Poison Ivy

Have you ever agonized over what you should have, could have, would have said at those times when your speech just seemed to dry up and disappear? In your mind, have you prepared all the right come backs and congratulated yourself on your witty sarcasm after the fact? Meet Ivy Morris - proprietress and budding sleuth, and definitely not your run-of-the-mill size two heroine. She is a modern, flawed, insecure, funny gal trying to run a business inherited from her great aunt, solve a mystery and get her man all at the same time. A cross between a train wreak waiting to happen and a plus-size wonder woman, you cannot help but smile at Ivy's antics and adventures. The first in a series of three Ivy Morris mysteries, "Poison Ivy" is perfect for a fun, light read with a heroine who does not take herself too seriously. Readers will find themselves connecting with and laughing at the "every woman" inside of them. If you're looking for a pick-me-up on one of those hum-drum kind of days, author Misty Simon's witty repertoire is sure to delight.

Ivy must move to Marth's Point Virginia to claim her inherited costume shop and the home Aunt Gertie left her in the will. Ivy would be completely surprised to find out that costumes were not the only things sold in The Masked Shoppe. Along her journey of proprietress, Ivy meets a good friend who pulls her out of her brown fashion stylings, a hunky man that she can't seem to get off of her mind, and an old bitty that is sour because the shoppe was not left to her. After Ivy's underwear was stolen and a murder was committed at the Halloween Ball. Ivy decided to do a little investigating on her own. Although Ben Fallon would not have her slinking around getting into trouble so they formed a partnership; which by the way would have gotten really steamy if things didn't keep interrupting them. In the end all seems to have worked out....but who wanted revenge so badly on Ivy that they would go so far as to poison her? You'll just have to pick up a copy for yourself to find out. Ms. Simon has written a humorous story that will keep you guessing. The characters personalities were very likable, and I thought this book was very smooth to read. I only wished there were more drama; like more threats to Ivy. It seemed like the person wanted her gone but never really did anything to threaten her much besides a robbery and a couple of phone calls. Ms. Simon gets 4 hearts for Poison Ivy, I can't wait to read the next book to see what kind of trouble Ivy gets herself into.

Ivy Morris inherits her great aunt's house and business. She is thrilled as she was still living with her father in the room her mother decorated over a decade ago. She is quite surprised when she arrives at her new business. It's not only a costume shop. Plus the assistant doesn't seem too pleased to have her there. Ivy's not used to being assertive and finds it difficult dealing with her. But with the Harvest Ball looming so close, she needs the help. So, she puts up with her planning to talk to her later. Ivy decides to try to solve the mystery of the missing lingerie from the side business, but is soon sidetracked when her new friend is found murdered at the ball. Ivy had just given her a matching costume to hers right before the ball. Who could have murdered such a nice woman? Ivy's new friend Bella, and Ben, a local journalist and probably the hottest single male in town, help Ivy try to uncover the killer without being the next victims. There are some hot scenes with Ivy and Ben that almost distract them from their quest. I thoroughly loved this book. I can't wait to read the next in the series. Ivy is such a hoot! Misty has such a wonderful way of telling a story through Ivy's eyes. I feel as if I know her. I found myself laughing out loud quite often while reading this book. I also found it difficult to put down and read it in 1 day. I highly recommend this book.

Ivy lived in Southern California all her life and had never left her parents home, and when her mother died, she cared for her father. Her sister's Daisy, Rose and Magnolia had long since flown the nest for marriage and a life of their own. She longed to get out into the world herself, but could not afford it, - until one day a letter came from an attorney in Martha's Point Virginia. It seemed that her Aunt Gertie had passed and in her will she left Ivy the two things in the world that she valued the most; her business, a costume shop and her home which just happened to be all the way on the other side of the continent from her parents sunny home in Southern California where she had been raised and never ventured out from to a sleepy little town called Martha's Point in Virginia. Ivy had no clue that a business that she presumed only made money at Halloween was actually the home to a much frequented erotic lingerie shop where wives, mothers and some fetishist went to reinvent themselves. The back room held attire that unleashed the undercover freak that was so well hidden in these upstanding citizens. This little store aptly named `The Masked Shoppe' is the catalyst that gave Ivy the courage to step out of her boring brown wardrobe and undertake the quest to solve the quiet town's first murder in over ten years. While the murder mystery takes a number of twist and turns, our plump heroine becomes involved in a love affair with one of the towns must scrumptious available hunks (Ben), who just happens to be a culinary reporter, moonlighting as a P.I. And boy do they make great partners, despite the fact that Ben feels he must always have the upper hand and must call all the shots. Ben soon realizes that not only in regard to this case but his future, Ivy has the reins, something she has never been able or confident enough to take in her capable hands before. This story will leave your mouth hanging open for more reasons than one. Misty Simon has a way of making me burst out in laughter one moment and tears in the next. The only complaint that I have about this book is that I was left wanting more. I sincerely hope that Ms. Simon brings Ivy back in a sequel, it is just like chocolate for me; I have got to have more. Reviewed by Kim Robinson For BBW Reviews