Murder UnShelved

Stitches, Perks & Pages #1

by Vannetta Chapman

A fresh start was supposed to be simple.
Open the doors. Welcome customers. Build a new life.
Fox Hollow, Texas, has other plans.

Sisters Emma Dawson and Sydney Givens arrive in town ready to launch their dream business—Stitches, Perks & Pages, a quilt shop and bookstore under one roof. But before they can even begin unpacking, they find a dead body sprawled across their delivery entrance. Welcome to Fox Hollow.

The victim, Evan Pritchard, had secrets—and someone is still searching for whatever he was hiding. With danger edging closer and another murder looming, Emma and Sydney realize they can’t just shelve the problem and hope it goes away.

Luckily, Fox Hollow has a way of turning strangers into allies. With the help of a sharp-witted retired nurse, a determined Amish teen, an overachieving high school valedictorian, and steady-eyed Detective Noble Beck, the sisters may have a chance to catch a killer before their new beginning becomes their last.

From NYT Bestselling author Vannetta Chapman, Murder UnShelved is a charming cozy mystery about sisterhood, second chances, found family—and discovering that home can be built in the most unexpected places.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery

224 pages, Paperback

Published March 14, 2026

About the author

Vannetta Chapman is a New York times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over t0 novels. She has sold over one million copies and writes in a variety of genres that include dystopian, suspense, dystopian, romantic suspense, romance, and cozy mystery.

Chapman has 25 years educational experience as an English teacher at the high school and collegiate level. She currently resides in the Texas Hill Country where she writes full times.

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Reviews

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Small-town cozy mystery was just what I needed - a cute little tale about murder, strength, and sisterhood. The book starts with a dead body. The police interview is full of sarcastic banter and also challenges the three sisters. The characters are all likable. I really loved the ending.

Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite quote: "Life is not a problem to be solved but a gift to be enjoyed."

Murder UnShelved is the first in the Stitches, Perks, & Pages cozy mystery series, and what a delight it was! Sisters and protagonists Sydney and Emma are polar opposites, but equally fun in their own way. While each have experienced hardship and loss, their hope and optimism for the future is inspiring and heartwarming. This suspenseful and well-written mystery explores the themes of new beginnings and found family that will make readers want to return to Fox Hollow again and again. Highly recommend to cozy mystery readers who enjoy a dash of romance sprinkled in.

My sincere thanks to BookSirens and the author for the opportunity to read an eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

It’s been a minute since I read a Vannetta Chapman cozy mystery, but it took me all of one sentence into Murder UnShelved to remember why I love her writing voice in this genre so much. (And while I wait for book two in this already-delightful series, I’m going to go catch up post haste on the her Agatha’s Amish B&B series that I somehow missed.)

Murder UnShelved follows two middle-aged sisters (one never married, one newly widowed) as they relocate to a small town in the Texas Hill Country and open up a combination quilt shop (on one side of the storefront) and bookstore (on the other side). Emma & Sydney – the oldest and youngest of three sisters – are about as opposite as you can get and part of the fun of the story is watching them try to navigate living and working together. They also pretty quickly surround themselves with an eclectic inner circle of employees and one super swoony detective who brings a little romance into the mix. (He’s the kind of hero who’s just effortlessly delicious – quiet and steady and goes after what he wants in a laidback-but-intentional kind of way. Be still my heart!)

And of course the reason they even get to know the good detective so well so soon is because they find a body in their store before the ink is hardly dry on the purchase papers. Chapman cleverly weaves the clues and the red herrings among the sleuthing and a few dashes of suspense (and the romance, of course) with a witty voice and a snappy pace. We don’t get to know the victim before he dies – he’s literally already there – so I really started at ground zero as far as having my own theories as to the culprit(s) and I had fun piecing together all the puzzle pieces right along with Emma, Sydney, Noble, and their crew. I gobbled this one up in a single sitting because I was enjoying it way too much to put down, and I especially loved the tone that the omniscient narrator adds to the overall flow of the story and the characters.

Bottom Line: Murder UnShelved by Vannetta Chapman is just plain fun to read, with entertaining sister dynamics, a multi-generational cast, some light-but-swoony romance, and a unique whodunit. The lively narrative keeps you glued to the pages, and I adored the combination of wit and heart in the characters’ interactions with each other. It also sets up the series so well, with couple unexpected twists, leaving me really excited for the books to come. Equal parts cozy and compelling, Murder UnShelved gave me so many reasons to smile. I loved settling into this world and getting to know these characters, and the bonus of a little romance too just made my heart smile all the more.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A joint venture between sisters involves a fresh start in the small town of Fox Hollow. Newly widowed and former teacher Sydney and Emma, who lost her job to AI, are transitioning their careers with a double business: a store that encompasses their personal interests - quilting and reading. But the first day is marred when they find a dead body positioned half in, half out of their back door. And then the killer decides to make it personal...

This is the first book in the Stitches, Perks & Pages Cozy Mystery series. It neatly sets up the premise and the dynamic between the sisters who have very different outlooks on life. Despite, or maybe because of, the sibling squabbles, the characters felt authentic. I'm going to enjoy getting to know them and their surrounding cast.

These ladies are not your typical book sleuths. They didn't abandon their businesses to run down clues or question suspects. Still, they contributed a valuable part to the investigation, and this was refreshingly real.

I recommend this story to those readers who love a good cosy, especially one that is true to life.

Thank you to Vannetta Chapman and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy mystery fans do I have a new one for you. Vannetta Chapman has wowed us again with a new cozy mystery series. This one is set in Texas and is Amish adjacent (meaning side characters not main).

Emma and Sydney are sisters and have just bought a building to open their own stores. Emma will sell quilting and sewing supplies while Sydney sells books. Before the ink is even dry on the papers they find a dead man in their back door. Who and why?

I enjoyed the dynamic between Emma and Sydney. Emma is the oldest sister and in true oldest form is a little bossy and likes things to go in an orderly fashion. Sydney is the baby and is a free spirit in a lot of ways. (There is a 3rd sister Delaney but you don’t get much of her…yet). Even with their small squabbles you can feel the love between the sisters.

You will laugh quite frequently and have a smile when turning the last page. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

This was just released at the end of March so I suggest you run to go get it.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two sisters are opening up a combination book store and quilting shop. When they went to check out the space they had just bought they found a dead man. What was he doing in their shop?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vera Godley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is such a delight to read a book by Vannetta Chapman and her newest cozy mystery Murder Unshelved: A Stitches, Perks, & Pages Cozy Mystery" is no exception. A gentle read that cozies up to some murderous happenings in a small town keeps one gently turning the pages wondering what's next. A cast of characters that meld together into a delicious community of friends and supporters. As two middle aged single sisters settle in on their new adventure of small-town-living and shared shop creation and ownership, they happen upon a body. A dead body. Part in and part out of their soon to be shop.

Then the adventure begins to cozy up into their lives bestirring their coffee, fabric, and books and their community of friends. And in the midst of this murderous coziness, we have a sweet, gentle mid-life romance begin to bloom.

I just loved the story and really want the author to get busy on another Stitches, Perks, and Pages Cozy Mystery.

I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

[Becky Rosas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. When Sydney and Emma move to Fox Hollow to open a bookstore and quilting store, little did they know they would be immediately involved in a murder mystery. The setting of Fox Hollow is quaint and beautiful being set in West Texas. The character of the community comes in with country people as well as Amish people. Detective Noble Beck and law enforcement enter the scene to help find the murderer of this supposed vagrant. A good read!

[Geraldine Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this cozy murder mystery.
The two sisters who fell into the murder investigation by virtue of the fact that it happened on their property, were very amusing as they are polar opposites.
There was a charming romance between the detective and one of the sisters.
I found this to be a real pager turner with a lot of'feel good' factor to it.
I look forward to reading another book by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an action and drama filled cozy !!! I think one good thing that came out of all this twisted greed was two sisters reconnecting and growing close.

It starts off with a dead body , and then greedy people trying to find a hidden fortune. I was disgusted with these vile creeps. Sydney turns out to have more grit and guts than I originally thought. See how it all goes down. Will this seperate the sisters forever??? A compelling, riveting read. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have forgotten the low-key stalking of Vannetta Chapman’s books I’ve done over the years, she is a top-tier author for me. No matter the genre (she does not pigeonhole herself), she captures me with her storylines, her characters, and her seamlessly woven faith content. That last one, authentic faith in books, seems difficult to find across the board. It feels like it’s either in passing or it’s contrived. Vannetta, though, hits the mark for me every time. While I’ve lately just been doing some reading challenges and clearing some old TBR backlist books, Murder UnShelved would not leave me alone. I ‘saved for later’, I added to the want to read pile, but I kept just going back to look at it and read reviews. It would not leave me alone, so here I am reading it already 😀

Two sisters, about as opposite as night and day (oh, can I relate, though I only have one sister – no middle child to help his navigate), a bit of financial security for differing reasons, and a free house inherited from an aunt. Of course, you are going to open a business that sells fabric and books? I mean, they go together, right? Maybe? I can stretch some believability 😀 Very early on, though, as they talked about the Lost Zone, I was demanding a coffee shop . . . just saying it works for me in all the ways, but I’m more bookstore than fabric store. But here’s the clincher for me. Chapter 1 Paragraph 1. ‘Sydney Givens and Emma Dawson stepped over the threshold of their new business venture, unaware a dead body lay on the premises. If they had known, they never would have purchased the place. They didn’t agree on much, but they would have agreed on that.’ That’s all I needed to immediately know I was back in Vannetta words and I would cozy up with this mystery, these sisters, and come out the last words feeling better about life as a whole.

A touch of romance (even if a bit insta), a smidge of unbelievable, building new friendships, healing family relationships, and finding second chances in life, regardless of age. And that was a clincher for me. Main characters that are my generation who acted their age and felt authentic. I don’t want to give anything away, but I did struggle with the mystery and the ways some things played out. But I did bond with this group of folks, and I laughed a bit too much for all the right reasons. This review has somehow ended up as a hot mess of mishmashed words that make absolutely no sense. I want to say all the things without giving the things away! True Story: Perfect dive back into Vannetta’s book worlds. I loved the themes and the story. I was meh on the insta romance and some of the things these folks did around the mystery. I laughed too hard, I adored too much, and the absolute worst part of reading this book is the wait for the next one. Just sayin’

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by BookSirens. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.com/book-r...

[Deborah Almada · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author for me and a start to a new series. There is so much to enjoy here, Emma Dawson and Sydney Givens are middle-aged sisters who love each other but are very different personalities! When an aunt leaves them a home in Texas, after Emily had been downsized out of her job by AI, they decide to move to the house and buy an older building to start their new businesses. Sydney recently widowed is leaving her teaching career but can't give up her books, so her side of the business will be a bookstore while Emma side will be all things quilting. Right after the closing, they go to review the building and make a list of projects that must be done before they can open, unfortunately the biggest obstacle is going to be the dead body that is half in their building and the rest on the loading dock. Will the town's detective be able to solve the crime and get them back on track? Who is sending threats as they try to maneuver opening activities? Are their new staff members in any way involved in the crazy going on? Come along for a very cozy mystery, with wonderful characters and a surprising reason for murder. #MurderUnshelved #AStichesPerks&PagesMystery #VannettaChapman #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

[Rane Sterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vannetta Chapman strikes the perfect balance between comfort and suspense in Murder UnShelved, delivering a cozy mystery that feels both fresh and fundamentally grounded in the genre's best traditions. The "Stitches, Perks & Pages" setting is an atmospheric triumph, but it is the authentic, layered relationship between sisters Emma and Sydney that serves as the book’s true heart. Chapman excels at ensemble building, surrounding the protagonists with a quirky yet genuinely helpful "found family"—from a sharp-witted retired nurse to a steady detective—that elevates the narrative beyond a simple whodunit. While the pacing remains brisk and the mystery surrounding Evan Pritchard is cleverly plotted with just enough red herrings to keep seasoned readers guessing, it is the underlying theme of reclaiming one’s life in the face of adversity that resonates most. It’s a charming, five-star series starter that proves home isn't just a place you find, but a community you fight for.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding a body in the property you just purchased is not the most auspicious start for a new business. But Emma and Sydney are not giving up on their dreams of a bookstore (Sydney) and quilt shop (Emma)—even when threats are directed at them personally and to the shop.

The staff of the sisters’ stores, Detective Noble Beck and the sisters themselves are well-drawn and are likeable. However, there was too much biographical information about Emma and Sydney in Chapter One—information which was provided in subsequent chapters in a more logical sequence without the sluggishness of the Chapter One presentation. In fact, discounting the initial pages of Chapter One, the pace of the mystery is good.

As one who reads almost as many audiobooks as print books I quite understand Emma’s love of audiobooks, which, like Emma, I listen to while doing something else. But on the other hand, like Sydney, I love “the smell and feel and weight of a book in [my] hands.” So, I can identify with each sister.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a cozy mystery set in a bookstore. Add in a detective love interest? I’m hooked.

I enjoyed the plot of this mystery. There was a lot going on so you didn’t immediately figure out what was going on. The characters were mostly likable, and when they weren’t, at least they were realistic. Having two sisters, I enjoyed the family dynamic between Emma and Sydney. I hope the store gang sticks together. I’d love to see their characters grow in subsequent books.

There were a few minor continuity errors/name mix ups, but they didn’t cause any barriers to understanding the story, so I don’t mind those.

Thanks to the author for an ARC copy of this book! I look forward to reading more in the series!

[teacup_thoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Murder Unshelved! This was such a fun and engaging read, and I found myself completely pulled into the story from the beginning. The mystery kept me hooked, and I loved the cozy, bookish atmosphere throughout.

The characters were enjoyable to follow, and the pacing made it really easy to keep turning pages, I definitely didn’t want to put it down. It struck a great balance between intrigue and charm, which made the whole experience really satisfying.

Overall, this was a delightful read, and I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bookstore, a quilt shop and a body¬—perfection for cozy mystery lovers!

Sydney and Emma, two middle-aged sisters, have come to a small Texas town to begin the next season of their lives—opening a bookstore and a quilt shop. The ink is barely dry on the closing contract for their fixer-upper building when the discovery of a body puts a kink in their grand opening plans.

A talented multi-genre author, Ms. Chapman has done a masterful job of weaving her knowledge of contemporary technology, quilting and books into a mystery you won’t soon forget. Known for her Amish cozy mysteries, she has landed in the very satisfying middle of traditional amateur sleuth cozies with a small side of Amish for her fans. I look forward to book two!

[C]

Murder UnShelved is about two sisters who open a knitting shop and bookstore together. Before they can get their business going, they are drawn into a murder mystery.

This was the first book I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I liked how very different the two sisters were, but were able to work together, along with some new friends, to run their businesses and solve a murder.

If you’re looking for a cozy mystery with a well written plot and nicely developed characters, this is the perfect book to read while curled up on the couch.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder Unshelved

Sydney and Emma is opening two shops connected together. They find a dead body before opening. So the mystery begins. The story was a page turner. So interesting. I enjoyed Sydney and Emma trying to solve the murder. Also enjoyed the opening of their shop. They were hard workers. Loved the interaction between the sheriff and the girls.

I received an advanced copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this story. I was drawn in by the characters and the setting. When a murder is discovered, things get interesting, to say the least. I was surprised by the ending. A few red herrings were in the story. A wonderful community of neighbors and store front owners, including the Amish and Mennonites. Add in family and a budding romance to complete the picture. I will definitely read more by this author.

[Robert Foland · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Murder UnShelved: A Stitches, Perks & Pages Cozy Mystery: Book 1" is an engaging and enjoyable read. Vannetta Chapman brings to life a charming small-town setting filled with both newcomers and longtime residents. When a murder occurs, it sparks a gripping investigation. With a wonderful cast of characters and a cleverly crafted mystery, it’s a thoroughly satisfying story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book, I read it in one day!!!

Vannetta Chapman is one of my most favorite authors. This book is no exception. The characters are wonderful. I felt like I knew them by the end of the book. I know this has been said before but it needs repeating… I’ve never read a Vannetta Chapman book I didn’t love!

[Linda Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting story. I love the small town setting, the new start, and the story being about two sisters. Great Christian cozy mystery with a little romance thrown in. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

[Dottie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author. These are my own thoughts. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. The characters were very relatable. The story flowed well. The best part was the mention of there being a next book in the series.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma and Sydney are beginning a new journey with their combined business. A book store and quilt shop. Things take a chaotic turn when they stumble upon a dead body just hours after closing in the property. This was such a great start to a new series. Absolutely loved it. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Mary Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Than A Mystery Story

I don’t usually like to read murder mysteries. This book was a murder mystery with romance and Amish influence and books and quilts, all things I like to read about. I enjoyed reading this and liked the mystery part as well!

[KokiiWorm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The mystery kept me interested from the start, and I liked trying to figure out who did it. Emma and Sydney were great characters, and I loved the cozy bookstore setting.

One thing I especially liked was how easy and enjoyable the writing was to read. Overall, this was a fun cozy mystery, and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Joanne Drinnan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice blend of mystery, romance, and family, a very satisfying book.

[Gee Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a very fun read about two sisters that bought an old store. One was making her side a bookstore and one was a sewing store side, but while deciding what things they would need to get done, one of the sisters finds a dead body. Now, the hunt is on. You must read to see how this story ends.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story

Love this author! Great story! Loved the characters and the town. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!