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Haley Randolph #9
Pocketbooks and Pistols
Haley Randolph isn’t exactly a model sales clerk at Holt’s Department Store. But when the corporate office acquires a high-end boutique chain and extends a juicy discount to employees, the fashionista will do anything—maybe even a little hard work—to keep the part-time gig and clinch a Mystique handbag, the season’s absolute must-have, at a heart-stopping price . . .
With the extra duties she’s taking on, Haley’s positioning herself to be Employee of the Month. But when Haley discovers former Holt’s employee Asha McLean shot dead behind the store during orientation training, it turns out there’s more to die for than hot designer deals. The ensuing negative publicity could force Holt’s to close its doors permanently, sinking the surrounding shopping center—and Haley’s job—into oblivion.
Haley can’t fathom why anyone would harm Asha—until she learns that her former coworker, who secretly lived in Sherman Oaks and owned a mint BMW, was seriously shady. Upon closer inspection, Asha’s duplicitous lifestyle not only earned lots of cash, but plenty of mortal enemies.
As authorities question her innocence and business wanes, Haley’s desperate to sack the murderer and save Holt’s in time. Otherwise, instead of rocking a Mystique, Haley might end up full of holes—or worse, locked away in a very unflattering shade of orange . . .
With the extra duties she’s taking on, Haley’s positioning herself to be Employee of the Month. But when Haley discovers former Holt’s employee Asha McLean shot dead behind the store during orientation training, it turns out there’s more to die for than hot designer deals. The ensuing negative publicity could force Holt’s to close its doors permanently, sinking the surrounding shopping center—and Haley’s job—into oblivion.
Haley can’t fathom why anyone would harm Asha—until she learns that her former coworker, who secretly lived in Sherman Oaks and owned a mint BMW, was seriously shady. Upon closer inspection, Asha’s duplicitous lifestyle not only earned lots of cash, but plenty of mortal enemies.
As authorities question her innocence and business wanes, Haley’s desperate to sack the murderer and save Holt’s in time. Otherwise, instead of rocking a Mystique, Haley might end up full of holes—or worse, locked away in a very unflattering shade of orange . . .
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 25, 2016
About the author
Dorothy Howell
78 books274 followersDorothy Howell writes for two publishing houses, in two genres, under two names. She writes mysteries as Dorothy Howell historical romance novels under the pseudonym Judith Stacy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 17, 2016
Hayley Randolph lives a double life. In one, she is a stylish event planner for the A-Listers of L. A.
In the second, she is a part-time worker at Holts Department Store. Why the two lives? Hayley is a shopaholic and working at Holts gives her an 80% discount at another corporate store, Nuevo. This store carries all of the latest and greatest, and Hayley gets it 80% off!
While leading a dreaded new employee orientation, Hayley opens the door to show the group the loading dock and they discover a body of a woman in the dumpster. The body turns out to be a former employee, and the news of the murder hits Holts, a family store hard. Not only is Holts in danger of being shut down, but all the smaller shops in the mini mall surrounding Holts relies on them to bring in business, so they will eventually shut down also. Hayley could lose her job at Holts, which she doesn't give a fig about, but that means she would also lose her discount. No way is she going to let that happen! This murder needs to be solved. Now. And she isn't above helping the detectives along the way.
This was the first book I have read in the Hayley Randolph series. I believe it is book 9. I really enjoyed it. Hayley is smart, snarky, and fun. Her love life is such a mess, that even she doesn't know who she is talking about some of the time. I liked her Holt friends better than the BFF that she went shopping with all the time. I am not a label junkie so that part of the story really didn't interest me. I know fashion is her thing, but the story did not get bogged down by it. There was also a plethora of hot guys, which I always enjoy!
I recommend this book to people who like fun cozy mysteries with a touch of humor. Stephanie Plum fans would also get a kick out of this series.
*I voluntarily read an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and gave an honest review *
In the second, she is a part-time worker at Holts Department Store. Why the two lives? Hayley is a shopaholic and working at Holts gives her an 80% discount at another corporate store, Nuevo. This store carries all of the latest and greatest, and Hayley gets it 80% off!
While leading a dreaded new employee orientation, Hayley opens the door to show the group the loading dock and they discover a body of a woman in the dumpster. The body turns out to be a former employee, and the news of the murder hits Holts, a family store hard. Not only is Holts in danger of being shut down, but all the smaller shops in the mini mall surrounding Holts relies on them to bring in business, so they will eventually shut down also. Hayley could lose her job at Holts, which she doesn't give a fig about, but that means she would also lose her discount. No way is she going to let that happen! This murder needs to be solved. Now. And she isn't above helping the detectives along the way.
This was the first book I have read in the Hayley Randolph series. I believe it is book 9. I really enjoyed it. Hayley is smart, snarky, and fun. Her love life is such a mess, that even she doesn't know who she is talking about some of the time. I liked her Holt friends better than the BFF that she went shopping with all the time. I am not a label junkie so that part of the story really didn't interest me. I know fashion is her thing, but the story did not get bogged down by it. There was also a plethora of hot guys, which I always enjoy!
I recommend this book to people who like fun cozy mysteries with a touch of humor. Stephanie Plum fans would also get a kick out of this series.
*I voluntarily read an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and gave an honest review *
September 18, 2023
I'm not crazy about Haley, the main character. She's kind of immature. And where does she get all her money?
May 7, 2019
Is it getting hot in here? Nope, that is just all the hot guys who follow Haley around.
And, dang, are things heating up with them.
Either I have wholly embraced the craziness of these mysteries, or this one fit together better than most. The various plot threads made sense and actually felt semi-related. Maybe it was just her various jobs aligning for once.
Also, how many dead bodies have been found at Holt's now? No wonder HQ contemplated shutting the place down!
I am a little nervous to see this book came out in 2016. That's 3 years ago! There are going to be more, right? Right? I NEED MORE.
Or at least more resolution. Think of all the hot guys left hanging! That's b.s.
And, dang, are things heating up with them.
Either I have wholly embraced the craziness of these mysteries, or this one fit together better than most. The various plot threads made sense and actually felt semi-related. Maybe it was just her various jobs aligning for once.
Also, how many dead bodies have been found at Holt's now? No wonder HQ contemplated shutting the place down!
I am a little nervous to see this book came out in 2016. That's 3 years ago! There are going to be more, right? Right? I NEED MORE.
Or at least more resolution. Think of all the hot guys left hanging! That's b.s.
September 27, 2016
Book 9 in a series.
Being book 9 should have been my first clue that this book wasn't going to work for me, there's too much history that I am missing here, and it was obvious.
And I really couldn't connect with the main character. Haley felt ditzy, shallow and materialistic. I am not at all about fashion, so the constant shopping and handbag babbling just got on my nerves. And working a crap retail job just to get an 80% discount at a sister store? Umm, have you ever worked retail? Crap job for sure, but you're lucky if you get any discount, and 80% off to a high dollar store (that isn't even the store you work at?)? NOPE. Never going to happen. Honestly, that point was so hard for me to get past.
That, and the blurb, which sounded ok, really had nothing to do with the storyline. "With the extra duties she’s taking on, Haley’s positioning herself to be Employee of the Month." Haley spends more time dodging work than taking on extra, and she certainly isn't willing to put in the kind of work to get to be employee of the month!
Maybe if I was more of a fashionista, or had never worked retail so I could ignore all of the inconsistencies in this book, it would have gone down better. As it was, I ended up feeling as though an interesting mystery got lost in too much trivia and annoyed by too much, "me, me, me," from the MC.
I was provided an ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Being book 9 should have been my first clue that this book wasn't going to work for me, there's too much history that I am missing here, and it was obvious.
And I really couldn't connect with the main character. Haley felt ditzy, shallow and materialistic. I am not at all about fashion, so the constant shopping and handbag babbling just got on my nerves. And working a crap retail job just to get an 80% discount at a sister store? Umm, have you ever worked retail? Crap job for sure, but you're lucky if you get any discount, and 80% off to a high dollar store (that isn't even the store you work at?)? NOPE. Never going to happen. Honestly, that point was so hard for me to get past.
That, and the blurb, which sounded ok, really had nothing to do with the storyline. "With the extra duties she’s taking on, Haley’s positioning herself to be Employee of the Month." Haley spends more time dodging work than taking on extra, and she certainly isn't willing to put in the kind of work to get to be employee of the month!
Maybe if I was more of a fashionista, or had never worked retail so I could ignore all of the inconsistencies in this book, it would have gone down better. As it was, I ended up feeling as though an interesting mystery got lost in too much trivia and annoyed by too much, "me, me, me," from the MC.
I was provided an ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2018
This is the 9th book in the Haley Randolph series and the first one I have read.
I love the fact that Haley only does this job to get high end boutique items, she is a very well written character who I really enjoyed reading about.
The mystery is good, the characters are fun and the interplay between them is well done and funny.
I will definitely be looking for the rest of the books in this series to see how Haley has got to where she is.
*Huge thanks to Dorothy Howell, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
I love the fact that Haley only does this job to get high end boutique items, she is a very well written character who I really enjoyed reading about.
The mystery is good, the characters are fun and the interplay between them is well done and funny.
I will definitely be looking for the rest of the books in this series to see how Haley has got to where she is.
*Huge thanks to Dorothy Howell, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
October 23, 2016
Great entry in the series! In some ways I feel Haley is maturing but she's still the same handbag obsessed, frappie drinking girl we've come to love. So many mysteries were going on in this book, some I figured out (except the motives) and some not so much. Even though Haley hates Holt's it was fun to see her working there more than she has in recent books. Once again the love life cliffhanger showed up, kinda glad I don't need to make that choice.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
July 26, 2017
It appears this is the last book in the series which is really a bummer because it's such a good series....and to leave us hanging about what's going to happen with Ty and Jack....sure there are more mysteries for Haley to solve.
November 2, 2016
Pocketbooks and Pistols by Dorothy Howell is the twelfth A Haley Randolph Mystery novel. Haley Randolph only works part-time at Holt’s Department Store so that she can receive an 80% discount at Nouvu, a high-end shop (also owned by the company). Somehow (Haley cannot remember exactly how it happened) she volunteered to run the new hire orientation that day (Haley had no clue the company had an employee handbook). Haley is taking the new hires on a tour of the facility. She is showing them the loading dock, and opens the loading doors (not a good idea). By the dumpster is ex-employee, Asha McLean. Because of the bad publicity, the owners might close this Holt’s store. Haley cannot afford to lose her discount especially since she is waiting for her new Mystique bag to arrive at Nouvu. There will only be a limited number of positions open in other Holt’s for the employees. In order for Haley to secure one, she needs to win Employee of the Month. Haley looks up the requirements in the employee handbook, and she is shocked. She would have to spend actual time helping customers in order to win this award. Haley decides it would be easier to solve the murder. If the negative publicity evaporates, the store can stay open. Plus, Haley will be lauded for solving the crime. Can Haley find the culprit and keep her job? She really wants the Mystique bag.
I am afraid that I did not to enjoy Pocketbooks and Pistols. I found Haley Randolph to be a vain, superficial, self-centered individual (I did not like her). She has a lousy work ethic (spends most of her time in the break chugging down chocolate). I know it is supposed to be funny, but I was not laughing. Pocketbooks and Pistols can be read as a stand-alone novel (for the most part). I do not understand why she works at Holt’s Department Store instead of at Nouvu? Do the employees of Nouvu not get a discount? I wish that had been explained (maybe it was in a previous book). The mystery was simple and easy to solve. I did find that more time was devoted to Haley’s Starbucks addiction (as well as her need for chocolate) than to the solving the murder. I lost count of the number of times Starbucks was mentioned in the book (more than 24). The book contained odd sentences. Haley would say this peculiar rambling sentences with hyphens between each word (made no sense). I give Pocketbooks and Pistols 3 out of 5 stars (it is okay, just not my type of book). If you are looking for a light, humorous book with just a hint of a mystery, then you would enjoy Pocketbooks and Pistols.
I am afraid that I did not to enjoy Pocketbooks and Pistols. I found Haley Randolph to be a vain, superficial, self-centered individual (I did not like her). She has a lousy work ethic (spends most of her time in the break chugging down chocolate). I know it is supposed to be funny, but I was not laughing. Pocketbooks and Pistols can be read as a stand-alone novel (for the most part). I do not understand why she works at Holt’s Department Store instead of at Nouvu? Do the employees of Nouvu not get a discount? I wish that had been explained (maybe it was in a previous book). The mystery was simple and easy to solve. I did find that more time was devoted to Haley’s Starbucks addiction (as well as her need for chocolate) than to the solving the murder. I lost count of the number of times Starbucks was mentioned in the book (more than 24). The book contained odd sentences. Haley would say this peculiar rambling sentences with hyphens between each word (made no sense). I give Pocketbooks and Pistols 3 out of 5 stars (it is okay, just not my type of book). If you are looking for a light, humorous book with just a hint of a mystery, then you would enjoy Pocketbooks and Pistols.
September 24, 2016
Fun and Funny Light Mystery
Pocketbooks and Pistols by Dorothy Howell is a fun, humorous, and easy read. Even though this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. The story is well written, the characters are fun and a little quirky, and there is an interesting mystery to solve.
Hayley Randolph is an event planner for L.A. Affairs and a part-time sales clerk at Holt’s Department Store. She loves being an event planner, hates working at Holt’s, and is addicted to shopping and Starbucks. If not for the 80% employee discount she receives at a high-end boutique owned by Holt’s purchased, she would quit in a heartbeat. In an apparently weak moment, Haley has agreed to conduct the Holt’s new-hire orientation and, while doing so, finds a dead girl behind the store’s dumpster. The girl is identified as ex-Holt’s employee, Asha McLean, and she was shot. When Hayley learns that Holt’s may have to shut its doors, she has no choice but to find the murderer and, of course, save her employee discount.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.
Pocketbooks and Pistols by Dorothy Howell is a fun, humorous, and easy read. Even though this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. The story is well written, the characters are fun and a little quirky, and there is an interesting mystery to solve.
Hayley Randolph is an event planner for L.A. Affairs and a part-time sales clerk at Holt’s Department Store. She loves being an event planner, hates working at Holt’s, and is addicted to shopping and Starbucks. If not for the 80% employee discount she receives at a high-end boutique owned by Holt’s purchased, she would quit in a heartbeat. In an apparently weak moment, Haley has agreed to conduct the Holt’s new-hire orientation and, while doing so, finds a dead girl behind the store’s dumpster. The girl is identified as ex-Holt’s employee, Asha McLean, and she was shot. When Hayley learns that Holt’s may have to shut its doors, she has no choice but to find the murderer and, of course, save her employee discount.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.
September 21, 2016
Pocketbooks and Pistols featuring the high spirited Hayley Randolph is sure to make you laugh.
Hayley isn't impressed with her part time job at Holt's Department Store. If not for the extravagant discount she receives from from a high end boutique store that Holt's purchased, Hayley would be gone in a flash. Holding down 2 jobs just to feed her clothing addiction, Hayley has her mind on one thing only, purchasing the Mystique handbag that is the hottest fashion accessory.
Hayley didn't plan on finding a dead body and when everyone blames her for the rumor of the store closing, Hayley has one choice, find the murderer herself!
I laughed out loud quite often reading this book. The story was interesting and the characters were very entertaining.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Expected publication: October 25th 2016 by Kensington
Hayley isn't impressed with her part time job at Holt's Department Store. If not for the extravagant discount she receives from from a high end boutique store that Holt's purchased, Hayley would be gone in a flash. Holding down 2 jobs just to feed her clothing addiction, Hayley has her mind on one thing only, purchasing the Mystique handbag that is the hottest fashion accessory.
Hayley didn't plan on finding a dead body and when everyone blames her for the rumor of the store closing, Hayley has one choice, find the murderer herself!
I laughed out loud quite often reading this book. The story was interesting and the characters were very entertaining.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Expected publication: October 25th 2016 by Kensington
October 23, 2016
The is the second book in this series and Hayley Randolph is the same self-center, flighty person. Her worries concern the latest designer purse, the body found at the department store, her Mother's long ago beauty contest, which clothes to wear for an event, and which of her boyfriends is the one for her. She has to lead a privileged life.
Hayley showing the new hires discovers a body behind Holts. Between worrying about getting the purse Hayley does some exploring about the subject matter. The author has tied up all the different ends before the book ends I recommend the book for light chit-lit reading.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Hayley showing the new hires discovers a body behind Holts. Between worrying about getting the purse Hayley does some exploring about the subject matter. The author has tied up all the different ends before the book ends I recommend the book for light chit-lit reading.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
May 14, 2017
empty-headed, inane mc. there is one mystery here--why in the world would the police consult and share confidential information with this nitwit? first and last of this series.
December 1, 2018
I love, love, love this book! You can read it as a stand alone or in the Haley Randolph series. I recommend reading the whole series it is a riot! The story happens in Southern California; for those that have lived in Southern Cal. you will feel right at home. Haley works part time at a retail job that she keeps only for the employee discounts at the sister store. She started working there in order to pay off her credit cards and ends up staying a lot longer than she expected. She also works as an event planner for the elite of L.A. hoping to move up the ladder and ditch the retail store job.
One of the problems is that she always seems to be around when there is a dead body. And the story begins and she has to solve the mystery. In this last book Pocketbooks and Pistols 3/4s of the way through she is trying to solve three different mysteries.
You will love Haley she is obsessed with purses and mocha frappechinos my kind of girl ! I just know that if we met in real life she and I would be friends great character!
Ms. Howell writes a great mystery that moves along and takes you with her. If you love mysteries , romance, there are hot guys, snappy dialogue and pursesssss you will love this book! You will love the series!
One of the problems is that she always seems to be around when there is a dead body. And the story begins and she has to solve the mystery. In this last book Pocketbooks and Pistols 3/4s of the way through she is trying to solve three different mysteries.
You will love Haley she is obsessed with purses and mocha frappechinos my kind of girl ! I just know that if we met in real life she and I would be friends great character!
Ms. Howell writes a great mystery that moves along and takes you with her. If you love mysteries , romance, there are hot guys, snappy dialogue and pursesssss you will love this book! You will love the series!
February 1, 2020
Meh.
Storyline was riddled with more fashion than crime. Which, if that’s what you’re into you’d love this book.
The characters were developed nicely and I enjoyed reading their characteristics.
However, the writing was somewhat elementary. I felt as though I was reading a YA novel the whole time. And the grammar was definitely juvenile. “Oh crap” apparently is a catch phrase of the author. And I read more “I want to describe-this-feeling-with-one-word” format than I ever intended in my adult life.
I bought this book from the dollar tree. If I spent more than $1 I would be highly disappointed.. the price of this book is reflective of the stars given for my review. Had I paid full price I would give 1 star.
Thanks.
Storyline was riddled with more fashion than crime. Which, if that’s what you’re into you’d love this book.
The characters were developed nicely and I enjoyed reading their characteristics.
However, the writing was somewhat elementary. I felt as though I was reading a YA novel the whole time. And the grammar was definitely juvenile. “Oh crap” apparently is a catch phrase of the author. And I read more “I want to describe-this-feeling-with-one-word” format than I ever intended in my adult life.
I bought this book from the dollar tree. If I spent more than $1 I would be highly disappointed.. the price of this book is reflective of the stars given for my review. Had I paid full price I would give 1 star.
Thanks.
December 13, 2016
Ms. Howell has given us another laugh out loud story, featuring our favorite purse-fanatic Haley Randolph. Absolutely nothing in Haley's life is boring. It seems that wherever Haley goes, trouble is sure to show up.
March 12, 2017
Haley Randolph is the daughter of a beauty queen and an astrophysicist, who usually avoids her mother mostly because she is a failure as a beauty pageant contestant. However in this book her mom isn't acting her normal polished self and Haley feels compelled to find out why. There is a scandal about a beauty pageant (Miss California Cupid) over 40 years ago. This was her mother's first pageant and she placed second. Apparently a scandal about a judge and a contestant was now floating around, and her mom was almost maudlin about the negativity it was bringing to the pageant world. Haley is determined to find out what is going on and squelch the rumors so her mom can stop worrying.
The only problem is she is also trying to figure out who shot a former Holt's employee on their back dock this morning! Add to this the search, order, and lack of delivery of the Mystique handbag she and Marcie ordered from Nuovo (80% off since they are owned by Holt's) as well as Haley's job at LA Affairs, and you have one busy gal!
Too busy for much else, right? Wrong! She spends an awful lot of time thinking about Ty-former boyfriend, Shuman-Detective on the murder case, Jack-hot guy who makes her swoon that she has business dealings with, and Liam-her current boyfriend. With 2, maybe 3 out of the 4 interested in her, she is in a quandary and can't decide what to do!
This book is mystery and fun full speed ahead! So many twists and turns and stops at Starbucks that I think we all are on a caffeine high! The series is best if you have read it from the beginning so you have the history of the various supporting characters as well as knowing Haley better. Whatever you do, don't miss this book where Haley's worlds (Holt's and LA Affairs at least) overlap and mystery and surprises abound.
The only problem is she is also trying to figure out who shot a former Holt's employee on their back dock this morning! Add to this the search, order, and lack of delivery of the Mystique handbag she and Marcie ordered from Nuovo (80% off since they are owned by Holt's) as well as Haley's job at LA Affairs, and you have one busy gal!
Too busy for much else, right? Wrong! She spends an awful lot of time thinking about Ty-former boyfriend, Shuman-Detective on the murder case, Jack-hot guy who makes her swoon that she has business dealings with, and Liam-her current boyfriend. With 2, maybe 3 out of the 4 interested in her, she is in a quandary and can't decide what to do!
This book is mystery and fun full speed ahead! So many twists and turns and stops at Starbucks that I think we all are on a caffeine high! The series is best if you have read it from the beginning so you have the history of the various supporting characters as well as knowing Haley better. Whatever you do, don't miss this book where Haley's worlds (Holt's and LA Affairs at least) overlap and mystery and surprises abound.
April 10, 2019
I Loved this book - What a Great Cozy Mystery with laugh out loud moments
November 20, 2019
A really good who dunnit and whitty.
If you like good characters and a good story....this is one for you.
If you like good characters and a good story....this is one for you.
December 4, 2019
Such a fun book! If you can call a mystery fun!
Haley Randolph is just too funny!! Yes, there is a murder, but....
Read...
Haley Randolph is just too funny!! Yes, there is a murder, but....
Read...
April 7, 2020
loved it !
March 5, 2022
Jack? Ty? Liam? TY? WHOA!
August 4, 2022
Funny, captivating, and all together entertaining.
August 27, 2022
Shallow, slacker and selfish Haley discovers another dead body at Holts, where she is employed. Though how anyone can get away with doing no work is incredible.
October 20, 2024
Actually 3.8! Quick fun, easy read.
September 16, 2025
That’s it?!?!
December 9, 2025
So far, I’ve loved all the books in the series. Always ends on a cliffhanger, but a light easy read that you can read out of order.
December 23, 2016
Title: Pocketbooks and Pistols - Haley Randolph Mystery 12
Author: Dorothy Howell
Published: 10-25-2016
Publisher: Kensington Books
Pages: 320
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Amateur Sleuths; Cozy Mystery; Women Sleuths
ISBN: 13: 9780758295026
ASIN: B01BAUC7UE
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4.5 Stars
.
I received a copy of Pocketbooks and Pistols from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Description from the publisher:
Haley Randolph isn't exactly a model sales clerk at Holt's Department Store. But when the corporate office acquires a high-end boutique chain and extends a juicy discount to employees, the fashionista will do anything—maybe even a little hard work—to keep the part-time gig and clinch a Mystique handbag, the season's absolute must-have, at a heart-stopping price . . .
With the extra duties she's taking on, Haley's positioning herself to be Employee of the Month. But when Haley discovers former Holt's employee Asha McLean shot dead behind the store during orientation training, it turns out there's more to die for than hot designer deals. The ensuing negative publicity could force Holt's to close its doors permanently, sinking the surrounding shopping center—and Haley's job—into oblivion.
Haley can't fathom why anyone would harm Asha—until she learns that her former coworker, who secretly lived in Sherman Oaks and owned a mint BMW, was seriously shady. Upon closer inspection, Asha's duplicitous lifestyle not only earned lots of cash, but plenty of mortal enemies.
As authorities question her innocence and business wanes, Haley's desperate to sack the murderer and save Holt's in time. Otherwise, instead of rocking a Mystique, Haley might end up full of holes—or worse, locked away in a very unflattering shade of orange . . .
My Review:
Haley Randolph, a modern fashionista, may appear a bit flighty and self centered but she can get the job done when necessary. Her character is bold, opinionated and dogged in her determination to accomplish her goals. As usually she manages to pull it out in the end. She and the other characters bring to life and add color to the story. Dorothy Howell continues to writein such a way as to paint pictures in the reader's minds so that the can see the scenes as they unfold. Moving at a quick pace the reader's interest is helpd to the very end. My rating of Pocketbooks and Pistols is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BAUC7UE/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pocke...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Author: Dorothy Howell
Published: 10-25-2016
Publisher: Kensington Books
Pages: 320
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Amateur Sleuths; Cozy Mystery; Women Sleuths
ISBN: 13: 9780758295026
ASIN: B01BAUC7UE
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4.5 Stars
.
I received a copy of Pocketbooks and Pistols from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Description from the publisher:
Haley Randolph isn't exactly a model sales clerk at Holt's Department Store. But when the corporate office acquires a high-end boutique chain and extends a juicy discount to employees, the fashionista will do anything—maybe even a little hard work—to keep the part-time gig and clinch a Mystique handbag, the season's absolute must-have, at a heart-stopping price . . .
With the extra duties she's taking on, Haley's positioning herself to be Employee of the Month. But when Haley discovers former Holt's employee Asha McLean shot dead behind the store during orientation training, it turns out there's more to die for than hot designer deals. The ensuing negative publicity could force Holt's to close its doors permanently, sinking the surrounding shopping center—and Haley's job—into oblivion.
Haley can't fathom why anyone would harm Asha—until she learns that her former coworker, who secretly lived in Sherman Oaks and owned a mint BMW, was seriously shady. Upon closer inspection, Asha's duplicitous lifestyle not only earned lots of cash, but plenty of mortal enemies.
As authorities question her innocence and business wanes, Haley's desperate to sack the murderer and save Holt's in time. Otherwise, instead of rocking a Mystique, Haley might end up full of holes—or worse, locked away in a very unflattering shade of orange . . .
My Review:
Haley Randolph, a modern fashionista, may appear a bit flighty and self centered but she can get the job done when necessary. Her character is bold, opinionated and dogged in her determination to accomplish her goals. As usually she manages to pull it out in the end. She and the other characters bring to life and add color to the story. Dorothy Howell continues to writein such a way as to paint pictures in the reader's minds so that the can see the scenes as they unfold. Moving at a quick pace the reader's interest is helpd to the very end. My rating of Pocketbooks and Pistols is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BAUC7UE/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pocke...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
February 18, 2017
never can quite decide it this series is worth reading more..... a run read, but Haley does sometimes get too predictably self-centered and ditzy
October 26, 2016
Although this is book #9 in the series, it was the first one that I have read. I was easily able to read this story without feeling confused or that I had missed something. Haley Randolph is a riot as she wings it through her life, her boring department store job, relationships and the latest murder, then throw in her mother's sudden crisis and her designer pocketbook that seems to have been hijacked. Haley has a lot going on. She is very comical but yet lovable and kind at the same time. i am still wondering if Holt's is just an excuse for a shopping discount or if she really likes the people and situations (like the murder) that she finds herself in. Although she apparently loves to shop, she goes out of her way when she thinks she needs to. The other characters are fun and the conversations flow well. She also seems to be surrounded by hunky men that are interested in her so things are never dull in that department either. The action is non stop. I loved this book. The story is well written, funny and just a good story. I really have to go back and read the previous books in the series.
November 3, 2016
A humorous read with a not so perfect series lead. Fun!
The first several pages of POCKETBOOKS AND PISTOLS had me laughing out loud! Protagonist Haley heading up orientation for new hires for the store she works for, and one of the new hires in particular . . . hilarious!
If you have read the Haley Randolph series, you already know that Haley isn’t your typical cozy heroine. Her time spent in the department store where see works is nothing like most cozy leads who own their own little store that they adore. Have you seen the TV comedy Superstore (If not, check it out)? LOL . . That is the feel I got during some of those scenes.
POCKETBOOK AND PISTOLS was a fun read. The story really flowed well and held my attention, and the whodunit was very well plotted.
I’m new to this series, but I easily followed the story. While I always suggest starting a series at the beginning, if you have the chance to read POCKETBOOK AND PISTOLS, you can read it as a standalone.
My one little nitpick is the over use of - - -, meaning sentences-with-hyphens-between-each-word types of sentences. That was a bit distracting to me. But certainly not enough to not read the next book!
The first several pages of POCKETBOOKS AND PISTOLS had me laughing out loud! Protagonist Haley heading up orientation for new hires for the store she works for, and one of the new hires in particular . . . hilarious!
If you have read the Haley Randolph series, you already know that Haley isn’t your typical cozy heroine. Her time spent in the department store where see works is nothing like most cozy leads who own their own little store that they adore. Have you seen the TV comedy Superstore (If not, check it out)? LOL . . That is the feel I got during some of those scenes.
POCKETBOOK AND PISTOLS was a fun read. The story really flowed well and held my attention, and the whodunit was very well plotted.
I’m new to this series, but I easily followed the story. While I always suggest starting a series at the beginning, if you have the chance to read POCKETBOOK AND PISTOLS, you can read it as a standalone.
My one little nitpick is the over use of - - -, meaning sentences-with-hyphens-between-each-word types of sentences. That was a bit distracting to me. But certainly not enough to not read the next book!
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