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Wedding Planner Mystery #2
Murder Wears White
Mallory Shepard hopes to unveil her new B&B just in time for her first ceremony as a wedding planner. The renovations to Thistle Park―the mansion she inherited in small-town Port Quincy, Pennsylvania―are almost complete. But what she didn’t plan on is the bride’s aunt being poisoned at the wedding tasting and her perfect venue becoming a crime scene. Adding to the mystery is the discovery that this is not the first murder in the bridal family, and, as Mallory becomes engaged in her own investigation, she learns that the man convicted of the crime may not be guilty. Now she has two crimes to solve before the bride walks down the aisle―but a killer has other plans to ensure that Mallory forever holds her peace.
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First published January 31, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
January 4, 2017
A fast moving cozy mystery with plenty of action that will hold your attention. I found there was so many that my concentration was broken. There are enough subplots for two or three books. There are three endings and I found all are predictable.
Mallory plans to open the mansion as a B&B, however, she has many obstacles in the way. The construction is not complete, zoning approval not received, a death a food tasting event, paranormal aspect, TV filming, Garrett 's family problems to mention a few.
This book contains recipes. I enjoyed the first book and was disappointed with this one.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Mallory plans to open the mansion as a B&B, however, she has many obstacles in the way. The construction is not complete, zoning approval not received, a death a food tasting event, paranormal aspect, TV filming, Garrett 's family problems to mention a few.
This book contains recipes. I enjoyed the first book and was disappointed with this one.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
March 14, 2025
3.75 🌟
Mood/Seasonal Reading: Autumn
Not as good as the first but the author has built such a solid foundation of characters and a writing style I enjoy that I will soon be picking up the next in the series.
While this sophomore instalment fell short due to a few flaws, the overall cast of characters and overflow of drama makes it an enjoyable series. For me, this one suffered a bit from some silly main character moments and a more confusing main mystery. It tried too hard to squeeze in multiple twists that they didn’t feel fully developed. Some even felt silly. It also introduced just one too many characters to keep track of.
Honestly, I think the thing I took most is due with were the dogs. I adore dogs. Of all types. I’m the first person to take in a dog. But the 3 terrors in this book were a bit much even for me.
Yet despite all those somewhat glaring issues, I still really enjoyed reading this. So much so that I’m tempted to change my rating to a full 4 stars. It was just a good time. Each character was unique and entertaining. I don’t know why but these characters feel more vivid than some cozy mysteries do. And the pacing was excellent. Never a dull moment.
There is something about this series I’m really enjoying. I think it’s the ability to have such satisfying drama in addition to weaving multiple subplots without losing me too much. I’m someone who likes a lot going on in a book more than being bored by one plot point so this is the series for me.
Mood/Seasonal Reading: Autumn
Not as good as the first but the author has built such a solid foundation of characters and a writing style I enjoy that I will soon be picking up the next in the series.
While this sophomore instalment fell short due to a few flaws, the overall cast of characters and overflow of drama makes it an enjoyable series. For me, this one suffered a bit from some silly main character moments and a more confusing main mystery. It tried too hard to squeeze in multiple twists that they didn’t feel fully developed. Some even felt silly. It also introduced just one too many characters to keep track of.
Honestly, I think the thing I took most is due with were the dogs. I adore dogs. Of all types. I’m the first person to take in a dog. But the 3 terrors in this book were a bit much even for me.
Yet despite all those somewhat glaring issues, I still really enjoyed reading this. So much so that I’m tempted to change my rating to a full 4 stars. It was just a good time. Each character was unique and entertaining. I don’t know why but these characters feel more vivid than some cozy mysteries do. And the pacing was excellent. Never a dull moment.
There is something about this series I’m really enjoying. I think it’s the ability to have such satisfying drama in addition to weaving multiple subplots without losing me too much. I’m someone who likes a lot going on in a book more than being bored by one plot point so this is the series for me.
August 30, 2019
Renovations, wedding planning, murder, paranormal
television productions, robbery, ghosts, three Westie
terriers, two cats, a tattered wedding dress, missing
tools, knitting needles clicking....All these combine to
make for a fast paced, well plotted mystery.
The main characters and supporting characters were all
well defined, creatively drawn, colorful and interesting.
This is book # 2 in the Wedding Planner Mystery series.
Come join Mallory Shepherd as she makes her debut
with the first wedding planned, finishes the renovations
on the house she inherited and solves two murders, hotel
robberies and theft by computer.
A good read.
television productions, robbery, ghosts, three Westie
terriers, two cats, a tattered wedding dress, missing
tools, knitting needles clicking....All these combine to
make for a fast paced, well plotted mystery.
The main characters and supporting characters were all
well defined, creatively drawn, colorful and interesting.
This is book # 2 in the Wedding Planner Mystery series.
Come join Mallory Shepherd as she makes her debut
with the first wedding planned, finishes the renovations
on the house she inherited and solves two murders, hotel
robberies and theft by computer.
A good read.
January 31, 2017
Murder Wears White is the second book in the A Wedding Planners Mystery series. A wonderful follow-up to Engaged To Murder.
Mallory Shepard is looking forward to getting the renovations completed on her inherited home, Thistle Park. When completed she will have a beautiful B&B to compliment her wedding planning business. She has her first client, Whitney Scanlon, lined up and plans are under way for the event. The wedding date suddenly gets moved up, as the bride’s father is seriously ill. The contractor feels that it will be close, but thinks it will be along enough to still hold the wedding and house the guests. About this time, the contractor notices that tools seem to go missing/or run at various times and acts of sabotage. Mallory’s sister, Rachel, has asked Hunter Heywood of the Port Quincy Paranormal Society to come in to check for any ghosts in the home.
Whitney Scanlon is also being preyed upon by an unknown person. Her wedding dress has been cut to pieces and various notes are being sent to her, one telling her to go back to Baltimore, where she resides. Then as the pre-wedding dinner is underway, an aunt dies from food poisoning. Mallory learns that this is the first suspicious death in the Scanlon family. In fact. Whitney’s mother was kidnapped and later found murdered. A man that lived close to the victim was arrested, tried, and convicted of her mother’s death. But Mallory soon learns that possibly the police didn’t do a complete investigation and the wrong man was convicted.
Mallory set off to learn if the man convicted is actually innocent and who might have really killed Whiney’s mother and how it might be connected to the threats that Whitney has been receiving. Mallory also has the help of three adorable Westies in wrapping up the mystery.
The author once again provides the reader with a well-plotted and told story with an enjoyable and believable cast of characters.
Definitely, will be watching for the next book in this delightful series.
Mallory Shepard is looking forward to getting the renovations completed on her inherited home, Thistle Park. When completed she will have a beautiful B&B to compliment her wedding planning business. She has her first client, Whitney Scanlon, lined up and plans are under way for the event. The wedding date suddenly gets moved up, as the bride’s father is seriously ill. The contractor feels that it will be close, but thinks it will be along enough to still hold the wedding and house the guests. About this time, the contractor notices that tools seem to go missing/or run at various times and acts of sabotage. Mallory’s sister, Rachel, has asked Hunter Heywood of the Port Quincy Paranormal Society to come in to check for any ghosts in the home.
Whitney Scanlon is also being preyed upon by an unknown person. Her wedding dress has been cut to pieces and various notes are being sent to her, one telling her to go back to Baltimore, where she resides. Then as the pre-wedding dinner is underway, an aunt dies from food poisoning. Mallory learns that this is the first suspicious death in the Scanlon family. In fact. Whitney’s mother was kidnapped and later found murdered. A man that lived close to the victim was arrested, tried, and convicted of her mother’s death. But Mallory soon learns that possibly the police didn’t do a complete investigation and the wrong man was convicted.
Mallory set off to learn if the man convicted is actually innocent and who might have really killed Whiney’s mother and how it might be connected to the threats that Whitney has been receiving. Mallory also has the help of three adorable Westies in wrapping up the mystery.
The author once again provides the reader with a well-plotted and told story with an enjoyable and believable cast of characters.
Definitely, will be watching for the next book in this delightful series.
February 6, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
In this 2nd installment Mallory and Rachel have moved in to Thistle Park while it is being renovated. They have plans to make the old mansion into a wedding venue and B&B, if they can get the permits. The timetable for their plans been pushed in a major way. A bride has asked to move her wedding up to just a few weeks away after she finds her father is dying. Mallory probably should have checked with her contractor but she gives the bride the o.k. and pushes full speed ahead with all the plans. But then the place and wedding seems to be plagued with problems. Stair railing falling, a floor being destroyed, a wedding dress in tatters, and then an aunt to the bride dies at the food tasting. Subsequently Mallory finds this is not the first murder for this family and the first death is connected to her backyard neighbor and close friend, (she wants it to be closer) Garrett. So Mallory has a couple of deaths to investigate, plus get the mansion ready for its first wedding, oh I can’t forget to mention, Thistle Park may be haunted…
There is so much happening in this story but this author keeps all the balls in the air, never dropping one.
First, her writing style is very descriptive, which is good, I loved learning about all the rooms in Thistle Park and it gave me the knowledge I needed to understand how it could handle weddings for up to 200 people. The outside space sounds like it will be amazing as well.
She also introduces us to several new characters, the bridal family, the construction crews, Port Quincy residents, and even some wonderful canines. Each character was distinct and well written, very easy to picture in my mind.
The story is very fast paced with plots and subplots converging and intermingling together all while standing out on their own and there is more than one mystery to solve. It never became too much or confusing, except I was sure kept guessing right up until the very end about who did what. She included humor in the right places, the romantic element is moving a pleasing pace, and the drama was the star as it should be but normal life events played their parts as well.
This book has everything I look for in a cozy mystery. Cozy lovers, I highly recommend this one. I am very excited for the next book in this series too!
In this 2nd installment Mallory and Rachel have moved in to Thistle Park while it is being renovated. They have plans to make the old mansion into a wedding venue and B&B, if they can get the permits. The timetable for their plans been pushed in a major way. A bride has asked to move her wedding up to just a few weeks away after she finds her father is dying. Mallory probably should have checked with her contractor but she gives the bride the o.k. and pushes full speed ahead with all the plans. But then the place and wedding seems to be plagued with problems. Stair railing falling, a floor being destroyed, a wedding dress in tatters, and then an aunt to the bride dies at the food tasting. Subsequently Mallory finds this is not the first murder for this family and the first death is connected to her backyard neighbor and close friend, (she wants it to be closer) Garrett. So Mallory has a couple of deaths to investigate, plus get the mansion ready for its first wedding, oh I can’t forget to mention, Thistle Park may be haunted…
There is so much happening in this story but this author keeps all the balls in the air, never dropping one.
First, her writing style is very descriptive, which is good, I loved learning about all the rooms in Thistle Park and it gave me the knowledge I needed to understand how it could handle weddings for up to 200 people. The outside space sounds like it will be amazing as well.
She also introduces us to several new characters, the bridal family, the construction crews, Port Quincy residents, and even some wonderful canines. Each character was distinct and well written, very easy to picture in my mind.
The story is very fast paced with plots and subplots converging and intermingling together all while standing out on their own and there is more than one mystery to solve. It never became too much or confusing, except I was sure kept guessing right up until the very end about who did what. She included humor in the right places, the romantic element is moving a pleasing pace, and the drama was the star as it should be but normal life events played their parts as well.
This book has everything I look for in a cozy mystery. Cozy lovers, I highly recommend this one. I am very excited for the next book in this series too!
January 17, 2022
Another book that kept me thinking who did it.
January 10, 2019
I liked this even better then the first one! Mallory and her sister have undertaken the renovations of Thistle House to turn it into a B&B as well as their wedding/event planning business. Their first wedding is coming up so it becomes crunch time to get it all done as well as legalized on time. To add to the stress of all of that the bride's aunt is murdered directly after asking Mallory for a bribe to get the property rezoned as commercial. With the business on the line Mall starts investigating until she ultimately finds herself in danger. A well written cozy that will keep you hooked as the story unfolds surrounded by lots of little tidbits to make it stand out. Perfect for fans of the genre. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
March 28, 2022
3.5 stars. I agree that there were way too many subplots. Also, a few elements were too convenient. That being said, I like how Blackmoore's mysteries are layered and usually feature more than one criminal. Although I preferred the first book in the series, this was nevertheless a fun sequel with quirky characters.
March 17, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Mallory Shepard's B & B/wedding planner business doesn't look like it will ever get off the ground. This is enjoyable but had a lot going on which made the story quite busy. The mystery part was good, and the red herrings well-established. It's a nice afternoon read with a small-town setting.
Mallory Shepard's B & B/wedding planner business doesn't look like it will ever get off the ground. This is enjoyable but had a lot going on which made the story quite busy. The mystery part was good, and the red herrings well-established. It's a nice afternoon read with a small-town setting.
February 25, 2017
EXCELLENT!!!!! This book had so many twists and turns, I was captured from the first chapter. Mallory, the main character and her sister Rachel are wonderfully funny and entertaining. There were a few mysteries to solve in this book. I throughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next in the series.
January 18, 2017
**I voluntarily reviewed this ARC**
Oh my gosh I had so much fun reading this! It is jam packed with things going on, so the plot never drags. There are some hilarious, laugh out loud moments. The multiple mysteries were intriguing, and I had fun trying to put all the pieces together.
Oh my gosh I had so much fun reading this! It is jam packed with things going on, so the plot never drags. There are some hilarious, laugh out loud moments. The multiple mysteries were intriguing, and I had fun trying to put all the pieces together.
April 17, 2020
This was a quick listen! I played it while doing things around the house and just kept working because I didn't want to turn it off! I felt invested in the mystery..in fact, this one had several things going on! I've read several books lately with multiple mysteries happening and am enjoying them. The main characters (sisters Mallory and Rachel) are fun and likable. They make the books better :-)
September 9, 2020
Meh. This one is between two and three stars for me, but I had a lot going on in my life when I read it so rounded up to give the benefit of the doubt, though I am unconvinced that the book earned this benefit.
The plot was interesting-ish, but difficult to pick out from among all of the other things going on in this book. Additionally, some parts were almost word-for-word repetitive so that I had to double check that my e-book reader had not accidentally skipped backward on me.
A pet peeve of mine that occurs too often in this book is that I really hate it when an author assumes that I, as the reader, am an idiot and so over-explains things to me, as Blackmoore does here. For example, two brothers are both after Rachel. Rachel chooses one over the other. In one scene the one not chosen 'gives a frosty hello' to the couple before heading back to work. Blackmoore then writes "...it bothered him [the rejected brother] to see his older brother sweep Rachel off her feet". Well, duh, Blackmoore thank you for explaining that as if I were completely unable to understand basic human emotions. In another example, literally every time the cats are mentioned, Blackmoore also notes that Whiskey is a calico and Soda a ginger cat. Every...single...time, each...and...every...one.... UGH! Aside from hating it that the author thinks I am a moron, the book would have been a much better read without these over-explaining moments that just added words, tedious words that otherwise contribute nothing to the book.
After that things that bothered me:
>how is almost killing someone "a prank"?!?
>why, when someone is vandalizing a home do the people not look for vandals?
>more to the point, why is it assumed ghosts rather than vandals?
-even after the police find muddy footprints indicating human, too many of the characters still argue adamantly in favour of ghosts.
-why?!?!?
>could someone please tell Mallory, and Blackmoore, that when someone is asking for a bribe they are **soliciting** a bribe NOT "offering" it
-offering a bribe is literally the other way around
>what was up with repeatedly saying 'the wedding is the day after Hallowe'en instead of, you know, NOVEMBER 1ST?
-the one time it was acknowledged even then "the first day of November" instead of 'November 1st'
>Mallory spends so much time moaning and groaning about how little time they have but then also goes running around investigating and interviewing people instead of getting things done for the wedding
>Why do they not have asters in the fall?
-asters bloom in the fall, everyone knows that; it's in crossword puzzles
-New England asters grow in Pennsylvania and are - wait for it - purple!
-5 sec. of googling told me that
-how did it not tell Blackmoore that?
>Seriously, adults not just giving each other the silent treatment but also involving a teenager in the triangulation of 'tell so-and-so to pass the salt' tactics?
-even if they can't act like grown-ups at least they could not engage in abusive behaviours toward the kid
>if someone goes from "patient guide to Gordon Ramsey in a heartbeat" then NO that person is NOT a good teacher/mentor. That person is a bully.
>Adverbs, Blackmoore, there is a thing called adverbs. Seriously there is no secret as to how they are used adverbs add to the verb.
-adjectives, on the other hand, add to objects (aka noun)
-they are not at all interchangeable.
Aside from that, I did enjoy how Mallory and her family and friends were supportive of each other and worked together. I did also enjoy the plot when I could pick it out from everything else going on in this book.
Overall, the book was OK. I think I will try #3 and see where it goes, but if it's in the same direction as #2 then that might be it for me.
The plot was interesting-ish, but difficult to pick out from among all of the other things going on in this book. Additionally, some parts were almost word-for-word repetitive so that I had to double check that my e-book reader had not accidentally skipped backward on me.
A pet peeve of mine that occurs too often in this book is that I really hate it when an author assumes that I, as the reader, am an idiot and so over-explains things to me, as Blackmoore does here. For example, two brothers are both after Rachel. Rachel chooses one over the other. In one scene the one not chosen 'gives a frosty hello' to the couple before heading back to work. Blackmoore then writes "...it bothered him [the rejected brother] to see his older brother sweep Rachel off her feet". Well, duh, Blackmoore thank you for explaining that as if I were completely unable to understand basic human emotions. In another example, literally every time the cats are mentioned, Blackmoore also notes that Whiskey is a calico and Soda a ginger cat. Every...single...time, each...and...every...one.... UGH! Aside from hating it that the author thinks I am a moron, the book would have been a much better read without these over-explaining moments that just added words, tedious words that otherwise contribute nothing to the book.
After that things that bothered me:
>how is almost killing someone "a prank"?!?
>why, when someone is vandalizing a home do the people not look for vandals?
>more to the point, why is it assumed ghosts rather than vandals?
-even after the police find muddy footprints indicating human, too many of the characters still argue adamantly in favour of ghosts.
-why?!?!?
>could someone please tell Mallory, and Blackmoore, that when someone is asking for a bribe they are **soliciting** a bribe NOT "offering" it
-offering a bribe is literally the other way around
>what was up with repeatedly saying 'the wedding is the day after Hallowe'en instead of, you know, NOVEMBER 1ST?
-the one time it was acknowledged even then "the first day of November" instead of 'November 1st'
>Mallory spends so much time moaning and groaning about how little time they have but then also goes running around investigating and interviewing people instead of getting things done for the wedding
>Why do they not have asters in the fall?
-asters bloom in the fall, everyone knows that; it's in crossword puzzles
-New England asters grow in Pennsylvania and are - wait for it - purple!
-5 sec. of googling told me that
-how did it not tell Blackmoore that?
>Seriously, adults not just giving each other the silent treatment but also involving a teenager in the triangulation of 'tell so-and-so to pass the salt' tactics?
-even if they can't act like grown-ups at least they could not engage in abusive behaviours toward the kid
>if someone goes from "patient guide to Gordon Ramsey in a heartbeat" then NO that person is NOT a good teacher/mentor. That person is a bully.
>Adverbs, Blackmoore, there is a thing called adverbs. Seriously there is no secret as to how they are used adverbs add to the verb.
-adjectives, on the other hand, add to objects (aka noun)
-they are not at all interchangeable.
Aside from that, I did enjoy how Mallory and her family and friends were supportive of each other and worked together. I did also enjoy the plot when I could pick it out from everything else going on in this book.
Overall, the book was OK. I think I will try #3 and see where it goes, but if it's in the same direction as #2 then that might be it for me.
February 12, 2017
Murder Wears White is the second book in the "Wedding Planners Mystery" series. I thoroughly enjoyed this follow-up to Engaged To Murder. The action did not stop from the beginning to the end.
Mallory Shepard is looking forward to getting the renovations completed on her inherited home, Thistle Park. In the first book, she was bequeathed the home by the grandmother of her ex-fiancee. He was not happy to say the least and he is still trying to sabotage Mallory's new life in this book. Mallory's plan is to open a B&B as well as continue her Wedding Planning Business, using Thistle Park to host weddings. Whitney Scanlon, her first client and wedding is in the planning stages when the wedding date gets moved up due to the bride’s father's health. The contractor hopes he can get things done in time, but there are complications. It seems there might be a ghost on the premises who is sabotaging the work, stealing equipment and materials and scaring off the help. Mallory’s sister, Rachel, has asked Hunter Heywood of the Port Quincy Paranormal Society to come in to check for any ghosts in the home. At the same time, Whitney is having issues as well. She is getting anonymous notes and her room is trashed along with her wedding dress. Then there is the mystery of the murder twenty years earlier of Whitney's mother. The notes say, the person convicted is not guilty. Garrett, Mallory's beau, was the defense attorney in that case and he also feels Eugene is innocent. When there is a murder at Thistle Park, Mallory thinks everything is tied together and tries to solve the various mysteries. With the help of three Westies, Mallory puts herself in danger while trying to sort things out and save her not even opened business.
The author once again provides the reader with a well-plotted and told story with an enjoyable and believable cast of characters. Mallory's mother shows up in this book and she is a hoot. I enjoyed getting to know her. The relationship of Mallory and Garrett develops further in this book, yet in a slow and realistic way. I love how Mallory takes the bull by the horns and doesn't let her sister talk her into too much, but it is obvious the girls love each other and have a great relationship. A couple of the storylines were a little out there, but for the most part, the story was believable. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
Mallory Shepard is looking forward to getting the renovations completed on her inherited home, Thistle Park. In the first book, she was bequeathed the home by the grandmother of her ex-fiancee. He was not happy to say the least and he is still trying to sabotage Mallory's new life in this book. Mallory's plan is to open a B&B as well as continue her Wedding Planning Business, using Thistle Park to host weddings. Whitney Scanlon, her first client and wedding is in the planning stages when the wedding date gets moved up due to the bride’s father's health. The contractor hopes he can get things done in time, but there are complications. It seems there might be a ghost on the premises who is sabotaging the work, stealing equipment and materials and scaring off the help. Mallory’s sister, Rachel, has asked Hunter Heywood of the Port Quincy Paranormal Society to come in to check for any ghosts in the home. At the same time, Whitney is having issues as well. She is getting anonymous notes and her room is trashed along with her wedding dress. Then there is the mystery of the murder twenty years earlier of Whitney's mother. The notes say, the person convicted is not guilty. Garrett, Mallory's beau, was the defense attorney in that case and he also feels Eugene is innocent. When there is a murder at Thistle Park, Mallory thinks everything is tied together and tries to solve the various mysteries. With the help of three Westies, Mallory puts herself in danger while trying to sort things out and save her not even opened business.
The author once again provides the reader with a well-plotted and told story with an enjoyable and believable cast of characters. Mallory's mother shows up in this book and she is a hoot. I enjoyed getting to know her. The relationship of Mallory and Garrett develops further in this book, yet in a slow and realistic way. I love how Mallory takes the bull by the horns and doesn't let her sister talk her into too much, but it is obvious the girls love each other and have a great relationship. A couple of the storylines were a little out there, but for the most part, the story was believable. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
December 18, 2016
Renovations, a wedding, and a ghost??? This is all part of Murder Wears White, book two in the Wedding Planner Mystery series. We join Mallory as she is moving full force with renovations to open the bed and breakfast and host weddings. One of the brides asks to push up her wedding to accommodate her dying father. Mallory agrees and that is when this book really starts to flow.
We follow Mallory as she attempts to get the renovations done with odd happenings going on through out the jobs, trying to get the zoning switched to commercial, and dealing with running into her ex time and again. Through in an old murder that comes to light and you have the making of a great cozy.
I love the way the author writes the dynamic betweens characters. We have Mallory and Rachel, Mallory and Garrett, Mallory and her ex. All important to the story. The author makes the main character real, writes her emotions and thoughts in a way that is not over the top and very easy to relate to.
Overall this was an enjoyable easy read. The plot twists definitely keep you guessing throughout and the way the story comes together at the end has just enough detail to make it believable.
We follow Mallory as she attempts to get the renovations done with odd happenings going on through out the jobs, trying to get the zoning switched to commercial, and dealing with running into her ex time and again. Through in an old murder that comes to light and you have the making of a great cozy.
I love the way the author writes the dynamic betweens characters. We have Mallory and Rachel, Mallory and Garrett, Mallory and her ex. All important to the story. The author makes the main character real, writes her emotions and thoughts in a way that is not over the top and very easy to relate to.
Overall this was an enjoyable easy read. The plot twists definitely keep you guessing throughout and the way the story comes together at the end has just enough detail to make it believable.
January 1, 2017
Review was originally posted on The Writer's Inkwell
So this is one of those books that has left me really torn about how I feel about it. It's been a few months since I read the premiere book for this series and it took me a minute to reconnect the storyline in my head. Mallory is moving forward with her plans to renovate Thistle Park into a B&B and with the help of her friends and sister, she's hoping to get it all finished in time to host a wedding. For someone reason, I didn't connect with Mallory in this book. I feel that hindered my ability to move from liking the book to loving it. But the book itself suffered from something else that hindered my opinion of it... too many plot lines.
I'm a firm believer that less is more and though I know a lot of books feature a main plot or two and a side plot or two, this one seemed to feature at least a half dozen plot lines. Some of them converge over time, but I constantly felt like I was jumping from one story line to another. It was kind of distracting and though I like how the plot lines worked out, I felt a few of them could have been saved for future books. For example, it was not necessary to introduce Garrett's ex in this book. This and the plot line or two that it connect to, could have been used in the next book. I suppose this is just a personal preference, but I wish there had been more focus on Lois' death and the crime from the past.
Overall, I like the series and I know that second books tend to struggle to live up to its predecessor. Regardless of my personal wish for more focus and less story lines, I look forward to reading the next book in the series and I can't wait to see what kind of trouble the residents of Port Quincy stir up next time!
Reviewer's note: I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
So this is one of those books that has left me really torn about how I feel about it. It's been a few months since I read the premiere book for this series and it took me a minute to reconnect the storyline in my head. Mallory is moving forward with her plans to renovate Thistle Park into a B&B and with the help of her friends and sister, she's hoping to get it all finished in time to host a wedding. For someone reason, I didn't connect with Mallory in this book. I feel that hindered my ability to move from liking the book to loving it. But the book itself suffered from something else that hindered my opinion of it... too many plot lines.
I'm a firm believer that less is more and though I know a lot of books feature a main plot or two and a side plot or two, this one seemed to feature at least a half dozen plot lines. Some of them converge over time, but I constantly felt like I was jumping from one story line to another. It was kind of distracting and though I like how the plot lines worked out, I felt a few of them could have been saved for future books. For example, it was not necessary to introduce Garrett's ex in this book. This and the plot line or two that it connect to, could have been used in the next book. I suppose this is just a personal preference, but I wish there had been more focus on Lois' death and the crime from the past.
Overall, I like the series and I know that second books tend to struggle to live up to its predecessor. Regardless of my personal wish for more focus and less story lines, I look forward to reading the next book in the series and I can't wait to see what kind of trouble the residents of Port Quincy stir up next time!
Reviewer's note: I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2016
Murder Wears White is the second installment in the Wedding Planner Mystery series featuring Mallory Shephard. Mallory and her sister Rachel are hard at work renovating Thistle Park, the home they inherited in Port Quincy, PA into a B & B and wedding venue.
Contractor Jesse Flowers and his crew have their hands full with the remodel as it seems there is something else that needs repair around every corner. Jesse's scooter riding mother Delilah "the witch on wheels" is determined to dog his every move and to make matters worse someone is sabotaging the repairs and stealing tools. Thistle Park is rumored to have a resident ghost, Evelyn McGavitt and with all of the mysterious activity in the house there is no choice but to call in Hunter Heyward and the Port Quincy Paranormal Society.
Whitney Scanlon has booked Thistle Park for her wedding in eight months, but she comes to Mal and begs her to move the wedding up so that her dying father can be there for the ceremony. Despite her misgivings Mal agrees and soon finds herself and her family thrust into an old murder investigation, a new murder investigation, battles with the Planning Commission, a reality ghost hunting show and the nightmare relationship between her ex fiancée Keith Pierce and his new bride to be Becca Cunningham.
A fast paced storyline with a well thought out plot that will have you guessing whodunit until the very end. A great cast of characters will have you laughing out loud with just the right touch of romance and a delightful group of troublemaking pets.
I received an advanced copy of Murder Wears White from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
Contractor Jesse Flowers and his crew have their hands full with the remodel as it seems there is something else that needs repair around every corner. Jesse's scooter riding mother Delilah "the witch on wheels" is determined to dog his every move and to make matters worse someone is sabotaging the repairs and stealing tools. Thistle Park is rumored to have a resident ghost, Evelyn McGavitt and with all of the mysterious activity in the house there is no choice but to call in Hunter Heyward and the Port Quincy Paranormal Society.
Whitney Scanlon has booked Thistle Park for her wedding in eight months, but she comes to Mal and begs her to move the wedding up so that her dying father can be there for the ceremony. Despite her misgivings Mal agrees and soon finds herself and her family thrust into an old murder investigation, a new murder investigation, battles with the Planning Commission, a reality ghost hunting show and the nightmare relationship between her ex fiancée Keith Pierce and his new bride to be Becca Cunningham.
A fast paced storyline with a well thought out plot that will have you guessing whodunit until the very end. A great cast of characters will have you laughing out loud with just the right touch of romance and a delightful group of troublemaking pets.
I received an advanced copy of Murder Wears White from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
January 10, 2017
Book 2 in the series. It was just okay.
What I did like: Mallory's family and the way they all worked together. I love the location and the concept.
What I didn't like: Too much going on! Instead of a relaxing read, I felt like I was running to catch up all the time. And some of it just felt forced. "Ooo, we have a ghost. Call in a paranormal team!" Because it's not just vandalism?? (By the way, vandalism that nearly kills someone is NOT a prank...) My mind would have gone straight to, "How is someone getting into my building?" not "It's a GHOST!" and I love ghost stories, but this was just too silly.
All in all, the things I liked are enough to get me to read the next in the series. It just needs a bit of tightening up, rather than running in every direction.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via NetGalley.
What I did like: Mallory's family and the way they all worked together. I love the location and the concept.
What I didn't like: Too much going on! Instead of a relaxing read, I felt like I was running to catch up all the time. And some of it just felt forced. "Ooo, we have a ghost. Call in a paranormal team!" Because it's not just vandalism?? (By the way, vandalism that nearly kills someone is NOT a prank...) My mind would have gone straight to, "How is someone getting into my building?" not "It's a GHOST!" and I love ghost stories, but this was just too silly.
All in all, the things I liked are enough to get me to read the next in the series. It just needs a bit of tightening up, rather than running in every direction.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via NetGalley.
April 2, 2019
Although this is the second book in the series, I read it much later than the other books (out onloan) so by the time I picked it up I wasn’t all that taken with this instalment in the series.
The budding relationship with Garrett is sweet, especially since his daughter is his top priority, and has befriended Mallory and her sister, Rachel. However, while I like Mallory and her escapades with the budding B&B/wedding scenario, her sister Rachel really gets on my nerves. Yes, she’s friendly and perky. She’s a wonderful cook, and pulls her weight there... yet she can be so completely selfish and manipulative at times. I just wish she’d take a long vacation.
I really didn’t enjoy the whole paranormal element mixed in with the whole rush to complete the renovations before the first wedding plot device. It just made this a big ‘ol mess.
2 stars
2 stars.
The budding relationship with Garrett is sweet, especially since his daughter is his top priority, and has befriended Mallory and her sister, Rachel. However, while I like Mallory and her escapades with the budding B&B/wedding scenario, her sister Rachel really gets on my nerves. Yes, she’s friendly and perky. She’s a wonderful cook, and pulls her weight there... yet she can be so completely selfish and manipulative at times. I just wish she’d take a long vacation.
I really didn’t enjoy the whole paranormal element mixed in with the whole rush to complete the renovations before the first wedding plot device. It just made this a big ‘ol mess.
2 stars
2 stars.
July 17, 2018
2.75 stars. It started well, but there were to many sub-plots that didn't work properly, and it really needed editing for non-sequiturs, inconsitencies & improbability. Small spoiler alert: given how litigious America is, it's highly unlikely that a person would be diagnosed as having a "mystery Illness" and given 8 months to live, when any competent doctor would pick up symptoms of arsenic poisoning.
January 21, 2018
Loved the first A Wedding Planner Mystery and Murder Wears White is just as good. I admit as must of the tension came from wondering if things would work out as from the mystery but that is because Stephanie Blackmoore made me care about the characters.
The one negative I found is that one secondary characters felt created just for the purpose of tying together certain elements. The situation was adequately presented but did not blend as well as other elements. It wasn't a major detraction and I still really enjoyed the book look forward to the next on.
The one negative I found is that one secondary characters felt created just for the purpose of tying together certain elements. The situation was adequately presented but did not blend as well as other elements. It wasn't a major detraction and I still really enjoyed the book look forward to the next on.
June 5, 2020
There was a lot going on in this one. It kind of turned into what else can happen to Mallory in 300 pages. But it was an enjoyable read, a good mystery (well, several actually) and a great second book in the series. The characters are a lot of fun (especially the Westies in this one) and the setting is charming. I look forward to continuing with Mallory and company.
December 26, 2023
Murder Wears White is the second in the Wedding Planner Mystery series. I found this series a while ago at random and it's actually a good one! The second in the series didn't let me down. The ex is just terrible. I'd like him to be the next murder, to be honest. But the mystery was a fun one and I look forward to the next one!
June 25, 2017
Enjoyed this mystery but I wonder why the author wrote in so many different smaller mysteries. There was a lot happening through out the story. I am glad the author added some information about Helene and Keith into this story. I hope to see more about these two and each get their due in time. I will read additional books in this series.
March 12, 2023
I am really enjoying this series! I love the author’s descriptions and her humor. She does an amazing job developing the characters and their unique personalities. The only thing that I don’t like is the random bad language that shows up sometimes.
August 25, 2019
This was a good read. Mallory is the owner of a B&B and hosting her first wedding there. All is set to go then someone ends up dead. This family already has a deadly past. Now Mallory is sure that the man who is jail for the murder is actually innocent. However, the real killer wants her to stay out. Of course she doesn't and by the end she gets into trouble but like always she finds the killer.
February 5, 2017
This is the second book in the Wedding Planner Mystery series and it is just as enjoyable as the first book in the series. This book picks up shortly after the first. Mallory is trying to finish restoring the house and get approval to turn it into a bed and breakfast. Her first wedding client needs to move up the date of her wedding several months and of course from there everything just falls apart.
The characters in this story are fun. Mallory is independent and warm-hearted. I love the sibling relationship that Ms. Blackmoore writes between Mallory and Rachel. It is real and heartfelt. Some of the characters from the first book are back, including Garrett as he and Mallory continue to explore a potential romantic relationship. However, there are some great new characters that the reader will love including some canine characters.
There is a lot going on in this book with several smaller mysteries that are solved along with the main mystery surrounding the murder of the bride's aunt and how it might have ties to the murder of her mother years earlier. I think the author did a wonderful weaving all of the mysteries together solving them each at a different point in the story but leading up to a climatic reveal of the killer. I enjoy this series and will be back for the third book.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book provided by the publisher through Netgalley. This did not influence my opinion and the thoughts expressed are my own.
The characters in this story are fun. Mallory is independent and warm-hearted. I love the sibling relationship that Ms. Blackmoore writes between Mallory and Rachel. It is real and heartfelt. Some of the characters from the first book are back, including Garrett as he and Mallory continue to explore a potential romantic relationship. However, there are some great new characters that the reader will love including some canine characters.
There is a lot going on in this book with several smaller mysteries that are solved along with the main mystery surrounding the murder of the bride's aunt and how it might have ties to the murder of her mother years earlier. I think the author did a wonderful weaving all of the mysteries together solving them each at a different point in the story but leading up to a climatic reveal of the killer. I enjoy this series and will be back for the third book.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book provided by the publisher through Netgalley. This did not influence my opinion and the thoughts expressed are my own.
March 10, 2017
Murder, and ghosts, and bribes, oh my!! That's what you'll get in this new Wedding Planner mystery by Stephanie Blackmoore!
Mallory Shepard's wedding planning business has hit some bumps. She now has less time to plan a large wedding, the planning committee might not allow her to open her B&B, and it looks like she has ghosts haunting her house! What's more, people are getting strange letters having to do with the bride-to-be's long ago murdered mother. Does Mallory have a ghost of a chance in straightening this mess out? Or will her dreams for her business die a horrific death like the ones that have unfortunately sprung up in Port Quincy?
I really enjoyed this book and am eagerly anticipating the next in the series!
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley.
Mallory Shepard's wedding planning business has hit some bumps. She now has less time to plan a large wedding, the planning committee might not allow her to open her B&B, and it looks like she has ghosts haunting her house! What's more, people are getting strange letters having to do with the bride-to-be's long ago murdered mother. Does Mallory have a ghost of a chance in straightening this mess out? Or will her dreams for her business die a horrific death like the ones that have unfortunately sprung up in Port Quincy?
I really enjoyed this book and am eagerly anticipating the next in the series!
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley.
January 29, 2024
I like the characters but wow so many sub plots.
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