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A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING MYSTERY SERIES |
TULLE DEATH DO US PART
6th Vintage Magic Mystery, July 2013
New York Times
Bestselling author Annette Blair's "fast-paced, fascinating" (Fresh
Fiction) Vintage Magic series continues as clothing boutique owner
Madeira Cutler takes on a murder from the past that won’t stay dead
. . .
Maddie's love of classic fashion has made her Vintage Magic
boutique a success--even if the visions she experiences when
touching certain items often lead her into trouble. Decades ago, at
a Mystic Country Club costume ball, a secret scavenger hunt ended in
an unexplained death, hastily concealed.
Now, Maddie's invited to participate in a similar anniversary event:
but one touch of the vintage petticoat used to hide evidence of the
original crime hurtles Maddie into a scavenger hunt of her own. She
must find missing petticoat pieces and re-stitch the clues it
reveals...to expose a killer!
Review Quotes:
"Readers of the
series will love this one and it will certainly draw in a new crowd
as well. Blair does an amazing job with her characters and her
mysteries are really fun to read. I love Maddie has a heroine and I
hope this won't be the last in the series." Debbie's Book Bag
"Another outstanding read
by Annette Blair. Maddie Cutler is a character that I will follow
until this series ends. Her boutique, Vintage Magic, is a place that
is so cozy it feels just like home." Chelsey's Chatter
"This is
another solid outing for Madeira “Maddie” Cutler with a satisfying
mystery and huge relationship development. I enjoyed seeing Maddie
take on even more challenges and the development in both her
personal life and that of other secondary characters. Tulle Death Do
Us Part is a sweet paranormal cozy mystery." Backchatting Books
"I really enjoyed reading
Tulle Death Do Us Part. I hope that this isn't the last in the
series because I want more beautiful dresses, vintage bags, cozy
mysteries, and further interaction between him and Madeira. I
couldn't put Tulle Death Do Us Part down and I kept going back to it
in between breaks from work." Goldie, My Book Musings
"While I have savored every book in the series, you do not need
to read the others to enjoy this book. It's a fabulous summer read,
and I believe it would appeal to teenage girls, college kids, and
their moms. Anyone who fancies vintage fashions will be on cloud
nine with all the descriptions and details given. Lest I forget- the
cover art is beautiful too! In this case, you can judge a book by
its cover- the words live up to the picture and then some!"
MyShelf
"Absolute perfection! Blair has combined
a compelling mystery, her trademark quirky writing voice and snappy
dialogue, fun vintage clothing details, and totally satisfying
romance. Oh! The romance! Not only did Maddie embark on a wonderful
love story (finally, long overdue and she deserved it), but some
other secondary characters also found their HEAs, too. One
paranormal, one firmly on earth. And the fact that Maddie's deceased
mother blessed all the happiness (with the sweet scent of chocolate)
brought a tear to my eye. This book is WONDERFUL! Grade A+"
Penelope's Romance Reviews
"Once again the author has penned
another wonderful mystery. I look forward to rejoining those
fictional friends in the next adventure. Annette Blair's
storytelling continues to shine brighter than any star possibly
could. Detra Fitch, Huntress Reviews
"How can you not love a book that opens
with “Last night I bedazzled a hard hat”? The characters are going
through a lot of personal growth in this book, from Maddie’s Dad,
Eve, Dolly and Werner the cop–all have great story lines. Dante and
the visions are a little woo-woo but really, it’s not intrusive or
distracting. It just fits like a vintage dress." Kings River Life, A
California Magazine, article title: "More Fashion Mysteries from
Penguin"
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A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!
CLOAKED IN MALICE
5th Vintage Magic Mystery
July 2012
"The
best book so far in a must read series."
Ms. Blair does a masterful job of releasing
clues to Paisley's
history bit by bit. The story that unfolds is fascinating and
unexpected. I couldn't figure out how the pieces all went together
until all was revealed; the uncertainty kept me reading late in to
the night. I loved every minute of it!"
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4th Vintage Magic Mystery
July
5, 2011
SKIRTING THE GRAVE
Hours after Maddie's new
intern--Isobel York--is identified & pronounced dead,
a woman claiming to be Isobel appears on Mad's doorstep. This is
not just a case of "whodunit" but "who-is-it?"
Fantabulous!
"Blair...kept me guessing during the entire story. I kept
feeling as if I were missing just one link, one clue, or one
piece of the puzzle. Any time I thought I had all the
pieces...and knew who was behind what and why, I was proven
wrong. I became aggravated that my theory was wrong, yet
thrilled at the same time because it meant the overall picture
was even bigger than I originally believed. (Only another true
mystery lover will understand what I am trying to explain.) The
author's writing is bright, colorful, and vivid. I could easily
envision Maddie and Isobel roller skating around the shop in
their vintage carhop outfits. Over time I have learned one major
lesson: Whenever I open a book by Annette Blair, the real world
fades away and I am guaranteed to be highly entertained.
Fantabulous!" Detra Fitch, Huntress Reviews
Excellent! "The main character, Madeira, is a
vintage clothes seller and clothing designer. She is also
psychometric, she gets visions sometimes when she touches
clothing. She also has two men in her life, and is trying to
choose between the two. I absolutely love the interplay between
Mad and her two men. And also the relationship between Mad and
her family. It's charming. I also loved the mystery in this one,
there were so many twists and turns it was excellent."
Speed Reader Book Reviews
"Love this Series!" Maria Munoz Goodreads
"Definitely in style for any fan of cozy mysteries.
While helping to plan her sister's baby shower, vintage
clothing boutique owner Madeira Cutler must also solve a murder
when Isobel, her new design intern, dies under suspicious
circumstances and an imposter arrives at her doorstep later in
the evening claiming to be Isobel. Original. 30,000 first
printing." Maria Munoz, Fresh Fiction
"I loved the story...
Annette Blair has a very fluent and easy reading writing style I
love. Her characters are just human (okay, sometimes with a bit
of magic), and humorous. If you love vintage clothing yourself,
you will love the numerous descriptions of dresses and purses
and whatever else goes with that. But if you are not a
fashionista, like my self, you will still enjoy this lovely cozy
mystery series. A great heroine, lovely secondary characters,
two hot guys who both want Maddie. No love scenes though, after
all, it is a cozy." Aurian, boeklogboek "A
well drawn mystery...a healthy dose of humor and
even some vintage fashion tips. There is plenty of romance with
Maddie conflicted by her feelings for the two men in her
life...a fun read...also fine as a stand-alone, suitable for all
ages from tweeners on up. Annette Blair is a very skilled
author, and the story, while complex, comes together nicely at
the end. Good for the beach or a lazy day in a hammock. Laura
Hinds, myshelf
The best book yet! "A conspiracy is afoot and the
gang doesn’t know why someone wants Isobel, Maddie’s intern,
dead. Being able to read clothes, gives Maddie inside
information that she passes on to the detective and FBI agent
handling the case. It will take the efforts of Maddie, Nick and
Werner to unravel this mystery and save the life of a young
woman who Maddie has taken a liking to. This was a fun and
enjoyable read that will have you smiling with all that is
Madeira Cutler. With truly lovable characters, great dialogue,
and glimpse of vintage fashion apparel, this was the best book
yet in this enchanting and fabulous series that gets better with
time. dru's book musings, reviewed for Penguin
Five
Fangs for Skirting the Grave by
Annette Blair
"I couldn't put
down this book once I started. I
literally had to pry my fingers
and eyes away to go to bed. Each
book in this series is better
than the last. Annette Blair's
books are always pure magic! I
love the mix of wit, humor,
mystery and magic (plus the
steamy sexiness that sometimes
gets thrown in) and her writing
style flows so smoothly- all of
her books that I've read have
truly been a pleasure. And the
Vintage Magic series- it has
everything I love- humor, wit,
style, vintage stuff, ghosts,
mystery, and sexy men.
Personally I'm rooting for
Werner but knowing me I'm
rooting for the underdog, I
always do. In this 4th
installment Maddie and Werner
have actually been kinda dating,
not that she'll admit to that
but her and Nick are again in
"off" mode. But of course Nick
comes back to town just in time
to get involved in another
murder case Maddie finds herself
in the middle of- again. And the
murder victim? This time it's
her would be assistant- or is
it? The mystery will keep you on
toes trying to figure this mix
up out. And the visions Maddie
gets from the trunk of vintage
clothes just add into the
mystery of who, what and why?
Readers also will wonder
throughout the book who will
Maddie choose? Werner or Nick-
by the end you'll think you
know- but hey things might
change again in a future book. I
read this so fast I was almost
disappointed to realize the book
was over- but definitely not
disappointed in the book. Blair
never disappoints. Her books are
fun and light hearted even
though the subject matter can
sometimes be dark- the writing
is superb, colorful and bright
making you want more with each
page you turn. I can't wait for
the next vintage magic mystery."
Roxanne Rhoades
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3rd Vintage Magic Mystery
July 2010
Death by Diamonds
Madeira Cutler receives a dawn delivery, a gown she designed in
fashion school for a Broadway Star, now a dear friend. A cryptic
note reads: "Mad, sweetie, if you have this, and not from my
hand, I’m dead." Dominique DeLong died on stage in front of
hundreds of people. How and at who's hand?
"I devoured this
book so fast I think I broke a record. It was fabulous- the best
Vintage Magic Mystery yet. Full of magic, mystery, and classic Blair
style. Maddie's antics are always fun to read and the hint of romance is
a teasing heat that leaves you wondering and wanting more. I can't wait
for the next..." 5 Fangs, Fang-tastic Books
"Nick is
still hot, but Lytton begins some competition with his
thermonuclear kiss. To say that Annette Blair has revved up the
drama and intensity would be putting it too mildly. The depicted
members of a group, dubbed The Parasites, could not have been
more perfect. One of the most interesting mysteries I have read
this year. A magnificent story!" 5 Stars, Detra Fitch, Huntress
Reviews
"Annette Blair
has the magical touch when it comes to paranormal who-done-its with her
entertaining, joie de vivre amateur sleuth. The mystery is cleverly
constructed making it difficult to figure out the culprit...Readers will
relish the latest Vintage Magic whodunit..." 5 Stars, Harriet Klausner,
Genre Go Round, The Best Reviews
"A fast-paced,
fascinating addition to this dynamic mystery series. A book by Annette
Blair is a guaranteed roller coaster ride, and DEATH BY DIAMONDS in no
exception!" Paula Myers, Fresh Fiction
"A delightful romp... Blair's characters are witty, sexy,
and best of all, honest. Her dialogue sparkles like the diamonds Maddie
is hunting for...the characters as three-dimensional as the Mark Jacobs
handbag she carries."
4 ½
Stars, Ann, Scribes World
"I regret that I missed the first two in
this series, but I soon caught on. Fascinating blend of humor mixed with
murder and other serious business. This is kind of whacky and I adored
it." Donna, Romance Reviews
“This fun
entry in the Vintage Magic Mysteries includes interesting
details...quirky supporting characters...a charming ghost and Madeira’s
ability to see past events when she touches the clothes...a fun read.” 4
Stars, Romantic Times
"Annette
Blair's mystery series showcases the best of her writing...such a lovely
cadence to her prose, it's a delight to read. Her "voice" is fresh, her
heroine adorable. Wonderful settings, gorgeous vintage clothes, quirky
family, cool paranormal edge, a snappy mystery. I found myself crying at
the end and realized that Blair's writing is an awesome juxtaposition of
modern, snappy prose with sentimental, old-fashioned heart underneath. I
love it!" Grade A, Penelope
"An exciting, humorous roller
coaster ride. I absolutely adore Annette Blair’s books. She has
a way of weaving humor throughout. We have the
paranormal...Dominique’s death and missing diamonds...chemistry
between Mad and Nick and maybe [Mad and Werner]...and mayhem
explodes! I cannot recommend Annette Blair’s books enough, and
this is no exception...on my keeper shelf." Chere Gruver,
ParaNormal Romance
"Annette Blair is brilliant at
capturing emotion... I had forgotten how much I loved these
books...brilliant comedic moments...classic Eve vs
Nick...vibrant characters... This is the best book yet and I
really am looking forward to the next in the series!" Murder!
She Read, Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
"Another great mystery by Annette
Blair. I read this book cover to cover when I should have gone
to bed. Surprises around every corner.. fast-paced. I love the
writing style and humor. If you like fashion, this really is a
series for you. If you just love a good cozy mystery and don’t
give a damn about fashion, like me, this is a series for you.
Bring on the next book please!" Aurian, Blogarchief
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2nd Vintage Magic Mystery
August 2009
LARCENY AND LACE
Maddie Cutler has
it all in the bag: fashion, magic--and murder! If that dress
could talk...
The
second entry sparkles in bestselling author Annette Blair’s
enchanting Vintage Magic Mystery Series for Berkley Prime Crime
starring Madeira Cutler, a psychic dress designer--and daughter of a
witch--who "reads" vintage clothes and follows their clues.
"Warm, endearing and full of magic!
Annette Blair's "Vintage Magic" series is one of the most adorable,
fascinating cozy mystery series I have run across. Another
fast-paced novel that keeps the reader entertained from the word go!
Annette's characters are warm & endearing, & you feel as if you're
visiting old friends. I love the side love story between old Mrs.
Sweet & her ghostly boyfriend, Dante. And I love that Blair includes
Maddie's familiar, a cute little cat named Chakra. I look forward to
more of the Cutler family & Mystic, Connecticut from this wonderful
author." Sharon Chance, FreshFiction
Five Fangs for
Larceny and Lace
Annette Blair's whimsical and witty
writing style is true magic on the page. She never disappoints. I
love Blair's use of words and the way she blends magic and vintage
clothing into the stories like they are characters themselves,
especially the clothes. It just adds another element, another layer
to the story cake that makes it that much more interesting. I fell
in love with Blair's writing when I found her witch trilogies, such
sexy works. This new series with it's blend of magic and mystery
really has me hooked. I can't wait to read more Vintage Magic
Mysteries. Roxanne Rhoads
"I'm not sure there is a grade good enough for
this baby, so I'm bestowing my first Grade A++" "Awesome first
person narrative, colorful, smart and sassy heroine, touching
secondary characters including a romantic ghost pining for his
lost love, now 103 years old, as well as a lovely secondary
story line...snappy dialogue, intriguing mystery, and finally,
delicious sexual tension... Blair's writing is an absolute
breath of fresh air...witty, original, perfectly-paced, and
filled with fascinating tidbits. The vintage clothing angle
rocks...the delicious and sexy undercurrents were so totally
satisfying. The only thing that makes me sad about this book is
that it's over. All right, it's confession time. I actually
cried TWO times while reading this book. The scene where Maddie
and her father both smell chocolate, a paranormal indicator that
her dead mother's presence is being felt by both of them, was so
sweet and touching, I welled up and cried. And the final scene
of this book is absolutely wondrous! It was hands-down the best
scene in a book I have read in ....well, forever. So romantic,
so sweet, so embarrassed I was blubbering when my kids got home.
Thank you, Annette Blair, I bow to the greatness that is this
book. I'm not sure there's a grade good enough for this baby, so
I'm bestowing my first Grade A++" Penelope,
Penelope's Romance Reviews
"Blair has created some very
flamboyant and interesting characters for the Vintage Magic
series. Each character is well developed and the interactions
and witty dialogue make the book a joy to read. Every chapter is
begun with a fashion related quotation and the book includes
Tips for Vintage Handbag Lovers and directions to Make Your Own
Clutch. If you want a book you can just sit back and enjoy,
following along in the lives of people you grow to care about,
give this series a try. I'm fashion impaired and feel dressing
up means there are no stains on my jeans or my shirt front and I
love this series." GUMSHOE, A Literary Investigation
"Blair's second Vintage Magic
mystery is a wonderful investigative tale that will have
armchair readers spellbound trying to solve the case before
Maddie can. With whimsy, humor and Dante to round out the magic,
fans will enjoy this entertaining paranormal amateur sleuth
while wondering if Lytton will become the latest cop bewitched
by Maddie." Harriet Klausner
"LARCENY AND LACE delivers a follow-up tale that is every bit as
satisfying as the first Vintage Magic novel, or perhaps may even
be better than the original! Maddie’s knowledge of fashion
is amazing... Readers may start rooting for the “favorite” male
to pair up with Maddie—my money is on Werner... Friendship
and magic are essential to Maddie’s tale, and we see her slowly
start to embrace the magical side of life…albeit a bit
cautiously! LARCENY AND LACE is a fun whodunit that keeps
readers guessing and ensnared…waiting (impatiently) for the next
Vintage Magic tale." The Romance Readers Connection, Angela
Etheridge
“LARCENY AND LACE is another
fast-paced novel that keeps the reader entertained from the word
go! Blair’s characters are warm and endearing, and you feel as
if you’re visiting old friends among the pages. I love the side
love story between old Mrs. Sweet and her ghostly boyfriend,
Dante. And I love that Blair includes Maddie’s familiar, a cute
little cat named Chakra, in the story. I look forward to more
stories of the Cutler family and Mystic, Connecticut from this
wonderful author." Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews
"You simply HAVE to admit that a
vintage shop owner with psychometric ability just oozes over
with possibilities! I am SO ready for the next mystery! Brava!
"Huntress Reviews, Detra Fitch
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1st Vintage Magic Mystery
January
2009
A VEILED DECEPTION
RT BOOK CLUB REVIEWERS' CHOICE AWARD NOMINEE
Her
mother was a witch?
Home
from the New York fashion world to plan her sister's wedding,
Madeira Cutler becomes a sleuth when the bride is accused of murder.
Turns out, Maddie can "read" vintage clothes and follow their clues.
What other gifts did she inherit from her mother?
RT
TOP PICK! "A wonderful book...a
beguiling series starring a dress designer/vintage clothes collector
with paranormal gifts...great setting, intriguing mystery, &
characters so well developed, even the villain has elaborate
layers...a winner." Page Traynor
Night Owl TOP PICK!"Annette
Blair has given us a very special mystery with "A Veiled Deception"
her first in A Vintage Magic Mystery Series! There are plenty of
chills and lots of humor along the way as you try and solve the
mystery with Maddie and her friends. If you are looking for a great
mystery with some paranormal elements and a little romance, you have
all that and more...Annette Blair is a great storyteller and has her
own brand of magic for mysteries! I am looking forward to reading
her second book in A Vintage Magic Mystery Series "Larceny and Lace"
which is out now!" Janean Sparks
This
is the first book in Annette Blair’s “A Vintage Magic Mystery”
series and I absolutely loved it. It was a quick, fast-paced, light,
read that just left you smiling. It’s a sweet mystery and everything
I want in my cozies – a little mystery, a little romance – all
rolled up into one nice story. I thought this book was wonderful and has the makings
for a great series. I have to give this my Socrates’ Great Book Alert Award – Yes, I
liked it that much.
Plus it gets 5 kitty cats!
"Annette Blair brings her characters to vivid life...gives this mystery
her signature style...magic.
Fun, witty, highly recommended." Detra Fitch, Huntress
Highly recommended: A+
"A
Veiled Deception is not your typical romance. It's actually a mystery.
But if you enjoy Blair's Witch Series, I guarantee you will [love] this
fun, flirty, adorable story...A delicious combination! Blair has written
her best book yet & I'm looking forward to more of her "romantic
mysteries." My favorite part of Blair's writing is her unique voice
(also fun, flirty & snappy!) which lends itself perfectly to this genre.
I literally could not put the book down until I finished (midnight).
Wonderful."
Penelope
A Golden Angel
Recommended Read: "The first book in Annette Blair’s new Vintage Magic
Mystery series, A Veiled Deception, is my favorite book to date. She has
more than done it again; she has surpassed herself! This book has the
classic Annette Blair style with the quirky, fun, twist of paranormal &
the heated romantic interest we have all come to love in her previous
series." Stephanie, Fallen Angel Reviews
"Annette Blair, renowned
for her sensational bewitching romantic fantasies provides a new series
filled with humor, the paranormal, two related mysteries, & of course
romance...an outstanding read." Harriet Klausner
"Stunning Start to a new
& magical mystery series. A VEILED DECEPTION by Annette Blair
is...phenomenal. Ms. Blair beautifully captures New England's ambiance &
mystique as she weaves a well-crafted mystery into the threads of Maddie
Cutler's life. As with all of Ms. Blair's stories, this one is going on
my keeper shelf!" Paula Myers, Fresh Fiction
"This is not just the
story of a murder, but of one woman's journey to find herself...If this
is an example of Annette Blair's talent for storytelling, I intend to
pick up all her back titles. The dialogue is witty, there's humor
throughout, with friendship & family, sexual tension without revolving
around sex...the plot zings along. I very highly recommend this
story..." Chere Gruver, ParaNormalRomance
"In Annette Blair's
excellent mystery novel A Veiled Deception,
Madeira Cutler, an assistant to a fashion designer, returns to her New
England home town to help organize her sister's wedding. Like Blair's
previous novels, it combines elements of the mystery & supernatural
genres & does both effectively. The supernatural aspects play out well,
particularly in that Madeira is experiencing them for the first time.
A good start to a new series, great example of the supernatural
mystery genre." Curled up with a Good Book
"Maddie is a delightful character who has an affinity with vintage
clothing--she can see into the lives of past wearers. There are several
threads & we sit on the edge of our seats to see how they're sewn
together. A Veiled Deception has something for everyone--sexy men,
humor, love & a fantastic plot with suspense and danger. If you love all
these aspects woven into one, Annette’s Blair’s A Veiled Deception is
perfect!" Debbie Guyette, SingleTitles CataRomance
"I have enjoyed Annette
Blair’s chick-lit-meets-witch stories since she wrote The Kitchen
Witch. Blair definitely brings her “A” game with A Veiled Deception,
the launch of her new magical cozy mystery series. Maddie is a
delightful and interesting character that the reader can connect
with immediately, and the clever entwining of the murder mystery
with a chick-lit attention to fashion and the paranormal bent with
regards to Maggie’s special powers is brilliantly effective.
Surrounded by an eclectic mix of supporting characters, some of whom
are ghosts (!), Maggie is determined to clear her family name and
get her sister to the alter so she can start her
happily-ever-after. Blair’s second Vintage Magic Mystery, Larceny
and Lace, is due out in August 2009 and I, for one, can’t wait to
see what Maddie gets involved in next." Crystal
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