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Mad for Mod Mystery #4
The Decorator Who Knew Too Much
When Interior Decorator Madison Night accepts an assignment in Palm Springs with handyman Hudson James, she expects designing days and romantic nights. But after spotting a body in the river by the job site, she causes a rift in the team. Add in the strain of recurring nightmares and a growing dependency on sleeping pills, and Madison seeks professional help to deal with her demons.
She learns more about the crime than she'd like thanks to girl talk with friends, pillow talk with Hudson, and smack talk with the local bad boys. And after the victim is identified as the very doctor she's been advised to see, she wonders if what she knows can help catch a killer. An unlikely ally helps navigate the murky waters before her knowledge destroys her, and this time, what she doesn't know might be the one thing that saves her life.
She learns more about the crime than she'd like thanks to girl talk with friends, pillow talk with Hudson, and smack talk with the local bad boys. And after the victim is identified as the very doctor she's been advised to see, she wonders if what she knows can help catch a killer. An unlikely ally helps navigate the murky waters before her knowledge destroys her, and this time, what she doesn't know might be the one thing that saves her life.
- GenresCozy MysteryMysteryCozy
228 pages, Hardcover
First published April 18, 2017
85 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Diane Vallere
83 books1,013 followersRequest MURDER ON A MOON TREK on NetGalley: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...
I use Goodreads to track my reading and TBR list. For that reason, my rating scale is less important. I don't force myself to finish books, and I don't rate books I DNF. Each year I choose my own BOTY from my have-read list.
AUTHOR BIO: Diane Vallere is the national bestselling author of several mystery series. She edited the Agatha Award-winning essay collection Promophobia: Taking the Mystery out of Promoting Crime Fiction. Diane majored in art history at the College of William and Mary and worked in luxury retailing before reigniting her love of fiction. She currently lives in Pennsylvania. Find out more at: www.dianevallere.com.
Amazon: http://bit.ly/DianeVallere
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3aVXczm
YouTube: https://bit.ly/2RfiyAE
I use Goodreads to track my reading and TBR list. For that reason, my rating scale is less important. I don't force myself to finish books, and I don't rate books I DNF. Each year I choose my own BOTY from my have-read list.
AUTHOR BIO: Diane Vallere is the national bestselling author of several mystery series. She edited the Agatha Award-winning essay collection Promophobia: Taking the Mystery out of Promoting Crime Fiction. Diane majored in art history at the College of William and Mary and worked in luxury retailing before reigniting her love of fiction. She currently lives in Pennsylvania. Find out more at: www.dianevallere.com.
Amazon: http://bit.ly/DianeVallere
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3aVXczm
YouTube: https://bit.ly/2RfiyAE
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
March 11, 2022
It’s been seven months since we last saw Madison, and she’s been enjoying her new relationship with Hudson James. When he suggestions they take a working vacation to Palm Springs to help his brother-in-law with a project he has going on there, she accepts. However, their first day there, Madison spots a dead body below the surface of the river that runs near the project site. By the time the police show up, the body is gone. The delays to the project and the suspicion that Madison just imagined what she said she saw begin to make the trip stressful. How can Madison prove she was right?
As I expected, I was caught up in Madison’s latest adventure once I opened the book. The stakes are soon personal, and I loved watching how everything unfolded. The climax was suspenseful and answered all of our questions. We do get some updates on someone back in Dallas, but the focus is, naturally, on Madison and Hudson for this book. The rest of the characters are just as sharp. The Doris Day movie that inspired this title was the only one I had watched before starting to read this series, and I enjoyed picking up on the Easter eggs from the film in this book. Not that you need to be familiar with the film to enjoy this story. If you are looking for a creative series that will keep you glued to the page, this is the series for you.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
As I expected, I was caught up in Madison’s latest adventure once I opened the book. The stakes are soon personal, and I loved watching how everything unfolded. The climax was suspenseful and answered all of our questions. We do get some updates on someone back in Dallas, but the focus is, naturally, on Madison and Hudson for this book. The rest of the characters are just as sharp. The Doris Day movie that inspired this title was the only one I had watched before starting to read this series, and I enjoyed picking up on the Easter eggs from the film in this book. Not that you need to be familiar with the film to enjoy this story. If you are looking for a creative series that will keep you glued to the page, this is the series for you.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
April 21, 2017
I first read a book by Diane Vallere last year (A Disguise to Die For (Costume Shop Mystery, #1)), and I found the book to be charming, just the kind of cozy mystery I like to read. So, when I got the chance to read this one did I not hesitate. I quite like the idea of an interior Decorator that has a thing for Doris Day.
The Decorator Who Knew Too Much is a great book. I came to like Madison Night quite a lot, I especially liked that she is not a young thing. That she is a mature woman over forty who just stumbles over mysteries like this one in this book. Nowadays it's like all the books I read the main characters (women) are around 20-40 years old. Nothing wrong with that, but I like authors that actually decide to something different from everyone else. Another thing, for a cozy mystery, did the book feel very serious, with Madison dealing with PTSD, seeing a dead body and being mistrusted because no dead body is found and clashing with her boyfriend's brother-in-law among other things.
But, it worked, there are no gruesome deaths, but at the same time, it has not a silly plot, despite Madison's Doris Day passion (obsession). I quite liked the mystery in this book, even though I did have an inkling of whom was behind it all and was right about that. It was a very good book, perfect when you want a mystery, but have read too many heavy crime novels.
I found the book to be just to my taste, loved the cover, like the characters, there is a hint of a triangle drama, she had to choose between two men in the previous book or one of the previous books. Did she make the right choice? Well, Hudson, her boyfriend is a nice guy, but I kind of like Tex Allen as well. So, it will be interesting to see what the future will bring because I will definitely read the next book in this series, and the previous as well if I can get them.
I want to thank Liz D Publicity & Promotions for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
The Decorator Who Knew Too Much is a great book. I came to like Madison Night quite a lot, I especially liked that she is not a young thing. That she is a mature woman over forty who just stumbles over mysteries like this one in this book. Nowadays it's like all the books I read the main characters (women) are around 20-40 years old. Nothing wrong with that, but I like authors that actually decide to something different from everyone else. Another thing, for a cozy mystery, did the book feel very serious, with Madison dealing with PTSD, seeing a dead body and being mistrusted because no dead body is found and clashing with her boyfriend's brother-in-law among other things.
But, it worked, there are no gruesome deaths, but at the same time, it has not a silly plot, despite Madison's Doris Day passion (obsession). I quite liked the mystery in this book, even though I did have an inkling of whom was behind it all and was right about that. It was a very good book, perfect when you want a mystery, but have read too many heavy crime novels.
I found the book to be just to my taste, loved the cover, like the characters, there is a hint of a triangle drama, she had to choose between two men in the previous book or one of the previous books. Did she make the right choice? Well, Hudson, her boyfriend is a nice guy, but I kind of like Tex Allen as well. So, it will be interesting to see what the future will bring because I will definitely read the next book in this series, and the previous as well if I can get them.
I want to thank Liz D Publicity & Promotions for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
March 17, 2017
I loved this book! The Decorator Who Knew Too Much by Diane Vallere is an exciting story and I cannot believe that I haven't read the others in the series.
Madison Night is a dynamic character and her likeness to Doris Day is a great twist to the series. I grew up with my mom always sewing something using a Butterick Patterns and it was like a wild trip to the past reading about the colorful & unique clothing Madison was wearing.
In this story, Madison and her partner in both work & love, Hudson, set out to the desert to work with his brother-in-law. It turns out to be a major fiasco. What started out as a friendly relationship turns heated when Madison "sees" a body floating in the river. Did she really see a body or is she having flashbacks about the past?
After a nasty confrontation with Jimmy, Hudson's brother-in-law, Madison storms out of his house with her vintage luggage and her pup, Rock(y).
Madison is keeping a few secrets from Hudson, secrets she feels guilty about, but what's a girl to do. Channeling her inner Doris Day, Madison refuses to be bullied and sets off on a wild adventure, uncovering clues that can cause catastrophic destruction,
I am so excited to have stumbled upon another new to me author and am excited to read the other books in this series.
Be sure to put this book on your TBR list, you won't want to miss out.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher ho allowed me to voluntarily read an ARC of this amazing series.
Madison Night is a dynamic character and her likeness to Doris Day is a great twist to the series. I grew up with my mom always sewing something using a Butterick Patterns and it was like a wild trip to the past reading about the colorful & unique clothing Madison was wearing.
In this story, Madison and her partner in both work & love, Hudson, set out to the desert to work with his brother-in-law. It turns out to be a major fiasco. What started out as a friendly relationship turns heated when Madison "sees" a body floating in the river. Did she really see a body or is she having flashbacks about the past?
After a nasty confrontation with Jimmy, Hudson's brother-in-law, Madison storms out of his house with her vintage luggage and her pup, Rock(y).
Madison is keeping a few secrets from Hudson, secrets she feels guilty about, but what's a girl to do. Channeling her inner Doris Day, Madison refuses to be bullied and sets off on a wild adventure, uncovering clues that can cause catastrophic destruction,
I am so excited to have stumbled upon another new to me author and am excited to read the other books in this series.
Be sure to put this book on your TBR list, you won't want to miss out.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher ho allowed me to voluntarily read an ARC of this amazing series.
June 18, 2017
I have not read any books in the Mad for Mod Mystery Series, yet reading this one even as a fourth book was easy to get into. I want to tell you how much I enjoyed this story. I won't presume to know what the other books are like but I will tell you that The Decorator Who Knew Too Much is a really good read. It is set in one of my most favorite and sacred places, Palm Springs. I will tell you that it was very easy for me to picture all the places that author Diane Vallere talks about and even if you have never been to Palm Springs she describes it perfectly, although I will say I have never experienced the level of uneasiness that main Character Madison does! Usually a bustling and busy town I have never felt unsafe while I was there, and while at times I felt defensive of what was happening in the plot, it was completely plausible. I really like Madison, I like her quirky backstory, her complicated past and creative persona. I love her dog, Rock and her sense of style. I did not have this book figured out until the big reveal and I really liked that. If you are looking for a stylish, retro feeling read, great setting, and a character you can aspire to be like then you should pick up The Decorator Who Knew Too Much
March 12, 2017
DELIGHTFUL READ!!
I am sitting here admonishing myself for somehow missing this wonderful author! After reading The Decorator Who Knew Too Much, Vallere's series with a touch of Doris Day flair is definitely on my radar!! Her writing seems effortless as she introduces readers to her main characters Interior Decorator Madison Night and her boyfriend Hudson James, catches you up on what has transpired in her three earlier books (in a very timely manner), weaves her storyline to include previous and new characters, writes an ingenious and intriguing plot and leaves you begging for more when you turn the last page. Can you ask for more? I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Henery Press but this opinion is strictly my own and without influence.
I am sitting here admonishing myself for somehow missing this wonderful author! After reading The Decorator Who Knew Too Much, Vallere's series with a touch of Doris Day flair is definitely on my radar!! Her writing seems effortless as she introduces readers to her main characters Interior Decorator Madison Night and her boyfriend Hudson James, catches you up on what has transpired in her three earlier books (in a very timely manner), weaves her storyline to include previous and new characters, writes an ingenious and intriguing plot and leaves you begging for more when you turn the last page. Can you ask for more? I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Henery Press but this opinion is strictly my own and without influence.
April 16, 2017
I'd seen earlier books in this series-- which is also called Mad for Mod-- and thought they might be too cute for my taste. After reading Vallere's Material Witness series, I decided that I'd give The Decorator Who Knew Too Much a try. I'm certainly glad I did. Madison Night might dress in 1960s clothing and be wild about the interior design of that era. Doris Day may even be her role model and hero. But there's a surprising depth to this seemingly superficial cuteness that soon made me a believer.
I'm of an age where, as a child, I remember watching Doris Day movies when she was starring in films like Pillow Talk and Move Over, Darling. When I grew older and started watching the Late, Late Show on television, I learned that Doris Day had a varied and prolific career, and as the character of Madison Night would occasionally give her reasons for making Day her role model, it made perfect sense.
Madison quickly became a fascinating character that I could like and admire. With her Shih Tzu named Rocky, her love interest named Hudson James (Rock Hudson? James Garner?), and a vintage wardrobe complete with the pattern numbers for each ensemble, I had a big smile on my face as I read the book. Could be all those Doris Day movies I've seen, or the fact that I had a grandmother who made most of my clothes back then using patterns like the ones Madison mentioned. Who knows?
Palm Springs is probably the world capital of mid-century modern architecture, and readers do get to visit an example while Madison is trying to solve the murder. Vallere not only provides excellent backstory for her characters, she's created a fast-paced, addictive mystery with multiple suspects and plenty of different motives.
I loved The Decorator Who Knew Too Much, and I've already purchased the earlier books in the series. I found this book to be an absolute delight!
I'm of an age where, as a child, I remember watching Doris Day movies when she was starring in films like Pillow Talk and Move Over, Darling. When I grew older and started watching the Late, Late Show on television, I learned that Doris Day had a varied and prolific career, and as the character of Madison Night would occasionally give her reasons for making Day her role model, it made perfect sense.
Madison quickly became a fascinating character that I could like and admire. With her Shih Tzu named Rocky, her love interest named Hudson James (Rock Hudson? James Garner?), and a vintage wardrobe complete with the pattern numbers for each ensemble, I had a big smile on my face as I read the book. Could be all those Doris Day movies I've seen, or the fact that I had a grandmother who made most of my clothes back then using patterns like the ones Madison mentioned. Who knows?
Palm Springs is probably the world capital of mid-century modern architecture, and readers do get to visit an example while Madison is trying to solve the murder. Vallere not only provides excellent backstory for her characters, she's created a fast-paced, addictive mystery with multiple suspects and plenty of different motives.
I loved The Decorator Who Knew Too Much, and I've already purchased the earlier books in the series. I found this book to be an absolute delight!
April 18, 2017
I absolutely love this series and this book was no exception. I was quickly drawn into the story and didn't want to put the book down. The author brings vibrant, likable characters to life in this charming mystery series. I enjoy the detail the author gives when describing the character's clothing or surroundings, this helps bring the story to life and has me feeling I'm right in the mix with the characters. The author kept me guessing who the culprit was until the final reveal, I love a mystery that keeps me guessing. I hope there will be more books in this series, I love the characters and would love to read more about them.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the publisher via NetGalley, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the publisher via NetGalley, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
June 14, 2017
Madison Night is fantastic character with her likeness to Doris Day was a great twist. Her boyfriend Hudson James is a unique man himself and a handyman.
The secondary characters are just as fun with Emma and Jimmy and others.
You are kept guessing until the end of who did what.
I love Diane Vallere’s books. She knows how to keep the reader turning the pages with great characters and plot.
I received an ARC and I voluntarily reviewed.
September 4, 2021
My biggest problem with this series is that it’s not just reading the book but then I have to watch the movie that the title is based on. I enjoyed this story and it was full of twists and turns. I like Madison and the other characters.
March 29, 2017
Setting: Palm Springs, California
Characters
Madison Night - designer and devotee of all things Doris Day and 50's mod
Hudson James - handyman, strong silent type, Madison's boyfriend
Additional characters include Emma, Hudson's sister; Jimmy, Emma's husband; Jo, Jimmy and Emma's next door neighbor; Tex, police captain in Lakewood, Texas, where Madison and Hudson live; and other police personnel in Palm Springs. Not to mention a few unsavory sorts here and there.
Plot: Hudson surprises Madison with a job out of town, luring her in with the promise of a new strip mall all decked out in her favorite style and romantic nights after they are done working for the day. The pair pack up their pets and head to Palm Springs. But the trip seems doomed from the outset. They have a car accident on the way to Emma and Jimmy's house and things rapidly devolve from there, especially after Madison spots a body floating in the river by Jimmy's job site. Tensions grow between Madison and Jimmy while Hudson tries to keep the peace and Madison tries to convince the police that she didn't imagine the body - even when their search of the river comes up empty. Madison is still dealing with post-traumatic stress from a series of abductions back home and even she begins to doubt what she saw. But the body does turn up and Madison finds herself in the tricky position of knowing secrets on all sides - things she's keeping from Hudson, things Emma tells her in confidence, and things she doesn't even want to admit to herself.
Pacing: Steady
Predictability: Low
Wild Card: Diane Vallere crafted quite a puzzling mystery in The Decorator Who Knew Too Much. I was stumped right up until the big reveal, turning over the pieces of information right along with Madison, trying to make the fit together and form the name of the killer. Aside from the mystery itself, my favorite part of the book was the wonderful descriptions of Madison's wardrobe - complete with vintage pattern numbers! And, of course, I do have a soft spot for her dog, Rocky.
Hit, Miss, or Draw?: Hit, but readers will probably follow along a little better having read the previous books in the series.
Characters
Madison Night - designer and devotee of all things Doris Day and 50's mod
Hudson James - handyman, strong silent type, Madison's boyfriend
Additional characters include Emma, Hudson's sister; Jimmy, Emma's husband; Jo, Jimmy and Emma's next door neighbor; Tex, police captain in Lakewood, Texas, where Madison and Hudson live; and other police personnel in Palm Springs. Not to mention a few unsavory sorts here and there.
Plot: Hudson surprises Madison with a job out of town, luring her in with the promise of a new strip mall all decked out in her favorite style and romantic nights after they are done working for the day. The pair pack up their pets and head to Palm Springs. But the trip seems doomed from the outset. They have a car accident on the way to Emma and Jimmy's house and things rapidly devolve from there, especially after Madison spots a body floating in the river by Jimmy's job site. Tensions grow between Madison and Jimmy while Hudson tries to keep the peace and Madison tries to convince the police that she didn't imagine the body - even when their search of the river comes up empty. Madison is still dealing with post-traumatic stress from a series of abductions back home and even she begins to doubt what she saw. But the body does turn up and Madison finds herself in the tricky position of knowing secrets on all sides - things she's keeping from Hudson, things Emma tells her in confidence, and things she doesn't even want to admit to herself.
Pacing: Steady
Predictability: Low
Wild Card: Diane Vallere crafted quite a puzzling mystery in The Decorator Who Knew Too Much. I was stumped right up until the big reveal, turning over the pieces of information right along with Madison, trying to make the fit together and form the name of the killer. Aside from the mystery itself, my favorite part of the book was the wonderful descriptions of Madison's wardrobe - complete with vintage pattern numbers! And, of course, I do have a soft spot for her dog, Rocky.
Hit, Miss, or Draw?: Hit, but readers will probably follow along a little better having read the previous books in the series.
September 20, 2017
Diane Valerre continues her Madison Night series in The Decorator Who Knew Too Much. Going with Hudson, her handyman – turned romantic interest, to Palm Springs, where Hudson’s sister lives, to help his brother-in-law, Jimmy, with a project designing a project that Madison will design the interior of. As Madison and Hudson almost reach Emma’s house, an SUV runs them off the road, turning their rental car on its side. That night, Madison wakes up screaming and has to admit to Hudson that she has been having similar nightmares ever since the scary and dramatic events that concluded With Vics You Get Eggroll. Then the next day, as the work team goes to start their planning of the job, Madison sees the head of a drowned man in the water, but the police can’t locate anyone, causing Jimmy to get angry at Madison for costing him a full day’s worth of wages when his employees can’t work.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
April 8, 2017
The latest in Madison Night's mystery series. We find Madison and Hudson James in Palm Springs California visiting his sister, Emma and her husband, Jimmy. They plan to help with a renovation of the property.
After arriving, the trip takes an abrupt turn with the jeep they are driving clips over trapping Hudson. The following morning Madison sees a body in the river. The police cannot find the body. Everyone is upset with Madison. Before long Madison finds herself involved in a drug scheme, gang activity, a missing child, and possible police misconduct. There are several suspects and there are plenty of clues to keep you guessing. The ending is a surprise. I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Henery Press 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.
After arriving, the trip takes an abrupt turn with the jeep they are driving clips over trapping Hudson. The following morning Madison sees a body in the river. The police cannot find the body. Everyone is upset with Madison. Before long Madison finds herself involved in a drug scheme, gang activity, a missing child, and possible police misconduct. There are several suspects and there are plenty of clues to keep you guessing. The ending is a surprise. I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Henery Press 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.
January 11, 2020
As much as I love the mid-century modern concept and Doris Day movies, I'm always disappointed in the lack of detail in the mid-century parts, houses, items, etc. I gave this book 3 stars because it finally looks like James Hudson is going to have a minor role in next book. Their relationship seems like 2 desperate people grasping for something they don't have. When he says "Hey Lady" to address Madison, I get the creeps.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2017
Review:
Madison is a decorator who favors vintage clothes and all things Doris Day and decorating in the mid last century style. Madison also gets entangled in murder mysteries. I liked the setting of this book Palm Springs, whats not to like? The plot was good and not at all predictable. Madison has her love interest Hudson with her on this trip and things seem very cozy between them but there is a certain police captain back home by the name of Tex that seems to be very interested in her, so I am not too sure what will develop between these two in future books. There are some good red herrings in this story, they actually had me fooled! I was not sure if I liked Hudson's sister and brother in-law during this book , I found their relationship an annoyance. As for Hudson I am not sure he is the one for Madison, I think I am team Tex!
For me this was a good read, I enjoyed the mystery, the romance part was not too heavy and that for me works for this type of cozy mystery.This review was originally posted on Cindy's Book Binge
Madison is a decorator who favors vintage clothes and all things Doris Day and decorating in the mid last century style. Madison also gets entangled in murder mysteries. I liked the setting of this book Palm Springs, whats not to like? The plot was good and not at all predictable. Madison has her love interest Hudson with her on this trip and things seem very cozy between them but there is a certain police captain back home by the name of Tex that seems to be very interested in her, so I am not too sure what will develop between these two in future books. There are some good red herrings in this story, they actually had me fooled! I was not sure if I liked Hudson's sister and brother in-law during this book , I found their relationship an annoyance. As for Hudson I am not sure he is the one for Madison, I think I am team Tex!
For me this was a good read, I enjoyed the mystery, the romance part was not too heavy and that for me works for this type of cozy mystery.This review was originally posted on Cindy's Book Binge
November 8, 2022
Well, shoot! This book in the series let me down a bit. This one had a bit stronger language than previous books. I didn't like the story line as much either. It had more adult themes to it. Still a fun series but losing a bit of its shine.
April 19, 2017
Madison Night finds murder, fashion, and fun in Palm Springs -- don't we all?
“The Decorator Who Knew Too Much” is the latest installment in Diane Vallere’s Madison Night series. It is NOT necessary to have read the other books before enjoying this one, there are quick snippets of the previous “action” embedded throughout this book when needed to advance the plot without wasting pages and pages of summary about what happened previously. However, if you have not read the previous books, you will want to go back and catch up because you will love Madison, with all her faults and wardrobe idiosyncrasies.
If murder, betrayal, and danger could be fun, Madison Night would be the one to mix that with work, vacation, romance, and incredible period clothes. You can read a plot summary other places, so I will share that in this book, Madison Night is finally becoming a modern woman in “50s clothes. She struggles to move on from her perilous past and its complications while working to maintain her bank account, her piece of mind, and her relationships and combine all this with a vacation!?!?
Of course, the book is full of suspense and crime, but it is also incredibly funny. It is easy to read, but readers may find themselves looking into the back of grandma’s closets for something made from Simplicity 6013 or 7499.
If you think a mystery has to be dark, oppressive, and over stressful, to be “real” crime fiction you are wrong, wrong, wrong. And really, how could any book with a title that is a take-off of my favorite Hitchcock movie be anything but fantastic?
“The Decorator Who Knew Too Much” is the latest installment in Diane Vallere’s Madison Night series. It is NOT necessary to have read the other books before enjoying this one, there are quick snippets of the previous “action” embedded throughout this book when needed to advance the plot without wasting pages and pages of summary about what happened previously. However, if you have not read the previous books, you will want to go back and catch up because you will love Madison, with all her faults and wardrobe idiosyncrasies.
If murder, betrayal, and danger could be fun, Madison Night would be the one to mix that with work, vacation, romance, and incredible period clothes. You can read a plot summary other places, so I will share that in this book, Madison Night is finally becoming a modern woman in “50s clothes. She struggles to move on from her perilous past and its complications while working to maintain her bank account, her piece of mind, and her relationships and combine all this with a vacation!?!?
Of course, the book is full of suspense and crime, but it is also incredibly funny. It is easy to read, but readers may find themselves looking into the back of grandma’s closets for something made from Simplicity 6013 or 7499.
If you think a mystery has to be dark, oppressive, and over stressful, to be “real” crime fiction you are wrong, wrong, wrong. And really, how could any book with a title that is a take-off of my favorite Hitchcock movie be anything but fantastic?
May 1, 2017
I read all the books with Madison Night and I have to say when I finally finished her 4th book The Decorator Who Knew Too Much, I was elated! It finally was OVER! I had a hard time finishing her 4th book in the series. Madison has become so frustrating and annoying. I will not be reading anymore of the series.
November 25, 2020
Great writing
Loved the progression of the story and the inclusion of PTSD for the main character. That tends to get left out of these types of stories, but the author handled in beautifully
Loved the progression of the story and the inclusion of PTSD for the main character. That tends to get left out of these types of stories, but the author handled in beautifully
Read
May 16, 2017“Vallere has crafted an extremely unique mystery series with an intelligent heroine whose appeal will never go out of style.” – Kings River Life Magazine
May 28, 2017
Madison Night is an interior decorator who specializes in Mid-Century Modern; not only in her business, but in her clothing. You see, she shares a birthday with Doris Day, and dresses pretty much the same as Doris did in all of her films. In other words, she's retro. She's so into Doris that she even named her dog Rock (as in Hudson).
When she's surprised with a two-week getaway in Palm Springs with (and by) her significant other, Hudson James, what she expects isn't even nearly as close to what she gets. It first turns out that the vacation is going to be more or less working for Hudson's brother-in-law Jimmy, and they'll be staying with him and Hudson's sister Emma. But when they're run off the road by a speeding SUV a couple of blocks away from Emma's home, it at first seems to be just another jerk who doesn't know how to drive.
But later that day when Madison decides to join Hudson at the job site, she sees something floating in the water, and is convinced it's a body. So the local police show up and find nothing, thinking it's just her imagination running wild, and it doesn't help that she cost Jimmy an entire days' work, which doesn't make him a fan of hers. But when the body eventually turns up farther down the river, it seems Madison was right all along, but that's only the beginning of the story.
After Madison is threatened and Jimmy and Hudson are attacked, things begin to escalate. It turns out the dead man has a connection to Emma, the police, and others; Madison begins to realize that there's something very dangerous going on, and she'll need not only the help of the Palm Springs police, but her friend in Dallas, Captain Tex Allen, to help her find the truth. And if she doesn't find out soon, her ticket back home might just be cancelled...
This is the fourth book in the Madison Night Mysteries, and a very good entry indeed. I will say that there was plenty of intrigue, secrets, and a good enough plot to keep me guessing until the very end. I will also add that while I enjoy Madison's quirks (dressing like Doris and really into the retro style), I didn't enjoy it as much as the others. Why? Because first, she's supposed to be on a 'getaway', but it turns out to be nothing more than a working vacation, and that's not a vacation (nor a getaway) at all. And what kind of romantic getaway has a couple staying with in-laws (which was the original plan)? I also wondered why she was there, since they hadn't even started building yet, and she's an Interior Decorator, so there didn't seem to be a use for her services. Nobody decorates a rock quarry; they didn't even have any groundwork laid. But these things aside, the book was an easy read, and one that was interesting enough to keep me reading in one session, which is a nice thing.
There were some heavy issues to deal with in this book - Madison's nightmares, Jimmy's irrational dislike of her, and others, but they made the story more interesting, in my view. When the ending comes and we discover the reason why the man was killed it all comes together nicely and makes for a believable plot and a tightly wrapped murder, which is how it should be; and some secrets are better off not being shared at all. Although I felt there was more to the story to tell, it was still put together well enough to keep me reading the next in the series. Recommended.
When she's surprised with a two-week getaway in Palm Springs with (and by) her significant other, Hudson James, what she expects isn't even nearly as close to what she gets. It first turns out that the vacation is going to be more or less working for Hudson's brother-in-law Jimmy, and they'll be staying with him and Hudson's sister Emma. But when they're run off the road by a speeding SUV a couple of blocks away from Emma's home, it at first seems to be just another jerk who doesn't know how to drive.
But later that day when Madison decides to join Hudson at the job site, she sees something floating in the water, and is convinced it's a body. So the local police show up and find nothing, thinking it's just her imagination running wild, and it doesn't help that she cost Jimmy an entire days' work, which doesn't make him a fan of hers. But when the body eventually turns up farther down the river, it seems Madison was right all along, but that's only the beginning of the story.
After Madison is threatened and Jimmy and Hudson are attacked, things begin to escalate. It turns out the dead man has a connection to Emma, the police, and others; Madison begins to realize that there's something very dangerous going on, and she'll need not only the help of the Palm Springs police, but her friend in Dallas, Captain Tex Allen, to help her find the truth. And if she doesn't find out soon, her ticket back home might just be cancelled...
This is the fourth book in the Madison Night Mysteries, and a very good entry indeed. I will say that there was plenty of intrigue, secrets, and a good enough plot to keep me guessing until the very end. I will also add that while I enjoy Madison's quirks (dressing like Doris and really into the retro style), I didn't enjoy it as much as the others. Why? Because first, she's supposed to be on a 'getaway', but it turns out to be nothing more than a working vacation, and that's not a vacation (nor a getaway) at all. And what kind of romantic getaway has a couple staying with in-laws (which was the original plan)? I also wondered why she was there, since they hadn't even started building yet, and she's an Interior Decorator, so there didn't seem to be a use for her services. Nobody decorates a rock quarry; they didn't even have any groundwork laid. But these things aside, the book was an easy read, and one that was interesting enough to keep me reading in one session, which is a nice thing.
There were some heavy issues to deal with in this book - Madison's nightmares, Jimmy's irrational dislike of her, and others, but they made the story more interesting, in my view. When the ending comes and we discover the reason why the man was killed it all comes together nicely and makes for a believable plot and a tightly wrapped murder, which is how it should be; and some secrets are better off not being shared at all. Although I felt there was more to the story to tell, it was still put together well enough to keep me reading the next in the series. Recommended.
June 4, 2017
I have read a couple books in this series and I am glad to see that there has been regular growth in the character's relationships. They aren't stuck in the same place they were at when introduced to us at the beginning of the series. Basically, they are acting like real people whose interactions change based on real life events.
In this book, Madison and Hudson go on a quick getaway out of town to help Hudson's brother-in-law with a business matter while also spending some quality "together time". The only problem with that plan is the dead body floating in front of Madison as she is checking out the waterfront view in Palm Springs, California.
Things go downhill from there as the romantic working vacation becomes a muddle of disappearing evidence, stalled investigations, threats, family conflict, and personal disconnects. Eventually a murderer is found but there are no winners in this investigation because everyone loses something along the way- belief in friends and family members, trust in law enforcement, hopes for reconciliations, more unrequited love, and any chance for a nice vacation to bond with a loved one. In other words, real life intrudes as usual.
I do have one criticism though. I wish a little more time had been devoted to the "decorator" part of this book rather than spending most of it on the "knew too much" part. I enjoyed the character development, and felt bad for Lt. Tex Allen, who was basically "off stage" the whole time but helping with the investigation remotely while pining for Madison. When I read a niche mystery though, I want to read about that niche subject at least as much as I want to know who killed whom and why. The author does that well in two of her other series, her Material Witness and Costume Shop mysteries, but aside from a visit to a neighbor's mid-century house and a road sign graveyard in a nearby quarry, there isn't much about Madison's specialty here.
Overall, I enjoyed the book quite a bit and am interested in seeing where Hudson and Madison go in the next book, and how Tex handles their developing relationship. Plus, of course, who gets killed and why.
In this book, Madison and Hudson go on a quick getaway out of town to help Hudson's brother-in-law with a business matter while also spending some quality "together time". The only problem with that plan is the dead body floating in front of Madison as she is checking out the waterfront view in Palm Springs, California.
Things go downhill from there as the romantic working vacation becomes a muddle of disappearing evidence, stalled investigations, threats, family conflict, and personal disconnects. Eventually a murderer is found but there are no winners in this investigation because everyone loses something along the way- belief in friends and family members, trust in law enforcement, hopes for reconciliations, more unrequited love, and any chance for a nice vacation to bond with a loved one. In other words, real life intrudes as usual.
I do have one criticism though. I wish a little more time had been devoted to the "decorator" part of this book rather than spending most of it on the "knew too much" part. I enjoyed the character development, and felt bad for Lt. Tex Allen, who was basically "off stage" the whole time but helping with the investigation remotely while pining for Madison. When I read a niche mystery though, I want to read about that niche subject at least as much as I want to know who killed whom and why. The author does that well in two of her other series, her Material Witness and Costume Shop mysteries, but aside from a visit to a neighbor's mid-century house and a road sign graveyard in a nearby quarry, there isn't much about Madison's specialty here.
Overall, I enjoyed the book quite a bit and am interested in seeing where Hudson and Madison go in the next book, and how Tex handles their developing relationship. Plus, of course, who gets killed and why.
July 10, 2017
The Decorator Who Knew Too Much by Diane Vallere, the 4th book in her Madison Night HUMOROUS Mystery Series.....is quite entertaining !!!
You cannot help but fall in love with Madison, the main character. She is quite querky in her obsession with Doris Day and anything relating to that timeframe. Her business is centered around the 50's and 60's and keeping that era alive.
However in The Decorator Who Knew Too Much she takes a vacation from her work and travels with Hudson to help his brother-in-law with a strip mall construction idea. Unfortunately on the first day at the site, Madison sees a dead body in the water at the river. But once the police arrive and search there is no body to be found and she has put herself in a bad situation with Hudson's brother-in-law, Jimmy.
From that moment on the visit is nothing like what it was planned out to be.....especially after a body is found floating in the river a few days after Madison saw it.
While Madison and Hudson try to enjoy their time away and to strengthen their new relationship, it becomes clear that Madison has placed every one in danger....or so it seems. Upon further investigating and hard thinking, things begin to come clear to Madison but how to prove it becomes a different story. And wil she be able to do that before anyone else gets hurt or killed ?
Vallere has a way of engulfing you up into the story from the moment you begin until the second you close the book. The connections within the book are shocking but in the end they all make sense. It is a very entertaining, funny and mind-blowing story.....
You cannot help but fall in love with Madison, the main character. She is quite querky in her obsession with Doris Day and anything relating to that timeframe. Her business is centered around the 50's and 60's and keeping that era alive.
However in The Decorator Who Knew Too Much she takes a vacation from her work and travels with Hudson to help his brother-in-law with a strip mall construction idea. Unfortunately on the first day at the site, Madison sees a dead body in the water at the river. But once the police arrive and search there is no body to be found and she has put herself in a bad situation with Hudson's brother-in-law, Jimmy.
From that moment on the visit is nothing like what it was planned out to be.....especially after a body is found floating in the river a few days after Madison saw it.
While Madison and Hudson try to enjoy their time away and to strengthen their new relationship, it becomes clear that Madison has placed every one in danger....or so it seems. Upon further investigating and hard thinking, things begin to come clear to Madison but how to prove it becomes a different story. And wil she be able to do that before anyone else gets hurt or killed ?
Vallere has a way of engulfing you up into the story from the moment you begin until the second you close the book. The connections within the book are shocking but in the end they all make sense. It is a very entertaining, funny and mind-blowing story.....
June 23, 2017
Title: The Decorator Who Knew Too Much - A Madison Night Mystery Book 4
Author: Diane Vallere
Publisher: Henery Press
Published: 4-18-2017
Pages: 264
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Amateur Sleuths; Animals; Cozy Mystery
ASIN: B01NBXVBEH
ISBN: 978163511958
Reviewed For: NetGalley and Henery Press
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.5 Stars
While off for a short getaway Maddie & Hudson go to Palm Springs to see his brother-in-law on business. While taking in the scenic view Madison's enjoyment is marred by the floating in the water. Investigating themselves as evidence disappears and suspects evade and lie. Police Chief Tex helps where he can.
The characters continue to grow and shape themselves into people we would like to have in our lives. The scenes are depicted so that they come alive in the mind of the reader. There are enough twist and turns to keep you interested. My rating of "the Decorator Who Knew Too Much" is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBXVBEH/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
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Author: Diane Vallere
Publisher: Henery Press
Published: 4-18-2017
Pages: 264
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Amateur Sleuths; Animals; Cozy Mystery
ASIN: B01NBXVBEH
ISBN: 978163511958
Reviewed For: NetGalley and Henery Press
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.5 Stars
While off for a short getaway Maddie & Hudson go to Palm Springs to see his brother-in-law on business. While taking in the scenic view Madison's enjoyment is marred by the floating in the water. Investigating themselves as evidence disappears and suspects evade and lie. Police Chief Tex helps where he can.
The characters continue to grow and shape themselves into people we would like to have in our lives. The scenes are depicted so that they come alive in the mind of the reader. There are enough twist and turns to keep you interested. My rating of "the Decorator Who Knew Too Much" is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBXVBEH/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
February 27, 2024
The Decorator Who Knew Too Much by Diane Vallere is the 4th book in the Mad for Mod Mystery series. Madison Knight is the main character. She is an interior designer with a penchant for mid-century modern designs and Doris Day movies. She has agreed to a working get away with her handyman turned boyfriend, Hudson James. They go from Dallas, TX to Palm Springs, CA to help Hudson’s brother in law with a construction project. Once there Madison accidentally stumbles across a body in a river near the building site. However, when the police arrive there is no body. The police dismiss Madison as a little nutty until a body is discovered later away from the original site. As the days progress Madison and Hudson’s visit to California has one problem after another. Madison is threatened and followed, Hudson gets beat up, Hudson’s sister and brother in law are having difficulties and Madison wants to solve the mysteries surrounding the body and Hudson’s sister’s involvement so she can go home to Dallas. I really like this series and intend to continue reading it. I would definitely recommend reading this series.
March 22, 2017
The Decorator Who Knew Too Much is the fourth book in Diane Vallere’s Madison Night Mystery series and I really enjoyed reading it. This is the first book I’ve read in this series; however, the author provided sufficient character information that I easily understood their backgrounds and relationships and didn’t feel lost jumping in this far into the series. The storyline is well plotted, the characters relatable, there’s a lot going on, and enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. The book flowed at a steady pace, the mystery was interesting, and kept me guessing until the reveal.
Madison Night is an interior decorator specializing in mid-century modern design and the owner of Mad for Mod. She has an adorable little Shih Tzu named Rocky and idolizes Doris Day. Hudson James has been her contractor for five years and is her current boyfriend. Hudson has a lazy kitty named Mortiboy who barely tolerated each other. They usually work in the Dallas area but accepted a two-week assignment working for Hudson’s bother-in-law, Jimmy, in the Palm Springs area and hope to get in a little R&R. When Madison arrives at the job site, she stops on the pier, drops her hat, and while trying to retrieve it, sees a body in the river beneath her. The police and dive teams search but don’t find a body. After speaking to Captain Tex Allen in Lakewood, Texas, and learning about some of the trauma Madison has suffered, Officer Buchanan is concerned about her stability, suggests she seek counseling, and refers her to Dr. Albert Hall. Madison finds herself in dangerous situations, uncovers secrets, and doesn’t know whom she can trust.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Madison Night is an interior decorator specializing in mid-century modern design and the owner of Mad for Mod. She has an adorable little Shih Tzu named Rocky and idolizes Doris Day. Hudson James has been her contractor for five years and is her current boyfriend. Hudson has a lazy kitty named Mortiboy who barely tolerated each other. They usually work in the Dallas area but accepted a two-week assignment working for Hudson’s bother-in-law, Jimmy, in the Palm Springs area and hope to get in a little R&R. When Madison arrives at the job site, she stops on the pier, drops her hat, and while trying to retrieve it, sees a body in the river beneath her. The police and dive teams search but don’t find a body. After speaking to Captain Tex Allen in Lakewood, Texas, and learning about some of the trauma Madison has suffered, Officer Buchanan is concerned about her stability, suggests she seek counseling, and refers her to Dr. Albert Hall. Madison finds herself in dangerous situations, uncovers secrets, and doesn’t know whom she can trust.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
June 2, 2017
The Decorator Who Knew Too Much is the fourth book in the Madison Night series. But it is the first book in this series that I have read. Though I didn’t read the others, I had no problem getting a grasp on the characters and how they related to each other. I am sure I’ll go back and read the first three because this is a really cute series.
Diane Vallere has a way of making her characters relatable and likable even though they have their quirks. I previously reviewed A Disguise to Die For, and I loved it. When I was asked to review The Decorator Who Knew Too Much, of course I wanted to. I love Doris Day movies, and Madison Night is a Doris Day fanatic. From her clothing style to her decorating style, she could fit right into the 50s/60s with no problems.
Cozy mystery lovers need to put this book on their lists. The mystery is not so easy to solve because the clues don’t lead right to the killer. I like it when a book keeps you guessing, and this one does. It’s filled with humor and great characters. If you don’t read the other books first, you will get some spoilers in this book. I didn’t mind it and was actually satisfied with the ending….I won’t give away why I was though because you’ll figure it out yourself.
Diane Vallere has a way of making her characters relatable and likable even though they have their quirks. I previously reviewed A Disguise to Die For, and I loved it. When I was asked to review The Decorator Who Knew Too Much, of course I wanted to. I love Doris Day movies, and Madison Night is a Doris Day fanatic. From her clothing style to her decorating style, she could fit right into the 50s/60s with no problems.
Cozy mystery lovers need to put this book on their lists. The mystery is not so easy to solve because the clues don’t lead right to the killer. I like it when a book keeps you guessing, and this one does. It’s filled with humor and great characters. If you don’t read the other books first, you will get some spoilers in this book. I didn’t mind it and was actually satisfied with the ending….I won’t give away why I was though because you’ll figure it out yourself.
October 5, 2025
In The Decorator Who Knew Too Much, the fourth book in the Mad for Mod series by Diane Vallere, Madison is back, and this time the mid-century loving decorator finds herself far from home…and in way over her head. What starts as a sunny design job with Hudson quickly turns dark when Madison spots a body in the river. From there, the tension builds fast as nightmares, secrets, and small-town gossip close in around her.
I really enjoyed the Palm Springs setting…it gives the story a fresh, retro flair while adding to the mystery’s sense of unease. Madison’s struggles with sleep, trust, and trauma make her feel especially real in this installment, and her chemistry with Hudson adds both warmth and complexity.
The mystery itself is layered and surprising, with just the right mix of danger, humor, and heart. The reveal caught me off guard (in the best way), and I loved how the title’s theme ties neatly into Madison’s personal journey.
If you like your cozy mysteries with a psychological edge and a heroine who’s as strong as she is stylish, this one’s worth the read!
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
I really enjoyed the Palm Springs setting…it gives the story a fresh, retro flair while adding to the mystery’s sense of unease. Madison’s struggles with sleep, trust, and trauma make her feel especially real in this installment, and her chemistry with Hudson adds both warmth and complexity.
The mystery itself is layered and surprising, with just the right mix of danger, humor, and heart. The reveal caught me off guard (in the best way), and I loved how the title’s theme ties neatly into Madison’s personal journey.
If you like your cozy mysteries with a psychological edge and a heroine who’s as strong as she is stylish, this one’s worth the read!
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
December 16, 2024
This book was hard to put down. A darn good mystery! Madison Knight, the decorator, would make a great detective. She never misses a clue, which is good for solving a crime, but not so good when it puts her in danger. Thank goodness she has a good "friend" Hudson James who looks out for her, but in this story he is the one who actually puts them into a dangerous situation when they travel from Texas to California so he can help his brother-in-law with a project. Madison goes along as a working vacation.
Well the excitement begins as soon as they arrive in Palm Springs on their drive to Emma and Jimmy's house where the will be staying. They are run off the road and have no idea why the driver of the other vehicle was driving so crazy. It's much later in the story that the reason is revealed. In fact as each chapter evolves another clue to a mysterious death comes to light and of course Madison is the one to find it. And as you can tell by the title of the book this makes some people very uncomfortable. If you enjoy trying to solve a mystery, you will enjoy this book. I did.
Well the excitement begins as soon as they arrive in Palm Springs on their drive to Emma and Jimmy's house where the will be staying. They are run off the road and have no idea why the driver of the other vehicle was driving so crazy. It's much later in the story that the reason is revealed. In fact as each chapter evolves another clue to a mysterious death comes to light and of course Madison is the one to find it. And as you can tell by the title of the book this makes some people very uncomfortable. If you enjoy trying to solve a mystery, you will enjoy this book. I did.
May 12, 2017
*This Book Was Given To Me By The Author / Publisher But That In No Way Influenced The Opinions Below*
This is not the first book by Diane Vallere that I have read but it was the first one in this series, and I think that was a mistake. I felt like I was missing out on a lot of the information that probably would have made the personal side of this make a lot more sense had I read the other three. Sometimes the books work as stand-alones, especially in a genre like this, and sometimes they don't. This time for me, it didn't.
That being said this author can certainly weave a mystery. That side of the story was definitely well put together. I am not sure if this is the last book in this series but it definitely reads to a sold conclusion.
If you like the mystery genre then I would say grab yourself book 1 and start from there - and you might really enjoy it!
V""V
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
This is not the first book by Diane Vallere that I have read but it was the first one in this series, and I think that was a mistake. I felt like I was missing out on a lot of the information that probably would have made the personal side of this make a lot more sense had I read the other three. Sometimes the books work as stand-alones, especially in a genre like this, and sometimes they don't. This time for me, it didn't.
That being said this author can certainly weave a mystery. That side of the story was definitely well put together. I am not sure if this is the last book in this series but it definitely reads to a sold conclusion.
If you like the mystery genre then I would say grab yourself book 1 and start from there - and you might really enjoy it!
V""V
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
May 4, 2017
As the fourth book in the Mad for Mod series starts out, decorator Madison Night and boyfriend Hudson James are on their way to that mid-century modern mecca Palm Springs. Hudson’s contractor brother-in-law has hired them to work on a project with him. Before they pair even makes it to their destination in Palm Springs they are involved in a hit and run accident. The next day Madison spots a body in the water near the construction site. Soon Madison is in the middle of another mystery that somehow involves Hudson’s sister.
The Decorator Who Knew Too much is a great addition to the series. Main character, Madison Night is a strong, well developed character that makes me laugh and touches my heart. The mystery in this book is complex with surprising twists and turns and a wonderful cast of characters. I always advise starting at the beginning of a series but this book stands alone if you want to dive in here.
The Decorator Who Knew Too much is a great addition to the series. Main character, Madison Night is a strong, well developed character that makes me laugh and touches my heart. The mystery in this book is complex with surprising twists and turns and a wonderful cast of characters. I always advise starting at the beginning of a series but this book stands alone if you want to dive in here.
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