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Hems and Homicide
(Apron Shop #1)
by
Welcome to the quaint village of Blueberry Cove, Maine, where an expert seamstress turned amateur sleuth is getting measured for murder. . .
Iris Buckley is sew ready for a change. After the death of her beloved grandfather, Iris decides to return to her Maine hometown to help out her widowed grandmother, Anne--and bring her online hand-made apron designs to real-time ...more
Iris Buckley is sew ready for a change. After the death of her beloved grandfather, Iris decides to return to her Maine hometown to help out her widowed grandmother, Anne--and bring her online hand-made apron designs to real-time ...more
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Paperback, 288 pages
Published
December 31st 2019
by St. Martin's Paperbacks
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Start your review of Hems and Homicide (Apron Shop #1)
HEMS & HOMICIDE by Elizabeth Penney is a well-written cozy mystery. It is book one in the Apron Shop series.
This story takes place in and around Blueberry Cove, Maine. Iris Buckley moved back to her home town when her grandfather was ill. With his death, she decides to stay home and she and her grandmother Anne decide to open a local store Ruffles and Bows to complement Iris’ online retail endeavor. She sells hand-made aprons and they are adding hand-made and vintage linens to the inventory ...more
This story takes place in and around Blueberry Cove, Maine. Iris Buckley moved back to her home town when her grandfather was ill. With his death, she decides to stay home and she and her grandmother Anne decide to open a local store Ruffles and Bows to complement Iris’ online retail endeavor. She sells hand-made aprons and they are adding hand-made and vintage linens to the inventory ...more
After her grandfather's death, Iris Buckley moves back to the quaint village of Blueberry Cove, Maine to help her widowed grandmother Anne. Iris has an online apron business and with her grandmother's support, decides to open a storefront. While renovations are going on, she finds the skeletal remains of her grandmother's friend Star who disappeared in the 70s. Then a few days later, a man is found dead in their store. There seems to be a connection between the two murders and Iris is determined
...more
Iris Buckley returns to her hometown of Blueberry Cove, Maine after her grandfather's death. She and her beloved grandmother, Anne, decide to open a storefront apron and linen shop called Ruffles and Bows to add a more personal touch to Iris' online sales. But their plans are halted almost immediately when they find a skeleton at the bottom of the basement stairs. Anne believes it may be her long-lost friend who disappeared in the 1970's. Once the area is cleared to re-open, it seems their
...more
Hems and Homicide by Elizabeth Penney is an entertaining new entry into the cozy mystery genre. Ms. Penney has developed a lovely small town setting in Blueberry Cove, Maine and a new venue by setting this mystery around a apron and vintage linens shop.
Iris Buckley and her grandmother, Anne Buckley, are very likable characters and I enjoyed getting to know them throughout the story. The secondary characters were also likable and helped to develop Iris more for the reader. The plot is quickly ...more
Iris Buckley and her grandmother, Anne Buckley, are very likable characters and I enjoyed getting to know them throughout the story. The secondary characters were also likable and helped to develop Iris more for the reader. The plot is quickly ...more
This was a solid start to a new series by author Elizabeth Penny. I liked that the premise/theme was unique with the main characters opening a vintage linen shop in their hometown. I enjoyed the relationship between Iris and her grandmother and thought it was well crafted. Iris is also surrounded by three of her best girlfriends, with each one having a different personality the complements each other and completes the group. Where I wasn't wowed was with the mystery. I thought the author did a
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I found this cozy absolutely delightful!
With a genre that is quickly gaining popularity - with new releases around every corner - it is easy to forget some titles.
Not the case with this one! This cozy had a strong main character, Iris, FUN supporting characters (BFF Madison, Grammie etc), a swoony love interest ( Ian), and a puzzling mystery. The mystery was well done, although it spanned years and years - making some of the "clues" a stretch - it was still executed well. A lot of suspects, not ...more
With a genre that is quickly gaining popularity - with new releases around every corner - it is easy to forget some titles.
Not the case with this one! This cozy had a strong main character, Iris, FUN supporting characters (BFF Madison, Grammie etc), a swoony love interest ( Ian), and a puzzling mystery. The mystery was well done, although it spanned years and years - making some of the "clues" a stretch - it was still executed well. A lot of suspects, not ...more
Hems and Homicide by Elizabeth Penney is the first book in the Apron Shop mystery series, and my first book by this author. I was not sure if I would like this book, because sewing and aprons are not my thing, but I really enjoyed it. Not only is this book an enjoyable cozy mystery, the characters and plot is very well written. I am looking forward to reading the next adventure of Iris and her grandmother, Anne. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery.
I reviewed a ...more
I reviewed a ...more
4.5 Stars
This is the first book in the Apron Shop mystery series by Elizabeth Penney.
Iris is ready for a new beginning in the town of Blueberry Cove, Maine. She will be helping out her grandmother with a new shop called Ruffles & Bows. The building where they open the shop is a somewhat popular commodity. Everyone seems to want to open a shop there. When Iris falls down the stairs and dislodges an old coal chute, what stares back at them is the dead body of someone her grandmother is ...more
This is the first book in the Apron Shop mystery series by Elizabeth Penney.
Iris is ready for a new beginning in the town of Blueberry Cove, Maine. She will be helping out her grandmother with a new shop called Ruffles & Bows. The building where they open the shop is a somewhat popular commodity. Everyone seems to want to open a shop there. When Iris falls down the stairs and dislodges an old coal chute, what stares back at them is the dead body of someone her grandmother is ...more
Dec 29, 2019
Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
x2019-cozy-mysteries,
x2019-netgalley
My Review: I am in love with this series already. Grammie and Iris make a great team. Add the adorable cat, Quincy and we have a winner.
The author has done an excellent job of keeping the reader involved with plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing. There is a hint of romance but it doesn't overtake the story at all. Plus, big bonus, no love triangle.
Aside from murder (after all it is a cozy mystery), a clean read that can be enjoyed by many.
I received a complimentary copy from the ...more
The author has done an excellent job of keeping the reader involved with plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing. There is a hint of romance but it doesn't overtake the story at all. Plus, big bonus, no love triangle.
Aside from murder (after all it is a cozy mystery), a clean read that can be enjoyed by many.
I received a complimentary copy from the ...more
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Hems and Homicide is the first book in a new series by Elizabeth Penney. Due out 31st Dec 2019 from Macmillan on their St. Martin's imprint, it's 288 pages and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.
This is a fun and engaging 'shopfront' cozy set in a small town in Maine. I enjoyed the interplay between main character Iris and her grammie, as well as the genuine BFF Madison. There's a light romance element, a sleazy landlord, a ...more
Hems and Homicide is the first book in a new series by Elizabeth Penney. Due out 31st Dec 2019 from Macmillan on their St. Martin's imprint, it's 288 pages and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.
This is a fun and engaging 'shopfront' cozy set in a small town in Maine. I enjoyed the interplay between main character Iris and her grammie, as well as the genuine BFF Madison. There's a light romance element, a sleazy landlord, a ...more
Hems and Homicide is a well developed story. Elizabeth Penney provides her readers with a book including support of family and friends and a mystery too. The plot is fast-paced and will keep your attention. Iris Buckley and her grandmother, Anne Buckley, have a bond that we all would love to have with our grandmother. This bond is even stronger since the death of Anne's husband and Iris's grandfather. Iris has returned to Blueberry Cove to help her grand mother. She has a business established
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It's always a treat to find the first in a new cozy series. The Apron Shop Mystery is a unique setting with a cast of delightful characters. The vintage clothing and linen descriptions were rich with detail. The mystery was full of characters, which meant some record-keeping, but there were enough clues to figure out who-dun-it. It's a solid start to a new series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
#NetGalley
#HemsHomicide
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
#NetGalley
#HemsHomicide
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the . This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Hems and Homicide by Elizabeth Penney is an excellent start to a spectacular new series.
Will Iris and Grammie open their new shop, or will Grammie be going to jail for a crime she didn't commit?
Iris
Iris is our sleuth and main character. She and Grammie are opening a shop in town called Ruffles & Bows. Iris is a former textile designer for a home goods store, ...more
Will Iris and Grammie open their new shop, or will Grammie be going to jail for a crime she didn't commit?
Iris
Iris is our sleuth and main character. She and Grammie are opening a shop in town called Ruffles & Bows. Iris is a former textile designer for a home goods store, ...more
The Mystery 
When it is snowy and cold outside, superspeed readers like me can read 150 - 200+ pages/hour, so yes, I have read the book … and many more today. LOL
I received a temporary digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley, the publisher and the author in exchange for an honest review.
From the publisher, as I do not repeat the contents or story of books in reviews, I let them do it as they do it better than I do .
Welcome to the first in the Apron Shop mystery series by Elizabeth Penney, ...more
Hems and Homicide by Elizabeth Penney is the premiere of An Apron Shop Series. Iris Buckley and her grandmother, Anne are opening Ribbons and Bows in Blueberry Cove, Maine. They are going over the property with Ian Stewart, the carpenter, when Iris stumbles down the basement stairs, knocks over shelves and a skull is exposed. Anne Buckley, Iris’s grandmother, recognizes the scarf around the skull as belonging to Star Moonshine who disappeared around July 4th in 1972. When their landlord, Elliot
...more
Reviewed at The Power of Words: https://bit.ly/3a8rnkP
I enjoyed Hems & Homicide so much and am glad to start on the ground floor of what promises to be a highly entertaining new series. The illness of her grandfather brings Iris back to her hometown of Blueberry Cove, Maine, and she stays on after his death to open a shop with her grandmother, Anne. Hems & Homicide has that perfect blend of appealing setting, vocational theme, engaging characters, and well-crafted storyline. From ...more
I enjoyed Hems & Homicide so much and am glad to start on the ground floor of what promises to be a highly entertaining new series. The illness of her grandfather brings Iris back to her hometown of Blueberry Cove, Maine, and she stays on after his death to open a shop with her grandmother, Anne. Hems & Homicide has that perfect blend of appealing setting, vocational theme, engaging characters, and well-crafted storyline. From ...more
HEMS & HOMICIDE by Elizabeth Penney
The First Apron Shop Mystery
Iris Buckley's online store selling aprons and vintage linens has been a success. Now she's partnering with her grandma to open a brink and mortar store in Blueberry Cove, Maine. The two have their work cut out for them, for though their storefront has great bones, it's a bit decrepit. Still, they're not afraid of stained ceilings, creaky floors, and spiders. The skeleton in the basement, however, is another matter. Grammie ...more
The First Apron Shop Mystery
Iris Buckley's online store selling aprons and vintage linens has been a success. Now she's partnering with her grandma to open a brink and mortar store in Blueberry Cove, Maine. The two have their work cut out for them, for though their storefront has great bones, it's a bit decrepit. Still, they're not afraid of stained ceilings, creaky floors, and spiders. The skeleton in the basement, however, is another matter. Grammie ...more
Hems and Homicide is a cozy mystery featuring Iris Buckley. Iris has returned to her hometown in Maine to open a handmade and vintage apron shop with her grandmother Anne. When they are getting the shop ready, Iris discovers a skeleton in the basement. After her grandmother is investigated as a suspect, she becomes involved searching for the killer.
I wanted to read this mystery from the very first mention because it involves aprons. I love them and have even blogged about my vintage apron ...more
I wanted to read this mystery from the very first mention because it involves aprons. I love them and have even blogged about my vintage apron ...more
This is a lovely start to a new series set in Maine. The characters are relatable, the location is picturesque, and the killer is elusive.
I always enjoy a good cozy and especially enjoy discovering new series that could be one to follow and I think this is one of those series. We are introduced to Iris and Anne, a close-knit pair that are opening their own apron shop. Now before you start questioning the goods they are selling, Iris has an online presence and there will be more than just aprons ...more
I always enjoy a good cozy and especially enjoy discovering new series that could be one to follow and I think this is one of those series. We are introduced to Iris and Anne, a close-knit pair that are opening their own apron shop. Now before you start questioning the goods they are selling, Iris has an online presence and there will be more than just aprons ...more
Elizabeth Penney has a wonderful well-written debut cozy mystery. It is book one in the Apron Shop series. I had a relative that collected Aprons so I was thrilled to read a mystery with a apron shop setting. Aprons are well loved by those of us from past generations. This was such a delightful book with richly drawn likable charcters and a wonderful cozy mystery sleuth. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. I highly recommend this debut in series for your cozy
...more
Welcome to Blueberry Cove, Maine and its new store, Ruffles and Bows. Sounds innocent enough, run by Anne and her granddaughter, Iris. Iris had come back home when her grandfather fell ill and she decided to stay after he died, taking her online fabric business to a bricks and mortar location.She and her grandmother plan to teach classes, sell fabrics and the hand made aprons. All of their plans depend upon some renovating. The bump in the road comes in two forms - both dead ones. They are a
...more
Jan 10, 2020
Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review)
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
cozy-craft
Phew! I wasn't sure at first if an apron based Cozy would work - how wrong I was! This is a page turner and a half with one heck of a twist at the end!
Iris Buckley was brought up by her Grammie and Papa (her Grandfather) after the untimely death of her parents when she was a pre-teen, she ended up leaving Blueberry Cove for college and then work but when her company downsized at the same time as her Papa had a serious heart attack it seems she was fated to come back. She had set up an on-line ...more
Iris Buckley was brought up by her Grammie and Papa (her Grandfather) after the untimely death of her parents when she was a pre-teen, she ended up leaving Blueberry Cove for college and then work but when her company downsized at the same time as her Papa had a serious heart attack it seems she was fated to come back. She had set up an on-line ...more
Hems And Homicide is the first book in the Apron Shop series.
Iris Buckley has returned to Blueberry Cove, Maine to help her Grandma Anne settle her grandfather’s estate. Iris decides to take her online business of hand made aprons and open a shop, along with Grandma Anne, selling aprons and the latest and vintage linens. They have rented a storefront from Elliot Parker, who has been badgering the family for years about purchasing some of their property.
The store needs some renovations before ...more
Iris Buckley has returned to Blueberry Cove, Maine to help her Grandma Anne settle her grandfather’s estate. Iris decides to take her online business of hand made aprons and open a shop, along with Grandma Anne, selling aprons and the latest and vintage linens. They have rented a storefront from Elliot Parker, who has been badgering the family for years about purchasing some of their property.
The store needs some renovations before ...more
Iris Buckley and her Grammie are opening a brick and mortar shop to complement Iris' online apron business. But when they find a dead body in the basement that dates back to the 1970s and Grammie recognizes the body, everything may turn sideways. The body of Star Moonshine brings back memories for Grammie and other locals from their free love hippie days where Star was a much beloved figure for a time as she passed through town. Several men are potential suspects in the murder and when one of
...more
Hems and Homicide is book one in the Apron Shop series by Elizabeth Penney, this was a good clean enjoyable cozy mystery. Iris has moved back home to live with her Grammie Anne after her Papa passed away and she is planning on an Apron Shop in town, the only thing she wasn't banking on was discovering skeleton remains in the basement during the renovations of her new store. Her Grammie instantly recognised the remains of an old friend from the 70's Star Moonshine from a piece of cloth around the
...more
Vintage linens, fifties aprons, a hippie murder and a 1963 Falcon named Beverly are all part of the atmosphere in Hems & Homicide, the first in the new Apron Shop Series of cozy mysteries.
Iris and her Grammie Anne are preparing to open their own brick-and-mortar apron and vintage linen store in rural coastal Maine. When Iris tumbles down the basement stairs, she is flung feet first into a murder scene. The skeleton hidden for over forty years in the store’s wall appears to be Grammie old ...more
Iris and her Grammie Anne are preparing to open their own brick-and-mortar apron and vintage linen store in rural coastal Maine. When Iris tumbles down the basement stairs, she is flung feet first into a murder scene. The skeleton hidden for over forty years in the store’s wall appears to be Grammie old ...more
Returning home to the farm where her grandparents had raised her, Iris and her Grandmother, Anne, are preparing for the next phase of their lives. Together they plan to open a vintage apron shop. Iris has had online success with the store. Moving forward to a brick and mortar store begins with renovating an old building. From the start this plan has its flaws.
From poor wiring to finding a skeleton on the premises, to the appearance of a building inspector the very first day, how can this dream ...more
From poor wiring to finding a skeleton on the premises, to the appearance of a building inspector the very first day, how can this dream ...more
This book has all the tried-and-true tropes of cozy mysteries these days, so it could have been boring and put-downable. Instead, it was engaging and fun. I really liked Iris and her energetic grandma, and I enjoyed spending a few hours with them as they get ready to open Ruffles and Bows. I did find the solution to the crimes a bit puzzling, and I had to circle back to reread an early scene to confirm the motive of one person. I liked that Penney didn't hit us over the head with a constant
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A nice start to a new cozy series. Iris is working with her grandmother Anne on her vintage linen and apron shop in Blueberry Cove, Maine, when a fall down the stairs results in her finding the remains of Star Moonshine, a "hippie" who went missing in the 1970s. There are multiple suspects for this cold case but when one of them- Anne's landlord- is found dead in the shop, things get interesting. Iris has a good old romantic interest in Ian and some good friends (especially Madison) who help her
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How have I missed this very good author? !
If you like reading about vintage clothing, interactions between family and friends, and small towns, you'll really like this book. But if you want a well done cozy mystery you'll be over the moon with this one! The landlord for the building Iris and Grammie are fixing up for their new small business is a lawsuit waiting to happen and few people like or trust him, but he's not the first body. The first body is a skeleton of a woman murdered and concealed ...more
If you like reading about vintage clothing, interactions between family and friends, and small towns, you'll really like this book. But if you want a well done cozy mystery you'll be over the moon with this one! The landlord for the building Iris and Grammie are fixing up for their new small business is a lawsuit waiting to happen and few people like or trust him, but he's not the first body. The first body is a skeleton of a woman murdered and concealed ...more
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Elizabeth Penney is an author, entrepreneur, and local food advocate living in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. In addition to writing full-time, she operates a micro soap business and a small farm. Elements that often appear in her novels include vintage summer cottages, past/present mysteries, and the arts. She is represented by the fabulous Elizabeth Bewley at Sterling Lord Literistic.
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