Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore

A Haunted Vintage Mystery #3

by Rose Pressey

This looks like a job for the fashion police!

A hot-ticket charity fashion show is the perfect chance for Cookie Chanel, proud owner of It's Vintage Y'All, to show off her stylistic savvy for a good cause. But when a famous fashionista is fatally flattened, and the ghost of a former private investigator asks for Cookie's help, she has to scurry to sew up a solution. With clever clues from Wind Song, her psychic cat, and sassy suggestions from Charlotte, her ghost-in-residence, Cookie must unravel the sinister stitches of a deadly design--before she becomes the next fashion victim...

Don't miss Cookie Chanel's Fashion Tips

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Cozy, Fiction, Ghosts, Fantasy

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 26, 2015

Reviews

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Fantastic Mystery

This is the cutest magical cozy mystery series ever! I fall in love with each new installment as we solve crime by using vintage fashion, ghosts, and a magical cat. Each element gives the story it's own charm making it impossible to stop reading once you get started. A must read. I loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.

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

HAUNT COUTURE AND GHOSTS GALORE
Book 3 in the Haunted Vintage Mystery series
By Rose Pressey
4 stars
HAUNT COUTURE AND GHOSTS GALORE is the second book I’ve read in this delightful para-cozy series, (somehow I haven’t made my way to the first book) and it’s even better than the last.

I simply adore the way author Rose Pressey starts off each chapter with tips from Cookie, the lead character in this series, and in this book tips from deceased PI Sam. It makes getting to the next chapter fun to me.

This mystery started off with a bang….well, with a corpse. Ms. Pressey wasted no time in killing off her victim, doing so in chapter one. The mystery and intrigue just keep building from there. I did guess the killer in this one pretty early on, (Rare for me, so this time I got lucky) but it did nothing to take away from the story.

Ever present ghost, Charlotte, was in rare for in this story. She makes me laugh out loud so much while reading her. However, if she haunted me in real life, I would have to consider finding an exorcist. ;-)

Rose Pressey is a marvelous write with an imagination that I believe knows no bounds. It certainly reflects in her books. Pressey fans will be thrilled with this latest installment in the Haunted Vintage series.

Make sure to take a look in the back of this book for an excerpt from Cookie’s blog, tips for helping a psychic cat, and a sneak peek of book four, HAUNTED IS ALWAYS IN FASHION!

[beachbum bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my thoughts on this book and others check out my cozy mystery YouTube channel @: https://www.youtube.com/@theBeachbumb...

[Laura Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always looking for a cozy mystery with a new theme. This is a new one for me.

Cookie Chanel, owner of It’s Vintage Y’all was so excited when her vintage clothing was used for a major charity fashion show. She wasn’t so thrilled about stumbling over a dead body.

And even less thrilled thrilled when sexy Detective Dylan Valentine arrives at the murder scene. She’d like to see more of him, preferably somewhere besides a back alley and dead body.

Did I say she wasn’t thrilled? Well she still isn’t when Charlotte shows up and throws in her two cents. Charlotte is a ghost. Cookie met her when she was shopping at an estate sale. Charlotte’s estate sale. Now Charlotte is attached to her, living in her cottage, waking her up with her off key singing.

It’s Charlotte who clues in Cookie to the fact that the gentleman she’s talking to, the one in the snappy vintage suit, is also a ghost.

Just what Cookie needs. Another ghost following her around. That’s the way it’ll be though. Samuel Sanders, deceased and former gumshoe, won’t be going anywhere soon. The hat discovered at the murder scene is his and where the hat goes, he goes. So until the crime is solved and his hat is released from the chain of evidence, he’s now along for ride.

When Charlotte and Samuel hit it off they join forces, using their ghostly wiles to get Cookie to investigate the murder. Should be fun, and the poor girl arrested for the murder surely didn’t do it. Now Charlotte will have to do some fancy styling of her own if she doesn’t want to join the ranks as a ghost.

I quickly tagged these characters as the Three Musketeers. They all worked so good together, snoopin and sleuthin. And what could be better than a sidekick with some powers of it’s own. Enter, Wind Song, Cookie’s cat. The cat is psychic and uses Tarot cards and a Quija board to communicate. Now that’s different and fun.

Each chapter starts with a tip from one of the characters. It was fun to see who would share what next. And the story takes place in Sugar Creek, Georgia. A southern cozy!

The southern flavor leaks out in some funny ways. I snorted when I read this one.

“Well, pick my peas!”

Made me think of another one that always tickled me.

“Bee on a bicycle.”

A girl with a mind of her own and a nasty habit of finding dead bodies, two ghosts, kind of hot for each other and not ready to go into the light, a psychic cat, and a sexy cop, along with multiple suspects, keep you hopping from clue to clue, laughing all the way.

Good clean fun for all cozy fans.

I received this book for my honest review.

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun series! Humor galore! Cookie Chanel owns a vintage clothing boutique in picturesque Sugar Creek, Georgia. On occasion, she loans some of the clothes out for films, or in this case, as fashion show accessories. Following the stressful venue, the show's designer, Melanie Lee, is found stabbed with a missing stiletto heel pump. Who would appear as soon as the murder takes place? Charlotte, of course....Cookie's ghost friend that only Cookie can see, hear, and talk too. At the same time, Sam, a dapper detective from the '40's, also appears in ghost form, to retrieve his hat that Cookie bought at an estate sale. He's eager to help them solve the case.

Book 3, Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore, of the Haunted Vintage Mystery series is thoroughly entertaining, with interesting, quirky characters, snappy dialogue, and plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing whodunit.

The Publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassandra "Cookie" Chanel owns a vintage clothing store, "It's Vintage Y'all", in the small town of Sugar Creek, Georgia. She was thrilled to have her vintage clothing and accessories used for a major charity fashion show. Unfortunately for Cookie, at the end of the night as she is searching for all her items to pack up, she finds more than she bargained for. The designer of the show is dead in the alley out back with the heel from a stiletto used as the murder weapon. Hannah, one of the models in the show, is standing over the body with bloody hands and is arrested by Detective Dylan Valentine, a gentleman that Cookie is interested in.

When the police show up, so does Charlotte, the fashionista ghost that has attached herself to Cookie's life for some reason.(if you have not read the first book in the series, you might want to go back) Charlotte is not shy when it comes to putting in her two cents worth and there is quite a bit of humour in these exchanges, especially since Cookie can not always respond. There is also another gentleman who is dressed in a vintage suit that appears at the scene. Charlotte lets Cookie know that he is a ghost. It turns out that Sam, is a PI who was killed in the 1940s and the hat at the crime scene was his. Until he gets his hat back, he can not cross over. For some reason, neither Cookie nor Charlotte believe that Hannah is guilty and until the case is solved, the hat is evidence. When Charlotte and Samuel hit it off they join forces to get Cookie to investigate the murder. Once again Cookie sticks her nose into the business of others who do not want her interference. She gets more than one suspect upset with her.

I like the characters of Cookie, her quirky friend Heather,and Charlotte. Sam was not as involved as he could have been, but his tips and ideas were a hoot. It was obvious that he was not a very good PI during his lifetime. Their interactions are fun and rather humourous. With Windsong, the psychic cat helping to solve the mystery, you can't help but smile. Windsong's antics were a bit different in this book, as she was a bit more involved, but that added another dimension. I really hope that Cookie and Dylan will get together, but again in this book Ken, the lawyer who has eyes for Cookie pops up and takes her on a date. I still don't really like him and Cookie seems to like Dylan more so I hope that sorts our the love triangle. The mystery in the story was not as obvious this time around, but I still figured out the murderer early. It seems the interest of the reader is more peaked with trying to see how the mystery is solved and how much trouble Cookie gets into. This time around, she had some rather humorous episodes, while investigating. I recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers, it is a fun read.

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book, but these last two have just been disappointing.

The ghosts have turned into more of a disadvantage than a help to the investigations, they can't stop talking at her when she's having conversations with the living, and manipulative with the constant threat of Charlotte playing nasty ghost tricks if Cookie doesn't do what she wants. Cookie is the worst investigator ever, and can't seem to have a conversation about the murder with out looking like an idiot.

Oh and let's not forget the lame love triangle introduced in book two. The new defense attorney being interested in her could help with the investigating, but no the author doesn't really take advantage of it, so it ends up being a wasted plot line.

Sad to see the series turn out this way, but unless the books hit Kindle Unlimited, I won't be bothering with anymore books from this author.


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

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

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

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

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

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

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun cozy mystery complete with nosy ghosts. You don't have to be a fashion fanatic to appreciate this one. This is the third book in the Haunted Vintage Mystery series. I liked the amateur sleuthing aspect but Cookie, Charlotte, and of course we mustn't forget Wind Song, make this a special story. Can't wait to see what they'll be up to in their next adventure.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cookie is back in book three of the Haunted Vintage Mystery series. With the help of her psychic cat and her sidekick ghost Charlotte, she is looking for the murderer of a dress designer. I love the vintage clothing trivia and the mystery is exciting and well written. These book are fun to read.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5* rounded up.

[Sherrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest not as good as the other series with Cookie. It is just ok.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore by Rose Pressey is the third book in A Haunted Vintage Mystery series. Cookie Chanel is providing vintage accessories to the Melanie Lee’s fashion show. Cookie figured it would be a good opportunity to showcase the items available in her store Vintage Y’all in Sugar Creek, Georgia. After the show Cookie is looking for Melanie. She goes out a door and finds Melanie on the ground. Hannah O’Neil a model is standing nearby. Then a ghost pops up next to Cookie. No, it is not Melanie. Sam Sanders is a ghost from the 40’s. He was a private investigator when he was alive. He is attached to the grey fedora (that Cookie bought at an estate sale) that is laying near Melanie’s body (which is now in police custody). Charlotte Meadows, the ghost that is already attached to Cookie, is thrilled to see Sam and starts flirting with him. Now Cookie has two ghosts to contend with.

Hannah is arrested for the murder of Melanie despite her protests that she is innocent. Charlotte and Sam want Cookie to investigate the crime. Sam misses using his PI skills. So Cookie and her sidekicks set off to investigate the murder. Will Cookie be able to figure out who murdered Melanie in time to save Hannah? Can Cookie get back Sam’s hat so he can cross over? Cookie will have to solve the crime in between her dates with Detective Dylan Valentine and Ken Harrison (attorney), running her shop, taking care of her cat, Wind Song (who is psychic) and acquiring new items for Vintage Y’all.

Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore is a humorous, paranormal mystery (and sometimes a little too silly). The book also contains Sam’s Sleuthing Tips and Cookie’s Savvy Vintage Clothing Shopping Tips. Some phrases are repeated too often throughout the book (like it is filler). At the end of the book, there are some unanswered questions (I wish I could tell you but they are spoilers). I also wondered why Cookie did not keep tarot cards or a Ouija board around since that is the only way her cat communicates (at least most of the time). She waits for her friend, Heather Sweet to bring them over from her shop. Wouldn’t someone that keeps asking the cat questions keep these items around? After a while you really start to wonder how Cookie makes any money with her shop. She seems to spend most of her time running around town leaving her store closed. When Cookie does have the store open, she seems to chase away her customers with her paranoid attitude. The author provides many possible killers, but the mystery is really very simple (and can be solved early in the book). I wish more of the book was given to the mystery. I give Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore 3 out of 5 stars (maybe I am too critical or overthinking it). We do get a preview of the next book in A Haunted Vintage Mystery series at the end of the novel.

I received a complimentary copy of Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...

[LuAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all know high fashion means high pressure, right? Well, someone was feeling less than charitable at the charity fashion show and beaned a woman with a stiletto. OUCH!

As for Cookie, she supplied the vintage accessories for the show, and it turns out one of her hats belonged to a PI who was murdered, and where the hat goes, he follows. He and Charlotte, Cookie's ghost bestie take a liking to each other, and both give Cookie more help (?) than she wants while trying to figure out whodunit. Oh, and her cat is psychic ... went it wants to be.

Cookie is a great cozy heroine. She's feisty and determined and does it with style and class. I know I would not have her aplomb when confronted with the culprit.

I got a little confused when it came to the charm bracelet. The first time it is mentioned, Rita is in the store buying it. Later, it is revealed that it belonged to the victim. If it was one-of-a-kind, what was Rita's intent. It was puzzling for a while. I even went back in the book (which is surprisingly difficult with ebooks sometimes) to get it nailed down.

Overall, though, I enjoyed Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore. Not only was it a fun read, but I am picking up a lot of 'couture lingo'! I know. Some of my wording is weird. But if stuff from the 70's is vintage...I must be prehistoric! *LOL* I am looking forward to Cookie's next adventure and got a preview chapter at the end of this book.

(Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my objective review.)

[Emily-Jane Orford · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing. The ghosts were a nuisance and useless and they didn't add to the story. Frustrating having to read all the ghost conversations.

[Mary Corso · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sigh

I have read other books in this series and liked them ok once I got past the ghosts and the psychic cat. Not sure if my tastes have changed or if this is just a poorly written book. I almost stopped reading it at the half way point which I almost never do.

First of all, Cookie tries to investigate mysterious deaths with the help of a ghost companion, friends, and her psychic cat that uses tarot cards or a Ouija board. While dating the obligatory police officer (as amateur sleuths always seem to do). In this story, she picks up another ghost. Many conversations take place with Cookie and the two ghosts on one side of the conversation and a suspect on the other side. And the ghosts don’t ever shut up, so it is hard to keep track of who is talking. Don’t they wonder why there is 30 seconds to 1 minute of silence (while the ghosts banter unheard by the other person) before Cookie speaks? She must seem like a weirdo to others. And every statement made leads to a sidebar between the ghosts. But sometimes she drives for hours then asks one question and runs out. Of course that question requires like 5 pages of text due to all the side comments and observations. And errors with quotation marks (ending marks with no beginning marks) don’t help to clarify who is talking.

Not only do I struggle to keep track, but the author and editor (if there even was one) seem to have the same difficulty. In one scene she is on a date and her date (referred to by name) sits in the backseat with the ghost but also somehow drops her off at home. Backseat driver? I guess so.

Author doesn’t seem to know much about vintage either since details are sparse and there is never mention that sizes have gone up through the years so much would not fit current customers. And the tips are odd too - “don’t use plastic” and then “store in plastic bins.” Tips are rather obvious and worthless anyway.

So, if you read and enjoy the series go for it but if not you can give this book a pass.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore is the third book in the Haunted Vintage Mystery series. No real reason I choose it other then I am working on finishing up series before starting new ones this year.

Always interested in promoting her vintage clothing store Cookie jumps on the chance to let models use some vintage clothing articles in a local fashion show. Everything is going great with the show until Cookie finds the manager dead with a model standing over her. To make matters worse a new ghost shows up demanding Cookie retrieves his 1950s fedora for him. Once again surrounded by ghosts Cookie must solve a murder, with the help of the original ghost Charlotte, fedora loving private eye Sam, Cookie's best friend Heather, and the ever mysterious Wind Song the cat Cookie must use all the skills she has learned to solve the deadliest murder mystery to date.

Rose Pressey's writing is getting crisper and showing a better balance between describing vintage clothing but not forgetting the story line. I like how Cookie is evolving as a sleuth and learning she cannot do everything on her own. I did read a teaser for the next book in the series, Haunted is Always in Fashion, but it is checked out at the library. I hope to continue the series soon.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the third instalment of the Haunted Vintage series, finds Cookie Chanel showing some of her stylish vintage items in a charity fashion show. What she didn't expect is to discover the designer dead and a ghost of a former private investigator asking her for help.

With clever clues from Wind Song, her psychic cat, and sassy suggestions from Charlotte, her ghost-in-residence, Cookie must unravel the sinister stitches of a deadly design--before she becomes the next fashion victim...

This is a fun series, with a great set of characters, in a well plotted and written mystery that has plenty of twists and turns in it that will keep you guessing until the end.

If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have read, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres...... like, comment and follow.

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cookie Chanel, owner of a vintage clothing store has been hired to provide 'vintage' accessories to a high fashion show.

The show is filled with backstage angst. Why? Is this just 'normal' for this industry? Cookie doesn't know but she is thrilled to be part of it.

That is until...until she goes to Thank the designer for the opportunity and finds...a model standing over the designer's dead body...

Cookie must help this model. Not only for the girl's sake, but, because two ghosts are nagging her and one wants his hat back...no, I'm not going to give it away. Read this book and totally enjoy it. This is not a scary ghost tale but a likeable ghost encounter.

[Jan Niblock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cookie certainly finds herself in the middle of dangerous situations but it is due to the help of her cat and ghosts. Who knew that ghosts would have the same love life problems that alive people have? Charlotte is certainly one ghost who is coming into her own and growing up in her element. I totally enjoyed this story because it kept you guessing who the murderer was and there were a lot of suspects. Fun read.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cookie is providing vintage accessories to a fashion shown when the designer ends up dead and Cookie finds the body with one of the models standing over the body. With the help of two ghosts Cookie is off to find out who the murderer really is.

This is a really good book. The characters continue to develop and the relationships between them are fun to watch grow. The ghosts are a hoot and bring the hilarity to the book. I would recommend this book for anyone how likes books with ghosts.

[Nannette Miller-Pieper · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cat solved the murder

It was a interesting but very slow read. The ghost did not get involved with Cookie except to get her to go places to talk to people, they could have helped her by checking places out before Cookie got there or something, Don’t think I will be reading anymore of this series

[Samantha von Delvaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love these books! I love vintage clothing and enjoy Cookie's explanations of outfits. I also just love her as a character. She seems more relatable than many of them. The only constructive criticism is that the killers are more predictable than other series. And, of course, Charlotte is fashion goals.

[Whit · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very poorly written. The author is inconsistent with the ghosts. Sometimes they can be away from Cookie but not if it would help the story. They never eavesdrop or sneak into a room for clues. They literally NEVER help with anything. Everyone in the book is unintelligent - ghosts and other main characters alike.

[BarbaraH · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not enough to have one ghost following her around. Now she has two handing around. Can they help to solve the latest mystery in town? A cute cozy mystery with Couture fashions and a fashion show too

[Cherrie Wilkerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Fun Read

The ghost(s) get Cookie moving toward a solution to the latest murder. The twists and turns make this a must read. Wind Song is ready to help with her insightful paws.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this series. Cookie had some good help with Sam and Charlotte. Of course Wind Song always helps out too. Once again I couldn't figure it out, but sure had fun following along. It had a scary kind of ending, but turned out OK. An interesting event happened at the end.

[Teri Griffis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book!!! I love Cookie and I hope she and Dillon get together for good. Fun, murder, adventure, laughs, and mystery..........you will find all in this very well written story. Enjoy!

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was ok (compared to the others)...didn't enjoy it as much as the other books in the series.

[Mollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another fun little book in the Haunted Vintage series.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series really is ridiculous... but I’m enjoying it anyways!