“Designs on Murder” earns 4/5 Flapper Frills…Clever & Entertaining!

I am a fan of Gayle Leeson’s (aka Gayle Trent) Down South Café Mystery, so I was eager to read her new series, A Ghostly Fashionista Mystery. As with her other series, she pens a clever mystery with fun-to-follow characters, but this time she's added a bit of the paranormal….just the right amount for my tastes.

Gayle introduces Amanda Tucker, a delightful young woman who is setting up her own retro-style fashion design studio in an old renovated building, Shops on Main, along with other small businesses: jewelry, web design, antique books, stationary, fragrances, and more. But, she's surprised to find that the old mansion comes with its own ghost, and Amanda has the inherited “gift” to see her as plain as any more corporeal body. Maxine “Max” Englebright had passed in 1930, the victim of an accidental fall down the stairs of this same building in which she is essentially trapped. Having spurred Amanda on to take a chance on her dream, she's ecstatic that she has a new friend. But it's the dead body of one of the other small business owners that seems more disturbing. The murder mystery is compelling with twists, turns, ghostly assistance with limitations, and a satisfying conclusion with just the right amount of peril.

This first book isn't complicated, but a very entertaining read with vivid descriptions and fun banter in a first-person narrative. Usually these firsts spend time getting through the introductions of all the characters and their connections, but here it wasn't confusing to follow who is who and how they are related. I greatly enjoyed the BFF nature of the relationship between Amanda and Max, along with a fascinating connection, and the dynamics between Amanda and her “favorite person” Grandpa Dave and the budding romantic with Jason Logan, another small business owner. All of this has made me a more eager fan!

Designs on Murder is the first in the new series by Gayle Leeson, A Ghostly Fashionista Mystery.
This is a clean, easy to read Cozy mystery with a great setting and a great story with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end.
The main characters are Amanda, her grandfather , and Maxi the resident ghost, who passed in the 1930's, that only can be seen by Amanda and Grandpa Dave. I love the relationship between Amanda and Dave.
Amanda steps off the curb and decides to open her new fashion design shop in a charming older building that houses an assortment of other shops. She doesn't even get opened before a business owner is murdered. She starts asking questions and puts herself in danger.
I love all the references to the vintage clothes she is designing and there is a few history references .
You get the mystery, friendship, family values, a budding romance, and even some humor. I am already ready for the next in the series.
I was given an ARC by Netgalley and the publisher.

Designs on Murder by Gayle Leeson is the debut novel in A Ghostly Fashionista Mystery series. Amanda Tucker was on her way home from a job interview when she notices a For Lease sign at the Shops on Main in Abingdon, Virginia. She has dreamed of opening her own boutique to sell her vintage inspired fashions, but her parents (mostly her mother) had numerous objections. Amanda with financial help from Grandpa Dave takes the plunge and leases the shop for Designs on You. Little did Amanda know that the space comes with ghost. Maxine “Max” Englebright died in the 1930s and has been tethered to the property ever since. Amanda is the first person that has been able to see Max. Amanda comes by to set up her new shop to find the place crawling with police. Mark Tinsley, a web designer who rented space upstairs, was found shot in his office. Max, who just read a mystery on Amanda’s tablet, suggests that they solve Mark’s murder. Max can eavesdrop while Amanda talks to suspects and digs for clues. Amanda is worried that one of her fellow shop owners is the killer, so she reluctantly agrees to Max’s plan. Amanda just hopes she will not end up the killer’s next victim and join Max inhabiting the Shops on Main for the next hundred or so years.

Designs on Murder is an entertaining cozy mystery. Amanda Tucker and Max Englebright are delightful characters. I like that Amanda has decided to pursue her dreams by opening a unique dress shop. Amanda dreams up and executes beautiful clothes for her clients. She also has the business degree which will aid her in running a successful business. Max is a feisty woman who died too early. She fell down the stairs when Shops on Main was a home and broke her neck. Max is energetic and uses colorful slang from the 1920s. Dave is a kind, thoughtful man who is an exceptional woodworker. He makes Amanda a bookshelf that I envy. It is sweet how supportive he is of Amanda and how he helps her financially as well as with the staging of the shop. The story includes the shop owners who include Janice (jewelry designer) Connie (Delightful Home), Ford (Antiquated Editions) and Ella & Frank Peterson (design stationery and cards). There is also the landlady, Mrs. Meacham along with her husband, George and son, Brett. They are a unique bunch of characters. The murder mystery was appealing, and I liked how the clues were provided. I thought it was cleverly done. There are charming cozy moments that include talking clothes design, meal times and staging the shop. The author’s conversational writing style is appealing, and the story had a nice steady pace. There is humor in the story thanks to Max (she is quite a character) that had me laughing. Designs on Murder is a diverting cozy mystery that I found a pleasure to read. I look forward to the next A Ghostly `Fashionista Mystery.

Definitely one of the most entertaining cozy mysteries I've read, in a subgenre that consistently produces excellently, DESIGNS ON MURDER initiates what I'm sure will be one of my favourite cozy mystery series. Fashion designer Amanda Tucker, her compassionate and generous Grandpa Dave, and their new best friend, ghostly fashionista Max, who has been attached to her building since about 1931, are fantastic individuals and a champion collective (look out, Nancy Drew!). The plot is just secretive enough to keep the reader guessing, and the denouement smoothly wraps up the case. I am eager to read tge next installment!

DESIGNS ON MURDER by Gayle Leeson
The First Ghostly Fashionista Mystery

When an opportunity to rent a space in a lovely historic building presents itself, Amanda Tucker takes a chance on a dream. The space is perfect for her fashion design shop and, with the help of her grandfather, Amanda sets up business. Amanda is surprised when she discovers her new friend, Max, is a ghost, but that's nothing compared to the shock when another tenant is found shot to death in his office! While Max encourages Amanda to solve the murder herself, Amanda is content to leave matters to the police. After all she has a fledgling business to maintain, as well as a budding romance. But Amanda can't help but notice the suspicious behavior of the other tenants of Shops on Main. Will Amanda uncover the murderer...or will she be the next victim?

A fashion designer who makes custom pieces as well as ready to wear designs, the start of a romance, and a ghost of a 1930s young woman make a unique one of a kind series and this first book got me hooked! I loved the setting, the mystery, and the characters. Max, the ghost, is an absolute hoot! Her commentaries had me giggling more than once. Maxine is more than just a fun side kick, however. There's a depth to her, and it was wonderful to see Amanda start to uncover the truth about Max's past...and her death. As for Amanda, she's a great protagonist. Her general optimism is tempered by her difficult relationship with her parents, making her more real. I also enjoyed her encounters with Jason. I remember similar feelings in my younger days, "Does he like me? No, he couldn't like me, he's just being nice." I look forward to seeing their relationship grow.

DESIGNS ON MURDER is a great start to a charming new series. Wonderfully interesting characters inhabit the historic Shops on Main in Virginia. Fashion, a saucy ghost, and a bit of romance provide a rich backdrop to an intriguing mystery.

A quirky, witty new mystery featuring an aspiring fashion designer and a fashionable ghost for the 1920s. Amanda Tucker decides to open her own fashion studio where she will design and sell custom-made clothing, along with some ready-to-wear items. She settles on The Shops on Main, but no sooner does she sign the papers when a body is discovered in one of the offices upstairs. Undaunted she pursues her dream and with the prodding of Max, her ghost friend, she solves the crime. The Ghostly Fashionista Mysteries promises to be fun.

I have enjoyed previous mysteries by Gayle Leeson and I always like finding a new series. This didn't disappoint me. If you like a well crafted mystery, an engaging female protagonist (or two) and a ghost from the 1920's, give this one a try.
Amanda lives in historical Abingdon, VA, in the house she grew up in. Her grandfather lives not too far away. One day Amanda decides to use her talents of fashion design and business degree and open her own design studio in a converted Victorian house called Shops on Main. It was love at first sight when she saw the ground floor space and, in an instant, knew this was what she wanted to do. When she walked in, she met a very nice young woman wearing a flapper dress, ready to go out for a night on the town. Max had been planning to go out for the evening but that was a long time ago and she was prevented from her evening out when she fell down the stairs of what has become Shops on Main. She has never left because she is a ghost. Honestly, I wouldn't mind having Max as a friend. She also makes a great partner when she joins Amanda in trying to solve the very current murder of one of the shop owners upstairs - a web designer who is found shot to death in his shop. With Max listening in on all of the conversations and goings on in the building, Amanda seeks information outside. Grandpa Dave is also part of the investigation because he, too, can see and converse with Max.
Besides a satisfying mystery there is a budding romance between Amanda and the new upstairs tenant, Jason, a photographer. The list of possible suspects starts with the shop keepers, each with maybe something to hide? Take some time off, settle down and join this great team of snoops while they try to track down a killer. I'm always happy to find a new series to add to my ever growing must read list.

This delightful new series by Gayle Leeson combines the paranormal world with Max, a ghost from the 1920s; fashion through Amanda's designs; a touch of romance, and a murder that throws everything together despite the wishes of the characters.  If nothing else, you will want to read the story for Max and her quirky phrases, which weren't quirky for her time period, as they will give you a chuckle.

The cast of characters is not large and the author does a great job of pushing several characters to the forefront as potential suspects. While these characters may not have committed the act, they are not totally innocent as there are several other sub-stories that tie everything together.  As I was reading the book I kept coming back to one character that just seemed suspicious for some reason.  Turns out I pinned it on the right character!  And there is some resolution tied to other characters that seemed shady.

You will probably fall in love with Grandpa Dave.  He is the sort of family member everyone should have because he looks out for Amanda and supports her hopes and dreams, unlike her mother.  We only get a small glimpse of her mother but let me tell you she is a piece of work!  Thankfully her father is down to earth and help manage her mother's outbursts.

There is the start of a romance between Amanda and Jason.  Jason is a new tenant to the building where Amanda has just opened her shop, so they are getting to know everyone together.  They also have complimentary businesses - she designs clothing and he is a photographer.  I like that they take their relationship slowly and aren't rushing into anything too crazy too soon.

When you read this book (notice I didn't say "if"!) you will want to read the author's notes because she provides detail for Max's actions and reactions based on when she lived in the 20s.  I appreciated the research she did for this book and I am sure you will too.

This was the first time I had read one of Gayle's books and I thoroughly enjoyed it "A Ghostly Fashionista Mystery" series is off to a great start. This series also has a nice hint of the paranormal with the ghost of Max. This book had me hooked from the beginning and I finished in a couple nights.

The mystery was well written and carries through the entire story. There were a couple of twists and turns that I didn't see coming but I did guess the killer halfway through. The author brought all the characters to life for me and I really love a book that makes me feel like I can see everything in my minds eye. I enjoyed the relationship between Amanda and her Grandpa Dave and even the blossoming romance between Amanda and Jason.

I cannot wait to read the next book in this charming series, and I highly recommend this series to all my cozy mystery loving friends.

My Rating 5*
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.

This book grabbed me from the very start! I love how spontaneous and fun the main characters are. A young person just taking life by the horns, even when curve balls are thrown at her, like a murder and resident ghost! The mystery was perfectly written, full of twists and turns that keep you engaged until the very end. I cannot wait to see what else the author has planned!

This Deserves 10 Stars
I would rate this book 10 stars if that were possible. This cozy mystery has everything! The mystery is delicious and multifaceted. There is tons of history. The fashion portion is interesting but not brain numbing. The personal relationships are fun and intricate. There is a light romance as well. One of the main characters is a ghost from the 1920s. The book is infused with flapper era slang that is so refreshing and cute. There is plenty of action and no slow spots. The book ends like a good movie; while the loose ends are tied up, there leaves plenty of room for the imagination to work out the details. I am on a mission to read more of this author's work! I received this ARC book from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

I was so excited to be able to read the first book in a new series by Gayle Leeson. Designs on Murder is part of the Ghostly Fashionista Mystery Series. If the series is going to be anything like this first book, you are going to fall in love with it. Amanda has opened up her new fashion studio in historic Abingdon, Virginia. The shop she leases comes with one of the most loveable characters, Max. She just so happens to be a ghost and becomes Amanda’s best friend. Gayle brought all these characters to life for me very well. I love a book that makes me feel like I am watching everything that is happening. I cannot wait to read the next book in this delightful series, and yes, I would highly recommend this series to everyone who enjoys this genre. I want to thank Gayle, the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

A charming start to a new series that hooked me right in and kept me interested. Amanda and her Grandfather are warm characters and I love the relationship between them along with fashion and ghosts, what's not to love. Looking forward to more.

Wow, I love this new series! I'm a fan of Gayle Leeson's writing and I couldn't wait to read the first book in this new series. I got an advanced copy of this e-book (release date is next week) so I didn't want to wait too long to read this book. The characters and story line are fantastic! I had a hard time putting down my iPad as the story was so interesting.

What would you do if you could see a ghost and they became your new friend? Amanda opens a fashion shop and meets Max (the ghost). The two women quickly become friends. The women help solve a murder along with Amanda's grandpa Dave. Lots of odd things happen along the way, which has Amanda on edge as she suspects various people of being the killer.

I highly recommend this book and look forward to more in the series.

Designs On Murder: A Ghostly Fashionista Mystery (Ghostly Fashionista Mystery Series Book 1)
by Gayle Leeson

Kindle Edition, 212 pages
Expected publication: March 26th 2019 by Grace Abraham Publishing


Goodreads synopsis:
What if you discovered your lively new friend wasn't really...alive? 

Amanda Tucker is excited about opening her fashion design studio in Shops On Main, a charming old building in historic Abingdon, Virginia. She didn't realize a ghost came with the property! But soon Maxine "Max" Englebright, a young woman who died in 1930, isn't the only dead person at the retail complex. Mark Tinsley, a web designer with a know-it-all attitude who also rented space at Shops On Main, is shot in his office. 

Amanda is afraid that one of her new "friends" and fellow small business owners is his killer, and Max is encouraging her to solve Mark's murder a la Nancy Drew. Easy for Max to want to investigate--the ghostly fashionista can't end up the killer's next victim! 

***

4 Stars

I thought this book was a really fun ride. 

As soon as Amanda made the decision to start Designs on You, a fashion design studio, she ran into a lady named Max. Max was cool, quirky and... a ghost, a flapper from the 1930’s. Amanda had been able to see Max as soon as she walked into the building. It was an odd phenomena since Max hadn’t spoken to anyone since she died. Shops on Main, where Amanda opened her business, used to be a Victorian house. She had fallen down the stairs on her way to a date and died instantly.

Not long after she began her business, a man who owned a graphic design business in the building and was getting ready to close it, was found murdered. This put Amanda on edge and made Max want to find out who the killer was. Max was a real go-getter. In her time, she was on the cutting edge of society. She was the first to bob her hair and was an advocate for women’s rights.

Amanda told her Grandpa Dave about Max and when he came to the shop one day, he could see her too!

Max’s meddling had put Amanda in danger more than once during the course of the book. Everyone is a suspect and it is hard to figure out who might have wanted the graphic artist dead. Like I said above, it was just fun, a real joy to read. Can’t recommend it highly  enough.

Definitely check this one out.


I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

I’m a sucker for books based in historical locations and places I have lived in. With an influx of new cozy series choices out there right now, I was looking for a few new options. When I saw this book based in Abingdon, Virginia adding it to my reading list was an easy decision. And I’m glad that I did.

When Amanda Tucker finally follows her passion and opens her own fashion design shop in an old building, she’s not only excited about striking out on her own, she’s excited to find that her lease comes with a resident ghost who died in the property back when it was her family home. But that’s not the only dead resident in the building when one of the other business owners is shot and killed his office.

When grandpa Dave comes to visit Amanda’s shop, it turns out he too can see Max, the resident ghost. Soon the three of them are trying to find out who the murderer is and seem to stumble upon something else sinister going on in the shops. But will Amanda be joining Max, or will the three of them solve the murder before they strike again?

The mystery was well planned out and had a few red herrings to keep you guessing. But when you get the piece of information that helps make things click a bit more, you realize just how brilliantly it was laid out. I am looking forward to seeing how this series builds from here.

A really fun to read cozy mystery. Amanda goes into a shop space for sale, and meets Max, who is bubbly and fun to talk with. Amanda soon finds out she is a ghost, and they become quick friends. When Amanda decides to get the space and open her own dress shop, the happiness is short lived when Mark, another shop owner, is murdered. When Max decides that she and Amanda should become like Nancy Drew, it gets lively. Amanda's relationship with her Grandfather, who can also see Max, and her budding romance with Jason, the new photographer, it has a bunch of fun characters. Highly recommend this one, the only issue I had was the kindle layout was a bit off, but hopefully that can be an easy fix.