Fahrenheit 501: A Humorous Killer Fashion Amateur Sleuth Cozy Mystery

Samantha Kidd was my introduction to Diane Vallere’s wonderful, unusual, quirky heroines, and although I do love them all, from the very first Samantha Kidd book to this one, Fahrenheit 501, #12 in the Samantha Kidd series, Samantha remains my favorite. It’s been a joy to watch her change and grow, to become more confident, to learn truths about herself and confront some of her fears. All while often getting into hilariously dangerous situations and doing totally unexpected and sometimes bewildering things. As the adventure begins, Samantha has been invited to join a secret fashion society. She doesn’t really know anything about it or why she was invited but she is intrigued, flattered and wants in. During her initial interview she learns that the purpose of the society is to preserve famous fashion patterns. Sounds like a good idea on the surface. But everyone she meets is a little off, a little mysterious, a little rude – or just plain weird. And she quickly learns there is a lot more going on under the surface; everyone has their own agenda or secret. And before Samantha can even leave the building she is drugged and then discovers a murder. What is really going on with the society? Does she even want to be part of it? Samantha has always jumped in with unsolicited help. She has been working to tone that down, to listen more and wait until she is actually asked before taking action. She’s out of her element from the fashion aspect – jeans have never been her area of expertise – and maybe she should walk away, but people do need her help and she’ll do whatever it takes to figure this out. Fahrenheit 501 is full of familiar faces and unexpected friendships and working relationships and the usual solid, complex, fast-moving plot we have come to expect from author Vallere. People, including Samantha, are in danger and there is some real evil present. And of course there’s Samantha’s husband Nick, with the dark curly hair, root-beer-barrel-colored eyes and that sexy smile. Probably even more swoon-worthy and heart- throbby now that he has a beard. Not just Sexy Nick but kind of her rock, too. I’ve loved watching their relationship evolve throughout the series. Thanks to author Diane Vallere for providing an advance copy of Fahrenheit 501 for my reading pleasure and honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t recommend it enough; read this as a perfect standalone or treat yourself and go back to the beginning. There was a big surprise I didn’t see coming. It was perfectly handled, but definitely gives us something to think about for the next book. And, by the way, I learned a lot about jeans! All opinions are my own.

Farenheit 501 by Diane Vallere, book twelve in her Samantha Kidd Mystery series, is a fantastic story that I could not put down; bringing plenty of mystery, self reflection, and a whole lot more. This time Samantha has to deal with it all; multiple murders and a missing person, a castle in the middle of the city, and Levi 501 jeans galore. Samantha Kidd is invited to join a secret society; a group whose mission is to preserve famous fashion patterns through memorization and pass them down to future generations. Samantha is so excited dreaming of Chanel Jackets and Halston Dresses, but is disappointed when she is assigned 501 Jeans. When the retiring denim expert turns up dead, she fears there’s more than fashion history at stake. Can Samantha unzip the facts or will the truth stay buttoned up forever? I genuinely enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. Humor is interspersed throughout the book along with fascinating tidbits from fashion to pretzels to Levi’s. Ms. Vallere does an excellent job keeping her readers on their toes as they read her stories. She had me mis-guessing who the killer was and boy was I surprised when I found out. I highly recommend Farenheit 501 to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Levi 501 Jeans and Murder This book is part of the Samantha Kidd cozy mystery series. These books just keep getting better! The murder plot is twisted and convoluted and totally makes sense by the end. Sam's personal life is in better shape, but she still doesn't have a grip on it. This book can be read independently of the series. But, a reader will get the full experience of reading the books in sequence. I really enjoy this author and recommend anything she writes.