Crushed Velvet

A Material Witness Mystery #2

by Diane Vallere

“Diane Vallere has stitched up an engaging new series.”—Sofie Kelly, New York Times bestselling author of the Magical Cats Mysteries

Fabric shop owner Polyester Monroe is back in business—this time getting wrapped up in a diabolical but crafty case of murder.

With opening day of Material Girl approaching, Poly is stocking up on lush fabrics, colorful notions, and best of all, a proprietary weave of velvet. But upon delivery, it’s not quite the blend she expected, being ninety-percent silk and ten-percent corpse. Crushed under a dozen bolts of fabric is Phil Girard. His wife, Genevieve, local tea shop owner and close friend of Poly, is the prime suspect.

Granted, Phil may not have been the perfect husband, but surely Genevieve had no reason to kill him! There’s just the small matter of Genevieve’s own incriminating I’m afraid I killed my husband . Now, as Material Girl’s grand opening looms, Poly is torn between a friendship pulling apart at the seams—and finding a smooth killer with a velvet touch…

INCLUDES A CRAFT PROJECT

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Contemporary, Crafts, Audiobook

277 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 4, 2015

About the author

I use Goodreads to track my reading and TBR list. For that reason, my rating scale is less important. I don't force myself to finish books, and I don't rate books I DNF. Each year I choose my own BOTY from my have-read list.

AUTHOR BIO: Diane Vallere is the national bestselling author of several mystery series. She edited the Agatha Award-winning essay collection Promophobia: Taking the Mystery out of Promoting Crime Fiction. Diane majored in art history at the College of William and Mary and worked in luxury retailing before reigniting her love of fiction. She currently lives in Pennsylvania. Find out more at: www.dianevallere.com.

Amazon: http://bit.ly/DianeVallere
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YouTube: https://bit.ly/2RfiyAE

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second book in the Material Witness series featuring Polyester Monroe. This is a great "old-fashioned" mystery with so many twists and turns, keeping me in suspense until the very end. Genevieve, the proprietor of the tea shop is accused of killing her husband Phil, a seemingly happy couple. As the book progresses, multiple motives appear to further incriminate her and the last one results in her arrest. Poly decides to renovate the shop in an effort to help her and try to lure in the killer. The final clue, however, appears to be closer than she thinks. I gave this a 5 star for the mystery part but it was unrealistic that Poly would be able to have time to make this Herculean effort to help exonerate her friend when her own store was opening in 3 days and it still lacked a working sign. I highly recommend this book but read the prior book in the series, Material Witness, so you will know the characters better.

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

If I had material like CRUSHED VELVET to read all the time, I could zip through books faster than running my nylons or snagging my cotton blends.

I am such a fan of the Material Witness Mystery series. Book one, SUEDE TO REST was a great first installment, but it doesn’t compare to the wonderfully textured read that is CRUSHED VELVET.

I hardly put this book down from the moment I opened it until sadly, it was over, with no more to read. I simply didn’t want it to end. Between the wonderful writing, twists and turns, delightful characters like Polyester Monroe, and adorably punny shop names such as Material Girl and Flowers In The Attic, this book kept a smile on my face the entire time I was reading.

Author Diane Vallere has sewn together a mystery that mixed just the right weave of intrigue, action, and humor to make this cozy whodunit a serious contender for my favorite book of the 2015. It is for sure in my top 5 favorites.

Stitch together some time for reading and add CRUSHED VELVET to your “must read” list. If you haven’t read the first book. SUEDE TO REST, get them both and read them back to back. You’re going to love them!

And don’t miss the fun craft project, and excerpt from SILK STALKINGS, book three in the fantastic series!

[❂ Murder by Death · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Better than the first book in the series (which wasn't bad either). I like the characters and the writing enough to read the next book.

Slightly wordier review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/126314...

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the great good fortune to receive a free copy of CRUSHED VELVET in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This second offering in the Material Witness Mystery series is even better than the first, if possible. Diane Vallere has an obvious wealth of knowledge about fabrics, and she's no slouch at creating a riveting cozy mystery, too. Crushed Velvet takes place in a small town about 45 minutes from LA.
Poly (short of Polyester) Monroe inherited the family fabric business which had been closed for many years. Her determination to reopen it as "Material Girl" comes to fruition in this tale. In addition, Poly wants to help her friend Genevieve spruce up her business with a new set of fabric accessories. Then Genevieve's husband turns up murdered and she is the prime suspect. How Poly digs through the clues and red herrings creates a fast-paced and convoluted plot, deviously delicious!
One of the best traits of Diane Vallere's writing is her ability to portray her characters in depth with all their flaws and insecurities. Poly, Genevieve and all their friends are much more real than many series provide. This is a must-read!

[Mark Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Polyester Monroe is just a week away from reopening the fabric shop she inherited from her great uncle. She’s ordered a special blend of velvet and hired her friend Genevieve’s husband, Phil, to pick it up for her. But when the velvet arrives, it’s not Phil behind the wheel. In fact, he’s dead under the velvet. Worse yet, Genevieve thinks she had something to do with his death. Now Poly will have to add solving a murder to her last minute to do list.

I enjoyed the first in the series, and I enjoyed this one just as much. The characters are unique, strong, and real, and I loved getting to revisit them. The plot has plenty of twists and turns before we reached a logical conclusion. I’m already looking forward to visiting them again.

NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[K.A. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

CRUSHED VELVET by Diane Vallere is the story of Poly (Polyester) Monroe, who has returned San Ladrón after inheriting her aunt and uncle’s fabric store. The store has been shuttered for ten years after her aunt was brutally murdered, but Poly decides to reopen it and showcase her own unique fabric for the grand opening. She hires her best friend’s husband, Phil, to pick the fabric up for her but when the delivery truck arrives Phil isn’t driving…instead he’s found dead in the back, hidden beneath her twelve bolts of velvet. The substitute driver insists Phil hired him to drive the truck back to San Ladrón and never knew Phil was dead. It doesn’t take long for Phil’s wife who is also Poly’s best friend, Genevieve, to become the main suspect in the murder. Poly is certain Genevieve is innocent and starts asking questions around town. She finds out there were a lot of people hiding secrets, including the fact that Phil had a mistress, which all point to Genevieve being the culprit. Genevieve doesn’t help herself either by hiding from the police and then not telling her side of the story. Poly still has faith in her best friend and works tirelessly to clear Genevieve’s name.

CRUSHED VELVET is the second book in A Material Witness Mystery series. Even though I haven’t had the chance to read the first book, SUEDE TO REST (and rest assured I will definitely be reading it next!) this book was easy to read without the backstory. Diane weaves a clever story filled with the theme of believing in and supporting friends no matter what. I also enjoyed learning about various fabrics along the way and loved the fact that she included directions for a sewing project for placemats at the back of the book!

[April Schilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I'd not read the one before it, Suede to Rest, but I easily picked up the story and fell in love with Polyester Monroe and her friends.

Poly has inherited her aunt and uncle's fabric store and is looking to make a go of it. She's got wonderful plans and the grand opening is in a week. All is going well,except for the sign installation, when her special order of velvet comes with a surprise. Under it, is her friend Genevieve's husband. Dead husband. Now Poly needs to help find out who the killer is, not only to clear her friend's name but to get her special velvet back from evidence.

This was a really fun read and I look forward to reading the next one in the series when it comes out!

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Sabine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Diane Vallere pulled me right into the story and made me forget about the world around me. Absolutely love all the characters. It felt like coming home and I can barely wait for her next mystery...

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. Another good entry in the series with Poly settling into her new home in San Ladron and helping to clear her friend Genevieve of murder while getting her store ready to open. It's fun listening to Poly talk about fabric and how it can be used.

[Nancy H · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good entry in the Material Witness mystery series. In this one, Poly's friend's husband is found dead in the back of the van delivering fabrics to Poly's shop. He was supposedly suffocated under the bolts of fabric, but there is something off about that, and some people think he was poisoned - by tea from his wife's tea shop. When his wife goes into hiding, Poly has to solve the murder to clear her friend.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Polyester Monroe is a week away from opening her shop Material Girl and is expecting a special order of her own velvet. Along with the velvet delivery, is the body of Phil Girard, the man who was to deliver her velvet. Poly is convinced that Phil's wife Genevieve had nothing to do with his murder. All evidence points to Genevieve, who even stated she was afraid she killed her husband.

Charlie, Vaughn, and Poly all discuss saving Genevieve, but Charlie and Vaughn both have secrets that they haven't told Poly. Genevieve keeps disappearing and when she eventually shows up, she is arrested by Deputy Sheriff Clark. Poly still working on trying to prove her innocence, spends her time redecorating Genevieve's shop instead of dealing with her own store.

I enjoy the cast of characters in the Material Witness mysteries and find them enjoyable to read about. I like Poly and her love of fabric. Charlie and her attitude and car repair shop and Vaughn the rich businessman who seems to have plenty of days off and likes spending them with Poly.

The community of San Ladron provides a great background for the story along with the residents and of course Pins and Needles the growing kittens.

The plot had enough twists to keep you guessing until the end as to who really murdered Phil.

An enjoyable read and I highly recommend it to cozy mystery readers.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just found a new author to love, I was fortunate to receive a copy of Diane Vallere's new book Crushed Velvet for a fair and honest review, I had never seen anything by this author before but I was intrigued by the whole fabric store, starting over concept. I fell in love with the main character Poly (Polyester really)she wants to take the fabric store left to her by her Aunt and Uncle and make something of it. She seems to feel a sense of the history of the business and the town and she wants to be a part of it, in readying her business to open she make friends with fellow business owners and neighbors and that is how she gets involved with the mysterious death of her friend's husband seemingly buried by her special order of velvet for the store's opening.
The story has many twists and turns and though she never doubts her friend, she has some reason to question other people she just met and is getting to know in her new town. With the help of her new friend Charlie, the mechanic, a possible love interest Vaughan and the support of her adorable kittens Needles and Pins Polly finally figures out who done it. This was a fun read and I know I will go back and order the first book in this series while I wait for the third to be released!

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sewing, creating something crafty with fabric, is something I've always wanted to learn. I can do the basics - sewing on a button or fixing a tear or hem - but not much beyond that. Reading about Poly and her talents in Crushed Velvet was a true treat.

Just a few days before her fabric story, Material Girl, is going to open, the body of Phil Girard, husband of Poly's friend Genevive, is found buried underneath rolls of custom velvet in the back of a delivery truck. Crushed Velvet is the story of how Poly helps to prove her friend's innocence and pin down the real killer. Along the way, Poly shares tips about making over rooms with fabric and, I suspect, starts to fall for a handsome friend.

I really enjoyed the story and the crafting tips. The shops along Diane Vallere's fictional Bonita Avenue are creatively named - Material Girl, Tea Totalers, Flowers in the Attic - I wish we had such "punny" shops around here for real! Crushed Velvet was a catchy and quick read, and Poly is the perfect protagonist - sharp as a pin with more tricks up her sleeve than a fabric store has notions.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.

This is the first book that I have read by Diane Vallere. I found it humorous, fun, with lots of twist and turns. Even though it is the second in theseries, I picked all the major players up quickly and did not feel like I was reading book #2.
The owner of Material Girl is Polyester Monroe, yes, that is her name, but her friends call her "Poly". Poly has inherited a material shop from relatives and is feverishly trying to get it up and running with orders of her stock coming in to make everything perfect.
Poly's friend Genevieve becomes the prime suspect of a murder, her husband Phil's to be exact. Phil is found under a pile of velvet dead in a truck that he was supposed to be driving to Material Girl to delivery some inventory.
Now Poly not only is trying to open Material Girl but she is also trying to solve Phil's murder so her friend Genevieve does not go to jail.
Through all the twists and turns and maybe a few surprises this book will keep you turning pages, before you know it your at the end.
I would recommend this book, you don't necessarily have to read book #1 first.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew a person could giggle their way through a cozy mystery murder? Crushed Velvet did that for me! Author Diane Vallere has created a wonderful cast of characters living in a small town that makes the reader fell like they are part of the town. With curmudgeonly neighbors, whimsical business names (the hardware store called Get Hammered cracked me up!), and the do anything to help your friends attitude made this a charming read. Polyester Monroe inherited a fabric store from her aunt and uncle and decided to move from Los Angeles to reopen for business. The murder of Phil, a delivery man and the husband of her good friend Genevieve, leads her on a mission to prove her fiend innocent. Add in a couple dates with a new man, renovating a local tea shop and the looming deadline of opening her shop, Poly is in deep trying to solve the murder. I very much enjoyed this book, it was a fast read and I could hardly put it down once I started reading! I look forward to additional books in the series. I was given an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diane Vallere is one of my very favorite authors! She writes books that are layered with subtle nuances that keep the reader engaged and wanting more.
Polyester Monroe is about to re-open her fabrick store, Material Girl. Poly is getting everything ready and even ordered a specail weave of velvet to be carried in her store only. Things hit a snag when Phil Gerard, husband of Poly's friend Genevieve, is found crushed under all the velvet. Genevieve is the prime suspect when she says "she may have murdered her husband." Poly sets out to find out what really happened to save her friend and their friendship that's unraveling.
This is a fast paced story that will quickly grab your attention and keep you turning the pages until the end. I could easily follow the story despite not reading the first book in the series. There are plenty of twists that will keep you guessing until the logical conclusion is reached. The characters are strong and believable. I recommend this book, and look forward to reading more in the series.

I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sara Grotz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I loved Crushed Velvet. It was the first book I had read from author Diane Vallere and I enjoyed it so much halfway through the book I went to the bookstore and bought Suede to Rest, the first novel in the series.  
     Polyester inherited a fabric store from her aunt and uncle. While she is trying to get the store opened she makes a gruesome discovery under her bolts of custom made velvet. Phil Girard, a local shop owner, is crushed underneath. Sheriff Clark immediately suspects Genevieve Girard, Phil's wife, but Poly is convinced of her innocence and takes action to prove her friend is not the killer.  
     The characters in the town of San Ladron are fun, funny, and unique. The story itself is fast paced and kept me interested during the entire book and the fabric descriptions made me want to take a field trip to the local craft store. Overall, a great read. I look forward to reading more about Charlie, Genevieve, Vaughn, and Poly in the next Material Witness Mystery.   

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may only be the 2nd book but it reads like it has been around forever! i love Polyester (Poly) and while she may be newish to the town, she has managed to gather up a few good friends and this time one of them is in trouble.

So let's just say I was totally surprised at who was killed. Not that it was a major character, just a surprise. And the killer?! an even bigger surprise. I wanted to suspect a few other people but it just didn't fit. While I didn't guess the killer, I did guess one aspect of why they wanted Poly's material.

I enjoy the small town vibe and how most of the citizens rally together to help each other out. I like seeing Poly's relationship with Vaughn grow into something more. Of course there are characters that we don't like but you can't have all "nice" people, then there would be no conflict.

The only negative I have is that at times I felt like some things were repeated several times...but it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the book.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think you have it all sewn up... POW! ~another needle is broken & you have to look at the pattern again! Diane Vallere is a Seamstress Extraordinaire in the 'Keep them Guessing' department. She uses vivid detail and vibrant bits of nostalgia to weave the backdrop of this cozy mystery. I really couldn't put it down- I can't wait to read her other Material Witness Mystery books!

Crushed Velvet has Polyester Monroe (Poly) opening up her fabric store Material Girl in San Ladron. The usual delays are slowing her down when a body is found... under HER signature fabric! What's a girl to do? Poly starts looking into the murder and we meet all of the towns eclectic inhabitants. It seems like everyone has a story to tell (& a secret or two to boot!). Poly undertakes it all with vigor and an artistic eye that misses almost nothing.

I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book, this is the first book I have read from Diane Vallere. I had A great fortune Ito receive a free copy of CRUSHED VELVET, in exchange for a fair and honest review..
Poly has inherited her aunt and uncle fabric store, Poly wants to make a go of the store that she loves and grew up in.

Poly getting ready to open the Material Girl, she is waiting for her special blend of velvet to arrive , her best Genevieve husband Phil , is a delivery guy, and is willing to pick the fabric up for Poly. When the van finally comes there was a different driver , Rick was hired by phill to deliver the velvet, when Poly and Gen were unloading they found Phil dead at the bottom with the velvet on top of him.

Poly investigates to prove her friend didn't do it ...

I really enjoyed reading this book , Crushed velvet is the second book in the series, can't wait for more books..

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!
This is a great book; this is the second book in the A Material Witness Mystery series by Diane Vallere. Polyester (Poly) Monroe inherited a fabric shop from her aunt and uncle. Poly is trying to stock the shop with fabrics, colorful notions and a special weave of velvet. When the fabrics arrive she finds Phil Girard dead under the fabric. Phil was married to Poly’s friend Genevieve. When Genevieve is considered to be the prime suspect of Phil’s murder, it is up to Poly to find the real killer. If you are looking for a great mystery that will keep you guessing until the end, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

[Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything should be going as smooth as silk for Poly Monroe, but nothing could be further from the truth!

The company she hired to remove the old, rusted signage and replace with her brand new have been putting her off, finally they turn up at the same time as her delivery of custom blend velvet, there are a couple or so problems with the latter though, the driver of the van isn't her friend Genevieve's husband Phil,  the fabric isn't what she ordered ... oh and Phil is dead underneath it!

Now Genevieve is suspect number one and so Poly, along with Charlie, is determined to find out what happened, oh and at the same time she is re-vamping Genevieve's Tea Totallers, and trying to get her own shop ready, the problem is at every turn it is looking worse and worse for the widow, now all Poly needs to do is stay alive for long enough for her grand opening!

[Grey853 · Rating 3 out of 5]

When a friend's husband is murdered and her friend becomes the prime suspect, Poly has to find the real killer. Why? Because the sheriff is a dunce, that's why.

While I really like Poly and I love how generous she is, I wish the main cop had a little more going on than wearing a badge. It's like he fixates on one person and doesn't bother to look at any other options. I much prefer it when all the characters in a book have more dimension than that.

And while I love how loyal Poly is to her friend, I kept thinking to myself, instead of spending all your time redecorating her business, try getting her a good lawyer.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming, fast-paced mystery with murder, intrigue, humor, twists, turns, witty dialogue, and had me glued to the book from beginning to end. I loved the zany, small-town vibe of San Ladron, California, and could thoroughly relate to the characters. I especially enjoyed the chemistry between Polyester (Poly) Monroe and Vaughn McMichael and wonder if there is romance in their future. Even though this is the second book in A Material Witness Series, it is the first book I have read by Diane Vallere, but, it won't be the last!

I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Vicky Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I'm liking this series, but it's just that Poly's interactions with Sheriff Clark are horrible. I hate when cozy mystery writers write the detective/cop/sheriff as a mean person when in reality they're doing their job. Is Clark truly a jerk because he's following what the evidence is pointing him to? Short answer is NO. I know Poly wants to protect her friend, but she shouldn't shame Clark for his work. I hope she becomes more humble in her sleuthing in future books.

[Jackie Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quirky mystery by Diane Vallere. The main character is Polyester Monroe.The name should tell you,quirky. Poly is opening a fabric shop named Material Girl. Befre she can open said shop a murder occurs and is the husband of a friend. Of course, the spouse is always first suspect. THis sends Polyester on the hunt for the killer. Is quick moving and interesting with twists. Is a fun read

[Melodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I might have liked the first in this series a bit better than this one, but this was enjoyable, too. I like the characters and the locale. I'll be on hand for the next one.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book of the series, and as fun and captivating as the first book. Poly (Polyester Monroe) had started using her fabric from the original store to make curtains and more for her friend's French inspired tearoom as a secret project in the first book of the series. I loved the way the story picked up where the last book ended, but allowing the feeling that a little time had past, rather than repeating to recreate the exact ending of the previous book. Poly's life and business are firmly established, yet hints of the previous book are scattered throughout the book, rather than a "recap" at the beginning. If you are binge reading a series, something I like to do, you don't need pages of recap. If there has been a little more time since reading, the gentle reminders do the job well.

Characters are interesting, and I especially liked the blending of characters from the first book with this new storyline. I liked the vagueness created around some new characters, allowing the reader to consider if they are involved with the mystery as a red herring without feeling like they don't fit in with the story naturally. Subtleness makes each part of the story more enjoyable, a style this author does particularly well!

I genuinely like Poly and wish she could be my friend. She's quick with ideas and interpreting situations, a talent that makes here particularly endearing to me. This feeling of connecting to a fictional character is not as easy as one would think, and author Diane Vallere does it exceptionally well.

When all is said and done, the wonderful characters surrounded with interesting sub-plots and the actual mysteries make this book (and the series) warm , inviting, interesting, and all around enjoyable for the reader. You don't have to be particularly interested in fabrics or sewing to appreciate what a delightful read the book (and series) actually are for all readers! I loved it!

[Eileen]

Crushed Velvet by Diane Vallere, book two in her Material Witness Mystery series, is a “grab you on page one and not let go until the end” whodunit. Polyester Monroe is just a week away from reopening the family fabric shop she inherited from her great uncle and has been closed for many years. She is determined to reopen it as "Material Girl. She’s ordered a special blend of velvet and hired her friend Genevieve’s husband, Phil, to pick it up for her. When the velvet arrives, it’s not Phil behind the wheel; in fact, he’s dead under the velvet. Genevieve is accused of killing her husband Phil, a seemingly happy couple. As the book progresses, multiple motives appear to further incriminate her and the last one results in her arrest. Poly decides to renovate Genevieve’s tea shop in an effort to help her and try to lure in the killer. Poly digs through the clues and red herrings only to discover the final clue might be closer than she thinks.

Ms. Vallere has sewn together a mystery that mixed just the right weave of intrigue, action, and humor to make this cozy whodunit a must read. The story line was riveting, edgy and kept my attention to the very end, including the twists and turns as well as the red herrings I didn't expect causing me to wrongly guess who the killer was and boy was I surprised when I found out. I highly recommend Crushed Velvet to other readers and look forward to the next book in the series to see what Poly gets into next.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poly is getting ready for the grand re-opening of the fabric store and looking forward to all of the things that she is going to do to promote her business. She has even created her own blend of velvet and polyester and asks her friend Genevieve's husband to pick it up in Los Angeles for her. When the van arrives with a different driver she finds more than fabric. Poly is sure that her friend is innocent of this crime regardless of all of the evidence piling up against her. She is determined to help her friend prove it and also to use her fabric skills to help her redecorate her tea shop to reflect her Parisian cafe dream. Poly really had her hands full in this story and I wasn't sure that everything would come together for her. A mystery with a lot of suspects and twists and turns to reach a conclusion. I'm looking forward to my next visit with Poly and her friends.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.