Crafting Deception

Gasper's Cove Mysteries #2

by Barbara Emodi

On the Canadian coast, a sleuthing seamstress teams up with some resourceful friends to sew up a murder case . . .

At the Crafter's Co-op in Nova Scotia, seamstress Valerie Rankin sells locally made treasures to tourists, from quilted jackets to stained-glass creations. She also puts in time at the Recreate and Recycle Depot, accepting donations of all sorts of useful materials. Her cousin Darlene desperately wishes she could add to the pile by convincing her elderly mother to part with her massive hoard of fabrics and yarn . . .

One of the recent donations is a puzzler—a silk parachute dating back to the Second World War. Who dropped it off—and what's the story behind it? But a bigger and more urgent mystery is about to unfold when the tour bus driver who brings the crowds to the Co-op is found murdered. Valerie's friend Duck, an animal-loving ex-con, is hauled in by the Royal Canadian Mountain Police. And while it's said that the Mounties always get their man, they may need some help from a crafty amateur detective this time . . .

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Fiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published November 25, 2023

About the author

Barbara Emodi has written sewing how-to books and now writes cozy mysteries set in Nova Scotia, Canada. Gasper’s Cove doesn’t really exist but it will seem awfully familiar to anyone who lives where she does. The community is based all she believes matters in life - extended family, companion animals, good food, and more sewing, crafting, quilting, and knitting projects than any reasonable person would take on.



Barbara writes what she likes to read - whimsical, witty, warm books that reflect her belief that there is nothing ordinary about ordinary people. She also likes clever surprises, important in mysteries, and promises one at the end of each book. To visit Gasper’s Cove yourself you can read Barbara’s novels in her Gasper’s Cove Mysteries series or her Gasper’s Cove Quick Cozies novella series.

Reviews

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 rounded up

[Jen Robley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the Gasper’s Cove Mysteries is just as good at the first . Getting more acquainted with the characters and loving the friendships and family dynamics.
Another mystery and murder to solve and I love Valerie’s tenacity to solve it ! A slow burn connection with Stuart is happening and I just love this series.
My favourite quote , “ Something was cooking and it wasn’t mile high biscuits “

I also have a serious craving for my mom’s ham and scalloped potatoes !

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Crafting Deception (Gasper's Cove Mysteries #2)" by Barbara Emodi has Valerie trying to help clear her friend, Duck, of murder. The weapon was found in his coat after he found the body. Being an ex-con is also not helping his case, despite it being his brother's who set him up for that crime.

As Valerie looks into what really happened she learns more about the history of smuggling in Nova Scotia. I wish there had been a little more digging into this and the missing sea plane. Somehow this is all linked to what happened to the victim.

There were some spots in this one that I found myself annoyed with Valerie. Some of the other characters too. I'm not sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. In the end it mostly all made sense, still left the book a smidge annoyed with Valerie.

[Sue Slade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed revisiting the fictional small town of Gasper's Cove on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia in Crafting Deception, by Barbara Emodi. Valerie Rankin’s Craft Co-op is up and running and a Tour Bus stops by her store, but before all the shopping is done, the tour bus operator is found dead and Duck, the ex-con working for Valerie is arrested. Valerie is left to look after Duck’s cat and promises to find the real killer.
I enjoyed the local history Barbara weaved into this story including rum runners, using silk parachutes to make wartime wedding dresses, and the messages parachute packers included to wish good luck to the servicemen using the packs. Crafting Deception is an entertaining cozy mystery, with unique, quirky, and fun characters, a truly rural maritime story. I am looking forward to book 3.

[Sarah Wale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crafting Deception
by
Barbara Emodi

Those of us who have followed the exploits of Barbara Emodi’s fictional (but all-too-recognisable) community of Gasper’s Cove from the beginning will not be surprised that this book is yet another triumph for lovers of her special brand of ‘whodunit’.
This tale differs from previous stories in that it was inspired by true events, dating back to World War II and ill-fated attempts to protect Britain’s treasures by taking them to Nova Scotia. While this is a work of fiction, Barbara cleverly interweaves events from this time: the tradition of parachute-packers attaching messages of good luck to the servicemen who would be carrying their pack, and the use of ‘surplus’ parachute silk in the making of wartime wedding dresses are two examples.
It begins with a map of Gasper’s Cove, an imaginary facsimile of the plaque commemorating the part played by Gasper’s Cove store in the events mentioned above and a page of amusing ‘reviews’ by tourist visiting the township. A reimagined account of the actual enterprise: ‘HMS EMERALD, SEPTEMBER 1939’. forms the Prologue to the book.
Characters are succinctly but imaginatively well drawn, with a single phrase telling us more about them than a whole paragraph of adjectives and character analysis. An example is the description of one of the male protagonists whom nobody can resist even with his ‘ long lock of gray hair that routinely fell like a wing over one side of his smooth pink forehead, and which should have been annoying in anyone else, but on him wasn’t.’
The plot is plausible and the denouement took this far-from-inexperienced reader of murder mysteries by surprise. As with all of the author’s work, there are various sub-plots and always lots of human interest stories running through the narrative.
I have no doubt that anyone who reads this charming work will immediately start looking for the next adventure in the Gasper's Cove series.

Sarah Wale
December 2023

[Denise P NS · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.)

This is my 3rd read in the Cosy Mystery genre.
To me, a key measure of a mystery is that it keeps me guessing until the end, which this book did. I did not consider the guilty party as a suspect, even though there were scattered clues.

The characters are charming and largely believable in a small town setting. And I always like characters who are devoted animal lovers. The precocious 13 year old is an interesting character, even if a tad unbelievably precocious.

Emodi wove some relatively little-known actual historical events and artifacts into the modern-day plot which added an interesting dimension.

The book was an easy read and moved along well.

I really liked the thoughtful book club questions at the end of the book (What do the Blue Jays foreshadow?) and think they will create interesting discussions.

In my book club, the benchmark question is "Would you recommend this book to a friend?" I live in Nova Scotia and many of my friends would enjoy this pleasant read, set in Nova Scotia, written by a local author with familiar colloquialisms and landscape. So, yes. Yes, I would. Enjoy!

[C. John Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is set in Nova Scotia and as such was read as part of the Canadian Reading Challenge. Started out fine but bogged down near the midde and became a bit of a chore to finish. Not sure why but it did. it may have just been me, though my wife also couldn't get into it and she gave up. It started out okay but somehow things just got adrift. One thing that puzzled me. The beginning of the novel is set during WWII and involves something called "Operation Fish". This was an actual wartime operation. There are also some references to it during the book. However, near as I can tell, it plays no part in the solution to the mystery. However, another aspect of Nova Scotia history does, but saying anymore might be a bit of a spoiler. I am not giving up on the author just yet. She has written some other mysteries using the same setting so I may give at least one of them a try, provided the library system here has them. Interestingly the last part of the book has nothing to do with the mystery. It is more what is happening in the lives of some of the characters in the book as changes are being made. As I said, this one wasn't for me but don't let that stop you from trying it. I wasn't my cup of tea but it just might be yours. Happy reading.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love the Nova Scotia setting and the author does a wonderful job of bringing the area and people to life. I can almost smell the sea air! I want to visit the Crafter's Co-op and Rankin's General Store! Plus there are interesting bits of Canadian history I knew nothing about so bonus points for that! And it's all wrapped up into a captivating mystery with Valerie out to solve another murder.

But, oh, Valerie! Impetuous should be her middle name. Her imagination knows no bounds and she tends to leap before looking when it comes to suspects and clues. Makes for some funny (and embarrassing) moments. But she gets there in the end...even if it comes close to being her end! Thankfully she lives to sleuth another day and I'm thrilled to say the third book of A Gasper's Cove Cozy Mystery series has just released and there's a fourth one due out in October of this year. Woohoo!

[Lisa Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another fun cozy mystery set in Gasper’s Cove, a fictional town in my home province of Nova Scotia. This one included some interesting local history, some of which was new to me, adding to my enjoyment. Seamstress Valerie Rankin and her friends get involved with another mystery that comes very close to home for her. We also meet some new characters including Valerie’s son and have more fun with wise-beyond-her-age Polly.

Emodi again had me guessing until the end with a book that had good pacing and was an easy read. I liked the thoughtful book club questions at the end, and particularly the one about the blue jays, a part of the story I hadn’t thought so deeply about until seeing the question.

I would recommend this book to those who like cozy mysteries, and for those interested in learning a little about beautiful Nova Scotia.

[Kellee Kranendonk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good, quick read. The history is interesting and it's nice for a Maritimer like me to read about things that are familiar. This is Book 2 of 2 and I haven't read the first one. That wasn't a problem. It was obvious the MC, Valerie, had gotten in trouble before, but not knowing wasn't off putting. Instead it made me want to read the first one. :) You know all you need to know about Valerie to enjoy the second book. There's a great twist ending that you won't see coming. This book was definitely enjoyable to read and I would recommend it to cozy mystery readers.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely marvellous reimagining of a true event in history that begins with a map of Gasper’sCove and the Gasper’s Cove Store’s involvement of the crafting of the parachute wedding dresses and such like interwoven with mystery . The writing is sublime , the descriptions vivid and beautifully crafted ( excuse the pun) The characters are great and realistically relatable. I can’t say enough good things about this well written book with lots happening throughout . Bravo Barbara Emodi for another triumph !
I read an advance of this book and my review is given voluntarily and in my own musings

[Stormslibrary96 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in Gasper's Cove. This mystery is even more personal than the last. The store's very own Donald "Duck" MacDonald is being framed for murder. Can Valerie figure out who is behind the crime without becoming the next victim? Who killed the sleazy tour bus driver? It's never your first guess.
Betrayal is in the air in this cozy mystery. Follow Valerie as she confronts life problems and solves a murder mystery.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valerie Rankin the owner the COOP and part owner of the General store downstairs. Investigates the murder of a tour director with shady dealings. There are no shortage of suspects. She is also dealing with a visit from her youngest son. He brings a friend with him. I found the whole Valerie Rankin and Rollie Rankin cousins along with their cousin Darlene very engaging. The ending was wonderful.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Gasper's Cove Mysteries series. It is a cozy mystery set in rural Nova Scotia and features a woman who runs a craft store and teaches sewing. The series lovingly captures the charm of the area as it tells light but entertaining stories. This one features Churchill's WWII Operation Fish, so I learned something new and had the main character trying to solve a murder to free a friend who has been arrested. It was a fun read. 3.75/5 stars.

[Alison Hoeksema · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun story about Gasper's Cove residents and visitors. The way a current and an old mystery developed was cleverly done. The way Valerie bumbles about thinking she is solving the mystery is hilarious! I also enjoyed the references to pets, and to sewing and other crafts.
I received an ARC from the author, but my opinion is given voluntarily.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the two first instalments in this series and it was a great way to relax and have fun.
A lovely setting, well rounded and relatable characters, solid mysteries full of twists and hints that keep you guessing.
I loved them and hope there will be more
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Sofi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through the author and appreciate the opportunity to read and review.
This is not the type of book I normally read. I found it a fast and easy read with a great storyline. I enjoyed the characters and the interwoven historical details. I really want to go to NovaScotia now.

[Christine Goodnough · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story with its setting and historical touches. The mystery was well crafted but the main character, Valerie, is so inclined to let her imagination run away with her. A well meaning Chicken Little, several times she alarms everyone with her "evidence", then looks like an airhead when she's totally wrong.

[Carolyn Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great adventure about Valerie and her friends! I loved the addition of the historical mystery as well. I hope there will be many more books in the series. I can't get enough of these characters.

[Leslie Buck · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a person who likes to make things and who likes a mystery, this book covers you. This is not the kind of book for a reader who is looking for the seedy underbelly of society, but for one who enjoys the humour of everyday experiences.

[Ribbqah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cozy mystery involving tourism in Nova Scotia, Gasper’s Cove. Confusing in some chapters but overall a decent story with sewing, Tupperware, the Atlantic Ocean and history.

[Norma · Rating 3 out of 5]

A real mystery

This story was interesting, but it was a little difficult to follow exactly what was happening. This author is new to me.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first one, pretty good for a cozy. I enjoy her references to sewing and knitting immensely.

[Janet Sketchley · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Help me.” The words, spoken to Valerie Rankin as a man she trusts is arrested for murder, leave her wanting to help without knowing how. Circumstantial evidence and a criminal past make Rankin’s General Store employee Duck MacDonald the prime suspect in a murder.

In the small fictional town of Gasper’s Cove, on Nova Scotia’s Atlantic Coast, everybody knows everybody’s secrets… or so they think. Yet past generations’ rumrunning and other illegal acts have influenced the present. Suddenly it seems to Val that strangers and friends alike are on the search for hidden treasure. And nobody’s concerned about clearing Duck’s name.

Author Barbara Emodi has a keen sense of descriptive details that bring the town and its characters to life. As an example, chapter 12’s scene at a fundraiser with “church-basement, made-by-the-women’s auxiliary sandwiches” will have Atlantic Canadians of a certain age nodding and remembering. She also includes a fair sprinkling of humour.

Protagonist Val is a sewing instructor and an empty-nest single mother. Her way of solving a mystery is to jump to a series of wild (and wrong) conclusions, embarrass herself by insisting the police should act on what she says, be proven wrong, and try again. Until she accidentally stops the killer and solves the case. She’s persistent, determined, and she genuinely cares for the people in her community.

She’s also a character I need to take in small doses. By hyper-focusing on her current stress or idea, she misses social cues and responds inappropriately. Like the brisk brush-off to a date invitation from a man she likes. Or like dashing off to confront her son in person when he sends a text asking for a bit of space.

Book 1 in the series is Crafting for Murder. As well as her Gasper’s Cove mysteries, Barbara Emodi has written instructional books on sewing. To learn about the author and her work, visit babsemodi.com.

[Review copy from the public library.]

[Judy Pyeatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed how Barbara wrote a mysteries around my favorites subjects.

I love reading mysteries, sewing, crafting, cats and dogs. Most of all learning about war time history. The story kept me engaged with twists and turns of what was really going on in this small town.