Dollycas's Thoughts
We return back to Indigo Gap just in time for the Crafty Mom's Escape Weekend. In addition to getting ready for the event, Cora is helping with scenery for the upcoming play at the local theater. But before the curtain goes up for the production, the curtain comes down on its director, Stan Herald. Cora's friend Zee is found near his body and becomes the prime murder suspect. Cora, Jane, and Ruby know their friend is innocent. They commit to finding the real killer to free their friend all while handling the Mom's who have escaped for a fun and crafty weekend. Hopefully, the weekend will be a beading success on both counts.
A strong group of friends shines within these pages. Cora, Ruby, Jane, Cashel, come together to help their friend Zee. Cashel handles the legal stuff. Cora and Jane do the sleuthing. Ruby does whatever is needed so the others can do their thing. In this story, that means keeping the moms entertained and she does is well. These characters are a lively group and people I would love to be friends with, tagging along crafting and sleuthing would be a blast.
It does take a group of people to handle everything happening within these pages. Mollie Cox Bryan has crafted a clever mystery to go along with the crafting theme. Twists and turns really kept me guessing. Even after a confession, the case is not solved. This was a good one that kept me guessing right up until the end.
It is stories like these that make me love cozy mysteries. Before an accident left my right side paralyzed I was quite the crafter. Books in this series have not only brought back great memories but allowed me to vicariously do some arts and crafts. In fact, I think I could make some of the beads described with one hand and just a little bit of help with the cutting.
Wonderful characters, a great mystery, and fun crafts make this story A Perfect Escape! I am ready to book my next trip to Indigo Gap!
We return back to Indigo Gap just in time for the Crafty Mom's Escape Weekend. In addition to getting ready for the event, Cora is helping with scenery for the upcoming play at the local theater. But before the curtain goes up for the production, the curtain comes down on its director, Stan Herald. Cora's friend Zee is found near his body and becomes the prime murder suspect. Cora, Jane, and Ruby know their friend is innocent. They commit to finding the real killer to free their friend all while handling the Mom's who have escaped for a fun and crafty weekend. Hopefully, the weekend will be a beading success on both counts.
A strong group of friends shines within these pages. Cora, Ruby, Jane, Cashel, come together to help their friend Zee. Cashel handles the legal stuff. Cora and Jane do the sleuthing. Ruby does whatever is needed so the others can do their thing. In this story, that means keeping the moms entertained and she does is well. These characters are a lively group and people I would love to be friends with, tagging along crafting and sleuthing would be a blast.
It does take a group of people to handle everything happening within these pages. Mollie Cox Bryan has crafted a clever mystery to go along with the crafting theme. Twists and turns really kept me guessing. Even after a confession, the case is not solved. This was a good one that kept me guessing right up until the end.
It is stories like these that make me love cozy mysteries. Before an accident left my right side paralyzed I was quite the crafter. Books in this series have not only brought back great memories but allowed me to vicariously do some arts and crafts. In fact, I think I could make some of the beads described with one hand and just a little bit of help with the cutting.
Wonderful characters, a great mystery, and fun crafts make this story A Perfect Escape! I am ready to book my next trip to Indigo Gap!
Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
Author Mollie Cox Bryan has a knack for choosing and describing crafts that makes me want to head for the nearest store to buy up all the necessaries and start to work. After reading Assault and Beadery, I now want to take up beading.
Aided by two characters from the author's Cumberland Creek cozy series, Cora and Jane have their work cut out for them in a very well-plotted mystery that will keep readers guessing. There are so many people with so many secrets and hidden pasts and agendas that Cora wonders if she should also run background checks on all the people attending their retreats as well as the teachers-- but she's not really serious. However, that passing thought does highlight one of the things I like about this series: Bryan lets readers see the business side of running a small craft retreat.
Like any cozy series worth its salt, the cast of characters is first-rate. Cora Chevalier spent many years running a shelter for the victims of abuse. She's seen more of the dark side of human nature than most people have, and she made the conscious decision to leave that life and do something that would not only help people but bring herself joy. But she cannot deny the very basic part of her nature that wants to help those in need. It's not an accident that her last name is Chevalier, which is French for "knight". Her empathy, her compassion, has made her a knight in shining armor for people in trouble.
To leaven Cora's nature, there are two other characters. Victim of domestic abuse and mother of a small daughter, Jane Starr is the very practical and logical one in the business and friendship. Her life has taught her to be cautious, and this is something that Cora needs during her murder investigations. The third character is the older woman, Ruby, whose son is a lawyer who's proven invaluable in these cases. Ruby is a local and a hard worker, but she's a gossipmonger and is a bit too abrasive for me to like her much-- but who says we have to like everyone?
Good setting, good crafts, good mysteries, good characters. That's what you get in Mollie Cox Bryan's Cora Crafts series. Give it a try!
Aided by two characters from the author's Cumberland Creek cozy series, Cora and Jane have their work cut out for them in a very well-plotted mystery that will keep readers guessing. There are so many people with so many secrets and hidden pasts and agendas that Cora wonders if she should also run background checks on all the people attending their retreats as well as the teachers-- but she's not really serious. However, that passing thought does highlight one of the things I like about this series: Bryan lets readers see the business side of running a small craft retreat.
Like any cozy series worth its salt, the cast of characters is first-rate. Cora Chevalier spent many years running a shelter for the victims of abuse. She's seen more of the dark side of human nature than most people have, and she made the conscious decision to leave that life and do something that would not only help people but bring herself joy. But she cannot deny the very basic part of her nature that wants to help those in need. It's not an accident that her last name is Chevalier, which is French for "knight". Her empathy, her compassion, has made her a knight in shining armor for people in trouble.
To leaven Cora's nature, there are two other characters. Victim of domestic abuse and mother of a small daughter, Jane Starr is the very practical and logical one in the business and friendship. Her life has taught her to be cautious, and this is something that Cora needs during her murder investigations. The third character is the older woman, Ruby, whose son is a lawyer who's proven invaluable in these cases. Ruby is a local and a hard worker, but she's a gossipmonger and is a bit too abrasive for me to like her much-- but who says we have to like everyone?
Good setting, good crafts, good mysteries, good characters. That's what you get in Mollie Cox Bryan's Cora Crafts series. Give it a try!
Brenda H. (booksinvt) -
Assault and Beadery is the fourth installment in the Cora Crafts Mystery series set in the small town of Indigo Gap, North Carolina and featuring the residents of the Kildare House, Cora Chevalier, her best friend Jane and inherited resident Ruby. Kildare House is set to host their third crafting retreat geared for Mom's and all types of beading.
Cora and Jane have been roped into helping their friend Zee with the set designs for the community theaters upcoming production of Fiddler on the Roof. Cora isn't too impressed with the overbearing and egotistical director Stan Herald. She's even less thrilled working amidst the petty Stage Moms. Rumored to cast characters in the play not because of their talents but how much money their parents contribute, it's not a surprise when Stan is found stabbed to death center stage.
Unfortunately, Zee is fingered as the killer. Despite her friend's mysterious past which she has kept hidden, Cora knows that there is no way her friend who have committed such a heinous crime. Determined to clear Zee's name Cora sets out against the wishes of her boyfriend Adrian and Detective Thomas Brodsky. Cora quickly discovers that a few of the ladies attending the retreat have ties with Stan and other members of the Indigo Gap community.
A fast paced mystery from page one to the last beading knot tied. A well developed cast of characters with personal histories that many readers can relate, terrific beading descriptions and helpful tips to learning a new craft.
Cora and Jane have been roped into helping their friend Zee with the set designs for the community theaters upcoming production of Fiddler on the Roof. Cora isn't too impressed with the overbearing and egotistical director Stan Herald. She's even less thrilled working amidst the petty Stage Moms. Rumored to cast characters in the play not because of their talents but how much money their parents contribute, it's not a surprise when Stan is found stabbed to death center stage.
Unfortunately, Zee is fingered as the killer. Despite her friend's mysterious past which she has kept hidden, Cora knows that there is no way her friend who have committed such a heinous crime. Determined to clear Zee's name Cora sets out against the wishes of her boyfriend Adrian and Detective Thomas Brodsky. Cora quickly discovers that a few of the ladies attending the retreat have ties with Stan and other members of the Indigo Gap community.
A fast paced mystery from page one to the last beading knot tied. A well developed cast of characters with personal histories that many readers can relate, terrific beading descriptions and helpful tips to learning a new craft.
Assault and Beadery by Mollie Cox Bryan is the fourth book in A Cora Crafts Mystery series. Cora Chevalier and Jane Starr are touching up the sets for IndigoArts production of Fiddler on the Roof which begins that evening. They then hurry home to make sure all preparations are complete for their Crafty Mom's Escape Weekend which begins the next day. Cora is surprised when she gets a call from Zee Mancini, musical director for IndigoArts, later that evening. Stan Herald, the play's director, was found murdered on the stage with an unconscious Zee beside him. Cora knows that Zee did not commit the crime. She teams up with Jane and Cora to dig into Stan's life looking for alternate suspects. The ladies need to string together the clues to get a bead on the killer. It would help if Zee was not so mysterious about her past. In between talking with their suspects, the ladies need to teach their classes and make sure their guests have a pleasant crafting weekend. Can they wrap up the case before the killer strikes again?
Assault and Beadery may be the fourth book in the series, but it can be read alone. The author provides the background on the main characters and how the retreat came to exist. The current crafting retreat, Mom's Escape Weekend, is for mother's whose children just went back to school. It is a chance for them to get away, relax and learn some new skills. Beading is the focus of the weekend. French beading, making rose beads, polymer clay beads, wet felting, knotting and artist trading cards are a few of the crafts described in the book. Instructions for different crafts are included at the end of the book. I like that crafting is featured in this series (many cozy mysteries used to feature crafts). The crafty fun is described with delightful details. If not for the pesky murder, I would love to be a guest at this retreat. I still do not understand why they do not employ a cook for their retreats instead of using a caterer. The retreaters could bound over delectable dinners. Indigo Gap sounds like a charming town. There are a variety of shops that I would enjoy browsing. I like how the shops and streets have blue themed names. I have still not taken a liking to Cora. This series would have benefited from a different main character. Cora with her anxiety issues and panic attacks make her unappealing. It is mentioned frequently throughout the story with it becoming an issue near the end for Cora. Panic attacks are a serious issue and the author has shown how Cora tries to cope without resorting to medication. However, reading is supposed to be relaxing and Cora gives me anxious and uncomfortable. Cora is not the right person to be the main character who investigates crime which puts in her situations that exacerbate her condition. The whodunit has a variety of suspects and misdirection to confuse the reader. Readers will have no problem untangling the clues and identifying the killer. It was fun to have the characters from A Cumberland Creek Mystery series visit Indigo Gap. The pace is a little slower in Assault and Beadery and there is mild foul language along with copious amounts of alcohol (these ladies let loose while Cora was out of the house). Join Cora, Jane and Ruby in Indigo Gap for crafts, creativity and killing.
Assault and Beadery may be the fourth book in the series, but it can be read alone. The author provides the background on the main characters and how the retreat came to exist. The current crafting retreat, Mom's Escape Weekend, is for mother's whose children just went back to school. It is a chance for them to get away, relax and learn some new skills. Beading is the focus of the weekend. French beading, making rose beads, polymer clay beads, wet felting, knotting and artist trading cards are a few of the crafts described in the book. Instructions for different crafts are included at the end of the book. I like that crafting is featured in this series (many cozy mysteries used to feature crafts). The crafty fun is described with delightful details. If not for the pesky murder, I would love to be a guest at this retreat. I still do not understand why they do not employ a cook for their retreats instead of using a caterer. The retreaters could bound over delectable dinners. Indigo Gap sounds like a charming town. There are a variety of shops that I would enjoy browsing. I like how the shops and streets have blue themed names. I have still not taken a liking to Cora. This series would have benefited from a different main character. Cora with her anxiety issues and panic attacks make her unappealing. It is mentioned frequently throughout the story with it becoming an issue near the end for Cora. Panic attacks are a serious issue and the author has shown how Cora tries to cope without resorting to medication. However, reading is supposed to be relaxing and Cora gives me anxious and uncomfortable. Cora is not the right person to be the main character who investigates crime which puts in her situations that exacerbate her condition. The whodunit has a variety of suspects and misdirection to confuse the reader. Readers will have no problem untangling the clues and identifying the killer. It was fun to have the characters from A Cumberland Creek Mystery series visit Indigo Gap. The pace is a little slower in Assault and Beadery and there is mild foul language along with copious amounts of alcohol (these ladies let loose while Cora was out of the house). Join Cora, Jane and Ruby in Indigo Gap for crafts, creativity and killing.
