Friday, July 20, 2012

Iced Chiffon by Duffy Brown

www.duffybrown.com
Release Date: October 2012

Iced Chiffon is the first book in a new cozy mystery series by Duffy Brown. The series takes place in Savannah, Georgia, with the theme of "Consignment Shop," and features amateur sleuth Reagan Summerside.

Reagan is working hard to financially recover from an ugly divorce that left her with nearly penniless, with the exception of a bundle of designer clothes and high-end goods. Only 32 years old, Reagan is feeling bitter toward her showy, realtor ex-husband Hollis Beaumont, who left her for his "Cupcake" - a ditzy woman half his age and with an eye on his pocketbook. In an effort to pull her life back together, Reagan turns a portion of her home into a consignment shop.


Shortly into the novel, Hollis' arm-ornament Cupcake is found murdered and stashed into the trunk of his own car. Despite feeling hatred toward her ex-husband, Reagan knows in her heart that Hollis is innocent, and sets out to discover who's framed him for his girlfriend's murder.

Also performing some sleuthing of his own is Reagan's other nemesis, Walker Boone - the sexy street-smart lawyer who incidentally helped Hollis screw Reagan over in the divorce. Reagan's personal goal is to learn the identity of the true murderer before Walker does, but it seems like wherever she goes, the sexy Walker is not too far behind.

Iced Chiffon starts out a bit patchy - the transition from Reagan not knowing how to support herself financially, to the details behind the opening of her consignment store are a bit hazy, and less eventful than you might expect. The introduction to the supporting cast of characters is smoother - especially in regards to Walker Boone, who is actually written perfectly and full of sex appeal. It may be an overly-used, cliche sentiment, but I'll say that the chemistry really does sizzle between Reagan and Walker. I'm excited to see how their dynamic works out in future installments of this series.

The novel picks up significantly about halfway through, and offers a satisfying climax preceded by strategically placed and well thought-out red herrings. Only seasoned mystery readers will have the ability to solve the mystery, and that's a heavy "maybe" at that.

My favorite aspect of Iced Chiffon is the character of Reagan herself - which is a positive indication that Brown's Consignment Shop series will be a success. Reagan's frugality and realism will be familiar to many the reader these days - I loved reading her thoughts and anecdotes throughout the novel.

Iced Chiffon and its successors are most likely going to fulfill my Southern cozy mystery fix, especially since I stopped reading Tamar Myers' Den of Antiquity series (the images of which are displayed at the bottom of this review). Iced Chiffon is much more modern and fun, and replaces Myers' zany and annoying Southern euphemisms with kooky quotes from Cher.

Iced Chiffon is Duffy Brown's first mystery novel; however, she has written numerous romance novels under the name of Dianne Castell. A full list of her romance novels can be found here: Romance Novels by Dianne Castell.

Click on any of the book images below to review them in more detail on Amazon.com.


What are your favorite cozy mystery novels? Do you enjoy any other series that take place in the American South? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

8 comments:

  1. Thanks for the great review, I really appreciate it. Writing Reagan, Auntie KiKi and Walker Boone is a blast. And then there's she Southern food. Lordy, I think I gained five pounds just writing the book.
    Hugs, Duffy

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for the great review! Anyone wanting a packet of Iced Chiffon goodies email me at DuffyBrown@DuffyBrown.com
    Thanks, Duffy

    ReplyDelete
  3. This book looks AWESOME!!! Thanks for the review Sarah Ann! Cozy mysteries are my favorite genre. I shop at thrift stores all the time so I think I'll probably really enjoy Iced Chiffon.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I work in a consignment shop, The Snooty Fox. That's how I got the idea...though there aren't any dead bodies lying around. LOL. I get great deals at the Snoot and the gals I work with are so much fun. If you ever get to Cincinnati stop in!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I really like cozy mysteries that take place in the south. I remember reading a few Tamar Myers books a long time ago, but the sleuth was a Dutch or Amish lady or something. They were just alright.

    Sarah Ann I liked your comments about Reagan's frugality. Maybe I can glean some money saving tips from this book, LOL!

    Duffy Brown, it sounds like you had so much fun writing this book! I will get a copy when it releases on Amazon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Blue Cindy Sue. Iced Chiffon was fun to write. I love Savannah and Southern ways. The steel magnolias.

      Reagan is a breath away from losing her house and just putting food...and puppy chow...on the table is tough. I'm a frugal person too so it carries over to the book.

      Thanks for chatting! If you'd like some Iced Chiffon goodies and a IC tote email me at DuffyBrown@DuffyBrown.com and I'll send them along.

      Hugs, Duffy

      Delete
  6. Duffy - Thank you for the comments and for stopping by, reading the book and writing up the review were my pleasure!

    Blue Cindy Sue - You must be referring to the Pennsylvania Dutch Mysteries with Recipes series by Tamar Myers! Don't worry - I couldn't get into that series either.

    As far as Reagan's frugality in Iced Chiffon, her character is a riot! She carries around a huge ugly yellow purse that everyone pokes fun at throughout the novel. Hilarious!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi. Saran Ann
      I have a yellow purse like this! So ugly but carries everything! How can I possibly get rid of it. LOL
      Duffy

      Delete

Thanks for stopping by - can't wait to see what you have to say!