Shear Terror

A Sewing Studio Mystery #3

by Dorothy Howell

The latest novel in a crafting cozy series featuring talented sleuthing seamstress Abbey Chandler, the members of a small-town California sewing studio—and murder. Abbey’s life in Hideaway Grove is comfortable, and she’s grateful for her small sewing studio in the back room of her aunt’s bakery, but she’s feeling stuck. Her plan to expand her custom tote bag business by selling to a chain of gift shops has hit a snag. Making enough totes to distribute to all the stores requires large-scale production—which requires money Abbey doesn’t have. To make ends meet, she takes a part-time job at the town’s bustling Visitor Center . . . Abbey is soon sorting items with her co-workers for the Visitor Center’s annual Lost and Found Day when unclaimed items are displayed and offered for sale. Thanks to tourism, there’s enough to fill a huge stockroom. But something is amiss. Eleanor Franklin, devoted to all things Hideaway Grove, hasn’t shown up for work—and when Abbey discovers her whereabouts, it isn’t pretty . . . Eleanor is dead inside a clothing bin, dressmaker shears impaled in her chest—shears the sheriff reports are engraved with Abbey’s name. Under suspicion, Abbey will have to launch her own investigation. But who would want to kill thoughtful Eleanor, a model resident always so full of good advice about how to uphold Hideaway Grove’s high standards? As it turns out, not everyone appreciated Eleanor’s advice . . . Now Abbey will have to cut through a tattered trail of greed, theft, and revenge to sew up the case before a killer cramps her style—for good . . .

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Sewing, Cozy

256 pages, Hardcover

Published September 24, 2024

About the author

Dorothy Howell writes for two publishing houses, in two genres, under two names. She writes mysteries as Dorothy Howell historical romance novels under the pseudonym Judith Stacy.

Reviews

[Lisa Velda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to #netgalley for providing me with an #arc of this book. This was a very fast paced cozy and I absolutely loved it! There’s not much to say about this one, besides that you should definitely read it!

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Shear Terror (A Sewing Studio Mystery #3)" by Dorothy Howell has got some series game changers dropping in this book. I wont go into detail because it would be some big spoilers. Let's just say that if you don't read this one before any books that may come after it, you'll probably be lost.

Abbey is still trying to get her tote bag business where she'd like it. However, she's making necessary money working for the town's visitor's center part time. Why getting ready for the annual lost and found sale they discover that the lady who was late for work may have actually been extra early. Things all point to Abbey as a suspect which really puts a damper on her relationship with Zach. If there even is a relationship?

There was one particular character that really started to grate on me. I think that was the author's intention though. If so, congratulations, it worked and I was kind of starting to really hope they were the culprit. However, there was one other character that disappeared that I'm not totally sure what happened to them. Maybe I missed that part in my reading of all the reveals.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

#ShearTerror #NetGalley is another fast paced cozy mystery that I enjoyed reading.
Abbey is trying to grow her custom tote bag business, but she still needs an income, so her job continues at the visitor center in her small town of Hideaway Grove.
Abbey makes a gruesome discovery and soon finds herself on the suspect list in an active murder investigation.
I like the colorful characters in this series, they add humor to this fun series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dorothy Howell for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Shear Terror coming out September 24, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Abbey’s life in Hideaway Grove is comfortable, and she’s grateful for her small sewing studio in the back room of her aunt’s bakery, but she’s feeling stuck. Her plan to expand her custom tote bag business by selling to a chain of gift shops has hit a snag. Making enough totes to distribute to all the stores requires large-scale production—which requires money Abbey doesn’t have. To make ends meet, she takes a part-time job at the town’s bustling Visitor Center . . .

Abbey is soon sorting items with her co-workers for the Visitor Center’s annual Lost and Found Day when unclaimed items are displayed and offered for sale. Thanks to tourism, there’s enough to fill a huge stockroom. But something is amiss. Eleanor Franklin, devoted to all things Hideaway Grove, hasn’t shown up for work—and when Abbey discovers her whereabouts, it isn’t pretty . . .

Eleanor is dead inside a clothing bin, dressmaker shears impaled in her chest—shears the sheriff reports are engraved with Abbey’s name. Under suspicion, Abbey will have to launch her own investigation. But who would want to kill thoughtful Eleanor, a model resident always so full of good advice about how to uphold Hideaway Grove’s high standards? As it turns out, not everyone appreciated Eleanor’s advice . . .

Now Abbey will have to cut through a tattered trail of greed, theft, and revenge to sew up the case before a killer cramps her style—for good . . .

I have a couple books by this author, but this is the first one I’ve read. I’ve been wanting to check out this series. I love sewing cozy mysteries! A sewing murder is definitely wild, but I loved how fast-paced this book is. It’s a quick read. I thought the mystery was really good. Abbey is a fun character. There was something unexpected things. I would definitely read more books by this author.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sewing cozy mysteries!

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shear Terror
A Sewing Studio Mystery #3
by Dorothy Howell
Cozy Mystery
Kensington Publishing/Kensington Cozies
Pub date Sept 24, 2024

When sewing shears engraved with her name are found in a murder victim’s chest, Abbey Chandler knows it is up to her to solve the murder.

Abbey Chandler is struggling financially, and to bring in some income she’s taken a job at Hideaway Grove’s visitor’s center. When one of her co-workers is found in the back, with a pair of sewing shears in her chest, Abbey becomes the prime suspect in her murder. Abbey doesn’t trust the sheriff to look for other suspects, so she takes it upon herself to find the killer.
I’ve read all three books in this series so far, and I was a bit let down with this one. I figured out the murderer’s identity and their motivation early on. Abbey comes across as a little self-absorbed. Her relationship or lack thereof with Deputy Sheriff Zack McKenna hasn’t really changed over the course of the books, until maybe the very end of this one, when an old co-worker of Abbey’s shows up in town. Not all the loose ends are resolved by the end. Overall, this book is a quick read, with a mystery that wasn’t that difficult to solve, and characters that didn’t hold my interest. Even though this book wasn’t for me, it may be for you. Not sure you want to buy? Borrow a copy from the library to see if this book is for you.

3/5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an e-copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and Kensington publishing for this ARC.

This is the 3rd book in the Sewing Studio series and I have enjoyed all three. This was such a fun, mystery read and I was able to complete it in 2 day. It probably would have been done in one sitting, but I did start it late one evening.

There are times that I like Abbey and then there are times that she gets on my nerves. I then have to remind myself that she is still young and is still discovering who she is. She is also working on growing her sewing business and trying to get financially stable which is stressful in itself . On top of that stress, she is dealing with being a murder suspect, so I can see why she is moody. I also didn't know what was going on with Abbey and Zack, did something happen between them since the last book?! There was no chemistry or connection! I do enjoy the characters in this series and can't wait to get to know them better.

Now let's talk about the mystery, it was interesting but I figured out who the murderer was early on. In fact there were a few things obvious in this book, I kind of questioned how the other characters didn't figure out some things. It was still enjoyable and I will continue to read this series.

I think anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries will get addicted to this series. I would have given in 5 stars, but since I felt that there wasn't much guessing on who the murderer was.

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third in this delightful sewing mystery series by cozy author Dorothy Howell. I enjoy this series for the authors talent in sewing included and the well planned sleuth that always keep this reader guessing. My review opinions are my own. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity.

Our protagnist Abbey is still working out of the back of her Aunt's shop and dreaming of expanding her business. She realizes that she needs to take on more paid work then her sewing is paying. She goes to work for the local visitors office and sorts donated goods to help generate funds for the towns lost and found drive. When one reliable volunteer does not come to work Abbey is worried . She goes to find the volunteer and finds her dead. Complications arise for Abbey when a sewing shear was the weapon with her name on it. Now Abbey is the prime suspect and she must struggle to save herself, solve the mysterious crime and save her reputation.

This is a charming series and always a fascinating sleuth with multiple layers to keep the reader guessing. Abbey is a smart savvy person who needs a break in life and a hard worker. She is a good investigator and entertaining character. I enjoy the small town and the friendly people the author features. A enjoyable revisit to this series.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shear Terror by Dorothy Howell is about a young woman who lives in a small town named Hideaway Grove and has opened a sewing studio in a room off her aunt’s bakery. She does small sewing jobs as well as hosting a pillow case dressmaking class/get together for charity. Someone commit a murder and she is the prime suspect because a pair of scissors that had her name engraved was the murder weapon. Two things: the room was never locked when the bakery was open, people dropped things off all the time; and the scissors had been one of four that someone donated for use in making the little dresses. But, all things still pointed at her, and Abbey was not going to let that stand.

This was a funny, whimsical book, despite the murder. The man she had been circling was a deputy and now that she was s suspect, he didn’t seem as interested. She was a good character, just a simple young woman looking for a better life for herself. It was an enjoyable, quick read. Good characters, a decent mystery, and pillow case dresses for charity. How fun is that?

I was invited to read Shear Terror by Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KensingtonPublishing #DorothyHowell #ShearTerror

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shear Terror is the third book starring Abbey Chandler. She moved to Hideaway Grove when her life in LA imploded. Three books in and she isn’t very successful at building a new life in Hideaway Grove.
This book let me down. There was excessive drama associated with all the relationships in the book. The work relationships, family relationships, friendships and associations were all expressed in dramatic fashion. Abbey and Zach are supposed to be starting a relationship, but it has made no progress over the course of three books.
The mystery was drawn out. Abbey took a long time to connect dots that were obvious.
The culprit just wasn’t a very nice person. For all the dramatic happenings in the rest of the book, the ending was fairly mundane.
I don’t want to put in spoilers because this book might be your cup of tea. It likely has a number of good points that I glossed over.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington for the chance to read the book.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shear Terror is the third book in the Sewing Studio Mystery Series. The main character, Abbey, does a lot in her community. The community plays a major role in the series. You really get to meet, and know, many of the people in the neighborhood. There are many female business owners who drop by Abbey’s aunt’s bakery (the bakery houses the sewing studio). Abbey needs these strong women in her life because she is a little clueless at times and makes ‘not so wise’ decisions. Abbey’s heart is in the right place, but she misses a lot of clues (mystery wise, and life wise) and acts irrational at times. The best part of the book, and series, is hearing about the community volunteering in different ways to help others in need. I also get a kick out of Abbey’s nemesis, Brooke.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Salas · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy book 3 as much as I'd hoped to. There were many threads that were brought up over and over and over again. Whether it was the "Abbey being a cleaner" thread or the totes she needed to do for Brooke or the whole luxury cabinet. And the new employee who did absolutely nothing all the time. It seemed obvious from the beginning what was connected to the death. And then some things that I thought were going to pay off didn't--and were anti-climactic. I hate it when the actual moment of apprehending the criminal is just summarized in retrospect!

Anyway, this one just didn't gel for me. Not enough suspense, not enough surprise, and too much repetition. I really wanted to like it more, because I like the character of Abbey.

Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am usually pretty good at sussing out the killer in cozies although sometimes I do get fooled. Sometimes it feels like there is a spotlight on the character. It is so obvious that the only doubt is that it should be so obvious. This story falls into that category. There were some interesting characters and side stories that were satisfying but I felt let down by the main one. Part of the problem started when Abby is the prime suspect in the murder. Yes, her scissors are found at the scene with her prints on them but she has absolutely no motive. There is never any motive that is put forward. It just feels flimsy. It is hard to build a strong story on a shaky foundation.

I like this author and have enjoyed her books before so I am disappointed to give her a three purrs and one paw up. It just did not measure up to her previous stories.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun cozy from Dorothy Howell. Abby is working part-time at the visitor center as she tries to earn some money for in tote bag business. She shows up at work one morning to find a co-worker dead and Abby is the prime suspect. A young co-worker mistook spilled tomato juice as blood and the victim was killed by a pair of sewing shears with Abby's name engraved on them as well as her fingerprints. Abby has to figure out who was able to take the shears from her studio to frame her and who is so mad at her to do this?

This was a nice escape. The writing style is easy-to-read and I enjoy the characters. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and offer my honest review of this book.

[Alicia Kozak · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've enjoyed the previous books in the series. It's been awhile since I read the first two, but this one wasn't my favorite for some reason. The potential suspects are all unlikeable, though one stood out from the beginning as the most obvious. There's relationship drama between multiple characters, a lot of gossip, and I found it a little unbelievable how much a certain character was allowed to get away with. I also found it farfetched that someone can not tell the difference between tomato juice and blood, even with how excitable the character is portrayed. The book did move quickly and some of the ongoing plot points were addressed here. As there doesn't seem to be another book coming, we do at least leave the characters mostly sure of how their future looks.

[Tara Petersen Naccarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shear Terror by Dorothy Howell is my favorite of the Sewing Studio Mysteries. I liked how there were real problems in this mystery, not like others cozys where everything is perfect and everything they do comes out a winner. Abbey is struggling to keep her business afloat and gets a job at a tourist office. While there, she struggles with the job and the people working with her. She seems to be the only one with her head not buried in the sand and is determined to find out what's going on with missing designer items. The story was realist, and I couldn't stop reading, wanting to find out how she was going to save her job and solve the murder. I highly recommend this series

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Business and life is looking up in Hideaway Grove, so much so that Abby's growing her own business, and working a part time job to fund it. And then, then she finds Eleanor dead- killed with a pair of Abby's shears and pow- she's got to find the real killer. Luckily, she's got good friends and her aunt Sarah to help her sort out the truth about Eleanor. Cozy readers know that not everyone appreciated Eleanor's advice and that she wasn't always a nice person but murder? Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's classic cozy territory and while this is the latest in a series, it will be fine as a standalone. A good read.

[LittleRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Abbey finds the body of a fellow volunteer third take an even more ominous turn…when Abbey’s scissors are the murder weapon. Getting a new business off the ground is hard enough without being a murder suspect. Can she cut through the who and stitch up who dunit to clear her name? Or will her whole life unravel at what seems like she did it?

I have really enjoyed this series so far. you can’t help but root for Abbey and try to solve the right along side to help save her. This is a well written and developed character that makes reading this a visit with a friend rather than just a book.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series, but the only one I’ve read so far. I didn’t have any issues keeping up with the story.
Abby has moved back home after things didn’t work out in LA. She’s struggling to make ends meet working at the Visitor Center and working on her small business making totes. There are a lot of characters in the story and many relationships to juggle. There’s also one very intuitive cat who raises havoc on occasion.
I did enjoy the book but the drama around Caitlin was a bit much for me. I really wanted to smack some sense into her. Even the cat was smarter.
I did also guess a good part of the drama around Gloria. There was even more involved but I was on the right track.
I did receive this book as a free ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amary Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crafty Culinary Cozy
Ms. Howell's Sewing Mystery series draws one in and keeps you there. Abbey is starting over at her Aunt Sarah's small town. Her part time job is at the visitor's center and she comes across a body, becoming a suspect. She strives to solve the murder, support her best friend and deal with several obnoxious characters, while trying to start a business. Ms. Howell adds depth to her characters and creates scenes easy to imagine. I recommend for any lover of cozy mysteries.
I requested and received a NetGalley arc gratis and offer my opinion in the same.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sheriff chose to believe the clueless hysterical twit who insisted that Abbey was washing blood off her hands instead of the tomato juice it really was. But there was no evidence either way. So Abbey investigates on her own with little help and lots of roadblocks. Engaging characters and lots of twists and red herrings. Good read!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC copy from Kensington Books/Kensington Cozies via NetGalley. Thank you

[Tari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d forgotten how funny this series could be in places, and I also remembered what a smart kitty that Cheddar, the community cat was. He definitely knew what he liked or didn’t like. I was pretty sure I knew who was behind all the mysteries going on in the town. The ending was a really satisfying one and the very ending was really sweet too!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shear Terror is book #3 in the Sewing Studio Mystery series by Dorothy Howell.

Abbey is working to grow her custom tote bag business. She has a job at the Visitor Center to pay the bills. While there, she makes a terrible discovery. Worse, she finds herself a suspect in the murder. I like Abbey and really enjoyed this book.

Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good addition to the A Sewing Studio Mystery series. There's a couple of mysteries, a killer on the loose, the sheriff breathing down Abby's neck as she tries to do her own investigating, a hint of romance...or not? I'm already looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Many thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

[Sherrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am hoping this is not the last of the series. I like the way everything was plotted out. Enough twist and turns even though I had a suspicion that the person was the one that killed the woman. I am hoping that there is going to be something between the new person (who she knew from her previous job) and starting out a new relationship with him and a new job in the next book if this series continues.

[Hanna Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shear Terror was an absolute pleasure to read! I am so happy that I stumbled across this book! This book brought me into a quaint town and let me follow a mystery with an ending that made sense and wasn’t far fetched or confusing. This wasn’t too intense but still kept me interested the whole way through. If you’re in the mood for a cozy mystery I highly recommend giving this a read!! Can’t wait to read other books by this author!

[Mary Byrnes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finally finished the series

When I bought the first book in this series I was happy to find another fun cozy mystery series. Unfortunately it wasn't true. After spending almost $14 for each book I made myself finish the series. I always like a story with a strong female hero but this wasn't it. The leading young woman was whiney, wishy washy and annoyingly dense. I would not recommend these books to anyone.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good addition to a charming and delightful series. A nice variety of characters in a small-town setting. Some surprises and potential for future stories. The mystery does get solved, along with some other problems. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

[Amy Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Shear Terror" was a fast-paced book. I couldn't stop reading it. It was the best one yet in the series. I hope there will be more in the series so we can find out what happens. You left me hanging. I am so happy with the ending, but it's not the ending . I hope there will be more. It is well-written and an enjoyable read. Thank You.

[Bayla Jacobson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just felt a little slow on the solving front. Clue sporadic and lots of names to keep track of that may not have always been followed in the book itself. It fit the role of being a cute mystery and was ok enough reading for when I could not sleep

[B. Neufeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed it very much.