Crafting a Cold Case

Gasper's Cove Mysteries #6

by Barbara Emodi

The long, frigid winters of Nova Scotia are perfect for crafting—but when a once-in-a-lifetime snowstorm cuts off Gasper’s Cove Island from the mainland, Valerie Rankin and her group of crafters settle in to weather the isolation with needles, fabric, yarn, and determination. As they stitch their way through the dark days, the storm unearths more than snowdrifts—long-buried secrets resurface, and an unsolved murder comes back to haunt the tiny community. With no one else to turn to, the crafters must unravel the threads of deception before the past traps them in its deadly grip.

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 2025

About the author

Barbara Emodi has written sewing how-to books and now writes cozy mysteries set in Nova Scotia, Canada. Gasper’s Cove doesn’t really exist but it will seem awfully familiar to anyone who lives where she does. The community is based all she believes matters in life - extended family, companion animals, good food, and more sewing, crafting, quilting, and knitting projects than any reasonable person would take on.



Barbara writes what she likes to read - whimsical, witty, warm books that reflect her belief that there is nothing ordinary about ordinary people. She also likes clever surprises, important in mysteries, and promises one at the end of each book. To visit Gasper’s Cove yourself you can read Barbara’s novels in her Gasper’s Cove Mysteries series or her Gasper’s Cove Quick Cozies novella series.

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! I felt immersed in the Nova Scotia rural island culture, which really served to ground the book. The crafting fit nicely in the context of cold winters and made sense in the story without feeling forced. And I thought the characters and their relationships were really endearing; I particularly enjoyed the mother-daughter dynamic between Kay and Valerie. Finally, I really appreciated the light snark against the outsider characters, who approached the town and its people/culture from a perspective of exploitation instead of actual curiosity or respect. This was a new perspective on cultural appropriation for me, one that might be less obvious because it is being perpetuated by white people on white people, but still really rang really true to me and my own experiences with it.

[Sarah Wale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crafting a Cold Case
by Barbara Emodi

The sixth book in Barbara Emodi’s Gasper’s Cove Mysteries series, ‘Crafting a Cold Case, is the best yet in my opinion. If you have not read the previous stories, and thus found yourself a new set of friends, I recommend that you do so, without delay. All the original characters are here, along with a cast of new ones, each more mysterious than the others. We have the garrulous, arrogant Professor, the naive but keen Doomsday Prepper, the charmer from the Scottish isles and the Storm Chaser. All are so well-drawn with the authors unique ability to perfectly describe characters while using the minimum number of words.
Although the Gasper’s Cove stories are designated ‘Cosy’ mysteries, Crafting a Cold Case is anything but taking place, as it does, in a Nova Scotian winter, much of it in white-out blizzard conditions. The small community of Gasper’s Cove, however, is no stranger to the trials and tribulations of such conditions, and with copious quantities of hot tea, baked good, a good stock of canned and preserved food prepared during the warmer months, and woollen hats, gloves and quilts made by the local crafters, they survive them very well.
The story is more complex than the previous ones but notwithstanding a few red herrings and surprises along the way, the various threads come together well and the story comes to a surprising and satisfactory conclusion – with maybe a hint of a future Gasper’s Cove Mystery to follow?

Sarah Wale
September 2025

[Sue Slade · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the dead of Winter in Gasper’s Cove, and Valerie Rankin is hard at work knitting wool socks in Crafting a Cold Case. The sixth book in Barbara Emodi’s cozy mystery series which is set in Gasper’s Cove, a small, rural, everyone-knows-everyone, coastal community of Nova Scotia. The story opens with the ex-librarian, and now the Bluenose Inn’s front desk manager, Catherine, in full-crisis mode, and Valerie dropping her knitting to race over to help.

“I went over to the pantry and found a box of Morse’s Tea, the official consolation beverage of Nova Scotia since 1870. I picked up the kettle and filled it at the deep, stainless-steel, industrial-sized sink. While I waited for the water to boil, I found a tin of shortbread and put enough for four people onto a plate. Emotional breakdowns are no time to be skimpy with baked goods.” Page 7

Valerie is a person who likes to take charge of solving problems, mysteries, and even murders. She has her own way of putting clues together and formulating possible scenarios, which are sometimes a bit far-fetched and sometimes closer to the truth. Because of past wild goose chases, the local RCMP don’t take her seriously. This provides us readers with yet another level of entertainment beyond Valerie’s amateur investigations.

The quirky characters found in this series are another big draw for me. The character development, in this tiny community, makes the reader think about what it would be like to live there themselves. An added plus is the slowly developing relationship between Valerie and Stuart.

One of the things I like best about Barbara’s writing is that she stays true to Nova Scotia as the setting in her books. Being a maritime province, our lives have historically revolved around the weather. It is frequently discussed, listened to on the radio, or watched on TV. So, it’s no surprise that the weather plays a large role in this story. Other things unique to Nova Scotia that were included in this story were the references to some of our regional dishes, such as Hodge Podge and Donairs.

“Some of us are made to have our palates cleansed. And others of us are born to wipe donair sauce from our chins.” - Page 92

People who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries with a distinctive Nova Scotia flair will not only love this story, but the series as well. Once you’ve read one, you’ll want to read another, and another set in this charming community. And like me, waiting and biding my time until the next one comes out, only to binge-read that one as well.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valerie Rankin has a lot more on her plate than now managing her family's store.

Her cousin Rollie's partner, Catherine, would like some assistance entertaining two long-term guests; Simon, a Young-Adults book author turned prepper, and Gareth, a professor friend of Rollie. Valerie's daughter has a new beau, and Valerie is mulling over her own relationship with her friend Stuart.

No sooner does she start to implement the plans on Catherine's problems when a winter storm hits Gasper's Cove and Percy, President of the Gasper's Cove and Greater Drummond Treasure Trovers, goes missing. Valerie immediately begins her own investigation with all the suspicions and false trails that entails.

While the resolution took me by surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed Crafting a Cold Case as it provides wonderful insight into life in a small Maritime town in Nova Scotia, Canada with all the complexities of the weather, relationships, and romance that can be found in a small, interconnected community.

I was provided an advance copy of Crafting a Cold Case but the opinions expressed are my own.

[Kara Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in this fantastic and unique cozy mystery series set in a small village in Nova Scotia, Canada. I’ve read most of the previous books in the series, but this book would stand alone well. Valerie is a great main character: strong, smart, self-reliant, but vulnerable at times and open to a little romance if it comes back around in middle age. I love the uniqueness of the isolated community, a tourist town in warm weather, but icy cold and snowed in at times in the winter. There’s a murder in frigid winter in this book, and as usual, Valerie is going to help solve it. I can definitely recommend this book and series; I was provided an ARC, which I really appreciate, but these opinions are my own.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in a series. You don't necessarily need to read the previous books to get the gist of this story, so you could read this as a stand-alone.

We are back with Valerie Rankin and her crafty friends in the midst of an unexpected snowstorm. There's a murder, and as usual, Valerie finds herself in the midst of things--will she be able to solve the mystery before anything else happens?!?

I received a copy of this book, and these are my own opinions.

I've loved every Barbara Emodi book I've ever read--they are usually quick reads, have enjoyable plots, as well as enjoyable characters. This one is no exception and I highly recommend it!

[Alison Hoeksema · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way Valerie and her crafter friends endure winter in Nova Scotia together could be seen as representative of how to deal with dark periods in our lives. However, Valerie's hilarious antics add a delightful twist to this cosy mystery! An unsolved murder mixes with community secrets, and the well-portrayed locals add depth to the story. Another delightful read!
I received an ARC from the author, but my opinion is given voluntarily.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun mystery in this series. I really enjoy the East Cost small town charm in these books. Just the right amount of quirkiness and charm that will make you feel like you are right there. People that work together and know each other. A storyline that will keep surprising you all along, so that it Is impossible to put the book down. Wonderful to read.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Diane O'neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun adventure in Gasper's Cove awaits! I love this series of books, always entertaining and educational. They just go to show how people who sew and craft can solve most any problem (hopefully without creating more)! If you need an escape from reality these days (and who doesn't?), Nova Scotia is a great place to visit!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time I read a murder mystery laughing out loud. The writing is as clever as the mystery itself. I didn't come close to figuring out the killing and Valerie's asides caught me off- guard every time too. The love of crafting and dogs hooked me immediately.. but the characters and intrigue were spectacular. I Highly recommend this fun read!

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crafting a Cold Case:Gasper’s Cove Mystery Book 6 does not disappoint. Humor and mystery with believable characters make this a fun enjoyable read. Barbara Emodi brings Gasper’s Cove to life. I highly recommend this book along with any from this series!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great series and this book didn't disappoint. I love how crafting is woven into the store. Valerie and the rest of the characters are so well written you will be immersed into the story quickly, and you won't want to leave. Enjoy

[Jewell Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warm and cozy mystery with all the Nova Scotia small-town charm and drama you could ask for. The snowy backdrop and crafter's touches throughout make it a perfect winter read. I look forward to reading the others in this series, and I highly recommend this engaging tale set by the sea.

[Carolyn Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from Barbara! Once again she blends history and mystery into an engaging read. I love the characters and can't wait to see what they'll be up to next.

[David Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. I really enjoyed this book about Gasper’s Cove Island and recommend it.

[Diane Forcier · Rating 4 out of 5]

It slow until midway. Then it picks up. A cute story.

[Lee Kerrighan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to read another in this Gasper’s Cove series. The characters all seem familiar, somehow, and the details of winter in the colder parts of Canada ring so true. It’s a pleasure to read an author who obviously understands and likes her characters, with all their quirks. The mystery is a challenge for everyone. A very enjoyable book

[Teri Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crafting a Cold Case: Gasper's Cove Mysteries Book 6
I love this Cozy Mystery Series. Gaspar's Cove NS is a small Canadian community I've come to appreciate over the "Crafting" series of books by Barbara Emodi. Community is something important to me and the author understands what it is. Not everyone loves everyone but they know each other. Scratch them hard enough and they are there for each other, stepping up when required and rolling their eyes when required. Honest interactions from real people.
The latest in the series, number 6, continues to bring us the people I feel I've come to know and seamlessly blends the old and the new in the world as it plays out in a small Nova Scotia town.
Emodi provides humour and intrigue in equal measure and leaves me feeling I've spent time with people who are worth spending time with. Along with a some plot twists that kept interested all the way through.