Seams Like Murder
Abbey has barely arrived in the quaint, quiet town of Hideaway Grove before things turn from blissful to bloody as the new librarian is mowed down by a car. The only witness on the scene isn’t much help, aside from handing Abbey the bag of books dropped by the victim. Even worse, the sheriff’s office seizes Abbey’s car because of a suspicious dent in the right front fender.
While she waits for the problem to be sorted out, Abbey is drawn into a charity sewing project, even though she can’t tell a bobbin from a seam ripper. Before she knows it, she’s graduating from pillowcase dresses to aprons, setting up a studio in the back room of her aunt’s bakery, and making plans to participate in the upcoming craft fair. But through it all, she keeps looking for patterns and possible conflicts in the late librarian’s personal, professional, and romantic life. Then a shocking discovery sends her in a new direction, and as the truth begins to unspool, she’s got a notion about who’s guilty.
The Details
Series: A Sewing Studio Mystery – Book #1
Author: Dorothy Howell
Genre/Category: Cozy – Amateur Sleuth/Hobby
Publisher: Kensington Cozies
ISBN: 1496740408
Page Count: 320
Rating: 
The Review
As the first book in a new series, Seams Like Murder is a good start to what I hope will be a delightful and ever-growing series. Abbey has had a rough time of it, so running back to Hideaway Grove seems like a great idea. As a child, she always loved the place, and her aunt still lives there. Getting involved in a murder investigation isn’t the quiet, restful time she was looking for or getting involved in a sewing project when she can barely thread a needle. But we don’t always get to pick our destiny; sometimes, we just have to go with the flow and work hard to make things turn out right.
Abbey and the other characters in this new series are growing and learning about each other. The reader will grow with them and be better off for the experience. A hit-and-run murder is a good method, and it allows Abbey and the police to get to know the people involved or suspected of being involved. There are plenty of suspects, most of which are long-time residents of Hideaway Grove, and each has a motive, even if it isn’t always straightforward. The bakery is the central location, but the store room turned into a sewing studio is a lovely setting. It isn’t difficult to figure out who the killer is; in many respects, the motive is even easier. The killer is a character all on their own, and finding them and the evidence to prove it pits Abbey against a foe who is intelligent and willing to kill anyone who discovers their secret.
The story was well written, the characters easy to like, and Hideaway Grove was described in a way that makes readers fantasize about living or visiting. I really like the sewing studio and hope it continues to be a center point for Abbey. Although there was some confusion at the beginning of the book, it all worked itself out. The pace was good, with just enough detail to bring Hideaway Grove and the cast of characters to life. I had the urge to sew something after reading this book, but I’m afraid that even a pillowcase dress is beyond my capabilities. I look forward to the next book in the series and to visiting with all the cast once again.
The Author
Dorothy grew up in Virginia, where she discovered her love for writing. Her goal of getting published would wait twenty years. For more information on her books or to send her a message, check out her website or find her on social media.
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