A Custom-Fit Crime

Magical Dressmaking Mysteries #4

by Melissa Bourbon

After a year of hard work in her Texas hometown, Harlow Jane Cassidy’s dreams are finally within reach—if she can just get it all done in time…Harlow’s designs will be featured in a big magazine spread, but she only has a few days to finalize her collection. Plus she’s busy helping to plan her mother’s upcoming wedding, playing host to her old friend Orphie, and avoiding a competitive Dallas designer set on stealing Harlow’s ideas. Harlow’s making it all work—until someone breaks into Buttons & Bows and the rival designer is found dead.

But when a near miss makes it clear that Orphie could be the next victim, Harlow will have to untangle the threads of evidence if she wants to save her friend, her mother’s wedding, and her business from becoming fashion road kill…

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Cozy, Fiction, Romance, Ghosts

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 2, 2013

About the author

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Melissa Bourbon is the national bestselling author of more than forty novels and nonfiction writing resource books. All of her books feature strong female and family relationships, bits of history, and lots of fun.

Melissa used to teach middle school English/Language Arts, but now she teaches creative writing to adults. She founded WriterSpark Academy, an online school for aspiring and new writers seeking to hone their craft.

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Reviews

[Natalia R · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

[Jeanne Adamek · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Devi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical wonders and wonderful families maketh a good cozy mystery. Yes, just a death is not enough to make a cozy mystery enjoyable. It needs good, strong characters, steady loving relationships and reliable friendships to sail the boat all through to the other side.
Magical dressmaking mystery series has it all. A wonderful relationship between women spanning 4 generations - check. A cute and clean romance - check. A village nemesis (in this series, it turns out be the Deputy police) - check. A thorough "I-will-take-a-bullet-for-you" friendship - check. And then finally, an unsolvable crime - double check.
Harlow Cassidy gets stuck in yet another murder, this time right inside her shop, of a designer who was trying to steal her designs. All while planning for her mother's wedding, Harlow puts no stops on the ride to catch the killer - and the journey is hilarious as it is thrilling and enchanting.
I am a huge fan of this series and vow to go with it to the very end. A good clean cozy mystery - must read for all cozy lovers.

[❂ Murder by Death · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, I love this series. It ticks all the boxes for me: good mysteries, great characters, great setting, humour, quirkiness, ghosts and charms. I love the ever evolving backstory of Bliss.

What to say about this book in particular? I'm not sure. It was a good story, with really clever plot-lines (although the primary plot line murderer was the one I suspected). I loved where Harlow and Will are heading and I really get a kick out of his daughter. But for some reason, this book just felt flatter than the others and I can't really say why.

Did I enjoy reading it? Yes, though not as much as the previous ones. Would I recommend this series? Have done and will continue to rave about it. But I wouldn't recommend that anyone read this book as an introduction to the series (although if they do, they can look forward to all the rest of the books being even better!

On the plus side, the next one comes out 9 months from now, instead of a year. Woot!

[Bandmama (aka Lucy) - Claiming Mitch as mine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I just say that I want to step into the pages of this series and live in Bliss, Texas? I've read them all, and this one doesn't disappoint. This book has a down home southern town feel which I love. With a few characters thrown in, and family and friend connections added, I found myself in "bliss" reading this story. I felt like I was, well, home again. The characters personalities are so real and likeable and I didn't see the little end twister coming at me but there it was. Usually I would plow through this book but knowing there won't be another one for a while (must write faster Melissa) I took the slow and easy road and savored the pages. It's that good and truly worth savoring. Fantastic book and great series. One more thing. God how I adore that leading man!

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this cozy series. It has a number of things I especially find appealing.

First off, this is set in Texas, and I am a fan of all things Southern so I like hearing the way Texans talk and their manners and approach to other people. That all come through in this series and it is fun.

Second the focus of this cozy series is fashion, since our main character, Harlow is a designer. I like hearing about the clothes: designing them, people wearing them and all the little details around the fashion is a neat feature.

Then there's the magic of the Cassidy women (who are all descended from Butch Cassidy, who made a wish that gave each of them a unique "charm" that makes them magical) each of which is different and equally benefits and causes trouble for them, which adds yet more fun to these books.

Finally, there's even a ghost of one of Harlow's ancestors hanging around her house and causing a commotion for her.

This is just a really fun, clever and well-written cozy series and I like it a lot. I will definitely continue reading this series.

[Blue Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am convinced that there is a cozy mystery to fit every person's tastes. This is my series; it covers almost all my tastes, and is so well written. Also she's good at keeping me in suspense. I couldn't figure out who did it till almost the end, and there was a good twist in there. Can't wait for the next!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun adventure with Harlow. I really enjoy these characters and the additional ones in this book were also enjoyable. The mystery was good and kept me guessing until the end.

[Moondance · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I'd first returned home to Bliss, Texas, I thought my hometown would be just as peaceful as it was when I was a little girl.

This is the fourth book in the Magical Dressmaking Mystery series. Harlow is busy working on her mother's wedding dress and finalizing her collection for an upcoming magazine spread when her old roommate Orphie shows up unexpectedly. Orphie is in Bliss to confess a transgression regarding their former employer and gets caught up in the whirlwind of the designers involved in the article. A particularly obnoxious designer dies in Harlow's shop and everyone becomes a suspect.

This is one of my favorite series. I love the continued storyline of the "charms" passed down to the Cassidy women from Butch Cassidy. Harlow's great-grandmother haunts the house Harlow inherited from her. Her grandmother has a way with animals especially goats. Her mother has a serious green thumb. Harlow can picture an outfit that is perfect for someone. And now Gracie, Harlow's boyfriend's daughter and distant cousin, can see events when she touches vintage clothing.

I enjoy the interaction between the Cassidy women. You just know that Harlow will do everything in her power to make sure her mom marries Sheriff Hoss McClaine even though the wedding is called off after Hoss investigates Harlow. The love at first sight between Orphie and Gavin is unexpected and a nice change for his character. I am so happy that Harlow and her sweetie, Will Flores are moving forward with their relationship. Perhaps more wedding bells are ringing?

The story revolving around stealing designs from other designers is well done. You really do suspect everyone at some point. A very good addition to the series. I look forward to reading the next book.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlow Jane Cassidy has her hands full planning and making the dresses for her mother’s wedding, her old friend Orphie has come to visit and one of her biggest dreams in coming true – her designs are going to be featured in big time magazine spread. She has things under control until a rival fashion designer dies in her shop, Buttons & Bows. Then a near miss shows Orphie may also be in danger.

Harlow has no choice but to untangle the clues and find a killer if she has any hope of saving her friend, the wedding and her business. She is going to need more than her charm to save the day this time!

Dollycas’s Thoughts
I grew up in a family of seamstresses so this series is one of my favorites. I was thrilled to see Harlow getting some recognition for her creations. Harlow, her mom, and MeeMaw just touch my heart stirring up fond memories of my own family.

Bourbon has created magical characters and Button & Bows is a dressmaker’s dream shop. She stitches them together with an enchanting mystery sure to please all cozy lovers.

In this installment Orphie comes to town with her own share of troubles. Harlow’s mother, like all Cassidy women, is STUBBORN, especially when it comes to her daughter, and it puts the wedding in jeopardy. Gracie is having some trouble adjusting to her charm. All this plus some snooty designers and their snotty models show up from out of town for a photo shoot and all heck beaks loose. Hold on tight, this Custom-Fit Crime will have you on pins and needles from the first page to the last.

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Custom-Fit Crime is the fourth book in the A Magical Dressmaking Mystery series by Melissa Bourbon.

When Harlow's grandmother, Meemaw, passed away she moved back to Bliss, TX. She opened the dress shop she has always dreamed of having. All the Cassidy women have their own magical niche.

It's regular whirlwind in Bliss. Harlow's mother will be getting married soon to Sheriff Hoss McClaine and there are dresses to be finished. Also D Magazine wants to do a story on two of Dallas' well known designers, Michel Ralph Beaulieu and Midori and include Harlow as a up and comer in the design world. Then to add to these concerns, Orphie, who Harlow had worked with in NYC, shows with a design book from Maximilian, where they used to work.

Before they can get started with the photo shoot, Beaulieu is found dead in the bathroom of Harlow's dress shop. It is rumored that Beaulieu had been "borrowing" other designers works and had been blackmailing other designers.

In fact Harlow is a suspect and must start sleuthing to save her name and to make sure that her mothers wedding goes off as planned.

Most of the characters from the previous books are back to support Harlow. Meemaw, who is a real joy is back to guide Harlow and in fact makes a quick appearance.

This is a fun series with interesting and believable characters. Travel on down to Bliss Texas, y'all and visit with the friendly folks there.

Looking forward to the next book.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this series, truly I do, but this entry felt slightly off. I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't enjoy it as much as the others. Too many periphery characters? Too much time away from the shop? Too many subplots? Too many cozies back to back? Too much Gavin? I just don't know. The main characters were all in fine form - the Cassidy women, Will, Gracie, and Hoss. The mystery solution was obvious, but in truth it seemed secondary to everything else that was going on in Bliss those few days. Maybe, that was the problem. The mystery seemed a subplot. It doesn't matter I'll keep reading this series because it is one that just gets it right - only a tiny bit less right this time.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fashion industry can be murder!

The fourth book in an interesting series by Melissa Bourbon, an author I enjoy. Harlow has returned to her hometown of Bliss, Texas and set up her design shop, Buttons and Bows in the house her grandmother left her. Reporter Lindy is in Bliss to do an article on three upcoming Dallas designers: Beaulieu, Midori, and Harlow. But shortly after arrival, Beaulieu dies. Everyone is a suspect including the girls who were there to model the fashions. A fascinating intro to the cutthroat world of fashion and a difficult case to solve. I received a free ARC from the author and write this review voluntarily.

[Anastasia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Custom-Fit Crime by Melissa Bourbon is the 4th book in the Magical Dressmaking Mystery series. Harlow Jane Cassidy has a magical charm that makes people's wishes and dreams come true when she makes clothing for them. She is to be featured with two other designers in a magazine article when one of them is poisoned in her store. A charming cozy mystery, interesting and slow paced. Probably would have enjoyed it better if I had started at the beginning of the series but I soon got to know the town and characters. The dressmaking and fashion information was interesting and informative.

[Shelley Giusti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!!!!!!

[Robert Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Custom-Fit Crime," is the fourth in the "Magical Dressmaking Mysteries," by Melissa Bourbon. My mass market paperback copy has 310 pages, including end pages.

In the fourth installment, Harlow's dressmaking business, Buttons & Bows, is being featured in an article about three fashion designers, headquartered in Texas: Midori, originally from Japan, Michel Beaulieu, and Harlow. Between this boon, and her mother's wedding to the local sheriff, she is excited and delighted, as well as a bit overwhelmed with how much work needs to get done before both the article's fashion spread, and all the outfits for Harlow's mother's wedding.

But then...a murder. Michel Beaulieu is found dead, in Harlow's home. This brings a lot more stress, and, of course, yet another opportunity for her to do some sleuthing to find the killer.

I enjoyed this one, as I enjoy all the books in this Cozy Mystery Series, but this one I enjoyed because we dove deeper into the legacy of the Charms the Cassidy women receive, as well as the growing closeness between Harlow and Will, not to mention seeing Gracie discover her strengths, both as a person and as a young woman.

Of course, I always enjoy seeing new "guest characters" in the books, as well as seeing certain characters and their quirky humor shine through, including Loretta Mae and Nana (smile).

I look forward to reading all the other books in the "Magical Dressmaking Mysteries."

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful series. It's one of my favorites. Sweet small-town setting, intriguing premise, excellent characters with a touch of mystical that makes it extra special.
This time around, Harlow is busy working on her mother's wedding dress and getting ready for a horde of designers and their models along with a magazine writer to descend on her town of Bliss. She is one of three Texas designers to be featured in an article that will help set her up for even more success. There's also the blooming romance between her and Will.
Then suspicious death intrudes and Harlow is in the thick of investigating since she's one of the suspects. It also happened at her house/shop.
It's a busy book but it flows nicely. Plenty to keep the pages turning as fast as possible to see what's going to happen next. I would like to visit Bliss and meet Harlow and her family, living and ghostly.
I can absolutely recommend this book, series and author.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book in an interesting series by Melissa Bourbon, an author I enjoy. Harlow has returned to her hometown of Bliss, Texas and set up her design shop, Buttons and Bows in the house her grandmother left her. Reporter Lindy is in Bliss to do an article on three upcoming Dallas designers: Beaulieu, Midori, and Harlow. But shortly after arrival, Beaulieu dies. Everyone is a suspect including the girls who were there to model the fashions. A fascinating intro to the cutthroat world of fashion and a difficult case to solve. I received a free ARC from the author and write this review voluntarily.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another enjoyable book in this series. I had great characters and a clever plot. Loved it!

Amazon synopsis:

Harlow’s designs will be featured in a big magazine spread, but she only has a few days to finalize her collection. Plus she’s busy helping to plan her mother’s upcoming wedding, playing host to her old friend Orphie, and avoiding a competitive Dallas designer set on stealing Harlow’s ideas. Harlow’s making it all work—until someone breaks into Buttons & Bows and the rival designer is found dead.

But when a near miss makes it clear that Orphie could be the next victim, Harlow will have to untangle the threads of evidence if she wants to save her friend, her mother’s wedding, and her business from becoming fashion road kill…

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlow is a murder magnet, even when she really has nothing to do with it or the victim. Melissa Bourbon continues to pull me into these stories that I would normally not read. I usually avoid paranormal, but the Cassidy family has reeled me in. As previously in this series, we get plenty of suspects and yet we’re surprised by the actual villain. Added to the suspense is the question, will Tessa and Sheriff Hoss marry or will she actually cancel everything? Romance, humor, suspense and a few twists, what more could you want?

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this series gets better and better. I just love Harlow and her friends and family. I am so happy Will still likes her after she tells him about her gift and that their relationship still grows stronger. Will Halow's mother finally get married to the Sherriff or will Harlow being a suspect keep them apart? The story line was very good though I had guessed who the murderer was. A really fun and great series.

[DMuse · Rating 4 out of 5]

For plot and character development, four stars. For typos and incorrect information, 3 stars. Midori is a type of melon liqueur, though it is a drink as well that's made from the melon liqueur. So that took me right out of the plot when she described the drink instead of the liqueur. It's just a lot of little things like that.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I enjoyed the book, but a few things bugged me. For example, if Harlow's mom was about to be married, why weren't Harlow's brother and family there?

For readers' advisors: story doorway is primary. Some mild swearing. No sex or violence.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the characters and all but a few things bothered me in this one. One of the things that bothered me the most is I'm not sure why Gavin seems to have it in for Harlow but will overlook a most definite crime by Orphie. I am really enjoying the series and am looking forward to the next book.

[Nell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in this series was set in Bliss but many of the key characters traveled there for a fashion magazine article. That made it harder to keep track of whether a character was a model or journalist. Fewer scenes with the family and recurring characters though a couple of interesting developments that will have me reading the next one to see where it goes. Guessed the murderer early on. Kept reading to see how s\he got caught.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent addition to a charming series. I wasn't enamored of the plot twist, since it seemed a bit far fetched. But I'll keep reading the series anyway.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but not quite as good as the rest of the series.

[Debi Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great mystery with a little magic thrown in!

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I figured out who dunnit, about half way through, but not the why.

[Christine Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

was good.