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A Material Witness Mystery #6
Contesting the Wool: A Material Witness Mystery
It's curtains for somebody at the reading of the will...
Poly Monroe never expected to inherit anything from Reginald Villamere, the recently deceased millionaire who preserved San Ladron’s historic movie theater. As the owner of the town’s fabric shop, Poly never knew the theater owner—but her relatives, who left her the fabric shop—did. When his thirty-year-old will names them among the beneficiaries, Poly finds herself thrust into a mystery—one that turns deadly when one of Villamere’s lawyers is found murdered in a theater storage room after the will reading concludes.
Town residents are more abuzz over the will than the murder of a stranger, and rumors ensue. The historical society contests the will, determined to wrest control of the theater for themselves. The Villamere’s most devoted employee, who spent years tending to the old playhouse, has been snubbed. Another staff member is keeping his past neatly folded away, hoping no one pulls at the wrong thread. And the murdered lawyer may have had his own a hidden connection to an heir no one saw coming.
As suspicion stitches into every corner of the small California town, Poly must rely on her eye for patterns and her knack for unraveling the truth. But the closer she gets to mending the gaps in this case, the more she risks becoming the next victim in a plot tailored for murder.
Poly Monroe never expected to inherit anything from Reginald Villamere, the recently deceased millionaire who preserved San Ladron’s historic movie theater. As the owner of the town’s fabric shop, Poly never knew the theater owner—but her relatives, who left her the fabric shop—did. When his thirty-year-old will names them among the beneficiaries, Poly finds herself thrust into a mystery—one that turns deadly when one of Villamere’s lawyers is found murdered in a theater storage room after the will reading concludes.
Town residents are more abuzz over the will than the murder of a stranger, and rumors ensue. The historical society contests the will, determined to wrest control of the theater for themselves. The Villamere’s most devoted employee, who spent years tending to the old playhouse, has been snubbed. Another staff member is keeping his past neatly folded away, hoping no one pulls at the wrong thread. And the murdered lawyer may have had his own a hidden connection to an heir no one saw coming.
As suspicion stitches into every corner of the small California town, Poly must rely on her eye for patterns and her knack for unraveling the truth. But the closer she gets to mending the gaps in this case, the more she risks becoming the next victim in a plot tailored for murder.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
306 pages, Paperback
Published October 28, 2025
5 people are currently reading
3529 people want to read
About the author
Diane Vallere
84 books1,013 followersRequest MURDER ON A MOON TREK on NetGalley: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...
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
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3aVXczm
YouTube: https://bit.ly/2RfiyAE
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
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3aVXczm
YouTube: https://bit.ly/2RfiyAE
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 19, 2025
I am so glad there are more books in this series! I really enjoy Polly, Pins and Needles, Material Girl, and the whole small business community of San Ladron. This series is well written and a lot of fun. Polly is surprised to find herself called to the reading of the will of a wealthy theater owner, Reginald Villamere, as is Vaughn McMichael, her boyfriend and the will's executor. Come to find out, her aunt and uncle had been great friends of the deceased and he had left the shop now Polly's a great deal of expensive material that had been bought years ago for renovations but never used. Unfortunately, when Poly goes to inspect the material the next day, she finds the dead body of one of the estate attorneys in the room with her material, and he's been murdered. You know, with Polly and Vaughn's connections, they will not be able to stay out of it. This is a great mystery with good twists and lots of interaction with all our favorite business owners and friends. This book was a real joy, more please! Thanks to #Netgally, #PolyesterPress, and the author for the chance to catch up! #ContestingtheWool #AMaterialWitnessMystery #DianeVallere #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreaders
September 4, 2025
Review of Contesting the Wool by Diane Vallere
Diane Vallere’s Contesting the Wool is a delightful cozy mystery that threads together suspense, small-town intrigue, and a love of fabric. Poly Monroe, the owner of a San Ladron fabric shop, unexpectedly inherits a large stash of fabric from the recently deceased millionaire Reginald Villamere. Originally intended for her aunt and uncle, this inheritance places Poly in the center of a mystery when one of Villamere’s lawyers is found murdered shortly after the will reading.
The story cleverly intertwines Poly’s eye for patterns and her creative ideas for using the inherited fabric with the growing tension in the town. From a historical society contesting the will to hidden pasts among theater staff, the plot keeps readers guessing as secrets unravel thread by thread. Vallere’s characters are charming and relatable, and the small-town setting adds warmth and depth to the story, making it easy to get invested in both the mystery and the community.
While the pacing occasionally slows with detailed descriptions of fabric and theater history, these moments also enrich the setting and Poly’s perspective, giving the story a unique flavor. The murder mystery is engaging, and the ending is satisfying, though some twists may feel slightly predictable to experienced mystery readers.
Overall, Contesting the Wool is an enjoyable and well-crafted cozy mystery with an intriguing premise, clever protagonist, and a touch of creativity that makes it stand out. Fans of Vallere and newcomers to the series alike will find it a fun and absorbing read.
Diane Vallere’s Contesting the Wool is a delightful cozy mystery that threads together suspense, small-town intrigue, and a love of fabric. Poly Monroe, the owner of a San Ladron fabric shop, unexpectedly inherits a large stash of fabric from the recently deceased millionaire Reginald Villamere. Originally intended for her aunt and uncle, this inheritance places Poly in the center of a mystery when one of Villamere’s lawyers is found murdered shortly after the will reading.
The story cleverly intertwines Poly’s eye for patterns and her creative ideas for using the inherited fabric with the growing tension in the town. From a historical society contesting the will to hidden pasts among theater staff, the plot keeps readers guessing as secrets unravel thread by thread. Vallere’s characters are charming and relatable, and the small-town setting adds warmth and depth to the story, making it easy to get invested in both the mystery and the community.
While the pacing occasionally slows with detailed descriptions of fabric and theater history, these moments also enrich the setting and Poly’s perspective, giving the story a unique flavor. The murder mystery is engaging, and the ending is satisfying, though some twists may feel slightly predictable to experienced mystery readers.
Overall, Contesting the Wool is an enjoyable and well-crafted cozy mystery with an intriguing premise, clever protagonist, and a touch of creativity that makes it stand out. Fans of Vallere and newcomers to the series alike will find it a fun and absorbing read.
October 20, 2025
i was unaware that this was part of a series, but i also didn't feel out of the loop of anything. this is such a fun and cozy mystery read. there are a great cast of characters, and the world building was wonderfully written. and i looooove the fashionista vibes. i may be more inclined to read psychological, dark thrillers... but we can all use a good palate cleanser in between sometimes and still have a good mystery at hand. this is one of the good ones! for that reason, i highly recommend it.
thank you to the author, Diane Vallere, and publisher for sending me an ARC as part of a Goodreads giveaway. i leave this review of my own volition; all thoughts and opinions are mine.
thank you to the author, Diane Vallere, and publisher for sending me an ARC as part of a Goodreads giveaway. i leave this review of my own volition; all thoughts and opinions are mine.
November 17, 2025
I’m thrilled that there is another book in the Material Witness mystery series. This is my favorite series among the several written by author Diane Vallere. Initially, there were three books in this humorous mystery and then after a lengthy absence, Vallere brought back all the quirky, amusing and steadfast friends and neighbors of Poly Monroe and her inherited fabric shop for further adventures. This is the fifth in the series and it continues to impress.
This time around, a simple will reading goes wildly wrong when Polly is named as an heir even though she never meet the deceased. Her relatives did however and since the will wasn’t updated in thirty years, she assumes their inheritance, which is a bunch of fabric leftover from the local theater’s remodeling efforts years ago. Then her boyfriend, Vaughn McMichael, might be in mortal danger since the lawyers executing the will seem to be getting executed themselves. One named partner is murdered in the movie theater, in the very room where Poly’s inherited fabric is being stored, and another is assaulted in a nearby parking lot. It seems that where there’s a will, there’s a slay and there is no telling who is next.
Somehow all my favorite characters are in this book, even the ones who live out of town. Poly’s parents help out at the fabric shop while she goes sleuthing, and Giovani - her demanding and self-interested former boss – drops into town the help Poly launch her suit making business now that she inherited lots of suit grade wool. But is that the only reason he is offering his help? Giovani rarely does things out of the goodness of his heart. Then there are the regular town residents, including the tea shop owner, the tiki shop owner Tiki Tom, and the local mechanic Charley who is also Vaughn’s sister, among others.
I mention these secondary characters because this is wat made the book really enjoyable for me. The interactions Poly has with them, like her flirtatiousness with her boyfriend, her afterwork bonding with the other business owners, her faith and reliance in her friends, and her willingness to help make her town safer by sniffing out the murder all elevate this book above just a mystery. In fact, I wasn’t really worried about finding the killer, as long as they kept killing the Weasley lawyers. I’d rather spend time with the town denizens.
Best of all, a lot of the action takes place in a historic movie theater! There is a film festival, concession snacks, a friendly usher who has worked at the theater for decades and may have a motive for murder, Charley cleaning off the garage grease to reveal her inner flapper at the costume contest. What more could you want? Well, we do get something else, believe it or not. There are a couple of easter eggs for another of Diane Vallere’s series, one set in a costume shop. Could this be leading to a team-up, something I have been shipping in my head for a while now, especially since that other series has been dormant for a while and I haven’t been getting my costume itch scratched. One can hope. I am trying to manifest the DVU – the Diane Vallere Universe, like there is a DCU of interconnected characters from DC Comics.
Oh yeah, the murder does get solved, by the way, in a surprising little twist based on the history of the town, the history of the characters we met, and Poly’s history of stumbling into murder scenes and tracking down the killer. So, everything is resolved in the end although I would not have minded spending more time with this group of people. Let’s see what happens to the breadcrumbs that were dropped in this book.
This time around, a simple will reading goes wildly wrong when Polly is named as an heir even though she never meet the deceased. Her relatives did however and since the will wasn’t updated in thirty years, she assumes their inheritance, which is a bunch of fabric leftover from the local theater’s remodeling efforts years ago. Then her boyfriend, Vaughn McMichael, might be in mortal danger since the lawyers executing the will seem to be getting executed themselves. One named partner is murdered in the movie theater, in the very room where Poly’s inherited fabric is being stored, and another is assaulted in a nearby parking lot. It seems that where there’s a will, there’s a slay and there is no telling who is next.
Somehow all my favorite characters are in this book, even the ones who live out of town. Poly’s parents help out at the fabric shop while she goes sleuthing, and Giovani - her demanding and self-interested former boss – drops into town the help Poly launch her suit making business now that she inherited lots of suit grade wool. But is that the only reason he is offering his help? Giovani rarely does things out of the goodness of his heart. Then there are the regular town residents, including the tea shop owner, the tiki shop owner Tiki Tom, and the local mechanic Charley who is also Vaughn’s sister, among others.
I mention these secondary characters because this is wat made the book really enjoyable for me. The interactions Poly has with them, like her flirtatiousness with her boyfriend, her afterwork bonding with the other business owners, her faith and reliance in her friends, and her willingness to help make her town safer by sniffing out the murder all elevate this book above just a mystery. In fact, I wasn’t really worried about finding the killer, as long as they kept killing the Weasley lawyers. I’d rather spend time with the town denizens.
Best of all, a lot of the action takes place in a historic movie theater! There is a film festival, concession snacks, a friendly usher who has worked at the theater for decades and may have a motive for murder, Charley cleaning off the garage grease to reveal her inner flapper at the costume contest. What more could you want? Well, we do get something else, believe it or not. There are a couple of easter eggs for another of Diane Vallere’s series, one set in a costume shop. Could this be leading to a team-up, something I have been shipping in my head for a while now, especially since that other series has been dormant for a while and I haven’t been getting my costume itch scratched. One can hope. I am trying to manifest the DVU – the Diane Vallere Universe, like there is a DCU of interconnected characters from DC Comics.
Oh yeah, the murder does get solved, by the way, in a surprising little twist based on the history of the town, the history of the characters we met, and Poly’s history of stumbling into murder scenes and tracking down the killer. So, everything is resolved in the end although I would not have minded spending more time with this group of people. Let’s see what happens to the breadcrumbs that were dropped in this book.
October 27, 2025
Poly Monroe never expected to inherit anything from Reginald Villamere, the recently deceased millionaire who preserved a historic movie theater, but when his decades-old will names her late relatives among the beneficiaries, she’s pulled into a mystery that turns deadly after one of the lawyers is found murdered in the theater’s storage room. Now Poly has to rely on her detective skills to unravel the truth before she becomes the next victim.
I picked up Contesting the Wool not realizing it’s the sixth book in Diane Vallere’s Material Witness series and honestly, I was so pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to get into. I’ve never read the series before, but I loved how there’s this whole fashion and fabric thread running through the story. It’s cozy mystery filled with small town gossip, glamour, and a splash of murder for dramatic flair.
Poly Monroe is such a fun lead. She runs a fabric shop, spots patterns in people as easily as she does in fabric, and somehow keeps ending up tangled in trouble. I think she’s really cool, creative, funny, and a little bit nosy in the best way possible.
The whole theater setting was such a treat, especially because I was reading a lot about theaters a few months ago and went into an obsessive spiral. I also loved the quirky and dramatic locals and I loved that this book has that small-town energy where everyone knows everyone’s business... except who the killer is.
The tone stays light and witty, but there’s enough mystery to keep you guessing. While I personally love darker murder mysteries, this was still a fun and quick read!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Polyester Press for sending me an advanced reader's copy!
I picked up Contesting the Wool not realizing it’s the sixth book in Diane Vallere’s Material Witness series and honestly, I was so pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to get into. I’ve never read the series before, but I loved how there’s this whole fashion and fabric thread running through the story. It’s cozy mystery filled with small town gossip, glamour, and a splash of murder for dramatic flair.
Poly Monroe is such a fun lead. She runs a fabric shop, spots patterns in people as easily as she does in fabric, and somehow keeps ending up tangled in trouble. I think she’s really cool, creative, funny, and a little bit nosy in the best way possible.
The whole theater setting was such a treat, especially because I was reading a lot about theaters a few months ago and went into an obsessive spiral. I also loved the quirky and dramatic locals and I loved that this book has that small-town energy where everyone knows everyone’s business... except who the killer is.
The tone stays light and witty, but there’s enough mystery to keep you guessing. While I personally love darker murder mysteries, this was still a fun and quick read!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Polyester Press for sending me an advanced reader's copy!
October 24, 2025
Poly Monroe is surprised to find herself invited to the reading of Reginald Villamere’s will. She only knew the name from the Villamere Theater, the historic movie theater in town. It turns out her inheritance is fabric - specifically the fabrics the theater had purchased for a renovation decades ago. When Poly goes to look at her inheritance the next day, she finds Villamere’s lawyer in the room, dead. Who wanted to kill this particular lawyer?
This series was my introduction to Diane Vallere’s books, so it’s always nice to revisit the characters. They are as sharp as always, and I enjoyed seeing the next chapter in their lives. The mystery was great with several surprises along the way. I had no clue where things were going, but everything made perfect sense when it was all stitched together. There’s a nice, humorous tone and fun Easter Eggs for fans of Diane’s Costume Shop Mysteries. If you are looking for a strong mystery with entertaining characters and a light tone, this is the book for you.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This series was my introduction to Diane Vallere’s books, so it’s always nice to revisit the characters. They are as sharp as always, and I enjoyed seeing the next chapter in their lives. The mystery was great with several surprises along the way. I had no clue where things were going, but everything made perfect sense when it was all stitched together. There’s a nice, humorous tone and fun Easter Eggs for fans of Diane’s Costume Shop Mysteries. If you are looking for a strong mystery with entertaining characters and a light tone, this is the book for you.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
November 2, 2025
Contesting the Wool is another entertaining installment in Vallere's Material Witness mystery series. Poly thinks its a mistake when she is invited to a will reading for Reginald Villamere, the owner of the town's theater. Turns out that it wasn't a mistake, Poly has inherited fabric that had been left to her deceased aunt and uncle. This fabric helps Poly come up with a new idea for her shop. Things don't go as planned when someone is murdered before Poly can collect her inheritance. Poly is thrown right in the middle of another murder investigation.
Vallere does a great job at setting up this entertaining read. I really enjoy this series, and this latest definitely doesn't disappoint. I also enjoyed how this unexpected inheritance makes Poly decide to change things up a little business wise. It is a great opportunity for growth for Poly. The book's mystery is well done grabbing the reader's attention from the beginning and never letting go. Overall Contesting the Wool proved to be a great read that I would most definitely recommend.
Received a copy of Contesting the Wool from the author.
Vallere does a great job at setting up this entertaining read. I really enjoy this series, and this latest definitely doesn't disappoint. I also enjoyed how this unexpected inheritance makes Poly decide to change things up a little business wise. It is a great opportunity for growth for Poly. The book's mystery is well done grabbing the reader's attention from the beginning and never letting go. Overall Contesting the Wool proved to be a great read that I would most definitely recommend.
Received a copy of Contesting the Wool from the author.
October 31, 2025
Another Fun Trip to San Ladron!
This was an enjoyable read, and I loved revisiting the characters and business in the small town of San Ladron. Poly stumbles upon a mystery while attempting to claim an inheritance, and finds several suspects with secrets and motives. I loved how she made a plan to use her inheritance and partner with other businesses, bringing the community together. The banter back and forth (especially between Charlie and Sheriff Clark) is great fun, and the mystery was entertaining. When reading Ms. Vallere's books, I always enjoy the fashion and movie references and the fact that this one was centered around an old theater added even more charm. I could envision myself there in the theater witnessing the events and being caught up in the excitement of the unfolding mystery. I highly recommend this book, as well as the series, to anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery. I received the book for free as part of the advance reader team, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This was an enjoyable read, and I loved revisiting the characters and business in the small town of San Ladron. Poly stumbles upon a mystery while attempting to claim an inheritance, and finds several suspects with secrets and motives. I loved how she made a plan to use her inheritance and partner with other businesses, bringing the community together. The banter back and forth (especially between Charlie and Sheriff Clark) is great fun, and the mystery was entertaining. When reading Ms. Vallere's books, I always enjoy the fashion and movie references and the fact that this one was centered around an old theater added even more charm. I could envision myself there in the theater witnessing the events and being caught up in the excitement of the unfolding mystery. I highly recommend this book, as well as the series, to anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery. I received the book for free as part of the advance reader team, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 2, 2025
This is the 6th book in a really fun series and it is a really good addition. Reginald Villamere, the millionaire who preserved the town's historic movie theater died and Poly was summoned to the reading of the will along with her boyfriend, Vaughn McMichael who is executor of the will. Why? She didn't really even know the man. Well, it seems since she had inherited her fabric shop from her aunt and uncle, they were the ones who were named beneficiaries in Reginald's will and left the theater. So as the remaining relative, it now is Poly's inheritance. Well from here, we have opened a huge can of worms, with the lawyer found dead, the historical society contesting the will, disgruntled employees among many. And of course, since Poly and Vaughn are involved, they will be working on finding a murderer as well as some answers. This is a page turner that keeps you guessing until the end. Not only do I recommend this book, but I recommend the entire series! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
November 5, 2025
Poly is surprised to be invited to the reading of the will of Reginald Villamere and thinks that her boyfriend Vaughn put her on the list of attendees. However this isn't the reason that she is there at all. It turns out that her aunt and uncle were friends with Reginald and that they were named in his will. As she is the beneficiaries of their wills, she will now inherit what Reginald had left to them. When one of the lawyers is found murdered, Poly wants to find out what happened.
These books are very well written and kept my attention with the interesting characters and the businesses in San Ladron. I like how the characters have grown over the course of the series and learning more about them in each book. You could read this book as a stand alone because there is enough backstory included, but I suggest starting at the beginning so that you will have hours of reading enjoyment.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
These books are very well written and kept my attention with the interesting characters and the businesses in San Ladron. I like how the characters have grown over the course of the series and learning more about them in each book. You could read this book as a stand alone because there is enough backstory included, but I suggest starting at the beginning so that you will have hours of reading enjoyment.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 4, 2025
Contesting the Wool is a delightful blend of small-town gossip, vintage glamour, and murder stitched into every chapter. Poly Monroe, fabric shop owner and accidental sleuth, finds herself tangled in a mystery after a surprise inheritance and a suspicious death at the local theater. The setup is classic cozy: quirky locals, a historic venue, and secrets folded into every corner.
Diane Vallere keeps the tone light and witty, with just enough intrigue to keep the pages turning. Poly’s knack for spotting patterns—both in fabric and in people—makes her a charming lead, and the town of San Ladron feels like a place you’d want to visit (minus the murder, of course). The mystery unfolds with a satisfying rhythm, and the suspects are just eccentric enough to keep things fun.
If you enjoy your whodunnits with a splash of vintage flair and a heroine who’s as stylish as she is sharp, this one’s a cozy treat.
With thanks to Diane Vallere, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
Diane Vallere keeps the tone light and witty, with just enough intrigue to keep the pages turning. Poly’s knack for spotting patterns—both in fabric and in people—makes her a charming lead, and the town of San Ladron feels like a place you’d want to visit (minus the murder, of course). The mystery unfolds with a satisfying rhythm, and the suspects are just eccentric enough to keep things fun.
If you enjoy your whodunnits with a splash of vintage flair and a heroine who’s as stylish as she is sharp, this one’s a cozy treat.
With thanks to Diane Vallere, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
September 24, 2025
Once again I was lost in another world. A world of distinctive characters that always share their interests with the reader. Whether knowledge is about tea, fabric, movies, fashion, or even due processes like reading a will, information shared is detailed, accurate, and fascinating! I found details of what goes into making a pattern for a bespoke suit and the variety of options one could choose surprisingly intriguing!
Aside from learning things that are new, I enjoy Polyester Monroe and the other regular characters that are in each book. I was especially captivated by a couple new characters this time! The real treat was the mysteries, big and small, that Polly uncovers and helps solve in this book.
Captivating with surprises, humor, mystery, history, and an appealing community, I couldn't put it down! Fabulous!
Aside from learning things that are new, I enjoy Polyester Monroe and the other regular characters that are in each book. I was especially captivated by a couple new characters this time! The real treat was the mysteries, big and small, that Polly uncovers and helps solve in this book.
Captivating with surprises, humor, mystery, history, and an appealing community, I couldn't put it down! Fabulous!
December 15, 2025
Contesting the Wool is book #6 in the Material Witness Mystery series by Diane Vallere.
Poly Monroe didn’t know Reginald Villamere, but she was invited to the reading of his will. Her deceased aunt and uncle were included in the will and she was their beneficiary so she inherited. This gives her more opportunities for her business, but before she can inherit it, a lawyer was killed. Is Vaughn in danger too? Poly gets involved in the investigation with Vaughn and the police. I love the fabric store, the characters, and the mystery. This is the first book I’ve read in this series and I plan to read the earlier ones. I hope the series continues!
Thank you to the author, Polyester Press, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Poly Monroe didn’t know Reginald Villamere, but she was invited to the reading of his will. Her deceased aunt and uncle were included in the will and she was their beneficiary so she inherited. This gives her more opportunities for her business, but before she can inherit it, a lawyer was killed. Is Vaughn in danger too? Poly gets involved in the investigation with Vaughn and the police. I love the fabric store, the characters, and the mystery. This is the first book I’ve read in this series and I plan to read the earlier ones. I hope the series continues!
Thank you to the author, Polyester Press, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 29, 2025
Although Contesting the Wool is the sixth book in the series (and I did not read the previous ones) I read it as if it were stand alone. As always the author makes me smile with her stories as they have mystery, humor, beautifully imagined and described scenarios and people. Poly is a nosy sleuth who still is trying to make do with her store, her new thought business of tailored suits, her still new boyfriend and the relationships she is making in her new town. Contesting the Wool is an entertaining read with a good plot and lovely (and well-developed) characters.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
October 28, 2025
Poly Monroe didn't expect to inherit anything but when her relatives, who left her the fabric shop are named as beneficiaries in the will to the movie theatre, it causes a lot of consternation despite a body being found, murdered in the theatre. It falls to Polly to use her eye for detail to spot the patterns to solve the mystery.
This was en enjoyable mystery with plenty of good twists to the tale and a bit of humour too. Overall I found it an entertaining mystery read.
This was en enjoyable mystery with plenty of good twists to the tale and a bit of humour too. Overall I found it an entertaining mystery read.
October 31, 2025
I’m always happy when Diane Vallere releases a new book, but especially so when it is in this series! I love the small town fabric store setting. The characters are complex and believable, the plots are nice and twisty, and the storytelling is superb! I hope there are many more Material Witness books to come. Highly recommended! I’m eagerly awaiting the next book. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
October 21, 2025
Another engaging and entertaining cozy mystery from Diane Vallere. It kept me guessing. I have read some of the books in each of her other series. All are enjoyable reads. Interesting cast of characters. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
October 29, 2025
This is a great addition to the A Material Witness series. I was quickly drawn in and couldn't put the book down. There is a delightful cast of characters, an intriguing plot, and so much more. A book well worth reading.
November 22, 2025
A clever and engaging cozy mystery that kept me guessing until the final pages. Diane Vallere masterfully balances small-town charm with suspense, creating a story full of intrigue and memorable characters.
October 26, 2025
The more books I read by Diane Vallere, the more I find we have in common, like believing that one of life's great experiences is watching a movie in an empty theater. In Contesting the Wool, readers follow Poly in and out of a historic theater, and I enjoyed every minute.
One of the things I love about this Material Witness series is the creativity with which Vallere imbues her main character. In this sixth entry, Poly is inspired by her inheritance, and I loved watching her brainstorm a new idea to grow her business.
I also admit I had to smile when I learned that the plot revolved around a thirty-year-old will that raised no questions, especially since the will was a millionaire's. You see, I recently had problems getting a thirteen-year-old will accepted by various businesses. ("There could be others floating around!" one person said.) I guess that's one of the perks of being a millionaire? But that will really keeps the plot hopping from named beneficiaries to those who thought they should have been included-- and weren't.
No matter how strong the plots are, this series shines because of its cast of characters. Not just Poly, but her friend, Charlie, who has the best auto repair shop in San Ladron and relishes her reputation as the town's bad girl. Charlie lives life on her own terms, and her character grows with each book. By the way, so does Poly's. For one thing, she's learning that she can't keep expecting her parents to fill in whenever she needs help in her fabric shop. But it's not just Charlie and Poly. There's Sheriff Clark, Tiki Tom, Duke, Poly's old boss Giovanni... the list goes on.
If you haven't given the Material Witness series a try, I hope you'll change that. A great cast, humor, good mysteries to solve, and watching creativity in action. What's not to like?
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
One of the things I love about this Material Witness series is the creativity with which Vallere imbues her main character. In this sixth entry, Poly is inspired by her inheritance, and I loved watching her brainstorm a new idea to grow her business.
I also admit I had to smile when I learned that the plot revolved around a thirty-year-old will that raised no questions, especially since the will was a millionaire's. You see, I recently had problems getting a thirteen-year-old will accepted by various businesses. ("There could be others floating around!" one person said.) I guess that's one of the perks of being a millionaire? But that will really keeps the plot hopping from named beneficiaries to those who thought they should have been included-- and weren't.
No matter how strong the plots are, this series shines because of its cast of characters. Not just Poly, but her friend, Charlie, who has the best auto repair shop in San Ladron and relishes her reputation as the town's bad girl. Charlie lives life on her own terms, and her character grows with each book. By the way, so does Poly's. For one thing, she's learning that she can't keep expecting her parents to fill in whenever she needs help in her fabric shop. But it's not just Charlie and Poly. There's Sheriff Clark, Tiki Tom, Duke, Poly's old boss Giovanni... the list goes on.
If you haven't given the Material Witness series a try, I hope you'll change that. A great cast, humor, good mysteries to solve, and watching creativity in action. What's not to like?
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
November 4, 2025
Another book in an enjoyable series. A surprise inheritance leads Poly on a very intriguing hunt for the killer.
November 27, 2025
It is always great to check in with Poly Monroe and her friends and this book had me settled down, turning pages and keeping reading from start to finish without a break. More please!
October 25, 2025
Fabric, small town, an historic theatre - great combo of elements to craft an enjoyable cozy. Poly unexpectedly inherits a stock of fine quality wool and proceeds to envisage a creative use for it. Woven in with this is a fine murder mystery. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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