What do you think?
Rate this book
Evie Parker Mystery #8
Murder at the Fashion House
Lighthearted 1920s cozy mystery. Evie, Countess of Woodridge, is on a mission to rescue her favorite modiste from the consequences of an unfavorable review. Her quest is a timely diversion as her granny, Toodles, appears to be suffering from a case of restlessness. All goes well until Evie’s public clash with the journalist responsible for the article is followed by the journalist’s death. The circumstances are suspicious and the police is warning Evie to stay away from the case. While she is happy to comply with the detective’s request, the killer has other ideas and goes one step too far…
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2020
About the author
Sonia Parin
125 books206 followersI write Cozy Mysteries: humorous historical (1920s), contemporary and paranormal.
All my books provide a 'clean' read - no swearing and no graphic violence.
These fun cozy mysteries are intended to provide lighthearted entertainment for those who enjoy quirky characters and humorous tales.
All my books provide a 'clean' read - no swearing and no graphic violence.
These fun cozy mysteries are intended to provide lighthearted entertainment for those who enjoy quirky characters and humorous tales.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 4, 2023
Even taking into account I grabbed this at random and therefore don't know the established characters, (which took away from my enjoyment), I honestly can't go any higher than a 2.5/5.
With all the talk of drugs and clubs, there was still something more turn of the century than 1920s in the vibe of the book. I love the 20s and this didn't quite click.
The case itself was uninteresting and all the talk of colour-coordinating the clothes at the beginning almost made me give up.
Frankly, I wouldn't have missed much had I given up.
If I feel in need of something light once again, I might check out the first book, but currently, I'm leaning more towards this book series not being for me. (Even though I love the 20s and detective fiction.)
With all the talk of drugs and clubs, there was still something more turn of the century than 1920s in the vibe of the book. I love the 20s and this didn't quite click.
The case itself was uninteresting and all the talk of colour-coordinating the clothes at the beginning almost made me give up.
Frankly, I wouldn't have missed much had I given up.
If I feel in need of something light once again, I might check out the first book, but currently, I'm leaning more towards this book series not being for me. (Even though I love the 20s and detective fiction.)
April 19, 2023
The elements of a good story are as follows: Believable characters, empathizing with those characters in both laughter and tears, and having an excellent plot that carries the reader onward through the story. This book has all those elements and more. I highly recommend this book and the entire series, to date.
May 26, 2020
Another great book by Sonia, Debbie and I are loving the Evie Parker Mysteries, We love finding out what she will get into next. I cant wait to read more.
October 2, 2021
Perhaps it's my fault for not reading this series in order which I prefer to do but I could not feel at ease with this book at all. There were so many characters right from the start with little or no introduction (probably because they'd been properly introduced in previous books) that I never was quite sure who was who.
The Lady Evangeline is reluctantly encouraged by the others to solve a mystery which the local police detective goes out of his way to tell her not to do. Needless to say she does look into it and on the way reads a fake announcement of her forthcoming marriage in the papers which is pure speculation. Indeed the conversations between Evy and her supposed about to be fiance are so formal you wouldn't think they were anywhere near that point. Anyway the mystery is eventually solved by the detective without any assistance from Eve.
One thing I didn't understand was a reference to 'so much solid evidence' against the accused as we weren't told about any of it. Everything mentioned was circumstantial and could have been explained away. I'm not sure I'll be reading any more of this series.
The Lady Evangeline is reluctantly encouraged by the others to solve a mystery which the local police detective goes out of his way to tell her not to do. Needless to say she does look into it and on the way reads a fake announcement of her forthcoming marriage in the papers which is pure speculation. Indeed the conversations between Evy and her supposed about to be fiance are so formal you wouldn't think they were anywhere near that point. Anyway the mystery is eventually solved by the detective without any assistance from Eve.
One thing I didn't understand was a reference to 'so much solid evidence' against the accused as we weren't told about any of it. Everything mentioned was circumstantial and could have been explained away. I'm not sure I'll be reading any more of this series.
January 16, 2022
This is the third book of the series that I've read. I found it a bit confusing, much like the first book. So many characters, so much running here and there. I found the ending to be sort of a letdown, mainly because there weren't really any clues that would help the reader to reach that conclusion. The only part I enjoyed was the banter between Evie and her bodyguard, Tom. It was funny when the newspapers started the rumor that they were engaged and they decided to play along for a bit. The dowagers were okay, but they don't seem to be very distinguishable from each other. I do like the maid, Caro, and the butler, Edgar. They are colorful and fun to read about. After three books, I think I'm done with this series. I was a bit disappointed because I love reading about the Roaring Twenties.
June 28, 2020
This is the damnest series I have ever read. It is like life is compelling Evie against her will to solve these mysteries. And now add to it that life seems to be propelling her to marry Tom without the slightest inclination of a romance between them. The murders are a jumble that truly never seems to get sorted out, yet after 200 or so pages we have a killer and the book is done. For the life of me I don't know why I keep reading them. I am not particularly enamored with any of the characters. BAH!
May 9, 2021
Love in the air?
I had fun with this book. Evie and Tom are at it again with Toodles and the dowager's involved in sleuthing again. The female detective makes another appearance as does the police inspector. The coordinating of outfit colors had me chuckling, as did the older ladies going to a club. I hope Seth will be in a book more!
I had fun with this book. Evie and Tom are at it again with Toodles and the dowager's involved in sleuthing again. The female detective makes another appearance as does the police inspector. The coordinating of outfit colors had me chuckling, as did the older ladies going to a club. I hope Seth will be in a book more!
May 6, 2020
This is one of the most fun and entertaining books I've read.
Evie Parker takes issue with a fashion reporter when she publishes an article making her favorite modiste look bad.
When Evie and the Dowagers go to put in a large order. Evie runs into Jacinta McKay coming out of the building that houses several fashion designers. After a short altercation, Jacinta is found dead later that same day in the very office where they had the viewing for their clothes.
Another well told story with defined characters, a nice plotline, and a lot of humor added in on this one.
Evie Parker takes issue with a fashion reporter when she publishes an article making her favorite modiste look bad.
When Evie and the Dowagers go to put in a large order. Evie runs into Jacinta McKay coming out of the building that houses several fashion designers. After a short altercation, Jacinta is found dead later that same day in the very office where they had the viewing for their clothes.
Another well told story with defined characters, a nice plotline, and a lot of humor added in on this one.
June 29, 2020
Another delightful story!
Evie Parker lands herself in another murder mystery while trying to support her favorite designer! After reading scathing review of her favorite designer, Madam Berger, Evie sets off to London to show her loyalty her. The writer is murdered and Evie becomes consumed with figuring out the who and why for the crime!
I love this series! Evie is delightful. Her in-laws and grandmother Toodles are hilarious and Tom Winchester often has his hands full trying to keep them all in line. This story was quite well done! With delightful characters, excellent writing and wonderful comedic timing, this book just flies by. Loved it!
Evie Parker lands herself in another murder mystery while trying to support her favorite designer! After reading scathing review of her favorite designer, Madam Berger, Evie sets off to London to show her loyalty her. The writer is murdered and Evie becomes consumed with figuring out the who and why for the crime!
I love this series! Evie is delightful. Her in-laws and grandmother Toodles are hilarious and Tom Winchester often has his hands full trying to keep them all in line. This story was quite well done! With delightful characters, excellent writing and wonderful comedic timing, this book just flies by. Loved it!
May 6, 2021
Color Coordinated Cohorts !
Oh this story is the best one yet. It is hilarious. Evie , Sara ( her mother - in - law), the Dowager Henrietta (Sara's mother) are compelled to color code their outfits so as not to clash with Sara's granny Toodles. Even poor Tom (the bodyguard) must adjust his wardrobe. This running gag is hysterical putting the entire household in a daily frenzy. Meanwile the troupe are at the London house. Evie and Tom are ensnared in a 'pretend' engagement. The ladies brawl with the police at a Jazz Club. Plus there is a great murder mystery with a beloved family member in peril. I couldn't put this one down! What a fantastic read. Don't miss out.
Oh this story is the best one yet. It is hilarious. Evie , Sara ( her mother - in - law), the Dowager Henrietta (Sara's mother) are compelled to color code their outfits so as not to clash with Sara's granny Toodles. Even poor Tom (the bodyguard) must adjust his wardrobe. This running gag is hysterical putting the entire household in a daily frenzy. Meanwile the troupe are at the London house. Evie and Tom are ensnared in a 'pretend' engagement. The ladies brawl with the police at a Jazz Club. Plus there is a great murder mystery with a beloved family member in peril. I couldn't put this one down! What a fantastic read. Don't miss out.
October 24, 2020
As with the rest of the series, a great cozy set in the flapper era with an eccentric group of friends and family who surround, prod and support the MC. The MC is wise and silly and kind and impulsive - a truly fun character to drive the plot forward. Although you could read this as a stand-alone, the relationships develop as the series progresses, which adds depth to the plots. So, it would be great to allow yourself the fun of enjoying the series in sequence.
December 5, 2020
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Evie Parker series. It is different from all the other 1920s cozy mysteries I have devoured during the pandemic and that is what makes the series stand out. I also applaud Sonia Parin for having great editors as I seldom find the errors that I see over and over again in many similar titles and series. I need to check out some of her other series that are a bit more fantasy.
February 13, 2022
I have really enjoyed all of Evie Parker's mysteries but this one has led to me to write a review. It was fabulous! Sonia Parin's sense of humour is just fantastic. She had me laughing out loud so often in the book. With all of this working from home, I lost myself in the story. I have been making my way though the cozy mystery genre and this would have to be one of the best British ones so far.
October 26, 2020
Always fun
What a great story teller I would love to be sitting around a fire Camp and listen to Sonia Parin reading to the campers the characters are just scary enough that if you were sitting out there in the dark listening to the story something you weren't expecting would make you jump and have a good laugh
What a great story teller I would love to be sitting around a fire Camp and listen to Sonia Parin reading to the campers the characters are just scary enough that if you were sitting out there in the dark listening to the story something you weren't expecting would make you jump and have a good laugh
May 4, 2021
Quick read. Oddly, I felt both like I needed to have read previous books to understand the characters/relationships while at the same time things were repetitive. Not much of the 1920s was included - mentions of alcohol prohibition. Not inspired to read any of the other books in the series.
August 4, 2020
Very entertaining!!!
February 10, 2021
A couple of good giggles and twists and turns! I really enjoyed this one.
December 18, 2021
Who killed Jacinta McKay and why – in spite of what she wrote??? It’s a good thing Evie kept on the ball!!! I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
October 1, 2022
not great
The author seems to be heading in a different direction. It appears to be leaning in almost a Lucy and Ethel type of characterization
The author seems to be heading in a different direction. It appears to be leaning in almost a Lucy and Ethel type of characterization
December 18, 2025
Some things you need to know: This is a series. You do need to know the characters from before this story starts. It’s set in the 1920’s in a socialite’s circle in England. Once you understand this background you’ll know why the book opens with what color everyone’s allowed to wear at which event and how that sets up this particular storyline. It’s a “lighthearted”, “cozy” mystery because it goes into seemingly irrelevant details about life in this circle. The mystery is solved fairly quickly and easily just by talking to people and figuring out their motive. It’s a clean and enjoyable way to listen to a quick book on 2x;)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews