Scarlett (a.k.a. Ginger) Parker is always up for a challenge, and her newest challenge is to convince her cousin Vivian (a.k.a. Viv) Tremont to consent to create fascinators for Piper May's wedding. Neighbor Andre Eisel is also hopeful that Scarlett can be her usual convincing self, as like Viv, Andre is not a fan of the countryside, even if the countryside equates to photographing a wedding at Waverly Castle. During their stay, Scarlett may learn more history than just the castle's history.

One of my favorite delights of the series is reading the newest puns shared by Scarlett, Vivian, Harrison (a.k.a. Harry), Andre and his partner Nick Carroll, and sometimes Fee. No one is impressed by Scarlett's puns, but the contributions of all are hysterical and one of the many highlights of reading this series.

I loved the incentive that Scarlett used to encourage Viv's consent to make her unique creations for Piper's bridesmaids. Scarlett will remember using the needed transportation to keep her promise to Viv and I doubt I was the only reader to remember my 1st experience.

Although the cover art is not what normally triggers my reading of any particular title, some book covers add to my appreciation of the novel and, in this case, the series. The author gives credit in the Acknowledgements.

"Much gratitude to the amazing art department (Berkley Crime Prime), and cover artist Robert Gantt Steele and book designer Laura K. Corless. You capture the spirit of the books perfectly."

I couldn't agree more. ( )

A wedding in a castle seems like a dream weekend for hatmaker Scarlett, but her partner and cousin doesn’t share her enthusiasm. Still, Viv goes along with Scarlett, and agrees to makes hats for the bridesmaids. The fact that she knows the bride, but finds her distasteful, doesn’t help matters any. And when the groom is found murdered, and no one can leave the castle until the police say they can, well, Vic is decided unhappy. And then the fun really starts. Yes, Scarlett may be in the killer’s crosshairs, too. It’s not all terrible, though, since the friends there find time to sneak in bit of visiting, snoop around, and play their punny games, although Scarlett seems to always lose at that one. It’s a another winning mystery in this series, entertaining and intriguing. ( )

Enjoyed seeing the Hat Shop crew again. Scarlett really needs to learn to not let her curiosity override self-protection. We spend most of our time with Scarlett, Viv and Andre, but Harrison is still a big part of the story and the others also get their moments. The mystery was interesting, with a few red herrings. Overall a fast and fun read. ( )

Fatal Fascinator by Jenn McKinlay is a delightful story. I am pleased to see the return of A Hat Shop Mysteries. Scarlett Parker and her cousin, Vivian Tremont are back. Viv agrees to make the bridesmaid’s hats for Piper May’s upcoming wedding. Scarlett convinces Viv to attend the event which will give them a weekend in the country. Unfortunately, their relaxing weekend goes awry when the groom is found dead. The lead detective declares that no one can leave while the crime is being investigated. Scarlett, of course, cannot resist digging into the case. She gets help from Viv and her dashing fiancé, Harrison Wentworth. Can the trio discover the killer’s identity before he strikes again? Fatal Fascinator is a fun story to read. I love the characters, especially Scarlett. She is a lively woman. Scarlett is engaged to Harrison and has a darling puppy. Things are never dull when Scarlett is around. Vivian is a fashionista who is more reserved than her American cousin. Harrison is a sweet guy who loves Scarlett. The mystery was interesting, but it a little weak. The murder of the fiancé occurs around the halfway mark. I wish it had happened sooner. By the time the whodunit happens, I knew who and how. I had an inkling as to the why. I am hoping the author will up her game in the next A Hat Shop Mystery. Fatal Fascinator is the seventh A Hat Shop Mystery. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series. I do recommend reading all the books in this engaging series. There is humor throughout the story. Scarlett manages to get herself in the oddest predicaments. Fatal Fascinator is a diverting tale with an unbending bride, a precious puppy, superfluous luggage, a lifeless fiancé, a determined detective, fashionable fascinators, and a wedding date debate. ( )

Corgi, wedding-madness, milliner, friction, friendship, frustration, castle, whodunit, cozy-mystery, series, verbal-humor, situational-humor, mean-girls, relationship-issues, relationships, relatives****

This is the first I've read from this author/series.
If you like fashion/retail mysteries with interesting, entitled characters and lots of drama, you'll love this. The setting of the posh and historic old castle (of course) has a resident ghost and curse to go with it. Both the bride and groom are awful, self-centered, unpleasant people, and it isn't long before the first body (the groom) shows up -- in the library. Let the sleuthing begin!
I requested and received an EARC from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley. ( )