Suede to Rest (A Material Witness Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
Brand New Series
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (November 4, 2014)
ISBN-13: 978-0425270578
E-Book ASIN: B00JJXV198

Synopsis

When Poly Monroe was little, she loved playing in her family’s textile store. But after a fatal family tragedy, Land of A Thousand Fabrics was boarded up and Poly never expected to see the inside again. Now, as inheritor of the long-shuttered shop, she’s ready to restore the family business. However her two new kittens, Pins and Needles, aren’t the ones causing a snag in her plans…

Not everyone wants Poly back in San Ladrón, especially a powerful local developer pressuring her to sell—and leave town fast. But even when the threats turn deadly, she’s not ready to bolt. Because Poly is beginning to suspect that the murder behind the shop is tied to a mystery in her family’s unsettled past that she’s determined to solve…before her own life is left hanging by a thread.

Review

I really loved this book! I’m not sure what exactly it was that drew me in and kept me engaged, but whatever Diane did, do it again!

I love how Poly was named…although wonder if she was heckled a lot as a kid with a name like Polyester.  And speaking of names, what she ends up naming the kittens is so appropriate!

There are some good strong characters that it will be interesting to see how they develop in future books, like Charlie, the female auto mechanic/shop owner. I liked her right off the bag and hoped she wouldn’t end up being the killer. Then there is Vaughn…I think Poly needs to dump Carson who appears to be too self centered and check out what Vaughn has to offer.

And as with many mysteries, I didn’t figure out who the killer was until that person was revealed. I guess that means that the author did a good job of throwing enough red herrings out there and subtle clues. I never would have guessed this person (and I tend to say that a LOT!)

Great new series, one to definitely check out.  We give it 5 paws up!

About the Author

After close to two decades working for a top luxury retailer, Diane Vallere traded fashion accessories for accessories to murder. SUEDE TO REST, the first in her new Material Witness Mystery Series, comes out November 4. In addition, she writes the Style & Error Mystery Series, featuring former fashion buyer Samantha Kidd, and the Mad for Mod Mystery Series, featuring Doris Day-loving interior decorator Madison Night. Diane started her own detective agency at age ten and has maintained a passion for shoes, clues, and clothes ever since.

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Giveaway

The author is kindly giving away 1 print copy of this book to a US resident.  Enter below for your chance!
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Tour Participants

October 31 – Buried Under Books Guest post

November 1 – Brooke Blogs – Review, Interview

November 2 – Queen of All She Reads – Review

November 3 – Killer Crafts and Crafty Killers Guest post

November 4 – off

November 5 – Mysteristas  – Guest Post

November 6 – Get Lost in a story Interview

November 7 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review

November 8 – Booklady’s Booknotes – Review

November 9 – Melina’s Book Blog – Review, Guest Post

November 10 – Back Porchervations – Review, Interview

November 11 – StoreyBook Reviews – Review

November 12 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Guest Post

November 13 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – Review, Interview

November 14 – deal sharing aunt – Review, Guest Post