Amazon Original Stories continues to deliver bite-sized literary treats with their latest collection, Busybodies. This series of six novellas brings together an eclectic group of authors to explore what happens when ordinary people stumble into extraordinary circumstances. From cozy mysteries to thrilling whodunits, each story in the collection showcases how everyday busybodies transform into unlikely detectives.
The Busybodies collection includes:
- Staged by Elle Cosimano
- The Reunion Dinner by Jesse Q. Sutanto
- Crime of Fashion by Emma Rosenblum
- The Nosy Neighbor by Nita Prose
- One Lucky Subscriber by Kellye Garrett
- A Classic Case by Alicia Thompson
While each novella stands alone, they share a common thread of amateur sleuths getting in over their heads as they attempt to solve puzzling mysteries. Today we’ll be taking a closer look at Emma Rosenblum’s contribution, “Crime of Fashion.”
A Glittering Whodunit in the World of High Fashion
In the cutthroat world of fashion magazines, appearances can be deceiving and loyalties shift faster than hemlines. Emma Rosenblum, former executive editor at ELLE, brings her insider knowledge to bear in this taut mystery revolving around a missing $3 million Bulgari necklace.
The Setup
Nellie Otis, a lowly closet assistant at ELLE magazine, finds herself thrust into the role of detective when a priceless diamond necklace vanishes during a locked photo shoot. The suspects are a rogues’ gallery of fashion world archetypes:
- Charlotte Plepto, the newly-minted editor-in-chief with daddy issues and a point to prove
- Pointer, a once-celebrated photographer clawing his way back from scandal
- Marlee Price, an aging pop star attempting a comeback
- Farah Freeze, the imperious fashion director passed over for promotion
As accusations fly and careers hang in the balance, it’s up to Nellie to piece together the clues and find the missing jewels before she takes the fall.
A Glittering Mystery with Substance
Rosenblum deftly balances the glossy trappings of the fashion world with moments of genuine tension and intrigue. The locked-room mystery setup is classic, but the author injects fresh energy through her well-drawn characters and insider details of magazine operations.
Nellie makes for an engaging protagonist, her obsessive-compulsive tendencies and keen eye for detail serving her well as she navigates office politics and unravels the mystery. The supporting cast is equally compelling, each harboring secrets and motivations that add layers to the central whodunit.
Strengths:
- Authentic setting: Rosenblum’s experience in the magazine world lends credibility and depth to the story’s fashion milieu.
- Tight plotting: The mystery unfolds at a brisk pace, with well-placed clues and red herrings to keep readers guessing.
- Sharp dialogue: Snappy exchanges and cutting remarks capture the catty energy of the fashion world.
Room for Improvement:
- Some readers may find the fashion industry setting off-putting or difficult to relate to.
- The brevity of the novella format leaves less room for deep character development.
A Stylish Addition to the Busybodies Collection
“Crime of Fashion” fits nicely within the Busybodies series, offering a glimpse into a rarefied world most readers will never experience firsthand. Rosenblum’s deft handling of the mystery elements, combined with her insider knowledge, results in a satisfying read that will appeal to fans of both fashion and detective fiction.
The Author’s Expanding Repertoire
Fans of Rosenblum’s work will find familiar territory here, as the author continues to mine the world of wealth and privilege for dramatic potential. Her debut novel, “Bad Summer People,” explored the dark undercurrents of a seemingly idyllic beach community. With “Crime of Fashion,” she turns her sharp eye to the equally competitive realm of high-end magazines.
Readers who enjoy this novella may want to check out Rosenblum’s upcoming novel, “Very Bad Company,” which promises to delve further into the cutthroat world of corporate culture and office intrigue.
Final Verdict
“Crime of Fashion” is a sparkling addition to the Busybodies collection, offering readers a tantalizing glimpse behind the glossy facade of the fashion world. Emma Rosenblum’s insider perspective and keen eye for detail elevate what could have been a standard mystery into something more nuanced and engaging.
While the novella format means we don’t get to spend as much time with these characters as we might like, it’s a testament to Rosenblum’s skill that she’s able to create such a fully-realized world in so few pages. “Crime of Fashion” is a perfect bite-sized treat for mystery lovers looking for something a little different from the standard detective fare.