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A Measure Twice Sewing Mystery #2
Quilty as Charged
Lydia Barnes has to thread the needle in order to discover the killer locked in with her amidst a sewing retreat in this second installment of the series, perfect for fans of Amanda Flower and Molly MacRae.
Lydia Barnes has made the picturesque town of Peridot, Georgia her home. But as the new owner of the Measure Twice fabric store, all financial burdens fall on her. In an effort to unspool herself from this tangle of thread and boost the store’s income, she invites her regular customers to a sewing retreat at her friend Fran’s Cherry Log mountain home.
In between sewing lessons and quick lunches, a severe winter storm approaches. When Fran’s body is discovered murder is the only explanation, and the remaining six attendants are all suspects. Trapped, with the power and phone lines out, Lydia is restless to unmask Fran’s murderer.
With the help of Auden, the cabin’s caretaker, Lydia must unravel the hidden lives of people she considered close neighbors and even friends, especially when another body is found along with a suicide note and a suspicious confession. In a daring plan to uncover the killer, Lydia must risk it all, including her life, before she is cut asunder and the bobbin runs out.
Lydia Barnes has made the picturesque town of Peridot, Georgia her home. But as the new owner of the Measure Twice fabric store, all financial burdens fall on her. In an effort to unspool herself from this tangle of thread and boost the store’s income, she invites her regular customers to a sewing retreat at her friend Fran’s Cherry Log mountain home.
In between sewing lessons and quick lunches, a severe winter storm approaches. When Fran’s body is discovered murder is the only explanation, and the remaining six attendants are all suspects. Trapped, with the power and phone lines out, Lydia is restless to unmask Fran’s murderer.
With the help of Auden, the cabin’s caretaker, Lydia must unravel the hidden lives of people she considered close neighbors and even friends, especially when another body is found along with a suicide note and a suspicious confession. In a daring plan to uncover the killer, Lydia must risk it all, including her life, before she is cut asunder and the bobbin runs out.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2024
9 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 19, 2024
The second book in this series and I have read the first one as well.
Lydia has organised a weekend sewing retreat but the weather turns nasty and they are snowed in with no power or phone lines. The group of people attending the retreat are a mixed bag and most of them unpleasant. The sole redeeming character is Auden, the caretaker. There are two murders and Lydia thinks she will be next.
I had to skim all the dressmaking parts as sewing is not an interest of mine. However the mystery was interesting especially as the field was very limited as to the identity of the murderer. Not a bad story but I probably will not look out for more in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Lydia has organised a weekend sewing retreat but the weather turns nasty and they are snowed in with no power or phone lines. The group of people attending the retreat are a mixed bag and most of them unpleasant. The sole redeeming character is Auden, the caretaker. There are two murders and Lydia thinks she will be next.
I had to skim all the dressmaking parts as sewing is not an interest of mine. However the mystery was interesting especially as the field was very limited as to the identity of the murderer. Not a bad story but I probably will not look out for more in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 15, 2024
2.5★s
Lydia Barnes was looking forward to the sewing retreat at her friend, Fran's home high up in the mountains. As they all arrived on that Friday afternoon, a storm was on the horizon - one they weren't aware of as yet. Saturday morning, the first of the retreat's lessons began and with an unexpected suddenness, the storm hit. Auden, the house's caretaker, arrived at the door to help them prepare for the storm, and during it all, the first body was discovered. With no power, no phone lines and too much ice and snow to be able to leave the house, everyone settled in to wait, vowing to stay together for safety...
Shocked and horrified, knowing that the murderer was someone within the group there for the retreat, Lydia and Auden worked together to find the killer. But they weren't quick enough and when a second body was discovered, Lydia had a fair idea that she would be next. Would Lydia and Auden enact a plan that would work? Or was Lydia about to lose her life?
Quilty as Charged is the 2nd in A Measure Twice Sewing Mystery by Maggie Bailey and unfortunately I wasn't impressed. Too much dialogue, too many annoying and irritating characters. I eventually skimmed, especially when what happened was repeated, and repeated... I doubt I'll continue the series.
With thanks to NetGalley & Crooked Lane Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
Lydia Barnes was looking forward to the sewing retreat at her friend, Fran's home high up in the mountains. As they all arrived on that Friday afternoon, a storm was on the horizon - one they weren't aware of as yet. Saturday morning, the first of the retreat's lessons began and with an unexpected suddenness, the storm hit. Auden, the house's caretaker, arrived at the door to help them prepare for the storm, and during it all, the first body was discovered. With no power, no phone lines and too much ice and snow to be able to leave the house, everyone settled in to wait, vowing to stay together for safety...
Shocked and horrified, knowing that the murderer was someone within the group there for the retreat, Lydia and Auden worked together to find the killer. But they weren't quick enough and when a second body was discovered, Lydia had a fair idea that she would be next. Would Lydia and Auden enact a plan that would work? Or was Lydia about to lose her life?
Quilty as Charged is the 2nd in A Measure Twice Sewing Mystery by Maggie Bailey and unfortunately I wasn't impressed. Too much dialogue, too many annoying and irritating characters. I eventually skimmed, especially when what happened was repeated, and repeated... I doubt I'll continue the series.
With thanks to NetGalley & Crooked Lane Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
January 18, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The new owner of Measure Twice Fabric Store, Lydia Barnes is searching for a way to keep the store in the black. She decides a sewing retreat may be the answer. She runs her idea by the former owner and friend Fran who loves the idea. She offers her Cherry Log mountain home as the destination for the retreat and her assistance in any way Lydia needs. Soon a group of the store’s regular customers embark on a journey into the mountains for sewing lessons, projects, quick meals, fellowship, and fun. But then an extreme winter ice storm moves in. Fran’s friend and the cabin’s caretaker Auden arrives just in time to unclog a drain but stays too long getting them ready for the storm and is stranded with the sewists.
Then Fran is found dead . . . murdered . . . and her guests realize they are stuck in the mountains with no power, no phone lines, and a killer. Before Lydia, assisted by Auden can rip apart the seams to identify the killer another body is found, and while the death looks like suicide complete with a confession Lydia isn’t buying it. She comes up with a plan but it could backfire. Can Lydia solve the mystery? or has she sewn her last stitch?
As a former sewing enthusiast, an accident in 2001 took this joy away from me, I live a little vicariously through characters in books like this.
I wasn’t a fan of Lydia in the first book in this series, Seams Deadly, but I liked her better in this story. I loved Fran in the first book and it hurt that she was the first victim in this one. She had been like a fairy godmother to Lydia. But she had been facing battles and keeping secrets this time. She also made a costly decision. Characters we met in Seams Deadly return as participants in the retreat, Heather who works at the store, Clark a prickly man who owns Pampered Pantry, an organic food store, The M’s, Martha and Mary, they aren’t sisters but sure act like they are, and Cynde, a court stenographer, who lives above the fabric store brought her friend Amy as a plus one. They are an eclectic group. Lydia’s dog Charlie also attended the retreat. Her cat, Baby Lobster stayed with her neighbor.
Auden Williams was a great addition to the cast. He is smart, prepared, and easy on the eyes. He had a soft spot for Fran and became her confidant as she spent a lot of time on her own at her Cherry Log Mountain home.
The project for the retreat was a quilt coat that could be made from a secondhand quilt, a worn in places quilt you love, purchased quilted fabric, or fabric you quilt yourself. The edges were completed with a bias binding. The retreat guests also worked on English Paper Piecing projects.
This closed-room cozy mystery was well-plotted with a little repetition as Lydia tried to figure out who was killing people on her very first and probably very last sewing retreat. Fran did leave some clues that finally made other things that were happening make sense. She wasn’t 100% sure and I appreciated that she shared her thinking with Auden and was happy that he got on board with her plan. The guilty party was at the top of my suspect list before everything fell into place for Lydia. It felt good to know I made the right choice for the right reason when all was explained.
We have ice storms in Wisconsin just like the mountains in Georgia that the author described so well. They are beautiful to look at while staying warm inside but they can be treacherous if you venture out. Charlie was the only one to do that and his trips were quick.
Quilty as Charged was an enjoyable read. It gave the characters we met in the first installment more depth. The location was perfect for a retreat and each scene was detailed well. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, especially with the little cliffhanger Ms. Bailey had left us.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
The new owner of Measure Twice Fabric Store, Lydia Barnes is searching for a way to keep the store in the black. She decides a sewing retreat may be the answer. She runs her idea by the former owner and friend Fran who loves the idea. She offers her Cherry Log mountain home as the destination for the retreat and her assistance in any way Lydia needs. Soon a group of the store’s regular customers embark on a journey into the mountains for sewing lessons, projects, quick meals, fellowship, and fun. But then an extreme winter ice storm moves in. Fran’s friend and the cabin’s caretaker Auden arrives just in time to unclog a drain but stays too long getting them ready for the storm and is stranded with the sewists.
Then Fran is found dead . . . murdered . . . and her guests realize they are stuck in the mountains with no power, no phone lines, and a killer. Before Lydia, assisted by Auden can rip apart the seams to identify the killer another body is found, and while the death looks like suicide complete with a confession Lydia isn’t buying it. She comes up with a plan but it could backfire. Can Lydia solve the mystery? or has she sewn her last stitch?
As a former sewing enthusiast, an accident in 2001 took this joy away from me, I live a little vicariously through characters in books like this.
I wasn’t a fan of Lydia in the first book in this series, Seams Deadly, but I liked her better in this story. I loved Fran in the first book and it hurt that she was the first victim in this one. She had been like a fairy godmother to Lydia. But she had been facing battles and keeping secrets this time. She also made a costly decision. Characters we met in Seams Deadly return as participants in the retreat, Heather who works at the store, Clark a prickly man who owns Pampered Pantry, an organic food store, The M’s, Martha and Mary, they aren’t sisters but sure act like they are, and Cynde, a court stenographer, who lives above the fabric store brought her friend Amy as a plus one. They are an eclectic group. Lydia’s dog Charlie also attended the retreat. Her cat, Baby Lobster stayed with her neighbor.
Auden Williams was a great addition to the cast. He is smart, prepared, and easy on the eyes. He had a soft spot for Fran and became her confidant as she spent a lot of time on her own at her Cherry Log Mountain home.
The project for the retreat was a quilt coat that could be made from a secondhand quilt, a worn in places quilt you love, purchased quilted fabric, or fabric you quilt yourself. The edges were completed with a bias binding. The retreat guests also worked on English Paper Piecing projects.
This closed-room cozy mystery was well-plotted with a little repetition as Lydia tried to figure out who was killing people on her very first and probably very last sewing retreat. Fran did leave some clues that finally made other things that were happening make sense. She wasn’t 100% sure and I appreciated that she shared her thinking with Auden and was happy that he got on board with her plan. The guilty party was at the top of my suspect list before everything fell into place for Lydia. It felt good to know I made the right choice for the right reason when all was explained.
We have ice storms in Wisconsin just like the mountains in Georgia that the author described so well. They are beautiful to look at while staying warm inside but they can be treacherous if you venture out. Charlie was the only one to do that and his trips were quick.
Quilty as Charged was an enjoyable read. It gave the characters we met in the first installment more depth. The location was perfect for a retreat and each scene was detailed well. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, especially with the little cliffhanger Ms. Bailey had left us.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
March 1, 2024
2,5*
This was a very enjoyable cozy murder mystery.
Lydia is the new owner of the Measure Twice fabric store. In order to make more money to keep the store up and running she invites her regular customers to a sewing retreat at her friend Fran’s Cherry Log mountain home.
Once they get there an unexpected storm leaves them uncommunicated and without electricity. Part of the retreat experience was to disconnect from the real world for a couple of days and they all agreed to leave their phones at home. There is no way to call for help.
They all seem to accept their fate and enjoy the experience nonetheless, until someone is murdered. Now they are all suspects and on top of that they are living with a murderer until they can call the police.
Lydia tries to discover who is behind the murder before more people are hurt.
The book really managed to captivate the small town, wilderness vibe and it is a true cozy mystery thriller. It was really fun to get to know the characters and discover their secrets.
However the mystery was a bit too obvious to me and it did not surprise me or thrill me as much as I had expected. But all in all I really enjoyed the book.
This was a very enjoyable cozy murder mystery.
Lydia is the new owner of the Measure Twice fabric store. In order to make more money to keep the store up and running she invites her regular customers to a sewing retreat at her friend Fran’s Cherry Log mountain home.
Once they get there an unexpected storm leaves them uncommunicated and without electricity. Part of the retreat experience was to disconnect from the real world for a couple of days and they all agreed to leave their phones at home. There is no way to call for help.
They all seem to accept their fate and enjoy the experience nonetheless, until someone is murdered. Now they are all suspects and on top of that they are living with a murderer until they can call the police.
Lydia tries to discover who is behind the murder before more people are hurt.
The book really managed to captivate the small town, wilderness vibe and it is a true cozy mystery thriller. It was really fun to get to know the characters and discover their secrets.
However the mystery was a bit too obvious to me and it did not surprise me or thrill me as much as I had expected. But all in all I really enjoyed the book.
February 9, 2024
#QuiltyasCharged #NetGalley featuring Lydia Barnes, is the newest book in this great series by Maggie Bailey.
As soon as I saw the cover and title, I knew this book was going to be fantastic.
Lydia is the new owner of Measure Twice, a fabric store in her hometown of Peridot, Georgia.
Making ends meet is still a challenge for Lydia, so she decides to offer a 3 day sewing retreat, and firmer shop owner Fran, has offered her cabin for the weekend.
Lydia is nervous but hopeful that the weekend will be a big hit, and the retreats will offer additional income.
As an ice storm approaches, things go bad quickly, including two murders and a whole lot of secrets.
I loved everything about this book, it had plenty of drama and action to keep me reading until the end.
It wasn't until the end that I started to put the pieces together, the author did a great job keeping me stumped.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
As soon as I saw the cover and title, I knew this book was going to be fantastic.
Lydia is the new owner of Measure Twice, a fabric store in her hometown of Peridot, Georgia.
Making ends meet is still a challenge for Lydia, so she decides to offer a 3 day sewing retreat, and firmer shop owner Fran, has offered her cabin for the weekend.
Lydia is nervous but hopeful that the weekend will be a big hit, and the retreats will offer additional income.
As an ice storm approaches, things go bad quickly, including two murders and a whole lot of secrets.
I loved everything about this book, it had plenty of drama and action to keep me reading until the end.
It wasn't until the end that I started to put the pieces together, the author did a great job keeping me stumped.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
February 16, 2024
A winter sewing retreat turns deadly in the latest Measure Twice Sewing Mystery series.
This book has one of my favorite storylines: A group of people (sewing hobbyists) travel to a secluded location (a house in the mountains) where they are trapped in a snowstorm with a murderer in their midst. So it is with this latest wonderful mystery from author Maggie Bailey. Measure Twice sewing shop owner Lydia has high hopes for her weekend sewing retreat in the North Georgia mountains with some of the shop's most loyal customers as attendees. No sooner are they stitching away than the shop's former owner is found murdered in her upstairs bedroom. Everyone in the house had motives, means, and opportunity, to commit the murder, and worse yet, they're all trapped together for three days in a snowstorm.
Well, I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more in the series. The main character, Lydia, is a down-to-earth, likable character, who is made even more so by her adorable dog Charlie and cat Baby Lobster. The mystery was well-plotted, well-paced, and kept me guessing throughout the book. The characters were just flawed and likable enough to make them feel real and make want me to see more of them in future books. Furthermore, the author establishes good sense of place, which is important in a novel where the setting plays such an important role in the the overall tension of the plot.
Thank you NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Maggie Bailey for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This book has one of my favorite storylines: A group of people (sewing hobbyists) travel to a secluded location (a house in the mountains) where they are trapped in a snowstorm with a murderer in their midst. So it is with this latest wonderful mystery from author Maggie Bailey. Measure Twice sewing shop owner Lydia has high hopes for her weekend sewing retreat in the North Georgia mountains with some of the shop's most loyal customers as attendees. No sooner are they stitching away than the shop's former owner is found murdered in her upstairs bedroom. Everyone in the house had motives, means, and opportunity, to commit the murder, and worse yet, they're all trapped together for three days in a snowstorm.
Well, I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more in the series. The main character, Lydia, is a down-to-earth, likable character, who is made even more so by her adorable dog Charlie and cat Baby Lobster. The mystery was well-plotted, well-paced, and kept me guessing throughout the book. The characters were just flawed and likable enough to make them feel real and make want me to see more of them in future books. Furthermore, the author establishes good sense of place, which is important in a novel where the setting plays such an important role in the the overall tension of the plot.
Thank you NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Maggie Bailey for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
May 28, 2024
This is a new series and author for me. Although it was the second book in the series, I was interested in the premise, a fabric/sewing shop, the location in the South, a slightly older than normal (40) MC starting over. I will be honest. This was almost the first DNF I would have done since I started reviewing books. I figure, if I ask for a book, I owe the author and publisher the courtesy of at least giving the book a read. The beginning is so disjointed, Lydia has the maturity of a fifteen year old, not a 40 year old business owner, and she has basically left the organization of her Sew Relaxing Retreat to her mentor, the woman she bought Measure Twice from. She is disorganized, distracted, and a pushover, facing nothing head-on. It is so annoying. The biggest problem for me, however, is that there is only one likeable character in this whole mess, besides the fur babies, and he doesn't even enter the book until about a third way in. I have never read a book with so many annoying, obnoxious, and self-absorbed characters. I am all for quirky characters, but these people are not quirky, just awful folks whose stories I couldn't get invested in. Thus, I didn't care about solving the mystery. With the addition of Auden, the handyman and Lydia finally used a little bit of the brain she was given. The second half picked up a little. I would not be interested enough to pick up anything else in this series. Thanks to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the opportunity to explore this series.
December 28, 2024
Sheeeesh. I had low expectations but even still it disappointed. It reads like a middle school English project, with tons of missing plot and character development and a weak mystery.
July 21, 2025
I love the small town cozy mystery vibe, and it's a great quick easy read.
July 2, 2025
**AUDIO**
TBH, did not think that person would be the victim, yes I went in blind as is my cozy mystery preference but I was sad to see them go!
TBH, did not think that person would be the victim, yes I went in blind as is my cozy mystery preference but I was sad to see them go!
June 28, 2024
The narrative has a quirky optimism to it, but by Jove, the need to explain all of Lydia’s thoughts and the repetitiveness made it a struggle to get through.
At 32% I couldn’t stand it any longer and skipped ahead to 80% to read the lead up to the final reveal. Another disappointment: the murderer was already caught and the last 20% of the story is spent discussing, over and over again, the motive of the murderer. I skimmed through the last 20% and I still found it repetitive!
Strangely though, it reinforced my interest in learning to quilt.
I read an ARC through NetGalley.
At 32% I couldn’t stand it any longer and skipped ahead to 80% to read the lead up to the final reveal. Another disappointment: the murderer was already caught and the last 20% of the story is spent discussing, over and over again, the motive of the murderer. I skimmed through the last 20% and I still found it repetitive!
Strangely though, it reinforced my interest in learning to quilt.
I read an ARC through NetGalley.
May 21, 2024
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Quilty as Charged by Maggie Bailey is about a mountain sewing retreat.
Will Lydia find the killer and keep everyone going in this storm?
Lydia Barnes
It’s been six months since the last book, as we are in February, and Lydia decided to host a sewing retreat at Fran’s mountain home during the winter. Well, it all seemed dandy to Lydia until the retreat started, and now, it’s not so much. Lydia is still the crazy, colorful character from the first book and wants to solve the mystery especially after everything is said and done with her finding Fran’s dead body and not knowing what to do during a winter storm that knocks the power out.
The Mystery
Lydia finds Fran’s dead body in Fran’s room, and then shortly after that, the winter storm majorly hits the mountains, and they lose power. She puts it into her head that she needs to figure out who had the motive to kill Fran. Her options are someone in the house killed her or that it was some stranger who came into the house and left the house without any of them knowing. Lydia wasn’t sure what to think about what was happening.
I guessed who did it and the motive as well. Honestly, I wasn’t even sure that I was right until it was revealed.
Four Stars
My rating for Quilty as Charged by Maggie Bailey is four stars, and I recommend it. Ms. Bailey has done a great job introducing a character who is very into sewing and other creative hobbies. It’s a great book.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Quilty as Charged by Maggie Bailey.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Quilty as Charged by Maggie Bailey is about a mountain sewing retreat.
Will Lydia find the killer and keep everyone going in this storm?
Lydia Barnes
It’s been six months since the last book, as we are in February, and Lydia decided to host a sewing retreat at Fran’s mountain home during the winter. Well, it all seemed dandy to Lydia until the retreat started, and now, it’s not so much. Lydia is still the crazy, colorful character from the first book and wants to solve the mystery especially after everything is said and done with her finding Fran’s dead body and not knowing what to do during a winter storm that knocks the power out.
The Mystery
Lydia finds Fran’s dead body in Fran’s room, and then shortly after that, the winter storm majorly hits the mountains, and they lose power. She puts it into her head that she needs to figure out who had the motive to kill Fran. Her options are someone in the house killed her or that it was some stranger who came into the house and left the house without any of them knowing. Lydia wasn’t sure what to think about what was happening.
I guessed who did it and the motive as well. Honestly, I wasn’t even sure that I was right until it was revealed.
Four Stars
My rating for Quilty as Charged by Maggie Bailey is four stars, and I recommend it. Ms. Bailey has done a great job introducing a character who is very into sewing and other creative hobbies. It’s a great book.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Quilty as Charged by Maggie Bailey.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
June 16, 2025
Quilty as Charged is a cozy murder mystery set in the wintery mountains during a sewing retreat for a group of friends. I picked this book up from my local library and the summary had me hooked! I wanted to know who killed a little old lady on a sewing retreat!
I will say the mystery plot itself was very fun and intriguing, it was fun finding out all of the little secrets everyone had and getting a view on how Lydia's brain was piecing it all together to find out who the murderer was as they were all stuck together in a cabin, during an ice storm, with no power. I would rate that at 8/10 stars.
The main reason why this rating is 3/5 stars is due to the overshadowing romance plot that was not mentioned in the summary, I was very disappointed with that. I'm not a big fan of romance myself, so with the book being around 50% romance / 50% mystery, I was rather unsatisfied. Plus the romance portion itself felt unrealistic, forced, and very awkward at times. It reads as a fan fiction story in some parts. A grown woman blushing over a man after finding out her mother like figure was brutally murdered left a bad taste in my mouth. Although, I can see how some people may enjoy it, it's just not cup of tea.
The end of the mystery was satisfactory and the story felt complete and well rounded. The last chapter that covered "what happened after" did leave a little more to be desired. I was hoping it would focus on the friend group and how they held up after everything, maybe more of an insight to the police investigation. But of course, it was focused on the romance plot.
The story overall was nice and it was a fun and quick read, I will likely read some of the author's other books. Maybe it was a good thing the romance wasn't mentioned in the summary because I likely would have put the book back on the shelf and never got to know all of the fun and quirky characters in this book! In summary, I just wish the book was more mystery, and less 40 year old woman with an unrealistic school girl crush.
I will say the mystery plot itself was very fun and intriguing, it was fun finding out all of the little secrets everyone had and getting a view on how Lydia's brain was piecing it all together to find out who the murderer was as they were all stuck together in a cabin, during an ice storm, with no power. I would rate that at 8/10 stars.
The main reason why this rating is 3/5 stars is due to the overshadowing romance plot that was not mentioned in the summary, I was very disappointed with that. I'm not a big fan of romance myself, so with the book being around 50% romance / 50% mystery, I was rather unsatisfied. Plus the romance portion itself felt unrealistic, forced, and very awkward at times. It reads as a fan fiction story in some parts. A grown woman blushing over a man after finding out her mother like figure was brutally murdered left a bad taste in my mouth. Although, I can see how some people may enjoy it, it's just not cup of tea.
The end of the mystery was satisfactory and the story felt complete and well rounded. The last chapter that covered "what happened after" did leave a little more to be desired. I was hoping it would focus on the friend group and how they held up after everything, maybe more of an insight to the police investigation. But of course, it was focused on the romance plot.
The story overall was nice and it was a fun and quick read, I will likely read some of the author's other books. Maybe it was a good thing the romance wasn't mentioned in the summary because I likely would have put the book back on the shelf and never got to know all of the fun and quirky characters in this book! In summary, I just wish the book was more mystery, and less 40 year old woman with an unrealistic school girl crush.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2024
Crafting Cozy Mystery in which a Georgia sewist and fabric store owner who turns sleuth after her friend's murdered at a sewing retreat and she's trapped with the killer by a storm.
4/5 stars: This is the second entry in Bailey's Measure Twice Sewing Mystery series which is a Crafting Cozy Mystery that takes place in Georgia and features a seamstress and fabric store owner. In an attempt to boost her store's income she invites several regular customers to a sewing retreat at her friend's mountain home. But things quickly turn, when she finds the host dead and the group find themselves trapped by a winter storm. She'll have to depend on the handsome cabin’s caretaker to help as she turns sleuth to uncover the killer. Bailey has deftly crafted a mystery that balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. I very much appreciated the isolation trope Bailey employed, nothing better than a winter storm setting for a murder mystery. Additionally, Bailey's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's great to catch up with Lydia, a former junior high teacher and 40 year old recent divorcee, the regulars at her fabric shop, Measure Twice, and the folks of Peridot. I really liked reading about the sewing projects described throughout the book. And let's not forget the Lydia's adorable animal sidekicks: her dog, Charlie, and cat, Baby Lobster. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Seams Deadly.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
4/5 stars: This is the second entry in Bailey's Measure Twice Sewing Mystery series which is a Crafting Cozy Mystery that takes place in Georgia and features a seamstress and fabric store owner. In an attempt to boost her store's income she invites several regular customers to a sewing retreat at her friend's mountain home. But things quickly turn, when she finds the host dead and the group find themselves trapped by a winter storm. She'll have to depend on the handsome cabin’s caretaker to help as she turns sleuth to uncover the killer. Bailey has deftly crafted a mystery that balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. I very much appreciated the isolation trope Bailey employed, nothing better than a winter storm setting for a murder mystery. Additionally, Bailey's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's great to catch up with Lydia, a former junior high teacher and 40 year old recent divorcee, the regulars at her fabric shop, Measure Twice, and the folks of Peridot. I really liked reading about the sewing projects described throughout the book. And let's not forget the Lydia's adorable animal sidekicks: her dog, Charlie, and cat, Baby Lobster. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Seams Deadly.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
August 17, 2024
In trying to find a way to keep Measure Twice afloat, Lydia organizes a sewing retreat at Fran’s mountain home with the townsfolk who have been supporting her sewing projects at the store (Measure Twice).
On the first full day of the retreat, Lydia finds Fran murdered. An ice storm has come in and the group is stranded at Fran’s house with a dead body. Everyone is a suspect in Lydia’s mind. It turns out Fran wasn’t quite as nice as Lydia thought and neither are the people that surround her.
The three day retreat feels much longer with the excruciating amount of detail given and the amount of time the reader spends in Lydia’s head.
The interactions with Auden, the attractive handyman/property manager, are only one instance of how Lydia isn’t great socially, maybe due to how much internal conversation is occurring. Lydia is awkward socially. So many interactions with the sewing group have no other explanation. The reader doesn’t know enough about Lydia to fully understand why, but her ex-husband’s criticism and indifference may account for some of it.
The end to the mystery occurs early enough that the reader will wonder if there is a twist coming. The rest of the book is a wrap up. Where there was a great level of detail earlier, there is now not enough. There are new people in Lydia’s sphere that have little explanation. There is a conversation with Auden at the end that felt unfinished.
I am left feeling dissatisfied with Quilty as Charged. The sewing retreat had more potential than was realized. The possible relationship had more potential than was realized. We end knowing Lydia is a really nice but awkward person. Lydia has developed some from the first book in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read an early copy of the book.
On the first full day of the retreat, Lydia finds Fran murdered. An ice storm has come in and the group is stranded at Fran’s house with a dead body. Everyone is a suspect in Lydia’s mind. It turns out Fran wasn’t quite as nice as Lydia thought and neither are the people that surround her.
The three day retreat feels much longer with the excruciating amount of detail given and the amount of time the reader spends in Lydia’s head.
The interactions with Auden, the attractive handyman/property manager, are only one instance of how Lydia isn’t great socially, maybe due to how much internal conversation is occurring. Lydia is awkward socially. So many interactions with the sewing group have no other explanation. The reader doesn’t know enough about Lydia to fully understand why, but her ex-husband’s criticism and indifference may account for some of it.
The end to the mystery occurs early enough that the reader will wonder if there is a twist coming. The rest of the book is a wrap up. Where there was a great level of detail earlier, there is now not enough. There are new people in Lydia’s sphere that have little explanation. There is a conversation with Auden at the end that felt unfinished.
I am left feeling dissatisfied with Quilty as Charged. The sewing retreat had more potential than was realized. The possible relationship had more potential than was realized. We end knowing Lydia is a really nice but awkward person. Lydia has developed some from the first book in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read an early copy of the book.
March 18, 2024
First of all, thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing an arc of the book. This book will be released on 20th August 2024.
In the quaint town of Peridot, Georgia, Lydia Barnes, owner of Measure Twice fabric store, orchestrates a sewing retreat to boost her shop’s fortunes. Trapped by a brutal winter storm at her friend Fran’s mountain home, the serene atmosphere shatters when Fran is found murdered. With power and phones out, suspicion blankets the six remaining attendees. Restless, Lydia, aided by caretaker Auden, unravels hidden lives, discovering another body with a perplexing confession. In a daring plan to expose the killer, Lydia risks everything, her life hanging by a thread. This gripping tale, reminiscent of Amanda Flower and Molly MacRae, promises a riveting journey through a deadly tapestry.
The creator worked hard keeping me baffled. The characters were recently imperfect and amiable enough to cause them to feel genuine and make me believe I should see a greater amount of them in ongoing books. There is a restricted cast of characters that all have special characters and are concealing more than they let on. The writer’s narration kept me stuck to the book as I attempted to sort out every one of the breadcrumbs of signs.
In any case, the secret was altogether too clear to me and it didn’t shock me or rush me however much I had anticipated. I cherished the setting, it is continuously fascinating when a homicide happens in a detached setting. A lot of clients in the mountains lay everything out for a comfortable homicide secret. I adored the general storyline, particularly Lydia. I can hardly hold back from perusing the following book in this series.
In the quaint town of Peridot, Georgia, Lydia Barnes, owner of Measure Twice fabric store, orchestrates a sewing retreat to boost her shop’s fortunes. Trapped by a brutal winter storm at her friend Fran’s mountain home, the serene atmosphere shatters when Fran is found murdered. With power and phones out, suspicion blankets the six remaining attendees. Restless, Lydia, aided by caretaker Auden, unravels hidden lives, discovering another body with a perplexing confession. In a daring plan to expose the killer, Lydia risks everything, her life hanging by a thread. This gripping tale, reminiscent of Amanda Flower and Molly MacRae, promises a riveting journey through a deadly tapestry.
The creator worked hard keeping me baffled. The characters were recently imperfect and amiable enough to cause them to feel genuine and make me believe I should see a greater amount of them in ongoing books. There is a restricted cast of characters that all have special characters and are concealing more than they let on. The writer’s narration kept me stuck to the book as I attempted to sort out every one of the breadcrumbs of signs.
In any case, the secret was altogether too clear to me and it didn’t shock me or rush me however much I had anticipated. I cherished the setting, it is continuously fascinating when a homicide happens in a detached setting. A lot of clients in the mountains lay everything out for a comfortable homicide secret. I adored the general storyline, particularly Lydia. I can hardly hold back from perusing the following book in this series.
July 19, 2024
Quilty as Charged is the 2nd book in A Measure Twice Sewing Mystery series. Although this is the second in the series it felt like it was the debut book with the introduction to the characters and their level of friendship or acquaintance.(although I haven't read the first book so that could be why). The book started off slow and it took me awhile to get into it but it got better. Lydia Barnes recently took ownership of Measure Twice, a sewing and fabric store. She is trying to increase revenue and get more people into the store so she closes (yes, closes) for a long weekend and sponsors a sewing retreat for 7 people at her mentor Fran's cabin. Honestly none of the attendees were likable but I guess that makes them better suspects. Fran is discovered dead so the group are the obvious potential culprits. Everyone has secrets! They end up calling the local handyman, Auden Williams. This is where the story gets better. There is a big ice and snowstorm so they don't have power, phones, or heat and can't leave. .Auden is a likable character and he and Lydia trust each other because they were together in the kitchen and they knew neither killed Fran. They work together to find the culprit. Lydia doesn't badger answers out of the suspects but gets her clues from overhearing conversations and invading everyone's privacy. The reveal was good but then the book goes on for another two chapters tying up the case and having Lydia and Auden go on a first date. Overall the book was decent. The series has potential. #QuiltyAsCharged #AMeasureTwiceSewingMystery #NetGalley #CrookedLaneBooks
August 21, 2024
In “Quilty as Charged”, the second book in Maggie Bailey’s Measure Twice Sewing cozy mystery series, Lydia Barnes, still adjusting to her role as the new owner of the Measure Twice Fabric Store, has decided to hold a sewing retreat at a mountain home to bring in some much needed money to the store. She really needs the retreat to be a success but her hopes are quickly dashed when one of the participants is murdered in the middle of a storm. Trapped with a killer and no way to get out, Lydia and Auden, the cabin’s caretaker, must stop the killer before someone else dies.
I have read both books in this series and I still have mixed feelings about them. I do like the setting – first the Fabric shop and in this book the mountain home. Being stranded with a killer is not a new concept but I thought Bailey did it well (and I like the addition of Auden to the series). The mystery was well done with just the right amount of suspense and tension – I was somewhat surprised (and a little saddened by who the killer was). The one thing that bothers me about this series is the characters – I have a hard time liking most of them including Lydia herself (Auden being the exception) and wonder why they’d want to spend time with each other. To be fair, that seemed to change a bit at the end of this book – I have hopes that it will continue in future books.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
I have read both books in this series and I still have mixed feelings about them. I do like the setting – first the Fabric shop and in this book the mountain home. Being stranded with a killer is not a new concept but I thought Bailey did it well (and I like the addition of Auden to the series). The mystery was well done with just the right amount of suspense and tension – I was somewhat surprised (and a little saddened by who the killer was). The one thing that bothers me about this series is the characters – I have a hard time liking most of them including Lydia herself (Auden being the exception) and wonder why they’d want to spend time with each other. To be fair, that seemed to change a bit at the end of this book – I have hopes that it will continue in future books.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
January 18, 2025
Lydia decides to have a sewing retreat, and her friend Fran offers her home as the site. Up in the mountains, it is an isolated house, a perfect spot to get away from it all. Lydia has asked that the group leave their cell phones at home, a decision she will come to regret. A serious winter storm hits the area, leaving the roads too treacherous to drive. A nearby handyman assists them with a minor problem, and then he becomes another member of their party when he is unable to leave. When Lydia goes to wake up Fran, she discovers that her friend has been murdered. In a locked house, with no way to call the police, they deal with the reality that one of them must be the murderer. And then, the power goes out. Yes, it’s a locked room mystery, a bit like the book “And Then There Were None” or the movie “Clue.” And again, the bodies are locked in their rooms. Yes, I said bodies, as a second murder occurs. It’s quite a good mystery, with the characters being better developed. There is some sewing discussions in the book, but readers should expect that in a series about sewing. There is a bit of a surprise at the end, setting up the next installment. I hope Little Lobster makes a return visit with a bigger part - she is quite the cat.
May 2, 2025
I agree with the killer, Lydia does NOT shut the fuck up, jesus christ. She just keeps going on and on. Even in her own damn head, she can't shut up long enough to pay attention to the person she's talking to. I was hoping she would be better in the second book but she feels worse.
This is a grown ass, 40 year old woman acting like an angsty, cringey 20 year old dork with no friends. It's honestly embarrassing. Like, she sees a hot guy and she's IMMEDIATELY smitten with him, so much so that she actually feels JEALOUS when Heather is talking to him. Girl, you just met this man and you know NOTHING about him. Can you keep it in your pants and not act like a hormonal teenager for two seconds??
Also, when someone confronts you saying someone tried to kill them, you do not confront the possible murderer and ask them. This woman can NOT be that dumb... This character is so unlikeable.
Not to mention the Baby Lobster clickbait. You can't put him on the cover and then leave him behind as if he's not the main reason most people picked up the book in the first place. And now there's this cringe, weird romance to sit through.
I think that's it for me and this series.
This is a grown ass, 40 year old woman acting like an angsty, cringey 20 year old dork with no friends. It's honestly embarrassing. Like, she sees a hot guy and she's IMMEDIATELY smitten with him, so much so that she actually feels JEALOUS when Heather is talking to him. Girl, you just met this man and you know NOTHING about him. Can you keep it in your pants and not act like a hormonal teenager for two seconds??
Also, when someone confronts you saying someone tried to kill them, you do not confront the possible murderer and ask them. This woman can NOT be that dumb... This character is so unlikeable.
Not to mention the Baby Lobster clickbait. You can't put him on the cover and then leave him behind as if he's not the main reason most people picked up the book in the first place. And now there's this cringe, weird romance to sit through.
I think that's it for me and this series.
August 30, 2025
Lydia Barnes has moved to Peridot, Georgia, fresh from a messy divorce (she came home early from work one day to find her husband in bed with another woman). She has loved sewing all her life and buys a fabric store from a new friend in Peridot and steadily has amassed a small group of followers who frequent her store for all the help she provides them in making clothes. She stocks designer patterns and designer fabric and has improved her own wardrobe considerably. With the ex-owner of the store, Fran, she hosts a weekend retreat at Fran's home in the Georgia mountains so her customers can relax while learning English paper piecing and hand sewing. A raging ice storm interrupts the planned weekend and the emergency generator fails and the group falls back on flashlights and fireplaces for heat and light.
The next morning, Lydia finds Fran murdered in bed. Lydia has contacted the caretaker of the property and he rapidly comes to do what he can to protect the house from the ravages of the storm. He's a very good-looking man named Auden and Lydia is instantly attracted to him.
And then another death occurs. Is it murder or suicide?
The next morning, Lydia finds Fran murdered in bed. Lydia has contacted the caretaker of the property and he rapidly comes to do what he can to protect the house from the ravages of the storm. He's a very good-looking man named Auden and Lydia is instantly attracted to him.
And then another death occurs. Is it murder or suicide?
June 15, 2024
Lydia, the new owner of the Measure Twice fabric store in Peridot, Georgia, organizes a sewing retreat to boost business and keep her store afloat. She invites her loyal customers to spend a weekend at a mountain home owned by Fran, her friend, and the store’s previous owner. To fully immerse themselves in the experience, they disconnect from the outside world by leaving their phones behind.
However, shortly after arriving, an unexpected ice storm strikes, leaving them without electricity and making it too dangerous to leave. The situation takes a deadly turn when their host is found murdered, revealing that the real threat may be within the house.
As they anxiously wait for the storm to pass and for a chance to call for help, Lydia takes it upon herself to uncover if there is a murderer among them.
This new cozy mystery series had some good twists and turns. I wasn't completely sold on all the characters but cozy mystery fans especially those who love to sew, will enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.
However, shortly after arriving, an unexpected ice storm strikes, leaving them without electricity and making it too dangerous to leave. The situation takes a deadly turn when their host is found murdered, revealing that the real threat may be within the house.
As they anxiously wait for the storm to pass and for a chance to call for help, Lydia takes it upon herself to uncover if there is a murderer among them.
This new cozy mystery series had some good twists and turns. I wasn't completely sold on all the characters but cozy mystery fans especially those who love to sew, will enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.
February 23, 2024
Now that Lydia is settled into her new hometown of Peridot, she focuses on growing her business. She decides that a sewing retreat would be a great way to bring people together and generate extra income. Her friend has offered her home for the retreat. Well things start out great, Fran is found murdered.
With a winter storm, having kicked up and stranding them all, Lydia is anxious to figure out who, among her friends and neighbors is a murderer. When another attendee is found with a suicide note, she can’t help but wonder who is really behind both decks. Will she be able to stitch the pieces together and see a pattern form to help find the killer?
The second entry in the series, it is just as good as the first one. I love the setting in Georgia, as well as the business that Lydia runs. Small towns have secrets and I’m sure there will be many more that will come forward in the future in this series. Grab a copy dig in and enjoy.
With a winter storm, having kicked up and stranding them all, Lydia is anxious to figure out who, among her friends and neighbors is a murderer. When another attendee is found with a suicide note, she can’t help but wonder who is really behind both decks. Will she be able to stitch the pieces together and see a pattern form to help find the killer?
The second entry in the series, it is just as good as the first one. I love the setting in Georgia, as well as the business that Lydia runs. Small towns have secrets and I’m sure there will be many more that will come forward in the future in this series. Grab a copy dig in and enjoy.
February 23, 2024
I was so excited to come back to visit Peridot. I love this little town, the characters, and especially the sewing shop. I was excited that this mystery was somewhere different than last time. And there was a lot more red herring as well. It kept the book very entertaining. I kept second guessing myself the whole time, even though in the end it was the person I thought it was! But this is what I enjoy about this series. It keeps you on your toes.
The story is fantastic, as well as the setting. And I really enjoyed the new characters we got to meet this time as well. A budding romance? A blossoming friendship? I cannot wait to see in the next book how everything plays out. A very enjoyable whodunnit. I hope there will be many many more books in this series for years to come.
Thanks to Net Galley, the publishers, and to Maggie Bailey for the ability to read and review this book. All opinions are my own and are completely honest.
The story is fantastic, as well as the setting. And I really enjoyed the new characters we got to meet this time as well. A budding romance? A blossoming friendship? I cannot wait to see in the next book how everything plays out. A very enjoyable whodunnit. I hope there will be many many more books in this series for years to come.
Thanks to Net Galley, the publishers, and to Maggie Bailey for the ability to read and review this book. All opinions are my own and are completely honest.
August 18, 2024
This is the second release in the delightful series " A Measure Twice Sewing Mystery". I have enjoyed the first in series and highly recommend the series for all cozy readers who enjoy crafting with your mysteries. Thank you to the publisher, to Net Galley and to the author for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.
In this next installment our protagnist is Lydia is struggling to make her sewing shop viable when she decides to invite her customers to a sewing retreat in the mountains near their small town in Georgia. During the retreat a bad storm occurs and then a mysterious murder. With everyone a suspect and no escape the tension builds and soon another murder occurs. Lydia has her hands full investigating and trying to keep the peace while she questions everyone present. .This story reminded me of the best of Agatha Christie and I really enjoyed how the clues and sleuth kept me turning pages to conclusion. A very fun mystery read with the bonus of sewing information.
In this next installment our protagnist is Lydia is struggling to make her sewing shop viable when she decides to invite her customers to a sewing retreat in the mountains near their small town in Georgia. During the retreat a bad storm occurs and then a mysterious murder. With everyone a suspect and no escape the tension builds and soon another murder occurs. Lydia has her hands full investigating and trying to keep the peace while she questions everyone present. .This story reminded me of the best of Agatha Christie and I really enjoyed how the clues and sleuth kept me turning pages to conclusion. A very fun mystery read with the bonus of sewing information.
February 12, 2024
Quilty as Charged by Maggie Bailey is a delightful cosy mystery that follows Lydia Barnes, the owner of a fabric store in Georgia. With her business struggling, Lydia decides to host a sewing retreat at her friend’s log home in the mountains. Drama ensues including a murder that Lydia is determined to solve. Cue the creepiness as they become trapped and the power goes out. Of course, there’s nothing like a thrilling mystery without a little romance, in the form of Auden, the cabin’s caretaker.
I would highly recommend this delightful read! The author’s storytelling kept me glued to the book as I tried to piece together all the breadcrumbs of clues. Everything, from the drama to the characters and the unveiled secrets, was spot on.
#QuiltyasCharged #NetGalley #ameasuretwicesewingmystery
I would highly recommend this delightful read! The author’s storytelling kept me glued to the book as I tried to piece together all the breadcrumbs of clues. Everything, from the drama to the characters and the unveiled secrets, was spot on.
#QuiltyasCharged #NetGalley #ameasuretwicesewingmystery
February 20, 2024
Quilty as Charged is a delightful cosy mystery following Lydia Barnes as she launches her first sewing retreat to try and keep her fabric store, Measure Twice, afloat.
A group of friends travel to a secluded 'cabin' to spend the weekend learning to sew garments, where a severe winter storm traps them, then a body is discovered. The neighbour caretaker comes to help them brave the weather.
I found this book still had all the charm of Seams Deadly, but had addressed some of the issues I had with the previous installment. There is a limited cast of characters that all have unique personalities (except for the M's) and are hiding more than they let on. The murder is shocking and keeps the reader engaged with the story moving at a steady pace.
Unfortunately the cat doesn't appear as much this time, but otherwise Lydia is a great MC to see grow through the series.
A group of friends travel to a secluded 'cabin' to spend the weekend learning to sew garments, where a severe winter storm traps them, then a body is discovered. The neighbour caretaker comes to help them brave the weather.
I found this book still had all the charm of Seams Deadly, but had addressed some of the issues I had with the previous installment. There is a limited cast of characters that all have unique personalities (except for the M's) and are hiding more than they let on. The murder is shocking and keeps the reader engaged with the story moving at a steady pace.
Unfortunately the cat doesn't appear as much this time, but otherwise Lydia is a great MC to see grow through the series.
August 24, 2024
This was a good locked room type murder mystery with an ice storm raging outside. I picked out who I thought was the killer, but that choice became less possible, so I just sleuthed along with Lydia and Auden. I really love that she's met a nice guy and the good turn her life took in this story.
It's hard to say much more without spoiling things, so I'll just say I'm ready for the next book if there's a third one in the works. I'm eager to see what progress Lydia and Auden might make in their new friendship. It was sad when I read in the description who the person was that got killed first, but there might've been things no one knew about this sweet person. Lotsa secrets came out for everyone.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Crooked Lane via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
It's hard to say much more without spoiling things, so I'll just say I'm ready for the next book if there's a third one in the works. I'm eager to see what progress Lydia and Auden might make in their new friendship. It was sad when I read in the description who the person was that got killed first, but there might've been things no one knew about this sweet person. Lotsa secrets came out for everyone.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Crooked Lane via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
February 28, 2024
Quilty as Charged
by Maggie Bailey
Lydia is excited to have her first sewing retreat at her friend Fran's secluded mountain home. Lydia discovers Fran has secrets and some of the guests had grudges against her. A winter storm hits, Fran is murdered, and now they are all trapped inside with a murderer.
This is a great book with all the elements of a good cozy. Secluded setting, interesting characters, Winter storm, and no way to contact the police. There is plenty of suspense that had me on the edge of my seat until the murderer was revealed! I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
My thanks to Crooked Lane Books and netgalley for providing me with this ARC to read and review.
by Maggie Bailey
Lydia is excited to have her first sewing retreat at her friend Fran's secluded mountain home. Lydia discovers Fran has secrets and some of the guests had grudges against her. A winter storm hits, Fran is murdered, and now they are all trapped inside with a murderer.
This is a great book with all the elements of a good cozy. Secluded setting, interesting characters, Winter storm, and no way to contact the police. There is plenty of suspense that had me on the edge of my seat until the murderer was revealed! I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
My thanks to Crooked Lane Books and netgalley for providing me with this ARC to read and review.
March 13, 2024
There are plenty of surprises in this cozy, and I had a good time revisiting Lydia, Fran, and the gang in Peridot. I think this second book in the series is stronger than the first. Lydia's--and everyone's, really--character feels much more authentic and developed than in book one.
From the surprising victim to the locked room plot, this mystery holds my interest. Lydia's more relatable and self-aware (eventually) in this book, and we learn more about all the secondary characters too.
I enjoy the sewing world of this series, and this title has everything I need for an enjoyable couple of hours of escape reading.
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
From the surprising victim to the locked room plot, this mystery holds my interest. Lydia's more relatable and self-aware (eventually) in this book, and we learn more about all the secondary characters too.
I enjoy the sewing world of this series, and this title has everything I need for an enjoyable couple of hours of escape reading.
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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