Reading Club Reviews

January 2024, Book 1: Deadly Decor

Deadly Décor is the second book in the Caprice De Luca Home Staging Mysteries by Karen Rose Smith, a series of cozy mysteries set in the town of Kismet, Pennsylvania.

Three months after the first book, life is very full for professional home stager Caprice De Luca. She’s dating, rescuing adorable cocker spaniels, and decorating the roomy interiors of Kismet’s most well-heeled residents, including current client Eliza Cornwall. Caprice is also worried about her pregnant sister Bella. Bella’s marriage is falling apart and to make it worse, she agreed to meet up with former flame Bob Preston, a house painter that Caprice frequently employs. When Bob is found dead in a pool of blood and green paint, it’s time for Caprice to stage an investigation. With all eyes trained on Bella’s husband Joe, Caprice turns from looking for the perfect curtains to looking for the perfect suspect.

The characters are interesting and distinct, with their characterization remaining consistent between books. I sympathized with the characters and enjoyed following Caprice as she investigates. The author doesn’t hide information from the readers. Anytime Caprice uncovers new clues/information, the readers see her uncovering it.
Since this is a cozy mystery, there’s not a lot of violence. There’s mentions of blood, considering the victim is found in a pool of it, but the novel doesn’t go into enormous detail describing the murder.

Overall, this is a well-written mystery with good characters, a solid plot, a well-executed mystery and a logical conclusion. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.