Design on a Crime: Deadly Decor Mystery, Book 1

Design on a Crime by Ginny Aiken is a completely different book than I thought it would be. It's the first book in the Deadly Decor mystery series. Haley is just getting started in her own interior decorating business when her mentor is murdered. When it's revealed that Haley is the woman's heir, Haley becomes the prime suspect and has to figure out who the real murderer is before she's thrown into prison. It sounds like just another light, humorous murder mystery of the type that are glutting the market right now, filled with quirky characters and silly situations, but this book is nothing like that. Haley has faced much darkness in her past and struggled through it. She's just starting to regain her self-confidence when this murder throws her back into fear and depression. This book is about losing faith and finding God, even in the dark places. While there are some quirky characters and the occasional laugh, this book delves into some deep subjects and treats them well. Aiken writing alternates between short, choppy bits and long, almost flowery descriptions. I'm not sure if that is to help with characterization, but it sometimes makes for awkward reading. My one complaint is the marketing of the book. The silly title, pastel cover and blurb on the back make this out to be murder-mystery lite. This book is much better than that, and I'm looking forward to the sequel.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has the whole package - humor, mystery, suspense, spirituality and a hint of romance. Haley Farrell is a strong female character whose father is the minister for the local church. Not only does Haley have a knack for interior decorating, but soon develops the knack for sleuthing as well. I am looking forward to more books in this series by Ginny Aiken.