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Caprice De Luca Home Staging series, Book 3 Between training her new puppy, helping her sister with her baby, and searching for the perfect vintage dress for Kismet's Valentine's Day dance, home-stager Caprice De Luca has a lot on her to-do list. But she's never too busy to do a little staging, and she's looking forward to thawing February's frozen real estate market with her Hearts and Flowers Open House. Her client Louise Downing's romantically decorated home practically staged itself. But when Louise is found murdered, Caprice is forced to turn her attention from sweethearts to suspects. And as the truth comes out in stages, she discovers that Louise had more secrets than a box of chocolate truffles. . .
Praise for Staged to Death

"A fascinating inside look at the art of home-staging--but did I mention it's also an elegantly crafted murder mystery featuring an irresistible sleuth?" --Leslie Meier

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 27, 2015

115 people are currently reading
1140 people want to read

About the author

Karen Rose Smith

351 books907 followers
Award-winning author Karen Rose Smith was born in Pennsylvania. Although she was an only child, she remembers the bonds of an extended family. Family is a strong theme in her books and she suspects her childhood memories are the reason.

In college, Karen began writing poetry and also met her husband to be. They both began married life as teachers, but when their son was born, Karen decided to try her hand at a home-decorating business.

She returned to teaching for a while but changes in her life led her to writing relationship novels. Now she writes romances as well as mysteries full time. Her first book was published in 1992; her 110th novel will be published in 2024. A winner of New Jersey's Golden Leaf Award in Short Contemporary Romance, Colorado Romance Writers Award Of Excellence for short contemporary, as well as the Phoenix Desert Rose Chapter's Golden Quill for Traditional Romance, she has also been honored with Cataromance.com's award for Best Special Edition and Washington Romance Writers Career Achievement Award. Her romances have made both the USA TODAY list and the Amazon Romance and Contemporary Romance Bestseller lists. Her mysteries have made the USA TODAY and Barnes and Noble bestseller lists.

She has written for Meteor/Kismet, Kensington, Silhouette and Harlequin. Readers can contact Karen through her website, on Facebook (Karen Rose Smith Author) and on Twitter @ Karenrosesmith, on TIKTOK at karenrosesmithauthor and on Instagram. They can also follow her monthly e-zine IN TOUCH with KAREN ROSE SMITH which has the latest news about her books, recipes and contests.

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5 stars
175 (33%)
4 stars
207 (39%)
3 stars
117 (22%)
2 stars
19 (3%)
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8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
Profile Image for Julie .
4,250 reviews38k followers
November 15, 2015

Gilt by Association by Karen Rose Smith is a 2015 Kensington Publication.

I got in on the ground floor with this series and knew right away I was going to love it. Somehow or other I missed this book when it came out, so I have read the fourth book, but not this third one. So, I checked it out with my overdrive library account in order to catch up.

When her mother's best friend, Louise, is found murdered, Caprice looks into the case at her mother's request. It turns out Louise has a secret past, a complicated marriage, and more enemies than one might think. On a more personal note, Caprice is still struggling with her feelings for Grant and Seth, is trying to help her sister adjust to caring for a newborn, and training her new puppy.

This was a very good mystery which kept me guessing all the way to the end. I love Caprice, and her vintage clothing style, and her big heart. She's a great amateur sleuth because she doesn't just luck into solving the case, she actually gets out there and works to find clues just like a real detective would. She may be a little too nosy, but she doesn't take it too far.

Naturally, with two Cocker Spaniels in my house and three cats, this story, which features my favorite dog breed, is a plus, and I love the animal rescue storyline, and appreciate the time taken to add a few facts for readers, such as a list of what types of plants are toxic to pets, which is a great reminder we can all use, and of course the fabulous recipe at the end.

Overall, this is a very solid and satisfying addition to the series and I am thankful by library had it.

4.5 stars
Profile Image for Vicki Jaeger.
991 reviews3 followers
December 15, 2014
Part of the premise threw me off: staging houses for sale (get that) and having lavish themes and full meal catering to support it (never heard of it). I googled it, and apparently it's a thing. Who knew.
The other part I struggled with was the all-inclusive details. Now I'm all for details when they move the story along, or are small clues that help lead you to the killer, or give you insight into the character. But this was just overboard (and oversharing) on the author's behalf. Some examples:
"The fireplace in the library shared a chimney with the one in the living room. Built-in bookshelves lined the wall around it. Caprice could remember her dad working on those bookshelves when she was little. He was somewhat of a perfectionist in his work and the project had lasted months as he'd found the time to do it. After they were finished, they all had shelved favorite books there. Two of hers were Anne of Green Gables and The Black Stallion. They were still there." Great, but none of this mattered to the story.

"After Caprice said good-bye and ended the call, she set her phone on the counter and plugged it in to charge. She had a charger down here and one upstairs to make life a little more convenient." Ummm, okay?

There's a fine line between giving character insight and boring the reading with minute mundane details. I got lost in the details, and felt it could've used some editing.
Profile Image for Saba N  Taylor.
207 reviews28 followers
December 27, 2014
A great cozy mystery to read on a wintry night with a cup of steaming tea. :)

I take it there was a book before this one as through out the story Caprice mentions her involvement in a previous murder investigation case. While it doesn't make a huge difference in this particular case, it's often mention was a bit annoying and could have been limited. But I guess the author had to since Caprice's "relationship"with Grant was based on their encounter in her first investigative case where he apparently saved her life. But other than that snag, I really enjoyed Caprice as a character who was dedicated, loyal and true to those she cared about.

When Louise, an old family friend is found murdered in her own greenhouse, just hours before her home staging event, Caprice promises her mother to find out the who and why behind the awful death. Between helping out with a charity event, her job as a home stager, raising and training her puppy, Lady, and her cat, Sophia, and wondering if there is even something between her and Grant, Caprice manages to not only reveal a vengeful killer but unearth secrets of Louise's troubled past.
Profile Image for Linda Langford.
1,602 reviews14 followers
January 22, 2015
Caprice De Luca is a home stager. Her job is similar to an interior decorator, but home staging is preparing someone's home to be as appealing as possible to potential home buyers in the real estate market. It's close to Valentine's Day, and Chet and Louise Downing hire Caprice to stage their house for a quick sale. Louise is Caprice's moms best friend. Caprice is appalled when she discovers Louise dead in her greenhouse. She's been shot at close range. Mom is devastated and asks Caprice to investigate. Caprice's inquiries lead her to a variety of people associated with Louise. Their cautious remarks and limited answers push Caprice to contact Marianne, her news reporter friend. With the information Marianne digs up, Caprice is quickly able to deduce who the killer is and what their motivation was. Although, I was able to guess the murderer's identity early on in the story, that didn't diminish my entertainment by the story as I watched the clues unfold and the motive revealed. Caprice's family, her dog, Lady, and her business are her greatest blessings. This is a wonderful series that I highly recommend.

I received a complimentary Ebook from NetGalley. This review is my own personal opinion and not influenced by anyone else.
Profile Image for Betty.
2,004 reviews73 followers
January 27, 2015
This fun and relaxing tale with mystery and romance is a great read. The De Luca Family is very close. Caprice and Nicki worked handling Open Houses for selling real estate. Caprice does the setting and Nicki caters the buffet table. At an open house Caprice finds the owner, Louise Drowning murder in the greenhouse.. Louise is a good friend of their Mothers and Caprice fells compel to investigate. She needs to find Louise's for the answer. All the regular characters are mention. The first time I have read this author and feel the series should be read in order. I definitely read this author again and recommend the series.

Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington through Netgalley for a honest review. I would to thank them for this opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Meg.
611 reviews
February 5, 2019
This particular installment in the series wasn't as compelling as the others that I've read so far. It felt a bit slow action-wise, and some of the dialogue didn't feel as dynamic or spirited. Quite a bit of filler, too, it seemed. Having said that, however, it was good mystery. I was also happy to spend some time with the mc and her family, and look forward to more in the next book. A good 3.5* for this one.
Profile Image for Mardi D.
137 reviews5 followers
September 25, 2022
Overall I did not find this a particularly good read. It reads like the author took a cookie-cutter template and filled in the blanks rather than creating something from her own imagination. Did not like the author's style and found the story to be implausible and predictable. OK I suppose if you are looking for a mindless read.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
December 28, 2014
I have read the first book in this series, and have the second book on my wishlist.
When the opportunity came from Netgalley to revisit the De Luca family and follow along as
Caprice De Luca investigates another murder, I jumped at the opportunity. I was not disappointed.

The De Luca family is close knit and each member has a busy and complicated life.
There are 3 sisters and a brother, each of whom seems to have relationship issues.
Caprice and Nikki work together doing home stagings, Caprice with decor and Nikki with sinfully decadent foods.
It is emjoyable just to read about the environments they create but author Karen Rose Smith spoils us with several recipes at the end of the book.

This book takes place in winter with Valentine's Day playing a major role in the story.
It does help if you have read the previous two books but you will not be lost if you read this as a stand alone.
This is one of those books you want both to read quickly and to absorb slowly as you are drawn in but do not want it to end too soon. I had several guesses as to who the killer might have been.

We get both an entertaining cozy murder mystery in this book and a feel good novel about family life and friends.
(With the complications any relationship includes.)
Throw in good information about cute animals and Karen Rose Smith has another winner.
Profile Image for Linda.
781 reviews15 followers
January 27, 2015
This is the third book in the Caprice De Luca Home Staging Mystery series. Caprice is looking forward to staging Louise and Chet Downing's property with a hearts and flowers theme in time for Valentine's Day. But right before the event, when Caprice finds the murdered body of Louise in the greenhouse, she decides to once again help investigate the crime...a crime that took the life of one of her mother's best friends. While her friend Grant warns her of the dangers, can Caprice get to the bottom of this murder or will this put her in danger again? As she deals with a busy personal life, one that includes training her new puppy Lady, helping her sister Belle cope with the new baby while trying to rebuild her marriage with Joe, and working with her sister Nikki in staging events, she learns that Louise had her own secrets to hide. I enjoy the characters in this series, especially the closeness of the De Luca family. It is interesting to read the home staging ideas and I also love the food descriptions and recipes. I am looking forward to the next book to see whether Grant or Seth becomes more involved with Caprice. Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Amanda.
160 reviews72 followers
February 9, 2015
Gilt by Association by Karen R Smith is the third book in the Caprice De Luca Home Staging series. Caprice, our protagonist is a home stager, puppy trainer, babysitter, vintage dress finder and crime solver. In her third adventure she finds that her frozen February becomes more chilling when her client is found dead. And like any great murder mystery the killer will be revealed one detail at a time.

What I like about cozy mystery series is that many of them give you enough background information to read the books as a stand alone or out of order. Gilt by Association is just such a book. This book is my introduction to the series and I have to say, I enjoy the characters. It is a quick read and while I think the killer was a bit of a stretch it was not implausible. It kept me interested throughout the only thing that gave this book an okay rating was the home staging part. Not that interesting to me, but is not something that would turn most readers off. I recommend it as well as the series to any cozy mystery fan.

The publisher gave me this book to read and review. In no way did this effect my review.
244 reviews11 followers
January 5, 2015
This is Karen's 3rd book in her Caprice De Luca series. Sisters Caprice, who is a house stager and Nikki, who is a caterer, seem to be able to work together on many projects. They have been hires by their long-time family friend, Louise Downing, to stage her house, so she and her husband can finally enjoy their golden years. The girls leave Louise's home after a brain storming session, little did they guess that the next time they saw Louise, she would be dead. The De Luca family and Louise's husband, Chet are stunned when her death is ruled a homicide.
Karen has a 4th and 5th book in this series coming out soon. Karen also writes romance novels, if that's your genre. Me, I always choose a cozy and am very glad to be able to read and review them.

FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Profile Image for Jo Dervan.
869 reviews28 followers
January 14, 2015
This book is part of a series of cozy mysteries. Caprice DeLucca, is a home stager who lives with her large Italian family in a small PA town. When she isn't staging homes, she is solving mysteries. In this story Louise, a close friend of Caprice's Mom ends up murdered in her greenhouse. Caprice discovered the body when she arrived at the house for a home staged open house. Louise and her hsuabdn, Chet, were selling the house and he was to retire from his pretzel company. Caprice promised her mother, Frances, to find Louise's murderer and so Caprice does her investigating.

Although the story had very little action, it was filled with lots of extra details that distracted from the story. It was almost as if the author had added them to beef up the book even though they had no relevance to the story. There were also many references to activities in previous books in this series. However it was possible to enjoy the story even if you had not read earlier ones.
595 reviews15 followers
July 10, 2015
I would actually give this 3 1/2 stars, I enjoyed this book and love the series. My only drawback is that there seemed to be filler, for instance I love animals and I liked some of the tips of puppy training but I don't think I needed to read about every praise and treat. The whole thing with Grant, Caprice keeps thinking they are better friends but other than puppy training there didn't seem to be the same conversations that sometimes had me laughing before. That being said I do really like Caprice and her friendships and family relationships. Her family seems like an average family that has it's moment of arguing but stick together, I felt right at home reading about them. The mystery was excellent with some twists and linking with a back story, which kept me guessing until the end. I admit that I did not figure it out. I will definitely continue on with this series, I do love the characters, they are so real with back histories that make them a little deeper.
Profile Image for Lisa Ks Book Reviews.
842 reviews139 followers
January 27, 2015
This third installment of the Caprice De Luca Mystery series is the best yet. Karen Rose Smith has really developed her characters since her first two books.

We're back in Kismet, PA where murder hits too close to home this time, when Caprice's mother's best friend is found dead. As Caprice comes across clue after clue, I had a pretty good feeling as to the identity of the killer. But there were enough twists to make me doubt myself at times.

Ms. Smith is a wonderful story teller. Her likable characters, obvious love for animals (they always have a big part in her stories), and talent for creating a whodunit that will keep you turning the pages, are only a few of the reasons that keep me coming back for more.

If you were a fan of the first two books, you're definitely going to love GILT BY ASSOCIATION. If you haven't read the other books in the series, you can still read this one and not feel lost. But I would recommend getting them all!
Profile Image for Sandy Bartles.
1,395 reviews37 followers
December 30, 2014
I absolutely love these books with Caprice De Luca and hate having to wait so long between books. I had never heard of home staging a house before selling it, probably because I don't own an expensive house. Caprice not only stages homes, buts she takes in strays and finds them new homes, she adores her family and is always there to help them out and is still trying to decide between the two men in her life. However, her life never seems to be busy enough because she also manages to find time to solve a murder. In this book, Caprice's mother's best friend is shot to death in her greenhouse. With any number of suspects, it is hard to guess who the murderer is. I didn't figure it out until the murderer was exposed. If you like reading books by Karen Rose Smith, you are going to love this book!

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Barbara Thompson.
461 reviews13 followers
January 17, 2015
This was my first book to read by Author Karen Rose Smith. I was not disappointed. Gilt by Association is a fantastic book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. This was not a mystery I could predict. It had twists and turns with some surprises and I love the characters, mystery and romance. The book seemed to be centered around Valentine's Day, but it's great to read anytime. I definitely recommend Gilt by Association and it's Book Three in the A Caprice De Luca Mystery series. I am looking forward to the next book.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
26 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2015
I really enjoyed reading the book Gilt by Association. I like when Seth surprises Caprice at the Valentines and spend some time together before returning to his fellowship and gives her momento think about him while he gone. It has to around the death of Louise downing Murder. It ends up that Mrs downing had a hidden past that ends up catching up to her and murdering her at the same time. It keeps you guessing who killed her in the first place.
Profile Image for Shelley Giusti.
303 reviews259 followers
February 5, 2015
Karen Rose Smith's third book is a hit! I love this series and always look forward to seeing what Caprice is up to next. Caprice is always busy with staging homes and taking care of her puppy, she is on the hunt for a dress to the Valentines day dance. So when a murder takes place and it is a close friend of her mom's, Caprice knows she has to do what she can to find out what happened and why. You will love the characters, they are strong and vibrant, the town is a welcoming place to visit. Once you start this book you won't want to stop reading
54 reviews3 followers
April 11, 2015
Really a terribly insipid, totally predictable, annoying light weight waste of time. Almost nothing in the book has anything to do with plot. Just page after page of silliness about frivolous characters. Does anyone really want to read so much about dog poop? Karen Rose Smith is NOT the suspense writer Karen Smith of "Scream for Me" and "Die for Me." Karen Rose Smith is the kind of writer who assumes her readers want her recipes (also irrelevant) which she includes at the end of the book. If you are not that kind of reader don't torture yourself with reading this book.
Profile Image for Doward Wilson.
752 reviews18 followers
May 7, 2015
Caprice is a fascinating character. Her business is unusual. Now add in entertaining murders and you have a great book. Her friends and family round out the story line in Book 3 in a well built manner but her stray pets rescues and adoptions really give the story umph! Funny and well plotted, this is a series to keep reading.
Profile Image for Norma.
768 reviews
January 29, 2015
Love this series. Karen Rose Smith does not disappoint. I will be re-reading this book again and again.
Profile Image for Angela Griffin.
1,673 reviews6 followers
May 27, 2022
Doesn't rise to its potential

The foundation of the series is sound: an interior decorator/home stager (Caprice) becomes an amateur sleuth, which is different. She comes from a tight-knit Italian family to add boisterous fun. She has a noticeably retro style and rescues and re-homes stray pets, which gives layers to her character and adds the cutesy factor. There are even potential love interests for a bit of romance. All of this...and the story still falls flat for this reader. Too much of the writing is invested in these details which makes the mystery feel like an afterthought; Caprice's sleuthing is haphazard, and she basically just stumbles upon the guilty. The romantic aspect fizzles due to shenanigans and angst more worthy of teenagers, and I find Caprice more than a little smug and self-satisfied.
486 reviews3 followers
December 22, 2021
This is the third book I have read in the Caprice DeLuca series. I am not sure how many more murders can possible take place in Kismet, a small town in York County, PA, but I like Caprice and the murders she solves as a result of her house staging employments. I like her close knit family and her sister's catering business and the recipes at the end of the book that the author provides. What I especially like about this plot is the information provided about the power of flowers. If I write more about that, I would spoil the story for another reader. I will keep reading the series because the author once again keeps the reader hanging at the end in regard to Caprice's love life or the lack of a love life.
568 reviews13 followers
October 28, 2020
Caprice always had a lot to do on her to do list. Staging homes to prepare for open houses was high on the list now with her mom's best friends home. Her client, Louise home was decorated so well without the staging but Caprice added to it. Then when Caprice finds Louise murdered all changes and the attention is turned to many secrets and suspects before the plot is solved.
388 reviews
January 26, 2021
OK Cozy

The story line in this Caprice DaLuca is a bit weak. There are lots of red herrings thrown in, but left completely unanswered. The murder of her mother’s close friend gets Caprice involved in tracking down the killer. The story moves along, but this Caprice story is not as good as others I have read.
Profile Image for Margaret.
1,147 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2017
' "You gave Louise everything," she almost shouted like the mentally unhinged woman that Caprice realized she was.'
In spite of occasional clumsiness like this, and as much emphasis on puppy training as on home staging, this series' gimmick, I enjoyed the book and would read others by the author.
Profile Image for Diane.
1,151 reviews
July 11, 2021
This book ended quickly for me because I was busy trying to figure out the killer and then of course wondering what will happen with the relationships that Caprice have....Grant is cold and Seth is warm what will happen? Can't wait for the next book to find out!
Profile Image for Heather.
51 reviews6 followers
September 19, 2018
I really enjoyed the involvement of the past, and Caprice's mom's best friend. Or were they really best friends?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews

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