Model Undercover: New York

Model Under Cover #2

by Carina Axelsson

Unlock the secrets of the fashion world in this fun and breezy mystery

When the world's most famous black diamond is stolen during a magazine cover shoot, it's up to undercover model Axelle Anderson to crack the case. The only witness is a trendsetting teen fashion blogger who refuses to say anything, and Axelle has a hunch that what appears to be a clear-cut case of jewelry theft is anything but.

Axelle and her sleuthing friends are drawn into a web of blackmail and backstabbing fashionistas. As she struts her way down the New York City runways and juggles her busy modeling schedule and new romance, Axelle must pit herself against a rival who'll stop at nothing to bring her down.

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, New York, Middle Grade, Childrens

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 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

[Ксенія Шпак]

Це теж вийшло українською "Модель під прикриттям. Стильне викрадення", видавництво Жорж, вік 13-15. Аксель працює модделю, бо мама так хоче зробити з неї зірку, але все, що цікавить нашу школярку насправді - це розслідування злочинів. Детектив у модних декораціях з купою пригод щоразу в іншому місті. Легко й весело:)

[Rithara~❤️The Astrophilia ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was not as good as I expected, still I loved the plot...

[Madi ~☆TheBookNerdDiaries☆~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've also posted this review on my blog ->
https://bookandbastille.wordpress.com...

Model Undercover: New York (Model Undercover #2) by Carina Axelsson *3.25 stars*

Notes: This is basically a standalone even though it is a sequel; I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Summary from Goodreads:

When the world’s most famous black diamond is stolen during a magazine cover shoot, it’s up to undercover model Axelle Anderson to crack the case. The only witness is a trendsetting teen fashion blogger who refuses to say anything, and Axelle has a hunch that what appears to be a clear-cut case of jewelry theft is anything but.

Axelle and her sleuthing friends are drawn into a web of blackmail and backstabbing fashionistas. As she struts her way down the New York City runways and juggles her busy modeling schedule and new romance, Axelle must pit herself against a rival who’ll stop at nothing to bring her down.

Love at last word?: There were some words I did not know, terms that I had never heard of, and many mentions of fashion that flew over my head. I might not have read this book if I hadn’t seen it on NetGalley. It was okay but I don’t know if a third book came out, that I’d read it. I'd have to think about it.

-BookNerd

[Regina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Found this at a little library in Logan Square last week and I started it on the steps of an apartment I was waiting to tour as the agent was late. So:

Axelle was honestly crazy. She was not being subtle at all when questioning suspects and her plan to recreate the scene was so dumb. Sebastian was also insane like I don’t understand that boy. Why are you in NYC? How did Axelle’s Mom get his phone number and why is he keeping an eye on her? Also she did not think of him enough to be like yearning for him so much at the end. They were cornballs.

I really understood Cazzie and wish we got more of her. I loved the descriptions of her looking so on edge while looking so chic. Obsessed with her. Also, I wish we got more into Ellie as well. I imagined her being like late 2000s indie sleaze and I was eating it upppp.

Honestly, I enjoyed this. I can’t lie. I brought it to club Tao to watch Dj Pauly D and the security guard said “girl you’re at the club, what do you need a book for?” Then I danced all night long to Dj Pauly D remixes of all the radio top hits with this in my bag❤️ shoutout Brandy Melville, shoutout Hello Fresh, shoutout Andrea ❤️

[Addie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So amazing Carina Axleson did an exceptional job. This also taught me so much about modeling. Just WOW.

[michelle ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The case was really interesting! I enjoy how Axelle had to find who the thief was, and where the diamond is, through riddles that (obviously) were related to fashion in some way and the twists were honestly so good and unexpected (to me)!

I like how it continued straight away from the first book, it flows very well! :)

The book was set in New York, I NEED to go to New York or just America in general, the book makes it sound so interesting and I love how the case, and in general, incorporates the different places in New York!

There was a freaking mascarade ball, I'm obsessed and the outfit Axelle was wearing??? A dusty pink dress with white lace gloves AND a white lace mask AGH I need it so bad and I want to experience a mascarade ball! ♡

AND guess who shows up in the ball? SEBASTIAN AHHHHHH ♡ PLUS he too was in a suit, and omg they danced together but then Axelle was taken by Brandon to dance and Sebastian was lowkey jealous muahah perfect!

(BTW they had an argument sort of...basically Axelle saw the messages between Sebastian and her mom, her mom told her to stop Axelle from solving mysteries and to continue modelling and for Sebastian to look after her and he said YES like bro come on, although he did explain himself that he sort of lied to her mom because wants to continue seeing Axelle tehe)

I really enjoyed how Axelle felt humiliated that she didn't catch the thief, since they've given the diamond back to Cazzie really sneakily, and she was so so determined to find who did it - and she did!

I KNEW IT WAS BRANDON AGH, although to be fair...I did also think it was Chandra because of her practical jokes she would do in the past, which I was kind of right, she did steal it but then Brandon stole it off her aghh and it was all because he felt undermined by Cazzie because she turned down his portfolios multiple time that he sent anonymously, I do feel some sympathy for the guy - he just crashed out for real

When he tried punching Axelle when she found out he was in fact the thief, oh my God I was lowkey worried but all is good in the end yay

Axelle and Sebastian FINALLY made up from the argument, thank goodness and they kissed hehe, they're adorable!! ♡

[Анна Полегенько · Rating 5 out of 5]

Минулого року у лютому я прочитала першу частину цієї серії. І маю вам зізнатися, з самого початку я була певна, що книга мені не сподобається 🙈 Але прочитавши ще трохи, зрозуміла, що книга навпаки поступово стає моєю улюбленою)
⠀
Тут у другій частині серії, наша головна героїня Аксель потрапляє до Нью Йорку. Тепер перед нею стає справа, над якою потрібно чимало попрацювати - а саме викрадення найцінішого чорного діаманта "Чорна Амелія".
⠀
Саме цей діамант викрали під час фотосесії відомого журналу "Chic", на якій були присутні тільки 8 людей. Та й тих, які Кессі, редакторка цього журналу знає найкраще. А саме вона подзвонила Аксель та попросила взяти розслідувати цю справу.
⠀
От тільки, чи зможе наш відомий детектив у світі моди розплутати клубочок викрадення? Знайти справжнього злодія та зрозуміти його мотиви? Це буде геть не просто, адже викрадення діаманта припало на момент тижня моди у Нью Йорку.
⠀
Тому тепер аби розплутати справу та не викликати підозри, Аксель має бути моделю на подіумі та водночас детективом. А точніше моделю під прикриттям)
⠀
Мені жахливо сподобалася друга частина!😍 Було так круто опинитися знову у цьому світі модних інтриг зсередини і почати розслідувати цю справу разом з Аксель.
⠀
Ну і звісно сама атмосфера цього світу моди була неперевершеною! Після нього я всерйоз задумалася, а чи не почати розробляти мені модельну кар'єру?😂
⠀
Можу сміливо радити цю книгу любителям детективів або підліткових історій! Хоча гадаю, що і дорослим ця книга таакож зайде 😉

[Felicity · Rating 3 out of 5]

I needed something easy to read as I have had a mad week and still can't shake the last of this cold off.

Axelle has just got back from Paris when she gets a call about a valuable diamond being stolen from a fashion shoot in New York. She is delighted to solve another mystery and of course has to do lots of modelling as well. Meanwhile, her sidekick Sebastian is behaving oddly.

I enjoyed this but felt it wasn't as good as the first one. It felt a bit repetitive in the middle and I guessed the ending too. I still love the character of Axelle and laughed when she had to deal with Pat her booker.

An enjoyable read which would be great for young girls. The series gives you an insight in to the modelling industry and Axelle is a sassy, quirky and empowering character.

[Liralen · Rating 3 out of 5]

More dumb-cute. I enjoyed this, as I did the previous book, but this one feels considerably more as though it's stretching the bounds of credulity. Lots of layers added to the mystery by characters with decidedly dubious motives, a bit of unnecessary violence thrown in at the end to add drama, and a willful refusal to subject Axelle to the indignities (among other things) that the average starting-out working model faces... Make no mistake, it's still entertaining, but I'm not too broken up about the fact that the third book isn't available at the library.

[Ayesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

defo liked the first one better but nyc aesthetic is cute

its so cringy. like so mf cringy

ive immediately forgotten the entire thing now whatecer

v yr 7 of me to like thr book knaoo

i still havent paid for the goddamn books lmaoo

[Danniella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the first book, it was absolutely captivating and kept my eyes open for any clues, how Axelle finds the culprit is simply mind-blowing!

[Cora Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Nicole Tsufa Lepletier Guimaraes · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good, but too much info

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[aem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute

[miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75⭐️

[Adibah Syahzani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining light read.

[Benedicte Eriksen · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://boghjemmet.blogspot.dk/2018/0...

[Grace Sargeant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it.

[Ruthsic · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the world's most famous black diamond is stolen during a magazine cover shoot, it's up to undercover model Axelle Anderson to crack the case. The only witness is a trendsetting teen fashion blogger who refuses to say anything, and Axelle has a hunch that what appears to be a clear-cut case of jewelry theft is anything but.

Axelle and her sleuthing friends are drawn into a web of blackmail and backstabbing fashionistas. As she struts her way down the New York City runways and juggles her busy modeling schedule and new romance, Axelle must pit herself against a rival who'll stop at nothing to bring her down.

Right on the heels of the previous, Axelle has a new case in a new city. A famous diamond has been stolen, and she has been called to recover it while under cover as a model. This time around, she is a bit unsure about her standing with Sebastian, but work comes first and she rightly gives that a priority. The case is like a sealed room case, and she investigates from several angles - the motive, the timeline, and ability. The most interesting fact about these books, really, is how Axelle approaches the cases. That, and combined with Sebastian's research skills makes them a killer combo.

Though the mystery aspect is good, I can't help but be a little skeptic about the fact that she solved the Paris case within a week, and even this one. Pretty exact timelines she runs on. Also, I can't help but draw comparisons between the fact that right until the last moment, she waits to trap the suspect than going to the freaking police. I get that she doesn't have much in case of evidence and has to depend on her theories to nap the culprit, but that's really dangerous, girl!

Another fact I like about this series is that thought there is obvious flirting and chemistry between them, the romance between Axelle and Sebastian takes a backseat to the budding partnership between them. Overall, this sequel was definitely better than the previous.

Received a free galley from Sourcebooks Jabberwocky via Netgalley; this does not influence my opinions or the review.

[Lara Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was provided a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

As it turns out, this is the second book in a series. I unfortunately did not read the first book, but I don't think that it's necessary for background information to keep up with this story. Any holes were filled in conveniently, leaving you without the need to guess.

Model Undercover: New York is the story of 16 year old Axelle, who in her own right is a self assured young female. She finds herself in New York from London for Fashion Week. Axelle is in the beginning stages of her "career" as a model, however, she is really there to help solve a mystery within the fashion world. Although fashion/modeling is a hard business to get into (so I've heard), Axelle has many opportunities handed to her because her mom conveniently has connections. Fortunately, she is good at modeling and the jobs keep rolling in. But she is more interested in being a detective. Modeling jobs are her cover to helping solve this mystery. Honestly, I tired just trying to keep up with her schedule and her ability to balance it all.

At times it felt as if I was reading Axelle's diary due to the style of writing used. Generally, this isn't a bad thing but it did present some inconsistencies for me. For example, Axelle is working secretly on solving a case. Her modeling jobs surround her with her list of potential suspects, who don't know she is a working the case. However, she talks candidly about her findings, etc on phone calls while getting her hair and makeup done.

Other than some of the issues I had with the writing style, I did enjoy this book for what it was - a YA mystery. It didn't have fluff; Axelle seemed down to earth, even if she was a 16 year old navigating New York City for a week on her own.

[Lara Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was provided a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

As it turns out, this is the second book in a series. I unfortunately did not read the first book, but I don't think that it's necessary for background information to keep up with this story. Any holes were filled in conveniently, leaving you without the need to guess.

Model Undercover: New York is the story of 16 year old Axelle, who in her own right is a self assured young female. She finds herself in New York from London for Fashion Week. Axelle is in the beginning stages of her "career" as a model, however, she is really there to help solve a mystery within the fashion world. Although fashion/modeling is a hard business to get into (so I've heard), Axelle has many opportunities handed to her because her mom conveniently has connections. Fortunately, she is good at modeling and the jobs keep rolling in. But she is more interested in being a detective. Modeling jobs are her cover to helping solve this mystery. Honestly, I tired just trying to keep up with her schedule and her ability to balance it all.

At times it felt as if I was reading Axelle's diary due to the style of writing used. Generally, this isn't a bad thing but it did present some inconsistencies for me. For example, Axelle is working secretly on solving a case. Her modeling jobs surround her with her list of potential suspects, who don't know she is a working the case. However, she talks candidly about her findings, etc on phone calls while getting her hair and makeup done.

Other than some of the issues I had with the writing style, I did enjoy this book for what it was - a YA mystery. It didn't have fluff; Axelle seemed down to earth, even if she was a 16 year old navigating New York City for a week on her own.

[Rachel Gunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of Model Undercover: New York by Carina Axelsson from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the sequel to Model Undercover: Paris, which I actually haven't read. However, I found that I picked up the storyline and the basics of the previous book quickly. I don't think it was really necessary to have read the previous book to enjoy this on.

So, Axelle is a 16 year old teenager, who finds herself in New York for fashion week as a model, but working undercover for the Editor in Chief of Chic magazine as a detective. Her task: find the stolen priceless diamond known as the "Black Amelia" before the owners return and the magazine's reputation is ruined.

I enjoyed this book, the mystery of the missing diamond kept me guessing most of the way through, although I did figure out who the thief was before it was revealed at the end. I liked the inside look it gave into the world of fashion and modelling, although many of the designer names meant little to me! I definitely couldn't cope with the busy schedule Axelle and the other models had to deal with! My only complaint with this book was that I felt the romance aspect with Sebastian could have been explored a bit more, but it was nice enough! The focus was quite rightly on the detective side of the story.

This was a nice, light, fun read that I enjoyed and read in the space of a few hours. If you're looking for a quick read that combines humour, fashion, and mystery, then this book is for you.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Axelle, the young detective turned model, is back in another fashion mystery. This time the mystery is set in New York. It takes place not long after the mystery in book one which was in Paris. But you don't need to read book one in order to know what is going on. The author does a good job of really setting the scene and letting you know who is who.

This mystery is about a missing diamond. Cazzie is a fashion magazine editor who is doing a cover shoot with a slew of suspects present when the diamond is hijacked from the editor's purse. Cazzie enlists the help of Axelle who posed as a model in her Paris hijinks. She does the same in this mystery. But her mother and the lady who schedules all her appointments for model shoots have a different agenda. They want her to be a successful model and not a successful detective. Her mother even gets her model boyfriend, Sebastian in the ordeal to keep her from the mystery.

The story is easy to follow and get into. I will definitely look forward to more books in this series.

This was a great story and it is a series that I highly recommend. Please check it out if you get the chance.

4 Stars.



I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank the author, publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read this title.

Check out my reviews on beautysleuthbookdiva.blogspot.com

[Zee Monodee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful concoction from Carina Axelsson! You really don't need to have read the first book to get into this one - there's nothing really 'missing' and also, the author does an awesome job of putting you back into the loop without info dumping or giving the plot and resolution of the first book away.

I enjoyed this book, though the novelty of reading about the backstage of the fashion industry kinda dimmed in here - guess all that was all brand-new and novel in the first book, so you're a little bit blasé in this one because it's the same world and the novelty has worn off.

Still, New York comes alive almost as a character of its own in this one - if you love the Big Apple, make it a point to read this one!

Lovely tale, engrossing mystery with the stakes just that much higher than the first book!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our teen detective/top model is back solving yet another mystery and if you enjoyed the first book in this series you will love this one too.
This time around Axelle is called to New York to try and find the missing black Amelia diamond which has gone missing from a Chic magazine photo shoot. All the characters from the first book are back: her model friend Ellie and love interest Sebastian who both help with the mystery again.
I really enjoy this series, love the mix between fashion and mystery and in both books I never guessed the culprit. I wonder where Axelle will head next, London maybe?

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I won on goodreads as a First Read.

Interesting book so far. Axelle is 16 years old a model (sort of) and a detective. She uses the modeling to work her cases being a detective. Sebastian is a boy she is interested in and he has traveled from London to New York to help and her friend Ellie also. Cassie has lost a big well known diamond and Axelle has quite a job to find it as the thief sends texts with riddles and threats to cazzie and includes some threats towards Axelle as the case progresses. How she figures it out is very interesting and I loved it!!

[Nina Harrington · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun light read set in the glamorous and hard edged world of the New York fashion week.
Dripping with references to famous name US designers, this very British detective novel is written in the first person, so you are immediately given an inside look at the less than glamorous world of high end modelling.
Great fun but also insightful about how far some fashionistas will go for success.

I was provided a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Annice22 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review.

Fast paced and well written, this was fun to read. I enjoyed reading about Axelle trying to use her detective skills to solve the mystery as she dreaded having to do all of the actual modeling stuff. She loves trying to solve fashion mysteries but she has to put up with all that's involved with being a model as the only way to get access to those mysteries.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a light read about Axelle, detective-turned model. This is apparently the second book in a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. This is told in the first person during NYC 's Fashion Week and shows the behind-the-scenes not so glamorous world of modeling. Enjoyed the storyline and characters and look forward to reading more from the author.

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review via NETGALLEY.