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Cozy Craft Mystery #1
The Wonderland Murders
A quirky and funny series for fans of a good mystery and compelling characters. Can you solve the crime before our dressmaking duo?
After losing her job at an exclusive London hotel, Penny Slipper is only too happy to help when her grandma asks her to take charge at the Cozy Craft sewing shop in charming rural Suffolk.
With cousin Izzy on hand as the expert dressmaker and Penny’s head for business, what can possibly go wrong?
But Penny’s in town for less than a day when the local librarian is poisoned and Penny fears she might even be accidentally responsible. Penny and Izzy are forced to turn detectives to uncover the true cause of death, while finishing a costume commission for their first customer.
Matters take a further deadly turn when a second body is discovered.
Can Penny and Izzy unpick the mysteries of the past and sew the pieces of this puzzle together before it’s too late?
After losing her job at an exclusive London hotel, Penny Slipper is only too happy to help when her grandma asks her to take charge at the Cozy Craft sewing shop in charming rural Suffolk.
With cousin Izzy on hand as the expert dressmaker and Penny’s head for business, what can possibly go wrong?
But Penny’s in town for less than a day when the local librarian is poisoned and Penny fears she might even be accidentally responsible. Penny and Izzy are forced to turn detectives to uncover the true cause of death, while finishing a costume commission for their first customer.
Matters take a further deadly turn when a second body is discovered.
Can Penny and Izzy unpick the mysteries of the past and sew the pieces of this puzzle together before it’s too late?
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2023
260 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 19, 2024
The only reason I managed to finish this was because I like Framingham, and I like sewing. Was more like a sewing manual than a murder mystery, could’ve fit all of the story about murders into one page. But if you want to know about bias binding and and calico toiles, this is the book for you, although you might be better on you tube 😜
April 15, 2023
The Wonderland Murders is a delightful and very well-plotted contemporary cozy mystery set in Framingham, the UK.
Penny and Izzy are cousins thrown together by the illness of their mutual grandmother, who normally runs a crafting shop. Izzy is somewhat scatty and filled with new ideas. Penny is more down to earth and determined to make a profit from the shop. But no sooner has Penny arrived than a murder takes place in the local library. While they're not obsessive about who is responsible, they do begin to consider who might have been to blame as they work on an Alice in Wonderland costume for the upcoming World books day for one of the librarians.
What ensues is so well-plotted and delightful that I genuinely didn't guess the ending. These stories have a lovely lightness of touch, genuine warmth and humour throughout, and Izzy and Penny really complement each other as main characters.
I loved this first book so much that I'm busy devouring the rest of the series, and the series is consistently as enjoyable and delightful. I'm so glad I took a chance on The Wonderland Murders, and if you love a cozy crime, you won't be disappointed, either.
Penny and Izzy are cousins thrown together by the illness of their mutual grandmother, who normally runs a crafting shop. Izzy is somewhat scatty and filled with new ideas. Penny is more down to earth and determined to make a profit from the shop. But no sooner has Penny arrived than a murder takes place in the local library. While they're not obsessive about who is responsible, they do begin to consider who might have been to blame as they work on an Alice in Wonderland costume for the upcoming World books day for one of the librarians.
What ensues is so well-plotted and delightful that I genuinely didn't guess the ending. These stories have a lovely lightness of touch, genuine warmth and humour throughout, and Izzy and Penny really complement each other as main characters.
I loved this first book so much that I'm busy devouring the rest of the series, and the series is consistently as enjoyable and delightful. I'm so glad I took a chance on The Wonderland Murders, and if you love a cozy crime, you won't be disappointed, either.
March 23, 2025
A very cute story with more twists than I was expecting. Lots of fun characters and I’m looking forward to getting to know them more!
April 17, 2023
I love cosy mystery and have been reading them since I read the first Lilian Jackson Braun and was involved in mysteries featuring a quant town, lovely pets, and amateur detective/detective.
My taste evolved and now, after years and a huge number of series I read, I’m quite spoiled and I know when I am going to love a series after a few pages.
The Cosy Craft Mysteries were one of those series that are a lot of fun and solid mysteries.
Penny, Izzy and the characters grew on me page after page, and I was fascinated by the descriptions of the fabrics and the tips and tricks of professional sewing.
My sewing skill are very basic, but I always wanted to be like Izzy: creative, with a lot of skill in a manual craft, and a lovely person.
Penny is more logical and business like, I wasn’t convinced at the beginning, but she grew on me.
This a general review so I will talk about the series and about the single instalments.
The Wonderland Murders is a good start for a cosy series: even if it introduces places and characters it’s quite fast paced and there’s always something going and keeping your attention alive.
I liked the solid mstery as it kept me guessing and surprised me with the twists. There’s a lot of culprits as the victim is not very likeable.
I appreciated how the author described the bully and how you couldn’t help feeling for the women.
The Painted Lobster Murders is the second book in the series, a highly entertaining and compelling story since the first pages. We meet Monty the dog, a lovely character I loved.
This is another solid and compelling mystery. There’s a lot going on in Penny and Izzy life and they’re developing business and managing the shop as Nan took the backseat.
A fast paced and solid mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed and kept me guessing.
My only note: I hate love triangle, it’s my cosy mystery pet peeve, and hope it will be solved soon
The Sequinned Cape Murders is the third in the series and I enjoyed it even if it’s not my favorite.. There’s more sewing than mystery but it’s also the one with Izzy under the spotlight and I thoroughly enjoyed this change. There’s romance, there’s another good mystery and the usual suspects.
The Swan Dress Murders is the fourth book in the series: another fast paced and entertaining mystery that kept me guessing. I was hoping that the love triangle was solved and hoped this is the last book with Penny who can’t decide.
I enjoyed the story and the complex plot even if there’s my pet peeve but it’s not a main point in the story. Penny and izzy are a good couple of investigators and they’re investigation are well done.
Another good story and the last published.
My taste evolved and now, after years and a huge number of series I read, I’m quite spoiled and I know when I am going to love a series after a few pages.
The Cosy Craft Mysteries were one of those series that are a lot of fun and solid mysteries.
Penny, Izzy and the characters grew on me page after page, and I was fascinated by the descriptions of the fabrics and the tips and tricks of professional sewing.
My sewing skill are very basic, but I always wanted to be like Izzy: creative, with a lot of skill in a manual craft, and a lovely person.
Penny is more logical and business like, I wasn’t convinced at the beginning, but she grew on me.
This a general review so I will talk about the series and about the single instalments.
The Wonderland Murders is a good start for a cosy series: even if it introduces places and characters it’s quite fast paced and there’s always something going and keeping your attention alive.
I liked the solid mstery as it kept me guessing and surprised me with the twists. There’s a lot of culprits as the victim is not very likeable.
I appreciated how the author described the bully and how you couldn’t help feeling for the women.
The Painted Lobster Murders is the second book in the series, a highly entertaining and compelling story since the first pages. We meet Monty the dog, a lovely character I loved.
This is another solid and compelling mystery. There’s a lot going on in Penny and Izzy life and they’re developing business and managing the shop as Nan took the backseat.
A fast paced and solid mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed and kept me guessing.
My only note: I hate love triangle, it’s my cosy mystery pet peeve, and hope it will be solved soon
The Sequinned Cape Murders is the third in the series and I enjoyed it even if it’s not my favorite.. There’s more sewing than mystery but it’s also the one with Izzy under the spotlight and I thoroughly enjoyed this change. There’s romance, there’s another good mystery and the usual suspects.
The Swan Dress Murders is the fourth book in the series: another fast paced and entertaining mystery that kept me guessing. I was hoping that the love triangle was solved and hoped this is the last book with Penny who can’t decide.
I enjoyed the story and the complex plot even if there’s my pet peeve but it’s not a main point in the story. Penny and izzy are a good couple of investigators and they’re investigation are well done.
Another good story and the last published.
April 15, 2023
Nanna Lem is stuck in hospital. She sprained her foot but worse still has taken the wrong pills and now has to go “cold turkey”. Izzy has been running Nanna’s Cozy Craft shop in the small town of Framlingham and her cousin Penny is to go and help her. That’s currently not a problem for Penny who has recently lost her hotel job in London – for reasons she’d rather not go into! First stop for Penny is the local library to get directions to her new home over the shop where she meets retiring librarian Lorina and the rather odious area manager Roy Cotwin, two people with no love lost between them, and accepts an invite to Lorina’s evening leaving party. The next morning Roy is discovered dead from poisoning outside his gaudy pink house. Relieved to discover she wasn’t actually the cause of the man’s demise, Penny ponders if it was murder. To her surprise Penny finds she takes to sewing like a duck to water and starts to share her slightly zany cousin’s passion for making costumes. Meanwhile via Madam Zelda’s horoscope predictions, Izzy tries to act as matchmaker between Penny and Aubrey, the handyman from the garden centre where owner Stuart Dinktrout has requisitioned waistcoats from Izzy for the love of his life, the very talented micro pig Arabella. Lorina becomes Penny’s first customer and is delighted with her authentic Alice costume for World Book Day, however she only gets to wear it for a couple of hours before Izzy finds her dead at the garden centre. Despite the consensus of her editorial colleagues on the Frambeat Gazette that it was a terrible accident, Izzy, like Penny, thinks the deaths are definitely suspicious and so the cousins embark on a bit of sleuthing. Will they spot the clues they need to solve the mystery?
The personalities and talents of Penny and Izzy compliment each other beautifully in this charming cosy murder mystery story full of lovely quirky eccentric characters like Glenmore, Stuart, Tariq and Annalise, and I’m ready to dive straight into book 2, The Painted Lobster Murders. 4.5*
The personalities and talents of Penny and Izzy compliment each other beautifully in this charming cosy murder mystery story full of lovely quirky eccentric characters like Glenmore, Stuart, Tariq and Annalise, and I’m ready to dive straight into book 2, The Painted Lobster Murders. 4.5*
April 15, 2023
The Wonderland Murders by Millie Ravensworth
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
After losing her job at an exclusive London hotel, Penny Slipper is only too happy to help when her grandma asks her to take charge at the Cozy Craft sewing shop in charming rural Suffolk.
With cousin Izzy on hand as the expert dressmaker and Penny’s head for business, what can possibly go wrong?
But Penny’s in town for less than a day when the local librarian is poisoned and Penny fears she might even be accidentally responsible. Penny and Izzy are forced to turn detectives to uncover the true cause of death, while finishing a costume commission for their first customer.
Matters take a further deadly turn when a second body is discovered.
Can Penny and Izzy unpick the mysteries of the past and sew the pieces of this puzzle together before it’s too late?
My Opinion
This is the first book in the Cozy Craft Mystery Series.
World Book Day is fast approaching and Penny has been helping the local children come up with some cheap costume ideas as well as helping commission a dress for the local librarian. Whilst temporarily running her grandma's craft store, the last thing Penny expects to help is two murders in quick succession. Penny works with her cousin Izzy to solve the mystery of committed the murders.
This was a lovely, quick cosy mystery. Set in a craft shop and focusing on the upcoming World Book Day this will appeal to a wide audience. An enjoyable, great introduction to the series.
Rating: 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
After losing her job at an exclusive London hotel, Penny Slipper is only too happy to help when her grandma asks her to take charge at the Cozy Craft sewing shop in charming rural Suffolk.
With cousin Izzy on hand as the expert dressmaker and Penny’s head for business, what can possibly go wrong?
But Penny’s in town for less than a day when the local librarian is poisoned and Penny fears she might even be accidentally responsible. Penny and Izzy are forced to turn detectives to uncover the true cause of death, while finishing a costume commission for their first customer.
Matters take a further deadly turn when a second body is discovered.
Can Penny and Izzy unpick the mysteries of the past and sew the pieces of this puzzle together before it’s too late?
My Opinion
This is the first book in the Cozy Craft Mystery Series.
World Book Day is fast approaching and Penny has been helping the local children come up with some cheap costume ideas as well as helping commission a dress for the local librarian. Whilst temporarily running her grandma's craft store, the last thing Penny expects to help is two murders in quick succession. Penny works with her cousin Izzy to solve the mystery of committed the murders.
This was a lovely, quick cosy mystery. Set in a craft shop and focusing on the upcoming World Book Day this will appeal to a wide audience. An enjoyable, great introduction to the series.
Rating: 4/5
April 27, 2023
Cosy with a capital C, Millie Ravensworth has created the epitome of a relaxing village crime series in the “Cozy Craft Mysteries” based in Framingham, Suffolk. Funny, quirky and just positively unique in its simplicity, I loved every one of these books. The mysteries form only part of the story and fits in around the cosy life of the endearing characters.
I loved the banter between cousins Penny and Izzy as they reunited and began to adapt to each other’s personalities. Their camaraderie was my type of friendship and had me chuckling at their antics.
Nanna Lem, who is the owner of the Cozy Craft shop and also grandma to Penny and Izzy, is the pivotal character of the series and enjoys her five minutes of fame in each book. Her friendship to a fellow male resident where she is staying, is a joy to follow.
I don’t have much interest in dressmaking or handicrafts at all but I enjoyed how the sewing shop in rural Suffolk was the backdrop for this series and I actually learned a lot of interesting facts and tips.
Book 1 - “The Wonderland Murders” features the death of a thoroughly detestable bully, which obviously attracts a number of suspects. This intrigued me and kept my interest since I couldn’t work out the murderer due to the limited clues. Penny finds herself an unlikely suspect, needing to prove her innocence as well as help trap a killer. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 2 - “The Painted Lobster Murder” sees Penny and Izzy involved in a murder at a client’s house and the introduction of an adorable Corgi dog named Monty, who really is the star of this book. With handyman Aubrey becoming friendly with Penny and Oscar, a fabric salesman taking a similar interest, could this be start of a budding romance for Penny? ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 3 - “The Sequinned Cape Murders” focuses a lot more on Izzy and her family and the sewing side of the series, in particular the making of a replica 70’s Elvis costume for her dad. I liked the way the book opened with the dead body and a main character in the immediate frame for the death. A proper conundrum that Penny and Izzy do well to solve, using traditional sleuthing techniques. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 4 - “The Swan Dress Murders” is my favourite of the four books, an unusual death occurs of yet another unlikeable character but I was very intrigued as to how the mystery would be solved considering the bizarre clues left. There's a love triangle that's been active for a couple of books, that now looks like it could be decided upon. I'm not sure who I was routing for to be the suitor but the way things seem to be shaping, I'm quite satisfied if that's the outcome. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved the banter between cousins Penny and Izzy as they reunited and began to adapt to each other’s personalities. Their camaraderie was my type of friendship and had me chuckling at their antics.
Nanna Lem, who is the owner of the Cozy Craft shop and also grandma to Penny and Izzy, is the pivotal character of the series and enjoys her five minutes of fame in each book. Her friendship to a fellow male resident where she is staying, is a joy to follow.
I don’t have much interest in dressmaking or handicrafts at all but I enjoyed how the sewing shop in rural Suffolk was the backdrop for this series and I actually learned a lot of interesting facts and tips.
Book 1 - “The Wonderland Murders” features the death of a thoroughly detestable bully, which obviously attracts a number of suspects. This intrigued me and kept my interest since I couldn’t work out the murderer due to the limited clues. Penny finds herself an unlikely suspect, needing to prove her innocence as well as help trap a killer. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 2 - “The Painted Lobster Murder” sees Penny and Izzy involved in a murder at a client’s house and the introduction of an adorable Corgi dog named Monty, who really is the star of this book. With handyman Aubrey becoming friendly with Penny and Oscar, a fabric salesman taking a similar interest, could this be start of a budding romance for Penny? ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 3 - “The Sequinned Cape Murders” focuses a lot more on Izzy and her family and the sewing side of the series, in particular the making of a replica 70’s Elvis costume for her dad. I liked the way the book opened with the dead body and a main character in the immediate frame for the death. A proper conundrum that Penny and Izzy do well to solve, using traditional sleuthing techniques. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 4 - “The Swan Dress Murders” is my favourite of the four books, an unusual death occurs of yet another unlikeable character but I was very intrigued as to how the mystery would be solved considering the bizarre clues left. There's a love triangle that's been active for a couple of books, that now looks like it could be decided upon. I'm not sure who I was routing for to be the suitor but the way things seem to be shaping, I'm quite satisfied if that's the outcome. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 29, 2023
Wow, with hints at Alice In Wonderland, a pig ... in a waistcoat and a flamingo, this alone had me longing to dive into this, the first book in the Cozy Craft Mysteries series.
A wonderful introduction to what promises to be a great series. In many ways it was your typical cosy fare; not that that's a bad thing, The Wonderland Murders was a great light-hearted, fun read that was everything I expected ... and more.
Yes, there's a murder or two {which I admit to being stumped by}, that, in a refreshing change from the typical scenario that sees everyone shocked by the murder of the sweet, little old lady, sees the murder of two, well, not particularly likeable individuals.
What really enthralled me though were all of the literary references and the World Book Day element which sees the commissioning of the Alice In Wonderland Dress you see on the cover and children's costumes being put together for £5 ... that I actually enjoyed learning about the uses of different fabrics and stitches, something that all of those years of sewing lessons at school failed to do.
And then of course, there are the characters.
A sucker when it comes to quirky characters and, my goodness, from Penny, definitely the one with the brains for business, to the delightfully ditzy but talented Izzy, to the waistcoat wearing, poetry loving, Arabella these were undoubtedly quirky characters.
Copyright, Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... One of several participants in a Blog Tour of this book; Agree or disagree with me, all opinions are my own. No financial compensation was asked for nor given. Threats of violence towards my favourite teddy bear went unheeded as did promises of chocolate.
A wonderful introduction to what promises to be a great series. In many ways it was your typical cosy fare; not that that's a bad thing, The Wonderland Murders was a great light-hearted, fun read that was everything I expected ... and more.
Yes, there's a murder or two {which I admit to being stumped by}, that, in a refreshing change from the typical scenario that sees everyone shocked by the murder of the sweet, little old lady, sees the murder of two, well, not particularly likeable individuals.
What really enthralled me though were all of the literary references and the World Book Day element which sees the commissioning of the Alice In Wonderland Dress you see on the cover and children's costumes being put together for £5 ... that I actually enjoyed learning about the uses of different fabrics and stitches, something that all of those years of sewing lessons at school failed to do.
And then of course, there are the characters.
A sucker when it comes to quirky characters and, my goodness, from Penny, definitely the one with the brains for business, to the delightfully ditzy but talented Izzy, to the waistcoat wearing, poetry loving, Arabella these were undoubtedly quirky characters.
Copyright, Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... One of several participants in a Blog Tour of this book; Agree or disagree with me, all opinions are my own. No financial compensation was asked for nor given. Threats of violence towards my favourite teddy bear went unheeded as did promises of chocolate.
April 5, 2023
The Wonderland Murders by Mille Ravensworth is a delightfully fun contemporary novel and the first book in A Cosy Craft Mystery series.
The tone is light-hearted – think Midsomer Murders meets Death In Paradise – and it is set in a quintessential English town. I pictured it like the Shambles in York. All is calm and friendly until two murders happen in quick succession.
The granddaughters who are running the sewing craft shop are intrigued as they put on their best amateur super sleuthing hats and try to solve the murders. They bounce ideas off each other whilst also outfitting the local children in book characters for £5 for World Book Day.
There are some absolutely hilarious and rather bizarre moments – including fitting Arabella the pig for a waistcoat whilst reading poetry!
This has been a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours. I think The Wonderland Murders would make a marvellous afternoon television drama with its light-hearted tone and amusing scenes – very reminiscent of Joan Hickson playing Miss Marple.
It was all jolly good fun.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The tone is light-hearted – think Midsomer Murders meets Death In Paradise – and it is set in a quintessential English town. I pictured it like the Shambles in York. All is calm and friendly until two murders happen in quick succession.
The granddaughters who are running the sewing craft shop are intrigued as they put on their best amateur super sleuthing hats and try to solve the murders. They bounce ideas off each other whilst also outfitting the local children in book characters for £5 for World Book Day.
There are some absolutely hilarious and rather bizarre moments – including fitting Arabella the pig for a waistcoat whilst reading poetry!
This has been a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours. I think The Wonderland Murders would make a marvellous afternoon television drama with its light-hearted tone and amusing scenes – very reminiscent of Joan Hickson playing Miss Marple.
It was all jolly good fun.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
May 7, 2023
Penny's nan asks her to help out in the family craft store as she recovers in hospital. Her cousin Izzy is impulsive with brilliant creative skills but litle business sense. Together the cousins try to breathe some new life into the shop. But their efforts are hampered by a murder investigation...
The Wonderland Murders is the first book is a cosy murder mystery series and I will be reviewing the later books shortly.
Penny has lost her job and is looking for a new challenge. Her nan asks her to help out in her craft shop alongside her slightly eccentric cousin Izzy. Together they need to save their nan's business and I loved watching the two women working together. There is a gentle humour and warmth to the writing which gives a lovely feel to the book.
The murder is somewhat secondary to the wonderful blossoming relationship between Penny and Izzy as they work together, bouncing ideas off the other to try to make a success of their crafting business. As befits the genre, there is no graphic detail (except for the demise of a poor watermelon!) There are not a great deal of suspects but there were still red herrings to keep me guessing until the final reveal!
The Wonderland Murders is an enjoyable cosy mystery and I am looking forward to the future books in the series.
The Wonderland Murders is the first book is a cosy murder mystery series and I will be reviewing the later books shortly.
Penny has lost her job and is looking for a new challenge. Her nan asks her to help out in her craft shop alongside her slightly eccentric cousin Izzy. Together they need to save their nan's business and I loved watching the two women working together. There is a gentle humour and warmth to the writing which gives a lovely feel to the book.
The murder is somewhat secondary to the wonderful blossoming relationship between Penny and Izzy as they work together, bouncing ideas off the other to try to make a success of their crafting business. As befits the genre, there is no graphic detail (except for the demise of a poor watermelon!) There are not a great deal of suspects but there were still red herrings to keep me guessing until the final reveal!
The Wonderland Murders is an enjoyable cosy mystery and I am looking forward to the future books in the series.
February 4, 2023
A book I loved from the outset and stepped into a wonderful world!
Penny has been asked by her ailing Nan to look after her “Cozy Crafts” shop whilst she recuperates. Penny has recently lost her job in London and so has time on her hands. At the shop she finds her cousin Izzy whom she remembers as being a little odd and full on but soon discovers this is now in a very nice way, she’s just not up to organising things but is second to none with crafts and a sewing machine. Penny drops into the library when exploring the town and comes across some locals. Soon one has been poisoned however he wasn’t popular and Penny’s first impression was rather of a misogynistic bully. Who would want to kill him and why?
This is the first in a series (I’m off to get the rest of them asap). Characters I took to from the outset and wonderful descriptions of a traditional small town and old fashioned shop put the reader right in the heart of things. A wonderful plot line and charismatic scenes made me smile. A treasure of a read , loved it.
For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
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April 19, 2023
Set in rural England, two cousins set to solve a mystery in order to clear their own names.
Penny has come to help her cousin, Izzy, run her grandmother’s sewing shop, Cozy Craft. It’s supposed to be a temporary gig for Penny who knows nothing about sewing. Penny has the head for business and Izzy is the creative side. They are trying out new ideas to get Cozy Craft to actually start making money.
The cousins work together to solve two murders in this little town since Penny and Izzy are each connected to one of the murders and they both want their names cleared.
I like the interactions between and the personalities of Penny and Izzy. They balance each other out. There is a cute scene where Penny locks Izzy in a room because Izzy is not following safety protocols by giving kids sharp shears.
There is a lot about the sewing process in this book so if you are a seamstress you will definitely enjoy that part.
The suspect list is small and the clues are in the book for the mystery to be solved and I appreciate that! I still didn’t solve it but I do like that no information was being withheld so it is solvable.
Penny has come to help her cousin, Izzy, run her grandmother’s sewing shop, Cozy Craft. It’s supposed to be a temporary gig for Penny who knows nothing about sewing. Penny has the head for business and Izzy is the creative side. They are trying out new ideas to get Cozy Craft to actually start making money.
The cousins work together to solve two murders in this little town since Penny and Izzy are each connected to one of the murders and they both want their names cleared.
I like the interactions between and the personalities of Penny and Izzy. They balance each other out. There is a cute scene where Penny locks Izzy in a room because Izzy is not following safety protocols by giving kids sharp shears.
There is a lot about the sewing process in this book so if you are a seamstress you will definitely enjoy that part.
The suspect list is small and the clues are in the book for the mystery to be solved and I appreciate that! I still didn’t solve it but I do like that no information was being withheld so it is solvable.
April 17, 2023
The Wonderland Murders, the first book in the Cozy Craft Mysteries series, is full of complex and often quirky characters and excellent world-building. Penny's current career hiatus is fortuitously filled by Nana's request to run her craft shop with Penny's craft-talented but business-naive cousin Izzy. The setting is colourful and soon draws readers into the world of crafts and costumes. The murders are dastardly, as is expected in cosy crime and the amateur sleuth, complement each other well and are likeable. It's an enjoyable quick read and the perfect start to the series. I like the characters, the dynamic between the cousins and the rural Suffolk setting.
I received a copy of this book from the authors.
I received a copy of this book from the authors.
April 20, 2023
I haven't read a huge amount of cosy crime; I usually listen to it and then don't enjoy it so much in that format, but I did really enjoy this! There were lots of great components including a dressmaking shop, frequent library trips and the Disney theme (but don't tell Lorina).
This was just fun and it was a really enjoyable mystery to get my teeth into. Great characters and such cute covers; so cute in fact that I need the rest of my series for my shelf (there's 5 in total).
A large part of the mystery element was near the end where they really started to crack the case but there was some investigating in the lead up which made for a really well-rounded read.
Please Google the spelling of celebrities' names though if you're going to feature them in your book 😂
This was just fun and it was a really enjoyable mystery to get my teeth into. Great characters and such cute covers; so cute in fact that I need the rest of my series for my shelf (there's 5 in total).
A large part of the mystery element was near the end where they really started to crack the case but there was some investigating in the lead up which made for a really well-rounded read.
Please Google the spelling of celebrities' names though if you're going to feature them in your book 😂
November 1, 2023
I almost put this down after a couple of chapters, thinking since I generally dislike books that are told from two (or more) people's viewpoints, and that cause a "Hey, what????" reaction up front, I'd probably dislike this. I'm rather happy I pressed on. The story has something of an oddball charm, despite the spots that seem illogical, and I find myself wondering what Penny and Izzy will get up to next.
For an elderly lady to be hospitalized three hours away from her home seems odd, and while it's sort of explained at the end, I still wonder why Nanny Lem is so far away from her shop while this is going on. And it seems odd to me that Penny is creating bespoke garments after a few hours of instruction by Izzy, but I could overlook that.
The story is a little disjointed, but as I finished it, I realized "eccentric charm" describes it, and it left me with a smile.
For an elderly lady to be hospitalized three hours away from her home seems odd, and while it's sort of explained at the end, I still wonder why Nanny Lem is so far away from her shop while this is going on. And it seems odd to me that Penny is creating bespoke garments after a few hours of instruction by Izzy, but I could overlook that.
The story is a little disjointed, but as I finished it, I realized "eccentric charm" describes it, and it left me with a smile.
March 6, 2023
This is the first book in a four book series of cozy mysteries.
We meet Penny who has been asked by her sick grandmother to look after her “Cozy Crafts” shop whilst she recuperates, of course Penny agrees as she is at a bit of a loose end having lost her job in London. Her cousin Izzy is also running the shop, the two of them despite their differences actually turn out to get on rather well.
Soon enough there is a murder and that is when the story really kicks off! I loved how the story flowed so easily and how the characters each brought something different to the table. This was a very cozy and easy read which I would definitely recommend for a quiet Sunday evening!
4 stars
🌟🌟🌟🌟
We meet Penny who has been asked by her sick grandmother to look after her “Cozy Crafts” shop whilst she recuperates, of course Penny agrees as she is at a bit of a loose end having lost her job in London. Her cousin Izzy is also running the shop, the two of them despite their differences actually turn out to get on rather well.
Soon enough there is a murder and that is when the story really kicks off! I loved how the story flowed so easily and how the characters each brought something different to the table. This was a very cozy and easy read which I would definitely recommend for a quiet Sunday evening!
4 stars
🌟🌟🌟🌟
November 18, 2023
Huh, not quite about the murders
Interesting as the murders were front and center but solving them was not. Both Penny and Izzy thought about them but they weren't the main focus. Running the shop while her Nanna recovered was Penny's main concern, along with improvements and getting customers. Reining in her cousin if needed but also learning new things like sewing. Izzy was a bit different. She was already where she needed to be. Getting Penny there and solving the murders came next. She focused more on those.
They did get to the right answer but unexpectedly. This was different but I liked it.
Interesting as the murders were front and center but solving them was not. Both Penny and Izzy thought about them but they weren't the main focus. Running the shop while her Nanna recovered was Penny's main concern, along with improvements and getting customers. Reining in her cousin if needed but also learning new things like sewing. Izzy was a bit different. She was already where she needed to be. Getting Penny there and solving the murders came next. She focused more on those.
They did get to the right answer but unexpectedly. This was different but I liked it.
April 1, 2023
I took me a bit to get into this book, to get used to the author's writing style, but I did enjoy it in the end. Izzy and Penny are delightful, once got used to. Penny is the serious cousin, trying to get her nan's business back up and running, and learn to sew at the same time. Izzy is the wildly creative, away with fairies cousin, with a gift for design, who also writes for the local paper, and likes to do experiments. It was a fun story, which maybe could have done with a little editing and tightening up, but if you want a fun, Sunday afternoon read, I recommend it.
April 27, 2023
Nanna Lem is in hospital and has called upon Penny to run her store with Izzy while she is recovering. But meeting the characters of the town who seem to love a bargain and have unusual ways; such as a pig who loves poetry; murder is soon on the cards.
This was a really quick and simple read that I flew through. I love the opposites in Izzy and Penny who had individual characteristics. I guessed one part of this narrative but didn't guess anything else and loved how it turned out.
This is the first book within a series and I look forward to reading the second.
This was a really quick and simple read that I flew through. I love the opposites in Izzy and Penny who had individual characteristics. I guessed one part of this narrative but didn't guess anything else and loved how it turned out.
This is the first book within a series and I look forward to reading the second.
March 29, 2023
You'll meet the nicest and quirkiest folks in Framlingham, even a costume-loving pet pig, in this series starter featuring two cousins running a sewing shop. I thought it was cool that Penny who hadn't sewn a stitch in her life took to it as well as she did, but Izzy was a really good teacher too. Their Nanna cracked me up sometimes! I hadn't guessed the killer, and the showdown was a good one! Looking forward to getting to know these characters better!
August 2, 2023
alice in wonderland, a pig in a waistcoat and a flamingo -- what more could a cozy mystery need to make a fun read. izzy and her cousin penny take over the local craft store in a small village while their grandmother recovers from a sprained ankle and a serious mix-up of pain meds. lots of new/quirky ideas for keeping the shop going; a little hint of blooming romance; a murder mystery all contribute to this novel's appeal.
May 10, 2023
My own fault, but I really didn't like this, I shouldn't have assumed that the blerb was exaggerating the "cute"ness. Made my toes curl with all the people being idiots, so I really couldn't get into the characters for all the 'I think I'm supposed to laugh here' moments. It may well be great, but it's too cutesy-cutesy for me to read all the way through.
October 25, 2023
Delightful
Londoner Penny comes to the aid of her sick aunt, owner of a struggling sewing shop. With help of her cousin Izzy, they attempt to keep the shop going while solving several murders. Sometimes Penny is annoying, sometimes it's Izzy. But everything comes out ok in the end. Lots of sewing tips are sprinkled throughout the story. I will get more of these cozies.
Londoner Penny comes to the aid of her sick aunt, owner of a struggling sewing shop. With help of her cousin Izzy, they attempt to keep the shop going while solving several murders. Sometimes Penny is annoying, sometimes it's Izzy. But everything comes out ok in the end. Lots of sewing tips are sprinkled throughout the story. I will get more of these cozies.
August 3, 2025
This was an enjoyable story where we are introduced to Penny and Izzy and a sewing shop; there's a sudden death...
I liked the quirkiness of the tale and the distinctive characters set in a small English town. The writing style had an easy flow and the thread of humour was entertaining.
Engaging from the start.
Recommended to those who enjoy this genre.
I liked the quirkiness of the tale and the distinctive characters set in a small English town. The writing style had an easy flow and the thread of humour was entertaining.
Engaging from the start.
Recommended to those who enjoy this genre.
February 8, 2023
Wonderful characters
What a cracking good read the characters are really well written and the description of the places are great,have would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
What a cracking good read the characters are really well written and the description of the places are great,have would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
April 9, 2023
A fab start to a new cosy mystery series, set in Suffolk. I enjoyed reading this especially as Suffolk is an area I’m relatively familiar with. The characters are great and the mystery was intriguing I’m looking forward to reading more of their adventures 4* from me
April 17, 2023
I absolutely loved this story. I’m so glad I signed up for it. This is book 1 in a series of 5 books. The writing was so easy and enjoyable to read. The story was just lovely, it’s a cosy murder type of story. There are a few funny odd parts that definitely made me giggle. There are definitely a few favourite characters too. In all I really enjoyed this read.
September 3, 2023
The name says it all really a cozy craft mystery. It’s literally a lovely cozy read!
I was giving this as a birthday present as I am an amateur sewer a Disney addict (not the Lorina would approve) and love a good mystery. It was such an easy read it was delightful!
I was giving this as a birthday present as I am an amateur sewer a Disney addict (not the Lorina would approve) and love a good mystery. It was such an easy read it was delightful!
October 27, 2023
British Cozy at it's best
Village life, custom creations and a hunky painter! What more could one want! Very well written mystery with character development galore. I did not see it coming , until the end. Highly Recommended.
Village life, custom creations and a hunky painter! What more could one want! Very well written mystery with character development galore. I did not see it coming , until the end. Highly Recommended.
April 4, 2024
A great read
Got into this author after reading her collaboration with another author and thoroughly enjoyed those book so thought I'd see whether I'd enjoy her solo work and I did, it was a great read, think I'm going to enjoy the rest of the series
Got into this author after reading her collaboration with another author and thoroughly enjoyed those book so thought I'd see whether I'd enjoy her solo work and I did, it was a great read, think I'm going to enjoy the rest of the series
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