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Paint by Murder Mystery #1
A Brush with Murder
A quiet lakeside town in western New York state is the new home of Manhattan artist Chloe Abbington and the backdrop for murder in this series debut by Bailee Abbott.
For Chloe Abbington, the transition from fine art painter in New York City to painting-event business owner in charming Whisper Cove is more than a little jarring. But when poison-pen journalist Fiona Gimble writes a viciously negative review of the newly opened Paint Your Shop, Chloe learns that critics are the same everywhere. And when she finds Fiona's body behind her shop with a painting knife in her neck, Chloe realizes that this picture-perfect town offers anything but peace and quiet.
Suddenly, bustling Artisan Alley is a crime scene, and Chloe is the prime suspect. Her sister and business partner, Izzie, isn't much help--she's busy running the shop, and besides, she has secrets of her own. As shrewd Detective Barrett tries to paint her into a corner, Chloe soon finds that Fiona had plenty of enemies. The Whisper Cove Gazette columnist wielded her pen like a sword, slicing and dicing just about every shop owner in the lakeside town.
With the help of her affectionate canine buddy, Max, Chloe sets out to prove that she's been framed for Fiona's murder. But she'd better learn the fine art of detection quickly, before the real killer paints the town red again. Otherwise, she may end up trading in her paint smock for an orange jumpsuit...or a green burial plot.
For Chloe Abbington, the transition from fine art painter in New York City to painting-event business owner in charming Whisper Cove is more than a little jarring. But when poison-pen journalist Fiona Gimble writes a viciously negative review of the newly opened Paint Your Shop, Chloe learns that critics are the same everywhere. And when she finds Fiona's body behind her shop with a painting knife in her neck, Chloe realizes that this picture-perfect town offers anything but peace and quiet.
Suddenly, bustling Artisan Alley is a crime scene, and Chloe is the prime suspect. Her sister and business partner, Izzie, isn't much help--she's busy running the shop, and besides, she has secrets of her own. As shrewd Detective Barrett tries to paint her into a corner, Chloe soon finds that Fiona had plenty of enemies. The Whisper Cove Gazette columnist wielded her pen like a sword, slicing and dicing just about every shop owner in the lakeside town.
With the help of her affectionate canine buddy, Max, Chloe sets out to prove that she's been framed for Fiona's murder. But she'd better learn the fine art of detection quickly, before the real killer paints the town red again. Otherwise, she may end up trading in her paint smock for an orange jumpsuit...or a green burial plot.
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First published October 12, 2021
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October 10, 2021
When Chloe Abbington and her beloved dog Max, arrived in Whisper Cove after driving for nine hours from New York, she was exhausted. Her sister Izzie was starting up a small painting event business within the next couple of days and Chloe was happy to help out. She’d been in New York for a few years and with a broken relationship behind her, coming home to Whisper Cove was a balm to her stressed soul. Their Mum and Dad owned a fancy boat on the lake their home fronted and sitting, gazing out at the wildlife and calm lake was peaceful. But there wouldn’t be any peace for awhile…
Chloe and Izzie’s helper Willow were at the shop preparing for upcoming events when Fiona, the local newspaper reporter (with a known sting in her tongue) visited. But it was later when Chloe went to put trash in the bin behind the shop that she received the first shock – Fiona was dead out the back of their shop. Detective Hunter Barrett was immediately on the scene and with Chloe being alone, she was a suspect. Chloe was unable to locate Izzie, but her parents soon arrived. The detective was frustrated at every turn and with Chloe also investigating, the danger escalated. Would they find the killer before another person died?
A Brush With Murder is #1 in A Paint by Murder Mystery series by Bailee Abbott and it was quite enjoyable. I did find it was a little drawn out, but my biggest criticism was how the author had Izzie hiccupping all the time. It was constant and after the first few times, it broke the story while I rolled my eyes. Instead of ‘she said’ or ‘she replied’ or even ‘she sobbed’, it was ‘she hiccupped’. I think at least 30 or so need to be removed! Apart from that, I enjoyed the location and the plot, and didn’t pick the killer! Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Chloe and Izzie’s helper Willow were at the shop preparing for upcoming events when Fiona, the local newspaper reporter (with a known sting in her tongue) visited. But it was later when Chloe went to put trash in the bin behind the shop that she received the first shock – Fiona was dead out the back of their shop. Detective Hunter Barrett was immediately on the scene and with Chloe being alone, she was a suspect. Chloe was unable to locate Izzie, but her parents soon arrived. The detective was frustrated at every turn and with Chloe also investigating, the danger escalated. Would they find the killer before another person died?
A Brush With Murder is #1 in A Paint by Murder Mystery series by Bailee Abbott and it was quite enjoyable. I did find it was a little drawn out, but my biggest criticism was how the author had Izzie hiccupping all the time. It was constant and after the first few times, it broke the story while I rolled my eyes. Instead of ‘she said’ or ‘she replied’ or even ‘she sobbed’, it was ‘she hiccupped’. I think at least 30 or so need to be removed! Apart from that, I enjoyed the location and the plot, and didn’t pick the killer! Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2022
3.5 stars
Chloe Abbington left New York City to go home to her small, picturesque lakeside town of Whispering Cove to help her sister Izzie get her paint shop up and running. She has just broken up with her attorney boyfriend Ross, who always puts his work first. Her dream of becoming a big-name artist, having been born in a family of artists, was not working. The first painting workshop ends in the murder of Fiona, an unlikable columnist for the local paper, who was in attendance. Chloe found her in the alley after the party. Detective Hunter Barrett suspects Chloe and/or Izzie. The author gives us a good size pool of suspects with all the local shop owners who were openly criticized by Fiona, and anyone would have wanted her out of the way. Something is definitely going on to make a lot of the shop owners look suspicious. To complicate Chloe's life, Ross shows up in town "for a vacation." The mystery is good. I never guessed whodunnit. But there was some disconnects or something where the story just didn't flow well. By this, I mean a character was supposed to do one thing but didn't. May be just me but I was left wondering what was going on quite a bit. There are subplots going on as well that I was wondering how it would all come together. I did like Chloe and Ross as well as Hunter. Izzie, not so much. Overall, a good mystery with a nice setting.
Chloe Abbington left New York City to go home to her small, picturesque lakeside town of Whispering Cove to help her sister Izzie get her paint shop up and running. She has just broken up with her attorney boyfriend Ross, who always puts his work first. Her dream of becoming a big-name artist, having been born in a family of artists, was not working. The first painting workshop ends in the murder of Fiona, an unlikable columnist for the local paper, who was in attendance. Chloe found her in the alley after the party. Detective Hunter Barrett suspects Chloe and/or Izzie. The author gives us a good size pool of suspects with all the local shop owners who were openly criticized by Fiona, and anyone would have wanted her out of the way. Something is definitely going on to make a lot of the shop owners look suspicious. To complicate Chloe's life, Ross shows up in town "for a vacation." The mystery is good. I never guessed whodunnit. But there was some disconnects or something where the story just didn't flow well. By this, I mean a character was supposed to do one thing but didn't. May be just me but I was left wondering what was going on quite a bit. There are subplots going on as well that I was wondering how it would all come together. I did like Chloe and Ross as well as Hunter. Izzie, not so much. Overall, a good mystery with a nice setting.
May 20, 2021
New Author, Bailee Abbott, lays a good foundation for an interesting cozy series in “A Brush with Murder”. I enjoyed the 26 year old protagonist, Chloe Abbington, who moved back home to charming Whisper Cove, New York, to help her sister, Izzie, open her new Paint with a View art shop. Izzie tested my patience with her immatureness, and pushy, bossy manner, but Chloe took it in stride like a champ. I enjoyed the beautiful scenic details of this lake area where Chloe walked her cute little white dog, Max. Early on in the story, the murder victim creates negative waves everywhere and there’s a waiting list of suspects who really disliked this person. My favorite part of the story was the painting event classes held at the shop. Fun stuff!
I felt like a weakness in this story lay in the multiple supporting characters’ problems and actions overwhelming the murder mystery. There was a whole lot going on and it was somewhat distracting. My suspect checklist did not reveal the correct killer—I hope my fellow reader’s will note some clues I may have missed! Great ending! I look forward to seeing character growth and a stronger mystery in future stories.
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
I felt like a weakness in this story lay in the multiple supporting characters’ problems and actions overwhelming the murder mystery. There was a whole lot going on and it was somewhat distracting. My suspect checklist did not reveal the correct killer—I hope my fellow reader’s will note some clues I may have missed! Great ending! I look forward to seeing character growth and a stronger mystery in future stories.
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
July 27, 2022
Fun new cozy mystery series which follows the Abington sisters as they open a new painting event business. The sisters are close-knit and enjoy working together. The secondary characters seem to be full of secrets which we slowly discover what they are hiding. The mystery is well-written with plenty of surprises to keep the reader guessing who was behind all the murder and chaos. I recommend this book to cozy mystery fans.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and no one has influenced me.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and no one has influenced me.
August 21, 2021
Chloe Abbington was born into a family of Artists. After college and her masters degree in the Arts she spent the next two years in New York city hoping her paintings would make her name known well enough to allow her work to be featured in some of the city's posh art gallery's. That didn't happen and all her determination and dreams seemed to be all for nothing. Even her relationship with her New York city lawyer, Ross Thompson, had failed. Chloe packed her things and she and her dog Max headed back home to Whisper Cove and her family.
Izzie Abbington, Chloe's sister wasted no time in asking her for help with opening her new Paint With a View shop in the Artisan Galley shopping district of Whisper Cove and Chautauqua Lake. In fact the first full day that Chloe was back home there would be a painting event in Izzie's new shop. A journalist, Fiona Gimble would be there to observe and write an article for The Whisper Cove Gazette, a weekly newspaper. Fiona was not the best liked person in town. In fact tension was high that night because of her insulting newspaper articles about the different craft shops in Artisan Galley. Fiona was in a foul mood that night and she left the event early.
Chloe was left with the chore of cleaning up after the painting event. Last thing to do was taking the trash out to the dumpster behind the shop. It was very dark back there and to Chloe's dismay the light bulb had burnt out. Using her cell phone for light after she had almost fell over something laying on the ground, Chloe shone the light on the ground. There lay Fiona Gimble with an artist knife sticking out of her neck and very dead.
Detective Hunter Barrett is investigating the murder and everyone at the event and all shop owners are on his list of suspects. Chloe and Izzie being on the top of the list. They decide to give the detective help in finding out who killed Fiona and why. The detective would rather they let him do his job but the sisters feel the need to clear their name. It's obvious that the killer is someone they know. Someone that Fiona had upset with her nasty newspaper columns.
This was my first mystery by Bailee Abbott that I've read. I enjoyed it and will make it a point to read each book in the series as it is released. I loved the cute cover. The mystery had everything that I like to see in a book. Humor throughout the book and edge of seat reading near the end. There were many other things that characters in the book were going through besides the murder. This was somewhat confusing but I found it added to the story. There was a few clues that came up not having anything to do with the murder but made the read more interesting. I loved the characters and especially the Abbington family. The sisters had a close relationship and I loved their friendly banter with one another.
I recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mystery and fans of the Author. This is book one of A Paint by Murder Mystery. The book is scheduled to be released on October the 12th of this year.
I received an Arc of A Brush With Murder from the Author and Publisher through Netgalley. A favorable review was not requested. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
#A Brush With Murder#Netgalley
Izzie Abbington, Chloe's sister wasted no time in asking her for help with opening her new Paint With a View shop in the Artisan Galley shopping district of Whisper Cove and Chautauqua Lake. In fact the first full day that Chloe was back home there would be a painting event in Izzie's new shop. A journalist, Fiona Gimble would be there to observe and write an article for The Whisper Cove Gazette, a weekly newspaper. Fiona was not the best liked person in town. In fact tension was high that night because of her insulting newspaper articles about the different craft shops in Artisan Galley. Fiona was in a foul mood that night and she left the event early.
Chloe was left with the chore of cleaning up after the painting event. Last thing to do was taking the trash out to the dumpster behind the shop. It was very dark back there and to Chloe's dismay the light bulb had burnt out. Using her cell phone for light after she had almost fell over something laying on the ground, Chloe shone the light on the ground. There lay Fiona Gimble with an artist knife sticking out of her neck and very dead.
Detective Hunter Barrett is investigating the murder and everyone at the event and all shop owners are on his list of suspects. Chloe and Izzie being on the top of the list. They decide to give the detective help in finding out who killed Fiona and why. The detective would rather they let him do his job but the sisters feel the need to clear their name. It's obvious that the killer is someone they know. Someone that Fiona had upset with her nasty newspaper columns.
This was my first mystery by Bailee Abbott that I've read. I enjoyed it and will make it a point to read each book in the series as it is released. I loved the cute cover. The mystery had everything that I like to see in a book. Humor throughout the book and edge of seat reading near the end. There were many other things that characters in the book were going through besides the murder. This was somewhat confusing but I found it added to the story. There was a few clues that came up not having anything to do with the murder but made the read more interesting. I loved the characters and especially the Abbington family. The sisters had a close relationship and I loved their friendly banter with one another.
I recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mystery and fans of the Author. This is book one of A Paint by Murder Mystery. The book is scheduled to be released on October the 12th of this year.
I received an Arc of A Brush With Murder from the Author and Publisher through Netgalley. A favorable review was not requested. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
#A Brush With Murder#Netgalley
October 23, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Chloe Abbington has returned to Whisper Cove to help her sister open her new business, Paint with a View, a painting event shop. Chloe isn’t sure when or if she will return to New York, right now she is just going to do her best to make her sister Izzie’s shop a success.
Journalist Fiona Gimble is not a nice person. She has negatively reviewed almost every place in Whisper Cove and enjoyed doing so. Izzie tried to do the right thing by inviting Fiona to her opening night event. Instead, the woman flung one-liners at Chloe during the event and stated she doesn’t know when she will run the article about Izzie’s shop as she hightails it out the door.
As Chloe finishes cleaning up she goes to take the trash out to the dumpster and finds a very dead Fiona Gimble with a painting knife in her neck. Of course, Chloe is the prime suspect, but she really doesn’t have much history with the victim. She needs to convince Detective Barrett there are plenty of other viable suspects while working to clear her name too. The only thing Chloe would want to be framed is her artwork, not herself for a crime she didn’t commit.
In Brush with Murder, author Bailee Abbott introduces us to Chloe, Izzie, and her parents along with Izzie’s employee Willow and some other friends. I really enjoyed meeting Chloe. She really puts her sister’s interests first. Willow is also a hard worker which is a good thing because Izzie’s interests are clearly divided giving me a negative feeling about her. She pushes a lot off onto Chloe’s shoulders and not the way I would expect someone to act when opening their dream business. Some of the tasks Izzie’s came up with to promote her business felt off too, but those issues were minor. Their parents seem to be the quirky characters a mystery like this needs. Mom is pretty set in her ways and Dad is the cuddly guy that tries to smooth everything out. A surprise appearance by Chloe’s ex shakes up the story in a fun way. I felt the author did a nice job of presenting the core characters, but I hope Izzie grows quickly as the other characters evolve at a reasonable pace. Check out the cute puppy on the cover. That is Chloe’s dog Max, lovable from the very start.
The mystery was complicated by the victim’s own actions. She was a ruthless individual leading to a vast number of suspects in her death. The author drops some clear clues but it took me some time to catch on. When I did my thinking was still diverted by some turns and twists perfectly placed by the author. By the end, the guilty party was at the top of my personal suspect list but there were a couple of others still on the list too. I think Ms. Abbott penned a very interesting mystery that kept me on my toes.
The event painting theme was fun. I really liked the painting your pets event and would love to do something like that for my own pets. It seemed to be set up for novice painters which I truly am.
Brush with Murder was a really good first installment for this series. I hope Izzie grows on me in the next installment because I truly like the other characters and think the series has a lot of potential.
Chloe Abbington has returned to Whisper Cove to help her sister open her new business, Paint with a View, a painting event shop. Chloe isn’t sure when or if she will return to New York, right now she is just going to do her best to make her sister Izzie’s shop a success.
Journalist Fiona Gimble is not a nice person. She has negatively reviewed almost every place in Whisper Cove and enjoyed doing so. Izzie tried to do the right thing by inviting Fiona to her opening night event. Instead, the woman flung one-liners at Chloe during the event and stated she doesn’t know when she will run the article about Izzie’s shop as she hightails it out the door.
As Chloe finishes cleaning up she goes to take the trash out to the dumpster and finds a very dead Fiona Gimble with a painting knife in her neck. Of course, Chloe is the prime suspect, but she really doesn’t have much history with the victim. She needs to convince Detective Barrett there are plenty of other viable suspects while working to clear her name too. The only thing Chloe would want to be framed is her artwork, not herself for a crime she didn’t commit.
In Brush with Murder, author Bailee Abbott introduces us to Chloe, Izzie, and her parents along with Izzie’s employee Willow and some other friends. I really enjoyed meeting Chloe. She really puts her sister’s interests first. Willow is also a hard worker which is a good thing because Izzie’s interests are clearly divided giving me a negative feeling about her. She pushes a lot off onto Chloe’s shoulders and not the way I would expect someone to act when opening their dream business. Some of the tasks Izzie’s came up with to promote her business felt off too, but those issues were minor. Their parents seem to be the quirky characters a mystery like this needs. Mom is pretty set in her ways and Dad is the cuddly guy that tries to smooth everything out. A surprise appearance by Chloe’s ex shakes up the story in a fun way. I felt the author did a nice job of presenting the core characters, but I hope Izzie grows quickly as the other characters evolve at a reasonable pace. Check out the cute puppy on the cover. That is Chloe’s dog Max, lovable from the very start.
The mystery was complicated by the victim’s own actions. She was a ruthless individual leading to a vast number of suspects in her death. The author drops some clear clues but it took me some time to catch on. When I did my thinking was still diverted by some turns and twists perfectly placed by the author. By the end, the guilty party was at the top of my personal suspect list but there were a couple of others still on the list too. I think Ms. Abbott penned a very interesting mystery that kept me on my toes.
The event painting theme was fun. I really liked the painting your pets event and would love to do something like that for my own pets. It seemed to be set up for novice painters which I truly am.
Brush with Murder was a really good first installment for this series. I hope Izzie grows on me in the next installment because I truly like the other characters and think the series has a lot of potential.
July 1, 2021
Bailee Abbott's debut mystery "A Brush with Murder" exhibits a cast of colorful characters with an abstract mystery that keeps you guessing.
"A Brush with Murder" begins with spirited Chloe Abbington leaving the drama of New York City behind as she returns to her hometown of Whisper Cove, New York. Her younger sister, Izzie, is opening a painting-event business and Chloe plans to support her. Things are finally looking up for the Abbington sisters, but it all comes crashing down when the body of a local newspaper columnist is found dead behind Izzie's store. Chloe and Izzie have targets immediately painted on them, but they aren't the only ones suspect in the crime. Several Whisper Cove merchants had an axe to grind with the victim, and Chloe finds herself wondering who in her beloved hometown could resort to murder. When a friend calls, saying she knows who the killer is, then ends up missing herself, Chloe realizes something sinister is underway. Can Chloe and Izzie unveil the culprit before the killer designs their demise?
Abbott's debut is everything a cozy mystery reader could want. Chloe's close-knit family is a showstopper, wrapping the reader in warm fuzzies whenever the Abbingtons share the page together. There's also a delicious amount of romantic leading men in this first installment. From the gruff detective to the mysterious new guy in town to the intent-on-winning-Chloe-back ex-boyfriend, Chloe sure has her hands full navigating relationships.
Whisper Cove is a character all its own. With charming shops and gorgeous lake views, Abbott delivers a picturesque town that has you longing to visit. I can't wait to venture back.
*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
"A Brush with Murder" begins with spirited Chloe Abbington leaving the drama of New York City behind as she returns to her hometown of Whisper Cove, New York. Her younger sister, Izzie, is opening a painting-event business and Chloe plans to support her. Things are finally looking up for the Abbington sisters, but it all comes crashing down when the body of a local newspaper columnist is found dead behind Izzie's store. Chloe and Izzie have targets immediately painted on them, but they aren't the only ones suspect in the crime. Several Whisper Cove merchants had an axe to grind with the victim, and Chloe finds herself wondering who in her beloved hometown could resort to murder. When a friend calls, saying she knows who the killer is, then ends up missing herself, Chloe realizes something sinister is underway. Can Chloe and Izzie unveil the culprit before the killer designs their demise?
Abbott's debut is everything a cozy mystery reader could want. Chloe's close-knit family is a showstopper, wrapping the reader in warm fuzzies whenever the Abbingtons share the page together. There's also a delicious amount of romantic leading men in this first installment. From the gruff detective to the mysterious new guy in town to the intent-on-winning-Chloe-back ex-boyfriend, Chloe sure has her hands full navigating relationships.
Whisper Cove is a character all its own. With charming shops and gorgeous lake views, Abbott delivers a picturesque town that has you longing to visit. I can't wait to venture back.
*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
June 11, 2021
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of A BRUSH WITH MURDER (Book 1 of the Paint by Murder Mysteries) by Bailee Abbott in exchange for an honest review. Chloe Abbington is ready for a change of pace and space while she makes some adjustments in her life, so she moves home to Whisper Cove from Manhattan. Whisper Cove is an artist enclave, and Chloe’s sister Izzie has just opened a painting event business. Chloe has agreed to spend her time at home helping Izzie get her business running. The same night as their first event, the notoriously nasty writer for the local newspaper is murdered in the alley behind Izzie’s shop. Now Chloe, Izzy, and many of their dear friends find themselves person of interest in the killing. Chloe is determined to find the real killer before she, her sister, or one of their friends is successfully framed for murder.
I liked this book and thought it was a good start to new series. I recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, art, artists, small businesses, tourist towns, family, friends, and pets.
#ABrushwithMurder #NetGalley
I liked this book and thought it was a good start to new series. I recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, art, artists, small businesses, tourist towns, family, friends, and pets.
#ABrushwithMurder #NetGalley
May 6, 2021
First in a new mystery series
Chloe Abbington is going from fine arts painter in New City to owing a paint-event business in Whisper Cove. But she soon finds out that all critics are the same when Fiona Gimble writes a nasty negative review of her newly opened paint shop. When she finds Fiona’s body behind behind her shop she realizes that this town holds a lot of secrets of its own.
Suddenly Chloe is the prime suspect and her partner and sister aren’t much help. So it’s up to Chloe to find the killer before she is painted in for good. She finds out that she wasn’t the only one that Fiona used her pen to criticize and turns up quite a few other suspects.
With help from her dog Max, Chloe is determined to prove she was framed for Fiona’s murder and she better do it fast or she might be the next one in orange or worse.
I loved this new book! I will be looking forward to the next one.
Chloe Abbington is going from fine arts painter in New City to owing a paint-event business in Whisper Cove. But she soon finds out that all critics are the same when Fiona Gimble writes a nasty negative review of her newly opened paint shop. When she finds Fiona’s body behind behind her shop she realizes that this town holds a lot of secrets of its own.
Suddenly Chloe is the prime suspect and her partner and sister aren’t much help. So it’s up to Chloe to find the killer before she is painted in for good. She finds out that she wasn’t the only one that Fiona used her pen to criticize and turns up quite a few other suspects.
With help from her dog Max, Chloe is determined to prove she was framed for Fiona’s murder and she better do it fast or she might be the next one in orange or worse.
I loved this new book! I will be looking forward to the next one.
October 22, 2021
Author Bailee Abbott kicks off her brand new Paint by Murder Mystery series with A Brush with Murder.
Whisper Cove is the new home of twenty-six-year-old Chloe Abbington who is a fine art painter. She has moved from New York City with her little dog, Max and is to be helping her sister, Izzie, back in their hometown, with Paint with a View, Izzie's new painting event business. When journalist, Fiona Gimble writes a bad review for the shop, Izzie hears a heated argument between best friend Megan and Fiona. Later, Willow North, Izzie's assistant instructs a painting group, but Izzie herself is called away to deal with some urgent matters. Fiona has been invited by Izzie to take photos and write an article for the Whisper Cove Gazette but is found dead by Chloe behind the shop.
In this tale of concealments, the mystery was very well done and I was absorbed in events until the big reveal. I liked the two sisters, Chloe and Izzie well enough who were both keeping secrets. There were a few good twists and some misdirection to keep the story fizzing and I'm intending to meet up with Chloe and Max again in book two.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Whisper Cove is the new home of twenty-six-year-old Chloe Abbington who is a fine art painter. She has moved from New York City with her little dog, Max and is to be helping her sister, Izzie, back in their hometown, with Paint with a View, Izzie's new painting event business. When journalist, Fiona Gimble writes a bad review for the shop, Izzie hears a heated argument between best friend Megan and Fiona. Later, Willow North, Izzie's assistant instructs a painting group, but Izzie herself is called away to deal with some urgent matters. Fiona has been invited by Izzie to take photos and write an article for the Whisper Cove Gazette but is found dead by Chloe behind the shop.
In this tale of concealments, the mystery was very well done and I was absorbed in events until the big reveal. I liked the two sisters, Chloe and Izzie well enough who were both keeping secrets. There were a few good twists and some misdirection to keep the story fizzing and I'm intending to meet up with Chloe and Max again in book two.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
April 29, 2021
Special thanks to NetGalley for providing a digital copy in exchange for an honest review
I'm still trying to find my niche when it comes to cozy mysteries. Unfortunately, this one didn't do it for me. I found a lot of the characters (specifically Izzie and Chloe's parents) to be really unlikeable. I also guessed the killer pretty early on. I just feel like it was pointing so much at everyone else that it would have been too obvious, and the only person it wasn't obviously pointing at (who I guessed because it wasn't so obvious) turned out to be the killer. So I feel like the writing kind of backfired in that aspect. I honestly could have gotten over that if the characters I hated weren't so awful.
I'm still trying to find my niche when it comes to cozy mysteries. Unfortunately, this one didn't do it for me. I found a lot of the characters (specifically Izzie and Chloe's parents) to be really unlikeable. I also guessed the killer pretty early on. I just feel like it was pointing so much at everyone else that it would have been too obvious, and the only person it wasn't obviously pointing at (who I guessed because it wasn't so obvious) turned out to be the killer. So I feel like the writing kind of backfired in that aspect. I honestly could have gotten over that if the characters I hated weren't so awful.
March 13, 2022
Chloe Abbington has moved to Whisper Cove to help her sister, Izzy, run a painting event shop. Izzy invites Fiona Gimble, a journalist who is known to give bad reviews, to their opening night. After writing a negative review about their business, Fiona is found dead behind their shop. Suspicion falls on Chloe. To prove her innocence, Chloe starts investigating. I loved all the characters and thought they were extremely well written. The mystery was good and kept me guessing until the end.
January 16, 2023
There are numerous painting franchise businesses in the area where I live, and I’ve enjoyed viewing the art posted on social media after events, so I was intrigued to read the opening novel of this new cozy series.
As Chloe Abbington arrives home in Whisper Cove, New York, after a 9-hour drive from the city, she’s understandably hesitant to dash back out the door with her younger sister Izzie to view the new store, "Paint with a View." But helping Chloe’s younger sister has drawn her home, and Artisan Alley is ever welcoming and may be just the diversion needed to heal her broken heart both professionally and personally. Little did Chloe realize a murder investigation would quickly divert her attention.
This is a charming cozy in a small town with an inviting description I’m ready to pack my bag and drive up tomorrow for a pleasant visit. Izzie is very clever in planning events not only to engage the support of local businesses but as fundraisers to support local needs. I can only hope to find accommodations with a view of Chautauqua Lake. I’m going to fall asleep, picturing a window seat where I can read and gaze at the lake. On my arrival will be a stop at "Paint with a View" to ensure they received my online reservation to attend multiple events during my week’s visit, but I definitely don’t want to miss the "Paint Your Pet" event. I hardly know which business I’d visit next as the choices of "Go Fly a Kite," "Light Your Scent" candle shop, and "La Chic" to buy a special outfit for the last night in town are all enticing my interest. But before my shopping adventure, I think I’ll have a light salad at "Millie’s Diner" for lunch so I can savor my supper at "Bob’s Barbecue Pit." For my sweet tooth, I’ll definitely have a continental breakfast at the bakery "For Sweet’s Sake."
One of the most appealing delights of the author’s writing is that every minute of every day is not chronicled in minutiae. For example, at the end of one chapter Chloe and Izzie are off for an afternoon of shopping and to visit some sights in Jamestown. As the next chapter begins, it’s the following morning, but due to the author’s writing, it was a very natural transition. I knew I didn’t miss anything; instead, when these instances continued to occur, I enjoyed the faster pace.
During the quick pace of the cozy, I was constantly changing my mind about the names to be added or subtracted from the suspect list as the amateur sleuth may have a list, but mystery reader sleuths do too.
I’m already looking forward to reading the next cozy in the series!
My sincere thanks to Bailee Abbott, and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary digital copy of this title, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
#ABrushwithMurder #NetGalley
As Chloe Abbington arrives home in Whisper Cove, New York, after a 9-hour drive from the city, she’s understandably hesitant to dash back out the door with her younger sister Izzie to view the new store, "Paint with a View." But helping Chloe’s younger sister has drawn her home, and Artisan Alley is ever welcoming and may be just the diversion needed to heal her broken heart both professionally and personally. Little did Chloe realize a murder investigation would quickly divert her attention.
This is a charming cozy in a small town with an inviting description I’m ready to pack my bag and drive up tomorrow for a pleasant visit. Izzie is very clever in planning events not only to engage the support of local businesses but as fundraisers to support local needs. I can only hope to find accommodations with a view of Chautauqua Lake. I’m going to fall asleep, picturing a window seat where I can read and gaze at the lake. On my arrival will be a stop at "Paint with a View" to ensure they received my online reservation to attend multiple events during my week’s visit, but I definitely don’t want to miss the "Paint Your Pet" event. I hardly know which business I’d visit next as the choices of "Go Fly a Kite," "Light Your Scent" candle shop, and "La Chic" to buy a special outfit for the last night in town are all enticing my interest. But before my shopping adventure, I think I’ll have a light salad at "Millie’s Diner" for lunch so I can savor my supper at "Bob’s Barbecue Pit." For my sweet tooth, I’ll definitely have a continental breakfast at the bakery "For Sweet’s Sake."
One of the most appealing delights of the author’s writing is that every minute of every day is not chronicled in minutiae. For example, at the end of one chapter Chloe and Izzie are off for an afternoon of shopping and to visit some sights in Jamestown. As the next chapter begins, it’s the following morning, but due to the author’s writing, it was a very natural transition. I knew I didn’t miss anything; instead, when these instances continued to occur, I enjoyed the faster pace.
During the quick pace of the cozy, I was constantly changing my mind about the names to be added or subtracted from the suspect list as the amateur sleuth may have a list, but mystery reader sleuths do too.
I’m already looking forward to reading the next cozy in the series!
My sincere thanks to Bailee Abbott, and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary digital copy of this title, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
#ABrushwithMurder #NetGalley
June 3, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this complex cozy, the first in a new series from Abbott. Chloe Abbington is returning to her small hometown of Whisper Cove, an idyllic lakeside town in Chautauqua, NY. Chloe had been living in the city until the fast pace, a breakup, and a stressful job combined to drive her out. Now she's helping her sister, Izzie, open a painting store along Artisan Alley. But after their first event of the year, Chloe finds the dead body of Fiona Gimble, a nosy reporter, and she's been stabbed with a painting knife. Chloe must find the killer before they strike again.
The setting made this cozy stand out to me - I really felt like I was there in Whisper Cove. Besides the murder part, it seemed like a fun place to vacation. Also, there are some layers to the plot that you don't find in a typical cozy - I don't want to spoil it for everyone, but I liked the surprises, and I can tell you that I had no idea how Abbott was going to tie everything up in the end. The interplay between the two sisters was really interesting - Izzie is kind of a prickly character, and I'm looking forward to see how she develops in future books. Usually the shop owners in these mysteries are kind of cookie-cutter, but this family is so different because they're independently wealthy and are all trying to get ahead in the art world. It almost seems like Izzie wants something she can't have in Whisper Cove, and Chloe is trying to get back to security after also not getting what she wants in the city. I look forward to seeing where their character arcs go.
The setting made this cozy stand out to me - I really felt like I was there in Whisper Cove. Besides the murder part, it seemed like a fun place to vacation. Also, there are some layers to the plot that you don't find in a typical cozy - I don't want to spoil it for everyone, but I liked the surprises, and I can tell you that I had no idea how Abbott was going to tie everything up in the end. The interplay between the two sisters was really interesting - Izzie is kind of a prickly character, and I'm looking forward to see how she develops in future books. Usually the shop owners in these mysteries are kind of cookie-cutter, but this family is so different because they're independently wealthy and are all trying to get ahead in the art world. It almost seems like Izzie wants something she can't have in Whisper Cove, and Chloe is trying to get back to security after also not getting what she wants in the city. I look forward to seeing where their character arcs go.
July 16, 2021
Did someone hand Abbott a fill-in-the-blanks book called HOW TO WRITE A COZY MYSTERY with too many blanks for narrator internal dialogue?
It takes a lot for me to give up on a cozy mystery series, so for me to walk from one 23% in to the first book is unheard of. The main character is obnoxious and the book was just too formulaic for me, which was disappointing because I love the idea of one of the paint shops being in a series.
It takes a lot for me to give up on a cozy mystery series, so for me to walk from one 23% in to the first book is unheard of. The main character is obnoxious and the book was just too formulaic for me, which was disappointing because I love the idea of one of the paint shops being in a series.
October 30, 2021
3.5 Stars.
This was a fun mystery with a mostly good set of characters. I liked Chloe a lot but her sister Izzy drove me nuts. Izzy is immature and selfish and I hope her character evolves into a more likable character in future stories. The resolution of the crime was exciting and interesting. I will give book 2 a try.
This was a fun mystery with a mostly good set of characters. I liked Chloe a lot but her sister Izzy drove me nuts. Izzy is immature and selfish and I hope her character evolves into a more likable character in future stories. The resolution of the crime was exciting and interesting. I will give book 2 a try.
June 22, 2021
This book had me at “Whisper Cove, population 439.” The story resonated and surprised me at the same time. I loved spending time with sisters, Chloe and Izzie. Their shop is Paint With A View, and I want to see more books in this series.
June 6, 2022
When Chloe Abbington returns to Whisper Cove, New York to run Paint with a View with her sister Izzie, she has no idea the trouble she will face or the threat of being a murderer's next victim after the town's highly critical newspaper columnist is murdered!
I liked the premise of the book and admired Chloe for picking up and starting over after a failed relationship and career. Her determination to help her sister Izzie with the fledgling business, set the foundation for the book. However, when Izzie has secrets and won't tell Chloe what's going on, I was a bit annoyed. By the end of the book, all is well. The mystery is well-written and the pieces of the mystery fall neatly in place.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I liked the premise of the book and admired Chloe for picking up and starting over after a failed relationship and career. Her determination to help her sister Izzie with the fledgling business, set the foundation for the book. However, when Izzie has secrets and won't tell Chloe what's going on, I was a bit annoyed. By the end of the book, all is well. The mystery is well-written and the pieces of the mystery fall neatly in place.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
September 23, 2021
Chloe is heading home to the quiet little town of Whisper Cove, New York to help her sister open Paint with a View. However murder, arson and vandalism disrupt the formally peaceful town and Chloe finds herself in the middle of it all.
A good start to a new series. The story introduces a lot of characters and relationships that will be interesting to see develop as the series progresses. Thanks to Crooked Lane and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
A good start to a new series. The story introduces a lot of characters and relationships that will be interesting to see develop as the series progresses. Thanks to Crooked Lane and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 10, 2021
A Brush with Murder by Bailee Abbott is the debut of A Paint by Murder Mysteries. Chloe Abbington returns home to Whisper Cove, New York to help her sister, Izzie with the opening of her shop, Paint with a View. After the first event with local shop owners, Chloe finds Fiona Gimble, a local journalist, dead in the alley behind the shop. The scene haunts Chloe so she works to find who is responsible the critical journalists death. A Brush with Murder takes us to the charming town of Whisper Cove that has an Artisan Alley where Izzie has located her new venture. Painting classes with friends and family are becoming popular especially when wine and food are offered. I liked Chloe but was not a fan of her younger sister, Izzie. Izzie tends to be bossy and has a laissez-faire way about running her business. You can tell she wants it to be a success, but then Izzie fails to show up for planning meetings and leaves the first event in hands of Chloe and her shop assistant, Willow North. Fiona Gimble is not well-liked in the town thanks to her nasty reviews of the local shops. It is not a surprise when she turns up dead. Chloe finds herself preoccupied with the crime. She decides to do a little snooping. There are multiple suspects in her death including Chloe’s sister. There are clues to help readers solve the crime if you pay close attention. The resolution was complete which I appreciated. Chloe’s New York boyfriend arrives in town determined to win her back. I did not feel this storyline was necessary. It will only cause a love triangle with Chloe, Detective Barrett, and Ross (and I for one am not a fan of love triangles). I also found it odd that when Izzie decided they needed to pass out flyers to promote the business, she felt it necessary for them to wear costumes (Minnie and Mickey Mouse) as well as sandwich boards. I liked Chloe’s cute dog, Max. He was a sweetie. It will be interesting to see what happens next at a Paint with a View. A Brush with Murder transports readers to Whisper Cove where there is a wrathful departed reporter, pleasurable paint projects, shop owner suspects, a cuddly canine, a determined detective, a bothersome ex-beau, and a curious Chloe.
June 24, 2021
The ARC of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.
In A Brush with Murder, Bailee Abbott engages the reader’s sympathy from the first moment with her protagonist, Chloe, who has failed as a big-time artist and goes back to her small-town home with her tail between her legs. Although her family is kind and concerned, every comment seems a judgement.
Still, her support of her sister, who has started a paint party business, is touching. Indeed, it is the interplay between the sisters which makes the novel.
As the sisters become more and more deeply involved, the reader becomes embroiled in the mystery of a local reporter’s murder. Ultimately Chloe must decide on her priorities, involving her family, her livelihood, and her romances. Throughout, the reader is emotionally involved, rooting for the sisters.
Bailee Abbott’s A Brush with Murder was a delight to read. Since this is the first in a new series, I look forward to new adventures and new mysteries from this author!
In A Brush with Murder, Bailee Abbott engages the reader’s sympathy from the first moment with her protagonist, Chloe, who has failed as a big-time artist and goes back to her small-town home with her tail between her legs. Although her family is kind and concerned, every comment seems a judgement.
Still, her support of her sister, who has started a paint party business, is touching. Indeed, it is the interplay between the sisters which makes the novel.
As the sisters become more and more deeply involved, the reader becomes embroiled in the mystery of a local reporter’s murder. Ultimately Chloe must decide on her priorities, involving her family, her livelihood, and her romances. Throughout, the reader is emotionally involved, rooting for the sisters.
Bailee Abbott’s A Brush with Murder was a delight to read. Since this is the first in a new series, I look forward to new adventures and new mysteries from this author!
June 3, 2022
A Brush with Murder by Bailee Abbott is book one in the A Paint by Murder Mystery series.
Chloe has recently moved back to her hometown to partner with her sister in a painting event business. On opening night, a journalist is found dead behind the business. The victim, Finona, has been publishing some scathing reviews on some of the local businesses but, who would be mad enough to commit murder.
There are plenty of suspects in this Cozy. The protagonist is likeable. The setting will have you wanting to visit Whisper Cove. I wish there would have been more with the puppy, Max, though.
I was given an ARC by Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
Chloe has recently moved back to her hometown to partner with her sister in a painting event business. On opening night, a journalist is found dead behind the business. The victim, Finona, has been publishing some scathing reviews on some of the local businesses but, who would be mad enough to commit murder.
There are plenty of suspects in this Cozy. The protagonist is likeable. The setting will have you wanting to visit Whisper Cove. I wish there would have been more with the puppy, Max, though.
I was given an ARC by Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
November 4, 2021
The storyline was good with the right amount of romantic hint and intrigue. Chloe found herself smack dab in the middle of a puzzling murder mystery. With her sister’s business tied up in this mystery, Chloe needs to help solve this case before Izzie’s business goes belly up. An entertaining, intriguing, and witty story, it is a worthy addition to your bookshelf.
April 26, 2021
A Brush with Murder is a fast paced cozy mystery that will appeal to all book lovers.
Izzie and her sister Chloe are two fun characters that I enjoyed getting to know.
Izzie is launching her new business, a paint your own picture shop, and Chloe is helping her get started.
When a reporter is invited to preview the opening, no one is prepared for her bitter and angry words.
It shouldn't come as a surprise when the reporter is found, dead, and Chloe finds herself a suspect.
I was able to put some of the pieces together, but was still surprised by the reveal.
I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
Izzie and her sister Chloe are two fun characters that I enjoyed getting to know.
Izzie is launching her new business, a paint your own picture shop, and Chloe is helping her get started.
When a reporter is invited to preview the opening, no one is prepared for her bitter and angry words.
It shouldn't come as a surprise when the reporter is found, dead, and Chloe finds herself a suspect.
I was able to put some of the pieces together, but was still surprised by the reveal.
I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
April 28, 2021
Welcome to the wonderful world of cozy mysteries. Bailee Abbott knows how to set a scene, create a character, make you feel like you’re right there next to them solving crime. Settle in for the day or night and read this fantastic page turner.
November 20, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this cozy mystery. I liked the general setting of a lakeside town in western New York state. I liked the strong community of artisan shop owners too. Abbott's writing style is easy to read.
I found the characters a bit hard to like. Izzie is supposed to be an enterprising new business owner yet has no trouble being gone from the business at crucial times. Starting a business is hard work and Izzie is certainly not up to the task. No wonder she asked her sister, Chloe, to help her. Chloe was hard for me to like too. She has a short temper, gets irritated way too quickly, is often fuming, is rude and sarcastic. Abbott has crafted characters to the extreme. Reactions are overly done with people gasping, jumping, dropping things when surprised. And Izzie is always hiccuping, something that became quite irritating. And Hunter, while a handsome detective, was actually ineffective. An attorney found the aliases and criminal record of one of the suspects in a matter of hours when Hunter didn't know that information after days of the investigation. Hunter never got very far in solving the mystery for all his bluster.
The plot presented a suitable mystery. The murdered woman was a reviewer of businesses for the local newspaper. Her reviews where savage so there are suspects galore. Abbott provided plenty of red herrings and, irritatingly, newly revealed information near the end. Because of that new information, the resolution to the murder mystery felt off to me. If the reader did not suspect the right person, that would be because there were not many clues. Near the end, the killer, talking to Chloe, says there were many others who had better opportunities and motives. (3756/4068) And Chloe admits at that point she didn't have a clue as to the why of the killing. (3762/ 4068) If the amateur sleuth and the detective were both ignorant to the motive and identity of the murderer, I didn't feel bad that I hadn't figured it out.
I like to learn something new when I read fiction. I liked the information about having an event of painting a portrait of a pet and the work going into preparing the drawing on the canvas. I did learn a bit about collectibles too. I was surprised that Izzie used oils in her customer painting projects. (Willow had to use turpentine to clean a paint spot off her clothing.) I would have thought acrylics would have been used with amateur projects.
Even though I felt there was over characterization and issues with the plot structure, I liked the setting and will be on the lookout for another mystery from Abbott.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I found the characters a bit hard to like. Izzie is supposed to be an enterprising new business owner yet has no trouble being gone from the business at crucial times. Starting a business is hard work and Izzie is certainly not up to the task. No wonder she asked her sister, Chloe, to help her. Chloe was hard for me to like too. She has a short temper, gets irritated way too quickly, is often fuming, is rude and sarcastic. Abbott has crafted characters to the extreme. Reactions are overly done with people gasping, jumping, dropping things when surprised. And Izzie is always hiccuping, something that became quite irritating. And Hunter, while a handsome detective, was actually ineffective. An attorney found the aliases and criminal record of one of the suspects in a matter of hours when Hunter didn't know that information after days of the investigation. Hunter never got very far in solving the mystery for all his bluster.
The plot presented a suitable mystery. The murdered woman was a reviewer of businesses for the local newspaper. Her reviews where savage so there are suspects galore. Abbott provided plenty of red herrings and, irritatingly, newly revealed information near the end. Because of that new information, the resolution to the murder mystery felt off to me. If the reader did not suspect the right person, that would be because there were not many clues. Near the end, the killer, talking to Chloe, says there were many others who had better opportunities and motives. (3756/4068) And Chloe admits at that point she didn't have a clue as to the why of the killing. (3762/ 4068) If the amateur sleuth and the detective were both ignorant to the motive and identity of the murderer, I didn't feel bad that I hadn't figured it out.
I like to learn something new when I read fiction. I liked the information about having an event of painting a portrait of a pet and the work going into preparing the drawing on the canvas. I did learn a bit about collectibles too. I was surprised that Izzie used oils in her customer painting projects. (Willow had to use turpentine to clean a paint spot off her clothing.) I would have thought acrylics would have been used with amateur projects.
Even though I felt there was over characterization and issues with the plot structure, I liked the setting and will be on the lookout for another mystery from Abbott.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
May 13, 2021
Chloe Abbington returns to Whisper Cove from New York. Her plan is to help her sister open her business. As her sister seems to have secrets. She then finds a local Fiona Gimble who happens to trash businesses in the local newspaper. It’s a fun series.
#ABrushwithMurder #NetGalley
#ABrushwithMurder #NetGalley
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February 23, 2024Picture it: artist Chloe leaves Manhattan for small-town living for peace, quiet, and to help her sister run her new painting-event shop. After their grand opening, journalist and notorious critic Fiona is found murdered behind the store and soon Chloe’s name lands right at the top of the list of suspects.
Oh, and there’s a cute dog, lots of tension—romantic and otherwise—with the local detective, lots of ill-advised sleuthing, and plenty of small-town quirks.
Author Bailee Abbott offers up all of these traditional elements of a cozy mystery, and yet A Brush with Murder never feels paint-by-numbers. Chloe, dejected after both a crumbling career and relationship, stumbles back to her hometown in a fashion that’s unfortunately highly relatable to many folks in their 20s, 30s, and beyond. However, most of them don’t have to contend with being a prime suspect in a murder after their arrival. Abbott writes with such empathy of this situation that, as Chloe begins to slump under all this pressure and misfortune, it makes complete sense she would find the need to take an investigation into her own hands. Absolutely nothing else can go wrong. It’s an interesting twist that makes her both sympathetic and a force as a main character.
The mystery is solid and Abbott has no issue with adding secrets and turmoil onto the canvas. There are no happy accidents here—everything is meticulously plotted, including an ending that’s as satisfying as it is natural.
With a solid mystery, fun characters, and a sleuth in need of a win, A Brush with Murder is like a fresh coat of paint for the cozy genre.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher.
Review also posted at pluckedfromthestacks.wordpress.com/
Oh, and there’s a cute dog, lots of tension—romantic and otherwise—with the local detective, lots of ill-advised sleuthing, and plenty of small-town quirks.
Author Bailee Abbott offers up all of these traditional elements of a cozy mystery, and yet A Brush with Murder never feels paint-by-numbers. Chloe, dejected after both a crumbling career and relationship, stumbles back to her hometown in a fashion that’s unfortunately highly relatable to many folks in their 20s, 30s, and beyond. However, most of them don’t have to contend with being a prime suspect in a murder after their arrival. Abbott writes with such empathy of this situation that, as Chloe begins to slump under all this pressure and misfortune, it makes complete sense she would find the need to take an investigation into her own hands. Absolutely nothing else can go wrong. It’s an interesting twist that makes her both sympathetic and a force as a main character.
The mystery is solid and Abbott has no issue with adding secrets and turmoil onto the canvas. There are no happy accidents here—everything is meticulously plotted, including an ending that’s as satisfying as it is natural.
With a solid mystery, fun characters, and a sleuth in need of a win, A Brush with Murder is like a fresh coat of paint for the cozy genre.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher.
Review also posted at pluckedfromthestacks.wordpress.com/
June 11, 2021
A Brush with Murder is the first book in the Paint by Murder Mystery series by author Bailee Abbott (a pen name for author Kathryn Long). This is a new author to me and I thought Ms. Abbott laid out a solid foundation for building a new series. Chloe Abbington moves home to reassess her life and help her sister Izzie with her new painting-event business. This story had many wonderful characters. I enjoyed the sibling relationship between Chloe and Izzie. It felt genuine and real. I would love to get to know their parents better in future books. They have a good vibe, with a bit of a hippie feel. The residents of Whisper Cover provide a diverse cast of secondary characters as well as plenty of suspects when murder comes to town. There are also some potential love interests along the way.
The mystery was well done. Chloe is not even home one full day when she finds a dead body behind the business. Ms. Abbott provides the reader with plenty of suspects each of whom seems to be keeping at least one secret that alludes to possible motives. The victim was an opinion columnist, and boy did her opinions stir up trouble in Whisper Cover. As a result, there is a large suspect pool the reader has to wade through, with plenty of red herrings along the way. I thought I had identified the killer, but I was wrong but with good reason (I won't say more so as not to spoil anything for other readers). The killer is revealed in a dramatic fashion and in the end, the author wraps up the murder mystery nicely.
This is a fun and entertaining read with likable characters, a lovely setting, and a mystery that had me interested and engaged. I will be interested in watching the author develop this series.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
The mystery was well done. Chloe is not even home one full day when she finds a dead body behind the business. Ms. Abbott provides the reader with plenty of suspects each of whom seems to be keeping at least one secret that alludes to possible motives. The victim was an opinion columnist, and boy did her opinions stir up trouble in Whisper Cover. As a result, there is a large suspect pool the reader has to wade through, with plenty of red herrings along the way. I thought I had identified the killer, but I was wrong but with good reason (I won't say more so as not to spoil anything for other readers). The killer is revealed in a dramatic fashion and in the end, the author wraps up the murder mystery nicely.
This is a fun and entertaining read with likable characters, a lovely setting, and a mystery that had me interested and engaged. I will be interested in watching the author develop this series.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
May 31, 2021
Today I'm reviewing a new cozy series by Bailee Abbot, called A Brush With Murder. I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley to review. All the opinions are mine. I had a tough time rating this book. Ultimately, I decided on a 3.5 rounded up to a 4 for posting purposes. I struggled to like the characters in the book. It wasn't until I was 80 percent through the book that I came to like at least some of the characters. The mystery is good, a nice twist, but clues are laid out from the beginning so, it's earned. I know as a reader I don't like a twist that doesn't have a trail of clues.
Chloe is our amateur sleuth, and she is trying to save her sister's business and herself after Fiona, a local reporter who liked to pan local businesses, winds up dead. Chloe, I grew to like, though I found her ex-boyfriend situation confusing, am I supposed to like Ross or dislike Ross? My instinct was to like him. Izzie is Chloe's sister, and the proprietor of the new paint shop in town, Paint with A View. I thought a business that does painting classes is a good business choice for a cozy mystery job. However, during this book, Izzie the shop owner spends very little time at the shop. She disappears frequently, is being secretive, and actively refuses to talk to the police officer who is trying to solve the murder. Overall, I had real trouble liking Izzie she came off as very flippant and entitled throughout the book.
Chloe and her family are literally trust fund babies. Her parents live off the funds from the family estate. This is not something I have experience with, but in the book, there were multiple businesses run by twenty-something women who had financial backing from their families for their businesses. So the main character's situation wasn't completely uncommon for this town. One of these owners was very panicked about her business and worried about being a complete failure after her second chance--which was, to me, a little funny because she was 24 years old. No one is a complete failure at 24, plenty of time to try many more things in life.
Chloe's dog Max is on the cover, but he isn't the emotional support or sounding board that many a cozy companion provides to their sleuth--he's more of a traditional pet.
If you enjoy a potential love triangle, this book is definitely for you! Seasonally, the book takes place during the heat of summer in a lakeside community.
Most likely, I will pick up the second book in the series to see how Bailee Abbot develops the characters and what new mystery she creates.
This book will be out on October 12, 2021. Add it to your TBR pile now!
Chloe is our amateur sleuth, and she is trying to save her sister's business and herself after Fiona, a local reporter who liked to pan local businesses, winds up dead. Chloe, I grew to like, though I found her ex-boyfriend situation confusing, am I supposed to like Ross or dislike Ross? My instinct was to like him. Izzie is Chloe's sister, and the proprietor of the new paint shop in town, Paint with A View. I thought a business that does painting classes is a good business choice for a cozy mystery job. However, during this book, Izzie the shop owner spends very little time at the shop. She disappears frequently, is being secretive, and actively refuses to talk to the police officer who is trying to solve the murder. Overall, I had real trouble liking Izzie she came off as very flippant and entitled throughout the book.
Chloe and her family are literally trust fund babies. Her parents live off the funds from the family estate. This is not something I have experience with, but in the book, there were multiple businesses run by twenty-something women who had financial backing from their families for their businesses. So the main character's situation wasn't completely uncommon for this town. One of these owners was very panicked about her business and worried about being a complete failure after her second chance--which was, to me, a little funny because she was 24 years old. No one is a complete failure at 24, plenty of time to try many more things in life.
Chloe's dog Max is on the cover, but he isn't the emotional support or sounding board that many a cozy companion provides to their sleuth--he's more of a traditional pet.
If you enjoy a potential love triangle, this book is definitely for you! Seasonally, the book takes place during the heat of summer in a lakeside community.
Most likely, I will pick up the second book in the series to see how Bailee Abbot develops the characters and what new mystery she creates.
This book will be out on October 12, 2021. Add it to your TBR pile now!
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