This was a quick and fun read, kind of lighter mystery but still a good story and I didn't figure out the killer until the author chose to reveal it. I had my suspicions but wasn't sure why.

Max Walters works in a bridal shop called Wedding Belles and loves her job most of the time, especially because her co-worker Keiko is such a fun and creative person to be around. Working for her boss Darlene isn't always wedding cake and candy though so when Max's friend Eric offers to financially back her in her own wedding shop venture, Max starts dreaming of the day when she can leave Wedding Belles.

In the meantime, Darlene's husband manages the local theater productions and needs someone to fill in as seamstress because his pregnant costume maker is now home on bed rest. Max and Keiko take on the challenge which includes a diva of a lead actress playing Juliet falling to her death from a balcony that doesn't look like it would kill someone to take the fall. When it's ruled accidental, handsome Detective Cruz as much as tells Max that it's ok with him if Max continues to look into things as long as she reports back to him. He remembers her first case even though he won't let her forget that he saved her skin despite the fact that she did solve it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this second book but I definitely want to go back and read the first one. It was easy to get to know the characters even though I hadn't read the first book though. Keiko was such a likable person that I can see why Max enjoys going to work. The author does a great job of fleshing out the characters and I thought the addition of a little old woman who brought tea to the girls at the theater was very cute. You'll have to read and see who she turns out to be. A very enjoyable lighter mystery!

Karen Sue Walker's Murder in Crimson Velvet is the second book in the Bridal Shop Mysteries series. I had read the first book prior to reading this one. While it is not necessary, I think it helped me connect to the characters better. I enjoyed this book even more than the first. Bridal consultant Max and co-worker Keiko get roped into the finishing the costumes for the community theater's production of Romeo and Juliet. When the actress playing Juliet reveals that a psychic says she is going to die, Max thinks she is being dramatic until the actress turns up dead. The characters and story line flow better in this book. The ending created a nice segue for the next book.

Max and friends have another murder mystery on their hands in Murder in Crimson Velvet. There’s nothing quite like a former “mean girl” to get everyone riled up, even long after school is far behind them all. This time it looks like the actress’ death wasn’t as accidental as people thought. Now there’s a murder to solve and keeping out of trouble has never been Max or Keiko’s specialty.

I’ve read both stories (so far) in this series and with established characters now familiar to me, Murder in Crimson Velvet flowed very smoothly. There are twists and turns, a bit of a romance brewing and as always the crazy antics that Max gets herself into while solving this newest mystery. The story is engaging, the dead person had not always been very nice and the villain will take a while to reveal. I enjoyed myself and would recommend this story and the previous to any reader who enjoys a good Cozy Mystery.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Not my type of book, I tried to start it but just couldn't get into anything about this book!

Murder in Crimson Velvet by Karen Sue Walker is the second book in this series.
I really connected with the characters in the first book and I was even more enamored in this one.
Max is a strong, confident woman who is a talented dress maker.
Max fills her time working in a bridal salon, even though her dream is to open her own shop.
Her shop assistant is Keiko, an up and coming fashion designer. Max and Keiko develop a fast friendship and they make me laugh with their crazy sleuthing antics.
I can't wait to read book three!

I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.