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Cold Dresses
SOME DRESSES SHOULD NEVER BE TOUCHED.
For years they have haunted Chloe Westfield: ghostly visions in silk, restless whispers she tries to forget and put behind her. But the girl in the teal dress is different. Her tragic fate pulls Chloe back to idyllic Heavendale, a picturesque lakeside town where her estranged mother is now dedicated to dressmaking. It seems that many women are employed as dressmakers in her tiny hometown. Yet behind the innocent façade lies a much darker purpose – something sinister rooted in the women’s enigmatic leader.
As secrets from the past resurface, Chloe finds herself with only one choice: solve the mystery behind the teal dress before she becomes its next victim . . .
For years they have haunted Chloe Westfield: ghostly visions in silk, restless whispers she tries to forget and put behind her. But the girl in the teal dress is different. Her tragic fate pulls Chloe back to idyllic Heavendale, a picturesque lakeside town where her estranged mother is now dedicated to dressmaking. It seems that many women are employed as dressmakers in her tiny hometown. Yet behind the innocent façade lies a much darker purpose – something sinister rooted in the women’s enigmatic leader.
As secrets from the past resurface, Chloe finds herself with only one choice: solve the mystery behind the teal dress before she becomes its next victim . . .
Audiobook
First published July 20, 2021
56 people want to read
About the author
David Pelletier
1 book10 followersAuthor also writes under D.M. Pelletier
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Writer, runner, seamster. Weaving tales of mystery and suspense.
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Writer, runner, seamster. Weaving tales of mystery and suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 9, 2023
Author review ~ the story behind the story …
Joan Didion once wrote, ‘We tell ourselves stories in order to live.’ I believe she was right. We look for authenticity and escapism in fiction, read stories that help us make sense of the world and our lives. Maybe that’s what spurred me to write my debut novel: the chance to draw loosely from personal experiences, use my voice to tell what I could only tell or hint through my characters. In short, Cold Dresses was born out of passion and struggle.
Back in 2012, a serious bike accident left me incapacitated for the best part of six months. At times I felt hopeless. Other times I silenced my hopelessness with hefty doses of daytime TV. By the time I recovered from my injuries, a chance encounter with a Russian dressmaker named Rita would change everything – I decided to learn how to sew.
Over the next couple of years, I sat in front of my sewing machine, made my own clothes and I’d blog and post pictures about them. Then I expanded into making dresses for my friends. At some point, I decided to have more fun so I made several photo collages of my creations and plotted mini-stories – fashion murder mysteries set in the 1920s, that kind of stuff.
The first draft of Cold Dresses came out like a fluffy murder mystery. It was terrible. In fact, it had a different name back then and very little remains of the original story. My main character – Chloe Westfield – had a rather sunny outlook on life. It didn’t work at all. I didn’t want my story to be confined to the cozy genre or outright romance just because it revolved around dressmaking. I wanted to explore something grittier with a dystopian edge.
Cold Dresses ended up going through three more drafts over the next four years. During that time, I saw the world change – political elites were increasingly leaning towards right-wing populism. My life also changed when I finally found the strength to end an abusive relationship with my mother. There were disturbing truths to be explored, raw emotions to be faced. As I found my own voice, Chloe found hers. As I shared my darkness, she shared hers too.
So here I am now. After five years of hard work and renewed encouragement from my partner and core group of friends, Cold Dresses is finally set to hit the shelves.
I really hope you’ll enjoy reading it!
Joan Didion once wrote, ‘We tell ourselves stories in order to live.’ I believe she was right. We look for authenticity and escapism in fiction, read stories that help us make sense of the world and our lives. Maybe that’s what spurred me to write my debut novel: the chance to draw loosely from personal experiences, use my voice to tell what I could only tell or hint through my characters. In short, Cold Dresses was born out of passion and struggle.
Back in 2012, a serious bike accident left me incapacitated for the best part of six months. At times I felt hopeless. Other times I silenced my hopelessness with hefty doses of daytime TV. By the time I recovered from my injuries, a chance encounter with a Russian dressmaker named Rita would change everything – I decided to learn how to sew.
Over the next couple of years, I sat in front of my sewing machine, made my own clothes and I’d blog and post pictures about them. Then I expanded into making dresses for my friends. At some point, I decided to have more fun so I made several photo collages of my creations and plotted mini-stories – fashion murder mysteries set in the 1920s, that kind of stuff.
The first draft of Cold Dresses came out like a fluffy murder mystery. It was terrible. In fact, it had a different name back then and very little remains of the original story. My main character – Chloe Westfield – had a rather sunny outlook on life. It didn’t work at all. I didn’t want my story to be confined to the cozy genre or outright romance just because it revolved around dressmaking. I wanted to explore something grittier with a dystopian edge.
Cold Dresses ended up going through three more drafts over the next four years. During that time, I saw the world change – political elites were increasingly leaning towards right-wing populism. My life also changed when I finally found the strength to end an abusive relationship with my mother. There were disturbing truths to be explored, raw emotions to be faced. As I found my own voice, Chloe found hers. As I shared my darkness, she shared hers too.
So here I am now. After five years of hard work and renewed encouragement from my partner and core group of friends, Cold Dresses is finally set to hit the shelves.
I really hope you’ll enjoy reading it!
October 24, 2021
I gave this book 3.5 stars. I was hoping for a bit more of a ghost story (there was a ghost, but it was more of a mention than a part of the story). The murder mystery wasn’t bad especially for a debut. I liked the main character despite the major issues she had and I did like that she progressed through the story. Chloe is sent a package with a dress pattern that spurns her to return home. She has a pretty dysfunctional relationship with her mother (and with everything) who is obsessed with her fiancé who died the previous year. Chloe finds that her small home town holds more secrets than she could have guessed, and she finds herself trying to figure out who murdered her fiancé and the woman in the car with him when he died.
August 30, 2021
Chloe is visited by ghosts who try to tell her stories. For the most part, she ignores them. But the girl in the teal dress won't leave her alone…
Chloe goes on a wild chase to find what happened to the girl in the teal dress. But very soon, she finds herself in an improbable situation - something that might implicate her own mother in a huge conspiracy.
What should Chloe do? Should she leave things as they are? Or should she unearth the truth?
This book was quick and tightly written. Chloe's dilemmas were too real. The feeling of being watched was creepy.
There were some parts that felt awkward. The Stan angle, for one. There is no reason why Chloe would trust a complete stranger. Also, there was the case of his unnecessary disguises.
The ending was well done and the author tied all the ends.
4 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Chloe goes on a wild chase to find what happened to the girl in the teal dress. But very soon, she finds herself in an improbable situation - something that might implicate her own mother in a huge conspiracy.
What should Chloe do? Should she leave things as they are? Or should she unearth the truth?
This book was quick and tightly written. Chloe's dilemmas were too real. The feeling of being watched was creepy.
There were some parts that felt awkward. The Stan angle, for one. There is no reason why Chloe would trust a complete stranger. Also, there was the case of his unnecessary disguises.
The ending was well done and the author tied all the ends.
4 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 31, 2021
This is a great read, surprisingly good for a debut novel, and a very interesting premise for a mystery thriller. The heroine Chloe has the ability (or is it a curse?) to see into the lives of those who've worn the fabrics she touches, so when she receives a dress pattern and fabric swatch by her dead fiancé (how is that possible?) showing a vision of a woman she does not know, it draws her back to her hometown and to a life she has been trying to put behind her since her fiancé died.
The book carries you along at a very quick pace through a multi-layered murder mystery. Chloe is incredibly well developed, giving insight into the damage an abusive relationship can leave behind when it is over, and how one can be conditioned to fall into such relationships by family dynamics, which is all expertly interwoven into Chloe's need to help the wearer of the dress she saw in her vision.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it!
The book carries you along at a very quick pace through a multi-layered murder mystery. Chloe is incredibly well developed, giving insight into the damage an abusive relationship can leave behind when it is over, and how one can be conditioned to fall into such relationships by family dynamics, which is all expertly interwoven into Chloe's need to help the wearer of the dress she saw in her vision.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it!
July 17, 2021
"Until they become conscious they will never rebel, and only after they have rebelled they cannot become conscious." - George Orwell, 1984
Quick Synopsis: Chloe Westfield receives a mysterious box with a dress pattern and a piece of teal-blue silk in it. Then she begins to have quick flashes of a young woman in a teal-blue dress. This eventually leads her to go back to her lakeside town, Heavendale, where her estranged mother and a group of ladies work for a dressmaking company. But soon Chloe begins to have her doubts on this company especially the leader whose identity remains a secret.
My thoughts: Okay, I am just going to say it right now that I am utterly impressed with this debut novel! The small town setting, great characters, and twisty plot - all were well done! I couldn’t believe that this is a debut novel!
This was a mystery/thriller with a sprinkle of paranormal that held my interest until the very last page! I absolutely love a small town setting in a story and this book does it well. It gives me the Stepford Wives/Get Out kind of vibes and just creepy, like everyone is watching you.
I really liked the unique plot as it centers around dressmaking, something I enjoy doing once in a while. This was like a multilayered mystery and there was a lot of suspense in the story. It kept me turning the pages! I just had to know what everyone is hiding in this town and the mystery of the woman in the teal-blue dress too.
The author fleshes out the characters really well in the story. I liked their different personalities and the dynamics between them. The dialogues are fun to read and so realistic- if that makes sense? Chloe and MysteryGeek are the characters I loved the most.
Overall, I absolutely enjoyed this book although I personally find the ending was a bit rushed. It could just be me. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a suspense-filled mystery with a dash of spookiness!
CW: eating disorder, physical abuse
Pub. Date: July 20th, 2021
***Thank you Hurn Publications and author David Pelletier for this gifted ARC copy to read and review.***
Quick Synopsis: Chloe Westfield receives a mysterious box with a dress pattern and a piece of teal-blue silk in it. Then she begins to have quick flashes of a young woman in a teal-blue dress. This eventually leads her to go back to her lakeside town, Heavendale, where her estranged mother and a group of ladies work for a dressmaking company. But soon Chloe begins to have her doubts on this company especially the leader whose identity remains a secret.
My thoughts: Okay, I am just going to say it right now that I am utterly impressed with this debut novel! The small town setting, great characters, and twisty plot - all were well done! I couldn’t believe that this is a debut novel!
This was a mystery/thriller with a sprinkle of paranormal that held my interest until the very last page! I absolutely love a small town setting in a story and this book does it well. It gives me the Stepford Wives/Get Out kind of vibes and just creepy, like everyone is watching you.
I really liked the unique plot as it centers around dressmaking, something I enjoy doing once in a while. This was like a multilayered mystery and there was a lot of suspense in the story. It kept me turning the pages! I just had to know what everyone is hiding in this town and the mystery of the woman in the teal-blue dress too.
The author fleshes out the characters really well in the story. I liked their different personalities and the dynamics between them. The dialogues are fun to read and so realistic- if that makes sense? Chloe and MysteryGeek are the characters I loved the most.
Overall, I absolutely enjoyed this book although I personally find the ending was a bit rushed. It could just be me. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a suspense-filled mystery with a dash of spookiness!
CW: eating disorder, physical abuse
Pub. Date: July 20th, 2021
***Thank you Hurn Publications and author David Pelletier for this gifted ARC copy to read and review.***
September 20, 2021
This was not what I had hoped for. It was more murder mystery than ghostly type of story I was believing this to be.
It was ok overall but just not something that kept me engaged.
It was ok overall but just not something that kept me engaged.
May 7, 2025
I have received this ARC copy of COLD DRESSES from the author via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I have to say I am truly impressed with this book and I really enjoyed it.
Cold Dresses is wildly imaginative, thrilling, chilling, unique twisty plot and an absolute page turner with great, multi-faceted characters.
A multi-dimensional thriller that delighted me while still giving me a spine tingle that I love in a good book. I really like how the book played out and with everything from mystery to thriller to paranormal. This book had me guessing and thrown back off track again and again. At no point did I really know what was coming next or what the character was going to be up against.
Unique to this book is the authors stylistic choice to wrap the compelling plot around sewing and dressmaking which gives it multiple layers of mystery that brings depth, a lot of suspense and real storytelling to the novel.
I loved the different personalities and dynamics of each character. The dialogues are fun to read and realistic. Vivid descriptions.
I’m really happy I took a chance on this debut thriller because it held my interest until the very last page! I might need a few days to catch up on some sleep though, it was a really good read! Ha-ha.
The author did one hell of a job and his writing is descriptive and tense.
Cold Dresses is a debut novel you don’t want to miss! I can’t recommend this book enough. Cold Dresses is a definite must read and if you didn’t buy this book yet. DO IT NOW!!! You’ll miss out if you don’t. I would gladly give more than 5 stars if it was possible.
David Pelletier, thank you so much for this Phenomenal book. It was a true pleasure reading it.
I have to say I am truly impressed with this book and I really enjoyed it.
Cold Dresses is wildly imaginative, thrilling, chilling, unique twisty plot and an absolute page turner with great, multi-faceted characters.
A multi-dimensional thriller that delighted me while still giving me a spine tingle that I love in a good book. I really like how the book played out and with everything from mystery to thriller to paranormal. This book had me guessing and thrown back off track again and again. At no point did I really know what was coming next or what the character was going to be up against.
Unique to this book is the authors stylistic choice to wrap the compelling plot around sewing and dressmaking which gives it multiple layers of mystery that brings depth, a lot of suspense and real storytelling to the novel.
I loved the different personalities and dynamics of each character. The dialogues are fun to read and realistic. Vivid descriptions.
I’m really happy I took a chance on this debut thriller because it held my interest until the very last page! I might need a few days to catch up on some sleep though, it was a really good read! Ha-ha.
The author did one hell of a job and his writing is descriptive and tense.
Cold Dresses is a debut novel you don’t want to miss! I can’t recommend this book enough. Cold Dresses is a definite must read and if you didn’t buy this book yet. DO IT NOW!!! You’ll miss out if you don’t. I would gladly give more than 5 stars if it was possible.
David Pelletier, thank you so much for this Phenomenal book. It was a true pleasure reading it.
August 20, 2021
Cold Dresses is a multi-layered crime story set in one of the affluent English home counties. Chloe, the emotionally troubled protagonist who has an affinity to the supernatural, is prompted by a mysterious cue to leave London and investigate the deadly car accident of her fiancé. This takes her back to her hometown, where she faces two challenges: being confronted with the demons of her own past and trying to untangle a web of intrigue and lies in the local community of women dress makers that is largely held together and secretly controlled by an obscure fashion magnate.
The book is well-structured and keeps the reader guessing till the end. David Pelletier is believable writing from a woman’s perspective, which, I imagine, is not easy. He succeeds at creating authentic and relatable characters, all the while maintaining an atmospheric ambience throughout.
Apart from the plot, I like the way the book points out the dangers surrounding hypocrisy and lack of self-awareness in big business and the ordinary people who fail to question obscure and controlling practices.
The book is maybe a little wordy in parts, but that is all I could say with regards to things that might have been improved.
The book is well-structured and keeps the reader guessing till the end. David Pelletier is believable writing from a woman’s perspective, which, I imagine, is not easy. He succeeds at creating authentic and relatable characters, all the while maintaining an atmospheric ambience throughout.
Apart from the plot, I like the way the book points out the dangers surrounding hypocrisy and lack of self-awareness in big business and the ordinary people who fail to question obscure and controlling practices.
The book is maybe a little wordy in parts, but that is all I could say with regards to things that might have been improved.
August 6, 2021
"As secrets from the past resurface, Chloe finds herself with only one choice: solve the mystery behind the teal dress before she becomes its next victim . . ."
Chloe Westfield returns home to find a mysterious box with a dress pattern and a piece of teal-blue silk in it. Then she begins to have quick flashes of a young woman in a teal-blue dress. Chloe returns to Heavendale, where her estranged mother and a group of ladies work for a dressmaking company. Chloe begins to question the company is part of something else the leader whose identity is unknown. Chloe will question things she is told and pursue clues to discover the truth.
I received an ARC from Book Sirens for an unbiased review.
Chloe Westfield returns home to find a mysterious box with a dress pattern and a piece of teal-blue silk in it. Then she begins to have quick flashes of a young woman in a teal-blue dress. Chloe returns to Heavendale, where her estranged mother and a group of ladies work for a dressmaking company. Chloe begins to question the company is part of something else the leader whose identity is unknown. Chloe will question things she is told and pursue clues to discover the truth.
I received an ARC from Book Sirens for an unbiased review.
August 30, 2021
First off thank you to @hurnpublications for my gifted copy 🥰
I was super impressed with the fact that this was a debut! I loved the small town setting, unlikeable characters and all of the twists. I thought it was truly clever sprinkling in all of the Orwell 1984 references as well.
The story is suspenseful and you literally cannot trust anyone. I really related with Chloe the main character. The story has several deep issues/themes running throughout which are well done and sympathetic. I enjoyed all of the fashion information and the incredibly unique story line. The paranormal part of the story is spooky and well done which is hard to do. If you are looking for a good spooky mystery to get you ready for spooky season, you have found it!
I was super impressed with the fact that this was a debut! I loved the small town setting, unlikeable characters and all of the twists. I thought it was truly clever sprinkling in all of the Orwell 1984 references as well.
The story is suspenseful and you literally cannot trust anyone. I really related with Chloe the main character. The story has several deep issues/themes running throughout which are well done and sympathetic. I enjoyed all of the fashion information and the incredibly unique story line. The paranormal part of the story is spooky and well done which is hard to do. If you are looking for a good spooky mystery to get you ready for spooky season, you have found it!
August 8, 2021
A surprisingly good book from a first-time author. My main complaint was so many characters that it was hard to keep them straight but the reveal at the end totally caught me by surprise. Maybe a little more about the main character’s paranormal abilities would have been nice, but there was more than enough to keep things interesting. I’d definitely be interested in reading more from him. The aspects of the book that tied in with the Brexit debacle and xenophobia was well done.
August 22, 2021
Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Verified purchase
David Pelletier's debut mystery novel is quite impressive, as it keeps the reader constantly engaged on the unfolding narrative full of twists and turns, while empathising with protagonist Chloe, her conflicts with an ambivalent
" smothering" mother and her drivennes to expose the web of lies surrounding a close-knit club of ladies dressmakers, linked to a suspicious fashion enterprise set in the Lake District. The author's unique style is equally sober, allusive and captivating without becoming too flowery or verbose; his language devices, rich in imagery and overshadowings, invite the reader to guess and discover the quirks, foibles and dark side of the central characters with humour and entertainment.
August 21, 2021
A gripping page-turner!
Cold Dresses really is a great story that will give you the chills! After the death of her fiancé, Chloe Westfield wants nothing more than to leave the past behind. But a package of silk and dress patterns brings back haunting memories and not to mention — a ghost. When Chloe returns to her hometown for answers, she finds a disturbing link between a group of dressmakers and a mysterious figure that seems to control them…
Wow! The storyline was compelling, the writing descriptive and tense, and the reveal at the end totally caught me by surprise (why didn’t I think of that?) This was a mystery/thriller with a dash of paranormal, romance and dystopia that held my interest until the very last page.
I just can't recommend it enough!
Cold Dresses really is a great story that will give you the chills! After the death of her fiancé, Chloe Westfield wants nothing more than to leave the past behind. But a package of silk and dress patterns brings back haunting memories and not to mention — a ghost. When Chloe returns to her hometown for answers, she finds a disturbing link between a group of dressmakers and a mysterious figure that seems to control them…
Wow! The storyline was compelling, the writing descriptive and tense, and the reveal at the end totally caught me by surprise (why didn’t I think of that?) This was a mystery/thriller with a dash of paranormal, romance and dystopia that held my interest until the very last page.
I just can't recommend it enough!
August 23, 2021
Really well written novel with a great twist at the end, it kept me engaged throughout, and an unusual
Dress making aspect that I hadn't seen in a novel before. A great read, really entertaining dialogue, and pretty amazing for a debut novel!
Dress making aspect that I hadn't seen in a novel before. A great read, really entertaining dialogue, and pretty amazing for a debut novel!
August 10, 2021
There is nothing I love more than a book that gives me the chills and Cold Dresses definitely accomplished that lot.
After the death of her fiance, Chloe wants nothing more than to leave the past far behind and forget about it. But a package of silk and dress patterns brings back haunting memories and not to mention — a ghost. When she returns to Heavendale for answers, Chloe realizes there is more than meets the eye in a group of women — her mother included.
Now, she must solve a mystery behind a murder and an enigmatic ominous character that seems to be the only puzzle piece that doesn't fit — and the key to it all.
The pace of the plot started off a bit slow, and almost tended towards boring. But it quickly creeped into something fascinating that I was begging for more as I pored through the words.
The characters of Heavendale were all very mysterious ( especially the sisters ) but often tended towardsu being stereotypes. Still, they were all very lovable and understandable and moved the plot forward quite nicely.
I loved the theme of domestic abuse the author touched upon and how he intertwined it with his storyline to give a fantastic book.
I really enjoyed Cold Dresses and would recommend it to lovers of mystery, crime, thrillers, and a bit of ghosts.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
After the death of her fiance, Chloe wants nothing more than to leave the past far behind and forget about it. But a package of silk and dress patterns brings back haunting memories and not to mention — a ghost. When she returns to Heavendale for answers, Chloe realizes there is more than meets the eye in a group of women — her mother included.
Now, she must solve a mystery behind a murder and an enigmatic ominous character that seems to be the only puzzle piece that doesn't fit — and the key to it all.
The pace of the plot started off a bit slow, and almost tended towards boring. But it quickly creeped into something fascinating that I was begging for more as I pored through the words.
The characters of Heavendale were all very mysterious ( especially the sisters ) but often tended towardsu being stereotypes. Still, they were all very lovable and understandable and moved the plot forward quite nicely.
I loved the theme of domestic abuse the author touched upon and how he intertwined it with his storyline to give a fantastic book.
I really enjoyed Cold Dresses and would recommend it to lovers of mystery, crime, thrillers, and a bit of ghosts.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
August 19, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
August 16, 2021
I received a copy of this book from VRO and this is my voluntary honest review.
A paranormal, mystery, thriller
A chilling page turner!
Setting: small town vividly described
Plot: Twisty! Unique! Multilayered! Imagative! Suspenseful!
Characters: Great! Realistic! Multifaceted!
Dialogue: Fun! Realistic! Interesting!
Contains unnecessary (cuss) words.
Enjoyable read.
A paranormal, mystery, thriller
A chilling page turner!
Setting: small town vividly described
Plot: Twisty! Unique! Multilayered! Imagative! Suspenseful!
Characters: Great! Realistic! Multifaceted!
Dialogue: Fun! Realistic! Interesting!
Contains unnecessary (cuss) words.
Enjoyable read.
August 17, 2021
A Wow! book that takes you on a wild ride of mystery tinged with a bit of the paranormal that takes you page to page in one sitting.
August 18, 2021
Cold Dresses is more a murder mystery than a ghost story even though there is a ghost in it. It does have a lot of elements into it, and you can see how the author had so many things he wanted to include. At the end each of those elements blended pretty well and I enjoyed it very much, specially way it all builds up for the great twist at the end.
I have initially rated it 3 stars but I'm giving it an extra one because it's a debut novel and just the effort and bravery of putting something one writes out here is worth 1 star . BTW I received an advance review copy in exchange for my review so, thanks David Pelletier and Book Sirens
I have initially rated it 3 stars but I'm giving it an extra one because it's a debut novel and just the effort and bravery of putting something one writes out here is worth 1 star . BTW I received an advance review copy in exchange for my review so, thanks David Pelletier and Book Sirens
September 16, 2021
Enjoyable mystery. Kept me engaged until the end.
September 6, 2021
3.5 stars! Not enough supernatural to go with the suspense.
I really liked the premise of this book and it started out living up to my hopes for it - I love a bit of supernatural thriller. Unfortunately it wasn’t sustained through to the end.
Chloe has inherited the gift of being able to experience the actual history of vintage silk dresses just by touching the fabric. It is this gift that draws her back to Heatherdale in the English Lake District, where she spent her teenage years with her widowed mother. As well as being one of the last garment factories to close in the region, Heatherdale is also the setting of the death, the previous year, of Matthew, Cloe’s fiancee. A beautiful, ghostly teal-blue, vintage dress haunts Chloe’s thoughts and hints at more to Richard’s death than it being an accident. As Chloe investigates, she becomes entangled in the viscious web of gossip, lies, and character assasinations that swirl around Heatherdale. The focus of Chloe’s attention falls on her mother and her tight-knit group of female friends, and the mysterious organization they are members of called Scissor Sisters.
There is a lot going on in this book as well as the supernatural and crime mystery pieces, including domestic abuse, eating disorders, corruption, and nationalist propaganda. Sadly the supernatural element faded from the story by about halfway in. The investigative side took over, with plenty of suspects, clues and red herrings. Unfortunately, with the advent of private investigator Josh into the mix, it veered into pantomime territory.
If it had retained more of the supernatural, and made the investigative piece sharper and darker, this would have got more stars from me.
I received an ARC of this book for free through BookSirens. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
I really liked the premise of this book and it started out living up to my hopes for it - I love a bit of supernatural thriller. Unfortunately it wasn’t sustained through to the end.
Chloe has inherited the gift of being able to experience the actual history of vintage silk dresses just by touching the fabric. It is this gift that draws her back to Heatherdale in the English Lake District, where she spent her teenage years with her widowed mother. As well as being one of the last garment factories to close in the region, Heatherdale is also the setting of the death, the previous year, of Matthew, Cloe’s fiancee. A beautiful, ghostly teal-blue, vintage dress haunts Chloe’s thoughts and hints at more to Richard’s death than it being an accident. As Chloe investigates, she becomes entangled in the viscious web of gossip, lies, and character assasinations that swirl around Heatherdale. The focus of Chloe’s attention falls on her mother and her tight-knit group of female friends, and the mysterious organization they are members of called Scissor Sisters.
There is a lot going on in this book as well as the supernatural and crime mystery pieces, including domestic abuse, eating disorders, corruption, and nationalist propaganda. Sadly the supernatural element faded from the story by about halfway in. The investigative side took over, with plenty of suspects, clues and red herrings. Unfortunately, with the advent of private investigator Josh into the mix, it veered into pantomime territory.
If it had retained more of the supernatural, and made the investigative piece sharper and darker, this would have got more stars from me.
I received an ARC of this book for free through BookSirens. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
September 6, 2021
David Pelletier: COLD DRESSES. Review.
A year after her abusive fiancé was killed in a car accident, Chloe Westfield is drawn back to the place she grew up, after the sudden appearance of a ghost—a woman in a teal dress—the difficult return meaning she is forced to stay with her estranged mother. Scarred, and still battling her own demons, Chloe, however, comes to discover the ghost also died in the same car as her fiancé; it appears it is trying to tell her something, and Chloe soon realizes this is the reason she was lured back to her hometown, later discovering it was no accident—but murder. This spurs Chloe on to find justice for the tormented ghost—and the truth.
But when she delves deeper, she soon becomes embroiled in other sinister goings-on in the small town, when another murder takes place, linking it to the ghostly woman in the teal dress. As things take momentum, she realizes no-one, not even her own mother, can be trusted. Determined to learn the truth, Chloe, also, becomes the target of a sinister source, it leading her down a dangerous path.
Cold Dresses is a thriller with a slight gothic edge. It also delves into the world of fashion, with an underlying message about how elements of this world has become disposable and exploitive. The author has certainly done his homework here, and I could relate to what can go on behind the scenes of a competitive, and sometimes brutal, industry. But this does not take away from the story itself. I thoroughly loved this tale, and sympathized with Chloe in her desperate bid to fight her own demons, while trying to seek justice. Besides, I’m a sucker for a good ‘Whodunnit’. Well done to David Pelletier. And I hope this is not the end of Chloe.
A year after her abusive fiancé was killed in a car accident, Chloe Westfield is drawn back to the place she grew up, after the sudden appearance of a ghost—a woman in a teal dress—the difficult return meaning she is forced to stay with her estranged mother. Scarred, and still battling her own demons, Chloe, however, comes to discover the ghost also died in the same car as her fiancé; it appears it is trying to tell her something, and Chloe soon realizes this is the reason she was lured back to her hometown, later discovering it was no accident—but murder. This spurs Chloe on to find justice for the tormented ghost—and the truth.
But when she delves deeper, she soon becomes embroiled in other sinister goings-on in the small town, when another murder takes place, linking it to the ghostly woman in the teal dress. As things take momentum, she realizes no-one, not even her own mother, can be trusted. Determined to learn the truth, Chloe, also, becomes the target of a sinister source, it leading her down a dangerous path.
Cold Dresses is a thriller with a slight gothic edge. It also delves into the world of fashion, with an underlying message about how elements of this world has become disposable and exploitive. The author has certainly done his homework here, and I could relate to what can go on behind the scenes of a competitive, and sometimes brutal, industry. But this does not take away from the story itself. I thoroughly loved this tale, and sympathized with Chloe in her desperate bid to fight her own demons, while trying to seek justice. Besides, I’m a sucker for a good ‘Whodunnit’. Well done to David Pelletier. And I hope this is not the end of Chloe.
August 24, 2021
Expectations were pretty high going into this supernatural thriller. An evil dress that kills it's wearer? That sounds exactly like the weird stuff that I like. While pitched as a ghost story this is definitely more of a traditional murder mystery. The dress that kills is definitely a metaphor more than anything. I really wanted a murderous dress!
On the anniversary of her fiance's death a mysterious box appears on Chloe's porch. When she opens it up she finds a dress pattern, a piece of teal blue silk and a vision of a grey spirit wearing a dress of the same fabric. The vision leads her to question information regarding her fiance's death and how this woman maybe was involved that night.
The clues lead her back to her mother's house in Heavensdale and immediately she gets embroiled in the drama surrounding Scissor Sister, a nationalist fashion line, that many of her mothers friends are also involved with. Friends that are turning up dead.
Tensions run high as Chloe tries to find out how all of the pieces come together, who is this mysterious Scissor Sister, and what does she want with her?
For me everything felt a little too convenient, and I don't like a mystery where I'm too far ahead of our main character. I also found all of Chloe's dialogue to be jarring. Why is she screaming at everyone all the time?
It definitely has a lot going on and I don't think it necessarily all worked together.
Thank you so much to David Pelletier and BookSirens for my advanced review copy.
On the anniversary of her fiance's death a mysterious box appears on Chloe's porch. When she opens it up she finds a dress pattern, a piece of teal blue silk and a vision of a grey spirit wearing a dress of the same fabric. The vision leads her to question information regarding her fiance's death and how this woman maybe was involved that night.
The clues lead her back to her mother's house in Heavensdale and immediately she gets embroiled in the drama surrounding Scissor Sister, a nationalist fashion line, that many of her mothers friends are also involved with. Friends that are turning up dead.
Tensions run high as Chloe tries to find out how all of the pieces come together, who is this mysterious Scissor Sister, and what does she want with her?
For me everything felt a little too convenient, and I don't like a mystery where I'm too far ahead of our main character. I also found all of Chloe's dialogue to be jarring. Why is she screaming at everyone all the time?
It definitely has a lot going on and I don't think it necessarily all worked together.
Thank you so much to David Pelletier and BookSirens for my advanced review copy.
September 17, 2021
I really enjoyed David Pelletier's novel Cold Dresses
Pelletier provides an entertaining paranormal/mystery/suspense read. The novel is built around the main character, Chloe Westfield. Since she was young, Chloe could sense, see, and feel ghosts, especially from their clothing. With flashbacks to a young woman's life which accompany the ghost, Chloe is launched into a multilayer mystery.
Pelletier works with some strong themes through the novel. Abuse from a lover; abuse between parent and child, abuse of a person's own body. Chloe suffers from bulimia, alcoholism, abuse from her fiance and abuse from her cold, emotionally absent mother. She also must reconcile her online life with her real life.
Chloe's journey into a small village in the Lake District winds the reader into a depressed economy taken over by a secret sewing group with a mysterious Sissor Sister as the leader. The Orwellian facist theme can't be missed.
After finishing the novel, I would have liked a final scene between Chloe and her mother, as well as Chloe and her detective side-kick. I'm hoping this means we'll be seeing a great deal more of Chloe!
Pelletier provides an entertaining paranormal/mystery/suspense read. The novel is built around the main character, Chloe Westfield. Since she was young, Chloe could sense, see, and feel ghosts, especially from their clothing. With flashbacks to a young woman's life which accompany the ghost, Chloe is launched into a multilayer mystery.
Pelletier works with some strong themes through the novel. Abuse from a lover; abuse between parent and child, abuse of a person's own body. Chloe suffers from bulimia, alcoholism, abuse from her fiance and abuse from her cold, emotionally absent mother. She also must reconcile her online life with her real life.
Chloe's journey into a small village in the Lake District winds the reader into a depressed economy taken over by a secret sewing group with a mysterious Sissor Sister as the leader. The Orwellian facist theme can't be missed.
After finishing the novel, I would have liked a final scene between Chloe and her mother, as well as Chloe and her detective side-kick. I'm hoping this means we'll be seeing a great deal more of Chloe!
September 26, 2021
Cold Dresses is a novel that intrigues you!...
From the start, it draws your attention to mysterious suspense you can only expect to unfold and develop in first-class stories, not in debut novels - and how it delivers it! Mystery, supernatural (or paranormal, the line between one and the other is so thin that only the reader's mind to decipher which way it inclines itself to), intrigue, death, suffering, and not forgetting the pain of having to deal with this suffering from the perspective of someone who's driven by a never-giving-up-ever attitude!...
Beautifully written, Cold Dresses uses analogy, metaphor, figures of speech, brilliantly intricate and very well intellectually addressed subjects to convey a message of liberation by facing your own demons, deepest fears, frustrated expectations, untold truths and most undeniable aspirations... Therefore, how not to be identified with Chloe Westfield and her pursuit of a better outcome to a personal story which she convinced herself to be irreparably broken?!
With this element of self-discovery always portrayed in every chapter, David Pelletier almost makes me believe, among his many talents, that he is also capable of delving into the psychological realm of the human soul, devour key aspects of its almost unbeatable shadow and conquer it with mastery!...
Or is he?!...
From the start, it draws your attention to mysterious suspense you can only expect to unfold and develop in first-class stories, not in debut novels - and how it delivers it! Mystery, supernatural (or paranormal, the line between one and the other is so thin that only the reader's mind to decipher which way it inclines itself to), intrigue, death, suffering, and not forgetting the pain of having to deal with this suffering from the perspective of someone who's driven by a never-giving-up-ever attitude!...
Beautifully written, Cold Dresses uses analogy, metaphor, figures of speech, brilliantly intricate and very well intellectually addressed subjects to convey a message of liberation by facing your own demons, deepest fears, frustrated expectations, untold truths and most undeniable aspirations... Therefore, how not to be identified with Chloe Westfield and her pursuit of a better outcome to a personal story which she convinced herself to be irreparably broken?!
With this element of self-discovery always portrayed in every chapter, David Pelletier almost makes me believe, among his many talents, that he is also capable of delving into the psychological realm of the human soul, devour key aspects of its almost unbeatable shadow and conquer it with mastery!...
Or is he?!...
October 12, 2021
This was a great read and an absolute page-turner!
When Chloe returns to her flat one afternoon, the last thing she expected was a package; but there it was, a beautifully wrapped box addressed to her. Unable to fight its’ pull, she finds herself traveling back to her hometown of Heavendale, and straight into memories she’d hoped to forget. Her past and present fight as long-held secrets come to the surface and Chloe is pulled into a web of lies and deceit.
I really enjoyed this debut thriller by David Pelletier. I thought Chloe was a strong main, and I loved how strong she was despite her tragic past. Her moments of weakness were raw and exceptionally human, and it helped me connect to her far better than someone who is “perfect”. The twists and turns were well thought out and I appreciated that the author didn’t rely on the paranormal aspect to carry the novel. My only criticism is that the ending felt a bit rushed. A lot happens in the last couple chapters, and the last moments between Chloe and the villain seemed a bit cliché, but overall, it was still an absorbing read. **Trigger warnings for eating disorders and abusive relationships.
Thank you Voracious Readers and David Pelletier for my copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When Chloe returns to her flat one afternoon, the last thing she expected was a package; but there it was, a beautifully wrapped box addressed to her. Unable to fight its’ pull, she finds herself traveling back to her hometown of Heavendale, and straight into memories she’d hoped to forget. Her past and present fight as long-held secrets come to the surface and Chloe is pulled into a web of lies and deceit.
I really enjoyed this debut thriller by David Pelletier. I thought Chloe was a strong main, and I loved how strong she was despite her tragic past. Her moments of weakness were raw and exceptionally human, and it helped me connect to her far better than someone who is “perfect”. The twists and turns were well thought out and I appreciated that the author didn’t rely on the paranormal aspect to carry the novel. My only criticism is that the ending felt a bit rushed. A lot happens in the last couple chapters, and the last moments between Chloe and the villain seemed a bit cliché, but overall, it was still an absorbing read. **Trigger warnings for eating disorders and abusive relationships.
Thank you Voracious Readers and David Pelletier for my copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 15, 2021
Can I just give a HUGE thank you to the author, David, for being so friendly, nice, and getting this ebook to me! I have been waiting to get my hands on this one for months! You truly are amazing, and thank you!
Also, a huge thank you to @hurnpublications as well! Thank you for my gifted book 💗 I love being part of your Hurn Pub book reviewer program!
This book truly did not disappoint! After waiting to read it and building up the anticipation it definitely lived up to all my expectations! I am blown away that this is a debut book from the author! David-you are truly talented!
This book is a mix of mystery, thriller, suspense, with a little bit of paranormal sprinkled in. I love the small town setting, the well developed characters, creepy vibes, and all the twists and turns.
While turning the pages, I kept thinking I knew the answers, and then BAM it would throw me a curve ball again and again. It is such a unique storyline, unlike anything I have read before!
The author did a superb job with developing such a unique, intriguing plot centered around fashion and dressmaking, which adds to the mystery and suspense.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading mystery, thrillers, suspense, and paranormal books! You will not be disappointed!
Also, a huge thank you to @hurnpublications as well! Thank you for my gifted book 💗 I love being part of your Hurn Pub book reviewer program!
This book truly did not disappoint! After waiting to read it and building up the anticipation it definitely lived up to all my expectations! I am blown away that this is a debut book from the author! David-you are truly talented!
This book is a mix of mystery, thriller, suspense, with a little bit of paranormal sprinkled in. I love the small town setting, the well developed characters, creepy vibes, and all the twists and turns.
While turning the pages, I kept thinking I knew the answers, and then BAM it would throw me a curve ball again and again. It is such a unique storyline, unlike anything I have read before!
The author did a superb job with developing such a unique, intriguing plot centered around fashion and dressmaking, which adds to the mystery and suspense.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading mystery, thrillers, suspense, and paranormal books! You will not be disappointed!
July 21, 2021
𝙄’𝙙 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙜𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙨, 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮’𝙡𝙡 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙜𝙤 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮; 𝙨𝙡𝙞𝙥 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙.
I am blown away by this debut! Part mystery, part thriller, and part paranormal (which is so hard to do well) COLD DRESSES on the surface is the story of Chloe, a costume assistant whose ghostly visions are triggered by touching certain dresses or fabrics.
But this story is so much more. Chloe is still reeling from the death of her fiance, his cruelty only known to her and not to those who mourned him. After a particularly disturbing vision involving a teal dress, Chloe goes back home to her estranged mother, a difficult woman who has now dedicated herself to dressmaking. Curiously, many women in this small town are dressmakers, and Chloe finds a disturbing link between the town and a package she received that led her back to this place.
The storyline was compelling, the writing descriptive and tense, and I just can't recommend it enough!
I am blown away by this debut! Part mystery, part thriller, and part paranormal (which is so hard to do well) COLD DRESSES on the surface is the story of Chloe, a costume assistant whose ghostly visions are triggered by touching certain dresses or fabrics.
But this story is so much more. Chloe is still reeling from the death of her fiance, his cruelty only known to her and not to those who mourned him. After a particularly disturbing vision involving a teal dress, Chloe goes back home to her estranged mother, a difficult woman who has now dedicated herself to dressmaking. Curiously, many women in this small town are dressmakers, and Chloe finds a disturbing link between the town and a package she received that led her back to this place.
The storyline was compelling, the writing descriptive and tense, and I just can't recommend it enough!
October 5, 2021
Chloe Westfield tries to avoid touching silk - fabric that holds memories of the past. When she receives a mysterious package with a scrap of teal silk, Chloe is transported back to the day her life changed forever.
Cold Dresses was more of a murder mystery than a ghost story. It had great world building, though I found the dialogue a bit stiff. As much as I found Chloe a relatable, realistic protagonist, I found Josh confusing and improbable. Nonetheless, it kept me guessing and engaged until the end.
I can imagine a sequel series where Chloe accepts her supernatural gift and dives into the past to help the souls of those wrapped up in swathes of silk. However, I would prefer an English narrator next time considering the setting and characters. Be sure to add this to your TBR if you are looking for an easy, captivating read!
TW // ED, abuse, murder
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Cold Dresses was more of a murder mystery than a ghost story. It had great world building, though I found the dialogue a bit stiff. As much as I found Chloe a relatable, realistic protagonist, I found Josh confusing and improbable. Nonetheless, it kept me guessing and engaged until the end.
I can imagine a sequel series where Chloe accepts her supernatural gift and dives into the past to help the souls of those wrapped up in swathes of silk. However, I would prefer an English narrator next time considering the setting and characters. Be sure to add this to your TBR if you are looking for an easy, captivating read!
TW // ED, abuse, murder
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2021
Cold Dresses was a thriller that always left you guessing until the very end. Following Chloe was like following the point of view of a dark, formerly abused and bulimic pseudo deputy detective. At times, I thought it would have been more interesting to have followed her friend Josh instead, but only because he seemed to be the smarter one of the crime solving pair. Chloe could have also used her supernatural powers more. It seemed like it was a bit of a side note in the quest to solve the mystery.
It was nice to see how the author incorporated real world allusions to the current political climate into this story to make the story feel more real. It was also refreshing to read a thriller that did not have a predictable villain.
I received this book for free, and I am voluntarily writing this review.
It was nice to see how the author incorporated real world allusions to the current political climate into this story to make the story feel more real. It was also refreshing to read a thriller that did not have a predictable villain.
I received this book for free, and I am voluntarily writing this review.
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