Susie Black
Wild Rose Press, Inc. (2023)
ISBN: 978-1509246779
Reviewed by Natalia Kavale for Reader Views (07/2023)
Ladies and gentlemen, put on your swimsuits and get ready for an exhilarating adventure as the award-winning mystery author, Susie Black, delivers another masterpiece, “Death by Pins and Needles!” In this thrilling novel, Black introduces us to a gripping tale set in the cutthroat Los Angeles ladies’ swimwear industry, where murder, rivalry, secrets, and fashion collide. The plot unfolds with the shocking murder of Lissa Charney, an infamous and widely despised figure in LA’s swimwear industry. Her lifeless body, eerily arranged like an unconventional piece of artwork on a closet wall, is discovered by none other than one of her fiercest competitors, Holly Schlivnik, a sales executive at Mermaid Swimwear.
As the detectives quickly wrap up the case, believing they have apprehended the killer, Holly’s intuition tells her that an injustice has been done to the prime suspect in custody. Holly, though not officially a detective or a member of the police force for that matter, takes it upon herself to dig deeper into the case, passionately convinced that the killer is out there, freely roaming the streets while an innocent person suffers for the crime. Fueled by her relentless determination and her insider knowledge of the industry, she channels her inner Nancy Drew and embarks on a quest for the truth, unraveling a web of deception, envy, and rivalry along the way.
“Death by Pins and Needles” is the second book in Susie Black’s Holly Swimsuit Mysteries Series. It delves beyond the surface of a murder mystery, exploring themes of loyalty, friendship, betrayal, and the pursuit of justice. Holly’s determination to uncover the truth even when her own life is at stake shows her resilience and unwavering spirit. Through her eyes, readers are treated to a thrilling yet dangerous game of mouse and cat, as the stakes rise higher when the blood-thirsty killer stops at nothing to prevent her investigation.
While the initial pacing of the story is a bit slow, it soon becomes evident that the author was just meticulously laying the groundwork for the narrative. As the plot unfolds, Black introduces a cast of intriguing and well-developed characters. Her skillful and witty writing style effortlessly captures the essence of each character—from the loudmouth and mischievous parrot, Corky, and his owner, to the fearless Holly Schlivnik and her group of fascinating friends and colleagues—and their complex relationships. The time spent on character development and establishing their backstories pays off as the story gains momentum. This adds more depth to the narrative, making readers constantly question the motives and loyalties of each character as the leading character navigates the maze of uncovering the ruthless killer behind the gruesome murder.
Black’s impeccable knowledge of the fashion industry shines through as she seamlessly crafts the glamorous backdrop of the Los Angeles ladies’ swimwear setting. Her vivid descriptions transported me right into the heart of the story, where I could practically feel the fabric and feel my skin crawl in horror at the bloody scenes. This authentic portrayal is a testament to the author’s personal background, and the author's top-notch storytelling skills add a layer of authenticity and depth to the tale.
“Death by Pins and Needles” is an absolute page-turner that will engulf you in a captivating world of mystery and intrigue. Whether you’re a seasoned mystery aficionado or have never delved into the genre before, this book will leave you craving more mystery. I absolutely enjoyed reading this intriguing story and look forward to reading more of Susie Black’s work in the future.
https://books2read.com/Death-by-Pins-and-Needle
s