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Crime of Fashion #1
Killer Hair
In the first Crime of Fashion mystery, fashion reporter Lacey Smithsonian tackles a deadly fashion crime in Washington, D.C., "The City Fashion Forgot." A beautiful dead hairstylist, a straight razor, a horrendously bad haircut: The cops call it an open-and-shut case of suicide, but Lacey's subtle style instincts (and her punk hairstylist, Stella) all say it's murder. Amid ditzy diva stylists, a fog of D.C. scandals and conspiracies, and a wave of "assisted" suicides, Lacey must tease out the twisted truth before she becomes the victim of the Capital City's next fatal coiffure, assisted by her unstoppable stylist, a short-circuited psychic, and the one man she thought she'd never have a second chance with. And they say a bad haircut can't kill you--or can it?
276 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2003
43 people are currently reading
2284 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Byerrum
24 books322 followersEllen Byerrum was a Washington, D.C., news reporter, now a novelist and playwright. In the interest of research, she also earned a Virginia private investigator's registration. She has written comic mysteries, a thriller, a middle grade mystery, and a children's rhyming picture book.
Most recently, she published the 1940s prequel to her Crime of Fashion Mysteries, THE BRIEF LUMINOUS FLIGHT OF THE FIREFLY, starring Mimi Smith, a young woman from out west who goes to Washington, DC to do her part for the war effort.
Her Crime of Fashion mysteries star a savvy, stylish sleuth: Lacey Smithsonian, a reluctant fashion reporter in Washington D.C., "The City Fashion Forgot."
Lacey would rather be working "hard news," but her nose for nuance, eye for a great story, and talent for getting into trouble make her the right reporter for the Crimes of Fashion beat. In her vintage suits and killer heels, she trips over fashion clues, fabulous shoes, dangerous women, drop-dead men, and of course the occasional corpse (who wouldn't be caught dead dressed like that).
Most recently, she published the 1940s prequel to her Crime of Fashion Mysteries, THE BRIEF LUMINOUS FLIGHT OF THE FIREFLY, starring Mimi Smith, a young woman from out west who goes to Washington, DC to do her part for the war effort.
Her Crime of Fashion mysteries star a savvy, stylish sleuth: Lacey Smithsonian, a reluctant fashion reporter in Washington D.C., "The City Fashion Forgot."
Lacey would rather be working "hard news," but her nose for nuance, eye for a great story, and talent for getting into trouble make her the right reporter for the Crimes of Fashion beat. In her vintage suits and killer heels, she trips over fashion clues, fabulous shoes, dangerous women, drop-dead men, and of course the occasional corpse (who wouldn't be caught dead dressed like that).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
November 26, 2018
The first in a series featuring DC reporter Lacey Smithsonian, this is a good story that has Lacey investigating the murder of an up-and-coming hair stylist. The police insist it was suicide, but Lacey and her friend who worked with the victim know otherwise. When two more murders take place and Lacey's life is threatened, she pulls out all the stops to find the killer, which she does.
July 2, 2010
Ellen Byerrum writes smart, funny, sophisticated mysteries, the kind of books that would be perfect for a movie. Don’t take my word for it, two A-list Hollywood producers thought exactly the same thing.
When the vivacious Ms. Byerrum pitched KILLER HAIR and HOSTILE MAKEOVER to Rona Edward and Monika Skerbelis of Lifetime Television, she had only five minutes to plead her case. Luckily, Ms. Byrerrum, a Washington DC reporter and novelist, is both charming and persuasive, a woman who can think on her feet.
Plus she had a terrific product to pitch. Who wouldn’t like a mystery with a heroine like Lacey Smithsonian? With six titles in the enormously successful series by Penguin Obsidian, Ms. Byerrum has demonstrated a deft hand at creating witty dialogue, compelling characters and intriguing plots. The Penguin series is delightful, the Lifetime deal is just the icing on the cake. Everyone dreams of a movie deal but Ellen Byerrum made it happen. Here’s the inside story of her journey to the silver screen..
People ask me how much I had to do with the movies, and they (sweetly) think it was a lot. In reality, the only real input I had was my books. I had to hope they would use the book as a blueprint for the movies. I didn’t have any say in the actors selected or any aspects of the production.
Do the movies express my vision? Not exactly. They can’t, because movies are the result of a collaboration, in which each person wants to make their mark, and a book expresses a singular vision. As a playwright, I’ve worked with actors and directors who can bring unexpected interpretation and depth to your work.
The book writer takes the chance that a film of her work will interest people in reading the books—the entire series. And I have heard from a lot of people who discovered the books through the movies.
What do I think of the films? The Lifetime movies are fun, fast paced, well directed, and feature an attractive cast with great chemistry and charm.
How did I react when I saw the movies? I could tell every line that wasn’t mine, and there were changes that I found baffling. The films are girlier than my books, and there is a lot of giggling I didn’t recognize.
What did the movies leave out? A lot! They’re a very edited version of the books. In the books, fashion reporter Lacey Smithsonian finds inspiration for her personal style from a treasure trove of vintage dresses and patterns from the 1940s in an old trunk she inherited from her Great-Aunt Mimi. The trunk and the vintage fashions also help lead her to the solution of crimes. But Aunt Mimi’s trunk was not in the movie, and of course, I heard from dozens of readers about what the films left out. Their top complaint—Aunt Mimi’s missing trunk.
One plus of having your books made into TV films. Television doesn’t have the time to change everything about a book, the way a major motion picture might. Therefore, you have a much better chance to see a lot of your story make it to the screen.
My cameo appearance during the D.C. photo shoot. I can’t deny it was an ego boost that my friends and relatives were so impressed with my cameo in Killer Hair. I got to walk briskly past the White House and in front of Maggie Lawson and Victor Webster who play Lacey Smithsonian and Vic Donovan. One of my cousins said they just kept playing that scene over and over. Sadly, I did not have a cameo in Hostile Makeover.
Lights, camera, action! Would I consider having more of my books turned into movies? Absolutely.
When the vivacious Ms. Byerrum pitched KILLER HAIR and HOSTILE MAKEOVER to Rona Edward and Monika Skerbelis of Lifetime Television, she had only five minutes to plead her case. Luckily, Ms. Byrerrum, a Washington DC reporter and novelist, is both charming and persuasive, a woman who can think on her feet.
Plus she had a terrific product to pitch. Who wouldn’t like a mystery with a heroine like Lacey Smithsonian? With six titles in the enormously successful series by Penguin Obsidian, Ms. Byerrum has demonstrated a deft hand at creating witty dialogue, compelling characters and intriguing plots. The Penguin series is delightful, the Lifetime deal is just the icing on the cake. Everyone dreams of a movie deal but Ellen Byerrum made it happen. Here’s the inside story of her journey to the silver screen..
People ask me how much I had to do with the movies, and they (sweetly) think it was a lot. In reality, the only real input I had was my books. I had to hope they would use the book as a blueprint for the movies. I didn’t have any say in the actors selected or any aspects of the production.
Do the movies express my vision? Not exactly. They can’t, because movies are the result of a collaboration, in which each person wants to make their mark, and a book expresses a singular vision. As a playwright, I’ve worked with actors and directors who can bring unexpected interpretation and depth to your work.
The book writer takes the chance that a film of her work will interest people in reading the books—the entire series. And I have heard from a lot of people who discovered the books through the movies.
What do I think of the films? The Lifetime movies are fun, fast paced, well directed, and feature an attractive cast with great chemistry and charm.
How did I react when I saw the movies? I could tell every line that wasn’t mine, and there were changes that I found baffling. The films are girlier than my books, and there is a lot of giggling I didn’t recognize.
What did the movies leave out? A lot! They’re a very edited version of the books. In the books, fashion reporter Lacey Smithsonian finds inspiration for her personal style from a treasure trove of vintage dresses and patterns from the 1940s in an old trunk she inherited from her Great-Aunt Mimi. The trunk and the vintage fashions also help lead her to the solution of crimes. But Aunt Mimi’s trunk was not in the movie, and of course, I heard from dozens of readers about what the films left out. Their top complaint—Aunt Mimi’s missing trunk.
One plus of having your books made into TV films. Television doesn’t have the time to change everything about a book, the way a major motion picture might. Therefore, you have a much better chance to see a lot of your story make it to the screen.
My cameo appearance during the D.C. photo shoot. I can’t deny it was an ego boost that my friends and relatives were so impressed with my cameo in Killer Hair. I got to walk briskly past the White House and in front of Maggie Lawson and Victor Webster who play Lacey Smithsonian and Vic Donovan. One of my cousins said they just kept playing that scene over and over. Sadly, I did not have a cameo in Hostile Makeover.
Lights, camera, action! Would I consider having more of my books turned into movies? Absolutely.
July 1, 2015
This is one of those books that was exactly what I needed when I read it. Life was stressful, and I wanted to read something but nothing that required tons of attention and concentration. This filled the bill and was entertaining as well.
Lacey Smithsonian (her grandfather changed the name from simply Smith) writes a fashion column for a relatively unknown Washington DC newspaper. When a stylist at the salon she goes to is found dead, the police are content to think it's suicide, but Lacey's stylist Stella feels sure that the girl was murdered. She knows Lacey has some contacts, and asks her to investigate. Though reluctant at first, she starts to get more involved and pretty soon she discovers some interesting things going on with some of the people involved with the salon and its owners.
When another woman is killed in the same way, Lacey finds herself deeper into the mystery and the investigation. She gets closer and closer to finding the killer, at great risk to herself.
I enjoyed this book, not just because it was an entertaining mystery, but because of the observations about life in DC and the people who live there. I lived in DC for seven years, and knew exactly the types she was talking about, as well as the locations she described, even if they had fictional names.
If you want a quick, enjoyable read, you might enjoy this one.
Lacey Smithsonian (her grandfather changed the name from simply Smith) writes a fashion column for a relatively unknown Washington DC newspaper. When a stylist at the salon she goes to is found dead, the police are content to think it's suicide, but Lacey's stylist Stella feels sure that the girl was murdered. She knows Lacey has some contacts, and asks her to investigate. Though reluctant at first, she starts to get more involved and pretty soon she discovers some interesting things going on with some of the people involved with the salon and its owners.
When another woman is killed in the same way, Lacey finds herself deeper into the mystery and the investigation. She gets closer and closer to finding the killer, at great risk to herself.
I enjoyed this book, not just because it was an entertaining mystery, but because of the observations about life in DC and the people who live there. I lived in DC for seven years, and knew exactly the types she was talking about, as well as the locations she described, even if they had fictional names.
If you want a quick, enjoyable read, you might enjoy this one.
August 28, 2010
Killer Hair was the reason I picked up the book. Me, a hairdresser and all things lover of hair...was HOOKED with catch phrases like "A Shear Delight" on the cover and made me even more excited to read it. I liked the main character, but was sad how cliche the hairdresser characters were. Yes we are arrogant, and Dizzy, but dammit we could solve crimes too if asked?? We are smart can read between the lines, AND WE CAN READ. The part about the hairdressers loving Coke was right on. At least the manager Stella is on the ball enough to KNOW this is a mystery. She totally turns it over to a wannabe fashionista who writes a column for a news paper. There were parts where I knew this was an older lady writing "young hip" lingo for a fashion column but I enjoyed it. My personal hair knowledge and know how aside this was fun little read and ANY wannabe fashionista would eat this up (like I did). I did give this 3 stars because I am stilled pissed about the hairdressers, but you can bet that I will see the MADE FOR LIFETIME MOVIE and read the second book in the series.
March 26, 2013
The first book in any series has a lot of work to do. It has to introduce the detective, their milieu, the people who occupy their lives on a daily basis, and the hook of the series. This one, staring Lacey Smithsonian (no relation), had a doozie of a set-up. Lacey works as a fashion columnist in Washington D.C., the city that fashion forgot. In the starter, good friend Stella ropes Lacey to investigate the death of a fellow beautician. This leads her to a madam under investigation, a messy divorce and a few more bodies. Does Lacey solve it, of course. How, by noticing the small details in clothing and hair that reveal character. A good start to a fun series.
April 20, 2011
Nice easy read. Fun mix of zany characters. The main difficulty I had with this book was--the killer was barely mentioned in the book.
And, as a resident of the DC metropolitan area--I really hate to agree with her description of the area as being "fashion challenged." Altho, I do admit, there are quite a few politicos who ARE.
And, as a resident of the DC metropolitan area--I really hate to agree with her description of the area as being "fashion challenged." Altho, I do admit, there are quite a few politicos who ARE.
November 29, 2010
I am addicted to this series. It's a guilty pleasure. The mystery isn't terribly complex, but it is enjoyable none-the-less. The characters are wonderfully vivid; they make the book. Lacey's humor makes the book laugh-out-loud funny. The vintage clothing descriptions are fun too.
May 1, 2013
Fun way to begin the Lacey Smithsonian series. Love the DC setting and the intrepid curious reporter Lacey Smithsonian.
January 12, 2017
Zacznijmy od tego, że ‘Zabójcze cięcie’ nie jest zaliczane do lektury obowiązkowej. Z pewnością ta książka nie zmieni waszego życia i nie spowoduje nagłych przemyśleń (no chyba, że uwielbiacie modę). Ta książka przede wszystkim ma nas rozluźnić i oderwać nasze myśli od spraw codziennego życia.
Lacey poznajemy podczas uroczystości pogrzebowej niejakiej Angie Woods, fryzjerki, która odmieniła wizerunek pracownicy Kongresu zamieszanej w nie mały skandal. Jest tylko jeden problem Angie nie żyje. Policja w Waszyngtonie jest marna. Podcięcie sobie szyi – zostaje uznane za samobójstwo. Wszystko było by możliwe, gdyby nie fakt, że brakuje racjonalnego wytłumaczenia, dlaczego to zrobiła i przede wszystkim, dlaczego obcięła swoje długie, blond włosy? I jeszcze jedno pytanie: gdzie te włosy się podziały?
Lacey za namową swojej przyjaciółki i jednocześnie fryzjerki Stelli, rozpoczyna prywatne śledztwo mające na celu udowodnienie mało inteligentnym stróżom prawa w Waszyngtonie, że śmierć Woods to morderstwo. Z tego wychodzi też morał taki, że po prostu nigdy nie przyjaźnij się ze swoją zwariowaną fryzjerką, bo jeśli się na coś nie zgodzisz przy najbliższym strzyżeniu możesz nagle wyjść z fioletowymi włosami zamiast brązowymi. Warto poświęcić trochę czasu Stelli, która jest bardzo zwariowaną osobą, a jednocześnie kierowniczką salonu, w którym pracowała Angie. Stella nie wierzy w morderstwo. Jest przekonana, że Angie za bardzo kochała życie (i swoje włosy) by odebrać sobie życie i oszpecić się tak na ostatnią drogę. Zdradzając kilka szczegółów swojej przyjaciółce podpowiada jej, kto może być potencjalnym mordercą.
Angie Woods zasłynęła, gdy wyczarowała cudowną fryzurę skandalistce z Kongresu. Jednak skoro w całą sprawę zamieszana jest prokuratura to czy Marcia Robinson siedząc na fotelu fryzjerskim nie wygadała czegoś ważnego i nie spowodowała nagle, że Angie stała się jej wrogiem numer jeden, który mógłby ją pogrążyć? Co kryje się za osobą Marci?
Kolejnym podejrzanym jest nie, jaki Leo… Sam Leo. Nie Leonardo. Wielki guru, który czuje się urażony zawsze, gdy jedna z jego klientek idzie do innego fryzjera, bo on z powodu swoich złych dni nie ma dla niej czasu. Gdy już zrozpaczona kobieta wraca z kompletną katastrofą na głowie (lub też całkiem dobrą fryzurą) do Leo marny jest jej los. Zadufany w sobie Leo nie wybacza zdrady. Jest bezlitosny i daje nauczki na całe życie. Kolejna ważna rzecz: nigdy nie zmieniaj fryzjera nawet, jeśli twój nie ma dla ciebie czasu, no chyba, że włosy są ci nie miłe. Na dodatek do właśnie Leo miał strzyc Marcie, ale nie miał dla niej czasu, bo coś mu wypadło. Czyżby zazdrosny o sukces koleżanki chciał się jej pozbyć, by tuż pod jego nosem nie wyrosła nowa gwiazda salonu?
Ale czym byłby kryminał bez podejrzanego w postaci szefa? Boyd, Radfors, który jest szefem Stylettos, jest w trakcie rozwodu ze swoją żoną, ale wszyscy wiedzą, że uwielbia sypiać ze swoimi pracownicami. Każda, która uda się z nim do łóżka ma spore szanse na zostanie nową kierowniczką, gdy tylko gdzieś zostanie otworzony nowy salon. Angie również dostała taką propozycję, ale z niej nie skorzystała. Czyżby zranione ego doprowadziło Boyda, zwanego przez pracownice Szczurkiem, do morderstwa?
No, ale czym byłby lekki, miły i przyjemny kryminał bez drobnego wątku miłosnego? Niczym. Jasne, że niczym. Plus dla autorki jest taki, że po prostu cała uwaga Lacey skupiona była na morderstwie, a nie na mężczyźnie, który nagle pojawił się ponownie w jej życiu. Co prawda Vic Donovan pojawia się cały czas w myślach Lacey, ale też nie jest tak, że cały wątek miłosny dominuje w książce. Czegoś takiego nie ma i to jest właśnie dobre, bo nie czuje się człowiek zmęczony. Zresztą nawet główni bohaterowie nie wiedzą, co do siebie czują.
Podsumowując powieść dobra na rozluźnienie i dla kogoś, kto lubi zagadki kryminalne, bo mnie osobiście morderca zaszokował.
„Niestety, życiowy sukces nie zależy od dowcipu i eleganckich strojów.” ~ Ellen Byerrum, Zabójcze cięcie, Warszawa 2011, s. 174.
Lacey poznajemy podczas uroczystości pogrzebowej niejakiej Angie Woods, fryzjerki, która odmieniła wizerunek pracownicy Kongresu zamieszanej w nie mały skandal. Jest tylko jeden problem Angie nie żyje. Policja w Waszyngtonie jest marna. Podcięcie sobie szyi – zostaje uznane za samobójstwo. Wszystko było by możliwe, gdyby nie fakt, że brakuje racjonalnego wytłumaczenia, dlaczego to zrobiła i przede wszystkim, dlaczego obcięła swoje długie, blond włosy? I jeszcze jedno pytanie: gdzie te włosy się podziały?
Lacey za namową swojej przyjaciółki i jednocześnie fryzjerki Stelli, rozpoczyna prywatne śledztwo mające na celu udowodnienie mało inteligentnym stróżom prawa w Waszyngtonie, że śmierć Woods to morderstwo. Z tego wychodzi też morał taki, że po prostu nigdy nie przyjaźnij się ze swoją zwariowaną fryzjerką, bo jeśli się na coś nie zgodzisz przy najbliższym strzyżeniu możesz nagle wyjść z fioletowymi włosami zamiast brązowymi. Warto poświęcić trochę czasu Stelli, która jest bardzo zwariowaną osobą, a jednocześnie kierowniczką salonu, w którym pracowała Angie. Stella nie wierzy w morderstwo. Jest przekonana, że Angie za bardzo kochała życie (i swoje włosy) by odebrać sobie życie i oszpecić się tak na ostatnią drogę. Zdradzając kilka szczegółów swojej przyjaciółce podpowiada jej, kto może być potencjalnym mordercą.
Angie Woods zasłynęła, gdy wyczarowała cudowną fryzurę skandalistce z Kongresu. Jednak skoro w całą sprawę zamieszana jest prokuratura to czy Marcia Robinson siedząc na fotelu fryzjerskim nie wygadała czegoś ważnego i nie spowodowała nagle, że Angie stała się jej wrogiem numer jeden, który mógłby ją pogrążyć? Co kryje się za osobą Marci?
Kolejnym podejrzanym jest nie, jaki Leo… Sam Leo. Nie Leonardo. Wielki guru, który czuje się urażony zawsze, gdy jedna z jego klientek idzie do innego fryzjera, bo on z powodu swoich złych dni nie ma dla niej czasu. Gdy już zrozpaczona kobieta wraca z kompletną katastrofą na głowie (lub też całkiem dobrą fryzurą) do Leo marny jest jej los. Zadufany w sobie Leo nie wybacza zdrady. Jest bezlitosny i daje nauczki na całe życie. Kolejna ważna rzecz: nigdy nie zmieniaj fryzjera nawet, jeśli twój nie ma dla ciebie czasu, no chyba, że włosy są ci nie miłe. Na dodatek do właśnie Leo miał strzyc Marcie, ale nie miał dla niej czasu, bo coś mu wypadło. Czyżby zazdrosny o sukces koleżanki chciał się jej pozbyć, by tuż pod jego nosem nie wyrosła nowa gwiazda salonu?
Ale czym byłby kryminał bez podejrzanego w postaci szefa? Boyd, Radfors, który jest szefem Stylettos, jest w trakcie rozwodu ze swoją żoną, ale wszyscy wiedzą, że uwielbia sypiać ze swoimi pracownicami. Każda, która uda się z nim do łóżka ma spore szanse na zostanie nową kierowniczką, gdy tylko gdzieś zostanie otworzony nowy salon. Angie również dostała taką propozycję, ale z niej nie skorzystała. Czyżby zranione ego doprowadziło Boyda, zwanego przez pracownice Szczurkiem, do morderstwa?
No, ale czym byłby lekki, miły i przyjemny kryminał bez drobnego wątku miłosnego? Niczym. Jasne, że niczym. Plus dla autorki jest taki, że po prostu cała uwaga Lacey skupiona była na morderstwie, a nie na mężczyźnie, który nagle pojawił się ponownie w jej życiu. Co prawda Vic Donovan pojawia się cały czas w myślach Lacey, ale też nie jest tak, że cały wątek miłosny dominuje w książce. Czegoś takiego nie ma i to jest właśnie dobre, bo nie czuje się człowiek zmęczony. Zresztą nawet główni bohaterowie nie wiedzą, co do siebie czują.
Podsumowując powieść dobra na rozluźnienie i dla kogoś, kto lubi zagadki kryminalne, bo mnie osobiście morderca zaszokował.
„Niestety, życiowy sukces nie zależy od dowcipu i eleganckich strojów.” ~ Ellen Byerrum, Zabójcze cięcie, Warszawa 2011, s. 174.
September 26, 2019
Deadly Shearing Indeed.
As Cozy Mysteries go this one had some surprises. The murderer's identity was a surprise indeed and the reason for the murderer's actions even more surprising as it isn't the norm for a cozy mystery. Definitely had me looking left when I should have been looking right. Like a magician with slight of hand. The writer had me focused on red herrings, potential romance, and political scandal that I couldn't see through the fog until near the end. And usually I can figure things out earlier on in a book.
While I found the book entertaining and easy reading I did find it annoying at times. The author ar times spent way too much time describing scenery that played no key part in the story telling of the mystery or the character. I find it a waste if time to read page after page about how flowers or grass looked and smelled or how the air smelled. I understand trying to painting a picture but it was too detailed for things that will play ni key part in a story. The author should have spent more time proof reading all the grammatical errors that were in the story could use some cleaning.
Speaking of grammatical errors. A few times connecting words were missing thus making a sentence nonsensical or a word was in present tense when it should be in past tense. Errors like that can have a reader like myself pulled out of the story and spending too much time try to make sense.
I give the story an A for original concept, B for likable protagonist, B for fun story, and C for grammar. Averaging a B+.
As Cozy Mysteries go this one had some surprises. The murderer's identity was a surprise indeed and the reason for the murderer's actions even more surprising as it isn't the norm for a cozy mystery. Definitely had me looking left when I should have been looking right. Like a magician with slight of hand. The writer had me focused on red herrings, potential romance, and political scandal that I couldn't see through the fog until near the end. And usually I can figure things out earlier on in a book.
While I found the book entertaining and easy reading I did find it annoying at times. The author ar times spent way too much time describing scenery that played no key part in the story telling of the mystery or the character. I find it a waste if time to read page after page about how flowers or grass looked and smelled or how the air smelled. I understand trying to painting a picture but it was too detailed for things that will play ni key part in a story. The author should have spent more time proof reading all the grammatical errors that were in the story could use some cleaning.
Speaking of grammatical errors. A few times connecting words were missing thus making a sentence nonsensical or a word was in present tense when it should be in past tense. Errors like that can have a reader like myself pulled out of the story and spending too much time try to make sense.
I give the story an A for original concept, B for likable protagonist, B for fun story, and C for grammar. Averaging a B+.
March 19, 2017
In Ellen Byerrum's Killer Hair, the first installment in the Crime of Fashion cozy mystery, get ready to read a scintillating tale on scandals and a fashion faux pas. It all started, when Lacey Smithsonian attended the funeral of Angela Woods, a hair stylist that the cops believed it was suicide. But with Lacey's best friend, Stella Lake's instance, she didn't think so otherwise, including with the razor-cut hair. As for the fashion beat columnist for the Eye Observer newspaper, she decided to snoop around and check out the suspects. She ran into someone from her past, Vic Donovan, who she had formerly met in Sagebrush, Colorado. While he was doing security for the Stylettos salon in the D.C. area, they butted heads and tensions ran high. As she searched for answers, Angela's home was burglarized, the same for her own apartment, and threatened to back down by the owner of the salons. When she learned the scoop from another stylist on a mysterious videotape, she met her in Virginia Beach and discovered she was met by the same fate as Angela Woods. Now it was up for Lacey to put it together for her column, talk to Marcia Robinson, and later, she was attacked by an assailant. With her own close call of death with a piece lopped off, she figured it out whodunit and why, she cornered him and demanded answers. It was up for her to defend for herself, before it became too late for her too.
November 30, 2023
Brings me back to the heady days of female sleuths who were skip tracers, bakers, or journos (like this one). Women who wanted to be strong and not rely on a man (or a woman in some cases). They would have these situationships and all these quirky friends with sharp wit and good repartee. OH, and yeah, there would be a mystery. Oftentimes, it could only be solved by someone who knew or noticed something particular.
The woman would more or less take care of everything herself or maybe with a little help from her friends and then the relationship stuff would advice, decline or go sideways until the next novel.
These were always fun to read like watching Moonlighting or Twin Peaks. Goofy, smart and a little silly. Great books for reading while going to work or when you were just too tired to do much else. Wonderful for tub time. Easy to pick up again and get on with it.
This was a first in the series and set up some good possibilities. If you like those type of detective fiction novels, then this is another in that line.
The woman would more or less take care of everything herself or maybe with a little help from her friends and then the relationship stuff would advice, decline or go sideways until the next novel.
These were always fun to read like watching Moonlighting or Twin Peaks. Goofy, smart and a little silly. Great books for reading while going to work or when you were just too tired to do much else. Wonderful for tub time. Easy to pick up again and get on with it.
This was a first in the series and set up some good possibilities. If you like those type of detective fiction novels, then this is another in that line.
December 12, 2024
This was a fun book and I look forward to the rest of the series. It's been on my look-for list for a while and I'm not sure why it took me so long to read it after adding it to my Kindle. It did fit the bill for a challenge I joined this year.
I love the main character, Lacey. She's smart and funny. She becomes involved in the investigation in the suspicious deaths that occur since everyone else is saying 'suicide' and she knows it's murder. She's also trying to get back to her police beat on the newspaper instead of the fashion section. She's really good at it though and the editor likes her where she is.
I like how well the characters are written. I like the nifty ones and loathe the bad ones. I thnk I could be friends with the nice ones, especially Lacey.
I look forward to reading the rest of this series and other books by the author.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
I love the main character, Lacey. She's smart and funny. She becomes involved in the investigation in the suspicious deaths that occur since everyone else is saying 'suicide' and she knows it's murder. She's also trying to get back to her police beat on the newspaper instead of the fashion section. She's really good at it though and the editor likes her where she is.
I like how well the characters are written. I like the nifty ones and loathe the bad ones. I thnk I could be friends with the nice ones, especially Lacey.
I look forward to reading the rest of this series and other books by the author.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
November 26, 2019
Ho trovato questo libro su una bancarella a prezzo stracciato e mi ha subito colpita per il titolo e la trama. Moda, omicidi e acconciature: un connubio scoppiettante! Una lettura leggera, divertente e ironica, e una protagonista con uno stile tutto suo.
Mi è piaciuta l'ambientazione, Washington, e i giudizi impietosi espressi sui suoi abitanti, il loro stile (o meglio l'assenza del medesimo) e gli scandali che di quando in quando travolgono i politici mi ha molto divertita.
Ho un debole per i libri gialli scritti da donne e le cui protagoniste sono donne; purtroppo però non sempre queste protagoniste si rivelano all'altezza delle aspettative. Lacey però mi è piaciuta, cocciuta e incosciente com'è, una donna che va dritta per la sua strada e non si lascia dissuadere facilmente.
Mi è piaciuta l'ambientazione, Washington, e i giudizi impietosi espressi sui suoi abitanti, il loro stile (o meglio l'assenza del medesimo) e gli scandali che di quando in quando travolgono i politici mi ha molto divertita.
Ho un debole per i libri gialli scritti da donne e le cui protagoniste sono donne; purtroppo però non sempre queste protagoniste si rivelano all'altezza delle aspettative. Lacey però mi è piaciuta, cocciuta e incosciente com'è, una donna che va dritta per la sua strada e non si lascia dissuadere facilmente.
February 1, 2021
Enjoyed it very much (I picked this up in a coffee shop sharing table, and have since bought others in the series). Lacey Smithsonian is a fashion reporter for the "third" paper in DC, even though she's rather be on a more "substantive" beat. A suicide -- or was it? -- at her hairdresser's salon starts her on a fascinating and occasionally dangerous quest to find the truth and get the story. An old almost-flame turns up to add a little romance to the mix. the occasional "columns" from Lacey's paper added comedy, and I also enjoyed reading the descriptions of Lacey's 40's style wardrobe. I recommend this series!
September 6, 2017
Very funny. At the end Lacey tells Vic you drive me crazy. He replies its a very short drive. This explains they' re whole relationship. They work together to solve murders that her hairdresser asked her to check into. She is a Fashion journalist and he is a private security consultant. She blames his boss for the crimes. He sets up a meeting with his boss where they find his boss dead next to his grieving wife. When the killer makes himself known, Lacey stops him with a beauty shop full of tools.
December 29, 2017
The search for a good cozy mystery series continues. I was hoping this might be it - fashion in Washington DC? What could go wrong? Maybe it was just dated, since the first book was written in 2003. I found it filled with cliches about DC, cliches in writing style, and cliches in plot. But that said, there were hints of a decent main character and possibilities for the future. However, the next few books aren't available from the library, so I don't know if I'll see if it's worth pursuing.
August 17, 2020
Washington DC
A hair stylist to the latest local celebrity is found with slashed wrists and the worst hair cut in the world.
The cops rule suicide but the manager knows the stylist wouldn't be caught dead with that cut, and would not commit suicide. Her star was on the rise.
She asks Lacey the local fashion writer to investigate.
Lacey's old friend from Colorado is new to town and the security for the chain of style shops where deaths are now happening.
There are several suspects. Nicely written.
I own a copy.
A hair stylist to the latest local celebrity is found with slashed wrists and the worst hair cut in the world.
The cops rule suicide but the manager knows the stylist wouldn't be caught dead with that cut, and would not commit suicide. Her star was on the rise.
She asks Lacey the local fashion writer to investigate.
Lacey's old friend from Colorado is new to town and the security for the chain of style shops where deaths are now happening.
There are several suspects. Nicely written.
I own a copy.
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February 1, 2021
3.5 stars. It was a slow start for me and hopefully its just the first book slump. I watched the Lifetime movies years ago and was very interested in trying out the books. It was likeable. I like Lacey, I liked the side characters and I didn't much like Vic but I'm not much attached to any of them. We'll see how feel about the next one
October 28, 2021
I really love the series and although I didn't start reading Crime of Fashion from the beginning, each book is a good standalone tale. This is the first book and I must say, it's really good. I had a hard time putting it down and the turn of events were not cliche. Excited to read more from this series.
March 30, 2024
Overall, not a bad book. It was a bit hard to get into at first but it picked up about halfway through and wasn't too predictable of a murder mystery. My biggest issue was probably Lacey's attitude. I understand her character is strong and independent, but I feel like she was overly mean to Vic and Tony.
September 17, 2019
I loved the book! It was uniquely written. I liked the main character and the romance going on behind the scenes. The plot was unique and interesting. I enjoyed learning about the character's and the unique way she found out who the killer was. I want to read more from this author.
January 27, 2020
Do not read this book if fashion and hairstyles are not high on list of priorities of if you have an aversion to heroines with custesy names. Story was ok but the romance element was almost annoying ("yes, I'm ignoring you but why don't you like me").
November 19, 2021
Wasn't sure at first how I would like this, with all the references to clothing and hair. But it really grew on me and I enjoyed it immensely. Lots of action, good observations, characters well drawn.
April 14, 2022
I thought this was going to hit the spot for me, but I truly hated the relationship between the main character and Vic. Truly HATED. She's a doormat and he's a jerk.
Lots of things made me roll my eyes, but the characterization is mostly okay and the plot is decent.
Lots of things made me roll my eyes, but the characterization is mostly okay and the plot is decent.
August 7, 2017
The Crime of Fashion series is great! I definitely recommend.
November 14, 2018
Hilarious.
I can really relate to this, only in that I live near DC. =D None of the murder or stabbing.
Very entertaining! Loved it. Makes me want to sew more clothes.
I can really relate to this, only in that I live near DC. =D None of the murder or stabbing.
Very entertaining! Loved it. Makes me want to sew more clothes.
March 2, 2019
Cozies are my fav.....and this one is ahead of many! Lovable characters, strong and sassy heroine, wonderful one-liners and humor.
September 6, 2019
Really enjoyed this book, lots of thrills and a few funny bits, a good story.
September 15, 2019
This entire series is great beach or airplane reading, as long as you don't mind people turning to look at you when you laugh out loud!
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