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Vintage Clothing Mysteries #4
The Halston Hit
As vintage clothing store owner Joanna Hayworth blissfully awaits her wedding a week away, her only challenge is to find the right dress. Then she discovers a dead drag queen among the sequined gowns and frothy wigs of the Fille Fantastique pageant. She does her best to help the police maneuver the social minefield of the drag world, until the dead queen's "ghost" appears, accusing her of the murder.
To clear her name, Joanna must investigate the strangely impassive family running a funeral home; a rival drag queen who's gone AWOL; the obsessive proprietor of the queen's favorite watering hole; and the mole-like man who lives in the cabaret's basement. If Joanna's not careful, her wedding will turn out to be a funeral.
To clear her name, Joanna must investigate the strangely impassive family running a funeral home; a rival drag queen who's gone AWOL; the obsessive proprietor of the queen's favorite watering hole; and the mole-like man who lives in the cabaret's basement. If Joanna's not careful, her wedding will turn out to be a funeral.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
216 pages, Paperback
Published May 27, 2016
35 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Angela M. Sanders
19 books557 followersAngela M. Sanders is the author of the Witch Way Librarian cozy mysteries and the Joanna Hayworth vintage clothing mysteries . As Clover Tate, she wrote the Kite Shop cozy mysteries.
Before turning author, spent more than a decade as a congressional investigator and also wrote magazine articles on perfume, food, and local personalities. When Angela isn’t at her laptop, she’s often rummaging in thrift shops, lounging with a vintage crime novel with her shelter cats Squeaky and Bitsy.
Sign up for her newsletter at www.angelamsanders.com and follow her on Instagram at @angela.m.sanders
Before turning author, spent more than a decade as a congressional investigator and also wrote magazine articles on perfume, food, and local personalities. When Angela isn’t at her laptop, she’s often rummaging in thrift shops, lounging with a vintage crime novel with her shelter cats Squeaky and Bitsy.
Sign up for her newsletter at www.angelamsanders.com and follow her on Instagram at @angela.m.sanders
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 25, 2016
I enjoyed it but...
I've enjoyed all the books in this series and sat down this afternoon to read the book straight through . For most of the book it held my attention and I really wanted to find out whodunit. There is a "but" here, however.
Any work of fiction asks you to suspend disbelief to one extent or another . In my opinion, this book took that one step too far. I really enjoyed the book all the way through until the very end. I just found it impossible to believe that anyone would walk away from her wedding to try to solve a murder. I know this is a cozy mystery and I understand what the author was trying to say about Joanne's character but it was too much for me. It just wasn't plausible that a woman who supposedly cared so much for her fiancé and her friends but would callously leave them waiting for her on her wedding day . That just didn't make sense and I think it demeans the rest of the book.
I've enjoyed all the books in this series and sat down this afternoon to read the book straight through . For most of the book it held my attention and I really wanted to find out whodunit. There is a "but" here, however.
Any work of fiction asks you to suspend disbelief to one extent or another . In my opinion, this book took that one step too far. I really enjoyed the book all the way through until the very end. I just found it impossible to believe that anyone would walk away from her wedding to try to solve a murder. I know this is a cozy mystery and I understand what the author was trying to say about Joanne's character but it was too much for me. It just wasn't plausible that a woman who supposedly cared so much for her fiancé and her friends but would callously leave them waiting for her on her wedding day . That just didn't make sense and I think it demeans the rest of the book.
October 22, 2016
This was probably my favorite so far of the Joanna books. Part of the reason is because of the primary setting of Marquise's, based on the beloved Darcelle's in Portland. Growing up near Portland and spending my late teens milling about Old Town at places like Satyricon, Starry Night (later Roseland Theater--but I'll come back to that, and X-Ray Cafe, when I was finally of age and could (legally, ahem) go to places like Darcelle's and Embers it was the first time I ever really felt like I belonged anywhere. The Halston Hit nails the feeling of fun, sense of belonging, and extreme loyalty one finds in the drag community. Big kudos to Angela Sanders for involving characters who were honest about their struggle to learn more about the community-- not just the drag world, but the LGBTQ community overall-- and gracefully working in some education on language about drag and gender identification. Oh, but the story: highly entertaining, and definitely a page-turner.
Fun fact: Although the references to the Shanghai Tunnels were largely fictitious, there are definitely some bizarre and spooky things that have gone down in the Old Town underground. So if any of this seemed implausible, look into the history of the tunnels in Portland, as well as crime in the area. In particular, the story of former Starry Night owner Larry Hurwitz (who I *knew* when i was a teenager--yikes!), murder over fraud and counterfeiting, a missing body, and rumors of the building being a former church (true) that was part of the underground railroad (possibly true).
Fun fact: Although the references to the Shanghai Tunnels were largely fictitious, there are definitely some bizarre and spooky things that have gone down in the Old Town underground. So if any of this seemed implausible, look into the history of the tunnels in Portland, as well as crime in the area. In particular, the story of former Starry Night owner Larry Hurwitz (who I *knew* when i was a teenager--yikes!), murder over fraud and counterfeiting, a missing body, and rumors of the building being a former church (true) that was part of the underground railroad (possibly true).
July 1, 2016
It's just a week before her wedding and Joanna still hasn't found the perfect dress. But she does have the perfect dress for drag queen Vintage Chablis and has gone to a drag queen pageant to help her dress in the fantastic Halston gown. When Joanna goes to help VC make her costume change, she finds her dead on the floor. Because of her friendship with VC and finding her body, Joanna feels responsible for helping the police find her killer--and, for once, Detective Crisp invites her into the investigation.
Joanna meets VC's mother and brother with whom the deceased worked in the family's funeral home. She also bonds with the family of drag queens that had welcomed VC and worked out of the theater the matriarch Marquise ran. Joanna's own life is threatened when the word "Killer" is painted on her storefront. And a second murder of the theater cook who the police have pegged as VC's murderer causes even more questions for Joanna.
Joanna meets VC's mother and brother with whom the deceased worked in the family's funeral home. She also bonds with the family of drag queens that had welcomed VC and worked out of the theater the matriarch Marquise ran. Joanna's own life is threatened when the word "Killer" is painted on her storefront. And a second murder of the theater cook who the police have pegged as VC's murderer causes even more questions for Joanna.
August 25, 2016
This book is supremely weird for a cozy mystery; I didn't think Sanders could get any more out there than Slain in Schiaparelli (the previous book in the series which was a truly oddball closed circle murder mystery a la And Then There Were None but starring surrealist art and fashion). Now we get murder at a drag show, a hunt for a wedding dress, and a heroine who gets stupider and more foolhardy as the series progresses. All that being said, I kind of liked it? I mean, the central story makes no sense, the characters' motivations are puzzling, and we don't even get any descriptions of cool clothes in this one-but it's still oddly satisfying. I don't know what to make of this wackadoo series but I know I'm going to keep reading so
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July 21, 2016
My favorite in the Joanna Hayworth Vintage Clothing Mysteries series so far. The plot is interesting and unpredictable, and the cast of characters is lots of fun, from the drag queens to the obsessive map collector to the funeral home proprietors. I like the increasing complexity of Joanna's relationships with Paul and Apple. And, finally, there are the fabulous vintage clothes, which are a character unto themselves. Read with your laptop at your side so you can look up references to famous dresses. Readers from Portland will recognize Darcelle's and the Holman Funeral Home (both presented with great affection by the author.)
August 3, 2016
The Halston Hit is a hoot. While Angela Sanders's books provide light entertainment, I am particularly drawn to them by the main character, Joanna Hayworth--just the right blend of snoopy and real. She's someone I would want for a friend. I loved the backroom, gossipy atmosphere of the drag queen world portrayed in this novel, and also found it very real. And warm. I learned new things. Enjoyed Sanders's portrayal of all things Portland. And, I am constantly enlightened by the breadth and depth of her knowledge of vintage fashion. This is a very fun read and a good mystery! Kudos!
May 11, 2019
3.6 stars
Quirky cozy featuring Joanna Hayward, owner of a vintage clothing store in Portland Oregon. Joanna is present when friend and drag queen Vintage Chablis is found murdered. She feels obligated to investigate the death of her friend, especially since the cops aren't exactly simpatico with the whole operation.
And, Joanna is counting down the days to her wedding - even if the venue shut down, the caterer failed, and she still hasn't found a wedding dress.
Offbeat and enjoyable.
Quirky cozy featuring Joanna Hayward, owner of a vintage clothing store in Portland Oregon. Joanna is present when friend and drag queen Vintage Chablis is found murdered. She feels obligated to investigate the death of her friend, especially since the cops aren't exactly simpatico with the whole operation.
And, Joanna is counting down the days to her wedding - even if the venue shut down, the caterer failed, and she still hasn't found a wedding dress.
Offbeat and enjoyable.
February 5, 2020
Halston hit!
This novel is my favorite so far. I loved all the drag queen intrigue, the plot twisted and turned just right and Joanna was at the top of her game. Highly recommended. I hope that Ms. Sanders is close to completing a new Joanna Hayworth novel as I only have one left to read.
This novel is my favorite so far. I loved all the drag queen intrigue, the plot twisted and turned just right and Joanna was at the top of her game. Highly recommended. I hope that Ms. Sanders is close to completing a new Joanna Hayworth novel as I only have one left to read.
September 4, 2016
Murder, drag queens, vintage clothing, a wedding, and books mentioned throughout. A fun addition to this cozy mystery series.
September 21, 2018
Great book!
I am so glad that I found this author. I don't want to stop reading her books. I am also very happy I already have the 5th book. Please let there be more. The writing is flawless which is a very big plus. I don't have to mention that it's a page turner cause I am sure you have figured it out. This series was really enjoyable. I have to see if there are more, hopefully many more. It doesn't have to be a series, I just want to read all of her books. I am excited to receive the newsletter, I can't wait. I would just like to say Thank you, Angela M. Sanders, for making me look forward to five into your books. You are an amazing author!
I am so glad that I found this author. I don't want to stop reading her books. I am also very happy I already have the 5th book. Please let there be more. The writing is flawless which is a very big plus. I don't have to mention that it's a page turner cause I am sure you have figured it out. This series was really enjoyable. I have to see if there are more, hopefully many more. It doesn't have to be a series, I just want to read all of her books. I am excited to receive the newsletter, I can't wait. I would just like to say Thank you, Angela M. Sanders, for making me look forward to five into your books. You are an amazing author!
June 23, 2023
Another good book in a fun series, except for the 'foolish-woman-stuoidly-does-the-wrong-thing' moment at the end, which really is standard procedure. The solution was clever and unusual.
Some of the primary characters are drag queens. In fact, if you are unfamiliar with those lovely ladies, here's a great primer on their lives. It seems quite accurate, given what my friends have shared with me and might demystify them for you.
Definitely a series to start with the first one since they do build on each other.
Some of the primary characters are drag queens. In fact, if you are unfamiliar with those lovely ladies, here's a great primer on their lives. It seems quite accurate, given what my friends have shared with me and might demystify them for you.
Definitely a series to start with the first one since they do build on each other.
May 22, 2018
This is exactly what it looks like-- a quick fun read in the "cozy mystery" genre based on a Vintage Clothing store owner and her mix of close friends and community. Not literature, perfectly good character development with diversity, quirks, relationships, a pinch of real life stress. Otherwise a nice rainy day read and the clothes, if you like design and vintage, makes you wish you could see them for yourself (or own a vintage store.) Small series-- read them in order if you can.
December 30, 2018
Great Book
Loved this book as much as the previous three. Joanna is stubborn but am so happy Paul is hanging in there with her. I was disappointed in the Apple news, but it’s real life. I’m planning to start the next book but will be sad there aren’t more. I’m also sorry I let this series sit in my list for so long.
Loved this book as much as the previous three. Joanna is stubborn but am so happy Paul is hanging in there with her. I was disappointed in the Apple news, but it’s real life. I’m planning to start the next book but will be sad there aren’t more. I’m also sorry I let this series sit in my list for so long.
March 28, 2022
Sometimes I wonder about Joanna. She is getting ready for her wedding and yet she gets involved n another murder. She has loaned a Halston gown to a Drag Queen and while waiting for her to finish her act theDrag Queen is shot. Naturally, even with her caterer backing out, her venue having a fire, and not being able to find a dress, Joanna hunts down the killer. Oh well, it was a lovely wedding.
September 20, 2024
This is the second book I’ve read in this series & certainly the last. The writing is nice, lovely descriptions of places and people and actions. The plot itself is lacking though. No woman anywhere stops & solves a mystery in her full wedding gear or is left by herself for that matter. No police even asks a civilian to investigate either. So many irritating inconsistencies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2021
A good edition to the series. This one had a rather unlikely murderer, but surprises are good. Joanna has taken another big step in her careers as vintage clothing shop owner and amateur sleuth. To avoid spoilers, that's all I'll say.
May 7, 2017
Angela Sanders never disappoints. The only disappointment I ever feel --between books, that is--is knowing that I'll have to wait until the next one. It's so worth it!
June 22, 2020
I had a hard time with this one.
March 2, 2021
Great read, made me want to open a vintage shop. I adore this series and am currently reading them all. Highly recommended.
July 15, 2016
Perfect end too the series
It was set at the perfect tempo. There weren't any slow spots. It was lovely! A must read series in my opinion.
It was set at the perfect tempo. There weren't any slow spots. It was lovely! A must read series in my opinion.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews