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Pleats & Poison
Enjoy this humorous, small-town, psychic, cozy mystery by best-selling and award-winning Lucinda Race.
Claudia Grant didn’t want to talk to another ghost or two—and she definitely didn’t want to investigate a murder.
Hosting Thanksgiving dinner for seven guests—and one ghost—is all in a day’s work for Claudia Grant. Between whipping up her famous mac and cheese and debuting her boutique’s latest fall fashion, Claudia’s ready to impress her visiting mom and stylish grandmother. Her cozy coastal town of Drakes Bay is the perfect backdrop for family, food, and fresh starts—especially when Gram falls in love with a pleated skirt and sweater ensemble from Claudia’s shop.
But when a spilled glass of orange juice leads to a shocking discovery—a guest at the neighboring Whistlers Inn is found dead, and the very same pleated skirt wrapped around her neck—Claudia's holiday cheer unravels fast.
Now, with her best friend Beth and a ghostly sidekick in tow, Claudia must piece together a tangled mystery before the killer skips town... and before the secrets hidden in the folds come back to haunt them all.
She’d rather be sewing hemlines than following clues—but if Claudia can’t stitch together the truth in time, someone else might be the next to check out… permanently.
Pleats & Poison is the third book in the A Dress Designer Cozy Mystery series from award-winning author Lucinda Race. Cozy up, settle in, and prepare to be haunted… in the best possible way!
Claudia Grant didn’t want to talk to another ghost or two—and she definitely didn’t want to investigate a murder.
Hosting Thanksgiving dinner for seven guests—and one ghost—is all in a day’s work for Claudia Grant. Between whipping up her famous mac and cheese and debuting her boutique’s latest fall fashion, Claudia’s ready to impress her visiting mom and stylish grandmother. Her cozy coastal town of Drakes Bay is the perfect backdrop for family, food, and fresh starts—especially when Gram falls in love with a pleated skirt and sweater ensemble from Claudia’s shop.
But when a spilled glass of orange juice leads to a shocking discovery—a guest at the neighboring Whistlers Inn is found dead, and the very same pleated skirt wrapped around her neck—Claudia's holiday cheer unravels fast.
Now, with her best friend Beth and a ghostly sidekick in tow, Claudia must piece together a tangled mystery before the killer skips town... and before the secrets hidden in the folds come back to haunt them all.
She’d rather be sewing hemlines than following clues—but if Claudia can’t stitch together the truth in time, someone else might be the next to check out… permanently.
Pleats & Poison is the third book in the A Dress Designer Cozy Mystery series from award-winning author Lucinda Race. Cozy up, settle in, and prepare to be haunted… in the best possible way!
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2025
7 people are currently reading
1347 people want to read
About the author
Lucinda Race
68 books662 followersAward-winning and best-selling author Lucinda Race is a lifelong fan of cozy mysteries and romance novels
She spins tales of small town romance and cozy mystery—writing the kinds of stories she loves to read. Whether she’s weaving a heartwarming romance or a cozy mystery, her fingers practically fly across the keyboard.
Lucinda lives with her little dog— a shih tzu mix rescue—who is always by her side. When she’s not immersed in writing mystery, suspense, or romance, she’s wandering in her garden or curled up with a book, devouring everything she can get her hands on.
Be sure to follow her on Bookbub for the latest on sales and new releases. https://bit.ly/LucindaRace
She spins tales of small town romance and cozy mystery—writing the kinds of stories she loves to read. Whether she’s weaving a heartwarming romance or a cozy mystery, her fingers practically fly across the keyboard.
Lucinda lives with her little dog— a shih tzu mix rescue—who is always by her side. When she’s not immersed in writing mystery, suspense, or romance, she’s wandering in her garden or curled up with a book, devouring everything she can get her hands on.
Be sure to follow her on Bookbub for the latest on sales and new releases. https://bit.ly/LucindaRace
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January 17, 2026Dear Reader,
I'm thrilled to share book 3, Pleats & Poison, book 3 in the A Dress Designer Cozy Mystery Series.
In this book, Claudia is about to host Thanksgiving dinner for her mom, grandmother, and her found family in Drakes Bay.
What she doesn't know is that twenty-four hours after her family arrives, a young woman is murdered at Whistlers Inn next door to Grants Gowns.
I can't give away any spoilers, but if you loved the first two books, this is a must-read, AND if you haven't started this fun ghost cozy mystery series, why wait? This is the best book yet.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing and editing it.
You can preorder your copy here: https://books2read.com/pleatsandpoison the release date is 8/6/25
❤️ Lucinda
I'm thrilled to share book 3, Pleats & Poison, book 3 in the A Dress Designer Cozy Mystery Series.
In this book, Claudia is about to host Thanksgiving dinner for her mom, grandmother, and her found family in Drakes Bay.
What she doesn't know is that twenty-four hours after her family arrives, a young woman is murdered at Whistlers Inn next door to Grants Gowns.
I can't give away any spoilers, but if you loved the first two books, this is a must-read, AND if you haven't started this fun ghost cozy mystery series, why wait? This is the best book yet.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing and editing it.
You can preorder your copy here: https://books2read.com/pleatsandpoison the release date is 8/6/25
❤️ Lucinda
August 21, 2025
Claudia is hosting Thanksgiving this year, and she wants to impress her mom and grandmother who are visiting. Her new friends mingle well with her family and even her ghostly uncle is there to celebrate. She gifts her Gram a pleated skirt and sweater set not realizing the skirt will play accessory to murder the very next day. Claudia has a lot on her plate, juggling not one but two ghosts. Andi, the recently deceased, insists on helping Claudia and Beth solve her own murder. Can they apprehend the murderer before the killer slips through their fingers like spilled juice?
Pleats and Poison is a festive cozy mystery I couldn’t put down. This is book three in the Dress Designer Cozy Mystery Series, and it is the best one so far. The Thanksgiving theme is layered throughout the story. Plus, we get to meet Claudia’s mom and Gram. There’s a touch of romance on two fronts which adds an interesting twist to the plot. The plot is full of twists and turns with a list of intriguing suspects. It took until the very end for me to figure out whodunit. I love it when cozy mysteries are complex, and I have to work my brain to figure out who the murderer is. Well done, Lucinda Race.
The characters are colorful, vibrant, and add great depth to the overall story. My favorite character in Pleats and Poison is Gram. What a fun, fashionable grandmother she is. She also has a secret Claudia didn’t know. I won’t tell you what it is, but it adds a fun element to this series. Claudia is a lot like her grandmother. I hope (hint, hint) we get to see more books with Gram.
If you’re looking for a fall-inspired Thanksgiving cozy mystery, pick up Pleats and Poison. You’ll be grateful you did.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
Pleats and Poison is a festive cozy mystery I couldn’t put down. This is book three in the Dress Designer Cozy Mystery Series, and it is the best one so far. The Thanksgiving theme is layered throughout the story. Plus, we get to meet Claudia’s mom and Gram. There’s a touch of romance on two fronts which adds an interesting twist to the plot. The plot is full of twists and turns with a list of intriguing suspects. It took until the very end for me to figure out whodunit. I love it when cozy mysteries are complex, and I have to work my brain to figure out who the murderer is. Well done, Lucinda Race.
The characters are colorful, vibrant, and add great depth to the overall story. My favorite character in Pleats and Poison is Gram. What a fun, fashionable grandmother she is. She also has a secret Claudia didn’t know. I won’t tell you what it is, but it adds a fun element to this series. Claudia is a lot like her grandmother. I hope (hint, hint) we get to see more books with Gram.
If you’re looking for a fall-inspired Thanksgiving cozy mystery, pick up Pleats and Poison. You’ll be grateful you did.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
August 9, 2025
Thanksgiving in Drake’s Bay sees Claudia hosting her mom and Gram as well as her new found family, Beth, Eddie, Ethan, and Fiona. Gram is thrilled with Beth and Claudia’s new knit line and snaps up a sweater and skirt set. Gram also reveals that she can see and talk to Uncle Herman. Taking mom and Gram to the inn to check in, they learn a group of friends is also spending the holiday weekend there. An accidental run in with one of the guests, Andi, has orange juice spilled on Gram’s skirt and Mariah, the owner of the inn offers to wash it. When Claudia and Gram return later, they find Mariah and a very dead Andi with the skirt around her neck. Eddie tries to keep Claudia and Beth from investigating, but the sofa sleuths are back in business, especially as Claudia is the only one who can help a ghost with a vested interest in the case.
Lucinda Race’s new cozy mystery series continues to charm the reader. Claudia is an endearing heroine and her genuine interactions with Uncle Herman are so sweet. After meeting other ghosts, Claudia encourages Herman to explore the boundaries of his hauntings. I loved that Gram was revealed to have the same abilities and how she jumped into the investigation as well. We get some hints of romance this time around with Eddie and Claudia agreeing to a proper date and admitting they are interested in each other. Mom, Dana, and Ethan also connected in a sweet second chance romance. I loved how accepting both Claudia and Beth were of that development. Hopefully this will give us more of Gram and Dana in future stories. Overall, a well written, nicely paced mystery with heart, humor, and a sprinkle of romance. I’m definitely onboard for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lucinda Race’s new cozy mystery series continues to charm the reader. Claudia is an endearing heroine and her genuine interactions with Uncle Herman are so sweet. After meeting other ghosts, Claudia encourages Herman to explore the boundaries of his hauntings. I loved that Gram was revealed to have the same abilities and how she jumped into the investigation as well. We get some hints of romance this time around with Eddie and Claudia agreeing to a proper date and admitting they are interested in each other. Mom, Dana, and Ethan also connected in a sweet second chance romance. I loved how accepting both Claudia and Beth were of that development. Hopefully this will give us more of Gram and Dana in future stories. Overall, a well written, nicely paced mystery with heart, humor, and a sprinkle of romance. I’m definitely onboard for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2025
- Cozy mystery
- Small town
- Paranormal aspects
I can't get enough of this series! I love everything about it - the characters, the interesting plots, the originality. This series is a spin off of one of my favorite cozy series - Book Store Cozy Mysteries. The town is different, the characters are different, but the quality of writing remains the same.
In this series, dressmaker Claudia has moved to Drakes Bay after her uncle passes and leaves his dress store to her. After she arrives, she discovers he is still a ghost in residence...and that she can talk to him. She had been able to see ghosts before, just never was able to communicate.
She's been in town for a few months now and has made friends with fellow small business owner, Beth and is enamored by Beth's cousin, police officer Eddie. But with the way she continually finds trouble in their little town, she and Eddie usually see each other at a scene with yellow tape....
Her mother and grandmother are in town for Thanksgiving, and Claudia finds out her grandmother can also see ghosts. They have a cute bonding while trying to find out what happened to a guest at the local inn.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it quickly. Highly recommended!
- Small town
- Paranormal aspects
I can't get enough of this series! I love everything about it - the characters, the interesting plots, the originality. This series is a spin off of one of my favorite cozy series - Book Store Cozy Mysteries. The town is different, the characters are different, but the quality of writing remains the same.
In this series, dressmaker Claudia has moved to Drakes Bay after her uncle passes and leaves his dress store to her. After she arrives, she discovers he is still a ghost in residence...and that she can talk to him. She had been able to see ghosts before, just never was able to communicate.
She's been in town for a few months now and has made friends with fellow small business owner, Beth and is enamored by Beth's cousin, police officer Eddie. But with the way she continually finds trouble in their little town, she and Eddie usually see each other at a scene with yellow tape....
Her mother and grandmother are in town for Thanksgiving, and Claudia finds out her grandmother can also see ghosts. They have a cute bonding while trying to find out what happened to a guest at the local inn.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it quickly. Highly recommended!
August 15, 2025
Pleats & Poison hit all my cozy mystery sweet spots—small-town charm, a dash of the paranormal, and just enough sass to keep me smiling while I tried to solve the murder before Claudia did.
Claudia Grant is the kind of heroine you root for instantly. She’s juggling Thanksgiving dinner for family (and one ghostly plus-one), running her boutique, and trying to keep her stylish Gram happy—when a simple spill leads to a shocking murder right next door. The victim? Wearing one of Claudia’s designs… only not the way it was intended.
I loved how the mystery wove together fashion, family drama, and just the right amount of supernatural fun. The banter between Claudia, her best friend Beth, and her ghostly companion had me laughing out loud, and the clues kept me guessing right up until the reveal. The coastal town of Drakes Bay feels like a place I’d want to visit—minus the whole murder thing.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with quirky characters, clever twists, and a heroine who’d rather be hemming skirts than hunting killers (but still gets the job done), Pleats & Poison is a perfect weekend read. Just don’t be surprised if you start craving mac and cheese halfway through.
Claudia Grant is the kind of heroine you root for instantly. She’s juggling Thanksgiving dinner for family (and one ghostly plus-one), running her boutique, and trying to keep her stylish Gram happy—when a simple spill leads to a shocking murder right next door. The victim? Wearing one of Claudia’s designs… only not the way it was intended.
I loved how the mystery wove together fashion, family drama, and just the right amount of supernatural fun. The banter between Claudia, her best friend Beth, and her ghostly companion had me laughing out loud, and the clues kept me guessing right up until the reveal. The coastal town of Drakes Bay feels like a place I’d want to visit—minus the whole murder thing.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with quirky characters, clever twists, and a heroine who’d rather be hemming skirts than hunting killers (but still gets the job done), Pleats & Poison is a perfect weekend read. Just don’t be surprised if you start craving mac and cheese halfway through.
July 28, 2025
Wonderful book!
Claudia's mom and grandmother are in town for Thanksgiving, and while staying at the local inn, the innkeeper, Mariah, finds a guest dead, with a skirt Claudia's grandmother had been wearing earlier (which Claudia made, of course), around the dead woman's neck.
Claudia and Beth set out to figure out the killer, with some ghostly help. Of course, the police are working on the case as well, and Kevin is worried about Claudia getting hurt by her investigating..
I love the characters in this series - they are all believable and interesting.
There are ghosts and mystery, some potential romances, and a number of suspects in the woman's death, and culprit and motive don't become completely clear til the end.
The story is so well told (as I've found with all of the author's books I've read), and it's an easy, fun read.
This is a great addition to the series, and I'm looking forward to what comes next in their lives!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2025
This was my first entry into the Dress Designer cozy mystery series and it certainly won’t be my last! While book three reads perfectly as a standalone, I am looking forward to getting my hands on books one and two so I can get some additional character background. This entry is perfect fall reading as it is set over Thanksgiving. I loved seeing Claudia in action preparing for the big meal and her family coming in tow. It’s clear that while Claudia has made a lovely home for herself in Drakes Bay with many friends that feel like family, she is also so excited to welcome her mom and grandma.
It’s not long into the story that a guest at the inn next door is found murdered and Claudia is determined to help. Claudia is a brave character, not one to be easily scared! What I love most are the ghostly sidekicks, especially Claudia’s uncle Herman. I wish I had a friendly ghost in my house I could chat with.
A wonderful mystery, with lots of action, made this a page-turning read, on top of a great setting with fully drawn characters that I loved hanging out with. This was such an enjoyable read! Three cheers for a new to me series! Five stars!
It’s not long into the story that a guest at the inn next door is found murdered and Claudia is determined to help. Claudia is a brave character, not one to be easily scared! What I love most are the ghostly sidekicks, especially Claudia’s uncle Herman. I wish I had a friendly ghost in my house I could chat with.
A wonderful mystery, with lots of action, made this a page-turning read, on top of a great setting with fully drawn characters that I loved hanging out with. This was such an enjoyable read! Three cheers for a new to me series! Five stars!
August 6, 2025
I thought it was great that since Claudia’s mom and grandma were visiting, Herman now had one more person he could talk to. Gram hadn’t even realized she could see and talk to ghosts until now which was pretty cool because it definitely helped Claudia with a murder case at the inn. And Claudia was dealing with two new ghosts this time, one who’d been a ghost way longer than Herman and a new recent ghost who hoped Claudia could find the killer and bring the ghost their eternal rest.
The showdown was a tense one but with a ghostly helper or two, Claudia managed to hold off the killer until the police arrived. I can’t wait to see what the next book brings! Kinda hoping it’s a Christmas theme.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided via BookSprout, and my opinions are my own.
The showdown was a tense one but with a ghostly helper or two, Claudia managed to hold off the killer until the police arrived. I can’t wait to see what the next book brings! Kinda hoping it’s a Christmas theme.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided via BookSprout, and my opinions are my own.
September 9, 2025
Its Claudia’s first Thanksgiving in Drakes Bay. Her mother and grandmother will be coming to Thanksgiving dinner along with all of her new friends – and of course Uncle Herman’s ghost will be watching the festivities. It will be fun right? What could happen? Well . . . as her mother and grandmother are checking into the bed and breakfast next door, they find one of the guests in the laundry room, murdered. Because she has been suspiciously murdered, she has not crossed over yet and Claudia can see and talk to her. And her grandmother Erma can also see and talk to ghosts. Lots of fun and new friends (and new ghosts) while solving this murder! I love this series and can’t wait for the next book to come out!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2025
This was a great little mystery set at Thanksgiving. Claudia is juggling having her mom and grandma visiting for the holidays while also doing thanksgiving prep and the busy shopping time, things become more complicated when a guest at the local Inn is found dead, the victim becomes a ghost but can't remember how she died or who killed her. Claudia tries to help the victim so she can pass on and also meets another goes with the help of her friend Beth but also her grandma Erma who is also able to see ghosts. This was a nice fast paced mystery, also we see her and Eddie finally make clear their feelings. Can't wait for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2025
Of course the Thanksgiving with her family couldn't go too smoothly for Claudia so whilst sad for her I love a festive read!
I was excited Gram and Herman got a fun surprise while Claudia is trying to solve what went down at the Inn also with the help from Beth and then there is a development with Eddie and did I mention it's Thanksgiving, so you know.... no pressure and it's not like she's already got a lot on lol.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was excited Gram and Herman got a fun surprise while Claudia is trying to solve what went down at the Inn also with the help from Beth and then there is a development with Eddie and did I mention it's Thanksgiving, so you know.... no pressure and it's not like she's already got a lot on lol.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2025
Claudia's mother and grandmother visit for Thanksgiving, but soon after their arrival, a murder occurs at the inn where they are staying. Claudia and Beth decide to investigate the crime together. During their sleuthing, Claudia befriends two new ghosts and uncovers a secret about her grandmother. With its wonderful characters and captivating plot, this cozy mystery is a true page-turner. I highly recommend it to all fans of the genre.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2025
Pleats & Poison: A Craft and Ghost Cozy Mystery is book #3 in the Dress Designer Cozy Mystery series by Lucinda Race.
It’s Thanksgiving and Claudia’s mom and gram are coming to visit. I love how concerned Claudia is about Herman’s feelings. There were some significant changes for him. Having her mom and gram there helped free Claudia up to investigate a death at the B&B. This series is full of wonderful characters. Eddie is so sweet. I can’t wait for the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s Thanksgiving and Claudia’s mom and gram are coming to visit. I love how concerned Claudia is about Herman’s feelings. There were some significant changes for him. Having her mom and gram there helped free Claudia up to investigate a death at the B&B. This series is full of wonderful characters. Eddie is so sweet. I can’t wait for the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2025
A nice and quiet Thanksgiving with her mom and gram? Of course not, Claudia has some sleuthing and ghost whispering to do. This is such a good addition to this wonderful series. The story pulled me in from page one. It has likeable characters, is easy to read and very entertaining. I really enjoyed it and I'm already looking forward to the next story.
I received an advance review copy via Booksprout and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received an advance review copy via Booksprout and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
August 6, 2025
Everyone hopes to make their Thanksgiving a memorable experience. Claudia Grant’s guest list includes a ghost, but for her, it’s all normal. The characters in this series are fun and quite memorable. There’s a very touching moment in the story that brought tears to my eyes. Looking forward to another visit to Drakes Bay and Claudia’s boutique.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2025
This is a fun paranormal cozy with a ghostly twist. Claudia can talk to ghosts which is very helpful because there is one who needs help solving her murder before she can cross to the other side. In the meantime, Claudia is entertaining her family who are visiting and trying to grow her business. She is not bored! This can be read as a standalone and is my favorite in the series so far.
August 5, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how this murder was solved with the help of the ghosts. The reason behind the murder was petty and I'm glad the culprit was caught. I hope Claudia's mom and grandma will move to be near. Claudia and her grandma share some talents.
August 8, 2025
It is Thanksgiving and Clàudia’s mom and grandmother are here to celebrate. Claudia and Beth of course jump right in and try to solve the murder of a guest of the inn. Claudia also learns a secret about her grandmother. Loved this one. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.
August 4, 2025
I talk to ghosts. When Claudia finds a recently diseased young girl it is hard to tell her that she is dead. Will Claudia, her friend and her ghostly companion be able to solve the mystery?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2025
The first I read in this enjoyable series and won't surely be the last.
Well plotted, humorous, solidy mystery and fleshed out characters
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Well plotted, humorous, solidy mystery and fleshed out characters
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
August 10, 2025
Thanksgiving, ghost, and murder. What a combo. It's also has some romance and a little humor, which all made for a decent paced, enjoyable read. Looking forward to more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2025
This serious is so good. I love the characters. I really enjoy when authors mention characters in other series as Easter eggs. I'm enjoying watching the relationships bloom in this as well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2025
This is a fun paranormal cozy. I love the characters in this series. I'm looking forward to what comes next! If you loved the first two books, this is a must-read.
August 30, 2025
Sweet cozy mystery series...loved this sweet story with talking ghost and fall holiday vibes...nice small town feel.
January 11, 2026
My review for book 2.
Genre: Cozy mystery, paranormal
Setting: Small town in Maine
Writing style: 1st person, past tense
Character- or plot-driven: Plot-driven
Romance: Yes
Clean level: Squeaky
Favorite aspects of the book:
• The presence of the victim’s ghost
• The progress in Claudia and Eddie’s relationship
• Glimpses of Andi (the victim) and brother Shawn’s relationship
• Meeting Claudia’s mother and grandmother
This book features a number of firsts for the series: We meet Claudia’s mother and paternal grandmother for the first time (Claudia herself hasn’t seen them for ten months), the murder victim becomes a ghost, and there’s another ghost who plays a part in the story. (Claudia only briefly meets another ghost in the second book.) We also find out that Claudia (seems to have) inherited her ghost-seeing ability from her grandmother.
The explanation behind the murder is not as expected, and is quite twisted. The suspects were narrowed down to a single group, so the only question was which of them was the culprit.
There’s a little map of the town buildings at the beginning of the book.
Favorite Quotations:
• “I’d prefer you think of us slightly differently. It’s like you’re a sandcastle at the beach and we’re the tide. We sneak up on you and, over a bit of time, wear you down to divulge what’s inside.”
• A snake of worry slithered over me.
(I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am gratefully—voluntarily—leaving a review.)
Genre: Cozy mystery, paranormal
Setting: Small town in Maine
Writing style: 1st person, past tense
Character- or plot-driven: Plot-driven
Romance: Yes
Clean level: Squeaky
Favorite aspects of the book:
• The presence of the victim’s ghost
• The progress in Claudia and Eddie’s relationship
• Glimpses of Andi (the victim) and brother Shawn’s relationship
• Meeting Claudia’s mother and grandmother
This book features a number of firsts for the series: We meet Claudia’s mother and paternal grandmother for the first time (Claudia herself hasn’t seen them for ten months), the murder victim becomes a ghost, and there’s another ghost who plays a part in the story. (Claudia only briefly meets another ghost in the second book.) We also find out that Claudia (seems to have) inherited her ghost-seeing ability from her grandmother.
The explanation behind the murder is not as expected, and is quite twisted. The suspects were narrowed down to a single group, so the only question was which of them was the culprit.
There’s a little map of the town buildings at the beginning of the book.
Favorite Quotations:
• “I’d prefer you think of us slightly differently. It’s like you’re a sandcastle at the beach and we’re the tide. We sneak up on you and, over a bit of time, wear you down to divulge what’s inside.”
• A snake of worry slithered over me.
(I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am gratefully—voluntarily—leaving a review.)
December 30, 2025
This author's books are well written, well thought out with interesting story lines and loveable characters. She also does not follow the Stupidity Formula that is so common nowadays with characters that cannot communicate, and act and think stupid. There aren't any silly misunderstandings. Source: Booksprout.
Ghostly Gowns Series:
PLEATS AND POISON, #3 - A quickly read, fast paced story with interesting story lines and surprise characters to add to the good cast of characters. My favorite of the trio so far. Source: Booksprout. 5*
GHOSTS AND GOWNS, #1 - Interesting characters and story lines make this a one-sitting page turner. Good chemistry between the two new BFFs, with plenty of humor, intrigue and family - dead and alive. 5*
BUTTONS AND BURGLARY, #2 - Interesting story lines with a touch of romance, and no deaths this time around. Plenty of friends and love for others. 4*
Ghostly Gowns Series end.
Ghostly Gowns Series:
PLEATS AND POISON, #3 - A quickly read, fast paced story with interesting story lines and surprise characters to add to the good cast of characters. My favorite of the trio so far. Source: Booksprout. 5*
GHOSTS AND GOWNS, #1 - Interesting characters and story lines make this a one-sitting page turner. Good chemistry between the two new BFFs, with plenty of humor, intrigue and family - dead and alive. 5*
BUTTONS AND BURGLARY, #2 - Interesting story lines with a touch of romance, and no deaths this time around. Plenty of friends and love for others. 4*
Ghostly Gowns Series end.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews