Publisher's Weekly Review
A clever, fast-moving plot propels Howell's third mystery to feature L.A. fashionista Haley Randolph (after 2009's Purses and Poison). Haley really hated Tiffany Markham, her archrival in the purse party business, but she didn't shoot Tiffany and stuff her body in the trunk of a Mercedes belonging to Ada Cameron, the grandmother of Haley's boyfriend and department store owner, Ty Cameron. Discovering who did is a challenge, ditto snaring this season's totally hot Sinful handbag. Can Haley do both and stay out of jail? While Haley's hyperventilating first-person voice can be too much at times ("I perked up in my seat, beyond excited, way past thrilled, bordering on crazed"), the action is smoother than the butter-soft leather of a Prada bag, and the gritty details of working retail are spot-on. Airhead Haley displays appealing grace under fire as she also deals with her stalking nemesis and former boss, lawyer Kirk Keegan. (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Booklist Review
Haley Randolph, the fashion shopaholic obsessed with designer purses, is back for her third adventure. She has just returned from a European vacation with her boyfriend, Ty Cameron, who happens to own Holt's Department Store, where Haley is ostensibly employed. With Ty obligated to remain in Europe, Haley returns to work and college in Los Angeles. The first morning back, she discovers a body in the trunk of her borrowed car, which belongs to Ty's grandmother. So once again Haley is a suspect in a murder case and is forced to turn investigator. Equally important, at least to Haley, are several other matters: she must avoid doing any work at Holt's; she must find new reasons to skip classes; and she simply must get her hands on one of those newly released Sinful handbags. Despite her ditzy persona, Haley has good detecting instincts. There might also be hope for her personal relationships, as she begins to realize that couples need to talk and listen to each other. Recommend this series to fans of lightweight, humorous mysteries with more than a touch of romance.--Coon, Judy Copyright 2010 Booklist
