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Samantha Kidd Mystery #14
Gilt Trip
All that glitters isn’t gold in Samantha Kidd’s latest mystery…
When Samantha Kidd’s jewel of a husband, shoe designer Nick Taylor, is named a finalist for Designer of the Year at an industry function, Samantha sponsors a banquet table and invites close friends and family to the celebration. But by the time the night arrives, most of them aren’t on speaking terms. Even romance with Nick suffers thanks to his dad’s move into the couple’s spare bedroom.
Before the cash bar closes, the toastmaster’s body is found with a gilded knife in her chest. What should have been a golden evening becomes a 24-karat disaster, and brutal weather conditions keep the cops at bay. Locked in a ballroom with two hundred suspects and seven angry tablemates, Samantha’s got just four hours to take a stab at solving the murder…before the murderer stabs again.
When Samantha Kidd’s jewel of a husband, shoe designer Nick Taylor, is named a finalist for Designer of the Year at an industry function, Samantha sponsors a banquet table and invites close friends and family to the celebration. But by the time the night arrives, most of them aren’t on speaking terms. Even romance with Nick suffers thanks to his dad’s move into the couple’s spare bedroom.
Before the cash bar closes, the toastmaster’s body is found with a gilded knife in her chest. What should have been a golden evening becomes a 24-karat disaster, and brutal weather conditions keep the cops at bay. Locked in a ballroom with two hundred suspects and seven angry tablemates, Samantha’s got just four hours to take a stab at solving the murder…before the murderer stabs again.
268 pages, Paperback
First published March 23, 2023
11 people are currently reading
3680 people want to read
About the author
Diane Vallere
85 books1,013 followersRequest MURDER ON A MOON TREK on NetGalley: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...
I 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
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3aVXczm
YouTube: https://bit.ly/2RfiyAE
I 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
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3aVXczm
YouTube: https://bit.ly/2RfiyAE
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March 23, 2023Samantha Kidd is back!
When I first started writing about Samantha, I knew she would have a lot of adventures. I knew she had a lot of room to grow. And I knew there were going to be a lot of dead bodies in Ribbon, PA 🙂
I love where she's at in this book: more in control, more knowledgeable, and more willing to let the authorities handle things. But of course none of that matters when a snowstorm keeps the authorities at bay and Samantha has to step up!
When I first started writing about Samantha, I knew she would have a lot of adventures. I knew she had a lot of room to grow. And I knew there were going to be a lot of dead bodies in Ribbon, PA 🙂
I love where she's at in this book: more in control, more knowledgeable, and more willing to let the authorities handle things. But of course none of that matters when a snowstorm keeps the authorities at bay and Samantha has to step up!
May 7, 2023
While reading this book, I noticed that something unusual was capturing my attention. Normally when reading a Samantha Kidd novel, I’m struck by the enjoyable interplay among the lead character, Samantha Kidd, and her group of friends and acquaintances. Kidd often stumbles upon a murder scene and becomes a reluctant sleuth because no one else is following the right clues.
In this book, the location sort of became one of the characters. While attending an awards dinner, the attendees get trapped in a hotel due to a massive snowstorm. No one can leave the hotel due to the snowstorm blocking the roads. And of course, someone gets murdered while the festivities are going on.
Now Samantha Kidd has to investigate on her own because no one else is able to do it- no cops can get to the hotel, her friends are mad at her for a business fall-out, her husband is dealing with his jealous father, and the other guests at the awards ceremony are either busy with their own interests or just want to party until the roads clear up.
With everyone trapped at the hotel, we are entering locked-room mystery territory. The locale is now a character rather than something to be observed while driving by on the way to somewhere else. All the people in the story are stuck in an enclosed place with a killer desperate to stay hidden. I get a strong Agatha Christie “Three Blind Mice” vibe with a dash of “Die Hard”.
Kidd not only has to find the murderer, but she has to avoid becoming a victim, all while juggling an auditorium of oblivious partying hotel guests, relatives old and young, a distracted husband and his former NFL-player business partner, her own business partner who won’t speak to her, a frenemy cutting her judgmental looks, and whatever the menacing mob-like gentlemen turns out to be.
This was a fun change of pace in the series, similar to an earlier book when Samantha Kidd and her fiancé Nick Taylor went to Las Vegas. Changing the way characters are presented can give them a showcase for their personalities to shine through.
Can Kidd navigate through the dark corridors and enclosed rooms of the hotel, avoid getting killed, piece together the clues, make amends with her friends, find out what secret the photographer is hiding, and feed the hungry guests before the snow clears up and the killer gets away? Read the book and find out what happens!
In this book, the location sort of became one of the characters. While attending an awards dinner, the attendees get trapped in a hotel due to a massive snowstorm. No one can leave the hotel due to the snowstorm blocking the roads. And of course, someone gets murdered while the festivities are going on.
Now Samantha Kidd has to investigate on her own because no one else is able to do it- no cops can get to the hotel, her friends are mad at her for a business fall-out, her husband is dealing with his jealous father, and the other guests at the awards ceremony are either busy with their own interests or just want to party until the roads clear up.
With everyone trapped at the hotel, we are entering locked-room mystery territory. The locale is now a character rather than something to be observed while driving by on the way to somewhere else. All the people in the story are stuck in an enclosed place with a killer desperate to stay hidden. I get a strong Agatha Christie “Three Blind Mice” vibe with a dash of “Die Hard”.
Kidd not only has to find the murderer, but she has to avoid becoming a victim, all while juggling an auditorium of oblivious partying hotel guests, relatives old and young, a distracted husband and his former NFL-player business partner, her own business partner who won’t speak to her, a frenemy cutting her judgmental looks, and whatever the menacing mob-like gentlemen turns out to be.
This was a fun change of pace in the series, similar to an earlier book when Samantha Kidd and her fiancé Nick Taylor went to Las Vegas. Changing the way characters are presented can give them a showcase for their personalities to shine through.
Can Kidd navigate through the dark corridors and enclosed rooms of the hotel, avoid getting killed, piece together the clues, make amends with her friends, find out what secret the photographer is hiding, and feed the hungry guests before the snow clears up and the killer gets away? Read the book and find out what happens!
April 19, 2023
When did former fashion buyer, stylewear shop co-owner and part time detective Samantha Kidd’s life become a sports metaphor?
When her husband, Nick Taylor, Jr is up for a possible award for his sneaker collaboration with ex-NFL player Blak Friiday, Samantha sponsors a table at the banquet in order to invite all of their friends to be there for what could possibly be the biggest night of Nick’s life.
So why is it that all of her friends are so angry with her?
So what if she sometimes has to take over, and may even be a tad bossy- but surely that isn’t it? Or is it?
When the evening’s toast mistress turns up dead in a supply closet that Samantha and Nick were caught getting cosy in just an hour earlier, of course she has to step in to find the killer. With a whiteout blizzard outside, roads closed to traffic and the real homicide detectives unable to come to the rescue, it’s up to Samantha to find the killer.
Missing jewelry, an impromptu dance party, and her designer dessert stuffed with knife blades and thumbtacks, Samantha is on the case, but can she put together the clues and solve the case before alienating every single person she knows or being the next in line to die?
With so many beloved characters running around, you’d think that there wouldn’t be time to give them all moments to shine, but somehow they all do. I did miss getting a chance to include our favorite retired curmudgeon, Loncar, but newbie Blak Friiday is a great addition to the team, and one who I hope will show up again.
With a quiet afternoon ahead of me the pages seemed to fly past but I was kept guessing until the very end. As with any other Vallere novel, the clues are there, but you always end up surprised at who the villain ends up being.
When her husband, Nick Taylor, Jr is up for a possible award for his sneaker collaboration with ex-NFL player Blak Friiday, Samantha sponsors a table at the banquet in order to invite all of their friends to be there for what could possibly be the biggest night of Nick’s life.
So why is it that all of her friends are so angry with her?
So what if she sometimes has to take over, and may even be a tad bossy- but surely that isn’t it? Or is it?
When the evening’s toast mistress turns up dead in a supply closet that Samantha and Nick were caught getting cosy in just an hour earlier, of course she has to step in to find the killer. With a whiteout blizzard outside, roads closed to traffic and the real homicide detectives unable to come to the rescue, it’s up to Samantha to find the killer.
Missing jewelry, an impromptu dance party, and her designer dessert stuffed with knife blades and thumbtacks, Samantha is on the case, but can she put together the clues and solve the case before alienating every single person she knows or being the next in line to die?
With so many beloved characters running around, you’d think that there wouldn’t be time to give them all moments to shine, but somehow they all do. I did miss getting a chance to include our favorite retired curmudgeon, Loncar, but newbie Blak Friiday is a great addition to the team, and one who I hope will show up again.
With a quiet afternoon ahead of me the pages seemed to fly past but I was kept guessing until the very end. As with any other Vallere novel, the clues are there, but you always end up surprised at who the villain ends up being.
March 24, 2023
Gilt Trip gets off to a great start. Samantha and husband Nick are caught maybe doing a little fooling around in the closet at an awards ceremony where Nick is an award nominee. This is a little out of character for them, but they haven’t had much quality time together so are making the best of any opportunity. I totally get it: I have loved Nick Taylor since the first moment he and Samantha met. I sure wouldn’t be against hiding out in a closet with that sweet sexy guy with the root-beer-barrel-brown eyes. They’re an old married couple now, a busy power couple. She’s an occasional reporter for the Ribbon, PA paper and co-owner of a local boutique and his sneaker line with his celebrity partner is about to take off. Hence the award night. And the closet.
What should be all-about-Nick night starts out a little edgy. Everyone, including Nick, seems to be annoyed with bossy, know-it-all, always-wants-to-be-the-center-of-attention Samantha. We have the advantage of being inside Samantha’s head know her intentions are good. But being inside her head we can also see how her logic sometimes falters, and she gets carried away, sticks her nose in and tries to orchestrate things. Even though this time she really is trying to stay out of it, it’s already too late and she has no choice but to try and solve the murder and keep everyone safe.
That closet I mentioned? Not just handy for making whoopee but also for hiding a dead body it seems. Like it or not Samantha’s in charge until the police can get through the blizzard to take over. Who to trust and who to fear? Maybe-shady hotel employees, people temporarily disappearing, and her friends and family less and less happy with her as the night endlessly drags on. Not the celebration they expected.
Author Vallere expertly takes you down the this-is-the-murderer path, convincing you (over and over I might add) with very plausible scenarios until you are proudly declaring, “I knew it!” and then she pulls the rug right out from under you and makes you start all over again. You go back to your first guess – is that the right one after all? There are always plenty of clues and you know everything Samantha does so you could solve it, right? Maybe. Probably. Who knows? But it sure is fun getting there because there isn’t always just one bad guy (or gal). You have to keep reading to see.
Gilt Trip is the fourteenth entry in this fabulous series. Vallere’s mysteries (in all her must-read series) are always well-written, fast-moving, logically plotted and multi-layered, populated with characters you won’t forget and often can’t figure out. You would probably be right if you suspected everybody of being involved in something just a little bit off. New intriguing characters are introduced and you are reunited with those you’ve come to know. The stories are just fun to read: they are witty, laugh out loud funny, and it’s great to be in Samantha’s head. Who except author Vallere could somehow work trash compactor, accordion and flux capacitor all into one amazing sentence? Don’t forget the clothes – you always know exactly how everyone is dressed and accessorized, even if it’s Samantha wearing a tablecloth. She is still forceful, nosy, persistent and impulsive, but over the course of the series has matured, sorted her priorities and learned when to let go, all while retaining that inner Samantha we love. And Nick? If I had to describe in one perfect interaction why I love them and their relationship so much, this would be it: Nick tells her to keep his tux jacket on because it gives her a Marlene Dietrich vibe. She asks if he means Cabaret Dietrich or Prosecution Witness Dietrich? And he replies, ”“Does it matter?” You have to smile.
Thanks to the author for providing an advance copy of Gilt Trip. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review; all opinions are my own. I highly recommend you read Gilt Trip now. Then read the entire Samantha Kidd series, and then read all the rest of Diane Vallere’s series. You’ll thank me.
What should be all-about-Nick night starts out a little edgy. Everyone, including Nick, seems to be annoyed with bossy, know-it-all, always-wants-to-be-the-center-of-attention Samantha. We have the advantage of being inside Samantha’s head know her intentions are good. But being inside her head we can also see how her logic sometimes falters, and she gets carried away, sticks her nose in and tries to orchestrate things. Even though this time she really is trying to stay out of it, it’s already too late and she has no choice but to try and solve the murder and keep everyone safe.
That closet I mentioned? Not just handy for making whoopee but also for hiding a dead body it seems. Like it or not Samantha’s in charge until the police can get through the blizzard to take over. Who to trust and who to fear? Maybe-shady hotel employees, people temporarily disappearing, and her friends and family less and less happy with her as the night endlessly drags on. Not the celebration they expected.
Author Vallere expertly takes you down the this-is-the-murderer path, convincing you (over and over I might add) with very plausible scenarios until you are proudly declaring, “I knew it!” and then she pulls the rug right out from under you and makes you start all over again. You go back to your first guess – is that the right one after all? There are always plenty of clues and you know everything Samantha does so you could solve it, right? Maybe. Probably. Who knows? But it sure is fun getting there because there isn’t always just one bad guy (or gal). You have to keep reading to see.
Gilt Trip is the fourteenth entry in this fabulous series. Vallere’s mysteries (in all her must-read series) are always well-written, fast-moving, logically plotted and multi-layered, populated with characters you won’t forget and often can’t figure out. You would probably be right if you suspected everybody of being involved in something just a little bit off. New intriguing characters are introduced and you are reunited with those you’ve come to know. The stories are just fun to read: they are witty, laugh out loud funny, and it’s great to be in Samantha’s head. Who except author Vallere could somehow work trash compactor, accordion and flux capacitor all into one amazing sentence? Don’t forget the clothes – you always know exactly how everyone is dressed and accessorized, even if it’s Samantha wearing a tablecloth. She is still forceful, nosy, persistent and impulsive, but over the course of the series has matured, sorted her priorities and learned when to let go, all while retaining that inner Samantha we love. And Nick? If I had to describe in one perfect interaction why I love them and their relationship so much, this would be it: Nick tells her to keep his tux jacket on because it gives her a Marlene Dietrich vibe. She asks if he means Cabaret Dietrich or Prosecution Witness Dietrich? And he replies, ”“Does it matter?” You have to smile.
Thanks to the author for providing an advance copy of Gilt Trip. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review; all opinions are my own. I highly recommend you read Gilt Trip now. Then read the entire Samantha Kidd series, and then read all the rest of Diane Vallere’s series. You’ll thank me.
April 3, 2023
Gilt Trip – Samantha Kidd
This is the 14th installment of the Samantha Kidd mystery series. I’ve had the privilege of receiving this book in exchange for my review.
As a mystery fan, I always appreciate stepping into a new puzzle and Ms. Vallere created another enjoyable one. From my perspective, this one doesn’t quite follow her usual pattern, which can be good or bad depending on how you view different situations.
I wasn’t quite prepared for the way she chose to open the story. I appreciate that this author is never graphic in language or situation. This book is no different. However, I didn’t really enjoy making sex a running joke through the book. I know I may be in the minority here so if you’re rolling your eyes at my assessment, carry on and enjoy yourself. I only chose to point this out because sometimes this sort of thing isn’t mentioned in a review and I know it could be meaningful for a reader to be aware – especially since I usually recommend her books for anyone 12 years of age or older, even as low as 10 if they’re an advanced reader.
The story is constructed as a “closed room.” There’s none of the usual running around town and trying to narrow the suspect list from many areas of life. Everyone ends up locked in a hotel ballroom due to a blizzard. This makes for a delightful adventure of “who will catch who” first.
Ms. Vallere creates some interesting characters, builds tensions and conflict amongst returning characters, and leaves the reader feeling like they’re running around with Samantha in an attempt to fix relationships and solve a murder.
This book is high jinks, high energy, and heaps of fun. Have a grand time and see if you can catch a killer.
This is the 14th installment of the Samantha Kidd mystery series. I’ve had the privilege of receiving this book in exchange for my review.
As a mystery fan, I always appreciate stepping into a new puzzle and Ms. Vallere created another enjoyable one. From my perspective, this one doesn’t quite follow her usual pattern, which can be good or bad depending on how you view different situations.
I wasn’t quite prepared for the way she chose to open the story. I appreciate that this author is never graphic in language or situation. This book is no different. However, I didn’t really enjoy making sex a running joke through the book. I know I may be in the minority here so if you’re rolling your eyes at my assessment, carry on and enjoy yourself. I only chose to point this out because sometimes this sort of thing isn’t mentioned in a review and I know it could be meaningful for a reader to be aware – especially since I usually recommend her books for anyone 12 years of age or older, even as low as 10 if they’re an advanced reader.
The story is constructed as a “closed room.” There’s none of the usual running around town and trying to narrow the suspect list from many areas of life. Everyone ends up locked in a hotel ballroom due to a blizzard. This makes for a delightful adventure of “who will catch who” first.
Ms. Vallere creates some interesting characters, builds tensions and conflict amongst returning characters, and leaves the reader feeling like they’re running around with Samantha in an attempt to fix relationships and solve a murder.
This book is high jinks, high energy, and heaps of fun. Have a grand time and see if you can catch a killer.
March 20, 2023
Normally I'm not a fan of "locked door" mystery. Mostly because of redundancy since things are stagnant. But Gilt Trip was a whole different and delightful situation. Yes a murder has been committed in a relatively small collection of people in a ballroom. 200 people in attendance plus a handful of hotel employees gives a lot of options. Being in a hotel offers different opportunities as well. But the real kicker is a "Storm of the Century" that keeps everyone contained and only one or two non-event people from getting into the ballroom. And Samantha Kidd is there as a guest, but becomes the police detective's person on point to investigate until he can get to the location.
I was impressed at how the story was told, how Kidd really tried to stay out of it, and how she tried to force the hotel's manager to lead the investigation. But after a dismally obvious lack of his ability to do so, Kidd steps in. She manages to find out details, organize the hungry agitated crowd, start a logical investigation, and get her "friends" who are unhappy with her to step up and help. Organization skills that are impressive, and especially under the circumstances. In the midst of all this she addresses and resolves some very important issues of family and friends. In the end, a brilliant plot made the conclusion especially exciting.
I loved the book and was amazed to discover I was 65% through the book before I stopped reading for a short break. Engaging. Engrossing. Captivating. Use what ever word you want...it was fabulous!
I was impressed at how the story was told, how Kidd really tried to stay out of it, and how she tried to force the hotel's manager to lead the investigation. But after a dismally obvious lack of his ability to do so, Kidd steps in. She manages to find out details, organize the hungry agitated crowd, start a logical investigation, and get her "friends" who are unhappy with her to step up and help. Organization skills that are impressive, and especially under the circumstances. In the midst of all this she addresses and resolves some very important issues of family and friends. In the end, a brilliant plot made the conclusion especially exciting.
I loved the book and was amazed to discover I was 65% through the book before I stopped reading for a short break. Engaging. Engrossing. Captivating. Use what ever word you want...it was fabulous!
March 27, 2023
Diane Vallere has done it again! You are grabbed from the beginning and never let go as you turn page after page until the great ending! Nick is up for an award for his wonderful shoe design company and he and Samantha are in the ballroom with Samantha's friends who aren't happy being there. When a dead man is found in the closet that Samantha and Nick had stolen a private moment in, the ballroom is in an uproar. Apparently, he was murdered. Now the attendees in the ballroom, around 200 are locked in and the police can't come right away to investigate since they can't get through the snow storm yet. Samantha didn't want to get involved in any investigation at first, she wanted the Manager to look into it. But when he was not rally investigating as he should, Samantha took up the investigation along with her angry friends since the murderer was obviously in this locked in group of patrons. The author provides us with lots of descriptive detail that fits smoothly in the story with good flow. The characters are great, especially Samantha and Nick our stars. This is a page turner while you try to figure out the who-dun-it! You won't. A must read as is this whole series. I received and ARC but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
April 11, 2023
Gilt Trip is another entertaining installment in Vallere's Samantha Kidd mystery series. I always look forward to each installment in this series, and this book definitely didn't disappoint. Samantha is attending an awards ceremony with her husband. They even have a table booked with family and friends. Too bad most of the table appears to be upset with Samantha, but at least she is trying to make the most of the night. When Samantha stumbles across a dead body, the evening takes a turn for the worst. Samantha has no choice but to try and solve this mystery especially when the guests of the awards ceremony find themselves stranded with a killer.
Vallere delivers an entertaining read from start to finish. Samantha has her hands full dealing with her family and friends, and I really liked how this story allowed Samantha to figure things out with each of them. I loved seeing my favorite secondary characters back in action since they always add to the story. The book's mystery is well done full of enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Overall Gilt Trip proved to be a great read that I would most definitely recommend. I look forward to Samantha's next adventure.
Received a copy of Gilt Trip from the author.
Vallere delivers an entertaining read from start to finish. Samantha has her hands full dealing with her family and friends, and I really liked how this story allowed Samantha to figure things out with each of them. I loved seeing my favorite secondary characters back in action since they always add to the story. The book's mystery is well done full of enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Overall Gilt Trip proved to be a great read that I would most definitely recommend. I look forward to Samantha's next adventure.
Received a copy of Gilt Trip from the author.
January 3, 2025
Samantha Kidd’s husband, Nick Taylor, is up for an award, and Samantha is doing all she can to support him. Unfortunately, her efforts to get a table for family and friends at the awards banquet have turned out to be filled with people who are angry with her for one reason or another. But the evening takes a horrible turn when Samantha finds the body of the toastmaster in a closet of the hotel where the event is being held. With a blizzard keeping the police from arriving, Samantha must try to solve the crime. Can she do it?
This book is fun since it all takes place in one night. In lesser hands that could have been a bad thing, but in this case, it worked well. I was engaged the entire time and kept guessing until we reached the logical climax. Yet we still got plenty of time for the subplots to play out. We still see plenty of the regulars, and I liked the growth we saw in Samantha. We also go plenty of laughs and discussion of junk food. If you want a light mystery, this series is definitely for you. And if you are a fan who hasn’t gotten to this book yet, you are in for a treat when you do.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This book is fun since it all takes place in one night. In lesser hands that could have been a bad thing, but in this case, it worked well. I was engaged the entire time and kept guessing until we reached the logical climax. Yet we still got plenty of time for the subplots to play out. We still see plenty of the regulars, and I liked the growth we saw in Samantha. We also go plenty of laughs and discussion of junk food. If you want a light mystery, this series is definitely for you. And if you are a fan who hasn’t gotten to this book yet, you are in for a treat when you do.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
March 24, 2023
Diane Vallere is an acclaimed cozey mystery with a touch of murder and rightfully so. Take a look at this cozey mystery with an array of familiar characters from the " Samantha Kidd Mysteries " this is the 14th in this series and yet full an array of familiar and new vibrant, colorful and quirky characters along with an unknown villen or two that will draw you into their dramatic lives from the very first sentence. Then you will be enticed further through a fresh and intriguing mystery surrounding an event most know very little about, the exciting experience of footwear,the glamor, the chaos of recognition giving way to murder. It's so well written, so informative, full of intimate dramas. A plot that keeps you breathless meeting levels of industry hopefuls as well as those at the top and those who have to deal with them. The best part for me was the way the heroine Samantha Kidd dealt with each step placed in front of her. You won't see what the ending has in-store as you sit on the edge of your seat. Acquire " Gilt Trip " today for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat
March 28, 2023
The latest Samantha Kidd mystery is a locked room mystery. Different from her other stories, in this book Samantha and Nick are attending an awards dinner where Nick is one of the nominees. There are about 200 people in attendance and when Samantha finds a dead body, she immediately calls for help. Unfortunately the snow event of the century is happening and the police are not going to be able to get there anytime soon. Detective Madden puts Samantha in charge of investigating in his absence. She is initially reluctant to do so, because she doesn't want to take the spotlight from Nick, but eventually she realizes that she has to take charge. I loved the addition of character Blak Friiday, Nick's new business partner, and enjoyed the way he gave Samantha a new perspective on things and was on her side when she needed him. An excellent story that can be read as a stand alone, but the series is so good you'll want to read them all.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 3, 2023
This is the 14th book in the Samantha Kidd series. I love this series and enjoy reading about Kidd and her exploits. This time Samantha’s husband Nick Taylor is up for an award in the fashion industry. All Samantha wants is to enjoy this night with friends and family. But things change in a hurry. The toastmaster is found dead. And of course, Samantha happens to be one of the ones to find her. She contacts the police, but they aren’t going to be able to get there due to a blizzard and a couple pileups on the highway. Detective Madden says she’s in charge. Things only get dicier after that. The murderer has to one of them and they’re stuck at the hotel. Can she figure it out? There are so many twists in the plot that it’s hard to figure out who is at fault. I really didn’t see the twist coming at the end. Looking forward to the next in the series.
March 23, 2023
I Wish That I Had Been There!
While this book is the 14th in the series, it can be read alone. I think that one would enjoy the series more if they read them in order, but it isn't necessary. Our heroine and her husband attend an awards banquet where hubby is supposed to get the top award. And, as always, things go wrong! The story is quite an adventure and the final denouement is surprising. The story features a lot of detail about fashion design, but it is a very good mystery that will keep you intrigued. This author is one of my favorites because her mysteries have humor and will exercise your brain.
While this book is the 14th in the series, it can be read alone. I think that one would enjoy the series more if they read them in order, but it isn't necessary. Our heroine and her husband attend an awards banquet where hubby is supposed to get the top award. And, as always, things go wrong! The story is quite an adventure and the final denouement is surprising. The story features a lot of detail about fashion design, but it is a very good mystery that will keep you intrigued. This author is one of my favorites because her mysteries have humor and will exercise your brain.
March 27, 2023
Gilt Trip is the fourteenth book in this fabulous Samantha Kidd’s Mystery series. Diane Vallere’s mysteries are always well-written, fast-moving, logically plotted and multi-layered, populated with characters you won’t forget and often can’t figure out. You can absolutely read this alone, but then you will want to go back and read all the ones that you missed! Samantha is hard to resist! If you like a fashion twist to your cozy then you will enjoy this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 29, 2023
Samantha Kidd and he husband Nick are attending a Shoe Designers Conference, because Nick has been nominated to win a prestigious award.
Competition is very stiff ,if you get what I mean. On top of this there is a Blizzard and Samantha has to take over for the detectives. This book was so suspensful and deliriously funny, and true to heart. I couldn't put the book down. I should say ,I wouldn't put the book down! Again Ms. Vallarre has a winner on her hands. Please keep up the good work I can't wait for the next one and many more.
Competition is very stiff ,if you get what I mean. On top of this there is a Blizzard and Samantha has to take over for the detectives. This book was so suspensful and deliriously funny, and true to heart. I couldn't put the book down. I should say ,I wouldn't put the book down! Again Ms. Vallarre has a winner on her hands. Please keep up the good work I can't wait for the next one and many more.
April 2, 2023
This is such a fun series! This time around we have a locked room style mystery. The entire book covers four hours of what is supposed to be a fun filled evening. Instead the evening is filled with jewel theft and murder. This book has great characters, an intriguing multi-layered plot, and expert craftsmanship. Highly recommended. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
March 24, 2023
This book deserves a gold star (pun intended)
I was so excited for a new Samantha Kidd book! And yes, Vallere delivered again! Well written and well developed, this series is so worth your time. The writing style has that bit of edge to it that makes it stand out. Vallere plays with words in a way that speaks to me. Highly recommend!
I was so excited for a new Samantha Kidd book! And yes, Vallere delivered again! Well written and well developed, this series is so worth your time. The writing style has that bit of edge to it that makes it stand out. Vallere plays with words in a way that speaks to me. Highly recommend!
March 26, 2023
An entertaining and engaging cozy mystery. It was a one day read. Clever situation. Our charming protagonist did not have to argue with the police in order to solve the crime. She did have issues with her friends. Some intriguing new characters. Very enjoyable. Thanks to the author for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.
February 8, 2024
The protagonist, Samantha Kidd, has a way of stumbling into murder scenes. This book is no exception. The characters and quirky and funny. The situation is implausible but intriguing. And Samantha is very observing. The plot twists and turns, but in the end, she figures it out. This is a fun read.
April 5, 2023
Samantha is faced with a “locked room” mystery, with no shortage of suspects. An entertaining cozy mystery.
March 24, 2023
This Samantha Kidd novel is one of my favorites! It is a locked room mystery (although there are a large number of people locked in,) which is one of my favorite tropes. There is a deep thoughtfulness to this story that makes it especially compelling, as Samantha is forced to face some hard truths about how others perceive her and how she sees her role in their lives. There is more than one mystery to be solved, and an interesting cast of characters to help (or hinder) the investigation. You can absolutely read this alone, but then you will want to go back and read all the ones that you missed! Samantha is hard to resist!
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