Ribbons, feathers, sparkly beads, and colors so rich you could take a bite out of them and let their juices run down your chin, these were just a few of the reasons I became a milliner.
The other reason was my grandmother Mim. She was, like me, an odd duck. Flights of fancy took wing on her carefully crafted hat forms where she molded brims and crowns of sinamay, ramie and, of course, wool into the foundations of her artwork. From the time I could peek over the edge of her workroom table, I loved to watch her create her magic and I knew that I would be a milliner just like her someday.
Sadly, Mim passed away five years ago, leaving her shop Mim’s Whims to me and my American cousin Scarlett Parker. Scarlett spent all of her school holidays with Mim and I in the hat shop, but honestly, she has no talent for millinery. She is more of a people person.
It is Scarlett’s affection for people that seems to be getting us embroiled in one mad adventure after another, much to the chagrin of our business manager Harrison Wentworth. He bellyaches quite a bit, but I see how he looks at Scarlett. He has never gotten over the crush he had on her when we were children. Since Scarlett’s last disastrous relationship, she has made a vow not to date anyone for at least a year. Fiona Felton, my apprentice, and I have a bet going on whether the two can stay away from one another that long.
Currently, I am working on restoring a bridal hat that was made by Mim thirty years ago. Ariana Jackson, the daughter of the original bride, is hoping to wear it in her upcoming wedding. Unfortunately, when Scarlett went to her office to discuss the cost of refurbishment with her, she found Ariana crouched over the dead body of her boss. Usually, I avoid getting involved in these matters, but I so want to restore Mim’s original design to its former glory that I have thrown my lot in with Scarlett and am doing everything I can to help prove that Ariana is innocent.
Harrison’s friend Alistair Tucker is Ariana’s attorney, and I can tell by the way he has been loitering around the shop that he is interested in more than my hats. Scarlett has been hounding me about my personal life, or lack thereof, for weeks and now she is trying to push me at Alistair. I want to confide in her, I do, but I can’t tell her what I’ve done. I can’t tell anyone…
You can read more about Vivian in Death of a Mad Hatter, the second book in the “Hat Shop” mystery series, published by Berkley Prime Crime. The first book in the series is Cloche and Dagger. Books are available at retail and online booksellers.
GIVEAWAY
Comment on this post by 6 p.m. EST on June 2, and you will be entered for a chance to win a copy of DEATH OF A MAD HATTER. One winner will be chosen at random. Unless specified, U.S. entries only.
Meet the author
A true Anglophile, Jenn McKinlay loves all things British. In her idea of a perfect world, every day would include high tea or wearing a fabulous hat, or both. This adoration of all things U.K. inspired her to write the Hat Shop Mysteries, which are set in London, one of her most favorite cities in the world. She now gets to visit London regularly—for research purposes, of course. Jenn is the New York Times bestselling author of the Library Lover’s mysteries, the Cupcake Bakery mysteries and writes under the names Josie Belle and Lucy Lawrence as well.
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I used to visit London regularly. Now I just read about it. : ) sign me up for the giveaway, please.
Loved the first book in this series, so I am looking forward to this.
It has a fairy tale ring to it. Love it!
would LOVE to read this!!!
thank you!!!
I really must get started on the first one! But – I’d love this one.
I love London, lived there for 5 years. I would be so happy to win this:)
What a fun series – thank you for the chance to win
I’m in. I just finished the first one (paperback). Looks like this will be a series I keep buying in paperback.
I would love to start reading this series! Thank you!
Loved the first, anticipating this new one!
I love her books and need to try this series!
I loved Cloche and Dagger, so I’m really looking forward to Death of a Mad Hatter!
Great book titles. Enjoyed Cloche and Dagger, so eager to read Death of a Mad Hatter. Would love to visit London again.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Jenn McKinlay’s other series and love them. I really must get going with the Mad Hatter. Thanks for the update!
I love the name of this. It along with Jenn Mckinley should make anyone want to start this series.
Oh, I love the sound of this. And what is her mystery, hm?
I haven’t seen a woman wear a hat in real life in many year. Pictures of women in hats are a different story. They’re so pretty! I like this series!
This one is on my wish list , can’t wait to dig in !
Would love to read this!
Sounds like a great read—thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
Cute story. I would love to win a copy. Thanks.
Sounds like a fun cozy.
Thank you for the chance 🙂
I’m a London fan too, but better yet, Alice In Wonderland is my daughter’s favorite book, so we long ago learned about the “mad hatters” of long ago. Wounded if that fact about the old millinery workers plays any part in this book. Love to win this book–as will my daughter !!
This sounds like a wonderful series. Thank you for the chance to win!
I’ve only read (and loved) the library series, and I’m planning to start this one over the summer. It would be great to win a copy of one of the books!
I love the cover. It makes me think of summer days with lemonade of afternoon tea.
I had two friends, elderly church lady cousins, who collected hats and put on an annual Hat Show for us. What fun and what great memories of those two wonderful women.
Good morning Dru! I haven’t read the first one in this series yet, but am planning on it. I love her Library Lover’s and Cupcake Bakery mystery series and am always anticipating new installments of those. Thanks for the chance to win this one! Sandy in So. Cali
I love history – so a 30 year old bridal headpiece would be a joy to see. Thanks Dru.
Oh, this series sounds fun. Love the book cover. I need to read the first book in this series. Thanks for the chance to win.
I love reading Jenn McKinlay’s books. I read the first book in this series and fell in love. Could not wait for the 2nd book in the series. Have not read it yet though and would love to win a copy.
Since I love all things British too, I’m sure I’ll like Death of a Mad Hatter. Great cover!!
I love all things British, so I know I would love Death of a Mad Hatter!! Nice cover too!!
Anxiously awaiting the chance to get a copy of Death of a Mad hatter.
Maybe this will be my chance. Love Jenn’s books.
Can’t wait to read this new book!
I’ve read Jenn’s other series, but not this one.
kaye.killgore@comcast.net
I’ve devoured on of Jenn’s series and so looking forward to trying out the others.
Love Jenn’s other series, looking forward to starting this one.
another one added to the “to get and read pile”!
Would love to add to my Goodreads Book Challenge …. Free is a plus !!!
I enjoyed the first one.Thanks
Have not read the first book in this series but it is on my reading list when I get others read. Would love to be introduced to book 2 here. 🙂 Thank you for that opportunity. Have followed Jenn’s writing for awhile and I am looking forward to reading both of these books.
Thank you.
Cynthia
Loved the first and looking forward to this one. Love the title! I’ve read all of Jenn’s series and look forward to each new installment. Thanks for the giveaway. And love the cover!!
Looking forward to reading this series.
Just picked up book Thursday night and already at chapter 6. Really enjoying the book!
It sounds like a fun and interesting book. Thanks for this chance to win it.
I loved hats when I was younger and now I wish there was a chapter of the Red Hat Society up here in the northwoods just so I could join and wear hats to the meetings.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Alice In Wonderland was my favorite story growing up. This looks really interesting!
contest is closed.