words or so.

Not for me, and I probably won't read the others, but I'm sure others will enjoy them.

[Rafaila · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a very light and easy-to-read book, the kind of book that you take on your holidays with you, does not require a lot of concentration and you can finish within a couple of days. Pleasant and mind-relaxing.

The general subject/style of the book (not the story plot) is quite similar with "The devil wears prada". I found the combination of fashion and mystery-solving quite successful.

I believe the target group of the book is mostly younger people (teens or young adults) and I believe I would have enjoyed it much more had I read it when I was 18. I'm not sure yet if I'm motivated enough to read the rest of the series (especially since experience has proven that the first book of a series is usually the best one). Having said that, it kept my interest until the end and it was hard to put down while reading.

[T.S.C. Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the first of this book series, and it says alot when I'm interested in the next book to come.
Fast paced, no faffing, and yes while most points of the plot are unbelievable (booking Lanvin and Chanel by coincidence when you are an unknown model, hmm) it didn't take away from the fun of the book.
And...while yes there was the trope of things just so working in the favour of our MC, the plot flowed nicely and didn't linger on unnecessary points.
Was the mystery easy to solve? I had an inkling and said inking turned out to be correct, but it didn't mean I had solved all of the mystery. I was still finding things out up until the very end, and the fact it lead straight into the next book of the series was a nice add on in my opinion.
I'm very much interested in the next book and where the MC will go from here.
Onto the next!

[Felicity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed a lighter read so chose this book which looked intriguing.

Axelle is a tomboy who wants to be a detective but her mum insists she goes to Paris during fashion week to stay with her aunt who is involved in the modelling scene and she bans Axelle from investigating anything. However when one of the designers goes missing, Axelle gets a chance to investigate.

I warmed to Axelle. I have never been a fan of spending hours on makeup etc and also love a good mystery. I loved her as a character and the plot was clever along with an excellent cast of minor characters. I raced through this book despite being busy with work and life.

An excellent read with a quirky and strong main female character. I am certainly interested in reading some of the other books in the series now.

[cleo ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is actually SO good ?? and so much better than i expected ??? i love the whole fashion whirlwind scene - which delves into the less glamorous side of modelling, not just all the glitz - mixed with nancy drew-sleuthing-esque mystery. although some of the plot twists i could see coming, i still thoroughly really enjoyed it. it's such a fun and fast romp and i would love love love to read more for sure.

[Julianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a pretty light, fluffy fiction with a dash of fancy-model-AND-cool-detective, but as one reviewer around here said (I'm paraphrasing, don't kill me) it does talk about fitting in and funding your identity. I had actually just read a book about fashion history and borrowing ideas from there, so this was perfectly timed.

(But was anyone else creeped out by that cockroach tunnel? 'Cause UGHH)

[Kamilė Strach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Viena iš daugelio Crime of Fashion dalių.

Man patiko.

Smagiai lengvai susiskaitė.

Pabaigos nesuspėjau. O tas mane nustebino, visgi tai paauglių literatūra.

Tačiau puiku, kad autorė išlaiko intrigą ir geba suvedžioti už nosies net suaugusiuosius.

Rekomenduoju!

Ne tik dėl puikios šmaikščios istorijos, bet ir dėl vertybių!

[Ayesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

honestly its such a confort booki love it

theress defo annoying things about the writing and they she wrote the characters but the mystery was good and aunt v was fucking psyhco

i am in love with seb and ovs axelle and ellie

the aesthetc i will always love and honestly it was qute smart

its like a solid 12 y old read tbh so i obvs love it

[Tallulah · Rating 1 out of 5]

1-1.5 Stars
Has it taken me nearly 4 years to finish this book?? yes
The book is aimed for teenagers and is most definitely written to allow them to read it and so they can understand it and enjoy it.
Honestly I don't think it's my style of book. It was a okay ish read but wouldn't chose to read again. Seemed bland and boring

[Grace Sargeant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book.

[Aoife · Rating 3 out of 5]

too much action

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book isn't bad . . . if you turn your plausibility-meter to nil, and perhaps remove the reasoning portion of your brain. The book is, however, vastly entertaining.

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book ever

[Deena Allouni-Kurdiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery, Romance, and a twisted plot! A great read

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, I found the book too long. As wasnot in chapters, but part of the day, I found it so long and I always forgot where I was. I would recommend to people who love fashion and mystery.

[Nicole Tsufa Lepletier Guimaraes · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Divertissant

[jas · Rating 3 out of 5]

i didn't really enjoy this book at first, i thought the main character was annoying and put it on tbr for a few months, picked it up again and enjoyed it.

[Keira · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my fav but is very good to read when u carnt be bothered to