This was my first book by this author and I truly enjoyed it.

A nice little cozy mystery that is sent in one of my favorite places . . . Santa Fe. The scenes on the plaza brought back great memories for me of the five Mother's Days in a row that I spent there for business.

A tale of murder, mystery together with an insight into Pueblo customs. I sped right through this enjoyable read!

Thanks to Random House/Alibi and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Not having read the first book in this series, I was still able to get right into this cozy mystery! The characters are such fun, and the mystery flows nicely. I now want to go back and read the first one. I look forward to reading more of this series.

I really enjoyed the Santa Fe setting of this book, and the interesting descriptions of jewelry and Native American artisans. Irene has uprooted her life to help the life of her mother, Adelle, a heroic act if ever there was. Life in Santa Fe is much different than New York, but many of the problems of city life exist there too. It was a good amateur sleuth story.

Book Review Accessories to Die For a Mystery
Book Title: Accessories to Die For a Mystery
Author: Paula Paul
Publish Date: 2017
Publisher: Alibi Ebook Original

Book Blurb: "He was accompanied by a policeman because he was still to be questioned, not only about his knowledge of the murder but about dealers he knew."
This book was a short read. It kept my attention but it was over so fast. In summary, the Kewa Pueblo Indians have a problem with Indian property being stolen. Adele owns the consignment shop and is also a former attorney. Juanita was a seller of water in the square who lived with her nephew. His name was Danny. He got involved in drugs. With the help of Adele and taking matters into his own hands, he and aunt try to help out. His aunt commits a crime in order to save him.
The book was a fast summer read. The action follows quickly from inception. By the end of the book, all the action leads to the end.
Highly recommend it.
Disclosure: I got this book from the publisher.

The description and the setting of Sante Fe, New Mexico drew me to the story. It also helped that I read the first one, Killer Closet and really liked it. What a great story even if there were a few far fetched points. Well written, good characters, and twists. Irene Seligman, a former New York assistant District Attorney turned high-end consignment shop owner is taking care of a very demanding and annoying mother. This installment has Irene trying to keep her friend, Juanita Calabaza out of jail for killing a shady art dealer and Juanita’s son Danny from being killed.
I enjoyed the interwoven tribal history and great southwest flavor in the book. Read it, enjoy it and by all means smile.

Mother Knows Best

There are some unexpected twists and turns in this mystery despite clues which point you in the right direction, and the final denouement is likely to catch you unaware, delightfully. An interesting cast with an unlikely mix of locals which nonetheless works, combined with absolutely amateur sleuthing (none of these folks will be getting PI licenses, despite ample legal knowledge) of the type most non-professionals would probably attempt, plus tidbits of Santa Fe and native cultures provides a charming story with a sense of humor and characters you come to care about.

This is the second book in the series and I had read and enjoyed the first so was pleased to request it from Netgalley. The fact that it had been long enough since reading the first that I'd forgotten a lot of the details was absolutely no hindrance to following this standalone volume. Publisher Alibi's editing and proofing is excellent (and so far I've enjoyed all the authors they represent).

The second book in the Irene's Closet series by Paula Paul is Accessories to Die For. I had read (and enjoyed) the first book in this series although it is not necessary. This book missed the mark for me. The story was disjointed and simply did not flow well. The amount of criminal/illegal activity by everyone involved was unbelievable. The wrap up seemed to be an afterthought to the rest of the book. I did not enjoy this particular book, but I am not giving up on the series.

Princess Fuzzypants here:
When Assistant DA Irene Seligman returns to her home town of Santa Fe to take care of her high maintenance mother, she opens a consignment haute couture shop. She becomes friends with a native woman who makes exquisite jewellery. She learns from the woman, Juanita, that there is a French man who is stealing local artifacts and selling them in Paris. Since Juanita has been vocal about her dislike of the man, when he is murdered, she is considered the prime suspect. Juanita knows she is innocent but worries that her missing son might be the killer.
What follows is a harrowing journey as Juanita searches for her son while trying to avoid the real killers and the law who want to put her in jail. It is a nail biter. Irene is aided by local criminal attorney and her mother who is less help and more stress. There are some shady characters both in the local gangs and drug culture as well as the folks trafficking in stolen artifacts. The story is filled with detail that brings the location to life and just a soupçon of humour in the shenanigans of Irene's mother. It is no wonder Irene moved so far away.
All in all, it is an enjoyable read with fascinating characters,
I give it four purrs and two paws up.

This is only my second Netgalley review. I enjoyed reading about Native American culture and New Mexico. The plot was interesting enough to finish the book but I am uncertain I want to continue the series. The plot was intriguing but found the main characters actions unbelieveable and the minor ones were one dimensionable. The Mother was particularly irritating. I am not into Name Brands- so the name dropping and description ofdesigner clothing did not impress me. The rich descriptions of Native American. rituals, dances and culture was much more interesting.

I really wanted to like this book. I enjoy mysteries, I love the setting of Santa Fe, and I appreciate the native American connection and references. However the characters were so outlandish and mis-matched that I couldn't follow the reasoning behind their actions. Perhaps if I had read the first book in the series I would have understood Irene, the main character and P.J., her supposed friend and possible romantic interest better. But their actions just made no sense. And neither did the actions of anyone else in the story. Irene's mother Adele was so obnoxious I could hardly stand reading about her, and that made the ending even more far-fetched. There were way too many narrow escapes by way too many characters throughout the story, and the switch in voices was a bit confusing as well. I think this author has promise, but better scene setting and background would help subsequent books in the series. On the plus side, it was a quick read and it kept me engaged. Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Accessories to Die For

by Paula Paul

Paula Paul has written a cozy mystery set in Santa Fe and tribal lands near there. As a New Mexican resident for many years, I find her use of this setting well done and effective in Accessories to Die For. She incorporates the drug problems that are all too prevalent there and the Native American culture that binds Catholicism with ancient religious beliefs. Paul showcases the tourist impact and the artisan craftsmanship.

If the author did all of that so well, why am I not excited about this book? I think it is the characters; they are just not very likable. Irene has given up her law career to be with her aging and still self-centered mother Adelle. There is a potential love interest with P.J. an attorney. Both lawyers make bad choices and do stupid (illegal) things along with jewelry artist Juanita who is looking for her druggie son Danny. There is a murder, several assaults, and a major theft. When it is all sorted out, the person who is able to lay out the facts and relationships is realistically the least likely to be able to do so.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Random House (Alibi) for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 3/5

Category: Mystery

Notes: #2 in the Irene’s Closet Series

Publication: December 5, 2017—Random House (Alibi)

Memorable Lines:

Danny Calabaza gave the flute its voice as he sat on a low hill that was sparsely carpeted with the brown and white grass of his tribal land. He had crafted the instrument himself from a piece of cedar wood in the manner of his grandfathers—hollowed from a branch, not split and glued together as some men did now.

The sweet scent of piñon fires wafted around her. It was a seductive scent, promising chile stew and fry bread cooked over the fires as well as warm loaves of bread pulled from the piñon-stoked hornos.

P. J. cleared his throat—something he never did in front of a prosecuting attorney. When a lawyer cleared his throat in a courtroom, it made him appear nervous. But there was something about this woman that threw him off balance. No, he wouldn’t go there. He would just look her in the eye and speak.

“Accessories to Die For” earns 5/5 Heishi Necklaces…Homicide Included!

This is the second book in Paula Paul’s Irene’s Closet series, and as a newbie I worried about not starting the series at the beginning with “A Killer Closet.” However, I was never out of the loop since subtle references to the background and revisiting character connections provided a delightful experience and made me a fan. I am in love of the setting…Santa Fe is a favorite destination, and the references to Native American beliefs and lore was an additional treat. I was intrigued by the premise of Irene Seligman, an assistant district attorney in Manhattan, buckling under with the pressure of her demanding mother Adele to return to her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico—this family dynamic is endearing and frustrating at the same time. Off the main thoroughfare, she opens up Irene’s Closet, an upscale consignment shop, but it’s not all vintage couture and designer cast offs…it is also murder! Yes, now we get into a very entertaining murder mystery with contemporary issues adding to the realism: drug use, gangs, and the acquiring and selling of stolen artifacts. Irene gets involved when Juanita Calabaza, close friend and Native American artisan, becomes a ‘person of interest’ in murder. Juanita has been deeply worried about the disappearance of her son Danny who has become connected with a bad lot and struggled lately with drug use, and things go from worse to worst when Juanita predicts, well more like proclaims, a man connected to her son ‘must die,’ and then…he does. The twists and turns in the investigation are engaging with more than one suspect to ponder, the characters react reasonably to the circumstances, and the exciting end was one I didn’t expect. I highly recommended the Irene’s Closet series, and you can start here or at the beginning, either way it will be an entertaining journey.

Accessories to Die For by Paula Paul is the second in the series of these cozy mysteries.  I would suggest that you read the books in order, once again just to get a full look at the characters.  The first book in the series is A Killer Closet.  The main character in these books is Irene Seligman, who has left her position as assistant district attorney in Manhattan to return to Santa Fe to help her mother, Adelle.  Irene has opened an upscale consignment store.  In Accessories to Die For, Paula steps in to defend her friend Juanita after the mysterious death of an associate of her son.  Seems Juanita has predicted his death which the police find a bit suspicious.

I will admit that I enjoyed the first book better than the second.  But the characters are humorous and the plot does pull you in.

Great mystery to cozy up with! Just enough comedy to feel like real life, and just enough mystery to escape from it! I will definitely be using this title for my adult reading groups!

Fabulous cozy mystery with great characters. I loved that it kept me guessing until the end! I look forward to more from this author.

Irene is a former attorney, consignment shop owner and amateur detective. She’s moved home to take care of her mother. The story takes place in Santa Fe and reveals many interesting Native American traditions. Her close friend Juanita (a jewelry designer) disappears after her son goes missing and is arrested. Irene is determined to find her friend and clear her name. I found the story very interesting. Besides the mystery itself, I loved learning about some of the Native American culture.

This is my first time reading anything in the cozy mystery genre and it was a good read! This book is billed as a standalone but I think I would have enjoyed it much better if I read the first book and would have gotten more of a understanding of the characters. This was my first time reading anything by this author and I enjoyed her storytelling and writing style. The plot held my attention and I couldn’t stop reading until the book was over. The author wrote in such a way that I felt I was in Santa Fe and I loved her description to detail throughout the story. I will definitely be checking out more books from this author.

This book was not what I expecting. I thought it would be a traditional cozy mystery but instead it had gangs, drugs and running from the police, none of which I felt like were conducive to a cozy mystery atmosphere. In addition the story seemed to jump all over the place and a lot of the plot points weren’t very unbelievable. There were a few aspects I liked, such as the main character and a few of the other side characters. I wouldn’t recommend this book if you are looking for a nice cozy mystery read.

Accessories to Die For is the second novel in Paula Paul's mystery series featuring former assistant district attorney, now shop owner, Irene Seligman. When one of Irene's acquaintances, Native American jewelry maker Juanita Calabaza, has her son, Danny, go missing, Irene is drawn into the mystery. Trying to help, Irene becomes embroiled in the investigation to find her friend's missing son.

Simultaneously to Danny's disappearance, a French investor is found murdered. The trouble is what he invested in was Native American antiquities and evidence points to Danny as the thief that stole the tribal necklace and also killed the Frenchman. All was not as it seemed, and there were many other things at play.

With the help of attorney P. J. Bailey, whose current big case intersects with the disappearance of Danny, and, unexpectedly, the help of Irene's mother, the true killer is found and the mystery of the disappearance is solved

Once again, Paula Paul has produced a fast paced interwoven mystery. I did enjoy this book and do recommend it!

Interesting cozy mystery, with some parts seemingly left out. Liked Angel, P.J. and Juanita's characters. Came to like Irene and even her flakey mom! Suspects to the murders seemed to be missing. Rushed in spots. Didn't read first book in series. Still liked the fictional quick read.
Voluntarily read ARC, through Netgalley and publisher, for honest review