Armed and Glamorous
Ellen Byerrum
Reviewed by Barb Radmore
Armed and Glamorous is the 6th book in the Crime of Fashion Mystery
series. Each stars fashion columnist Lacey Smithsonian, the author of
Crimes of Fashion in a Washington DC newspaper. But fashion crimes are
not the only ones that Lacey seems to attract.
In the l;atest entry into the series, Lacey has decided to break out of
her boredom and take a PI class. But on the night of the very first
class there is a murder in the parking lot. Lacey is drawn into trying
to solve the mystery of who would kill the local, decidedly unique
socialite about whom Lacey had recently written a front page article.
Her investigation leads her to large number of suspects, from the
woman's recent ex-husband, past lovers and rejected lovers. The
unusual assortment of members from the PI class add to the mix. Throw
in a man who hears voices in his head, the government of course, an
ex-KGB agent and conspiracy addicted blogger and Lacey has her hands
full.
The numerous characters seem to be the focus of this story, not the
plot. The author seems to have had more fun playing with all the
eccentric personalities than worrying about a well done murder mystery.
If you like a fun book filled unusual characters with a bit of a murder
thrown in than this is the book for you. Ms Byerrum is able to write
enjoyable books that do not require a lot of problem solving skills on
the part of the reader. Guessing the identity of the murderer is
possible but not needed. Relaxing and going with the flow is the best
option. It will carry the reader to the tumultous ending but it is
bumby ride.