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Missy DuBois Mystery #1
Murder at Morningside
Hat designer Missy DuBois opened her shop, Crowning Glory, along Louisiana's Great River Road to cater to the sophisticated Southern bride. But bless her heart, who knew creating stylish wedding veils would lead to murder?
Hired to craft a veil for a socialite getting married at Morningside Plantation means Missy can bask in the height of antebellum atmosphere. But when the bride is found dead in a women's bathroom, Missy the milliner finds herself entangled in one unfashionable murder. With the list of suspects thicker than the sweltering Louisiana heat, including a gaggle of bridesmaids shedding nary a tear and a family with no shortage of enemies, it seems anyone at the mansion may have done away with the bride-to-be. While Missy has Southern charm to spare, she's going to need more than manners and a manicure to put a hat pin on this murderous affair . . .
Hired to craft a veil for a socialite getting married at Morningside Plantation means Missy can bask in the height of antebellum atmosphere. But when the bride is found dead in a women's bathroom, Missy the milliner finds herself entangled in one unfashionable murder. With the list of suspects thicker than the sweltering Louisiana heat, including a gaggle of bridesmaids shedding nary a tear and a family with no shortage of enemies, it seems anyone at the mansion may have done away with the bride-to-be. While Missy has Southern charm to spare, she's going to need more than manners and a manicure to put a hat pin on this murderous affair . . .
190 pages, Paperback
First published May 24, 2016
117 people are currently reading
620 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Bretting
11 books286 followersAuthor Sandra Bretting made the switch from writing traditional mysteries to writing inspirational historical fiction in 2024. Her first historical novel, called Unfit to Serve, revolves around the chaos caused by the U.S. military when it adopts a brand-new test from France called the IQ test during World War 1. Based on real events, the novel features a courageous school teacher who fights to help the immigrants who can't read the test and fail it by the thousands.
During a career that spans two decades, Bretting also wrote the Missy Dubois Mystery Series, which earned distinction as an Amazon national bestseller.
She graduated from the University of Missouri's School of Journalism and previously wrote for the Los Angeles Times and Houston Chronicle. You can get to know Bretting's books at www.sandrabretting.com.
During a career that spans two decades, Bretting also wrote the Missy Dubois Mystery Series, which earned distinction as an Amazon national bestseller.
She graduated from the University of Missouri's School of Journalism and previously wrote for the Los Angeles Times and Houston Chronicle. You can get to know Bretting's books at www.sandrabretting.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 2, 2020
Murder at Morningside is the debut book in the Missy DuBois Mystery series written by Sandra Bretting. Missy is a wedding hat designer in Louisiana who is in love with her best friend Ambrose, a wedding dress designer, and who has a penchant for being a little too nosy and finding dead bodies. After I won the third and fourth books in a giveaway contest last year, I read them and thought they were good. I wanted to catch up on the beginning before the fifth one is released in the future, so here we go for this 3.5 star book.
In this caper, Missy and Ambrose are staying at an inn where a couple is being married. They are onsite for final wedding ensemble fittings and preparation but taking advantage of the old southern home's beautiful buildings and grounds. After overhearing a few odd conversations, they enter a hat contest to see if it will help grow Missy's start-up business. During the opening ceremony, Missy comforts a distraught woman who can't find her stepdaughter. She's later found by a maid, but the girl is dead in a bathroom stall -- it's the bride Missy and Ambrose were working for but had never met! Missy gets to know the staff, family, and friends at the estate and finds herself suspecting a few people of affairs, gaslighting, and intent to harm. But which one really did the bride in? Missy discovers the truth with the help of her high school friend who's now a detective in the parish.
As far as mysteries, it's good. There are red herrings, strong clues, misunderstandings, and interesting discoveries. I enjoyed learning about the history of the area during the Civil War and how different kinds of hats are created. Missy is a vivid character with all the typical amateur sleuth personality traits and portrayed as a bold southern woman (maybe a little too much exaggeration, but I'm not from the South, so I can't be 100% certain). That said, I felt some of the writing and ways in which Missy got her information were a bit forced or stilted. I remember thinking the same thing in the other books I read. It's not bad, just borders on awkward in certain sections. I still want to read the full series as there's a lot of dimension and detail in the settings, relationships, and characters which draw you in easily.
Bretting is strong in describing action and culture, and she has a good grasp of when and how to throw in southern slang or common vernacular. A few times it made me cock my head a bit in curiosity, but I've actually heard some of these sayings so it's more just that it's a difference place than I'm used to. That's what makes it fun as I feel transported somewhere else while reading her books. The cover is snappy and cute. The series has a good hook. I gotta wonder what's ultimately gonna happen between Ambrose and Missy, as in books three and four, they seem to be dating. In book one, she's in love with him and he's smitten. Maybe when I read book two, I'll figure it all out. But he's definitely got something he's hiding...
In this caper, Missy and Ambrose are staying at an inn where a couple is being married. They are onsite for final wedding ensemble fittings and preparation but taking advantage of the old southern home's beautiful buildings and grounds. After overhearing a few odd conversations, they enter a hat contest to see if it will help grow Missy's start-up business. During the opening ceremony, Missy comforts a distraught woman who can't find her stepdaughter. She's later found by a maid, but the girl is dead in a bathroom stall -- it's the bride Missy and Ambrose were working for but had never met! Missy gets to know the staff, family, and friends at the estate and finds herself suspecting a few people of affairs, gaslighting, and intent to harm. But which one really did the bride in? Missy discovers the truth with the help of her high school friend who's now a detective in the parish.
As far as mysteries, it's good. There are red herrings, strong clues, misunderstandings, and interesting discoveries. I enjoyed learning about the history of the area during the Civil War and how different kinds of hats are created. Missy is a vivid character with all the typical amateur sleuth personality traits and portrayed as a bold southern woman (maybe a little too much exaggeration, but I'm not from the South, so I can't be 100% certain). That said, I felt some of the writing and ways in which Missy got her information were a bit forced or stilted. I remember thinking the same thing in the other books I read. It's not bad, just borders on awkward in certain sections. I still want to read the full series as there's a lot of dimension and detail in the settings, relationships, and characters which draw you in easily.
Bretting is strong in describing action and culture, and she has a good grasp of when and how to throw in southern slang or common vernacular. A few times it made me cock my head a bit in curiosity, but I've actually heard some of these sayings so it's more just that it's a difference place than I'm used to. That's what makes it fun as I feel transported somewhere else while reading her books. The cover is snappy and cute. The series has a good hook. I gotta wonder what's ultimately gonna happen between Ambrose and Missy, as in books three and four, they seem to be dating. In book one, she's in love with him and he's smitten. Maybe when I read book two, I'll figure it all out. But he's definitely got something he's hiding...
February 14, 2021
Butter my biscuits! This was a fun cozy mystery set in the South. I could literally hear the Southern drawl and twangs while reading. I liked the supporting characters but did not care very much for the main character, Missy. I found her a bit annoying. I am not a big fan of amateur sleuths who think they know better than law enforcement. That is the big reason why I docked a few stars. That being said, I will continue on with the series if it is on Kindle Unlimited.
March 25, 2016
A cozy whodunit filled with Southern charm, scenery, and humor. Readers are sure to be entertained!
Custom hat-maker, Melissa "Missy" DuBois, and her best friend, Ambrose "Bo" Jackson, a couture wedding gown designer; travel to Morningside Plantation for a weekend wedding. Amidst the beautifully manicured gardens with a view of the Mississippi River, it seems thoughts of revenge have been simmering for quite some time. When the bride-to-be, Trinity, is murdered; questions arise as to whether her father shutting down his local oil refinery--which adversely affected injured workers and local investors--could be to blame? Reuniting with a childhood friend, Lance LaPorta, who's now a detective; Missy dons her favorite hat and sets her sights on helping Lance figure out who's to blame. If she can figure out the mystery of the ghost of a Confederate soldier supposedly haunting the mansion, that'll be fine and dandy, too!
Missy is a very personable character, and Ambrose's companionship is interesting...she seems to want a deeper relationship, so it will be interesting to see what develops in future stories. I also liked Ivy, even though she didn't appear often; and I really enjoyed Darryl, the gardener, and his role throughout the developing mystery.
Murder at Morningside is a delightful debut story, and I'll definitely be on the lookout for book two because I want to see more of Missy and Ambrose!
FTC Disclosure – The publisher/author sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
Custom hat-maker, Melissa "Missy" DuBois, and her best friend, Ambrose "Bo" Jackson, a couture wedding gown designer; travel to Morningside Plantation for a weekend wedding. Amidst the beautifully manicured gardens with a view of the Mississippi River, it seems thoughts of revenge have been simmering for quite some time. When the bride-to-be, Trinity, is murdered; questions arise as to whether her father shutting down his local oil refinery--which adversely affected injured workers and local investors--could be to blame? Reuniting with a childhood friend, Lance LaPorta, who's now a detective; Missy dons her favorite hat and sets her sights on helping Lance figure out who's to blame. If she can figure out the mystery of the ghost of a Confederate soldier supposedly haunting the mansion, that'll be fine and dandy, too!
Missy is a very personable character, and Ambrose's companionship is interesting...she seems to want a deeper relationship, so it will be interesting to see what develops in future stories. I also liked Ivy, even though she didn't appear often; and I really enjoyed Darryl, the gardener, and his role throughout the developing mystery.
Murder at Morningside is a delightful debut story, and I'll definitely be on the lookout for book two because I want to see more of Missy and Ambrose!
FTC Disclosure – The publisher/author sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
May 12, 2016
Murder at Morningside is the first book in a new series by Sandra Bretting. It is packed full of southern charm that is set in Louisiana. I think this series is one to watch! I loved it. Course I'm a southern gal at heart too. I suggest you sit back on your porch with a big old glass of sweet tea and enjoy.
Missy DuBois has opened a hat shop called Crowning Glory. She is dripping with southern charm and has landed a socialite wedding. She has designed a veil that would make any southern gal swoon as well as her friend who has designed a gorgeous dress. She loves the atmosphere at Morningside and is so excited to see the bride in her veil. Well that kinda goes down the toilet literally when the bride to be is found in the bathroom dead!
Now Missy is in the middle of a murder investigation with more suspects than there are mosquitos in the Louisiana bayou! She is in luck though when an old friend, Lance shows up and is the detective on the case. She is determined to help but Lance would rather have her on the sidelines. Missy isn't going to let that happen and helps anyway. She finds out some interesting things about the family as well as the house that could have gotten the bride to be murdered.
I loved the characters in this book and look forward to their development throughout the series.
I recieved this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
Missy DuBois has opened a hat shop called Crowning Glory. She is dripping with southern charm and has landed a socialite wedding. She has designed a veil that would make any southern gal swoon as well as her friend who has designed a gorgeous dress. She loves the atmosphere at Morningside and is so excited to see the bride in her veil. Well that kinda goes down the toilet literally when the bride to be is found in the bathroom dead!
Now Missy is in the middle of a murder investigation with more suspects than there are mosquitos in the Louisiana bayou! She is in luck though when an old friend, Lance shows up and is the detective on the case. She is determined to help but Lance would rather have her on the sidelines. Missy isn't going to let that happen and helps anyway. She finds out some interesting things about the family as well as the house that could have gotten the bride to be murdered.
I loved the characters in this book and look forward to their development throughout the series.
I recieved this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
May 25, 2016
The clever cover caught my eye as this a new author for me. Missy DuBois, a custom hat designer goes to Morningside Manor to fix the veil for a bride and her bridesmaids. The bride is found dead in one of the bathrooms before the wedding. Missy befriends the Mother of the bride and decides to help the police find the answer. I appreciate the detail descriptions of the hats. I still wondering about the plot and feel the characters were one sided. I felt that Missy went places and did things that are illegal that put herself and others in unnecessary danger.
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 are my own.
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 are my own.
October 27, 2025
A sweet cozy mystery set on a southern plantation.
The story kept me guessing the whole way through, trying to figure out Whodunnit. I loved the setting especially, in the old plantation home, with the history and all of the books and crannies. 3.5⭐
The story kept me guessing the whole way through, trying to figure out Whodunnit. I loved the setting especially, in the old plantation home, with the history and all of the books and crannies. 3.5⭐
June 30, 2016
ARC honest review for Kensington Books via NetGalley.
A good start to a New series.
Missy DuBois, a hat designer with her own boutique, Crowning Glory on the Louisiana's Great River Road and her clothes designer friend Ambrose, who owns Allure Couture the shop next door to hers. Are invited to attend the wedding that they both designed for at Morningside Plantation.
Only to have the bride-to-be drop down dead before reaching the alter!
And Missy decides that she need to find answers.
I enjoyed this first outing of Missy DuBois, and can't wait to sample the next book that is due out.
A light, entertaining mystery. Well written. With a set of characters that you would like to see more of.
If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have made, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres... like, comment and follow.
A good start to a New series.
Missy DuBois, a hat designer with her own boutique, Crowning Glory on the Louisiana's Great River Road and her clothes designer friend Ambrose, who owns Allure Couture the shop next door to hers. Are invited to attend the wedding that they both designed for at Morningside Plantation.
Only to have the bride-to-be drop down dead before reaching the alter!
And Missy decides that she need to find answers.
I enjoyed this first outing of Missy DuBois, and can't wait to sample the next book that is due out.
A light, entertaining mystery. Well written. With a set of characters that you would like to see more of.
If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have made, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres... like, comment and follow.
May 23, 2016
**I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review**
I really enjoyed this book. From the first page, the author paints a picture so vivid, you can almost feel the southern heat. The characters are written realistically, and as the murder is unraveled, it becomes more and more heartbreaking. The very end of the book left me rolling my eyes at how the characters acted, but other than that it was very enjoyable.
I really enjoyed this book. From the first page, the author paints a picture so vivid, you can almost feel the southern heat. The characters are written realistically, and as the murder is unraveled, it becomes more and more heartbreaking. The very end of the book left me rolling my eyes at how the characters acted, but other than that it was very enjoyable.
May 24, 2016
Murder at Morningside by Sandra Bretting is the first A Missy DuBois Mystery novel. Melissa “Missy” DuBois and her friend, Ambrose are at the Morningside Plantation to assist with a wedding of Trinity and Sterling. Ambrose is doing the gown (owns Ambrose’s Allure Couture) and Missy the veil (owns Crowning Glory). Unfortunately, before the bride and groom so can say their I Do’s, the bride is found dead in the bathroom (what a horrible place to kick the bucket). Who would want to kill a pregnant woman about to be married (Missy noticed the baby bump earlier in the day)? Missy had met Ivy Solomon, step-mother of the bride, earlier at a tea (and hat contest) Missy now feels that they are friends and sets out to find the killer (friends after an hour). Trinity was well-liked, but her father Herbert Solomon was not because of his oil refinery (and cheapskate ways). Would someone kill Trinity to get back at her father? Then there is the strange “ghost” being seen around the hotel. Will Missy be able to find the killer? You will have to read Murder at Morningside to get the answer.
I found Murder at Morningside to be contrived (very fake). Missy DuBois is a true Southern woman (or what people believe a Southern woman to be) who keeps using various southern expressions like “bless her poor little heart” and “butter my biscuit” (I have yet to hear one southern person say any of these phrases. Maybe I live in the wrong state). I was not a fan of Missy (she was okay but no very believable as a real life character). How can you consider someone a friend after knowing them an hour? It seemed like a lame excuse to look into a murder (it would have been better if she had just admitted she was to curious for her own good). The characters were not developed. We get basic information on them, but they were not brought to life. There is quite a bit about a fashion show that Missy volunteers herself and Ambrose to organize and run (in a very short amount of time from scratch which is unlikely). The book is easy to read, but I just did not enjoy it. The mystery was child’s play to solve (the killer was extremely apparent). I give Murder at Morningside 2.5 out of 5 stars. I am not a fan of these silly mystery novels (which I do not know they are until I read them). I will not be reading the next book in the series (for which I am sure the author will grateful).
I received a complimentary copy of Murder at Morningside from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.
I found Murder at Morningside to be contrived (very fake). Missy DuBois is a true Southern woman (or what people believe a Southern woman to be) who keeps using various southern expressions like “bless her poor little heart” and “butter my biscuit” (I have yet to hear one southern person say any of these phrases. Maybe I live in the wrong state). I was not a fan of Missy (she was okay but no very believable as a real life character). How can you consider someone a friend after knowing them an hour? It seemed like a lame excuse to look into a murder (it would have been better if she had just admitted she was to curious for her own good). The characters were not developed. We get basic information on them, but they were not brought to life. There is quite a bit about a fashion show that Missy volunteers herself and Ambrose to organize and run (in a very short amount of time from scratch which is unlikely). The book is easy to read, but I just did not enjoy it. The mystery was child’s play to solve (the killer was extremely apparent). I give Murder at Morningside 2.5 out of 5 stars. I am not a fan of these silly mystery novels (which I do not know they are until I read them). I will not be reading the next book in the series (for which I am sure the author will grateful).
I received a complimentary copy of Murder at Morningside from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.
March 26, 2016
Murder at Morningside by Sandra Bretting is an intriguing Southern slash historical murder mystery. The main character, Missy DuBois and her fashion guy friend are the perfect friends. Then there's the front desk lady who seems to more than friends with the bride's groom. Missy DuBois knows they know another and saw they arguing...about what she doesn't know. But then it's not soon when the mother of the bride finds out her daughter is late to a hat competition. The desk lady offers to look for the bride but only brings news that the bride wasn't in her room last night and no one knows where she has gone. The only people concerned about the disturbing news seems to be the mother and Missy. Missy feels all of the drama around her...something is up...and when they bride is found dead...the suspects are in no short supply. Who had more motive or more reason to kill the bride and can Missy figure it out?
Murder at Morningside is fantastic. I loved reading this and I am happy to know that it's the first one in the new exciting series. Sandra Bretting has captured my full attention from the front cover to the last page. The front cover is an accurate portrait of what lies ahead on the pages waiting for readers everywhere to read. Adventure, suspense, intrigue and a whole lot of drama are sure to follow readers as the race onward to finish this title in one sitting. Murder, love triangle and suspects everywhere will make this one must read for fans of Miss Fisher, Agatha Christie, Murdoch Mysteries, and Nancy Drew. Humor, excitement, and a large cast of amazing characters will keep readers hooked. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to readers worldwide.
Murder at Morningside is fantastic. I loved reading this and I am happy to know that it's the first one in the new exciting series. Sandra Bretting has captured my full attention from the front cover to the last page. The front cover is an accurate portrait of what lies ahead on the pages waiting for readers everywhere to read. Adventure, suspense, intrigue and a whole lot of drama are sure to follow readers as the race onward to finish this title in one sitting. Murder, love triangle and suspects everywhere will make this one must read for fans of Miss Fisher, Agatha Christie, Murdoch Mysteries, and Nancy Drew. Humor, excitement, and a large cast of amazing characters will keep readers hooked. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to readers worldwide.
April 6, 2016
This is the first book in a new series by Sandra Bretting. This author is new to me and I found her to have a nice writing style. This book is full of delightful characters that have wonderful southern charm. I am very character focused when I read books as my connection to the characters are what keep me coming back to a series. I found the characters in this book to be a bit underdeveloped. I would have liked them to have a bit more depth to them. However, I did like the relationship between Missy and Bo and it will be interesting to see where the author takes it. I also was a bit distracted by the antics of the characters because there are certain events in the story that I did not find to be plausible. In fiction there is a certain suspension of reality but in this story line the lack of believability distracted me from the overall story.
The mystery was well written and there are plenty of twists and turns until the identity of the killer is revealed. The pace of the story did slow down toward the middle as Missy became side-tracked and the original plot took a back seat.
The first book in a new series is always difficult to write. It take a balancing act. I love cozy mysteries and support the genre so I will be reading the second in the series because with a few changes to pace and characters, I think this series could have promise.
I received an ARC from Kensington through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my opinion and the thoughts expressed are my own.
The mystery was well written and there are plenty of twists and turns until the identity of the killer is revealed. The pace of the story did slow down toward the middle as Missy became side-tracked and the original plot took a back seat.
The first book in a new series is always difficult to write. It take a balancing act. I love cozy mysteries and support the genre so I will be reading the second in the series because with a few changes to pace and characters, I think this series could have promise.
I received an ARC from Kensington through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my opinion and the thoughts expressed are my own.
April 15, 2016
Murder at Morningside is the first book in Sandra Bretting’s Missy DuBois Mystery series. I loved the Southern charm, scenery, and humor in this book. This is a new-to-me author and I like her writing style. The book is well written and there are some twists and turns; however, I wish the characters were a little more developed. Some of the events in the story weren’t plausible to me and distracted from the story. I’m looking forward to seeing how the second book plays out.
Melissa “Missy” DuBois is a custom hat maker and her best friend, Ambrose “Bo” Jackson, is a wedding gown designer. Missy and Bo travel to Louisiana’s Morningside Plantation for a weekend wedding and it doesn’t take long for the mystery to begin. The body of the bride, Trinity, is discovered by a maid in a restroom and there is no shortage of suspects. It doesn’t seem very many people are upset with Trinity’s death other than her mother, Ivy. Missy’s childhood friend, Lance LaPorta, is the detective assigned to the case and she decides to do a little sleuthing of her own to help him find the person responsible. Missy offers to help a local church in its’ efforts to raise funds for new choir robes and volunteers Bo’s services when she learns their fashion show has run into problems.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.
Melissa “Missy” DuBois is a custom hat maker and her best friend, Ambrose “Bo” Jackson, is a wedding gown designer. Missy and Bo travel to Louisiana’s Morningside Plantation for a weekend wedding and it doesn’t take long for the mystery to begin. The body of the bride, Trinity, is discovered by a maid in a restroom and there is no shortage of suspects. It doesn’t seem very many people are upset with Trinity’s death other than her mother, Ivy. Missy’s childhood friend, Lance LaPorta, is the detective assigned to the case and she decides to do a little sleuthing of her own to help him find the person responsible. Missy offers to help a local church in its’ efforts to raise funds for new choir robes and volunteers Bo’s services when she learns their fashion show has run into problems.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.
March 24, 2016
Murder at Morningside by Sandra Bretting is the first book in this new cozy series and was an interesting book.
Missy DuBois is a smart young woman who has opened her own hat and millinery shop in a small town along Louisiana's Great River Road. Her friend and shop neighbor, Ambrose, designs wedding dresses for elite southern belles. As guests at a wedding at the Morningside Plantation, they are quickly thrust into the murder of the bride. The plot was good with some twists but it slowed down in the middle as Missy becomes sidetracked by a local church's efforts to raise funds for new choir robes. I didn't quite see how this moved the story along to solve the mystery. All in all it was an enjoyable read for the most part. I found Missy and Ambrose to be likeable and I might try the next one in this series.
I was given an ARC from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Missy DuBois is a smart young woman who has opened her own hat and millinery shop in a small town along Louisiana's Great River Road. Her friend and shop neighbor, Ambrose, designs wedding dresses for elite southern belles. As guests at a wedding at the Morningside Plantation, they are quickly thrust into the murder of the bride. The plot was good with some twists but it slowed down in the middle as Missy becomes sidetracked by a local church's efforts to raise funds for new choir robes. I didn't quite see how this moved the story along to solve the mystery. All in all it was an enjoyable read for the most part. I found Missy and Ambrose to be likeable and I might try the next one in this series.
I was given an ARC from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2016
Murder at Morningside was an ok read, but I never really warmed up to Missy. Some of the 'Southernisms" she uses irritated me like "Butter my biscuit(s)" which is used a couple of times. I also felt that Ambrose (her best friend), aka Bo, was underused as well as Lance, the police presence.
The story moved along fine and there was quite a cast of potential killers but Missy's actions and that of some of the other characters were a bit preposterous at times. Throwing together a fashion show in about 12 hours (by the time she tells Ambrose that she volunteered him) including getting the same models from a previous show was crazy and it added nothing to the story nor did it really help develop her character.
I would considering giving a sequel a try, but I'm not anxiously awaiting it.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
The story moved along fine and there was quite a cast of potential killers but Missy's actions and that of some of the other characters were a bit preposterous at times. Throwing together a fashion show in about 12 hours (by the time she tells Ambrose that she volunteered him) including getting the same models from a previous show was crazy and it added nothing to the story nor did it really help develop her character.
I would considering giving a sequel a try, but I'm not anxiously awaiting it.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
June 4, 2016
If you like reading about the south, especially Louisiana, you'll enjoy this cozy! Set close to Baton Rouge the protagonist, Missy, is a milliner and creates veils for brides along with various hats and cloches. Like most cozies, she puts herself in harms way but doesn't realize it most of the time.
This was an engaging story that I enjoyed. I had no idea who to suspect as the "bad guy" until a certain fact is revealed. If you pay attention you'll know who it is BUT you won't know why until the killer is confronted.
There is a bit of a one sided love interest, Missy has a thing for Ambrose "Bo" who is a fashion designer and her best friend. I'm not sure if anything will develop in future books, but a friend from her past also shows up and while nothing is really said about any interest from either side, you just never know.
This was an engaging story that I enjoyed. I had no idea who to suspect as the "bad guy" until a certain fact is revealed. If you pay attention you'll know who it is BUT you won't know why until the killer is confronted.
There is a bit of a one sided love interest, Missy has a thing for Ambrose "Bo" who is a fashion designer and her best friend. I'm not sure if anything will develop in future books, but a friend from her past also shows up and while nothing is really said about any interest from either side, you just never know.
February 20, 2018
By Sandra Bretting
This is a new author to me. The setting of the book takes place in Louisiana and comes with all the southern charm you come to expect from the south. I loved the old sayings she usod like “Lorda mercy” I haven’t heard that one since I was a child.
I love her writing style like “It seems the girl and her fiancé must have eaten supper before they said grace” descripts a baby bump under her top. And “Terrible shame. Yellow caution tape dressed the bathroom door like a satin sash on a prom queen’s dress”. And this one “Why, Missy, you look prettier than a pat of butter on a stack of wheat cakes.” And on and on it goes.
I loved the story, characters. This is first in a new series. This is the second time I have read the book. Love it.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
This is a new author to me. The setting of the book takes place in Louisiana and comes with all the southern charm you come to expect from the south. I loved the old sayings she usod like “Lorda mercy” I haven’t heard that one since I was a child.
I love her writing style like “It seems the girl and her fiancé must have eaten supper before they said grace” descripts a baby bump under her top. And “Terrible shame. Yellow caution tape dressed the bathroom door like a satin sash on a prom queen’s dress”. And this one “Why, Missy, you look prettier than a pat of butter on a stack of wheat cakes.” And on and on it goes.
I loved the story, characters. This is first in a new series. This is the second time I have read the book. Love it.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
April 7, 2016
A nice first in a new series. I liked Missy, and I liked the Southern charm, although there might have been one too many exclamations of "gah-lee" for me!
She's a typical amateur detective though, nosy as heck and putting herself in to dangerous situations after swearing she'd do no such thing, haha. "Why, Lance. Do you really think I'd run off and do something foolish?" And Lance (the police detective in charge of the murder investigation) knows it's going to happen, too, but he's powerless to stop Missy.
And after reading the sneak peak of the second book, Something Foul at Sweetwater, I'll be looking forward to reading it, as well.
*I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
She's a typical amateur detective though, nosy as heck and putting herself in to dangerous situations after swearing she'd do no such thing, haha. "Why, Lance. Do you really think I'd run off and do something foolish?" And Lance (the police detective in charge of the murder investigation) knows it's going to happen, too, but he's powerless to stop Missy.
And after reading the sneak peak of the second book, Something Foul at Sweetwater, I'll be looking forward to reading it, as well.
*I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
May 21, 2016
Missy DuBois Mysteries, make me want to grab a mint julep and go find a rocking chair on the veranda. Enjoying a weekend at Morningside Plantation is Missy's dream. But a murder on the grounds throw her weekend way off kilter.
Fast read, scenery sounds beautiful, quirky characters. I loved it!
FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Fast read, scenery sounds beautiful, quirky characters. I loved it!
FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
June 30, 2023
Even as a foreigner with another mother tongue than English, I could practically hear the drawl and twang of the South off the pages. Which is charming, then again, I like it. Only when then characters spoke with a creole accent on Topf of it got it hard to follow. And as that sometimes filled pages and pages, it was a bit of a nuisance.
As for Missy. I like her, but she’s on the edge. She’s very, very, very opinionated and extremely noisy. A bit too much. Also, I didn’t like how somehow everyone, even the inspector in charge, told her everything or let her read autopsy reports or taking her along to interviews. That’s just a bit too much.
As for the case, it was pretty weak.
All in all a good summer read, but yeah. It’s on the edge for me. Let’s see what the second one brings.
As for Missy. I like her, but she’s on the edge. She’s very, very, very opinionated and extremely noisy. A bit too much. Also, I didn’t like how somehow everyone, even the inspector in charge, told her everything or let her read autopsy reports or taking her along to interviews. That’s just a bit too much.
As for the case, it was pretty weak.
All in all a good summer read, but yeah. It’s on the edge for me. Let’s see what the second one brings.
September 13, 2018
This is the first book I remember where I decided I couldn’t read any more and skipped to the end to see who did it. Maybe I just couldn’t connect with the main character. The novel just felt like it was one long forced dialogue between the main character Missy and the other characters on the plantation. She would just keep asking them questions... that’s what the whole novel is. I mean she even goes to the extent of leaking confidential police information to one of the suspects to just see if he will give a reaction? I just couldn’t put up with that kind of attitude...really tired my best. There was no ethos created for the victim either so you didn’t really care she was dead.
August 2, 2017
I am confused about the victim Trinity, I don't remember if there was ever an identity made as to whom the father of her child belonged too. Maybe I just missed it or the author didn't feel it was all that important to the story. Also not real sure what Mr. Solomon (Trinity's) fathers name is. Hebert or Herbert? May have been just type-o in digital book. I found there to be both spellings while reading especially in chapter 9. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and plan to read the next one in the series.
April 16, 2020
This is a fun, light-hearted cozy mystery.
I narrated this as part of my volunteer work for the Institute for the Blind, and as a "Southern-a-phile" it was super-fun to get to do a Southern accent.
If you enjoy the manners, quirks and style of the South, you may like this book. I enjoyed narrating it, and also liked both the characters - who are "characters" in the fullest sense of the word - and the story.
For a fast, fun, easy read, this is a good option.
I narrated this as part of my volunteer work for the Institute for the Blind, and as a "Southern-a-phile" it was super-fun to get to do a Southern accent.
If you enjoy the manners, quirks and style of the South, you may like this book. I enjoyed narrating it, and also liked both the characters - who are "characters" in the fullest sense of the word - and the story.
For a fast, fun, easy read, this is a good option.
June 9, 2018
A wedding, a fashion show, a ghost and a murder all in the same weekend, these characters have a full schedule and it is great entertainment for the reader! Interesting characters with decent development and an interesting plot with multiple potential suspects. Definitely made for an entertaining read and has me interested in the next book in the series!
November 12, 2018
I borrowed this ebook from my local library, thinking that just maybe I’d found a new cozy mystery series. Unfortunately I was disappointed somewhat with the over the top ‘Southern’ characters, which is a shame because I found the setting quite interesting.
I will pick up the next book to give the series a fair go.
2.5 🌟
I will pick up the next book to give the series a fair go.
2.5 🌟
December 28, 2016
Interesting...
I read this after reading some very mixed reviews. The story was good, although the characters seemed like cardboard stereotypes. But the reveal? I hate being treated like I'm stupid.
I read this after reading some very mixed reviews. The story was good, although the characters seemed like cardboard stereotypes. But the reveal? I hate being treated like I'm stupid.
August 26, 2019
Great cozy
On a Louisiana plantation turned hotel and event center with interesting characters everywhere, secrets around every corner, and "ghosts of the Confederacy" flitting here and there, what more could one possibly need in a murder mystery?
On a Louisiana plantation turned hotel and event center with interesting characters everywhere, secrets around every corner, and "ghosts of the Confederacy" flitting here and there, what more could one possibly need in a murder mystery?
September 23, 2020
Someone needs to tell the author
Someone needs to tell the author that Southerners don't talk like that! Plus" Bless your heart" is NOT a nice thing to say! I don't know how this author became the number one cost mystery writer because this book is just plain awful!
Someone needs to tell the author that Southerners don't talk like that! Plus" Bless your heart" is NOT a nice thing to say! I don't know how this author became the number one cost mystery writer because this book is just plain awful!
July 27, 2019
Fun
Fun characters, nice setting, and a good mystery combined into one book. You may even learn something new when reading it. What's not to like?
Fun characters, nice setting, and a good mystery combined into one book. You may even learn something new when reading it. What's not to like?
May 12, 2020
Cute story...like the couple.
December 29, 2021
Hat designer and sleuth - there's a combination. Another light hearted romp except that a bride is killed. Lot's of fun working who dunnit
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