Review: That Touch of Ink by Diane Vallere

Title:  That Touch of Ink

Author: Diane Vallere
Publisher: Henry Press

Publishing Date:  April 1st, 2014

Pages: 246
Genre: Adult Cozy Mystery

Series: Mad for Mod Mystery #2
Source:  Audio

 

SLEEK, CHIC AND CONSTANTLY SURPRISING...
"The suspense is intense, the plot is hot and the style is to die for. A thoroughly entertaining entry in this enjoyable series." - Catriona McPherson, Agatha Award-Winning Author of the Dandy Gilver Mystery Series

When a rare five thousand dollar bill arrives in the mail, interior decorator Madison Night knows it’s a message from her past. In happier times, she once joked that she could be bought for $5000—how could she deny a bill with her name on it? Suspecting the bill indicates trouble, she consults a numismatist. They set up a meet, but upon arrival she finds an abandoned office, a scared dog,…and a dead body in the kitchen. The twist? The victim isn’t the numismatist; it’s a John Doe.
The police—led by Lt. Tex Allen—are on the case, but it’s Madison who discovers the victim’s identity. But where’s the numismatist? Before long, she uncovers a kidnapping plot, a unique counterfeit operation, and the true price of her own independence.

This is the second book in this series and the second book I have read by this author. I must say that I really do love her writing style, her humor, and the characters. I have so much fun with these books. I finish one and can't wait to get the next. This series, in particular, is so much fun with the vintage styles, vintage clothes, and the vintage references. I love vintage, so this book was made for me. I mean look at the covers too. So adorable. 

Madison is doing well, kind of anyways. The message she received from he ex and the pillow stalk murders have her all nervous. She is trying to get on with her life though. She runs her business and decorates homes and shops for old things. Everything is going as best as it can. That is until another message in the form of a rare $5000 bill shows up. She doesn't know what to do. She wants to turn to Lt. Tex Allen, but since the message from her ex, Tex has been Mia. Of course, it doesn't really matter because Tex gets involved when a body shows up and who is in the middle of it again... Madison... and the mystery and the action begins. 

I really did enjoy this read. I love Madison. She just makes me happy inside. I love her style and her attitude. She rocks it. She wears the cutest outfits, she doesn't take crap from nobody, she is strong and smart. (except for when it comes to dead bodies showing up, but if she was smart with dead bodies, we wouldn't have a story). I just really like Madison. 

There are a few returning characters... Tex and Hudson and of course the pup Rocky. I love Tex and I love Hudson. I really wished that Hudson was in this installment a bit more. He seemed to have a very small part. Tex was the main player though. I don't know what it is that gets me with this guy but he just seems hunky. 

The romance is still pretty much at snail's pace in this book. Madison is very gun shy when it comes to relationships or trusting people. I do think her and Tex are heading that way but it seems to be taking forever. There is definitely some sexual tension between the two....not to mention a couple teasing scenes. They just need to get together and make me happy. 

The story was pretty good. I admit that at times I felt a little confused when so many people were in play. There were quite a bit of characters. This really is my complaint about this book. It just was too busy at times. Maybe if I was reading it instead of listening, I would have been able to keep up better. A very small complaint though. and really my only complaint. 

I really couldn't figure out who to trust and who was the bad guy in this installment. I don't think it wasn't any different for me in the first book. This author is just good at keeping the mystery a mystery and keeping me guessing. 

I look forward to when I can get the next installment. I really do love this series and I just want to read them all. Even though I did get them on audio... I want the physical books too. They are just way too cute. 

Loved this book! 

I grew up reading both Trixie Belden mysteries and Vogue magazine and learned how to spot a counterfeiting ring and accessorize a wardrobe. Now I use that knowledge to dream up plots for the Samantha Kidd, Madison Night, Material Witness, and Costume Shop mystery series. I still love accessories, only now some of them are accessories to murder.