Glamour, Gossip, and Gossamer

First Comes Marriage … Then Comes Murder

Written by Donna Mumma

Published by Barbour Fiction

Release Date: 09.01.25

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Women Sleuths, Christian Mystery & Suspense

4 Stars!

First Comes Marriage … Then Comes Murder by Donna Mumma sweeps you into a mid-century department store where satin, lace, and whispered secrets mingle behind the fitting room curtain. In 1956 Levi City, Florida, Vivien Sheffield designs bridal gowns that promise happily-ever-after … until murder turns her aisle of dreams into a trail of fear.

The real sparkle here is the cast: Vivien’s loyal circle of friends … sharp, warm, and full of personality … make every scene feel like an invitation to linger. Their banter, determination, and unshakable friendship turn the sleuthing into something as entertaining as it is clever. Add in the bustle of the sales floor, the hush of the bridal salon, and the period-perfect fashion details, and it’s like stepping into a mid-century snapshot where glamour meets gossip.

For Christian fiction, the faith thread felt faint … more like barely-there trim than the fabric itself … and I found myself wishing it had been stitched in with greater depth and conviction. This cozy mystery delivers a bouquet of nostalgia, friendship, and fashion, all tied with a ribbon of murder-mayhem. Perfect for readers who love a little sparkle with their sleuthing.

If you’re ready to slip on your gloves, sip a soda at the lunch counter, and wander the aisles of a mid-century department store where friendship sparkles and secrets lurk, this one might be your perfect fit.

I received a digital version of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.