Murder Can Ruin Your Looks: A Desiree Shapiro Mystery by Selma Eichler

Delightful and charming, perfect on a sunny, breezy dayby Kasia_S

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June 22, 2009: I find this series so charming and addictive that I daydream about reading them more often than not. The first time I came across Selma Eichler's books was at my local bookstore, I decided to go home and read some reviews before snatching up a few ( I was tempted to buy the first six, my hunch was good) but when I got home I read these low star reviews and was bummed out. A month later I saw book #11 from the series in the library and it beckoned me to read it, so I did, boy was I surprised! After reading it I immediately got the beginning and now that I just finished book two, I am ready for more. This series is totally up my alley, NYC in the 90's is what I first saw when I moved here and it's depicted so well here, the good past with it's comforts and great deli food, not to mention a really funny and cute heroine that doesn't take no for an answer and really interesting mystery (it always helps when its not a lame goose hunt) make for a delightful read.

The book is really fun but it has a lot of characters and a lot of clues, I can see how some people get lost or bored but I like that, there's nothing worse than a mystery that isn't at all mysterious, this one will keep you guessing till the last page and I was still surprised! Desiree Shapiro breaks her own promise and tangles up in another murder case. This time the case is stranger then any other, two women were attacked and shot in their apartment, one now lies in a coma and other has died, problem is that they are twins and no one can figure out which one is which. Mayhem and loss of recognizable items and no dental records since they lived abroad for so long makes this a tantalizing and complex case, with the killer still out there, trying to find out which sister survived, as it seems like only one of them was supposed to be done away with. Desiree uncovers shocking secrets and a sticky web of lies that keeps all the suspects connected to the cold blooded shooting of Mary-Ann and Meredith Foster. The chase is on and the case is complex, Desiree keeps her strengths up with extra helpings of Haagen-Daaz Macadamia Brittle ice cream, lemon soufflé and lots of deli and restaurant trips, countless cups of coffee and great dinners with her charming cousin Ellen and goes on some funny dates. Her person life is as colorful and interesting as the rest of the tale, making it for a really beautiful read. I just love these books, I don't care if no one else does but to me they are little gems, I hope that Selma Eichler never runs out of ideas.

- Kasia S.

KEEPS YOU GUESSINGby Anonymous

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April 19, 2007: This is about the fourth book in this clever mystery series I've read, and I consider it the best. You'll love Selma Eichler's 'Murder Can...' books if you enjoy the series' books of Janet Evanovich, Joanne Fluke and Tori Carrington. This is fun reading...with the added benefit of trying to figure out the mystery. Once you try one, you'll want to read all 14 (so far). I'm thoroughly hooked!!