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Cora Crafts Mystery #4
Assault and Beadery
All of Cora Chevalier’s dreams are coming true. Since moving to Indigo Gap, North Carolina, the busy crafting maven has been blessed with a great boyfriend, a lovely home, and a booming craft retreat business. But on the eve of her first Crafty Mom’s Escape Weekend, tragedy strikes again in Indigo Gap. This time, it’s curtains for Stan Herald, the disagreeable director of the local theater group, who’s murdered on the opening night of their new production. Worse, Cora’s friend Zee is accused of the crime.
Cora is determined to prove her friend’s innocence, but Zee’s mysterious past is making that difficult. And with a list of suspects longer than a double spool of satin cording, getting a bead on the real culprit won’t be easy. With her friends Jane and Ruby at her side, Cora must string together the clues and solve Stan’s murder before the killer gives an encore performance.
Includes crafting tips!
Praise for Mollie Cox Bryan’s mysteries
“A playful charmer!”
—Woman’s World on No Charm Intended
"Scrapbookers and hobby cozy fans will enjoy this delightful holiday escape."
—Library Journal on A Crafty Christmas
“A font of ingenuity . . . superb entertainment.”
—Mystery Scene magazine on Scrapbook of Secrets
Cora is determined to prove her friend’s innocence, but Zee’s mysterious past is making that difficult. And with a list of suspects longer than a double spool of satin cording, getting a bead on the real culprit won’t be easy. With her friends Jane and Ruby at her side, Cora must string together the clues and solve Stan’s murder before the killer gives an encore performance.
Includes crafting tips!
Praise for Mollie Cox Bryan’s mysteries
“A playful charmer!”
—Woman’s World on No Charm Intended
"Scrapbookers and hobby cozy fans will enjoy this delightful holiday escape."
—Library Journal on A Crafty Christmas
“A font of ingenuity . . . superb entertainment.”
—Mystery Scene magazine on Scrapbook of Secrets
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2018
33 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 7, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
We return back to Indigo Gap just in time for the Crafty Mom’s Escape Weekend. In addition to getting ready for the event, Cora is helping with scenery for the upcoming play at the local theater. But before the curtain goes up for the production, the curtain comes down on its director, Stan Herald. Cora’s friend Zee is found near his body and becomes the prime murder suspect. Cora, Jane, and Ruby know their friend is innocent. They commit to finding the real killer to free their friend all while handling the Mom’s who have escaped for a fun and crafty weekend. Hopefully, the weekend will be a beading success on both counts.
A strong group of friends shines within these pages. Cora, Ruby, Jane, Cashel, come together to help their friend Zee. Cashel handles the legal stuff. Cora and Jane do the sleuthing. Ruby does whatever is needed so the others can do their thing. In this story, that means keeping the moms entertained and she does is well. These characters are a lively group and people I would love to be friends with, tagging along crafting and sleuthing would be a blast.
It does take a group of people to handle everything happening within these pages. Mollie Cox Bryan has crafted a clever mystery to go along with the crafting theme. Twists and turns really kept me guessing. Even after a confession, the case is not solved. This was a good one that kept me guessing right up until the end.
It is stories like these that make me love cozy mysteries. Before an accident left my right side paralyzed I was quite the crafter. Books in this series have not only brought back great memories but allowed me to vicariously do some arts and crafts. In fact, I think I could make some of the beads described with one hand and just a little bit of help with the cutting.
Wonderful characters, a great mystery, and fun crafts make this story A Perfect Escape! I am ready to book my next trip to Indigo Gap!
We return back to Indigo Gap just in time for the Crafty Mom’s Escape Weekend. In addition to getting ready for the event, Cora is helping with scenery for the upcoming play at the local theater. But before the curtain goes up for the production, the curtain comes down on its director, Stan Herald. Cora’s friend Zee is found near his body and becomes the prime murder suspect. Cora, Jane, and Ruby know their friend is innocent. They commit to finding the real killer to free their friend all while handling the Mom’s who have escaped for a fun and crafty weekend. Hopefully, the weekend will be a beading success on both counts.
A strong group of friends shines within these pages. Cora, Ruby, Jane, Cashel, come together to help their friend Zee. Cashel handles the legal stuff. Cora and Jane do the sleuthing. Ruby does whatever is needed so the others can do their thing. In this story, that means keeping the moms entertained and she does is well. These characters are a lively group and people I would love to be friends with, tagging along crafting and sleuthing would be a blast.
It does take a group of people to handle everything happening within these pages. Mollie Cox Bryan has crafted a clever mystery to go along with the crafting theme. Twists and turns really kept me guessing. Even after a confession, the case is not solved. This was a good one that kept me guessing right up until the end.
It is stories like these that make me love cozy mysteries. Before an accident left my right side paralyzed I was quite the crafter. Books in this series have not only brought back great memories but allowed me to vicariously do some arts and crafts. In fact, I think I could make some of the beads described with one hand and just a little bit of help with the cutting.
Wonderful characters, a great mystery, and fun crafts make this story A Perfect Escape! I am ready to book my next trip to Indigo Gap!
August 9, 2018
I'm a fan of this series and Assault and Beadery did not disappoint me.
I would love to be at one of Cora and Jane's retreats. They sound great and I know I would have a lot of fun and laughs.
When a local theatre member is found murdered, the suspect list is wrong, and it even includes some of Cora and Jane's guests.
This book grabbed my attention and get it from cover to cover. I highly recommend it to all cozy mystery readers.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
I would love to be at one of Cora and Jane's retreats. They sound great and I know I would have a lot of fun and laughs.
When a local theatre member is found murdered, the suspect list is wrong, and it even includes some of Cora and Jane's guests.
This book grabbed my attention and get it from cover to cover. I highly recommend it to all cozy mystery readers.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
September 18, 2018
This is the fourth installment in the Cora Crafts series. Everything is in place for the Mom's Bead Retreat at Cora's place in the mountains of Indigo Gap, North Carolina. At the same time, it is supposed to be opening night for the local theater production of Fiddler on the Roof but their very demanding director, Stan Herald, is found murdered. One of Cora's friends is jailed briefly on suspicion for his murder but then Cora finds a clue which changes the focus of the investigation. Could one of the moms really be a killer under her own roof?
I really liked this cozy mystery. Although I hadn't read the prior books in the series, it was easy to follow the storyline. There were just the right amount of suspects and the mystery tied nicely together at the end. There was a romantic element to the book but I appreciated that the primary focus remained on the women and their relationships. I look forward to reading the prior books in the series as well as the next installment.
Thanks to Cozy Mystery Review Crew and Kensington Publishers for an ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.
I really liked this cozy mystery. Although I hadn't read the prior books in the series, it was easy to follow the storyline. There were just the right amount of suspects and the mystery tied nicely together at the end. There was a romantic element to the book but I appreciated that the primary focus remained on the women and their relationships. I look forward to reading the prior books in the series as well as the next installment.
Thanks to Cozy Mystery Review Crew and Kensington Publishers for an ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.
August 29, 2018
All in all, I think this is a fun series that keeps me entertained. I enjoy the crafting aspect as well as the small southern town setting. The characters are interesting and the author keeps it fresh with the addition of revolving secondary characters in the form of the retreat guests.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley.
September 22, 2018
Assault and Beadery by Mollie Cox Bryan is the fourth book in A Cora Crafts Mystery series. Cora Chevalier and Jane Starr are touching up the sets for IndigoArts production of Fiddler on the Roof which begins that evening. They then hurry home to make sure all preparations are complete for their Crafty Mom’s Escape Weekend which begins the next day. Cora is surprised when she gets a call from Zee Mancini, musical director for IndigoArts, later that evening. Stan Herald, the play’s director, was found murdered on the stage with an unconscious Zee beside him. Cora knows that Zee did not commit the crime. She teams up with Jane and Cora to dig into Stan’s life looking for alternate suspects. The ladies need to string together the clues to get a bead on the killer. It would help if Zee was not so mysterious about her past. In between talking with their suspects, the ladies need to teach their classes and make sure their guests have a pleasant crafting weekend. Can they wrap up the case before the killer strikes again?
Assault and Beadery may be the fourth book in the series, but it can be read alone. The author provides the background on the main characters and how the retreat came to exist. The current crafting retreat, Mom’s Escape Weekend, is for mother’s whose children just went back to school. It is a chance for them to get away, relax and learn some new skills. Beading is the focus of the weekend. French beading, making rose beads, polymer clay beads, wet felting, knotting and artist trading cards are a few of the crafts described in the book. Instructions for different crafts are included at the end of the book. I like that crafting is featured in this series (many cozy mysteries used to feature crafts). The crafty fun is described with delightful details. If not for the pesky murder, I would love to be a guest at this retreat. I still do not understand why they do not employ a cook for their retreats instead of using a caterer. The retreaters could bound over delectable dinners. Indigo Gap sounds like a charming town. There are a variety of shops that I would enjoy browsing. I like how the shops and streets have blue themed names. I have still not taken a liking to Cora. This series would have benefited from a different main character. Cora with her anxiety issues and panic attacks make her unappealing. It is mentioned frequently throughout the story with it becoming an issue near the end for Cora. Panic attacks are a serious issue and the author has shown how Cora tries to cope without resorting to medication. However, reading is supposed to be relaxing and Cora gives me anxious and uncomfortable. Cora is not the right person to be the main character who investigates crime which puts in her situations that exacerbate her condition. The whodunit has a variety of suspects and misdirection to confuse the reader. Readers will have no problem untangling the clues and identifying the killer. It was fun to have the characters from A Cumberland Creek Mystery series visit Indigo Gap. The pace is a little slower in Assault and Beadery and there is mild foul language along with copious amounts of alcohol (these ladies let loose while Cora was out of the house). Join Cora, Jane and Ruby in Indigo Gap for crafts, creativity and killing.
Assault and Beadery may be the fourth book in the series, but it can be read alone. The author provides the background on the main characters and how the retreat came to exist. The current crafting retreat, Mom’s Escape Weekend, is for mother’s whose children just went back to school. It is a chance for them to get away, relax and learn some new skills. Beading is the focus of the weekend. French beading, making rose beads, polymer clay beads, wet felting, knotting and artist trading cards are a few of the crafts described in the book. Instructions for different crafts are included at the end of the book. I like that crafting is featured in this series (many cozy mysteries used to feature crafts). The crafty fun is described with delightful details. If not for the pesky murder, I would love to be a guest at this retreat. I still do not understand why they do not employ a cook for their retreats instead of using a caterer. The retreaters could bound over delectable dinners. Indigo Gap sounds like a charming town. There are a variety of shops that I would enjoy browsing. I like how the shops and streets have blue themed names. I have still not taken a liking to Cora. This series would have benefited from a different main character. Cora with her anxiety issues and panic attacks make her unappealing. It is mentioned frequently throughout the story with it becoming an issue near the end for Cora. Panic attacks are a serious issue and the author has shown how Cora tries to cope without resorting to medication. However, reading is supposed to be relaxing and Cora gives me anxious and uncomfortable. Cora is not the right person to be the main character who investigates crime which puts in her situations that exacerbate her condition. The whodunit has a variety of suspects and misdirection to confuse the reader. Readers will have no problem untangling the clues and identifying the killer. It was fun to have the characters from A Cumberland Creek Mystery series visit Indigo Gap. The pace is a little slower in Assault and Beadery and there is mild foul language along with copious amounts of alcohol (these ladies let loose while Cora was out of the house). Join Cora, Jane and Ruby in Indigo Gap for crafts, creativity and killing.
October 23, 2018
First time reading a book by Mollie and I LOVED it. The suspense keeps you intrigued to keep reading. I felt bad for a few of the characters BUT in the end I'm glad the right person was arrested for the crime.
I'll definitely be reading more by this author :D!!
I'll definitely be reading more by this author :D!!
September 24, 2018
Assault and Beadery by Mollie Cox Bryan is a can't put down, delightful, cozy mystery - with sufficient cliffhangers to capture your attention to the last few pagers (which include crafting tips, how awesome!). I initially was disappointed that it seemed the crime played second fiddle to Cora and Jane's retreat for moms, but as the book progresses, Ms. Cox Bryan carefully crafts the mystery through the pages in a way that does not disappoint.
While this is my first visit into the world of "Indigo Gap" and Cora and Jane's crafting retreats, the narrative invites you to sit down and take up the crafts with the characters, and you begin to truly invest yourself in their lives. I look forward to going back and learning more about Jane's character as well as reading Macramé Murder when it comes out!
While this is my first visit into the world of "Indigo Gap" and Cora and Jane's crafting retreats, the narrative invites you to sit down and take up the crafts with the characters, and you begin to truly invest yourself in their lives. I look forward to going back and learning more about Jane's character as well as reading Macramé Murder when it comes out!
September 27, 2018
Cora and her partner Jane are set to begin their beading retreat when they receive an urgent call from their friend Zee. She has been arrested for murder. Not exactly the way they wanted to start their retreat. As Cora tries to focus on bead making, she begins to wonder if one of her attendees might be the killer. Also included are interesting descriptions of a variety of bead-making techniques. An enjoyable mystery.
October 3, 2018
Welcome back to Indigo Gap, NC where a new craft retreat is planned at Kildare House! This is a pleasant novel with appealing characters, a complex mystery, and various interesting crafts to learn, this time beading.
Cora, Jane, and Ruby are beginning their third retreat at Kildare House, this time for moms to celebrate their children returning to school. The “Crafty Moms’ Escape Weekend” includes at least two moms away from their child(ren) for the first time. Cora and Jane have been best friends since meeting in their former careers and are now business partners in the historic Kildare Mansion nestled in the North Carolina mountains. Ruby has lived in the gardener’s cottage for many years. She is a respected herbalist, and many crafts she teaches include artistic uses of herbs. Cora has a successful craft blog, and Jane creates and sells pottery from her studio in the carriage house.
Roni, one of the crafters, miscalculated her driving time and arrives a day early for the retreat. Lena, the guest instructor, will arrive the next morning, while most of the retreaters will come in the next afternoon or evening.
Zee, a friend of Cora and Jane, is the musical director for the community theater productions, and owner of The Blue Note, a local B & B. Maisy, one of the local gossips and a stage mom at the theater, calls Ruby shortly after Ruby’s attorney son goes to the police department to meet a new client. Unfortunately, the new client is Zee, accused of killing the obnoxious play director, Stan. He was found dead in the theater and Zee was next to him, unconscious, clutching the murder weapon.
This will not be as relaxing of a retreat as hoped for, as many demands are made on the partners’ time, especially when Zee hopes for help finding who murdered Stan. When Cora finds a valuable piece of evidence in the trash at Kildare house, she wonders if she is responsible for bringing a killer into the house. She learns more about their guests and hopes to find the bad gal before anyone gets hurt.
Each of the ladies has valuable experience, sharing their crafting talents to teach or learn how to make beads for use in jewelry, fiber, or metal arts. Some retreaters arrive in pairs, having been friends for a long time, and a few come alone. Cora is adept at drawing some of the ladies out and learning more about them, including their families and what crafts they enjoy. They are well defined as evidenced by actions and realistic conversations.
The mystery is what really makes this novel. While there are elements included that, to me, are a departure from a traditional cozy and discouraging for me to find, the murder and limited evidence make for an intriguing puzzle. It seemed as if there were many pieces, none of which fit together with the others. I was impressed with how Cora works it out, to the chagrin of Detective Brodsky, even though it is a bit unrealistic that she is the only one tripping over important clues. I had several potential suspects on my list, but at the end of the story, I was surprised by the final twist of events showing the real killer, and why. If one enjoys mysteries that include crafts, small towns, and challenging murders, I recommend it. Instructions for some of the beads are included.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, and this is my honest review.
Cora, Jane, and Ruby are beginning their third retreat at Kildare House, this time for moms to celebrate their children returning to school. The “Crafty Moms’ Escape Weekend” includes at least two moms away from their child(ren) for the first time. Cora and Jane have been best friends since meeting in their former careers and are now business partners in the historic Kildare Mansion nestled in the North Carolina mountains. Ruby has lived in the gardener’s cottage for many years. She is a respected herbalist, and many crafts she teaches include artistic uses of herbs. Cora has a successful craft blog, and Jane creates and sells pottery from her studio in the carriage house.
Roni, one of the crafters, miscalculated her driving time and arrives a day early for the retreat. Lena, the guest instructor, will arrive the next morning, while most of the retreaters will come in the next afternoon or evening.
Zee, a friend of Cora and Jane, is the musical director for the community theater productions, and owner of The Blue Note, a local B & B. Maisy, one of the local gossips and a stage mom at the theater, calls Ruby shortly after Ruby’s attorney son goes to the police department to meet a new client. Unfortunately, the new client is Zee, accused of killing the obnoxious play director, Stan. He was found dead in the theater and Zee was next to him, unconscious, clutching the murder weapon.
This will not be as relaxing of a retreat as hoped for, as many demands are made on the partners’ time, especially when Zee hopes for help finding who murdered Stan. When Cora finds a valuable piece of evidence in the trash at Kildare house, she wonders if she is responsible for bringing a killer into the house. She learns more about their guests and hopes to find the bad gal before anyone gets hurt.
Each of the ladies has valuable experience, sharing their crafting talents to teach or learn how to make beads for use in jewelry, fiber, or metal arts. Some retreaters arrive in pairs, having been friends for a long time, and a few come alone. Cora is adept at drawing some of the ladies out and learning more about them, including their families and what crafts they enjoy. They are well defined as evidenced by actions and realistic conversations.
The mystery is what really makes this novel. While there are elements included that, to me, are a departure from a traditional cozy and discouraging for me to find, the murder and limited evidence make for an intriguing puzzle. It seemed as if there were many pieces, none of which fit together with the others. I was impressed with how Cora works it out, to the chagrin of Detective Brodsky, even though it is a bit unrealistic that she is the only one tripping over important clues. I had several potential suspects on my list, but at the end of the story, I was surprised by the final twist of events showing the real killer, and why. If one enjoys mysteries that include crafts, small towns, and challenging murders, I recommend it. Instructions for some of the beads are included.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, and this is my honest review.
November 12, 2018
Assault and Beadery was a welcome addition to the Cora Crafts mystery series. It was fast paced and kept me interested up until the end (which I won’t spoil). The best part of a series is getting to know all of the characters over time, and I love how much Cora, Ruby, and Jane have grown and developed. The crafting is woven in during the mysteries very well, and usually leaves me with a desire to make something when I am done.
The ladies decide to host a mom’s escape weekend, and unfortunately, the night before the retreat begins the local theater director is murdered, leaving their friend Zee the prime suspect. The retreat of course starts off as planned, and includes a few characters from the author’s other series, which I loved. Cora is my favorite. I especially like how she struggles with anxiety and other real ailments that are very relatable to me, although I also understand Jane’s struggles as a mom. The characters get better each time we get to visit Indigo Gap, and I look forward to the next in the series. I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are mine alone.
The ladies decide to host a mom’s escape weekend, and unfortunately, the night before the retreat begins the local theater director is murdered, leaving their friend Zee the prime suspect. The retreat of course starts off as planned, and includes a few characters from the author’s other series, which I loved. Cora is my favorite. I especially like how she struggles with anxiety and other real ailments that are very relatable to me, although I also understand Jane’s struggles as a mom. The characters get better each time we get to visit Indigo Gap, and I look forward to the next in the series. I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are mine alone.
October 6, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It is one of the better cozy mysteries that I have read lately. The pacing of the story was great, the cast of characters was interesting. The crafting was something I have not tried so I liked reading about it.
Cora, Jane and Ruby are hosting a craft retreat. The subject of the retreat is beading. This is a craft I am not very familiar with, and I loved learning about making the different types of beads. I had no idea that there were so many!
The victim in this one is Stan Herald, a very unlikable character. I didn't really care much about him. Cora's friend, Zee, is accused of the murder so Cora and friends try to find the real culprit. I liked the flow of the book. Detailed descriptions of crafting interspersed with sleuthing. The book felt very relaxed to me and I enjoyed reading it.
This book features a crossover with characters from the Cumberland Creek Mystery Series by the same author. It adds an interesting dimension to the story, but it is not necessary for the reader to have read the other series in order to enjoy this book.
I think this is a great series and I look forward to reading many more books.
I received a free copy from the Cozy Mystery Review Crew and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
Cora, Jane and Ruby are hosting a craft retreat. The subject of the retreat is beading. This is a craft I am not very familiar with, and I loved learning about making the different types of beads. I had no idea that there were so many!
The victim in this one is Stan Herald, a very unlikable character. I didn't really care much about him. Cora's friend, Zee, is accused of the murder so Cora and friends try to find the real culprit. I liked the flow of the book. Detailed descriptions of crafting interspersed with sleuthing. The book felt very relaxed to me and I enjoyed reading it.
This book features a crossover with characters from the Cumberland Creek Mystery Series by the same author. It adds an interesting dimension to the story, but it is not necessary for the reader to have read the other series in order to enjoy this book.
I think this is a great series and I look forward to reading many more books.
I received a free copy from the Cozy Mystery Review Crew and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 29, 2018
Review: ASSAULT AND BEADERY by Mollie Cox Bryan
(A Cora Crafts Mystery)
I really was educated while reading this Cozy Mystery novel: educated in certain types of Crafts (beadmaking, paper crafts, and Artistic playing cards), but equally so in the art of friendship, and the procedures of small business, and the foibles of small town living. Indigo Gap, North Carolina, is a small but active and thriving community tucked in the shadows of the looming Appalachian Mountains. It sports tourism and craft retreats, the latter organized by best friends Cora, Jane, and Ruby, in a lovely Victorian called Kildare House. A beadmaking retreat is marred by the death of the community theater's producer and the arrest of its musical director. But Cora and Jane are not just crafter and potter; both have faced evil and crime, and they are determined that the actual killer will be identified--before another death.
(A Cora Crafts Mystery)
I really was educated while reading this Cozy Mystery novel: educated in certain types of Crafts (beadmaking, paper crafts, and Artistic playing cards), but equally so in the art of friendship, and the procedures of small business, and the foibles of small town living. Indigo Gap, North Carolina, is a small but active and thriving community tucked in the shadows of the looming Appalachian Mountains. It sports tourism and craft retreats, the latter organized by best friends Cora, Jane, and Ruby, in a lovely Victorian called Kildare House. A beadmaking retreat is marred by the death of the community theater's producer and the arrest of its musical director. But Cora and Jane are not just crafter and potter; both have faced evil and crime, and they are determined that the actual killer will be identified--before another death.
September 26, 2018
From net galley. A great 4th book in this series with great character and fun crafty tips. A perfect combination of mystery and fun among a crafty retreat when a murder is found and Zee is accused of murdering the theater director. So Cora and her friends follow the clues and find the real culprit.
Perfect for any crafter -would make a great gift.
Perfect for any crafter -would make a great gift.
October 4, 2018
This was my first book by Mollie Cox Bryan. It is part of the series, A Cora Crafts Mystery. I had no issue with jumping into the series. Because of that, I believe this book can be read as a stand-alone or out of series order. This was also my first cozy mystery with crafting as a theme.
I really enjoyed this mystery. I liked Cora and the other characters very much. They were people I would enjoy being around. I felt comfortable with them. I was thrilled to see Cora pay attention to gut instinct. I think we all need to listen more when it tries to get our attention. As someone who deals with anxiety and panic, it was interesting to have a major character dealing with it. I was encouraged by Cora.
I was intrigued by the idea of a crafting retreat. I have never been to one. I do enjoy some crafts but am lousy at keeping them up. My crafting level is, at best, self described as kindergarten - first grade level. I do love to do them do and am, frequently, as proud as the best of any kindergarteners. I started this book with a little bit of fear that I would have a difficult time with the crafting part. No worries, though. I was able to not only keep up just fine but also found myself wishing to attend a craft retreat. I believe I could manage to learn something new and fun to do. I was even encouraged enough that I am planning to try the crafts at the back of the book. I’m thinking I could come away with some meditation beads...or maybe just a necklace like is pictured on the cover. There are actually a couple of craft instructions that I want to try.
The mystery was well written. I was kept guessing all the way up to the reveal. There were several secrets and surprises along the way that had me changing my mind about suspects. The big reveal contained the best secret! But I’m not going to give you anything there.
I recommend this cozy mystery book. It was fun and interesting. If you make any of the crafts in the book and post photos on Instagram, please tag me, (Wulfwyn907). I would really like to see what you made. I will be adding the other books in this series to my TBR. Thank you to Kimberlee at the Review Club on Facebook for the ARC. The opinions expressed are my honest thoughts regarding this book.
I really enjoyed this mystery. I liked Cora and the other characters very much. They were people I would enjoy being around. I felt comfortable with them. I was thrilled to see Cora pay attention to gut instinct. I think we all need to listen more when it tries to get our attention. As someone who deals with anxiety and panic, it was interesting to have a major character dealing with it. I was encouraged by Cora.
I was intrigued by the idea of a crafting retreat. I have never been to one. I do enjoy some crafts but am lousy at keeping them up. My crafting level is, at best, self described as kindergarten - first grade level. I do love to do them do and am, frequently, as proud as the best of any kindergarteners. I started this book with a little bit of fear that I would have a difficult time with the crafting part. No worries, though. I was able to not only keep up just fine but also found myself wishing to attend a craft retreat. I believe I could manage to learn something new and fun to do. I was even encouraged enough that I am planning to try the crafts at the back of the book. I’m thinking I could come away with some meditation beads...or maybe just a necklace like is pictured on the cover. There are actually a couple of craft instructions that I want to try.
The mystery was well written. I was kept guessing all the way up to the reveal. There were several secrets and surprises along the way that had me changing my mind about suspects. The big reveal contained the best secret! But I’m not going to give you anything there.
I recommend this cozy mystery book. It was fun and interesting. If you make any of the crafts in the book and post photos on Instagram, please tag me, (Wulfwyn907). I would really like to see what you made. I will be adding the other books in this series to my TBR. Thank you to Kimberlee at the Review Club on Facebook for the ARC. The opinions expressed are my honest thoughts regarding this book.
October 5, 2018
Assault and Beadery is the fourth installment in the Cora Crafts Mystery series set in the small town of Indigo Gap, North Carolina and featuring the residents of the Kildare House, Cora Chevalier, her best friend Jane and inherited resident Ruby. Kildare House is set to host their third crafting retreat geared for Mom's and all types of beading.
Cora and Jane have been roped into helping their friend Zee with the set designs for the community theaters upcoming production of Fiddler on the Roof. Cora isn't too impressed with the overbearing and egotistical director Stan Herald. She's even less thrilled working amidst the petty Stage Moms. Rumored to cast characters in the play not because of their talents but how much money their parents contribute, it's not a surprise when Stan is found stabbed to death center stage.
Unfortunately, Zee is fingered as the killer. Despite her friend's mysterious past which she has kept hidden, Cora knows that there is no way her friend who have committed such a heinous crime. Determined to clear Zee's name Cora sets out against the wishes of her boyfriend Adrian and Detective Thomas Brodsky. Cora quickly discovers that a few of the ladies attending the retreat have ties with Stan and other members of the Indigo Gap community.
A fast paced mystery from page one to the last beading knot tied. A well developed cast of characters with personal histories that many readers can relate, terrific beading descriptions and helpful tips to learning a new craft.
I received an advanced copy of Assault and Beadery from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
Cora and Jane have been roped into helping their friend Zee with the set designs for the community theaters upcoming production of Fiddler on the Roof. Cora isn't too impressed with the overbearing and egotistical director Stan Herald. She's even less thrilled working amidst the petty Stage Moms. Rumored to cast characters in the play not because of their talents but how much money their parents contribute, it's not a surprise when Stan is found stabbed to death center stage.
Unfortunately, Zee is fingered as the killer. Despite her friend's mysterious past which she has kept hidden, Cora knows that there is no way her friend who have committed such a heinous crime. Determined to clear Zee's name Cora sets out against the wishes of her boyfriend Adrian and Detective Thomas Brodsky. Cora quickly discovers that a few of the ladies attending the retreat have ties with Stan and other members of the Indigo Gap community.
A fast paced mystery from page one to the last beading knot tied. A well developed cast of characters with personal histories that many readers can relate, terrific beading descriptions and helpful tips to learning a new craft.
I received an advanced copy of Assault and Beadery from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
September 29, 2018
Assault and Beadery is the fourth book in Mollie Cox Bryan’s Cora Crafts Mystery series. I highly recommend this series and have enjoyed each book in this fabulous series. If you enjoy crafting and even if you do not but always wanted to craft you will love this series. The author has included craft instructions and supply list at the end of the book for all who would like to try their hand at beading !
Cora Chevalier our protagonist for the series, is a successful crafting blogger and owner of the Kildare House Craft Retreat in Indigo Gap, North Carolina, She is preparing for her third crafting retreat with her good friends and crafters Jane a potter and Ruby, a herbalist and candle maker. They all share living space at the retreat house.
They are all helping a friend prepare for a local musical when the director of the theater group is murdered. One of their fellow retreat friends is being held as the prime suspect. Cora begins to investigate and soon finds evidence that clears her friend from all charges and implicates a retreat attendee. Cora soon finds that the clues don't make sense and finds that the suspect is still on the loose.
This was a excellent mystery and such a fun addition to the series. The reader feels as if they are present and can participate in the crafting. This book will make every reader want to practice beading. The supporting charcters are interesting and fun additions to the plot. I love the well crafted sleuth and how the whodunit kept me guessing until the end. I look forward to the next in series. This is a delightful series that every cozy reader will love.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it with gratitude.
Cora Chevalier our protagonist for the series, is a successful crafting blogger and owner of the Kildare House Craft Retreat in Indigo Gap, North Carolina, She is preparing for her third crafting retreat with her good friends and crafters Jane a potter and Ruby, a herbalist and candle maker. They all share living space at the retreat house.
They are all helping a friend prepare for a local musical when the director of the theater group is murdered. One of their fellow retreat friends is being held as the prime suspect. Cora begins to investigate and soon finds evidence that clears her friend from all charges and implicates a retreat attendee. Cora soon finds that the clues don't make sense and finds that the suspect is still on the loose.
This was a excellent mystery and such a fun addition to the series. The reader feels as if they are present and can participate in the crafting. This book will make every reader want to practice beading. The supporting charcters are interesting and fun additions to the plot. I love the well crafted sleuth and how the whodunit kept me guessing until the end. I look forward to the next in series. This is a delightful series that every cozy reader will love.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it with gratitude.
September 26, 2018
Cora is settling into her life in Indigo Gap, North Carolina. She is a incredibly talented crafter, and she has used those skills and talents to build a craft retreat business. She has has a wonderful, caring boyfriend, Adrian. Things are going wonderfully until murder enters the picture...again. This time it’s Stan Herald, the director of the local theater group. What makes it worse is her friend, Zee is the prime suspect. Cora can’t resist...she has to save her friend!
Not only is there the mystery of Stan’s death, but Zee, herself, is a mystery. Cora isn’t sure about Zee’s past. For instance, she isn’t even certain how old Zee really is. She has her work cut out for her, but that is the thing about Cora….she doesn’t give up very easily. It’s one of the things I love most about her. I think everyone needs a Cora in their lives. She is completely loyal to those she loves.
The writing was fantastic as well as the cast of secondary characters, such as Adrian, Ruby, and Jane. They each added a great deal to the storyline. Heck, even the town of Indigo Gap is a character. She wrote the setting so well that I felt like I was a part of it myself.
As much as this is a cozy mystery, it is so much more! Underneath the storyline is the theme of overcoming obstacles and how you move forward...basically reinventing yourself. That really struck a chord for me and sets this book somewhat apart from other books in the genre.
I love when the author includes little extras, and Bryan not only gave her readers one thing but several, from crafts to recipes, and some I might even be brave enough to try. Looking forward to returning to quaint Indigo Gap in the future
Not only is there the mystery of Stan’s death, but Zee, herself, is a mystery. Cora isn’t sure about Zee’s past. For instance, she isn’t even certain how old Zee really is. She has her work cut out for her, but that is the thing about Cora….she doesn’t give up very easily. It’s one of the things I love most about her. I think everyone needs a Cora in their lives. She is completely loyal to those she loves.
The writing was fantastic as well as the cast of secondary characters, such as Adrian, Ruby, and Jane. They each added a great deal to the storyline. Heck, even the town of Indigo Gap is a character. She wrote the setting so well that I felt like I was a part of it myself.
As much as this is a cozy mystery, it is so much more! Underneath the storyline is the theme of overcoming obstacles and how you move forward...basically reinventing yourself. That really struck a chord for me and sets this book somewhat apart from other books in the genre.
I love when the author includes little extras, and Bryan not only gave her readers one thing but several, from crafts to recipes, and some I might even be brave enough to try. Looking forward to returning to quaint Indigo Gap in the future
August 11, 2018
I really enjoy the books in this series. The town of Indigo Gap sounds so lovely and peaceful, even though there is a murder. The Kildare House is a great place for a craft retreat with all of the different rooms for different crafts and the rooms upstairs for the crafters to stay in. I love to read about all of the different rooms and how they are decorated. The crafts are different in each book which keeps things fresh in my opinion. The characters are growing with each book and we are learning more about them.
This book features a retreat for Moms after the kids go back to school. It features different types of beads and beading, as well as author cards which is a paper craft. I love how the author gives instructions at the back of the book about the crafts, so that you can try them yourself if you want to. She also includes a few recipes for food that was in the book. I'm looking forward to when the kitchen in Kildare House is remodeled and they have food retreats too! The mystery kept me guessing and with all of the visiting crafters at this retreat there were a lot of suspects to consider. This kept me guessing about the motive for the murder and who was guilty. I was definitely surprised!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the author. All opinions are my own.
This book features a retreat for Moms after the kids go back to school. It features different types of beads and beading, as well as author cards which is a paper craft. I love how the author gives instructions at the back of the book about the crafts, so that you can try them yourself if you want to. She also includes a few recipes for food that was in the book. I'm looking forward to when the kitchen in Kildare House is remodeled and they have food retreats too! The mystery kept me guessing and with all of the visiting crafters at this retreat there were a lot of suspects to consider. This kept me guessing about the motive for the murder and who was guilty. I was definitely surprised!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the author. All opinions are my own.
August 16, 2018
I love Mollie Cox Bryan's books, and this one is no exception. I always have a hard time writing reviews because I'm afraid of spilling too much information, so I will just go on the line as saying it is what you would expect from a Cora Crafts Mystery - murder, a little mayhem, a dash of romance, and great mystery. I have to say I enjoy the little extras, like recipes and crafting tips, but it's the mystery that brings me back. This one was no exception. I was actually pretty sure who the murderer was, then Bryan convinced me I was on the wrong track. Only to find out at the last minute that I was right all along!
Reading this book was like visiting old friends - feisty Cora, her best friend Jane, and of course, lovable Ruby. If you missed the first couple of books in this series, make sure you grab them too.
Reading this book was like visiting old friends - feisty Cora, her best friend Jane, and of course, lovable Ruby. If you missed the first couple of books in this series, make sure you grab them too.
September 25, 2018
Reviewed at The Power of Words: https://bit.ly/2Q4OpOu
What an odd town Indigo Gap, North Carolina, is, she thought. She’d been here a little over a year, and this was the third murder.
Assault and Beadery is packed with all that makes an excellent cozy mystery – character depth, well-plotted mystery, and an appealing small-town setting that you’d love to visit. Mollie Cox Bryan gives enough background so that this fourth book in the Cora Crafts series stands alone.
The fictional Indigo Gap, located in western North Carolina, is a delightful small town that’s proud of its heritage. From street names to quaint shops, the word “blue” is incorporated. Cora and her two business partners, Jane and Ruby, combine their skills – both in the making of crafts and the solving of murders. And Cora’s lovely Victorian home, Kildare House, provides the perfect setting for their craft and retreat center.
With so many cozies involving the food industry, the craft-making theme is refreshing, and I didn’t realize so much was involved in the making of bead crafts. The murder hits close to home when a personal friend is accused of the crime, a friend who just happens to have a mysterious past with hidden musical talents. All three leading ladies are easy to connect with – Cora, skilled at repurposing, the moody but adorable Ruby, and Jane, who is my favorite. Having fled an abusive past, she and her daughter, London, reside on the grounds of Kildare House.
Bryan’s writing flows easily and the story is well paced. The only negative is the occasional use of mild profanity, but Assault and Beadery is an enjoyable and satisfying read overall.
Recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
What an odd town Indigo Gap, North Carolina, is, she thought. She’d been here a little over a year, and this was the third murder.
Assault and Beadery is packed with all that makes an excellent cozy mystery – character depth, well-plotted mystery, and an appealing small-town setting that you’d love to visit. Mollie Cox Bryan gives enough background so that this fourth book in the Cora Crafts series stands alone.
The fictional Indigo Gap, located in western North Carolina, is a delightful small town that’s proud of its heritage. From street names to quaint shops, the word “blue” is incorporated. Cora and her two business partners, Jane and Ruby, combine their skills – both in the making of crafts and the solving of murders. And Cora’s lovely Victorian home, Kildare House, provides the perfect setting for their craft and retreat center.
With so many cozies involving the food industry, the craft-making theme is refreshing, and I didn’t realize so much was involved in the making of bead crafts. The murder hits close to home when a personal friend is accused of the crime, a friend who just happens to have a mysterious past with hidden musical talents. All three leading ladies are easy to connect with – Cora, skilled at repurposing, the moody but adorable Ruby, and Jane, who is my favorite. Having fled an abusive past, she and her daughter, London, reside on the grounds of Kildare House.
Bryan’s writing flows easily and the story is well paced. The only negative is the occasional use of mild profanity, but Assault and Beadery is an enjoyable and satisfying read overall.
Recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
November 4, 2018
Princess Fuzzypants here: Cora and Jane are trying something different this time. A weekend retreat for Moms to learn about beadery and get away from their kids for a while. Things get off to a shaky start when the director of a local amateur theatre group is stabbed and one of their friends is found unconscious by the body, covered in blood with a knife in her hands. Naturally neither of them believe she is the killer but she is incarcerated without bail.
The show, or at least the retreat, must go on as the Moms arrive at the B & B. It does not take long for the ladies to begin to wonder if one of their guests might have been the culprit. The discovery of a bloody scarf in the garbage erases all doubt but which one is a murderer. I won’t tell anymore of the story since it is far too much fun to guess while reading but be assured there are a lot of false turns and twists. When the truth emerges, it is not what I expected. In fact, I cannot recall any clues whatsoever as to the motives.
I do like the characters in this series and the idea of crafting retreats is fascinating. I wanted to sign up for a few of them but being a cat, with no opposable thumbs, it might be too hard. I do like Cora’s long suffering kitty who hardly gets any attention from her. Cora struggles with panic attacks and they are so vividly written that the reader gets pulled into them. It makes how she copes even more admirable.
I give this book four purrs and two paws up.
The show, or at least the retreat, must go on as the Moms arrive at the B & B. It does not take long for the ladies to begin to wonder if one of their guests might have been the culprit. The discovery of a bloody scarf in the garbage erases all doubt but which one is a murderer. I won’t tell anymore of the story since it is far too much fun to guess while reading but be assured there are a lot of false turns and twists. When the truth emerges, it is not what I expected. In fact, I cannot recall any clues whatsoever as to the motives.
I do like the characters in this series and the idea of crafting retreats is fascinating. I wanted to sign up for a few of them but being a cat, with no opposable thumbs, it might be too hard. I do like Cora’s long suffering kitty who hardly gets any attention from her. Cora struggles with panic attacks and they are so vividly written that the reader gets pulled into them. It makes how she copes even more admirable.
I give this book four purrs and two paws up.
September 29, 2018
ASSAULT AND BEADERY by Mollie Cox Bryan
The Fourth Cora Crafts Mystery
Cora Chevalier and her business partner Jane are thrilled that their time at IndigoArts is almost over. Corralled to help design and paint the scenery by their friend Zee, the duo have had enough of the egotistical director and the stage mothers. Plus, a new retreat is about to start. This time they decided to create a retreat for moms featuring a big name beader. When one guest shows up early, Cora is thrown a tad off schedule, but she's thrown even more when she receives a phone call from Zee. Zee won't be bringing the floral arrangements she promised-she's in jail, suspected of murdering the IndigoArts director!
Mothers are the thread that bind this crafting mystery. We see mothers taking time for themselves, mothers putting their children first, mothers on the warpath, mothers desperately missing their children, and more. For someone who has no desire to be a mother, some of it was a bit much, but I'm sure anyone with kids will love this theme and commiserate with several of the mothers found in these pages.
The mystery itself was quite interesting, most people disliked the egotistical director, but who would actually want to kill him? Cora deals with trying to shelter her retreat participants from the murder, only to discover one of them could be the killer!
Mollie Cox Bryan creates a wonderful atmosphere for her retreats. It's an insulated world of creativity and acceptance...and in this case some mothers gone wild! Cora better watch her liquor cabinet more carefully. I love the variety of crafts that are showcased and enjoy learning more about them. I actually make Artist Trading Cards, so it was fun reading about that.
ASSAULT AND BEADERY is an engaging mystery that empowers women while comforting them.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The Fourth Cora Crafts Mystery
Cora Chevalier and her business partner Jane are thrilled that their time at IndigoArts is almost over. Corralled to help design and paint the scenery by their friend Zee, the duo have had enough of the egotistical director and the stage mothers. Plus, a new retreat is about to start. This time they decided to create a retreat for moms featuring a big name beader. When one guest shows up early, Cora is thrown a tad off schedule, but she's thrown even more when she receives a phone call from Zee. Zee won't be bringing the floral arrangements she promised-she's in jail, suspected of murdering the IndigoArts director!
Mothers are the thread that bind this crafting mystery. We see mothers taking time for themselves, mothers putting their children first, mothers on the warpath, mothers desperately missing their children, and more. For someone who has no desire to be a mother, some of it was a bit much, but I'm sure anyone with kids will love this theme and commiserate with several of the mothers found in these pages.
The mystery itself was quite interesting, most people disliked the egotistical director, but who would actually want to kill him? Cora deals with trying to shelter her retreat participants from the murder, only to discover one of them could be the killer!
Mollie Cox Bryan creates a wonderful atmosphere for her retreats. It's an insulated world of creativity and acceptance...and in this case some mothers gone wild! Cora better watch her liquor cabinet more carefully. I love the variety of crafts that are showcased and enjoy learning more about them. I actually make Artist Trading Cards, so it was fun reading about that.
ASSAULT AND BEADERY is an engaging mystery that empowers women while comforting them.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
October 1, 2018
Assault and Beadery is the fourth in the Cora Crafts Mysteries. It is a stand alone story in itself. Assault and Beadery is a delightful read. I wish I could go to one of Cora's retreats. Everyone needs friends like Cora's. This story is for everyone who likes cozy mysteries or crafting. And the fact that you can get both in one book is wonderful. The plot line is well paced and keeps you guessing. The directions for the crafts at the end of the book are well written and easy to follow. Combine those along with the recipes and the reader is set for their own craft retreat.
I received a copy of this book from the author the opinions expressed are my own
I received a copy of this book from the author the opinions expressed are my own
September 16, 2018
A crafting cozy (complete with crafting instructions!). Cora knows Zee didn't commit murder; her friend is a good person who has gotten caught up when people jump to conclusions. Stan the theater director is the classic cozy creep- you know the type who is disliked by more people than liked. Cora and Jane investigate while at the same time worrying about their retreat for crafting moms. They live in the delightful small town of Indigo Gap, which is almost another character. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. You can read and enjoy this as a standalone and like me will be sorry there won't be more.
October 4, 2018
As a first time reader of Mollie Cox Bryan I enjoyed this cozy mystery. This is the fourth installment in the Cora Craft Series.
The Author does a great job describing each character and their background. Making this series an easy stand alone read.
Along with a good mystery I loved learning about the different crafts. I enjoyed the plot line and it kept me guessing till the end. This is an easy read and I devoured it within a couple of days. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
November 12, 2018
Assault and Beadery, the fourth in the Cora Crafts Mystery series, is a must read. The author, Mollie Cox Bryan, has done a wonderful job allowing you to connect to the characters in a well developed plot with a nicely paced murder mystery. Even though this is not the first book in the series the author catches you up in a timely manner making this book a very possible first read in the series but while your at it why not read the others?
August 9, 2018
Assault and. Beadery is my first book by Bryan. It's set ina quaint town where indigo had a strong history. I loved all the bluish tints in the story. Cora runs a crafting retreat with two friends, but she also has a penchant for getting involved in murder investigations. Readers learn much about beads with corresponding crafting instructions in the back. The murder plot was a little lame, but overall, it's a good cozy mystery. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance read.
September 10, 2018
Assault and Beadery is the fourth book in the Cora Crafts Mystery series. I personally love this series. Very well written characters and a good mystery will draw you in. Life is going great for Cora until a murder is committed and one of Cora's friends is arrested for it. As Cora investigates the suspect trail twists and turns. You won't want to put the book down. Highly recommend!
August 16, 2018
I love the descriptive writing style of Bryan. The retreats sound like so much fun and it is always a treat to revisit Indigo. The mystery is well plotted and the characters are enjoyable. I look forward to reading each new book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy I received from the author.
September 26, 2018
I love this series! I was not able to put this down. I love the development of the main characters: Cora and Jane, and am looking forward to learning more about Cora’s newfound relationship. This is the 4th book in this series, and I cannot wait to read more.
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