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    Cloche and Dagger
    Cloche and Dagger
    Cloche and Dagger
    Audiobook8 hours

    Cloche and Dagger

    Written by Jenn McKinlay

    Narrated by Karyn O'Bryant

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    Not only is Scarlett Parker's love life in the loo-as her British cousin Vivian Tremont would say-it's also gone viral with an embarrassing video. So when Viv suggests Scarlett leave Florida to lay low in London, she hops on the next plane across the pond. Viv is the proprietor of Mims's Whims, a ladies' hat shop on Portobello Road bequeathed to both cousins by their beloved grandmother, and she wants Scarlett to finally join her in the millinery business.

    But a few surprises await Scarlett in London. First, she is met at the airport not by Viv, but by her handsome business manager, Harrison Wentworth. Second, Viv-who has some whims of her own-seems to be missing. No one is too concerned about the unpredictable Viv until one of her posh clients is found dead wearing the cloche hat Viv made for her-and nothing else. Is Scarlett's cousin in trouble? Or is she in hiding?
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTantor Media, Inc
    Release dateNov 19, 2013
    ISBN9781452688091
    Cloche and Dagger
    Author

    Jenn McKinlay

    Jenn McKinlay is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of several mystery series, including the Good Buy Girls series and the Decoupage Mystery series, which she wrote under the pseudonyms Josie Belle and Lucy Lawrence. A former librarian, she studied English literature and library science at Southern Connecticut State University before moving to Arizona, where she lives in a house that is overrun with kids, pets, and her husband’s guitars. For more information, visit her at www.jennmckinlay.com.

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    Reviews for Cloche and Dagger

    4/5

    124 ratings16 reviews

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    • 3/5
      There is a common formula for a type of cozy mystery. Young woman in her 20s or early 30s. On the romantic rebound or fleeing from other troubles. An inheritance. A trip to another country. A new life. That was the plot in Dorothy Cannell’s The Thin Woman back in 1984, Nancy Atherton’s Aunt Dimity’s Death in 1992 -- and it’s the same for Cloche and Dagger. The video of Scarlett Parker throwing cake at the boyfriend she didn’t know was married goes viral and she’s being hounded by paparazzi in Florida. She flees to London, where she is co-owner with her cousin Viv of her late grandmother’s high-end hat shop. Seems like a good time for her to make a complete change. When she arrives in London, Viv is nowhere to be found … and Scarlett is chauffeured to her destination by a childhood friend Harry – now Harrison. He’s business manager for Mim’s Whims, said hat shop.When Scarlett and a new friend, Andre the photographer, come across the body of one of the store’s best and most aristocratic customers – Scarlett goes into damage control. The bad publicity could kill Mim’s Whims and that’s not happening on her watch. Yes, it’s a formula . And it’s lightweight. And the romance is oh, so predictable. Still, it’s a good-enough and quick-enough read to enjoy for a few hours. Very appropriate for a mass-market cozy mystery.
    • 3/5
      audiobook (~8 hours), cozy mystery fiction seriesFresh off a bad breakup that went viral online, Scarlet flees her native Florida to join her cousin Vivian in the family hat shop business in Notting Hill, London. Instead of her cousin, she's met at the airport by a handsome (but suspicious?) young man who used to have a crush on her.Audiobook is skillfully narrated with British and American accents, and the plot moves quickly and purposefully (though it is less of a whodunnit mystery than it is a cozy little story surrounding a murder and a disappearance, as Scarlet doesn't have a lot of access to the investigation in question), and there is sufficient chemistry between Harrison and Scarlet, if that is what you're looking for.
    • 4/5
      Scarlett Parker has just arrived in London -- mostly to escape her home in Florida. It seems that a video of her has gone viral, and not a good one. So, since she's half-owner in her late grandmother's hat shop, her cousin Vivian Tremont has convinced her that this is where she needs to be right now. But when she arrives, she's met at the airport by Viv's business manager, Harrison Wentworth. There's no sign of Viv, and Harrison assures her that she's disappeared before (which Scarlett knows) and it's nothing to worry about.But Scarlett knows nothing about running a hat shop, although she does have help from Viv's employee, Fee. Still, it;s not enough when she's visited by Lady Ellis, who insists she have the hat Viv made for her, but Scarlett can't find it. Lady Ellis is naturally upset, and Scarlett does find a beautiful hat that's been closeted away, and Lady Ellis tells her that that's the hat. Unfortunately, but this time, she's also promised Lady Ellis that they'll use her as a model in a photo for their shop, and the woman leaves, looking smug.It's also quite of a coincidence that while out walking she notices a shop nearby that's about to open, and it happens that the man she meets, Andre, is a photographer. It doesn't take much to convince him that she should be the one to photograph Lady Ellis. So all is done, and they set out the following Friday morning to do so. When they arrive at the manor, the housekeeper goes to inform the woman, but they hear her shriek, and Scarlett soon discovers that she's been murdered -- and is wearing only the cloche she gave her.Then things begin to get sticky -- it seems that Lord Ellis has been in love with Viv forever; Viv still can't be found; and there's a break-in at the shop. Now Scarlett, with the help of Harrison, is in a hurry to find Viv and find out who wanted the woman dead. But it seems Lady Ellis might have been the first victim, but Scarlett will be the next, if she doesn't keep on her toes...This is the first book in the Hat Shop Mysteries, and it's a very good beginning. While it doesn't 'grab' you at the first, it does keep you interested enough to keep going, and I'm glad I did. I've never visited a milliner (they really aren't a big thing here in the states), but I would like to visit Vivian and Scarlett's shop, only because the description of the hats seem so lovely. I'd probably even wind up purchasing more than I could afford!The characters are definitely something else - Scarlett seems out of her depth, but trying very hard to leave her past behind (not going to happen right now); Harrison is more than he seems at first, and Andre and Nick are perfect in this series - I love their sense of humor and Nick is a complete hoot. I'm still on the fence about Vivian: she might be a brilliant hatmaker, but just disappearing on a whim seems awfully selfish to me. I don't care about the reason; it's annoying. So I will have to see in the next one how things progress with her.The mystery was done nicely. While there weren't a lot of suspects, it also made it easier to sift through them, and I do like that it wasn't extremely easy to figure out who the killer might be. When the murderer was discovered, you couldn't help feeling a bit sorry for them and understand the reason they were driven to it, while still knowing that it also made them unhinged at the last. Still, murder isn't condoned in any way.When all is said and done, I enjoyed this book immensely. I loved the ending and the teaser that gives us something to look forward to in the next book. Recommended.
    • 3/5
      Three stars. I read this on a little vacation and it was a quick read. It's very light on the mystery (to be clear, if you blink, you'll miss it & the wrap up is lightening fast too) but I enjoyed the setting and the characters were more enjoyable than irritating, so it's all good. I've enjoyed reading McKinlay's Book Lover's series and decided to give this one a try. I'll likely continue reading more in the series. Definitely recommended for fans of the author and anyone looking for a cozy mystery to while away a weekend.
    • 3/5
      I enjoy this series. This was the 2nd I've read in the series, however the 1st of the series. Will read more. 3.5 stars
    • 4/5
      Entertaining, but forgettable. The mystery itself was simplistic and the wrap-up happened all at once without much satisfaction. I liked the back story of the main character and her efforts to adjust herself to life in a place she is familiar with but hasn't been home.
    • 5/5
      Usually I save my 5 star ratings for cozies that are a joy to read *and* offer something a bit different - unique (or not often used) plot devices, a deeper level of writing, really creative twists or settings. Cloche and Dagger didn't really offer any of these pluses, but it was such an outstandingly fun read with such likeable characters, I couldn't possibly have given it anything less.

      For me, Ms. McKinlay wasn't going to go wrong with a setting in Notting Hill, London. Consider that box ticked. The characters were each written so well, that they immediately presented themselves in my minds eye so almost never struggled keeping characters/suspects straight in my mind (about 10 seconds asking 'which one's Andre and which one's Nick was about it). I am already crushing on Harrison - if Scarlett doesn't want him, I'll take him. We don't get much time with Viv, but it's clear she'll be quirky and fun and I really like Fee. And thank you, thank you, thank you, for NOT introducing some awful, hateful caricature of some nasty cow put there to make everyone's lives miserable.

      The plot was nicely done - the first mystery presents itself on page 3(?) with Viv's disappearance. The actual murder doesn't come along until about 1/3 of the way through the book, which allows the author to introduce the setting, the people, etc. with the backdrop of Viv's absence keeping things interesting. Once the murder does occur, it's a good one. I had a suspicion throughout, but was never sure, until the end.

      Ms. McKinlay has yet to write a series I don't love (we won't bring Josie Bell into this) and I think my rankings are going to need a reshuffling - Hat Shop, Library, Cupcakes. I was genuinely disappointed to have come to the end of this book and I can't wait to read more.
    • 1/5
      Cloche and Dagger had a bland taste and passed through my system without any ill effects, but also without anything meaningful occurring. I knew midway through the book that it would score 1 star, but the mystery's solvency, plus the efforts of Scarlett to solve it were beneath contempt. This book is so, so, so shallow in its content and depth and texture and feel. It has no soul. Maybe I'm being flippant, because if I'd read this one after having attempted a voluminous Victorian novel, then maybe I'd be so grateful as to forget Cloche and Dagger's faults. But you know what, this book, professionally written with no ambiguity and with a kind, sincere, beautiful and clean character, is one star material. I have nothing more to add.
    • 4/5
      Fab start to a new series! I've been a fan of Jenn McKinlay's Cupcake Bakery Mysteries for a few years and wasn't sure if a new series was going to reel me in like the escapades of Mel and Angie of Fairy Tale Cupcakes. But I can say that I enjoyed Scarlett, Harrison (Harry) and the crew on Notting Hill probably more than the Fairy Tale Cupcake crew.This was such an enjoyable story that I completely overlooked the fact that the crime doesn't even occur until you're more than 100 pages into the book. And refreshingly enough, Scarlett isn't trying to be some intrepid amateur sleuth and solve the crime before the constables do, she's more concerned about making sure the business doesn't suffer, as well as worrying about her missing cousin (who we don't hear from again until the last three chapters of the book. But with all the antics that are occurring at Mim's Whims, you kinda forget all about the missing Viv.I liked the tension between Scarlett and Harrison, it's going to be interesting to see how that storyline plays out. Nick and Andre are hilarious, and what's the deal with the wardrobe?
    • 4/5
      Attempting to escape a scandal in Florida, Scarlett Parker accepts her cousin Viv's invitation to come to London to work in the family business, a hat shop. After all Scarlett is half owner of the shop. When Scarlett arrives, Viv is MIA. No one seems to be particularly concerned but Scarlett thinks it is odd. At any rate with the help of assistant milliner Fiona and business manager, Harrison, Scarlett carries on running the shop. But when one of their titled customers turns up dead and wearing only the hat she just bought, suspicion falls on the missing Viv. Scarlett is determined to clear her cousin.This first book in the London Hat Shop mysteries was lots of fun. I like Scarlett she funny and smart. The the other characters in the book are nicely developed which is so important in a cozy. There is some hat information but not too much. I really love hats so that was a plus for me. I will read the next in this series.
    • 5/5
      After a breakup scene goes viral, Scarlett heads to London to assist her cousin Vivian in running their mutual grandmother Mim’s hat shop. A stranger is sent to meet Scarlett at the airport and Viv’s absence is only the beginning of the events that lead Scarlett into a bit of sleuthing. From the handsome business manager, Harrison, shop owners Andre and Nick on Portobello Road and kind assistant Fee, London is welcoming to Scarlett, even as her notoriety follows her. Taking the cozy home, back across the pond as it were, McKinlay’s debut of this new series was a lot of fun to read. As usual, she creates an easy tableau for Scarlett to inhabit and the secondary characters rally to Scarlett’s aid without question. I learned a little about hats, feathers and can’t wait for Death of a Mad Hatter, previewed at the end of the book.
    • 5/5
      Cloche and Dagger is the first book in the A Hat Shop Mystery series.

      Another exciting series from one of my favorite authors. Even though the series will center around a millinery shop, the first book just covers the basics. Don't worry about getting bogged down by the detailed workings of the shop.

      Scarlett Parker and her cousin Vivian Tremont are joint owners of a millinery shop given to them on the death of their grandmother. After an embarrassing breakup with what she thought was her soul-mate, Scarlett agrees to head to England and work in their little shop.

      But when Scarlett arrives, Viv is not there to meet her and a gentleman, Harrison Wentworth, who the business manager for the shop, is and informs her that Viv is missing. But then it is not unheard of for Viv to disappear for a few days. There is bantering between them and Scarlett is not so sure that Harrison is not somehow involved.

      A couple days later, just as Scarlett is starting to learn about the shop from Fee, an apprentice, Lady Ellis arrives to pick up a hat Viv was making for her. Scarlett has a hard time finding the hat and finally finds which she thinks is the one. To make for the confusion, Scarlett offers to have Lady Ellis' picture taken wearing the hat and post it on the shop's website. She engages Andre, a photographer down the street to take the picture at Lady Ellis' home. When they arrive for the photo op, they learn that Lady Ellis is dead. Scarlett enters her room and finds Lady Ellis wearing only the hat she had given her.

      It is soon learned that Viv had been romantically involved with Lord Ellis while they were at university and evidently Lord Ellis was still infatuated with Viv. With no one knowing for sure where Viv is, she immediately becomes a person of interest.

      With someone breaking into the shop and someone attemping to suffocate Scarlett starts her own investigation, with the help of Harrison and Andre and his partner.

      A wonderful story and I particularly got a kick out of Scarlett and Harrison trying to top the other. All the characters fun and believable.

      Looking forward to the next book, Death Of A Mad Hatter, to see if Scarlett is for real on no men for 6 months.
    • 4/5
      CLOCHE AND DAGGER kicks off the London Hat Shop Mystery series, and as soon as I saw it was set in London, I had to read it! I thought it was very much a “first” of a series. The stage is set, and readers get to know most of the main characters well, though the mystery could have been stronger.Scarlett was a fun, likable character. She got herself in a big mess in Florida and became an internet star, and not in a good way. She heads across the pond to join her cousin Viv in running their grandmother’s hat shop, Mims’s Whims. But when she gets to London, Viv is missing. Is it because she’s a little flaky, or is there something sinister behind her disappearance? We don’t know. Instead of Viv, Scarlett has hunky Harrison (Viv’s finance guy) looking out for her at the shop. In the past there’s been bad blood between Scarlett and Harrison, but you can tell there’s some romantic chemistry there too.It took a good while before the murder mystery got going. The body wasn’t found until a third of the way through, which for me is just too long to wait, though it did give readers time to connect with Scarlett and the secondary characters. I liked how the mystery played out, I just wish there had been more viable suspects and that they had been fleshed out a bit more.I loved the Notting Hill neighborhood setting, the cousins’ elegant hat shop, and the mysterious wardrobe Viv uses to hide hats. There’s even a touch of the supernatural going on in the shop, which I hope will be expanded on in the next book. CLOCHE AND DAGGER was a light, fun read, and the snappish banter between Scarlett and Harrison had me giggling. If she plans on staying in London, Scarlett must give up her MoonPie obsession and learn to make a proper cup of tea! 3½ Stars.Source: Review copy from the Publisher
    • 4/5
      Jenn McKinlay's first foray across the pond is a success. Although her main character is half English, she's lived in the United States for most of her life, so she becomes acquainted with London at the same pace as the reader does. Once again McKinlay has created a smart, sassy woman with a sense of humor that kept me laughing out loud. Scarlett doesn't wait for Vivian's return or for someone else's invitation before she's out exploring Portobello Road and making new friends. She also doesn't wait to give dishy Harrison Wentworth a piece of her mind whenever he infuriates her (which is often).Other characters, such as Fee the shop assistant, Wentworth, Vivian, Ferd the Bird, and her new friends Nick and Andre round out a cast that has a lot of potential. Even a reader like me who has an aversion to millinery can enjoy the information McKinlay shares about hats, their design and creation. Since this series is set in England, don't be at all surprised if there's the merest whiff of a spirit (and I'm not talking single malt). Jenn McKinlay is one talented writer. She has me reading (and enjoying) books set in hat shops when I hate hats. She has me reading (and enjoying) books about coupon clippers and bargain shoppers when I don't enjoy shopping. This woman could probably find some way to convince me that I'm not allergic to pineapples and strawberries. I'm most definitely looking forward to reading more about Scarlett Parker and her adventures in London!
    • 5/5
      Scarlett Parker has fled to England after her very public breakdown was caught on film and went viral. She is hoping to lay low in England working in the hat shop she and her cousin Viv inherited from their grandmother. Unfortunately, things in England aren’t quiet – Viv is missing, Scarlett stumbles across a murder victim, and someone is targeting her and the hat shop. Scarlett is in real danger and fears that Viv is too. Can Scarlett solve both the murder and the disappearance of her cousin?“Cloche and Dagger” is the first book in Jenn McKinlay’s Hat Shop cozy mystery series and the series already looks like a winner. I love the premise and set up. Scarlett is a well-written and sympathetic character. McKinlay takes a big gamble in having Viv gone for a large part of the book (it can be hard to care about a character we haven’t even met) but she pulls it off quite well. I love the descriptions of the hats – I am not a hat person but I could easily picture them and they sounded gorgeous. I also like the side characters – Harrison (he and Scarlett have great chemistry) and the (almost inevitable in a cozy mystery) gay sidekicks Andre and Nick. There is a running gag in the book involving puns that adds a lot of humor to the book without becoming annoying. But what really makes this book such a delight to read is the intricate plotting of the mystery – I was completely fooled by some of the red herrings McKinlay put in the book. This is my favorite type of mystery where, as plot twists are revealed, you find yourself flipping back and rereading certain passages in the book and realize how expertly McKinlay pulled the wool over your eyes. This couldn’t have been easy to write and is extremely well done.“Cloche and Dagger” is an excellent cozy mystery and I look forward to the next book in the series.
    • 5/5
      What a GREAT start for a new series. I am ready for more.