Seams like Murder

Grace Designs Mysteries #1

by Tilly Wallace

There are two things that can’t talk—moving pictures and dead showgirls…

1920, Wellington, New Zealand. Grace Devine is poised to build her thriving dress design business as the twenties begin to soar. But when a fashionable client is murdered, suspicion falls on Grace as the last person to see Agatha alive.

As wary clients cancel and business begins to fail, Grace decides there’s only one way to prove her innocence and save her career…this seamstress will turn sleuth to find who really murdered the showgirl.

The more she learns, the more she uncovers of the darker side of the dead woman’s personality. Agatha liked to collect secrets and use them against people. But what target snapped that fatal night? Can Grace stitch together the clues before her life is torn apart…

Seams like Murder is the first instalment in the Grace Designs mysteries series. These heart-warming historical mysteries will send you on a unique New Zealand adventure.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Cozy Mystery, Historical, Cozy, Fiction

175 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 25, 2023

About the author

Tilly writes whimsical historical fantasy books, set in a bygone time where magic is real. With a quirky and loveable cast, her books combine vintage magic and gentle humour. Through fierce friendships her characters discover that in an uncertain world, the most loyal family is the one you create.

Reviews

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is hard to rate.

I liked the setting, I liked the whole idea behind the story and I actually liked Grace and her friend Sam.

But I felt the execution was more on the poorer side of things. It felt a little amateur and some parts were confusing.

2,5 stars, rounded up, and I’m not sure I’ll read the next one in the series.

[Tansy Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A smart, sweet cozy mystery set in vintage New Zealand around the life of a dressmaker, and the death of a showgirl. Looking forward to the rest of this series!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upon my second reading, my opinion of the main character is not so negative. It's a story worth reading and rereading. (Previous review) It's a cute historical cozy mystery with a dash of magic. For half the book I thought of the main character as innocent or just plain dumb. Which wasn't fair and she finally grew on me. I enjoyed stepping into another time 'the 1920's' and place 'New Zealand'. I also enjoyed the fashion designer touch. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Dawn · Rating 1 out of 5]

The illogical assumptions in the murder investigation were aggravating and this was yet another story that injects the current push to normalize deviance.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ... Good first in series for this new New Zealand cozy mystery series. Kiwi author Tilly Wallace has several fantasy series.

Grace Devine is a talented seamstress when she's suspected of murdering one of her clients. Looking to clear her name as in any good cozy mystery worth of salt, she starts poking around to find out whodunit. Add in that with a simple touch, she can sense a person's memory.

At the end, her BFF Sam encouraged her to explore this talent, so we may begin to see this more in upcoming books.

[Julia Sarene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seams like Murder by Tilly Wallace is mostly a cosy murder mystery, with just a little dash of fantasy. The main character can sometimes "see things" when she touches others, outside of that there is no actual fantasy aspect, at least not in book one.

I enjoyed the main character being a single mum who manages to get by with her own business, in a time when it's hard for women to do anything on their own. She is absolutely set on making it on her own, and not being caught in a marriage or beholden to a man.

The sewing background was a good backdrop, and the tone and voice made an easy and enjoyable read! Book two is already waiting for me!

[Nicole (bookwyrm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a lot of fun with this one—I really appreciated the strong sense of place and time, since 1920's New Zealand is not a setting I'm familiar with and it was great to get a good impression of the era like that. I found my way to the "whodunnit" on this book as the story went along by process of elimination, but I really appreciated that the clues were there earlier for readers more astute than I to find. I'll be reading more of Grace's story for sure! I enjoyed Grace herself, but also really liked a lot of the secondary characters and hope they get page time in later books as well.

[Si Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Agatha is murdered shortly after multiple witnesses see her arguing with Grace, police think they have their culprit. It's up to Grace to clear her name.

I enjoyed the mystery, the setting, and the characters. But Grace's relationship with Frank made me really uncomfortable. He spends the book trying to bully Grace into a relationship with him. And yet she leads him on. That part of the story gets a big no from me.

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

During the great war, there were many opportunities for New Zealand women to step into responsibilities, and Grace is well on her way to establishing herself as the town's best dressmaker in her very own shop. But when a budding socialite drops dead within minutes of leaving Grace's shop, it seems clear who committed the murder. To clear her name, Grace sets out to try to find the real murderer and finds herself tangled in the contrast between high society and the town's seedy underbelly.

This is just about everything I could hope for in a cozy mystery. The historical facets were interesting but not overwhelming, and the friendships warm. The romantic piece was a bit uncomfortable, but I'm definitely interested in continuing this series.

[Pallas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set 1920’s New Zealand. Grace works as a seamstress and has dreams of having a bigger shop with dresses. She also have a gift of tapping into peoples minds, a gift she’s somewhat uncomfortable with but comes in handy when she the last person to have seen Agatha alive and people assume Grace is the killer.

A little mixed. It is charming and Grace is a nice MC and I will give the rest of the series a chance. I only hope that Graces special gift doesn’t become a lazy way for her to solve mysteries and get clues, that could get dull really fast. Despite the supernatural touch it doesn’t feel like a paranormal mystery.

[BookishKat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some parts seemed a little slow. And some parts felt a little rushed. And the big reveal on who did it was kind of a letdown. It felt too... typical? Predictable? Whatever the right word, it was kind of a disappointment. But overall, it was a great story.

I did have small expectations after reading this authors other series, Manners and Monsters, because the type of story is the same. Murder mystery. But without comparing it, it's still a great book with good characters and really great plot. I did like it a lot though and do plan to read the other 2 books currently out!

[Calvina · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

The writting was not the greatest. The character was not unlikable, but niether was she likable. The setting was good and the story could have been great if the main character wasn't so obliviously stupid. Oh, I din't know it he thought of it as a date. Or, I think this person killed someone but let me mend the dress that just may be evidence.

I may give book 2 a try to see if there is any improvement with the writing and character development. Maybe the auther was able to get a good editor the second time around.

[Katie Cassady · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Tilly Wallace has given us another wonderful, cozy mystery series. I love the characters, the twist, the small sprinkle of the supernatural. There are questions left unanswered, and I'm so intrigued I'll be counting down the days until the next book (just like with Manners & Monsters). August 25th I know what I'll be reading.

If you like:
- Historical cozy mysteries
- A seamstress sleuth
- Questions that will be answered over time (and books)
- A (likely) slow-burn
- A little mystic mixed in the ordinary
This may be the series for you.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a sewing enthusiast, I had to pick up this sewing themed cozy mystery book set in the 1920s in New Zealand. It was pretty easy to figure out the murderer, but I still had fun being introduced to the main character, a seamstress working to build her business while also trying to avoid the romantic advances of the brother of her late husband. She's kind of reckless, which, to be fair, seems to be pretty common among leads in this genre. My favorite parts involved sewing, especially when she repaired a garment that may or may not have been a clue to the crime (I was imagining how I what I would have done in her place).

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome audiobook! Set in 1920’s New Zealand, this well written and well paced historical mystery is another engaging book byTilly Wallace.
The sprinkle of mysticism, hint of potential romance, and interesting characters really held my interest.
Erin O’Flaherty’s fine narration fit the story perfectly and elevated the audiobook to 5 stars for me.

[Wendy Plant · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been so busy I’ve had a hard time finding the wherewithal to finish a book. This one did keep my interest. There were many things I liked. I really didn’t understand the point of the main character ‘gift’ of seeing. It didn’t add to the story in any significant way and I felt made it a bit of a fantasy rather than historical novel. But that’s just my opinion

[Christine McClung · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, short and sweet. It has all the right ingredients to be great but just doesn’t put them all together in the right way. I did listen to this as an audible book. Not going to win any sort of awards but it is a fun read.

[skketch · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚🧵👗NOVEL THOUGHTS👗🧵📚

Tilly Wallace's first installment of the Grace Designs mysteries, which takes place in New Zealand just after the end of the Great War is delightfully written as Grace Devine, a dress designer and business owner but also a budding detective, needs to clear her name after one of her socialite clients, Agatha Marshall, is found dead and the local authorities believe she is responsible. Agatha only that afternoon, had come to Grace's shop to insist that Grace drop everything to make a new dress for her to wear to an event which Agatha expected would change her life, becoming a famous film actress in America. When Grace tells her she simply can't possibly make a new dress for her in an afternoon, Agatha threatens to use a secret she knows about Grace to ruin her reputation and Grace must find a way but not before Agatha and Grace are seen arguing through her store windows by passersby. The reader will come to find out that Agatha used secrets as a kind of currency to get her way with everyone she wanted something from.
There are a slew of other characters that Grace believes could be the true killer as she hashes things over with her bestie Sam and works through the clues she has gleaned. The other interesting twist with this character is that Grace has a gift of reading memories held by someone if their skin touches hers at opportune moments. With this little nuggets of a scene or a conversation, Grace is able to piece together the answer to the mystery.
I truly enjoyed this story as well as life in New Zealand at that time as well as the historical parts of the story. The author has done a great bit of research for the city she sets the story in. The writing is sharp and it is a quick read. Also, in the afterwards, the reader is invited to download for free a novella prequel of Grace which answers quite a few questions about her life ahead of the war. Now I know what Agatha had on her!

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent enough cozy mystery, set in New Zealand shortly after the first World War. Coming in under 6 hours, it was a quick read, and nothing too heavy, though it might be more 2.5 rounded up to 3.

I didn't like it as much as Tilly Wallace's other series - 'Manners and Monsters' and 'Stormborne Vine'. I'm not sure if it's because of the different narrator or the story itself. (The narrator wasn't bad by any means. It's just that I find Marian Hussey, who narrates the other two series, absolutely delightful.)

I am curious as to the secret that Grace references throughout the story, though there are definitely some hints and clues about that, and I think I have a decent idea of what it is, though I'm curious to see where it goes and how it plays out.

I liked the personal aspect of the mystery in this one, and also the fact that her and the cop guy weren't, like, tripping over each other. I get a little tired of the cop constantly running into the MC and having the whole finger-wagging "stay out of my case" thing, though that is sort of part-and-parcel for cozies.

I'm a little torn on the descriptions of the clothes. I get that Grace is a designer, so it made sense, and it did give some period flare, but it also got a little bit too much in places. I'm here for the mystery, not for a 5 page description of dress designs. (Ok, slight exaggeration, but, still.)

And I wasn't at all a fan of Frank.

I did like Grace and her assistant, though her name is currently escaping me. And I liked the resolution of the case, even if it was a little convenient.

Overall, I will look out for the next in the series as a light audio when I need a break from the dark fantasy shit I've been reading, but I'm not gagging to get into the next book. It was nice but a bit forgettable.

[Claire Blind Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can see the average rating for this book. It's all around kind of mid as far as Tilly Wallace goes. I loved her other books and was surprised by how bland this one was. There was quite a bit of exposition that bogged down the already short story and the mystery felt... flimsy? Like I didn't feel like any of the evidence mattered until the end and then it was pretty obvious what happened. I can see the beginning pangs of interest between the main character and the detective, and I'll probably finish out the series, but I would say if I'd never read Wallace before I most likely wouldn't continue on with this as my marker. Also it was a bit heavy handed on the feminism/forward thinking thing. I'm cool with it in stories, but it just sort of slapped you out of nowhere most of the time.
Add to that the main character being a poor seamstress took up so much of the story that it felt a lot less like a mystery and more like a conversation about fashion.

Just kind of meh, but I can't wait to see what happens with Detective Archer!


For future me, this book was about A seamstress who can catch glimpses of memories from touch is thrown into a scandal after her most recent client is found MURDERED! Join the intrigue of cloth discussion, sewing instructions, and a small dabble in detective work because you're only gonna get a little bit of actual mystery.

[Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah, am surprised how much I enjoyed this!

I was a little apprehensive picking this book up because I find NZ-based fiction can sometimes lean a little too heavily into no. 8 wire tropes and kiwiana (blech). However, for the most part I felt the setting was executed well and didn’t make me want to die inside ala Santa at the beach wearing jandals next to a kiwi eating Hokey Pokey icecream.

I also worried about the main character’s “schtick” that so often accompanies cosy mysteries - in this case, Grace is a seamstress. Sometimes I just can’t handle the bakery/book store owner/co-dependent on dog heavy-handed mysteries. I’m pleased to say everything felt nicely balanced and not overly cheesy.

The characters were fleshed out well and even though Frank is a little shady, I feel for him. But realistically, I’m also here for the Detective slow burn romance. Sorry Frank.

The writing style kind of gave me CJ Archer vibes and lord knows I’ll read anything written by her, so overall I’m super happy I stumbled across this book and just ordered the next in the series. Excellent summer cosy.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's nice to have a different setting for a story and this one is in Wellington, New Zealand in 1920.

Grace Devine is a widow who runs her own clothing shop. When a client gets murdered, fingers point to Grace right away since she was the last person to speak to the victim.

Grace also has a hidden talent besides being a seamstress: when in direct contact with someone's skin she can see their most recent memories. Determined to clear her name (and get back her regular customers) she investigates while using these talents.

The murder mystery itself wasn't too interesting: however, the characters were what made this story great.
Grace's father and her young son, Theo, brought smiles to my face.
Her best friend is Samantha (Sam) who owns a bakery and is homosexual (which back then was frowned upon). Sam's take on the investigation was interesting and her lifestyle is a complete contrast to Grace.
Frank, Grace's brother-in-law, gave me "bad boy" vibes. You want him on your side yet you don't want to know how he accomplishes things.
Detective Archer was so cool- I wish he was in this story more.

Really, this novel was a pleasant read and I look forward to the next one in the series.

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace has been working to this point for years - her small dress-making business is gaining popularity amongst the 1920s Wellington, NZ smart set. But when one of her more feckless clients is found murdered, the police think non-payment of a debt is a good motive for murder and Grace becomes the prime suspect.

Oh, I could burble on and on about how much I enjoyed the historical aspects of this book. Instead, let me assure you that the authenticity shines through and gently seats the reader in the front row of an outstanding cosy. The descriptions, the characterisations, and the settings felt so genuine. At times, I could almost smell the saltiness of the sea air.

As for the meat and potatoes - the murder - all was well in hand and there were enough red herrings to keep things interesting. Grace is a good detective and earned the title of "sleuth".

I wish I had found this story sooner, but the TBR pile hides many a gem. Recommended for cosy lovers, especially those who delight in a trip to the past.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5 stars

I really enjoyed Tilly Wallace's Manners and Monsters books and the spinoffs/prequels, so I jumped at the chance to read this series (especially as I'm a handcrafter who lives in Aotearoa New Zealand). It was kind of sweet to hear NZ accents from the narrator and to recognise some of the locations.

The mystery aspect was a little *too* cosy and predictable, there really wasn't much suspense.

I did think that Grace was kind of naive and bland as a protagonist, and she spoke almost entirely in sewing metaphors, it was very heavy handed. Some of the (rare) Māori stuff was a bit weird, but I guess it had to be explained to an international audience. I liked that Grace's bestie is a trouser-wearing lesbian and that Grace is a single mum who lives with her dad. The secret of what happened with Grace's husband and BIL is dangled but never addressed (and isn't for the next two books, come on!).

Still, it was enough for me to give the sequels a go, especially because they are very short books.

[Susi Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story about a New Zealand woman just after WWI, dealing with real life in war's aftermath and how it affects everyone's lives. In the first book, Grace's growing dressmaking business is threatened when a narcissistic society girl harangues Grace into quickly making a dress for her, and then is murdered that very night. Of course, in a small community, the last person to see her is suspected. Grace's clients start to cancel and she's terrified this will end her burgeoning sewing career. So she decides that she has to solve the mystery herself. But Grace has two secrets that she's fearful of others discovering; one that can help her and one that was forced upon her.

Very clever storyline and characters with lovely character development. Grace is a very strong and believable character with lovely surrounding characters. The way the author introduces social issues and acceptance of people with differing lifestyles is just brilliant.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute cozy mystery

The story was a good premise with a local seamstress accused of murdering her client. There are several people who might have wished to do the same. With a son to protect and a business failing, Grace does the only thing she can do to prove her innocence , solve it herself. With the help of her best friend, Sam, and her brother-in-law, Frank, she works the clues. It had some relatable characters. Though, the person who dies personality traits were a bit predictable and typical. I did struggle with the lack of development with the detective on the case and the prime suspect. It felt like there was room for more depth and opportunity there. I know it is only book one, so maybe the author is going to build upon it in subsequent books.

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting and premise of this book were too intriguing to pass up. Grace was such an interesting and fun character to follow. While Agatha's murder was not hard to piece together, I did enjoy Grace's investigation, as she was actively investigating, and not simply stumbling about into clues. The interpersonal relationships the characters in this narrative shared were compelling, well written, and kept me reading through sections where the pacing seemed a bit off; there were also likely some more questionable elements of construction that I was compelled to ignore because I was so invested in the characters. The soft introduction of magic into this setting was another facet I really enjoyed. I look forward to seeing how the magic system is flushed out in further installments.

[Joanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel somewhat cheated by this book. It's quite short at 238 pages and is ultimately unsatisfying. I needed more background on so many things. When did Grace discover her gift? How does it affect her life? Where does she think it came from? There is very little reflection at all. Same goes for the relationship with Frank that I found very confusing. What is this relationship about anyway? He has hurt her in the past and yet they're still chummy?How can she let him kiss her and literally in the next scene think to herself that she has sworn off relationships. So many unanswered questions. I get that the MC is confused, but the reader shouldn't be.
I notice that the next 2 books were written in rapid succession, published 4 months and 6 months later. Doesn't bode well.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun discovery! Love the historical New Zealand setting. And a fashion designer heroine in 1920 adds an interesting twist. I really enjoyed the historical details - post war and flu pandemic. Everyone is starting over including widow Grace and her young son. Intriguing mystery with a slight paranormal twist added to my appreciation of Grace's sleuthing. On the shorter side word count wise but the author still manages to deliver a riveting story that successfully introduces the town, some key characters, and the struggles Grace will continue to face in future books. Really looking forward to reading more of the series. Well, listen -- Erin O'Flaherty's narration is excellence -- a perfect match for plucky Grace and her adventures.

[Hari · Rating 3 out of 5]

A relatively quick read, but I did find it difficult to get lost in the story. The bones are good, interesting characters and location as well as three of my favourite things; murder, mystery with a paranormal twist and vintage sewing, not necessarily in that order. The first person narration, however, is in a very modern tone not 1920s at all. And whilst the historical aspects are correct they read more like instructional history lessons than the voice of current lived experience. For instance “The zipper had been invented during Mrs Cooper’s lifetime and had gradually moved into use in clothing with the advent of the twentieth century”.

I’m hopeful as the series develops the author will become more comfortable in allowing the characters to gradually show rather than tell.