From USA Today bestselling author Dorothy Howell, a brand new cozy mystery series featuring twenty-something Abbey Chandler and her fellow sewing circle members in the quaint, touristy town of Hideaway Cove. Abbey Chandler needs a new start and a place to escape, so Hideaway Grove, where she spent her childhood summers, seems like a perfect choice. Once there, she takes up a rewarding new hobby--but also gets tangled up in a hit-and-run homicide . . . Abbey has barely arrived in the quaint, quiet town of Hideaway Grove before things turn from blissful to bloody--as the new librarian is mowed down by a car. The only witness on the scene isn't much help, aside from handing Abbey the bag of books dropped by the victim. Even worse, the sheriff's office seizes Abbey's car because of a suspicious dent in the right front fender. While she waits for the problem to be sorted out, Abbey is drawn into a charity sewing project--even though she can't tell a bobbin from a seam ripper. Before she knows it, she's graduating from pillowcase dresses to aprons, setting up a studio in a back room of her aunt's bakery, and making plans to participate in the upcoming craft fair. But through it all, she keeps looking for patterns and possible conflicts in the late librarian's personal, professional, and romantic life. Then a shocking discovery sends her in a new direction, and as the truth begins to unspool, she's got a notion about who's guilty . . .
USA Today-Bestselling Author: A handbag-obsessed salesclerk must focus on a homicide instead—if she has any hope of keeping her employee discount… Haley Randolph isn’t exactly a model sales clerk at Holt’s Department Store. But when the corporate office acquires a high-end boutique chain and extends a juicy discount to employees, the fashionista will do anything—maybe even a little hard work—to clinch a Mystique handbag, the season’s absolute must-have, at a heart-stopping price. But when Haley discovers former Holt’s employee Asha McLean shot dead behind the store during orientation training, it turns out there’s more to die for than hot designer deals. Haley can’t fathom why anyone would harm Asha—until she learns that her former coworker was seriously shady. Upon closer inspection, Asha’s duplicitous lifestyle not only earned lots of cash, but plenty of mortal enemies. As authorities question her innocence and business wanes, Haley’s desperate to sack the murderer and save Holt’s in time. Otherwise, instead of rocking a Mystique, Haley might end up full of holes—or worse, locked away in a very unflattering shade of orange . . .
The latest novel in a new crafting cozy series in the genre-leading Kensington Cozy Mystery program focusing on the members of a Sewing Studio. Some of the independent shops in this sleepy town are barely hanging on financially—and that includes Sarah’s Sweets, Abbey’s aunt’s bakery. The shop’s advantage—aside from the deliciousness of its products—is the fact that it’s the only bakery in the area. But it looks like that’s about to change. The second wife of a wealthy businessman wants her own bakery—and money is no object. When murder unravels the plans for the competing shop, Aunt Sarah is an immediate suspect—and Hideaway Grove’s merchants are on pins and needles about a big upcoming women’s conference, fearing the organization will cancel their booking because of the crime. Abbey’s doing her best to stay optimistic and stitch some custom tote bags for the attendees, but she’s also concerned with patching up Aunt Sarah’s good reputation. And when it comes to sorting through the possible motives of the victim’s family members and associates, she’s got a few tricks up her sleeve . . .
USA Today-Bestselling Author: An irate customer and a business trip to Vegas turn a fashion-forward sleuth into a prime suspect for murder… Life is looking good for amateur sleuth/professional fashionista Haley Randolph. She's even close to getting her hands on the Delicious, the season's hottest purse--until she's hit with a curse from an irate customer at Holt's department store. When things start to go really wrong, Haley transfers to the new store near Las Vegas--and promptly finds the body of Courtney Collins, an old classmate, sprawled across the floor of the menswear department. Now Haley is suspect #1. Everyone knows Haley was once jealous of Courtney, and Courtney was about to launch a spectacular line of designer bags. And, well, there weren't any witnesses when Haley actually found the body. Since she doesn't look good in prison stripes, Haley will have to get to the bottom of this mystery. Finding the killer won't be easy. . .and getting rid of this curse may mean going against everything a real fashionista stands for. . . "Frothy. . . The well-crafted plot offers plenty of red herrings." --Publishers Weekly "A laugh-out-loud wild ride for readers who hang on for the unexpected resolution." --RT Book Reviews
The latest novel in a crafting cozy series featuring talented sleuthing seamstress Abbey Chandler, the members of a small-town California sewing studio—and murder. Abbey’s life in Hideaway Grove is comfortable, and she’s grateful for her small sewing studio in the back room of her aunt’s bakery, but she’s feeling stuck. Her plan to expand her custom tote bag business by selling to a chain of gift shops has hit a snag. Making enough totes to distribute to all the stores requires large-scale production—which requires money Abbey doesn’t have. To make ends meet, she takes a part-time job at the town’s bustling Visitor Center . . . Abbey is soon sorting items with her co-workers for the Visitor Center’s annual Lost and Found Day when unclaimed items are displayed and offered for sale. Thanks to tourism, there’s enough to fill a huge stockroom. But something is amiss. Eleanor Franklin, devoted to all things Hideaway Grove, hasn’t shown up for work—and when Abbey discovers her whereabouts, it isn’t pretty . . . Eleanor is dead inside a clothing bin, dressmaker shears impaled in her chest—shears the sheriff reports are engraved with Abbey’s name. Under suspicion, Abbey will have to launch her own investigation. But who would want to kill thoughtful Eleanor, a model resident always so full of good advice about how to uphold Hideaway Grove’s high standards? As it turns out, not everyone appreciated Eleanor’s advice . . . Now Abbey will have to cut through a tattered trail of greed, theft, and revenge to sew up the case before a killer cramps her style—for good . . .
USA Today-Bestselling Author: A fashion model is murdered in this witty mystery starring a “sassy heroine” (Kirkus Reviews). Fashion sleuth Haley Randolph is back for another murderous romp with the stylish set at Holt's Department Store. . . When Haley arrives at the Holt employee luncheon and fashion show, she spies a sick server hiding in a back room. Deciding to help out, Haley grabs a uniform. The catered array of food and personalized fruit bouquets from Edible Elegance is a hit until top fashion model Claudia Gray is found dead in the ladies room. Now, it's going to take more than a Chanel sample sale to ease Haley's panic once she learns Claudia's been poisoned. For someone thinks murder is the height of fashion--with Haley's name on the label. "A quick read with lots of humor." --Booklist "A solid mystery." --Publishers Weekly "Haley Randolph is a hoot. There is no way to get through Howell's latest without laughing out loud at least once a chapter." --Romantic Times "A treat for those with a passion for fashion. No doubt this sassy heroine's in for a long run." --Kirkus Reviews
A designer-bag addict investigates death at a department store in this mystery with “lots of humor and style” from a USA Today-bestselling author (Booklist). Haley Randolph is always ready to go to any lengths to get the latest Louis Vuitton. Unfortunately for Haley, her life goes from glam to grim when her passion for fashion outlasts her credit cards, and she's forced to work at Holt's--a mid-market department store. Looking for a bit of shopping inspiration, Haley sneaks into the stock room to get a first glimpse of Holt's one-of-a-kind selection of handbag styles. But instead of the newest Vuitton, Haley discovers her boss is the ultimate fashion victim. According to the security tapes, Haley was the only person in the stockroom before, during, and after the murder. With everyone in the store eyeing her like last season's Marc Jacobs, Haley turns to the hunky Ty Cameron, who heads up the store's loss prevention unit, to help her investigate the murder. Now her knowledge of hot trends will take her from the sales floor to the boardroom to the gritty streets of L.A.'s Garment District as she searches for a killer with impeccable fashion taste. . . "A winning debut. . .a cool cliffhanger will leave readers eager for Haley's next adventure." --Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Fashionistas take note: Dorothy Howell's delightful Handbags and Homicide dangles shopping to die for and a murder in store in a breezy debut mystery as sure to please as a Notorious handbag." --Carolyn Hart, author of Death Walked In
Fashion can be fatal: “The action is smoother than the butter-soft leather of a Prada bag, and the gritty details of working retail are spot-on.”—Publishers Weekly Life is almost perfect for fashionista and amateur sleuth Haley Randolph. She just vacationed in Europe with her boyfriend Ty Cameron, owner of Holt's Department Store. And now Ty's grandmother is letting Haley drive her Mercedes. If only Haley could get her hands on the new Sinful handbag. It's totally out of stock, and Haley would rather die than buy a knockoff. But when she finds the body of her designer purse party rival, Tiffany Markham, in the trunk of the Mercedes, she's not so sure she wants to trade places after all. . . Topping the list of suspects, Haley doesn't deny seeing red when Tiffany stole her purse party idea--and made more money. But she wasn't jealous enough to commit murder. Now she'll have to solve this mystery quickly--and find that Sinful bag--before she becomes a killer's next fashion fatality. . . "A clever, fast-moving plot." --Publishers Weekly "For fans of lightweight, humorous mysteries." --Booklist
A fashion-obsessed sleuth must solve a murder as she starts a new executive career—and try to resist abusing her corporate credit card… Just because Haley lacks the right qualifications for her new position as corporate events coordinator doesn't mean she murdered her company's chief of security. Nothing about her fashion sense screams deadly killer, but she'll need to shop around on her own for some guilt-proof clues to prove the police are looking in the wrong bag. Especially since some of the other recent hires at the company also have something to hide. . . Between her many investigations, the new high-pressure job, and her just-moved-in boyfriend, there's almost no time for the most important thing in Haley's life: maxing out her credit card. If she's going to catch a killer, she'll need to be on her toes--heels and all--or she'll be this season's hottest victim. . . "The well-crafted plot, humor, and designer details will appeal to fans of Laura Levine and MaryJanice Davidson." --Booklist "Fast and fun. . . Established fans and newcomers alike will look forward to her next appearance." --Publishers Weekly
A feisty fashionista goes shopping for suspects in this witty murder mystery from the USA Today-bestselling author… Haley Randolph’s 25th birthday is just around the corner, and the full-time fashionista is ready to quit her credit card-paying job at Holt’s Department Store. All she has to do is make sure nothing goes wrong with the big party she’s planning at the Hollywood Haven retirement home. But when Haley finds the home’s assistant director sprawled on his bloody office floor, she sees her hope of keeping her job—not to mention the dream of owning a Sassy, the season’s hottest handbag—vanishing before her eyes. Finding the killer is Haley’s only hope . . . but it turns out the list of suspects is longer than her last credit card statement. To make matters worse, Haley’s kind-of-ex-boyfriend Ty is now a suspect in a different murder. Solving two murders while planning the perfect party—and always keeping her sights on a Sassy—won’t be easy . . . especially now that there’s more than one killer ready to select Haley’s final outfit! “A fun, lighthearted whodunit.” —The Mystery Gazette on Beach Bags and Burglaries “A treat for those with a passion for fashion. No doubt this sassy heroine’s in for a long run.” —Kirkus Reviews on Purses and Poison
When retail worker Haley Randolph stumbles across the dead body of Lacy Hobbs, who was recently hired by L.A. Affairs to bake a six-foot yellow submarine for high-maintenance Sheridan Adams's A-list charity auction, Haley is blamed for the theft of collectible Beatles bobbleheads and begins to wonder if her new boss Vanessa Lord is trying to sabotage her.
A murder at an ultra-exclusive island resort puts the A-list on the suspect list: “Dorothy Howell is one funny lady.”—Laura Levine, author of the Jaine Austen Mysteries Part-time sleuth and full-time fashionista Haley Randolph just won an all-expenses-paid vacay at the Rowan Resort, a ridiculously exclusive island getaway that caters to the whims of millionaires, royalty, and Hollywood A-listers. With her three BFF's--Marcie, Bella, and Sandy--along for the ride, the only thing she's missing is the Sea Vixen, the season's hottest beach bag. . . The island has everything Haley imagined: pristine beaches, posh accommodations, and possibly Brad Pitt. But trouble soon looms on the horizon when Jaslyn Gordon, a maid at the island resort, goes missing. And while practically looting the resort for a Sea Vixen beach bag, Haley of course finds the maid--on the beach. . .and clearly dead. Everyone at the resort says Jaslyn's death was just an accident, but Haley thinks there's a lot going unsaid. . .especially when she spots hunky FBI agent Luke Warner. He claims to be on the island only for a wedding but Haley's not buying it. Haley's faced down clever criminals before and always come out on top, but this malicious murderer might be too crafty. And though she's dying to get her hands on a Sea Vixen, she also wants to live long enough to be seen with it! Praise For Dorothy Howell And Her Haley Randolph Mysteries! Evening Bags And Executions "Enjoyable. . .an unlikely but engaging sleuth." --Publishers Weekly Tote Bags And Toe Tags "The well-crafted plot, humor, and designer details will appeal to fans of Laura Levine and MaryJanice Davidson." --Booklist Clutches And Curses "Frothy. . ..The well-crafted plot offers plenty o
In this pioneering volume, Howell addresses the extent to which fictional characters are legally recognized and protected as intellectual property. Through a judicious selection of cases chosen for their bearing on the popular arts, the author reviews the basic legal principles involved--copyright, trademark, unfair competition, and contract law--and analyzes their applications to fictional characters. In addition to tracing the evolution of the law relating to the protection of fictional characters, Howell explores the feasibility of isolating characters and protecting them via stringent copyright and/or trademark laws, addresses character merchandising and the associated legal issues, and suggests legal reforms aimed at protecting the creator. Detailed case information serves both to illustrate the legal principles and actions discussed and to stand as a model for the proprietors of future characters. Divided into two major sections, the volume begins by offering a comprehensive introduction to intellectual property law. Specific topics addressed include basic concepts of property, statutory protection of intellectual property, elements of an infringement action, defenses to copyright infringement, unfair competition, and the application of trademark principles to literary properties. In the second section, Howell analyzes the extent to which the fictional character is legally regarded as intellectual property. She reviews situations in which copyright and trademark law have been invoked to protect the creator of a fictional character, examines cases involving such well-known characters as the Lone Ranger, Superman, and the crew of the Starship Enterprise, and presents an extended analysis of the case of Tarzan. Finally, Howell considers whether right of publicity and merchandising offer additional protection for fictional characters. In the concluding chapter, she offers an analysis of copyright decisions and a proposal for their reconciliation. Both practicing attorneys and students of entertainment law will find Howell's work an important contribution to the professional literature.
Dana Mackenzie lands a job with a faceless financial institution-it's either this or piercing ears at the mall-and while she's grateful for a job, she has no intentions of following the corporate offices' heartless orders. She's sent to the home of an elderly couple with instruction to repossess their television, but instead finds sweet old Mr. Sullivan murdered. Investigating the case is homicide detective Nick Travis, Dana's high school crush, who's still harboring a dark secret from their past. Dana agrees to help Mr. Sullivan's grieving family locate his grandson, a guy with a surprising new lifestyle. Her good intentions put her in the thick of the murder investigation and on a collision course with the killer.
Fashionista and event planner to the stars Haley Randolph is staging a St. Patrick's Day bash for one of Hollywood's biggest couples. When she visits the catering company to check on preparations, it looks like the green ice sculptures will be the hit of the party -- until Haley finds a server floating face down in the water tank. Haley becomes the prime suspect in the murder. With a killer -- and a giant leprechaun -- on the loose, she must do some fast sleuthing to find the pot of gold at the end of this rainbow. Will she kiss the Blarney Stone -- or the hot new detective on the case? Haley will need the luck of the Irish to find the killer -- and the hottest handbag of the season!
Dana thinks it's her lucky day when she barely misses witnessing a fatal hit-and-run, but this was no accident. Dana's high school crush, Homicide Detective Nick Travis, is on the case. He's anxious to move their budding romance forward, but Dana is standing firm -- nothing will happen between them until Nick confesses the dark secret from their past. But will finally learning the truth help their relationship -- or end it?" --Back cover.
Teaching can be an honorable, exciting, even life-changing profession. But it can also be difficult, tiring, and disheartening. This real-life devotional will speak to the deeply felt needs of educators, offering special encouragement from someone who's been there-author Dot Robinson is a veteran teacher herself, having spent more than a quarter century in the classroom. With more than sixty selections-under headings like Be Faithful to Your Calling, Make a Difference, Trust God, Persevere, Invest in Others, Reflect, and Experience God-Devotions for Teachers is just the encouragement many educators need today!
The Summer Santa Sale at Holt's Department becomes a Christmas nightmare when sales clerk Haley Randolph finds a murdered elf in the store's giant toy bag. Haley, a crazed fashionista obsessed with designer handbags, could find herself 'bagged' if she doesn't untangle this mystery quicker than Saint Nick can slide down a chimney. But Haley has another problem: Can working with hot private detective Jack Bishop put her on Santa's 'naughty' list?"--P.[4] of cover.
A Novella in the Haley Randolph Series Fashionista and event planner to the stars Haley Randolph thinks the Thanksgiving Day feast she's organizing for the wealthy young owners of the Pammy Candy Company at their Calabasas mansion will be easy-until the hostess is pushed to her death from a second floor balcony. Money-hungry relatives expecting to dish up a share of the candy company profits, an ex-lover, and a family secret make a tempting recipe for murder. It's a feast of suspects as Haley gobbles up clues that threaten to turn this warm, welcoming occasion into cold leftovers-but with private detective Jack Bishop in charge of the investigation, things heat up fast. Haley searches for the designer handbag of her dreams-but finds a hot new attorney instead-and a killer who knows revenge is a meal best served cold!
Fashionista and event planner Haley Randolph is staging the North Hollywood Art's District fashion crawl, and everything looks flawless--until one of the models is pushed to her death down a flight of stairs. With celebrities, VIPs, and the fashion world's most celebrated clothing designers expected to attend, Haley fears the bad publicity could crush the crawl. To save the event, Haley investigates--and she knows she can't be fashionably late finding the killer.
Allison is shocked to find the once-charming town of Brighton, Nevada overrun with saloons and dance halls. Determined to clean up the town, Allison goes after Cade Jessup, the leading saloon owner. Even Cade's tenderness with the young homeless boy he's adopted won't soften Allison's resolve to close his saloon--but her heart's another story.
This book will help readers revitalize their faith as they ask themselves the hard questions about life and obedience to God. The author takes readers through a challenging process of self-evaluation and drawing closer to God through His Word, moving from mere churchgoers to vibrant believers, living out God¿s purpose for their lives.
When Anna Fletcher comes across a handsome stranger bathing in her pond, she lets him off with a warning to get off her property. When he turns up again, this time wounded, she discovers that he is the son of a notorious outlaw--and he's after a fortune buried on her land. But as they battle over the money, they discover a more precious treasure hidden in their hearts.
Teaching can be an honorable, exciting, even life-changing profession. But it can also be difficult, tiring, and disheartening. This brand-new devotional will speak to the deeply felt needs of educators, offering special encouragement from someone who's been there--author Dot Robinson is a veteran teacher herself. With more than sixty selections, Teacher to Teacher is just the encouragement many teachers need today! A perfect companion book to The Heart of a Teacher.
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