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Haley Randolph #5
Tote Bags and Toe Tags
A fashion-obsessed sleuth must solve a murder as she starts a new executive career—and try to resist abusing her corporate credit card… Just because Haley lacks the right qualifications for her new position as corporate events coordinator doesn't mean she murdered her company's chief of security. Nothing about her fashion sense screams deadly killer, but she'll need to shop around on her own for some guilt-proof clues to prove the police are looking in the wrong bag. Especially since some of the other recent hires at the company also have something to hide. . . Between her many investigations, the new high-pressure job, and her just-moved-in boyfriend, there's almost no time for the most important thing in Haley's maxing out her credit card. If she's going to catch a killer, she'll need to be on her toes--heels and all--or she'll be this season's hottest victim. . . "The well-crafted plot, humor, and designer details will appeal to fans of Laura Levine and MaryJanice Davidson." --Booklist "Fast and fun. . . Established fans and newcomers alike will look forward to her next appearance." --Publishers Weekly
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2012
26 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Howell
78 books272 followersDorothy Howell writes for two publishing houses, in two genres, under two names. She writes mysteries as Dorothy Howell historical romance novels under the pseudonym Judith Stacy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 20, 2018
What.
You're telling me the epic breakup that begins book 6 of this series came about because of a failure to communicate?
I'm so irritated with both Ty and Haley. They really should break up. They clearly have nothing in common. She communicates better with Ty's secretary.
Otherwise, predictable mystery with appearances from the not-mafia-I-swear Russian guy, smokin' detective, sweet officer...etc.
You're telling me the epic breakup that begins book 6 of this series came about because of a failure to communicate?
I'm so irritated with both Ty and Haley. They really should break up. They clearly have nothing in common. She communicates better with Ty's secretary.
Otherwise, predictable mystery with appearances from the not-mafia-I-swear Russian guy, smokin' detective, sweet officer...etc.
August 15, 2012
I almost put this book down several times. Haley drove me bonkers the first half of this book for some reason. It felt like she'd swallowed a stupid pill.
About half-way through, I felt like her character came back again and I couldn't put it down. I don't say this very often about recurring boyfriend characters but I am sooooo glad they broke up. He was a twit.
Good mystery, great story, a little annoying but otherwise a good read.
About half-way through, I felt like her character came back again and I couldn't put it down. I don't say this very often about recurring boyfriend characters but I am sooooo glad they broke up. He was a twit.
Good mystery, great story, a little annoying but otherwise a good read.
August 5, 2012
Dorothy Howell's sense of humor had me laughing out loud all the way through Tote Bags and Toe Tags. The "mix-up" between the University of Mixology and the University of Michigan was priceless. Haley's suspicion that she must've been adopted every time she has to deal with her beauty-pageant-queen mother was also hilarious. Once the reader comes to terms with the fact that Haley is who she is---flawed but funny---and just accepts the fact that this protagonist has lots of room for a character arc, which she generally experiences by the end of each of her escapades, then the ride becomes a fun adventure in murder, mystery, and of course, fashion.
April 5, 2012
“An Intriguing Mystery That Will Keep You in Its Clutches”
Holt’s employee and collector of handbags; Haley Randolph, decides it is time for a change, but not just a different shade of nail polish or a new hairstyle! No!! She wants a brand-new self! She’ll keep her “Official Boyfriend”, hunky but aloof, and the fifth generation to run the Holt’s Dept. Store chain; Ty Cameron, but no more chocolate or Mocha Frappacchino binges!! Haley begins her transformation by first graduating from U.M. , the “University of Mixology”, a bartending school. When Ty overhears Haley announcing the news to her BFF Marcie Hanover, the graduation spirals out of control as it is believed Haley has received her BA from the University of Michigan online program!! When she doesn’t correct the mistake, Ty relays the good news to detested Holt’s employee, Sarah Covington; who, attempting to keep Ty and Haley apart in the workplace, sets up an interview with the prestigious company; Dempsey-Rowland. Meanwhile, Ty springs a lavish surprise party on Haley and she knows there is no way she can undo the mistaken honor without dying of embarrassment. Haley emails her resume’, and with the mountain of money she’s sure she will make with her new position, continues her quest for the elusive, “Temptress Tote Bag”. Everything (salary, benefits, etc.) sounds too good to be true until she finds out she must undergo a background check in order to obtain her security clearance for the contracting department. OHHH…NOOOO!! Haley panics as she knows the company will discover she has a bartending certificate instead of an “Honest to Goodness “ sheepskin. When she thinks her life couldn’t get any more complicated, Haley makes a startling discovery of her own while attempting to leave an early arrival note for her supervisor; Constance Addison. Violet Hamilton’s bludgeoned body!! Violet was head of security! With Violet’s death comes a delay with the security clearance and a change in Haley’s job placement. She gained the title of Corporate Event Planner! If all of that isn’t enough to make your head spin and reach for a 6-pack of Snicker’s Bars, Haley’s ditzy, post-pageant poised Mother hysterically calls with the news that housekeeper; Juanita, is missing and was kidnapped with a ransom demand! Haley puts on her sleuthing cap (much to Detectives Shuman and Madison’s dismay and curiosity) to not only try to figure out a murder, but also a kidnapping while putting her own spin on event planning in the corporate world. She decides to hang onto her depressing job at Holt's, figuring she’ll need it when (not if) she’s canned from Dempsey-Rowland. Who would have such hatred for “small in stature but large in work ethic” Violet? Her Granddaughter; Dale? New employees with perhaps something to hide; Max Corwin or Tina Sheldon? Jealous Executive Secretary Ruth?? Has Ty decided to be the boyfriend he believes Haley deserves? What about handsomely-hot Jack Bishop? Is Juanita rescued?? Does Haley find the much sought after “Temptress”? Watch out for yellow VW “Bugs”! I was hooked when I read Ms. Howell’s last Haley Adventure, “Clutches and Curses” and am anxiously awaiting the next wild ride!! Or to quote Haley, “And That’s How I Roll!” Don’t miss this one!! Kensington ARC
Nancy Narma
Holt’s employee and collector of handbags; Haley Randolph, decides it is time for a change, but not just a different shade of nail polish or a new hairstyle! No!! She wants a brand-new self! She’ll keep her “Official Boyfriend”, hunky but aloof, and the fifth generation to run the Holt’s Dept. Store chain; Ty Cameron, but no more chocolate or Mocha Frappacchino binges!! Haley begins her transformation by first graduating from U.M. , the “University of Mixology”, a bartending school. When Ty overhears Haley announcing the news to her BFF Marcie Hanover, the graduation spirals out of control as it is believed Haley has received her BA from the University of Michigan online program!! When she doesn’t correct the mistake, Ty relays the good news to detested Holt’s employee, Sarah Covington; who, attempting to keep Ty and Haley apart in the workplace, sets up an interview with the prestigious company; Dempsey-Rowland. Meanwhile, Ty springs a lavish surprise party on Haley and she knows there is no way she can undo the mistaken honor without dying of embarrassment. Haley emails her resume’, and with the mountain of money she’s sure she will make with her new position, continues her quest for the elusive, “Temptress Tote Bag”. Everything (salary, benefits, etc.) sounds too good to be true until she finds out she must undergo a background check in order to obtain her security clearance for the contracting department. OHHH…NOOOO!! Haley panics as she knows the company will discover she has a bartending certificate instead of an “Honest to Goodness “ sheepskin. When she thinks her life couldn’t get any more complicated, Haley makes a startling discovery of her own while attempting to leave an early arrival note for her supervisor; Constance Addison. Violet Hamilton’s bludgeoned body!! Violet was head of security! With Violet’s death comes a delay with the security clearance and a change in Haley’s job placement. She gained the title of Corporate Event Planner! If all of that isn’t enough to make your head spin and reach for a 6-pack of Snicker’s Bars, Haley’s ditzy, post-pageant poised Mother hysterically calls with the news that housekeeper; Juanita, is missing and was kidnapped with a ransom demand! Haley puts on her sleuthing cap (much to Detectives Shuman and Madison’s dismay and curiosity) to not only try to figure out a murder, but also a kidnapping while putting her own spin on event planning in the corporate world. She decides to hang onto her depressing job at Holt's, figuring she’ll need it when (not if) she’s canned from Dempsey-Rowland. Who would have such hatred for “small in stature but large in work ethic” Violet? Her Granddaughter; Dale? New employees with perhaps something to hide; Max Corwin or Tina Sheldon? Jealous Executive Secretary Ruth?? Has Ty decided to be the boyfriend he believes Haley deserves? What about handsomely-hot Jack Bishop? Is Juanita rescued?? Does Haley find the much sought after “Temptress”? Watch out for yellow VW “Bugs”! I was hooked when I read Ms. Howell’s last Haley Adventure, “Clutches and Curses” and am anxiously awaiting the next wild ride!! Or to quote Haley, “And That’s How I Roll!” Don’t miss this one!! Kensington ARC
Nancy Narma
November 8, 2019
Better but still not...
...to five stars yet. I want to like Haley, I really do. But with each book, it gets harder and harder. Although the continuity was better, there were still big editing goofs that made it hard to follow the story. And to me, Haley is appearing more and more to be a spoiled California girl, who wants everything handed to her. While I will read the next one, I hope it’s better written than the ones before.
...to five stars yet. I want to like Haley, I really do. But with each book, it gets harder and harder. Although the continuity was better, there were still big editing goofs that made it hard to follow the story. And to me, Haley is appearing more and more to be a spoiled California girl, who wants everything handed to her. While I will read the next one, I hope it’s better written than the ones before.
June 15, 2012
Have you ever managed one of those people who hide in the back room? Do you think a law should be passed that all
women's clothing have pockets so you don't have to carry a purse? If so, don't bother. The heroine is vapid, stereotypical Southern California. The mystery is interesting, but the protagonist isn't.
women's clothing have pockets so you don't have to carry a purse? If so, don't bother. The heroine is vapid, stereotypical Southern California. The mystery is interesting, but the protagonist isn't.
November 3, 2012
Not a bad mystery but ...... the main character is just so-so materialistic!! if she meant ions another designer bag she covets I'll scream!!! How she continuously uses other people is also not pleasant. Not sure if I'd attempt another in this series or not.
December 3, 2022
When Haley takes on a new job, the last thing she expects to find is a dead body in the office of the lady who was doing a background check on her and on the somewhat non-truths that she put on her resumé. Of course Haley has to investigate while trying to do her new job, and also while trying to juggle her old job, which she doesn't want to give up just in case she gets fired from the new one for her dubious resumé. Then there is the boyfriend problem. She has a boyfriend, but he is acting bizarrely and not at all like she expects him to when he is trying to do what he thinks she wants. Things get even more complicated when Haley's mom's housekeeper is kidnapped, and Haley has to figure it all out before her whole world collapses.
April 6, 2022
If a murder mystery can be "light-hearted," this one is. The narrator / protagonist is an intelligent 25 to 30-year-old who performs far below her potential, by choice. She works hard at avoiding work, skips training sessions, hides in break rooms and stock rooms, and does not hesitate to fabricate qualifications to apply for a better-paid job. On the plus side, she is a loyal friend to Marcie, a loyal girlfriend to Ty, and stays out of serious trouble (most of the time). If you are a "material girl" who is serious about designer handbags, this could be the mystery series for you.
August 15, 2023
There are no words to describe how naive and stupid the main character is.
I couldn’t finish the book so I don’t know if it improves. It was like an immature
“I Love Lucy” but without the humor.
I couldn’t finish the book so I don’t know if it improves. It was like an immature
“I Love Lucy” but without the humor.
June 19, 2012
Title: Tote Bags and Toe Tags (Haley Randolph Series #5)
Author: Dorothy Howell
Publisher: Kensington
Synopsis (from bn.com): In Howell’s fast and fun fifth mystery featuring feisty 24-year-old Haley Randolph (after 2011’s Clutches and Curses), a misunderstanding lands Haley a well-paying job as an event planner at a prestigious Southern California corporation. Unfortunately, Haley once again becomes a murder suspect after stumbling on the bludgeoned body of the company’s security department head, who was doing a background check on her. In addition to searching for the real killer to clear her name, Haley must locate a missing housekeeper, deal with hot private detective Jack Bishop, and puzzle out her hot-and-cold relationship with boyfriend Ty Cameron—not to mention hunting for the perfect designer handbag. Howell’s complex and compelling heroine is equal parts arrested adolescent, cunning investigator, accomplished liar, good friend, and fabulous dresser. Established fans and newcomers alike will look forward to her next appearance.
My thoughts: Well, Haley Randolph, the quirky, snarky, handbag loving, Holt’s store employee, has found herself in hot water yet again when she runs across a dead body at her new gig as a corporate events planner. Who of course looks like a primary suspect? Well, of course Haley herself.
This is the 5th book in the Haley Randolph series and I will say I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I have been working my way through the last three books in the series recently and liked this one more than I had book 3 which for some reason fell flat for me. Yes, as I have said in all my reviews on this series, the main character can get a bit annoying in her selfish, immature actions at time, but that is what makes Haley, Haley afterall The way this book ended definitely left me wondering what book 6 will hold! I do wish I could figure out a way to afford Prada, Louis Vitton, and Marc Jacobs on a retail employee’s paycheck
This series offers a fast read. Great beach read or on the plane on your way to summer vacation!
Happy reading,
And remember,
Books are Life,
Heather
Author: Dorothy Howell
Publisher: Kensington
Synopsis (from bn.com): In Howell’s fast and fun fifth mystery featuring feisty 24-year-old Haley Randolph (after 2011’s Clutches and Curses), a misunderstanding lands Haley a well-paying job as an event planner at a prestigious Southern California corporation. Unfortunately, Haley once again becomes a murder suspect after stumbling on the bludgeoned body of the company’s security department head, who was doing a background check on her. In addition to searching for the real killer to clear her name, Haley must locate a missing housekeeper, deal with hot private detective Jack Bishop, and puzzle out her hot-and-cold relationship with boyfriend Ty Cameron—not to mention hunting for the perfect designer handbag. Howell’s complex and compelling heroine is equal parts arrested adolescent, cunning investigator, accomplished liar, good friend, and fabulous dresser. Established fans and newcomers alike will look forward to her next appearance.
My thoughts: Well, Haley Randolph, the quirky, snarky, handbag loving, Holt’s store employee, has found herself in hot water yet again when she runs across a dead body at her new gig as a corporate events planner. Who of course looks like a primary suspect? Well, of course Haley herself.
This is the 5th book in the Haley Randolph series and I will say I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I have been working my way through the last three books in the series recently and liked this one more than I had book 3 which for some reason fell flat for me. Yes, as I have said in all my reviews on this series, the main character can get a bit annoying in her selfish, immature actions at time, but that is what makes Haley, Haley afterall The way this book ended definitely left me wondering what book 6 will hold! I do wish I could figure out a way to afford Prada, Louis Vitton, and Marc Jacobs on a retail employee’s paycheck
This series offers a fast read. Great beach read or on the plane on your way to summer vacation!
Happy reading,
And remember,
Books are Life,
Heather
December 21, 2012
This is the first book I have read by Dorothy Howell. It will not be the last! I now need to go and get all the Haley Randolph books. I am so hooked. I just love this series! Dorothy Howell had me laughing all the way through this book.... Haley is fun crazy, spoiled, has a really bad work ethic and is totally addicted to bags...... doesn't matter if they are Totes, clutches, or just the fancy every day ones she is so addicted has to have the best of the best at all cost.
It is a very intriguing fun adventure in murder, mystery and yes you got it fashion that is fashion with handbags. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I can't wait for the next book! I would have to say that this book is a great read. A must read if you enjoy reading intriguing murder mysteries that are fun. Dorothy Howell is such a wonderful writer. She had me hooked after the first few pages … I couldn't put the book down. Read it from cover to cover in two days and will be reading it over and over again. It will become an old friend. I MUST go and get all her other books. I would recommend this book and Any other books she has written for anyone that enjoys reading fun, crazy mysteries about murder. THIS IS A GREAT READ!!!! A MUST READ!!!
December 4, 2012
I'm not sure how I stumbled across the first Haley Randolph book but I was hooked. Haley can be SO annoying and if I knew her in real life I'd be tempted to grab her and attempt to shake some sense into her. OR avoid her completely. She's a mess. She is a horrible employee and she has that bag addiction (which by the way I totally do not understand) and yet I am there every time a new book in the series comes out!! I guess I really just want to know how the story ends.
This book is not all that different from the others.. a person is murdered, Haley is Prime Suspect #1 and it's up to her to solve it. Her "boyfriend" is not what she needs and she has flirtations with the Police Detective and Private Investigator. In the end the murder mystery is solved. Haley is cleared again! Throughout all of this her mother's housekeeper goes missing and although Haley looks into it and kind of / sort of solves that mystery it seems like no one really cares about the housekeeper much so that part I think could have been left out of the story completely.
This book is not all that different from the others.. a person is murdered, Haley is Prime Suspect #1 and it's up to her to solve it. Her "boyfriend" is not what she needs and she has flirtations with the Police Detective and Private Investigator. In the end the murder mystery is solved. Haley is cleared again! Throughout all of this her mother's housekeeper goes missing and although Haley looks into it and kind of / sort of solves that mystery it seems like no one really cares about the housekeeper much so that part I think could have been left out of the story completely.
June 12, 2012
Fashionista Haley gets a fabulous--well, well-paying--job with a contracting company, but unfortunately finds a body her first day at the office. Even more unfortunately, the police detective in charge suspects that she killed the victim to avoid the in-depth background check the firm demands. Well, everybody lies on their resume, don't they? Even shallow Haley shows some signs of humanity in this series entry, when her mother's housekeeper disappears after many years of faithful service, and when her boyfriend upends her life in the interest of showing her how perfect he can be.
October 9, 2012
It's so great to be able to check in with an old friend, and some characters that may drive you batty, but do it while making you laugh. I agree with a previous reviewer -- the part about her looking for her real family was PRICELESS. Ms. Howell hit the nail on the head with that one!
I love the way Hailey's love life progressed in this one. I'm REALLY looking forward to the next installment in a series that makes me laugh, teaches me about the newest purse trends, and all in all makes me wish I was one of the beautiful people.
I love the way Hailey's love life progressed in this one. I'm REALLY looking forward to the next installment in a series that makes me laugh, teaches me about the newest purse trends, and all in all makes me wish I was one of the beautiful people.
August 16, 2012
Once again, Dorothy Howell made me laugh out loud while reading her books. Her main character, Haley, is one snarky character who reminds me what it was like to be young and naive. Her habitual involvement in finding dead bodies while dreaming about owning the latest handbag has me shaking my head. Another great book. Thanks Dorothy. I highly recommend this book... but read the others first.
December 22, 2012
I am embarrassed to admit how much I enjoyed this lite mystery. While cringing at the Valley Girl / Sex In the City lifestyle (passionate interest in fashionable handbags, shoes and men with no interest in work), I laughed often at the flip, devil-may-care lines and settled into the story that had to end well despite the protagonist’s complete lack of seriousness. It could have been titled, Elle Woods, The Detective.
August 18, 2012
I have read the other books in the series, but this one was missing something. There was one main mystery and 2 minor mysteries. The main one was solved but the 2 minor ones were not. The book dragged at some points and then abruptly ended.
September 15, 2012
Light humor & mystery. The authors writing style was a bit annoying at times. She describes certain events/situations in hyphenated form, i.e. "her blonde hair was in a ponytail & she had that I-didnt-put-on-makeup-and-I-dont-care look." Otherwise I enjoyed the story & it was an easy read.
March 20, 2013
I received this book from Good Reads. I thought it had a very good sense of humor. The main character is very spoiled and needs some better work ethics. I did like the humor through out the whole book and I will read her other books also.
December 23, 2012
Quick easy read. The bit about the maid missing seemed misplaced in the grand sceme of things. The ending leaves you needing to come back for more. The main character is multi-faceted & makes the book an enjoyable, waste the day away read.
December 21, 2012
This is the first Haley Randolph book I've read and I'm going to find the rest of them to read. Haley is a frustrating, silly woman but I had an instant attraction to her. Loved the story and its twists.
August 23, 2018
Almost didn’t read this one when I started to remembered how irritatingly shallow the heroine is. I am glad I ended up reading it, I really enjoyed this one. Fun read and is it possible a little personal growth on the part of Haley.
June 11, 2012
Another fun installment in the Haley series. Can't wait for the next one!
June 12, 2012
Loved it! Glad that Haley and Ty finally called it quits. Hopefully things will now heat up with her and chunky PI Jack. Can't wait for the next book!
July 19, 2012
A very breezy piece of fluff that was a perfect vacation read.
July 12, 2012
I will never get the time back that I spent reading this. The ending improved it, but the rest was blah. I don't know why I persisted.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews