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Bridal Shop Mystery #3
Murder in Blue Gingham: A Bridal Shop Cozy Mystery
Every wedding has its drama. This one has a body.
Max Walters is juggling bouquets, bridal gowns, and last-minute chaos for her best friend Olivia's wedding. Then Olivia's long-lost childhood friend shows up unannounced, and the reunion is anything but warm.
Determined to make the best of it, Max joins Olivia and a group of out-of-town friends at a rented beach house for a pre-wedding celebration. The drinks are flowing, the laughter is forced, and old grudges bubble dangerously close to the surface. But the party’s over when one of the guests is found murdered.
With the wedding in jeopardy and Olivia herself under suspicion, Max can’t help pulling at threads. The more she digs into the past Olivia’s friends share, the clearer it becomes that one of the group has been hiding a secret for years.
It’s a secret worth killing for.
Max Walters is juggling bouquets, bridal gowns, and last-minute chaos for her best friend Olivia's wedding. Then Olivia's long-lost childhood friend shows up unannounced, and the reunion is anything but warm.
Determined to make the best of it, Max joins Olivia and a group of out-of-town friends at a rented beach house for a pre-wedding celebration. The drinks are flowing, the laughter is forced, and old grudges bubble dangerously close to the surface. But the party’s over when one of the guests is found murdered.
With the wedding in jeopardy and Olivia herself under suspicion, Max can’t help pulling at threads. The more she digs into the past Olivia’s friends share, the clearer it becomes that one of the group has been hiding a secret for years.
It’s a secret worth killing for.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2022
About the author
Karen Sue Walker
30 books148 followersKaren Sue Walker is a lover of cozy mysteries, from Agatha Christie to Joanne Fluke. When not working or writing, she spends time with her very talented daughter and ever so fun granddaughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 28, 2020
This is the third book in the series. Max's childhood friend is getting married. When she and her friends come to town for the wedding, a murder happens. Max suspects everyone. This is a solid murder mystery with engagement from all of Max's friends in the solving of it.
April 2, 2018
Murder in Blue Gingham (CreateSpace 2018) by Karen Sue Walker is book three in a lively cozy mystery series set in Wedding Belles Bridal, a salon located in a small Southern California beach town. The owner, Max Walters, is a talented bridal gown creator/consultant and a gifted amateur sleuth. In the first two books of the series, Max proved she knows her way around a crime scene and can connect the dots no matter how obtuse the clues so it's no surprise that her friends expect her to help solve a murder involving a guest at the upcoming wedding of one of her best friends. Since Max is at the dinner where the murder happens, it's clear to her that the guilty party must be someone else who was in attendance. Her secret heartthrob, Detective Jason Cruz, is assigned to solve the murder and insists that this time, unlike the earlier two cases they worked together, she stay out of crime solving. But Max can't stop herself from checking alibis, digging into backgrounds, and generally asking questions that she feels need to be answered. As she and Cruz work together again, Max finds her deepening feelings for this handsome detective dashed when she finds out he has a beautiful girlfriend and--worse--meets her.
As in prior books, in this series, Walker does a wonderful job of weaving subplots into the main one without detracting from either. Her characters are well-drawn and interesting. One of my favorites is Max's assistant, Keiku, who is intelligent, clever, and rarely holds back on what she's thinking. Just my type of gal! Murder in Blue Gingham kept me turning pages as I couldn't wait to figure out if the clues she gathered resulted in solving the murder and if Detective Jason Cruz would finally return her budding affection.
Overall this is a delightful romantic cozy mystery and recommended for lovers of this genre.
As in prior books, in this series, Walker does a wonderful job of weaving subplots into the main one without detracting from either. Her characters are well-drawn and interesting. One of my favorites is Max's assistant, Keiku, who is intelligent, clever, and rarely holds back on what she's thinking. Just my type of gal! Murder in Blue Gingham kept me turning pages as I couldn't wait to figure out if the clues she gathered resulted in solving the murder and if Detective Jason Cruz would finally return her budding affection.
Overall this is a delightful romantic cozy mystery and recommended for lovers of this genre.
March 14, 2018
I enjoyed this cozy, with it's tantalizing twists and turns, plus a little romance. Great rainy day or beach read, I finished in one cozy day with tea and a fire. I think this is the best yet from Karen Sue Walker and I look forward to more.
February 15, 2018
A fun, quick, read. Several characters to keep straight and add to the puzzle. I had part of it figured out. While this was not the first in the series, it works fine as a stand-alone.
I received an ARC and the opinions in this review are my own.
I received an ARC and the opinions in this review are my own.
February 15, 2018
This is the first time I’ve read anything by this author and I definitely look forward to reading more of her work. This is book three of the series but can definitely be read as a stand alone book. The plotting and storyline were excellent and I had no clue who the murderer was until the reveal. The characters each had unique personalities with their individual foibles.
Max owns a bridal store and also designs gowns for some brides. Her close friend Olivia is getting married and her former college friends are in town. Gabby, a childhood friend surprises Olivia and shows up after having sent her regrets. At the first gathering of everyone Gabby goes off by herself and is found on the beach dead. What follows is a race to find the killer before Olivia cancels her wedding.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Max owns a bridal store and also designs gowns for some brides. Her close friend Olivia is getting married and her former college friends are in town. Gabby, a childhood friend surprises Olivia and shows up after having sent her regrets. At the first gathering of everyone Gabby goes off by herself and is found on the beach dead. What follows is a race to find the killer before Olivia cancels her wedding.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
February 15, 2018
I really liked this book. Max owns a bridal store and her best friend Olivia is getting ready to be married. Friends of Olivia that are in the wedding come to town early and someone ends up dead!!
Max vows to get to the bottom of who the killer is with or without the help from Jason, or should we say Detective Cruz!! Reading about Max insecurities of dating was very refreshing along with learning about the other characters as well
This is the third book in the series but, had no problem jumping into the series as I had not read the first two books (however, I will now after finding this author).
A good book that will keep you guessing as to who the real murder is and keep you turning pages no matter how tired you are.
I did receive an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and the above is my personal opinion of the book.
Max vows to get to the bottom of who the killer is with or without the help from Jason, or should we say Detective Cruz!! Reading about Max insecurities of dating was very refreshing along with learning about the other characters as well
This is the third book in the series but, had no problem jumping into the series as I had not read the first two books (however, I will now after finding this author).
A good book that will keep you guessing as to who the real murder is and keep you turning pages no matter how tired you are.
I did receive an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and the above is my personal opinion of the book.
March 7, 2018
This is the first book I've read by this author and I wasn't disappointed. It was easy to learn the characters even without reading the previous books in this series, and the story was well written to keep the reader's interest. The plot is well laid out and as much as you try to guess, the murderer truly remains a mystery until the end. You also get some insight on the life of the main character, Max. Her friend is getting married in what could also be construed as a "reunion" of sorts with old college friends, and this is what the story/mystery revolves around. It was truly a fun read, and I encourage you to pick up a copy and give it a try. It moves along quickly, and you'll have a difficult time stopping until you finally get to the end. No spoilers, just read it! I received an advance copy of this book to read and am giving a voluntary unbiased review.
February 15, 2018
This is a great book; this is the third book in the Bridal Shop Mystery series and is written by Karen Sue Walker. Max Walters is preparing for her best friend Olivia’s wedding when Olivia’s childhood friend arrives unannounced. Max joins all the out of town friends at a rented beach house for a pre-wedding party where the drinks are flowing and old grudges seem close to the surface. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
February 17, 2018
Max Walters is preparing for her best friend Olivia’s wedding when Olivia’s childhood friend Gabby arrives unannounced. Max joins all the out of town friends at a rented beach house for a pre-wedding party where the drinks are flowing and old grudges seem close to the surface. Nicholas the best selling author and his wife who is a bridesmaid along with Ashley her sister. They all have secrets and long held grudges with Gabby. When Gabby is murdered and Olivia is devastated but also a suspect Max feels she has to find the murderer and save Olivia’s wedding. After she suspects the whole group of friends but can’t figure out motive she digs deeper. The characters are great. It was a quick easy read but surprisingly really good.
February 11, 2018
First book I have read from this author. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Had a good plot with interesting characters that I really liked. I love murder mysteries. and this one had me guessing. Love the budding romance for Max, her insecurities about it , and her career. She now owns a bridal shop, and designs bridal dresses ( she is really excellent). Her best friend is getting married and a number of the brides' friends
come into town. One of them is found dead. Now we have a mystery. You will have to read it to find out what happened. This is the 3rd book in this'd series. I did get an ARC of this book to read and give a voluntary unbiased review.
come into town. One of them is found dead. Now we have a mystery. You will have to read it to find out what happened. This is the 3rd book in this'd series. I did get an ARC of this book to read and give a voluntary unbiased review.
February 15, 2018
I’m saying yes to this book ;)
I couldn’t wait to get back to Max’s bridal store. Something about it just captured my heart. I guess it’s Max and her friends and her dad. And Jason of course! Or should I say ‘Detective Cruz’?
The vibe of this book is just right. It’s well-written and has a good flow. This series is just getting better and better. I had a lot of fun reading it. I enjoyed myself immensely and I loved every minute of it! And I didn’t know whodunit till the very end. Yes, this was one of my favorite books ever.
I received a complimentary advance copy and voluntarily reviewed this book.
I couldn’t wait to get back to Max’s bridal store. Something about it just captured my heart. I guess it’s Max and her friends and her dad. And Jason of course! Or should I say ‘Detective Cruz’?
The vibe of this book is just right. It’s well-written and has a good flow. This series is just getting better and better. I had a lot of fun reading it. I enjoyed myself immensely and I loved every minute of it! And I didn’t know whodunit till the very end. Yes, this was one of my favorite books ever.
I received a complimentary advance copy and voluntarily reviewed this book.
February 17, 2018
Max, owner of a bridal shop, is excitedly preparing for her best friend, Olivia’s wedding. College friends have come to town to celebrate in the pre-wedding festivities when unexpectedly another one of the college friends, sort-of a black sheep of the group, also shows up. One evening when they are all together, tension and innuendos fly until one of them is dead. Heartbroken, Olivia wants to cancel her wedding. But Max will do everything and anything to solve the murder, even if it means putting herself in danger. I received an ARC of this well written cozy. My first for Author, Karen Sue Walker and is very enjoyable.
March 18, 2018
i received an advanced reader copy and the opinions in the review are my own.
This was the first book ive read by this Author and i really enjoyed it. It really kept you enthralled throughout the book. It had a really good plot which kept you guessing right to the end as it had plenty of twists and turns i still wasnt sure right till the end who had done it.
I will defiantly be reading more of this authors books.
5 star reading all the way
This was the first book ive read by this Author and i really enjoyed it. It really kept you enthralled throughout the book. It had a really good plot which kept you guessing right to the end as it had plenty of twists and turns i still wasnt sure right till the end who had done it.
I will defiantly be reading more of this authors books.
5 star reading all the way
February 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! Max who owns her own wedding shop is getting ready for her friends wedding when a surprise friend of the bride shows up and winds up murdered! Max sets out to find out who did it so the wedding can go forth! Full of twists and surprises, this book keeps the pages turning! Who did it? Read this great book and find out!
February 28, 2018
Max is preparing for her best friend's wedding when an out of town guest shows up. Olivia is very excited however when this guest is murdered and everyone in the bridal party is suspect, Max must jump in and help solve the issue. She wants to get is solved before the wedding so that Olivia can enjoy her day.
September 27, 2019
Really good mystery!
I love going to Crystal Shores and visiting with Max, Keiko, Olivia and all the inhabitants of this quaint seaside town. The mystery kept me guessing until the end with plenty of twists and turns. I really enjoy watching these characters grow. I definitely recommend this book!
I love going to Crystal Shores and visiting with Max, Keiko, Olivia and all the inhabitants of this quaint seaside town. The mystery kept me guessing until the end with plenty of twists and turns. I really enjoy watching these characters grow. I definitely recommend this book!
June 1, 2020
I received this book as a freebie and am so glad I did. An intriguing storyline filled with interesting characters, romance, drama and humour, it kept me entertained until the very end. I’ve read the first two books in the series, and this one is just as good. A whodunnit that keeps you guessing until the end. I can’t wait to read more in this series.
December 9, 2020
Charming as always. Love the gang.
Although this was the first one in this series where the mystery was fairly obvious it still made for an enjoyable quick read.
Jason's reluctance was a bit weird, considering he'd clearly been interested from the moment they met. Better late than never, I guess.
Although this was the first one in this series where the mystery was fairly obvious it still made for an enjoyable quick read.
Jason's reluctance was a bit weird, considering he'd clearly been interested from the moment they met. Better late than never, I guess.
November 14, 2022
So Many Mysteries in This One
If you like a lot of surprises rolled up in one story this book is going to thrill you. I loved it and couldn't put it down. Max was in the line of fire again as usual, because she puzzled out all of the details. She's a great character always leading us on a great adventure. Can't wait to start the next book in the series number four.
If you like a lot of surprises rolled up in one story this book is going to thrill you. I loved it and couldn't put it down. Max was in the line of fire again as usual, because she puzzled out all of the details. She's a great character always leading us on a great adventure. Can't wait to start the next book in the series number four.
July 21, 2023
Imposter
When one of the guests is murdered, nearly everyone is a suspect, including Olivia. Can Max clear her name and find the murderer before she becomes the next victim?
Nicholas was an imposter. He died in the fire. Someone knew the truth so that someone had to die. I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
When one of the guests is murdered, nearly everyone is a suspect, including Olivia. Can Max clear her name and find the murderer before she becomes the next victim?
Nicholas was an imposter. He died in the fire. Someone knew the truth so that someone had to die. I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
February 15, 2018
Fun Cozy Mystery
Murder in Blue Gingham was a lovely read. The mystery was well planned and thought out, the plot moved with a great flow, and the characters were wonderfully written. It was easy to read and hard to put down. I can’t wait for Max’s next adventure!
Murder in Blue Gingham was a lovely read. The mystery was well planned and thought out, the plot moved with a great flow, and the characters were wonderfully written. It was easy to read and hard to put down. I can’t wait for Max’s next adventure!
September 27, 2020
Cute wedding mystery
Another cute mystery! Characters are so personable and you can't help but root for Max, the main character. Max can't help herself by getting involved in solving mysteries, to the dismay of the hunky detective in charge of the cases.
Another cute mystery! Characters are so personable and you can't help but root for Max, the main character. Max can't help herself by getting involved in solving mysteries, to the dismay of the hunky detective in charge of the cases.
November 14, 2020
Murder in blue.
This is an enjoyable read. It is fun to see the characters develop and you feel part of the story. Found myself trying to figure out who did it right along with Max.
This is an enjoyable read. It is fun to see the characters develop and you feel part of the story. Found myself trying to figure out who did it right along with Max.
May 31, 2023
weddings and murder
When Max, his best friend is getting married, one of Olivia’s friends is found murdered. Another fun filled mystery with Max, Keiko, and the handsome Detective Cruz.
When Max, his best friend is getting married, one of Olivia’s friends is found murdered. Another fun filled mystery with Max, Keiko, and the handsome Detective Cruz.
February 15, 2018
A weddings dresses and murder, combine to make this cozy mystery an enjoyable combination of romance and suspense.
February 19, 2018
I just love the main character of Max and her adorable little town of Crystal Shores. Highly recommended.
March 1, 2018
Another cozy read!
Light, enjoyable, fun book. Walker has a nice way with the character development and the final revelation of "who done it". Looking forward to next sequel!
Light, enjoyable, fun book. Walker has a nice way with the character development and the final revelation of "who done it". Looking forward to next sequel!
March 23, 2018
Loved it!
I have read all three books in this series. Can't wait for the next one. It was well written, with lots of twists and turns, with a great ending.
I have read all three books in this series. Can't wait for the next one. It was well written, with lots of twists and turns, with a great ending.
August 12, 2018
Wonderful
Thank you.Will there be more in that 3book set.please.I want to see Max and Jason's wedding .Please can you write another book.
Thank you.Will there be more in that 3book set.please.I want to see Max and Jason's wedding .Please can you write another book.
October 9, 2020
Cute story, easy read, a bit anti climactic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews