What if you discovered that your lively new friend wasn’t? Alive, I mean. That’s what happened to me when I moved into my retail space at Shops on Main in beautiful, history-rich Abingdon, Virginia.
Let me back up—I’d been looking for a job since graduating college, but nothing really grabbed me. Then, as I was walking past Shops on Main, I saw that there was a space available for lease. I popped inside to indulge my fantasy of opening my own boutique designing and creating retro fashions. I use styles and patterns from the 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s to create custom clothing with timeless elegance.
There was a woman standing in the shop. She appeared to be just a few years older than me, but she was wearing a late-20s style dress and a feathered headband. I didn’t want to be rude and ask her why she was dressed that way. After all, it’s Abingdon! I thought maybe she was on her way to a costume party.
Anyway, I quickly learned that the woman’s name is Max—Maxine, actually, but she hates that name. We talked, and she gave me the pep talk I needed for that little extra push to follow my dreams. It was only after I moved into the shop that I learned that Max is a ghost.
Max is great. . .for the most part. She’s much bolder than I am. But, then, it’s easy to take risks when you’re not going to be affected by them. For instance, she’s insisting that we—she and I, which equates mainly to me—try to solve the murder of a web designer who was found shot to death in his office the day I arrived to begin decorating my shop. I only met Mark once, and. . .well. . .he struck me as being something of a know-it-all. I’m sure we’d have gotten along well enough had we had the opportunity to work together, but that doesn’t mean I should try to solve the man’s murder. Does it? I mean, I’d love to help, and I’d rest a lot easier knowing Mark’s killer was off the streets. . .but if I get too nosy, the killer can come after me. Then there might be two ghostly fashionistas at Shops on Main.
Giveaway: Leave a comment below telling us whether or not you believe in ghosts. . .or have had a ghostly encounter. . .for your chance to win a signed copy of Designs On Murder (international readers will be entered win an ebook copy). The giveaway ends April 1, 2019. Good luck everyone!
Want to learn more about Amanda Tucker and her Ghostly Fashionista friend Max? Then check out Designs On Murder, the first book in the “Ghostly Fashionista” cozy mystery series. If you enjoy small towns, fashion, and sassy flappers who are a-dead. . .er, ahead. . .of their time, then you’ll like Designs On Murder.
What if you discovered your lively new friend wasn’t really. . .alive?
Amanda Tucker is excited about opening her fashion design studio in Shops On Main, a charming old building in historic Abingdon, Virginia. She didn’t realize a ghost came with the property! But soon Maxine “Max” Englebright, a young woman who died in 1930, isn’t the only dead person at the retail complex. Mark Tinsley, a web designer with a know-it-all attitude who also rented space at Shops On Main, is shot in his office.
Amanda is afraid that one of her new “friends” and fellow small business owners is his killer, and Max is encouraging her to solve Mark’s murder a la Nancy Drew. Easy for Max to want to investigate–the ghostly fashionista can’t end up the killer’s next victim!
Purchase Link
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About the author
Gayle has lived and worked in or near Abingdon, Virginia all her life. She used to walk from the law office where she worked to the building on the cover of Designs On Murder to visit—what else?—a wonderful bookstore located in the very spot where Amanda’s shop Designs on You is now situated. The space is actually home to a delightful olive oil company whose employees were happy to give Gayle some background on the building’s history. Please visit her online at gayleleeson.com.
All comments are welcomed.
I do not believe in ghosts but believe all is possible.
True– anything’s possible! 🙂
I’d have to see a ghost to believe in them.
I hope that if I ever do, it’s Casper…or Max! 😀
Sounds like an interesting concept for a new series. I think ghosts might exist. Just spirits caught in two different worlds. Waiting to move on to the after life. I never had an experience with a ghost.
I haven’t either, Linda, as far as I know. 🙂
I don’t believe in ghosts but I like stories with ghosts in them
Me too, Sandy. The Ghost and Mrs. Muir is a favorite. 🙂
Love the idea that there is a ghost in the story. I have read some of her other books. Thanks for the chance.
Thank you, Lois! 🙂
On our last drive back to MA from Florida we made a stop in Abington on our way to visiting some old friends in that area. It must be an omen that I should read this book then. It sounds interesting.
Thank you for introducing me to another author who I may not have read if I hadn’t seen it here.
I have had things that puzzled our family in one of our homes where a woman had passed on in a second floor bedroom where she only had access to due to being wheelchair bound. To this day we can’t explain things that happened but it definitely seemed like there was a “guest” living with our family from time to time.
Thank you.
Cynthia
I really love signed copies. I hope I win.
Oh, wow, Cynthia! 😮
I loved signed copies too, Amy! Good luck! 🙂
Thank you, Dru, for hosting me today on your wonderful blog!
I really do not believe in ghosts, however, once I was browsing on my laptop in the summer and suddenly, the area around me got freezing cold — no one else could feel it but me, and we didn’t have air conditioning in the house. It was a bit unsettling ~
I enjoyed A Day in The Life of Amanda Tucker and look forward to reading Designs on Murder. Thanks Dru Ann and Gayle!
Wow, Celia, that’s spooky! 😮
Yes, I believe in ghosts.
Max said to tell you she believes in you too! 😉
After I graduated I worked as a nanny for two little ones. Their family lived in an old farm house. Whenever I went to the 2nd floor to put the little ones down for their nap, I would see the spirit which I was told was the wife of the farmer that owned the house. She always stayed watching on the edge of the room.
Oooh, Robin, were you scared?
I have never encountered a ghost. Perhaps they are there but are well concealed.
You never know… 😮
I do believe in ghosts, but I have never been visited by one.
Of course I believe. Just because “proof” may be iffy doesn’t mean something is not real. So many REAL things are disproved every day and fake stuff seems so real.
In act, I have made contact with various sorts of spirits. Some come in forms of intuition, others come as scents or coincidences.
Excellent point, Laura! 🙂
I loved this book-Max and the way she interacted-and all the characters. It was totally different from anything I had ever read. (And yes, I do believe in ghosts and have had some experiences in our 110 year old house.)
Lovely book, Gayle!
❤
Oh, Barbara, thank you so much! 💕
I am open to the idea of ghosts and spirits. However they do not believe in me! Whenever I’ve been somewhere that is reputedly haunted absolutely nothing happens. Quiet as the grave!
Max wants me to let you know SHE believes in you, Pat! She invites you to visit her anytime. 😃
Not sure I believe in ghosts, but I am open to the possibilities of there being spirits among us. Thanks for a chance to win.
Thank you, Lori! 🙂
I have never had an encounter with a ghost but yes, I believe. There have been too many people that have seen them. A couple of people I worked with told me a few things they experienced and I don’t doubt them. I find it fascinating.
I agree, Debbie. It is fascinating! 🙂
Yes I don’t know if kassie was a ghost, but, my granddaughter came to me one night she actually tugged my shoulder twice before I looked at her standing by my bed. Then she disappeared.donamaekutska7@gmail.com
Kassie had passed away in my driveway a couple months before. We had moved she still found me.
I’ve not had an encounter with a ghost, however, I’m open to having one as long as the incident is not too scary.
So I do not believe in ghosts per se, but I do believe that there are spiritual beings like angels and demons.
I had a visit from my friend’s ghost prior to being told he had passed away.
What a delightful concept for a story.
Sounds like a fun read! Definitely will check it out.
I have had deja vu moments so who knows…
Yes I do
I’ve seen 👀 some 👻 before
Thanks for sharing this book with us 😍❤😍
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I don’t believe in ghosts but understand that sometimes there are things that we can’t explain. this sounds like a great new series.
I do believe in ghosts, though I’ve never had an encounter with one. There are a number of haunted hotels here in Portland, OR, and I’ve felt something…different…when I’ve been there.
Would love to read this book…
Thank you for the giveaway…..
I’m still undecided on ghosts … I would love to read this book though! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
I believe in ghosts. I was talking to Paige Shelton at a small meet and greet about one of her books that had a ghost named Jerome. All of sudden a book flew off a shelf, no one had been down the aisle and book had tucked in properly. I truly believe that it was Jerome.
Yes I do believe in ghost!!! Thanks for the review!!!!
Yes i believe. I have had a few experiences that I believe was actually paranormal interaction
Sounds great…thank you for the chance
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
**** WINNER ****
Designs on Murder is Amy Gill
Congratulations!