Shoulder Bags and Shootings by Dorothy Howell

SHOULDER BAGS & SHOOTINGS
Author: Dorothy Howell
Source: FSB Media
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Kensington (July 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0758223781
• ISBN-13: 978-0758223784

SYNOPSIS:

Fashionista and amateur sleuth Haley Randolph is in hot pursuit of the season's newest must- have handbag. But soon she's also in hot pursuit of a killer -- when she discovers the corpse of none other than her designer purse party rival . . .

Life is beyond fabulous at the moment for Haley Randolph. She just spent two amazing weeks in Europe with her boyfriend Ty Cameron, owner of Holt's Department Store where Haley works. And now Ty's grandmother, Ada, is letting Haley drive her way-cool Mercedes. Things would be perfect if she could just get her hands on her latest fashion obsession: the new Sinful handbag.

Every store in town is out of stock, and Haley would rather die than buy a knockoff. But when she finds the body of her nemesis, Tiffany Markham, in the trunk of Ada's Mercedes, she's not so sure she wants to trade places after all . . .

Topping the list of suspects, Haley doesn't deny seeing red when Tiffany and her business partner not only stole her purse party idea, but also made more money. But Haley wasn't jealous enough to commit murder. Now she'll have to solve this mystery quickly -- and find that Sinful bag -- before she becomes a killer's next fashion fatality . . .

SPECIAL FEATURE:

My mom wanted to read and review this book as well. So here is my moms review--

If you need a book to read quickly, without having to think too much, this is the book for you.  The lead character, Haley Randolph, has eyes for only two things in life: her new love and boss Ty Cameron, and snagging an authentic new Sinful handbag.  While obsessing over these two desires, she finds herself in the middle of a mess when a body is found in the trunk of the car she is using.  The corpse belongs to her rival, Tiffany.  Can she find the handbag, hang onto her man and solve the murder before she becomes the next victim?

This book would probably have been more interesting if I got to know Haley a little better.  I didn't read the two previous Haley Randolph novels, and many references are made to them.  Haley seems to be too flighty and self-obsessed to worry about murder. I suggest reading the series in the order the were written. With a little more depth to the character, I would enjoy it more.  This book would be suited to taking on vacation or to the beach .  

MY THOUGHTS:

I agree with my mother's review of this book. I had not read the previous books either and was left scratching my head at some of the references the author makes. Haley does come across flaky and aloof. She cares more about the bag than anything.  The repetitiveness and failed humor was a huge turn off for me in the book.  A good beach read if you read it as a series and not a stand alone book, but one that I would consider carefully before spending your money on it.


MY RATING:

 
I did not enjoy this book! 1 STAR