Dead Gorgeous by Elizabeth Flynn

About the book:

Kirsty Manners is trying to make it as a model. As the in-house model for the Ivano King fashion house and girlfriend of Ian King, the man behind the label, she believes she is well on her way. But Kirsty is found dead in her flat one Sunday afternoon and D. I. Angela Costello is called to the scene. Behind the gleaming smiles and flawless makeup of the glamorous fashion world, Angela's inquiries uncover theft, drug addiction, prostitution, and imprisonment – and suddenly her own life could be in danger.

My review:

This is the second in the D. I. Costello series but this novel read well on its own. Costello has a number of suspects for the murder. As readers, we are kept wondering who the murder is until the very end.

This is a good mystery novel. One learns quite a bit about the fashion world, designs and modeling. We also find out a little about a dark side of the industry, where women are used for tasks other than modeling. I felt that aspect of the novel was a bit of a loose end that could have been tied up with an arrest of the woman in charge.

The writing is good but not what I would call outstanding. There was no snappy dialog nor beautifully formed sentences that caught my attention. There are no objectionable words nor bloody scenes so those who like cozy mysteries would like this one. I enjoyed reading it and am planning to read the first in the series too.

Read an excerpt here.

Elizabeth Flynn has a background in the theater, both as an actress and in stage management. She also has experience in broadcasting and more recently worked as a hospital bereavement officer and managed a mortuary. This is her second novel. You can find out more at http://elizabethflynnauthor.com/.

Lion Hudson (distributed in the U.S. by Kregel), 288 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel for the purpose of an independent and honest review.