“Frosted Shadow” by Nancy Warren is the first book in the Toni Diamond Mysteries series, a cozy mystery that combines glamour, humor, and intrigue. Meet Toni Diamond, a makeup artist with a flair for solving mysteries, set against the backdrop of a cosmetics convention. This book is a fun, fast-paced read, perfect for fans of lighthearted mysteries.
A Colorful Cast
- Toni Diamond: The protagonist, a sharp-witted and sassy makeup sales rep with a passion for solving mysteries. She’s a rags-to-riches story with a penchant for physical perfection and a knack for noticing details others might miss.
- Detective Luke Marciano: A handsome and charming detective who finds himself drawn to Toni despite their initial differences.
- Nicole Freedman: Toni’s arch-rival, who will stop at nothing to win the top sales award.
- Jessie Rae (Toni’s Mom): A Dolly Parton-inspired character who adds comedic relief with her eccentricities.
- Tiffany (Toni’s Daughter): A teenage goth who provides an amusing contrast to her mother’s glitz and glam lifestyle.
The Mystery: Engaging but Predictable
The mystery itself is engaging, with multiple murders taking place at the Lady Bianca cosmetics convention. While the plot is well-paced and fun, I managed to guess the culprit before the big reveal. Despite this, the journey to the climax is enjoyable, filled with humorous moments and interesting characters.
The Makeup Factor: A Double-Edged Sword
One of the central themes of the book is, of course, makeup. While some readers might enjoy the detailed descriptions of beauty tips and cosmetics, I found it a bit overwhelming at times. However, it’s clear that this aspect is integral to the story and setting, so it’s not surprising given the premise. Perhaps I just wasn’t super aware of just how cut throat the makeup pyramid scheme can be. I was not a fan.
Family Dynamics: A Highlight
One of the highlights of the book is the dialogue and interactions between Toni and her family, particularly her mom and daughter. Toni’s patience and love for her goth daughter, despite their vastly different styles, are heartwarming. The banter with her mom, inspired by Dolly Parton’s larger-than-life personality, adds a delightful comedic touch.
A Fun but Flawed Read
The ending of “Frosted Shadow” feels like an episode from “I Love Lucy,” with a series of chaotic and comedic events. While I enjoyed the chemistry between Toni and Detective Luke Marciano, I’m not sure if I’ll continue with the series. However, fans of cozy mysteries and those who enjoy a lighthearted, humorous read will likely find this book entertaining. The mention of Dolly Parton is, of course, a bonus in my mind! Overall, “Frosted Shadow” is a fun, if predictable, mystery that will appeal to readers looking for a light, engaging story.
I’m giving it a 4 out of 5 stars because I loved the characters so much and the ending was written so vividly I could picture the entire encounter.
As always, let’s add a soundtrack
Dolly’s song “Family’ seems only fitting considering I consider her a highlight of the story.
You take the trouble as it comes
And love ’em more than anyone
Good or bad or indifferent
It’s still family
You choose your lovers
You pick your friends
Not the family that you’re in
They’ll be with you ’til the end
‘Cause it’s family
