👠 Book Review: Killer Fashion Mysteries 1: The “Is This Fresh Start Working Out?” Bundle by Diane Vallere
A witty, stylish, and delightfully quirky collection that kicks off the Samantha Kidd mystery series with flair, fashion, and murder.
This Kindle bundle includes the first three books in Diane Vallere’s A Killer Fashion Mystery series, featuring amateur sleuth and fashionista Samantha Kidd. With a strong fan following and an average Goodreads rating of 3.77/5 for the first book, the series is praised for its clever dialogue, cozy mystery charm, and fashion-forward drama.
👗 Included Titles in the Bundle
1. Designer Dirty Laundry
Samantha Kidd leaves her high-powered fashion job in New York for a fresh start in her Pennsylvania hometown as a trend specialist. But her first day turns deadly when she finds her new boss murdered in an elevator—and the body mysteriously vanishes. As she’s drawn into the investigation, Samantha must navigate egos, stilettos, and secrets to clear her name and catch the killer.
2. Buyer, Beware
Samantha’s sleuthing skills get tested again when she takes a job as a handbag buyer for a new retailer—whose previous buyer was murdered. With suspects lurking in every department and fashion politics at play, Samantha must stitch together clues before she becomes the next victim.
3. The Brim Reaper
Balancing romance and mystery, Samantha splits her time between helping with a vintage Hollywood costume exhibit and working for her shoe-designer boyfriend. But when a dead body turns up, she’s once again caught in a web of fashion and foul play.
💬 Why Readers Love It
- Samantha Kidd’s Voice: Funny, relatable, and refreshingly self-aware.
- Fashion Meets Murder: The series blends couture and crime with clever puns and stylish settings.
- Cozy Mystery Vibe: Light on gore, heavy on charm—perfect for fans of humorous whodunits.
- Series Momentum: Each book builds on Samantha’s personal growth and sleuthing savvy.
⚠️ Critiques
- Some readers find the fashion references overwhelming if they’re not style-savvy.
- The tone can veer into camp, which may not appeal to fans of darker mysteries.
- The plots rely heavily on coincidence and quirky setups, typical of cozy mysteries.
🏁 Final Verdict
Killer Fashion Mysteries 1 is a fun, fast-paced bundle that introduces a lovable heroine with a knack for solving crimes in heels. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with humor, heart, and haute couture, this collection is a fabulous way to start the series.
