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Craft Circle Mysteries #1-3
Craft Circle Cozy Mystery Boxed Set: Books 1 - 3
Three Crafting Cozy Mysteries from USA Today Bestselling author Stacey Alabaster.George is the new owner of a craft store in Pottsville. From her first days in town, she has found herself in the middle of trouble, even to the point of being the target of a murder. When the police department is unwilling or unable to bring the guilty party to justice, George does what she must to keep the killer from getting away. Can she solve three of Pottsville’s murders before it’s too late?This collection of cozy mysteries includes books one through three in the Craft Circle Cozy Mystery series. If you like cozy mysteries with interesting characters, the Craft Circle Cozy Mystery series is for you.Buy the Craft Circle Cozy Mystery Boxed Set and start solving your next mystery (or three) today!Steps from Death - When you’re the new girl in a small town, you have to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people. But sometimes that can leave you only Steps from Death.Arts, Crafts and Murder – Crafts are big deal in Pottsville. But is it big enough to murder for?A Finely Crafted Murder – When someone is murdered in a rival craft store, her suspicions intensify. Was her ex-husband capable of murder?
502 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2017
295 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Alabaster
76 books131 followersI have always loved a good mystery. From my early years watching Murder She Wrote to more recent shows like Monk, Psych, and my absolute favorite BBC show ever, Sherlock, I have studied what it takes to make an entertaining mystery. I am truly blessed to be able to write and share my own mysteries with you. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I loved writing them :)
If you want to keep up with all my new releases, be sure to sign up for my mailing list at FairfieldPublishing.com/cozy-newsletter
If you want to keep up with all my new releases, be sure to sign up for my mailing list at FairfieldPublishing.com/cozy-newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 24, 2021
A cosy good read.
I enjoyed reading this set of the first three books in the Craft Circle mysteries. George is a forty year old woman who opens a craft store. There are murders which seem to have a connection to her. Well crafted characters work well together. Jasper the dog is
sweet and adorable.
I enjoyed reading this set of the first three books in the Craft Circle mysteries. George is a forty year old woman who opens a craft store. There are murders which seem to have a connection to her. Well crafted characters work well together. Jasper the dog is
sweet and adorable.
August 16, 2021
Nah, don't bother. While the first book was mildly entertaining, the other two stories are just bad. Our heroine moves to a new town with vague references to her former life, adopts a dog and starts a "craft" store. As far as the reader can tell she sells ribbons and buttons, a spinning wheel and a sewing machine in a box. We never once see her crafting anything during any of the stories, save references to bracelets she "made". She starts a craft club providing wine and cheese for other "crafters" a wildly open term for folks who do any number of "crafts" -but, never show & tell or share. She then hires the least pleasant person she has met and allows her new employee to boss her around, even though her lack of business responsibility makes it necessary. Self respect? Business acumen? Nope, not even a glimmer.
But that isn't the worst part. She adopts a second smaller dog and apparently keeps that dog locked in the house while she takes the poorly mannered original dog everywhere. When he misbehaves she blames it on his previous owners -without doing anything to help train him. My heart really lies with the poor second pup though -left home, left alone all day long, no hugs or happy reunions. Terrible pet owner.
Unbelievable plot, weak character development, bad business sense, totally irresponsible pet ownership. Really nothing to recommend this. I did read the entire thing just to count how many times the second dog was mentioned in the last story...once by name and once in a reference to "the dogs".
But that isn't the worst part. She adopts a second smaller dog and apparently keeps that dog locked in the house while she takes the poorly mannered original dog everywhere. When he misbehaves she blames it on his previous owners -without doing anything to help train him. My heart really lies with the poor second pup though -left home, left alone all day long, no hugs or happy reunions. Terrible pet owner.
Unbelievable plot, weak character development, bad business sense, totally irresponsible pet ownership. Really nothing to recommend this. I did read the entire thing just to count how many times the second dog was mentioned in the last story...once by name and once in a reference to "the dogs".
July 28, 2024
I wasn't a big fan of a different book (from another series) by this author, but I wanted to give this series a try anyway, just in case. I don't want to write someone off too quickly. And, like the other book, this one may have potential. But, like the other, I didn't make it very far into this before it became clear that it wasn't for me. It suffers from the same issues that the previous title did: it's too simplistic, and the timeline is far too fast-paced. I have trouble believing that the main character would meet a woman one night, invite her over for snacks (to a new house still being unpacked) the following day, and would act like this woman was her best friend when the police call and say that she can't make it to the planned tea party because she's dead. For that matter, I don't believe the cops would call a random person just to inform them of the situation. It's kind of them to let the main character know that her guest isn't going to show up, but it's just not realistic. If they call at all, they're going to want to ask some questions about the victim, their relationship, what the meeting was about ... something. It's not going to just be a courtesy call to say, hey, just wanted to let you know she's not coming over today because she's dead.
The story is just underdeveloped.
I described the previous title I tried as juvenile, and that goes for this book, as well. It's more on the level of some of the chapter books you'd find in the library's juvenile section. That isn't an insult; those books can be great for their target audience. I'm just not in that particular audience. And unfortunately, this is marketed as a book for adult audiences. It doesn't work well for that.
I'm not saying every adult book needs to be weighty, profound, highly intellectual literature. That has its place, too, but most of the books I read really aren't that deep. But they are more developed than this.
This could definitely be fleshed out into something more appropriate for the intended audience, but it isn't there yet.
The story is just underdeveloped.
I described the previous title I tried as juvenile, and that goes for this book, as well. It's more on the level of some of the chapter books you'd find in the library's juvenile section. That isn't an insult; those books can be great for their target audience. I'm just not in that particular audience. And unfortunately, this is marketed as a book for adult audiences. It doesn't work well for that.
I'm not saying every adult book needs to be weighty, profound, highly intellectual literature. That has its place, too, but most of the books I read really aren't that deep. But they are more developed than this.
This could definitely be fleshed out into something more appropriate for the intended audience, but it isn't there yet.
February 2, 2021
I received a free review copy of this book.
It reminded me a lot of Joanne Fluke's series, so would probably appeal to those readers! Personally, I found the main character to be an unlikeable bungling, bumbling busybody, even worse than her nemesis Barbara, the town gossip. Not only that, but she's a totally irresponsible pet owner. Train your dog, lady! There's no excuse for the crap you let him get up to. Also, if your main mode of transportation is "walking," you REALLY shouldn't be doing it in heels, let alone the kind of heels that can sink into soft ground. Get some wedges or some walking sneakers and just change when you get to work or wherever. You're gonna ruin your leg muscles.
As far as I can tell, pretty much no actual crafting takes place in this volume. There's a craft store, and a bunch of people talk about and show off the crafts they do and have done.
This series hits me as worse than most in terms of "not giving the police a chance to do their job," although I don't read a ton of cozy mysteries. Butt out, lady. You're not adding anything to the investigation but unnecessary chaos and another potential victim.
It reminded me a lot of Joanne Fluke's series, so would probably appeal to those readers! Personally, I found the main character to be an unlikeable bungling, bumbling busybody, even worse than her nemesis Barbara, the town gossip. Not only that, but she's a totally irresponsible pet owner. Train your dog, lady! There's no excuse for the crap you let him get up to. Also, if your main mode of transportation is "walking," you REALLY shouldn't be doing it in heels, let alone the kind of heels that can sink into soft ground. Get some wedges or some walking sneakers and just change when you get to work or wherever. You're gonna ruin your leg muscles.
As far as I can tell, pretty much no actual crafting takes place in this volume. There's a craft store, and a bunch of people talk about and show off the crafts they do and have done.
This series hits me as worse than most in terms of "not giving the police a chance to do their job," although I don't read a ton of cozy mysteries. Butt out, lady. You're not adding anything to the investigation but unnecessary chaos and another potential victim.
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July 18, 2020The cosiest of cosies.
These short cosy mysteries are lovely diversions in a hectic or unsettled life.
George, the new owner of Pottsville's main street craft store doesn't really "fit in" with her new community. Her best friends are her dog and one of the town's police officers. (Is there romance here?) The books have the classic antagonistic-hypercritical friend, idiosyncratic characters (including our heroine) and the occasional element of George's past life that emerges to haunt her. Small town Pottsville also has the requisite high murder rate.
These stories are short and fun. If you want to read high-quality literature don't bother with the Craft Circle Mysteries. However, if you want a distraction from the world's woes, that's a simple bed-time read to relax, these stories are a good choice.
These short cosy mysteries are lovely diversions in a hectic or unsettled life.
George, the new owner of Pottsville's main street craft store doesn't really "fit in" with her new community. Her best friends are her dog and one of the town's police officers. (Is there romance here?) The books have the classic antagonistic-hypercritical friend, idiosyncratic characters (including our heroine) and the occasional element of George's past life that emerges to haunt her. Small town Pottsville also has the requisite high murder rate.
These stories are short and fun. If you want to read high-quality literature don't bother with the Craft Circle Mysteries. However, if you want a distraction from the world's woes, that's a simple bed-time read to relax, these stories are a good choice.
January 11, 2018
kindle unlimited
really bad at names, but considering how many different series aka crap this writer puts out, think would remember sooner or later, seem be only 1 had not read before and it was crap as usual
no knowledge of crafts, craft stores, police work, or pretty much anything else, so writing about any of that goes with that
Craft Circle Cozy Mystery Boxed Set: Books 1 - 3
Craft Circle Cozy Mystery Boxed Set: Books 4 - 6
Craft Circle Cozy Mystery Boxed Set: Books 1 - 6
Death at the Dog Wedding (Craft Circle Mysteries #7)
really bad at names, but considering how many different series aka crap this writer puts out, think would remember sooner or later, seem be only 1 had not read before and it was crap as usual
no knowledge of crafts, craft stores, police work, or pretty much anything else, so writing about any of that goes with that
Craft Circle Cozy Mystery Boxed Set: Books 1 - 3
Craft Circle Cozy Mystery Boxed Set: Books 4 - 6
Craft Circle Cozy Mystery Boxed Set: Books 1 - 6
Death at the Dog Wedding (Craft Circle Mysteries #7)
June 27, 2018
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the main character, George aka Georgina, in Craft Circle Cozy Mystery Booked Set 1-3, by Stacey Alabaster. However, the more I read, my affection for her grew. We have some of the same traits; such as, sticking our feet in our mouths, and we both love dogs. Georgina is a little eccentric, and I’m drawn to artistic eccentric people.
George has recently moved from New York to the small town of Pottsville. She has a knack for knowing murdered victims and finding bodies. This flamboyant women does not let niceties get in her way of solving the murders.
The third book left me wondering how old loves and new relationships are going to impact her life. I look forward to reading more about Georgina’s adventures, in the near future.
George has recently moved from New York to the small town of Pottsville. She has a knack for knowing murdered victims and finding bodies. This flamboyant women does not let niceties get in her way of solving the murders.
The third book left me wondering how old loves and new relationships are going to impact her life. I look forward to reading more about Georgina’s adventures, in the near future.
January 31, 2019
No crafting, Glaring errors, irritating
When Craft is in the title, I get excited to read the book. There is none, I will stick with Monica Ferris. When; 1) the main character starts the series in her mid forties and has her 41st birthday in book 3. 2) the town size goes from 750 to 1,500 in 6 months. 3) she adopts, searches for her kidnapped, then loses a dog in 2 books, I have had Enough.
When Craft is in the title, I get excited to read the book. There is none, I will stick with Monica Ferris. When; 1) the main character starts the series in her mid forties and has her 41st birthday in book 3. 2) the town size goes from 750 to 1,500 in 6 months. 3) she adopts, searches for her kidnapped, then loses a dog in 2 books, I have had Enough.
September 28, 2021
I thought that this series would be different from some of the other ones that I have read. But it is not. How come they are all about women finding dead bodies. To me she doesn't seem to bright. Buy a store you don't really know how to run, that is when you are really there. Have a dog you let him do anything he wants, and adopt a dog you really don't do any thing with. Who walks every where in high heels. I am glad it only cost me 99 cents to read all this. Just not my cup of tea.
August 6, 2017
It keeps you guessing
Suspense filled mystery, Georgina is a great character that leads the reader down a path filled with surprises. It makes the reader feel she will certainly be the next victim. Keeps you on the edge and you must continue to read to find out what will actually happen next. A fabulous story you will certainly enjoy.
Suspense filled mystery, Georgina is a great character that leads the reader down a path filled with surprises. It makes the reader feel she will certainly be the next victim. Keeps you on the edge and you must continue to read to find out what will actually happen next. A fabulous story you will certainly enjoy.
June 22, 2020
Cosy Crafts
Light frivolous mysteries to entertain. Set in a small town which seems to have more than its fair share of murders. None of the characters seem to be straight forward, each carrying their own burdens of suspicion and fear. The main character comes over as a bit ditzy but wins out in the end. Enjoyable if you don't take them too seriously.
Light frivolous mysteries to entertain. Set in a small town which seems to have more than its fair share of murders. None of the characters seem to be straight forward, each carrying their own burdens of suspicion and fear. The main character comes over as a bit ditzy but wins out in the end. Enjoyable if you don't take them too seriously.
January 12, 2022
Georgina moves to a small town and opens a craft shop. She manages to tangled up in murder investigations. The mysteries are well written and the characters seem real. This is a nice boxed set of 3 books. Took me a long time to finish on my Kindle because I was busy making crafts for Christmas gifts. I've always loved to browse in craft shops.
July 18, 2017
Slap dash attempt that tries too hard
To be charming. The mystery needs to be intriguing OR the characters engaging or even better both to be a good read. Unfortunately both are paper thin in these books.
To be charming. The mystery needs to be intriguing OR the characters engaging or even better both to be a good read. Unfortunately both are paper thin in these books.
July 10, 2018
Craft Circle Cozy Mystery Boxed Set
Love the Cozy Mystery sets. Interesting to read about regular people solving crimes. Enjoy trying to figure out whodunit along with the characters in the book.
Love the Cozy Mystery sets. Interesting to read about regular people solving crimes. Enjoy trying to figure out whodunit along with the characters in the book.
September 28, 2021
So -so quIck read.
The main character, Georg(ina) was much to scatterbrained to be out on her own. The stories jumped around too much and there were too many things left dangling with no reason.
I will not purchase any more of Ms Alabaster's writng.
The main character, Georg(ina) was much to scatterbrained to be out on her own. The stories jumped around too much and there were too many things left dangling with no reason.
I will not purchase any more of Ms Alabaster's writng.
May 15, 2018
George has a new craft store in town. Murder is not one of the things she was planning on taking care of. Delightful stories to brighten your day as usual.
October 14, 2018
Light read
This set of books was a little cheesy. It was good for a quick read. The characters were a little under developed.
This set of books was a little cheesy. It was good for a quick read. The characters were a little under developed.
February 18, 2019
A great set of stories.
I enjoyed reading these stories and look forward to reading more of this series. A good author with a great imagination. So very well worth the read.
I enjoyed reading these stories and look forward to reading more of this series. A good author with a great imagination. So very well worth the read.
August 8, 2021
Great Books
All 3 books were entertaining and had plenty of excitement and drama. Enjoyed them all. Easy read and fun too.
All 3 books were entertaining and had plenty of excitement and drama. Enjoyed them all. Easy read and fun too.
August 14, 2021
I enjoyed the books, a little different than what I usually read. But quite enjoyable.
Thanks
Thanks
August 17, 2021
Not as good as i anticipated.
Rather flipant or immature leading character. Probably a dive in first type.
It just did not peak my interest at all.
Rather flipant or immature leading character. Probably a dive in first type.
It just did not peak my interest at all.
July 25, 2022
Cosy afternoon reading
Loved the books. Enjoyed the two dogs and their antics. Stories were just what I enjoyed for an afternoon cuppa.
Loved the books. Enjoyed the two dogs and their antics. Stories were just what I enjoyed for an afternoon cuppa.
October 9, 2022
Craft Circle
I Loved reading the first three books in this cozy mystery series.
Love the wonderful characters.. Highly recommend reading this awesome series...
I Loved reading the first three books in this cozy mystery series.
Love the wonderful characters.. Highly recommend reading this awesome series...
November 23, 2017
ThI have and read and own everyone of these stories. These are wonderful cozy myteries and the characters are great. I enjoyed everyone of the stories. George and the gang get into all kinds of troubles, but they are great to read. I highly recommend them if your looking for clean, nice cozy mysteries.ese are cozy mysteries that are fun to read. I enjoyed everyone of the stories in this boxed set
July 8, 2018
Great light reading
Light cozy mysteries set in a new craft store. Loved the tongue in cheek remarks between the two main female characters about crafting abilities. Great easy reading and very enjoyable.
Light cozy mysteries set in a new craft store. Loved the tongue in cheek remarks between the two main female characters about crafting abilities. Great easy reading and very enjoyable.
January 1, 2024
cute cozy mysteries
I enjoyed these quick cozy mysteries where Georgie is new in town and she solves the mysteries. I look forward to reading the next set!
I enjoyed these quick cozy mysteries where Georgie is new in town and she solves the mysteries. I look forward to reading the next set!
April 26, 2017
Another great series from Stacey Alabaster, and this boxed set is just you need to get started on the series. Set in small town USA and complete with the small town gossips and snoops, the series focuses on Georgina (George) and her somewhat dubious arts and crafts store. Wonderful characters, twisty plots, good writing and Stacey Alabaster's trademark sense of humor combine to make this series a highly entertaining read.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book. My review is voluntary and the opinions my own.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book. My review is voluntary and the opinions my own.
April 29, 2017
I asked for, and received this book set to review.
I found myself drawn into the stories. I find George to be an engaging character who seems to be able to find trouble as easy as you or I breathe. Each story is set in Pottsville, a ficticous small town in America. A town full of snoops, gossips and secrets. Stacey works her word magic and weaves life into the stories, furnishing the town with more characters in each book, even if some don't stay long! The twists and turns of the plot keep the reader engaged.
In "Steps To Death" (book 1) we meet the delightful George newly arrived in Pottsville where she owns and tries to run a craft store with the idea of using the store and crafting as a way to make new friends, unfortunately this leads her to becoming embroiled in a murder investigation. She trips through the story until finally she discovers the surprising perpetrator.
In book 2 "Arts, Crafts and Murders" our heroine looses her dog and stumbles across a body. She then unwittingly becomes involved with the politics and avarice surrounding a Craft Fair Competition. When trying to find her missing dog she manages to once again become involved with the murder.
"A Finely Crafted Murder" is the third and final book in this boxed set. This time George's past pops up and drags her into the murder of a rival craft shop owner. The plot twists and turns with a few surprises along the way until the final reveal.
Stacey once more delivers an interesting plot. believable characters and beautifully written stories. Looking forward to reading more, not only from this series but from all her books.
I found myself drawn into the stories. I find George to be an engaging character who seems to be able to find trouble as easy as you or I breathe. Each story is set in Pottsville, a ficticous small town in America. A town full of snoops, gossips and secrets. Stacey works her word magic and weaves life into the stories, furnishing the town with more characters in each book, even if some don't stay long! The twists and turns of the plot keep the reader engaged.
In "Steps To Death" (book 1) we meet the delightful George newly arrived in Pottsville where she owns and tries to run a craft store with the idea of using the store and crafting as a way to make new friends, unfortunately this leads her to becoming embroiled in a murder investigation. She trips through the story until finally she discovers the surprising perpetrator.
In book 2 "Arts, Crafts and Murders" our heroine looses her dog and stumbles across a body. She then unwittingly becomes involved with the politics and avarice surrounding a Craft Fair Competition. When trying to find her missing dog she manages to once again become involved with the murder.
"A Finely Crafted Murder" is the third and final book in this boxed set. This time George's past pops up and drags her into the murder of a rival craft shop owner. The plot twists and turns with a few surprises along the way until the final reveal.
Stacey once more delivers an interesting plot. believable characters and beautifully written stories. Looking forward to reading more, not only from this series but from all her books.
May 3, 2017
A fun, fast paced series you just can't put down.
This is a great box set of the first 3 books in the Craft Circle cozy mystery series. With so many twists and turns in each story I couldn't stop reading after finishing the first book and had to continue to see just what was going to happen with Georgina a/k/a George. Each book had a cliff hanger finish to lead you to the next book. At the end of the 3rd book, we are left wanting more. Will George rekindle a relationship with her ex-husband or will more develop with Ryan a younger police detective who she shares a strange relationship with. Stacy Alabaster is a master at creating visual descriptions and well developed characters. These are a fun, must read series as is Stacy's bakery mystery series. I received an ARC copy of the books but the opinion expressed here is my own.
This is a great box set of the first 3 books in the Craft Circle cozy mystery series. With so many twists and turns in each story I couldn't stop reading after finishing the first book and had to continue to see just what was going to happen with Georgina a/k/a George. Each book had a cliff hanger finish to lead you to the next book. At the end of the 3rd book, we are left wanting more. Will George rekindle a relationship with her ex-husband or will more develop with Ryan a younger police detective who she shares a strange relationship with. Stacy Alabaster is a master at creating visual descriptions and well developed characters. These are a fun, must read series as is Stacy's bakery mystery series. I received an ARC copy of the books but the opinion expressed here is my own.
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