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Ribbons & Robbery: A Craft and Ghost Cozy Mystery
Claudia Grant planned to sell holiday stockings—not solve a murder.
The holidays are supposed to be magical, but when Claudia Grant’s well-meaning grandmother signs her up (without asking) for a booth at the bustling Drakes Bay Holiday Market, things start to unravel like a dropped stitch in a knitting basket.
Between hand-sewn Christmas and Hanukkah stockings, fabric wreaths, and a last-minute crash course in holiday bazaars, Claudia is in over her head. And that’s before the local self-proclaimed bazaar queen, Ginny Wicket, struts in with her fancy brooches and bad attitude.
The annual Drakes Bay Holiday Bazaar is supposed to be filled with handcrafted gifts, holiday fun, and good cheer—not murder.
When Ginny Wicket collapses beside her glittering display, Claudia assumes it’s a tragic medical emergency. But when the cause of death points to something sinister, the festive market becomes a crime scene.
Claudia and her best friend Beth can’t ignore the loose threads.
A brooch that mysteriously appears in Beth’s tote box.
A damp jewelry box in Claudia’s shoulder bag.
And don’t forget the nervous knitter with something to hide.
A fitness trainer who’s a little too protective.
A banker cousin who knows more about business than she lets on.
And we can’t overlook a rude, wealthy socialite obsessed with being in the know.
As secrets unravel and another attack hits close to home, Claudia must stitch together clues before the killer disappears with the holiday crowd.
Will Claudia survive her first holiday market… or will the season’s hottest trend be felony chic?
Perfect for fans of Ellie Alexander, Maddie Day, and heartwarming holiday mysteries with crafty heroines and a hint of unexpected surprises.
The holidays are supposed to be magical, but when Claudia Grant’s well-meaning grandmother signs her up (without asking) for a booth at the bustling Drakes Bay Holiday Market, things start to unravel like a dropped stitch in a knitting basket.
Between hand-sewn Christmas and Hanukkah stockings, fabric wreaths, and a last-minute crash course in holiday bazaars, Claudia is in over her head. And that’s before the local self-proclaimed bazaar queen, Ginny Wicket, struts in with her fancy brooches and bad attitude.
The annual Drakes Bay Holiday Bazaar is supposed to be filled with handcrafted gifts, holiday fun, and good cheer—not murder.
When Ginny Wicket collapses beside her glittering display, Claudia assumes it’s a tragic medical emergency. But when the cause of death points to something sinister, the festive market becomes a crime scene.
Claudia and her best friend Beth can’t ignore the loose threads.
A brooch that mysteriously appears in Beth’s tote box.
A damp jewelry box in Claudia’s shoulder bag.
And don’t forget the nervous knitter with something to hide.
A fitness trainer who’s a little too protective.
A banker cousin who knows more about business than she lets on.
And we can’t overlook a rude, wealthy socialite obsessed with being in the know.
As secrets unravel and another attack hits close to home, Claudia must stitch together clues before the killer disappears with the holiday crowd.
Will Claudia survive her first holiday market… or will the season’s hottest trend be felony chic?
Perfect for fans of Ellie Alexander, Maddie Day, and heartwarming holiday mysteries with crafty heroines and a hint of unexpected surprises.
- GenresMystery
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2026
About the author
Lucinda Race
335 books687 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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July 25, 2026I hope you enjoy this 4th book int he Dress Designer Cozy Mystery Series. With the holiday bazaar and a murder it kept things lively in Drakes Bay.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In Drakes Bay,Me we have some wonderful characters who have interesting shops and hobby shops. Every year they have a holiday bazaar where the stores put tables of their craft items out. The women in charge of set up and organization is led by the very bossy and unpopular Ginny Wickett.There are three cousins that are on the council, Bity, Fenna, and Melissa. They all have been here a long time, except for Claudia Grant, the new owner of Grant's Gowns. She inherited the shop from her uncle Herman, she also inherited him as a ghost. He actually is a big secret and a big help to Claudia. Beth is the owner of a knitting shop across the street and has made friends with Claudia. She wrangles Claudia into doing a booth together.
Opening day, a woman named Lena, from the next town over who got into a rather loud and testy argument with Ginny Wickett over one of her for sale items. Ginny had a booth with heirloom brooches to show and then recreations for sale. Ginny asked to meet away from the fair in two hours, the woman left. All of a sudden Ginny is screaming that she had been robbed, holding up a now empty box. She falls to the ground, and on the way to the ER Ginny passes away. It was not natural causes.
The officer in charge is Claudia's boyfriend Eddie. He and the Sheriff have been 'helped by the Sofa Sleuths in the past. Claudia, Eddie, Beth and her boyfriend Luke set up the erase board. They were going to go over pictures they took, Beth needed to run into her shop for her laptop.When she did not come out, Claudia went in to check on her and found her with a head wound bleeding and unconscious.
Clues dribble in after this point, leaving questions like what was in the box that killed Ginny, how did the missing brooch turn up in a tote in Beth's shop only feet away from Beth, Who are the 5 people, 1 unknown man, 1 unknown lady and the three cousins???? Loved the characters and interactions.
Opening day, a woman named Lena, from the next town over who got into a rather loud and testy argument with Ginny Wickett over one of her for sale items. Ginny had a booth with heirloom brooches to show and then recreations for sale. Ginny asked to meet away from the fair in two hours, the woman left. All of a sudden Ginny is screaming that she had been robbed, holding up a now empty box. She falls to the ground, and on the way to the ER Ginny passes away. It was not natural causes.
The officer in charge is Claudia's boyfriend Eddie. He and the Sheriff have been 'helped by the Sofa Sleuths in the past. Claudia, Eddie, Beth and her boyfriend Luke set up the erase board. They were going to go over pictures they took, Beth needed to run into her shop for her laptop.When she did not come out, Claudia went in to check on her and found her with a head wound bleeding and unconscious.
Clues dribble in after this point, leaving questions like what was in the box that killed Ginny, how did the missing brooch turn up in a tote in Beth's shop only feet away from Beth, Who are the 5 people, 1 unknown man, 1 unknown lady and the three cousins???? Loved the characters and interactions.
July 17, 2026
Claudia is back for another mystery and this time it’s at the Drakes Bay Holiday Bazaar. As Claudia scrambles to get her wares ready in time, she’s feeling the stress. But everything unravels when she encounters Ginny Wicket, the self-proclaimed bazaar queen. Ginny’s collecting enemies and dirty looks faster than Claudia can sew. When Ginny collapses at her own booth, Claudia assumes Ginny’s death is something medical. But the cause of death is murder, and the holiday market suddenly becomes a crime scene with more suspects than not. Everyone has a reason to kill Ginny, but who actually did remains in the forefront of Claudia’s mind. Claudia sifts through the clues and discovers secrets the killer doesn’t want revealed. The killer is getting desperate. Will Claudia nab the killer before Santa arrives or will she be next?
Ribbons & Robbery is another delightful craft cozy mystery I enjoyed. Lucinda Race pulls out all the stops in this holiday cozy mystery. The descriptive narration is immersive. The characters, including the suspects, are quirky and colorful. The backdrop of a holiday bazaar adds a festive flair to this mystery. False clues and secrets revealed add twists and turns to this cozy mystery. There were times when I had to stay up late to ‘read just one more chapter’. Claudia is an excellent amateur sleuth who is very observant. If you’re a cozy mystery lover, you’ll enjoy Ribbons & Robbery. Fans of Maggie Sefton will want to read Ribbons & Robbery.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
Ribbons & Robbery is another delightful craft cozy mystery I enjoyed. Lucinda Race pulls out all the stops in this holiday cozy mystery. The descriptive narration is immersive. The characters, including the suspects, are quirky and colorful. The backdrop of a holiday bazaar adds a festive flair to this mystery. False clues and secrets revealed add twists and turns to this cozy mystery. There were times when I had to stay up late to ‘read just one more chapter’. Claudia is an excellent amateur sleuth who is very observant. If you’re a cozy mystery lover, you’ll enjoy Ribbons & Robbery. Fans of Maggie Sefton will want to read Ribbons & Robbery.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
July 26, 2026
I picked up Ribbons & Robbery because I enjoy cozy mysteries that blend creativity with a touch of the paranormal, and this book was such a fun read. The combination of dress design, crafting, and a ghostly mystery gave the story a unique charm that kept me entertained from beginning to end.
One of my favorite parts was the creative setting. The fashion and design elements added something different to the mystery, making the story feel fresh while still delivering all the cozy vibes I was looking for. The paranormal touches fit naturally into the plot and added just the right amount of intrigue.
The characters were easy to connect with, and I loved seeing how they worked through both the mystery and their personal challenges. The clues were woven into the story well, and I enjoyed trying to solve the case before the final reveal. There were enough surprises to keep me guessing without making the story feel complicated.
Overall, Ribbons & Robbery was a delightful mix of mystery, creativity, and small-town charm. It had engaging characters, a fun premise, and a satisfying ending that left me looking forward to the next adventure in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One of my favorite parts was the creative setting. The fashion and design elements added something different to the mystery, making the story feel fresh while still delivering all the cozy vibes I was looking for. The paranormal touches fit naturally into the plot and added just the right amount of intrigue.
The characters were easy to connect with, and I loved seeing how they worked through both the mystery and their personal challenges. The clues were woven into the story well, and I enjoyed trying to solve the case before the final reveal. There were enough surprises to keep me guessing without making the story feel complicated.
Overall, Ribbons & Robbery was a delightful mix of mystery, creativity, and small-town charm. It had engaging characters, a fun premise, and a satisfying ending that left me looking forward to the next adventure in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Another winner!
Love this series from one of my favorite authors!
Claudia has a booth at the Drakes Bay Holiday Market, thanks to her grandmother. When a woman who thinks she's the bazaar queen collapses, and it turns out to be suspicious, Claudia & bestie Beth want to figure out what happened (particularly after some things show up in their possession).
Love the wonderful characters in this series, and this one has the added bonus of some of those from a previous series showing up here. Hoping that connection will continue, as I adored the previous series, too.
A well told tale, interesting mystery in a lovely setting, some twists and turns, a touch of humor and a touch of romance, and you have the makings of a great story (oh, and of course the added paranormal bits are a plus!)
This was hard to put down and I was sad to have it end, because I want more!!
Book 5, pretty please?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Love this series from one of my favorite authors!
Claudia has a booth at the Drakes Bay Holiday Market, thanks to her grandmother. When a woman who thinks she's the bazaar queen collapses, and it turns out to be suspicious, Claudia & bestie Beth want to figure out what happened (particularly after some things show up in their possession).
Love the wonderful characters in this series, and this one has the added bonus of some of those from a previous series showing up here. Hoping that connection will continue, as I adored the previous series, too.
A well told tale, interesting mystery in a lovely setting, some twists and turns, a touch of humor and a touch of romance, and you have the makings of a great story (oh, and of course the added paranormal bits are a plus!)
This was hard to put down and I was sad to have it end, because I want more!!
Book 5, pretty please?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2026
Rated this a 4.50.
This was good and was nice and breezy read. This is the fourth entry and we follow Claudia Grant who having taken over her late uncle Herman's dress shop, she also can see ghosts which includes said late uncle. In the time since she has inherited the shop and gained the ability to see ghost she has gotten tangled up in some amateur sleuthing, this time in the death of Ginny Wicket a mean bully of a woman who has jewellery business dealing in replicas, Claudia comes into her orbit after her grandmother 'helpfully' volunteers her to run a booth at the Drake's bay holiday market. After Ginny shouts she been robbed she collapses and dies not long after,the investigation brings up some interesting stuff and also puts one of them in danger. This was good and there was a bit of the crossover with characters from another series by the same author, I hadn't read it but it didn't really affect the story for me, it also was good if you want a quick read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was good and was nice and breezy read. This is the fourth entry and we follow Claudia Grant who having taken over her late uncle Herman's dress shop, she also can see ghosts which includes said late uncle. In the time since she has inherited the shop and gained the ability to see ghost she has gotten tangled up in some amateur sleuthing, this time in the death of Ginny Wicket a mean bully of a woman who has jewellery business dealing in replicas, Claudia comes into her orbit after her grandmother 'helpfully' volunteers her to run a booth at the Drake's bay holiday market. After Ginny shouts she been robbed she collapses and dies not long after,the investigation brings up some interesting stuff and also puts one of them in danger. This was good and there was a bit of the crossover with characters from another series by the same author, I hadn't read it but it didn't really affect the story for me, it also was good if you want a quick read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2026
This author is on my auto everything list. I always look forward to her next book, no matter the series. But I do have a special place in my heart for her cozy mysteries. This series is a spinoff of my favorite - the Bookstore series. And I was THRILLED to have Lily and Nikki have a cameo in this book. I've missed those witches!
Claudia has an eventful life for sure. In the short time she's been in Drake's Bay, she has been involved in questionable (and mainly leth@l!) situations. And the annual craft show is no exception when town b#lly meets an unfortunate end.
The sofa sleuths (Claudia and her friend Beth) are on the case, much to the chagrin of Beth's father.... The clues are compiled, but there are more questions than answers at times.
I have been loving this series and can't wait to see what the author has in store next!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Claudia has an eventful life for sure. In the short time she's been in Drake's Bay, she has been involved in questionable (and mainly leth@l!) situations. And the annual craft show is no exception when town b#lly meets an unfortunate end.
The sofa sleuths (Claudia and her friend Beth) are on the case, much to the chagrin of Beth's father.... The clues are compiled, but there are more questions than answers at times.
I have been loving this series and can't wait to see what the author has in store next!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 25, 2026
Claudia keeps busy with the Grant’s Gowns shop she inherited from her Uncle Herman who still hangs around as a ghost & talks to her. Thomas the ghost next door is there to keep Herman company when she’s gone, which is great since they add humor! She also has Lola the Himalayan cat to keep her company. Her pal Beth has the Knit or Purl shop & Eddie the cop is her boyfriend, he happens to be Beth’s cousin. Claudia’s grandma signed her up to share a table with her pal Beth for the Drakes Bay Holiday Festival, the craft bazaar where people buy handmade Christmas gifts. Ginny screamed she’d been robbed at the festival & fainted, then she died from a toxin. The Sofa Sleuths, Claudia & Beth, went to work to solve whodunit & why. I got this book because I liked the books I’ve read in the author’s Temperance Matthews series and I’m glad I did. I received this cozy mystery as an ARC from Booksprout & am leaving an honest review.
July 3, 2026
Claudia and Beth are sharing a booth at the Drake’s Bay Holiday market when coordinator Ginny yells that she’s been robbed. Shortly afterward, Ginny collapses and dies. A tragic accident or something more sinister? There’s a trio of cousins that had been seen arguing with her and a socialite from a neighboring town insistent on a meeting. Things get murkier when a missing brooch is discovered in Beth’s totes and an empty jewelry box in Claudia’s purse. In a case that includes a fortune in stolen goods and an attack on Beth during a break-in at her store, Claudia might need more than her ghost friends to solve this one.
In book 4 of Lucinda Race’s Dress Designer series, we get a nice crossover as Lily and Nicki from the bookstore series give Claudia and Beth some sleuthing help. Claudia learns that Lily is a witch and can also see ghosts. I’m hoping to see her reveal that ability to Beth as well. The mystery has some clever plot twists that I didn’t see coming that made for a fun read. I love how the ghosts are incorporated into the story and am excited to see Claudia’s mother and grandmother return to Drake’s Bay.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In book 4 of Lucinda Race’s Dress Designer series, we get a nice crossover as Lily and Nicki from the bookstore series give Claudia and Beth some sleuthing help. Claudia learns that Lily is a witch and can also see ghosts. I’m hoping to see her reveal that ability to Beth as well. The mystery has some clever plot twists that I didn’t see coming that made for a fun read. I love how the ghosts are incorporated into the story and am excited to see Claudia’s mother and grandmother return to Drake’s Bay.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2026
Drakes Bay Holiday Market is the setting of this unraveling mystery. While dropping stitches is the least of her woes. Well Ginny Wicket is in the thick of it and has an enemy . When she drops to the floor amongst her handcrafted goods ,the mystery is afoot because here lies her demise . It comes as no surprise that the alibis are scarce. The bizarre just got sinister amongst the fabric and lace. There’s holiday stockings and something shocking discovered and maybe the culprit has their tracks uncovered….
Immersive mystery by Lucinda Race who always seems to place us in the thick of it and this murder mystery of Ginny Wicket when faced with death . The people around gasp for breath as the suspects are piled high . Who wanted her dead and why? Brilliantly penned ,enjoyed this no end.
Immersive mystery by Lucinda Race who always seems to place us in the thick of it and this murder mystery of Ginny Wicket when faced with death . The people around gasp for breath as the suspects are piled high . Who wanted her dead and why? Brilliantly penned ,enjoyed this no end.
July 6, 2026
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I really enjoyed reading it. Enjoyed the variety of characters and of course the ghosts too and the fact that the main character can talk to ghosts. I found the story to be very suspenseful and interesting. I also enjoyed the dialogue between the characters and the sense that everyone was looking out for each other and that family doesn’t always have to be blood related. Just really enjoyed the author’s writing style and the plot. The setting of the story was great too.
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 17, 2026
This years bazaar is certainly more interesting and bizarre to the other years and we have a robbery and death involving the same person. I love how the Sofa Sleuths get involved in the case while the Sheriff and Eddie also investigate on a profession capacity.
I love Claudia's gift and how it helps, but also can lead her into danger and Eddie and she are together which helps when she and her cohort help solve the mysteries lol.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love Claudia's gift and how it helps, but also can lead her into danger and Eddie and she are together which helps when she and her cohort help solve the mysteries lol.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Claudia has settled in running the dress shop she inherited from Uncle Herman. Her BF, Beth owns the knitting shop across the street. They are sharing a booth at the Annual Christmas Bazaar. During it they end up being 2 booths down from the event who screams "I've been robbed!" and drops dead. This woman has many enemies. Now the ladies are back investigating again. Join in the fun. Another great story from Lucinda Race. Enjoy!
Read on 05/10/26.
Read on 05/10/26.
Review of advance copy
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:
RIBBONS & ROBBERY,#4 - Interesting. Good rapport between main characters. 4*
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*
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. 5*
Ghostly Gowns Series
Ghostly Gowns Series:
RIBBONS & ROBBERY,#4 - Interesting. Good rapport between main characters. 4*
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*
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. 5*
Ghostly Gowns Series
Review of advance copy
A woman is dead and the killer is to be determined. Who killed her? Was it an accident or murder? She was a jewel thief with bad tendencies.
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 4, 2026
Lucinda has written another great book. Claudia is going to sell holiday stockings and wreaths at the holiday bazaar. When another vendor at the bazaar yells that she has been robbed and then collapses, Claudia jumps to her aid. Claudia and Beth find items hidden in their things after the bazaar. They decide to try to find out what really happened and who is behind it all. They need to find the answers soon. They feel like they are in danger. I really enjoy Lucinda's books and can't wait for 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.
July 6, 2026
Shop owner Claudia Grant has a knack for solving murders. She has help from her best friend, her cop boyfriend, and the ghost of her dead grandfather. Good small town cozy.
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 8, 2026
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how Claudia and Ginny helped solve this mystery even if it put them in danger. I was leaning towards a different suspect but she was a victim too. I liked how the culprit was caught.
August 1, 2026
This author is great. I have never been disappointed by any books by her. I love the side characters in this series. They are amazing.
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 10, 2026
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. What a tangled mess this one turned out to be. Absolutely loved seeing how the clues unraveled. Looking to more books in the series l
June 29, 2026
This is book 4 in the Dress Designer mystery series. Here is my review of book 3.
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. Quick, undescribed kisses only.
Favorite aspects of the book: Seeing more of certain relationships
Claudia and Eddie’s relationship is fully established by this point, a week or so since the last book. We also see more of Beth’s boyfriend, Luke. Lily and her friend Nikki from the Book Store series make a slightly more substantial appearance than their first, so there might be more crossing over in future.
This is kind of a twofold mystery, but you’ll have to read it to see what I mean. The reveal surrounding the death doesn’t come until the last pages and was unexpected because of the way it was set up but not surprising to me based on the sequence of events.
There’s a little map of the town buildings at the beginning of the book.
Favorite Quotations:
• My words were so frosty that they could keep ice cream froze.
• “You’d think Ethan would realize Beth is a force of nature. There’s no stopping her. And the two of you together are a hurricane when it comes to a case. The only differences are how big, cat one or cat five.” I sighed. “Please don’t use that analogy with Ethan. I’m trying to get out of the storm, not make it worse.”
• “Someday, you two need to bury whatever this hatchet is and move on.” “Then you’d better suggest that to her since she’s the one carrying it around.”
• “Flattery will let you borrow whatever you want.” I slipped my arm through the crook of hers. We’d done it a hundred times before, but today, I wanted to be sure she was steady. We strolled down the short hall to my bedroom door. She glanced at me. “I’m fine. You don’t need the lockstitch on my arm; the basting stitch will be just fine.”
(I received a free ARC 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. Quick, undescribed kisses only.
Favorite aspects of the book: Seeing more of certain relationships
Claudia and Eddie’s relationship is fully established by this point, a week or so since the last book. We also see more of Beth’s boyfriend, Luke. Lily and her friend Nikki from the Book Store series make a slightly more substantial appearance than their first, so there might be more crossing over in future.
This is kind of a twofold mystery, but you’ll have to read it to see what I mean. The reveal surrounding the death doesn’t come until the last pages and was unexpected because of the way it was set up but not surprising to me based on the sequence of events.
There’s a little map of the town buildings at the beginning of the book.
Favorite Quotations:
• My words were so frosty that they could keep ice cream froze.
• “You’d think Ethan would realize Beth is a force of nature. There’s no stopping her. And the two of you together are a hurricane when it comes to a case. The only differences are how big, cat one or cat five.” I sighed. “Please don’t use that analogy with Ethan. I’m trying to get out of the storm, not make it worse.”
• “Someday, you two need to bury whatever this hatchet is and move on.” “Then you’d better suggest that to her since she’s the one carrying it around.”
• “Flattery will let you borrow whatever you want.” I slipped my arm through the crook of hers. We’d done it a hundred times before, but today, I wanted to be sure she was steady. We strolled down the short hall to my bedroom door. She glanced at me. “I’m fine. You don’t need the lockstitch on my arm; the basting stitch will be just fine.”
(I received a free ARC of this book via Booksprout and am gratefully—voluntarily—leaving a review.)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews