"Because that is what we Southern women do. We pull up our stockings, forgive one another and hold our friends close no matter what."
This book is rich in characters. The plot can keep the reader tense and guessing. I received a copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley and this is my own reaction to the story.
I love this book. This is how a story should be written in my opinion. There is no foul language or graphic scenes. It is a murder mystery with sabotage against the innocent. The relationships between the characters adds to the beauty of the story. It definitely features life in a store setting along with racial tension and segregation of the time period. There is a series of things happening throughout the book, moving the story right along. The reader can learn about a "sundown town" and other sad and frightening undertakings of the past.
To me the book had a strong story about women and friendship along with the mystery.
I give this book a 4.5. (The mystery was an easy guess.) The characters and setting are what makes this a wonderful read for me.

I didn't love it. I couldn't finish. It was hard to get into even after several chapters. I didn't feel any connection with the characters, or what was going on.

An interesting mystery where each character will draw you in and bring you to the center of a very believable setting.

The Women of Wynton's is the first book I have read by Donna Mumma and found it to be a great introduction to it. I was entertained with this mid twentieth century cozy mystery. I loved getting to know the four women with different personalities and backgrounds. I was quickly immersed in the mystery they get involved in and had to keep reading to find out how it would all end for them. I thought it was a wonderful tale.

The Women of Wynton's will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I have no doubt that lovers of clean historical mysteries will love it as much as me. I would love to read more from the talented Donna Mumma in the near future.

I received a paperback copy of Donna Mumma's The Women of Wynton's from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

In this fun and exciting 1950s mystery novel, readers follow four women -- Audrey Penault, Mary Jo Johnson, Vivian Sheffield, and Gigi Woodard -- who work at Wynton’s Department Store. Their jobs at Wynton’s give them security and community, and all four women, despite their differences, agree that Mr. Wynton is a fantastic boss. However, when other employees start dying and terrible things happen to Mr. Wynton, the four women must band together to figure out who is behind all of the incidents at work. With so many things conspiring to keep these women apart and destroy Wynton’s, these four capable women have their work cut out for them. The four women are complex, unique, and independent characters, and their differences ensure that their separate chapters do not blend together. Their relationships are also particularly interesting in their development, as each woman has a different dynamic with the other three main characters and the other minor characters. The setting of Wynton’s is also fantastic, as the department store acts as another character in the novel with its centrality to these women’s relationships with each other and the mystery itself. A fascinating and complex 1950s mystery novel, readers who love female friendships and lady detectives will love Mumma’s latest book.

In a 1950s department store, four women—Audrey, a former model turned secretary; Mary Jo, a shy housewife working in cosmetics; Vivian, the proud owner of the bridal salon; and Gigi, a waitress hiding her secrets—find their loyalties tested as mysterious deaths occur. Despite their differences, they unite to protect their beloved employer, Mr. Wynton, from an unknown threat. As they investigate the murders, they must confront the possibility that the culprit might be one of their own.

I wanted to love this book. The setting, the mystery, seemed just up my alley. I enjoyed it but there were a couple things that kept me from loving it. Audrey was an interesting character. I found the other three-Mary Jo, Vivian, and Gigi-more annoying than relatable. I didn’t understand why they so easily hated Audrey, especially when she was nothing but kind.

A lot of scenes were simply a character reacting to something that happened off the page, so I never felt immersed in the story. I kept hoping that the obvious villain was a misdirect, but sadly, that wasn’t the case. So I felt as though I was mentally yelling at the majority of the characters to smarten up and pay attention.

Overall, it had the potential to be a fun story and elements of it were enjoyable. Readers looking for a cozy 1950s mystery may enjoy this one.

The Women of Wynton's by Donna Mumma is a very fun whodunit cozy murder mystery. I was particularly impressed by the plot and character development.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #barbourpublishing for providing an e-ARC for my honest review. All opinions are my own
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The author's vivid descriptions of life in the South during the 1950s transport readers back in time, allowing them to better understand both the ideal and terrible sides of the time period. The author effectively addresses several societal issues, including segregation.

Audrey Penault, the President's executive secretary, is aware of the whispers about her at Wynton's Department Store. It doesn't bother Audrey because she is on a mission to find out what's wrong with the books. With her accounting degree, she can detect and resolve issues. Mr. Wynton has been misled, and Audrey will get to the bottom of the mayhem.

Audrey seeks advice from Mary Jo Johnson (a new hire and mother balancing work and family life), Vivian Sheffield (a gorgeous wedding boutique owner), and Gigi Woodard (a dedicated and ambitious cafeteria server). Each of these people struggled with Audrey's appeal for help. Will they believe the rumors or the woman seeking their help?

The mystery was enjoyable, even though I guessed who was causing the havoc early on. It did not detract from the story itself. I liked how these women became friends despite their initial doubts. The diversity of perspectives kept things intriguing.

This is the first cozy mystery this author has written. I look forward to her writing more.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516 blogspot

I'm a little late to the party because my computer died. But I did read The Women of Wynton's and what a fun adventure! I have never heard of Donna Mumma before, but I will be happy to read her future books.

The Women of Wynton's takes the reader back to simpler times when women wore dresses, pearls and exotic perfumes. The setting is a glamorous department store run by an elderly gentleman, Mr. Wynton. The story follows four women from different backgrounds who work in different departments. Each woman has a set of issues, strengths and weaknesses that combine to make a colorful read.

When attacks begin to occur and after several assassination attempts on Mr. Wynton, these four ladies must team up to find out who is responsible. The results are a highly enjoyable novel in the spirit of Agatha Christie.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this title. Reading this book was like being transported right into the department store these women work at. So fun!

This is a fun, unique book. It's a quick read. I haven't read many books set in the 50s, which is an interesting time period. I love all of the strong women characters that the storyline features, and the friendships that develop. I also really appreciate the themes (both overt and slightly more subtle messages/ lessons) within. I personally felt like there was a little too much drama or chaos, but it is a fiction novel, so it doesn't necessarily have to feel totally realistic. I would classify this as a cozy mystery, and I enjoyed it. You should check it out!

Welcome to the 1950s where department stores were fast becoming popular. Everyday the stores were in pristine condition awaiting their customers. I remember my grandmother talking about elevator operators whose job was to push the button for each floor and tirelessly work long hours. I loved reading about the fashion of this time period when women dressed in heels and went shopping in the latest style.

The story features four women with different backgrounds who we discover will join together to help out their boss. It was interesting to find out more about each one. I loved how the author brings these four together in a story that is filled with jealousy, greed and a mystery. I was shocked when the first tragedy happened. Poor Mr. Wynton is beside himself as he faces the loss of a family member. The store is shocked as they wonder what is going on behind the scenes at the store.

We do see a bit of history of how people of color are treated as their wages are lower than everyone else’s. The discrimination is hard to understand but it was very much alive during this time period. The author does a great job of illustrating this topic with grace while allowing readers to see what it was like for some.

The mystery is quite good and I had a hard time figuring out who the guilty person was. That ugly word greed sure does stand out in this story as we discover who is desperate enough to kill for money and power. Don’t miss this great story that is a step back in time where a group of women join together to help their boss and catch whoever wants to harm him.

The Women of Wynton’s is a wonderful cozy mystery of historical fiction that you don’t want to wait on picking up! Though the 30s and 40s are my favorite time period, I do enjoy the 50s as well. There’s just something so wonderful about the fashion being so decidedly feminine!

Let’s chat about the book. I call it a cozy mystery because those it does have some faith aspects it is not decidedly Christian. It’s set in the 1950s so historical fiction. And it involves murder!

A group of women must band together to save their store. The only thing they have in common is where they work. I feel like I could relate to each character. The author did an amazing job of fleshing them out and making them real and believable.

Be warned the beginning seems slow as you have to meet all the characters and really get to know them. But the story quickly picks up after that and you won’t want to put it down.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

There was a lot that I loved about this book. Being largely set in a department store in the 1950s was really fun! I enjoyed the different perspectives of several of the store employees throughout the book. While the mystery itself wasn't too difficult to unravel, it was still interesting to see how the characters in the book discovered it and dealt with their revelations.

Wow, what a book! I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't that! It was so mysterious, funny, and just some of the sweetest characters. 🩷
It was a very hard one to put down, trying to guess who did it and waiting for it all to unfold, trying to figure out who to trust and not trust.
If you enjoy a good mystery, this is a perfectly clean, very well written choice!

*I received a copy for review, all opinions are my own

Donna Mumma's story, The Women of Wynton's: A Classy 1950s Mystery, is perfect for fans of historical fiction with a focus on mystery and suspense.

An eclectic friendship develops between a group of ladies who were brought together under unexpected circumstances. Their friendship becomes an energizing relationship, looking out for one another and Wynton's owner while defending their individual careers.

Mumma's vivid descriptions provide authentic details about life in the South during the 1950s, capturing both the positive and negative aspects of the era. The author fearlessly tackles important social issues, such as segregation, which I appreciate. However, the book lacks a strong religious perspective, which I believe would have added depth to the story.

Please note that the mystery in the story may take some dark and disturbing turns, potentially triggering anxiety, so be prepared for that aspect.

If you're a fan of cozy murder mysteries, you'll likely enjoy The Women of Wynton's.

I received this book from Barbour Fiction through NetGalley. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

The 50s. Glamour. Fashion. A time long forgotten. This is a story that brings you back to those magical days.

Wyntons had a long history and tradition. It kind of made me think of Macys. The store had its scandals and rumors ran wild. Of course. Audrey must be sleeping with Mr. Wynton. How else could she have risen so far in the company? Don't this still happen in today's world? The falsehoods and lies that run rampant and can destroy people's reputations.

Audrey loved her job and enjoyed helping other staff reach their potential. But tragedy strikes and Audrey finds herself right in the middle of a murder mystery. Can her fellow employees help her solve this crime?

This book was very entertaining. I enjoyed meeting the Women of Wynton's. They all came from different backgrounds (economic and social). This didn't stop them from forming a closeknit work family which carried over in their personal lives.

I loved it.

Very good story. Loved the setting and the characters. Loved the story. Was a little slow in parts. But I loved the back and forth of characters. Helped show growth.

What a great story to get wrapped up in. I love the 1950s setting. 3d characters, women who work at the store, each with different backgrounds, who see each other's gifts and strengths and come together to solve a mystery that has impact on them all. Murder and subterfuge surround them, yet they are all grateful for the store and the support they receive from each other. So hard to put down. The mystery snowballs until you just have to know what happens next, all while rooting for these girls. Another fave story!
I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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The glamour of the 50s fascinates me, and I love a good suspense book. So I was really looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, I was not the target audience. There was so much detail that while I felt I could see it all, it also seemed bogged down to me. And the naivety of the employees...maybe I'm in the wrong era, but it was so apparent from the beginning who the villain was. I just found it all to be very unbelievable.