Book 102, 2016
Dec. 6th, 2016 08:07 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
chez_jaeI managed to slog through to the end of Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore this evening. It's the third book in Rose Pressey's "Haunted Vintage" mystery series.
I have read the first two books in the series and enjoyed them. This one, however, featured editing that can best be described as a hot mess. I would have thought editing was non-existent, but the author thanked her editor in her notes.
The plot was that Cookie Chanel is helping out at a fashion show, because the designer wanted to use vintage accessories with her fashions. Cookie is thrilled at the opportunity, but when she goes to look for the designer after the show, she comes across her dead body. One of the models is hovering over her, and that woman is arrested for murder. However, the ghost of a 1940's era gumshoe wants Cookie to investigate the murder, and Cookie's attached, friendly ghost, Charlotte, agrees.
First of all, the writing was very juvenile. It was like reading a high school student's creative writing assignment. Not bad, but I paid for this.
Second, plot holes abounded. Cookie has a psychic cat, Wind Song, who communicates clues via either Tarot cards or a Ouija board. Wind Song spells out FASHION SHOW, using the board, but later, the characters are talking about "the house" that the cat warned about. Excuse me?! When did that happen? Makes me wonder if the author wrote it, but it was cut later.
Third, another designer was introduced as Shandra Jordan. Later, however, she was referred to as Shandra Johnson.
Fourth, Cookie's friend/neighboring shop keep Heather was seen in the morning wearing one outfit, but that afternoon, she was described as wearing something completely different (each time Cookie encountered someone, she made note of what they were wearing). Now, I don't know about the rest of you, but when I dress for work in the morning, I don't change my outfit until I get back home.
There were other problems, but those were the most obvious. I must say, reading this was a chore, rather than a joy. The ghosts, Charlotte and Sam, were constantly badgering Cookie to question this person, or follow that lead, or investigate something, to the point that I wanted to knock their spectral heads together. Their meddling got Cookie into trouble and landed her in danger. Plus, I was left wondering when the hell Cookie was ever at her shop, running her business.
Finally, the culprit was glaringly obvious, so the reveal was a yawning let down.
Favorite line: "You can't expect the cat to remember everything at once."
Disappointing. Two stars:
**
I have read the first two books in the series and enjoyed them. This one, however, featured editing that can best be described as a hot mess. I would have thought editing was non-existent, but the author thanked her editor in her notes.
The plot was that Cookie Chanel is helping out at a fashion show, because the designer wanted to use vintage accessories with her fashions. Cookie is thrilled at the opportunity, but when she goes to look for the designer after the show, she comes across her dead body. One of the models is hovering over her, and that woman is arrested for murder. However, the ghost of a 1940's era gumshoe wants Cookie to investigate the murder, and Cookie's attached, friendly ghost, Charlotte, agrees.
First of all, the writing was very juvenile. It was like reading a high school student's creative writing assignment. Not bad, but I paid for this.
Second, plot holes abounded. Cookie has a psychic cat, Wind Song, who communicates clues via either Tarot cards or a Ouija board. Wind Song spells out FASHION SHOW, using the board, but later, the characters are talking about "the house" that the cat warned about. Excuse me?! When did that happen? Makes me wonder if the author wrote it, but it was cut later.
Third, another designer was introduced as Shandra Jordan. Later, however, she was referred to as Shandra Johnson.
Fourth, Cookie's friend/neighboring shop keep Heather was seen in the morning wearing one outfit, but that afternoon, she was described as wearing something completely different (each time Cookie encountered someone, she made note of what they were wearing). Now, I don't know about the rest of you, but when I dress for work in the morning, I don't change my outfit until I get back home.
There were other problems, but those were the most obvious. I must say, reading this was a chore, rather than a joy. The ghosts, Charlotte and Sam, were constantly badgering Cookie to question this person, or follow that lead, or investigate something, to the point that I wanted to knock their spectral heads together. Their meddling got Cookie into trouble and landed her in danger. Plus, I was left wondering when the hell Cookie was ever at her shop, running her business.
Finally, the culprit was glaringly obvious, so the reveal was a yawning let down.
Favorite line: "You can't expect the cat to remember everything at once."
Disappointing. Two stars:
**
