Murder, Mess, and the Tangerine Dress

by Lynn Rankin-Esquer

Praise for the first book in the Order Out of Chaos cozy mystery “With its unique blend of humor, mystery, and heart, this book effortlessly balances suspense with charm.”

Chaotic house? Check.
Impending divorce? Check.
Psychic visions while pretending to be an organizer? Big, messy check.

Forty-two-year-old Izzy Bishop is just trying to keep it together. She’s broke and her life’s in shambles. When Type-A-Sister-Boss Lauren’s organizing company hires her, Izzy has a last-ditch shot at getting her act together.

But when Izzy picks up client Joanna’s tangerine dress and gets a psychic message—from Joanna’s dead husband warning someone’s out to kill his wife—well… so much for normal.

Izzy soon discovers that everyone around Joanna is hiding something, and someone will go to any length to keep their dirty laundry hidden. Now Izzy’s up to her eyeballs in secrets, lies, and suspicious characters. Faking it as an organizer might get her fired. But faking it as an amateur sleuth?

That might get her killed. . .

If you love your mysteries with warmth and wit but don’t mind a few surprises that push the cozy envelope, you’re in the right place. Think of it as comfort reading with a bit of spice, sass, and scandal.

“Wonderful series opener! Rankin-Esquer has created a quirky and fabulous group of friends and family who battle over order and chaos and who manage to solve a tricky mystery before their client ends up dead.” --Wendy Adair, award-winning author of The Broken Hallelujah and the Brentwood Women Mystery Series.

Other Readers have to
“Murder, Mess, and the Tangerine Dress skillfully blends an intriguing mystery, witty dialogue, and deeply human interactions. In this delightful first installment of the OOC series, I found a refreshingly fun and engaging narrative—a perfect escape for these times!”

“Murder, Mess, and the Tangerine Dress pulls you in from the first page. I was immediately drawn in and didn’t want to put the book down.”

Genres: Mystery

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2025

About the author

Lynn Rankin-Esquer, Ph.D. is a psychologist and author living in the SF Bay area, and according to her children she is ‘the goddess of potato buttering.’

Her latest work is on a cozy mystery series set in the professional organizing world. Murder, Mess, and the Tangerine Dress: An Order Out of Chaos Mystery Book 1 (XandL Press, 2025) is the first released and the second will be released Jan 2, 2026. She is also the author of the family dramedy 'The Unmooring of Mrs. Mango' (XandL Press, 2020), and the YA novel 'My Paperback Cape: The Unlikely Odyssey of a Bookworm' (XandL Press, 2013).

Lynn is blogging at: https://lynnrankinesquer.wordpress.com/

She also recently started a substack called Married to Baseball chronicling the life of a baseball coach's wife (hint: baseball is a rollercoaster of a life!) https://substack.com/@lynnrankinesquer

Visit her at http://lynnrankin-esquer.com/ and https://twitter.com/LRankinEsquer

Reviews

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute little book! When Izzy helps her sister’s organizing business, things don’t seem to go right. Izzy, separated from her husband, NOT organized, and has begun hearing voices from deceased people. Suddenly, there’s a poisoning, and three other deaths following Izzy. Mix in robberies happening after jobs that Izzy and her sister completed. Mix in a cute doctor, a separated husband coming back, and a mystery: who is trying to kill one of her clients?

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Izzy is a mess! Messy car, house, marriage, and emotions. Her second sight is just another layer of her life, but she has trouble trusting herself. As a fairly new organizer she touches a tangerine dress and is filled with memories and the concerns of the deceased spouse. Working through a lot of issues, Izzy feels compelled to solve the mystery. Izzy is a likable character as is her friend Vivi. This was an entertaining book.

[W.H. Adair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Series Beginning

Murder, Mess, and the Tangerine Dress is a wonderful series opener in noted author Lynn Rankin-Esquer’s new Order out of Chaos mystery series. Izzy Bishop’s life is a happily disorganized and undirected adventure until a car wreck leaves her in a coma. Once recovered her mother pushes her younger sister Lauren to hire her for her anti-clutter business. Now Izzy is the most disorganized organizer in the land. More importantly, she also is blessed (or cursed) with the ability to see ghosts when touching their belongings.

Hijinks, snark, disruption, and chaos ensue when Izzy touches her client’s tangerine dress and sees the woman’s deceased husband who warns her that his wife is in mortal danger. Rankin-Esquer has created a quirky and fabulous group of friends and family who battle over order and chaos and who manage to solve a tricky mystery before time runs out. Kudos for another great group of players and funny adventures.

--Wendy Adair, award-winning author of The Broken Hallelujah and the Brentwood Women Mystery Series.

[Kay Aprea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder, Mess, and the Tangerine Dress is a delightful mix of mystery, humor, and engaging characters. With its witty dialogue, engaging characters, and a dash of intrigue, Murder, Mess, and the Tangerine Dress is a delightful read. Izzy is a joy to follow, and I loved every moment spent in her world. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next installment in this delightful and cozy series!

[Sheryl Melang · Rating 5 out of 5]

New and different

I read 4 - 7 books a week and I’ve been bored with the same old stuff. ( note to Amazon let me turn off your algorithms and choose for myself). I started searching for humor after heavy week and found a gem. This book had me thinking, smiling and feeling. Is it perfect, no. Is it wonderful and worth a look,
yes. I’m really disappointed that book 2 isn’t available. Good job Ms Rankin-Esquer, thanks.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a quirky fun mystery that was easy to read! There were a lot of characters that made it a little hard to follow a few times but overall it was a good read and I’m excited to read the next one!

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been wanting to get more into cozy mysteries, so I was excited to receive a free copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. This was an engaging book in the beginning, but I feel like it started to drag. Some of the side characters are really unlikable. Overall, I enjoyed it with some small quibbles, but it’s a really easy read. I feel like sometimes books come to you at the right time, and this one came to me when I needed something easier and not too intense.

[Jane Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muder, mess and the tangerine dress:

Wow what a vey good book.

I didnt realize who the killer was until the last chapter.

Thanks for the series

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turning, couldn't put down! Had me guessing the entire time. Each character was so well developed, envisioned each person. Few characters outrageously funny in unexpected manners.

[Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 I really enjoyed this book! You really feel like you know the characters and I'm so excited we will get more Izzy!

[Sheri P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved Izzy and am excited for more from this series. Izzy is working with her sister organizing people’s homes when she senses a message from a clients dead husband her already chaotic life gets a little more complicated. I really enjoyed the path this story took showing Izzy’s life as a mom, a daughter, a sister and more all while she tries to listen for messages and solve a murder. I’m eager for more from these characters.

[Lisa Robison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Order Out of Chaos

This book was a great read for me. There was a lot going on but it fit together perfectly. I would recommend reading it.

[Dana Pechackova · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good at first but dragged on and there was so much unnecessary bickering

[Susan Linden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Delightful, Thrilling, and Utterly Engaging Read!
Murder, Mess, and the Tangerine Dress by Lynn Rankin-Esquer is a captivating gem that had me hooked from the very first page. With its unique blend of humor, mystery, and heart, this book effortlessly balances suspense with charm. Rankin-Esquer’s writing is both witty and captivating, pulling you into the world of the protagonist, Izzy, who finds herself embroiled in an unexpected murder mystery. The author's sharp dialogue and quirky characters bring the story to life, making it an unforgettable read.
One of the standout features of this book is its main character Izzy Bishop. She’s clever, relatable, and finds herself in amusing yet precarious situations that I could both sympathize and laugh at. The mystery itself is well-crafted, with just the right amount of twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end. It’s not just about solving the crime, but also about personal growth and self-discovery, making this book both fun and thought-provoking.
The tangerine dress, an unusual yet central motif, adds a quirky touch that ties the whole story together in such a memorable way. Rankin-Esquer’s ability to weave humor into tense moments is impressive, creating a perfect balance between suspense and lightheartedness.
If you’re a fan of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich, you’ll also love this book.
Overall, Murder, Mess, and the Tangerine Dress is an absolute delight. Whether you're a fan of cozy mysteries, character-driven stories, or just looking for something fresh and fun, this book checks all the boxes. Highly recommended for anyone in need of a thrilling yet heartwarming escape into a wonderfully written world. Can’t wait for the next instalment on Izzy Bishop’s journey!

[Bryan Biery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoy this thoroughly

This is my first read of Lynn Rankin Esquer; but I am looking forward to more! So much fun and going ons, so little time!

[Brenda Maximenko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful read! Order out of chaos combined with psychic abilities was so good! Want to read more of the series. Love the sisters!

[Ann Huchingson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Every Page of The Tangerine Dress!

Lynn Rankin-Esquer knocked it out of the park with Murder, Mess, and the Tangerine Dress. Right from page one, I was hooked by her lively, engaging writing style with just the right blend of suspense, warmth, and real-life messiness. Professional organizer Izzy Bishop is the perfect mix of quirky and relatable—and you can’t help but root for her. In fact, all the characters shine in their unique, lovable glory—especially Izzy, who navigates her world with a mixture of humor, grit, and genuine warmth. Esquer’s attention to detail brings each character to life, creating a community of personalities that feel instantly familiar yet layered with delightful surprises.

Izzy’s separated from her husband, raising two sons, navigating the demands of her Type A sister, and, oh yeah, suddenly dealing with psychic visions. When Izzy gets a sense that her client Joanna is in serious danger, she steps up, even if she's not exactly sure how to handle her new abilities yet. And somehow, she’s also making time for a flirtation with a swoon-worthy ER doctor...The touch of humor throughout adds so much charm, but it’s never too lighthearted to skip on the suspense. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, there was another twist!

The plot is refreshingly unpredictable, full of small revelations that build to a satisfying climax. Esquer keeps the twists coming but never loses sight of the emotional undertones that make Izzy’s story so compelling. What I love most is how Izzy feels like someone you’d actually want as a friend. Lynn Esquer brings this fantastic balance of mystery and real-life relatability, and it’s the perfect mix if you like a little bit of supernatural intrigue in your cozy mysteries. For anyone who’s a fan of mysteries with heart and personality, I can’t recommend The Tangerine Dress enough—it’s as appealing as it is clever, and it’s going to stay with me for a long time.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reminds me of the Stephanie Plum series. The main character, Izzy Bishop, is a chatoic mess, getting food on her clothse and feeding one of her clients a weed cookie. She even has a best friend who is somehow even brasher than her and trying to lose weight. But Izzy has something that Stephanie doesn't - extrasensory powers. They grew after she had a near-death experience in the previous year. That is the the experience that threw off her plan to open an organizing business with her sister so now, rather than being a true partner, Izzy is actually working for her sister. Her younger sister. Her younger sister who clearly doesn't trust her. Which, to be fair, Izzy is on the manic pixie dream girl end of the spectrum so she tends to have a dirty car and stained clothes (no shame, just not her sister is expecting.)
So, Izzy is late to her appointment for an older widow who is cleaning out her closet. While there, a death occurs and Izzy and the woman nearly die as well. The only reason that they're saved is the woman's dead husband tells Izzy that they need to leave.
An interesting story that I mainly read because I had also gotten the second book and didn't realize it wasn't the first in a series and I really like to start with the first book in a series.

[Christie Lenahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tangerine Dress skillfully blends an intriguing mystery, witty dialogue, and deeply human interactions. In this delightful first installment of the OOC series, I found a refreshingly fun and engaging narrative—a perfect escape for these times! Izzy shines as a captivating protagonist, with her psychic abilities adding a fascinating dimension to her warm and relatable personality.

Readers are drawn into Izzy's world, sharing in her personal challenges and triumphs. Her journey feels authentic and endearing—she’s approachable, spirited, and fun. Her psychic talents, close-knit friendships, and charmingly haphazard ways make her a character you can’t help but adore, as if spending time with an old friend.

The diverse mix of supporting characters, the enticing promise of future OOC client adventures, and the layered relationships create a world that extends far beyond the pages of this first book. Here’s hoping we won’t have to wait long for Izzy's next adventure!

[Teryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I generally give five-star ratings if I finish a book and don’t encounter glaring issues like extremely poor editing, explicit sex, or profanity. I usually leave comments only when my rating is low.

Cozy mysteries are usually defined by “a lighthearted, comforting tone, with a focus on plot and character development rather than explicit content,” and they tend to be upbeat and optimistic. Unfortunately, this novel strayed from that expectation. Beyond the excessive vulgar language, the protagonist was frequently confused and adrift, while the secondary characters came across as troubled, crass, and, at times, outright mean. Throw in a messy love triangle, and the result is a chaotic, confusing narrative that mirrors the protagonist’s own confusion.

WARNING: Offensive language throughout. One star taken away for excessive profanity and another for poor editing (missing words which affect the readers' understanding).

[Olga · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are in organizing business think about how much you might know about your clients, how much you might uncover in their homes. Add to that some special ability to feel the deceased and you’d think you know everything — but still not enough to solve a murder. Not right away, that is.

I really enjoyed this book. Order out of Chaos is organizing business and people who work there, including the main character, are all working together to help their clients and are all working together to create psychologically diverse cast of characters.

Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about the murder suspect cast of characters, that one is quite a bit weaker (so my rating should really be 3.75) to the point that I felt that author did not give me enough to suspect anyone in particular. Oh well, maybe she did.

I am looking forward to reading the second one in the series.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick and engaging read that kept me entertained throughout. I really enjoyed getting to know Izzy—her messy, intuitive nature made her feel refreshingly real. The story does a great job blending the “upstairs/downstairs” dynamic with a well-crafted mystery that kept me guessing. A fun mix of character and plot, perfect for a cozy afternoon escape.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this book 3 and a half stars. It started out well enough. Moved at a decent pace and held my interest. Midway through, it fell into the trope of everything bad that could happen will happen, and that made the story drag. It picked up towards the end and kept me entertained.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, quick read that’s smartly written and well edited (such a rare joy these days). The story is well thought out, the red herrings are plausible, the suspects are viable, and even most of the minor characters have some depth. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot to like about this book, but it’s really heavy for a cozy.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute and fun book! So happy to have won this via Goodreads and look forward to the next book in the series!