Meg is thrilled when she is asked to help design maven Jessica Sterling as she prepares to launch a new book and open a shopping Mecca. She cannot believe how approachable and kind Jessie is and as an added bonus, Meg gets to work with a friend from her old job. Too bad the reception from others in Jessie’s entourage is not a welcoming. Particularly a nasty cousin whose own failures only sour her more than she would be naturally. And when the news comes in that Jessie’s beloved brother and business partner has been run down and killed, the joy turns to sorrow and chaos.

Lauren, the cousin, and her husband, Conrad the CFO, try to stop the grand opening but Jessie is determined to follow through on her brother’s pet project. In spite of multiple missteps and challenges, the morning of the dry run is full speed ahead. But a number of serious crimes put a stop to the proceedings. With the help of her friend and her father and her boyfriend, Meg is determined to figure out what is behind the tragedies. There was never any doubt in my mind who killed the brother and I sussed out who committed the second murder but there were enough side stories to entertain for the entire book. Four purrs and two paws up.

A cute and engaging story. A pleasant way to spend a weekend cozied up with a lovely mystery. I would recommend this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. High Style and Homicide is the latest book in The Hamptons Home and Garden Mystery series. This time, Meg Barrett, the main character, investigates murders that have to do with a person trying to protect their secret. The mystery is engaging, and it is always interesting to see how Meg will manage to solve the mystery. The series has been consistently good, and newcomers can also fully enjoy High Style and Homicide. It is well written and the storyline is solid. A truly good cozy mystery!

Enjoyable cosy, interesting cast of characters, I like the inclusions of people she had worked with in the past - it gave a fuller range of trusted people to work with. I received this as an advance copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book features a behind-the-scenes peek into the world of a Magnolia Lane-type empire. I'm not into "lifestyle brands," but it's an interesting world to use as a book setting. I like main character Meg, though I'm annoyed by the fairly patronizing men in her life. And I enjoy the scene-to-scene writing, though the killer seems kind of obvious from early on. It's an enjoyable read, though I'd love a bit more mystery. 3-1/2 stars for me.

Thanks to the publisher for this review copy, provided via NetGalley.

Meg is hired to work with an extremely well-known and beloved celebrity, Jessica Sterling. Almost as soon as Meg starts, Jessica’s brother is killed in a hit-and-run. Even though she just met Jessica, Megfinds herself worried about Jessica‘s safety and begins digging into what appears to be an accident.

Between solving a murder that includes old friends and new acquaintances at suspects, I’m meeting her boyfriend‘s mother, Meg find herself and quite the spot. Can she figure out who killed Jessica‘s brother before Jessica her she becomes the next target? More over, can she do it with her potential future mother-in-law tagging along for the sleuthing?

Meg Barrett is one of my favorite protagonist and all of the cozy mystery kingdom. She’s a little older, a lot wiser, and is hearing impaired. Being profoundly hearing impaired myself, I completely relate to Meg and love the friendships and business she has built along with each every mystery that is delivered in every entry. Having the series based in the Hamptons area, sure doesn’t hurt either.

My first in this series, and boy was I confused. There is so much going on, and so many characters and so little explanation of backstories that it's befuddling. And then when you add in some really weird wrong-usages of words and factual errors, it jut adds up to a not for me. I had a proof copy, so I don't mention typos - but the things I'm referring too all happened more than once, in a manner that suggested it wasn't a spelling mistake, just completely wrong (eg bazaar for bizarre, consistently misnaming a character in To Kill A Mockingbird) which undermines confidence in the whole.

Interior design meets ulterior motive in High Style and Homicide, the eighth installment in the Hamptons Home & Garden Mystery series. This cozy mystery brings readers into the vibrant world of interior decorator Meg Barrett, who unexpectedly finds herself teaming up with the charismatic celebrity Jessica Sterling after a tragic hit-and-run claims Jessica’s brother.

The writing in this book shines, showcasing Kathleen Bridge’s talent for creating engaging characters and a witty narrative. Meg's journey of investigation is filled with twists that keep readers guessing about the true identity of the murderer, making it an entertaining read. The inclusion of delightful recipes and vintage decorating tips adds a charming touch, enhancing the cozy feel of the story.

However, while the writing is quite commendable, it’s important to note that this book contains strong language, including profanities and the a few uses of God's name in vain. For readers who prefer clean language, particularly those of the Christian faith, this may be a significant drawback.

Overall, High Style and Homicide offers a compelling mystery and engaging characters, though its content may not suit every reader. Fans of cozy mysteries with humor and clever plotting will likely find it enjoyable, but those sensitive to language should consider this aspect beforehand. My four-star rating reflects the strong writing, pacing, and intriguing storyline. However, I’ve learned my lesson to stick with Christian books that align better with my values.

I received a digital copy of High Style and Homicide from the publisher and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

High Style and Homicide is book #8 in the Hamptons Home & Garden Mystery series by Kathleen Bridge.

This is the first book I’ve read in this series and I really enjoyed it. I liked the main characters which is important to me. There were plenty of twists that kept me guessing the guilty party. At the end there are a few recipes and tips for common interior design mistakes. I’ve bought the earlier books because I want more of this series.

Thank you to the author, Beyond the Page Publishing, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

High Style and Homicide is an entertaining addition to the series set in the Hamptons with interior decorator Meg Barrett and friends. I have not read the whole series, but I quickly remember the cast of characters, including Meg's boyfriend/author Patrick Seaton, bestie Elle and her hubby Police Detective Arthur and more. In this book, Meg is excited to get to work with a local celebrity Jessie Sterling who has her own TV show series and is putting together a new book with Meg's input. Meg is looking forward to working with her longtime friend Emilio, who is photographing for the book. But her excitement is deflated when Jessie's brother is killed in a hit and run. Jessie has some people surrounding her of questionable character. Maybe one of them is guilty, including her cousin Lauren and some close friends. Lots of questions with twists and turns make this mystery ongoing with surprises and a large suspect pool and another murder. This is a quick and fun read.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.

This is the 8th release in the popular 'Hamptoms Home & Garden Cozy Series" by cozy author Kathleen Bridge. i enjoy this series for the atmospheric setting of the Hamptoms and the well crafted characters that form the series. Thank you to the publisher, to Net Galley and to the author for the opportunity. My review is my own opinion.

This is a charming next in series with all the series regulars and adorable pets. Our protagnist Meg meets a famous design and garden star and soon after a murder occurs. The sleuth was very well done with multiple red herrings and clues that kept this reader guessing to conclusion. The author creates a fun sleuth with multiple suspects. i enjoyed the sleuth, love the supporting characters and our savvy smart protagnist. A fun addition to this series.

I read this series since the beginning and always liked these stories, the Hampton setting, and the solid mysteries
This is another good one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

"High Style and Homicide (Hamptons Home & Garden Mystery #8)" by Kathleen Bridge focuses on Meg helping a celebrity similar to those who run their own home & garden type DIY empires. Meg is hired to help stage some photos for the celebrity's upcoming book about her windmill home. While there, they find out that the celebrity's brother was the victim of a hit-and-run.

Meg, with a little help from her father, investigate what really happened. Things aren't exactly as they seem with the family and crew that the celebrity has around her. On top of that, Meg's boyfriend's mom is in town for the first time in years. She's not a very likable person either.

This one has a bit of a Fourth of July time line with a smidge of Labor Day. It also gives us some inclusivity with Meg needing the use of hearing aids. I would probably need to have read the first couple of books to know why that specifically is but it really isn't something that would need to be explained every single book to change how you read the book.

An excellent eighth installment in the Hamptons Home and Garden cozy mystery series by Kathleen Bridge. Entertaining from cover to cover!

Readers will recall amateur sleuth and interior designer, Meg Barrett, and her bestie, wealthy Elle Shoner who’s married to lead Detective Arthur Shoner. Elle is busy restoring their new mansion, and hoping to get pregnant soon. Meg meets entrepreneur and garden guru, Jessica Sterling at her gorgeous home, Windmill Cottage. Shortly after, the murder mystery begins with a hit and run. The pages fly by as the supporting cast is introduced, and I feel like reader’s will quickly form impressions of who they like, or don’t like. The pets make cute characters, also.

Detective Shoner is assisted by Meg’s father, Jeff; a retired homicide detective, and Jeff’s best friend, Doc, a retired coroner. Action, a second murder, and humor blend together to make this a five star read! Will you guess the killer before the end reveal? I highly recommend this book, plus the previous stories.

I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and Beyond the Page. All opinions are my own.

I love this series! I was so excited to see this next installment. I wasn't sure at the end of the last one if there would be another one and I'm thrilled to see it continue. Meg is a very good main character but it's all the secondary characters that really make the series work for me. I love Elle and was a little disappointed she didn't play a bigger part in this book but it was still a great plot. The location is great and the descriptions are really good and make you feel like you are there. I can't wait to hear more about Elle and Arthur's new home and remodel and what else is in store for them. Keep them coming please!

High Style and Homicide by Kathleen Bridge the 8th instalment in the "Hamptons Home & Garden Mystery" series. I really enjoy this series, although this can be read as a stand-alone I do recommend you read from the beginning. Interior design meets ulterior motive when murder strikes the family of a leading light in home décor . . .

I found myself engrossed in this story, I like the setting of the Hamptons and the overall feel of the place. I really enjoyed catching up with the main character of Meg, and her bff Elle. I’m also glad to see where their relationships are heading …

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, full of twists and turns. I can’t say I guessed who the killer was but I was starting to lean towards them.

I recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

The mystery was interesting. It was complicated and a layered mystery. But I love when it isn’t only the MFC solving the crime, I like when she works with people around her. And there are a lot of people around her that love and support her. I will say the one thing that gets me about her is how she is a little childish in some ways. Like she sticks her tongue out at her dad in this volume which is fine but she is not an overly feminine/cutesy kind of person. She is also a bigger klutz than me and i broke an elbow cause I just fell over. I do like Patrick and her bestie a lot as her inner circle. I will always read a book in this series, I can wait to read the next 3.75. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

High Style and Homicide is the 8th book in the Hampton's Home and Garden series. it takes place in the Hamptons and Montauk, Long Island, New York, Meg Barnett is an interior designer who owns Cottages by the Sea as well as Editor and Chief of a home garden magazine. She has a cute cottage overlooking the water in Montauk. Elle Shoner is her best friend and partner in Crime with Antiques and Vintage store. She owns Seabreeze Motor Lodge. Elle has just bought the Willis estate and is restoring it. She is also very wealthy and married to Arthur Shoner is the lead detective on East Hampton Police Department. Patrick Seaton is an author and screen writer for a TV mystery series Mr. and Mrs. Winslow. He is also Meg's boyfriend.

Jessica Sterling owns Jessica's Dahlia Lane Farms. Her publicist, Ashley Margolies has recommended Meg to do a layout for a coffee table book called Welcome to Dahlia Lane Windmill Cottage. Jessica had a windmill that she made into a house on her property. It is called Windmill Cottage. When Meg got to the meeting she was surprised to see Emilio Castillo. He had worked with Meg in New York at American Home and Garden. He had been a visual director. Jessica was happy to hear that Meg had also worked at that magazine. He was now working for Jessica as her photographer.

Travis Sterling is Jessica's brother and partner of Dahlia Lane Shoppes at the Hanger and co-owner of unbrella of Dahlia Lane Enterprizes. Jessica was concerned something was going on with her brother but she didn't know what it was. Travis was a woodworker and had his own show Dahlia Lane Woodworks. Chris Barnes is Jessica's fiance and co-star and Dehlia Lane project manager of Dahlia Lane Home Makeover show. Lauren is Jessica's cousin. She owned Lavender Fields Farm which went bankrupt. There was a scandel that Lauren had to leave company and have come back to ask for her forgiveness. Conrad Kincaid is Lauren's husband. He works for Dahlia Lane's financial and marketing VP. He is much older than his wife.

While at the meeting with Meg and Emilio Lauren comes in and tells Jessica that Travis is dead. Shortly Arthur arrives along with Jeff Barrett. He is Meg's father and a retired homicide detective on the Detroit PD. Doc is Jeff's best friend. he is a former coroner at the Detroit PD. Arthur told
Jessica that it was a hit and run. Jessica had spoken to her brother just before the accident. He was putting his diving gear in his trunk of his car.

This is where the story takes off with all the suspense. There is too much to put on paper so I will leave it to the reader to enjoy to the exciting ending and a picnic at Doc's house.

I really enjoyed this book. The main characters made the story fun to read. I look forward to the next book to find out what happens to all of them.

Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for this ARC.

This book was gripping and hard to put down. It didn't feel like everything else you see out there, it felt very fresh. I really enjoyed this book!

Meg was an absolute delight of a character. This is my first book in the series so I was surprised by Meg mentioned her hearing aides. Meg's disability did not slow here down or define her. She may have had a disability or hearing challenge but it was a part of her and not the most defining part. I would define her as a woman full of empathy and compassion and exactly the friend Jessica needed when her brother's life was cut short. Jessica felt a bit like she was patterned after a certain pioneer woman, in fact, in my mind I was subbing one in for the other.
So many cozies follow woman in specific professions as they jump into cases to help out. Meg did the same but her background was a little different being a cop's daughter. Helping find who killed Jessica's brother was not her first rodeo and the lead detective seemed not quite comfortable with her involvement but almost.
The surrounding case from Meg's father who encouraged her "snooping" to her guy who helped save the day were terrific. In some cases, I actually mean terrifically horrible. You'll figure those characters out pretty quick and you may have suspicions as I did from the jump. The villains were horrible and condescending and all those other words you associate with the one who deserves comeuppance. Still, even with my suspicions, it was an enjoyable read to see the mystery unfold and suspicions don't equal catching the bad guy. That involved Meg doing her own investigation. I did chuckle early on when Meg almost anticipated another dead body turning up but I guess it makes sense since this is book eight.
It was a pretty enjoyable book with a nice flow from Meg meeting Jessica to the case unfolding. I would honestly give it a high 3, maybe 3.75 - 3.8 but am rounding up because Meg was such a peach. My only complaint was occasionally we got a bit bogged down on lengthy descriptions.
Thanks to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.