Lover Come Hack

Mad for Mod Mystery #6

by Diane Vallere

Retro Reboot!

After a falling out with a friend flips interior decorator Madison Night’s world inside out, she’s determined to revamp her life. Jane Strong, fellow mid-century modern enthusiast, encourages Madison’s entry in an upcoming design competition, but their rift makes collaboration no longer an option.

When Jane is found dead, Madison tops the suspect list. And when anonymous computer hackings interfere with both the investigation and the competition, Jane’s murder no longer seems random. With a mess of a love life, an angry client, and a looming deadline on her contest entry, Madison turns to an unlikely ally to decode a motive before a crash becomes imminent.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Audiobook

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 30, 2018

About the author

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
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3nGyOGZ:
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3aVXczm
YouTube: https://bit.ly/2RfiyAE

Reviews

[Mark Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madison Night thought she and her new friend, Jane Strong, were going to enter the Very Important Projects (VIP) design contest together until she gets a nasty email from Jane. Madison’s attempt to talk to Jane about it doesn’t go well, and a few hours later Jane is dead. The police are looking at Madison as their primary suspect, so she has to balance the contest with figuring out what really happened to Jane. All of this is made harder by a hacker targeting her and others involved in the contest. What really happened?

This book starts out strongly and never really lets up. I held on through the twists and turns and was rewarded with a good climax. It was a little rushed, but that was minor. Another minor complaint was the timeline issues that should have been caught with a good edit. I love Madison and the rest of the supporting cast, so I was happy to visit them again. I’m curious to see what the results of some of the sub-plots here means for the next book in the series. I do wish Madison would trust people in her life more, but again, this is minor. Overall, this was a fun book that kept me entertained from start to finish.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lover Come Hack by Diane Vallere is the sixth novel in A Madison Night Mystery series. Madison Night has teamed up with Jane Strong for the Very Important Projects competition sponsored by the Design in Dallas Initiative. On the last day for entries, Madison is shocked when she receives an email from Jane canceling their partnership. Madison rushes to the Republic Tower where DIDI has their offices to talk to Jane, but Jane is adamant about entering on her own. Jane hunkers down in the building’s coffee shop to create a new entry before the deadline in five hours. After turning in her submission, Madison discovers Jane sick in the ladies’ room. She rushes to get assistance and returns to find blood on the floor. Jane dies from blunt force trauma and Madison finds herself at the top of the suspect list. Later that day after opening an email, Madison finds her computer hacked and must turn to Donna Nast for assistance. It seems that Madison is not the only person hacked recently and they all link back to one person. Madison must track down the killer before she ends up wearing an orange jumpsuit for twenty-five to life (I have a feeling they do not have one from the 50s).

Lover Come Hack is an entertaining cozy mystery. While Lover Come Hack is the sixth A Madison Night Mystery, it can be read alone. Madison’s history is included in the story and I like that she is a mature main character. Madison is mad for mid-century modern design and has based her design business around this aesthetic (along with her wardrobe). While her professional life is doing well, Madison’s love life is in turmoil. The six months of alone time she had requested from her two beaus is about to end, and she needs to make a decision. Tex Allen has been patient, and after six months, he is ready for Madison to make a decision (I can understand his viewpoint). There is a small dustup between the pair that I felt was inappropriate. Madison acted like an irrational person instead of a mature woman (lack of communication). I could have done without this nonsense (I do not want to spoil it for you), but I was happy that Madison made the right choice in the end. The mystery was complex with misdirection and twists. We follow Madison on her investigation as she talks to various suspects and investigates the hacking. Donna Nast returns in Lover Come Hack and plays a pivotal role. The computer virus and hacking made the mystery relevant to today’s society where this is an ever present problem (unfortunately). I actually liked the first person narrative (I have never said this about a book). Madison has a unique voice and it comes through in this series. We experience life through Madison’s eyes and some of her comments are amusing. I love the descriptions of the vintage clothes and furniture. I am giving Lover Come Hack 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I wonder what trouble Madison Night will get into next time.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Madison Night Mystery series is a fun, cozy series that I am very much enjoying. I have not read the whole series but will go back and catch up. You do not need to read them all to enjoy this book as much as I did. There is enough of Madison’s history included in the story to get to know this lover of mid-century modern design to go with her vintage clothing.

In this outing, Madison Night has teamed up with Jane Strong for the Very Important Projects competition sponsored by the Design in Dallas Initiative. On the final day for entries to be submitted, Madison is shocked when she receives an email from Jane canceling their partnership. Madison rushes to the Republic Tower where DIDI has their offices to talk to Jane, but Jane has already submitted her proposal. Madison has five hours to come up with a new submission. She is able to cobble together her entry and after turning it in, she heads off the ladies' restroom. What she does not expect to find is Jane sick in the washroom. While Madison rushes off to get help for Jane, she dies from blunt force trauma. Of course, Jane is at the top of the list when it comes to suspects. Throw in some major computer hacking, a virus running wild all over town and Madison having to turn to her frenemy, Donna Nast for help, and you have a fast paced story.

Lover Come Hack is an entertaining cozy mystery. Madison is a smart, independent woman who usually knows what she wants and can think on her feet in a crisis. I love a protagonist who isn't pushy, invasive, nor idiotic enough to do stupid things that put her in danger. With the computer issues, Donna Nast is an integral character in this story and I actually liked her quite a bit more than in other books. As far as the mystery goes, it was complex with many twists and red herrings. Madison juggles sleuthing, trying to figure out who killed Jane, and working on her design entry. Madison has a unique voice and it comes through in this series. We experience life through Madison’s eyes and some of her comments are amusing. This is where the humour comes in with this series. I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a cozy with a unique setting and backdrop. If you can, start at the beginning, but if not, I jumped in part way and am very much enjoying this series. The publisher, Henery Press, generously provided me with a copy of this book to read. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison Knight has become close Jane Strong and agreed on working together on VID contest in order to show the men decorators that women can designed large area. The day before entries close Madison received an email from Jane breathing off on the agreement. Madison has to scramble to come up with own entry. That evening she finds Jane sick in the women's restroom. To get help she leaves Jane alive but when she returns Jane has been murder. All the evidence points to Madison and she is finally arrested for the killing. The tale takes a number of what's and turns to hold your attention. Will Madison be able to finished her entry in the contest or will she be convict of the crime?
I highly recommend this book and series.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Edelweiss and Henery Press for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison Night, lover of mid-century modern design, is a decorator, a designer, and wears vintage clothes. Her role model is Doris Day, with whom she happens to share the same date tor a birthday. Madison's business is going well when she makes friends with another woman designer of similar age and interests. They plan on making a joint entry into a local design contest, when one week out the friendship is brutally severed and the other woman is murdered. Of course Madison is on location for the murder and comes under suspicion and even arrested for the crime. Meanwhile, she makes an entry into the contest and manages to buy a building and implement her plans thanks to her design team.
Along the way we meet the two men Madison is trying to choose between, and learn about her past as well as her dreams for the future. The author keeps us grounded in Madison's world with descriptions of her vintage outfits, furniture and items from the mid-century period, often sharing how she acquired things and what work needed to be done to make them the showpieces they ended up being.
Aside from all of this, the design businesses and even the police department were attacked by a computer virus. With one foot firmly planted in the past and one foot in the present and suffering from being hacked, Madison struggled to know who to trust. It was fascinating to see her assumptions and reality collide.
I recommend anyone new to this series needs to start at the beginning and read the six books in order. It will make understanding of many details in this book so much easier! And besides, that is six books of fun and mystery to read instead of just one! Win-win!
I want to thank Henery Press and Edelweiss + for allowing me to obtain an ARC copy of the book. All comments in this review are mine and voluntarily expressed.

[Angela Jett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in the series that I have read. Lover Come Hack was better than the prior one… possibly because I have gotten to know the characters and their relationships a little better. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
The story kicks off with Madison Night, interior designer and throwback to Doris Day, gets an email from her working partner, Jane Strong, that Jane no longer wants to work with Madison. Basically, doesn’t want to have anything more to do with Madison. This is right before a deadline for a VIP Dallas design contest. Madison decides to quickly compile an entry herself, submit and charge ahead. In the process of submitting her entry, she finds Jane Strong dead in the women’s bathroom at the offices of the VIP contest.
Of course, one thing leads to another, including the police hauling Madison into the police station on suspicion of the murder. Madison juggles sleuthing out who killed Jane and working on her design entry. In addition, she is torn between the two men in her life, forcing her to make a decision.
I would recommend starting at the beginning of this series. Not quite sure why, but it took me 1 book, mid-series, to figure the relationships out. Once that is done, these are well worth the read. Really enjoyable!
Thank you Edelweiss+ and publisher, Henery Press, for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison is going through an emotional and mental rollercoaster. Her new friend and fellow designer Jane Strong has just ended their friendship and partnership in an upcoming design competition via a nasty email that attacks Madison personally and professionally. She has also given Hudson and Tex a wide berth for six months, while she decides which one has a place in her life, or if she is okay with flying solo. With just a couple of hours to put her design proposal together and enter the competition on her own Madison is racing against the clock. Confronting Jane about what she said in her email doesn’t help. After barely submitting her entry on time Madison discovers Jane being sick in the bathroom of the office complex where the Design offices are located. While Madison tries to get help, Jane dies and the police have one prime suspect: Madison. With help from surprising places, Madison rushes to clear her name and win the competition.

Definitely one of my favorites, and the ending shows Madisons decision when it comes to her personal life. No spoilers I promise but I was very happy with how things ended and the mystery had me guessing up until the reveal. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lover Come Hack by Diane Vallere is the 6th book in Mad for Mod Mystery series and a delightful cozy mystery, but the book also contains suspenseful moments, that kept me guessing until the end. Madison Night is an interior decorator who specialized in mid-century (60's) designs. Madison loves Doris Day, and patterns her clothing and rooms based on old Doris Day movies. This book has several twists and turns, with a little romance thrown. Two men are in love Madison, Chief Tex Allen and Hudson James, and I am glad to say she has finally made up her mine. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I strongly recommended this book and series for any cozy mystery lovers like me.

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent addition to this fantastic series. I can't wait for the next book to be published.

[3 no 7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Lover Come Hack” by Diane Vallere is book six in the Madison Night series, but it is not necessary to have read the previous books to enjoy this one. In a first person narrative, she shares her thoughts on people, food, business, and the events that have shaped her fifty years of life. Readers get to know her well.

In the last six months, Madison has had many changes in both her personal and professional life. The Mad For Mod business model and structure have had significant changes. She has a new inventory system, and is doing well. Enthusiasts of mid-century modern interiors do not change their taste in décor. “Once an atomic lamp lover, always an atomic lamp lover.” Of course, she still likes friendly dogs with cute names, and she still has that hard-to-define and ever so complicated “relationship” with the local constabulary.

Madison, well dressed in dressed in vintage fashions in accordance with her company theme right down to the white leather gloves with small bows at the wrist, is frantically trying to restructure an entry in a local design contest after her previous collaborator pulled out. During a business call, she finds someone throwing up in the bathroom, and in an office building not in a dive bar. When her computer is hacked, things go from bad to worse.

The story line is conversation driven as Madison traverses people and places to get what she wants. She shares her thoughts, concerns, plans, and frustrations. The action continues at break-neck speed as she draws on inner independence to succeed, stay out of jail, get her computers repaired, and finish her project.

“When did life get so complicated? Every day, I do battle. I count on people and they let me down.”

Vallere describes places with specific attention to detail so readers are transported into the midst of situations.

“It appeared as though she’d even taken time to condition the custom wooden desk with a moisturizing oil. The well-sanded surface glowed with a soft radiance that was easily hidden under Post-its, colored pencils, and eraser dust. She must have viewed my hours working at the library as an opportunity to get me organized. Why was it people believed their own form of organization was better than someone else’s? It was one of the major conundrums of our time.”

“Lover Come Hack” is a story with enough action and secrets to keep readers turning the pages but without any headache-inducing trauma. The strength of this series that Madison has changed, adapted, and grown over the course of the six books. This is not a cookie-cutter series with new names in the same old storyline. I was given a copy of “Lover Come Hack” by Diane Vallere, Henery Press, and Edelweiss. I was quick to read and I enjoyed every page.

[Cathy Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diane Vallere's Doris Day-inspired Madison Night cozy series keeps going strong with this sixth entry, Lover Come Hack. Vallere provides good insights into the emotions and thought processes of her fifty-year-old main character, and I had to laugh at the result of Madison telling the other two sides of her romantic triangle to leave her alone for six months: It's been "the most productive six months of my life."

Once again, the author provides an intriguing mystery laced with computer viruses and excellent misdirection. One thing that I was very happy to discover (and others may not) was the fact that there was a bit more emphasis on interior design in this book. After all, it is one of the reasons why I like this series so much. Another reason to enjoy Lover Come Hack is that it seriously channels Doris Day, even more than previous series books. Vallere has probably caused an upsurge in readers viewing this remarkable actress/singer's movies-- by both the curious and by those who do remember her.

While Madison is the main draw in this series, I have to say that I am enjoying the evolution of another character-- another strong, independent businesswoman-- everyone calls "Nasty," and it is this evolution that really makes me look forward to the next book. Bring it on!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are always a lot of fun. Madison is an interesting character and I enjoy her stories. Contests always seem to have a way of causing chaos and this was no exception. There were lots of parts to this case and I was surprised at the ending. One of my favorite traditions with this series is watching the Doris Day movie that the title is based on.

[Selah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mystery was okay, but I thought it was very weird that we skipped ahead past Madison’s and Jane’s friendship. Also, I’m glad the love triangle seems to be over, but she didn’t pick the right guy, IMO.

[JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison Night is an interior decorator who owns Mad for Mod in Dallas, Texas. She's getting ready to enter the VIP (Very Important Projects) competition for DIDI along with her friend Jane Strong. But the morning they're due to submit their proposal, she receives a devastating email from Jane that tells her she's not as good as she thinks she is, and that the collaboration is off. She tries to talk to Jane, but she won't speak with her.

So Madison races against time to submit a new proposal on her own - which means she'll have to spend several hours putting something together, and then find a building on her own (Jane owns the one they were going to use) to renovate. In a hurry, she asks the security guard to sign her out of the building while she rushes to meet the deadline. Later that day in the same building she uses the restroom and finds Jane in another stall, obviously sick. Eventually finding help, it appears that it is too late for Jane and she passed away before the paramedics arrive.

Stunned, Madison returns home wondering how this could have happened. But she hasn't got time to think about it, she needs to continue on with her project; yet when she tries to use her computer she discovers she's been hacked and when her assistant Effie can't fix the problem she calls the only person she knows who can - Donna Nast, a sort-of nemesis who used to date police captain Tex Allen.

Which brings us to the fact that Madison is soon turning 50, and torn between the two men in her life - contractor Hudson James and Tex. She's asked both of them for six months of a man-free love life so that she can make up her mind which one she's interested in, and they've (reluctantly) agreed.

But soon it also becomes apparent that unexplained events take place, and it puts Madison front and center in the Main Suspect arena, and the lead detective on the case is singling her out for murder. Can Madison find a building? Will she make a decision between Hudson and Tex? Is Donna helping her or hindering her? And can Madison outwit a killer before she's either wrongfully convicted? Or will she wind up just like Jane, out of the competition...and life itself?

I absolutely loved this book. So much so I read it in one sitting. Madison is a smart, independent woman who knows what she wants (except maybe when it comes to her love life) and can think on her feet in a crisis. I love a protagonist who isn't pushy, invasive, nor idiotic enough to do stupid things. Madison is a wonderful character.

While she's trying to figure out how to win the contest, she's bothered by Jane's death and soon becomes suspicious when she finds out not only her computer was hacked, but nearly everyone connected with the VIP contest. Stranger still, the police department computers were hacked, and they're not even in the contest. Watching Madison try and figure out what is happening and why is intriguing, and it makes for quite a fascinating tale. (It helps that my husband is a computer specialist so I could follow the story quite easily).

The plot is well-written, the story delightful. the author's descriptions of place are charming; and her characterizations of the people involved are believable and vibrant. She has given us a narrative that is both complicated and full of suspense; it was indeed a pleasure to read. When the killer is found out, it gives a sense of satisfaction; we can see the 'wheels turning' in Madison's head as she is putting everything together, and once again, this is not a woman that one should ever underestimate.

The motive for the murders was convincing; the ending amusing; and I can't think of a better way to have spent my evening than in reading this book. It was worth every minute and I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of what I like about a cozy mystery is that there is a certain formula to it. I know that I will get some clever murders, light romantic banter, an intrepid sleuth, and some mid-direction. I know the hero is never in permanent jeopardy- it’s not like the killer is going to kill them. They might end up in the hospital but they won’t end up in a wheelchair. All of that is true in Lover Come Hack. So although I know that Madison Night, the protagonist of the story, won’t end up in the grave, I can enjoy seeing her chase down the killer without worrying about her. Now just because the hero is safe though, that doesn’t mean that protection extends to her friends. In fact, in this time around Madison’s friend Jane is the victim and Madison is the main suspect, due to an argument about their entry in the local remodel and renovation contest. Oh, and because she was with Jane when she died.

So it falls to Madison’s friends and co-workers to assist with solving the murder because Madison has to juggle the contest, staying out of jail, and hunting for the real killer. This is where the formula of a cozy has room to expand as much as the author feels is necessary. In this case, the author, Diane Vallere, has created several fun sidekicks and frenemies. My favorite of the bunch is Donna “Nasty” Nast, an ex-cop who now works private security and helps Madison fix a virus that hacked her computer and eliminated evidence that might have exonerated her. Madison has issues with her because Nasty used to date Tex Allen, her romantic interest and the local chief of police, but needs her help to fix the computer virus that is affecting her and other residents in the town. Also enjoyable were the Madison’s co-workers at Mad For Mod who were helping with the renovation and providing some moral support. I like the fact that she now has some (alive) friends who can keep her grounded, especially since she loses a love interest in the romantic triangle she had been involved in. It will be fun to see how these friends develop in future books.

On the negative side, I’m not fond of the cozy convention where the suspected killer is confronted and spontaneously blurts out a confession and reveals their whole plan. Maybe I’ve been reading too much in the Cameron Strike series, by Robert Galbraith, where there are false leads, twists, and tough endings, and Jack Reacher stories by Lee child, where even once Reacher knows who the killer is, he has to fight through tough obstacles, armies of goons, and a hail of bullets to deliver justice. Still, I understand that the hero in a cozy is different than that of a neo-noir thriller so that’s why I focus on the things I like about them- fun sleuthing, great characters, and clever writing. This is another great entry in the series and I enjoyed going along for the ride with Madison.

[RO G'ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lover Come Hack is the sixth book in Diane Vallere’s Madison Night Mystery 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, idolizes Doris Day, and even dresses like her. Madison has two men vying for her attention (Hudson James, who used to be her contractor for five years and Captain Tex Allen of the Lakewood Police Department), and she’s feeling pressured to make a decision, so for her fiftieth birthday present, she asks both of them to give her six months of no pressure or contact with her. Madison and her friend and fellow designer, Jane Strong, decide that instead of competing against each other in the Design in Dallas Initiative’s Very Important Projects competition, they would pool their talents and resources by making a joint submission. On the day the initial plan submissions are due to be filed, Madison receives an email from Jane severing their relationship, and Madison confronts Jane at DIDI’s offices. After their confrontation, Madison decides to submit her own entry, frantically preparing her entry at the library, and rushing back to DIDI file it. While there, she finds a violently ill Jane in the restroom. When Madison goes for help, Jane’s alive, but before medical help arrives, someone murders her. Madison’s computer is hit with a nasty virus, and she reluctantly calls Donna Nast (a/k/a Nasty), a former police officer turned security company owner, for help. When Vonda Quinn, Jane’s assistant, is murdered, Detective Henning believes Madison’s responsible for both murders. Madison sets her priorities: find Jane’s killer, completing her entry, win the competition, and make a decision regarding Hudson and Tex.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Edelweiss/Above the Treeline and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Lisa G. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

Lover Come Hack (Mad for Mod Mystery #6) by Diane Vallere is based primarily on relationships - old relationships, new relationships, friend relationships, working relationships and of course, love relationships. The fabulous Madison Night is back and trying to leave her footprint on the design map of Dallas, TX. She has been approached to enter the exclusive VIP competition sponsored by DIDI. If one wins, it’s the kind of the thing that totally changes the the future of the winner. However, Madison finds herself right in the middle of a hot mess. Her “best friend” wanted to be her co-partner on the VIP Design but dropped her at the last second and took Madison’s room designs. This same “best friend” quickly turns into “dead friend” and with her history of having looked for love way too many wrong places, the suspect List is long. Someone has hacked the computer systems throughout the competition creating mayhem and causing everyone to be a suspect in the sabotage and you won’t believe whose name us at the top of the list for both! Meanwhile, Madison’s in a hot mess of her own. She has two men that want a relationship with her and they will go to extraordinary limits until they get an answer from her. The plot thickens and just when you think you know which one of the “dead friend’s” many lovers is responsible for all the colossal shenanigans, computer hacks and murders, Vallere’s conclusion will blow you away when she proves exactly what love has to do with it. I was provided an ARC of this book by Henery Press and Edelweiss. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

[Hari · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book in the series that was a disappointment although at least the who will she pick saga has come to an end. Warning major disclosures ahead.

Book felt rushed, starting with a whole lot of back story hurriedly filled at the start. A whole ´bestie’ relationship has happened in the 6 months between books. Work has expanded in leaps and bounds. A 6 month freeze has been put in place to give Madison time to pick between two men 🙄.

The murder itself is fine with the usual crazy twists and turns. The independent woman trope as plot device was getting to be a bit cliched, as was the 50 something woman who feels the need to constantly explain she really looks much younger than her age. Now however she’s outed herself as self-centred, emotionally repressed,angry and immature. I admire that actually, it’s as though the author wanted to get in first, although I think the readers have already worked it out. I don’t mind the damaged protagonist, it’s all part of the noir antihero of the golden era, except this time its a woman. And yes she chose the guy who’s the most like her. Which is also fine as she certainly didn’t deserve the other one.

I hope the pace settles in the next one. This really did feel like a rush job. Would prefer for events to unfold, to be shown rather than told. I do share a passion for MCM fashion and style and Doris Day. Love the combo of day glo with a dark edge which is why I’m hanging in there.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lover Come Hack was another excellent adventure in Vallere's Madison Night mystery series. Madison has one of the worst days of her life when her partner in a local contest drops her right before the deadline, she needs to scramble to do an entry on her own, she then finds her friend dead, and then she becomes a murder suspect. With the police focusing on Madison, she finds herself needing to solve this one on her own. To make things even more complicated, the two men in Madison's life want her decision about which one she wants in her life.

Vallere does a really great job with the character development of Madison as the character decides not just to change things up at work by taking things in a new direction but also in her personal life as well. Madison decides to focus on herself and what she needs showing the growth of the character and her new take charge lease on her life. I also really loved seeing all the great secondary characters back as all of Madison's friends come to her aid when she really needs them. Lover Come Hack has a lot of twists and turns, and I love how Vallere adds some humor to the story. Overall Lover Come Hack was a great read that I would most definitely recommend. I look forward to reading Madison's next adventure.

Received a copy of Lover Come Hack in exchange for my honest review.

[Lghiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not particularly interested in fashion, interior design, or retro looks from the 50’s, but that didn’t stop me from thoroughly enjoying Diane Vallere’s Lover Come Hack which features Madison Night, an interior decorator who channels Doris Day. Buying up estates to increase her inventory of vintage clothing for herself and furniture, appliances, and knick knacks for her clients, Madison creates original and fun interiors for a certain niche of mid-century aficionados through her business Mad for Mod.

The irony of this story is that as Madison is increasingly becoming twenty-first century digital, the high tech world is about to do her in. She finds herself juggling two boyfriends, figuratively stabbed in the back by a good friend and colleague, under investigation for murder, and competing in a design competition. The action and complications in Lover Come Hack just keep coming. The characters are interesting and will keep the reader guessing as to motivations and psychological frame of mind. The ending is a surprise, but believable. Just be ready to rent a few Doris Day movies in the aftermath of your immersion into a 50’s culture in a 21st century setting.

I would like to extend my thanks to Edelweiss and to Henery Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Soquel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this series! It has some fun themes and originality.

NOTE: I read the six books in this series for research reasons as well as for enjoyment. As an author I look at things from a different perspective that is not meant to cast a negative light on the writing, story line, or other readers' enjoyment. As a personal goal this year I chose to read several different authors who have at least 4 or more books in the same series so I could study character development and story arcs over the course of a series, resolution of subplots, forshadowing, and so forth. Dianne Vallere is one of 4 mystery/chiclit authors in this study.

This story picks up about 6 months after the last installment. Apparently a lot happens in that amount of time that we miss out on. The love triangle intensifies and wanes into a disappointing conclusion that seems to lack real closure. I later learned that in edition to the boxed set of the 6 I read there are more in the series, so maybe it's addressed in later installments. It's a good read except I've noticed as the series progressed, profanity gets used a bit more (still a PG13) and a little more talk about adult relationships. Overall a PG13 series that gets the rating more because young people aren't the intended audience, not that the content is too intense.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and very convoluted plot involving computer hacking, a major decorating contest, and numerous suspects. The final reveal was totally unexpected and the amount of destruction that can be accomplished through our computers is scary. An amazing story that kept me up practically all night.

"I wanted the in-crowd of the design community to acknowledge that one woman's vision was as good as a conglomerate. I wanted to win for all the little people out there." You go, Madison!

I love the character of Madison Night and all of her multiple layers, so true to a real human being. On the surface a possibly silly woman who dresses and decorates like Doris Day in her heyday, there are many depths and great talents and strengths to this character. While this book could stand alone, I would recommend you start at the beginning and go along as Diane Vallere skillfully builds this character and reveals her hidden depths and feelings, things that Madison is still discovering about herself, much like we all do based on circumstances and people around us. My only regret is that Madison is not a real person. I think she would be an excellent friend.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all of the books in this series and have enjoyed every one. This one is a good one but not one of my top favorites. I think the reason is because the long term story takes a sharp turn.

It’s not that I mind the turn it’s because of how abrupt it is. I can understand that the author may have been less inspired by potential storylines including certain characters and saw more from others. However, readers have come to know and care for these characters after five books and, perhaps, the change could have been accomplished with a little more care.

Apart from that, the story is another good one. I like the Madison Night mysteries. I live in the area in which these are set so hearing of this town, this street, or this famous building brings the book alive to me in a special way.

The mystery involves a fellow designer, one that has recently become a good friend of Madison’s. I was surprised by the ending and did not see it coming at all.

Now that the change has happened in the relationship, I can settle into the new dynamic. I look forward to the next book in the series.

I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Edelweiss.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good good good!

This book was good. GOOOOD! A breath of fresh air. I can only get maximum relaxation with book that I loooooooooove and I loved loved loved this one! I could just immerse myself in the story, really escape. The book practically read itself. I didn’t even notice my fingers turning the pages.

Professionally things are going well for Madison, but personally? The story starts with betrayal from a friend. Well, not a friend anymore, obviously. I must say, that email was heartbreaking!

The mystery was suspenseful and surprising, the personal things going on an emotional rollercoaster. A well-written, engaging, and page-turnery book! With more twists and turns than in an old, tangled telephone cord.

One funny thing: I’m Dutch but I read mostly in English, and I read such a lot I really don’t come across things I don’t understand anymore. But here I was confused for a moment: in Dutch ‘slip’ means panties. For a while I thought Madison was running around in her panties, and then I realized it means slip dress! LOL.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison Night is all set to enter a design competition with her friend Jane, when she receives an email stating Jane is severing ties with her and there is no more collaboration. Madison is determined to enter the competition herself, so she personally goes and hands her application in. While in the ladies room, she encounters a very ill Jane. By the time Madison comes back after looking for help, Jane has passed on, and Madison is the number one suspect. On top of everything that Is going on, someone hacks into her computer, and the computers of others. Madison tries to figure out how she can prove her innocence, keep herself out of jail, enter the competition, and figure out her love life. Her plate is overflowing, to say the least. This book had a lot of twists and turns, and I couldn't stop reading.

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this 6th book in the Madison Night series. This is my honest review. Madison really got herself in a pickle this time. She's actually accused of murdering her bestie. Her love life is also coming to a point where she needs to make a decision between Tex and Hudson. I enjoy this series so much and this book still fits the bill for me. I so enjoy Madison's mid-century decorating and her love for all things Doris Day. I think the only 'man' in her life she can count on is Rocky. Diane Vallere does a great job of writing a cozy mystery that keeps you involved. You don't want to stop reading because you want to see what's going to happen next.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison is shocked to get Jane's email stating all kind of terrible things about Madison and how Jane and her joint design competition entry is no more. Madison goes down to file her own entry and gets into a fight with Jane, the next thing she knows.....Jane is dead! Of course the police thinks she has something to do with it. There is also a computer virus going around and hitting all the big businesses and the police! What is going on here? Can Madison prove her innocence? Who really is the killer? You won't believe the things that happen along the way unless you read the book!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Melody McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed every book in this series, and getting to know this mid-century modern designer who is also a thoroughly modern woman has been wonderful. This book is another good installment in the series, as Madison gets attacked by a computer virus, and a few other disasters as she is preparing for a design competition. Mid-century design has become really hot, and it is reflected in the story. Along with the great design descriptions she is continuing to deal with the two men in her life and some of her own emotional baggage. But that made it sound almost too serious, this book is a lot of fun and will keep you turning pages! I am already looking forward to the next book.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a tangled web we weave…

This is an excellent cozy mystery. I highly recommend the entire series.
Doris Day references are fun.
The setting is well thought out and described, but not too much. And I like it’s different settings for each book.
The characters are real, not cookie cutter.
The plot was a serious spiderweb of clues, red herrings, subspecies and subplots. Fantastic work!
I still have trouble seeing who is talking sometimes, at least I do, hence the star taken away.

[Meredith H · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded down

Hacking nightmare in the design community leads to Madison being embroiled in another ridiculous caper. It wasn't my favorite plot, but it was fun.

I have decided that the ratings for DV's Mad for Mod series fluctuate with the amount of time the Tex/Hudson/Madison relationships are discussed, and this needed more of that!

On to the next one, which was published after Doris Day actually died, so I wonder if that will come through. I also wonder what's in store for Madison & Tex, since a decision was implied at the end of this novel.