Crushed Velvet: Book Review

Crushed Velvet by Diane Vallere is a wonderful cozy mystery I believe everyone can enjoy.

About the Book: Polyester Monroe is working hard, getting her new fabric store, Material Girl, ready for its grand opening.  She's even ordered a proprietary velvet for the occasion.  However, when her delivery arrives, it's not quite what she expected.  She finds the body of Phil Girard crushed underneath the velvet in the back of the delivery van!

Genevieve Girard, Phil's wife and a close friend of Poly's, becomes the main suspect in the case.  While Poly works on her store, she's also faced with helping her friend prove herself innocent.

My Thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I could easily picture the genuine friendship Poly has with Genevieve.  Poly's diligence to prove her friend's innocence never wanes.

I found Genevieve's behavior somewhat frustrating as she does her best to avoid talking with Sheriff Clark about the case.  Genevieve's fear is understandable though considering all the evidence incriminating her.

I really enjoyed the storyline.  Even though I am not a sewer, I liked reading about how Poly uses fabric to change people's lives.  I could feel her excitement over opening Material Girl and celebrated with her when the grand opening happens.  Additionally, the budding romance between Poly and Vaugh is sweet and adds something special to the book.

My only "complaint" about this book is that I would have loved to read more about Pins and Needles, Poly's two cats.  Pins is a cute gray kitten and Needles is a handsome orange tabby.  I loved reading about their antics.

Crushed Velvet had me guessing at who the murderer was up to the very end.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.  It is part of the Material Girl Mystery series, but you can read it without having read any of the other books in the series.  I haven't read any of the other Material Girl mysteries and had no problem following the plot.

I look forward to reading future books from Diane Vallere.

FTC Disclosure: I received a free copy of Crushed Velvet by Diane Vallere from the publisher for review.  Receiving the free book did not influence my opinion in any way.  All opinions expressed on Fur Everywhere are my own.