Murder Can Ruin Your Looks

Desiree Shapiro Mystery #2

by Selma Eichler

She doesn't jog, she doesn't know karate, and she doesn't pass a bakery without a slight detour. She's plus-sized detective Desiree Shapiro returning in one of her classic mysteries-out of print for three years-that her legion of fans won't want to pass up.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Humor, Cozy

262 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 1, 1995

About the author

Selma Eichler is a freelance writer who lives in New York with her husband. She is the creator of 'Desiree Shapiro', private eye in New York City.

Series:
* Desiree Shapiro Mystery

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely one great cozy series authored by a very talented author that brings humor to such a delightful level that you just can't help chuckling out loud while reading the story and trying to solve a difficult mystery.

[Kasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find this series so charming and addictive that I daydream about reading them more often than not. The first time I came across Selma Eichler's books was at my local bookstore, I decided to go home and read some reviews before snatching up a few ( I was tempted to buy the first six, my hunch was good) but when I got home I read these low star reviews and was bummed out. A month later I saw book #11 from the series in the library and it beckoned me to read it, so I did, boy was I surprised! After reading it I immediately got the beginning and now that I just finished book two, I am ready for more. This series is totally up my alley, NYC in the 90's is what I first saw when I moved here and it's depicted so well here, the good past with it's comforts and great deli food, not to mention a really funny and cute heroine that doesn't take no for an answer and really interesting mystery (it always helps when its not a lame goose hunt) make for a delightful read.

The book is really fun but it has a lot of characters and a lot of clues, I can see how some people get lost or bored but I like that, there's nothing worse than a mystery that isn't at all mysterious, this one will keep you guessing till the last page and I was still surprised! Desiree Shapiro breaks her own promise and tangles up in another murder case. This time the case is stranger then any other, two women were attacked and shot in their apartment, one now lies in a coma and other has died, problem is that they are twins and no one can figure out which one is which. Mayhem and loss of recognizable items and no dental records since they lived abroad for so long makes this a tantalizing and complex case, with the killer still out there, trying to find out which sister survived, as it seems like only one of them was supposed to be done away with. Desiree uncovers shocking secrets and a sticky web of lies that keeps all the suspects connected to the cold blooded shooting of Mary-Ann and Meredith Foster. The chase is on and the case is complex, Desiree keeps her strengths up with extra helpings of Haagen-Daaz Macadamia Brittle ice cream, lemon soufflé and lots of deli and restaurant trips, countless cups of coffee and great dinners with her charming cousin Ellen and goes on some funny dates. Her person life is as colorful and interesting as the rest of the tale, making it for a really beautiful read. I just love these books, I don't care if no one else does but to me they are little gems, I hope that Selma Eichler never runs out of ideas.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy Read, October 12, 2011

This review is from: Murder Can Ruin Your Looks (Desiree Shapiro Mystery #2) (Paperback)
Desiree Shapiro is no stranger to me. This is my 3rd book in Selma Eichler's series. I like the character, Desiree, and her niece, Ellen. I enjoy the hot & cold relationship between Desiree and Tim Fielding of the police dept.

The author does a good job of bringing me into the situation right from the get go and uses the relationships between these characters to develop her story...the murder mystery. In this case it's the murder and attempted murder of identical twin sisters-Meredith & Mary ann. Peter Winters, Desiree's childhood friend, asks for her assistance as he was romantically involved with Mary Ann at the time of this brutal crime.

There are twists and turns that lead in all directions pointing the finger of guilt even at Peter...but then Desiree has an awakening. After eliminating all the lies told to her and the police by just about everyone questioned there is one person that leads Desiree to the end of her sleuthing.

I enjoy this series and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fun read with a fun sleuth.
Ellen

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, I really object to the cover. This story takes place in New York, indoors, in late winter so there is no picnicking involved, no corn, no watermelon, no flies or salt and no knife. No recipes either. I liked Desiree but I don't think the premise of trying to determine which sister was still alive is particularly viable as a plot. The author realizes it, too, as the story goes on and Desiree is looking into considerably more than just the identity of the survivor. A fun read.

[Jennifer Kovaleski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has quickly become one of my favorite series and I’m thrilled to have found it! Desiree is funny smart and can’t help but find the truth. This was an excellent story and the unraveling in her mind to come to a conclusion is nothing short of brilliant. I found the entire series at a thrift store and can’t wait to continue.

[Camilla Harry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good mystery. Even better than the first one in the series! Love having a protagonist who isn't the best looking gal around. Going to read the next one in this series real soon. Fun, light reading!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - Very, Very Good

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a sassy P. I.!

[Cathie Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. This one is better than the first one. Good characters. Some humor. Moves along at a good pace. Storyline and plot are well done. Some good twists and turns as well as some suspenseful moments. Highly recommend.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desiree Shapiro is the most unlikely P.I. that you would ever meet. She has an aversion to cleaning her apt. (normal) and loves her food (still normal) and still muddles through her cases.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series doesn't disappoint. Once again great plot. Could not guess the end

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another quirky lady detective who appears ditsy and always solves the mystery...

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny but appropriate title. Your nearest and dearest always seem to the bad guys.

[Vicki Gooding · Rating 5 out of 5]

This authors humor is so easy to relate to. The ending didn't feel quite complete, but I enjoyed the story so much gave it 5 stars. Really do want to read some of her other books now.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Writing was flat and dry.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nineties mystery that took a long time to get going. I could have used a few surprises and plot twists. The detective, however, was a lot of fun and she got me through this tale.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute , but dated

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute again. Sometimes it dragged on a few places and I don't get her relationship with Tim who is mainly a jerk, but I love Desiree and her investigating. She has a natural self-awareness about her that makes her more "real". The meddling in her niece's love life was cute. It feels slightly unresolved with the villain for some reason, but the mystery was complicated, tragic, and interesting.

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

MURDER CAN RUIN YOUR LOOKS by Selma Eichler
RATING: 4.5/B+
GENRE/PUB DATE/# OF PGS: Mystery/1995/262 pgs
TIME/PLACE: 1990's; NYC
CHARACTERS: Desiree Shapiro/PI
COMMENTS: #2 in the series. Desiree is hired by Peter Winters to identify which twin was killed. His fiance & her identical twin were both shot in the face, one was killed & one is in a coma.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eichler has this annoying habit of having Desiree announce she's solved the mystery, but not letting the reader in on it for a few more chapters. I suppose the clues are there, but it's usually something very tiny that requires outside knowledge in order to be solved. Oh well, it was good enough that I eventually stopped asking myself, "Why don't they just fingerprint the twins?"

[George · Rating 3 out of 5]

#2 in the Desiree Shapiro private investigator mystery series set in New York City. Desiree is asked to determine the identify of a surviving twin after both twins are shot. She is both trying to determine which of the twins survived along with who killed one and seriously wounding the other.

The story is told with some humor, much of it self depreciating, through the eyes of Ms Shaprio.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full figuredd detective Desiree Shapiro promises she'll only work on uncovering the identity of a crime victim who remains in a coma after she and her twin are shot---but separating "who is it" from "who done it" is hard.

[Rebekkila · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished listening to this today. I liked it a lot. The death of Will's mother starts off a chain of events pertaining to the death of his high school sweetheart 10 years ago. Then, his current girlfriend is murdered. I think this book may e going to Europe with a friend to be released.

[Margaret]

Of the 3 I had from this series, this is one of the earlier ones and I read it last. It was fine on it's own and I love the character of Desiree, but the story wasn't quite as interesting to me as some of the later books. Having read some of this series now, I would read more if I come across them.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Not great, not horrible. I may not have been in the mood for this book.

[Kim j · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series because she is true to herself & does not dwell on faults or spend to much time on nonsense. Love Jackie & Ellen-regulars who grow on you. Go Desi!

[Jim Hager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual because after the murder is solved there are still another 30 pages during which several small mysteries are also solved.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books and hope to read them all eventually.