Book Review: Death by Inferior Design

Reviewed By: Carol - SLC - RAM

Death by Inferior Design     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Leslie Caine
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Cozy
Series: Domestic Bliss Mysteries # 1
Dell Books, 2004, 372 pages, $6.99

Death by Inferior Design is Leslie Caine’s Domestic Bliss Mystery debut novel. Unlike so many current cozies that highlight culinary topics, this one gives the reader a bird’s eye view into the world of interior design, which just happens to be a subject I thoroughly enjoy. It features sassy interior designer Erin Gilbert whose less than stellar business relationship with rival designer Steve Sullivan sets the stage for much of the book’s friction. When the two designers are hired to complete room makeovers for neighbors living on the same street, they find themselves embroiled in much more than their own professional rivalry. Erin makes a strange discovery hidden behind paneling in the room she has been hired to re-do, and a neighbor drops dead on site. Is his death in some way connected to Erin’s bizarre discovery? Is her life now in danger because of something else she might uncover? The plot is full of interesting twists and turns, with an absolute abundance of prime suspects, including Erin herself.

Death by Inferior Design offers a good mix of old-fashioned mystery and interesting interior design tidbits. I am looking forward to the second book in the series, definitely!

Carol - SLC - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Carol - SLC - RAM