The reader is introduced to an Agatha Christie-like cozy mystery meets Inspector Clouseau-style heroine in this charming murder mystery, Design on a Crime: Deadly Decor Mystery.Maybe not a profound whodunit story, but this book packs a wallop with the list of suspects, the main one being designer Haley Farrell, bungled "snoop" sessions, comical happenstances between her arch-rival Dutch and the "Karate Chop Cop", and Haley's downs-and-ups in her faith.The main story may seem more of "who killed Marge", but the sub-plot concerning Haley's faith and her eventual growth in Christ strengthens the storyline.Marge's death leads to Haley's understanding that not everyone is perfect, and even the most undesirable person can receive forgiveness. Everyone has a choice, and sometimes people choose to ignore the right choice. This theme is worked throughout the book without it being preachy.The constant references to Starbucks can be seen as the character's way of downplaying the situations in her life and past, an escape that only coffee will allow or so she thinks. Eventually, she learns that her true escape from the horrors and stress comes not from humor, self-depreciation, martial arts training, or coffee, but from standing back and letting God do His work.Secondary characters added to the character Haley's storyline. Each gave his or her own advice, help, and love to guide Haley onto the path of healing.I look forward to reading the rest of the Deadly Decor Mysteries and Haley's eventual love/hate relationship with Dutch (which is foreshadowed in this book).
Haley Farrell is taking a chance on herself. After earning her interior design certificate, she quits her retail job and opens a decorating business. But starting her own company may be tougher than she first thought. Just as Haley's first assignment gets underway, she suddenly finds herself as the prime suspect in a murder investigation. What's worse, the victim is Haley's best friend and mentor, Margo Norwalk.Reeling from Marge's death, Haley soon realizes that the only way to prove her innocence is to find the real murderer. Haley is collecting clues and suspects like other designers collect paint chips and fabric samples. But will contractor Dutch Merrill and detective Lila Tsu be swayed by her investigative talents? Or will she be the one punished for this perfectly designed crime?This makes for a fun summer read. It's a cozy mystery story. I enjoyed reading about Haley and how she goes about solving the mystery!Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. 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 LaurenttTBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
What do You think about Design On A Crime (2005)?
Haley is starting a new design business. To say she is a little nervous is an understatement. Marge has been in her corner encouraging her from the start. Haley has been through alot in the last several years. A personal tragedy has clouded her entire outlook, especially affecting her faith in God. Then her mother passed away, and now this leap into a new career.Haley has a big rooting section led by Marge. So when Marge turns up dead at the auction where Haley is meeting with her first potential client, Haley is stunned beyond belief. Haley not only found the body, but she also finds out that she is the sole heir in Marge's will. Haley is over wrought with grief and now she has to figure out who killed Marge.I loved Haley and could relate to her anger at God and the struggle with the faith that used to come so easy for her. I like that there was a good mix of her faith struggle and the mystery. Sometimes a Christian mystery can be more Christian than mystery which can turn me off the story. I didn't feel that way with this story. Thee are two more in this series and I hope to get to read them soon. Also want to check out some of her other books.A good start to a mystery series!
—Lori Henrich
So this book had some really great points but also I think that the christian references in the murder mystery were a little overkill. I know silly me for not realizing that the book was a christian fiction and even if I would have known I probably would have read the book. The fact is the MC was great, funny, and I really liked her but the trouble was all the Christian reference and who really killed the lady was a little crazy to me. Not that I would not recommend the book I just think you have to be able to tell a story if you are going to use Christianity in a book and it did not fit well with this one.
—Angel **Book Junkie**
The beginning was really good with the excitement about the auction and would Haley get the job and then the murder. And then it wasn't so good. Haley was a very unlikeable character - whiney, friendless, and downright mean and rude. It took way too long to get to the root of her "past" and why it has affected her present so much. By the time it was finally revealed, I kind of didn't care. What was the purpose of the Dutch character other than to show up everywhere and yell at her? Bella was annoying and the bickering old biddies of the church were downright mean. The identity of the killer and the psychological reasons behind it seemed a bit of a stretch. Well, maybe not the identity per se but the way it was revealed in such a "I'm crazy but you never knew it" kind of way. It just seemed rushed and disjointed.
—Christy
