Sunday, April 09, 2023

On My Radar: Diane Vallere's Please Don't Push Up the Daisies!

 


Ever since I took a chance and read the Madison Night mystery, The Decorator Who Knew Too Much, I've been a fan of Diane Vallere's fun series featuring an interior decorator who focuses on mid-century modern design. What had kept me from reading this series? The fact that I didn't particularly care for that period of interior design, and the covers-- which remind me of my grandmother's dress patterns and her whirring sewing machine. The book covers gave me the impression that this series might be a bit too cute for my taste. 
 
When I'm wrong, I. Am. Wrong. There's a depth to Madison Night's character that keeps me coming back for more-- and then there are the stories. For example, you learn what can happen to you if you're (mistakenly) declared dead. Hint: It's no bed of roses.
 
So... when I learn that Diane Vallere has a new Madison Night mystery in the pipeline, it's cause for celebration. Let me tell you about the newest one!
 
 
 
Available June 27, 2023!

 
Synopsis:

"When interior decorator Madison Night finally meets the family of boyfriend and police captain Tex Allen, the circumstances are less than joyful. His sister’s broody botanist husband left Lily to raise their four rambunctious boys on her own, and she’s at wit’s end. The only bright spot is the mid-century ranch he gave her in their divorce settlement.

The soon-to-be-ex has one request: a face to face with Lily before he says goodbye. Madison offers to go along for moral support, but in lieu of signed settlement papers, she finds the ex’s body crumpled in the corner of the arboretum where he works. When swarm of angry bees sideline Tex, it’s Madison’s job to dig up the secrets that led to the murder — but if she’s not careful, the dirt she uncovers could fill her grave instead.
"
 
 
This is a series I love for its main character, its stories, and its creativity.  If you haven't given it a try yet, I sincerely hope that you will. You can do what I did: I jumped in with book five. I didn't feel lost or confused, and I enjoyed the book so much that I got the first four and devoured those, too. Now I have to wait (im)patiently for each new addition to the series. I'm hoping that you'll join me in my addiction!

10 comments:

  1. Doncha just love being deliciously wrong about a series, Cathy? I know I do! And from the reviews you've done here, the Madison Knight series does look good. I like her quality of character, too.

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    1. People can always tell when I'm crazy about a series because I keep current on it! ;-)

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  2. This sounds really interesting and once again you've introduced me to an author with whom I'm unfamiliar. I'm adding her to my reading list so she won't stay unfamiliar for long.

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  3. I kind of love that cover! And your review makes me want to jump in and give this series a try. :D

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    1. I think you'd like the series, Lark. And I didn't mean to sound disparaging of the covers. Memories of McCall's and Butterick patterns are fond ones; I just found them an odd-- and potentially too-cute-for-words-- choice. Now I know better!

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  4. Great review! I agree, this is a wonderful series and, like many Doris Day movies, has more depth to the story then you might think. And yes, the cover is much like old dress patterns that my mother also had, but don't be dissuaded by the cuteness. There is much to learn, about life and people in general, than the cover might lead you to believe. The main character, for example, is an honest portrayal of how most of us are to trying to succeed in today's world. Sometimes there is a win and sometimes not but, like Madison, we keep going, even if we limp now and again. I second Cathy in recommending this cozy series.

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    1. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this series, Kathleen. Much appreciated!

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    1. I actually love the covers. I always have. I was just misled concerning the books' contents. Shame on me!

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