Books

Tote Bags and Toe Tags
A Haley Randolph Mystery

Available in hardcover and ebook.  Coming soon in paperback.

Haley Randolph's new job as a corporate events coordinator suits her like classic Chanel—as long as no one finds out her only degree is from bartending school.

On Haley's first day on the job, she finds the chief of security—who was performing Haley's background check—murdered in her office.

When the police peg Haley as their prime suspect, she shops around for the killer—and soon learns that some of the corporations’ employees have a lot to hide.  

But that’s not the end of Haley’s problems. Boyfriend Ty Cameron has moved in, the family housekeeper has gone missing, Haley is being stalked by a shadowy figure in a yellow VW, and she needs hot private detective Jack Bishop’s expertise to solve the murder—but at what cost?

Haley must find a killer co-worker—and the totally awesome Temptress tote—before she becomes this season’s hottest victim.

“ … wise cracking Haley Randolph, designer purse fanatic and frappuccino fan, land(s) a corporate job as an events planner … Before HR maven Violet Hamilton can complete a background check, Violet is found dead in her office… Haley’s sleuthing skill, so useful in spotting retail bargains, leads her to some unsettling company secrets. Talk about a hostile work environment!”
— Washington Post

“…complex and compelling heroine … cunning investigator, good friend, and fabulous dresser. Established fans and newcomers alike will look forward to her next appearance.”
— Publishers Weekly

“…zany…fast-paced…filled with humor…Howell keeps it going”
— Harriet Klausner, The Mystery Gazette

“…well-crafted plot, humor, and designer details…”
— Booklist

Top Ten on the Kindle Hot New Releases Bestseller List

Slay Bells and Satchels
A Haley Randolph Mystery

The first Haley Christmas novella is available in paperback and as an e-book

The Holt’s Department Store’s Summer Santa Sale becomes a Christmas nightmare when Haley finds a murdered elf in the store’s giant toy bag.  But is it her help with hot private detective Jack Bishop’s latest case that puts Haley on Santa’s “naughty” list?

in paperback and ebook	in ebook

Clutches and Curses
A Haley Randolph Mystery

Haley takes on Las Vegas!

Fleeing Los Angeles in the hope of escaping a curse put on her by a disgruntled customer at Holt’s Department Store, Haley takes a temporary job stocking a new store that’s opening in Sin City.  When her high school rival is found murdered in a dressing room, Haley becomes the prime suspect. 

To prove her innocence, Haley takes on aliens, a psychic, her high school crush, and the Russian mafia – while searching for the hottest purse of the season, of course – where else but at a handbag lovers’ convention! 

Totally hot private investigator Jack Bishop shows up reminding Haley that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.  Then boyfriend Ty arrives and makes her an offer she can’t refuse – or can she?

“Frothy…The well-crafted plot offers plenty of red herrings.”
– Publishers Weekly

Shoulder Bags and Shootings
A Haley Randolph Mystery

Life is beyond fabulous for Haley Randolph.  She just spent two amazing weeks in Europe with her boyfriend Ty Cameron, owner of Holt’s Department Store where Haley works.  And now Ty’s grandmother, Ada, is letting Haley drive her way-cool Mercedes.  Plus, Haley’s closing in on the season’s must-have handbag.

But when Haley finds the body of her nemesis in the trunk of Ada’s Mercedes, things aren’t so fabulous anymore.  Topping the list of suspects, Haley must solve this murder quickly – and find that hot handbag – before she becomes a killer’s next fashion fatality!

“A clever, fast-moving plot propels Howell’s third mystery.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Recommend this series to fans of lightweight, humorous mysteries.”
—Booklist

Purses and Poison
A Haley Randolph Mystery

When Haley arrives at the Holt’s employee luncheon and fashion show, she spies a sick server hiding in the stock room. Deciding to help out, Haley grabs a uniform. Besides she might score some points with her sort-of boyfriend and store owner Ty Cameron. The catered array of food and personalized fruit bouquets from Edible Elegance – her mom’s latest business venture – is a hit until top fashion model and Ty’s ex-girlfriend Claudia Gray is found dead in the ladies room.

It’s going to take more than a Chanel sample sale to ease Haley’s panic once she learns Claudia’s been poisoned. With homicide detectives looking for the “missing server,” Haley’s whereabouts unaccounted for during the luncheon and Edible Elegance gone sour, she’d better uncover the tainted truth – quick!

“A treat for those with a passion for fashion. No doubt this sassy heroine’s in for a long run.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“A quick read with lots of humor.”
—Booklist

“A solid mystery”
—Publishers Weekly

“Haley Randolph is a hoot. There is no way to get through Howell’s latest without laughing out loud at least once a chapter.”
—Romantic Times

Handbags and Homicide
A Haley Randolph Mystery

According to Haley Randolph, you can never have enough handbags. She has one for every occasion, but that doesn’t mean she won’t go to any lengths to get the season’s latest bag. Unfortunately for Haley, her life goes from glam to grim when her passion for fashion outlasts her credit cards, and she’s forced to work at Holt’s – a mid-market department store that doesn’t even stock designer labels!

Looking to escape from crazed shoppers, Haley sneaks into the stock room to take a break and finds her boss is the ultimate fashion victim. He’s face-down in lingerie – stone-cold dead. With everyone in the store eyeing her like last season’s Marc Jacobs, Haley turns to hunky Ty Cameron to help her investigate the murder.

In a race to clear her rep, Haley’s knowledge of hot trends takes her from the sales floor to the boardroom to the gritty streets of L.A.’s Garment District. Haley must find a killer with impeccable fashion taste – and get her hands on a smoking-hot handbag – before time runs out!

“Howell’s winning debut introduces Haley Randolph … a cool cliffhanger will leave readers eager for Haley’s next adventure.”
—Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

“Light and witty…the mystery is carefully plotted, and the murder is plausible and suspenseful.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews

“Haley’s amusing asides make for a fun … amateur sleuth tale as she investigates the homicide. Fans will enjoy a combo Inspector Clouseau-Stephanie Plum starring as Ellie Woods of Legally Blonde.”
—Harriet Klausner

“An appealing blend of chick lit, romance, and mystery.”
—Hot Titles, Cincinnati Library