Today I’m reviewing Killer Image by Wendy Tyson for TLC Book Tours. As always, I am provided with a copy of the book in return for my honest review.
About the book (from the publisher): Philadelphia image consultant Allison Campbell is not your typical detective. She’s more familiar with the rules of etiquette than the rules of evidence, prefers 3-inch Manolos to comfy flats and relates to Dear Abby not Judge Judy.
When Allison’s latest Main Line client, the fifteen year old Goth daughter of a White House hopeful, is accused of the ritualistic murder of a local divorce attorney, Allison works to prove her client’s innocence when no one else will. But in a place where image is everything, the ability to distinguish the truth from the façade may be the only thing that keeps Allison alive.
My review: This mystery revolves around the Main Line, a wealthy enclave outside of Philadelphia, where money, especially old money, is key. Tyson clearly knows her subject matter. Killer Image is the start of a series involving Allison Campbell so Tyson has spent a lot of time defining and fleshing out the characters, especially the ones who will most likely be in future books. All of them have a past they are wrestling with. Everyone has secrets. Image vs. Reality.
Campbell’s client, a young mixed-up girl, is one part of a web of relationships that connect to Allison’s past and to the lives of her friends and family. What Tyson does well, and what I think needs to happen with any series involving a ‘detective,’ is this: she shows us that the subject matter, the mystery itself, springs up in the midst of a busy life, full of ongoing commitments and ongoing relationships, some of them troubled. That’s what happens in real life, isn’t it? There may be something that takes center stage in our lives but at the same time we are dealing with parents, friends, misunderstandings, worries and fears. While Allison is doing her detecting, the rest of her life doesn’t stop. I get a real sense of where the characters have been prior to the beginning of the novel and of what they are wrestling with in the present.
It’s a tightly plotted mystery and the characters are interesting and compelling. The setting is detailed and, as someone who lived in Philadelphia for five years and is familiar with the Main Line, I think Tyson does a neat job of creating that world for us.
A good start to a series.
About the author: Wendy Tyson wrote her first story at age eight and it’s been love ever since. When not writing, Wendy enjoys reading other people’s novels., traveling, hiking, and playing hooky at the beach – and if she can combine all four, even better. Originally from the Philadelphia area, Wendy has returned to her roots and lives there again with her husband, three kids and two muses, dogs Molly and Driggs. She and her husband are passionate organic gardeners and have turned their small urban plot into a micro farm. Killer Image is Wendy’s first novel in the Allison Campbell mystery series.
I’m giving away a copy of Killer Image to one lucky commenter. To enter, please leave a comment on this post. I’ll pick a winner on Sunday night.
Happy Wednesday.
This book sounds like one I would enjoy. I really love series because you can get to know the characters well.
Sounds interesting. I would love to win.
Sounds interesting indeed! I’ve recently started reading “series” novels and would love to get started getting to know Wendy Tyson and Allison Campbell!
Heading to Philly this weekend, maybe a good read for the plane! Thanks!
Sounds like another good read! I am looking for new authors all the time so throw my name in the hat!
Hugs, Linda
As Glinda..the good witch said to Dorothy..”It’s always best to start at the beginning”..This sounds like a good beginning!
As always, I love reading your book reviews. This sounds like one I would enjoy. Thanks for the chance to win!
I am overdue for reading a good mystery. This one sounds like one I might like especially since I enjoyed living at King of Prussia for a couple of years which is near the Main Line. Love those big houses and pretty yards there.
This book sounds interesting, love it when an author takes care with the characters.
What a beautiful website and a lovely cottage! Thank you very much for hosting KILLER IMAGE on your site today. And a huge “thank you” to your readers — I hope you enjoy your time with Allison as much as I enjoyed writing the book. Best, Wendy
Pick me! Please pick me… sounds like a really good story.
Thanks,
Lee Anna
I love, love, love mystery books. I have been looking for a new author/series to begin. And I love books, not e-books. Something about paper. Ah!!
You are putting me in the mood to read a book:) It is cold here today and it would be nice to curl up and read. My favorite style is historical christian fiction.
Mystery books are my favorite, and I appreciate the chance to win this one.
Love mystery books.
And I live in the area, so would be nice to read a story set here.
Christy
I think I would enjoy reading this book. Thanks for offering a chance to win. hedy
This book sounds great. I would love to win a copy. Thanks for the opportunity.
Would love to win, thanks
Whoo hoo….sounds like a good story!
Lori
Sounds very interesting….count me in! ;)
Thiis definitely sounds like a book I want to read. Fingers crossed.
I love mysteries. Thank you for introducing me to Deborah Crombie & Louise Penny.
Nothing better than a cup of tea and curling up with a mystery.
Sounds like a book to add to the reading list.
I have read several of your recommended books. I’m reading my third Louise Penny book now. Mysteries are my favorite to read. Thank your for your recommendations. I read your blog almost every day, and if I miss a day, I always read to catch up.
Love your review! You certainly have a way with words!
The book sounds interesting–would love a chance to win!
Thanks! :)
I love to read and with this cooler weather it is the perfect time to feel soul and mind. A few of your books from a more recent post look good too. :).
Happy that you are Home and nesting. I am catching up on your posts!
Sounds like a fun read! I went to college in Philly ( go Temple Owls!) and think i would enjoy reading this book.
I am “dying” for a good read Claudia. Sign me up.
I loved your book review. I enjoy reading series also, but must get in on the very first one or I won’t read any of them. This one sounds like one I would enjoy. Thanks for the review.
Sandra
I love it when an author succeeds so well at recreating a place I’m familiar with so I’m glad that happened with this book!
Thanks for being on the tour.