Button Holed

September 1, 2011

In this urban cozy set in Chicago with a Hollywood connection, sensible Josie Giancola, a known expert in antique and specialized buttons, suddenly finds herself in deep trouble. A movie star who wanted special buttons for her wedding gown is murdered in Josie's store. The victim, reviled by her assistants but adored by fans, leaves quite a wake behind her. A stray, unique button is found near the body, the only clue. Josie's likable neighbor, who happens to be a retired cop, and the lead detective provide the support she needs to solve her case. Because you see, when it comes to buttons, Josie is the top cop. VERDICT This first-person narrated cozy series debut has strong crossover appeal for bibliophiles and museum fans. Think Kate Carlisle's "Bibliophile Mysteries" and Sheila Connolly's "Museum Mysteries." Logan includes tips on antique button collecting. Logan also writes as Miranda Bliss and Casey Daniels.

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2011
Button collector Josie Giancola wants nothing more than to launch her new Chicago shop and be among her treasures, but matters become a little too tense, thanks to a burglary and a problematic case involving a Hollywood starlet. Finding the body of the starlet in the shop makes the situation a whole lot worse. The presence of homicide detective Nevin Riley, the other half of a miserable blind date in Josie's past, adds to the chaos. Josie tries to focus on research into the histosry of a button recovered from the crime scene, and her ex-husband, Kaz, tries to keep her safe while she uncovers clues, becoming an endearing character in the process. The killer is not obvious from the first, thanks to plenty of well-placed red herrings. Though button collecting seems a narrow focus, indeed, the hobbyist details are interesting and don't overshadow the fast-moving plot or distract from the humor. Antiques, quilting, sewing, and knitting enthusiasts will all enjoy this one.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)