Grave Apparel

I'd read the first four books in the Crime of Fashion series some time back, so when this turned up on Janet Rudolph's list of Christmas-themed mysteries, I decided not to wait until next Christmas season to read it. Lacey Smithsonian, fashion columnist for a "local" Washington, DC newspaper (so, not the WaPo), is beginning to get a reputation for solving crimes. She has been blamed for an editorial against Christmas sweaters which was actually written by the hyper-PC Cassandra Wentworth from the editorial page. As Lacey is getting ready for the office Christmas party, she gets a complaining phone call from Cassandra. Not long after, her phone rings again with a call from the same person -- though tempted not to, she answers it and show more hears a child's voice telling her to come quickly to the alley behind the building because the phone's owner has been attacked. Thus Lacey saves Cassandra's life. But why was she attacked, why was she wearing the food editor's Christmas sweater, and what about the child? Before the tale ends, there will be murders, a bit of Lacey's romance with Vic Donovan, and a thrilling conclusion with a happy Christmas ending. Recommended for those who like their mysteries a bit more soft-boiled. The descriptions of Lacey's clothes (she's into 40s vintage) are a bonus. show less

A really fun series, love the fashion bites articles. Very entertaining and smart.

Lacey Smithsonian is caught up in the Christmas spirit, but not all of her coworkers feel the same way. One even going so far as to write an editorial deriding anyone gauche enough to wear those "tacky" holiday sweaters. Cassandra, the author of the editorial, is promptly attacked in an alleyway and left for dead. A little homeless girl saves her life by calling Lacey's cell phone from Cassandra's. Now Lacey has been ordered to figure out who attacked Cassandra and to save the homeless girl and her sister.

Always a hoot!

Totally enjoyable 'read'! Ordered more of this authors' work!