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A Killer Closet: A Mystery
In a fashionably cozy short mystery novel, Paula Paul introduces a tenacious heroine who leaves big-city life behind and returns to picturesque Santa Fe, New Mexico—where murder lands on her doorstep.
Irene Seligman loves the warmth and beauty of her Southwest hometown, but only one thing could make her quit her prestigious job as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan to return the guilt applied by her demanding mother, Adelle. After Adelle’s most recent husband dies, leaving her with nothing, Irene decides to take a break from prosecuting criminals to move back to Santa Fe and open an upscale consignment store. With Irene’s determination and her mother’s eye for haute couture, they’re sure to make a killing.
But on the day of the grand opening, Irene discovers the body of one of Adelle’s friends in her storeroom. And although the intrigue causes business to boom, when someone else from Adelle’s social circle is murdered, Irene begins to suspect her mother might be in danger too. Ever the protective daughter, Irene investigates her mother’s friends, suspicious that they’re hiding more than designer clothes in their closets. But as she gets closer to uncovering some real skeletons, Irene might not live to regret coming home again.
Irene Seligman loves the warmth and beauty of her Southwest hometown, but only one thing could make her quit her prestigious job as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan to return the guilt applied by her demanding mother, Adelle. After Adelle’s most recent husband dies, leaving her with nothing, Irene decides to take a break from prosecuting criminals to move back to Santa Fe and open an upscale consignment store. With Irene’s determination and her mother’s eye for haute couture, they’re sure to make a killing.
But on the day of the grand opening, Irene discovers the body of one of Adelle’s friends in her storeroom. And although the intrigue causes business to boom, when someone else from Adelle’s social circle is murdered, Irene begins to suspect her mother might be in danger too. Ever the protective daughter, Irene investigates her mother’s friends, suspicious that they’re hiding more than designer clothes in their closets. But as she gets closer to uncovering some real skeletons, Irene might not live to regret coming home again.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2016
About the author
Paula Paul
28 books44 followersPaula Paul writes novels that touch the heart and challenge the mind. She has published 25 novels, some with major New York publishers and some with small presses. They include historical fiction, mysteries, YA and literary novels.
She is a native of Texas. She wasn't really born in Lubbock, as her profile info states. She was actually born outside of Lubbock on her grandparents' farm. She grew up on a ranch about 80 miles from where she was born and attended a country school where she graduated as valedictorian.
She has a degree in journalism and worked for several years as a print journalist, winning a number of state and national awards. She has also won national awards for her novels.
She is a native of Texas. She wasn't really born in Lubbock, as her profile info states. She was actually born outside of Lubbock on her grandparents' farm. She grew up on a ranch about 80 miles from where she was born and attended a country school where she graduated as valedictorian.
She has a degree in journalism and worked for several years as a print journalist, winning a number of state and national awards. She has also won national awards for her novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
October 3, 2016
Irene has given up her job as an assistant DA in Manhattan to move home to Santa Fe to take care of her mother. She opens up a haute couture consignment shop, instead of studying for the New Mexico bar. On her first day of business, she opens the store to find a dead body in the closet. Now she is told she is a person of interest, so of course she, along with a zany group of friends, have to prove her innocence.
This book wasn't horrible, it just needed an editor and a little more work. There are major flaws in the story and inconsistencies with the timeline. These could all be fixed with a good editor. I think another problem was some of the side characters. I think the author was trying to make them unique and funny, but it mostly fell flat. I found them stupid, not funny. Occasionally, for no apparent reason, the author would also use someone else's POV, just for a couple pages. This had nothing to do with the plot whatsoever, it was a way to info-dump back stories for some of the characters so they didn't have to come out naturally in the book. That was lazy and weird.
I would recommend a pass on this book. I love cozies, but this one was a first draft, not a finished book.
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
This book wasn't horrible, it just needed an editor and a little more work. There are major flaws in the story and inconsistencies with the timeline. These could all be fixed with a good editor. I think another problem was some of the side characters. I think the author was trying to make them unique and funny, but it mostly fell flat. I found them stupid, not funny. Occasionally, for no apparent reason, the author would also use someone else's POV, just for a couple pages. This had nothing to do with the plot whatsoever, it was a way to info-dump back stories for some of the characters so they didn't have to come out naturally in the book. That was lazy and weird.
I would recommend a pass on this book. I love cozies, but this one was a first draft, not a finished book.
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
October 7, 2016
Irene Seligman leaves her job as Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan and moves to Santa Fe, New Mexico to help her aging mother. She decides to open a high-end consignment clothing store and all is going well. Until ....
The night before her Grand Opening, she does a final walk through and to her amazement she finds the body of a friend of her mother's in the storeroom.
The intrigue and mystery of the dead woman creates a lot of buzz in her business, as well as sales. But when another body of a friend of her mother's is found in her store, she begins to be afraid that her mother might be next.
So what is the connection between her mother and her deceased friends? What did they know? What does her mother know but refuses to say?
And who would want the elderly ladies dead? The Sheriff says he is investigating, but it looks like he's investigating Irene more than anything else. And the friendly defense attorney ... might he be hiding a secret behind his lady-killer grin? Then there's Angel, a college student working part time in Irene's store. And Rafael, a friend of the lawyer. And who is the woman behind the wheel of blue sedan who seems to follow Irene wherever she goes?
This is a cozy short mystery novel .. packed with suspense and great characters. This is the first I've read of this author's and although I don't normally read cozies, I'd be happy to take a look at what else she has to offer.
Many thanks to the author / Random House Publishing Group - Alibi / NetGalley who provided an ARC for my reading enjoyment.
The night before her Grand Opening, she does a final walk through and to her amazement she finds the body of a friend of her mother's in the storeroom.
The intrigue and mystery of the dead woman creates a lot of buzz in her business, as well as sales. But when another body of a friend of her mother's is found in her store, she begins to be afraid that her mother might be next.
So what is the connection between her mother and her deceased friends? What did they know? What does her mother know but refuses to say?
And who would want the elderly ladies dead? The Sheriff says he is investigating, but it looks like he's investigating Irene more than anything else. And the friendly defense attorney ... might he be hiding a secret behind his lady-killer grin? Then there's Angel, a college student working part time in Irene's store. And Rafael, a friend of the lawyer. And who is the woman behind the wheel of blue sedan who seems to follow Irene wherever she goes?
This is a cozy short mystery novel .. packed with suspense and great characters. This is the first I've read of this author's and although I don't normally read cozies, I'd be happy to take a look at what else she has to offer.
Many thanks to the author / Random House Publishing Group - Alibi / NetGalley who provided an ARC for my reading enjoyment.
October 15, 2016
I thought this was supposed to be a cozy but it isn't...just FYI for anyone that thinks it should be. There are some elements of a cozy but the f* bombs and cursing make it just a mystery in my book.
Ok, that aside, the book was interesting. There are the "little old ladies" that have no concept of danger especially when they put themselves in the middle of it, multiple murders in the newest consignment shop in town and a former NY DA that has found herself back in NM because her mother needs her (and is one of these "little old ladies" I mentioned).
There are some interesting twists and turns regarding the murders and the crime that is stumbled upon . I was surprised at who some of the "bad guys" actually were. I think the characters need more development, but for a first book it isn't bad (and I'm assuming there will be more as there is potential for future books).
Ok, that aside, the book was interesting. There are the "little old ladies" that have no concept of danger especially when they put themselves in the middle of it, multiple murders in the newest consignment shop in town and a former NY DA that has found herself back in NM because her mother needs her (and is one of these "little old ladies" I mentioned).
There are some interesting twists and turns regarding the murders and the crime that is stumbled upon . I was surprised at who some of the "bad guys" actually were. I think the characters need more development, but for a first book it isn't bad (and I'm assuming there will be more as there is potential for future books).
October 9, 2016
This is another highly entertaining murder mystery by this very talented author!
Irene Seligman has been guilt-convinced to leave her job as Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan to move back to live with her much married Mum, Adelle, in her childhood home. With the change in location comes a change in jobs - she decides to use her Mum’s fashion expertise to open an upscale consignment store. On the day the store is due to open, Irene goes in to make a shocking discovery - there’s a woman from her Mum’s social circles lying murdered, dead in the shop’s storeroom!
The news of the murder victim in the shop creates added interest from potential customers and, despite the police investigations, things are going quite well . . . until another body turns up! Again, the victim is a murdered associate of her mother who has been left in Irene’s shop.
Is there any connection between the victims besides Adelle? Is Adelle in any danger? Who has killed these women - and why? So many questions requiring answers and Irene can’t resist trying to find out the answers. The Sheriff claims he’s investigating. The local big defence lawyer seems to be involved somehow, too. Then there’s also Angel, a college student who is working part time for Irene in the store. . . . As Irene investigates further she discovers there’s more than gold in them there hills, there’s also deception, danger and further mysteries! This is an action packed murder mystery with plenty of suspense, laugh out loud moments and great characters that I thoroughly enjoyed reading and have no hesitation in highly recommending to lovers of this genre!
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel without any obligation to read or share my review.
Irene Seligman has been guilt-convinced to leave her job as Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan to move back to live with her much married Mum, Adelle, in her childhood home. With the change in location comes a change in jobs - she decides to use her Mum’s fashion expertise to open an upscale consignment store. On the day the store is due to open, Irene goes in to make a shocking discovery - there’s a woman from her Mum’s social circles lying murdered, dead in the shop’s storeroom!
The news of the murder victim in the shop creates added interest from potential customers and, despite the police investigations, things are going quite well . . . until another body turns up! Again, the victim is a murdered associate of her mother who has been left in Irene’s shop.
Is there any connection between the victims besides Adelle? Is Adelle in any danger? Who has killed these women - and why? So many questions requiring answers and Irene can’t resist trying to find out the answers. The Sheriff claims he’s investigating. The local big defence lawyer seems to be involved somehow, too. Then there’s also Angel, a college student who is working part time for Irene in the store. . . . As Irene investigates further she discovers there’s more than gold in them there hills, there’s also deception, danger and further mysteries! This is an action packed murder mystery with plenty of suspense, laugh out loud moments and great characters that I thoroughly enjoyed reading and have no hesitation in highly recommending to lovers of this genre!
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel without any obligation to read or share my review.
October 6, 2016
An outstanding fast moving mystery which engrossed my emotions at once. The characters are so will become done that they became my friends. The storm scene high in the mountains in deserted mountains was outstanding. The actions of the story did not come together well and I lost my concentration at times.
Irene Seligman leaving her career behind, she returned to Santa Fe to live in the family home and care for Mother. As she opens an Haute
Consignment Shop, the body of one of her Mother's friend is found in the shop. The police chief suspects Irene as the killer. With new friends, Irene works to clear herself and locate the killer before she forfeits her life.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Alibi 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.
Irene Seligman leaving her career behind, she returned to Santa Fe to live in the family home and care for Mother. As she opens an Haute
Consignment Shop, the body of one of her Mother's friend is found in the shop. The police chief suspects Irene as the killer. With new friends, Irene works to clear herself and locate the killer before she forfeits her life.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Alibi 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.
October 8, 2016
Synopsis:
In a fashionably cozy short mystery novel, Paula Paul introduces a tenacious heroine who leaves big-city life behind and returns to picturesque Santa Fe, New Mexico—where murder lands on her doorstep.
Irene Seligman loves the warmth and beauty of her Southwest hometown, but only one thing could make her quit her prestigious job as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan to return there: the guilt applied by her demanding mother, Adelle. After Adelle’s most recent husband dies, leaving her with nothing, Irene decides to take a break from prosecuting criminals to move back to Santa Fe and open an upscale consignment store. With Irene’s determination and her mother’s eye for haute couture, they’re sure to make a killing.
But on the day of the grand opening, Irene discovers the body of one of Adelle’s friends in her storeroom. And although the intrigue causes business to boom, when someone else from Adelle’s social circle is murdered, Irene begins to suspect her mother might be in danger too. Ever the protective daughter, Irene investigates her mother’s friends, suspicious that they’re hiding more than designer clothes in their closets. But as she gets closer to uncovering some real skeletons, Irene might not live to regret coming home again. (Goodreads)
Review:
When Irene leaves her job as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan to return to her hometown, she did not expect any surprises. She returned to help her mom open a consignment shop and help her get settled after her mom’s husband dies. She did not expect to find a dead body in the shop. But that is exactly what happens and she decides she needs to help find the killer before all sales are final!
The characters were a little lacking for me. I felt like they could have been better developed and more lifelike. I did not feel like I knew them very well and I really did not care about them very much. For me, character development is a very big part of a cozy read and I felt like these fell short. That is only my opinion and other readers may disagree with me.
The mystery is well plotted and was carried on well throughout the book. The mystery is what kept me swiping pages and wanting to keep reading to see what was going to happen. There were enough suspects, clues, twists and turns to keep this reader guessing. I was never quite certain who the culprit was until it was revealed at the end. That is a good thing.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted mystery read. I did not dislike this book, I just think it could have been better. I will read the next book in the series, whenever it is published.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Alibi.
In a fashionably cozy short mystery novel, Paula Paul introduces a tenacious heroine who leaves big-city life behind and returns to picturesque Santa Fe, New Mexico—where murder lands on her doorstep.
Irene Seligman loves the warmth and beauty of her Southwest hometown, but only one thing could make her quit her prestigious job as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan to return there: the guilt applied by her demanding mother, Adelle. After Adelle’s most recent husband dies, leaving her with nothing, Irene decides to take a break from prosecuting criminals to move back to Santa Fe and open an upscale consignment store. With Irene’s determination and her mother’s eye for haute couture, they’re sure to make a killing.
But on the day of the grand opening, Irene discovers the body of one of Adelle’s friends in her storeroom. And although the intrigue causes business to boom, when someone else from Adelle’s social circle is murdered, Irene begins to suspect her mother might be in danger too. Ever the protective daughter, Irene investigates her mother’s friends, suspicious that they’re hiding more than designer clothes in their closets. But as she gets closer to uncovering some real skeletons, Irene might not live to regret coming home again. (Goodreads)
Review:
When Irene leaves her job as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan to return to her hometown, she did not expect any surprises. She returned to help her mom open a consignment shop and help her get settled after her mom’s husband dies. She did not expect to find a dead body in the shop. But that is exactly what happens and she decides she needs to help find the killer before all sales are final!
The characters were a little lacking for me. I felt like they could have been better developed and more lifelike. I did not feel like I knew them very well and I really did not care about them very much. For me, character development is a very big part of a cozy read and I felt like these fell short. That is only my opinion and other readers may disagree with me.
The mystery is well plotted and was carried on well throughout the book. The mystery is what kept me swiping pages and wanting to keep reading to see what was going to happen. There were enough suspects, clues, twists and turns to keep this reader guessing. I was never quite certain who the culprit was until it was revealed at the end. That is a good thing.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted mystery read. I did not dislike this book, I just think it could have been better. I will read the next book in the series, whenever it is published.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Alibi.
July 25, 2016
A Killer Closet, by Paula Paul is an intriguing cozy mystery that had substantial twists and turns. I gave it four stars.
Irene Seligman leaves her job as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan to return to Santa Fe, New Mexico to come to her mother, Adelle's aid after the death of her most recent husband.
Their goal is to establish a haute couture consignment store. On the grand opening day, the body of one of her mother's friends is discovered in a closet. Than another woman in the same social circle is killed. The chief of police, Andrew Iglesias and another young police officer came to investigate. Irene missed the police man's name. "It was not like her to miss details like that."
"Adelle, still standing at the entrance of the parlor, moaned, 'Oh my God! I can't believe this is happening to me!'
'It's not happening to you. It's happening to me,' Irene called over her shoulder. She was fairly certain, however, that Adelle was too absorbed in her self-centered anguish and humiliation to have heard her."
I received a complimentary kindle copy from Random House Publishing Group-Alibi and NetGalley. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Killer-Closet-...
It is in pre-order status so I could not leave a review on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
Irene Seligman leaves her job as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan to return to Santa Fe, New Mexico to come to her mother, Adelle's aid after the death of her most recent husband.
Their goal is to establish a haute couture consignment store. On the grand opening day, the body of one of her mother's friends is discovered in a closet. Than another woman in the same social circle is killed. The chief of police, Andrew Iglesias and another young police officer came to investigate. Irene missed the police man's name. "It was not like her to miss details like that."
"Adelle, still standing at the entrance of the parlor, moaned, 'Oh my God! I can't believe this is happening to me!'
'It's not happening to you. It's happening to me,' Irene called over her shoulder. She was fairly certain, however, that Adelle was too absorbed in her self-centered anguish and humiliation to have heard her."
I received a complimentary kindle copy from Random House Publishing Group-Alibi and NetGalley. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Killer-Closet-...
It is in pre-order status so I could not leave a review on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
October 17, 2016
Review: A KILLER CLOSET: A MYSTERY by Paula Paul
Set delightfully in Santa Fe, a beautiful city with literally centuries of history-a patchwork of cultures-a community that breathes history-, A KILLER CLOSET is a cozy mystery with a sharp and poignant emotional edge. Irene Seligman, Santa Fe native with both Colonial Spanish and New Mexico Jewish ancestry, has carved a niche for herself: a Manhattan Assistant District Attorney, tiny Brooklyn apartment, on her own--as emotionally she has been all her life, with a Narcissistic, multiply-married mother. When her mother manipulates Irene's abrupt return to her native city, Irene moves back into her childhood home, and leases a historic building to open a shop selling "gently used" vintage haute couture. Her discovery on opening day, of one of her mother's friends, newly dead in the shop closet, causes scandal and first Irene, then her mother, become "persons of interest "
Set delightfully in Santa Fe, a beautiful city with literally centuries of history-a patchwork of cultures-a community that breathes history-, A KILLER CLOSET is a cozy mystery with a sharp and poignant emotional edge. Irene Seligman, Santa Fe native with both Colonial Spanish and New Mexico Jewish ancestry, has carved a niche for herself: a Manhattan Assistant District Attorney, tiny Brooklyn apartment, on her own--as emotionally she has been all her life, with a Narcissistic, multiply-married mother. When her mother manipulates Irene's abrupt return to her native city, Irene moves back into her childhood home, and leases a historic building to open a shop selling "gently used" vintage haute couture. Her discovery on opening day, of one of her mother's friends, newly dead in the shop closet, causes scandal and first Irene, then her mother, become "persons of interest "
January 30, 2018
Don't really remember much of this as I read it last year and it was at a time where I was toying with the idea of not writing notes when reading, as you can probably tell, that was a mistake.
What I do remember though is that it was a quick and fun cozy read, the characters are well written with humour and it's setting is lovely.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this series to see the ongoing development of the relationship between Irene and her mum Adelle.
*Huge thanks to Paula Paul, Random House Publishing Group - Alibi, and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
What I do remember though is that it was a quick and fun cozy read, the characters are well written with humour and it's setting is lovely.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this series to see the ongoing development of the relationship between Irene and her mum Adelle.
*Huge thanks to Paula Paul, Random House Publishing Group - Alibi, and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
December 24, 2016
It's an intriguing and engaging mystery, catches you from the first page and it's hard to put it down.
Irene comes home in New Mexico to help her mother in distress. She decides to open her own shop, Irene's Kloset, selling couture clothing. But before the inauguration in her shop are found two corpses. They were her mother's friends and were killed. The detective in charge of the investigation requires Irene not to meddle but she is very concerned about her mother and can not help but to intervene.
Irene is a great character, courageous and generous, she gave up a dream career to help her demanding mother. I also really loved the setting, it is difficult to find books set in this lively town of Santa Fe, has some stunning scenery and an interesting mix of different cultures.
It is an entertaining and relaxing read, well written and well plotted, an interesting mystery interlaces with suspense and a little romance.
Highly recommended
Irene comes home in New Mexico to help her mother in distress. She decides to open her own shop, Irene's Kloset, selling couture clothing. But before the inauguration in her shop are found two corpses. They were her mother's friends and were killed. The detective in charge of the investigation requires Irene not to meddle but she is very concerned about her mother and can not help but to intervene.
Irene is a great character, courageous and generous, she gave up a dream career to help her demanding mother. I also really loved the setting, it is difficult to find books set in this lively town of Santa Fe, has some stunning scenery and an interesting mix of different cultures.
It is an entertaining and relaxing read, well written and well plotted, an interesting mystery interlaces with suspense and a little romance.
Highly recommended
September 24, 2016
Paula Paul has once again delivered a top-notch mystery for your reading pleasure! “A Killer Closet” takes place in the present day in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Irene Seligman is an assistant DA in New York who decides to return home to care for her mother, Adelle. Adelle has located a retail space for Irene and they are preparing for the grand opening of their clothing consignment shop. On the morning of the opening, Irene walks into her new store and finds a dead body in the storage closet. The she finds out that the dead woman is someone Adelle knows. What follows is a tricky little mystery that puts Irene and her mother in danger and uncovers some of Santa Fe’s dirty little secrets.
This book is a departure from the author’s Alexandra Gladstone series and introduces us to Irene Seligman for the first time. I liked Irene immediately. She’s made a huge life change by moving back to her childhood home and her relationship with her mother has never been a close one. Now she’s in the middle of a murder mystery and the police think she’s a suspect. With the help of a young man named Angel, Irene will need all her wits and legal skills to unravel this twisted knot. The author has created some unique characters to round out the story; everyone from a local farmer to a high-society, old-money wife to get to the bottom of this mystery. I think mystery lovers will really enjoy this one and I hope this is the beginning of a new series.
This book is a departure from the author’s Alexandra Gladstone series and introduces us to Irene Seligman for the first time. I liked Irene immediately. She’s made a huge life change by moving back to her childhood home and her relationship with her mother has never been a close one. Now she’s in the middle of a murder mystery and the police think she’s a suspect. With the help of a young man named Angel, Irene will need all her wits and legal skills to unravel this twisted knot. The author has created some unique characters to round out the story; everyone from a local farmer to a high-society, old-money wife to get to the bottom of this mystery. I think mystery lovers will really enjoy this one and I hope this is the beginning of a new series.
August 8, 2016
Irene Seligman’s career as a Manhattan ADA can’t compete with the needs of her aging mother, Adelle, back in Santa Fe. Without a law license and hoping for a more balanced life that will engage her mother, opening a consignment shop that carries haute couture should be the solution.
When Adelle’s friends start turning up dead in Irene’s Closet, trying to protect her mother and another elderly friend, Harriet, Irene finds herself embroiled in crime and not knowing who is really a friend or criminal.
Great detail on all the characters helped make the real murderer hard to figure out. Each character will hopefully appear in other novels.
A well-written mystery puzzle where fitting the pieces together to find the final answers kept me reading. Interesting facts about Santa Fe are an added bonus
I received a copy of this short mystery through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
When Adelle’s friends start turning up dead in Irene’s Closet, trying to protect her mother and another elderly friend, Harriet, Irene finds herself embroiled in crime and not knowing who is really a friend or criminal.
Great detail on all the characters helped make the real murderer hard to figure out. Each character will hopefully appear in other novels.
A well-written mystery puzzle where fitting the pieces together to find the final answers kept me reading. Interesting facts about Santa Fe are an added bonus
I received a copy of this short mystery through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2016
A Killer Closet opens with a body being found in the closet of the newly ready consignment shop about to be opened by mother and daughter team, Irene and Adelle. Irene is a big city DA, called home to help her mother through her latest financial crisis resulting from the death of her latest spouse. She decides to stay since her mother refuses to move to the city and open a high end goods consignment shop. The victim has connections to the shop and Adele and the clues begin to pile up as the local police look hard at Irene and Adele. The novel covers murder, theft and plenty of secrets. I had a difficult time getting into the book and the characters, that may be because I read and enjoyed Duffy Brown’s series, A Consignment Shop Series, and couldn’t help but compare the two. An okay cozy mystery with a fashion/consignment shop theme.
October 3, 2016
You may take the prosecutor out of the big city, but you can't take the investigator out of the woman.
This is a wild ride full of danger and complications. You won't know who to trust or why Irene does some of the things she does. Short answer, she just can't help herself.
I was very worried about Adelle and have hopes that the mother daughter relationship will change for the better.
Very tense moments populate this mystery. It goes to show that the title or position does not prove the person.
I did receive a copy of this mystery from netgalley to review
This is a wild ride full of danger and complications. You won't know who to trust or why Irene does some of the things she does. Short answer, she just can't help herself.
I was very worried about Adelle and have hopes that the mother daughter relationship will change for the better.
Very tense moments populate this mystery. It goes to show that the title or position does not prove the person.
I did receive a copy of this mystery from netgalley to review
August 29, 2016
This book has a lot of action in it and well developed characters. I love the premise of the book and how the story flowed. It was a fast paced book and I could not put it down. If you like murder mysteries and a bit of romance this is a book that you can really enjoy! I look forward to reading more from Paula Paul in the future!
October 19, 2016
**I voluntarily reviewed this ARC**
The idea behind the mystery was really good, it just didn't feel like it was executed very well. There were many parts where I felt confused, and the ending was very muddled. The setting was very well written. I've never been to Santa Fe, but I did feel like I was back in New Mexico reading it.
The idea behind the mystery was really good, it just didn't feel like it was executed very well. There were many parts where I felt confused, and the ending was very muddled. The setting was very well written. I've never been to Santa Fe, but I did feel like I was back in New Mexico reading it.
January 28, 2018
Everyone knows I love a great cozy!! This was brilliant. I just love characters who go from big city life to the smaller town feel. In this cute novel, there is family, fashion, and fatality. Ms. Paula Paul thrills us with great characters, a twisty mystery, and a perfect new step into a series I hope continues!!!
December 10, 2016
A Killer Closet is a cozy mystery by Paula Paul. Irene Seligman is returning to her hometown of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her mother, Adelle Daniels needs her assistance after the death of her latest husband (Irene is not sure if it was husband number five or six). Adelle was left with penniless (she goes through money likes it water) and guilted Irene into coming home (otherwise Irene preferred to stay in Manhattan as an assistant district attorney). Irene is not licensed to practice law in New Mexico, so she decides to open Irene’s Closet. It will be an upscale consignment boutique (carry designer labels). Irene’s Closet opens with a bang when a body is discovered in the storage room. The victim is Loraine Sellers, a friend of Adelle’s. Police Chief Andy Iglesias is on the case and is interested in getting to know Irene. The murder turns out to be good for business until another body is left in the shop. The second victim is Susanna Delgado and another friend of Adelle’s. Irene is worried that her mother may be next (even though she is a pain in the tuchis), and she starts delving into the victims lives. But the killer is close behind Irene and prepared to act. Will the door to Irene’s Closet snap shut before the shop has a chance to take off?
A Killer Closet is easy to read and can be finished in a couple of hours. I did, though, find it to be a very implausible novel (Irene’s actions were illogical). I would think that an attorney would think rationally. Irene jumps to conclusions, acts irrationally, and does not act her age (she is also rude to someone that was nice and helpful). There are few clues provided to the mystery, but it can easily be solved (it can be figured out quite early in the book). There is an extreme amount of foul language in the book for a cozy mystery (and it was not needed). The story is told from various character point-of-views towards the end which is confusing (and does nothing to enhance the story). I wish the author had told it from the third person point-of-view or from Irene’s perspective (keep it consistent). I give A Killer Closet 2 out of 5 stars. The mother, Adelle, was an extremely unlikable character. You know you do not enjoy a character when you keep hoping they will be the next victim. I found some information repeated a few times throughout the book (like it was filler) and there are other inconsistencies. I felt that A Killer Closet needed some major rewriting and a good editor. A Killer Closet was not my type of cozy mystery.
A Killer Closet is easy to read and can be finished in a couple of hours. I did, though, find it to be a very implausible novel (Irene’s actions were illogical). I would think that an attorney would think rationally. Irene jumps to conclusions, acts irrationally, and does not act her age (she is also rude to someone that was nice and helpful). There are few clues provided to the mystery, but it can easily be solved (it can be figured out quite early in the book). There is an extreme amount of foul language in the book for a cozy mystery (and it was not needed). The story is told from various character point-of-views towards the end which is confusing (and does nothing to enhance the story). I wish the author had told it from the third person point-of-view or from Irene’s perspective (keep it consistent). I give A Killer Closet 2 out of 5 stars. The mother, Adelle, was an extremely unlikable character. You know you do not enjoy a character when you keep hoping they will be the next victim. I found some information repeated a few times throughout the book (like it was filler) and there are other inconsistencies. I felt that A Killer Closet needed some major rewriting and a good editor. A Killer Closet was not my type of cozy mystery.
November 22, 2016
A good read for those who love cozy mysteries. I wasn't quite sold on the premise that an Assistant DA in NYC would leave her role to run a consignment shop on her own in her birthplace of New Mexico. We all go back home again, but speaking as someone who went to law school and took the NY Bar exam, I'm just not one to sacrifice my career (unless burned out) that easily for a mother who wasn't very maternal nor seemed physically or mentally ill (which is what it would take for me to give up for a parent--and I'd done it years ago). There was a large cast of characters that seemed to have a role in the tale, but it felt like none of them could be trusted--an intriguing premise, though.
Ultimately, I felt like there were some things that were rushed. While I held an uncorrected galley, another read-through for content would have helped the flow. And one thing burned my buns, the use of "Miranda ruling," versus the real life use of "Miranda rights" or just plain ole "Miranda"--as in, "He read him his Miranda rights," or "After reciting Miranda, he handcuffed him." It stopped my flow of reading and I thought the author wasn't American, but I was wrong. All in all, I think the book may provide lovers of Cozy mysteries a quick read.
Thanks to the Author, Publisher, and Netgalley for a copy of this digital book in exchange for an honest review.
Ultimately, I felt like there were some things that were rushed. While I held an uncorrected galley, another read-through for content would have helped the flow. And one thing burned my buns, the use of "Miranda ruling," versus the real life use of "Miranda rights" or just plain ole "Miranda"--as in, "He read him his Miranda rights," or "After reciting Miranda, he handcuffed him." It stopped my flow of reading and I thought the author wasn't American, but I was wrong. All in all, I think the book may provide lovers of Cozy mysteries a quick read.
Thanks to the Author, Publisher, and Netgalley for a copy of this digital book in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2021
Irene Seligman leaves her job as an assistant DA in Manhattan to move back home to Santa Fe to take care of her mother. She decides to open a consignment store for designer clothes, but the day of the opening, she finds a dead woman in the closet of her shop. Then another of her mother’s friends is murdered, and Irene is worried her mother might be in danger. She begins investigating and uncovers some secrets that she shouldn’t...
This was an intriguing mystery. Good pacing, good writing. Irene was an enjoyable main character, and the supporting cast was fun, too. Some interesting twists and turns along the way, although they were a tad predictable (but I read a lot of mysteries). This was a 3 1/2 but it got bumped down to a 3 because when the confrontation with the bad guys began, the frequency and severity of the swearing increased dramatically, and it was way too much for me. Too bad, because the book had been pretty clean up until that point.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free ebook.
This was an intriguing mystery. Good pacing, good writing. Irene was an enjoyable main character, and the supporting cast was fun, too. Some interesting twists and turns along the way, although they were a tad predictable (but I read a lot of mysteries). This was a 3 1/2 but it got bumped down to a 3 because when the confrontation with the bad guys began, the frequency and severity of the swearing increased dramatically, and it was way too much for me. Too bad, because the book had been pretty clean up until that point.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free ebook.
December 16, 2019
I picked this book because I enjoy Paula Paul's Alexandra Gladstone books. I did not enjoy this one as much. I usually prefer a historical setting and this is set in present day Sante Fe. The only character that stood out to me as very likeable was Angel. It did keep me guessing until almost the end or it would only be 2 stars. The editing was also poor.
August 1, 2018
Good & bad guys
You jump right in to the plot & the action begins! Great characters as they begin to unfold but Adele never grew on me. The ending was predictable yet still fun to get there!!
You jump right in to the plot & the action begins! Great characters as they begin to unfold but Adele never grew on me. The ending was predictable yet still fun to get there!!
November 20, 2020
This was a fun read. I love characters who go from big city life to the smaller town. In this cute mystery, there is family, fashion, and fatality. Ms. Paula Paul creates reat characters with a twisty mystery. A fun introduction to a series I look forward to reading.
May 17, 2018
I really like this seriese
Set in the American Southwest the author creates vivid imagery. Story line and characters are strong and an enjoyable read
Set in the American Southwest the author creates vivid imagery. Story line and characters are strong and an enjoyable read
March 24, 2017
Good read
I liked the book it kept my interest and didn't want to put down would recommend to others very good
I liked the book it kept my interest and didn't want to put down would recommend to others very good
September 28, 2016
Murder! But by who's hand? A great beginning to a mystery filled with lots of suspense, twists and turns. A KILLER CLOSET by Paula Paul reads more like a Gothic novel. This great mystery starts out showing A picturesque huge stone lodge sitting back in a shadowy mountainous region surrounded by tall pines leading into an unknown creepy dark forest lurking in the dead of night. Dead bodies in closets, and others disappearing for no reason. Could the deaths possibly be connected? If so, then what could be the common factor? Could there be secret hiding places in the lodge? If so, what could be in those hiding places? Is there something going on at the lodge that someone doesn't want other people to find out about? Has Irene stumbled onto something that would be better off left alone? As our story heads toward the deep end of suspense, has Irene maybe dragged Adele and her friends into something that might get them all killed?
Irene's day started out like any other as she opened up the store and began checking things. Upon opening a closet, to her surprise, a body was sitting up and leaning against the wall with a bullet in the head. Why at her place of business? Wide-eyed and filled with surprise, and after careful thinking, Irene called the police. Once they arrived and confronted her, she was taken down to the station and questioned. Why? Would she be considered their number one suspect, or do they have others? Why doesn't anything add up in this web of a mystery? Could someone else in town be involved? Or maybe several someones? Someone maybe Irene knows? Maybe Adele knows? Uncertainty begins to fill the air as the plot thickens. The characters kept me on my toes with this one as I tried to stay ahead of the clues. A wonderful read.
Irene's day started out like any other as she opened up the store and began checking things. Upon opening a closet, to her surprise, a body was sitting up and leaning against the wall with a bullet in the head. Why at her place of business? Wide-eyed and filled with surprise, and after careful thinking, Irene called the police. Once they arrived and confronted her, she was taken down to the station and questioned. Why? Would she be considered their number one suspect, or do they have others? Why doesn't anything add up in this web of a mystery? Could someone else in town be involved? Or maybe several someones? Someone maybe Irene knows? Maybe Adele knows? Uncertainty begins to fill the air as the plot thickens. The characters kept me on my toes with this one as I tried to stay ahead of the clues. A wonderful read.
January 14, 2017
This is definitely a 'cosy' mystery. lots of fun with a bit of intrigue.
For me, it was too busy .. so much happening, too much coming and going, so many people involved and a tad confusing as to whether they were 'goodies' or 'baddies'!
However, the core characters of Irene, Adelle and Angel made for very entertaining sleuths; A little more simplicity wouldn't go amiss though. Enjoyable read.
For me, it was too busy .. so much happening, too much coming and going, so many people involved and a tad confusing as to whether they were 'goodies' or 'baddies'!
However, the core characters of Irene, Adelle and Angel made for very entertaining sleuths; A little more simplicity wouldn't go amiss though. Enjoyable read.
September 8, 2016
*I received a copy of this upcoming book from Random House/Alibi via NetGalley in exchange for a fair, honest review**
Irene Seligman is a successful assistant district attorney in Manhattan. She enjoys her Brooklyn apartment and city life. But then her elderly mother's sixth husband dies unexpectedly, leaving her mother destitute and exceedingly needy. Seligman is guilted into moving back to Santa Fe to help her mother. She loves the old, run-down home she grew up in, but knows they will have to have a substantial, reliable source of income to be able to afford to live. She decides to open up a used high-fashion clothing boutique because she isn't licensed to practice law in New Mexico. With the help of her mother's knowledge of high fashion, Irene prepares to open Irene's Closet: A Second Look at Haute Couture. Just two hours away from the shop's grand-opening, Irene discovers a dead woman in the store's storage room. The woman is dressed in a $4,000 Prada outfit, but the look is not well-accessorized by the bullet hole in her head. The dead woman was one of her mother's friends, so Irene starts asking questions. Following a threatening phone call ordering her to stop her investigation, the body of another Santa Fe socialite is discovered in Irene's shop. Fearing for her mother's safety and the reputation of her new business, Irene knows she must discover the identity of the killer quickly before anyone else dies.
I had a bit of trouble getting "into'' this story because I was just shocked that a prosperous Manhattan prosecuting attorney would leave her job to go back to Santa Fe just because her 70-year old mother gave her a guilt trip. I just kept thinking that the more common sense solution would have been to help her mother financially, not drop her job and relocate back to New Mexico to live with her elderly mother. And, at times, the main character did not behave like someone who is familiar with criminal cases, suspects and police procedure, as an assistant DA would be. At one point when she is brought in for questioning about the first body discovered in her shop, Irene keeps yelling that she wants an attorney, to the irritation of the officers driving her to the station. I don't believe an assistant DA from Manhattan would have handled the situation that abysmally. But....those two annoyances did not harm my enjoyment of the story all that much. The mystery portion of the plot was well-written and engaging. There were plenty of suspects and interesting angles to the investigation. As in most cozy mysteries, Irene goes about sleuthing without thinking about the danger she might be in, or any thought at all about whether she is hampering the official police investigation or not. At one point, she is threatened with a gun but still continues to investigate without calling the police or informing them of the situation. It's pretty formula in cozy mysteries for the main character to jump in and investigate as if they have more knowledge or expertise than the local police --- but, it is a bit more serious when guns are being drawn, right? I was able to read past that as well, as we all know that in a cozy mystery the main character is not going to be shot in the face, even if she is dancing all around the murderer urging them to do it. There were some great plot twists and interesting developments that kept the pace moving throughout this book. It kept me guessing up to the end!
So, despite some formula plot aspects, this was an enjoyable, suspenseful cozy mystery! I will definitely be reading more by Paula Paul! She is also the author of the Dr Alexandra Gladstone mystery series. There are five books in that series so far.
A Killer Closet releases October 11th from Random House/Alibi. I highly recommend it for all cozy mystery fans, especially those who love the Santa Fe area and high fashion!
For more information on the author and her books, check out her website: www.paulapaul.net
Irene Seligman is a successful assistant district attorney in Manhattan. She enjoys her Brooklyn apartment and city life. But then her elderly mother's sixth husband dies unexpectedly, leaving her mother destitute and exceedingly needy. Seligman is guilted into moving back to Santa Fe to help her mother. She loves the old, run-down home she grew up in, but knows they will have to have a substantial, reliable source of income to be able to afford to live. She decides to open up a used high-fashion clothing boutique because she isn't licensed to practice law in New Mexico. With the help of her mother's knowledge of high fashion, Irene prepares to open Irene's Closet: A Second Look at Haute Couture. Just two hours away from the shop's grand-opening, Irene discovers a dead woman in the store's storage room. The woman is dressed in a $4,000 Prada outfit, but the look is not well-accessorized by the bullet hole in her head. The dead woman was one of her mother's friends, so Irene starts asking questions. Following a threatening phone call ordering her to stop her investigation, the body of another Santa Fe socialite is discovered in Irene's shop. Fearing for her mother's safety and the reputation of her new business, Irene knows she must discover the identity of the killer quickly before anyone else dies.
I had a bit of trouble getting "into'' this story because I was just shocked that a prosperous Manhattan prosecuting attorney would leave her job to go back to Santa Fe just because her 70-year old mother gave her a guilt trip. I just kept thinking that the more common sense solution would have been to help her mother financially, not drop her job and relocate back to New Mexico to live with her elderly mother. And, at times, the main character did not behave like someone who is familiar with criminal cases, suspects and police procedure, as an assistant DA would be. At one point when she is brought in for questioning about the first body discovered in her shop, Irene keeps yelling that she wants an attorney, to the irritation of the officers driving her to the station. I don't believe an assistant DA from Manhattan would have handled the situation that abysmally. But....those two annoyances did not harm my enjoyment of the story all that much. The mystery portion of the plot was well-written and engaging. There were plenty of suspects and interesting angles to the investigation. As in most cozy mysteries, Irene goes about sleuthing without thinking about the danger she might be in, or any thought at all about whether she is hampering the official police investigation or not. At one point, she is threatened with a gun but still continues to investigate without calling the police or informing them of the situation. It's pretty formula in cozy mysteries for the main character to jump in and investigate as if they have more knowledge or expertise than the local police --- but, it is a bit more serious when guns are being drawn, right? I was able to read past that as well, as we all know that in a cozy mystery the main character is not going to be shot in the face, even if she is dancing all around the murderer urging them to do it. There were some great plot twists and interesting developments that kept the pace moving throughout this book. It kept me guessing up to the end!
So, despite some formula plot aspects, this was an enjoyable, suspenseful cozy mystery! I will definitely be reading more by Paula Paul! She is also the author of the Dr Alexandra Gladstone mystery series. There are five books in that series so far.
A Killer Closet releases October 11th from Random House/Alibi. I highly recommend it for all cozy mystery fans, especially those who love the Santa Fe area and high fashion!
For more information on the author and her books, check out her website: www.paulapaul.net
October 11, 2016
I am impressed at how much mystery the author could stuff into this exciting short story. ‘A Killer Closet’ is a sometimes fun but overall suspenseful and hair-raising novel set in the beauty of Santa Fe. Irene moved back home after being an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan. Her mother Adelle’s most recent husband had died, and her mother couldn’t bear to live alone. She had no money as her late husband left everything to his children and now in her 70’s, Adelle is afraid to live alone. She was spoiled by her husbands and never had to be responsible. Irene was raised by her paternal grandmother as Adelle kept marrying men who took her travelling around the world.
Irene’s Closet began because Irene knows she needs income, even though she lives with Adelle in the home in her father’s family for generations. Her professional experience in the Big Apple would help her sell upscale designer clothing on consignment. Hours before the grand opening of Irene’s Closet, Irene finds the body of a woman who was shot dead and hidden in a closet in her shop.
The deceased woman, Loraine, was a friend of Adelle’s. Loraine had an affair with someone in a position of authority while her husband traveled for business. Adelle’s friends were visiting that evening when the police take Irene in for questioning. At the cop shop, she meets an attorney, PJ, who was well known by almost everyone in town and he offered to represent her if needed.
Susana, one of Adelle’s friends, came to the shop to put clothes on consignment. Susana was afraid; she knew unsavory secrets about things Loraine’s gentleman friend was involved in. She was afraid Adelle might also know and be at risk. Susana was then found murdered…where else but in Irene’s Closet? With few clues to go on, and some characters not being who they seemed, Adelle, Irene, and friends old and new try to find out who the bad guy/ gal might be before another of their friends is murdered.
The characters are interesting, some defined in depth, such as Irene and Angel, her store assistant. Others are part of the “appearances” crowd, overly concerned with what other people thought or exaggerating stories to impress others. Irene is extremely intelligent and somewhat pragmatic. That she returns to her hometown to help Adelle speaks very highly of her! Angel, a young man who has seen more of the world than he should, is intelligent and caught on quickly how to cater to clients at Irene’s Closet. Some characters who might be considered suspects are minimally defined until their true role was demonstrated. I like Irene, and find a sad humor in Adelle’s ways; after ‘listening’ to her more, I was able to like her much better.
There are enough plot twists to keep a reader on their toes! Each twist resulted in huge changes to the story; it was a challenge to even guess who the real bad guy or gal would be. It was like being in a fun house, where appearances are distorted. The searches Irene and Adelle went on to find the truth became hair-raising and the mettle of their relationship was tested. Overall, I enjoyed this novel and found the conclusion satisfying. I highly recommend ‘A Killer Closet’ to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries with quirky characters and hard-to-solve crimes.
With a grateful heart, I received a copy of this eARC from the publisher and NetGalley with an honest review requested, not required. All opinions are my own.
Irene’s Closet began because Irene knows she needs income, even though she lives with Adelle in the home in her father’s family for generations. Her professional experience in the Big Apple would help her sell upscale designer clothing on consignment. Hours before the grand opening of Irene’s Closet, Irene finds the body of a woman who was shot dead and hidden in a closet in her shop.
The deceased woman, Loraine, was a friend of Adelle’s. Loraine had an affair with someone in a position of authority while her husband traveled for business. Adelle’s friends were visiting that evening when the police take Irene in for questioning. At the cop shop, she meets an attorney, PJ, who was well known by almost everyone in town and he offered to represent her if needed.
Susana, one of Adelle’s friends, came to the shop to put clothes on consignment. Susana was afraid; she knew unsavory secrets about things Loraine’s gentleman friend was involved in. She was afraid Adelle might also know and be at risk. Susana was then found murdered…where else but in Irene’s Closet? With few clues to go on, and some characters not being who they seemed, Adelle, Irene, and friends old and new try to find out who the bad guy/ gal might be before another of their friends is murdered.
The characters are interesting, some defined in depth, such as Irene and Angel, her store assistant. Others are part of the “appearances” crowd, overly concerned with what other people thought or exaggerating stories to impress others. Irene is extremely intelligent and somewhat pragmatic. That she returns to her hometown to help Adelle speaks very highly of her! Angel, a young man who has seen more of the world than he should, is intelligent and caught on quickly how to cater to clients at Irene’s Closet. Some characters who might be considered suspects are minimally defined until their true role was demonstrated. I like Irene, and find a sad humor in Adelle’s ways; after ‘listening’ to her more, I was able to like her much better.
There are enough plot twists to keep a reader on their toes! Each twist resulted in huge changes to the story; it was a challenge to even guess who the real bad guy or gal would be. It was like being in a fun house, where appearances are distorted. The searches Irene and Adelle went on to find the truth became hair-raising and the mettle of their relationship was tested. Overall, I enjoyed this novel and found the conclusion satisfying. I highly recommend ‘A Killer Closet’ to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries with quirky characters and hard-to-solve crimes.
With a grateful heart, I received a copy of this eARC from the publisher and NetGalley with an honest review requested, not required. All opinions are my own.
July 23, 2016
Title: A Killer Closet
Author: Paula Paul
Series: n/a
Pages:
Publisher: Alibi
Date: October 11, 2016
Summary:
Irene Seligman loves the warmth and beauty of her Southwest hometown, but only one thing could make her quit her prestigious job as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan to return there: the guilt applied by her demanding mother, Adelle. After Adelle’s most recent husband dies, leaving her with nothing, Irene decides to take a break from prosecuting criminals to move back to Santa Fe and open an upscale consignment store. With Irene’s determination and her mother’s eye for haute couture, they’re sure to make a killing.
But on the day of the grand opening, Irene discovers the body of one of Adelle’s friends in her storeroom. And although the intrigue causes business to boom, when someone else from Adelle’s social circle is murdered, Irene begins to suspect her mother might be in danger too. Ever the protective daughter, Irene investigates her mother’s friends, suspicious that they’re hiding more than designer clothes in their closets. But as she gets closer to uncovering some real skeletons, Irene might not live to regret coming home again.
Review:
“There was a dead woman in Irene’s Closet.”
As soon as I read the first line of this book, I thought it was going to be good.
Boy, was I wrong?!
Only two of the characters were likable: Irene and Angel and I didn’t even like Irene all that much. Even the good guys got on my nerves.
The setting is Santa Fe, New Mexico and at times the book read like a travelogue. I’ve been there. Santa Fe is gorgeous, but all the extraneous information did nothing to advance the story.
And another thing, Irene runs an upscale consignment shop, and I mean upscale. We’re talking Prada, not Liz Claiborne. Of course, the clothing was integral to the subplot about her store, but I thought the multiple descriptions of how much she charged in contrast to what something cost retail were unnecessary.
There were contradictions and repetitive statements. Maybe these will be caught with editing, but a beta reader should have caught them before the book went to reviewers.
I have read another book by Paula Paul, Medium Dead, and I really enjoyed it. It was the fourth in a series, but still managed to hold my interest. This book is nowhere near the same quality. Unfortunately, based on my opinion of A Killer Closet, I am done. I won’t waste my time on another book.
This book was sent to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Author: Paula Paul
Series: n/a
Pages:
Publisher: Alibi
Date: October 11, 2016
Summary:
Irene Seligman loves the warmth and beauty of her Southwest hometown, but only one thing could make her quit her prestigious job as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan to return there: the guilt applied by her demanding mother, Adelle. After Adelle’s most recent husband dies, leaving her with nothing, Irene decides to take a break from prosecuting criminals to move back to Santa Fe and open an upscale consignment store. With Irene’s determination and her mother’s eye for haute couture, they’re sure to make a killing.
But on the day of the grand opening, Irene discovers the body of one of Adelle’s friends in her storeroom. And although the intrigue causes business to boom, when someone else from Adelle’s social circle is murdered, Irene begins to suspect her mother might be in danger too. Ever the protective daughter, Irene investigates her mother’s friends, suspicious that they’re hiding more than designer clothes in their closets. But as she gets closer to uncovering some real skeletons, Irene might not live to regret coming home again.
Review:
“There was a dead woman in Irene’s Closet.”
As soon as I read the first line of this book, I thought it was going to be good.
Boy, was I wrong?!
Only two of the characters were likable: Irene and Angel and I didn’t even like Irene all that much. Even the good guys got on my nerves.
The setting is Santa Fe, New Mexico and at times the book read like a travelogue. I’ve been there. Santa Fe is gorgeous, but all the extraneous information did nothing to advance the story.
And another thing, Irene runs an upscale consignment shop, and I mean upscale. We’re talking Prada, not Liz Claiborne. Of course, the clothing was integral to the subplot about her store, but I thought the multiple descriptions of how much she charged in contrast to what something cost retail were unnecessary.
There were contradictions and repetitive statements. Maybe these will be caught with editing, but a beta reader should have caught them before the book went to reviewers.
I have read another book by Paula Paul, Medium Dead, and I really enjoyed it. It was the fourth in a series, but still managed to hold my interest. This book is nowhere near the same quality. Unfortunately, based on my opinion of A Killer Closet, I am done. I won’t waste my time on another book.
This book was sent to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review.
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