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Cricket Crosby Capers #2

If the Dress Fits

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From the USA Today best-selling author Liz Talley comes this hoot of a follow-up to Deconstructed.

Cricket Crosby is back …and she’s licensed to snoop! Fresh off divorce and a private investigator’s course, Cricket’s ready to balance running her antique store with proving her PI chops…if someone will take a chance on her. When a local PI catches a case involving the theft of luxury goods, he hires the former debutante to go undercover to trap a thief. But snooping during PTA meetings and cotillon parties is harder than it looks, especially when Cricket’s missteps cause a hunky police detective to cast suspicion on her new bestie, Ruby Balthazar.

Former Long Pines Correctional inmate, Ruby has a lot to lose. She’s a finalist in a local fashion competition and receives an invitation to New York City Fashion Week. Suddenly, she’s parading around town with opportunity knocking faster than a fashion designer can answer. When Ruby is arrested and made the prime suspect in the theft case, everything she’s dreamed of begins to unravel. How can Ruby create a new future if her past keeps dragging her backward?

The only solution is to catch the real thief, but that may prove more dangerous than either Cricket or Ruby imagined. Toss in an incontinent cat, a dognapping, and a hot tow truck driver, and you have a humorous tale that will keep you in stitches!

307 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2022

389 people are currently reading
2458 people want to read

About the author

Liz Talley

69 books930 followers
I unashamedly read, write and love romance books. I adore the weight of a book in hand and the anticipation of a happy ending. I love the journey, the word play and the magic of story. Nothing's better than reading a good book...except writing one. You can learn more about me and my award-winning romances at http://www.liztalleybooks.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
Profile Image for Linda Langford.
1,602 reviews14 followers
Read
November 4, 2022
Definitely a new author to add to my wish list! Book two follows Cricket’s try at amateur sleuthing while running her regular antiques and vintage finds business. And, sorting out her life in general as a divorced woman. Ruth, Cricket’s assistant, learns the path to being an entrepreneur is filled with many stumbles and falls, yet does her best with the enormous talent she has in deconstructing vintage clothing into beautiful stylish finds. There wasn’t quite as much humor in this story as there was in book one; however, Cricket’s Southern sass is enjoyable, and she’s a trouble magnet. LOL! I’m definitely #TeamGriff for Cricket! I highly recommend this contemporary, chicklit, amateur sleuth, and women’s fiction novel.

Note: The digital ebook I downloaded from Amazon needed a good edit.
Profile Image for Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff).
2,560 reviews97 followers
January 5, 2023
After taking matters into her own hands with her ex last time, Cricket Crosby got the itch for the Private Investigator business. With her shiny new PI license, Jake hires her to help investigate a string of luxury item thefts. To say that Cricket is juggling quite a few things would be an understatement: running her antique shop, being a single mom, PI work, and of course, dating one hunky tow truck driver.

Meanwhile, Ruby, Cricket’s dedicated (ex-con) employee and best friend has been invited to New York’s Fashion Week. This could be the big break she needs for her fashion line Deconstructed. That is until she is brought in for questioning on the case of the stolen items.

As you can probably guess, things get a little dicey, but Liz Talley writes with such great humor and sass that you can’t help but have fun. You’ll be laughing and cheering these characters on. I’m looking forward to more crazy capers with Cricket and Ruby.

Thank you @suzyapprovesbooktours and @amyliztalley for a spot on tour and a gifted ebook.
Profile Image for Mary   Beth.
335 reviews50 followers
February 14, 2023
A fast paced second book in this fun mystery series that has fantastic relatable characters. The friendship between Cricket and Ruby is fabulous. They are from two completely different backgrounds but get along like sisters. I love how they always have each other's backs.
The alternating point of views of Cricket and Ruby is the perfect way to tell their stories. It's like reading two stories all wrapped up in one book.
If you like the Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano then you will love the Cricket Crosby Capers series, too!
Profile Image for Cassie’s Reviews.
1,574 reviews29 followers
November 29, 2022
After loving the authors previous book Deconstructed I was so excited to read this book!
The adventures of Cricket continues and this time she has gotten her private investigator license. Juke a local PI, is hired to try to solve the case of theft of luxury items being stolen , Juke hires Cricket to go undercover but she unknowingly causes her employee and friend, Ruby Balthazar as a suspect.
Ruby’s past is always under scrutiny . She doesn’t hide it but she certainly wants to rise above it. When her fashion line, Deconstructed, becomes a finalist in a local fashion competition. Ruby receives an invitation to New York City’s Fashion Week. She feel likes this is the step towards and even bigger future. When she is arrested for the thefts of the luxury item, she feels everything she has dreamed is un
Is now never going to happen . The only way out is to catch the thief. But can they before the thief strikes again? I loved seeing Cricket and Ruby on. their new paths. I loved Gran widows Ruby’s grandmother she’s such an amazing character! This book was great and a quick read for me!
Profile Image for Judy Christiana.
997 reviews14 followers
November 4, 2022
I am a fan of Liz Talley. I have to state that first, since this book is a perfect example of why I am. She write with humor, while getting across serious issues in her plots. This book continues the series, A Cricket Crosby Caper. I read book one and definitely recommend it, but I think a reader could read this book independently of the first. (But why would you? Read the first book!)

The main characters of Cricket and Ruby are so different on the surface, but that just makes their friendship so much more adorable. I love the mixture of high society and lower society (not sure what to call myself?) mixing up in the plot. This book shows that people are people no matter what status level they fall on. If you are a good decent person, that is all that truly matters.

I loved this book and am so happy that the author was inspired to write a continuation of Deconstructed (the first book). I definitely recommend it very highly.
Profile Image for Kristine.
157 reviews
January 2, 2023
This second in the series of Cricket Crosby books did not hold my attention or tickle my funny bone as much as the first book in the series did.

I did still enjoy Ms. Tally's writing style and her descriptions as I had the first book go-round, but this book was all over the place and didn't seem as cohesive.

Still enjoyed all the characters and found them totally believable.
Profile Image for Cindy Rhodes.
150 reviews
November 3, 2022
Adventures with Cricket and Ruby

Liz Talley is an amazing writer and I loved this book! The characters are a quirky group that all keep you interested in them and their story. Cricket and Ruby and Griff and Dak to name a few! The relationship between Cricket and her mother is interesting to me. A fun read!
24 reviews
November 5, 2022
Cricket Crosby is my new favorite

I won this book on a Goodreads giveaway. I thought it looked like a fun read. This is one of my new favorite series! The characters are genuine and I can’t wait to see what happens to them next.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
15 reviews
December 12, 2022
Oh I loved Deconstructed, so I was so happy to hear Liz Talley was writing a sequel because I needed more of the Blue Moon crew! Just as fun and sassy and suspenseful as the first book. I do hope we will see more of Cricket, Ruby, Griff and Juke!
Profile Image for Penny Ramirez.
2,003 reviews30 followers
November 11, 2022
What a fun caper!

It was such fun to have Cricket and Ruby back on the case! I love Talley's descriptive language. I'd really love to have one of Ruby's designs, and Cricket would be a great friend! And Griff - YUM.
360 reviews4 followers
November 27, 2022
DNf
Prison, paroles, couture. Omg not for me. All over the place and all the characters were so darn awful I couldn’t stand it. Sorry.
Profile Image for Janet.
31 reviews
October 30, 2022
Not my style

I don'tknow about others but I found this to be totally offensive: "The house smelled like parmesan cheese and garlic, not the best smell to greet you unless you liked the smell of vomit, Italian-style."
Didn't bother finishing.
Profile Image for Rubi.
2,649 reviews15 followers
January 20, 2023
Decent plot, but....not as good as book 1

I know that life is not all sunshine and rainbows and that it makes sense that our girls Cricket and Ruby got into some more trouble but.....the way it was executed just disappointed me.
I respected Cricket for holding back until her marriage was over before dating again. Griff was stupid and didn't make a move so she said yes to someone else, but....she especially used the poor man and I didnt like that or the fact Griff waited until she was with someone else to finally act.
I also hated that, even though Cricket did nothing but help her friends, NOBODY had her back! Nobody believed in her and called her a "silly woman", including Ruby! After everything Cricket did for that girl....the words she told her were harsh and uncalled for. Yes, Cricket made ONE mistake (Ruby's arrest was NOT her fault), but even professional detectives get the wrong people. Ruby should know that better than anyone, and her being targeted just proved Cricket was onto something. My heart hurt for poor Cricket.
Also hated how Dak made it sound like Ruby had to pick between him and her dream. As if he'd done anything to get her life back together smh
*sigh* I loved that Cricket once again proved everyone wrong but just wish the gang had supported her more both in friendship and love.
Profile Image for Jennifer Lara.
1,140 reviews4 followers
October 28, 2022
If the Dress Fits is the follow up to Deconstructed by Liz Talley. Cricket Crosby has gotten her private investigator license and is ready to snoop and solve cases! Fresh off her divorce, she is ready to get running with her PI skills. When Juke, a local PI, is hired to solve the case of the theft of luxury items, he hires Cricket to go undercover. She is willing and ready to go; however, in her eagerness, she shines the focus on her employee and new bestie, Ruby Balthazar. Ruby’s past is always right under the surface. She can’t hide it but she certainly wants to rise above it. Her fashion line, Deconstructed, is a finalist in a local fashion competition. She receives an invitation to New York City’s Fashion Week. Ruby can’t believe her luck. But when she is arrested for the thefts, it rocks her to her core and feels everything she has dreamed is unraveling. The only solution now is to catch the thief. But can they before the thief strikes again?
If the Dress Fits is such a fun book! I laughed at their antics. I cried with them. I sighed at the romantic moments. I even cheered as Cricket and Ruby battled through the theft case, their own insecurities and moving on with their lives with a new sense of purpose. I enjoyed seeing Cricket and Ruby in their new paths. I particularly loved that these women were not going to let their misfortunes dictate their lives. Outside of Cricket and Ruby, my favorite character is Gran, Ruby’s grandmother. She offers so much wisdom, tough love, and humor that she would be someone fun to have around. I also enjoyed that you didn’t necessarily need to read Deconstructed first (although I highly recommend it), in order to enjoy If the Dress Fits. Ms. Talley gives enough background detail that you can follow the relationships and the story without being lost. If the Dress Fits is filled with Southern social graces and sass that will leave you in stitches. I highly recommend If the Dress Fits.

If the Dress Fits is available in paperback and eBook

Deconstructed is also available in paperback and eBook
Profile Image for Kathleen.
763 reviews36 followers
November 8, 2022
Cricket Crosby is on the case....again a she has her PI license freshly printed and she will get her feet wet finding the person who has been robbing from the rich. Her snooping on her friends is not without its trials and she might just make a few mistakes. Cricket has a few balls in the air, looking after her daughter, running her antiques business and trying her hand at dating again after her divorce is final. This is the really hard one. She is attracted to the ever moody and gruff Griff and a new man enters her world, the handsome detective Wes who is on the case of the missing luxury items. Then there is Ruby, the ex-con she is mentoring and gave a job to and is now her BFF. Ruby is going to be the next best thing in fashion and if they can get her fashion on the local runway competition, she will be on her way to stardom. Things just don't go Ruby's way when she is taken in for questioning in the case, she begins to think it's not worth the risk. With Cricket and her mom and others who believe in her, she can't lose this chance to have it all.

I was worried that this story would not be as good as the first book, but OMG it was so much more. I love Cricket even more as she starts her new life and of course how her and Griff's chemistry just ignites the pages of this book. Whenever she gets herself in hot water, Griff is there to get her out of a tricky spot. I love him. Ruby is one of my favs. You will cheer for her as she tries to start her new life too. Obstacles are put in her way time and time again, but she jumps over them with the help of her 'team' of friends and family.
This installment of the Cricket Crosby Capers is a must read and if you have not read book one, then get your hands it.
This is a 5 Star read of fun and romance with lots of wonderful hilarious moments to keep you turning the pages. I can't wait for the next Cricket Crosby Caper.
Profile Image for Cathy Hooper.
602 reviews21 followers
February 25, 2023
I really enjoyed Liz Talley’s book Deconstructed and was excited to see the sequel. (And if you are going to read this I would suggest reading it first.) This one was a bit hit or miss for me though. Cricket is divorced from her cheating, embezzling spouse, and she has decided to open a sideline business as a private investigator. The book is really about Cricket trying to balance her two lives. One life is an upscale antiques dealer, and daughter of a prominent socialite. Second life is partner of a gritty private guy and possible girlfriend of a tattooed tow truck driver who would rather have a beer in a seedy bar that a cocktail in a lounge. Which one will she choose or can she balance it all? Her assistant Ruby plays a leading role and has the same quandary. As an ex-con, can she break into high fashion with the NYC designers? And if she can, should she if it means leaving her boyfriend behind in Louisiana?
This book was kind of all of the place and every time I would start to give up on it, I would read a well written description like this one of Crocket’s daughter,
“She looked like the time she’d been competing on the balance beam—frightened but determined not to fall. And really wishing she’d chosen dance over gymnastics.” Then I would fallback into the story. If the Cricket Crosby capers continue, I will be right alongside them.
Profile Image for Debbie Rozier.
1,349 reviews85 followers
December 22, 2022
This was just such a perfect book for me to pick up and enjoy. Being a southern gal, I enjoy books set in the south and this mystery is set in Shreveport, Louisiana. I loved all the LSU references, but that’s just the start of why I enjoyed this one.

The book isn’t just a nod to the south, it’s a mystery, a romance, a celebration of friendship, and most of all an appreciation that change is ok.

The book is the second featuring Cricket and Ruby. DECONSTRUCTED is book one but you can easily enjoy this book first or as a stand alone.

Cricket is an antique store owning but wannabe part-time private investigating single mom. Ruby works for Cricket but is on her way to take the fashion world by storm with her deconstruction of vintage clothing which Cricket makes into her own designs.

In IF THE DRESS FITS, Cricket is trying to prove her PI worth by finding out who among her society friends is stealing handbags and jewelry for resale. Ruby is gearing up for a local fashion competition while trying to decide where her future will be.

The mystery is great, a lot of the characters from DECONSTRUCTED are back, and there is even a mention of one of my favorite southern authors, Mary Kay Andrews.

I can only wish upon a star that Cricket and Ruby will be back for other books!
167 reviews
March 3, 2023
If the Dress Fits is a campy rom-com style story with a bit of mystery. It's a light fun read. Had this been my first Liz Talley novel and my first Cricket Crosby, it probably would have faired better in my rating and my enjoyment, but it wasn't. I read Deconstructed (Book 1) first and LOVED it. If the Dress Fits pales in comparison. It has none of the wit and wisdom or depth of character. Instead, it's overloaded with some crude descriptions, filled with Cricket's attempt at meeting men, and just a little light and weak in the story. It's not a bad story, and it's not a waste of time to read. It just isn't anywhere near the first one, in my opinion. It does have strength in you don't have to have read Book 1 to understand book 2, and Talley doesn't waste a lot of time filling in blanks to catch up with a new reader. The "fill-in" is light and smooth and doesn't distract a sequel reader from the existing story.
It's not a bad story. It's fun, and Cricket and Ruby are still likable, still adventuresome, and still setting the stage for reinventing yourself.
Profile Image for cbdef.
183 reviews
March 6, 2023
When I chose this book, I was looking for something light and easy to read through. This book did that. I had not read the precursor book to this one, but there is sufficient reference in this story to give you an understanding of the ongoing storyline. There is a mystery 'who done it' element to the story, that is impossible to figure out until the end, and the light romance doesn't overpower or dominate the story.

I must admit I was a bit confused with the personality and character of the MC. At times the author portrays her as the stereotypical Southern belle, and at other times as a modern-thinking, intelligent woman. She seems to be straddling two worlds, her old life and the new one she has yet to become. I had a hard time picturing her as an entity, a real person. (maybe, styled on the Legally Blonde character). I surmise that the author is 'growing' the character and what she will eventually become.







689 reviews2 followers
February 8, 2023
Great book!!!!

I really love this series!!!!
Cricket and Ruby are the true meaning of resilient women!!!! They weren't going to allow anyone to tell them they couldn't accomplish their dreams.
Cricket went through a bad marriage breakup and Ruby with her past that keeps coming back to bite her in the butt. These two women lifted each other up , to keep their goals in front of them and what they went through individually.
Cricket had support from her daughter and mother and she brought Ruby into the fold of her family.
Ruby wants to break into fashion and Cricket wants to become a PI after taking down her ex husband and his partner in crime (literally) with the help of Ruby, Grif and Juke.
Now you have to get this book to see how two women from different cultures can make it!!!!
Profile Image for Big Time Book Junkie.
793 reviews47 followers
October 25, 2022
This is a perfect sequel to Liz Talley's Deconstructed! We get to hook up with all our friends from the first book, especially Cricket and Ruby. Cricket is all in on her new PI gig, but life most of us, Cricket couldn't do it without a little help from her friends...

If you haven't already read Deconstructed, I'd suggest reading that first, but the author does so a great job filling in any backstory info for those who haven't read Deconstructed.

If you're looking for a great mystery with quirky, I-want-to-know them characters, lots of Southern sass, strong women forging their own paths, and good old-fashioned fun, you'll definitely want to read If The Dress Fits!

I highly recommend this book. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Nina Struzzeri.
189 reviews
December 19, 2022
A second book in a new series...

Cricket becomes a PI in this book. She goes to work for Ruby's cousin. Ruby goes to New York with Crickets mother. She is asked to star in Fashion Week contest. Crickets mothers a best friend, decided to lend valuable accessories to Ruby for her show. There is a local thief stealing purses and jewelry from homes. So Cricket investigates. She also meets a nice looking cop in this novel. Anyhow, in the end, the store is being robbed for the accessories that are being lent to Ruby. Looks like someone insured them. And Crickets own mothers best friend and daughter are trying to steal the accessories for the insurance money. Its easy to follow. The characters are loveable. I'd read more in the series.
Profile Image for Melissa Levens.
371 reviews8 followers
December 31, 2022
If the Dress Fits
Author, Liz Talley

Thank you, @suzyapprovedbooktours and Liz Talley for my e- arc of the second book in the Cricket Crosby series!

If the Dress Fits follows Deconstructed, which I loved, so I was excited to have the opportunity to read this one as well! Filled with wit, humor, Southern sass, and charm, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Cricket and Ruby's antics and especially loved Gran, Ruby's grandmother, who overflows with tough love and wisdom.

If the Dress Fits can be read as a stand- alone, but I always recommend starting from the beginning. You won't be disappointed with this hilarious amateur sleuth and fun women's fiction novel with a little bit of romance, too!
Profile Image for Susan Peterson.
1,999 reviews380 followers
October 27, 2022
great sequel!

After reading Deconstructed, I was one of the readers clamoring for Liz Talley to write another book starring Cricket and Ruby—and I’m so glad she gave her fans what we asked for! In this novel, Cricket and Ruby are friends and coworkers, each on the brink of a new and exciting life. But as thrilling as it is, they both encounter bumps along the way, that could derail their careers and their personal lives, and even their friendship. There is mystery and romance, humor and warmth, and a depth of feeling for these complicated and fascinating creatures! This book can be read as a standalone, but do yourself a favor and read them both!
Profile Image for Rose Grabowski.
1,806 reviews18 followers
October 28, 2022
I really enjoyed Deconstructed, the first book in this series, and I was pleased with Book 2 as well. We follow Cricket and Ruby and revisit secondary characters from the first book. Cricket has completed her private investigators course and is ready to moonlight as soon as she can get a case to work on. She does with wild results. Ruby is a finalist in a fashion competition. If she wins her design business will go to the next level in New York City. Both of their careers come together in a startling ending. This can be read as a standalone, but you won't be sorry if you start with Deconstructed!
Profile Image for Jamie Beck.
Author 22 books2,620 followers
October 6, 2022
I got my hands on an early draft of this fun sequel to Liz Talley's popular chick-lit/amateur sleuth book Deconstructed. Cricket and Ruby are back at it, this time each in hot pursuit of their new goals. Cricket's desire to prove herself a good PI takes on urgency when her friend, Ruby, becomes a suspect in a theft ring in their small town. The story tests their friendship and each of their romantic relationships. If you're in the mood for a humorous yet heartwarming escape filled with Southern sass, look no further!
345 reviews9 followers
October 29, 2022
If the Dress Fits by Liz Talley, is the sequel to Deconstructed. While not a requirement to have read book 1, I highly recommend it so that you have all the character background. It makes for a richer story.
Cricket, Ruby and the gang are some great characters! They’ve become a couple of my favorites. If the Dress Fits is one of those stories that will make you laugh out loud. It’s a wonderful story of friends and family that support one another no matter what. Their antics and adventures are so much fun. Don’t miss out.
Profile Image for Michael Wells.
1,080 reviews6 followers
November 26, 2022
A wonderful love story

This is a sequel to deconstructed. You should read that book 1st to get the backstory about this book. There are several plots in the story and they start with who is stealing valuable jewelry and crickets hometown. I found the characters very interesting and very well written. Ruby has just gotten out of jail and cricket gave her a job as her antique store. I really like this book and I really enjoy the characters who really brought something to the whole story. I recommend this book for all romance readers and all readers. Liz has done a great job.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews

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