Dior or Die (Vintage Clothing Mysteries Book 2)

I liked the first book in this series and was pleased when the second volume came out. Vintage clothing is always fun to read about - it amuses me that fashion that was cutting edge in my youth is now a treasured antique and the descriptions of the clothing bring back all sorts of memories.The plot of the book is pretty good. It held my interest throughout - not always the case with this genre. I also really enjoyed the characters of the nuns who assist Joanna in this story, especially the mother superior.The book can be read as a stand alone, but I think that you might appreciate it more if you read the Lanvin book first. That way you can follow the development and improvement of the vintage clothing store and find out how Joanna and her male friend first met. It will enrich your appreciation of this second work.I noted that the book is now available for free if you have a Kindle Unlimited subscription. I actually bought it, so I definitely thought it was a worthwhile read; however, I have found that a lot of the books currently available through Kindle Unlimited are really not very good, but I read constantly so it has saved me some money. If you are thinking about subscribing, browse through the available books first to see if you are interested in them, also evaluate how much you read. It might not be worth it if you only read one or two books a month. Just something everyone should consider for themselves.

Joanna is going to an auction to bid on some 30's & 40's clothing for her store. They were formerly owned by Vivienne North a Parisian model, most of the items are in mint condition. Who shows up late for the auction but her rival Eve who puts in a huge bid and Joanna loses the purchase. But when Eve goes to pay her credit card is no good, so Joanna wins the bid for the clothing by default. Joanna will pick up the 3 trunks of clothing the next day. But when she arrives the police are all over the auction house. Now the garments are in custody of the police. The characters are all developing nicely. New characters also pop up. Fun to read, also like hearing some of the descriptions of the old clothing.

The heroine of this series, Joanna Hayworth, finds herself in many complications. A collection of vintage clothing is seized when the owner is murdered. A friend is accused of a crime. Many people begin to depend on her when she has many problems of her own. Still many twists and surprises in a well written book. Very entertaining and more to come.

I honestly don't know what I bought the second book after not really liking the first.. I think it has to do with the fact that there is SO much promise in the concept. I love vintage clothes and fashion in general and that part is well done. But the protagonist, Joanna, is such an unlikable person it became unbearable for me. She acts like she is better than everyone and sees herself as perfect. The attributes the author gives to her rival are found in Joanna and I couldn't help being annoyed by the hypocrisy of it. If I met someone like Joanna in real life I would be disappointed that someone who TRIES to be so interesting is really just a pedantic, bore who cares little for those around her.

If you like quirky heroines, vintage clothing, and an absorbing murder mystery, Dior or Die is a story you'll savor. Can't wait to read the other books in Angela M. Sanders' Vintage Clothing Mysteries series.

I read Book 1 in this series and loved it, and really enjoyed Book 2 also. Now that I know the main characters I looked forward to seeing how they developed and their fortunes improved or declined. I was not disappointed. For me there is the right balance of suspense, drama, romance, and comedic relief. I love the northwest setting and the info on vintage clothing. I'm looking forward to Book 3.

This series makes me want to buy vintage clothes! Wish I was a size 2 again. I love the integration of fashion and style with great characters and a twisty plot. I wonder if Sister Mary could help me with my blog design? Can't wait for #3!

It's just okay. Actually only 2 1/2 stars. I read the first book in this series and found the characters and plot two dimensional...flat. The main character is again in this second book...flat. If you're a murder mystery fan the plot and murderer are obvious within the first few chapters. The main character's personality has not developed at all only her circumstances have changed. She is still the self-doubting with occasional bursts of self confidence person she was in the first book. I guess you can call these cozies, not murder mysteries at all, but there is really nothing about these characters or the plot that developments enough in this second book that intrigues me to buy the third book. Both plot and character are formula to the first book.

As a writer of high end fashion fiction myself I was initially drawn to Angela's first book 'The Lanvin Murders', I enjoyed this and have now read all three books in the series. I think from a fashion and perfume reference point of view this is without doubt the best story of the three books to date, as it combines the golden age of couture, Dior, Givenchy, Balenciaga and Mainbocher to name only a few with murder and mystery. It certainly keeps you guessing and it ties up the annoying loose ends left by the first book..

Good characters. Unusual setting. Good detail on clothing (wanted pictures!!) Some books just to violent and vicious. Enjoy a good mystery but don't want gruesome so this series fits the bill.

I really liked the first book in the series, but didn’t really enjoy this one.

Enjoyable light holiday read. Angela Sanders certainly has a flair for vintage intrigued. Looking forward to the next episode.

I enjoyed this book as it was quite a different twist on a murder theme.