Terror in Taffeta

Kelsey McKenna Destination Wedding Mysteries #1

by Marla Cooper

Wedding planner Kelsey McKenna is just a few hours away from wrapping up her latest job: a destination wedding in the charming, colonial Mexican town of San Miguel de Allende. The reception is all set up, the tequila donkey is waiting outside, and the bride and groom are standing on the altar, pledging their eternal love. But just as the priest is about to pronounce them husband and wife, one of the bridesmaids upstages the couple by collapsing into a floral arrangement. Worst of all, Kelsey discovers that she hasn't just fainted-she's dead. The demanding mother of the bride, Mrs. Abernathy, insists Kelsey not tell the wedding party; she paid for a wedding after all, not a funeral.

Losing a bridesmaid is bad enough, but when the bride's sister is arrested for murder, Mrs. Abernathy demands that Kelsey fix the matter at once. And although she's pretty sure investigating a murder isn't in her contract, crossing the well-connected mother of the bride could be a career-killer. Before she can leave Mexico and get back to planning weddings, Kelsey must deal with stubborn detectives, another dead body, and a rekindled romance in this smart, funny cozy debut perfect for fans of Carolyn Haines.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Cozy, Fiction, Humor, Adult

278 pages, Hardcover

First published March 22, 2016

About the author

MARLA COOPER is the author of the Kelsey McKenna Destination Wedding Mysteries, a humorous cozy mystery series with a destination wedding planner turned amateur sleuth. Originally published by Minotaur Books, the series is set to relaunch soon, with an all-new book three coming in 2026!

For book announcements, follow Marla on Goodreads. For book announcements and general tomfoolery, sign up for her newsletter at her author website (URL above).

Instagram: @marla.cooper.author
BlueSky: @marlacooper.bsky.social‬

ABOUT MARLA: As a freelance writer, Marla has written all sorts of things, from advertising copy to travel guidebooks to the occasional haiku. It was while ghostwriting a guide to destination weddings that she found inspiration for her series. Learn more at www.marlacooper.com.

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelsey McKenna is a wedding planner known for her destination weddings. Her latest clients requested to be married in the town of San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. Everything is going just as planned with the arrangements until one of the bridesmaids gets sick right before the service.

Kelsey warned the girls not to drink too much at the bachelorette party the night before the wedding. When Dana returns she ushers them off and the service takes place as planned. Just as it's ending and everyone should be leaving Dana collapses. Kelsey takes over and rushes everyone out to attend to the fallen bridesmaid herself but finds when checking on her she doesn't have a pulse.

Terror in Taffeta is a cute little cozy mystery with our lead being a strong independent woman running her own business that deals with the outrageous demands of her clients daily with a smile. Kelsey is used to clients expecting the world so when the mother of the bride expects Kelsey to solve a murder she puts on her detective hat and gives it her best shot.

The story was a wonderful little page turning mystery with a wide cast of suspects. Kelsey goes about her task of solving the crime better than the police and stops at nothing to see that an innocent person doesn't end up in jail.

With a lot of funny moments and an intriguing cast of characters I'd definitely recommend checking out Terror in Taffeta to anyone that enjoys a good cozy mystery!

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would give it 2.5 stars. I liked the premise - wedding planner as protagonist. Bridesmaid faints... wait... drops dead on the spot! Started out cute, and I was looking for an easy summer read.

The premise of the wedding planner being expected to investigate the murder, by order of the mother of the bride, was bizarre. Who would do that? Characters and relationships pretty flat and unrealistic. She doesn't know these people. And her friendship with Brody is flat as well.

I finished it. Eh.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a fun cozy mystery. I’ve read quite a few that annoyed me, but this one was fine.

Kelsey is a wedding planner on a destination wedding in Mexico. A bridesmaid drops dead during the ceremony and another one is arrested. Of course Kelsey ends up doing her own investigating because the momzilla of the bride insists.



I wasn’t very good at guessing who did it, mainly because the killer wasn’t introduced as a character until well into the book.

It’s very light and was very fast to read. It was funny and quirky; probably a great beach read.



Language: A couple swear words in Spanish
Sexual Content: Kelsey finds a box of condoms
Violence: Poisoning, threatening with gun, beating over the head
Harm to Animals: None
Harm to Children: None
Other (Triggers): false imprisonment, snobbery

[Mark Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destination wedding planner Kelsey McKenna thinks she’s seen everything at a wedding. That’s why, when one of the bridesmaids collapses at the end of the ceremony she thinks the woman is just hung over. Imagine her surprise when she realizes that Dana is dead. When the police arrest the bride’s sister for the crime, the mother of the bride insists that Kelsey has a duty to free her younger daughter. Can Kelsey figure out who the killer is?


I feel in love with this book in the very first chapter, and I was not at all disappointed as I kept reading. The plot is fast paced with plenty of twists along the way to a surprising yet logical conclusion. The characters are sharp. A few are a tad over the top, but that adds to the fun and humor of the mystery. I will definitely be attending Kelsey’s future weddings.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Chelsey Wolford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel was pitched for fans of Carolyn Haines; I LOVE everything about Carolyn’s books, so I was sure to request a copy of this book for review. This fast-paced, cozy mystery story was so easy to read and took me no time at all to finish. It was the perfect escape for a rainy afternoon. I was not disappointed with this new mystery series. Kelsey, our leading detective, is a wedding planner, a job I always wanted as a child. So while I was sure some chaos would ensue, I was not sure just how much. It was hilarious and completely unexpected. When the bride’s sister was arrested on a murder charge, I was hooked and from that point on I did not stop reading until I hit the last page.

The cast of funny, quirky characters that filled these pages was enough to make me fall in love with this book and this author. The story takes place in Mexico because Kelsey is in the process of planning a destination wedding. This was such an added plus to an already action-packed story. As you read, you will hear about all kinds of yummy Mexican dishes, so don’t read the book if you are too hungry. Kelsey is a wonderful lead to take readers through a jam-packed mystery. There were several possible suspects, which I love in a mystery story. I like have a lot of choices when it comes to figuring out the killer. Overall, awesome new series that I will definitely continue to follow!

***A free copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at Minotaur books in exchange for my honest review***

[Mystery, She Read · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 🌟

Mood/Seasonal Reading: Set in Mexico

I love a good cozy with a wedding theme. They can suck me in every time. Since I love planning events this seemed like the perfect fit. The pretty cover helped as well.

Sadly, pretty much right off the bat this felt a bit off to me. However, I was enjoying the mystery enough to give it a chance. By about the half way mark I was fully out.

I can read books that are somehow immature in nature when they are super juicy or the writing flows. This was neither. One of the biggest standouts in its lack of quality writing was that our main sleuth would do something so outrageous or silly and would simply justify it with “wow this isn’t a good idea” or “I shouldn’t be doing this”. It became infuriating. So many decisions made little to no sense and the main character became harder to cheer for. The writing just felt sloppy.

The reveal itself was my only hope and honestly it was so bad I can’t even recommend giving this book a try. It had zero substance or motive to it and was beyond easy to guess.

Oh well can’t win them all.

[Lisa Mathews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this lighthearted wedding mystery so much I went back and read it again.The fun combo of a destination wedding planner-turned-detective with a cast of colorful characters (loved the tyrannical MOB) and romantic San Miguel setting was already irresistible, but the writing (especially the clever, snarky dialog) and fast-paced mystery kept me flipping pages. I may even read Terror in Taffeta again before the next book in the series come out!

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Kelsey McKenna is a wedding planner and is dealing with a “momzilla” of the bride. The couple decided on a destination wedding in Mexico much to the mom’s dismay and now she is trailing after Kelsey to make sure the wedding goes as planned. She even seems to blame Kelsey when one of the bridesmaids faints during the service. But the girl didn’t just faint, she died… as in murdered… and the police arrest the bride’s sister. Momzilla places the whole thing firmly on Kelsey’s shoulders, expecting her to get her daughter released, find a killer, and cater to every whim while they are detained in Mexico.

This was a wonderful mystery, Kelsey is a great protagonist. I was very impressed with the way she ran her business and truly tried to do everything that was demanded of her. In fact all the primary and supporting characters were so realistic as was their dialogue. Momzilla, Mrs. Abernathy, was an absolute nightmare as a client and her demands just had me shaking my head. The bride and groom were pretty laid back, sometimes this made Kelsey’s job harder. Wedding photographer, and best friend, Brody Marx, makes a good Watson to Kelsey’s Holmes. They worked so well together.

The story flows so well, there was always something happening. The plot is complex with several twists and surprises. It is also a story that is not short on humor.

San Miguel de Allende sounds like an ideal place for a wedding or vacation. The villa the family had rented came complete with chef, Fernando, and I could almost taste all the delicious treats he created. He was also a good ally for Kelsey.

I am surprised this is Marla Cooper’s first novel, she is definitely an author to watch. Terror in Taffeta is a perfect escape filled with fantastic characters. I am looking forward to Dying on the Vine which be will be released in March 2017.

[ReadaBook · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of the story/murder had promise, but while reading, I kept coming across so many holes in logic, compounded with the annoyance of one character, that it was just about impossible to enjoy reading this book. Sadly, I couldn't wait to finish it.....and considered tossing it against the wall (my supreme "gosh, this is awful" reaction to some books).
I'm not being more specific on the holes, or the annoying character (although that individual will be clear to anyone who reads the book!), so as to not influence others' enjoyment or their own deduction of who did what.
Although I love discovering new cozy mystery series, and am willing to give the first book in a series a good bit of leeway to establish characters, environment, and issues of interest that will flow from one book to the next.....not sure I will continue to read this series. For me, this book was simply okay....and there are way too many other series out there for which I eagerly await each new installment to spend time reading this one. Disappointing.

[Conny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very happy when I got this book through NetGalley in exchange of a review, which I am more than happy to provide, because I was in dire need of something good to read. And I found it in this book, I liked the colorful and relatable characters and the plot line was interesting and had me reading way passed my bedtime. I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy murder mystery and I hope that there will be many more to come by this talented Author.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Terror in Taffeta, the first book in the Kelsey McKenna Destination Wedding Mystery series, author Marla Cooper weaves an intriguing cozy mystery tale that follows the amateur sleuth adventures of wedding planner Kelsey McKenna as she finds herself with the added duty of investigating the murder of a bridesmaid.

Set in the colonial town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Kelsey has coordinated the destination wedding of Nicole Abernathy and Vince Moreno. The wedding plans are going as expected until bridesmaid Dana Poole drops dead during the wedding service, and the bride's sister Zoe is arrested for the murder. And if you think that isn't bad enough, add in a momzilla, who demands that Kelsey fix the mess that they find themselves in while being detained in Mexico!

Terror in Taffeta is a captivating and fast-paced whodunit tale that has enough quirky characters, witty banter and humor, drama, intriguing twists and turns, and conspiracy theories that will keep you guessing the identity of the murderer. You can't help but get caught up in the drama and calamity that ensues as Kelsey tries to solve the case of the bridesmaid murder. Kelsey's amateur investigative adventure unfolds with a wonderful balance of comedy, drama, and suspense that easily kept me guessing, and left me wanting more. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I enjoyed the rich description of the wedding destination setting of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, it sounds like it is a wonderful place to have a wedding!

Terror in Taffeta is an entertaining cozy murder mystery that will easily engage you to join Kelsey in her latest wedding destination adventures!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5 stars actually.

For the most part, I enjoyed this book and I think it's a solid start to the Destination Wedding series.

As far as the characters go, I liked Kelsey's character a lot and Brody, her friend and often the photographer for the weddings she plans/coordinates. They're both complex characters, though we haven't perhaps seen all of their complexity yet given the fact that this is book one in the series! The mother of the bride on the other hand, I just want to slap silly. Some of that I believe is by design. She's supposed to be obnoxious and overbearing. However, there were times when she seemed a bit over the top to me and I really just wanted to give her a "Gibbs' slap" (NCIS) to the back of the head!

I enjoyed the Mexican setting. I perhaps would've liked a little bit more description of the setting and the foods they were eating, but it wasn't like it was overly sparse. It's actually rare for me to say there's not enough setting description, but I felt like that quite often in this book. I just couldn't quite get the scenes to be vivid in my imagination as I usually can.

The story line, in my opinion, moved just a bit too slowly. Now that I've finished the book, I see why a particular character was so important, but up until the end of the book I just kept thinking, "What the heck has this character have to do with anything?!". I was tempted to skip to the end a couple of times, but I managed to resist the temptation.

Overall, I did enjoy the story. I'm looking forward to reading the second one in the series, Dying on the Vine.


** I received an ARC of this title from the author. I was not compensated for my review. All opinions and conclusions are my own. **

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute debut. It wasn’t bad it wasn’t great, it could have been shorter. The action pretty much flows through the book, and it’s clear that Kelsey has no clue what she’s doing. In Mexico planning a wedding, she’s aghast when a bridesmaid drops dead. Ordered by the mother of the bride to investigate came clear the main suspect, who happens to be the sister of the bride, Kelsey and her best friend, wedding photographer, Brody, traipse around town tracking down suspects, talking to the police who frustratingly refuse to look at any other suspects, and all the while, Kelsey tries to keep her business and other clients afloat.

Overall, it’s not a bad book, it’s at times engaging, funny, with some characters you just want to ughggg. (Ms. Abernathy). The mystery was a good one, however, it seemed the story ran away with itself at times and had a hard time tightening up. Kelsey and Brody’s relationship is great and their interactions as best friends, coworkers and amateur sleuths is actually one of the best things about the book. Kelsey, when not doing unbelievable things, is very believable as a frustrated wedding planner/businesswoman who actually goes off on a client or two 😁😂😁😁. So while not perfect it was a good read.

[Mark Isaak · Rating 2 out of 5]

When Kelsey, a wedding planner, turns her skills to solving a murder, the results are, well, probably not much different from what you would expect from a rank amateur playing at being a detective. Kelsey's investigation gradually reveals relevant information, but more often by luck than by skill or persistence. Often she fails to ask obvious questions (such as, "What did he look like?") or make obvious connections. She solved the murder only when the murderer basically came to her and said, "Yeah, I did it." Most off-putting for me was that, for most of the book, Kelsey comes across as a spineless ditz (although the audiobook's voice actor might have added to that impression). The writing itself was uninspired.

I thought the premise of a wedding planner detective was interesting, but of the qualities of a wedding planner that would help with detective work -- attention to detail, ability to take command of a situation, lots of contacts among service providers -- none were in evidence here.

[Ellen Kirschman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually read light-hearted cozies but I had just returned from San Miguel de Allende (the setting for this book) and was curious. I loved it. Marla Cooper writes with great humor. Her protagonist, destination wedding planner (who knew there was such a career), is delightfully stubborn and self-effacing. The plot moves forward at a brisk pace, suspense building toward a satisfying ending. Marla's writing is strong and she sacrifices nothing in terms of style or quality to give the reader hours of pleasant distraction. It was just what I needed to bridge the transition between my vacation and the real world.

[Ellen Byron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful protagonist, a great mystery adventure. I love the destination angle. It's like taking a vacation - with murder!

[FangirlNation · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelsey McKenna works as a destination wedding planner in Terror in Taffeta by Marla Cooper, and she puts on a wedding in Mexico for a nice couple, Nicole and Vince, with a crazy, obsessive woman, Mrs. Abernathy, for the bride’s mother. The morning of the wedding, the bridesmaids all have major hangovers from the bachelorette party they held the night before against the strong urging of Kelsey, who knows from prior experience that this is no way to spend the night before a wedding. Then, as the wedding is about to begin, Dana, a last minute addition bridesmaid who is not very popular with the other members of the wedding party, rushes off to vomit, delaying the start of the ceremony. But things get going smoothly, and Kelsey is happy to take a brief break before the reception. That is, until at the end of the ceremony, she hears a collective gasp and jumps up to see Dana fall over. Covering up the distress, Kelsey gets the guests out of the chapel before calling the paramedics, who declare Dana dead. But Mrs. Abernathy refuses to let Kelsey tell Nicole that her bridesmaid is dead because it would ruin the couple’s special day.

Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fun! Meet Kelsey, a wedding planner. Here she is just trying to get a wedding, taking place in Mexico, go smoothly and then there is a death. Somehow, can you say overbearing mother-of-the-bride, she is commanded to solve the crime and get one of the bridesmaids out of jail. With her favorite wedding photographer helping her out, Kelsey is suddenly filling the role of PI.
First in a series. For readers who like Laura Levine.

[Sybil Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book about a destination wedding planner who gets involved in a murder in Mexico. The characters were well done and the plot interesting. Looking forward to reading the next book.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 ...so cute and fun! I'm can't wait to get the 2nd!

[Ana Manwaring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I planned my own Wine Country destination wedding: our front yard, I do hold a smidgen of destination wedding experience. I’ve attended two weddings in Mexico. I don’t remember any major disasters—no one died, even if a few guests did snore under tables. Everyone had a grand time and the wedding planners went home with excellent recommendations and prospective clients.

That’s how it should have been for San Francisco based wedding planner, Kelsey McKenna who has created a perfect wedding for Nicole Abernathy and Vince Moreno in a two hundred year old chapel in the Mexican colonial town of San Miguel Allende. But as Father Villareal pronounces the couple “husband and wife” bridesmaid Dana, collapses into a vase of orchids at the altar. Kelsey ushers the crowd toward the tequila donkey, but soon discovers that Dana hasn’t passed-out from too much fun at the bachelorette party. She’s dead. Mrs. Abernathy, the bride’s mother, insists Kelsey cover it up so Nicole and Vince’s big day isn’t ruined: she paid for a wedding after all, not a funeral. That is, until Mexican police arrest Nicole’s sister, Zoe, and “mom-zilla” declares the situation falls under the “dreadful, unforeseen situations,” clause of Kelsey’s contract. With help from her friend, wedding photographer Brody Marx, she reluctantly takes on the police’s job of finding the killer, sifting through a line-up of potential suspects—Dana has treated everyone in the wedding party poorly.

The police claim Dana was poisoned and arrest the bride’s sister, Zoe. Brody hacks Dana’s wedding gift and finds financial information pointing to new suspects. Kelsey is threatened, convincing her of Zoe’s innocence, and with the help of her old boyfriend, now a resident of San Miguel, she follows the clues. All she wants is to get back to San Francisco and her work, but problem–solving is Kelsey’s forte and she can’t leave Zoe in a Mexican jail with the killer running free. Or face the career-destroying wrath of Mrs. Abernathy if she fails.

Funny, smart and on trend, Marla Cooper’s debut novel, Terror in Taffeta, is a winner. Cooper’s quirky characters, twisting plot and delightful, competent wedding planner-turned-sleuth would be enough fun for any cozy mystery reader. But this novel is a precisely crafted example of the genre, oozing humor, realistic finger-snapping dialog, an intricate and believable plot, and a sharp heroine we instantly like and trust. It may be the wedding from hell, but Kelsey McKenna demonstrates true professionalism and determination. If your attendant keeled over at the altar would your planner have stuck around to solve the murder? Kelsey proves herself to be empathetic and brimming with integrity. She’s a quick thinker and no quitter. Besides, she knows how to throw a great party.

I love Cooper’s fresh, modern prose, her well-balanced action and that she surprised me at the end with motives and a murderer I never saw coming. Terror in Taffeta may not be the first writing from Cooper—She’s written everything from advertising copy to travel guides—but this first novel proves Cooper is one to watch. I bet we haven’t seen the last of Kelsey McKenna. I don’t know what the next destination will be, but I’m sure Cooper will treat us to another roller-coaster ride through clues and suspects served up with tequila shots and elegantly catered red-herrings.

[Jill Tool · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review. This is the first time I’ve read anything by this author, and I’ll be reading more by her. This li’l cozy was a nice fresh of breath air!

Kelsey McKenna is a wedding planner, but just any wedding planner she plans for destination weddings. One thing I liked about the book was it was funny, I liked the character’s I was supposed to like, namely the main character of the book and Brody her friend that sometimes helps out with weddings. Kelsey is a little complex, but not to complex that it takes away from the story or annoys you. She is funny, strong, independent, and pretty smart.

The plot and characters were well thought out and developed. The storyline moved at a very quick pace, with twist, turns and surprises that will keep you guessing until the end. One thing that I felt needed just a little more of was some of the descriptions. I could almost see the places but there was just a little more that could have had me feeling like I was actually there. However I will say that I’m so glad that the author didn’t spend several pages describing every little thing. She had a story to tell and tell she did.

I do feel that this is a really good start to a new cozy series and I’m looking forward to the next book. One of the reasons I like to read is that it relaxes me and I couldn’t wait to come home from work and read this little gem! I can see this series being a hit as long as it doesn’t lose the humor that came with it.

All in all, I do recommend this book. There’s no sex, violence, or gory details, it’s just a story about a wedding designer who tells her story like she’s telling someone about her most recent trip and how she helped out with solving the crime like it’s no big deal.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Sheryl Hagan-The Book Conservatory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelsey McKenna is a wedding coordinator by most standards. She schedules the church or beach for the big day, destination of the couple’s dreams, helps with the dresses and even dentures some of the drama every wedding party is bound to have. It’s a piece of wedding cake, as she has seen and done and seen it all. Not so fast there. At her most recent ceremony held in the beautiful San Miguel de Allende, Kelsey never imagined she would be responsible for handling the mystery of a death, make that two. The worst part? The mother of the bride is the one holding her to it. That’s what she’s paid for, right?

Terror in Taffeta is just that, one terror and problem after another and poor Kelsey is the one who is having to do all the foot work with absolutely no thanks from the horrid mother in law. I loved hating the character of Mrs. Abernathy. She was haughty, cold, filthy rich and the perfect mother-zilla in this story. Kelsey and Mrs. Abernathy butt heads the entire book. It’s gets pretty ridiculous. I kept waiting for Kelsey to take her out. I found myself saying this aloud while reading. (My husband just looked at me strangely and let me be.) Thank goodness for Kelsey’s best friend and photographer, Brody. This dynamic duo work their magic to not only get into more trouble but to eventually solve a very complex mystery. And, Kelsey might have a love interest along the way, maybe. That’s up in the air several times. I’m not sure what to make of him honestly. You’ll see what I mean.

I am not a big fan of weddings or wedding stories. There I said it. I worked as a wedding photographer for many years after college. I know how crazy they can be and so when I first saw this was about weddings, I was cautious. Well, I am so glad I read this because Marla’s writing style and voice made me laugh, cover my mouth with shock and scratch my head many times. The sarcasm and humor in this is amazing. I love it. There was never a moment where I was bored or wishing I was reading something else. I could relate to the crazy family members brought up in this. Oh, Mrs. Abernathy…..Bless her heart.

Marla did a great job making me look another direction while she was hiding the real murderer in another location. The plot twists were fantastic and kept me guessing. Honestly, it would be hard for another wedding coordinator book to top this. Kelsey is amazing and I just might want to hang out with her and snap a few shots with Brody. Now where is my SLR?

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014PELGRW/...

[LJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Sentence: The sea-foam green bridesmaids’ dresses had been a mistake.

Wedding planner Kelsey McKenna tries to prepare for all contingencies. Having a bridesmaid die, and the mother-of-the-bride insist Kelsey “do something” about freeing the person arrested, is a bit out of her usual realm. Since the local police won’t let them leave the country, but are convinced they have arrested the killer, it is up to Kelsey and her friend, Brody, to find the evidence and identify the actual killer.

One knows one has found a good book when the intention is to read only the first few pages, and four hours later, you’ve closed the back cover. This is just such a book. Cooper starts the story at the beginning, without a prologue, and takes us immediately into, and through, an absolutely wonderful story. However, if one has ever thought being a wedding planner would be a glamorous job, Cooper quickly destroys that illusion.

Cooper has created a very real set of characters, both primary and secondary. Kelsey is smart, independent, and very capable. Brody is a perfect sidekick and ideal friend; equally capable and bright, as well as loyal and discreet. The bride and groom, hotel cook, Kelsey’s occasional love interest Evan, and even the classically annoying Mrs. Abernathy is perfectly drawn and very believable.

Cooper has a wonderful voice. Both in dialogue—“What kind of poison?” Evan held his hands up in the air. “He didn’t know. Does it even matter?” “Yes! I mean, how do they know if it even is poison? It’s not like they tasted it!” Okay, so not exactly a great rationale, but it was all I had at the moment”—and the internal narrative--“Maybe I should have been a funeral planner instead. Your responsibilities are finite, the expectations aren’t as high, and no one’s going to be happy anyway. …Besides, business seemed to be booming.”—are realistic.

This is a book anyone can enjoy. It contains neither sex nor graphic violence, yet it isn’t silly. The characters behave in realistic ways, without a single TSTL (too stupid to live) moment. It really is more of a traditional mystery than a cozy, even with an amateur investigator. The writing is excellent: neither a vapid character nor a portent in sight.

“Terror in Taffeta” is a very well done, delightful read. It is very well plotted with excellent plot twists that keep you guessing to the very end.

TERROR IN TAFFETA (Cozy-Kelsey McKenna-Mexico-Contemp) – Ex
Cooper, Marla – 1st book
Minotaur Books, 2016

[Kristine (The Writer's Inkwell) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posted originally on my blog:
The Writer's Inkwell

As a fan of cozy mysteries, I have to say this book was a very entertaining start to a new series. From the first chapter I found myself hooked. Not only did I find Kelsey to be a likeable character, but I admired her willingness to go above and beyond for her clients.

After one of the bridesmaids collapses and dies during the ceremony, Kelsey finds herself in a whirlwind of stress and confusion. As the wedding planner, her pain in the neck client expects her to handle every facet of the poor woman’s affairs. But when one of the wedding party members is arrested by the Mexican police, her terror of a client expects her and her alone to fix everything. Teaming up with her friend, Brody, Kelsey finds that every effort she makes to help is only making matters worst. All of which is just infuriating her client and keeping her from returning home to tend to the next wedding she’s been planning.

I’m not sure I would exactly consider this a cozy mystery. It doesn’t seem to fit the common format for those type of stories. However, it is an enjoyable fast paced mystery. Even better, Kelsey’s attempts to help or investigate aren’t completely out of the realm of realism. When she uncovers a key piece of evidence, it’s not because she’s snooping, but because she is packing up the dead bridesmaid’s room. And though it’s beyond ridiculous to expect a wedding planner to solve a murder, it’s not ridiculous for a wealthy entitled client to assume she should drop everything in order to fix everything that has gone wrong. All of which add that needed air of realism that so many cozy mysteries lack.

The plot struggled a bit about three-quarters of the way through. By that point it seemed as if the story line was just being drawn out. But that’s something that will improve as more books for the series come out. Hopefully the next book will be just as entertaining as this one. Either way I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.

Reviewer’s note: I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Andrea Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read a romance about a wedding planner. I don't know how I manage to do stuff like that. Suffice to say I liked this cozy mystery a whole lot better than the romance. OK, I loved this book. It was amazing

This is Marla's debut novel and this is the first book in a new series. You really don't want to miss it. Kelsey does destination weddings. I have to admit I loved the crime. Imagine your bridesmaid cocking up her toes into a floral arrangement at the ceremony! It really doesn't get much better than this.

The dead bridesmaid wasn't exactly the nicest person. I think the best part of the story was finding out all the nasty stuff Dana has done to people over the years, and there really is a lot of stuff. There's only one other character in this book that might have deserved to be dead as much as Dana did, and that was Mrs. Abernathy. Talk about a momzila. She is over the top obnoxious!

I really loved Kelsey's friends. Brody was all kinds of awesome and I even like Evan even though he was a bit of a jerk.

I liked how Kelsey jumped in to clear Zoe's name, especially when the San Miguel police seemed to think she was the killer

This is such a fun cozy mystery. It has actually pulled me out of a reading rut too, which is wonderful. I've been reading a bunch of books that were good but didn't excite me. This one did and I really needed that.

The story is fast paced and it really is a fun read. Its the kind of book you don't want to put down.

You will love Kelsey and the quirky cast of characters here. I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Joyce Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers of Nora Roberts, Sue Grafton, Janet Evanovich, Joanna Fluke, and Sally Goldenbaum mysteries will love Marla Cooper’s new cozy heroine, Kelsey McKenna. Kelsey is a wedding planner at a destination wedding she’s planned in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Everything is going well until the temperamental bridesmaidzilla collapses just as the village priest pronounces the newlyweds husband and wife.
Most of the wedding party flies home the next morning, and Kelsey is set to leave, too. Too bad—the bride’s sister is arrested under suspicion of murder, and Kelsey, along with the bride’s family are kept in town for questioning. Even though Kelsey is no shrinking violet, she’s never had to hunt down dangerous suspects, but that’s what the dominating mother-of-the-bride insists she must do to fulfill her contract as “the wedding planner.” Kelsey capitulates, not only for the sake of her check, but also for the sweet, innocent sister who sits wilting in a Mexican jail cell.
With the help of her convivial, gay wedding photographer, who agrees to stick around to help Kelsey, the witty, spunky planner-turned-sleuth probes the wedding party’s villa accommodations and the charming town of San Miguel for clues. In the process, she perturbs the police, the bride’s mother, and the killer, hooks up with an old flame, and eats a number of yummy-sounding Mexican meals.
An exciting, funny, page-turner, Terror in Taffeta is a delightful addition to the cozy mystery genre.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terror in Taffeta by Marla Cooper is a fast paced fun mystery, that keeps you guessing until the end. This is my first book by this author, but I hope she plans on writing more books involving Kelsey McKenna a wedding planner.

This book starts out with Kelsey in the middle of keeping the wedding moving along in beautiful San Miguel,Mexico. The brides mother is very difficult, the bride and her bridal party are all hung over, and one of the bridesmaids dies during the ceremony. In order to get back to United States, Kelsey is determined to solve the murder. I found this book to be very well written with great character and plot development. I found this book to have a lot of aha moments, as more information comes to light.

I strongly recommend this book for all cozy mystery lovers. Kelsey is a strong and likeable female lead, and I love her best friend, Brody, a gay wedding photographer that sticks by her side. There is also an ex boyfriend of Kelsey who now lives in San Miguel, to complicate everything. Fun read that I did not want to put down.

I received this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

[Once Upon a Romance Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Sexual Content: None/Subtle
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content: Mild
Violent Content: Moderate

She was a wedding planner. A good one. Not an investigator! Kelsey, however, was not only railroaded into non-wedding planner-like duties by the mother of the bride, such as poking her nose into a police investigation, she also felt a bit of guilt settle on her shoulders. This was the first time she’d lost, as in dead, a bridesmaid.

I enjoyed the set up of Kelsey and her friend Brody; their business and personal relationship. They play off of each other well. It’s always good to have someone who has your back, especially when you’re out of the country in an exotic city and investigating a murder.

A lot that could go wrong did. A lot of viable clues turned to nothing. It would be understandable if Kelsey bailed on the whole investigation thing, but you got it, she didn’t.

Oh the fun, wit, intrigue, and danger I was an eyewitness to via page after page of this well-written mystery. The debut of the series is rock solid. I can’t wait to see where this series takes me next!

-- CONNIE

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose to read this book because of the location, San Miguel, because I have a friend that owns a house there. And of course because it is a cozy!

So we have a couple that decides to get married in Mexico and one of the bridesmaids ends of dead right after the ceremony on the altar at the church. The bride's mother (who is VERY pushy and not very likeable) seems to think it is the wedding planner's job to solve the crime. Why, I'm not quite sure, but like I said, Mrs. Abernathy is not a very likeable character, comes across very entitled (as you might expect from someone that has money).

But solving the murder isn't really the only surprise - mystery fiances, blackmail, drug smuggling and a few other surprises are in store for you if you read this book. There really isn't a romance because Kelsey and Evan, while they like each other, they live too far apart to really have a relationship.

The only thing that I was disappointed in was the lack of description of the town and the sites. There are some that are mentioned, but I thought maybe there would have been more. It doesn't taint my thoughts on the book overall, just a minor something I noticed.