Rating: 
Summary: Got me!!
Review: A premiere success! Ellen Byerrum's characters are colorful, hip, and quirky (in a very good way). She is fabulous at bringing color and detail into this fun mystery read which is true to her personal wit. There are some humorous subtleties directly targeting those who live and work in the DC "world", which caused me at times to break out in delighted bursts of laughter while reading. It was over much too soon. There's something about a mystery novel that manages to fool me at the final conclusion that I just gotta love. I'm nearing the end of Ellen's second book in the Lacey Smithsonian series and finding it just as delightful. Brava Ellen!
Rating:
Summary: Wit & spot-on observations create fun fictional DC universe
Review: CLUE: Lacey Smithsonian, with trenchant wit, in the nation's capital. In what I hope is but the first in a long series of books, Ellen Byerrum manages to create *the* thing a reader most hopes to find in a mystery series: an appealing alternate fictional universe-in this case a hipper, chic-er nation's capital than the one most DC residents know (and I know: I lived many years in 20036)-a place we want to come back to again and again, to visit people we like enough to want to hang out with more than once. I look forward to spending time with Stella, Brooke, Tony and, of course, the spiky fashionista humor and trenchant observations of sassy heroine Lacey Smithsonian many times over the next few years. Beware, helmet heads. Or begone. In Colonel Mustard's opinion, Ellen Byerrum TKOs mystery readers everywhere - and especially in DC - with KILLER HAIR.
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Summary: Stiletto Wit Skewers Washingtonian Sneaker-Wearers
Review: Don't try to read this book on the subway. You'll either miss your stop while reading, or even start some conversations with the eye-catching cover and title.
Here's a mystery for the intelligent reader with a better-than average vocabulary. Besides having an obvious inside knowledge of the capital city, the author shows an attention to research and detail. ...and nuance, of course. Who doesn't admire that kind of sensitivity? (Not to mention the ability to use and pronounce French words.) This book is not for the humor-impaired, but it can be enjoyed by the unstylish. I recommend applying a little extra mascara before reading, just to keep from feeling intimidated.
Rating:
Summary: Stiletto Wit Skewers Washingtonian Sneaker-Wearers
Review: Don't try to read this book on the subway. You'll either miss your stop while reading, or even start some conversations with the eye-catching cover and title.
Here's a mystery for the intelligent reader with a better-than average vocabulary. Besides having an obvious inside knowledge of the capital city, the author shows an attention to research and detail. ...and nuance, of course. Who doesn't admire that kind of sensitivity? (Not to mention the ability to use and pronounce French words.) This book is not for the humor-impaired, but it can be enjoyed by the unstylish. I recommend applying a little extra mascara before reading, just to keep from feeling intimidated.
Rating:
Summary: So good I tell strangers about it.
Review: I loved this book. The characters are slightly quirky and the dialogue is snappy enough to remind me of those wonderful old romantic comedies--and in which Lacey's clothes would fit pefectly. I have passed this around two writers critique groups, and told total strangers about it in the bookstore. If you're looking for a light read, not much blood and gore, and characters that make you laugh (one believes Washington DC men are victims of a plot that blocks pheromones, rendering men unattracted to the women in town) you'll appreciate Ellen Byerrum's launch of Lacey Smithsonian. This is a hoot!
Rating:
Summary: Killer Hair
Review: I really enjoyed this book and also the second in the series. Funny, fiesty, great fashion thoughts in the "Column". I am looking forward to the third book in this series.
Rating:
Summary: Killer Read
Review: I'm always excited to find new authors. I love her wit and writing style. The second is just as good and am excitedly awaiting the third installment.
Rating:
Summary: A fashion reporter investigates death in a salon
Review: Lacey Smithsonian is a reporter with the Eye Street Observer in Washington, D.C. She writes the Crimes of Fashion column. Recently her column was about the makeover Marcia Robinson got from Stylettos stylist Angela Wood. Then Angie is found dead at Stylettos. The police say it is suicide. Anyone who knew Angie and knows the facts of her death does not believe it is suicide. Her hair has been cut off with a straight-edged razor. Angie was proud of her hair and suicide or not would not have done this to herself. Fellow stylist Stella asks her friend Lacey to investigate Angie's death. She feels that since Lacey is an investigative reporter, this should be easy. Lacey tries to say no, but saying no to Stella is not easy. Lacey runs into Victor Donovan who she knew back in Colorado. Now he's in the area helping his father run his security company. Styletto's is their new customer. There is a lot of history with Lacey and Vic and this new development just confuses her more. The FBI seems to be interested in Lacey's activities and this just makes her more determined to help Stella. Boyd Radford, owner of Stylettos, is called Ratboy behind his back by the stylists due to his profile. His ex-wife Josephine and their son Beau are not well-liked either. Then Tammi is found in the Virginia Beach Styletto's with her hair cut off in much the same way as Angie. She was a stylist there. Vic tries to convince Lacey to back off as he is concerned for her safety. She won't listen and ends up putting herself in grave danger when she finally figures out who the killer is. I like this new series. Lacey is a great character. The author has done a great job of making her believable and three-dimensional. I am looking forward to reading more exploits of Lacey Smithsonian and hope that Victor Donovan will also be in future books. I always enjoy books set in the DC area since that is where I live. I think it's more enjoyable to read a book when you can recognize locations mentioned in a book. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: A fashion reporter investigates death in a salon
Review: Lacey Smithsonian is a reporter with the Eye Street Observer in Washington, D.C. She writes the Crimes of Fashion column. Recently her column was about the makeover Marcia Robinson got from Stylettos stylist Angela Wood. Then Angie is found dead at Stylettos. The police say it is suicide. Anyone who knew Angie and knows the facts of her death does not believe it is suicide. Her hair has been cut off with a straight-edged razor. Angie was proud of her hair and suicide or not would not have done this to herself. Fellow stylist Stella asks her friend Lacey to investigate Angie's death. She feels that since Lacey is an investigative reporter, this should be easy. Lacey tries to say no, but saying no to Stella is not easy. Lacey runs into Victor Donovan who she knew back in Colorado. Now he's in the area helping his father run his security company. Styletto's is their new customer. There is a lot of history with Lacey and Vic and this new development just confuses her more. The FBI seems to be interested in Lacey's activities and this just makes her more determined to help Stella. Boyd Radford, owner of Stylettos, is called Ratboy behind his back by the stylists due to his profile. His ex-wife Josephine and their son Beau are not well-liked either. Then Tammi is found in the Virginia Beach Styletto's with her hair cut off in much the same way as Angie. She was a stylist there. Vic tries to convince Lacey to back off as he is concerned for her safety. She won't listen and ends up putting herself in grave danger when she finally figures out who the killer is. I like this new series. Lacey is a great character. The author has done a great job of making her believable and three-dimensional. I am looking forward to reading more exploits of Lacey Smithsonian and hope that Victor Donovan will also be in future books. I always enjoy books set in the DC area since that is where I live. I think it's more enjoyable to read a book when you can recognize locations mentioned in a book. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: A Terrific Read
Review: Lacey Smithsonian's wit, sense of style, and determination to solve a "crime of fashion" and murder kept me turning pages long into the night. I couldn't put it down! There are characters with real stories, dialog that sparkles and a plot that moves. Her hilarious insights into the denizens of Washington, D.C., and oh-so-real fashion tips are an extra bonus. I'm rooting for Lacey to defy the conspiratorial "pheromone jammers" and strike a blow for love and her sexy ex-cop Vic Donovan. I can't wait for her next book!
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