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Beauty Secrets #1
Makeup & Murder
Beauty consultant Ziva Diaz is a girl boss who doesn’t back down from anyone. When she’s attacked inside a client’s home and wakes to find a dead body, she gives up the safety of selling lipsticks for the dangerous role of detective. The dead man was her top client’s husband, and it turns out he used his money to buy more than happiness. With suspects piling up, a killer on the loose and her own life threatened, Ziva vows to solve the case and digs her high heels in even deeper. The last thing she expected is finding another dead body – or befriending the murderer!
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2017
835 people are currently reading
833 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Damore
91 books159 followersI'm a mystery author with a soft spot for romance and humor, too. I love all things girlie with a dollop of danger, have a strong affinity for the color pink (especially in diamonds and champagne), and, not to brag, but chocolate and I are in a pretty serious relationship.
My books are fun and flirty, and feature smart and sassy sleuths. If you love books with a dash of spice and twist of whodunit, you're going to love my work!
My books are fun and flirty, and feature smart and sassy sleuths. If you love books with a dash of spice and twist of whodunit, you're going to love my work!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
December 15, 2018
A fun and quirky murder mystery. A lot of girlie talk about makeup obviously already due to the fact that Ziva is a beauty consultant. But once I got past that it was a great mystery with a lot of colourful characters and interesting situations.
April 22, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book. The mystery was great. I didn't ever figure out who it was before we were told. I liked how the main character and all of her friends were very likable people. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 16, 2018
I have to admit that I was concerned that this one would be very "girlie" because of the makeup theme-color me surprised and thrilled with this book! Our heroine, Ziva is not as girlie as I assumed she would be, she was fabulously tough and girlie and a no BS kind of person. Another great item of note in this book is the set of multi-cultural characters. A well structured mystery, and colorful characters help propel Ziva through the start of this wonderful series.
March 8, 2021
Meet Ziva she is spanish. Ziva works for Beauty Secrets. Where she goes to women's homes and sell beauty products. Aria is her best friend. Ziva arch enemy Justine from 4th grade try to take away all of Ziva clients. Diva believes that Mrs. J. Won't leave her. On last client of the day Siva goes in Marion's house and finds her husband dead on the floor. This book is soso. I like Ziva and Asia's friendship.
August 10, 2018
Fluffy, slow-moving mystery with a predictable villain - but overall fun novel.
February 18, 2019
Cute cozy, good for makeup and beauty fans
November 13, 2018
A funny good time!
This was such a good book! Ziva is a girl after my own heart and I loved every chapter. Our leading lady is a fighter and boy, you don’t want to get in her way when she’s mad! The mystery was great and Ziva’s friends and clients made the book even better.
This was such a good book! Ziva is a girl after my own heart and I loved every chapter. Our leading lady is a fighter and boy, you don’t want to get in her way when she’s mad! The mystery was great and Ziva’s friends and clients made the book even better.
February 13, 2019
Cute mystery plot and twists. Some profanity, sex situations.
June 7, 2018
Must.Love.Fashion
Perfectly narrated by Tonia Blake, our heroine, Ziva, initially seems . . . young. But one gradually realize her fixation on fashion and makeup isn't due to her being an arrested teenager but because this is her business. Funny and frequently campy, you will meet gangsters and dancers and matrons and mothers along with a few hunky fellows as a murder or two is investigated and solved. See if you can figure out "whodunnit"!
Perfectly narrated by Tonia Blake, our heroine, Ziva, initially seems . . . young. But one gradually realize her fixation on fashion and makeup isn't due to her being an arrested teenager but because this is her business. Funny and frequently campy, you will meet gangsters and dancers and matrons and mothers along with a few hunky fellows as a murder or two is investigated and solved. See if you can figure out "whodunnit"!
May 3, 2021
Beauty Secrets, Bk 1, @ 2017, Read 5/3/21, Fiction, Cozy Mystery. Ziva, a beauty consultant, stumbles upon a murder scene while the perpetrator is still there, and receives some rough treatment. So, determined to find out who "dun" it, she stumbles around willy-nilly to solve the mystery. 2☆'s = Okay, nothing to write home about.
September 3, 2017
Fun read
A fast-paced read with fun characters. The heroine is a hoot, and the plot is well-done. I'll read more by this author.
A fast-paced read with fun characters. The heroine is a hoot, and the plot is well-done. I'll read more by this author.
May 7, 2021
Excellent story
The author is amazing and has the ability to tell the story of what is happening and how the other persons were involved
The author is amazing and has the ability to tell the story of what is happening and how the other persons were involved
June 3, 2018
**This review is for the audiobook on Audible.**
The audiobook Makeup & Murder: Beauty Secrets, Book 1 by Stephanie Damore, narrated by Tonia Blake is such a fun book to listen to! This is my first book from both the author and the narrator. I love cozy mysteries, so originally that is why I was drawn toward this series, but after making it through Book 1, I feel like it could also fall into the Chick Lit genre, which is also a favorite of mine. Is there such thing as Chick Lit Cozies? If there wasn't before, there is now. Way to go, Damore! Makeup & Murder is fast-paced, super funny, and kept me engaged up through the very last word! It was so good!
Because I only listened to the book, I cannot comment on the mechanics, in terms of spelling, punctuation, etc, but being a teacher who reads out loud often, I can say that when books have poor grammar it is difficult to convey the message and correctly express the words on the page. Narrator Tonia Blake did not seem to have any problem with that, whatsoever, so I can only assume this is a very well-written book. Her performance was excellent! As I got to know the characters better, particularly main character Ziva, I felt like Blake was no longer a narrator, but instead was Ziva, herself! She brought the story to life, and my overall listening experience was one I thoroughly enjoyed. At the end of Book 1, there is an excerpt from Book 2. I was thrilled when Blake's voice came across the speaker. Needless to say, I will be moving on with this series, and I can't wait until it is released on audio!
Makeup & Murder: Beauty Secrets, Book 1 by Stephanie Damore, narrated by Tonia Blake is an audiobook that deserves 5/5 stars across the board. It combines the elements of a cozy mystery with the light-hearted and humorous moments of romance and friendship, which are generally found in Chick Lit. I recommend this audiobook to those who love a clean whodunit mystery, as well as to those who are looking for an entertaining escape from their own everyday lives. From makeup connoisseurs to those who have never applied lipstick, Makeup & Murder will keep you guessing, and before you know it, you, too, will find yourself exclaiming, "Sweet Sugar!" with these relatable and likeable characters!
Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. :-)
The audiobook Makeup & Murder: Beauty Secrets, Book 1 by Stephanie Damore, narrated by Tonia Blake is such a fun book to listen to! This is my first book from both the author and the narrator. I love cozy mysteries, so originally that is why I was drawn toward this series, but after making it through Book 1, I feel like it could also fall into the Chick Lit genre, which is also a favorite of mine. Is there such thing as Chick Lit Cozies? If there wasn't before, there is now. Way to go, Damore! Makeup & Murder is fast-paced, super funny, and kept me engaged up through the very last word! It was so good!
Because I only listened to the book, I cannot comment on the mechanics, in terms of spelling, punctuation, etc, but being a teacher who reads out loud often, I can say that when books have poor grammar it is difficult to convey the message and correctly express the words on the page. Narrator Tonia Blake did not seem to have any problem with that, whatsoever, so I can only assume this is a very well-written book. Her performance was excellent! As I got to know the characters better, particularly main character Ziva, I felt like Blake was no longer a narrator, but instead was Ziva, herself! She brought the story to life, and my overall listening experience was one I thoroughly enjoyed. At the end of Book 1, there is an excerpt from Book 2. I was thrilled when Blake's voice came across the speaker. Needless to say, I will be moving on with this series, and I can't wait until it is released on audio!
Makeup & Murder: Beauty Secrets, Book 1 by Stephanie Damore, narrated by Tonia Blake is an audiobook that deserves 5/5 stars across the board. It combines the elements of a cozy mystery with the light-hearted and humorous moments of romance and friendship, which are generally found in Chick Lit. I recommend this audiobook to those who love a clean whodunit mystery, as well as to those who are looking for an entertaining escape from their own everyday lives. From makeup connoisseurs to those who have never applied lipstick, Makeup & Murder will keep you guessing, and before you know it, you, too, will find yourself exclaiming, "Sweet Sugar!" with these relatable and likeable characters!
Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. :-)
June 2, 2018
This was a really fun ebook to read. And, since I had The Audible, a fun ebook to sit back and listen to. I always use The text to speech for all The ebooks that have it, but I was really happy with The Audible. The narrator, Tonia, was really good at not only portraying the different characters but The different emotions.
The main character, Ziva, a beauty consultant, is very likeable and the different people in her life seem to blend together seamlessly. This cozy mystery has murder as well as other crimes with some romance. Ziva's bff is Aria, a widow with a young son. There is also Mrs. J, a customer of Ziva that seems live vicariously through not only Ziva but the others in her lives. And, of course, Ziva's nemesis is Justine, a rival beauty consultant that has been a thorn in Ziva's side since the fourth grade. Luckily she is only in a few chapters.
The book opens with the summer issue, Beauty Secrets, being delivered to Ziva. This is an issue that all of Ziva's clients look forward to seeing. Ziva starts by delivering the magazine to her Aria, who has a "sweet spot" for nail polish. Next, she goes to Mrs. J, a very interesting character. Next to Ziva's, Mrs. J is my favorite. Mrs. J loves gossip and baking. And Ziva, who has a sweet tooth, loves her cakes, etc.
The third client Ziva is Marion, a married woman that is one of Ziva's best customer. Marion is not home when Ziva comes by, but Ziva and Marion have made arrangements where Ziva was to leave Marion's order if Marion was not home. Ziva let's herself in and when she goes to the kitchen to get a bottle of water, she stumbles, literally, into the murder mystery that dominates the rest of the book.
You have to read the book to find that out the rest of the storyline and find out how Ziva helps the police investigates the murder. I can't wait to read the rest of the books. And there are five at the time of this review.
I had gotten my copy of the ebook late last year from Amazon for free. Last week I got a complimentary Audible of the book to listen to and leave an honest review, which this is. The review is for both the Audible and the ebook. So far this is the only Audible. Hopefully there will be Audible's of the next five books, too.
The main character, Ziva, a beauty consultant, is very likeable and the different people in her life seem to blend together seamlessly. This cozy mystery has murder as well as other crimes with some romance. Ziva's bff is Aria, a widow with a young son. There is also Mrs. J, a customer of Ziva that seems live vicariously through not only Ziva but the others in her lives. And, of course, Ziva's nemesis is Justine, a rival beauty consultant that has been a thorn in Ziva's side since the fourth grade. Luckily she is only in a few chapters.
The book opens with the summer issue, Beauty Secrets, being delivered to Ziva. This is an issue that all of Ziva's clients look forward to seeing. Ziva starts by delivering the magazine to her Aria, who has a "sweet spot" for nail polish. Next, she goes to Mrs. J, a very interesting character. Next to Ziva's, Mrs. J is my favorite. Mrs. J loves gossip and baking. And Ziva, who has a sweet tooth, loves her cakes, etc.
The third client Ziva is Marion, a married woman that is one of Ziva's best customer. Marion is not home when Ziva comes by, but Ziva and Marion have made arrangements where Ziva was to leave Marion's order if Marion was not home. Ziva let's herself in and when she goes to the kitchen to get a bottle of water, she stumbles, literally, into the murder mystery that dominates the rest of the book.
You have to read the book to find that out the rest of the storyline and find out how Ziva helps the police investigates the murder. I can't wait to read the rest of the books. And there are five at the time of this review.
I had gotten my copy of the ebook late last year from Amazon for free. Last week I got a complimentary Audible of the book to listen to and leave an honest review, which this is. The review is for both the Audible and the ebook. So far this is the only Audible. Hopefully there will be Audible's of the next five books, too.
June 14, 2017
Disappointed to find swearing in this book
I started reading this book because I thought it wouldn't have bad language or sex (based on the preview and reader comments). Plus the story sounded really cute. Unfortunately when I got into the second chapter, I encountered 'hell' five times while the main character was in a bad situation and then I stopped reading. I know this isn't a problem for many readers but I am posting for those, like me, who do not want to encounter any of this sort of language in the books they read.
I started reading this book because I thought it wouldn't have bad language or sex (based on the preview and reader comments). Plus the story sounded really cute. Unfortunately when I got into the second chapter, I encountered 'hell' five times while the main character was in a bad situation and then I stopped reading. I know this isn't a problem for many readers but I am posting for those, like me, who do not want to encounter any of this sort of language in the books they read.
June 3, 2018
This was a really fun ebook to read. And, since I had The Audible, a fun ebook to sit back and listen to. I always use The text to speech for all The ebooks that have it, but I was really happy with The Audible. The narrator, Tonia, was really good at not only portraying the different characters but The different emotions.
The main character, Ziva, a beauty consultant, is very likeable and the different people in her life seem to blend together seamlessly. This cozy mystery has murder as well as other crimes with some romance. Ziva's bff is Aria, a widow with a young son. There is also Mrs. J, a customer of Ziva that seems live vicariously through not only Ziva but the others in her lives. And, of course, Ziva's nemesis is Justine, a rival beauty consultant that has been a thorn in Ziva's side since the fourth grade. Luckily she is only in a few chapters.
The book opens with the summer issue, Beauty Secrets, being delivered to Ziva. This is an issue that all of Ziva's clients look forward to seeing. Ziva starts by delivering the magazine to her Aria, who has a "sweet spot" for nail polish. Next, she goes to Mrs. J, a very interesting character. Next to Ziva's, Mrs. J is my favorite. Mrs. J loves gossip and baking. And Ziva, who has a sweet tooth, loves her cakes, etc.
The third client Ziva is Marion, a married woman that is one of Ziva's best customer. Marion is not home when Ziva comes by, but Ziva and Marion have made arrangements where Ziva was to leave Marion's order if Marion was not home. Ziva let's herself in and when she goes to the kitchen to get a bottle of water, she stumbles, literally, into the murder mystery that dominates the rest of the book.
You have to read the book to find that out the rest of the storyline and find out how Ziva helps the police investigates the murder. I can't wait to read the rest of the books. And there are five at the time of this review.
I had gotten my copy of the ebook late last year from Amazon for free. Last week I got a complimentary Audible of the book to listen to and leave an honest review, which this is. The review is for both the Audible and the ebook. So far this is the only Audible. Hopefully there will be Audible's of the next five books, too.
The main character, Ziva, a beauty consultant, is very likeable and the different people in her life seem to blend together seamlessly. This cozy mystery has murder as well as other crimes with some romance. Ziva's bff is Aria, a widow with a young son. There is also Mrs. J, a customer of Ziva that seems live vicariously through not only Ziva but the others in her lives. And, of course, Ziva's nemesis is Justine, a rival beauty consultant that has been a thorn in Ziva's side since the fourth grade. Luckily she is only in a few chapters.
The book opens with the summer issue, Beauty Secrets, being delivered to Ziva. This is an issue that all of Ziva's clients look forward to seeing. Ziva starts by delivering the magazine to her Aria, who has a "sweet spot" for nail polish. Next, she goes to Mrs. J, a very interesting character. Next to Ziva's, Mrs. J is my favorite. Mrs. J loves gossip and baking. And Ziva, who has a sweet tooth, loves her cakes, etc.
The third client Ziva is Marion, a married woman that is one of Ziva's best customer. Marion is not home when Ziva comes by, but Ziva and Marion have made arrangements where Ziva was to leave Marion's order if Marion was not home. Ziva let's herself in and when she goes to the kitchen to get a bottle of water, she stumbles, literally, into the murder mystery that dominates the rest of the book.
You have to read the book to find that out the rest of the storyline and find out how Ziva helps the police investigates the murder. I can't wait to read the rest of the books. And there are five at the time of this review.
I had gotten my copy of the ebook late last year from Amazon for free. Last week I got a complimentary Audible of the book to listen to and leave an honest review, which this is. The review is for both the Audible and the ebook. So far this is the only Audible. Hopefully there will be Audible's of the next five books, too.
August 29, 2017
Love,Mystery and a spin of humor
As a student majoring in Creative Writing over the past few years, I have been learning how to create a successful story. Engages the readers. That is what Stephanie Damore has done with Makeup &Murder. One major aspect of creating a successful story is creating characters that are credible and relatable. A great story draws the reader in through engaging dialogue, settings that feed on all the senses and a plot that is fresh and unexpected. No-one truly wants to know who did it or what will happen next. Although this is technically the first story in this genre that I have ever read and I can guarantee that it will not be the last. I knew from the beginning that this story would be filled with mystery romance and a bit of humor, but I never expected to find myself relating to the main character Ziva as much as I did. Laughing at some of her quirky comments and being not only impressed by her choice in words and catch phrases, but also feeling young and carefree. Finding that I could relate more to this story because of words such as beef stick and he who cannot be named or must not be named. What I really loved about this story was how successfully Ms. Damore mixed the pull at the heartstrings love element, the mystery element, and added just enough humor to keep the story flowing and light. I love a good story that is unexpected throughout. One that I can't analyze. A story that's sole purpose is to relax the reader and leave them wanting more. The characters were real and believable. People that either you would know personally or someone you know knows or knew someone like one or all of the characters. I am excited to see what Ms. Damore having storefront Ziva and her friends in the next book.
As a student majoring in Creative Writing over the past few years, I have been learning how to create a successful story. Engages the readers. That is what Stephanie Damore has done with Makeup &Murder. One major aspect of creating a successful story is creating characters that are credible and relatable. A great story draws the reader in through engaging dialogue, settings that feed on all the senses and a plot that is fresh and unexpected. No-one truly wants to know who did it or what will happen next. Although this is technically the first story in this genre that I have ever read and I can guarantee that it will not be the last. I knew from the beginning that this story would be filled with mystery romance and a bit of humor, but I never expected to find myself relating to the main character Ziva as much as I did. Laughing at some of her quirky comments and being not only impressed by her choice in words and catch phrases, but also feeling young and carefree. Finding that I could relate more to this story because of words such as beef stick and he who cannot be named or must not be named. What I really loved about this story was how successfully Ms. Damore mixed the pull at the heartstrings love element, the mystery element, and added just enough humor to keep the story flowing and light. I love a good story that is unexpected throughout. One that I can't analyze. A story that's sole purpose is to relax the reader and leave them wanting more. The characters were real and believable. People that either you would know personally or someone you know knows or knew someone like one or all of the characters. I am excited to see what Ms. Damore having storefront Ziva and her friends in the next book.
September 8, 2017
In between OK and like: 2.5 stars. Lighthearted.
Ziva, a beauty consultant, gets mixed up in a murder or two, connected to one of her biggest clients. Not happy with how the detective is handling the case, she starts investigating herself.
It was hard to get into at first, hard to connect with Ziva. It got better later on though.
I’m not a makeup person myself, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like reading about it. But this book comes across as a bit shallow, even juvenile. Just a little!
A lighthearted read. Normally I like lighthearted. I read to relax and a good cozy mystery can give me that relaxation. But this was too light.
There were a few mistakes/inconsistencies. Example: one of her brides was supposed to have a makeup trial run on Thursday. Thursday came and went without ever mentioning the appointment… I don’t like things like that. And I knew who did it at about a quarter of the book… A pity because I like the guessing game and there wasn’t much guessing left…
There is this whole rivalry thing with her arch nemesis that I didn’t like. I don’t think the story needed another villain besides the murderer.
Even though this is not the best cozy I’ve ever read, I WAS curious as to how the case would develop. I did want to read on. The mystery part of the story was a bit slow, but it WAS suspenseful. Pleasant enough, easy enough, but not memorable. All in all, it was in between like and OK.
Ziva, a beauty consultant, gets mixed up in a murder or two, connected to one of her biggest clients. Not happy with how the detective is handling the case, she starts investigating herself.
It was hard to get into at first, hard to connect with Ziva. It got better later on though.
I’m not a makeup person myself, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like reading about it. But this book comes across as a bit shallow, even juvenile. Just a little!
A lighthearted read. Normally I like lighthearted. I read to relax and a good cozy mystery can give me that relaxation. But this was too light.
There were a few mistakes/inconsistencies. Example: one of her brides was supposed to have a makeup trial run on Thursday. Thursday came and went without ever mentioning the appointment… I don’t like things like that. And I knew who did it at about a quarter of the book… A pity because I like the guessing game and there wasn’t much guessing left…
There is this whole rivalry thing with her arch nemesis that I didn’t like. I don’t think the story needed another villain besides the murderer.
Even though this is not the best cozy I’ve ever read, I WAS curious as to how the case would develop. I did want to read on. The mystery part of the story was a bit slow, but it WAS suspenseful. Pleasant enough, easy enough, but not memorable. All in all, it was in between like and OK.
June 28, 2018
This was a very fun book to read. Ziva makes her living as a beauty consultant. When the summer issue of Beauty Secrets arrives, Ziva is off to her best friend, Aria's home, to show her the new nail polish colors. Next on her deliveries is Mrs. J who sounds like everyone's grandmother. She loves gossip and baking. Since Ziva loves sweets she always lingers at Mrs. J's. Her next stop is Marion Siebold. Marion is not home but she has given Ziva permission to enter her home and drop off things. When Ziva enters Marion's home, she finds Marion's husband, Roger, on the floor dead. The story is intertwined with mystery, humor and a little romance.
The places that Ziva and Aria go to try to solve the murder reminds you of the places you may have visited when you were young. Ziva meets Finn Jacobs at the bait shop near the pier when she is looking at Roger's "boat". She also meets Roger's business partner, Eric Perez, who is very good looking but not Ziva's type.
Stephanie has done a good job at keeping you guessing as to who could have committed the murder throughout the book.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book for an honest review.
The places that Ziva and Aria go to try to solve the murder reminds you of the places you may have visited when you were young. Ziva meets Finn Jacobs at the bait shop near the pier when she is looking at Roger's "boat". She also meets Roger's business partner, Eric Perez, who is very good looking but not Ziva's type.
Stephanie has done a good job at keeping you guessing as to who could have committed the murder throughout the book.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book for an honest review.
September 5, 2017
Ziva Diaz is a representative for Beauty Secrets magazine. While visiting a client's home, Ziva is attacked and left unconscious on the kitchen floor. She awakens to find Marion, the homeowner screaming and the police knocking at the door. There was a dead body in the house, but Ziva does not know yet who the victim is. The next day, she learns that the victim is Roger, an investment banker and Marion's husband.
Things start to get complicated when a second corpse is discovered aboard Roger's sailboat. The second corpse is Roger's latest girlfriend, Ann Marie. It turns out that Roger was having financial troubles, was cheating on his wife, and was embezzling money from his clients.
Who killed Roger and Ann Marie? Why were they killed? Can Ziva solve the mystery or will she beocme the next victim?
This is a good start to a new series with believable characters and situations you can easily relate to.
Things start to get complicated when a second corpse is discovered aboard Roger's sailboat. The second corpse is Roger's latest girlfriend, Ann Marie. It turns out that Roger was having financial troubles, was cheating on his wife, and was embezzling money from his clients.
Who killed Roger and Ann Marie? Why were they killed? Can Ziva solve the mystery or will she beocme the next victim?
This is a good start to a new series with believable characters and situations you can easily relate to.
June 8, 2018
Makeup Delivery to Murder
(Disclaimer: I was recently provided a copy of the book. I decided to read it and provide my honest review.) Makeup and Murder, Beauty Secrets Book 1 by Stephanie Damore is a light-hearted read and your first introduction to Ziva the main character. There is a lot of laughs out loud moments, witty, funny, gossipy, and lively characters. Some of the plot’s potential places of murders (world-building)are interesting and fuels the page-turner tendencies of the book. Ziva is a strong, self-confident, lively, witty and funny character that drives you to keep turning the page to see what’s next. Overall, I applaud the author for writing a truly enjoyable fun-to-read cozy mystery with great characters. MY RECOMMENDATION: If you are in the feeling for a light-hearted, funny witty cozy mystery then Makeup & Murder is for you. Stuff it in your beach/Pool bag or your Vacation bag for some relaxing reading. –Tex.
(Disclaimer: I was recently provided a copy of the book. I decided to read it and provide my honest review.) Makeup and Murder, Beauty Secrets Book 1 by Stephanie Damore is a light-hearted read and your first introduction to Ziva the main character. There is a lot of laughs out loud moments, witty, funny, gossipy, and lively characters. Some of the plot’s potential places of murders (world-building)are interesting and fuels the page-turner tendencies of the book. Ziva is a strong, self-confident, lively, witty and funny character that drives you to keep turning the page to see what’s next. Overall, I applaud the author for writing a truly enjoyable fun-to-read cozy mystery with great characters. MY RECOMMENDATION: If you are in the feeling for a light-hearted, funny witty cozy mystery then Makeup & Murder is for you. Stuff it in your beach/Pool bag or your Vacation bag for some relaxing reading. –Tex.
August 13, 2022
This book is a HOOT! Our MC Ziva is a consultant with Beauty Secrets, which reminds one of those beauty brands you purchase via catalogs vs. going to a brick & mortar shop. She's ambitious, full of sass, and proud of being an entrepreneur. While fighting off a rival (which dates all the way back to grade school), she discovers two bodies, attracts a gorgeous man, and solves a mystery.
I enjoyed the twists in the book and how Ziva tries to be organized as a businesswoman. I like how she keeps her "Beauty Bible" (a binder for her business, I'm a binder chick too). Makeup is mostly discussed due to her business, not being the only topic. Bonus points for the diverse cast of characters.
I picked this up as a freebie for Nook, but I'm going to buy the entire series to read. Can't wait to see where Ziva goes next!
I enjoyed the twists in the book and how Ziva tries to be organized as a businesswoman. I like how she keeps her "Beauty Bible" (a binder for her business, I'm a binder chick too). Makeup is mostly discussed due to her business, not being the only topic. Bonus points for the diverse cast of characters.
I picked this up as a freebie for Nook, but I'm going to buy the entire series to read. Can't wait to see where Ziva goes next!
August 31, 2020
Very predictable.
Okay, I like an amateur detective as well as the next cosy reader, but I just wasn’t all that swept away with this book. It seems to tick all the stereotype boxes, as well as having minimal police input, yet the murder is solved and the police arrive in the nick of time.
Ziva was a fun character, I liked the characters that made up her circle of friends/clients. Each had a very distinct personality which at least made the character interactions amusing at times. The victim really had it coming, but not for the reason you’d assume. Yet there was just something that I cannot put my finger on that stopped me from loving this. Oh well.
Will check out the second book just to see if my thoughts on this series change.
2.5 stars ⭐️
Okay, I like an amateur detective as well as the next cosy reader, but I just wasn’t all that swept away with this book. It seems to tick all the stereotype boxes, as well as having minimal police input, yet the murder is solved and the police arrive in the nick of time.
Ziva was a fun character, I liked the characters that made up her circle of friends/clients. Each had a very distinct personality which at least made the character interactions amusing at times. The victim really had it coming, but not for the reason you’d assume. Yet there was just something that I cannot put my finger on that stopped me from loving this. Oh well.
Will check out the second book just to see if my thoughts on this series change.
2.5 stars ⭐️
May 3, 2021
Exciting Murder Mystery!
This book has lots of action, suspense, hanky panky, and great characters that make you hang onto the edge of your seat to find out what is going to happen next.
Ziva’s job as at Beauty Secrets makes her and her clients happy but a jealous beauty competitor named Justine is a thorn in Ziva’s side.
When Ziva stumbles onto a dead body, she is determined to find out who the killer is. Ziva starts getting threatening notes followed by a break in that leaves her house trashed. Luckily her best friend Aria is her go to when she needs her.
I loved reading this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series. Thanks for a great plot and interesting characters.
This book has lots of action, suspense, hanky panky, and great characters that make you hang onto the edge of your seat to find out what is going to happen next.
Ziva’s job as at Beauty Secrets makes her and her clients happy but a jealous beauty competitor named Justine is a thorn in Ziva’s side.
When Ziva stumbles onto a dead body, she is determined to find out who the killer is. Ziva starts getting threatening notes followed by a break in that leaves her house trashed. Luckily her best friend Aria is her go to when she needs her.
I loved reading this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series. Thanks for a great plot and interesting characters.
January 10, 2025
3.75
It was a fun, quick read. However, Ziva felt a little shallow and ditzy, despite being a very capable business woman.
Spoilers: when she gets the threatening note, she thinks to herself that she doesn't want to stay with her bestie Aria because she doesn't want to put her and her son in danger, but then later in the book lets her bestie flirt with a man that Ziva suspects has murdered two people, attempted to murder Ziva, left a threatening note on her truck, and broke into Ziva's apartment, all without telling Aria that she suspects this is the man.
Also, every time she learned new tidbits, she kept telling people everything she knew. Honestly, she made no sense to me.
However, it was fun.
It was a fun, quick read. However, Ziva felt a little shallow and ditzy, despite being a very capable business woman.
Spoilers: when she gets the threatening note, she thinks to herself that she doesn't want to stay with her bestie Aria because she doesn't want to put her and her son in danger, but then later in the book lets her bestie flirt with a man that Ziva suspects has murdered two people, attempted to murder Ziva, left a threatening note on her truck, and broke into Ziva's apartment, all without telling Aria that she suspects this is the man.
Also, every time she learned new tidbits, she kept telling people everything she knew. Honestly, she made no sense to me.
However, it was fun.
July 28, 2017
Makeup And Murder is the first book in Stephanie Damore's Beauty Secrets Mystery Series.
Overall I enjoyed the book but I did find some parts unrealistic and/or so over the top from the behavior one should expect from the characters. Sorry, but there is no way a mother would fly off for three or four days with a man she only just met. The behavior didn't mesh with the story.
Otherwise Makeup And Murder was a fun, quick read with a moderately challenging mystery. The characters were likeable - except the one or two instances where the author pushed the bar too far and the realism meter nose dived.
Overall I enjoyed the book but I did find some parts unrealistic and/or so over the top from the behavior one should expect from the characters. Sorry, but there is no way a mother would fly off for three or four days with a man she only just met. The behavior didn't mesh with the story.
Otherwise Makeup And Murder was a fun, quick read with a moderately challenging mystery. The characters were likeable - except the one or two instances where the author pushed the bar too far and the realism meter nose dived.
June 2, 2019
I really enjoyed Stephanie Damore's book, Makeup & Murder. It's the story of Ziva Diaz who sells Beauty Secrets products. She has a bff, Aria and an arch enemy, Justine Martin. When making a product delivery at Marion Seiebold's house, she finds blood, a distraught dog, and is grabbed by the neck from behind. She later learns that Marion's husband, Roger, has been stabbed in the heart! Since Detective Brandle seems overworked, Ziva decides to do some sleuthing to see what really happened. This mystery has interesting and likable characters, lots of suspects, and I read it in one sitting! I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
June 26, 2020
Wow, I LOVED this book! It was even more amazing to listen to the audio because the narrator really brought it to life. This author can really write some great characters. I loved the lady who who was a busybody. I hope she is in more books. It was so fun to see how the character was a beauty consultant and how she was able to have an excuse to explore more clues. What a clever idea. I had a bad case of hangover when I finished. So hard to start another book when I’m living in this world. A world I didn’t want to leave. I was surprised at who the killer was. Also, I think the length of the book is just right.
May 11, 2017
This first in series is promising and a bit of a departure from the standard cozy formula -- no culinary female who falls for a handsome law enforcement type. Instead there's Ziva, a makeup consultant, who falls for Finn, the the appealing marina guy.
I enjoyed this book. It's well written and fast moving. The characters are intriguing, and the book is infused with a Janet Evanovich style humor. I love forward to the second book.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book. My review is voluntary and the opinions my own.
I enjoyed this book. It's well written and fast moving. The characters are intriguing, and the book is infused with a Janet Evanovich style humor. I love forward to the second book.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book. My review is voluntary and the opinions my own.
October 25, 2017
I'm soooo homesick!
I'll be honest...I just want to hop the first flight I can find to my hometown....Savannah! There is charm to spare in this book and I'm already looking forward to the next one....and some chocolate to go with! ;) This was a southern cozy! A great story, layered characters and of course the personal euphemism (ya'll know that real southern ladies don't cuss...not when they have a creative alternative!) if you like a good story, quick pace and a fantastic setting...these are the books for you!
I'll be honest...I just want to hop the first flight I can find to my hometown....Savannah! There is charm to spare in this book and I'm already looking forward to the next one....and some chocolate to go with! ;) This was a southern cozy! A great story, layered characters and of course the personal euphemism (ya'll know that real southern ladies don't cuss...not when they have a creative alternative!) if you like a good story, quick pace and a fantastic setting...these are the books for you!
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