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Cozy Craft Mystery #2
The Painted Lobster Murders
A quirky and funny series for fans of a good mystery and compelling characters. Can you solve the crime before our dressmaking duo?
Penny Slipper runs a sewing shop in the beautiful market town of Framlingham and she’s got her wild and creative cousin, Izzy, to help with the latest dressmaking project.
A classic car weekend is coming to town and stylish Fliss Starling wants an outfit that will match her husband’s elegant vintage car.
When one of Fliss’s house guests is murdered by a masked intruder, Penny and Izzy have a deadly mystery to solve (as well as a dress to make!). With the aid of a cheeky little corgi dog and handyman Aubrey, they begin to search out the clues to this motor-related murder.
But fingers are soon pointing at Penny and Izzy when the intruder’s mask appears to have come from their own shop! And rival shop owner, Carmella, would be delighted to see them take the blame.
Can Penny and Izzy stitch the pieces of this puzzle together and find the guilty culprit?
Penny Slipper runs a sewing shop in the beautiful market town of Framlingham and she’s got her wild and creative cousin, Izzy, to help with the latest dressmaking project.
A classic car weekend is coming to town and stylish Fliss Starling wants an outfit that will match her husband’s elegant vintage car.
When one of Fliss’s house guests is murdered by a masked intruder, Penny and Izzy have a deadly mystery to solve (as well as a dress to make!). With the aid of a cheeky little corgi dog and handyman Aubrey, they begin to search out the clues to this motor-related murder.
But fingers are soon pointing at Penny and Izzy when the intruder’s mask appears to have come from their own shop! And rival shop owner, Carmella, would be delighted to see them take the blame.
Can Penny and Izzy stitch the pieces of this puzzle together and find the guilty culprit?
- GenresCozy MysteryFictionCrime
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2023
82 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 27, 2023
Cosy with a capital C, Millie Ravensworth has created the epitome of a relaxing village crime series in the “Cozy Craft Mysteries” based in Framingham, Suffolk. Funny, quirky and just positively unique in its simplicity, I loved every one of these books. The mysteries form only part of the story and fits in around the cosy life of the endearing characters.
I loved the banter between cousins Penny and Izzy as they reunited and began to adapt to each other’s personalities. Their camaraderie was my type of friendship and had me chuckling at their antics.
Nanna Lem, who is the owner of the Cozy Craft shop and also grandma to Penny and Izzy, is the pivotal character of the series and enjoys her five minutes of fame in each book. Her friendship to a fellow male resident where she is staying, is a joy to follow.
I don’t have much interest in dressmaking or handicrafts at all but I enjoyed how the sewing shop in rural Suffolk was the backdrop for this series and I actually learned a lot of interesting facts and tips.
Book 1 - “The Wonderland Murders” features the death of a thoroughly detestable bully, which obviously attracts a number of suspects. This intrigued me and kept my interest since I couldn’t work out the murderer due to the limited clues. Penny finds herself an unlikely suspect, needing to prove her innocence as well as help trap a killer. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 2 - “The Painted Lobster Murder” sees Penny and Izzy involved in a murder at a client’s house and the introduction of an adorable Corgi dog named Monty, who really is the star of this book. With handyman Aubrey becoming friendly with Penny and Oscar, a fabric salesman taking a similar interest, could this be start of a budding romance for Penny? ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 3 - “The Sequinned Cape Murders” focuses a lot more on Izzy and her family and the sewing side of the series, in particular the making of a replica 70’s Elvis costume for her dad. I liked the way the book opened with the dead body and a main character in the immediate frame for the death. A proper conundrum that Penny and Izzy do well to solve, using traditional sleuthing techniques. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 4 - “The Swan Dress Murders” is my favourite of the four books, an unusual death occurs of yet another unlikeable character but I was very intrigued as to how the mystery would be solved considering the bizarre clues left. There's a love triangle that's been active for a couple of books, that now looks like it could be decided upon. I'm not sure who I was routing for to be the suitor but the way things seem to be shaping, I'm quite satisfied if that's the outcome. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved the banter between cousins Penny and Izzy as they reunited and began to adapt to each other’s personalities. Their camaraderie was my type of friendship and had me chuckling at their antics.
Nanna Lem, who is the owner of the Cozy Craft shop and also grandma to Penny and Izzy, is the pivotal character of the series and enjoys her five minutes of fame in each book. Her friendship to a fellow male resident where she is staying, is a joy to follow.
I don’t have much interest in dressmaking or handicrafts at all but I enjoyed how the sewing shop in rural Suffolk was the backdrop for this series and I actually learned a lot of interesting facts and tips.
Book 1 - “The Wonderland Murders” features the death of a thoroughly detestable bully, which obviously attracts a number of suspects. This intrigued me and kept my interest since I couldn’t work out the murderer due to the limited clues. Penny finds herself an unlikely suspect, needing to prove her innocence as well as help trap a killer. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 2 - “The Painted Lobster Murder” sees Penny and Izzy involved in a murder at a client’s house and the introduction of an adorable Corgi dog named Monty, who really is the star of this book. With handyman Aubrey becoming friendly with Penny and Oscar, a fabric salesman taking a similar interest, could this be start of a budding romance for Penny? ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 3 - “The Sequinned Cape Murders” focuses a lot more on Izzy and her family and the sewing side of the series, in particular the making of a replica 70’s Elvis costume for her dad. I liked the way the book opened with the dead body and a main character in the immediate frame for the death. A proper conundrum that Penny and Izzy do well to solve, using traditional sleuthing techniques. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 4 - “The Swan Dress Murders” is my favourite of the four books, an unusual death occurs of yet another unlikeable character but I was very intrigued as to how the mystery would be solved considering the bizarre clues left. There's a love triangle that's been active for a couple of books, that now looks like it could be decided upon. I'm not sure who I was routing for to be the suitor but the way things seem to be shaping, I'm quite satisfied if that's the outcome. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 23, 2025
I liked how this had its own set of characters involving the murder but we also learned more about our recurring main characters!
March 3, 2023
Penny and Izzy are at it again.
Parasols, vintage dresses, Salvatore Dali, and an antique car festival. Oh, and don't forget Monty: the man, the boy, the dog. Another fantastic cozy mystery!
Parasols, vintage dresses, Salvatore Dali, and an antique car festival. Oh, and don't forget Monty: the man, the boy, the dog. Another fantastic cozy mystery!
April 17, 2023
I love cosy mystery and have been reading them since I read the first Lilian Jackson Braun and was involved in mysteries featuring a quant town, lovely pets, and amateur detective/detective.
My taste evolved and now, after years and a huge number of series I read, I’m quite spoiled and I know when I am going to love a series after a few pages.
The Cosy Craft Mysteries were one of those series that are a lot of fun and solid mysteries.
Penny, Izzy and the characters grew on me page after page, and I was fascinated by the descriptions of the fabrics and the tips and tricks of professional sewing.
My sewing skill are very basic, but I always wanted to be like Izzy: creative, with a lot of skill in a manual craft, and a lovely person.
Penny is more logical and business like, I wasn’t convinced at the beginning, but she grew on me.
This a general review so I will talk about the series and about the single instalments.
The Wonderland Murders is a good start for a cosy series: even if it introduces places and characters it’s quite fast paced and there’s always something going and keeping your attention alive.
I liked the solid mstery as it kept me guessing and surprised me with the twists. There’s a lot of culprits as the victim is not very likeable.
I appreciated how the author described the bully and how you couldn’t help feeling for the women.
The Painted Lobster Murders is the second book in the series, a highly entertaining and compelling story since the first pages. We meet Monty the dog, a lovely character I loved.
This is another solid and compelling mystery. There’s a lot going on in Penny and Izzy life and they’re developing business and managing the shop as Nan took the backseat.
A fast paced and solid mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed and kept me guessing.
My only note: I hate love triangle, it’s my cosy mystery pet peeve, and hope it will be solved soon
The Sequinned Cape Murders is the third in the series and I enjoyed it even if it’s not my favorite.. There’s more sewing than mystery but it’s also the one with Izzy under the spotlight and I thoroughly enjoyed this change. There’s romance, there’s another good mystery and the usual suspects.
The Swan Dress Murders is the fourth book in the series: another fast paced and entertaining mystery that kept me guessing. I was hoping that the love triangle was solved and hoped this is the last book with Penny who can’t decide.
I enjoyed the story and the complex plot even if there’s my pet peeve but it’s not a main point in the story. Penny and izzy are a good couple of investigators and they’re investigation are well done.
Another good story and the last published.
My taste evolved and now, after years and a huge number of series I read, I’m quite spoiled and I know when I am going to love a series after a few pages.
The Cosy Craft Mysteries were one of those series that are a lot of fun and solid mysteries.
Penny, Izzy and the characters grew on me page after page, and I was fascinated by the descriptions of the fabrics and the tips and tricks of professional sewing.
My sewing skill are very basic, but I always wanted to be like Izzy: creative, with a lot of skill in a manual craft, and a lovely person.
Penny is more logical and business like, I wasn’t convinced at the beginning, but she grew on me.
This a general review so I will talk about the series and about the single instalments.
The Wonderland Murders is a good start for a cosy series: even if it introduces places and characters it’s quite fast paced and there’s always something going and keeping your attention alive.
I liked the solid mstery as it kept me guessing and surprised me with the twists. There’s a lot of culprits as the victim is not very likeable.
I appreciated how the author described the bully and how you couldn’t help feeling for the women.
The Painted Lobster Murders is the second book in the series, a highly entertaining and compelling story since the first pages. We meet Monty the dog, a lovely character I loved.
This is another solid and compelling mystery. There’s a lot going on in Penny and Izzy life and they’re developing business and managing the shop as Nan took the backseat.
A fast paced and solid mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed and kept me guessing.
My only note: I hate love triangle, it’s my cosy mystery pet peeve, and hope it will be solved soon
The Sequinned Cape Murders is the third in the series and I enjoyed it even if it’s not my favorite.. There’s more sewing than mystery but it’s also the one with Izzy under the spotlight and I thoroughly enjoyed this change. There’s romance, there’s another good mystery and the usual suspects.
The Swan Dress Murders is the fourth book in the series: another fast paced and entertaining mystery that kept me guessing. I was hoping that the love triangle was solved and hoped this is the last book with Penny who can’t decide.
I enjoyed the story and the complex plot even if there’s my pet peeve but it’s not a main point in the story. Penny and izzy are a good couple of investigators and they’re investigation are well done.
Another good story and the last published.
April 17, 2023
Penny has decided to stay in Framlingham for the foreseeable, running Nanna Lem’s Cozy Craft shop with her cousin Izzy since Nanna seems perfectly happy to take a back seat now she’s back home in her sheltered accommodation. A new string to the shop’s bow has been the addition of children’s crafting birthday parties. One such event for Caroline Starling’s son Monty ends with an unexpected guest in the form of a Corgi dog, also called Monty, and little does Penny realise that day when she gives away the last of their awful cheap and nasty Halloween masks that this would lead to a deluge of masked mini miscreants causing havoc all over town, the blame falling squarely on the shop’s shoulders. Penny and Izzy are commissioned by Caroline’s mother Fliss to make a stunning outfit for her to wear at the classic car weekend that is taking over Framlingham where her husband and house guests at Saxstead Grange are major contributors, and settle on a stylish one piece based on the famous Schiaparelli lobster dress. The dog is duly reunited with his owner Derek who is staying at the Grange but the loveable pooch is back at the shop the next morning. When Penny returns him for a second time, she hears that Derek has been found murdered and a masked intruder has been spotted at the scene of the crime, so once again the cousins turn their hands to a bit of amateur sleuthing whilst racing against time to make the costume, find a missing suspect and fend off a rival shop owner.
The town’s lovely quirky characters like Glenmore, Stuart, Tariq and Nanna Lem are all back again in this charming cosy murder mystery, and Penny now has two admirers in the form of handyman Aubrey and fabric salesman Oscar. The personalities and talents of Penny and Izzy compliment each other beautifully with plenty of wit and humour between them, and I am pleased to say there is more to come in book three, The Sequinned Cape Murders.
The town’s lovely quirky characters like Glenmore, Stuart, Tariq and Nanna Lem are all back again in this charming cosy murder mystery, and Penny now has two admirers in the form of handyman Aubrey and fabric salesman Oscar. The personalities and talents of Penny and Izzy compliment each other beautifully with plenty of wit and humour between them, and I am pleased to say there is more to come in book three, The Sequinned Cape Murders.
April 16, 2023
The Painted Lobster Murders by Millie Ravensworth - Book Two
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Penny Slipper runs a sewing shop in the beautiful market town of Framlingham and she’s got her wild and creative cousin, Izzy, to help with the latest dressmaking project.
A classic car weekend is coming to town and stylish Fliss Starling wants an outfit that will match her husband’s elegant vintage car.
When one of Fliss’s house guests is murdered by a masked intruder, Penny and Izzy have a deadly mystery to solve (as well as a dress to make!). With the aid of a cheeky little corgi dog and handyman Aubrey, they begin to search out the clues to this motor-related murder.
But fingers are soon pointing at Penny and Izzy when the intruder’s mask appears to have come from their own shop! And rival shop owner, Carmella, would be delighted to see them take the blame.
Can Penny and Izzy stitch the pieces of this puzzle together and find the guilty culprit?
My Opinion
This is the second book in the Cozy Craft Mystery Series. It could be read as a standalone but would be more enjoyable if read in order.
Another book means another commission dress. This is a fast paced mystery with a car show, a murder and a dog that seems to have adopted the cousins. Penny is determined to find ways to make the craft shop more profitable and even started throwing birthday parties.
A wonderful afternoon read.
Rating: 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Penny Slipper runs a sewing shop in the beautiful market town of Framlingham and she’s got her wild and creative cousin, Izzy, to help with the latest dressmaking project.
A classic car weekend is coming to town and stylish Fliss Starling wants an outfit that will match her husband’s elegant vintage car.
When one of Fliss’s house guests is murdered by a masked intruder, Penny and Izzy have a deadly mystery to solve (as well as a dress to make!). With the aid of a cheeky little corgi dog and handyman Aubrey, they begin to search out the clues to this motor-related murder.
But fingers are soon pointing at Penny and Izzy when the intruder’s mask appears to have come from their own shop! And rival shop owner, Carmella, would be delighted to see them take the blame.
Can Penny and Izzy stitch the pieces of this puzzle together and find the guilty culprit?
My Opinion
This is the second book in the Cozy Craft Mystery Series. It could be read as a standalone but would be more enjoyable if read in order.
Another book means another commission dress. This is a fast paced mystery with a car show, a murder and a dog that seems to have adopted the cousins. Penny is determined to find ways to make the craft shop more profitable and even started throwing birthday parties.
A wonderful afternoon read.
Rating: 4/5
May 14, 2023
Penny and Izzy have a new project: an outfit based on Schiaperelli and Dali's 1937 lobster dress. The commission comes from Fliss Starling who is hosting a house party in advance of a classic car show. But as the crafting duo get creative, they also have a murder to solve...
The Painted Lobster Murders is the second book in the Cosy Crafts series which began with The Wonderland Murders.
I loved the escapades of Penny and Izzy as they race to complete their latest project. The sewing detail was really interesting to me alongside the historical information about the original dress. They are hampered by the arrival of a corgi and allegations about a crime spree in masks from their shop.
The pair also have to contend with a rival business with a connection to the murdered man. In personal matters, Penny has two potential dates and I enjoyed seeing how she interacts with these two male characters.
There is plenty of fun and once again the murder element is secondary to the other aspects of the plot. The number of suspects is limited by the house party but there are suspicions about the past which offer a clue or a red herring...?
The Painted Lobster Murders is another enjoyable instalment in this series and I'll be reviewing the next book soon!
The Painted Lobster Murders is the second book in the Cosy Crafts series which began with The Wonderland Murders.
I loved the escapades of Penny and Izzy as they race to complete their latest project. The sewing detail was really interesting to me alongside the historical information about the original dress. They are hampered by the arrival of a corgi and allegations about a crime spree in masks from their shop.
The pair also have to contend with a rival business with a connection to the murdered man. In personal matters, Penny has two potential dates and I enjoyed seeing how she interacts with these two male characters.
There is plenty of fun and once again the murder element is secondary to the other aspects of the plot. The number of suspects is limited by the house party but there are suspicions about the past which offer a clue or a red herring...?
The Painted Lobster Murders is another enjoyable instalment in this series and I'll be reviewing the next book soon!
April 5, 2023
The Painted Lobster Murders by Millie Ravensworth is the second book in the delightful contemporary A Cosy Craft Mystery series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading book one first for maximum enjoyment.
We rejoin Izzy and Penny as they continue to run their grandmother’s craft shop. They are a delightful pairing who work well together. They are wonderful sparring partners as well as amateur sleuths. They come up with innovative ways to make money in the craft shop, as well as getting into a few scrapes along the way.
Throughout there are repetitive ideas and catch phrases which adds to the reader’s enjoyment. Who can forget the masks they gave away at a ten year olds party and the repercussions! Also Monty the dog – a catch phrase developed around him, as he adopted the pair.
Once more there are murders to solve and a vintage car show to attend.
I absolutely loved this cosy crime offering from Millie Ravensworth which would make a wonderful afternoon television series.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
We rejoin Izzy and Penny as they continue to run their grandmother’s craft shop. They are a delightful pairing who work well together. They are wonderful sparring partners as well as amateur sleuths. They come up with innovative ways to make money in the craft shop, as well as getting into a few scrapes along the way.
Throughout there are repetitive ideas and catch phrases which adds to the reader’s enjoyment. Who can forget the masks they gave away at a ten year olds party and the repercussions! Also Monty the dog – a catch phrase developed around him, as he adopted the pair.
Once more there are murders to solve and a vintage car show to attend.
I absolutely loved this cosy crime offering from Millie Ravensworth which would make a wonderful afternoon television series.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
April 29, 2023
With a cover that once again, hinting of things to come, has you longing to pick up the book, we again join reluctant sleuths Penny and Izzy as they continue to run Nanna Lem's craft shop.
I love that The Painted Lobster Murders feature many of the elements that made its predecessor, The Wonderland Murders, such a joy to read; that instead of the Alice In Wonderland costume there is a stylish dress suitable for a vintage car rally to be made; that instead of the costumes for £5.00 Penny and Izzy find themselves popular with the village children resulting in a hilarious scene which sees the children running amok through the village in gaudy Halloween masks; that instead of Arabella there is Monty.
All things considered, I thought this a great second instalment that though perfectly readable in its own right I'd strongly suggest is best enjoyed after you have read the first book.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... One of several bloggers participating in the Blog Tour of this book; Agree or disagree with me, all opinions are my own. No financial compensation was asked for nor given. Threats of violence towards my favourite teddy bear went unheeded as did promises of chocolate.
I love that The Painted Lobster Murders feature many of the elements that made its predecessor, The Wonderland Murders, such a joy to read; that instead of the Alice In Wonderland costume there is a stylish dress suitable for a vintage car rally to be made; that instead of the costumes for £5.00 Penny and Izzy find themselves popular with the village children resulting in a hilarious scene which sees the children running amok through the village in gaudy Halloween masks; that instead of Arabella there is Monty.
All things considered, I thought this a great second instalment that though perfectly readable in its own right I'd strongly suggest is best enjoyed after you have read the first book.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... One of several bloggers participating in the Blog Tour of this book; Agree or disagree with me, all opinions are my own. No financial compensation was asked for nor given. Threats of violence towards my favourite teddy bear went unheeded as did promises of chocolate.
April 3, 2023
The second book in this fantastic series. Penny and Izzy find them selves in the middle of a minor crime spree (which they are being blamed for), a new dog to look after (which they didn’t pick) and murder.
Penny and Izzy continue to grow on you - they are both really likeable and compliment each other wonderfully. We also see the return of the heroic painter/decorator Aubrey.
In this book we see a classic car show come to Fram - while Izzy and Penny are working on a commission for one of the local socialites - one of the group is found murdered. Through a series of comical adventures and mishaps Penny and Izzy find themselves unearthing the truth.
Filled with fun, laughter, suspense and a little bit of romance - this is yet another fabulous easy read to help you pass the time after a busy day.
Penny and Izzy continue to grow on you - they are both really likeable and compliment each other wonderfully. We also see the return of the heroic painter/decorator Aubrey.
In this book we see a classic car show come to Fram - while Izzy and Penny are working on a commission for one of the local socialites - one of the group is found murdered. Through a series of comical adventures and mishaps Penny and Izzy find themselves unearthing the truth.
Filled with fun, laughter, suspense and a little bit of romance - this is yet another fabulous easy read to help you pass the time after a busy day.
April 18, 2023
The Painted Lobster Murders is the second book in the Cozy Craft Mystery series and is very engaging. It begins with a new venture for Izzy and Penny at the shop that nearly ends in disaster and is very humorous reading. A dog character in this book adds to the interest and hilarity. Izzy and Penny find themselves pushed into the role of amateur sleuth in a twisty mystery. I love the immersive and well-described setting of this story, the clever mystery and the unique sewing aspect of it.
I received a copy of this book from the authors.
I received a copy of this book from the authors.
April 28, 2023
Penny and Izzy are requested to do an unusual commission piece, but when someone ends up dead again, they can't help but get involved and find out who the murderer is.
I flew through this!
Ravensworth returns us to some fantastic characters and more, with very funny scenes that I found myself laughing out loud too; especially with Monty the Dog.
This is another one that stumped me and although I lined up my suspects I couldn't guess the villain.
This was another fun read and I look forward to the next.
I flew through this!
Ravensworth returns us to some fantastic characters and more, with very funny scenes that I found myself laughing out loud too; especially with Monty the Dog.
This is another one that stumped me and although I lined up my suspects I couldn't guess the villain.
This was another fun read and I look forward to the next.
March 16, 2023
This is the second book in Millie Ravensworth’s cozy mysteries series and like the first one this one is fast paced and full of surprises! Penny and Izzy are front and center here using their amateur detective skills to solve a murder!
The chemistry between Penny and Izzy is electric and I just loved the way these two would bounce off each other like a proper comedy duo in their old fashioned small town way! If I was to meet these two I know I would instantly be drawn to them!
4 stars
The chemistry between Penny and Izzy is electric and I just loved the way these two would bounce off each other like a proper comedy duo in their old fashioned small town way! If I was to meet these two I know I would instantly be drawn to them!
4 stars
May 23, 2023
love these books
it’s really. a cozy mystery. I can’t put them down, not because I am dying to know whodunit, jus tto know what the two girls are up to. i google a fair bit with these books. googled the castle googled the town googled the lobster pants. i can’t see a whatsoever but the girls make me wish i could. all the characters are so believable. love them
glad i bought all of the series (so far?)😬
it’s really. a cozy mystery. I can’t put them down, not because I am dying to know whodunit, jus tto know what the two girls are up to. i google a fair bit with these books. googled the castle googled the town googled the lobster pants. i can’t see a whatsoever but the girls make me wish i could. all the characters are so believable. love them
glad i bought all of the series (so far?)😬
August 4, 2025
This was another enjoyable and entertaining mystery where Penny and Izzy are once again embroiled in an unexplained death.
I like the distinctive quirky characters and the information about various fabrics and creative endeavours.
The plot had some twists and the writing style suited the genre.
Engaging and recommended.
I like the distinctive quirky characters and the information about various fabrics and creative endeavours.
The plot had some twists and the writing style suited the genre.
Engaging and recommended.
February 20, 2023
A cracking good read
Another wonderful book the characters are really well written and the description of the places are great, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
Another wonderful book the characters are really well written and the description of the places are great, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
April 11, 2025
Really fun series
This is proper cozy crime. Engaging characters, fun location, maybe a bit of romance thrown in and of course a mystery to solve! I never guessed who was to blame either!
This is proper cozy crime. Engaging characters, fun location, maybe a bit of romance thrown in and of course a mystery to solve! I never guessed who was to blame either!
April 15, 2023
Not bad, a fun. cosy mystery set in small town Suffolk.
May 14, 2023
The Cozy Craft sewing shop in Framlingham is thriving under the new guardianship of Penny and Izzy while their grandmother recovers. But another murder mystery is not far away. It starts with the sewing shop hosting a birthday party which is crashed by Monty the Corgi who takes a particular liking to the birthday cake. But this isn’t the only event going as a classic car weekend has arrived in town and they are asked by Fliss, a local resident to design an outfit that matches her husband’s classic car. But then one of Fliss’ guests is murdered by a masked intruder and the mask worn just so happens to come from the sewing shop. Throw in a rival clothing shop and a murder to investigate, Penny and Izzy are truly rushed off their feet.
Having read The Wonderland Murders I quickly picked up The Painted Lobster Murders. I can only describe this book as an old fashioned whodunit that had me gripped from the beginning. I really liked spending more time with Penny and Izzy who have become quite the formidable detectives as well as running the craft shop. As this book takes place a few months after The Wonderland Murders it was great to see that Penny and Izzy have created quite a thriving business and given Cozy Crafts a makeover. They now host parties but are also branching out and creating new products such as parasols which prove quite a success at the car show. Plus there’s also the addition of the very cute corgi Monty who seems to have become quite attached to them both. The start of the book was certainly memorable especially when Monty finds himself covered in green icing. I really enjoyed the storyline and there were more characters introduced including those visiting for the car show. There is a lot at stake for Penny and Izzy especially as it transpires that the murderer used a mask from their shop so they find themselves under the spotlight. The first thing I did was look up The Schiaparelli Lobster Dress to find out what it looked like and couldn’t believe it was a real outfit. It did help me to picture what Penny and Izzy were trying to create for Fliss and picture the challenge they had ahead of them. They also rope in Aubrey, the painter who was introduced in the first book to help them. In this book we find out a little more about Izzy and learn that she’s also working for the local newspaper. So if you pair together Izzy’s journalistic skills and Penny’s inquisitive nature they make perfect detectives. This was a quirky read and I honestly didn’t have a clue who the murderer was until the end of the book when something just clicked but it really did keep me on my toes.
A brilliant second book in the series.
Having read The Wonderland Murders I quickly picked up The Painted Lobster Murders. I can only describe this book as an old fashioned whodunit that had me gripped from the beginning. I really liked spending more time with Penny and Izzy who have become quite the formidable detectives as well as running the craft shop. As this book takes place a few months after The Wonderland Murders it was great to see that Penny and Izzy have created quite a thriving business and given Cozy Crafts a makeover. They now host parties but are also branching out and creating new products such as parasols which prove quite a success at the car show. Plus there’s also the addition of the very cute corgi Monty who seems to have become quite attached to them both. The start of the book was certainly memorable especially when Monty finds himself covered in green icing. I really enjoyed the storyline and there were more characters introduced including those visiting for the car show. There is a lot at stake for Penny and Izzy especially as it transpires that the murderer used a mask from their shop so they find themselves under the spotlight. The first thing I did was look up The Schiaparelli Lobster Dress to find out what it looked like and couldn’t believe it was a real outfit. It did help me to picture what Penny and Izzy were trying to create for Fliss and picture the challenge they had ahead of them. They also rope in Aubrey, the painter who was introduced in the first book to help them. In this book we find out a little more about Izzy and learn that she’s also working for the local newspaper. So if you pair together Izzy’s journalistic skills and Penny’s inquisitive nature they make perfect detectives. This was a quirky read and I honestly didn’t have a clue who the murderer was until the end of the book when something just clicked but it really did keep me on my toes.
A brilliant second book in the series.
May 22, 2023
Good fun!
April 6, 2024
Brilliant
Second book in the series and I think they are brilliant, love the characters, they sound like people is love to meet, can't wait to start the next one
Second book in the series and I think they are brilliant, love the characters, they sound like people is love to meet, can't wait to start the next one
May 7, 2023
What a delight. The perfect light read, funny, warm, interesting. Although I don't know anything about sewing and couldn't care less, Millie (aka Heide Goody and Iain Grant) fills her books with humor, heart and compellingly real characters that you can't help but love. Have enjoyed all three books so far.
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