Review of First Comes Marriage… Then Comes Murder by J.E. Naugher
Sometimes, a book’s title can pique your interest before you even turn the first page. That was definitely the case for me with First Comes Marriage… Then Comes Murder. The combination of romance, fashion, and murder mystery had me curious from the start. Author J.E. Naugher invites readers to step into the world of 1956 Levi City, Florida, where bridal dreams are intertwined with chilling realities, and I was eager to see how Vivien Sheffield could juggle both her career and the chaos of murder surrounding her designs.
Right off the bat, I appreciated how First Comes Marriage… Then Comes Murder builds a suspenseful yet cozy atmosphere, blending Christian themes with mystery in a distinctive way. The narrative centers around Vivien, a bridal gown designer whose creations unwittingly tie her to a series of murders. This poor woman simply wants to make brides feel beautiful, but instead, her gowns become grim markers of crime scenes. Alongside her eclectic crew of coworkers—Audrey, Mary Jo, Gigi, and the ever-dedicated Mirette—Vivien works tirelessly to uncover the truth and protect her business and reputation. The character dynamics in this sequel felt much stronger than in the first installment, creating a supportive friendship that added warmth to the darker themes.
One of the standout features of Naugher’s writing is her ability to transport us to a different era. The 1950s aesthetics seep through every page, making me feel as though I were perusing the glamorous aisles of Wynton’s Department Store. The attention to detail, from the clothing brands to the cultural references, enabled me to visualize not only the setting but the emotional landscape of the characters. I also found Audrey’s chapters particularly captivating; her flair for marketing brought to life the sights and sounds of a bustling department store, showcasing how creativity and business acumen can coexist beautifully.
Although I figured out the murderer’s identity well before the halfway point, it didn’t necessarily detract from my enjoyment. Instead, it was engaging to see how the characters struggled to piece together the puzzle I had already solved. I glimpsed the complexity of their relationships and how the weight of hidden secrets took their toll on them—an aspect I genuinely appreciated. However, there were moments when the pacing lagged a bit, particularly after I anticipated certain twists. Thankfully, the storytelling picked up as soon as the characters began to connect the dots themselves.
While I appreciated the light touches of Christian content woven throughout, I couldn’t shake the sense that some conversations about faith were slightly underexplored, especially given the multi-POV format. Still, the way faith plays into their lives felt authentic and relatable, even if it was not always explicitly stated.
In conclusion, First Comes Marriage… Then Comes Murder is a cozy mystery that cleverly blends friendship, faith, and suspense. If you enjoy novels with strong female characters who grapple with personal and societal challenges—all set against a glamorous backdrop—then I wholeheartedly recommend this installment in the Women of Wynton’s Mystery series. I certainly left this book yearning for more, curious to see how Vivien and her friends would navigate yet another round of murders at Wynton’s. It’s a gripping read that reminds us that even in a world of beauty, darkness can lurk just around the corner.
Happy reading!
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