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Wedding Planner Mystery #6
Veiled in Death
When Mallory Shepard discovers some old lace at a Port Quincy antique shop, she knows it’ll make a perfect headpiece. But she’s barely gotten it out of the store before Helene Pierce tears it from her hands. Helene claims it’s a family heirloom that went missing when her late husband died in a hit-and-run twenty-five years ago.The conflict gets more complicated when the veil is attributed to none other than famed seamstress Betsy Ross. Mallory may have a genuine museum piece on her hands, but meanwhile, Independence Day is right around the corner, and she has to host the town’s Revolutionary War reenactment. Then it becomes clear there’s a bigger mystery behind all this history when a local woman is murdered with a musket. Now Mallory’s investigation could set off some fireworks...
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Published September 29, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 27, 2020
This is a fantastic new book in the Wedding Planner mystery series. I really liked getting to see a little more of Mallory's life as she is trying to plan her own wedding as well as take care of her current events. This book had me guessing through out the book. The ending took me by total surprise. I really enjoyed the story.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington for the digital arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington for the digital arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 3, 2020
Mallory is busy planning another wedding and avoiding designing her own in Veiled in Death. Everyone is trying to get her to set a date, especially her mother. But Mallory isn’t ready and will use just about any event to keep from having to name a date. When a murder occurs, it just gives her one more excuse to delay her mother’s continuous onslaught of demands that she set a date for the nuptials and give her grandchildren. Finding an antique veil helps get her in the mode for her friend Bev’s wedding and her own, and maybe even helps her decide to plan for her future.
This murder is unexpected, and the victim even more so. Mallory and her sister have arranged a civil war reenactment event, and everything is going well until someone puts real gunpowder in a musket. Once again, Mallory goes up against her one-time future mother-in-law over the ownership of the veil, but even this can’t stop her from digging into this investigation. There are suspects everywhere, even in her own family. The evidence is stacking up, and Mallory must find the killer before her best friend’s wedding or before someone she cares about ends up behind bars.
Veiled in Death is an easy to read book. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep readers interested and enough action to keep them guessing. Characters are nicely developed, the setting picture perfect, and the mystery filled with intrigue and excitement. The wedding planning and other events throughout the story help readers grasp the plot with ease and keep turning the page to find out if all the questions are answered and who the killer is, and more importantly, why they committed murder. In the end, all mysteries are solved, and the killer is caught but not without some difficulty. This is a terrific story, and readers will be happy they read it to the end.
This murder is unexpected, and the victim even more so. Mallory and her sister have arranged a civil war reenactment event, and everything is going well until someone puts real gunpowder in a musket. Once again, Mallory goes up against her one-time future mother-in-law over the ownership of the veil, but even this can’t stop her from digging into this investigation. There are suspects everywhere, even in her own family. The evidence is stacking up, and Mallory must find the killer before her best friend’s wedding or before someone she cares about ends up behind bars.
Veiled in Death is an easy to read book. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep readers interested and enough action to keep them guessing. Characters are nicely developed, the setting picture perfect, and the mystery filled with intrigue and excitement. The wedding planning and other events throughout the story help readers grasp the plot with ease and keep turning the page to find out if all the questions are answered and who the killer is, and more importantly, why they committed murder. In the end, all mysteries are solved, and the killer is caught but not without some difficulty. This is a terrific story, and readers will be happy they read it to the end.
October 5, 2020
Veiled in Death is the 6th book in the Wedding Planner Mystery series.
The reader soon meets the star of the show, Mallory Shepard, who runs her own wedding planning business along with her sister, Rachel in the quaint town of Port Quincy, Pennsylvania. Mallory also has a B&B - Thistle Park - and she and Rachel are searching for an assistant to help out. Mallory’s equally busy shopping with her best friend Bev, the owner of Silver Bells Wedding Dress boutique, to find some accessories for Bev’s wedding to Jesse. When they find an old piece of lace for a veil, events take a downward turn...
Veiled in Death was my 1st in this series. Although it was book six, I had no difficulties keeping up with characters and events and it worked for me as an individual story. A fast-paced plot featured several intertwined mysteries and Mallory was an engaging and plucky heroine. The involved storyline held my attention, and the twists kept me guessing. Veiled in Death was a perfect blend of mystery, history, relationship conflict, and romance with some humour and heartbreak included in the mix.
Would I read more in this series from Stephanie Blackmoore? An emphatic... yes! 😊
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
The reader soon meets the star of the show, Mallory Shepard, who runs her own wedding planning business along with her sister, Rachel in the quaint town of Port Quincy, Pennsylvania. Mallory also has a B&B - Thistle Park - and she and Rachel are searching for an assistant to help out. Mallory’s equally busy shopping with her best friend Bev, the owner of Silver Bells Wedding Dress boutique, to find some accessories for Bev’s wedding to Jesse. When they find an old piece of lace for a veil, events take a downward turn...
Veiled in Death was my 1st in this series. Although it was book six, I had no difficulties keeping up with characters and events and it worked for me as an individual story. A fast-paced plot featured several intertwined mysteries and Mallory was an engaging and plucky heroine. The involved storyline held my attention, and the twists kept me guessing. Veiled in Death was a perfect blend of mystery, history, relationship conflict, and romance with some humour and heartbreak included in the mix.
Would I read more in this series from Stephanie Blackmoore? An emphatic... yes! 😊
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
October 24, 2020
My first book by this author and this series as well. Mallory was a lovely heroine. She is into the wedding business and in this book, she is planning a wedding for her best friend Bev. And she is drawn to a piece of lace which also catches the eye of her almost MIL. Apparently the lace has high importance and this brings about trouble. It had the usual small town drama as well which was fun to read about. Ad we see a lot of history which was entwined well with the mystery. Whiskey and Soda were adorable, cute names for pets 😁 My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read this book.
January 31, 2022
I was actually stumped for a while on who the killer was. It was a good ending and I can't wait to see what's next.
September 26, 2021
SPOILERS
I think I am finished with this series. I liked the first few books but Mallory has turned into an unrelatable goody goody at this stage. She lets multiple characters ride roughshod over her life in ways that make no sense. Her “well-meaning” mother is horrible, making comments that no one should have to deal with. This is a pattern in the last few books where Carole treats Mallory like garbage and Mallory doesn’t even get mad and instantly forgives her. Rachel was less of a tyrant in this book though which was a nice change. And Garrett has morphed into a very bland love interest.
I didn’t think the mystery was very compelling in this book, and the development to the end seemed very rushed. I also had a particular problem with Mallory deciding to deed Pia half of Thistle Park. The property was Sylvia’s, not Richard’s so he couldn’t have bequeathed it to anyone. This made zero sense to me and is yet another reason I no longer enjoy Mallory as a character. This takes being “nice” to an extreme and unrealistic level that I can’t handle anymore.
I think I am finished with this series. I liked the first few books but Mallory has turned into an unrelatable goody goody at this stage. She lets multiple characters ride roughshod over her life in ways that make no sense. Her “well-meaning” mother is horrible, making comments that no one should have to deal with. This is a pattern in the last few books where Carole treats Mallory like garbage and Mallory doesn’t even get mad and instantly forgives her. Rachel was less of a tyrant in this book though which was a nice change. And Garrett has morphed into a very bland love interest.
I didn’t think the mystery was very compelling in this book, and the development to the end seemed very rushed. I also had a particular problem with Mallory deciding to deed Pia half of Thistle Park. The property was Sylvia’s, not Richard’s so he couldn’t have bequeathed it to anyone. This made zero sense to me and is yet another reason I no longer enjoy Mallory as a character. This takes being “nice” to an extreme and unrealistic level that I can’t handle anymore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
We arrive in Port Quincy shortly before the 4th of July. Mallory Shepard is helping her dear friend Bev Mitchell plan her upcoming wedding. They are at the Antique Emporium "foraging for antique pieces to gussy up her wedding". Bev is also pushing Mallory to set the date for her own wedding. While they are checking out Mallory helps extricate something from an old hat box. It is a beautiful piece of old lace that would make a perfect veil. She is excited to purchase it. But then as she is leaving the store Helene Pierce rips it from her hands asserting it is a family heirloom that was stolen when a hit-and-run killed her husband 25 years ago. She claims the lace was made by Betsy Ross.
Mallory and her sister Rachel are also organizing a new gala celebrating Port Quincy's founding. Cordials and Cannonballs will feature a reenactment of a battle from the Revolutionary War that took place over 200 years ago right in Port Quincy. Again, Helene Pierce is causing trouble. She wants to forbid women from taking part in the reenactment. The big day arrives and the event appears to be a success even with the low-hanging fog. Then screams break out. Bev's fiance and Mallory's stepfather are injured and a local woman is dead.
Historic lace and reenactment murder. Mallory finds herself in the middle of it all. Can she get to the truth? or will she die before she gets to say "I do"?
______
I have always been amazed at how Mallory could juggle everything she needed to get done for weddings and the B&B and her amateur sleuthing. Her sister Rachel helped but it still was a lot. Now, it this installment they finally hire an assistant and Pia is an excellent fit. She and Rachel become quick friends as they try to press Mallory to set a wedding date. Mallory's fiance Garett is a wonderful man and he has a beautiful 14-year-old daughter Summer. They too are ready for the wedding to take place. Then you have Carole, Mallory, and Rachel's mother who wants a quick wedding because she wants grandchildren NOW! She is overbearing but she loves her daughters. Her husband, Doug is pretty easygoing and knows how to handle his wife. Chief of Police, Truman Davies is Garrett's dad making murder and lace investigations interesting. Helene truly is Mallory’s nemesis and pops up everywhere. I enjoy how the characters have grown since the start of this series. They are genuine and engaging and a couple are pretty stubborn.
Because this is the final book in the series a lot takes place within the pages. The mysteries intertwine and a cold case is brought back to life. The veil needs to be authenticated. The murder weapon musket must be examined. Many questions must be asked and answered. Twists unraveled and clues followed. All while so much is happening in Mallory's personal life. She even receives a wild request from her ex and his new bride.
I do have to say I had moved this book down my To-Be-Read stack several times since it was released because a friend told me one scene would be a trigger for me after losing my son to suicide. I needed a book with a wedding word in the title for my Alphabet Soup June Mini Challenge so I decided to read it now. The scene still hit me hard but I handled it, moved on, and didn't let it detract my enjoyment of the story one bit.
Veiled in Death wrapped this series up in a fabulous fashion. Ms. Blackmoore left the characters we have come to love in good places. She wrapped up any dangling threads all while giving readers mysteries we could sink our teeth into. She leaves her readers with A Perfect Escape.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
We arrive in Port Quincy shortly before the 4th of July. Mallory Shepard is helping her dear friend Bev Mitchell plan her upcoming wedding. They are at the Antique Emporium "foraging for antique pieces to gussy up her wedding". Bev is also pushing Mallory to set the date for her own wedding. While they are checking out Mallory helps extricate something from an old hat box. It is a beautiful piece of old lace that would make a perfect veil. She is excited to purchase it. But then as she is leaving the store Helene Pierce rips it from her hands asserting it is a family heirloom that was stolen when a hit-and-run killed her husband 25 years ago. She claims the lace was made by Betsy Ross.
Mallory and her sister Rachel are also organizing a new gala celebrating Port Quincy's founding. Cordials and Cannonballs will feature a reenactment of a battle from the Revolutionary War that took place over 200 years ago right in Port Quincy. Again, Helene Pierce is causing trouble. She wants to forbid women from taking part in the reenactment. The big day arrives and the event appears to be a success even with the low-hanging fog. Then screams break out. Bev's fiance and Mallory's stepfather are injured and a local woman is dead.
Historic lace and reenactment murder. Mallory finds herself in the middle of it all. Can she get to the truth? or will she die before she gets to say "I do"?
______
I have always been amazed at how Mallory could juggle everything she needed to get done for weddings and the B&B and her amateur sleuthing. Her sister Rachel helped but it still was a lot. Now, it this installment they finally hire an assistant and Pia is an excellent fit. She and Rachel become quick friends as they try to press Mallory to set a wedding date. Mallory's fiance Garett is a wonderful man and he has a beautiful 14-year-old daughter Summer. They too are ready for the wedding to take place. Then you have Carole, Mallory, and Rachel's mother who wants a quick wedding because she wants grandchildren NOW! She is overbearing but she loves her daughters. Her husband, Doug is pretty easygoing and knows how to handle his wife. Chief of Police, Truman Davies is Garrett's dad making murder and lace investigations interesting. Helene truly is Mallory’s nemesis and pops up everywhere. I enjoy how the characters have grown since the start of this series. They are genuine and engaging and a couple are pretty stubborn.
Because this is the final book in the series a lot takes place within the pages. The mysteries intertwine and a cold case is brought back to life. The veil needs to be authenticated. The murder weapon musket must be examined. Many questions must be asked and answered. Twists unraveled and clues followed. All while so much is happening in Mallory's personal life. She even receives a wild request from her ex and his new bride.
I do have to say I had moved this book down my To-Be-Read stack several times since it was released because a friend told me one scene would be a trigger for me after losing my son to suicide. I needed a book with a wedding word in the title for my Alphabet Soup June Mini Challenge so I decided to read it now. The scene still hit me hard but I handled it, moved on, and didn't let it detract my enjoyment of the story one bit.
Veiled in Death wrapped this series up in a fabulous fashion. Ms. Blackmoore left the characters we have come to love in good places. She wrapped up any dangling threads all while giving readers mysteries we could sink our teeth into. She leaves her readers with A Perfect Escape.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
October 14, 2020
"Veiled in Death” the 6th instalment in the "Wedding Planner" Mystery series by Stephanie Blackmoore. I have read only two other books previously and this can be read as a stand alone but you will want to read in order.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story from start to finish, there was so much happening re-enactments, history, Mallory’s wedding and a little murder. There was more than one mystery to solve and I liked how it was all woven together so neatly that nothing seemed out of place. We got to know the characters their feelings, relationships and care about the outcome. Amongst all this there were plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing on the identity of the killer.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series and book 7 when it comes out.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story from start to finish, there was so much happening re-enactments, history, Mallory’s wedding and a little murder. There was more than one mystery to solve and I liked how it was all woven together so neatly that nothing seemed out of place. We got to know the characters their feelings, relationships and care about the outcome. Amongst all this there were plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing on the identity of the killer.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series and book 7 when it comes out.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 25, 2020
I was so excited to see that I had been chosen to receive an advanced copy of Veiled in Death by Stepahnie Blackmoore to review. I’m a longtime lover of Blackmoore’s Wedding Planner Mystery series set in the quaint town of Port Quincy, Pennsylvania. This time Helen, Mallory’s one time almost Mother in Law, is at it again with fresh antics and a new reason to stomp her foot. Mallory and bridal boutique owner Bev purchase a beautiful veil that Helen claims was made by Betsy Ross. Throughout the book Mallory steps back as the wedding planner to let her sister take on the role of planner for Mallory and Garrett’s wedding. Veiled in Death had all of my favorite small town drama and cozy family interactions along with two of the cutest literary felines: Whisky and Soda! The latest installment in the Wedding Planner Mystery series is the perfect summer read!
September 15, 2020
I was hoping for a little more mystery in "Veiled in Death" book 6 in the Wedding Planner murder mystery series by Stephanie Blackmoore. I enjoyed the rich historical landscape that was painted in this book, but there were times of monotony where I really wanted to hear about more than the veil that was found, the history of the town, the relationships between all the characters, and the wedding planning itself - it wasn't until 50% of the way through the book that the murder finally occurred and the mystery began! I felt at times that the author lost sight of the mystery aspect. So while the pacing of this book was a little slow for me I can appreciate that all of the details mentioned will most likely form a solid foundation for future installments.
One of the great positives about this book was that both a cold case and a modern case of murder were solved together which is a more complicated plot choice that I greatly appreciate the author for taking on. This could account for the overabundance of relationship detail we received from the author. The descriptions for characters and settings were robust and fully formed so I had an easy time envisioning the scenes as they played out. And three cheers for representing vegans! I love that the fourteen-year-old step-daughter, Summer, is a vegan advocate and a solid example of newer generations taking on initiatives to be planet-friendly. This is an element in newer cozies that I love is coming out more and more.
** I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.**
More Facts for Readers about our Sleuth:
Main Sleuth: Mallory Shepard (age, early thirties)
Physical Description: White female, blonde hair, curly
Best friend: Bev Mitchell
Location: Port Quincy, Pennsylvania
Time of Year: June-July
Business: Wedding Planner (owns a mansion B&B "Thistle Park" with her sister)
Pet: 2 Cats. Whiskey, a tiny calico kitten, and Soda, a cream-colored cat.
Love Interest: Garrett Davies, he's a lawyer and has a 14 year old daughter (Summer).
Family: Mom, Step-Dad, Younger Sister, Dad (left when she was just a kid and never came back)
Cussing? No
Diversity? Not really. Every character in the book appeared to be white Caucasian. There was no real mention if any of other types of folks. There was a bright spot for vegans though since one of the characters (Summer) prepared and offered vegan food for town festivities.
One of the great positives about this book was that both a cold case and a modern case of murder were solved together which is a more complicated plot choice that I greatly appreciate the author for taking on. This could account for the overabundance of relationship detail we received from the author. The descriptions for characters and settings were robust and fully formed so I had an easy time envisioning the scenes as they played out. And three cheers for representing vegans! I love that the fourteen-year-old step-daughter, Summer, is a vegan advocate and a solid example of newer generations taking on initiatives to be planet-friendly. This is an element in newer cozies that I love is coming out more and more.
** I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.**
More Facts for Readers about our Sleuth:
Main Sleuth: Mallory Shepard (age, early thirties)
Physical Description: White female, blonde hair, curly
Best friend: Bev Mitchell
Location: Port Quincy, Pennsylvania
Time of Year: June-July
Business: Wedding Planner (owns a mansion B&B "Thistle Park" with her sister)
Pet: 2 Cats. Whiskey, a tiny calico kitten, and Soda, a cream-colored cat.
Love Interest: Garrett Davies, he's a lawyer and has a 14 year old daughter (Summer).
Family: Mom, Step-Dad, Younger Sister, Dad (left when she was just a kid and never came back)
Cussing? No
Diversity? Not really. Every character in the book appeared to be white Caucasian. There was no real mention if any of other types of folks. There was a bright spot for vegans though since one of the characters (Summer) prepared and offered vegan food for town festivities.
July 22, 2020
Veiled in Death is the sixth installment in the Wedding Planner Mystery series set in the small town of Port Quincy, PA and featuring B&B owner/wedding planner Mallory Shepard. Things are busy at Thistle Park and Mallory and her sister Rachel are searching for an assistant, planning the upcoming Cordials and Cannonballs festival and also trying to prepare for Mallory's upcoming wedding to her fiance, Garrett.
Mallory is helping plan a Summer wedding for her friends Bev Mitchell and Jesse, which is putting her in a difficult spot since Mallory's mother Carole used to date Jesse and the two women do not get along. While hunting through an antique shop Mallory and Bev discover an old piece of lace that both women agree would make a perfect veil and they decide to split the purchase so both can wear it at their weddings. As they make their way from the store, Mallory is accosted by Helene Pierce, mother of her ex-fiance Keith. Mallory and Helene have a tumultuous relationship but Mallory is surprised when Helene rips the lace from her hands and claims that she in fact is the rightful owner of the lace purported to have been made by Betsy Ross and that the piece was stolen from her twenty five years ago.
Things quickly go down hill when at the festival's opening Revolutionary War reenactment someone opens fire on the participants, killing one and injuring two others. Mallory feels there's a connection between the lace, the recent shooting and the accident that killed Helene's husband, Richard twenty five years ago and sets out to track down a killer.
A fast paced plot features several intertwined mysteries and the return of series regulars. A perfect blend of history, relationship conflict, romance and the heartbreak surrounding IVF treatment and adoption. A must read addition to the series.
I received an advanced copy of Veiled in Death from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.
Mallory is helping plan a Summer wedding for her friends Bev Mitchell and Jesse, which is putting her in a difficult spot since Mallory's mother Carole used to date Jesse and the two women do not get along. While hunting through an antique shop Mallory and Bev discover an old piece of lace that both women agree would make a perfect veil and they decide to split the purchase so both can wear it at their weddings. As they make their way from the store, Mallory is accosted by Helene Pierce, mother of her ex-fiance Keith. Mallory and Helene have a tumultuous relationship but Mallory is surprised when Helene rips the lace from her hands and claims that she in fact is the rightful owner of the lace purported to have been made by Betsy Ross and that the piece was stolen from her twenty five years ago.
Things quickly go down hill when at the festival's opening Revolutionary War reenactment someone opens fire on the participants, killing one and injuring two others. Mallory feels there's a connection between the lace, the recent shooting and the accident that killed Helene's husband, Richard twenty five years ago and sets out to track down a killer.
A fast paced plot features several intertwined mysteries and the return of series regulars. A perfect blend of history, relationship conflict, romance and the heartbreak surrounding IVF treatment and adoption. A must read addition to the series.
I received an advanced copy of Veiled in Death from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.
May 5, 2021
2.5 stars
I like the characters in this series but jeez louise, it moved soooo slowly. There was just so much blah, blah, blah about other little subplot details (ie. choosing her wedding dress, having kids, her relationships w/her sister & mother, etc...)
I mean seriously, I grumbled, "get there already! what do you mean I'm only on chapter 3???"
This story revolves around a discovered veil that could be of historical signifigance which would be worth a pretty penny. A good motive for a crime.
It did get a little better towards the middle as the story deepened. There were several suspects, clues, etc. that were being revealed which added a element of intrigue to the otherwise slow story.
But there was a surprise towards the end. And it was a good ending.
I like the characters in this series but jeez louise, it moved soooo slowly. There was just so much blah, blah, blah about other little subplot details (ie. choosing her wedding dress, having kids, her relationships w/her sister & mother, etc...)
I mean seriously, I grumbled, "get there already! what do you mean I'm only on chapter 3???"
This story revolves around a discovered veil that could be of historical signifigance which would be worth a pretty penny. A good motive for a crime.
It did get a little better towards the middle as the story deepened. There were several suspects, clues, etc. that were being revealed which added a element of intrigue to the otherwise slow story.
But there was a surprise towards the end. And it was a good ending.
May 16, 2021
I really enjoy how Stephanie Blackmoore has several storylines occurring simultaneously, yet they all come together in the end. In this story, Mallory and a friend are shopping in an antique shop when they come across a piece of antique lace. They buy it with the plan to make a veil that they can both share. Unfortunately, this does not happen as Helene Pierce tears it from her hands and ends up ripping it in half. Helene claims it's a family heirloom that went missing when her late husband died in a hit-and-run twenty-five years ago, as well as being an historical artifact as the lace was made by Betsy Ross. So now there is the mystery of the lace and how it ended up in the antique store, but when a local woman is killed by a musket ball during a reenactment, there is definitely more going on.
This book finds Mallory once again caught up in a couple of mysteries, dealing with her BFF's baby shower that she is putting on, and trying to plan her own fall wedding. She really tries to stay out of the investigation, but as she says to Truman, her future father-in-law and police chief, people just tell me stuff. Mallory and Rachel are also looking for an assistant as they have expanded their business and they hire one of the daughters of the antique store owners. It is her grandmother that is killed and other residents are injured. It is a friend of Mallory's whose musket was found to have the real musket balls, so he is the main suspect in the murder. When the lace is stolen the waters are muddied even more. So much happening, yet the book flows smoothly and had me stopping everything to read and/or listen to this one. This book had enough twists to keep this reader guessing and the final reveal was fitting, but also came as a surprise to me. Not only do they solve the present case, but the cold case as well. Veiled in Death is a perfect blend of mystery, history, relationship conflicts, and romance with some humour and heartbreak included in the mix. Christa Lewis narrated this book with her light expressive voice. A narrator that I enjoy when listening to cozy mysteries. I definitely recommend this one to cozy mystery lovers, who want a story with a bit more meat to it.
This book finds Mallory once again caught up in a couple of mysteries, dealing with her BFF's baby shower that she is putting on, and trying to plan her own fall wedding. She really tries to stay out of the investigation, but as she says to Truman, her future father-in-law and police chief, people just tell me stuff. Mallory and Rachel are also looking for an assistant as they have expanded their business and they hire one of the daughters of the antique store owners. It is her grandmother that is killed and other residents are injured. It is a friend of Mallory's whose musket was found to have the real musket balls, so he is the main suspect in the murder. When the lace is stolen the waters are muddied even more. So much happening, yet the book flows smoothly and had me stopping everything to read and/or listen to this one. This book had enough twists to keep this reader guessing and the final reveal was fitting, but also came as a surprise to me. Not only do they solve the present case, but the cold case as well. Veiled in Death is a perfect blend of mystery, history, relationship conflicts, and romance with some humour and heartbreak included in the mix. Christa Lewis narrated this book with her light expressive voice. A narrator that I enjoy when listening to cozy mysteries. I definitely recommend this one to cozy mystery lovers, who want a story with a bit more meat to it.
October 27, 2020
This was a quick listen for me! I got sucked in right away with all the wedding stuff and then a veil possibly by Betsy Ross. I read all these books like 100 books ago, but I didn't need much time to remember the characters. I like the sister duo leads. There's a current murder and a death from the past that gets put to the front of this one. There were some things that were easy to guess, but not everything. I'm not sure if the author will continue with the series but I will keep my eye out for future books by her!
September 14, 2020
Fantastic read! Totally didn't see the ending coming. Loved this story!
September 29, 2020
9/28/2020 There are the bones of a really great mystery in here, marred by some very odd pacing and details. Full review tk at CriminalElement.com.
October 19, 2020
This was a good mystery. In this one Mallory fins a veil. It causes a lot of problems because people seem to think that it was made by someone important in history. When someone ends up dead it cause lots of things to come out. Thankfully everything was taken care of and everything is fine for now.
February 16, 2024
One of the simpler mysteries. I did guess the who not really the why though.
September 29, 2020
Mallory Shepard is an event and wedding planner and after all her work making sure other people’s special day is perfect, it’s finally her time. Her own wedding is coming up, but she lets her involvement in solving a mystery get in the way of planning what should be her most important event. Will she and Garrett really make it down the aisle?
This is the sixth book in this series, and I’ve read a couple of the previous books. My favorite part of each of the books, including this one, is Mallory. I like her sense of humor and I enjoy seeing her solve crimes while planning and managing various events. Some of the prior books have tried to cover too many things going on at one time. This one, on the other hand, starts out slow before anything substantial occurs that moves the plot forward. I enjoy Mallory’s relationship with her sister and business partner, her husband-to-be, her future step-daughter. I wish a few of the other side characters would have been even half as likable as Mallory because there are a couple in this installment who are hard to take.
Although the mystery part of the book is a little light in this installment, I was still as surprised as Mallory when the villain is finally “unveiled.” I like the sweet and uplifting ending. There are three recipes at the end of the book and the very simple recipe for Sparkling Sangria sounds tasty. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would rate it 3.5 stars. Fans of the series won’t want to miss “Veiled in Death” because of the personal milestone for Mallory. Fans of Laura Bradford or Denise Swanson would also enjoy the book.
I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Kensington Books. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
This is the sixth book in this series, and I’ve read a couple of the previous books. My favorite part of each of the books, including this one, is Mallory. I like her sense of humor and I enjoy seeing her solve crimes while planning and managing various events. Some of the prior books have tried to cover too many things going on at one time. This one, on the other hand, starts out slow before anything substantial occurs that moves the plot forward. I enjoy Mallory’s relationship with her sister and business partner, her husband-to-be, her future step-daughter. I wish a few of the other side characters would have been even half as likable as Mallory because there are a couple in this installment who are hard to take.
Although the mystery part of the book is a little light in this installment, I was still as surprised as Mallory when the villain is finally “unveiled.” I like the sweet and uplifting ending. There are three recipes at the end of the book and the very simple recipe for Sparkling Sangria sounds tasty. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would rate it 3.5 stars. Fans of the series won’t want to miss “Veiled in Death” because of the personal milestone for Mallory. Fans of Laura Bradford or Denise Swanson would also enjoy the book.
I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Kensington Books. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
September 29, 2020
Veiled In Death is the sixth book in the A Wedding Planner Mystery series by Stephanie Blackmoore.
Mallory and Rachel’s wedding planner business is doing good, so well, they are thinking about hiring an assistant. But Mallory’s priority is to go shopping with her best friend Bev, owner of Silver Bells Wedding Dress boutique, to find some accessories for Bev’s wedding to Jesse. When the store owner’s daughter, Pia, opens a suitcase she has just brought up from the basement, Mallory and Bev gasp at the beautiful piece of lace they see. They love it and agree to buy the lace and divide it in half, and they will both be able to wear it for both their weddings. As they are checking out, Helene, Mallory’s nemesis and almost mother-in-law, enters the store and sees the veil and immediately claims that is her veil, and a tugging match ensues between the ladies. The veil, reputedly made by Betsy Ross, will need to be authenticated by an expert, and Helene will have to provide proof that she had owned it before the police will release it to anyone.
The Port Quincy residents are looking forward to its inaugural Cordials and Cannonballs, and as part of the celebration, there will be a Revolutionary War re-enactment. A controversy arises just before the re-enactment begins when a woman announces her plans to be a participant. Shortly after the mock skirmish begins, it has to be stopped when it is found that real bullets have shot some members. Someone killed the woman who was told she could not participate was dead, and bullets also injured Bev’s fiance and Mallory’s stepfather. Mallory proceeds to look into the senseless murder and the wounding of the two men.
The book is a well-plotted and written story. The characters are all well developed and believable. The text reads at a just-right pace, and there are enough twists and turns that kept me guessing until it is learned who the killer was.
Delicious sounding recipes are also provided.
I am awaiting the next book in the series.
Mallory and Rachel’s wedding planner business is doing good, so well, they are thinking about hiring an assistant. But Mallory’s priority is to go shopping with her best friend Bev, owner of Silver Bells Wedding Dress boutique, to find some accessories for Bev’s wedding to Jesse. When the store owner’s daughter, Pia, opens a suitcase she has just brought up from the basement, Mallory and Bev gasp at the beautiful piece of lace they see. They love it and agree to buy the lace and divide it in half, and they will both be able to wear it for both their weddings. As they are checking out, Helene, Mallory’s nemesis and almost mother-in-law, enters the store and sees the veil and immediately claims that is her veil, and a tugging match ensues between the ladies. The veil, reputedly made by Betsy Ross, will need to be authenticated by an expert, and Helene will have to provide proof that she had owned it before the police will release it to anyone.
The Port Quincy residents are looking forward to its inaugural Cordials and Cannonballs, and as part of the celebration, there will be a Revolutionary War re-enactment. A controversy arises just before the re-enactment begins when a woman announces her plans to be a participant. Shortly after the mock skirmish begins, it has to be stopped when it is found that real bullets have shot some members. Someone killed the woman who was told she could not participate was dead, and bullets also injured Bev’s fiance and Mallory’s stepfather. Mallory proceeds to look into the senseless murder and the wounding of the two men.
The book is a well-plotted and written story. The characters are all well developed and believable. The text reads at a just-right pace, and there are enough twists and turns that kept me guessing until it is learned who the killer was.
Delicious sounding recipes are also provided.
I am awaiting the next book in the series.
March 12, 2022
So Once again we have another Cozy Mystery Series Stephanie Blackmoore delievers a Story where you are so keen to follow the main charcthers while enjoying the Crimes
Book 1
So we start by having Mallory who is a Lawyer and engaged to Keith with is another Lawyer, both of them works in fims close by, Both of them planning to get married....
And we have helen – Keith Mother – who is from the look of it a minace to socity with her brand jackets and Queen B attidute.
And we have Silvia – Keith Grandmother from his father's Side – who is an angel knocking on her 90s and making sure Helen knows her place while dotting on Mallory
The Story starts during one of the meetings for the Wedding where helen is taking over every little decsison evern thought she is not the one paying mind you !!
We go over to the cancelled meeting with silvia and then Silvia's untimly death, and then to the grand discovery that kieth is cheating on mallory
We jump over to mallory running away and cancelling the wedding, her sister comes to the rescue blah blah blah and then she gets a phone call from garth – one sexy lawyer – who asks her to come to his office to discisus something related to silvia's last wishes.... and guess what.... she give her a house, she gave her the family hosue
The mystery really doesn't take place till like the middle of the book, the whole boook serves more like the main intro into the charcters and their relations, it's like drawing a huge tree of people who are conntected either by location or by relation.
I like the intro, it gives insides into the situation at hand, even if it was a bit prolonged... but you would want to know as much as possible about the charcter who is leading the book you reading...
I have a lot to say about each and every charcter but let's push that to later..
Pros
• The sort of mysteries that is being presented in this book is rather complex as there's more than one mystery, some of them are related to the charcters some of them are complex murders, and some of them are even funny titbits here are there
• We are flying through the situation rather than being embided into it, because your main charcters is not in place yet, she is finding her footing which is creating a fluid motion in the book.
• I like the charcter planning, it provides you with varity while you are building connections with the charcters.
• The mytery is complex and have rich layers to it rather than it being more about solving the murder.
Cons
• With the charcter planning comes the predictiblity of the siutation which cannot be avoided, if you are introducing a next door boyfriend whoes father is the police chief and his daugther is your sweet heart that means that all the books shall include the set of the charcters whether they come into play or not.
• There were so many dymanics for the mysterys in this single book. It was like a gooose chase in a way.
I think It's a very enjoyable mystery and I am pretty hooked on this series.
Book 2
Well, I am going through them like water at this rate, I am really hooked on the writing and the details, it gives you a rich visiual image that sometimes is lacking with Cozy Mysteries.
SO you are few months from the first book - the B&B is undergoing invations, they have weddings booked and they are going through money like water and – drum roll – they have to push for a sudden wedding and the B&B might be hunted
Phewww...... what a start......
Pros
• The intro is captivating, I have to give her that.. I really like the starting line of each and every book.... it's like opening the scene with a running action instead of building up to a running action
• There's a load of charcters being intoduced and of course they are connected in one way or another
• The whole ghost thing was really ellaborate, for a second I thought the B&B was really hunted, or someone was trying to push mallory into selling it
• I have a feeling we are sticking with HELEN AND KIETH for a while, which while I might like that storyline, I am not keen on having Helen in every book thank you very much
• I flet like we are being intoduced to the next book in a way, like there's a sit up for the next book betwwen the lines here, we just don't know it yet
COns
• We are adding to the pre introduced charcters, which while it makes it a familiar story to the reading, it limits the possibilty of it being a stand alone .
• While this crime has several layers hidden in it, the final murderer feels rushed in a way, it like you ran out of people to suspect and catch and you have to catch someone who was not susbected in the first place.
• THere were slightly more - almost too much layers to this myster – in more than one way it's like trying to braid someone's hair and then getting all tangly and lost and end up with something good but a bit twisted
Book 3
Hmmmm, I don't like all the charcters in this books and let me tell you why right away
We are being intoduced into a famous wedding where everyone knows everyone and noone is good for the bride..
Pros
• The 3 musckateer referance was really sweet.
• Rachel is either my favouirte or I want to punch her there's no in betwwen
COns
• There's sooooo many attachments to the pervious books, which makes it semi-impossible to read this one and understand anything
• While I might like the familiarty of the books at this stage, I am weary of the way we keep having someone's EX looming around and dectating stuff and causing issues....
• HELEN, just get her of the book already, I understand that because she is up and running in the town she has a lot in her hands, but isn't that really too much already.
Aside from all of that, I believe that because the writing is layered and offering a rich storyline, we have few things to address at this stage of the series
• The timeline, I am a bit lost on how much time has passed since the intial moveing in
• ALL THE CHARCTERS STAY, like I would have loved to get rid of some of them, but if you introduce someone into this series, you know they are going to keep poping out in your face
• The only time rachel didn’t sleep with the man, it turns out he is not the killer, she is like a killer magnate at this stage.
Book 4
I DON'T LIKE KEITH and he might be getting what he desrves, so let's jump in
Pros
• FInally we have the book which either make it for the lousy couple or break it – please get them out of my face
• There's a serisouly smart word play for the name of the book and the content and you have no idea how funny that is
• I like the make it ir break it atmosphere of the book, it kinda gives a finality to the series - that's so sad!!
• I really feel like we are trying to crunch down all the characters we have encountered in the books, it was a tight fit but it was a fit altogether
Cons
• Why are we are ending this series 😢😢😢😢
• The change in keith was so sudden that it kinda felt fake - hmmm like a switch flip....
Book 1
So we start by having Mallory who is a Lawyer and engaged to Keith with is another Lawyer, both of them works in fims close by, Both of them planning to get married....
And we have helen – Keith Mother – who is from the look of it a minace to socity with her brand jackets and Queen B attidute.
And we have Silvia – Keith Grandmother from his father's Side – who is an angel knocking on her 90s and making sure Helen knows her place while dotting on Mallory
The Story starts during one of the meetings for the Wedding where helen is taking over every little decsison evern thought she is not the one paying mind you !!
We go over to the cancelled meeting with silvia and then Silvia's untimly death, and then to the grand discovery that kieth is cheating on mallory
We jump over to mallory running away and cancelling the wedding, her sister comes to the rescue blah blah blah and then she gets a phone call from garth – one sexy lawyer – who asks her to come to his office to discisus something related to silvia's last wishes.... and guess what.... she give her a house, she gave her the family hosue
The mystery really doesn't take place till like the middle of the book, the whole boook serves more like the main intro into the charcters and their relations, it's like drawing a huge tree of people who are conntected either by location or by relation.
I like the intro, it gives insides into the situation at hand, even if it was a bit prolonged... but you would want to know as much as possible about the charcter who is leading the book you reading...
I have a lot to say about each and every charcter but let's push that to later..
Pros
• The sort of mysteries that is being presented in this book is rather complex as there's more than one mystery, some of them are related to the charcters some of them are complex murders, and some of them are even funny titbits here are there
• We are flying through the situation rather than being embided into it, because your main charcters is not in place yet, she is finding her footing which is creating a fluid motion in the book.
• I like the charcter planning, it provides you with varity while you are building connections with the charcters.
• The mytery is complex and have rich layers to it rather than it being more about solving the murder.
Cons
• With the charcter planning comes the predictiblity of the siutation which cannot be avoided, if you are introducing a next door boyfriend whoes father is the police chief and his daugther is your sweet heart that means that all the books shall include the set of the charcters whether they come into play or not.
• There were so many dymanics for the mysterys in this single book. It was like a gooose chase in a way.
I think It's a very enjoyable mystery and I am pretty hooked on this series.
Book 2
Well, I am going through them like water at this rate, I am really hooked on the writing and the details, it gives you a rich visiual image that sometimes is lacking with Cozy Mysteries.
SO you are few months from the first book - the B&B is undergoing invations, they have weddings booked and they are going through money like water and – drum roll – they have to push for a sudden wedding and the B&B might be hunted
Phewww...... what a start......
Pros
• The intro is captivating, I have to give her that.. I really like the starting line of each and every book.... it's like opening the scene with a running action instead of building up to a running action
• There's a load of charcters being intoduced and of course they are connected in one way or another
• The whole ghost thing was really ellaborate, for a second I thought the B&B was really hunted, or someone was trying to push mallory into selling it
• I have a feeling we are sticking with HELEN AND KIETH for a while, which while I might like that storyline, I am not keen on having Helen in every book thank you very much
• I flet like we are being intoduced to the next book in a way, like there's a sit up for the next book betwwen the lines here, we just don't know it yet
COns
• We are adding to the pre introduced charcters, which while it makes it a familiar story to the reading, it limits the possibilty of it being a stand alone .
• While this crime has several layers hidden in it, the final murderer feels rushed in a way, it like you ran out of people to suspect and catch and you have to catch someone who was not susbected in the first place.
• THere were slightly more - almost too much layers to this myster – in more than one way it's like trying to braid someone's hair and then getting all tangly and lost and end up with something good but a bit twisted
Book 3
Hmmmm, I don't like all the charcters in this books and let me tell you why right away
We are being intoduced into a famous wedding where everyone knows everyone and noone is good for the bride..
Pros
• The 3 musckateer referance was really sweet.
• Rachel is either my favouirte or I want to punch her there's no in betwwen
COns
• There's sooooo many attachments to the pervious books, which makes it semi-impossible to read this one and understand anything
• While I might like the familiarty of the books at this stage, I am weary of the way we keep having someone's EX looming around and dectating stuff and causing issues....
• HELEN, just get her of the book already, I understand that because she is up and running in the town she has a lot in her hands, but isn't that really too much already.
Aside from all of that, I believe that because the writing is layered and offering a rich storyline, we have few things to address at this stage of the series
• The timeline, I am a bit lost on how much time has passed since the intial moveing in
• ALL THE CHARCTERS STAY, like I would have loved to get rid of some of them, but if you introduce someone into this series, you know they are going to keep poping out in your face
• The only time rachel didn’t sleep with the man, it turns out he is not the killer, she is like a killer magnate at this stage.
Book 4
I DON'T LIKE KEITH and he might be getting what he desrves, so let's jump in
Pros
• FInally we have the book which either make it for the lousy couple or break it – please get them out of my face
• There's a serisouly smart word play for the name of the book and the content and you have no idea how funny that is
• I like the make it ir break it atmosphere of the book, it kinda gives a finality to the series - that's so sad!!
• I really feel like we are trying to crunch down all the characters we have encountered in the books, it was a tight fit but it was a fit altogether
Cons
• Why are we are ending this series 😢😢😢😢
• The change in keith was so sudden that it kinda felt fake - hmmm like a switch flip....
September 6, 2020
4.5 Stars!
The Wedding Planner mystery series just keeps getting better. This story is a such a roller coaster ride. The pictures Ms Blackmoore paints in my mind as again Mallory's almost ex mother-in-law Helene goes nutsy- cuckoo over an antique veil Mallory and Bev purchased at an antique store. Of course the rumor is that the veil was made by THE Betsy Ross. There was so much to like in this story. Mallory and Garret's coming up with a wedding date, more info about why Helene is the way she is, and Mallory's ex and his wife added some surprising depth to the story. And the surprise who the villain is in this tale was quite a surprise to me. I love a mystery that makes me thinking about it weeks after I finished the last page!
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion
The Wedding Planner mystery series just keeps getting better. This story is a such a roller coaster ride. The pictures Ms Blackmoore paints in my mind as again Mallory's almost ex mother-in-law Helene goes nutsy- cuckoo over an antique veil Mallory and Bev purchased at an antique store. Of course the rumor is that the veil was made by THE Betsy Ross. There was so much to like in this story. Mallory and Garret's coming up with a wedding date, more info about why Helene is the way she is, and Mallory's ex and his wife added some surprising depth to the story. And the surprise who the villain is in this tale was quite a surprise to me. I love a mystery that makes me thinking about it weeks after I finished the last page!
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion
September 21, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyable new (6th) entry in the Wedding Planner mystery series. Mallory Shepard has been too busy to start planning her own wedding. Now her nemesis, the mother of her ex-fiancee, has stolen an antique veil that Mallory just purchased, and that it's only the beginning of this complex case that includes a possible cold case murder, historical reenactments and an actual murder. Always entertaining, the mystery is chock full of enough twists and turns to keep you guessing while visiting the engaging denizens of Port Quincy, PA. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2021
Mallory Shepard owns and operates Thistle Park B&B, a mansion that was left to her by its late owner. She's usually busy, but even more so since she's planning a wedding for the local bridal shop owner and catering the food for a Revolutionary War re-enactment, along with trying to find time to get married herself. When she's out shopping for antiques for her friend Bev, she spots a length of lace that she thinks would be perfect for a veil, so she and her friend split the cost and leave the store. Unfortunately, they come across Mallory's ex-mother-in-law-to-be, except for the fact that she broke it off with her son. However, Helene Pierce isn't a woman who takes things lightly, and sees the veil, insisting it belongs to her and rips it from Mallory's hands. When the police chief, Truman Davies, shows up, it's shown that the lace is legally Mallory's, and Helene insists this is not over.
But Mallory has bigger problems: her mother wants her married -- and pregnant -- now, and is setting about insisting she do so. She's telling her that her younger sister can run the B&B while she's having babies, and is pushing her. Mallory's at her wits' end, which doesn't help when there's a murder. Now she's looking for a killer -- and a thief -- and trying to figure out how it all ties together...
I have read every book in this series, and especially enjoyed the last two, but this one seems different, almost as if the author was just trying to finish it. There are inconsistencies -- in earlier books, Rachel was seven years younger, then six, and now she's only four years younger. Huh? And how could Rachel be part owner of the B&B when it wasn't left to her and she didn't put any money into it? Rachel, in my opinion, is selfish, self-serving, and extremely vain. Mallory's mother isn't much better; if I had a mother like that I'd ship her off to parts unknown to live. I really don't like either of them at all. (Besides, who wears jelly sandals?)
The murder didn't occur until the book was halfway over, so you had to read about a lot of 'filler' until you got to it, including her mother and sister hounding her constantly. (If her mother wanted grandbabies so bad, why wasn't she hounding Rachel, too?). It was starting to get annoying. Not to mention, when did Summer become vegan?
Now that I've got that off my chest, the identity of the murderer was a complete surprise, which I do like, and Ms. Blackmoore has been able to pull off in other books. It's always nice to be as surprised as the protagonist, and this book was no different. So there's the big plus in the book. But I get the feeling that this book may be the last in the series, and I could be wrong, but there were some things which seemed out of place that made me think so. I would have loved to have seen a different ending altogether, but oh, well. I would love to see this series continue, as I do like Mallory and many of the other characters and love spending time with them. At any rate, the book was a nice read, and I am still glad that I read it.
I was given a free copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher but this in no way influenced my review.
But Mallory has bigger problems: her mother wants her married -- and pregnant -- now, and is setting about insisting she do so. She's telling her that her younger sister can run the B&B while she's having babies, and is pushing her. Mallory's at her wits' end, which doesn't help when there's a murder. Now she's looking for a killer -- and a thief -- and trying to figure out how it all ties together...
I have read every book in this series, and especially enjoyed the last two, but this one seems different, almost as if the author was just trying to finish it. There are inconsistencies -- in earlier books, Rachel was seven years younger, then six, and now she's only four years younger. Huh? And how could Rachel be part owner of the B&B when it wasn't left to her and she didn't put any money into it? Rachel, in my opinion, is selfish, self-serving, and extremely vain. Mallory's mother isn't much better; if I had a mother like that I'd ship her off to parts unknown to live. I really don't like either of them at all. (Besides, who wears jelly sandals?)
The murder didn't occur until the book was halfway over, so you had to read about a lot of 'filler' until you got to it, including her mother and sister hounding her constantly. (If her mother wanted grandbabies so bad, why wasn't she hounding Rachel, too?). It was starting to get annoying. Not to mention, when did Summer become vegan?
Now that I've got that off my chest, the identity of the murderer was a complete surprise, which I do like, and Ms. Blackmoore has been able to pull off in other books. It's always nice to be as surprised as the protagonist, and this book was no different. So there's the big plus in the book. But I get the feeling that this book may be the last in the series, and I could be wrong, but there were some things which seemed out of place that made me think so. I would have loved to have seen a different ending altogether, but oh, well. I would love to see this series continue, as I do like Mallory and many of the other characters and love spending time with them. At any rate, the book was a nice read, and I am still glad that I read it.
I was given a free copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher but this in no way influenced my review.
November 9, 2020
What a book! Twists, turns, and complete 180s! This book really kept me on my toes guessing who the culprit was. I kept thinking I had a clue then BAM! Everything would change and then the answer was seriously right in your face. This was the first book I have read by Stephanie Blackmoore and I seriously loved it. It makes me want to go back to the beginning and read up on how we got to this newest edition.
I loved how there were so many mini mysteries involved with the main one that 1.) It kept the story from being stale and 2.) It kept your mind focused on trying to figure out everything not just the main mystery. The author did a really fantastic job of tying everything together in the end so that once you've read it you smack yourself on the forehead going 'Duh! I should've seen that coming!"
I really enjoyed the fact that there was a historical tie in in this story and I loved all the antiques. This is not something that I personally have come into contact with yet as a reader and I quite enjoyed it. I normally go for food based cozies but I wanted to branch out into something different and I am so glad that I did. Stephanie Blackmoore has a very soothing yet elegant writing style that I quite enjoyed. Sometimes, with reading cozies I sometimes get anxiety (in a good way) because of all the plotlines and it can sometimes be hard to finish a story because of it. But, because of her writing style I was able to ease into it and thoroughly enjoy the ride. It was like drinking warm milk before bed. I had a grand adventure and knew I was safe the whole time, if that makes any sense.
I really appreciated the fact that Mallory, Rachel, Tabitha, and Pia were written so well. Nothing I can't stand more than when a writer makes the female main characters silly and dense like a bunch of empty headed bobble head dolls. Ugh. Give me intelligence, wit, personality. These are all things I crave in my MCs whether male or female.
And the protagonists were wonderful to. I couldn't stand them but at the same time I understood them. And I loved the angle of forgiveness and letting things go. This really is an important issue that needs to be covered more. Life is short, let it go. Live for yourself and for those you love. I LOVED the message. Mallory, Garrett, and Summer are such a great family unit. Even coming in as a newcomer I could see how much they truly care about each other. Everyone is warm and loving. Wrap me up in these books any time! Truly a great comfort read. Loved this book. I cannot wait to read more.
This ARC was given to me to read by NetGalley for my own honest opinions. All opinions are my own.
I loved how there were so many mini mysteries involved with the main one that 1.) It kept the story from being stale and 2.) It kept your mind focused on trying to figure out everything not just the main mystery. The author did a really fantastic job of tying everything together in the end so that once you've read it you smack yourself on the forehead going 'Duh! I should've seen that coming!"
I really enjoyed the fact that there was a historical tie in in this story and I loved all the antiques. This is not something that I personally have come into contact with yet as a reader and I quite enjoyed it. I normally go for food based cozies but I wanted to branch out into something different and I am so glad that I did. Stephanie Blackmoore has a very soothing yet elegant writing style that I quite enjoyed. Sometimes, with reading cozies I sometimes get anxiety (in a good way) because of all the plotlines and it can sometimes be hard to finish a story because of it. But, because of her writing style I was able to ease into it and thoroughly enjoy the ride. It was like drinking warm milk before bed. I had a grand adventure and knew I was safe the whole time, if that makes any sense.
I really appreciated the fact that Mallory, Rachel, Tabitha, and Pia were written so well. Nothing I can't stand more than when a writer makes the female main characters silly and dense like a bunch of empty headed bobble head dolls. Ugh. Give me intelligence, wit, personality. These are all things I crave in my MCs whether male or female.
And the protagonists were wonderful to. I couldn't stand them but at the same time I understood them. And I loved the angle of forgiveness and letting things go. This really is an important issue that needs to be covered more. Life is short, let it go. Live for yourself and for those you love. I LOVED the message. Mallory, Garrett, and Summer are such a great family unit. Even coming in as a newcomer I could see how much they truly care about each other. Everyone is warm and loving. Wrap me up in these books any time! Truly a great comfort read. Loved this book. I cannot wait to read more.
This ARC was given to me to read by NetGalley for my own honest opinions. All opinions are my own.
December 18, 2020
Wonderful book! Mallory and her friend, Bev, find an old lace veil at the local antique store. Unfortunately, this piece of fabric brings upon many incidents. First, Mallory’s ex’s mother claims the veil is hers and was stolen when her husband was killed in an accident over 20 years ago. The veil was reportedly made by Betsy Ross. Truman lets Mallory keep it in her safe at Thistle Park, much to Helene’s chagrin. During the Cordials and Cannonballs war reenactment, a woman is killed and two men, including Mallory’s stepfather, are injured. The musket that was used to shoot the victims belonged to Mallory’s stepfather, though it had been checked twice and found to have no real ammunition. The safe at Thistle Park is also broken into and the veil is stolen. In the meantime, Mallory and Rachel hire Pia, the daughter of the antique shop owner, as an assistant for their wedding planner/event business. Mallory and Garrett are working to plan their wedding with help from Rachel and Pia as well. Truman and Lorraine offer land in between their house and Thistle Park to build a cottage for Mallory, Garrett, and Summer to live once the wedding occurs. During the building, an old distillery equipment piece is found and is considered to have belonged to the town founder. The antique store owner is also either almost murdered or attempts suicide and the accident of Helene’s husband many years ago is brought to light again. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, though the chapters in the beginning were a little longer than I normally like. I loved seeing Mallory and Garrett finally getting married. Keith standing up to his mother was something I really enjoyed and felt it was about time he took a stand. I enjoyed seeing Keith and Becca and little Miri together. Pia was a nice addition to the business and I look forward to seeing her work with Mallory and Rachel. With the reveal of the killer and everything behind the killing and incidents, it just left me shaking my head with wonder as to how a person could do all that. I look forward to reading more of this series and would highly recommend it to anyone who has not read any of these books!
September 30, 2020
Veiled in Death by Stephanie Blackmore is a Wedding Planner Mystery in which, the wedding planner, Mallory is getting married. As you can imagine, this will not be easy. The crime is twenty years old to begin with. Secondly, there are a lot of feuds, some of many years standing that tend to muddy the waters and make the mystery difficult to navigate. Mallory has seen the dress she wants but no one seems convinced but her. It is a vintage sundress in her friend, June's shop. When she finally decides, it's gone. This is after the disastrous Cordials and Cannonballs event, a revolutionary war re-enactment during which three people were actually shot, one killed, even after all precautions were taken, including the sheriff and his deputy checking the weapons as the re-enactors took the field. It looked like Mallory's stepfather, Doug, had been the shooter, but that theory was debunked almost immediately. But who?
This was an entertaining little mystery, full of so many ins and outs that the reader almost needed a scorecard. Some things happened that were unbelievable, almost. The good guys were not and the bad guys turned good. It was a very carefully plotted book with tremendously good characters, if a lot of them. People can be surprising: they can hide their crazy for years. Truman, the sheriff, had excellent instincts, the opposite of the caricature of a small town sheriff. The wedding came off without a hitch, so that's the good news. All the crimes were solved, and everyone lived happily every after. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Veiled in Death by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #veiledindeath
This was an entertaining little mystery, full of so many ins and outs that the reader almost needed a scorecard. Some things happened that were unbelievable, almost. The good guys were not and the bad guys turned good. It was a very carefully plotted book with tremendously good characters, if a lot of them. People can be surprising: they can hide their crazy for years. Truman, the sheriff, had excellent instincts, the opposite of the caricature of a small town sheriff. The wedding came off without a hitch, so that's the good news. All the crimes were solved, and everyone lived happily every after. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Veiled in Death by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #veiledindeath
December 6, 2020
Princess Fuzzypants here: It is a different kind of stress wedding planner Mallory is experiencing when she is planning her own wedding. She must deal with personality clashes amongst those nearest to her as well as not so subtle encouragement from her domineering mother not only to hurry things along but to do them as she wants. She and her best friend Bev find a delightful veil in an antiques shop and decide to share the discovery for both of their weddings. That is when things get testy.
Mallory’s nemesis Helene charges in and grabs the veil insisting it belongs to her. In the process the veil is ripped in half. Things go downhill from there. It turns out the veil may have historical significance and Helene will stop at nothing to get it back. But would she resort to murder? Musket balls fly when a local battle is re-enacted, killing one and wounding others. Someone is getting desperate. There are secrets and lies and deceptions abounding. Who is the person who is willing to kill to keep them?
I enjoy this series and the character development. There has been surprising growths amongst the cast. Many of them, in this book, step up to the plate. Others are willing to commit nefarious deeds to accomplish their ends. I did suspect the plot twists but it was still a bit of a surprise when the final piece was added. It all made for an enjoyable easy read.
Four purrs and two paws up.
Mallory’s nemesis Helene charges in and grabs the veil insisting it belongs to her. In the process the veil is ripped in half. Things go downhill from there. It turns out the veil may have historical significance and Helene will stop at nothing to get it back. But would she resort to murder? Musket balls fly when a local battle is re-enacted, killing one and wounding others. Someone is getting desperate. There are secrets and lies and deceptions abounding. Who is the person who is willing to kill to keep them?
I enjoy this series and the character development. There has been surprising growths amongst the cast. Many of them, in this book, step up to the plate. Others are willing to commit nefarious deeds to accomplish their ends. I did suspect the plot twists but it was still a bit of a surprise when the final piece was added. It all made for an enjoyable easy read.
Four purrs and two paws up.
September 28, 2020
Veiled in Death by Stephanie Blackmoore is the sixth installment in the Wedding Planner Mystery series. This is one of my all time favorite series. It can be read as a stand alone.
Mallory is a wedding planner, a B&B owner, a volunteer for the Revolutionary War reenactment, dealing with her mother, and trying to plan her own wedding. She is shopping at her favorite antique shop and finds a beautiful vintage gown that she falls in love with for her wedding. Then she comes across a piece of lace that could be a wedding veil. She is talked into leaving the dress because she "should" buy an actual wedding gown in the shop in Port Quincy. She takes the lace and while exiting the store, it is literally ripped from her hands by Helen Pierce. Helen would have been her mother in law if her son hadn't cheated on Mallory. The police are called and an investigation is started as the lace could actually been made by Betsy Ross! Then during the reenactment, one of her friend's mother is shot by a musket. Who shot the musket, Mallory's step father, Helen Pierce, or someone else.
There are plenty of plot twists that have you guessing to the end. You also get likeable characters and a great setting. As with most Cozies, there is some humor and romance. There are recipes included.
I was given an ARC by Kensington and NetGalley for an honest review.
Mallory is a wedding planner, a B&B owner, a volunteer for the Revolutionary War reenactment, dealing with her mother, and trying to plan her own wedding. She is shopping at her favorite antique shop and finds a beautiful vintage gown that she falls in love with for her wedding. Then she comes across a piece of lace that could be a wedding veil. She is talked into leaving the dress because she "should" buy an actual wedding gown in the shop in Port Quincy. She takes the lace and while exiting the store, it is literally ripped from her hands by Helen Pierce. Helen would have been her mother in law if her son hadn't cheated on Mallory. The police are called and an investigation is started as the lace could actually been made by Betsy Ross! Then during the reenactment, one of her friend's mother is shot by a musket. Who shot the musket, Mallory's step father, Helen Pierce, or someone else.
There are plenty of plot twists that have you guessing to the end. You also get likeable characters and a great setting. As with most Cozies, there is some humor and romance. There are recipes included.
I was given an ARC by Kensington and NetGalley for an honest review.
September 21, 2020
I'm new to this series so although it is the sixth installment it did very well as a standalone. However, I enjoyed this book so much, I've already started in on the earlier installments.
Mallory Shepard is a wedding planner and bed and breakfast owner. She inherited the building that houses her business from the grandmother of her ex-fiancé. Mallory is helping her friend Bev plan her wedding and they are shopping at a local antique store where they stumble across a beautiful veil that was hidden away. Helene Pierce (mother of Mallory's ex fiancé) comes in to the store and sees the veil and claims it is hers and was lost years ago under mysterious circumstances when her husband was killed in a hit and run.
Is the veil cursed? A local woman is murdered in a Civil War reenactment and that sets off a chain of events that Mallory helps investigate.
I didn't see the murderer coming at all. I did guess some of the other minor mysteries rather early on and a few things felt a bit incongruous to me.
But a very enjoyable read that I'd recommend. 4.5 rounded up to 5
I received an ARC from Kensington via NetGalley but any opinions expressed are my own.
Mallory Shepard is a wedding planner and bed and breakfast owner. She inherited the building that houses her business from the grandmother of her ex-fiancé. Mallory is helping her friend Bev plan her wedding and they are shopping at a local antique store where they stumble across a beautiful veil that was hidden away. Helene Pierce (mother of Mallory's ex fiancé) comes in to the store and sees the veil and claims it is hers and was lost years ago under mysterious circumstances when her husband was killed in a hit and run.
Is the veil cursed? A local woman is murdered in a Civil War reenactment and that sets off a chain of events that Mallory helps investigate.
I didn't see the murderer coming at all. I did guess some of the other minor mysteries rather early on and a few things felt a bit incongruous to me.
But a very enjoyable read that I'd recommend. 4.5 rounded up to 5
I received an ARC from Kensington via NetGalley but any opinions expressed are my own.
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