Bodies and Bows

Apron Shop #3

by Elizabeth Penney

Bodies & Bows is the third in the charming cozy Iris Buckley mystery series set in an apron shop in Maine—Elizabeth Penney will have you on pins and needles…

Iris Buckley is hoping for a bit of rest and relaxation now that the summertime rush is winding down in Blueberry Cove, Maine. Her apron shop Ruffles & Bows has been a huge success, her friendships are stronger than ever, and now she’s ready for all of the end of summer cookouts on the beach that she can handle.

But before Iris can even turn on the grill, Bella’s latest fling, former Olympian sailor and gorgeous bad boy Lance Pederson is killed in a hit and run while jogging at dawn—and all the evidence points to Bella herself.

Suddenly the month of August isn’t looking so restful, since now Iris has been roped into the Lighthouse Rehabilitation Committee, helping her friend Sophie plan a wedding, and—most importantly of all—tracking down a killer and clearing Bella’s good name before everything unravels.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Contemporary, Sewing, Romance, Family

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2021

About the author

Elizabeth Penney lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where she pens novels and tries to grow things. Elements that often appear in her novels include vintage summer cottages, past/present mysteries, and the arts. After spending early years in England and France, she grew up in Maine, settings that are reflected in her books.

Elizabeth is the author of the Apron Shop Series and Cambridge Bookshop Series from St. Martin's as well as over twenty novels, short stories, and hundreds of business articles. A former consultant and nonprofit executive, she holds a BS and an MBA. She's also written screenplays with her musician husband.

She loves walking in the woods, kayaking on quiet ponds, trying new recipes, and feeding family and friends.

Reviews

[Natalia R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bodies and Bows is the third book in Elizabeth Penney's Apron Shop series. Iris Buckley and her grandmother are the owners of an apron and linen shop, Ruffles and Bows, in the quaint little town of Blueberry Cove, Maine. In this installment, Iris finds herself investigating another murder when her friend Bella becomes the main suspect in the death of her boyfriend, Lance Pederson. The town is also preparing to turn the old lighthouse into a museum, and while volunteering, Iris discovers a love letter dating back to the 50s and becomes determined to out what happened to the writer.

Another enjoyable addition to the Apron Shop series. From the descriptions of vintage aprons and linens( I love all things vintage) to the strong female friendships and the engaging storylines, this series is quickly becoming a favorite. Iris is a down-to-earth and loyal protagonist. I love the friendship between her and her friends. Their girls' nights are always fun to read about and I like that they include Grammie. There are two storylines in this book: the murder mystery and the old love letter found in the lighthouse. I thought the love letter storyline was really heartwarming and it left me a little teary-eyed at the end. As for the murder mystery, I thought it could have played a bigger role in the story. The suspense didn't pick up until the last 20%, but overall it did keep me engaged and I didn't figure out the killer's identity until Iris started putting the pieces together. I liked the action-packed reveal and I thought it made up for how slow the mystery moved in the beginning.
All in all, I really enjoy this series and will definitely be back for another visit.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since the touristy town of Blueberry Cove on the coast of Maine opened its arms and welcomed Iris Buckley and her Gram, Anne, and their beautiful new business, Ruffles & Bows; their lives have been fruitful. Recently, the town also welcomed back Lance Pederson, their celebrity golden boy—an expert sailor and Olympian. The townspeople are hard at work preparing for the lighthouse museum to open on Labor Day weekend, and it’s going to be a gorgeous sight to see! However, a disturbing death hangs over the celebration.

The colorful characters give this book a ton of charm. They’re caring, smart, and savvy, and when they put their heads together, mysteries get solved quickly! As a whole, the story has to come full circle near the ending for the reader to fully understand how and why the murder happens. To entertain in between; the author pulls some emotional strings with the search for, and reunion of a Korean War veteran with his first love—a sweet elderly lady who was actually born in the lighthouse during a winter storm. At 87% on my Kindle, I still didn’t have the killer pinned down. The exciting conclusion escalates rapidly as the unhinged perpetrator attempts to take two more lives! The ending is wonderful. I highly recommend this cozy mystery.

I was provided with an advance digital copy via NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was delightful! It's a fun, easy cozy with lots of interesting characters and a story that I truly enjoyed! The characters were interesting and interacted well with each other and the plot kept me interested the whole time I was reading. While it is third in the series, it was the first one I've read and I was able to fall right into the story!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story with strong friendships, interesting lighthouse history and the murder of a well-known bad boy. Everything went right for Lance Pedersen that is until he was murdered. Now Iris's good friend is suspected of the crime and her group of friends are there to do whatever it takes to clear her name.

I really enjoyed the prominent side story dealing with the lighthouse history and restoration but the 5 star suspenseful ending was the best. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Shawna Shaheen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3. Iris and her grandma had opened a Apron Shop where they sold old and new and even made them for costomers. They were renovating the old Lighthouse to a Museum with Actual Photos of the family that had lived there about 60 years ago. One of the family members was Florence Alan's ( one of Iris Best friends Bella ex husband he wanted to have Bella in hi life again) grandma. When Iris and her grandma and her friends and her boyfriend Ian were restoring the Lighthouse. Iris came across a love letter from a Chet from the Korean War. Iris no doubtly knew it must have been Florence letter ( but Florence had other sisters) Then Iris started asking around about Chet. He had got wounded there in the War. But the question was Was he still living after all these years. Bella was dating a Rich man Lance that was son to a Family dentist of Iris. He had all attention. Than he brother. Bella husband Alan wanted Bella back. And when Bella saw Lance at restaurant with another woman. A police officer named Donna. Bella lost her Cool and threw a drink in his face. Then she stormed off in Bathroom. After that Lance was found dead. And Alan Bella's EX had called and told her that he seen Lance got run over on the street. Everyone was questioning Why Alan was out that early anyways. And why waz he where Lance had been having a run. Suspension started that Bella ( because The jeep that she had borrowed from an Mechanic which was Lance cousin) had hit Lance. Then people starting wondering did Donna the jolted lover or his own brother and even his cousin and also Bella or Alan had killed him. But the police zeroed in on Bella first. Aton the chief of police and one of Iris friends boyfriend had known that Bella would have not done it but all evidence was showing she had something to do with it. Well the person who did kill him was someone you would not have guessed. These book series are ok. I have read one other one the first in the series. And this one the 3rd. There was a whole bunch going on In this one.

[Jerri Cachero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruffles and Bows is the place to go for handmade home/kitchen items, made with love by Iris Buckley and her Grammie. It's also the place to go to find amateur sleuths who solve mysteries in beautiful Blueberry Cove, Maine. When Bella, one of the their friends, is accused of murdering her boyfriend, Iris, Sophie, Madison and Grammie are on the case!

The latest in the series is just as much fun as the first two books. The mystery is fast-paced and I didn't want to put the book down! There was so much I enjoyed in addition to the mystery - the heart tugging and heartwarming story involving long lost love, Sophie's wedding planning and how the mystery was solved with all the loose ends nicely tied up.

A visit to Blueberry Cove reminds me of my childhood and a Nana who sewed aprons and kept me in the latest baby fashions with her Singer sewing machine. The series has so much love and respect between the characters and is very easy to believe. There's no rushing into danger, but calculated sleuthing and combined with the relatable characters makes the series a wonderful cozy mystery read!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is just so-so for me. The characters are dull for me and, as with most cozy mystery businesses, I just can’t see how an apron shop in a small town can be successful enough to stay open. I did enjoy the older mystery with the letter in the apron but the more current one was typical of a cozy – quick assumptions by the police make the suspect implausible and make them look foolish. I probably won’t continue with this series as there’s not much of a hook to keep me interested.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series even more with each book I read. This is a great series, I love the setting on the Maine coast, the Apron shop, such a clever and different shop, and then there are the characters. It is so easy to get invested with this group of characters, different ages, different life experiences but strong ties and wonderful loyalties. All this and I haven't even mentioned the mysteries which are also quite good, with some different twists and plenty of suspects. I am already waiting impatiently for the next installment!

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris and her grandmother own a delightful apron shop, and are the characters in this series by Elizabeth Penney.
When a long time friend of Iris winds up being arrested for murder, Iris can't help but get involved.
She has a knack for finding out whodunit and her character is very likeable.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable installment in this series. The Apron Shop series are solid cozies that I will definitely keep up with. This third release has a good and interesting mystery, the characters I have come to really like and new elements to the characters stories outside the mysteries. Looking forward to more in this series.

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the charming cozy mystery series "Apron Shop Mysteries" by cozy author Elizabeth Penney. I have enjoyed the series and highly recommend it for your reading enjoyment. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley. My review opinion is my own . I love the strong women featured in this series and the friendships they form. The charcters are outstanding in this series.

Our protagnist Iris Buckley is looking forward to a little rest and relaxation now that the summertime is over in idyllic Blueberry Cove, Maine. Her apron shop Ruffles & Bows that she runs with her Grandmother is a success and keeps her very busy with tourists and locals alike. She is also joining up with a local rehabilitation committee for the lighthouse restoration and helping plan her friends wedding. Her plate is full even in the off season when the shop is winding down for the year. When her friend Bella is accused of a hit and run murder of a ex boyfriend, Iris does not hesitate to step up to investigate and work to clear her name. In the meantime a mysterious letter is found in the lighthouse restoration leading Iris on another mystery to solve.

I loved this next in series. The charcters are all well drawn to the story and add to the series. The sleuth was very well crafted and kept me guessing to conclusion. I loved the references of the aprons and the vintage aprons from all our past . This is a lovely series that I highly recommend for your cozy mystery reading enjoyment.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lighthouse restoration, a long-lost love, and a bustling apron shop are keeping Iris and Grammie busy in "Bodies and Bows," the third book in Elizabeth Penney's series. Iris and her grandmother want to expand their business, but they'll need help.

Iris's friend Bella also needs help, after her boyfriend is killed and she is arrested. Iris and her group of girlfriends hop on the case to free Bella while they also work on opening the old lighthouse as a tourist attraction. The daughter of the last lighthouse keeper lends some mementos, and Iris finds an old love letter. Can she reunite the pair?

I love the interaction between Iris and grandmother, and how Iris's friends are all supportive of each other. The warmth of all the characters makes these books like chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven. The plot is solid, even if the reader might figure out the murderer a bit sooner than they'd like.

A lot of cozies have niche shops that probably wouldn't make it in the real world, but Iris and Grammie have a solid game plan, and they even need to take on help so they can increase their product lines and fulfill more custom orders.

Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Althea Mason · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are looking for a good cozy mystery then this will be the one for you. It is set in Maine with the main character being a local small shop owner of an apron shop called Ruffles and Bows. From the story you can easily tell that Blueberry Cove is a small little town where almost everyone knows each other, maybe a little bit too much about each other.

I really fell in love with the town's name, Blueberry Cove. I'm not even sure why it is called Blueberry Cove as I never heard mention of blueberries being grown there or anything. To me this is just such a a cozy fun name for a town.

I am still confused if Iris is a part-time sleuth who also runs an apron shop or if she just somehow keeps finding herself looking into the crime(s) of others. It is very clear that Iris cares for her friends and that may be why she inserts herself into her friend's case.

As I mentioned, this is a cozy mystery so there is not a whole lot of action and it goes at a nice gentle pace. For me it is just a little too slow and without much action. I prefer mystery & thrillers that move at a quicker pace and are filled with some more gruesome details. For this reason I am giving the book a 3 out of 5.

Thank you to St. Martin's press for this copy. This is my honest opinion.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Bodies and Bows” is the 3rd instalment in The Apron Shop Mystery series by Elizabeth Penney set in Blueberry Cove, Maine. I own the previous books but I read this instalment first so it can totally be read as a standalone but I wish I had read in order. What a great series!
I really enjoyed this story, and it has made me want to read book 1 and 2 right away. I really like the bond these five woman have and their friendship. They just felt real and the way they talk to each other felt organic. Makes you wish you were part of their gang. I really liked the story of the lighthouse keepers and how Iris found something in an apron which started a side story that made my heart swell.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep you on the edge of your seat. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself but I was right on who the killer was.

I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

My rating 4.5 stars

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from St. Martins Press and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bodies and Bows by Elizabeth Penney is the 3rd book in the Apron Shop mystery series, and another great addition. I was not sure if I would like this series, because sewing and aprons are not my thing, but I really enjoyed it. Not only is this book an enjoyable cozy mystery, the characters and plot is very well written. In this book Iris is looking forward to some rest and relaxation after the summer rush at her shop Ruffles and Bows in Blueberry Cove, Maine. Unfortunately when her friends boyfriend gets killed in a hit and run, Iris begins her sleuthing. I am looking forward to reading the next adventure of Iris and her grandmother, Anne. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this series is simply charming. This is book 3 and each book is better than the last. What's particularly enjoyable to me are the strong women in this book and their equally strong bond. Iris, her grandma and the rest of the gang spring into action when Bella is arrested for murder after a hit and run accident. This is a fast paced book with interesting characters and a great setting. I'm looking forward to book 4 in the series.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved it!

[Brittany Armitage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadly this appears to be the last book in this series, so we do not get to see Sophie and Jake get married, be there for the first time Ian tells Iris he loves her, nor will we get to see Madison and Anton get their HEA. We will not get to see if Bella and Allan work out this time around, but otherwise all in all this was an excellent book.

I love this series and it makes me sad that there will not be anymore books. I loved going to work at Ruffles and Bows with Anne, Iris, and Quincy. I loved sipping a mug of coffee and enjoy Belgian Benedict at the Belgian Bean. I enjoyed to trying to figure out who the killer was alongside the gang.

In Bodies and Bows, we find Bella under suspicion after the man she was dating was found by her ex-husband dead on the side of the road. He had been struck down by the loaner car Bella had been given by the mechanic. Thankfully the gang was on the case and soon discovered plenty of suspects. During the investigation another friend of the gang nearly loses his life when the killer strikes again, thankfully Iris and Madison happened to be there each time the killer made an attempt.

Through their investigation they not only discovered that the original victim was not the intended victim, instead it was his brother, but they also discovered the killer and saved Bella along with Peter, the original intended victim, when the killer tried to finish the job.

Of course with every cozy mystery there is a side of romance, in this book we not only get a further look into Iris, Madison, and Sophie's relationships with Ian, Anton, and Jake but we are introduced to Bella's ex-husband Allan who wants a second chance to fix what he broke and to his grandmother Florence who is reintroduced to her first love Chester Chapman.

Despite this series being cut short at only three books, I would still recommend it because it is really good.

[CatReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are delightful, especially Iris, Grammy, and Quincy. This is the third book in the series but the first book in the series that I've read. It wasn't a problem reading ht ebooks out of order but I enjoyed this book so much. I'm going to read the other two in the series. Hopefully, there will be more books in this series. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and knew as soon as I started that I was going to be hooked on it and would not be able to put it down. I proceeded to finish it in one sitting. It moves along at a really great speed which was perfect for the story, has great characters and a story that doesnt disappoint. This is a must read, no doubt about it.

[Katie Sandy-smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one again had such a great plot, which took me longer to figure out, but I still wish I knew the heroine better. Too many things are taken for granted with her, and then a lot of other things were super spelled out. I’m not sad that there aren’t more really unless we get to do some self-exploration with the main character.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book to enjoy as we enjoy Iris and her grandmother build their business. Heart warming to have two people reconnect after all these years and of course we have a dead body...
I found it interesting as I went further in the book I was coming close to who did it....and I was right (smile) the crazy lady did it!!! lol lol

[Crystal Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another cute cozy mystery by Elizabeth Penney. So far, I really like both her series (this one and Chapter & Curse). I find her stories have a good flow to them, relatable characters, good chemistry and town/character building.

[Karen Holman · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Bodies and Bows" is book number 3 in the Apron Shop series by Elizabeth Penney. The continuous characters including her calico cat, Maine coastal setting, and crafty ending will allow readers to feel the area including a lite house! copy right 2021 278 pages

[Eva-Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this on a long distance train and so glad I brought it along with me. Fun and interesting. Kept me guessing “who dunnit”! First book I have read by Elizabeth Penney and will read this series plus her others.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite of the series!

[Pattymea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cozy mystery that takes place in Blueberry Cove Maine. The third book in the series I have read, I need to see if there are more books in this series… Really enjoying this series!

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun to read 1,2 and 3 right in a row!

[Sammi Krug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun, easy read, with delightful characters.

[Traci Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was fine, but I have to admit I found myself drifting through some of the details of the story, so I will say it wasn't as good as the previous books.