A Fitting End

Magical Dressmaking Mysteries #2

by Melissa Bourbon

Former Manhattan fashion designer Harlow Jane Cassidy has a gift for creating beautiful dresses. But when Harlow becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation, she'll need more than her sewing skills to unravel the mystery...

Business is booming at Harlow's custom dressmaking boutique, Buttons & Bows, even with the presence of her great-grandmother's ghost hanging around the shop. But thanks to the fast approaching Margaret Moffette Lea Pageant and Ball, Harlow has her work cut out for her when Mrs. James hires her to make her granddaughter's pageant gown.

With the debutante ball getting the whole town of Bliss, Texas, into a tizzy, Harlow knows her dress has to be perfect. But when a local golf pro is found stabbed to death with dressmaking shears, the new deputy thinks Harlow and Mrs. James conspired to commit the crime. Now, Harlow has to finish the dress on time and clear her name, before the next outfit she designs is a prison jumpsuit...

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

309 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 7, 2012

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

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this series earlier this year and I'm really loving this story line! Both of the books have been well-written and plotted. There were so many good suspects and red herrings in this one that I didn't guess the killer, in fact I was super surprised when it was revealed. Just the surprise of that alone made the somewhat non-exciting showdown seem ok.

I love how Will and his daughter Gracie's story is evolving. Gracie is such a nice character, and I was glad to see her have more of a role in this book. I also like Mrs. James, even though at first she does come off as a little too high-society. Josie, who isn't quite Harlow's bestie but they became closer after Harlow made her wedding gown in the first book, took a little bit of a backseat to the action in this book, which was fine. But there's a sweet surprise in store for her, at least that's Harlow told her. I like how the story line itself is developing, a little more at a time, bits and pieces come together in each book. I'm sure there will be even more to learn after this one, and I'm anxious to keep reading the series.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I read book 1 in the series but it was easy to jump back in. I like the characters and seeing how the charms are worked into the story. I think I was just as impatient as Harlow to find out what went on with her grandmother. The mystery definitely kept me guessing. I won't be waiting as long to get to book 3. #readforkimberly

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe how quickly I finished this book. I had the time and an it was interesting plot and story.

I'm not into the "magical" but I do like how Ms Bourbon uses it in the story. It helped set up and build on understanding and believing in Harlow's special gift. This second book really built on the characters that were introduced in "Pleating for Mercy," and introduced new likable ongoing characters. The mystery element kept me guessing until the end. I like light mysteries and this fit the bill.

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

I really like this author and the first book in this series - and I really liked a lot of things about this book. The mystery plot was excellent. But... there is so much of this story line that has left me utterly confused. Specifically concerning one of the characters, Gracie. I really feel like a page was missing from my book or something. Throughout the second half of the book, Harlow and her family keep referring to Gracie's relationship to them and the secrets and how are they going to tell her about her charm, etc. etc. But it's never explained HOW she is related to them or why she should be charmed. So much of the storyline feels disjointed and confusing - I even re-read the book before writing this review, thinking I must not have paid enough attention to the storyline and missed key points - but nothing became clearer after the second reading.

I really wanted to give this book 4 stars, but there were too many threads that I felt weren't tied up at the end of the book and no indication that they are meant to be part of an ongoing story in the next book. Even so, I eagerly await the next book. And hope my confusion clears.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is set in the small town of Bliss, Texas and features Harlow Jane Cassidy as the main character. She is a dress designer who has returned to her home town and opened a shop in her Victorian farmhouse. In this story, she get involved in a murder investigation when her shears are found to be the murder weapon. The victim is the golf pro at the local country club. The man has reputation around town that is not good. The book was an easy read.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid cozy from Bliss, Texas. Good mystery and lots of background on the Cassidy clan.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read! I love the main character Harlow. You learn more about the secret of her family and the town and the Texas culture. If you like a cozy mystery and some paranormal mixed in you will enjoy this series.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Harlow Jane Cassidy, once a New York fashion designer, is now the proud owner of Buttons and Bows, a unique dressmaking shop in Bliss, Texas. Thanks to a magical wish made by her great-great-great grandfather, Butch Cassidy (yep, that Butch Cassidy!), all of the women in the family are blessed with a special “gift.” While her grandmother is a goat charmer, and her mom has a powerful green thumb, Harlow has the ability to sew magic into the garments she makes, giving the wearer a little supernatural help.

In A FITTING END, the town of Bliss is in a tizzy over the upcoming Margaret Moffette Lea Pageant and Ball, and Harlow has been hired to make the gown for Libby Allen, the granddaughter of Senator and Mrs. Jebediah James. Things go terribly wrong when the golf pro is murdered at the country club where the event will be held, and evidence points to Mrs. James (Zinnia) as the murderer. Harlow can sense that Zinnia is innocent, so while her client is being held in the county jail, she does some investigating of her own. What she discovers is that the people of Bliss, Texas, have more secrets than you can shake a stick at, and someone is willing to commit murder to keep them buried.

I fell in love with this series after reading the first book, PLEATING FOR MERCY, and the follow up, A FITTING END, was equally enjoyable. We learn more about the Cassidy family tree and the magical gifts the women possess. The ghostly presence of great-grandmother Meemaw joins the cast again, and she’s gaining strength for helping out and for some mischief, too. The mystery was well written; it kept me guessing until the end. I’m looking forward to seeing how the new discoveries in this book play out in the next installment. This was a great read, and I’d definitely recommend it to fans of cozy mysteries with a touch of the paranormal.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Bourbon has created some fascinating characters in this series. Yes, the Cassidy women are “charmed” but they are also charming, delightful and funny. Harlow stitches a little magic into each of her creations which leads to some very surprising revelations. Reading this story was pure joy.

There is a part when a huge piece of furniture is being moved, I had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard. The men is this series can be equally charming but are completely in the dark about what is really happening around them. This just adds to the fun.

A wonderful cozy carefully sewn together with love. The relationship between all these woman including MeeMaw’s ghostly interruptions make this a true must read. Bliss, Texas is full of magic, making this story a perfect escape.

[Debbie Heaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Bourbon’s paranormal mystery novel, Buttons & Bows, Harlow Cassidy’s custom dressmaking shop is overflowing with business. The Margaret Maffette Lea Pageant is around the corner and to her surprise; Mrs. Zinnia James hires her to make her granddaughter’s pageant gown. Not surprisingly the local golf pro is found dead and the new deputy in town suspects Harlow since her scissors appear to be the weapon. Determined to find answers, Harlow sets out to solve the crime and complete the perfect pageant gown all with the assistance of her dearly departed great-grandmother.

The Cassidy women are a sure winner when it comes to mystery and murder. What a wonderful addition to the A Magical Dressmaking Mystery series.

[Kristin Whitehouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. This is book two. I fell in love with the characters in the first one and the second one just confirmed it. The Cassidy women and their magic are just charming and make me wish I didn't have to wait until October for the next one. If you like cozy mysteries with a touch of magic or paranormal you will like this one.

[Melanie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two of a new series and I am enjoying it very much. I usually do not read the "paranormal" or "magic" mysteries, but this series has me hooked. This is a great cozy mystery and I think what I like about this series is that I think I have it figured out and then in the last 10 pages, I find out that I was totally wrong! I always close the book saying "wow"!

[Nancy Haddock · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I read this book ages ago but loved rereading it, love the characters, the setting, and the premise of charrmred decendents. Family and small town secrets make for an excellent mystery! I'll reread the next books in the series as I can!

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

A charming book with just enough humor, intrigue and hints of blossoming romance. I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this series. I can't wait to read the next book. The teaser in the back has me wanting more adventures with Harlow Cassidy and her family and friends.

[Robert Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Fitting End," by Melissa Bourbon, is the second in the "Magical Dressmaking Mysteries." My mass market paperback copy has a grand total of 312 pages, including end pages.

AN EDIT TO MY PREVIOUS REVIEW: "Pleating for Mercy," the first in this Cozy Mystery Series, mentioned Meemaw. I have since learned that Meemaw refers to the late and great Loretta Mae Cassidy, who was Harlow Jane Cassidy's maternal great-grandmother. Of course, Harlow Jane Cassidy is the lead protagonist of Cozy Mystery Series.

In this installment, Harlow begins working on dresses for the Margaret pageant, which is Bliss, Texas' debutante ball. In doing so, she discovers some dresses that were made three other Margarets, as the debutantes are called. One of them belonged to Zinnia James, who was introduced in "Pleating for Mercy," and another for Harlow's mother.

Of course, there was another murder, although some people were not too broken up over the murder of Macon Vance. When you read "A Fitting End," you shall find out why.

Once again, I found myself devouring this Cozy Mystery sooner than I had expected. Then again, Ms. Bourbon has that ability, and I definitely find myself finishing these installments sooner than later. I look forward to buying the next one, so I can devour that one, as well.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book was as good as the first in the series. The characters are great and the small-town dynamics were well done. It was a great story that held my interest. Can't wait to read the next one!

Amazon synopsis:
Business is booming at Harlow’s custom dressmaking boutique, Buttons & Bows, even with the presence of her great-grandmother’s ghost hanging around the shop. But thanks to the fast approaching Margaret Moffette Lea Pageant and Ball, Harlow has her work cut out for her when Mrs. James hires her to make her granddaughter’s pageant gown.

With the debutante ball getting the whole town of Bliss, Texas, into a tizzy, Harlow knows her dress has to be perfect. But when a local golf pro is found stabbed to death with dressmaking shears, the new deputy thinks Harlow and Mrs. James conspired to commit the crime. Now, Harlow has to finish the dress on time and clear her name, before the next outfit she designs is a prison jumpsuit…

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good sequel to Book #1. The Cassidy family and their secrets remain an interesting plotline through the series, and I like how Harlow goes through the different family members to try and straighten things out. I'm not sure I like this new Gavin character, but I think it's just because it reads to close to the beginnings of a love triangle. I also think Harlow thinks too much about what is Southern or not, just to explain it to the audience, when it's really not necessary. Other than that, though, it was an entertaining read! I like how certain points were dropped in the first book to follow up in this one. I hope this continues.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun cozy series and I really enjoy it!

I am a Southern-a-phile so a book set in Bliss, Texas and filled with all the people, places, things and personality of the South was a big draw for me. This is the South in all its barbeque, debutante, mannerly fun!

I love Harlow, and her kooky family of women, who all have "something extra" of which I won't say more to avoid spoilers, but it's a really fun aspect of this series.

If you like some colorful personalities, a murder to be investigated, and a little bit of magic, all wrapped up in Southern style, this series might be for you. I love it!

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book. I did not read the first in the series and I'm glad i did not search for it and buy it full price.

I sew often and thought this would be a really interesting read for me. It just had way too much going on. Not only is it a "sewing" theme but she is a descendant of Butch Cassidy (which really seems unnecessary) and...she and her family have magical powers because of that.

[DMuse · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last part of this book was confusing because I think sometimes the wrong name was typed in. Why would Harlow be telling Libby about her own powers and Cassidy charms instead of Libby's own mother, who has the same power? And why does Harlow keep talking about a relationship between her and Gracie when it's actually between her and Libby??? And why are they named Will and Gracie? This book was written after the hit show Will & Grace, so surely the names could have been better chosen?

[Jennifer Kovaleski · Rating 5 out of 5]

a cozy with a bit of magic

The characters, setting ,and story make you want to keep coming back for more. Any cozy lover will fall
I’m love with it the Cassidy women and their charm. Harlow seems to have more than just a gift of magical dressmaking. Solving crimes is part of her family magic. When a longtime tradition pageant gives Harlow dress business she doesn’t expect to also have her told used in a murder.

[Janet York · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the most part, I really liked this book. I do wish I had seen the family tree at the end of the book sooner. I had a hard time remembering who was who and had to keep paging back. However, it would have spoiled the story if I saw it earlier. And the murderer was just stupid. It made its own sense, but nothing in the book could have helped the reader figure it out. But a great book about family and women power.

[Tina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I have to DNF this one. I made it to chapter 4 and it took 4 days to do that. It's slow and boring, and at first I was tempted to tough it out until it might have gotten better. But I went back and read my review of the first of the series and I had the same complaints. So, giving up and moving on. I'm not continuing this series but might read something else from the author.

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and the characters in it. The story line kept me guessing till the end and the characters all interact so well together. I love Harlow a warm, and strong woman who can talk to the ghost of her grandma and has magic in the clothes she makes. I love all the side characters like nana, mama and the people in the town. I also love Will and hope Harlow doesn't get swung by the deputy.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I normally don’t read books with paranormal themes, I have really enjoyed this series. I love the humor, romance and mysteries included. I don’t believe I would like to have inherited the “charm” or the house with the great grandmothers still hanging around. Good mystery with a surprise solution.

[Debbie Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like these stories, however, this one seemed to leave you feeling like some of the stories threads didn't get resolved. I am hoping she writes about them in the next book. Other than that it was a lively and fun.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killled Macon Vance and why??? All Harlow Cassidy wanted to do was make dresses for the margarets, doesn't she??? Who is the father AND who is the mother??? He just couldn't handle it, could he??? I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.

[Jennifer Finken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery with sewing and magic

I really enjoyed this book and really had no idea who did it until the end. I really love the characters and the roles they play in each others lives. Can't wait to start the next one.

[Leslie Ferrari · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick cozy mystery. I enjoyed this continuing series, but felt the characters relationships between each other could have been both clearer and more fully told. The main storyline was fine and I look forward to reading the next in the series and (hopefully) seeing the characters develop.

[CL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in a small town.

For the second time Harlow Cassidy winds up entangled in another murder and her sewing shears are the murder weapon. And now more Cassidy secrets are discovered.