This was a very fun and engaging fiction debut. The Investigation into the murder was compelling, and the name dropping and factual tidbits about Hollywood memorabilia sprinkled throughout the story added just the right amount of zest. I look forward to learning more about the characters in future installments, and liked the dual point of view, something you don’t often see in cozies.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The first in a new cozy mystery series that centers around two best friends that own a Hollywood memorabilia store in Palm Springs! Cindy and Jay used to be married (they got divorced when they both came out as gay), are still best friends, and now are partners in their Hollywood memorabilia business. The business is struggling, but luck might be turning their way when an elderly classic Hollywood starlet wants to have them sell her collection of costumes on commission. However, their rival for the commission ends up dead, and they end up suspects. They have to solve the crime before one of them is next!

This was a really cute cozy mystery. I loved the characters, and their dynamic. I was not able to predict whodunit but all the clues made sense! I look forward to more in this series.

There is a nostalgia for the golden era of cinema; the larger than life characters, the illustrious plots and offscreen dramas which this book lovingly pays homage to.

Jay and Cindy, as our protagonists, have as much character and history as any 50s film, being entirely unique characters that play off each other so well I found their conversations and banter to be enjoyable. The relationship between them was really one of the cores of this book and bled into the plot and environment.

The setting was superb for the plot, becoming as much as a character in the novel as any other person, with the mystery being a bit on the nose (if this type of plot is your cup of tea and you’re used to it) but I think the joy of the case was not in the answers but in the problem solving; the way in aching both characters utilized their strengths and weaknesses to pull themselves out of the mud.

There is romance, which was not at the center but played a part in the book and it was a sweet addition, but the main star was the platonic love shown between the characters and how deep it ran. I think the thoughts and ideas exhibited in this novel concerning love, loss and remembering was greatly intertwined.

I often found myself wanting to be shown more than told things, being more of an active participant than a listening bystander but the writing style worked for the narrative.

I do think the aspect of old Hollywood and memorabilia was one of the my favorite aspects. It was done with such heart and depth that it was always enjoyable watching our protagonists be interested and invested in it, whether or not I knew anything at all.

I enjoyed this book, a nice read that can breeze by easily and keep you invested not for the mystery, but for the characters.

P.s - I really enjoyed the afterwards of the interview with a founder of a memorabilia auctions house. The same heart and whimsy displayed from that interview was seen in the characters modeled after this world.

Zac Bissonnette writes an entertaining cozy mystery with a wonderful setting for the novel to take place in.

This was a fantastic read! This book follows Cindy and Jay as they try to keep their Hollywood antique store from shutting down while also investigating a murder. The risks were tremendous, but Cindy and Jay's friendship felt so important to the plot. I can't wait for the next one. Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the advanced copy.

A very fun and cozy mystery book right up my alley!! Not gonna lie I picked this up mostly because of the cover. But the story did not disappoint, it was so easy to get through and very enjoyable!

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, Crooked Lane Books and by #NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

A delightful cozy mystery series with characters who I truly enjoyed.

4.25🌟 thank you netgalley & crooked lane books for the eARC! this was such a fun ride! this mystery follows Cindy and Jay, as they struggle to keep their Hollywood antique store afloat, while at the center of a murder investigation. the stakes were high, but the story felt so grounded in Cindy and Jay’s relationship. as someone who grew up in Southern California, the author captured the essence of Palm Springs to a T! we meet so many characters along the way, all of which could have viable motive for the crime! there were so many misdirects, which kept me guessing the whole way through, but everything wrapped up so nicely in the end🌟

Jay Allan and Cindy Cooper were soap opera stars in the late ’90s, a wholesome young husband-and-wife duo who combined musical talent with humor and charisma. When the truth about their sexual orientations came to light, their marriage and TV careers ended, but decades later they have remained friends. Together, they open Palm Springs’ chicest movie memorabilia store, Hooray for Hollywood--but no customers and dwindling finances spell trouble.
I had a hard time getting into the story. The characters were fun. The plot was good.

#AKillinginCostumes #NetGalley

A Killing in Costumes is a fun cozy mystery full of Hollywood memorabilia. We will be buying a copy for our library.

Cindy and Jay have been together for years. First as husband and wife performers and now as friends and business partners. While trying to get their new business off the ground they are invited to make a proposal to sell on an old actress’ collection of old Hollywood memorabilia. It just might be what the store needs to really get off the ground.

When the representative from other auction house that was also invited is found dead after Cindy and Jay meet with him, they become the main suspects in his murder. To save their reputations, freedom and business Cindy and Jay are going to have to find the real murderer. While they want to have their happily ever after Hollywood ending, it could also have a horror ending if they get they aren’t careful.

This is a fabulous first entry in a brand new cozy series set in Palm Springs. I can hear the Rat Pack singing and see the styles from the heyday. The characters are well developed, the whodunit is full of red herrings, and who doesn’t love bits and pieces of trivia from old movies? I’ll be back for more in this series!

Auctions Can Be Murder..
Jay and Cindy - 90’s soap opera stars - may have faded careers but their friendship has survived all adversity and together they own and run a Palm Springs Hollywood memorabilia store. With recently dwindling finances they need a plan to survive and attend an auction with a view to making some potentially valuable purchases from a Hollywood diva. When their competitor in the auction ends up very dead the duo find themselves in the frame for murder. They need to crack this case before they end up behind bars. Entertaining, fun mystery with a likeable pair of protagonists, a colourful supporting cast and a promising start to a new series.

The book has a interesting premise. The story is interesting but it’s a little slow in spots. I’m not sure I really liked the characters. I was definitely surprised by who the killer is. #KillinginCostumes #NetGalley

I fell in love with Cindy and Jay immediately and liked them even more as the story followed on a murder adventure. Their relationship spanned the years and went through many phases, but it only got better. It was so refreshing to see how grown-ups can be supportive and loving without the sexual tension. They are the perfect team and I think the business they are building will thrive because they each have particular gifts which only compliment each other. The murder mystery also introduces a hunky police detective who brings great banter into the mix.
I really enjoyed this book and in my head, it turned into quite a good show! The writing made it easy to visualize the characters, the store, the homes, and the Palm Springs setting. I feel like Cindy and Jay have more adventures ahead!

A very fun and light mystery that offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of old Hollywood memorabilia. Great characters and a really special, unusual relationship. A fresh twist on cozies, with more humor than most in the category.

Low reading level and in need of a good editor to help polish some clunky prose. Predictable but fun story premise, clearly based on Debbie Reynold's costume collection.