Suede to Rest

Terrific start to another series by talented author Diane Vallere. Who wouldn’t be drawn to a character named Polyester because she was born on it in a shop she’s just inherited? Poly Monroe is an interesting woman and after you meet her I’m sure you’ll want to get to know her better.

Poly is living her life in Los Angeles. A successful dress designer who hasn’t been back to her family’s fabric shop in years since her aunt was murdered and her uncle shut everyone out. When he dies she learns she has inherited the store. Her plan is to drive down to San Ladrón, sign a few papers so she can sell it, and then head home. But, you know, plans don’t always work out as we expect. She never expected the pull she feels upon entering the store. She certainly didn’t expect the pressure from high school friend Ken who is going to handle the transaction for her. She didn’t even realize a developer owned every store on the street except hers and that he was determined to buy it – whatever it takes. And she absolutely didn’t expect her boyfriend in LA to suddenly go behind her back and try to make a deal “because we could make a lot of money!” We???

Poly realizes she has some thinking to do, but before she can even start her car is vandalized and she must spend the night in the store. When she’s taking out trash she sees a man lurking near the dumpster. In the morning she finds a body outside the store and suddenly what was just curious becomes suspect, and she is determined to stick around until she finds out why she’s getting the hard sell from everyone and who is trying to scare her away.

Vallere provides a good, solid mystery with intriguing characters and twists and turns that will keep you guessing. Family secrets surface, people don’t behave as expected, and Poly stands her ground. I listened to an audiobook of Suede to Rest and thoroughly enjoyed it. I recommend it without hesitation and can’t wait to take the next step with Poly on her new adventure. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.

After experiencing Samantha Kidd and Madison Night, I came across Poly Monroe finding there were already three books in the series. I quickly became enchanted by this character with a passion for textiles and a penchant for murder.
I thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful ride through the events and well-defined characters of the story.

I was relatively new to cosy mysteries when I followed a recommendation to try Diane Vallere. Well, I am now a solid fan of her works and the genre in general. Finding she had written a series about the owner of a fabric store (should I mention the yards and yards of fabric I own?)… how could I not snap up a copy?

Polyester Monroe (Poly to her friends) has just inherited a fabric store, but not just any store. Poly’s name comes from her mother giving birth on an impromptu bed of polyester fabrics in that store- a store that is a family heritage.

Poly already has a life back in the big city working for a knock-off prom gown company, but the idea of her own business is certainly tempting. But when a body is found outside of her shop right before grand opening Poly is left clutching the threads of her new life.

Can she somehow sew things back together by pinning down the killer or will she find herself hemmed in by her suspicions?

Wonderfully imaginative town filled with plenty of refreshingly original suspects. You can’t help but root for Poly as she not only navigates being the new girl in town but also working out who of her fellow residents is capable of cold-blooded murder.

A charming romp through the world of fabrics, fashion and felony that will appeal to anyone with even the tiniest crafting spark.