What do you think?
Rate this book
Cora Crafts Mystery #1
Death Among the Doilies
For thirty-something blogger Cora Chevalier, small-town Indigo Gap, North Carolina, seems like the perfect place to reinvent her life. Shedding a stressful past as a counselor for a women’s shelter, Cora is pouring all her talents—and most of her savings—into a craft retreat business, with help from close pal and resident potter Jane Starr. Between transforming her Victorian estate into a crafter’s paradise and babysitting Jane’s daughter, the new entrepreneur has no time for distractions. Especially rumors about the murder of a local school librarian.
But when Jane’s fingerprints match those found at the grisly crime scene, Cora not only worries about her friend, but her own reputation. With angry townsfolk eager for justice and both Jane’s innocence and the retreat at risk, she must rely on her creative chops to unlace the truth behind the beloved librarian’s disturbing demise. Because if the killer’s patterns aren’t pinned, Cora’s handiwork could end up in stitches.
But when Jane’s fingerprints match those found at the grisly crime scene, Cora not only worries about her friend, but her own reputation. With angry townsfolk eager for justice and both Jane’s innocence and the retreat at risk, she must rely on her creative chops to unlace the truth behind the beloved librarian’s disturbing demise. Because if the killer’s patterns aren’t pinned, Cora’s handiwork could end up in stitches.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 30, 2016
103 people are currently reading
2075 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
October 19, 2017
This is a new series by an author that I enjoy. The craft theme is still here, but it is a very different series. This series is set in Indigo Gap, a fictional town located in the mountains of western North Carolina. It is a small town with a great atmosphere. It has everything you come to expect from a small town in a cozy mystery including artisan shops, quaint restaurants, pretty churches, and so on. Cora, the main character, is a well-written, strong female lead. She had previously worked as a counselor at a women’s shelter in Pittsburgh. She had seen many things that upset her and eventually gave her an anxiety disorder. She used crafts to help the women she worked with heal as well as to bond with one another. When she left the job due to her anxiety, she purchased and renovated Kildare House, to become a Craft Retreat. Kildare House is a beautiful Victorian home with a carriage house and a cottage. The other two main characters in the story are Jane, Cora’s business partner and close friend who lives in the Carriage House and Ruby, a quirky character who "came with the house" and lives in the Cottage. Jane and Cora met at the women’s shelter after Jane left her husband. She is a survivor who decided that her new life was worth fighting for. She and her daughter London are basically part of Cora's family. The friendship between Cora, Jane, and Ruby is a big part of this story and made me care very much about these characters.
The initial murder in this book actually occurred before the book started which was a bit different. As it turned out, when Jane went to get fingerprinted to volunteer at London's school, her fingerprints were similar to those found at the murder scene. This put her in the spotlight as she was a "Person of Interest". Of course, this could ruin the new business that Cora was starting, so she began to investigate to clear Jane's name. The characters who came to the retreat were fun. They got in some minor trouble with a male crafter, but overall they bonded over their crafts and filled out the story nicely. The plot moved quickly and the ending, while it surprised me, fit the story well. I am looking forward to meeting up with Cora, Jane and Ruby in their next outing at the Craft Retreat. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
The initial murder in this book actually occurred before the book started which was a bit different. As it turned out, when Jane went to get fingerprinted to volunteer at London's school, her fingerprints were similar to those found at the murder scene. This put her in the spotlight as she was a "Person of Interest". Of course, this could ruin the new business that Cora was starting, so she began to investigate to clear Jane's name. The characters who came to the retreat were fun. They got in some minor trouble with a male crafter, but overall they bonded over their crafts and filled out the story nicely. The plot moved quickly and the ending, while it surprised me, fit the story well. I am looking forward to meeting up with Cora, Jane and Ruby in their next outing at the Craft Retreat. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
April 4, 2017
Setting: Indigo Gap, North Carolina
Characters:
Cora Chevalier - Former counselor at a women's shelter, current craft retreat owner in the small town of Indigo Gap, North Carolina
Jane Starr - Cora's best friend, potter, and one of her partners in their crafting retreat business
Ruby O'Malley - An herbalist who lives at the craft retreat and also teaches there
Cashel O'Malley - Attorney, Ruby's son
Assorted crafters, victims, and suspects!
Plot: Life as a counselor to women who had experienced domestic abuse took a toll on Cora; she's ready for a reboot. Cora and Jane leave Pennsylvania for North Carolina and a lovely historic Victorian home in a small town. Together, they fix the place up and create homes for themselves - Cora in the attic apartment and Jane in the carriage house with her daughter, London - as well as a crafter's retreat in the main house. Cora and Jane both know the benefits of creativity and are eager to share the experience with others. Just before their opening weekend, Jane comes under suspicion of murder - she's accused of killing the school's former librarian, a woman she barely knew. Cora and Jane's friend, Rudy, enlists her son, Cashel, to defend Jane in court, but Cora can't just leave it to fate. Using her past experience with and knowledge of police procedure, she begins her own investigation into the murdered woman's past. Some rather unique collector's items may be the key to unlocking the truth about who killed the librarian.
Pacing: A little slow
Predictability: Low
Wild Card: I like Cora a lot, but I'm still warming up to Jane. I also really enjoy the premise and wish I could find a crafter's retreat to attend! The craft instructions included in the book seem like fun and I'm hoping to try a few. All in all, Death Among the Doilies is a clever and charming mystery with a couple of unexpected turns.
Hit, Miss, or Draw: Hit
Characters:
Cora Chevalier - Former counselor at a women's shelter, current craft retreat owner in the small town of Indigo Gap, North Carolina
Jane Starr - Cora's best friend, potter, and one of her partners in their crafting retreat business
Ruby O'Malley - An herbalist who lives at the craft retreat and also teaches there
Cashel O'Malley - Attorney, Ruby's son
Assorted crafters, victims, and suspects!
Plot: Life as a counselor to women who had experienced domestic abuse took a toll on Cora; she's ready for a reboot. Cora and Jane leave Pennsylvania for North Carolina and a lovely historic Victorian home in a small town. Together, they fix the place up and create homes for themselves - Cora in the attic apartment and Jane in the carriage house with her daughter, London - as well as a crafter's retreat in the main house. Cora and Jane both know the benefits of creativity and are eager to share the experience with others. Just before their opening weekend, Jane comes under suspicion of murder - she's accused of killing the school's former librarian, a woman she barely knew. Cora and Jane's friend, Rudy, enlists her son, Cashel, to defend Jane in court, but Cora can't just leave it to fate. Using her past experience with and knowledge of police procedure, she begins her own investigation into the murdered woman's past. Some rather unique collector's items may be the key to unlocking the truth about who killed the librarian.
Pacing: A little slow
Predictability: Low
Wild Card: I like Cora a lot, but I'm still warming up to Jane. I also really enjoy the premise and wish I could find a crafter's retreat to attend! The craft instructions included in the book seem like fun and I'm hoping to try a few. All in all, Death Among the Doilies is a clever and charming mystery with a couple of unexpected turns.
Hit, Miss, or Draw: Hit
September 17, 2016
A craft retreat in the small town of Indigo Gap, North Carolina is the perfect setting for a cozy mystery series. It has the feel of an old fashioned “whodunit”. Cora Chevalier is, also, the perfect amateur sleuth to get this series up and running. She leaves her stressful life behind and brings along her close friend, Jane Starr, who is also leaving a stressful life in the past.
This story is filled with eccentric characters who make this story come to life. The mystery interwoven through each page is captivating, suspenseful and keeps the reader guessing to the end. There were many different suspect possibilities, but I couldn’t figure it out.
The author, also, gave us an inside glimpse into the craft world. We learn many things about different crafts. It’s all very interesting and a great balance with the fictional mystery.
This looks to be a fun series with great characters. You can even learn a new craft while you’re at it. I, for one, am looking forward to the next book in the series.
FTC Disclosure: The publisher and NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
This story is filled with eccentric characters who make this story come to life. The mystery interwoven through each page is captivating, suspenseful and keeps the reader guessing to the end. There were many different suspect possibilities, but I couldn’t figure it out.
The author, also, gave us an inside glimpse into the craft world. We learn many things about different crafts. It’s all very interesting and a great balance with the fictional mystery.
This looks to be a fun series with great characters. You can even learn a new craft while you’re at it. I, for one, am looking forward to the next book in the series.
FTC Disclosure: The publisher and NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 23, 2020
When the stresses of her job as a women's shelter counselor become more than she can handle, Cora and her friend Jane decide to reinvent their lives in the small town of Indigo Gap, North Carolina. Both crafty, they decide to open a craft retreat business. But when Jane's fingerprints are found at the scene of the local librarian's murder, Cora must work to clear her friend's name before her own reputation meets an untimely demise.
This book pulled me in from the very first line! It was full of action from the beginning right up until the end. It was full of little mysteries along the way to connect the story and the characters. You never knew what twist was going to happen next.
While I loved the story and the writing, I had a hard time with the characters. I found Cora to be overbearing at times and Jane to be wishy-washy. I did however enjoy Ruby and the ladies at the retreat, and I'm hoping to find out more about the new librarian Adrian. Perhaps a bit of romance in Cora's future?
Overall this was a good read. The idea of a craft retreat is really neat and I'm looking forward to following along on this adventure. I do hope to like Cora and Jane. Perhaps as the series continues and their characters develop they'll grow on me.
This book pulled me in from the very first line! It was full of action from the beginning right up until the end. It was full of little mysteries along the way to connect the story and the characters. You never knew what twist was going to happen next.
While I loved the story and the writing, I had a hard time with the characters. I found Cora to be overbearing at times and Jane to be wishy-washy. I did however enjoy Ruby and the ladies at the retreat, and I'm hoping to find out more about the new librarian Adrian. Perhaps a bit of romance in Cora's future?
Overall this was a good read. The idea of a craft retreat is really neat and I'm looking forward to following along on this adventure. I do hope to like Cora and Jane. Perhaps as the series continues and their characters develop they'll grow on me.
August 31, 2016
Death Among the Doilies is the first book in the Cora Crafts Mystery series
This was an enjoyable start to an interesting new series.
Cora has left her stressful job of managing a shelter for battered women and has moved to the peaceful town of Indigo Gap. She purchases a Victorian house, which she plans to use as a crafting retreat. Shortly before the first retreat is to begin, Sarah Waters, the local librarian is murdered and Cora’s friend Jane, who is part of the retreat’s staff, is suspected of killing her. Jane, it seems, has violent past and circumstantial evidence places her at the scene. But Cora doesn’t really believe Jane has murdered Sarah. As she begins to investigate into Sarah’s past. There are many unanswered questions and Cora soon finds more suspects with valid reasons for wanting to do away with Sarah.
The book contains a very interesting cast of characters and a well- developed plot and story. Within the story, the crafts of the main characters are also discussed.
Also included with the book are instruction for various crafts mentioned in the book.
Will be watching for the next book in the series.
This was an enjoyable start to an interesting new series.
Cora has left her stressful job of managing a shelter for battered women and has moved to the peaceful town of Indigo Gap. She purchases a Victorian house, which she plans to use as a crafting retreat. Shortly before the first retreat is to begin, Sarah Waters, the local librarian is murdered and Cora’s friend Jane, who is part of the retreat’s staff, is suspected of killing her. Jane, it seems, has violent past and circumstantial evidence places her at the scene. But Cora doesn’t really believe Jane has murdered Sarah. As she begins to investigate into Sarah’s past. There are many unanswered questions and Cora soon finds more suspects with valid reasons for wanting to do away with Sarah.
The book contains a very interesting cast of characters and a well- developed plot and story. Within the story, the crafts of the main characters are also discussed.
Also included with the book are instruction for various crafts mentioned in the book.
Will be watching for the next book in the series.
September 15, 2016
Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://bit.ly/2cFVJSx
Death among the Doilies, book #1 in a new series by Mollie Cox Bryan, is an excellent cozy mystery. This story has character depth and emotion, humor, a vivid setting that almost becomes a main character, and Mollie’s writing flows easily across the page. I believe this is a spinoff from another series that I’m not familiar with, and I enjoyed it so much that I’d like to read more of Mollie’s writing.
There’s a lot to like in Death among the Doilies. The series is set in Indigo Gap, a fictional town located in the mountains of western North Carolina, “a place that time had almost forgotten” – and contains all the essentials that make small-town settings so endearing, such as artisan shops, quaint restaurants, pretty churches, etc. Its streets are named after shades of blue, and one legend says that it had been “a crossroads gap in the mountains where people came together and traded fur, pottery, and cloth. Because the locals grew the plants that gave indigo dye its color, the town became known as Indigo Gap.”
Cora, who anchors the series, is a very appealing character. She had formerly been a counselor at a women’s shelter in Pittsburgh, a place where “. . . she had seen it all. And what she saw was not good.” In that job, she had used the making of crafts as a bonding and healing mechanism, and that’s what she hoped her new craft retreat business in Indigo Gap would become. And I loved her home/retreat center, Kildare House, a beautiful Victorian home with a carriage house and a cottage.
Another strong character is Jane, Cora’s business partner and close friend that she first met in the women’s shelter. Jane seems fragile at first, but she’s really a survivor who decided that her new life was worth fighting for. I loved how Mollie fleshed out these two characters by giving their backstories, which hooked me emotionally and made me care about them. Ruby, a resident who came with the Victorian house, is also precious. The friendship between Cora, Jane, and Ruby is a big part of this story.
I’m not a “crafty” type of person, but I really enjoyed that theme. Cora loved to upcycle, repurpose ordinary things into something beautiful and useful. Her first retreat was led by Jude, an expert on brooms, of all things! It was interesting to learn from Jude’s class . . . “Brooms were used to sweep good luck into the home and to sweep unpleasant energies out. If you were going to curse someone, you’d take your broom and sweep the unpleasant thoughts and energies into another person’s doorway. No need for fighting or guns, then, if you had a good broom.”
All of this provides the backdrop for a well-plotted murder mystery filled with quirky characters – and lots of surprises along the way. The only negative for me was a few instances of mild profanity, but they were very few. A very clean read overall.
Recommended
Thank you to Great Escape Tours for providing an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Death among the Doilies, book #1 in a new series by Mollie Cox Bryan, is an excellent cozy mystery. This story has character depth and emotion, humor, a vivid setting that almost becomes a main character, and Mollie’s writing flows easily across the page. I believe this is a spinoff from another series that I’m not familiar with, and I enjoyed it so much that I’d like to read more of Mollie’s writing.
There’s a lot to like in Death among the Doilies. The series is set in Indigo Gap, a fictional town located in the mountains of western North Carolina, “a place that time had almost forgotten” – and contains all the essentials that make small-town settings so endearing, such as artisan shops, quaint restaurants, pretty churches, etc. Its streets are named after shades of blue, and one legend says that it had been “a crossroads gap in the mountains where people came together and traded fur, pottery, and cloth. Because the locals grew the plants that gave indigo dye its color, the town became known as Indigo Gap.”
Cora, who anchors the series, is a very appealing character. She had formerly been a counselor at a women’s shelter in Pittsburgh, a place where “. . . she had seen it all. And what she saw was not good.” In that job, she had used the making of crafts as a bonding and healing mechanism, and that’s what she hoped her new craft retreat business in Indigo Gap would become. And I loved her home/retreat center, Kildare House, a beautiful Victorian home with a carriage house and a cottage.
Another strong character is Jane, Cora’s business partner and close friend that she first met in the women’s shelter. Jane seems fragile at first, but she’s really a survivor who decided that her new life was worth fighting for. I loved how Mollie fleshed out these two characters by giving their backstories, which hooked me emotionally and made me care about them. Ruby, a resident who came with the Victorian house, is also precious. The friendship between Cora, Jane, and Ruby is a big part of this story.
I’m not a “crafty” type of person, but I really enjoyed that theme. Cora loved to upcycle, repurpose ordinary things into something beautiful and useful. Her first retreat was led by Jude, an expert on brooms, of all things! It was interesting to learn from Jude’s class . . . “Brooms were used to sweep good luck into the home and to sweep unpleasant energies out. If you were going to curse someone, you’d take your broom and sweep the unpleasant thoughts and energies into another person’s doorway. No need for fighting or guns, then, if you had a good broom.”
All of this provides the backdrop for a well-plotted murder mystery filled with quirky characters – and lots of surprises along the way. The only negative for me was a few instances of mild profanity, but they were very few. A very clean read overall.
Recommended
Thank you to Great Escape Tours for providing an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 29, 2018
This is a cozy with some bite to it. Cora and Jane are running a craft retreat, and have given this venture their all, both in terms of effort and finance. When a murder is possibly linked to Jane, it threatens their business. Of course, Jane wants her name cleared, and Cora wants her business untainted by scandal, so both are determined to solve the mystery. Interesting characters seem more real because of their flaws and idiosyncrasies. An intriguing beginning for a new series.
July 10, 2017
Craft blogger Cora Chevalier is ready to give up her work as a counselor and open a craft retreat center with her BFF Jane Starr. But when they get to Indigo Gap, N.C. they find a school librarian has been murdered, and the police put Jane at the top of their suspect list. Cora decides she needs to conduct her own investigation, to clear her friend to keep the retreat center from going under before it has a chance to get off the ground.
I liked Cora. She is a strong character and I found her to be someone I could relate to. She did well in her job as a counselor, but she was ready for a change, something I think happens to many people during their lifetime.
I did have a problem with way the POV switched from Cora to Jane, so much so that I put the book down for a while and then picked it back up. I also wished we'd met the victim before she was killed. I didn't feel like I knew her at all, which made it hard for me to put much stock into solving her murder.
All in all though, I was happy I finished the book, and want to read the second one.
I liked Cora. She is a strong character and I found her to be someone I could relate to. She did well in her job as a counselor, but she was ready for a change, something I think happens to many people during their lifetime.
I did have a problem with way the POV switched from Cora to Jane, so much so that I put the book down for a while and then picked it back up. I also wished we'd met the victim before she was killed. I didn't feel like I knew her at all, which made it hard for me to put much stock into solving her murder.
All in all though, I was happy I finished the book, and want to read the second one.
July 31, 2016
Death Among the Doilies is the inaugural book in the Cora Crafts Mystery series by Mollie Cox Bryan. Set I in Indigo Gap, NC, the reader is introduced to Cora Chevalier. Cora is rebuilding her life after dealing with a difficult life situation causing PTSD. Now, she’s a craft blogger who is hosting a crafting retreat in her new abode, the Kildare House, an old Victorian home. The reader is also introduced to Jane Starr and her young daughter, London, who live in the carriage house. A talented potter, Jane, previously tried to kill her abusive ex-husband, Neil. An herbalist and candle maker, Ruby O’Malley, came with the house and lives in the gardener’s cottage. Ruby’s son, Cashel O’Malley, is an attorney who assists friends when necessary. Sarah Waters, the school librarian, was murdered and Jane becomes a person of interest because of her background and a unique problem with her fingerprints. In an attempt to clear Jane of murder charges, Cora and Cashel want to interview Josh Waters, Sarah’s ex-husband. When they arrive at Sarah’s house, they discover that Josh has been murdered! Ms. Bryan skillfully disseminates information related to domestic violence, the long term affects it has on the victims, as well as, human resilience and how one can turn negative experiences into productive, beneficial outcomes. Ms. Bryan, also, presented a variety of ways in which old items can be repurposed. The plot and subplots are skillfully integrated and keep the story flowing seamlessly.
Death Among the Doilies is a fast paced, read filled with humor, suspense, and hints of romance that keep the reader guessing. Directions for several craft projects are included at the end of the book (tea cup bird feeders sound interesting). I highly recommend this new series to cozy mystery fans and look forward to reading more of the adventures of Cora and Jane.
Full Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this review are my own
Death Among the Doilies is a fast paced, read filled with humor, suspense, and hints of romance that keep the reader guessing. Directions for several craft projects are included at the end of the book (tea cup bird feeders sound interesting). I highly recommend this new series to cozy mystery fans and look forward to reading more of the adventures of Cora and Jane.
Full Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this review are my own
Read
August 8, 2016Death Among the Doilies is the first in series by Award winner Mollie Cox Bryan. Cora and her friend Jane have bought the perfect place to create a crafting retreat business in a small town in North Carolina. When Jane is accused of murdering the school librarian and the police do not seem to be in a hurry to eliminate her as a suspect, Cora realizes she must do her own investigating to prove her friend is innocent and as well as save her business. As the dead body count rises, so do the suspects. This new series has great promise and I can’t wait to read the next one!
April 6, 2017
This is the first book inn the Cora crafts series. I think I have found a new series. Cora leaves her job at a women's shelter when the job becomes too much for her and moves to a small town in North Carolina. She opens a craft retreat with her longtime friend Jane and the housekeeper/cook, Ruby, who came with the property. The school librarian is murdered and Jane becomes the prime suspect when a partial fingerprint match matches Jane's. Cora doesn't believe that Jane is guilty. Ruby's son is a lawyer and agrees to help Jane. While Cora and Jane are getting ready for their first craft retreat, they also have to help clear Jane's name before it ruins their new business.
I really enjoyed this new series. The characters were all likeable. I loved the different crafting projects that the group did. I am anxious to read more about these characters.
I really enjoyed this new series. The characters were all likeable. I loved the different crafting projects that the group did. I am anxious to read more about these characters.
October 30, 2017
Cora Chevalier moves to Indigo Gap, NC to 'reinvent herself'. After years as a counselor in a women's shelter she has found the perfect place to start a craft retreat location. Her first retreat is coming up and with her best friend Jane they just about have it all together. That is until the local librarian is found murdered and Jane's fingerprints are at the scene which makes her their prime suspect. Cora doesn't believe for a minute Jane killed anyone and starts her own investigation. I love the idea of a craft retreat and in a small town. Add a dead body and you have a perfect mystery. This book is full of twist and turns that you decide everyone is the killer. The writer keeps you on your feet with every page turn. Will definitely continue this series.
May 27, 2017
Really enjoyed this book - can't wait to read on...
June 29, 2017
This was a great book. I'm so glad the book club I'm apart of picked to read it. I don't think I ever would have assuming it's not my type. Although there are craft talks and great tips, you can totally enjoy this book without being into crafting. Cora and Jane are setting up and ready to have their first crafters retreat. Things get messy but the show must go on! I love Cora and Jane.
October 23, 2017
Summary from Goodreads:
"For thirty-something blogger Cora Chevalier, small-town Indigo Gap, North Carolina, seems like the perfect place to reinvent her life. Shedding a stressful past as a counselor for a women’s shelter, Cora is pouring all her talents—and most of her savings—into a craft retreat business, with help from close pal and resident potter Jane Starr. Between transforming her Victorian estate into a crafter’s paradise and babysitting Jane’s daughter, the new entrepreneur has no time for distractions. Especially rumors about the murder of a local school librarian . . .
But when Jane’s fingerprints match those found at the grisly crime scene, Cora not only worries about her friend, but her own reputation. With angry townsfolk eager for justice and both Jane’s innocence and the retreat at risk, she must rely on her creative chops to unlace the truth behind the beloved librarian’s disturbing demise. Because if the killer’s patterns aren’t pinned, Cora’s handiwork could end up in stitches . . ."
My Thoughts:
I've been meaning to give this series a try for some time now so I'm glad that I finally did just that. This book was an enjoyable cozy mystery although I did have a few issues with it. Let's start off with the positives first though! This author has created some really great characters with Cora and Jane. I adore cozy series where I also adore the main characters. In this book, Cora has started a new business by opening a "craft retreat" where fellow crafters can go and spend the weekend crafting all types of things together. I don't know that I would consider myself a crafty person necessarily but I do enjoy trying different things (when I have the time). I've been wanting to learn to knit for years but haven't yet taught myself - my plan is to learn by watching YouTube videos. I'm getting off track here but I loved the idea of a mystery series featuring crafting so on to the never-ending TBR list this went. I really felt like this was a unique set-up to this cozy mystery series which made it stand out to me. I loved reading about the different arts and crafts - my favorite was actually the candle and soap making which sounds like something I would definitely enjoy doing! I need to learn how to do this as well now!
One of the things though that I didn't care about with this series though is kinda difficult to put into words. In this book one of the characters falls into bed with another (no this wouldn't be considered a spoiler at all I wouldn't think), and I didn't care for the way that this was portrayed. There was a kind of judge-y feel to it and I can't really describe it any better than that. All I know is that it took me out of the story while I was reading which is why it bothered me. I was able to get sucked back in though so ultimately I enjoyed this book. Just a few minor quibbles which maybe lowered my rating from 4 stars to 3.5 stars. I found the mystery portion of this book to be very well done. I didn't guess any of the ending which is always a good thing! I also found myself unable to stop reading at the end. I just had to know how everything was going to turn out!
All in all, I ultimately did enjoy this beginning to a new to me mystery series. I'm planning on reading the second book soon and have already added it to my TBR list. I'm always looking for new cozy mystery authors to follow and I do think that Mollie Cox Bryan will be one of those authors that I continue to read. I really enjoyed reading about the crafts and am inspired to try to teach myself knitting yet again. I feel like this would be the perfect winter hobby for me! I would recommend this book to cozy mystery and mystery fans as well with only a slight hesitation. Recommended!
Bottom Line: A good beginning to this cozy mystery series and I will be reading more!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher and NetGalley.
"For thirty-something blogger Cora Chevalier, small-town Indigo Gap, North Carolina, seems like the perfect place to reinvent her life. Shedding a stressful past as a counselor for a women’s shelter, Cora is pouring all her talents—and most of her savings—into a craft retreat business, with help from close pal and resident potter Jane Starr. Between transforming her Victorian estate into a crafter’s paradise and babysitting Jane’s daughter, the new entrepreneur has no time for distractions. Especially rumors about the murder of a local school librarian . . .
But when Jane’s fingerprints match those found at the grisly crime scene, Cora not only worries about her friend, but her own reputation. With angry townsfolk eager for justice and both Jane’s innocence and the retreat at risk, she must rely on her creative chops to unlace the truth behind the beloved librarian’s disturbing demise. Because if the killer’s patterns aren’t pinned, Cora’s handiwork could end up in stitches . . ."
My Thoughts:
I've been meaning to give this series a try for some time now so I'm glad that I finally did just that. This book was an enjoyable cozy mystery although I did have a few issues with it. Let's start off with the positives first though! This author has created some really great characters with Cora and Jane. I adore cozy series where I also adore the main characters. In this book, Cora has started a new business by opening a "craft retreat" where fellow crafters can go and spend the weekend crafting all types of things together. I don't know that I would consider myself a crafty person necessarily but I do enjoy trying different things (when I have the time). I've been wanting to learn to knit for years but haven't yet taught myself - my plan is to learn by watching YouTube videos. I'm getting off track here but I loved the idea of a mystery series featuring crafting so on to the never-ending TBR list this went. I really felt like this was a unique set-up to this cozy mystery series which made it stand out to me. I loved reading about the different arts and crafts - my favorite was actually the candle and soap making which sounds like something I would definitely enjoy doing! I need to learn how to do this as well now!
One of the things though that I didn't care about with this series though is kinda difficult to put into words. In this book one of the characters falls into bed with another (no this wouldn't be considered a spoiler at all I wouldn't think), and I didn't care for the way that this was portrayed. There was a kind of judge-y feel to it and I can't really describe it any better than that. All I know is that it took me out of the story while I was reading which is why it bothered me. I was able to get sucked back in though so ultimately I enjoyed this book. Just a few minor quibbles which maybe lowered my rating from 4 stars to 3.5 stars. I found the mystery portion of this book to be very well done. I didn't guess any of the ending which is always a good thing! I also found myself unable to stop reading at the end. I just had to know how everything was going to turn out!
All in all, I ultimately did enjoy this beginning to a new to me mystery series. I'm planning on reading the second book soon and have already added it to my TBR list. I'm always looking for new cozy mystery authors to follow and I do think that Mollie Cox Bryan will be one of those authors that I continue to read. I really enjoyed reading about the crafts and am inspired to try to teach myself knitting yet again. I feel like this would be the perfect winter hobby for me! I would recommend this book to cozy mystery and mystery fans as well with only a slight hesitation. Recommended!
Bottom Line: A good beginning to this cozy mystery series and I will be reading more!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher and NetGalley.
August 30, 2016
‘Death Among the Doilies’ is the fascinating first novel in the new Cora Crafts Mystery series by Mollie Cox Bryan. It is the first cozy mystery I’ve read by this author and won’t be the last! It takes place in the gorgeous, historic setting of Indigo Creek, NC.
Cora is a craft blogger who has gained a large following. After one too many panic attacks in her previous position at a women’s shelter, Cora purchased Kildare House, a spacious 3-story Victorian home where she and her best friend/business partner Jane will lead craft retreats. Several rooms are furnished for out-of-town retreat guests. Jane and her daughter London live in the carriage house; Jane will teach pottery classes when the remodel is complete. Ruby, who comes with the property and has lived in the gardener’s cottage for many years is a gifted herbalist and will teach about their uses.
Days before the first retreat was to begin, Jane had her fingerprints taken for the school she volunteers at, then the police learn that her prints are similar to partials taken at the recent murder of Sarah, the school librarian. That, and Jane’s prior record of shooting her ex-husband in self-defense, make her the only suspect. Ruby’s son is an attorney; Cashel O’Malley is very handsome and happy to help Jane with police interviews.
A downside to living in small towns is how rumors spread. All of the local women who had signed up for a class canceled. Their property was vandalized. Women coming from other cities didn’t hear of the ‘scandal’ and arrived as scheduled, as did the craftsman who would teach the broom making class.
As Cora asks questions and learns more about Sarah, she hears about quirks of the late librarian, her children, divorce, boyfriend – then finds Sarah’s ex-husband murdered. Cora also heard that Jane had people who could give her an alibi for the date Sarah was murdered, but she refused to tell Cora who she was with. There are several possible suspects who we learn more about as Cora begins vetting them.
This author designs the most interesting, even eccentric characters, much to my delight! All are detailed as fits their role. I like Cora and her role as retreat facilitator, friend and sleuth. If I were in trouble, she’s the kind of friend I want! Jane is a sweetheart and a good mother who can be a tad over-protective to the adorable London. Ruby is an enigma who has vast, unrivaled knowledge of Appalachian crafts and lore.
The story grabbed my attention at the beginning and held it throughout. There are several mysteries occurring of varying importance, making for an exciting read. The murders are primary, and at least two people have long-held secrets. There are twists and turns that probably rival some of the mountain roads while changing the focus of investigating, providing more clues and a red herring or two. A hint of romance, while not a main focus, brings a sweetness to the story while humor relieves some of the tension. I like the way the author introduces various crafts to re-purpose items, and shows how calming some crafts might be. I didn’t quite have the murderer(s) or vandals figured out, however, I found the resolutions and the novel overall to be completely satisfying. I highly recommend ‘Death Among the Doilies’; one doesn’t have to be a crafter to enjoy it!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received.
Cora is a craft blogger who has gained a large following. After one too many panic attacks in her previous position at a women’s shelter, Cora purchased Kildare House, a spacious 3-story Victorian home where she and her best friend/business partner Jane will lead craft retreats. Several rooms are furnished for out-of-town retreat guests. Jane and her daughter London live in the carriage house; Jane will teach pottery classes when the remodel is complete. Ruby, who comes with the property and has lived in the gardener’s cottage for many years is a gifted herbalist and will teach about their uses.
Days before the first retreat was to begin, Jane had her fingerprints taken for the school she volunteers at, then the police learn that her prints are similar to partials taken at the recent murder of Sarah, the school librarian. That, and Jane’s prior record of shooting her ex-husband in self-defense, make her the only suspect. Ruby’s son is an attorney; Cashel O’Malley is very handsome and happy to help Jane with police interviews.
A downside to living in small towns is how rumors spread. All of the local women who had signed up for a class canceled. Their property was vandalized. Women coming from other cities didn’t hear of the ‘scandal’ and arrived as scheduled, as did the craftsman who would teach the broom making class.
As Cora asks questions and learns more about Sarah, she hears about quirks of the late librarian, her children, divorce, boyfriend – then finds Sarah’s ex-husband murdered. Cora also heard that Jane had people who could give her an alibi for the date Sarah was murdered, but she refused to tell Cora who she was with. There are several possible suspects who we learn more about as Cora begins vetting them.
This author designs the most interesting, even eccentric characters, much to my delight! All are detailed as fits their role. I like Cora and her role as retreat facilitator, friend and sleuth. If I were in trouble, she’s the kind of friend I want! Jane is a sweetheart and a good mother who can be a tad over-protective to the adorable London. Ruby is an enigma who has vast, unrivaled knowledge of Appalachian crafts and lore.
The story grabbed my attention at the beginning and held it throughout. There are several mysteries occurring of varying importance, making for an exciting read. The murders are primary, and at least two people have long-held secrets. There are twists and turns that probably rival some of the mountain roads while changing the focus of investigating, providing more clues and a red herring or two. A hint of romance, while not a main focus, brings a sweetness to the story while humor relieves some of the tension. I like the way the author introduces various crafts to re-purpose items, and shows how calming some crafts might be. I didn’t quite have the murderer(s) or vandals figured out, however, I found the resolutions and the novel overall to be completely satisfying. I highly recommend ‘Death Among the Doilies’; one doesn’t have to be a crafter to enjoy it!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received.
August 30, 2016
Death Among the Doilies by Mollie Cox Bryan is the first book in A Cora Crafts Mystery series. Cora Chevalier has moved to Indigo Gap, North Carolina and purchased a beautiful, big Victorian home called Kildare House. She is going to offer craft retreats with the help of her friend, Jane Starr (a potter) and her daughter, London (a little cutie). Her first retreat will feature Jude Sawyer, master broom maker. This will be a chance to work out the kinks. But Cora does not anticipate Jane being accused of murdering Sarah Waters, the school librarian. Jane’s fingerprints (partials) turn up at the crime scene, and she is immediately arrested (like that would be enough evidence in real life). Ruby O’Malley, a gifted herbalist and lives on the premises (came with the house), calls her son Cashel (a lawyer) for assistance (he is also very handsome). Then Cora starts getting retreat cancellations from the locals. Cora knows she needs to find the Sarah Waters real killer before her business is in ashes. Cora has to investigate while handling her retreat. What Cora did not anticipate was ladies’ man, Jude Sawyer. He seems to be working his way through the women at the retreat (and then leaving upset women in his wake). Join Cora in her investigation and find out about the doilies in Death Among the Doilies!
Death Among the Doilies is a good first book in A Cora Crafts Mystery series (there is much more going on in the book). I liked the characters (Ruby is a hoot), the small town setting of Indigo Gap, and the crafting ideas (especially Cora’s reuse/upcycling ideas). The Victorian house sounds gorgeous (I want it). The mystery was interesting and complex. The main mystery can be solved, but there are parts that have to play out (not everything is revealed to the readers). I give Death Among the Doilies 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I hope that there will be more crafting (especially pottery) in the next book. We are given a lot of information about the main characters in this book (as expected) since it is the first book in the series. The author does a good job of laying out the character’s background and why they have relocated. I will definitely be reading the next book in A Cora Crafts Mystery series.
I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Death Among the Doilies is a good first book in A Cora Crafts Mystery series (there is much more going on in the book). I liked the characters (Ruby is a hoot), the small town setting of Indigo Gap, and the crafting ideas (especially Cora’s reuse/upcycling ideas). The Victorian house sounds gorgeous (I want it). The mystery was interesting and complex. The main mystery can be solved, but there are parts that have to play out (not everything is revealed to the readers). I give Death Among the Doilies 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I hope that there will be more crafting (especially pottery) in the next book. We are given a lot of information about the main characters in this book (as expected) since it is the first book in the series. The author does a good job of laying out the character’s background and why they have relocated. I will definitely be reading the next book in A Cora Crafts Mystery series.
I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
February 11, 2017
This is a fabulous first book in a new series by Author Mollie Cox Bryan. The setting is a small town in North Carolina where Cora Chevalier and her best friend, Jane Starr, have renovated the Kildare House into a place for craft retreats. While planning and throwing their first retreat, Jane becomes a person of interest in the murder of the school librarian. Although the cops are working the case, Cora cannot allow her friend to go to jail for a crime she did not commit. Cora can also not allow the bad press to ruin this new venture for them. Cora decides to get a little crafty and do some snooping on her own. Will she put herself at risk with this choice?
As I grew up in a very small town community I can relate to Indigo Gap the small town where the murder takes place. This town is typically a quiet town with very little crime taking place. A town where everyone pretty much knows everyone living there and everything that occurs. After the murder takes place Cora begins to second guess herself and why she moved to Indigo Gap. With any small town once word gets out about the murder people start cancelling their reservations to attend the retreat. Only the out of town guests that have no idea about the murder actually attend the retreat.
This book included many twists and turns. As you read the book you will learn more about each character including how a few have hidden secrets and dark pasts. Jane is a great and true friend of Cora. A friend that everyone should have in their life. She may be a bit overprotective of her daughter London but that is also related to her past. I kept asking myself who really committed this crime? Just when you think that you have figured out the murderer the book takes a different twist. You think you have the vandal figured out and then something different takes place. The book also includes a little bit of romance with the mystery.
Being a crafter myself this book had me intrigued from the beginning. I could picture myself at a relaxing craft retreat in a quiet town in the mountains for a weekend at the Kildare House. I loved how Cora liked to upcycle and repurpose ordinary items into something new and unique. The author included different instructions for the crafts that were mentioned in the book as well.
This is a great debut of the new series. I cannot wait for the second book in this new series. I am anxious to see what the next adventure is for Sarah, Jane, and Ruby.
As I grew up in a very small town community I can relate to Indigo Gap the small town where the murder takes place. This town is typically a quiet town with very little crime taking place. A town where everyone pretty much knows everyone living there and everything that occurs. After the murder takes place Cora begins to second guess herself and why she moved to Indigo Gap. With any small town once word gets out about the murder people start cancelling their reservations to attend the retreat. Only the out of town guests that have no idea about the murder actually attend the retreat.
This book included many twists and turns. As you read the book you will learn more about each character including how a few have hidden secrets and dark pasts. Jane is a great and true friend of Cora. A friend that everyone should have in their life. She may be a bit overprotective of her daughter London but that is also related to her past. I kept asking myself who really committed this crime? Just when you think that you have figured out the murderer the book takes a different twist. You think you have the vandal figured out and then something different takes place. The book also includes a little bit of romance with the mystery.
Being a crafter myself this book had me intrigued from the beginning. I could picture myself at a relaxing craft retreat in a quiet town in the mountains for a weekend at the Kildare House. I loved how Cora liked to upcycle and repurpose ordinary items into something new and unique. The author included different instructions for the crafts that were mentioned in the book as well.
This is a great debut of the new series. I cannot wait for the second book in this new series. I am anxious to see what the next adventure is for Sarah, Jane, and Ruby.
August 5, 2016
**I received a copy of this upcoming book from Kensington Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
As an avid crafter, I understand the therapeutic benefits of creative endeavors. When I read the description of this upcoming cozy mystery by Mollie Cox Bryan, I knew I would identify with the main character! Cora Chevalier is a blogger, crafter, and former counselor at a women's shelter. She left her counseling position because the constant stress was causing her to have panic attacks and anxiety. What better way to find zen in her life than to open a crafting retreat business in a historic Victorian home? But when her business partner and friend, Jane, becomes a murder suspect just as their first craft retreat guests begin arriving, Cora is worried that their crafting dream might be an immediate flop. Can she help clear her friend, while handling a womanizing craft instructor and caterer problems?
This book was a fun read. I loved the idea of crafting retreat weekends! I liked the two main characters, Cora and Jane. Jane has a bit of a checkered past but is trying to improve life for her and her daughter. Cora is her friend through thick and thin, despite occasional frustrations or differences of opinion. For me, the portrayal of the main characters as less than perfect made this a more believable story.
The mystery portion of the plot is engaging and well written. Small town gossip and politics, lots of possible suspects, and some good plot twists combine to make this an excellent mystery. At the end of the book are instructions for several craft projects from the story and a recipe, too.
I liked how Bryan sprinkled facts and information about broom-making throughout the story. Their opening craft retreat weekend features classes taught by a master broom-maker. While the man teaching the classes is definitely a womanizing cad, the information about making brooms is very interesting! I had no idea that some people collect vintage handmade brooms. I knew nothing about how to make handmade brooms either. Now I'm interested in learning more!
Mollie Cox Bryan is the author of several crafty cozy mysteries in the Cumberland Creek series. Death Among the Doilies is the first book in the new Cora Crafts series. Find out more information about the author at her website: http://www.molliecoxbryan.com
As an avid crafter, I understand the therapeutic benefits of creative endeavors. When I read the description of this upcoming cozy mystery by Mollie Cox Bryan, I knew I would identify with the main character! Cora Chevalier is a blogger, crafter, and former counselor at a women's shelter. She left her counseling position because the constant stress was causing her to have panic attacks and anxiety. What better way to find zen in her life than to open a crafting retreat business in a historic Victorian home? But when her business partner and friend, Jane, becomes a murder suspect just as their first craft retreat guests begin arriving, Cora is worried that their crafting dream might be an immediate flop. Can she help clear her friend, while handling a womanizing craft instructor and caterer problems?
This book was a fun read. I loved the idea of crafting retreat weekends! I liked the two main characters, Cora and Jane. Jane has a bit of a checkered past but is trying to improve life for her and her daughter. Cora is her friend through thick and thin, despite occasional frustrations or differences of opinion. For me, the portrayal of the main characters as less than perfect made this a more believable story.
The mystery portion of the plot is engaging and well written. Small town gossip and politics, lots of possible suspects, and some good plot twists combine to make this an excellent mystery. At the end of the book are instructions for several craft projects from the story and a recipe, too.
I liked how Bryan sprinkled facts and information about broom-making throughout the story. Their opening craft retreat weekend features classes taught by a master broom-maker. While the man teaching the classes is definitely a womanizing cad, the information about making brooms is very interesting! I had no idea that some people collect vintage handmade brooms. I knew nothing about how to make handmade brooms either. Now I'm interested in learning more!
Mollie Cox Bryan is the author of several crafty cozy mysteries in the Cumberland Creek series. Death Among the Doilies is the first book in the new Cora Crafts series. Find out more information about the author at her website: http://www.molliecoxbryan.com
August 28, 2016
Death Among the Doilies is the first installment in the Cora Crafts Mystery series. Coralie "Cora" Chevalier has purchased the old Kildare Victorian in the town of Indigo Gap, North Carolina. Along with her best friend Jane Starr and Jane's daughter, London and Ruby O'Malley, the elderly woman who came with the house, the woman are turning the old home into a Crafter's Retreat.
With the first retreat scheduled for only a few days away, Cora and Jane are shocked when Jane is suddenly under suspicion for the killing of the school librarian, Sarah Waters. Jane was a victim of domestic violence and had fought back to protect herself and her daughter resulting in a criminal record. Cora had worked for years in a battered woman's shelter until the daily injustices caused her to have massive panic attacks. Having moved to Indigo Gap, a relatively crime free small town, the woman begin to think they've made a huge mistake, and Cora sets out to clear Jane's name and find the real killer.
A great, fast paced storyline with lots of interesting characters that will keep you guessing until the last page. It will be fun to follow the next adventures of Sarah, Jane and Ruby - although I hope the author isn't planning the dreaded romantic triangle for Cora.
I received an advanced copy of the book from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
With the first retreat scheduled for only a few days away, Cora and Jane are shocked when Jane is suddenly under suspicion for the killing of the school librarian, Sarah Waters. Jane was a victim of domestic violence and had fought back to protect herself and her daughter resulting in a criminal record. Cora had worked for years in a battered woman's shelter until the daily injustices caused her to have massive panic attacks. Having moved to Indigo Gap, a relatively crime free small town, the woman begin to think they've made a huge mistake, and Cora sets out to clear Jane's name and find the real killer.
A great, fast paced storyline with lots of interesting characters that will keep you guessing until the last page. It will be fun to follow the next adventures of Sarah, Jane and Ruby - although I hope the author isn't planning the dreaded romantic triangle for Cora.
I received an advanced copy of the book from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
August 29, 2016
This is author Mollie Cox Bryan's first book in her Cora Crafts Mystery series and also the first book I have read by this author. I found this book very entertaining and a fun read! The story follows main character Cora, her best friend Jane, and a host of other interesting characters as they make their way into the world of crafting retreats at Cora's new home, Kildare House, in Indigo Gap, North Carolina. Having just visited the mountains of western North Carolina this summer, I was delighted to find this story set there.
When Cora's friend, Jane, is accused of murdering the school librarian, Cora springs into action to clear her friend's name. During the course of her "unofficial" investigation, secrets about the other characters are discovered. I had a hard time putting this book down in my desire to learn more about the mystery and secrets:)
I felt the story was very well written and kept me guessing until the very end as to who the real murderer was. Mollie Cox Bryan was not afraid to explore a few riskier topics throughout the story and I appreciated the honesty of the subject matter. It was refreshing to have characters that showed their vulnerabilities.
I very much look forward to reading more books in this series as they become available and also plan to read Mollie Cox Bryan's Cumberland Creek Mysery series!
I received an ARC from the author via the Snazzy Elite Review Crew in exchange for my fair and honest review.
When Cora's friend, Jane, is accused of murdering the school librarian, Cora springs into action to clear her friend's name. During the course of her "unofficial" investigation, secrets about the other characters are discovered. I had a hard time putting this book down in my desire to learn more about the mystery and secrets:)
I felt the story was very well written and kept me guessing until the very end as to who the real murderer was. Mollie Cox Bryan was not afraid to explore a few riskier topics throughout the story and I appreciated the honesty of the subject matter. It was refreshing to have characters that showed their vulnerabilities.
I very much look forward to reading more books in this series as they become available and also plan to read Mollie Cox Bryan's Cumberland Creek Mysery series!
I received an ARC from the author via the Snazzy Elite Review Crew in exchange for my fair and honest review.
July 28, 2016
Down to earth characters embroiled in an intriguing mystery are the perfect ingredients which makes “Death Among The Doilies” by Mollie Cox Bryan a wonderful read! This new series, crafted by Ms. Bryan, seamlessly intertwines character backstories into the mystery which invites the readers to really get to know the characters without slowing the tempo of the book. The main character, Cora Chevalier is a woman that rebuilds her life after dealing with a toxic past. By opening a crafter’s retreat, Cora integrates her love of crafts into a new livelihood. Helping her, is her dear friend, Jane. Jane has also endured her own past trials and is named a person of interest in the murder of the local librarian. This prompts Cora to face her past and solve the mystery to clear her friend’s name. Ms. Bryan artfully shows that despite a new start, Cora’s past experiences are integral to solving the mystery. To further add intrigue and interest to the book are sparks of romance for some of the characters. Finally, the integration of a well-known hobby, crafting, provides yet another layer to the skills and talents of the characters in the book. ‘Death Among The Doilies’ is a fast paced, entertaining read that leaves you guessing until the last pages. I look forward to reading the next adventure with Cora and Jane!
September 24, 2016
Great debut for this new series, is a book that is fascinating in its cover and inside its pages. I'm just learning the amazing world of scrapbooking and I love each object of DIY. I have really appreciated the helpful advice that are at the end.
Cora is trying to rebuild her life in Indigo Gap after a very difficult period. She is a craft blogger and has decided to open a craft retreat in Kildare, her Victorian house. To help her in this new business there is her friend Jane, she is very good at working the vessels but has a large stain in her past: she tried to kill her abusive husband. When the librarian is found dead unfortunately Jane is the prime suspect because of his past and also are found her fingerprints. Her position worsens when the victim's husband is found dead, he was very violent and Cora will have to work hard to exonerate her friend.
The small town of Indigo Gap seems very comfortable and cozy and the author has described so well Kildare house that I really want to participate in a craft retreat.
The characters are realistic, believable and colorful with great artistic talents: I like that there are different arts DIY involved.
Really well written, flowing, fast-paced with several twists that made this book enjoyable and unpredictable until the end. There is suspense, humor and even a bit of romance: a cozy mystery really intriguing and interesting.
Cora is trying to rebuild her life in Indigo Gap after a very difficult period. She is a craft blogger and has decided to open a craft retreat in Kildare, her Victorian house. To help her in this new business there is her friend Jane, she is very good at working the vessels but has a large stain in her past: she tried to kill her abusive husband. When the librarian is found dead unfortunately Jane is the prime suspect because of his past and also are found her fingerprints. Her position worsens when the victim's husband is found dead, he was very violent and Cora will have to work hard to exonerate her friend.
The small town of Indigo Gap seems very comfortable and cozy and the author has described so well Kildare house that I really want to participate in a craft retreat.
The characters are realistic, believable and colorful with great artistic talents: I like that there are different arts DIY involved.
Really well written, flowing, fast-paced with several twists that made this book enjoyable and unpredictable until the end. There is suspense, humor and even a bit of romance: a cozy mystery really intriguing and interesting.
August 2, 2016
Characters from the Cumberland Creek Mystery series appear in this new series by Mollie Cox Bryan.
Cora Chevalier & her business partner Jane Starr along with Jane’s daughter London are new to Indigo Gap, N Carolina. Opening a crafters retreat center is a dream coming true for Cora and a fresh start for potter Jane. Cora’s Craft Retreats offer a wide variety of crafting opportunities, including up-cycling for locals and out-of-towners alike. Hiring local help; caterer Darla Day, Herbalist Ruby O’Malley and outside teacher Jude Sawyer bring a full complement to the center for the first retreat weekend.
When murdered school librarian Sarah Waters leads Cora to finding Sarah’s husband and daughter clearing Sarah’s home, Cora buys a box of doilies with the idea to upcycle them into something new and crafty. When another murder has Cora involved with the police, the retreat fades as she tries to prove Jane innocent, unravel the truth from rumors in the small town gossip and keep her guest teacher from sleeping with all the retreat ladies!
Cora and her retreat center have great potential in this new series.
Craft instructions and a recipe wrap up the novel.
I received a copy of this cozy crafty mystery through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Cora Chevalier & her business partner Jane Starr along with Jane’s daughter London are new to Indigo Gap, N Carolina. Opening a crafters retreat center is a dream coming true for Cora and a fresh start for potter Jane. Cora’s Craft Retreats offer a wide variety of crafting opportunities, including up-cycling for locals and out-of-towners alike. Hiring local help; caterer Darla Day, Herbalist Ruby O’Malley and outside teacher Jude Sawyer bring a full complement to the center for the first retreat weekend.
When murdered school librarian Sarah Waters leads Cora to finding Sarah’s husband and daughter clearing Sarah’s home, Cora buys a box of doilies with the idea to upcycle them into something new and crafty. When another murder has Cora involved with the police, the retreat fades as she tries to prove Jane innocent, unravel the truth from rumors in the small town gossip and keep her guest teacher from sleeping with all the retreat ladies!
Cora and her retreat center have great potential in this new series.
Craft instructions and a recipe wrap up the novel.
I received a copy of this cozy crafty mystery through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2017
Great start to a new series. Cora was a counselor at a women's shelter and decides to restart her life for health reasons. Her friend Jane with her daughter join Cora in starting a craft retreat. When a body is found and eyes turn to Jane, Cora steps in to help find the real murderer.
I admit at first I wasn't enamored with Jane but when Ms. Bryan lets us see inside Jane's head a certain points in the book, I enjoyed her much better because I was seeing her point of view, I found that a refreshing change. The characters are very likable and I would love to go to this retreat. Cora is an good mix of weak and strong and it is fun seeing her character develop. I fell in love with Ruby a feisty woman who lives on the property and helps with the retreat. The mystery was interesting with plenty of twists that kept me guessing. There was one discovery made that took me totally by surprise, I did not see it coming. A very enjoyable read and I look forward to the next as I will definitely be continuing on with this series.
There is the added bonus of some craft directions in the back.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review, and this is my honest opinion.
I admit at first I wasn't enamored with Jane but when Ms. Bryan lets us see inside Jane's head a certain points in the book, I enjoyed her much better because I was seeing her point of view, I found that a refreshing change. The characters are very likable and I would love to go to this retreat. Cora is an good mix of weak and strong and it is fun seeing her character develop. I fell in love with Ruby a feisty woman who lives on the property and helps with the retreat. The mystery was interesting with plenty of twists that kept me guessing. There was one discovery made that took me totally by surprise, I did not see it coming. A very enjoyable read and I look forward to the next as I will definitely be continuing on with this series.
There is the added bonus of some craft directions in the back.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review, and this is my honest opinion.
July 26, 2016
This is the first in a new series by author Mollie Cox Bryan and the first book I have read by this author. I very much enjoyed it and will be back for more. The story was well written with a plot and mystery that kept me engaged and turning pages. Plenty of clues and suspects to choose from in this mystery. I also really liked the characters. Cora and Jane are both a bit vulnerable due to their pasts but they have a strong friendship that really comes through in this story. The secondary characters provide a well rounded cast. I haven't read many cozies with a craft theme so this helped me with my New Year's resolution to branch out in my cozy mystery themes.
A full review will be posted to my blog closer to the expected release date.
I received an ARC from Kensington, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my opinion and the thoughts expressed are my own.
A full review will be posted to my blog closer to the expected release date.
I received an ARC from Kensington, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my opinion and the thoughts expressed are my own.
August 1, 2016
Cora and her friend Jane are looking forward to the first crafter's retreat at their new home when the murder of the local librarian comes crashing in on them. Partial prints found at the scene match Jane's and with her past that includes an attempted murder charge, things are not looking good. Cora decides for the well being of not only her friend but their new business, she has to look into the murder herself. Will she found out who the killer is before the killer finds her?
This is the first book in the Cora Crafts Mystery series and I loved it! Cora, Jane and Ruby are such great characters and Kildare house was described so well that *I* want to go there for a craft retreat! There were enough twists in the story that you aren't quite sure who the killer is until the end which is always a fun read. I really can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book in the Cora Crafts Mystery series and I loved it! Cora, Jane and Ruby are such great characters and Kildare house was described so well that *I* want to go there for a craft retreat! There were enough twists in the story that you aren't quite sure who the killer is until the end which is always a fun read. I really can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2016
La nuova serie di questa autrice mi piace molto ed è pure riuscita a unirla alla precedente tramite un paio di personaggi che appaiono alla fine e che sono imparentati con la protagonista Cora. Mi sa che prima o poi faranno capolino qualche altro personaggio della serie precedente...
Cora è ben caratterizzata e mi piace la sua idea di creare un luogo dove le donne possano ritirarsi per dedicarsi ai loro hobby preferiti. Oltrettutto, nel corso del libro vi sono vari accenni a possibili progetti e in fondo si trovano le istruzioni per molti di essi. Ho pure scoperto che è un hobby anche la fabbricazione di alcune scope...
Il giallo è ben costruito e mi ha lasciato diversi dubbi fino alla fine, tanto che ero riuscito a risolverlo "a metà" (altro non dico perché dovrei fare spoiler a tutto spiano).
Morale della favola: ho già messo in lista i libri successivi.
Cora è ben caratterizzata e mi piace la sua idea di creare un luogo dove le donne possano ritirarsi per dedicarsi ai loro hobby preferiti. Oltrettutto, nel corso del libro vi sono vari accenni a possibili progetti e in fondo si trovano le istruzioni per molti di essi. Ho pure scoperto che è un hobby anche la fabbricazione di alcune scope...
Il giallo è ben costruito e mi ha lasciato diversi dubbi fino alla fine, tanto che ero riuscito a risolverlo "a metà" (altro non dico perché dovrei fare spoiler a tutto spiano).
Morale della favola: ho già messo in lista i libri successivi.
May 20, 2017
Very enjoyable
I really liked the idea of a crafting weekend complete with an old historic house. Loved the plot twists and never would have guessed the killer. I look forward to reading more of Cora and Jane 's craft retreats!
I really liked the idea of a crafting weekend complete with an old historic house. Loved the plot twists and never would have guessed the killer. I look forward to reading more of Cora and Jane 's craft retreats!
February 14, 2024
I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
I was going through my Netgalley shelf looking at older review copies I hadn't gotten to yet and I got reminded of this one. I was in the mood for a cozy mystery and picked it up. I really like the concept for this series, main character Cora starts a new business hosting craft retreats in a small town after quitting a stressful job. I liked the daily life aspect and especially reading about the craft retreat was fun. I liked the cozy vibe of the town and setting as well. The mystery didn't really hook me, but it had an interesting twist at the end. Coincidentally I had just finished a cozy mystery with a great mystery, but where I didn't like the daily life stuff as much. And this book was the opposite.
Sadly the mystery sadly didn't quite work for me. The mystery had a slightly unusual set up with the murder already having taken place before the start of the book. Cora gets involved as her best friend Jane is a suspect. It made sense why Cora got involved and I liked how she helped out her friend. Unfortunately the mystery just didn't grip me, I just didn't really get invested or curious. It just fell flat for me. Cora get involved in solving it, but I felt she didn't really make much progress for most of the book. There were lots of people acting slightly off, but none of it comes together till the end. She also doesn't really solve the mystery, but sort of stumbles upon the killer. I did appreciate how the police actually seemed capable and working on the case. I also thought the twist toward the end was interesting.
For the most part I liked Cora. The way she was starting anew with her friend in this small town was nice. I liked her craft retreat and reading about the retreat and the crafts they did was fun. I thought Cora was an interesting character, she had some struggles with anxiety and wanted a quieter life. She is fiercely loyal to her friend Jane and committed to her new business. There are some possible love interests for her, but I didn't really care for them so far.
One thing that did bother me and which I found a bit odd was Cora thoughts about Jude and how she regretted having a male teacher as it upset the energy and how she wouldn't hire a male quest teacher again. That seemed sexist. Ofcourse Jude turns out to be sleeping with some of the retreat quests, but I still didn't think that was a good reason to ban male quest teachers in general as that had more to do with this person than all males. I also thought the whole thing was odd, because will she only allow female crafters then? And what if some crafters aren't straight at all? And the crafters can still go out to town and hook up with someone there, it's not like she can control what the crafters do while at her retreat. Also none of the crafters actually minded Jude and how he was sleeping with some of them. The whole just didn't sit well with me and was brought up multiple times throughout the story.
Another thing I wanted to mention is how this book actually has multiple point of view, most of the book is told from Cora's point of view, but a few scenes are shown form Jane's point of view. I thought this was interesting as I've rarely seen this in a cozy, but at the same time I wish it was handled a bit differently. There were so few scenes from Jane's point of view, that it always confused me a bit and was jarring when there was a scene from Jane's point of view. It also wasn't announced with a cue or Jane's name before the scene. There also is one scene in which head-hopping occurs, where the point of view switches in the middle of a scene, that was very jarring. This was an ARC copy so hopefully that got fixed in the final version.
To summarize: I liked the theme of a crafting retreat and liked reading about the retreat and the various crafts. It was such a fun theme for the book and the small town felt cozy. The mystery sadly didn't grip me, I just didn't feel invested in it at all. It was a bit odd how the murder occurred before the start of the book, so the reader never gets to read about the victim. It also felt not much progress was made till the end and even then Cora sort of stumbles upon the killer. There is an interesting twist at the end and I did appreciate how the police actually seemed capable. I liked the daily life scenes and reading about the craft retreat. Cora was a likable character for the most part, she cared a lot about her friend Jane and was determined to help, she also was very committed to her new business. It did bother me how she could be kinda sexist with her attitude and regret about having a male quest teacher at the retreat, that just didn't sit right with me as I thought her issue should be with the guy in question instead of males in general. And even then she can't prevent the women of her retreats to hook up with anyone. There are a few scenes from Jane's point of view instead of Cora, which was a nice touch, but could feel a tad jarring as it didn't happen very often and there was no cue to indicate a scene would be from Jane's point of view instead. I already have the second book, so I'll probably give that a try too.
I was going through my Netgalley shelf looking at older review copies I hadn't gotten to yet and I got reminded of this one. I was in the mood for a cozy mystery and picked it up. I really like the concept for this series, main character Cora starts a new business hosting craft retreats in a small town after quitting a stressful job. I liked the daily life aspect and especially reading about the craft retreat was fun. I liked the cozy vibe of the town and setting as well. The mystery didn't really hook me, but it had an interesting twist at the end. Coincidentally I had just finished a cozy mystery with a great mystery, but where I didn't like the daily life stuff as much. And this book was the opposite.
Sadly the mystery sadly didn't quite work for me. The mystery had a slightly unusual set up with the murder already having taken place before the start of the book. Cora gets involved as her best friend Jane is a suspect. It made sense why Cora got involved and I liked how she helped out her friend. Unfortunately the mystery just didn't grip me, I just didn't really get invested or curious. It just fell flat for me. Cora get involved in solving it, but I felt she didn't really make much progress for most of the book. There were lots of people acting slightly off, but none of it comes together till the end. She also doesn't really solve the mystery, but sort of stumbles upon the killer. I did appreciate how the police actually seemed capable and working on the case. I also thought the twist toward the end was interesting.
For the most part I liked Cora. The way she was starting anew with her friend in this small town was nice. I liked her craft retreat and reading about the retreat and the crafts they did was fun. I thought Cora was an interesting character, she had some struggles with anxiety and wanted a quieter life. She is fiercely loyal to her friend Jane and committed to her new business. There are some possible love interests for her, but I didn't really care for them so far.
One thing that did bother me and which I found a bit odd was Cora thoughts about Jude and how she regretted having a male teacher as it upset the energy and how she wouldn't hire a male quest teacher again. That seemed sexist. Ofcourse Jude turns out to be sleeping with some of the retreat quests, but I still didn't think that was a good reason to ban male quest teachers in general as that had more to do with this person than all males. I also thought the whole thing was odd, because will she only allow female crafters then? And what if some crafters aren't straight at all? And the crafters can still go out to town and hook up with someone there, it's not like she can control what the crafters do while at her retreat. Also none of the crafters actually minded Jude and how he was sleeping with some of them. The whole just didn't sit well with me and was brought up multiple times throughout the story.
Another thing I wanted to mention is how this book actually has multiple point of view, most of the book is told from Cora's point of view, but a few scenes are shown form Jane's point of view. I thought this was interesting as I've rarely seen this in a cozy, but at the same time I wish it was handled a bit differently. There were so few scenes from Jane's point of view, that it always confused me a bit and was jarring when there was a scene from Jane's point of view. It also wasn't announced with a cue or Jane's name before the scene. There also is one scene in which head-hopping occurs, where the point of view switches in the middle of a scene, that was very jarring. This was an ARC copy so hopefully that got fixed in the final version.
To summarize: I liked the theme of a crafting retreat and liked reading about the retreat and the various crafts. It was such a fun theme for the book and the small town felt cozy. The mystery sadly didn't grip me, I just didn't feel invested in it at all. It was a bit odd how the murder occurred before the start of the book, so the reader never gets to read about the victim. It also felt not much progress was made till the end and even then Cora sort of stumbles upon the killer. There is an interesting twist at the end and I did appreciate how the police actually seemed capable. I liked the daily life scenes and reading about the craft retreat. Cora was a likable character for the most part, she cared a lot about her friend Jane and was determined to help, she also was very committed to her new business. It did bother me how she could be kinda sexist with her attitude and regret about having a male quest teacher at the retreat, that just didn't sit right with me as I thought her issue should be with the guy in question instead of males in general. And even then she can't prevent the women of her retreats to hook up with anyone. There are a few scenes from Jane's point of view instead of Cora, which was a nice touch, but could feel a tad jarring as it didn't happen very often and there was no cue to indicate a scene would be from Jane's point of view instead. I already have the second book, so I'll probably give that a try too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews