Wedding Duress

A Southern Sewing Circle #10

by Elizabeth Lynn Casey

Librarian Tori Sinclair is tying the knot—as long as a murder doesn’t unravel her plans…

Tori is ecstatic to become Mrs. Milo Wentworth in a few days, but she has a lot to do before she sashays down the aisle. Favors need to be sewn, vows need to be written—and a mystifying murder needs to be solved.

When Beatrice, a fellow member of the Sweet Briar Ladies Society Sewing Circle, learns that her former nanny took a fatal fall in her new employers’ home, she suspects the death was not an accident. Now Tori’s spending her last days as a single woman untangling rumors and stitching together motives to find a killer. But can she nab a murderer and make it to the church on time?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Southern, Romance, Sewing

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 7, 2015

Reviews

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wedding Duress is book 10 of Elizabeth Lynn Casey's Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries series. The author kept readers waiting till next to last chapter for this murder mystery to be solved. I was seeing the ending coming and wondered if this mystery would be carried over to the next book. I was wrong about who I thought was the guilty person in this perplexing mystery but I wasn't far off. I will say this book kept me up to the wee hours of the morning . I went to bed before finishing but couldn't sleep for thinking about it.
The title of this book accurately describes the content of this book. As if Tori Sinclair didn't already have enough on her plate with getting all those lose ends of her wedding to Milo Wentworth taken care of, we find strife and hurt feelings springing up amongst her friends in the sewing circle. Then quite unexpectedly one of the sewing circle members dearest friends dies from a fall. But was it an accident or was it murder? Of course Chief Robert Dallas rules it as accidental death because that's the easiest and most convenient thing to do. But there's some questions that need answers too so Tori finds herself adding an investigation to her already full schedule. The wedding count down has begun. Will Tori and her sleuthing friends solve this case before her big day? Oh and remember Charles from the Coffee Bristol in New Youk City? He was in book 9 , Taken In. Well he's back and cute and quirky as ever. He also lends his sleuthing talents and is a big help in solving this mystery.
Fans of Elizabeth Lynn Casey and Laura Bradford will love this book. Mystery book readers will not want to miss out on reading it. If you've been reading the other books in the Southern Circle Mysteries this is part of that series.
I borrowed a copy of this book from the Ohio Digital Library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Elizabeth Lynn Casey (*also known as Laura Bradford, author of the incredible Amish Mystery series ~ read it if you haven’t!) once again has penned a delightful, intriguing mystery that held me mesmerized page after wonderful page!

I can’t begin to describe just how happy I was to be back in Sweet Briar, spending time with the dear ladies of the Sweet Briar Sewing Circle. They are one of my favorite casts of characters ever in a series. (For the record, you do not have to know how to sew to enjoy this series.)

It was fun to be wrapped up in Tori and Milo’s wedding preparations. But this is a mystery, and murder is bound to sew its way into the story. This time the victim is close to Beatrice. Our favorite nanny’s own former nanny is found dead. I enjoyed that this story brought more out about Beatrice. She normally sits so quietly through the books, that it was great to have more time with her, even if it was not so fun for her.

Author Casey stitched the mystery of what really happened to Miss Gracie the nanny better than the best seamstress could create an award winning dress or quilt. There were so many fantastic details woven into this incredible story.

As someone who loves surprises, I have to tell you, when the reveal came and the “whodunit” was out in the open, I was indeed surprised! I never saw it coming.

WEDDING DURESS is a stellar addition to this long running series and is one of my favorite books so far this year, following close on the heels of SUSPENDERED SENTENCE (Laura Bradford ~ see above *). Congratulation Ms. Casey on getting this story to book #10! Here’s to at least 10 more…then the sweet tea will be on me!

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

I can’t believe this is the 10th book in this series but it is! The ladies of The Sweet Briar Ladies Society Sewing Circle have stitched themselves right into my heart from the very first story.

In Wedding Duress plans are well underway for Tori and Milo’s wedding. We are at the final bridesmaid’s fittings when Leona does what she does and really steps in it saying Rose is too old and unattractive to be in the wedding. Then she goes on her television program and says the same thing. The other ladies are livid and what nothing to do with Leona, so much so that no one but Tori notices she seems to be missing.

In addition to they circle’s drama, Beatrice is excited that her former nanny is coming across the pond to Sweet Briar to be a nanny for some local children. Beatrice is stunned when the woman is found dead at the bottom of a flight of stairs within hours of arriving. She knows it wasn’t an accident and begs Tori to help her find out what really happened.

Another fantastic story from Elizabeth Lynn Casey. I absolutely loved that all the ladies, no matter their age, were part of the wedding party and that time was taken to get the perfect style and the right shade of color for each of them. The description of each dress was vivid so they were very easy to picture in my mind.

Friendship always plays a key part in these stories and this time the ladies surrounded Rose with love and encouragement and also tried to teach Leona a lesson about how hurtful her words could be. Whether the lesson sticks we will have to wait and see.

It was nice to see Beatrice in the center of the mystery. She is always the quiet one and I liked that we got to know her a little better. I was sad though that she did not get to spend more time with her former nanny and friend.

The mystery itself was quite interesting. Right away there seemed to be one definite suspect but the pool of those with means, motive and opportunity continued to grow. As more details were revealed I thought I had it all figured out but my notion split at the seams as Casey added a few final twists to the yarn she was spinning.

I really hate when these stories come to a close. My visit to Sweet Briar always seems too short. I truly cannot wait to visit my favorite ladies again. I also cannot wait to see what Elizabeth Lynn Casey has planned for them next.

[OpenBookSociety.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://openbooksociety.com/article/we...

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt

I love getting the chance to step into the wonderful town of Sweet Briar and spend some time with the special ladies of the Sewing Circle. This installment is even more special than usual. Tori is going to become Mrs. Milo Wentworth. With two weeks before the big day, Tori has her hands full checking things off her wedding list. The last thing she needs is another murder to investigate. She also has to deal with a member that has gone missing after their last meeting. Okay, Leona could just be sulking after the ladies finally called her on her behavior, but Tori has to find out for sure.

The ladies in the sewing circle run the gambit of age and lifestyles. Yet they are all friends and even more, they are family of the heart. Elizabeth Lynn Casey brings these characters to life with descriptive and lively writing. The reader can never go wrong reading one of her books. (Even those under her other name Laura Bradford). She is truly one of my favorite all time authors. She has the power to keep you guessing while keeping you completely entertained throughout the entire book. There is no wasted space in her action, emotion and fun packed book. Wedding Duress is no exception. This installment is my favorite so far, but then each one has been through all 10 of this series.

The mystery aspect of this novel keeps the reader guessing and guessing and guessing some more. Each turn is feasible and never outlandish. Along the way the reader gets to enjoy the fun filled ladies of the Southern Sewing Circle. Just when I thought I had it figured out, Tori and friends found out another clue to point in a different direction. I had so much fun trying to figure out who had done it! Poor Tori does get her items on her list checked off somehow through all of it, of course with the help of her good friends.

I would recommend Wedding Duress to anyone that enjoys a spectacular written mystery, cozy or not. This series is so much fun, so entertaining, and just so wonderful. The characters are hilarious and heartfelt. The mystery itself is intriguing and well written. I can not say enough about this latest installment. I would give it 10 stars plus if I could. Author Casey is a one in a million writer!! I can not wait for the next book in the Southern Sewing Circle so I can find out what Tori and Milo do for a honeymoon!!

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

[Lisa Cornelius Ashby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ABSOLUTELY love this series!!! I love how the storyline of the characters continues to evolve in this latest book in the series. The murder mystery was quite interesting and definitely had me guessing. I can’t wait to read the next one. I will have to hold off for awhile though, as there are only 2 books left in the series, I will have stretch it out, and I know my heart will break when I finish the last one and have to say goodbye to these wonderful adorable characters and the sweet little town of Sweet Briar!📖📚💜

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wedding Duress is the tenth book in the Southern Sewing Circle series.

I love this series, as the characters seem so real to me. The members of the sewing circle are all best friends, but that doesn't mean that they agree with each other all the time and yes, as in real life disagreements to crop up. And that is what makes it so enjoyable and believable.

Tori Sinclair's wedding to Milo Wentworth is quickly approaching and time has come for the final fitting of dresses for the wedding party. As they having their fittings, Leona Elkins, as she so often does, gets the circle upset when see comments that Rose Winters is too old to be in the wedding party. Then on cable TV program she says the same thing A heated argument ensues at the next circle meeting about Leona's rudeness. Then when Leona goes missing, Tori seems to be the only one concerned and one who has any desire to find what has happened to her.

In addition to this dilemma, Beatrice, a nanny in Sweet Briars and a member of the circle, is distraught over her former governess coming from England to take a nanny's position with Brady family and family down their basement stairs and dying, the day after arriving. Beatrice feels sure that the fall was no accident and asks for Tory help in finding out what really happened. Hopefully all will be resolved before Tori and Milo say I do.

Will definitely be looking forward to the next book.

[Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tori is counting down the days until her marriage to Milo takes place, she has a to-do list for the final arrangements but wasn't expecting a couple of extra items to end up on it! So, get vows to the Minister, check, pick up rings, check, solve a murder and stop Leona being ostracized by the rest of the sewing group (including Leona's sister) ...... err, WHAT?!

When Leona takes a swipe (verbally) at Rose on Leona's Closet (her new cable show), the rest of the sewing group are seething and the fact that Leona can't seem to see what she has done wrong has made it worse, it seems that trying to figure out who killed a nanny is the least of Tori's problems, but with the help of Margaret Louise (and Charles from New York) she will do her best.  Getting people to forgive Leona could be a little more tricky though.

[Sanderella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! More of a review to come. I need some sleep.

[Alicia Peacock · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would like to say that lots of people like this series and the characters. Many of those individuals have given this book and other books in the series 5 stars. For me I do not like this series, the characters or the writing style. The characters are written so over the top and are so dramatic that at times it is awkward to even read. The mystery takes a huge back seat to the community and the characters. Wait that isn't right, not the back seat, the mystery isn't even in the same car or on the same road. The mystery is so easy to solve there is nothing clever about it. It is so over written. Milo and Tori go on a picnic and you know every single thing they ate, every bite they took, when they touched, when they crossed legs, when they uncrossed their legs, etc., etc. etc. WHO CARES! It contributes nothing to the plot and is just so unnecessary to go into that excruciating level of detail. I have learned to skim reading these books. It made me wonder if this was a case of the author getting paid by the word because there were a lot of them. Then when something happens in the book it is retold multiple times on the page as different characters are clued in to what happened. Where is the editor to say "that's a bit repetitive don't you think"? Only two more in the series then I am done. I will try something else by this author maybe I just didn't click with this series.

[Kimberly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Casey is not a *bad* writer overall- the book flowed well and the mystery wasn't too overly simple-
But the characters and their dynamics just didn't draw me in at all. Some of the sentiments they expressed were just so ridiculous it drew me out entirely, and I really, really didn't like the way the economically poor families were portrayed.
It also sounds like the MCs parents pretty much abandoned their kid entirely to go play missionary overseas somewhere, which is not admirable or understandable.
There's a kind of token gay character who shows up near the end, but despite the stereotypes he was the most interesting person in the book.
There was also not very much sewing in the sewing circle. It felt more like a library mystery because of the MCs job, but that mostly seemed to mention the young kids' events at the library which I personally have less than no interest in.

Points for the title, though, that was a good one.
I also appreciated how close the MC was to her great grandmother

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another awesome story in the series. We got all kind of things going on. Keep up you might miss something. Everything is great on the wedding front. Everything else is a not. Leona is being her usual snide self to Rose and it's got everyone in an uproar. Beatrice's former nanny comes to town and has a fatal fall. She ask for York's help cause she thinks it's murder.
But one of the best things is Charles comes to town. He is so much fun. I just love him.
Tori's in a race against time to get it all together before her wedding.
I just love this series!

[Claudia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible book. I picked this up because I am interested in the wedding dress theme and sewing. Very little of either in this book. It is the tenth in the series, so maybe the others were better and dealt more with the sewing circle. This thing was almost 300 pages of banter between the characters who live in the town. It read like a cheap romance with a simple mystery tucked inside.
I do not plan to read another book in this series.

[Marti · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this one, Tori and Milo are finally close to their wedding day. Meantime, the British nanny Beatrice has convinced her own beloved nanny, Miss Gracie, to leave England in order to come to and has encouraged Briar. There is one nanny agency in the town, and Beatrice doesn't think highly of it. She is concerned about the welfare of one family's children and is convinced that Miss Gracie would be a great fit. Mayhem ensues.

[LibraryLady80 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy this writers style of writing (I have read other books in this series) and I liked the mystery, but this book had a very slow start. I kept putting the book down and reading other books with more interesting early chapters. And, I felt like the dissension between the one character and the other characters was just too mean and went on too long. And, that is why I gave the book only three stars.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of the last two weeks before the wedding of Tori Sinclair to Milo Wentworth. It starts with the dress fitting of all the bridesmaids and end with the wedding. In between is Leona getting hurt, Rose being hurt by Leona and the death of a nanny. The death actually is secondary to all the wedding and friendship stress that involves Tori. The book was a fast easy read.

[Teri Stich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah yes after reading a heavy book there is nothing like cleansing one's palate with a cozy mystery. And one about sewing is better yet. I have enjoyed each and every one of the "Southern Sewing Circle" books and look forward to the next. Want an easy breezy enjoyable read? This is it!

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real good story especially the way the dresses are made for her sewing circle who will be attending her wedding. The downfall is that a much beloved nanny is push down the stairs. At the end they find out what had happen and who actually caused the accident.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an unusual Southern Sewing Circle mystery in a few ways but the biggest was the conflict among the characters. It didn't detract from the story but it did allow for a bit more insight into a few characters -- and I'll always take that. It'll be interesting to see where things go from here.

[Ppcfransen · Rating 2 out of 5]

When after 100 pages the mystery still had not started, I skipped to the end to find out if there actually was a mystery to the story.

Apparently there was, but after all the interpersonal drama that had been in the story so far, I was not much in a mood to go through 180 more pages of that.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun series, this volume we get a mystery and a wedding!!!!!!

[Sherry Wahnsiedler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lead character is a little too perfect for me.

[Flora Camille Lynette Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book ❤ it

[Lynne Tull · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally Milo and Tori tied the knot, but not before she had to solve a mystery. Milo had better get used to it. Recommend for 'no stress' reading.

[Aiisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

part of series

[Patti Abernathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than the last one but pretty quick healing. I figured out who done it but not the why…

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series and the characters

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

again with the wedding plots?!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The usual fun story and characters. Great sewing tips included!

[Deb Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Lynn Casey continues her long running Southern Sewing Circle mystery series with her latest book, Wedding Duress. Readers who love the series will be enthralled by Tori and Milo's wedding plans and how that effects the Sweet Briar Sewing Circle. It's not fun and roses with circle in this book, as Leona once again speaks her mind, when she probably should have kept it shut. There is also murder afoot when a nanny from England ends up at the bottom of a basement staircase. A great addition to this ever changing series!

One of the things that I always find interesting about this series is the way that Casey is able to change things up. Readers have become accustomed to all the ladies in the sewing circle now that the series is ten books in, but I think there is still so much to learn about all of the ladies and their amazing friendships. Beatrice is a character we rarely hear anything from in the series and I thought Casey did a fantastic job of bringing her into the spotlight. Beatrice becomes a focal point that was unexpected and very enjoyable.

There is a lot going on in this addition to the series. Tori and Milo's wedding is just around the corner, Beatrices' former nanny has taken a tragic tumble and Leona is simply being herself in this one. Casey does a great job of melding all of the sub plots together to form an amazing cozy. We get a great mystery, time with friends and plenty of drama, both murderous and childish. I loved the way it all worked itself out.

The mystery aspects of this one were intriguing. Beatrice's friend and former nanny Miss Grace is dead. It could have been an accident but Beatrice doesn't think so. It's up to the ladies to figure it all out. At first I thought I had it figured out, early on. Then after a few twists and turns, I wasn't too sure. When the final reveal came, I was dumbfounded. Nope, I did not have this one anywhere close to right... lol. That made it just perfect for me. Casey made the killer illusive and full of surprises.

Bottom Line:

If you love a good cozy series, that has long standing characters and intriguing new plots, the Southern Sewing Circle books are for you. Wedding Duress centered around Tori's wedding, but it wasn't overwhelmed by it. Casey certainly kept me in the dark as to who the killer was until the very end. I love it when I'm totally surprised by what happens. A great read and a great addition to the series!

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tori Sinclair and Milo Wenworth are finally getting married and this big day is only 12 days away. So what could possibly go wrong with The Sewing Circle, and a couple of its members. With Beatrice being so excited about her nanny friend coming to work for a local family on her recccomendation, but only to have tragedy strike within 24 hours of her arrival, she has a fatal fall down the stairs and now Beatrice is trying to get Tori to help her investigate it as murder. And why is Leona not answering her calls? But all of the bridesmaid dresses are perfect, and Tori's dress that Rose is making is absolutely gorgeous. Can Tori get everything done in time for the wedding? And can she also have the wedding of her dreams?

Loved this addition to this series the stories told by the author in this series are entertaining, fun, humorous, and full of what a great group of friends can always accomplish and do for each other. Plus the murder mysteries always have an excellent twist and great investigating techniques.