A Day in the Life of Vivan Tremont by Jenn McKinlay

Feb 27, 2015 | A Day In My Life

At the Drop of a HatSecrets are sneaky little things and they always escape, no matter how hard you try to hold them, like smoke through your fingers.

My name is Vivian Tremont and I’m a milliner in the shop I inherited from my grandmother Mim. My American cousin Scarlett Parker and I run Mim’s Whims together. It is good to have Scarlett here with me as she is much better with people than I am. She is the balm to my erratic artistic temperament and since we spent our school holidays together, it is more like being in business with a sister than a cousin.

Now my days are supposed to consist of hours spent gluing feathers onto fascinators and hand stitching elaborate borders onto wedding veils, but my life hasn’t been like that for a while. In fact, sometimes when I look at my life, I don’t even recognize it. And much as I love her, I know for a fact, it is all Scarlett’s fault.

Mind you, I love her gift for dealing with people. When we have an annoying customer that I find too difficult to deal with, Scarlett manages to smooth what could easily become a nasty altercation into a satisfactory interaction. Of course, the flipside to this is that Scarlett’s customer service tends to get us into some rather awkward situations.

For instance, take our current predicament. Ariana Jackson came to us with her late mother’s bridal hat. She wanted to wear it in her own wedding so that she could have a part of her mother with her on her special day. It was especially sentimental for us as it was designed by Mim over thirty years ago. So, naturally, we were eager to take the job.

Unfortunately, when Scarlett went to meet with Ariana to discuss the cost of the refurbishment, she found Ariana kneeling beside the body of her boss, who had fallen several stories to his death. Ghastly!

Now a normal person would take in this horrid situation, call the police, and back away without a second thought but not Scarlett. Oh, no, the next thing I knew she had me visiting our client at the Notting Hill police station, where Ariana convinced us of her innocence by sharing her darkest, most personal secret with us.

Her candor convinced us that she wasn’t guilty and we agreed that we would do whatever we could to see her free from suspicion. Now, our poor intern Fiona Felton is manning the shop while we race all over London, with our friends Nick and Andre, trying to find someone else who wanted Ariana’s boss dead. To our dismay, it appears to be a pretty long list.

Meanwhile, our business manager Harrison Wentworth has hired a friend to try and help Ariana with her defense. Alistair Tucker, a noted defense attorney, agrees to take the case. I have to admit I find Alistair quite dishy, but as the case heats up and things between Alistair and I get equally warm, I have to shut everyone out, including my cousin Scarlett for I have secrets of my own that I dare not let out.

To find out what Vivian’s secret is, be sure to read At the Drop of a Hat, the third book in the “Hat Shop” mystery series, published by Berkley Prime Crime. The first two books in the series are Cloche and Dagger and Death of a Mad Hatter.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 12 p.m. eastern on March 6 for the chance to win a copy of At the Drop of a Hat Book. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes and you will have three days to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your SPAM folder.

About the author
Jenn McKinlay is the New York Times bestselling author of the Library Lover’s mysteries, the Cupcake Bakery mysteries and the London Hat Shop mysteries. Clearly, writing gives her an excuse to read, eat, and travel. It’s a perfect career for sure. Jenn lives in Scottsdale, AZ in a house overrun with kids, pets and her husband’s guitars.

Visit Jenn at www.jennmckinlay.com

74 Comments

  1. Barbara Tobey
    Barbara Tobey on February 27, 2015 at 1:54 am

    Sounds like another winner.

  2. sallycootie
    sallycootie on February 27, 2015 at 3:51 am

    I wonder what it would be like to wear hats on a regular basis. Some of them are so exotic, especially those from earlier times.

  3. Judy grogan
    Judy grogan on February 27, 2015 at 4:29 am

    I love this series. Thanks for the chance to win.

  4. Debbie Carnes
    Debbie Carnes on February 27, 2015 at 6:09 am

    I love the old movies where everyone wears a hat, they always look so nice. This book sounds wonderful

  5. Gram
    Gram on February 27, 2015 at 6:09 am

    “Mad as a Hatter” – well maybe not quite that bad, although this series sounds like fun!

  6. cyn209
    cyn209 on February 27, 2015 at 6:12 am

    Count me in for this giveaway, please…
    Thank you!!!

  7. Linda Reilly
    Linda Reilly on February 27, 2015 at 6:35 am

    I love secrets, and I adore Jenn McKinlay’s cozies!

  8. sarah
    sarah on February 27, 2015 at 6:40 am

    love this series!

  9. Amy Gill
    Amy Gill on February 27, 2015 at 6:43 am

    There are always surprising secrets in this series. Would love, love, love to own this book.

  10. Sheila K.
    Sheila K. on February 27, 2015 at 7:20 am

    I’m a big fan of this writer’s work and I’m looking forward to reading her latest book!

  11. griperang
    griperang on February 27, 2015 at 7:22 am

    This sounds like a fun addition to this series. Thank you for sharing

  12. Lisa Cobb Sabatini
    Lisa Cobb Sabatini on February 27, 2015 at 7:25 am

    Will the protagonist be able to keep her secrets “under her hat”? I’d love to find out!

  13. Lisa Brown
    Lisa Brown on February 27, 2015 at 8:04 am

    Sounds like a fun series to read; thank you for the chance 🙂

  14. wendynewcomb
    wendynewcomb on February 27, 2015 at 8:53 am

    Sounds like another good book by Jenn, thank you for the chance to win a copy.

    wfnren at aol dot com

  15. carolee888
    carolee888 on February 27, 2015 at 9:30 am

    I would love to read a hat mystery. My great grandmother was a milliner. I would have love to have seen her hats. Thank you for the chance!

  16. Betty W
    Betty W on February 27, 2015 at 9:36 am

    The characters sound like “characters”! This books sounds terrific! Thank you for the chance to win a copy.

  17. Nancy Funkhouser
    Nancy Funkhouser on February 27, 2015 at 9:40 am

    I love her books and would like a copy of a hat mystery. This sounds a little different,

  18. Libby Dodd
    Libby Dodd on February 27, 2015 at 9:42 am

    Using her mother’s bridal hat is a lovely touch.

  19. Anita Miles
    Anita Miles on February 27, 2015 at 9:57 am

    Thank you e the chance to win this book

  20. Karen Candee
    Karen Candee on February 27, 2015 at 10:00 am

    What a fun story – can’t wait to read it! Hope I win!!

  21. marylouh
    marylouh on February 27, 2015 at 10:07 am

    Can’t wait to read this book. It’s a great series.

  22. Meg Mims
    Meg Mims on February 27, 2015 at 10:15 am

    I love this series!! and the shop is called MIM’S WHIMS – how cool is that!

  23. Rita Wray
    Rita Wray on February 27, 2015 at 10:51 am

    Sounds like a good one. I can’t wait to read it.

  24. Patricia Allen
    Patricia Allen on February 27, 2015 at 11:17 am

    At the Drop of a Hat looks like a unique, fun read, can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the chance to win 🙂

  25. anne
    anne on February 27, 2015 at 11:21 am

    Captivating and unique. thanks.

  26. ktbeeblog
    ktbeeblog on February 27, 2015 at 11:38 am

    I can’t wait to find out what Vivian’s secret is! I love historical settings & a hat shop is just the ticket. Thanks for the giveaway. I’d share the book with my library.

  27. Cheryl Corbitt
    Cheryl Corbitt on February 27, 2015 at 12:16 pm

    Another interesting series to explore!

  28. MaryAnn Forbes
    MaryAnn Forbes on February 27, 2015 at 1:18 pm

    Would be so pleased to win At the Drop of a Hat; thanks for the opportunity. Good luck to all.

  29. Judy Weaver
    Judy Weaver on February 27, 2015 at 2:40 pm

    Sounds like a great read.

  30. Cecilia
    Cecilia on February 27, 2015 at 2:45 pm

    Sounds like a great cozy mystery. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

  31. MaryBeth McKetchnie
    MaryBeth McKetchnie on February 27, 2015 at 2:56 pm

    I’m looking forward to reading this series!

  32. holdenj
    holdenj on February 27, 2015 at 2:56 pm

    I really enjoy Jenn’s books. Both Vivian and her cousin are wonderful characters! Thanks!

  33. Cathy Serada
    Cathy Serada on February 27, 2015 at 3:05 pm

    Will have to check out this whole series. Sounds like a great read.

  34. Cynthia E. Blain
    Cynthia E. Blain on February 27, 2015 at 3:07 pm

    Any and all books by Jen that I have read have been wonderful and I am sure this series will be just as great. I would love to win a copy of this book and thank you for that chance.

    Have a lovely weekend.
    Cynthia

  35. Robin Coxon
    Robin Coxon on February 27, 2015 at 3:26 pm

    Jenn McKinley always provides a great story. I’ve loved all her books and would be more than happy to have a copy of this book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

  36. Jeanie Dannheim
    Jeanie Dannheim on February 27, 2015 at 4:15 pm

    Oh, I do love secrets! I have not yet read anything in this series, but love Jenn’s writing in other books and want to get into this series. Thank you for the chance to win it – I really want to see how they solve the murder (and if Alistair is worth the time!)

  37. suekey12
    suekey12 on February 27, 2015 at 4:52 pm

    I had a few hats in my younger days—but haven’t worn one in years. I think this series could inspire me to start wearing them again.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

  39. Annette
    Annette on February 27, 2015 at 9:24 pm

    I love this series. I hope I win this latest book.

  40. Verna Gass
    Verna Gass on February 27, 2015 at 10:34 pm

    Sounds like a wonderful read!

  41. ANN*H
    ANN*H on February 28, 2015 at 1:06 am

    I love reading mysteries the most. I have not read any of these yet . Glad to be connected to your blog

  42. Betty Jo English
    Betty Jo English on February 28, 2015 at 2:07 am

    Wouldn’t it be nice to go back to ladies wearing hats on a daily basis? Would love to win an e-book.

  44. Marilyn Watson
    Marilyn Watson on February 28, 2015 at 2:44 am

    My favorite Genre…and the plot sounds fantastic…

  45. Becky Prazak
    Becky Prazak on February 28, 2015 at 10:22 am

    Love this series!

  46. Karen Terry
    Karen Terry on February 28, 2015 at 1:39 pm

    This really sounds interesting.

  47. Lois Rotella
    Lois Rotella on February 28, 2015 at 2:49 pm

    Love her hat store series. The characters are so unique.

  48. Sha
    Sha on February 28, 2015 at 2:58 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway! I love Jenn McKinlay’s books!

  49. Patty Degmetich
    Patty Degmetich on February 28, 2015 at 3:12 pm

    Thanks for the chance 🙂 Sounds like a great read! 🙂

  50. Alicia Farage
    Alicia Farage on February 28, 2015 at 3:32 pm

    Looking forward to this one!

  51. carlotta
    carlotta on February 28, 2015 at 3:39 pm

    Love your books

  52. Michelle
    Michelle on February 28, 2015 at 3:59 pm

    I’m reading Death of a Mad Hatter right now. I adore this series!!

  53. Pat Dupuy
    Pat Dupuy on February 28, 2015 at 4:16 pm

    These are great stories!

  54. Marilyn Horner
    Marilyn Horner on February 28, 2015 at 4:58 pm

    I love all your books. Would enjoy reading this one!

  55. Bridget Wilson
    Bridget Wilson on February 28, 2015 at 5:24 pm

    Love this series! Looking forward to reading the latest book.

  56. Dotty Kelley
    Dotty Kelley on February 28, 2015 at 6:12 pm

    Another great entry in this fun series.

  57. Cindy C.
    Cindy C. on February 28, 2015 at 6:56 pm

    I love this series! I wish I had visited a hat shop when I went to London.

  58. Brandi Alexander
    Brandi Alexander on February 28, 2015 at 8:36 pm

    Love Love Love Jennifer McKinlay’s novels!!! Can’t wait to read this!! 🙂

  59. Liz straw
    Liz straw on February 28, 2015 at 8:38 pm

    i where hats all the time. However, there purpose is solely to keep the sun off (Melanoma Survivor). I actually look rather odd in hats – JMHO. My best friend, her sister and I were kicked out of the Women’s Hat Department in Marshall Field in the downtown Chicago store. We were laughing too hard for the prestigious department.😉

  60. Barb Wiesmann
    Barb Wiesmann on February 28, 2015 at 9:16 pm

    Love everything Jenn writes!

  61. Lynn
    Lynn on February 28, 2015 at 9:37 pm

    Sounds like a good read.

  62. Kaye Killgore
    Kaye Killgore on February 28, 2015 at 10:39 pm

    This just sounds like fun

  63. ladyjanel
    ladyjanel on March 1, 2015 at 7:10 am

    Oh I need to find out what that secret is. Thanks for the chance. 🙂

  64. Richard Manm
    Richard Manm on March 1, 2015 at 8:09 am

    I just read book 2 in this series and loved it. Can’t wait for this one.

  65. amy c
    amy c on March 1, 2015 at 8:59 am

    Such a cute series, can’t wait to start this book!

  66. Kathy lindquist
    Kathy lindquist on March 1, 2015 at 12:01 pm

    Sounds like a wonderful book! Just my kind of cozy

  67. Sherry Wehmeyer
    Sherry Wehmeyer on March 1, 2015 at 7:03 pm

    Love mysteries, and England. Discovered a new interest in hats. Also, discovered Jenn McKinlay from this series. Love to win.

  68. Betty W
    Betty W on March 1, 2015 at 11:20 pm

    Great author! I love the way this starts out: Secrets are sneaky little things…
    Thank you for the chance to win a copy!

  69. jagjhd
    jagjhd on March 2, 2015 at 2:15 pm

    You had me at “smoke through your fingers” and I’m in. Like the writing style already.

  70. Jen Frederick
    Jen Frederick on March 3, 2015 at 3:58 pm

    I have been wanting to try this series. It sounds like a great read. Thanks for the chance.

  71. Anita Yancey
    Anita Yancey on March 5, 2015 at 6:39 pm

    I haven’t read any books by this author, but it sounds really good. Thanks for this chance to win it.

  72. Marilyn Watson
    Marilyn Watson on March 6, 2015 at 2:34 am

    Hats are so much fun. Sounds good,,, please enter me.
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com.

  73. Mari Krampach
    Mari Krampach on March 6, 2015 at 11:39 am

    I’ll throw my hat into the ring for a chance to read this interesting story.

  74. Dru
    Dru on March 6, 2015 at 5:32 pm

    contest is closed.