Member Reviews
Cookie Chanel lives in Sugar Creek, Georgia and owns a vintage clothing shop, It's Vintage Y'all. She also communicates with ghosts and has her own resident spirit named Charlotte that she 'picked up' while at the deceased woman's estate sale. Currently she's at a photo shoot in a graveyard (!) with a group of models and an obnoxious photographer when a shot rings out and she finds the photographer's dead body.
Unfortunately, this also brings another ghost to her, a 1920's flapper named Minnie who can't remember why she's there but thinks it might have something to do with the pearls Cookie recently bought that match exactly the ones Minnie is wearing.
Her boyfriend, Homicide Detective Dylan Valentine, also knows about the ghosts and seems accepting of that fact, which says a lot about how he feels about Cookie. But when Dylan asks her to stay out of the investigation, Cookie never really agrees, deciding to find out who killed the man. Still, there are surprises in store, such as where did the black cat in the graveyard come from, and why has he decided to latch onto Cookie; what happened to Heather (who's discovered something interesting), and who's trying to kill Cookie? If Dylan - or Cookie - don't figure it out soon, she'll be the next ghost to visit someone hoping to solve the crime...
Because I enjoyed all the others in this series, I had high hopes for what appears to be the finale; but unfortunately, it didn't measure up. The writing seemed disjointed somehow; almost as if the author wanted to get the book out of the way and go on to other books. The conversations were between Cookie and her ghosts were boring, and half of them didn't make any sense.
I also didn't (still) understand why Charlotte kept pushing Cookie to go to listen to conversations when she, as a ghost, could have done so much easier and not been detected. Why was she pushing Cookie to get into possibly dangerous situations when she could have gone anywhere undetected? Charlotte has a knack for encouraging Cookie to go do something that will get her into trouble, and then denying she had anything to do with it. (No wonder someone killed her.)
And why was Cookie even investigating? In the previous books, the ghosts had always asked Cookie to find out who killed them and why - but this time, there was no such scenario. There was no ghost hanging around her demanding she discover who killed him. (Yes, there was the 'ghost cat' but he wasn't hounding her constantly and following her around demanding she find his murderer). Yet for some odd reason, she felt the need to figure it out. (Because of this, I had a hard time believing that she would just stay out of Dylan's future investigations). Cookie usually isn't as stupid as she was in this book, just walking into potentially dangerous situations and even leaving behind a police officer that was assigned to protect her (note to officer: they don't fall asleep on stakeouts if they value their jobs).
I also, unfortunately again, didn't think the reason the man was murdered was plausible, and we were left with some unanswered questions that bothered me. I also felt that as far as the vintage thing goes, Dylan and everyone else went a little over the top for Cookie. It all came off as too saccharine for me; it could have been so much better. It was fine for a quick mystery read.
Cookie Chanel is at a photo shoot in a cemetery. She has the provided vintage outfits for the models, and is anxious to finish and get back to her store. After all, there's no reason for her to be afraid - she already sees and talks to ghosts! Unfortunately, there is a reason to be afraid. The obnoxious photographer, Tyler, is shot and killed during a break. Was it one of the models, an annoyed assistant, or an angry model's boyfriend? Cookie thrusts herself in the middle of the investigation (as usual), and begins to look around. In the meantime, Minnie Lynn, a new ghost presumably from the 1920s, shows up to hang out with Cookie and her full-time ghost friend, Charlotte. To make things even more interesting, when investigating the scene of the crime at night, Cookie encounters a black cat which later tells her it is the spirit of the deceased photographer.
Cookie works her magic and solves the case, despite much personal danger (including a kidnap attempt). I enjoy the series, and the end was really adorable.
It is always fun to take a spin into the vintage world of Cookie Chanel. Seeing ghosts is what she's good at, even though it makes her nuts.
When a new gig has her dressing models in a cemetery, it's up to Cookie and her ghostly sidekicks to figure things out.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I have read every book in this series and enjoyed most. The last couple of stories have been a bit stale and I was almost ready to quit reading them. I'm glad I held out for this one, which seems like it may be the last. These are lovable characters and the hijinks are always funny. This book helped to redeem the series in my opinion and fans should definitely give it a read!
This is the seventh installment in this series and appears to be the last unless the author and publish decide to keep it. This is the first in this series that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Cookie Chanel owns a vintage clothing store (It’s Vintage Y’All) and she can see ghosts. In fact her best friend Charlotte is a ghost along with the spirit of her Grandmother in her cat. It is fall in Sugar Creek Georgia and Cookie has been hired to dress models for an upcoming photo shoot for a fashion magazine. The photo shoot is taking place in a cemetery and during the photo shoot Cookie meets a new ghost just as shots are fired which kills the photographer. This a quirky mystery and I enjoyed it. Wish I had read the series from the very beginning but will have to go back and do that. Will also need to look for other books from this author. Recommend.
Cookie Chanel is back again. This time she's got the ghost of a 1920s flapper who joins her in a cemetery where a fashion shoot is going on. Cookie is the clothing expert. Too bad the photographer is a jerk. A dead jerk before all is said and done. A dead jerk who also joins Cookie's crew as a black cat.
This book was okay but not at all up to the levels of the others in this series. This was definitely more disjointed and the story lines just sort of petered out.
Three stars
This book came out December 18
ARC kindly provided by publisher and NetGalley
Princess Fuzzypants here: I hate it when a book lets me down especially when it is the latest in a good series. I was enjoying the story enormously. I have become quite fond of Cookie, her resident ghosts and all the others who populate her world. It’s tough to find that fine balance between entertaining and over the top and this series has it down to a science.
Cookie gets involved in the murder of a photographer doing a fashion shoot in a cemetery. Along the way she picks up a rather sweet new ghost and another kitty with whom the murder victim now shares his furry black body. Since her grandmother is joined with her kitty Wind Song, things are as normal as they ever are. She even has her detective boyfriend accepting her paranormal normal and her best friend Heather suddenly can see the ghosts too. All well and good.
There is lots of action and tense moments as the killer stalks and tries to harm Cookie. So why would an intelligent woman follow her prime suspect in a vehicle out into the woods-alone except for her ghostly companions? I like suspense and I like some tingles to my spine. I get frustrated when my heroine acts like one the dumb females in a horror movie. There was a slight redemption in the way Cookie’s spectral assistants helped her but it forces me to rate this book lower than I would have liked.
Until that point, it was five purrs and two paws up. It dropped to four purrs and two paws up- good when it could have been great.
Somehow I've missed the other books in this series. So obviously they can be read out of order, but since it is a series I suggest reading them in order. I never felt lost with who was who or what was going on. I enjoyed the ghosts, the mystery and the characters. I will be going back and finding the ones I have missed. The interaction between Cookie Chanel and regular ghostly friend Charlotte is fun and has the interactions that two living friends might have.
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
This is number seven in this delightful series and it is just as enjoyable as the previous six. I read a wide range of mystery genres from soft cozy to edgy and this is one of my standbys for the perfect retreat from reality. Ghosts will do it for me every time. Cookie Chanel is the lady to talk to about ghostly happenings and ghosts themselves. Her best friend, Charlotte, is a ghost. Her other best friend, Heather, has the store next door and she does Tarot readings. Cookie sells vintage clothing, something I have not investigated. I know nothing about fashion but that hasn't lessened my love for Cookie's world. You see, not all the ghosts in her life are (were) human. Her Grandmother Pearl was a ghost until a seance somehow went wrong and Pearl ended up sharing the furry body of Cookie's cat, Wind Song. Now Pearl communicates via a Ouija board. They will all have to work together to find out who killed the obnoxious photographer who was doing a fashion shoot in the local cemetery, shot dead behind a head stone. Cookie was involved because her vintage clothing was being photographed. Charlotte was there, too along with a new addition to the ghostly crew - Minnie Lynn from the 1920's. None of them saw anything.
One of the best things about this series is Cookie getting help from her ghostly friends. They can get information that Cookie can't. Cats can go places, too and not get caught snooping. It's a great way to solve murders. Each mystery can be read as a stand alone but the character development grows with each book when read in order. The mysteries are satisfying and are a great escape for a few hours.
This book was fun to read and entertaining.
It was the first I read in this series and it can be read as a standalone even if it will make you crave for more.
I loved the cast of characters, well written and likeable.
The mystery was good, no plot hole, and it was enjoyable even if it was not hard to guess the culprit.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC
Rose Pressey always delivers a great story. I love the interaction between Cookie and her ghost friends. This installment is pure fun. A nasty male model in the body of a cat, Ouija boards and some great sleuthing.
This is the 7th book in this beloved series and a excellent fun addition to the series ! I have read the entire series and highly recommend each book in the series. This book can be read as a stand alone however it is recommended to read the prior books in the series as you will adore each and every book. This is the cozy mystery series for all who enjoy reading mysteries with a paranormal edge and good humor.
Cookie Chanel (love her name) is the owner of a vintage clothing shop named "It's Vintage Y'All" in Sugar Creek, Georgia. She loves all things vintage , wears vintage clothing and drives her grandfather’s 1948 Buick convertible. She is one of my favorite protagonist with her sense of style, her fabulous business and her humor . Cookie is smart, capable and loves her life . Cookie is unique in that she has the ability to see and speak with ghosts , Wind Song, is her cat and is psychic. Her cat uses Ouija boards and Tarot cards to communicate with her through her deceased Grandma Pearl. A ghost is attached to Cookie named Charlotte who came with some vintage clothing she bought at a estate. The three are funny and insightful and a great trio to solve crimes together.
Cookie was hired to provide vintage pieces for a fashion magazine and to attend the shoot to style the pieces at Sugar Creek Cemetery. Soon a a gunshot rings out and Cookie finds a employee of the magazine dead. Then a new ghost speaks to her from the 1920s. Cookie finds some evidence the authorities overlooked, and a new cat appears who also communicates with the Ouija board and turns out to be the dead mans spirit. Heather Sweet, her best friend and the owner of an occult shop, is able to see and communicate with Charlotte and the new ghost. With the help of the ghosts and cats, and her best friend Cookie begins her investigation and is on the case with clues provided by the ghosts that the detectives cannot understand or realize.
I love this series for the quirky charcters, both human and ghost. For the friendship and compassion Cookie shows to every ghost as she incorporates them into her life. She is a great sleuth who always finds her suspect. The setting of the vintage shop is a delight as is the well crafted series of clues that kept me guessing. This was a fun addition to this series and I look forward to the next in series. Thank you for the ARC which does not influence my review.
This was a fun read. I haven't read any of the other Haunted Vintage mysteries, but probably will after this. It was smart and fun, with just the right amount of spook and magic.
The characters in this book are adorable, and work together well. Cookie runs a vintage fashion shop, and I liked the dash of fashion in the story, as well. And the spirits. Oh, the spirits. Cookie's best friend Charlotte is a ghost, and her grandmother's spirit lives in the body of her cat. It's delightfully quirky and fun.
A great choice for cozy mystery fans.
Fashions Fade, Haunted is Eternal by Rose Pressey is the 7th book in A Haunted Vintage Mystery series, and another fun book. Cookie Chanel is helping out with vintage clothing for a model shoot in the cemetery. With the help of ghost Charlotte, her grandmother, who appears as the cat Wind Song, and a new ghost from the 1920's Minnie, they work to solve a present day murder of the photographer. This book/ series is a fun paranormal cozy mystery series that does not disappoint. I recommended this book/series.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Cookie Chanel, the owner of the chic clothing store “It’s Vintage Y’All” in Sugar Creek, Georgia, has been hired to dress models for a fashion shoot. The spread will be featured in Fashion and Style magazine's October issue, so the models are posing in a cemetery. As someone who can see and talk to ghosts, Cookie's not spooked by the location. But she is surprised when a new ghost appears, decked out in 1920s couture. And she's shocked when she hears a gunshot. Then a model runs toward her, saying the grumpy photographer has been edited out of the picture, for good. With help from her ghostly pals, Cookie must zoom in on the truth before she’s the next to strike a final pose.
--
Series: A Haunted Vintage Mystery - Book 7
Author: Rose Pressey
Genre: Cozy/Paranormal Mystery
Publisher: Kensington Books
Rose Pressey’s “A Haunted Vintage Mystery” from Kensington Books is an enduring, fun and highly well-written series that leaves readers smiling and happy. Her heroes are easy to empathize with, her villains are easy to dislike, and her victims are everything you want a murder victim to be. They are cold, selfish and egotistical, rude and downright obnoxious at times. And her ghosts are entertaining! In Fashion Fades, Haunted is Eternal, once again, Rose has orchestrated a well-rounded plot-driven story that is made to keep the reader guessing and entertained.
Cookie is finding that working with a photographer who is rude and nasty is not her idea of fun. The models look great in the clothes she picked, but they aren’t any happier with the Photographer than she is. But when he takes a break to take a call, and a gunshot rings out, Cookie jumps in to help solve the crime. With the help of her cat who happens to be her grandmother, her ghost sidekick, Charlotte, and a couple of new additions, she soon learns the truth but places herself in grave danger. This isn’t the first time Cookie has been in this situation, she seems destined to be involved whenever there is murder.
Fashions Fade, Haunted is Eternal is a great addition to the series and will thrill readers with its twists and turns. This book can stand on its own but would be better if the reader has already read the other books in the series. Character development is essential, and this series and book show how accomplished characters should be written. The hints on how to buy vintage clothing are a wonderful addition as chapter headings. And the surprises at the end of the will leave the reader amazed.
I highly recommend this book as well as the series to readers who want their characters full of excitement, and their killers remorseless. Wit just enough paranormal activity to keep disbelief at bay.
ARC provided by NetGalley
Fashions Fade, Haunted Is Eternal is the seventh book in Rose Pressey’s A Haunted Vintage Mystery series. There is excellent background information, which allows this book to be read as a stand-alone. This is an entertaining cozy paranormal mystery with well-developed characters, and twists and turns as well as several.
Cookie Chanel loves all things vintage and is the owner of a vintage clothing shop named It's Vintage Y'All in Sugar Creek, Georgia. She only wears vintage clothing and drives her grandfather’s 1948 Buick convertible. Cookie has the ability to see and speak with ghosts and her cat, Wind Song, is psychic and uses Ouija boards and Tarot cards to communicate with her, and is her deceased Grandma Pearl. Charlotte Meadows is a ghost who was attached to clothing Cookie found at an estate sale, and Charlotte has adopted her. Tyler Fields hired Cookie to provide vintage pieces for a feature article in the October issue of a fashion magazine and to attend the shooting in Sugar Creek Cemetery. During a break in the shooting, a gunshot is heard, and Cookie finds Tyler dead, and a new ghost speaks to her. The new ghost, Minnie Lynn, is from the 1920s and attached herself to Cookie when she recently purchased a strand of pearls at an estate sale. On a second visit to the cemetery, Cookie finds some evidence the authorities overlooked, and a new cat appears who also communicates with the Ouija board and turns out to be Tyler’s spirit. Heather Sweet, her best friend and the owner of an occult shop, is suddenly able to see and communicate with Charlotte and Minnie. With the help of the ghosts and cats, Cookie begins her amateur investigation even though she knows that her boyfriend, Detective Dylan Valentine, won’t appreciate her nosing into his case.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Cookie Chanel--owner of the chic clothing store It's Vintage Y'All in Sugar Creek, Georgia--has been hired to dress models for a fashion shoot. The spread will be featured in Fashion and Style magazine's October issue--so the models are posing in a cemetery. As someone who can see and talk to ghosts, Cookie's not spooked by the location. But she is surprised when a new ghost appears, decked out in 1920s couture. And she's shocked when she hears a gunshot. Then a model runs toward her, saying the grumpy photographer has been edited out of the picture - for good. With help from her ghostly pals, Cookie must zoom in on the truth before she's the next to strike a final pose
This series is just fun to read. The characters are cute and work together well at amateur sleuthing. I love the mix of humor and mystery in her cozies. She develops her background theme quite well with info and tips on vintage fashion and where to find good deals on vintage items. The background theme doesn't over power the mystery or the characters though....just adds a nice flair. The supernatural elements aren't over-done, but just the icing on the story. This series is enjoyable and always well written. It's great as a fun palate cleanser when my brain gets its fill of horror and crime drama.
For Cookie Chanel, vintage is a lifestyle. With a store of curated vintage clothing and a ghost tagging along, her grandma spirit sharing the body of a cat, and a fabulous boyfriend, this series is a must read.
In this installment, there are new characters and a great plot.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Beware: this appears to be the last book in this series!!! I have loved every book, they are very well written with well developed characters that you will love. Each story brings excitement, laughter, intrigue, and adventure. Enjoy! 📚
Vintage Clothing and Murder
This wonderful cozy mystery is filled with vintage fashion! There is a murder to solve which leads to nighttime visits to the cemetery. The plot is tight, the characters are marvelous. This is a great cozy mystery. This is the seventh book in the series and it stands alone very well. As with all series each book builds upon the last and the experience is better when the books are read in order. I received this ARC book for free and this is my honest review.