Ramblings of a bookaholic.

Friday, June 26, 2015

On 12:26 PM by psykoticKitten   No comments
Title:  Death of a Mad Hatter
Author:  Jenn McKinlay

In Death of a Mad Hatter we are introduced to Scarlet Parker and her life of normalcy working in a hat shop she runs with her cousin Vivian.  Having just gone through a scandalous and high profile break-up (her boyfriend was married and Scarlet wasn’t having any of that nonsense), she has sworn off men for a year to allow herself time to just be herself – unattached. 

Vivian is the talent behind Mim’s Whims.  She learned the trade and took over the business from her grandmother.  With her cousin and apprentice, Fiona, by her side, she can accomplish making any hat for any occasion.  Even ones that don’t quite turn out as planned.

Harrison is a long-time family friend.  He takes care of the business side of Mim's Whims.  He also makes things complicated for Scarlet in the romance department.  Will he (and his stolen kiss) be the one to break down Scarlet's wall?

While managing the shop and taking care of business, the two women take on their grandmother’s old friend (Dotty) as a client (who happens to think that Vivian (Viv) is their grandmother).  The job?  Create Alice in Wonderland themed hats for a tea party fund-raiser to name a hospital wing after the late Mr. Grisby.  The job is easy enough to accomplish.  The family, on the other hand, is a different story all together.  Geoffrey is a pompous ass, Daphne is a bitter bitch, Lily is an artsy free-spirit, and Rose is all sorts of timid - hold the back bone.  Let's not forget Mrs. Geoffrey Grisby - Tina - who is actually a decent person.  We also have the offspring of Daphne - Liam and George.

The day of the fund-raiser goes off without a hitch.  Geoffrey is canoodling with his secretary, the late Mr. Grisby's mistress makes a scene and vows to kill Geoffrey, and oh yeah!  Geoffrey is found dead by miss Scarlet Parker.

The mystery is afoot.

At first Scarlet thinks the death is caused by a heart attack.  Then she finds out that he was poisoned!  But who would want to murder a charming likable fellow such as Geoffrey?  [I am being sarcastic here - he is not a likable person at all.]

Let's look at the suspects:
  • The Mistress - Threatened Geoffrey at the even he was murdered at.
  • Daphne - Thinks it is unfair that Geoffrey is was the sole inheritor of their father's fortune. 
  • Liam - Eldest son of Daphne.  Could have committed the crime on his mother's behalf.
  • George - Youngest son of Daphne.  Could have committed the crime on his mother's behalf.
  • Tina - Was treated awfully by Geoffrey and could want to inherit his newly inherited fortune.
  • Rose - Quiet.  Too quiet?
  • Lily - Free spirit.  Gotta be careful of the ones you least expect right?
So who was the culprit?  It wouldn't be much fun if I told you now would it?

My Opinion(s):

Death of a Mad Hatter, to say the least, was a fantastic read!  I loved how real the story was.  It wasn't too over-the-top but it wasn't boring either.  The Jenn McKinlay did an awesome job at world and character building.  I felt like Scarlet could step out of the book and be my normal neighbor with a normal life.  At least until a mystery comes along that needs meddling of course.  

While I was routing for Scarlet to bring down her shield and give Harrison a chance, I also admired her for basically saying, "Hey.  I like you and I want to see where this is going but... I made a promise to myself to stay boyfriend free for x amount of years/months.  I'm going to see that through first."  Doing something like that, especially for someone who is used to being on a guy's arm, is courageous and self respectful.  This is a book I would encourage my daughter to read when she's a bit older - to show her that it's not just all about the boys.

Now I'm not and English major or professional writer but I do believe that Death of a Mad Hatter is very well written.  The story structure was as solid as a rock and twists were done in a "Oh that makes sense." sort of way.  It wasn't too out there but it wasn't too predictable either.  It was just right.

To be honest... I don't really have much to say about this book other than I really really enjoyed it - very much.  In fact I have a book in another series by Jenn McKinlay on my reading list.  I can't wait to read it and I definitely can't wait to share it with you.  

Your Turn:

Have you read Death of a Mad Hatter?  What are your thoughts on the book?  Do you agree with my opinions?  If you didn't like the ending, how would you have ended the story?  

Remember to be respectful in your comments.



★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Just Finished:  Taken by the Huntsman by Mistral Dawn & Poison Princess by Kresley Cole
Currently Reading:  Delia's Shadow by Jaime Lee Moyer
Up Next:  Endless Knight by Kresley Cole

Happy Reading!

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