Macramé Murder

Cora Crafts Mystery #3

by Mollie Cox Bryan

As the head of a bustling crafting retreat, Cora Chevalier could use a break of her own. So she and her creative cohorts temporarily swap small-town Indigo Gap for the Sea Glass Island Craft Retreat, where they teach classes and create beachy crafts like shell mosaics and sea glass chimes. Cora and her boyfriend Adrian are enchanted by their surroundings—especially the stunning wedding and blissful newlyweds they encounter on the beach. But awe becomes shock when the bride turns up dead the next day . . .

The woman’s death appears to be the result of a severe jellyfish sting. But when it’s revealed that she was murdered and Adrian becomes a suspect, Cora must hitch the real culprit to the crime—and fast. Because it just might take everything she has to crack a case more twisted than her most complex macramé knot!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Adult Fiction, Crafts

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2017

Reviews

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Nothing can ruin a craft retreat quicker than a murder. Cora, Jane and Ruby have been asked to teach at the Sea Glass Island Craft Retreat. Thinking it will nice to have someone else in charge they accept. Who would turn down a beach retreat? Cara even brings her boyfriend, Adrian along. While checking out the beach they catch a glimpse of a wedding. Sadly, the next day the bride was dead and Cora is beyond shocked when Adrian becomes the prime suspect. Say What?? She is warned to let the police handle things but there is no way she is just going to teach her classes and relax on the beach with a drink in her hand while Adrian could end up behind bars. She will sift through every speck of sand on the beach to get to the truth.

When I was in high school macramé was a big thing, I took a mini class where I macraméd a beautiful hanging table and some owls and plant hangers. I am thrilled this craft is being revived in fresh new ways.

Mollie Cox Bryan sure has tied her characters in knots in this mystery. Cora and Jane are strong women, smart and gutsy too. They really don’t back down from a fight especially when one of their friends is in trouble. Cashel and Ruby are great assistants in the investigation. It is also nice that Cashel was available to serve as Adrian’s lawyer even though he gets a little prickly about having to work during his vacation. I loved the dialogue between all the characters, it was believable. Serious when need be but there are funny moments too.

The mystery was difficult to solve with so many twists that brought more and more suspects to light and another dead body. I was excited when I figured out one major clue before Cora but I was really unsure of the actual murderer until the end. The suspense ratcheted up as we got closer to the end and the twists continued. A new element came to the forefront and Cora learned she had to trust the people around her, then things started to fall into place.

Sea Glass Island, off the coast of the Carolinas sounds like a wonderful place, but a little over the top with mermaids 🙂 I would love to visit and if there was a craft retreat that would be an awesome bonus.

This was a fun story. I love this crafting theme. It makes me long for the crafty self I used to be before my accident. I get to experience things I can no longer do through characters like these. That is what first drew me to cozy mysteries and it is why I continue to read them today.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cora Chevalier and her sidekick, Jane Starr, return in Macrame Murder, the third book in the Cora Crafts Mystery Series. This time, Cora and Jane travel to Sea Glass Island to teach crafting classes at a resort. They are both looking forward to just teaching classes at this retreat, not running it like they do for their own craft business in Indigo Gap, NC. But, this idyllic island crafting retreat quickly goes wrong. The body of a local woman is discovered on the beach. Unfortunately, Cora's boyfriend, Adrian, quickly becomes the main suspect in the killing. He admits that he dated the woman, and that she broke up with him three years earlier. Cora and Jane realize they need to discover the true murderer before Adrian faces murder charges for a crime he didn't commit. When a second body is discovered, they realize that they could all be in serious danger.

I like this series. Cora and Jane are great as main characters. They have flaws and issues, but work through their challenges. Both women are independent, intelligent and feisty. Strong female characters -- love it! The mystery moves along at a good pace, with snippets about various crafts (macrame, sea glass jewelry, knitting, crochet, etc) sprinkled in throughout. At the back of the book are craft patterns for CD/DVD Coasters, macrame friendship bracelets and sand candles. The mystery plot is believable for the most part. There was one instance where I had an eyeroll moment -- the way one body is discovered just seemed a bit silly to me. But hey -- it's a cozy mystery. Sometimes you have to suspend reality and just enjoy the story.

I've enjoyed every book in this series so far. And I will definitely continue reading each book as it comes out!

For more information on the author and her books, check out her website at: http://molliecoxbryan.com/

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Kensington via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of this series since I picked up the first book, so I was happy to read this third installment to catch up with Cora and Jane. I think this is a terrific series full of fun, quirky characters and well crafted mysteries. I also love reading about the various types of crafts being taught at the retreat. It makes me wish I was more of a creative person and could do these types of crafts myself. The charming setting, whether it is Indigo Gap or Sea Shell Island, add another layer of dimension to the stories that keep me, as a reader, engaged and returning to the series to see what author has in store for us in the future.

A full review will be posted to my blog closer to the review date.

I received an advanced reader copy from Kensington, the publisher, through Netgalley.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars plus! This complex and well-plotted sequel to the first two Cora Crafts mysteries was a delight to read. Peppered with surprises and loaded with intrigue, its feel-good ending made me long for many more installments in this terrific cozy series.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Altro libro che si lascia leggere. Se devo trovargli un difetto, devo proprio dire che fino alla fine non vengono forniti abbastanza indizi per arrivare alla soluzione del giallo.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Macramé Murder by Mollie Cox Bryan is the third installment in A Cora Crafts Mystery series. Cora Chevalier is off to the Big Island Craft Retreat on Sea Glass Island with Ruby and Jane. Cora and her boyfriend, Adrian arrived early so she could spend some quality time together. While walking on the beach with Adrian, Cora observes a mermaid themed wedding with the bride wearing a beautiful one-of-a-kind tiara. The next morning Cora hears that the bride, Marcy Grimm was discovered dead on the beach. Cora is shocked when Adrian is taken in for questioning. It seems Adrian has been keeping some secrets. Cora knows that Adrian did not kill Marcy and sets out to prove it. When another body turns up and someone close to Cora is harmed, Cora knows she needs to find the culprit quickly. Will Cora be able to find the killer before it is too late?

Macramé Murder is nicely written, has a good pace and it is easy to read. I like the craft aspect of the series and various crafts described in the book. The sea glass and shell tiara was beautifully described (my daughter would love it—Little Mermaid fan). Macramé Murder can be a standalone novel. Cora and her associates history is supplied along with the details of the previous two cases (in the first two books in the series). My rating for Macramé Murder is 3 out of 5 stars. I thought the murder was interesting (there were some good parts), but the killer obvious (at least to me). There is a twist, but many readers will anticipate it (it was predictable). I never felt the suspense, though, in the story. Cora’s numerous panic attacks and anxiety quickly got on my nerves. You would think she would be at an old hat at murder by now (I suggest she get a new medication). Cora is a hard character to like (I have really tried). The romance was too prominent for my tastes, and I am not a fan of Adrian. Then there is the love triangle between Cora, Adrian, and Cashel (Cora should pick him). Personally, I feel that Cora and Adrian’s romance is progressing too quickly (they just started dating). I wish there had been less focus on Cora’s personal life and more on the mystery. The story felt long (especially since the first murder happened so early in the story), and I thought there was too much time devoted to Cora thinking (internal dialogue).

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

For complete review check out my blog at https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogs...

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fun cozy mystery is the third of the Cora Crafts Mystery series but my first read of the series. Even though it is usually best to read books in a series in order, I felt that enough was explained that I didn't have a problem keeping up with the character background.

Cora Chevalier was a counselor to a women's shelter in Pittsburgh before moving to Indigo Gay, NC. Cora, her best friend, Jane and another friend, Ruby, are at a craft retreat at Sea Glass Island where they are teachers for some of the classes. They even get to attend classes when they are free. (Sounds like fun to me) Cora is head of a craft retreat herself at home in Indigo Gay and is a craft blogger where her friends all teach craft classes. Tagging along with the women are Adrian, Cora's boyfriend, and Cashel, Ruby's lawyer son. Before the events begin, Cora and Adrian witness a lovely, small private wedding on the beach. The island is a perfect place to hold a craft event, especially since sea glass shows up on the beach frequently and is perfect to use in crafts. But pretty soon, the loveliness turns ugly when the bride's body is found on the beach. The cause of death appears to be an allergic reaction to a jellyfish sting. Later, it was determined it was murder. This throws a wrench in the craft retreat and everyone is on edge as events keep happening.

This is an action packed mystery where Cora and friends try to figure out what is going on. They work through different people trying to find out the guilty party and no one is to be trusted. I enjoyed the book and hope to catch up with the other books in the series as well as other books by the author.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC to read and give an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book; this is the third book in the Cora Crafts Mystery series and is written by Mollie Cox Bryan. As the head of a bustling crafting retreat, Cora Chevalier could use a break of her own. So she and her creative cohorts temporarily swap small-town Indigo Gap for the Sea Glass Island Craft Retreat, where they teach classes and create beachy crafts like shell mosaics and sea glass chimes. Cora and her boyfriend Adrian are enchanted by their surroundings—especially the stunning wedding and blissful newlyweds they encounter on the beach. But awe becomes shock when the bride turns up dead the next day. The woman’s death appears to be the result of a severe jellyfish sting. But when it’s revealed that she was murdered and Adrian becomes a suspect, Cora must hitch the real culprit to the crime. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

[Linnea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dealt with social issues and also character interaction. Definatly a page turner kind of book.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I voluntarily read this ARC**

Oh, my. That opening scene was beautiful! I feel that in this book, I really had a chance to get to know the characters. The murder itself revealed a tangled web of deceit that reached much farther than I expected. There were some massive twists woven into the story, and I was a bit surprised when it was all revealed.

[Cathy Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to enjoy this mystery series with its emphasis on crafts and murder. Cora is the type of character I really like (even though she suffered from a few too many panic attacks in this book)-- she's smart and compassionate, and the years she spent being in charge of a shelter for abused women gives her a different perspective on the human race. Her former career also taught her not to behave as though she's a trained police officer. Cora is primarily a businesswoman who hires teachers for her craft retreats; she isn't the Martha Stewart type who can run any sort of class she puts her mind to, so I was puzzled when I learned that she was teaching at this South Carolina retreat. When I found out what her class was all about, it made perfect sense-- and I'll let you find out what it was for yourself.

I was happy to see that Cora and her friends were in South Carolina. This avoids the old Cabot Cove Syndrome nicely, and-- let's face it-- if you found out people kept getting bumped off at a craft retreat you were thinking of going to... would you go? Probably not, unless you believe yourself to be Miss Marple reincarnated.

I enjoy the craft retreat setting and the characters, and I also enjoy trying to solve the mysteries. The mystery in Macramé Murder is complex, and I didn't have it all figured out before the reveal, which is always a good thing. Speaking of "good things" (didn't Martha Stewart used to do that?), that sums up Mollie Cox Bryan's cozy series perfectly, and I hope you give it a try.

[Madeline McEwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Macramé Murder has a fabulous fictional setting, ideal for stay-cationers reading and crafting at home but wishing they could escape to some exotic location, although hopefully far less dangerous.

Cora, the protagonist is a funny and quick-witted woman who will win you over as an irresistible character worth rooting for: “After all, helping was Cora’s thing. She had the disease to please. And that wasn’t always a bad instinct.”

Cox Bryan skillfully knits together history clippings [Madamoiselle Riego de la Blanchardiere] between snippets of much more contemporary text messages.

As well some great one-liners: “Next Marcy Grimm, she was about as interesting as a piece of dry toast.” This kind of description is so much more pithy and apt than a character’s eye color or hairstyle.

Read via NetGalley. Published by Kensington Books genre Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date 29 Aug 2017

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway, thanks to Goodreads and the author, Mollie Cox Bryan for the opportunity. This was the third book in the series, but the first one for me and I did not feel lost having not read the other two. Being a crafter myself, I loved the whole premise of a crafting retreat with a good mystery thrown in. The description of the island made me feel like I was there with them. Cora and Jane were likeable characters you couldn’t help but to root for as they worked hard to solve the mystery and provide their students with a fun crafting experience. I definitely want to read the two earlier books in the series and hope there are more to come. The craft instructions at the end were the icing on the cake!

[JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cora Chevalier and her friend Jane Starr are working at a seaside crafter’s retreat. Along with them is their friend Ruby, who also is teaching; Ruby’s son Cashel, an attorney who decided to take a vacation, and Cora’s boyfriend Adrian. While walking on the beach with Adrian, Cora sees a wedding and remarks on how lovely it is but is stunned the next day when it’s discovered that the bride has been murdered. What’s worse, she soon discovers that Adrian knew the woman, and now the police consider him a suspect in the murder.

While Cora knows he’s not capable of it, she still wonders why the police are questioning him, and Ruby volunteers her son’s services as Adrian’s attorney. It's not the vacation Cashel planned, but nevertheless he accepts that Adrian needs help - even if he doesn't really like him.

When Cora thinks that Cashel might not do his best for Adrian, she decides to step in and try and find out who wanted the bride dead. But when she starts looking around, she finds that the answer might be closer than she thinks since there are people at the retreat who have secrets of their own, including the woman who organized everything. It's only when she sees that someone wants Cashel out of the way - and maybe herself - that she understands not only are there secrets, but someone else might die in order to protect them...

While I really enjoyed this book and it was quite interesting, I also discovered that I like Cashel better than Adrian. While Adrian is nice (and like Cora, I believe nice men are better than those who aren't; I'm married to one myself) I also discovered that there is no fire to him; practically no personality at all. He seems rather lifeless, while Cashel at least has a personality and you get a sense that he probably also has a fun sense of humor and would do well by Cora; he also seems more intelligent, and I like intelligent men. I don't get that impression of Adrian - the man wasn't even smart enough to realize that he was wrong in keeping secrets from her while wanting to 'get into her pants' as it were, and he seems so dull. Ah, well. There's always the hope that they'll figure they aren't right for each other after all. Just my opinion...

Aside from that little tidbit, I felt the story was well done and kept the reader interested throughout. There were enough twists that you had to look for the clues in order to see them, and enough red herrings strewn within. While there weren't any nail biting moments, there didn't really need to be; you just had to put things together as the plot moved along - which it did admirably. When the ending came it was done nicely, and while it wasn't a complete surprise, it was satisfying. Recommended.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to a new retreat with Cora! The author has treated us again to some amazing descriptions about the locale of this retreat, including information about sea glass and some of the ways it is used in crafting. She also shares a couple retreat crafts at the end.

This time we are visiting a huge craft retreat on Sea Glass Island, not far off the coast, where Cora, Jane, and Ruby are teaching classes on their specialties. Cora’s series is on craft blogging as it is her primary contribution to the craft world. Along for the trip are Adrian, the man that Cora has been dating, London, Jane’s daughter, and Cashel, Ruby’s son.

Their first night at the retreat, Cora and Adrian see a beach wedding of a beautiful young woman wearing a gown giving her the appearance of a mermaid. She is wearing an amazing tiara that includes sea glass and gemstones. Cora was saddened to hear there was a death on the beach later that night. The next morning London, Jane’s daughter, found what looks to be the bride’s tiara. The beautiful bride of the night before had been murdered, and it is now evidence.

Suspense escalates when Adrian is held as a suspect in the bride’s murder. Apparently, he had once been engaged to this ultra-wealthy young woman and the two had exchanged texts the evening before when the bride contacted him. Cora continued to learn more about Adrian that he had not shared with her. Cashel, acting as Adrian’s attorney, was drugged at a local pub. Another murder occurs, then … more challenges. Cora simply can’t help herself and begins to ask questions, even though the people behind what was going on were not small time hoods or scorned lovers.

One thing I enjoyed about the characters is how we learn about them through reactions and excellent dialog. Another is how Ruby and Cora are growing as friends. Cora and Jane have been best friends for a long time. What annoyed me was how many times Jane ascertains how she thinks Cora and Adrian are perfect for each other, and how often Jane asks (or thinks) again about whether Cora and Adrian had spent the night together. It annoyed me not just because it is a cozy mystery, but I almost got the hopefully misimpression that Jane felt if they spent the night together, some of the things Cora had concerns about in their very young relationship would no longer be issues.

There are several mysteries going on that may or may not be related, which I enjoy. It is a challenge to this armchair sleuth to see if the pieces are all from one puzzle or possibly from two or even three. The plot twists continued to change who though the bad guy(s) might be. While I did figure out part of the solution before the end, there were parts I simply wasn’t sure of, and some I was clueless. The surprises made sense, and the ending was satisfying. While I couldn’t put my finger on it, there was something less compelling about Macramé Murder as the earlier novels in the series. It will not stop me from reading the next in series, as I liked the first two very much. That being said, I still highly recommend Macramé Murder to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries that include a variety of crafts.

From a grateful heart: I received this eBook from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Macramé Murder - Cora Crafts Mystery Book 3
Author: Mollie Cox Bryan
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 8-29-2017
Pages: 352
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Sub-Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery, Suspense, Crafts & Hobbies,, Women Sleuths,
ISBN: 9781496704689
ASIN: B01N4A5SZG
Reviewed For NetGalley and Kensington Books
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.75 Stars


Adrian, a school librarian, and Cora, the proprietor of the Kildare House Craft Retreat have come to the stunning locale of the Sea Glass Island for a Crafts Retreat. When a new bride is found on the beach dead shortly after her wedding that Adrian and Cora witnessed a pallor seems to cover the retreat, The Adrian is questioned by police and one of the teachers is killed. Danger lurks at every turn.


Filled with old friends and a few new ones we catch up on events happening in the characters lives. This may be the third novel in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. Mollie Cox Bryan has once again used her writing skills to bring the location and people to life. This is a fast paced cozy filled with suspense and ever changing twist and turns. An excellent read.


My rating of "Macramé Murder - Cora Crafts Mystery Book 3" is 4.75 out of 5 stars.

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[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Macramé Murder is the third installment in the Cora Crafts Mystery series featuring crafter and owner of the Kildare House Craft Retreat, Cora Chevalier. Having been invited to the Big Island Craft Retreat on the shores of Sea Glass Beach to be instructors, Cora and her friends Jane and Ruby leave the comfort of Indigo Gap along with Cora's boyfriend Adrian Brisbane, Jane's daughter London and Ruby's son Cashel, the lawyer.

Their first night on the island Cora and Adrian witness a beautiful beach wedding, the bride wearing a gorgeous tiara of diamonds, metal and sea glass. Unfortunately, Cora is woken by alarms during the night and quickly learns that the bride Marcy Grimm has been found dead on the beach. The police originally suspect a venomous jellyfish sting, but the signs quickly point to foul play.

Adrian seems to have connections to the bride and becomes the prime suspect in her murder. Feeling betrayed by Adrian's secrets but knowing that the librarian wouldn't hurt anyone, Cora sets out to find the killer. She and Jane soon discover that island life outside of the resort gates isn't all sunshine and sea glass. Instead they learn of plans to build another huge resort which will leave many of the islanders homeless and uncover a wide reaching drug cartel.

Quick moving plot, plenty of suspects and the opportunity to see the crafters outside of Indigo Gap. The only thing that does get tiring is Cora's constant references to Adrian as "her boyfriend", the reader does not need to be reminded at least once a chapter that Adrian is Cora's boyfriend.

I received an advanced copy of Macramé Murder from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cora Chevalier and Jane Starr, besties who run their own craft retreat, are at Big Island Craft Retreat to be instructors for owner Mathilde Mayhue. Cora's boyfriend, librarian Adrian, has come along as well but soon he wishes he hadn't when he's arrested for murder. He's released with a tracking bracelet so now Cora is more determined than ever to prove his innocence or he may have to stay behind after the retreat is over.

This was another well-told cozy mystery by Mollie Cox Bryan. I read the first in this series and really enjoyed it. I normally proceed in order but (disclaimer here) I had the opportunity to read the ARC version of this provided by NetGalley and couldn't resist! I love the camaraderie of all the main characters and how when they put their mind to doing something, it gets done. I didn't guess the killer because the author is great at twists and surprises.

It was fun seeing Adrian and Cora's relationship grow. I had been hoping in the first book she'd start going out with Cashel, the lawyer, who is also her friend Ruby's son (as well as Adrian's lawyer in this book), but they had apparently decided to just be friends. Although sometimes Cashel gets a look on his face that makes Cora wonder if he would have liked to date her. Jane had brought Adrian and Cora together so now I'm more anxious than ever to read the 2nd book.

I thought the retreat sounded like a fun one to attend, if money was no object that is and of course, minus the murders. I can't wait to find out what Ms. Bryan has in store for our Indigo Gap friends in her next book!

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me to read and review.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Cora Crafts series. Cora and Jane are attending a retreat on Sea glass Island as teachers at the retreat. Cora's boyfriend Adrian joins them on the retreat. One of the locals is murdered on her wedding night. She is Adrian's ex girlfriend so the police bring in Adrian for questioning and accuse him of murder. Cora does not believe Adrian is a killer so she starts looking into things herself. The more Cora looks into things, the more she realizes there are many things about her boyfriend that she didn't know. But when another body turns up and Adrian goes missing after his lawyer was drugged, it is more important than ever for Cora to find out the truth.

I really like this series. I love Cora and Jane's friendship. The characters are very likable and fun. The mystery is well done. I liked the plot twists throughout the book, and liked how the ending came together. I also love reading about all the craft projects and love the instructions at the back of the book. I can't wait to read more in this series.

I received a copy of this book from net galley for an honest review.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all the books in this series and Macrame Murder is exciting, keeping the reader guessing until the end.
Cora and Jane are at a craft retreat on Sea Shell Island. It sounds wonderful, I would love to be there, picking up sea glass and enjoying the peacefulness.
For Cora and Jane, it's not so peaceful. What starts out as a quiet wedding turns to murder, leaving Cora to make some inquiries.
Accompanying Cora on this trip is her new boyfriend, Adrian. It seems he is keeping secrets from Cora, which doesn't make her to happy.

This book was exciting from the beginning and I couldn't resist staying up late to read "just a few more pages."

I loved that they offered macrame classes, I remember my mom having a macrame owl in our kitchen when I was growing up.
The craft instructions at the end were fun and they sound like something I would try.

I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here:
Cora returns for another crafting getaway, this time on an island. Accompanying her are her co-workers and her beau. She expects to run workshops on blogging and pick up new skills in different crafts but she does not expect dead bodies popping up all over. Nor does she expect her boyfriend of being suspected of the first murder. It is not such a stretch. It seems he was the former boyfriend of the murdered woman and there are lots of things that Cora discovers she does not know about him.
Her feelings for him are getting stronger but can she trust him. Is he being duplicitous or simply reticent?
Sea glass mixes with drugs mixes with beautiful crafts, including the macrame of the title. It blends into a colourful concoction. There are twists and turns as many of the characters are anything but what they seem at first. It adds to the suspense.
This would be a great holiday read, light and entertaining. I give it four paws up and two purrs.

[Susan]

This, the third entry in the series, is as good as the previous two books. The setting is a wonderful literary staycation. Cora and Jane, along with their friend, Ruby are teaching some craft classes at Sea Glass Island. They bring some family and friends along with them, to enjoy any off time they have when not teaching. A murder joins them in the form of a new bride found dead on the beach. She turns out to have been the ex-girlfriend of Cora's boyfriend and prime suspect. Cora and her group somehow manage to juggle the classes and the clues to solve the murder. If you like cozies and variations on locked room mysteries - it is an island, after all - give this book a try. It can be read as a stand alone but make sure to add the other two in the series to your To Be Read list.
My thanks to the publisher, Kensington and to NetGalley, for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Katrina Wiese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mollie Cox Bryan has created a world of crafting fantasticness wrapped up in cozy mystery delight! I have loved the characters in this series from the beginning, and while I had my doubts about a certain character and his relationship with Cora this time around, I am happy to say that my warm fuzziness for him has returned. The mysteries within this series have been full of twists and turns and they have all kept me guessing right till the end, this book was no exception! The story was so well crafted that I could almost see the mermaids and smell the beachy air. I think the true gem of this series is the wit and banter between the characters, wrapped up with the character's loyalty and protectiveness of their group, or their "family". The books are so well written that I always feel like I am living the adventures with Jane and Cora and I really enjoy the cross-character point-of-view that Mollie writes in. I am always anxiously waiting to get back to Indigo Gap and see what Cora and Jane craft up next! 

[Tracy Condie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mollie Cox Bryan does not disappoint. This third installment takes the crafters to a retreat away from home and to the coast. Who ever said that a bad day at the beach is better than a good day at home would usually be right. After all, Cora is getting a chance to spend quality time with Adrian, her new boyfriend. At least until he is put under house arrest for being the number one suspect in the murder of a well to do mermaid folklore writing islander who not only is found dead on her wedding night but is also an old flame of Adrian's. Cora must quell her fears and handle her anxiety attacks while still being the excellent blog teacher she is known to be while getting to the bottom of this fishy situation at the Big Island Craft Retreat filled with mermaids, murder, and macramé.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable cozy crafting series. (Cora Crafts Mystery) This is book 3 and the girls travel from Indigo Gap for the Sea Glass Island Craft Retreat where they will instruct on their various specialties. I am a fan of these book and love the interaction between Cora and Jane. The helpful hints they provide are fun and instructive. So far they have delved into pottery and wild crafting and now macrame. It was fun to leave Indigo Gap but I missed all the quirky residents.

[RO G'ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Macramé Murder is the third book in Mollie Cox Bryan’s Cora Crafts Mystery series. The writing style flows smoothly at an even pace and the book is an easy read. The mystery is well plotted, the characters are well developed, quirky, and relatable. This book has enough suspects, twists, and turns to make it difficult to figure out who the killer is. Ms. Bryan has combined humor, suspense, tension, and a touch of romance and blended them all perfectly. Other than some very mild adult language, this is a clean cozy mystery featuring no gratuitous sex or violence. I recommend this series to readers who enjoy reading well crafted cozy mysteries.

Cora Chevalier, a successful crafting blogger and owner of Kildare House Craft Retreat in Indigo Gap, North Carolina, Jane Starr, her best friend, business partner, and talented potter, and Ruby O’Malley, an herbalist and candle maker, are instructors at a craft retreat at a resort on Sea Glass Island. Cora’s boyfriend, Adrian Brisbane who is a school librarian, London, Jane’s young daughter, and Cashel, Ruby’s grown son who is an attorney, are there as their guests. As Cora and Adrian stroll on the beach before dinner their first evening there, they came across an an intimate beach wedding, with the bride dressed as a mermaid. At breakfast the first morning, they learn that the bride, Marcy, was found dead on the beach, an apparent victim of a jellyfish sting. Authorities determine Marcy was injected with the venom and Adrian becomes the prime suspect because he previously had a relationship with Marcy and had been exchanging text messages with her the night she was murdered. Cashel represents Adrian and Cora can’t refrain from investigating on her own.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Michelle Martens-Dragalin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cora and the group are the hired help at craft retreat. They are very excited because of the reputation of the manager and the craft itself. This is going to be great, right? Well, secrets from the past pop up, murder, and lot of anger rises up and make the retreat memorable and not in a good way.

[Sandie Scott]

This is a well written easy to read book. I could have read it straight through but things like food and sleep interfered with that plan. The characters display humanity in so many ways. Trying to start new lives the heroines still have to deal with the baggage of their old lives while figuring out the current mystery. Those of us who craft can appreciate the retreat setting as well as the craft tips in the back of the book. Already looking for the next one in the series.

[Aggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt?y liked this book in the series. the characters really developed more and you got to see some more romance. I wish there was more crafting tips in the back though.