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April May #3
Crafty Killer
A craft fair, cutthroat competition, and a dead it’s time for small-town reporter April May to stitch together the clues.
As the annual Arts & Crafts Fair looms, so does trouble in Laurel Lake. When the hated fair organizer is found dead, April’s best friend is a prime suspect.
Determined to get the scoop and clear her bestie’s name, the big-city fashionista turned small-town sleuth dives headfirst into the tangled mess.
While juggling a new kitten adoption and a blossoming romance with the town’s dreamy vet, April’s knack for nosiness unravels more than yarn. Everyone in town had a bone to pick with the crafting queen, from a bitter chef to local quilters to her sketchy husband.
Even with the help of her trusty Boxer Ralph , the web of secrets and lies only grows thicker.
When her best friend goes missing, it’s a race against time to find the crafty killer hidden among them.
If she doesn’t, April’s first Craft Fair may be her last .
**Author Hazel Smith books can be read in any order and are free from cussing, graphic descriptions of violence, and bedroom activities. Bonus recipes included!)
As the annual Arts & Crafts Fair looms, so does trouble in Laurel Lake. When the hated fair organizer is found dead, April’s best friend is a prime suspect.
Determined to get the scoop and clear her bestie’s name, the big-city fashionista turned small-town sleuth dives headfirst into the tangled mess.
While juggling a new kitten adoption and a blossoming romance with the town’s dreamy vet, April’s knack for nosiness unravels more than yarn. Everyone in town had a bone to pick with the crafting queen, from a bitter chef to local quilters to her sketchy husband.
Even with the help of her trusty Boxer Ralph , the web of secrets and lies only grows thicker.
When her best friend goes missing, it’s a race against time to find the crafty killer hidden among them.
If she doesn’t, April’s first Craft Fair may be her last .
**Author Hazel Smith books can be read in any order and are free from cussing, graphic descriptions of violence, and bedroom activities. Bonus recipes included!)
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2024
92 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
May 27, 2024
It’s Craft Festival time and all the Laurel Lake crafters are in a tizzy. There’s so much to do and so little time. Then there’s the other side and dealing with the organizer Betsy who’s a bit of a tyrant about the whole event. Things turn dark for the town when not only is Betsy’s stall found vandalized but just a short distance away she’s found dead in her craft store. April May is on the case when her bff turns into prime suspect. The evidence is mounting, the clock is ticking can April May save her friend before time runs out?
Such an eventful story no pun intended. I love how the small town vibes and how excited everyone is over the craft festival. There’s some major personal events for April May that are just wonderful, so glad she’s taken these steps! This may be a murder mystery but in my opinion it’s really just a feel good story. It’s everything I want in a cozy and I hope there’s many more adventures for April May and the town to come!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my voluntary and honest review.
Such an eventful story no pun intended. I love how the small town vibes and how excited everyone is over the craft festival. There’s some major personal events for April May that are just wonderful, so glad she’s taken these steps! This may be a murder mystery but in my opinion it’s really just a feel good story. It’s everything I want in a cozy and I hope there’s many more adventures for April May and the town to come!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my voluntary and honest review.
May 29, 2024
April May once again must come to the rescue of one of her friends! And this time it is complicated by a surprise brother, and a new fur baby who has some issues! April falls in love with BamBam from a picture on Wesley's phone, and trouble starts from there. Not just meeting BamBam but Lucy of all people is accused of murder. Meeting a new friend should be fun, right? Not if that person isn't what they seem to be. I love the characters and how they act with each other. Minus the murder they could be people you have coffee or craft with. And as anyone who rescues any animals can tell you, they become your world with all their joys and sorrows. The images of BamBam and her sneezing is all too real. Looking forward to the next!
May 21, 2024
Another delightful cozy mystery adventure but this time April May’s best friend Lucy is the one who is
being looked at after a woman is found murdered!
April, of course, isn’t going to let matters lie without
finding out who really did the deed and starts to look into the life of the deceased woman and uncovers
reasons others would want her dead. Now the question remains which one actually did it!
Along the way April’s relationship with Wesley progresses to the point where he takes her to meet his parents and family and during the meeting and dinner she learns some shocking news which turns her focus onto an entirely different subject in her investigation into clearing her friend!
This series just gets better and better! April May initially only wanted to come and sell her grandmother’s lake side house but found friends and a town she enjoyed and stayed,
I really have enjoyed these books and wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend not only this book but this entire series for your reading pleasure! In fact, you can’t go wrong by checking out any of Hazel’s other series as well and reading one or any of them as well! Her writing is first rate and you’ll be caught up in the story right away and hooked to it to the very end!
Get this book today and then read the other books
in this series and see why it’s so beloved by fans
everywhere!
being looked at after a woman is found murdered!
April, of course, isn’t going to let matters lie without
finding out who really did the deed and starts to look into the life of the deceased woman and uncovers
reasons others would want her dead. Now the question remains which one actually did it!
Along the way April’s relationship with Wesley progresses to the point where he takes her to meet his parents and family and during the meeting and dinner she learns some shocking news which turns her focus onto an entirely different subject in her investigation into clearing her friend!
This series just gets better and better! April May initially only wanted to come and sell her grandmother’s lake side house but found friends and a town she enjoyed and stayed,
I really have enjoyed these books and wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend not only this book but this entire series for your reading pleasure! In fact, you can’t go wrong by checking out any of Hazel’s other series as well and reading one or any of them as well! Her writing is first rate and you’ll be caught up in the story right away and hooked to it to the very end!
Get this book today and then read the other books
in this series and see why it’s so beloved by fans
everywhere!
May 29, 2024
It is time for the annual craft fair in Laurel Lake and every one is busy setting up the booths. The Crochet Club booth is set way in the back near the cows. April May and her best friend, Lucy go to the booth as the cantankerous volunteer is putting it up demanding he move it. When he won't because he's following the organizer, Betsy's instructions. Betsy is loud, demanding and not like very much by the participants. Lucy confronts her, but nothing is moved. When Lucy and April May return the next day they find Betsy's booth trashed and Betsy dead. Because Lucy was seen having words with the deceased, she became suspect number one. Well that definitely will not sit right with April May and feels desperate to investigate with the police to clear Lucy's name. We are taken on such a roller coaster ride, and page turning and twists and turns April May, with her instinctive dog, Ralph and the support of her boyfriend, Veterinarian, Wesley April May will not rest until the murderer is found. While we are on this ride, not only are we faced with a murder, but there is also threatening notes to April May, a bad fire, possible embezzlement, a pushy debt collector, theft, not to mention she adopts a kitten who her dog Ralph is not too happy about. But what has her scared is that Wesley wants her to meet his family and the cantankerous grouch volunteer just happens being Wesley's brother. There is so much going on, but the author deftly makes everything run so smoothly that you just can't put it down once you begin. I highly recommend this series as well as this third book. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
May 30, 2024
The annual Arts & Crafts Fair is setting up in Laurel Lake. April is trying to finish her scarf for the fair. Lucy, her best friend, is excited to showcase her creations. Betsy, the organizer, is rude and ignorant. She sets her display at the opening to the fair, but places all the other booths at the far end by the food trucks. She argues with everyone. The next morning she is found dead in her shop in town. Sadly, Lucy is the main suspect. April determines to find the true killer and clear her friends name. There are a town full of suspects as nobody could stand Betsy. But who hated her enough to kill her? Join April as she searches for clues and tries to piece the puzzle together, while still helping prepare for the fair, finish her scarf, and deal with her dog and newly adopted cat. She is also nervous about meeting her boyfriend’s family, and unknowingly had a run in with his brother. Hazel knows how to write an engrossing mystery that will keep you turning the pages.
May 25, 2024
Wonderfully Crafted
April May is in the thick of things again. The Laurel Lake annual Arts & Crafts Fair is just getting under way when the Fair organizer is found dead and April’s best friend, Lucy is the prime suspect. Besides trying to clear her best friend’s name she is also dealing with the dreamy Vet, his cantankerous brother, her dog Ralph and the adoption of a kitten, which she named BamBam. It seems almost everyone in town disliked the victim so can April narrow it down and find the killer?
A great cast of characters - funny, annoying, smart, strong willed and very crafty. They all infuse nicely with each other to create a town that probably will never see a dull moment.
The story is well told and flows wonderfully from beginning to end. There are enough twists and turns to keep your focus to the surprising end.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
April May is in the thick of things again. The Laurel Lake annual Arts & Crafts Fair is just getting under way when the Fair organizer is found dead and April’s best friend, Lucy is the prime suspect. Besides trying to clear her best friend’s name she is also dealing with the dreamy Vet, his cantankerous brother, her dog Ralph and the adoption of a kitten, which she named BamBam. It seems almost everyone in town disliked the victim so can April narrow it down and find the killer?
A great cast of characters - funny, annoying, smart, strong willed and very crafty. They all infuse nicely with each other to create a town that probably will never see a dull moment.
The story is well told and flows wonderfully from beginning to end. There are enough twists and turns to keep your focus to the surprising end.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
May 30, 2024
What an emotional roller coaster April May experiences throughout this book. From pets to friends, her romance and his brother she is pulled and pushed in all directions, making her question herself, if she is right for all of these relationships.
Fast paced drama revolves around a murder related to the craft fair, a wrongly accused stallholder of the fair, unhelpful 'helpers' and a new contemptuous deputy for Kate.On a more personal level, April is dealing with the real panic she experiences when her beau, Wesley wants to take their relationship further for her to meet his family.
This beautifully written book, the third in the April May series, grabbed me from the start and kept me glued throughout.
I highly recommend not only this book but the others in the seires as well as the very popuar Maid Ivy series also written by the very talented Hazel Smith.
I received an ARC copy of this book and leave a voluntary, honest review.
Fast paced drama revolves around a murder related to the craft fair, a wrongly accused stallholder of the fair, unhelpful 'helpers' and a new contemptuous deputy for Kate.On a more personal level, April is dealing with the real panic she experiences when her beau, Wesley wants to take their relationship further for her to meet his family.
This beautifully written book, the third in the April May series, grabbed me from the start and kept me glued throughout.
I highly recommend not only this book but the others in the seires as well as the very popuar Maid Ivy series also written by the very talented Hazel Smith.
I received an ARC copy of this book and leave a voluntary, honest review.
June 2, 2024
It’s time for the annual Laurel Lake Craft Show, and this year, it’s going to be a killer. Literally. When the show’s organizer, Betsy, is found with knitting needles plunged in her back, April May is on the hunt for another murderer. This time, it’s personal because the main suspect is April’s best friend, Lucy. With a suspect list longer than a one-pound skein of yarn, April really has her work cut out for her. And it doesn’t help that the guy who pointed the police in Lucy’s direction is Wesley’s older brother. Talk about family drama!
This is another fantastic entry in Hazel Smith’s April May Cozy Mystery series. The characters are fun, the story is completely engaging (I read it in one sitting), and the mystery has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. I loved it, and I can’t wait for the April’s next adventure.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is another fantastic entry in Hazel Smith’s April May Cozy Mystery series. The characters are fun, the story is completely engaging (I read it in one sitting), and the mystery has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. I loved it, and I can’t wait for the April’s next adventure.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 22, 2024
Death by crafting!
April May is finding out that she enjoys small-town life. She has a budding romance with Wesley and she has a dog with the possibility of adopting a kitten in her future. She has also acquired a circle of friends since she joined the Crochet Club. Her best friend is upset that the club might not sell many items at the upcoming craft festival since the organizer placed the Crochet Club's booth in a horrible location. When the organizer is found murdered Lucy becomes the primary suspect. April May knows her friend would never kill anyone so she just needs to find the real killer.
This is a cute cozy mystery. April May and Wesley have the makings of a perfect couple. I like any story with animals and the interactions between April May’s pets are so typical! I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
April May is finding out that she enjoys small-town life. She has a budding romance with Wesley and she has a dog with the possibility of adopting a kitten in her future. She has also acquired a circle of friends since she joined the Crochet Club. Her best friend is upset that the club might not sell many items at the upcoming craft festival since the organizer placed the Crochet Club's booth in a horrible location. When the organizer is found murdered Lucy becomes the primary suspect. April May knows her friend would never kill anyone so she just needs to find the real killer.
This is a cute cozy mystery. April May and Wesley have the makings of a perfect couple. I like any story with animals and the interactions between April May’s pets are so typical! I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
May 28, 2024
I love all things Hazel Smith and this does not disappoint, this is book three in the April May series. Everyone is setting up for the Annual Arts and Craft Fair in Laurel Lake. Betsy Block is the organizer. Betsy is a bit of a tyrant about the whole event. She places her booth in the front, and what she believes as her competition in the back. She doesn't have any friends, but a lot of enemies. Betsy is found dead in her craft store. Lucy one of April's friends is one of the main suspects according to Officer Tanner. She was seen arguing with Betsy, but others were as well. April's relationship with Wesley is still going strong. Can April along with the help of her friends help solve the case? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Hazel Smith!!!
May 30, 2024
A delightful and heartfelt cozy. Third in a series, April May returns. When her close friend becomes the prime suspect in a local murder, April cannot stay away from the case.
I enjoyed the characters and the hunt for the murderer. The inclusion of pattern piracy was interesting to me, as that is an ongoing plague in crafting circles. As well as the implication of identity theft. The story itself is charming and relevant, and intelligent, and it kept me interested from beginning to end. Easy to recommend.
I have the two earlier books in the series. I don't believe I've read the second one yet. While I gradually remembered the main characters and the dynamics of the local town, it would not have stopped me from understanding or enjoying this book if I hadn't read either. (It could be read as a standalone.)
I received an ARC and my review is voluntarily offered.
I enjoyed the characters and the hunt for the murderer. The inclusion of pattern piracy was interesting to me, as that is an ongoing plague in crafting circles. As well as the implication of identity theft. The story itself is charming and relevant, and intelligent, and it kept me interested from beginning to end. Easy to recommend.
I have the two earlier books in the series. I don't believe I've read the second one yet. While I gradually remembered the main characters and the dynamics of the local town, it would not have stopped me from understanding or enjoying this book if I hadn't read either. (It could be read as a standalone.)
I received an ARC and my review is voluntarily offered.
May 30, 2024
A craft fair can cut throat business who knew?Laurel Lake and an annual Arts and Crafts day. Great except the Fair organiser and crafting queen who everyone dislikes has been killed and April’s mate is accused of the murder. So from adopting a cute kitten and being smitten with the vet she now has her hands full with her brother , how can she forget and finding the real suspect before things get out of hand. Grand! This awesome new fair day April was certain as a first would be a blast , now she gets down to it, could be her last! Brilliantly written book with clues and misled , awesome descriptors to immerse yourself reading in bed. The fantastic prose of Hazel Smith of course brings it succinctly together until story close. A very crafty storytelling that’s sublimely written. I am leaving my review voluntarily and in my own musings.
May 30, 2024
In this latest installment of the April May mysteries, we find our protagonist settling into life in Laurel Lake. The renovations are almost finished in her inherited lake house, and she has settled into a domestic life with her boxer, Ralph. April May is even planning to add a new member to her furry family - a tuxedo kitten named BamBam, while she helps her best friend Lucy prepare for the Arts and Crafts festival. When tyrannical festival organizer Betsy Block is found stabbed to death in her shop with a knitting needle, suspicion falls on Lucy, and April May will stop at nothing to clear her name. Readers will enjoy following along with April May as we meet a few new characters, she attempts to solve the mystery, her sweet romance with veterinarian Wesley continues, and she attempts to find meaning in Laurel Lake. Fans of cozy mysteries will definitely enjoy this novel!
May 30, 2024
I was introduced to author Hazel Smith through her other series, the Maid Ivy mysteries, and enjoyed her characterisations and plotting there. This is now the second book I have read in the April May series, which I received as an ARC. True to her style, she presents us with a quirky character (in this case, a former fashion correspondent who has inherited a property in a smaller town in a rural area) who has a nose for mystery and justice and a sense of loyalty to her friends. I could say more about some of the details, at the risk of being spoilerish, but I will simply recommend it to any potential reader who enjoys the genre. Passing note: there are also cute pets involved. I particularly recommend this book to those who like Christian fiction, but the mentions of prayer should not be offputting to those who do not share that faith.
May 27, 2024
Another interesting creation by Hazel Smith! This tale begins with a Craft Fair. Everyone is invited, but not everyone is “chosen” to enter the crafting competition. Betsy is the organizer again this year. Her rules must be followed. Would this be the year April had something to enter in the contest? April and Lucy set up the booth for Crochet Club—although they were not in the best of spots—Betsy’s booth was front and center. Several people objected to the way the fair was organized. Would they be upset or angry enough to kill? There are many suspects—who is really the killer—in this story before the answer to this question is revealed. Following April, Lucy, and friends weaves an enjoyable story.
May 30, 2024
This book is the second in a series of about a woman named April May who inherits a lake house and moves from Chicago to a small town.
Like in the first book, I don't like April very much at the beginning. Her obsession with designer fashion and general city girl attitude is annoying. But there are a lot of people like her in this world! She grows on you as the book progresses and the designer references aren't excessive.
April and her cohorts work and think diligently to track down the killer of one of the least liked crafters. Of course there are many suspects to look at.
There are also a few subplots to think about. A new kitten! A new romance!
This is an enjoyable book to pass the time. I am looking forward to the next one.
Like in the first book, I don't like April very much at the beginning. Her obsession with designer fashion and general city girl attitude is annoying. But there are a lot of people like her in this world! She grows on you as the book progresses and the designer references aren't excessive.
April and her cohorts work and think diligently to track down the killer of one of the least liked crafters. Of course there are many suspects to look at.
There are also a few subplots to think about. A new kitten! A new romance!
This is an enjoyable book to pass the time. I am looking forward to the next one.
May 31, 2024
April May is entering the Laurel Lake crafting contest with her friend Lucy.
Things are going well, then the organiser Betsy is murdered, stabbed with a knitting needle in her own craft shop.
Suspicion falls on Lucy as she had a row with Betsy not long before her murder.
It's a race against time for April to prove her innocence before she is charged with a crime she didn't commit, but with someone intent on framing her she has to work fast as the killer wants rid of Lucy at any cost...
Love this series, another exciting adventure starting April May and Wesley and her pets Ralph the dog and her new kitten Bam Bam.
Based on a real life kitty of the same name mentioned in a heart warming tribute at the back of the novel.
Things are going well, then the organiser Betsy is murdered, stabbed with a knitting needle in her own craft shop.
Suspicion falls on Lucy as she had a row with Betsy not long before her murder.
It's a race against time for April to prove her innocence before she is charged with a crime she didn't commit, but with someone intent on framing her she has to work fast as the killer wants rid of Lucy at any cost...
Love this series, another exciting adventure starting April May and Wesley and her pets Ralph the dog and her new kitten Bam Bam.
Based on a real life kitty of the same name mentioned in a heart warming tribute at the back of the novel.
June 8, 2024
Love this series. April May is finding herself further and further drawn into calling Laurel Lake home, and at the same time, she seems to get caught in the middle of solving murder mysteries. The upcoming crafter’s festival was coming up when the organizer Betsy Block was killed. Since Betsy had many enemies, it’s hard to narrow the suspect list down. Unfortunately, April has no choice but to try to find the killer since her best friend, Lucy, is the primary suspect. Loved how in the middle of trying to figure out who the killer is, April still manages to adopt a kitten and the various fiascos that she goes through with that decision. Love the interaction April has with her newfound friends. Highly recommend this book and the entire series.
May 24, 2024
April has moved from her high fashion job in Chicago to LaurelLake, ,Minnesota where she has inherited her estranged grandmother’s home - and it’s a big change, to be sure! She makes a friend, Lucy, who is diligently trying to teach her to knit or crochet, something Lucy is not especially adept at. It’s time for the annual Crafter’s Festival, but when the organizer, Betsy Block, is found murdered and her stall trashed, and Lucy is a suspect, April puts her amateur detective hat on. Unfortunately, Betsy has lots of enemies, and the task is not easy! A fun and entertaining mystery I received a free ARC of. I write this rev entirely voluntarily.
May 24, 2024
An entertaining cozy murder mystery with likeable main characters, a good mystery to solve, and a sweet romance relationship. April is settling in her new town while realizing this place might be permanent. Having a best friend, a boyfriend and two pets is changing her perspective. She is determined to solve the murder mystery where her best friend Lucy is considered as the main suspect. This series is enjoyable, well written and a quick read. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
I received a free advance copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. Thank you Hazel for the ARC!
I received a free advance copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. Thank you Hazel for the ARC!
May 27, 2024
April May is caught up in trying to discover who killed the annual Arts & Crafts Fair organizer, who wasn’t liked by a lot of people. April knows without a doubt that it isn’t her best friend, Lucy, the prime suspect in the case. The more she digs into the case, the more suspects come to light, several of them members of the local craft group. Could one of them be responsible? Then Lucy goes missing. April and her boyfriend, Wesley, the town vet, set out to find Lucy before it’s too late.
A fun whodunit with many suspects, betrayal, revenge, danger, and more!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A fun whodunit with many suspects, betrayal, revenge, danger, and more!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 29, 2024
This is the first book of the series I have read, so far, but I still found it easy to follow along. I enjoyed the storytelling, and writing so much, I cannot wait to read more from this author, including the first two books of this series. This book has everything you'd want in a cozy; mystery, intrigue, love/romance, friendship of both the human and animal variety. I laughed, I cried, I didn't want to put it down. A sweet feel good story, with a murder mystery thrown in, I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who loves a good cozy mystery.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 30, 2024
4.5 stars
Ms. Smith takes us on a wild adventure with April May and friends in this springtime craft fair murder mystery. Red herrings abound and new characters are introduced (including the four-legged kind), giving us the opportunity to observe growth and depth of both people and relationships.
I appreciate and enjoy the clean, cozy romance that comes with the mysteries of this series and I really liked the subtle hints of who also might be growing into a serious relationship. All this while attempting to prevent a murderer from walking free and an innocent being charged instead. A nicely told tale that can be recommended, for sure.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
Ms. Smith takes us on a wild adventure with April May and friends in this springtime craft fair murder mystery. Red herrings abound and new characters are introduced (including the four-legged kind), giving us the opportunity to observe growth and depth of both people and relationships.
I appreciate and enjoy the clean, cozy romance that comes with the mysteries of this series and I really liked the subtle hints of who also might be growing into a serious relationship. All this while attempting to prevent a murderer from walking free and an innocent being charged instead. A nicely told tale that can be recommended, for sure.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
May 30, 2024
Fun at the Craft Fair?
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2024
A great addition to the series. April May is a fun character to have as the sleuth. Some new characters and one that isn't supposed to be liked - I don't think anyway. Friend? Enemy? Killer? who is who? Will April May be able to solve this mystery before someone she deeply cares about becomes the next victim? April May adds to her family and is it the best decision? She becomes brave enough to meet her beau's family - read to find out how that goes. I would recommend this book to those readers who enjoy a cozy mystery. I did receive an ARC version.
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2024
A great addition to the series. April May is a fun character to have as the sleuth. Some new characters and one that isn't supposed to be liked - I don't think anyway. Friend? Enemy? Killer? who is who? Will April May be able to solve this mystery before someone she deeply cares about becomes the next victim? April May adds to her family and is it the best decision? She becomes brave enough to meet her beau's family - read to find out how that goes. I would recommend this book to those readers who enjoy a cozy mystery. I did receive an ARC version.
May 30, 2024
This was another enjoyable April May mystery. April's friend, Lucy, is accused of killing fellow crafter and judge of the upcoming Laurel Lane crafting contest, Betsy Block. Betsy was very unpopular and negatively judgemental of other people's craft work. In addition to trying to solve Betsy's murder, April has to contend with a snarky new hire to the police department, Shaun Tanner. Will April be able to vindicate Lucy? Find out by reading this unputdownable book, which I highly recommend to other cozy mystery readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.
May 31, 2024
When Arts and Craft fair organizer Betsy is murdered and the weapon turns out to be a knitting needle, suspects abound. Too many suspects and a lack of clues make for much guessing in this mystery as to who could have wanted Betsy dead. Hazel Smith, the author has a way of dragging you into the story and not letting you go until the end. April May the main character in the story seems to finally be enjoying small-town life, making new friends, and proud owner of two pets, Ralph the dog and bam-bam her newly acquired kitten. Lots of laughter in between solving a murder make for an interesting read.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
May 31, 2024
When the unpopular Arts & Crafts organizer is found murdered and April May’s best friend, Lucy is the prime suspect, April takes her investigative skills to work to clear her name and find the real killer. April has found that she is quite the amateur sleuth as she begins to investigate although she may now be in the crosshairs of the killer. This entertaining and engaging book had me from the first chapter to the last. Even as I am traveling and exhausted from sharing the driving with my husband, I found all the time I needed to complete this fun read. I look forward to the next book in this series. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.
June 1, 2024
I love Hazel's books as they're so well written and you're gripped from the start. I did receive this copy as an ARC copy but am more than happy to leave a review.
In this third book in the series April May is embroiled in another murder case but this time her best friend Lucy is the chief suspect. Plus her relationship with Wesley, although going well, is giving her some misgivings, then she falls in love with a little kitten, who has it's own problems, giving her another headache.
If you love a good cosy mystery with some humour then give this a read, you won't be disappointed. I can't wait for the next book!
In this third book in the series April May is embroiled in another murder case but this time her best friend Lucy is the chief suspect. Plus her relationship with Wesley, although going well, is giving her some misgivings, then she falls in love with a little kitten, who has it's own problems, giving her another headache.
If you love a good cosy mystery with some humour then give this a read, you won't be disappointed. I can't wait for the next book!
June 1, 2024
Such a fun series!
April May and Lucy are getting ready for the annual Arts and Crafts fair but it comes with some bad feelings. First, the crochet club booths are set up next to the food trucks way at the back, next is the snarky volunteer setting up the booths, and the unlikable organizer WILL have her way. When the organizer Betsy is found murdered, the new junior officer is convinced Lucy is the guilty party. But plenty of people had reason to dislike Betsy. Can April unravel the clues before Lucy is thrown in jail...or worse? Lots of things going on I this book but Ms. Smith keeps everything moving along nicely.
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
April May and Lucy are getting ready for the annual Arts and Crafts fair but it comes with some bad feelings. First, the crochet club booths are set up next to the food trucks way at the back, next is the snarky volunteer setting up the booths, and the unlikable organizer WILL have her way. When the organizer Betsy is found murdered, the new junior officer is convinced Lucy is the guilty party. But plenty of people had reason to dislike Betsy. Can April unravel the clues before Lucy is thrown in jail...or worse? Lots of things going on I this book but Ms. Smith keeps everything moving along nicely.
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
June 3, 2024
Please note: I was given a copy of this book and have voluntarily decided to give it this honest review.
April May’s friend, Lucy, has not only talked her into learning how to crochet, but to enter her scarf in the local craft fair. Right before the craft fair opens, Betsy, the fair’s organizer, is found murdered and Lucy is the top suspect! April May is determined to not only find the real murderer, but to actually finish her scarf as well! Her attention is also on her boyfriend who wants her to meet his family (she’s not sure she’s ready for that kind of commitment), a brand new kitten (who’s at war with her dog) and picking out the right outfit. An enjoyable read!
April May’s friend, Lucy, has not only talked her into learning how to crochet, but to enter her scarf in the local craft fair. Right before the craft fair opens, Betsy, the fair’s organizer, is found murdered and Lucy is the top suspect! April May is determined to not only find the real murderer, but to actually finish her scarf as well! Her attention is also on her boyfriend who wants her to meet his family (she’s not sure she’s ready for that kind of commitment), a brand new kitten (who’s at war with her dog) and picking out the right outfit. An enjoyable read!
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