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Ghostly Fashionista Mystery #4
Buttons and Blows: A Ghostly Fashionista Mystery
FIND OUT WHO KILLED VIOLET. I WON’T REST UNTIL I KNOW…AND NEITHER WILL YOU.The note, typed on a manual typewriter, is Amanda Tucker’s first introduction to the second ghost she’s ever met.When retro fashion designer Amanda learns that Violet, the sweet little old lady from whom she bought antique buttons, has been murdered, she’s dismayed—especially when she realizes the murder occurred the evening after Amanda had visited Violet’s shop. Now the ghost who was enamored of the victim is demanding that Amanda help him bring the woman’s killer to justice.It certainly isn’t an ideal time for Amanda’s parents to be visiting her from Florida for the first time. In addition to Max, the ghostly fashionista, Amanda now has another sassy specter to deal with. Will this one haunt her for the rest of her life?Praise for the Ghostly Fashionista Mystery "Grab your copy and follow along in the investigation. The characters are quirky and likable, and if Amanda survives, this seems like a fun place to work!" - E. Pennington, Amazon Top 500 Reviewer"Amanda is a great character, full of spunk and determination to open her own custom clothing shop, focusing on vintage pieces from the '30s through the '50s." - Between the Pages with Lisa“As a sucker for a fun ghost story, I can say Gayle Leeson’s DESIGNS ON MURDER scores on many levels including a spunky entrepreneur and a charming setting. Now that I’ve read the first one, I’ll be counting the days until the next in the series arrives.” --Lorna Barrett, author of the New York Times Bestselling Booktown MysteriesIn DESIGNS ON MURDER, Gayle Leeson sketches a stylish plot accessorized with a spectral fashionista sidekick. This series debut is a delight!" -Diane Vallere, national bestselling author
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2021
22 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Gayle Leeson
30 books502 followersGayle Leeson is a pseudonym for Gayle Trent. I also write as Amanda Lee. As Gayle Trent, I write the Daphne Martin Cake Mystery series and the Myrtle Crumb Mystery series. As Amanda Lee, I write the Embroidery Mystery series.
The cake decorating series features a heroine who is starting her life over in Southwest Virginia after a nasty divorce. The heroine, Daphne, has returned to her hometown of Brea Ridge to open a cake baking and decorating business and is wrestling with the question of whether or not one can go home again. She enjoys spending time with her sister, nephew, and niece, but she and her mother have a complicated relationship that isn’t always pleasant. Daphne has also reconnected with her high school sweetheart and is pursuing a rekindled romance while desperately trying to put her past behind her.
Kerry Vincent, Hall of Fame Sugar Artist, Oklahoma State Sugar Art Show Director, and Television Personality says the series is “a must read for cake bakers and anyone who has ever spent creative time in the kitchen!”
Says Dean Koontz, #1 New York Times bestselling author, “One day I found myself happily reading . . . mysteries by Gayle Trent. If she can win me over . . . she’s got a great future.”
The Embroidery Mystery series features a heroine who recently moved to the Oregon coast to open an embroidery specialty shop. Marcy Singer left her home in San Francisco, along with the humiliation of being left at the altar, in order to move to Tallulah Falls and realize her dream of owning her own shop. She takes along her faithful companion, a one-year-old Irish wolfhound named Angus O’Ruff. She makes many new friends in Tallulah Falls, but she also makes a few enemies. Thankfully, her best friend Sadie MacKenzie and her husband Blake run the coffeehouse right down the street from Marcy’s shop, the Seven-Year Stitch; and Detective Ted Nash always has her back.
Publishers Weekly says, “Fans of the genre will take kindly to Marcy, her Irish wolfhound, Angus O’Ruff, and Tallulah Falls. This is a fast, pleasant read with prose full of pop culture references and, of course, sharp needlework puns.”
Pat Cooper of RT Book Reviews says, “If her debut here is any indication, Lee’s new series is going to be fun, spunky and educational. She smoothly interweaves plot with her character’s personality and charm, while dropping tantalizing hints of stitching projects and their history. Marcy Singer is young, fun, sharp and likable. Readers will be looking forward to her future adventures.” (RT Book Reviews nominated The Quick and the Thread for a 2010 Book Reviewers’ Choice Award in the Amateur Sleuth category)
I live in Virginia with my family, which includes her own “Angus” who is not an Irish wolfhound but a Great Pyrenees who provides plenty of inspiration for the character of Mr. O’Ruff. I'm having a blast writing this new series!
The cake decorating series features a heroine who is starting her life over in Southwest Virginia after a nasty divorce. The heroine, Daphne, has returned to her hometown of Brea Ridge to open a cake baking and decorating business and is wrestling with the question of whether or not one can go home again. She enjoys spending time with her sister, nephew, and niece, but she and her mother have a complicated relationship that isn’t always pleasant. Daphne has also reconnected with her high school sweetheart and is pursuing a rekindled romance while desperately trying to put her past behind her.
Kerry Vincent, Hall of Fame Sugar Artist, Oklahoma State Sugar Art Show Director, and Television Personality says the series is “a must read for cake bakers and anyone who has ever spent creative time in the kitchen!”
Says Dean Koontz, #1 New York Times bestselling author, “One day I found myself happily reading . . . mysteries by Gayle Trent. If she can win me over . . . she’s got a great future.”
The Embroidery Mystery series features a heroine who recently moved to the Oregon coast to open an embroidery specialty shop. Marcy Singer left her home in San Francisco, along with the humiliation of being left at the altar, in order to move to Tallulah Falls and realize her dream of owning her own shop. She takes along her faithful companion, a one-year-old Irish wolfhound named Angus O’Ruff. She makes many new friends in Tallulah Falls, but she also makes a few enemies. Thankfully, her best friend Sadie MacKenzie and her husband Blake run the coffeehouse right down the street from Marcy’s shop, the Seven-Year Stitch; and Detective Ted Nash always has her back.
Publishers Weekly says, “Fans of the genre will take kindly to Marcy, her Irish wolfhound, Angus O’Ruff, and Tallulah Falls. This is a fast, pleasant read with prose full of pop culture references and, of course, sharp needlework puns.”
Pat Cooper of RT Book Reviews says, “If her debut here is any indication, Lee’s new series is going to be fun, spunky and educational. She smoothly interweaves plot with her character’s personality and charm, while dropping tantalizing hints of stitching projects and their history. Marcy Singer is young, fun, sharp and likable. Readers will be looking forward to her future adventures.” (RT Book Reviews nominated The Quick and the Thread for a 2010 Book Reviewers’ Choice Award in the Amateur Sleuth category)
I live in Virginia with my family, which includes her own “Angus” who is not an Irish wolfhound but a Great Pyrenees who provides plenty of inspiration for the character of Mr. O’Ruff. I'm having a blast writing this new series!
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 6, 2021
5 Stars for enjoyment and originality! The re-curring cast of characters in the Ghostly Fashionista cozy mystery series is sew entertaining. Max, the ghost, is lots of fun, and always joking and cutting-up with those who can hear or see her. Protagonist, Amanda Tucker, designs vintage clothing, and finds herself in the middle of a murder case after she makes a purchase in a nearby antique store. A ‘possessed’ typewriter is the key to solving this intriguing murder mystery. Excellent reading!
October 1, 2021
A very cute cozy series about Max the ghost, who lives in the clothing shop building and Amanda Tucker, who owns the customs made clothing store.
A woman named Violet who owns an antique store down the store down the street from Amanda is found murderd in her shop.
There is a note left on a typewriter written by a ghost haunting the antique shop. "Find out who killed Violet. I won't rest until I know and neither will you."
Meanwhile, Amanda's parents are visits from Florida.
But Amanda still feels the need to solve the case. Funny and entertaining!
A woman named Violet who owns an antique store down the store down the street from Amanda is found murderd in her shop.
There is a note left on a typewriter written by a ghost haunting the antique shop. "Find out who killed Violet. I won't rest until I know and neither will you."
Meanwhile, Amanda's parents are visits from Florida.
But Amanda still feels the need to solve the case. Funny and entertaining!
February 3, 2022
Really about a 3.4. I like the characters, especially Max-- she carries the series. Leeson makes good use of her to enliven (no pun intended) scenes. Love Jazzy the cat, and the setting is appreciated. I liked Thomas the typewriter ghost too. He did well. Negatives were the mother who just sapped the joy out of any scene and some (to me) loose ends. Sure, you don't know why some ghosts can do things and others can't but there was no resolution. A couple of other things bothered me, but I'm not going to worry about them. Max is fun enough to me that I'll keep reading.
August 18, 2021
Another fun installment in this series. Enjoyable read!
May 24, 2023
A fashion designer with a resident ghost must solve a murder of an antique dealer who also has a resident ghost.
June 11, 2021
Except for the grammar mistakes...
I have so enjoyed this series and really hope there will be many more. It seemed like the errors were more prevalent in this one though. The main characters were awesome as usual, just so much fun. but pieces of the book felt a little disjointed somehow. A better editor would make a big improvement. But I'll keep reading as long as the author keeps writing. The ending was slightly odd. Donkey farm? Huh? And there was no explanation as to why Violet was murdered, I also really wanted to see the dresses that were being created for the ren-faire.I just like all the bows to be tired and fancy buttons properly attached..I's dotted and T's crossed when I finish a book like this.
I have so enjoyed this series and really hope there will be many more. It seemed like the errors were more prevalent in this one though. The main characters were awesome as usual, just so much fun. but pieces of the book felt a little disjointed somehow. A better editor would make a big improvement. But I'll keep reading as long as the author keeps writing. The ending was slightly odd. Donkey farm? Huh? And there was no explanation as to why Violet was murdered, I also really wanted to see the dresses that were being created for the ren-faire.I just like all the bows to be tired and fancy buttons properly attached..I's dotted and T's crossed when I finish a book like this.
September 9, 2021
Another fine offering!
This series is such a delight! Amanda is a real charmer, and I like that she's not a nosy little know-it-all who just has to insert herself into police business; she's reluctantly drawn in. Max is such a great character who adds humor and whimsy as well as the slight paranormal element. The other characters bring interesting interactions into the mix; even Zoe's snarky mother adds necessary tension to keep the stories from the possibility of tooth-aching sweetness. I also appreciate the effort put into properly editing this series. Buttons and Blows is a fun read, and I thoroughly enjoy this author under any name!
This series is such a delight! Amanda is a real charmer, and I like that she's not a nosy little know-it-all who just has to insert herself into police business; she's reluctantly drawn in. Max is such a great character who adds humor and whimsy as well as the slight paranormal element. The other characters bring interesting interactions into the mix; even Zoe's snarky mother adds necessary tension to keep the stories from the possibility of tooth-aching sweetness. I also appreciate the effort put into properly editing this series. Buttons and Blows is a fun read, and I thoroughly enjoy this author under any name!
June 24, 2021
I think this one might be my favorite in the series so far. It was good to finally meet Amanda's parents. It's always sad to me when I read about disfunctional mother/daughter relationships. I'm so glad I had a non-judgmental, supportive mom who was also my best friend. I loved the idea of the ghost using a manual typewriter to communicate. It makes me hope maybe there are some skills that Max can acquire. I would love it if she could meet another ghost who could help her learn how to vary her wardrobe! She's such a ghostly fashionista; it's sad she's stuck in the clothes in which she died.
January 15, 2022
I liked Buttons and Blows but not as much as the first three books. This storyline was a little confusing for me at times. And the ending revealing the actual murderer really was unexpected because clues had led me to believe it was someone else.
And I didn’t get the visit to the Donkey Lounge?
I also felt bad that Amanda’s mother Teri was so negative to the point of looking for trouble for Amanda. And Zoe’s mom, Maggie is openly resentful towards Amanda.
However, I absolutely adore Max and enjoy her interactions with the living.
And I didn’t get the visit to the Donkey Lounge?
I also felt bad that Amanda’s mother Teri was so negative to the point of looking for trouble for Amanda. And Zoe’s mom, Maggie is openly resentful towards Amanda.
However, I absolutely adore Max and enjoy her interactions with the living.
June 8, 2021
Home comimg
Its always good to go home , even if its for a visit. This time Mandy's mom and dad come for a visit from Florida. Of course things can't go smoothly. Just before they arrive a murder takes place. I love this series. It truly is a visit back home for me. The characters are well developed and the plots always keep you guessing.
Its always good to go home , even if its for a visit. This time Mandy's mom and dad come for a visit from Florida. Of course things can't go smoothly. Just before they arrive a murder takes place. I love this series. It truly is a visit back home for me. The characters are well developed and the plots always keep you guessing.
June 15, 2021
Buttons and Blows
I really liked this book. Glad to know I am not the only person who has a problem with their mother not liking what you do with your life.
I'm glad that Maggie finally got to meet Max, but I wish the author had gone into more detail about the meeting and how Maggie really felt about meeting a ghost.
Overall, I really liked this book and I recommend it.
I really liked this book. Glad to know I am not the only person who has a problem with their mother not liking what you do with your life.
I'm glad that Maggie finally got to meet Max, but I wish the author had gone into more detail about the meeting and how Maggie really felt about meeting a ghost.
Overall, I really liked this book and I recommend it.
July 5, 2024
Another great episode!
I absolutely love this series! The main characters grow on the reader, quickly, especially the ghost, Max. The plot is straightforward and easily followed and the premise to this episode is finding out who killed the nice elderly lady Violet in her antique store and why. The answers are as different as you can imagine. I most certainly recommend this book.
I absolutely love this series! The main characters grow on the reader, quickly, especially the ghost, Max. The plot is straightforward and easily followed and the premise to this episode is finding out who killed the nice elderly lady Violet in her antique store and why. The answers are as different as you can imagine. I most certainly recommend this book.
May 27, 2021
Miracles happened
Difficult parents, a murder, and a typing ghost are all just another normal day for Amanda and Granda Dave. I can't wait to see how the Max situation works out. Another fun read!
Difficult parents, a murder, and a typing ghost are all just another normal day for Amanda and Granda Dave. I can't wait to see how the Max situation works out. Another fun read!
June 4, 2021
This was another (the latest) in this delightful series. I enjoyed every bit of it, and am looking forward to the next in the series. The characters are likable, believable, and the mystery is just quite right.
February 27, 2022
Another fun entry in this series. Although I’m not usually a fan of fashion based mysteries I enjoy this series. I like the characters, the stories are interesting and the author doesn’t go overboard on the fashion end of things.
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April 26, 2023Another great story in this series !
Another great story in this series !I love all the characters I'm sure that you will enjoy this series tpp!
Another great story in this series !I love all the characters I'm sure that you will enjoy this series tpp!
May 28, 2021
Buttons and Blows review
I enjoy this series. Light, airy reading with well drawn and engaging characters. I look forward to more books in the series.
I enjoy this series. Light, airy reading with well drawn and engaging characters. I look forward to more books in the series.
July 17, 2021
I loved it!! But it ended too fast for me. The characters, settings, storylines, the retro fashions, and the Ghost were the "elephant's ears"!! Please let there be more books to come in this series!!
January 26, 2022
Loved this series. I am so sad this is the last book.
March 17, 2023
Excellent
This was so darn good. It was great having Amanda's parents home. Her mom us quite the character. I am looking forward to the next book very much.
This was so darn good. It was great having Amanda's parents home. Her mom us quite the character. I am looking forward to the next book very much.
November 15, 2021
Designer sleuth
A cozy mystery with a clothing designer and a Roaring Twenties ghost attempt to solve an antique shop’s owner’s murder.
A cozy mystery with a clothing designer and a Roaring Twenties ghost attempt to solve an antique shop’s owner’s murder.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews