Dead Gorgeous

A Mystery for D.I. Costello #2

by Elizabeth Flynn

Fashion model Kirsty Manners is young, beautiful, and recently dead

Kirsty Manners is trying to make it as a model. As the in-house model for the Ivano King fashion house and girlfriend of Ian King, the man behind the label, she believes she is well on her way. But Kirsty is found dead in her flat one Sunday afternoon and D. I. Angela Costello is called to the scene.

First enquiries center on the local gym where Kirsty, her dangerous ex-boyfriend, Darren Carpenter, and her jealous flatmate, Sandra Hodges, worked out. But things are more complicated. Ian King is considered to have lost his edge. Why then is he so buoyant about his latest collection for London Fashion Week? What about his new girlfriend, Eleanor Chandler, who openly admits to having a reason to wish Kirsty dead?

Behind the gleaming smiles and flawless makeup of the glamorous fashion world, Angela's enquiries uncover theft, drug-addiction, prostitution, and imprisonment--and suddenly her own life could be in danger.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Crime, Detective, Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published October 10, 2014

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kirsty is an in house model with big aspirations- but when she is found dead D.I. Angela Costello has to investigate.
She looks at the ex boyfriend and flatmate and the in house designer who seems to be more upbeat than he has reason to be. She finds an underworld of prostitution, drugs and theft. Will she find the killer?

An old style detective story.

[John Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is now the third I have read in this series. It didn't matter that I read them out of order. Seemingly all are set within a limited time frame after DI Costello has just been promoted. Her character develops as she learns to play to her strengths. She does not shy away from disciplining her two DSs, but in general she has a light touch with her team.
In interviews she is sharper than in the previous book, with good insights into what might be going on in the suspect's head.
Set in the world of clothing design and modelling, the author touches only briefly on the back story of this environment. The dead girl was having to face some hard truths, while trying to "make it" in this tough world. In the course of the investigation, issues of modern slavery, prostitution and drug supply raise their ugly heads, as do an increasing cast of potential suspects. Whodunnit lovers will have a fine old time sorting out the red herrings. Should one go for the least likely suspect or the most likely? Should one believe the alibis?
So far I have liked these books, each set in a different environment with the same core team. In this one, there's a bit of a personal situation between a team member and Angela's step-daughter. It doesn't do anything for the investigation, but just serves to highlight once again Angela's fairly relaxed approach to life.
I recommend them highly. Rating 4.1.

[Kristin Bostater · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up from the library- it was randomly placed on a shelf and it caught my eye. I’m a fan of mysteries, growing up reading Nancy drew, so I was excited to start this book. I didn’t realize this was technically the second book in the DI Costello series, but you can definitely read it as a stand alone.
I appreciated the writing being more about character development and details rather than graphic imagery. While that’s my personal preference with this genre, some may not appreciate the book as much if they are looking for a more dark mystery.
I was engaged the entire time while reading and found myself trying to solve the mystery along with the detective. If you are looking for an easy reading crime/mystery novel, I recommend starting this series- just start from the first and not the second like I did! (There is probably more character development of the detective in the first book)

[My Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

My next book review is for Dead Gorgeous by Elizabeth Flynn.
A gorgeous young girl has come to a city with the dream of becoming a top model and live a luxurious life. One fine day her roommate finds her murdered in the apartment. DI Castello has started her investigation and has a few people on her suspect list.
Along with the investigation, you also start guessing the murderer (I was always wrong 😅) That's the beauty of this book, twists and turns.
Overall, a wonderful storyline, brilliant writing, very simple to understand and a must read for anyone seeking thrill.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book on goodreads. It was hard to get into the story and hard to keep your interest. Kristy was trying to make it in the fashion world, she thinks because she is dating the designer she was on her way, then she is found dead and DI Angela is called in to find her. More information on DI would've been nice.

[Zarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and clever, got better towards the end. :)

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all can we just take a moment to appreciate how pretty the cover is?

Okay, now on with the review. I think it's fair to say that when it comes to crime fiction I generally look for two things.

1. Is the case exciting?
and
2. Is the ending a surprise?

If the answer to either of these is no then we have a problem. Of course occasionally you'll have a bit of a snooze-fest of a case in the middle of a series and sometimes you can guess the culprit before the big reveal and it doesn't take away from the effect but usually I need EXCITEMENT and INTRIGUE. Dead Gorgeous has plenty of both.

Aspiring model Kirsty Manners had no shortage of enemies when she was alive and when she turns up dead it's Detective Inspector Angela Costello's job to find the killer. There are plenty of possible suspects though and Costello must dig a bit deeper to uncover all of the facts. Was Kirsty mixed up in something far more dangerous that she realised? The premise of this book was intriguing. A murder mystery set in the underworld of the fashion industry? Yes please. It sounded exactly up my street and I wasn't disappointed. There's a little bit of everything going on here; drugs, human trafficking, prostitution. Oh and a little bit of romance for good measure.

The prologue sets the scene for something that we don't fully understand until later in the book. I was absolutely hooked by the end of it and thought it was a fantastically strong start to the story as it really draws you in and you can't help but wonder what on earth is going on. The first couple of chapters give you the background and then the investigation picks up almost straight away and you are thrown into Angela Costello's shoes as she heads up the case. There are no end of suspects and I definitely had every single one of them down as the killer at some point. Usually you can rule a few out by process of elimination but I hadn't got a clue with this one and I was pleased with the way things ended.

There are no long chapters where nothing much happens and you are sitting waiting for the police to do their paperwork. Yes I know they have to do it but I don't really want to read about it thanks. Just like I don't want to read about someone on the toilet. It's necessary but it doesn't make for very exciting reading and, as I've already said, I NEED EXCITEMENT. Luckily there are so many twists in the plot that you have no way of knowing what is coming next and you will find yourself unable to put it down. The two storylines weaving in and out of each other is what really gives this book its edge and I was desperate to find out what was going on with the girl from the church.

I really love the working relationship between Costello and Detective Constable Gary Houseman. They work really well together and their conversations were fun to read. I also liked how following on from the events of the first book Angela definitely seems to be relying more heavily on her junior colleagues rather than the old hands. This book properly introduces Angela's step-daughter Maddie and I can imagine she will pop up again throughout the series as her relationship with Gary develops. All of the characters are really interesting and whilst even some of the 'good-guys' aren't particularly likeable (Jim, I'm looking at you) they all make for excellent reading.

I read book #1 first because I'm a bit funny about starting a series part way through but you could actually read this book as a standalone if you've not read Game, Set and Murder as the Wimbledon case is only mentioned in passing a couple of times and everything else is pretty self-contained. I do urge you to check out the first book though because it is just as good as this one. I have it on good authority that Elizabeth is currently working on a third book in this series and I for one am super excited about it.

As with Game, Set and Murder I thought this book was brilliant and I highly recommend it to fans of crime fiction as a very well written, fast-paced novel. It's being marketed as 'crime-meets-chick-lit' and I think it's a great crossover book for fans of either genre who are yet to try the other!

[Book Addict Shaun · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Crime fiction meets chick lit? As a prolific reader of both genres I was intrigued by the sound of this book, with its glamorous cover and London Fashion Week setting it could appear at first glance to be a book for women, yet men can easily pick it up and enjoy it too. Elizabeth Flynn has written a story that will grip male and female readers, it's one I could see working as a TV series over a couple of episodes. Unfortunately I didn't have time to read Game, Set and Murder (book one) before this as planned, but it's coming up on my TBR and I hope to have a review for that soon. That said Dead Gorgeous can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone.

Kirsty Manners, an up and coming name in the fashion world is found dead. As an in-house model for designer Ivano King, having even dated him, she was destined for great things. There are no shortage of suspects, each extremely unlikeable and each with a grudge against Kirsty. A lovesick ex-boyfriend. A jealous flat mate. And Ivano King's new girlfriend, openly admitting she has reason to want Kirsty dead. Despite having not yet read book one, Wimbledon to me is such an exciting setting to base a murder, and the same is true for LFW. In such a passionate, cut throat world where tensions and jealousies are rife, there's plenty of opportunity to explore what goes on there. It isn't all sitting looking at nice clothes after all. Behind the scenes it's a very different story. I first got interested in this world with Ugly Betty, so for me it's perfect for a crime novel.

I was a huge fan of DI Angela Costello from the off. When introduced to a new fictional detective all I want at first is for them to be a breath of fresh air, a completely new character, different from what I have read about before and Angela is definitely that. I do love a female detective in crime fiction. With a focus on her personal life as well, she's a character that will continue to grow and develop over the course of the series and I'm excited to see what's going to happen with her next. She is a believable and very realistic character, and one that I think women could easily relate to with certain aspects of her home life. In work though she's very professional, getting the job done.

Storyline wise I want to be kept guessing, and here I was. Nothing ever felt obvious, meaning I was kept on my toes throughout ready for the twists that I just couldn't see coming. It's a very human story, focusing on the people involved rather than any sensationalist murder scenes, I do prefer the bloody and gruesome crime fiction books yet I do like to mix it up every so often. With so many threads to the story some might find it hard to keep up yet for me, I don't want to be bored reading a book or to be sitting through any silly filler, so the fact that there's so much going on kept me reading, kept me hooked on the book and ultimately, kept me interested right up until the end. When I finish a book I want to be happy at reaching the conclusion, yet disappointed at the same time because the book finished long before I wanted it too.

My first read from Elizabeth Flynn and Lion Hudson and I'm excited. I can't wait to see where Elizabeth goes with book three, this book comes highly recommended by me for crime fiction fans, yet with a chick lit twist it's one that fans of that genre should perhaps pick up as well for a bit of a change.

Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

(actual rating 4.5)

Posted originally http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2014...

I loved the sound of Dead Gorgeous and along with the brilliant cover, I was very excited to start reading it. It began with a prologue which didn’t make much sense to me originally, though I assumed it would as things came to light in the book, and once the story begins, we’re introduced to several characters, Kirsty, Ian, Sandra, Eleanor, Jenni and Darren, amongst others, none who seemed in the least likeable. I was a little worried this book was going to veer off into an overload of characters and confusion which explains why I was cynically happy when Kirsty Manners was found to have been murdered. Once the case is opened and D.I. Angela Costello and her team are on the scene, Dead Gorgeous became extremely compelling and a complete page-turner of a novel.

Kirsty is desperate to be a model and was ambitious with it. She looked to have no real care for anything or anyone that might get in the way of her plans – not that we really know what they are – and using people or dropping them in a flash seemed a little bit of a theme in this book. Every character we meet has a link to the others and they were all perfectly capable of using each other too, with all the lies and hidden truths setting up the murder investigation perfectly. Though I say none of the characters were likeable, and I wasn’t expecting them to be either, this did a great job at building the unpredictability of the book because there were so many directions the novel could be taken in that it was difficult to second guess it. With each new bit of evidence or information that was unveiled throughout the book, I would be thinking – oh, I know where this is going now – when evidently I didn’t have a clue. I loved how Elizabeth Flynn managed to keep me on my toes the whole way through – my interest and intrigue into the mystery never faded regardless of how many wrong predictions I made (and whether I’m simply clueless or this was just very cleverly written, I made quite a few).

I also loved how the author controlled the pace of the novel. I was hooked right from the moment the murder took place and I enjoyed the way the pace kept changing – whether it was slowed down a little so I could take in the information and try and figure out any motives along with the team working on the case, or whether the pace picked up to allow a surge of revelations that left me none the wiser. It was utterly gripping and I particularly liked the fast pace towards the end which heightened the suspense and tension in the novel, and for me there was a lot of that. I read this book in two sittings and would have completely devoured it in one had time allowed. I just had to read on and find out where it was going and I was completely fascinated and drawn into the investigation – almost feeling like that one hopeless D.I. you see in so many crime books – the one who’s so desperate to uncover the truth they don’t realise that they’re on the complete wrong track. I thought Dead Gorgeous was a fantastic read with a captivating case, a little bit of wit and an ultimately satisfying and very entertaining finale.

*Book gifted for honest review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have recently expanded my reading and started to read more crime novels, so when I was asked to take part in the blog tour for Dead Gorgeous I jumped at the chance. Just from the blurb this book sounded so interesting. This is the second in a murder mystery series, however it can be read as a standalone novel. It is the perfect book to get hooked on and feel like you are part of.

Kirsty Manners is an ambitious young woman who longs to be a model, she works for Ivana King, a top fashion house. She isn't a particularly nice woman and doesn't mind using people to get what she wants. When she is found dead in her flat D.I Angela Costello is called to investigate. This book has so many twists and turns and you are always kept guessing, exactly how a murder mystery should be. At first I was a little confused but when the book really gets started and when D.I Costello comes onto the scene it becomes a book that you just can’t put down.

I loved how none of the characters are actually like-able, this gave me a whole new experience when reading as I have never really found that I don’t like any of the characters before. What is great about this book is that none of the characters in the story were having an easy life, everybody had their problems and they all worked within the story. All of the characters worked well together and bounced off each other brilliantly, there was something entertaining about each one of them and this made you like them so much more. Each character is capable of lying and cheating, which is perfect for this type of book, and it keeps you on your toes because you just don't know what they will do next.
There are so many characters and there is a lot going on in the book, which worried me slightly at first but as you read on you see that it is not too much at all but the perfect amount to make the book brilliant. What I love most about books that have a lot of characters with different stories is when we find out that they are all connected, which is exactly what this book does.

There were so many times in this book that I thought I knew what was or was going to happen and where the story was going (I didn't), this novel well and truly keeps you guessing. This is brilliant writing from Elizabeth as she manages to make you think something different to what is actually happening, just by releasing little bits of information, then adding a huge twist. Elizabeth constantly changes the pace of the novel at exactly the right times, which I thought was absolutely brilliant. She allows you to try to figure out the case along with D.I Costello, whilst also allowing you to feel the tension throughout. I read this book in no time at all and I think anybody would struggle to put it down.

Elizabeth is a wonderful writer who has the power to write such a detailed, elaborate story but have you able to keep up. I would definitely recommend this book if you want a flowing, easy but fascinating read that will keep you on your toes and up late at night because you can’t stop reading. Fans of crime or chic-lit will love this book as it covers both genres, I'm a massive chic-lit fan and I loved it!

Review also posted http://bookreviewsbyem.blogspot.co.uk/

[Isabell · Rating 4 out of 5]

First posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes

I kindly received Dead Gorgeous in exchange of an honest review by the publisher.

I was very excited when I was asked to be part of Elizabeth Flynn's blog tour of Dead Gorgeous. The blurb sounded very promising and the book cover is such an eye catcher. Who could have said no to that? Dead Gorgeous is part of a series. The series started with Game, Set and Murder and Dead Gorgeous is the second book in the series. Both of them can be read as a stand alone novel. I have never read a book by Elizabeth Flynn before. What a good one to start with! I have been so impressed with Dead Gorgeous that I am even more happier I have recieved a copy of Game, Set and Murder as well.

Kristy Manners was young, beautiful and a trying to make it as a model in the fashion industry. For a start, she worked as an assistant for fashion house called Ivano King. Kristy had big ideas, not only about the modelling, she wanted to live a the high life. She liked the idea of going out with a rich and famous boyfriend. She wants that lifestyle.And now... she is dead. At this point Elizabeth Flynn introduced us to Detectiv Inspector Angela Costello, who was called to investigate the murder of Kirsty, who was found dead in her flat. Not only dead, she has been murdered.

When I started reading Dead Gorgeous, it was a difficult for me to get into it. The first few chapters didn't make any sense to me but when you keep reading all things come together at some point. Things picked up for me when D. I. Costello started to invastigate on Kristy's case. Quickly I was hocked by the story.When the story unfolds more and more we meet plenty of characters. Sandra, Kristy's flatmate, Darren, Kristy's ex-boyfriend. Ian King, Kristy's employee, several workmates and police officers and there are even more. Sounds pretty much like a confusing character overload? Not at all! Flynn created a brilliant storyline were all these characters are interlinked in some way and it worked so well. Elizabeth Flynn knew how to build tension in this book and I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. There were twists and turns through out the book and I did not find it predictable at all, which added to my enjoyment of the book. I found the book captivating and kept me guessing who the murder of Kristy was. Sometimes my prediction changed from chapter to chapter and so many times I was on the completely wrong track. I loved that! Not only the the storyline, also the characters, for me, are really what made this book so great. They are all complex characters with their own agendas, thought processes and personalities. Angela is a fantastic character, I warmed to her straight away.

Dead Gorgous was everything I was looking for in a light crime novel. It compelling, pace changing, and a real page turner.

[Blue North · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this mystery by Elizabeth Flynn. The mystery involves the fashion world. The fashion world is pretty dramatic. Those times when fashion designers prepare models to walk down the catwalk can involve negative emotions like jealousy. Some designers go as far as stealing another designer's fashion designs. Kirsty is one of many women who dreams of becoming a model. Sadly, she is too short. She must find her place in another part of the fashion world. Like all young women along the way she falls in love and out of love. After Kirsty is strangled to death with a scarf, many people will say she was a playgirl going from one guy to another guy.

Kirsty in Dead Gorgeous by Elizabeth Flynn is more complicated than the solution to the mystery. I wasn't shocked by the findings of Angela, Gaz and the other detectives. What I couldn't figure out was the character of Kirsty. Although I never met a living Kirsty in the novel, Elizabeth Flynn does a fine job with the dead character. Even though she is murdered and young I didn't feel deeply about her death. I didn't dislike her. I didn't like her. She came across as a young woman trying to find her identity in the big, wide world of fashion, a woman lost in the crowd of other women. After not being able to become a model, she became like a frantic butterfly flipping around to different men and places in the fashion house to find a place where she could be called successful. Along the way she finds the ugly part of that world.

It is sad Kirsty never found her spot. It is also sad that she looked for her identity in men like Ian, Darren and other men. Usually, I come away from a mystery shocked by the crime and whodunnit. This time I came away wondering, "who was the real woman lying across the bed with a scarf tightened around her neck?" I liked Angela's flatmate, roommate, Sondra. I thought she would have more to do with the crime than she did in reality. This was a red herring for me. In the mystery, I also liked Detective Angela so much. She's great. However, I didn't like the shortened name for her partner. She calls him Gaz. I hated that name. It drove me nuts. Why? I have no idea.

I might have liked the setting more, but there is never a real fashion show. No papparrazzi cameras flash, no descriptions of fine silks or rough denims except in the Prologue. I could have been in any world besides the fashion world. I especially liked the surprise about the underworld of Ivano King. Leaves me to wonder how many women in this world are held somewhere against their will in a house.

I would read another mystery by Elizabeth Flynn. If it takes place in the modeling world, please add more sequins, velvets and drawing boards and maybe a spoiled model running from the catwalk . Other than that it's a good, relaxing read especially if you want a mystery without gore and mayhem.
elizabethflynnauthor.com/books/
LionHudson / Kregel

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Flynn in her new book “Dead Gorgeous” Book Two in the A Mystery for D. I. Costello series published by Kregel Publications gives us another thriller with D. I. Angela Costello.

From the back cover: Fashion model Kirsty Manners is young, beautiful, and recently dead

Kirsty Manners is trying to make it as a model. As the in-house model for the Ivano King fashion house and girlfriend of Ian King, the man behind the label, she believes she is well on her way. But Kirsty is found dead in her flat one Sunday afternoon and D. I. Angela Costello is called to the scene.

First enquiries center on the local gym where Kirsty, her dangerous ex-boyfriend, Darren Carpenter, and her jealous flatmate, Sandra Hodges, worked out. But things are more complicated. Ian King is considered to have lost his edge. Why then is he so buoyant about his latest collection for London Fashion Week? What about his new girlfriend, Eleanor Chandler, who openly admits to having a reason to wish Kirsty dead?

Behind the gleaming smiles and flawless makeup of the glamorous fashion world, Angela’s enquiries uncover theft, drug-addiction, prostitution, and imprisonment–and suddenly her own life could be in danger.

“Dead Gorgeous” is a good old fashioned murder mystery. It never would have occurred to me that the world of high fashion could be such a dangerous place. Treachery, jealousy, prostitution and drug addiction are just some of what Angela is up against as she sets out to solve the murder of Kirsty. However this is not an easy case there are all sorts of twists and turns and just when you think you have the murderer book here comes another twist that proves you wrong. I have confidence in your abilities to solve cases however do not feel badly if you don’t solve this one. Really tough case. I am glad I found Elizabeth Flynn and I am so looking forward to the next book in this series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Beckie Burnham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dead Gorgeous by Elizabeth Flynn is a twisting, British, police procedural that keeps the reader guessing and turning the pages. Set amidst the glitz and glamor of the fashion business in London, it is filled with not so likable characters, both victim and suspects, except for D.I. Angela Costello. Angie is a smart and savvy detective and is determined to get her man.

The very British setting and style of Dead Gorgeous will appeal to those who like a British accent with their mystery. The clues are disclosed a bit at a time and keep the reader guessing along with the investigative team. The good guys, those in the police, Angie’s family and the family priest are very likable. I really enjoyed the banter between them, and their keen sense of right and wrong. The bad guys, and there are plenty, though not all are murderers, exhibit greed, jealousy, larceny and brutality. There is some adult subject matter (prostitution and human trafficking) but no graphic details. There is also a bit of profanity — this is a British publication. And while this is technically Christian fiction, there is very little evidence of it. A priest is a minor, yet crucial character, and Angie Costello and her family are said to be believers.

I had a little trouble with the writing style. Transitions of scene within chapters are a bit abrupt. I found I had to go back and get my bearings. And there is some British idioms that I had to get used to. But it was English! I was able to easily make the translations ;)!

So if you are looking for a bit of Britain in your mystery selection, then I would suggest trying Dead Gorgeous. It is book 2 in the series, but is easily read as a standalone.

Recommended (with some profanity).

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Kregel and Lion Hudson for my review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I began this book ready to dislike it. After all, I felt the cover and title were a bit trite. Since I had won the book from LibraryThing on the condition I read it and give an honest review, I did make myself start it. What I have discovered is anything but trite! This is a well-written, old-fashioned murder mystery! Ms. Flynn does a wonderful job of drawing the reader into the current case of D.I. Costello. There are several different threads (pardon the pun on the garment industry!) that drew me in – and kept me busy trying to figure out how it all went together.
The mystery starts when a young employee of a fashion designer in London is found murdered. Unfortunately, the woman is not extremely likable – and the list of suspects grows fairly long. We follow D. I. Costello as she unravels the clues to figure out “who dun it.” Could it be her flatmate – or her boss (with whom she had been having an affair) – or her body-builder boyfriend - or is it someone else? As we are drawn into the mystery of her death, we are also introduced to another mystery – Costello’s priest has been approached for help by a young woman in distress. He feels she is in serious trouble, so comes to his friend (Costello) for aid. Could these two, seemingly unrelated problems really be connected?
This book is a great read – with likable characters and a plausible plot. It has a well-developed mystery – with no graphic violence, sex, or bad language. It definitely held my interest right to the end. Even though it is the second in a series, I did not feel that I needed to read the first to understand this one (I have not read the first). I can’t wait to read others in the series!

[Ana Garcês · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a girl used to the crime novels of Ms. Agatha Christie and to be honest I haven't expanded much into that theme until Dead Gorgeous.

I got to say that what caught my eye first was the cover. I mean, how pretty is it? But the synopsis didn't do much for me so I started reading this book with no expectations at all. And boy was I surprised!

The prologue sets the scene for something that we don't fully understand until later in the book. I was absolutely hooked by the end of it and it was a strong start to the story that drawned me in.

Is the case exciting? Yes! As it unfolds you get more and more answers popping into your head as things develops into a huge web of crazyness that actually makes a lot of sense. Nothing has been left out and we get the answers for everything until the end.
Was the ending a surprise? Hell yes! I had my suspects from the start and I could swear that they've done it but boy, oh boy was I wrong! When we finally get to know who did it and who it was done everything makes sense.

There are so many twists in the plot that you have no way of knowing what is coming next and you will find yourself unable to put it down with two storylines weaving in and out of each other giving this book its edge.

This is book number two in a series but you could read it as a standalone and still understand everything. I did not read the first book of this series and had no problems following the story and the relationships between the characters.

This book is brilliant and I highly recommend it to fans of crime fiction as a very well written, fast-paced novel.

[S.C. Skillman · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second novel, Elizabeth Flynn again demonstrates her elegant and fluent writing style as D.I Angela Costello investigates a murder in the world of fashion. I found this story a little more difficult to grasp than Flynn's first novel: the ins and outs of the suspects' machinations with each other were much more complicated. During the first part of the novel, we are introduced to so many people who you cannot really like at all-everyone in this world seems to have at least three sexual partners on the go simultaneously. This picture of people treating each other as objects and trophies just to get what they want can become quite depressing. But then we meet Angie, the detective inspector and her team and we feel a sense of relief. I really like Angela and her husband Patrick and her young colleague, Gary; one of the most enjoyable things about the book is Angela's relationships and repartee with the colleagues in her team. It is also clever the way Flynn weaves the exploitation of Eastern European immigrants into the story, along with all the tiny little bit of information that are being revealed, building up into a significant lead for the investigating team. There is also a very tense and exciting scene near the end of the novel with a moment of real personal jeopardy for
Angela, demonstrating her courage and her strength of character. And once again, as with her first novel, Elizabeth Flynn shows a meticulous attention to detail in her portrayal of the world in which her story is set.

[Damaskcat · Rating 5 out of 5]

D I Angela Costello is called to investigate when Kirsty Manners is found dead in her flat. She is an assistant working for fashion house Ivano King and has aspirations above her abilities. There are plenty of suspects including Ian King - her employer - who has been having a bit of fling with her and her on/off boyfriend tough guy Darren. But is there something more going on behind the scenes? Something which could lead to other crimes? Father Martin - Angela's local Roman Catholic priest, has been appealed to for help by a very distressed Easy European girl and he can't get her out of his mind.

This book is an absorbing read. It is a police procedural where the police team get on well together and share a lot of banter and where they really do seem to work as a team. Angela herself is a likeable character, coming to terms with a recent promotion and with her step daughter living with her and her husband, Patrick. I though it was well plotted and the characters were convincing and I liked the very tense ending.

The series started with 'Game, Set and Murder' and 'Dead Gorgeous' is the second book in the series and I hope we will see many more books featuring Angela Costello. If you like your crime stories without too much on the page violence and bad language then you may enjoy this series. I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley fro review purposes.

[Tamara Tilley · Rating 3 out of 5]

DEAD GORGEOUS was not necessarily my cup of tea, but if you like the old, traditional whodunit stylings of Agatha Christie or say, Murder She Wrote, I think you will find this novel entertaining.

Set in the world of fashion, D.I. Angela Costello must find out who killed Kirsty Manners. But the more Angela digs, the more she finds that Kirsty was not just a beautiful and aspiring model, but also a conniving and opportunistic person, with enemies at every turn. Angela and her team must piece together what little evidence they have in order to find their killer. Working with a meticulous and keen talent of unearthing clues that are barely there, D.I. Costello narrows down the list of possible suspects until only one stands out.

Though DEAD GORGEOUS was intriguing as a whodunit, the characters just didn’t seem that engaging to me. The interaction between them never really evoked any emotion or connection. The plot and the precision was there but the characters just seemed to fall a little flat. DEAD GORGEOUS is a striped down mystery where the suspects and clues take center stage.

Book provided for review purposes.

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't read a good old fashioned murder mystery in a while and this certainly whet my appetite. Elizabeth Flynn creates an absorbing read with a likable cast of characters, especially the lead, Detective Inspector Angela Costello. She's a detective with heart, not some jaded PI like we're so often used to. She's methodical, jovial, and hard as tacks; she knows how to get the job done but she doesn't lose herself in the process.

When young aspiring model, Kristy Manners, is found dead Angela finds herself sucked into the world of fashion. She has to sort out Kristy's fashion designer boss, the jealous ex-boyfriend, the secretive flatmate, and other likely suspects. It's not so easily solved though, and in the process of trying to sort out the murder of beautiful, ambitious Kristy, Angela discovers that lurking behind the fashion industry's door is prostitution, drug addiction, and theft. A page turner that will leave you guessing til the end.

I received this book for free from Kregel Publications in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.

[Paul Trembling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know much about the fashion industry - you'd know that if you met me - so I can't really say if the background to this murder mystery is accurate. But it certainly feels authentic, with a glittering and sometimes toxic mix of money and art and beauty and greed.

Character is also very important to a good novel, and the character's here are well developed. Too many details would cause spoilers, because the plot development relies on the way different characters react to situations at several points. But the main character, D.I. Angela Costello, is given special depth (as is appropriate) - we get to see something of her home life as well, and how this influences her on the job. This isn't a stereotypical tortured loner, but a women with strong relationships to fall back on when needed, and it shows in her approach to life and to the case.

The author has deftly woven these different elements together, and manages to keep introducing new twists at every turn. In the end, everything comes together in a very satisfying and effective conclusion. All in all, a great read.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!! I wasn't sure what to expect this is a first from this author for me but it had good suspense that kept me turning the page. Set in the drama of the modeling world, a murder might seem like it started from a love triangle but did it? I really wasn't sure where the book was leading and the story seemed to get more and more detailed. I loved the details and Angela Costello is a great character. The story didn't seem over the top just more realistic. There are a lot of layers to this book so sometimes I had to re-read a few sentences. I enjoyed the dialogue and there is a bit of humor as well. I think this book is a well rounded read and for some suspense I highly recommend!!

"I received this book from Kregel for free in exchange for an honest review."

[Reading Fool · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book.

This was an entertaining, easy read. This is the second of the D.I. Costello mysteries, and it didn't matter that I had not read the first one. D.I. Angela Costello is investigating the murder of Kirsty Manners, an ambitious model in the Ivano King fashion house in London. There are plenty of suspects, and Angela plods through the possibilities and red herrings to solve the murder, with the help of her young, able team. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, though it is not dark and disturbing (despite the fact that it's about a murder) like most other murder mysteries. I'll have to seek out the author's first book, Game, Set and Murder.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good mystery. The writing is good but nothing special. There's no snappy dialog nor memorable sentences. The mystery is good. The author had me wondering to the end which of the many suspects was the murderer. We learn about the fashion industry and modeling, including the darker side. There are no objectionable words nor bloody scenes so those who like cozy mysteries would like this one.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/1AqRV9g.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

[Stacie Wyatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book in exchange for honest review. The book starts out at a fashion show for Ivano King. One of the models is waiting to go on first. The end of the prelude is a mini shocker. I also a little confused on Ian King and Ivano King. Wasn't sure if they was the same person or not. The back of the book says Kirsy was in a relationship with Ivano King, but in chapter 1, the author mentions a fling with Ian King.

The book was an average read. The first few chapters did not grab me at all.

[Bertha · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Kirsty was trying to make it in the fashion world. As the in-house model for Ivano King and having dated the great designer himself, she believed she was well on her way. But Kirsty is found dead in her flat and it is up to D.I. Angela Costello to find the killer."
I had a hard time getting into this book but once I got the rhythm I was hooked. A great cozy mystery.

[Voirrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a quiet day in the small charity bookshop where I help - so I managed to read this from cover to cover. Again DI Costello has a murder to solve, with a lot of possible suspects, and a number of twists and turns.

Nice to see a little more of her family, and I lie the priest as a character, too.

[Rochelle Tindall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great mystery featuring D. I. Costello and her team solving the case.