Bodice of Evidence

Perfect Proposals Mystery #2

by Nancy J. Parra

The author of Engaged in Murder returns with her second Perfect Proposals Mystery. This time Pepper Pomeroy discovers that shopping for the dream wedding dress can be a nightmare…
 
Pepper’s new wedding proposal planning business, Perfect Proposals, seems like a perfect fit. If only shopping for her sister Felicity’s bridal gown could be so simple.

After a long day of lace, tulle, and tears, Pepper, Felicity, and their mother pull it together to try one last bridal boutique. Maybe they’ll be surprised. And indeed they are—when they enter a deserted shop and soon discover the owner of the boutique slain in the alley out back.

Distressed by their proximity to the crime, Pepper vows to unveil the killer. As difficult as it is to draw a pattern from the clues, it’s still easier than finding Felicity’s perfect wedding gown. But as the killer begins to feel hemmed in, Pepper may be the one brought to her knees…

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 2, 2015

About the author

Best known for writing plucky heroines, USA Today Bestselling Author, Nancy J. Parra has 30 books published-
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Most recently Nancy has five cozy mystery book series going.

All Fudged Up, To Fudge or Not To Fudge, All You Need is Fudge, Oh Say Can You Fudge, All I want For Christmas is Fudge, Oh Fudge, Forever Fudge, Fudge Bites and Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas are part of the USA Today Bestselling Candy-Coated Mystery series (Kensington) -which Nancy writes as Nancy Coco.

Also from Nancy Coco, the Oregon Honeycomb Series which includes: Death Bee Comes Her and a Matter of Hive and Death.


Writing as Nell Hampton, Kale to the Queen is the debut in the Kensington Palace Chef Mystery series.


A Case of Syrah, Syrah and Seven Deadly Zins are part of the Wine Country Tours mystery series.

Gluten for Punishment, Murder Gone A-Rye and Flourless to Stop Him are both part of the Gluten Free Baker's Treat Mystery series. (Berkley Prime Crime)
Then there is Engaged in Murder, Bodice of Evidence and Newlywed Dead, the Perfect Proposal series from Berkley Prime Crime.

Reviews

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I imagine myself as one of Pepper Pomeroy,'s Perfect Proposals clients. Perfect Proposals is a business where Pepper organizes and sets up the perfect proposal for a soon to be engaged couple, Pepper tries to suit the perfect wedding proposal to the couple by their likes and personality. This second book in this series had me dreaming of my own wedding proposal, mine was special but paled in comparison to one of Pepper's Perfect Proposals.

Pepper's sister, Felicity is getting married and Felicity and Pepper and their mother are on the search for the perfect wedding dress. After visiting the fourth and final Bridal shop, Pepper with her mother and sister in toe walk in to a empty bridal shop. Pepper soon ventures though out the shop and finds the back door open to an alley and a dumpster. Pepper is shocked to discover the owner of the Bridal shop, Eva Sitting against the dumpster stabbed with a knife.

So shocked by the sight of another murder Pepper vows to help find who killed Eva and with the theft of valuable wedding dresses from the bridal shop. All the while Pepper's business is booming with many "Perfect Proposals" in the works and a budding new relationship with Gage. She needs to needs to watch her back, while on the search for the perfect wedding gown for her sister Pepper soon discovers that the killer is a lot closer than she thinks.

This was a very quick read, with a action packed story that hooked me in from the cover of this book, it hooked me in so much that I finished it in only a day, a first for me. That's how much this story hooked me in and that is owed to the talent of the writer, Nancy.J.Parra. A one of a kind mystery series with a wedding theme chalked with proposals that a girl can only dream of.It's easy to imagine yourself as one of Pepper's Perfect Proposals minus the murder. I loved the relationship between Detective Murphy and Pepper, one of the first times in a cozy mystery where a detective and ameteur sleuth seems to have a father-daughter relationship. A fun filled edge of your seat mystery with a almost perfect murder if not for Pepper of Perfect Proposals to save the day and find the killer.

FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher for providing me a copy of this book for review.This did not influence my thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book and review are my own and my reviews are honest.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I read the first book in the series but I really enjoyed this second one. Pepper is a likeable MC and her boyfriend is so sweet. Her Perfect Proposals sound amazing and are so creative. I do wonder how many murders can be associated with her sister's wedding, since we are seeming to have one at every step of the process but I did like how Pepper kept chipping away at this mystery.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would have been a much better book if the author hadn't had to repeat each conversation with everyone she encountered and in detail. To me that shows she is not a very good writer and should consider doing short stories instead of novels. I also did not enjoy the many details she provided about the proposals as it really took away from the murder mystery I was looking for.

[OpenBookSociety.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://openbooksociety.com/article/bo...

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt

Bodice of Evidence is the second book in Nancy J. Parra’s series Perfect Proposals. I have not read the first one and although it is not as easy as some, you are able to read this one without being too lost. I really enjoyed the characters and their interplay. The mystery is intriguing and well written. The storyline is interesting and easy to follow, while still keeping the reading in suspense. While I know nothing about weddings, the work that goes into them or “perfect proposals, I was still entertained and wanted to read more. Pepper Pomeroy is an enjoyable character written and developed with humor and intelligence.

Pepper and her sister Felicity and their mother are on the hunt for Felicity’s perfect dress. The ladies are having one heck of a time coming anywhere close to something the bride or bride’s maid would think of wearing. As they crawl in exhaustion to the last bridal store, they are met with an empty establishment. Pepper searches for someone to help them and ends up finding the store owner dead in the back alley. What ensues is a wonderfully written mystery that keeps the reader guessing, action that keeps a fast pace and well developed characters on the hunt for answers.

I truly enjoyed Nancy J. Parra’s writing style, the humor she instills in her characters and their interaction and the perfect mystery. I am not a big fan of wedding related anything, but love Ms. Parra’s other cozy series Baker’s Treat Mysteries so I wanted to check out this one. I was not disappointed in the storyline nor the wonderful characters. The action comes quickly and keeps the reader entertained throughout this enjoyable cozy. I would recommend Bodice of Evidence to any reader that enjoys Nancy J. Parra’s books, loves weddings or just enjoys a well written book of fiction. This is a great cozy and I am sure a wonderful series.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of author Nancy J. Parra’s Baker’s Treat Mystery series. And I love watching bridal shows on television like Say Yes To The Dress. So, when I saw that Ms. Parra was writing the Perfect Proposals series, I was thrilled!

Book one, ENGAGED IN MURDER, was everything I thought it would be and more. BODICE OF EVIDENCE, book two, is a perfect second installment in this series.

The discovery of the body happens very early in the story. What follows next is a well thought out, tightly plotted mystery, expertly written to keep the reader enthralled while the suspense escalates right up until the exciting climatic reveal.

I absolutely loved the ideas for the proposals and parties. So very creative! Hmmm…maybe author Parra could go into part time party planning. She even includes a wonderful themed engagement party menu in the back of the book.

Start this series now while it is only two books in and you’ll be eagerly awaiting the third installment as much as I am!

[Melodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a bunch of totally uninspiring cozies this month and this one was just another in the string. A 2.5 star read, but rounding up. I like Ms. Parra's Baker's Treat series and also the Candy Coated series she writes as Nancy Coco. This one? Not so much. Pepper just doesn't grab me at all. Don't like her mom much and her sister, Felicity, is just too much for me to take. The mystery was okay, though I don't think there were quite enough clues. Might just be me, so take it with a grain of salt. Won't go farther in this series.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pepper Pomeroy’s new business, Perfect Proposals, is growing. Love is in the air for Pepper and Gage, and Pepper’s sister, Felicity, is preparing for her wedding. When they arrive at their last bridal boutique appointment they find the owner dead in the alley. Talk about a party buster! Pepper cannot help herself. She has to investigate. I enjoy the character engagement in this series. Pepper’s mother is a “hover mother”, but it is quite obvious she just loves her girls. The very idea of planning a perfect proposal is what every girl dreams will happen to her one day, which makes this fun to read about. I am enjoying this series.

[Denise Kulesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Proposals mystery series by Nancy J. Parra is so amazing and engaging.

Pepper has a proposal business that is just getting started. Her sister Felicity is trying to find the perfect dress and after two back to back appointments they take a quick break before going to the last one. The sisters and their mom were not expecting to find the shop owner dead in the alley behind her shop

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how Pepper's relationship is growing with a guy who is nuts about her
and showing her things that she missed in her last relationship!
Again, another good book about her business that is growing! Loved how
she taught this rich guy about LOVE and not using his money to get a woman!!!

[lori pfohl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series

I really enjoyed this series which was a different spin on the whole proposal/romance thing. Looking forward to seeing is the main character end up with her OWN proposal!

[Susan Moxley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read that will keep you on the edge of your seat guessing to the end of the Book.

[Jeanie Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT STORY CONTINUATION.

PEPPER CERTAINLY KNOWS HER STUFF.

CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE!!

[Pat Cray-Hollis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not enjoy this one as much as the first one. A little too girly this time. I did like hearing about the party ideas. My main complaint is the terrible editing. Misspellings, wrong names used, etc. Found it very distracting. 2.5 stars

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Shopping for a wedding dress is supposed to be fun but it can be quite stressful to find the “perfect” dress. Pepper knows shopping with her sister, Felicity, for her dress is going to interesting but she never expected that when they arrived for their last appointment the shop’s owner would be dead. Dead, as in murdered in the alley behind the boutique. They had arrived a little late and Pepper feels if they would have been on time they could have saved the woman. But they also could have become collateral damage. She just can’t help doing a little investigating on her own and that could end no where near perfect.

Pepper’s business sounds like a really great job. Her business, Perfect Proposals, sets up events for the perfect engagement proposals. It is always a surprise to the party being proposed to. It can be a proposal while skydiving, or at a movie theater, or anything the couple likes to do. Pepper wants the proposal to be special and she works hard to make that happen. Her business is taking off now that people have heard about her sister’s proposal. The whole family dynamic rings so true for me. I love her mom, very opinionated, and dad, knows when to back off, the sister, a little over the top.

I really enjoyed this story. A little twist has the detective in charge of the case actually happy with the information Pepper is providing. The suspects all seem to be family, an employee and her boyfriend, but Pepper just can’t figure out why they would want the woman dead. She is determined and goes back to the shop several times trying to get the answers she needs. I liked the way she handled it though, she always had a good reason to be there, dress fitting, payment on the dress, etc. And she purchased one pricey maid of honor dress! good thing they had a payment plan.

The mystery itself was well written and entertaining but I enjoyed the Perfect Proposal planning and events just as much. Together there was always action and drama making the pages absolutely fly.

It should be noted that while Nancy J. Parra is the name on the cover, Nancy, who also writes as Nancy Coco and Julie Hyzy, of the Manor House Mysteries, work in conjunction to write this series. I enjoy their other series’ so it is not a surprise to me that enjoy their writing together as well. The know how to set the scene, create realistic characters, and put them in drama filled situations. The also know how to add the perfect amount of humor to their stories.

This Perfect Proposals Mystery is a perfect escape!

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful fun! And I can't believe I'm saying that about a murder mystery. I typically don't read this genre, since the whole idea of murder makes me uncomfortable. But clearly I've been missing something. The story doesn't make light of the horror of the witnesses or the family's grief, but solving the mystery was great fun, and Parra kept me guessing until the end.

Pepper Pomeroy, founder and owner of Perfect Proposals, is a character I found endearing right away. With her unmanageable red hair, slight klutziness, checkered romance history, and endless curiosity (as well as a tendency to manage people), I identified with her. She drives an enormous, ancient, hand-me-down Buick around downtown Chicago with flair. And she has big ideas for the folks who come to her asking them to orchestrate their wedding proposals. The only problem, it seems, is that dead bodies keep cropping up along the petal-strewn bridal path. That and hunky Gage, her ex-boyfriend's best friend who's interested in her, seems a little woodenly too good to be true. But mainly, the dead bodies.

There's a fun story intertwined here with Pepper's efforts to track down the murderer, one sure to appeal to anyone who's ever gone through the exhausting process of wedding planning as either planner or support. I enjoy a story in which the secondary characters--the gruff Inspector, his piquant mother, Pepper's parents, and her soon-to-be-married sister Felicity--are entertaining.

I admit I didn't know what to do with Toby, a character who shows up about half way through the book and doesn't seem to have any real function. And there were occasionally conversations that spent too much time on the obvious, which is a writerly tic of mine. But on the whole, I think I might be hooked on the cozy genre. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the others in the Perfect Proposals series, Engaged in Murder and Newlywed Dead, as well as more from this author.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bodice of Evidence is the second in the Perfect Proposals mystery series. Pepper Pomeroy has left her corporate job, settled back in her suburban Chicago hometown and started her dream company Perfect Proposals.

Having successfully planned her sister Felicity's engagement to beau Warren, Pepper is now dress shopping with her and their mom Abigail. It had been a long nerve racking day and things only get worse when in the last shop, Bridal Dreams, Pepper stumbles upon the body of owner Eva Svetkovska.

Things at the crime scene don't add up in Pepper's eyes and despite the warnings of old pal Detective Murphy, she sets out to find Eva's killer. There are plenty of suspects including Eva's daughter Vidalia and her husband Anton, long time boutique employee Theresa and her sketchy boyfriend Thad and Vladmir, Eva's black sheep brother.

In the midst of her investigation, Pepper is also planning two dream proposals. First up is Alexander wants to propose during a sky diving jump and then there's Mary who wants to break the norm by popping the question to her long time boyfriend.

Pepper herself is trying to get over her recent nasty breakup with high school boyfriend Bobby and figuring out her newfound feelings for old friend Gage. Having decided that it's best if she moves from her apartment across the street from Bobby's favorite watering hole, Pepper also has to find a new place to call home.

A fast paced, fun mystery with a delightful cast of characters have you feeling right at home with Pepper and her friends. I'm looking forward to the next in the series, Newlywed Dead to see what exciting proposal events Pepper will plan next.

[Jane Night · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pepper is a wedding proposal planner and an overall interesting character. I haven’t read any other books in this series but I felt like I was able to jump right in and be pretty on top of who the characters were and what was going on.

The book focused much more on Pepper than on the mystery and at times I did feel a bit cheated by that. We get details about the proposals that Pepper has planned but they don’t have much impact on the mystery story line though they are interesting in their own way. Toby as introduced in this book and he had his own sub plot which really had little to do with the main story either. Toby really wants to pick a wife but has no idea about love or romance. He isn’t a romantic interest for Pepper as she already has a dream guy named Gabe and honestly Toby doesn’t feel like he adds much to the story though he could be a set up for the next book.

The mystery didn’t feel like the main part of the story. It felt secondary to me and I wasn’t overly impressed by it. Pepper talked to a few people and mostly just kept mulling over one small clue that didn’t make sense and was the one thing that could crack the case. The solution to the mystery was just okay. I didn’t feel like I was given enough info or background that I could have guessed it ahead of time.

Overall, it was an interesting character story but the plot didn’t feel very cohesive and the mystery was more in the background. The characters made it fun and I didn’t feel like it was a wasted read but probably not what I would pick if I was looking to enjoy a mystery.

[Sherri Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent mystery story filled with characters you care about!! I can't wait to read Pepper's next story! HIGHLY recommended!!

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Bodice of Evidence to be a very enjoyable read. It focuses on Pepper Pomeroy and her quest to help her sister find a gown for her upcoming wedding. When Pepper, her sister, and mother stubble upon the body of Eva Svetkovska, they are horrified to say the least. Feeling bad for Eva's daughter who is left to run the wedding boutique which is now struggling as a result of the murder, Pepper decides to do a little digging to see if she can help the police out.

Bodice of Evidence is different from other cozy mysteries I've read. Detective Murphy isn't telling Pepper to stay out of his investigation, he actually seems to look forward to the information she gives him. Pepper doesn't seem to truly do any intense investigation, she just stubbles upon the killer in the end. I actually found the most interesting aspect of the book to be that it focused on Pepper trying to plan wedding proposals for her new business, teach a wayward soul about love and marriage, and showed her attempting to start a new relationship.

The second book in the Perfect Proposals series is a standalone read. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series. I've even already asked the author to make sure a certain character was going to appear in the next book.

**Received a copy from Berkley Prime Crime in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**

[Elizabeth (Thoughts From an Evil Overlord) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bodice of Evidence is a well-constructed mystery with interesting likable characters and a little conflict in the secondary storyline outside of the mystery which will bring readers back for more of Pepper, Detective Murphy, and her family. The story opens with Pepper feeling an obligation to look into the death of Eva, a bridal shop owner she has never met. While busy detecting, Pepper is still planning her sister's engagement party as well as two original marriage proposals. Someone who helps her out is Gage, a longtime friend who has recently shown romantic interest in Pepper. Detective Murphy feels fatherly toward Pepper and wants her to stay out of danger as well as keeping her from messing up the investigation. With Bodice of Evidence and the Perfect Proposals series, we have everything necessary for a good story: romance, mystery, and a funny family planning their own wedding for Pepper's scattered, overwhelmed sister.
More in-depth review available on my blog: http://eviloverlordthoughts.com/revie...

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the mystery was not a huge part of the book, I actually really enjoyed the character development of both Pepper Pomeroy as well as some of the secondary characters. Made me interested enough to possibly read the first book in the series if it crosses my path.
Pepper is an event planner, proposals and engagement parties (is this a thing? Probably in Chicago). But she's also stumbled onto her second body in this book, that of a wedding dress shop owner who was supposed to be fitting Pepper's sister for a new dress.
Pepper very much knows she's an amateur detective and even makes sure that she updates the detective in charge of the case (What amateur fictional detective does that? I love it!).
But I was more interested in seeing Pepper grow as a person. Learning that she can date people who aren't her ex, trying not to compare people to her ex, etc. And I really liked the character of the millionaire, Toby, who thought he could just propose and some woman would accept him based on the fact that he was rich and wouldn't need anything by way of romance.

[Christy Carlyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It seems odd to call a book with a murder mystery at its center a fun and amusing read, but that’s exactly what Nancy J. Parra’s BODICE OF EVIDENCE is, and it’s exactly why the book succeeds so well as a cozy mystery. Although a murder kicks off the mystery, the story begins with a dreaded shop-to-shop hunt for the perfect wedding dress, which immediately drew me into the story.

I love female sleuths, and Pepper Pomeroy is utterly charming and likable. I admired her spunkiness and independence, the clever concept of her Perfect Proposal engagement arrangement business, and her absolute inability to keep her nose out of the mysterious death of one of the bridal shop owners she encountered while trying to help her sister find a wedding dress. I also like Pepper’s romantic entanglement with Gage. It adds spice and a lovely bit of romance to the story.

Read the rest of my review at Night Owl Reviews: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...

Copyright Night Owl Reviews

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wedding proposals and mysteries, my favorite things combined seamlessly.


Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.

[Doward Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a funny, entertaining murder romp. Pepper runs Perfect Proposals, offering unique marriage proposal settings that will keep you turning the pages. Murders just happen around her and she is like a red headed white knight charging in to find the killer. The theme and setting, in Chicago, blend well with realistic characters to give you a convoluted murder plot that keeps going right to the conclusion. This is murder plotting at the best, with comedy and love mixed in. This is the second book in the series and I can't wait for the next one. Set down and enjoy a fun read.

[Georgiann Hennelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pepper has a new Wedding Proposal Business, Perfect Proposals. Now if only shopping for her Sister Felicity's Wedding Dress could be so simple. After a long day with Her Sister Felicity and their Mother shopping for the perfect dress they take a short coffee break before going to the final appointment.
When they get there the shop seems deserted but they soon find the owner murdered in the alley out back. Pepper vows to find the killer it has to be easier than finding the perfect wedding dress. But the killer is beginning to feel hemmed in and Pepper maybe the next victim!

[Lucretia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pepper is a feisty fun heroine who is supported by a great cast. I loved the relationships that were developed and really look forward to seeing how they continue.

Even the suspects were interesting and well rounded, and the outcome was an intense surprise. I loved the pace in which the mystery unfolded; it kept me up late, turning pages. I would strongly recommend this fabulous book and will be searching for more from this series.

[Linda Langford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amatuer sleuth, Pepper Pomeroy, owns Perfect Proposals, a business in which she sets up dream or fantasy proposals for wealthy clients. This story has several clever and fun planned proposals throughout. The mystery is entertaining, and I enjoyed Pepper, her mother, and her sister, as they shopped for the perfect wedding dress.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parra has found a definite winner with Pepper Pomroy. Just her name makes you smile and wonder what she's up to. And in this book Pepper is up to quite a bit. The fast pace of the plot kept me turning the pages until I just had to finish. The secondary plot lines were as intriguing and captivating as the murder. The whole Perfect Proposal idea is brilliant! Impatiently waiting for the next book!

[Nancy H · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really good first entry in a new mystery series featuring an event planner. When the woman who is to show her sister some wedding gowns is murdered, the main character has to investigate and find out the real criminal. It is well-plotted, with good characters, and definitely a series that I will want to follow.