What do you think?
Rate this book
A Material Witness Mystery #3
Silk Stalkings
"Vallere weaves a tapestry of finely knit characters, luxurious fabrics, and...murder." -Janet Bolin, national bestselling author of the Threadville Mysteries
Fabric shop owner Polyester Monroe can get tangled up in textiles, but it's murder that really throws her for a loop in the third Material Witness mystery... The time has come for the annual Miss Tangorli beauty pageant, and Poly Monroe has agreed to use her fabric store's inventory of shimmery silks to create gowns fir for a crown. But when the man who revived the city's citrus trade with his imported Tangorli tree is found dead days before the pageant contestants are announced, something sour takes over the town.
To make matters worse, Poly's closest friend is caught up in the crime, having been seen in the company of the case's prime suspect. Juicy secrets come to light, creating tension in the small California town. Now while Poly juggles seamstresses and a gaggle of pageant contestants, the killer seems intent to put the squeeze on someone she loves.
“With delightfully engaging characters and riveting mystery, it is a series I am looking to see more of!”— Open Book Society
Fabric shop owner Polyester Monroe can get tangled up in textiles, but it's murder that really throws her for a loop in the third Material Witness mystery... The time has come for the annual Miss Tangorli beauty pageant, and Poly Monroe has agreed to use her fabric store's inventory of shimmery silks to create gowns fir for a crown. But when the man who revived the city's citrus trade with his imported Tangorli tree is found dead days before the pageant contestants are announced, something sour takes over the town.
To make matters worse, Poly's closest friend is caught up in the crime, having been seen in the company of the case's prime suspect. Juicy secrets come to light, creating tension in the small California town. Now while Poly juggles seamstresses and a gaggle of pageant contestants, the killer seems intent to put the squeeze on someone she loves.
“With delightfully engaging characters and riveting mystery, it is a series I am looking to see more of!”— Open Book Society
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2016
33 people are currently reading
1112 people want to read
About the author
Diane Vallere
83 books1,011 followersI use Goodreads to track my reading and TBR list. For that reason, my rating scale is less important. I don't force myself to finish books, and I don't rate books I DNF. Each year I choose my own BOTY from my have-read list.
AUTHOR BIO: Diane Vallere is the national bestselling author of several mystery series. She edited the Agatha Award-winning essay collection Promophobia: Taking the Mystery out of Promoting Crime Fiction. Diane majored in art history at the College of William and Mary and worked in luxury retailing before reigniting her love of fiction. She currently lives in Pennsylvania. Find out more at: www.dianevallere.com.
Amazon: http://bit.ly/DianeVallere
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3nGyOGZ:
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3aVXczm
YouTube: https://bit.ly/2RfiyAE
AUTHOR BIO: Diane Vallere is the national bestselling author of several mystery series. She edited the Agatha Award-winning essay collection Promophobia: Taking the Mystery out of Promoting Crime Fiction. Diane majored in art history at the College of William and Mary and worked in luxury retailing before reigniting her love of fiction. She currently lives in Pennsylvania. Find out more at: www.dianevallere.com.
Amazon: http://bit.ly/DianeVallere
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3nGyOGZ:
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3aVXczm
YouTube: https://bit.ly/2RfiyAE
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
July 24, 2016
Anyone who thinks polyester is out of style has never met Polyester Monroe!
I had so much fun reading the first two books in the Material Witness Mysteries, so I was really looking forward to book three, SILK STALKINGS. It was totally worth the wait!
It’s hard to not have a great time with characters like series lead, Polyester “Poly” Monroe, and her BFF Charlie Brooks. Charlie is such a fun and unique character. I always laugh at the things she says and does.
SILK STALKINGS is 275 pages (if you read the print copy) of mystery, mayhem, action, and fun. The fantastic storyline makes for a fast and entertaining read. I didn’t want to put it down. Author Diane Vallere really knows how to write ‘em!
Check out the back of the book for a fun craft project, and read the excerpt of A DISGUISE TO DIE FOR, book one in the Costume Shop Mysteries, also by Diane Vallere!
I had so much fun reading the first two books in the Material Witness Mysteries, so I was really looking forward to book three, SILK STALKINGS. It was totally worth the wait!
It’s hard to not have a great time with characters like series lead, Polyester “Poly” Monroe, and her BFF Charlie Brooks. Charlie is such a fun and unique character. I always laugh at the things she says and does.
SILK STALKINGS is 275 pages (if you read the print copy) of mystery, mayhem, action, and fun. The fantastic storyline makes for a fast and entertaining read. I didn’t want to put it down. Author Diane Vallere really knows how to write ‘em!
Check out the back of the book for a fun craft project, and read the excerpt of A DISGUISE TO DIE FOR, book one in the Costume Shop Mysteries, also by Diane Vallere!
August 4, 2016
Every June, San Ladron hosts the Miss Tangorli beauty pageant, and this year, Poly and her store are providing the silk to make gowns for all the contestants. But just hours after getting the job, Poly finds Harvey, the millionaire behind the pageant, murdered. Can she use her position working with the pageant to find out who killed him?
I had not realized just how much I have come to love these characters until I started this book. Truly, it was wonderful to spend time with them again. The new characters are just as fun. The plot twists and turns in some surprising directions before we reach the logical, suspenseful, and satisfying ending.
Note: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I had not realized just how much I have come to love these characters until I started this book. Truly, it was wonderful to spend time with them again. The new characters are just as fun. The plot twists and turns in some surprising directions before we reach the logical, suspenseful, and satisfying ending.
Note: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
September 8, 2016
What can I say about this book, from the cover which is a perfect fit to the story, to the colors that are blinding, but really makes this a pretty cover, to the story, then the mystery, even the main character’s real name will make you smile, Polyester Monroe, to the author, all are really good.
Silk Stalkings is the third book in the Material Witness Mysteries. If you haven’t read the first two, you won’t have any problems reading this one first and then going back and reading the other two in the series, but I do highly recommend you read this series, it is such a delightful read, you can’t help but smile while you read this book and get to know the characters.
The book takes place in San Ladron. Poly (Polyster) Monroe owns a material shop. She helps her friend Genevieve turn her little tea shop into a Midnight in Paris theme using fabric’s from her store. After she closes up the shop for her friend she strolls over to Waverly House to see the gardens. Later that night she is asked to help with the Miss Tangorli pageant, by helping the girls choose fabrics and designs their gowns. Her and Vaughn, her on/off boyfriend sees Harvey Halliwell owner of the Citrus King talking to a strange man, things seem to be getting heated between them. Next thing they know, Halliwell is found dead, and Poly goes into her investigation mode, to try and solve who killed him.
Poly has one other thing that she does do in this book that doesn’t involve a crime, but she tries to figure out who the mystery man is in her friend Charlie’s life. Charlie is Vaughn’s sister that was given up for adoption. She claims she wants nothing to do with her birth family, but then acts like she’s mad about not having money and has to work as a mechanic. She seems to have a bitter taste in her mouth and that didn’t settle with me in the book. I found that Charlie was my only complaint about this book.
Other than not liking Charlie I found that I loved everything else about the book, right up to the end. I enjoyed getting to know the character; the mystery had me guessing the whole time, and felt as though I was being pulled into the book.
I would like to thank the author Diane Vallere for allowing me to read this book for exchange for my honest review.
Silk Stalkings is the third book in the Material Witness Mysteries. If you haven’t read the first two, you won’t have any problems reading this one first and then going back and reading the other two in the series, but I do highly recommend you read this series, it is such a delightful read, you can’t help but smile while you read this book and get to know the characters.
The book takes place in San Ladron. Poly (Polyster) Monroe owns a material shop. She helps her friend Genevieve turn her little tea shop into a Midnight in Paris theme using fabric’s from her store. After she closes up the shop for her friend she strolls over to Waverly House to see the gardens. Later that night she is asked to help with the Miss Tangorli pageant, by helping the girls choose fabrics and designs their gowns. Her and Vaughn, her on/off boyfriend sees Harvey Halliwell owner of the Citrus King talking to a strange man, things seem to be getting heated between them. Next thing they know, Halliwell is found dead, and Poly goes into her investigation mode, to try and solve who killed him.
Poly has one other thing that she does do in this book that doesn’t involve a crime, but she tries to figure out who the mystery man is in her friend Charlie’s life. Charlie is Vaughn’s sister that was given up for adoption. She claims she wants nothing to do with her birth family, but then acts like she’s mad about not having money and has to work as a mechanic. She seems to have a bitter taste in her mouth and that didn’t settle with me in the book. I found that Charlie was my only complaint about this book.
Other than not liking Charlie I found that I loved everything else about the book, right up to the end. I enjoyed getting to know the character; the mystery had me guessing the whole time, and felt as though I was being pulled into the book.
I would like to thank the author Diane Vallere for allowing me to read this book for exchange for my honest review.
September 10, 2018
This was a good story that made for a good read on a long flight home. I really like Poly and the other characters in this series. The story was good and the mystery kept me guessing. Lots of characters to keep track of.
October 18, 2024
I enjoyed this book. Quick read, but not really into sewing. Lot of characters but well written. Not as good as the first 2 in the series.
May 29, 2022
I have only one complaint about this book, it is currently the last in the series! This is fun and frightening and I want to read more.
Poly Monroe is in the thick of it again, she has come up against a local business (well mega business!) and the owner's first in command has suddenly got Poly agreeing to be part of the local beauty pageant! not IN it (she is pleased to say) but providing silk for the dresses for the 20 young women who are the finalists, she also has to make the dresses (the young women are designing them) and then there will be a vote for the winning dress - separate to the vote for the pageant winner, so she needs to call on her ex-boss Giovanni to borrow his seamstresses! (he agrees, provided he can reproduce the winning dress for his Prom Line).
So far so good, but nothing in Poly's life seems to go that smoothly, there seems to be a mix-up over the contestants, the millionaire mega citrus fruit business owner is dead, well murdered, there is a freeze on his company accounts and Poly's next door neighbours in the Antique store are not happy about the pageant. Oh and her friend Charlie is being secretive, so Poly needs to sort all this out! (on the plus side Giovanni's "girls" are more than happy to be working with her again, even if it is just for a couple of days .... oh and a local tailoress by the name of Jun want's to help out as well!) This was a page turner from start to finish!
Poly Monroe is in the thick of it again, she has come up against a local business (well mega business!) and the owner's first in command has suddenly got Poly agreeing to be part of the local beauty pageant! not IN it (she is pleased to say) but providing silk for the dresses for the 20 young women who are the finalists, she also has to make the dresses (the young women are designing them) and then there will be a vote for the winning dress - separate to the vote for the pageant winner, so she needs to call on her ex-boss Giovanni to borrow his seamstresses! (he agrees, provided he can reproduce the winning dress for his Prom Line).
So far so good, but nothing in Poly's life seems to go that smoothly, there seems to be a mix-up over the contestants, the millionaire mega citrus fruit business owner is dead, well murdered, there is a freeze on his company accounts and Poly's next door neighbours in the Antique store are not happy about the pageant. Oh and her friend Charlie is being secretive, so Poly needs to sort all this out! (on the plus side Giovanni's "girls" are more than happy to be working with her again, even if it is just for a couple of days .... oh and a local tailoress by the name of Jun want's to help out as well!) This was a page turner from start to finish!
August 4, 2016
This has become a favorite series. I may not know much about fabric or sewing, but I love learning tidbits from Polyester. I'm sure growing up she didn't like her name, but it definitely fits now.
This time the mystery revolves about the main sponsor of a beauty pageant murdered days before it was to start. I loved how quirky the murder victim was - he wore orange because of a fruit he grew that was a tangerine/orange/lime combo. It sound interesting that is for sure. The author does a great job of diverting suspicion away from the actual killer because I did not suspect this person.
There is also a minor mystery (not crime related!) as to who this mystery man is and what he wants with Charlie.
On the personal front, Poly and Vaughn's relationship develops a bit more. Then there is the matter of Charlie, Vaughn's sister that was given up for adoption and more about her life growing up and who was in her life and what she experienced. I can't wait to learn more about that family dynamic and how it plays out.
This time the mystery revolves about the main sponsor of a beauty pageant murdered days before it was to start. I loved how quirky the murder victim was - he wore orange because of a fruit he grew that was a tangerine/orange/lime combo. It sound interesting that is for sure. The author does a great job of diverting suspicion away from the actual killer because I did not suspect this person.
There is also a minor mystery (not crime related!) as to who this mystery man is and what he wants with Charlie.
On the personal front, Poly and Vaughn's relationship develops a bit more. Then there is the matter of Charlie, Vaughn's sister that was given up for adoption and more about her life growing up and who was in her life and what she experienced. I can't wait to learn more about that family dynamic and how it plays out.
August 26, 2016
Diane Vallere's new book Silk Stalkings is the third book in the material witness mystery series that stars her main character Polyester Monroe. The story centers around a beauty pageant and dead millionaire Harvey Halliwell--the man who revived the city's citrus trade with his imported tangor trees.
The story has multiple plots and characters that are well developed and believable. The only problem I had was that I felt it was too descriptive in parts. Over the years I have less time to read so I tend to skip parts that I feel are too descriptive. Please don't hold that against the writer because I have found that a majority of readers don't consider this a problem.
I have recommended this book to my cozy reader friends because it's an interesting and fast paced book with interesting characters.
The story has multiple plots and characters that are well developed and believable. The only problem I had was that I felt it was too descriptive in parts. Over the years I have less time to read so I tend to skip parts that I feel are too descriptive. Please don't hold that against the writer because I have found that a majority of readers don't consider this a problem.
I have recommended this book to my cozy reader friends because it's an interesting and fast paced book with interesting characters.
November 18, 2016
I have thoroughly enjoyed every book I’ve read by Diane Vallere! She writes witty dialog and even though there’s murder, concocts humorous situations. Her protagonist’s name alone, Polyester Monroe, named so because she was born on a pile of polyester, showcases from the very beginning the creativity of the author in her Material Witness Mystery series. Poly’s two cats are appropriately named Pins and Needles as they live in Poly’s Material Girl fabric shop. And even though I don’t sew much I would love to browse through Poly’s shop…it sounds delightful! The plot is clever and kept me turning pages, eager to find out the suspenseful conclusion, while the growing romance between Poly and Vaughn offers a sweet subplot. This is one of the series I wait with anticipation for the next release!
August 23, 2016
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
I really like this series! And this third book in the series doesn't disappoint. Poly continues to get her business going and things are looking up. She is asked to help with the annual pageant. She really tries hard to get the community to work together.
I really like how we are getting to know the characters more. We are finding out things from their pasts that give the characters more depth. Even Giovanni gets involved, in a good way, with the pageant and we get to see the good side of him.
I look forward to more books in this series!
I really like this series! And this third book in the series doesn't disappoint. Poly continues to get her business going and things are looking up. She is asked to help with the annual pageant. She really tries hard to get the community to work together.
I really like how we are getting to know the characters more. We are finding out things from their pasts that give the characters more depth. Even Giovanni gets involved, in a good way, with the pageant and we get to see the good side of him.
I look forward to more books in this series!
August 17, 2020
I thought this would be a cozy that would drag on and on. I want surprised to find I actually enjoyed it. Although I have yet to find out what a wrap stand is even after attempting to google it. Her cats liked to lay in it so it must be larger than a bread box. I can’t say I much like the relationship between Poly and Vaughn. It seems a bit plastic and forced. But overall, it was a good mystery that all tied together in the end.
August 15, 2016
Silk Stalkings by Diane Vallere is the third book in a Material Witness Mystery series. Polyester Monroe (aka Poly) owns Material Girl in San Ladron, California. The town is getting ready for the Miss Tangorli pageant. It is an annual beauty pageant sponsored by Harvey Halliwell and his company, Halliwell Industries. Poly has agreed to help the twenty finalist design and create their gowns (level the playing field). Poly has contacted her former boss, Giovanni for assistance with the sewing. He has agreed to bring his ladies to town to sew the gowns. Harvey Halliwell came by Material Girl to work out the details with Poly (instead of his assistant, Nolene Kelly). Poly had seen Harvey having a disagreement the night before with a man at the Midnight in Paris event. Poly tried to talk to him about it, but Harvey brushed it aside. Poly is out later and notices something under a tree. She finds Harvey Halliwell dead with a knife in his side. Why would someone kill Harvey? Poly sets out to find the person responsible. In addition, Poly is worried about her friend, Charlie Brooks. Poly noticed the man who was arguing with Harvey go into Charlie’s Automotive, and Charlie has been acting strangely. What is she up to? Poly wants to make sure that Charlie is safe and does not get caught up in the murder investigation. So much for a quiet life in a small town. Can Poly find the killer before the new Miss Tangorli is crowned? You will have to read Silk Stalkings to find out!
Silk Stalkings was a wonderful novel. The novel has likeable characters (that you want to know and be friends with) and a great close-knit community in a small town. I found Silk Stalking to be well-written and easy to read (good pace or flow). The mystery is intricate with lots of twists making it difficult to solve (I loved it). I truly enjoy a mystery that puzzles me and makes me think (keeps the brain cells active). The subplot with Charlie was equally interesting. There are also beautiful descriptions of the fabric in Poly’s store especially the silk satin that the ladies are using for their gowns. While Silk Stalkings is the third book in a Material Witness Mystery series, it can be read alone. The author brings the reader up-to-date on what happened in the prior novels and the character’s background (though I highly suggest reading the first two books as they are just as delightful). I give Silk Stalkings 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it). I will definitely be reading future novels in a Material Witness Mystery series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Silk Stalkings was a wonderful novel. The novel has likeable characters (that you want to know and be friends with) and a great close-knit community in a small town. I found Silk Stalking to be well-written and easy to read (good pace or flow). The mystery is intricate with lots of twists making it difficult to solve (I loved it). I truly enjoy a mystery that puzzles me and makes me think (keeps the brain cells active). The subplot with Charlie was equally interesting. There are also beautiful descriptions of the fabric in Poly’s store especially the silk satin that the ladies are using for their gowns. While Silk Stalkings is the third book in a Material Witness Mystery series, it can be read alone. The author brings the reader up-to-date on what happened in the prior novels and the character’s background (though I highly suggest reading the first two books as they are just as delightful). I give Silk Stalkings 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it). I will definitely be reading future novels in a Material Witness Mystery series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
September 23, 2016
The third in Vallere's popular "Material Witness" series finds heroine Polyester Monroe finally feeling as if she's settling into her new home and business. She's helped decorate her friend Genevieve's tea shop with a "Midnight in Paris" theme that catches up the entire town of San Ladron, California and helps to put Poly's store on the radar. But later that night, on the luscious grounds of nearby Waverly House, Poly and her potential beau Vaughn spot local billionaire Harvey Halliwell - the man who put San Ladron on the map by bringing the tangorli fruit tree to the States, making him rich in the process - passed out in the grass soon after having what appeared to be an argument with a stranger. Halliwell comes to and refuses to seek medical attention ... but when Poly finds the man dead on the same grounds the following day, she starts following a twisted thread that wraps itself tightly around the upcoming Miss Tangorli beauty pageant - and sees Poly's mechanic friend Charlie as a potential suspect. This was my first time reading this author, let alone this series, and while I did find Poly charming in her way and the ending - the revelation of the murderer - pretty compelling, to me the book itself seemed to fall a bit short in both pacing and story. A few stylistic errors in the book threw me out of being fully caught up in the novel as much as I would have liked, as well, though better editing would have caught those. Overall, I do like Poly and world Diane Vallere has created here, even finding interest in the fabric store theme, and would like to know more about her and the characters around her by reading more in the series. And as I did enjoy the resolution of the mystery, to me one of the biggest components of a cozy, I am sure Poly and I will be crossing paths again! ***
(Review on my blog: http://booksinaminute.blogspot.com/20...)
Note: I received a free ARC of this title via author and publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
(Review on my blog: http://booksinaminute.blogspot.com/20...)
Note: I received a free ARC of this title via author and publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2017
*I'd like to thank "Berkley Publishing Group" for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*
This story is about Polyester Monroe, a newcomer to San Ladrón, California. She re-opens the fabric shop named Material Girl that she inherited from her great-aunt. She lives there with her cleverly named cats "Pins" and "Needles". (If you think that's cute, there are other characters with clever names relating to their jobs such as Lilly and Violet Garden owners of Flowers in the Attic)
The small town of San Landrón is best known for their Tangor trees and holds a yearly pageant that crowns one of twenty women "Miss Tangorli". Tangor trees are a fancy sort of orange hybrid. The whole event has been created by rich man Harvey Halliwell. The winner of the contest gets to go on a trip to China with him.
As you can figure, Harvey, being the town's big shot, is hated by many. Someone decides to kill him before the pageant starts. This is where the mystery begins. Is the murder related to the pageant? Was it an old business partner? someone he employs now? a mad beauty pageant loser? Well, nosy Poly will do all of the investigating to figure it out. There is one cop in the city but he seems too incompetent to bring in extra investigators.
Poly, who mainly wears black, is as boring as her clothes. She's "dating" a handsome rich guy, but there's no romance so I'm not sure why he stays. She's nosy, bossy and bold. I just didn't care for her. I believe she's supposed to be somewhat young but she rubs off more like 70.
There are plenty of characters who could have killed Harvey, but the reason for it really wasn't that exciting either. The parts of the story that had all of the "action" were short scenes that could have been more entertaining if made longer. The book is very descriptive, I just wish it was in more places than Polys unexciting shop.
This story is about Polyester Monroe, a newcomer to San Ladrón, California. She re-opens the fabric shop named Material Girl that she inherited from her great-aunt. She lives there with her cleverly named cats "Pins" and "Needles". (If you think that's cute, there are other characters with clever names relating to their jobs such as Lilly and Violet Garden owners of Flowers in the Attic)
The small town of San Landrón is best known for their Tangor trees and holds a yearly pageant that crowns one of twenty women "Miss Tangorli". Tangor trees are a fancy sort of orange hybrid. The whole event has been created by rich man Harvey Halliwell. The winner of the contest gets to go on a trip to China with him.
As you can figure, Harvey, being the town's big shot, is hated by many. Someone decides to kill him before the pageant starts. This is where the mystery begins. Is the murder related to the pageant? Was it an old business partner? someone he employs now? a mad beauty pageant loser? Well, nosy Poly will do all of the investigating to figure it out. There is one cop in the city but he seems too incompetent to bring in extra investigators.
Poly, who mainly wears black, is as boring as her clothes. She's "dating" a handsome rich guy, but there's no romance so I'm not sure why he stays. She's nosy, bossy and bold. I just didn't care for her. I believe she's supposed to be somewhat young but she rubs off more like 70.
There are plenty of characters who could have killed Harvey, but the reason for it really wasn't that exciting either. The parts of the story that had all of the "action" were short scenes that could have been more entertaining if made longer. The book is very descriptive, I just wish it was in more places than Polys unexciting shop.
September 13, 2016
This is the third book in the Material Witness Mystery series and they just keep getting better. The main character, Poly, is really enjoyable and it has been fun to get to know her and see her friendships with the other characters. The author keeps a good flow through the book with plenty of spots where I changed my mind as to “who done it”. I tend to lean towards authors that really paint the picture of the scene for me, this author did a wonderful job letting me visualize her story. If you want a good read I would recommend you picking this book up and while you are at it grab the first two as well (however this one could be read alone, but why?).
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 9, 2016
Diane Vallere's Polyester Monroe is such a wonderful character. Her ability to take a fabric store that sat idle for many years and transform it into the next best thing in San Ladrón, California is aspiring. Poly's newest mission with her store is to clothe contestants in the town's annual beauty pageant. When the founder, Harvey Halliwell, is assaulted in front of Poly and Vaughn then found dead later, Poly finds herself caught up not only in silk and thread, but the murder, too. Who had nothing to lose and everything to gain with Harvey's death?
As the murder investigation progresses, the reader will think they've figured out who was involved in the death only to have the suspect or suspects cleared of any wrong doing. You will go on a wild ride trying to figure out who the bad guy(s)/gal(s) are and who are innocent. I loved the twists and turns this cozy mystery takes you on as you try to figure out who was involved and why they committed this horrible act.
I really enjoyed Poly as a main character. Even though she finds herself embroiled in another murder mystery and plays amateur sleuth, Poly is so believable and realistically written. The interactions between Poly and Charlie, along with Poly and Vaughn give this series the perfect combination of cozy mystery antics and real-life relationships. Not everything is happy all the time - there are several bumps in the road in terms of relationships and friendships. This is what draws me to Diane Vallere's books. Her characters are lifelike, imperfections and all.
I found this cozy mystery to be well thought out, pleasantly paced, and engaging.
ARC review copy provided by the publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As the murder investigation progresses, the reader will think they've figured out who was involved in the death only to have the suspect or suspects cleared of any wrong doing. You will go on a wild ride trying to figure out who the bad guy(s)/gal(s) are and who are innocent. I loved the twists and turns this cozy mystery takes you on as you try to figure out who was involved and why they committed this horrible act.
I really enjoyed Poly as a main character. Even though she finds herself embroiled in another murder mystery and plays amateur sleuth, Poly is so believable and realistically written. The interactions between Poly and Charlie, along with Poly and Vaughn give this series the perfect combination of cozy mystery antics and real-life relationships. Not everything is happy all the time - there are several bumps in the road in terms of relationships and friendships. This is what draws me to Diane Vallere's books. Her characters are lifelike, imperfections and all.
I found this cozy mystery to be well thought out, pleasantly paced, and engaging.
ARC review copy provided by the publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 29, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was the best in the series so far. When I reviewed Suede to Rest, I admitted that at first I didn't care for Polyester Monroe, but she's wormed her way into my heart.
In this installment, Poly is finally settled in and has given her shop as well as her friend Genevieve's tea shop a "shot in the arm" with Poly's idea of "Midnight in Paris". The entire main street of town is closed for traffic as townspeople and visitors alike enjoy the shops, especially the food and bubbly at Tea Totalers. At the stroke of midnight, everyone moves to Waverly House to see the gardens. While Poly and Vaughn enjoy the ambiance, they see local Citrus King (he's famous for the Tangorli fruit) Harvey Halliwell in a confrontation with a strange man. When Halliwell is later found dead, Poly suspects the stranger.
Her time quickly becomes filled as she gets involved with the Miss Tangorli pageant as the 20 finalists come to her shop to choose fabric and design their own gowns. Toss in a girl who doesn't belong, another who's new to town, seeing the strange man with her pal Charlie and Poly's on the case and there's no shortage of suspects!
The usual characters are here again, including Giovanni and "his girls" who help Poly get the dresses made...Vaughn and his parents...Charlie...Sheriff Clark. All are involved in one way or another with Poly's doings.
Ms. Vallere has really hit her stride in this series with this book. She had me guessing until the end, which isn't always the case. Kudos to Diane Vallere!
This was the best in the series so far. When I reviewed Suede to Rest, I admitted that at first I didn't care for Polyester Monroe, but she's wormed her way into my heart.
In this installment, Poly is finally settled in and has given her shop as well as her friend Genevieve's tea shop a "shot in the arm" with Poly's idea of "Midnight in Paris". The entire main street of town is closed for traffic as townspeople and visitors alike enjoy the shops, especially the food and bubbly at Tea Totalers. At the stroke of midnight, everyone moves to Waverly House to see the gardens. While Poly and Vaughn enjoy the ambiance, they see local Citrus King (he's famous for the Tangorli fruit) Harvey Halliwell in a confrontation with a strange man. When Halliwell is later found dead, Poly suspects the stranger.
Her time quickly becomes filled as she gets involved with the Miss Tangorli pageant as the 20 finalists come to her shop to choose fabric and design their own gowns. Toss in a girl who doesn't belong, another who's new to town, seeing the strange man with her pal Charlie and Poly's on the case and there's no shortage of suspects!
The usual characters are here again, including Giovanni and "his girls" who help Poly get the dresses made...Vaughn and his parents...Charlie...Sheriff Clark. All are involved in one way or another with Poly's doings.
Ms. Vallere has really hit her stride in this series with this book. She had me guessing until the end, which isn't always the case. Kudos to Diane Vallere!
September 16, 2016
Welcome to San Ladron, California, the beautiful town that stars in Diane Vallere's delightful new mystery book, Silk Stalkings. Our heroine, Polyester Monroe (isn't that a wonderful name?) is the owner of the fabric shop, Material Girl, that is nestled beside a charming collection of small businesses that attract all kinds of interesting characters. As the town gets ready to host the annual Miss Tangorli beauty pageant, the pageants' millionaire benefactor, Harvey Halliwell, is found stabbed to death, thus beginning an engaging, and well written mystery that is as beautifully woven as the sumptuous fabrics in Poly's store. While Poly juggles clues and the beginning of a new relationship with sexy money man Vaughn McMichael, the killer threatens to destroy everything Harvey Halliwell has built, and doesn't care who is hurt in the process. This book was one of my very favorite reads and I'm so happy I discovered another super talented author who engages my attention and kept me guessing until the dramatic revelation of Harvey's murderer. I highly recommend this series to mystery fans of all ages, especially those with a passion for sewing with beautiful fabrics. This book also has directions for an interesting craft project. Once I started this book I was compelled to finish it in one sitting, and I think you will too. I received a free copy of this book from the author, in exchange for my honest review. I found it absolutely delightful!
August 25, 2016
I dove right in to this new mystery by Vallere. The Miss Tangorli pageant has a long history in San Ladron, California. Named for the tangerine/orange/lime hybrid that made Harvey Halliwell very rich, the pageant boasts twenty young women, all vying for the top prize. Poly Monroe, owner of the local fabric store, is personally asked by Halliwell to provide dress fabric and design guidance for all of the contestants. I enjoyed learning more about the history of San Ladron, the cultivating of the Tangorli, and how these local store owners try to capitalize on the pageant business. I liked that Poly is still somewhat of a newcomer to town, and learning the ropes about small town news. Being the one to find the body puts her right in the middle of the action, plus her best friend Charlie Brooks is acting very strange. There are a lot of characters and stories going on here, but no one gets short shrift. The murder naturally pulls some story lines together and others resolve on their own. It wasn’t easy to figure out, as there were plenty of motives and opportunities for several suspects, which kept the story moving along. Vallere is a great writer and I look forward to reading more about Poly, Vaughn and the other inhabitants of San Ladron. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2016
Polyester Monroe loves running the material shop that she inherited from her great-uncle. She's happy living in San Ladron and wants to make a success of Material Girl. When Harvey Halliwell offers her the opportunity to help make the gowns for the Miss Tangorli pageant, she accepts. Little does she know that she'll be trying to solve his murder. So much for a peaceful life in a small town? Poly is an intelligent and feisty woman. I liked that she wants to investigate who killed Harvey. Her friend, Charlie, is keeping secrets. Is she involved in someway? With the help of Vaughn McMichaels, Poly is ferreting out clues. Vaughn is attracted to Poly as she is to him, but romance is on hold as they track down a killer. No easy task since so many people disliked Harvey Halliwell and his pageant. The small town setting adds to the drama. After all it's impossible to keep a secret since the rumor mill is alive and well. I love the touch of romance. Poly and Vaughn are perfect together. I'm hoping for more on that front. Diane Vallere did a wonderful job with this well told mystery. It's filled with plenty of suspects. Each has a motive. I was kept guessing until the surprising twist at the very end. I'm enjoying this series and am looking forward to the next release.
August 1, 2016
This is one of my favorite series. I liked Poly from the first few chapters in the first book: Suede to Rest. I really enjoyed the first two installments in this series and was looking forward to this new book. I believe I mentioned before that this series is one of my go to reads for an engaging read. Silk Stalkings enforces that feeling.
The characters are well developed and make the story interesting even without the mystery. The budding romances between Poly and Vaughn and Charlie and Clark add a nice touch to the story without overpowering the mystery.
As for the mystery, there were plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged until the end. Maybe I'm off my game (I generally figure out Who Dunnit before the end), but I was taken by surprise when the killer was revealed.
It was nice to learn more about Charlie's life before she moved to San Ladron and to see a more human side of Vic McMicheal. Silk Stalkings can easily by read without having read the other two mysteries in the series, but once you read it, you will find that you want to read more about the characters and will want to read the entire series.
The characters are well developed and make the story interesting even without the mystery. The budding romances between Poly and Vaughn and Charlie and Clark add a nice touch to the story without overpowering the mystery.
As for the mystery, there were plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged until the end. Maybe I'm off my game (I generally figure out Who Dunnit before the end), but I was taken by surprise when the killer was revealed.
It was nice to learn more about Charlie's life before she moved to San Ladron and to see a more human side of Vic McMicheal. Silk Stalkings can easily by read without having read the other two mysteries in the series, but once you read it, you will find that you want to read more about the characters and will want to read the entire series.
August 19, 2016
Ms. Vallere comes close to designing the perfect murder.
Polyester Monroe is certainly busy these days, between helping transform Genevieve's tea shop into a Paris nightclub for the town's Midnight in Paris party to helping the young ladies competing in the local Miss Tangorli pageant design their own dresses. Oh, and finding the dead body of the pageant's founder makes her even busier!
I really like Poly, she's a take charge kind of gal, who cares about her friends and even complete strangers. It's that caring about her best friend, Charlie, that has her sticking her nose in to this murder, as it seems to be connected to Charlie's past.
The books in this series just keep getting better. This one had a nice, solid plot and interesting action that kept me reading long after I should have gone to bed. It had twists enough that it took me almost as long as Poly to figure out who the killer was, haha.
I do have one small complaint, and that is that Charlie's "poor me" attitude is starting to get old. Hopefully, some of that is lessened with the ending of this book.
*I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
Polyester Monroe is certainly busy these days, between helping transform Genevieve's tea shop into a Paris nightclub for the town's Midnight in Paris party to helping the young ladies competing in the local Miss Tangorli pageant design their own dresses. Oh, and finding the dead body of the pageant's founder makes her even busier!
I really like Poly, she's a take charge kind of gal, who cares about her friends and even complete strangers. It's that caring about her best friend, Charlie, that has her sticking her nose in to this murder, as it seems to be connected to Charlie's past.
The books in this series just keep getting better. This one had a nice, solid plot and interesting action that kept me reading long after I should have gone to bed. It had twists enough that it took me almost as long as Poly to figure out who the killer was, haha.
I do have one small complaint, and that is that Charlie's "poor me" attitude is starting to get old. Hopefully, some of that is lessened with the ending of this book.
*I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
August 25, 2016
Silk Stalkings is a truly delightful book. This is the third book in the Material Witness Mysteries, but the first one that I have read. It can definitely stand alone because Ms. Vallere provides brief back stories of the characters, and I did not feel as if I was missing anything as I got into the story. Poly Monroe is a charming protagonist who finds herself involved with the San Ladron Miss Tangorli Beauty Pageant through her fabric shop, Material Girl. When the event sponsor is murdered just days before the pageant, Poly sets out to try to find the killer. The mystery keeps you guessing until the end, and is quite a page turner. I truly enjoyed meeting the residents of San Ladron, as well as the charming sewing ladies, especially Miss Yun. Poly's creativity with fabrics shines through this book, and there is even a craft project at the end. My appetite has been whetted to read the first two books in the series, and I am also really looking forward to the next one in the series to come out. I highly recommend this book and know you will enjoy it as much as I did.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 9, 2023
Silk Stalkings by Diane Vallere, book three in her Material Witness Mystery series, is a “grab you on page one and not let go until the end” whodunit. Once again Poly becomes involved in solving a murder that occurred in San Ladron, California. Poly has become involved with the town’s annual Miss Tangorli beauty pageant by offering beautiful silks from her inventory to create pageant gowns for the contestants. Although many of the characters from the first two books appear in this story, this is a stand-alone book.
I genuinely enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. The story line was riveting, edgy and kept my attention to the very end; including the twists and turns I didn't expect. Ms. Vallere does an excellent job keeping her readers on their toes, including red herrings, causing me to wrongly guess who the killer was and boy was I surprised when I found out. I highly recommend Suede to Rest to other readers and look forward to the next book in the series to see what Poly gets into next.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I genuinely enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. The story line was riveting, edgy and kept my attention to the very end; including the twists and turns I didn't expect. Ms. Vallere does an excellent job keeping her readers on their toes, including red herrings, causing me to wrongly guess who the killer was and boy was I surprised when I found out. I highly recommend Suede to Rest to other readers and look forward to the next book in the series to see what Poly gets into next.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 18, 2016
This was my first book by this author, even though it's the third one in this particular series. I usually don't like craft-related mysteries, but I enjoyed this one. One good thing is the author revealed plenty of details from the previous books to get the reader up to speed about what had happened to Poly and the other characters already. I was kept guessing about who the killer was on up to the big reveal - which is good because I do tend to correctly guess the killer in murder mysteries these days. My only complaint is I don't really like Charlie. Charlie is supposed to be Poly's friend, but she acts more like a frenemy instead - at least in this book anyway. Other than that, the book was wonderful and I enjoyed it immensely. I won't go back and read the two previous books in the series because of the details from them the author provides in Silk Stalkings, but I'll definitely read the next one in this series.
Note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2016
This is the third book in the series, but definitely can be read as a stand alone.
Polyester Monroe, owner of Material Girl gets involved in a local beauty pageant, and agrees to help the contestants design and make their own dresses, so everyone is on a level playing field.
After the local business man in charge of the pageant turns up dead, Poly tries to track down the killer and figure out why anyone would want him dead. With several suspects pulling her movements in different directions, Poly narrowly gets away from the killer in the end.
This is the second book in this series I have read and I have very much enjoy them. The characters are believable, the story moves along quickly, and I enjoy learning more about Poly's friends in each book. This book brought Charlie and her mysterious background to the forefront. I did not guess the ending of this one, which is always a bonus! I can't wait for the next installment of this series!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Polyester Monroe, owner of Material Girl gets involved in a local beauty pageant, and agrees to help the contestants design and make their own dresses, so everyone is on a level playing field.
After the local business man in charge of the pageant turns up dead, Poly tries to track down the killer and figure out why anyone would want him dead. With several suspects pulling her movements in different directions, Poly narrowly gets away from the killer in the end.
This is the second book in this series I have read and I have very much enjoy them. The characters are believable, the story moves along quickly, and I enjoy learning more about Poly's friends in each book. This book brought Charlie and her mysterious background to the forefront. I did not guess the ending of this one, which is always a bonus! I can't wait for the next installment of this series!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2016
I received a free copy of Silk Stalkings in exchange for an honest review. I love the Material Witness Series and Silk Stalkings is yet another winner. Poly's latest adventure starts with a night in Paris themed party culminating in a foray into the world of beauty pageants with murder, romance and a botany lesson along the way. As the fabric store business begins to take shape, her relationship with Vaughn gets more complicated and Charlie's family relationship continue to twist and turn, Poly tries to find the murderer of one of the town's most prominent citizens. I love the characters, they are well written and ever evolving. The reader does get the feel of living in a small town with their interactions. Ms. Vallere has a wonderful style of writing that not only keeps me guessing as the mystery unfolds but keeps me laughing.
August 5, 2016
Harvey Halliwell, the millionaire who brought citrus trees back to San Labron was impressed with Polys display of fabrics at the Tea Totalers' annual Midnight Party that starts Miss Tangorli Beauty Pageant. Poly agrees to be in charged of dresses for the twenty contestants. Before the names of winning girls are released, Harvey Halliwell is murdered. I like the characters that the are well developed.There's mystery, romance, disappearance of suspects, missing money, chemicals and fire as the story developes. another good cozy mystery.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Berkley through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Berkley through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 31, 2016
This is the first book in this series that I have read and I was able to read it as a stand alone book without being lost. I have since went back and purchased books one and two and hope to get them read in the near future. I liked getting to know Polyester and thought her name was fitting for what she does for a living. I also enjoyed it when Poly and Charlie got together it was like being around old friends. This would be a fun town to live in with all the cute names of the stores - Material Girl, Flowers in the Attic etc. I thought the author did a good job in developing all of the characters as well as keeping you guessing. So much so that I had a lot of fun reading this book and trying to solve the murder along with Poly. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
September 5, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. A pageant is in town and Poly's shop is going to create the gowns. When Harvey ends up dead, Poly is drawn into searching for answers, especially when a stranger is involved who seems to be tied to Charlie.
The characters are diverse but mix together so well and they make for a fun read. Poly is a strong likable woman and I get a real kick out of Vaughn, their comments to each other had me laughing a few times. The mystery was excellent it really kept me guessing with plenty of twists and turns which all tied together nicely in the end.
I will definitely continue on with this series.
There is the added bonus of a project in the back.
*I won a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
The characters are diverse but mix together so well and they make for a fun read. Poly is a strong likable woman and I get a real kick out of Vaughn, their comments to each other had me laughing a few times. The mystery was excellent it really kept me guessing with plenty of twists and turns which all tied together nicely in the end.
I will definitely continue on with this series.
There is the added bonus of a project in the back.
*I won a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews