Books

Clutches and Curses

Haley Randolph Mysteries
Kensington

Haley takes on Las Vegas!

Fleeing Los Angeles in the hope of escaping a curse put on her by a disgruntled customer at Holt’s Department Store, Haley takes a temporary job stocking a new store that’s opening in Sin City.  When her high school rival is found murdered in a dressing room, Haley becomes the prime suspect. 

To prove her innocence, Haley takes on aliens, a psychic, her high school crush, and the Russian mafia – while searching for the hottest purse of the season, of course – where else but at a handbag lovers’ convention! 

Totally hot private investigator Jack Bishop shows up reminding Haley that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.  Then boyfriend Ty arrives and makes her an offer she can’t refuse – or can she?

Shoulder Bags and Shootings

Haley Randolph Mysteries
Kensington

Life is beyond fabulous for Haley Randolph.  She just spent two amazing weeks in Europe with her boyfriend Ty Cameron, owner of Holt’s Department Store where Haley works.  And now Ty’s grandmother, Ada, is letting Haley drive her way-cool Mercedes.  Plus, Haley’s closing in on the season’s must-have handbag.

But when Haley finds the body of her nemesis in the trunk of Ada’s Mercedes, things aren’t so fabulous anymore.  Topping the list of suspects, Haley must solve this murder quickly – and find that hot handbag – before she becomes a killer’s next fashion fatality!

“A clever, fast-moving plot propels Howell’s third mystery.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Recommend this series to fans of lightweight, humorous mysteries.”
—Booklist

Purses and Poison

Haley Randolph Mysteries
Kensington

When Haley arrives at the Holt’s employee luncheon and fashion show, she spies a sick server hiding in the stock room. Deciding to help out, Haley grabs a uniform. Besides she might score some points with her sort-of boyfriend and store owner Ty Cameron. The catered array of food and personalized fruit bouquets from Edible Elegance – her mom’s latest business venture – is a hit until top fashion model and Ty’s ex-girlfriend Claudia Gray is found dead in the ladies room.

It’s going to take more than a Chanel sample sale to ease Haley’s panic once she learns Claudia’s been poisoned. With homicide detectives looking for the “missing server,” Haley’s whereabouts unaccounted for during the luncheon and Edible Elegance gone sour, she’d better uncover the tainted truth – quick!

“A treat for those with a passion for fashion. No doubt this sassy heroine’s in for a long run.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“A quick read with lots of humor.”
—Booklist

“A solid mystery”
—Publishers Weekly

“Haley Randolph is a hoot. There is no way to get through Howell’s latest without laughing out loud at least once a chapter.”
—Romantic Times

Handbags and Homicide

Haley Randolph Mysteries
Kensington

According to Haley Randolph, you can never have enough handbags. She has one for every occasion, but that doesn’t mean she won’t go to any lengths to get the season’s latest bag. Unfortunately for Haley, her life goes from glam to grim when her passion for fashion outlasts her credit cards, and she’s forced to work at Holt’s – a mid-market department store that doesn’t even stock designer labels!

Looking to escape from crazed shoppers, Haley sneaks into the stock room to take a break and finds her boss is the ultimate fashion victim. He’s face-down in lingerie – stone-cold dead. With everyone in the store eyeing her like last season’s Marc Jacobs, Haley turns to hunky Ty Cameron to help her investigate the murder.

In a race to clear her rep, Haley’s knowledge of hot trends takes her from the sales floor to the boardroom to the gritty streets of L.A.’s Garment District. Haley must find a killer with impeccable fashion taste – and get her hands on a smoking-hot handbag – before time runs out!

“Howell’s winning debut introduces Haley Randolph … a cool cliffhanger will leave readers eager for Haley’s next adventure.”
—Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

“Light and witty…the mystery is carefully plotted, and the murder is plausible and suspenseful.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews

“Haley’s amusing asides make for a fun … amateur sleuth tale as she investigates the homicide. Fans will enjoy a combo Inspector Clouseau-Stephanie Plum starring as Ellie Woods of Legally Blonde.”
—Harriet Klausner

“An appealing blend of chick lit, romance, and mystery.”
—Hot Titles, Cincinnati Library