Death by Arts and Crafts

Abby McCree Mystery #6

by Alexis Morgan

When a killer's handiwork threatens Snowberry Creek's first-ever arts and crafts fair, committee member and amateur sleuth Abby McCree starts looking for glues in this delightfully crafty new installment in Alexis Morgan's USA Today bestselling cozy series set in the Pacific Northwest!

As the newest member of the Snowberry Creek City Council, perpetually overextended Abby McCree is picked to liaise between the council and the new planning committee for the town's first ever arts and crafts fair. As far as gigs go, it's a fun one--Abby's spending the weekend tooling around Washington State, checking out similar fairs with her two besties, coffee shop owner Bridey Roker, and ceramic artisan Dayna Fisk.

As Abby spreads the word about Snowberry Creek's fair, recruiting the industry's biggest movers and makers, the trip feels like a glittering success. But then, someone is found murdered at one of the events and vendors begin disappearing amid suspicious circumstances. Abby's determined to keep her hands clean, until Dayna finds herself stuck at the top of the suspect list. Now, Abby must weave the clues together and clear her friend's name before the killer claims another victim--maybe even Abby herself . . .

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Contemporary

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 27, 2022

About the author

Alexis Morgan grew up near St. Louis and received a B.A. in English from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She and her husband have made the Pacific Northwest their home for more than thirty years, where she launched her career as a writer. She is published in paranormal romance, fantasy romance, American West historicals, and most recently, contemporary romances with her new Snowberry Creek series.

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and I will be happy to read more of her work. I am entering the series at book 6 but it was easy to understand who was who and what was going on.

Abby McCree is the main character and in this book she is liaising for the Snowberry Creek City Council and attending local Arts and Craft fairs as the council prepares for their own. Unfortunately there is a murder at one of the fairs and Abby's friend Dayna is a suspect. Abby goes into full super sleuth mode although she is kept in line by Tripp, her lodger and would be boyfriend, and Ben and Gage, the local law officers.

Th main characters are all kind and caring about each other and very protective of Abby. The dialogue is often very funny and the mystery is suitably mysterious. I found it to be a light, entertaining and interesting read. Four stars.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in the Abby McCree Mystery series; however, it is the first one I have read. This is easily a stand alone read, so no problem there. Abby McCree is an amateur sleuth who is the newest member of Snowberry Creek's City Council. Snowberry Creek is planning to hold their first Arts and Crafts fair and Abby has been given the role of liasing between the council and the Planning Committee for the fair.

In this capacity she and a couple of her friends spend a weekend visiting nearby fairs to see what's available, meet the artists and entice them to exhibit at Snowberry Creek's fair. Unfortunately, there is a murder at one of the fairs and somehow Abby's friend Dayna becomes a prime suspect. Abby feels the need to get involved to prove her friend's innocence.

This was a fun cozy mystery and I enjoyed reading about the fairs. I also enjoyed the women's friendships and the romance between Abby and Tripp. The characters well interesting and I liked most of them. The plot was well paced and I didn't get bored at any point.

Thanks to Kengington Book through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on Decmber 27, 2022.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas's Thoughts

Abby McCree has become the newest member of the Snowberry Creek City Council and is appointed as the council liaison with a new committee that is planning the city's first Arts and Crafts fair. To prepare for the upcoming event she along with her friends, ceramic artist, Dayna Fisk, and coffee shop owner Bridey Roker take off on a girl's weekend to visit some other fairs. Abby takes time to meet with any vendors that are coming to Snowberry Creek's fair to make sure they are able to provide everything the vendor needs to make the event a success. Dayna also wants to check in at a booth carrying her works of art.

She has one last vendor to meet with but when she returns to his booth it is closed with a sign saying "Sold Out". She is disappointed but all three ladies are happy to head for home. She later learns the vendor she wanted to see was murdered and another vendor, Dayna's business partner is missing. Dayna had some terse words with the woman before walking away and the argument was witnessed by many others so the police have Dayna high up on their suspect list. This leaves Abby no choice. She knows Dayna had nothing to do with with the vendor's demise or the other vendor's missing status. She needs to get a little crafty and piece together all the clues to save Dayna all while staying under the real guilty parties' radar.

_____

I always enjoy catching up with the residents of Snowberry Creek. Abby is a favorite throughout the community, she has great organizational skills and is always ready to volunteer wherever needed. Her only problem is that she keeps finding herself involved in all these murder investigations.

Her relationship with Tripp Blackston is moving along nicely but he worries about her staying safe. It's not uncommon though to see local police chief Gage Logan and homicide detective Ben Earle along with Tripp gathered with Abby around her kitchen table discussing a case, with her dog Zeke nearby waiting for a treat or food to drop. They have grown to trust her and she had connections to so many people involved in this latest case they had no choice but to keep her in the loop while knowing she was going to be involved no matter what. These relationships are entertaining because sometimes tempers flare but they do all work well together. I also enjoyed Abby's time with her friends and the way they were always there for each other.

We were introduced to a variety of people due to the fair. They were crafty in more ways than one and it made them all very interesting. The one surprise was that there was a fortune teller at the events. Not the first thing I would think to be at an arts and crafts fair.

The mysteries put forth in this book were very intriguing but I did paste together the clues a bit faster than Abby. That did not hinder my enjoyment of this story one bit. In fact, there were a few moments when I thought I had it wrong but that final twist put everything to rights. I loved it. Not one but two exciting events leading up to another wonderful gathering around Abby's table to clear up any questions anyone may have had and put the case to rest.

The arts and crafts theme was a fun way for the series to continue and I appreciate the way veterans are proudly included in every story.

Death by Arts and Crafts was a great cozy that kept me captivated from start to finish. There was also a little foreshadowing at the end of what we can expect next for these fine characters as the series continues which left me very excited for my next visit to Snowberry Creek.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby McCree has been tasked with personally making contact with the vendors of the upcoming debut arts & craft fair for Snowberry Creek. Abby along with two friends go on a tour of nearby fairs so she can meet these vendors. Everything has gone great until the last one. When she tries to meet one artist he seems to be having a tense discussion with another man so she is unable to meet the last vendor on her list. After returning home she finds out that her business card has been found at a crime scene. She has vowed to stay out of police investigations, but will she be able to keep this resolution?

This has been a really fun cozy mystery series. This book did not disappoint, it was an entertaining cozy read. The characters have shown so much growth over the series in their relationships and character development. I really enjoy the relationships that Abby has formed with not only Tripp but Gage and Ben as well. Her fur baby Zeke is one of my favorite characters, he is so loving and protective. The mystery is well-plotted with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I recommend this book to cozy mystery fans.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.

[The Cozy Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot is going on in Death by Arts and Crafts, the latest installment in the “Abby McCree Mystery” series. An art fair has everyone excited, and as the newest member of the city council, Abby takes on more and more projects. But this time, the project is a fun one. Her job, check in with the vendors for the upcoming Snowberry Creek fair, shop, and spend the weekend with her BFF’s. Almost everyone’s idea of heaven, except one of the vendors, is murdered, and one of Abby’s BFF’s is the prime suspect.

The suspects in this book are intriguing, and there are plenty of red herrings and twists to make readers happy. The victim isn’t anyone readers will care about. However, this story makes readers wonder where the author is headed with the main character. The art fair and the city council tie-ins gave the plot a nice focus, but… I just couldn’t get into the story. The killer, I thought, was easy to spot, and the motive was unoriginal. I adore Abby, but I did not like the premise of the slight personality change that seemed to overwhelm the storyline and the character.

Overall, I found it difficult to get excited about this murder and this book. I would like to have seen less of Abby’s fearful side and more of the strong Abby we know and love. Her vulnerability was fine, but I think it just carried on too long in this story. I did not feel that the connection between Dayna and the victim was explained well enough, and there was a severe lack of motive on her part to commit murder. The art fair would have been more interesting if Abby and the others had spent more than just a couple of minutes looking at everything. The buildup to the killer’s reveal was slow, and to know one’s surprise, put Abby in danger. The constant city council projects are getting old. This was an okay read, but not my favorite in the series.

[Sue Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby McCree's a volunteer event organizer, multitudinous cookie baker and a reluctant murder solver. As the latter, her organizational skills rise to the fore and she doesn't stupidly put herself in peril as so many cozy heroines are want to do. As in the other books in the series, the characters are well defined and interesting. The mystery will keep you guessing and the writing will keep you turning pages. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby McCree has found herself wrapped up in another murder investigation, and even though she knows she shouldn't get involved, she just can't help herself.
When her friend Dayna is the prime suspect in a murder, Abby and Tripp work together to prove her innocence.
I'm happy for they way things are progressing with Abby & Tripp, they make a good pair and I enjoy their passion for keeping their friends safe.
#DeathbyArtsandCrafts #NetGalley

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Likable characters, fast paced, with lots and lots of twists and turns and red herrings. Despite her best efforts to stay out of the investigation into the murder of an iron work artist, Abby McCree does seem to have the bad luck of being in the wrong place at the wrong time when a body is discovered. And, to think, it all started with a fun combo work and girl's weekend out with friends Bridey Booker, who is about six months pregnant, and ceramic artist and long time friend Dayna Fisk. It somehow ends with Dayna being a suspect.

I'm not going to detail the plot, it's readily available elsewhere. It was one of those books I found myself reluctant to put down and spent some down time pondering who did it when doing other things. That's when I know a book has hooked me, when it makes me think.

The characters are well-rounded, with strengths and weaknesses, and includes solid friendships with police friends Gage and Ben. Ben is the more intense of the two while Gage is more protective of Abby, although neither is as invested as Tripp, who Abby isn't quite sure to describe as just a good friend or boyfriend. He, like Zeke the part mastiff dog that owns Abby (dog owners know why I use that phrase), has her back.

So, who managed to brutally kill an artist at an arts and crafts fair without being seen or heard? Why is Dayna a suspect? Why did the artist's assistant go missing? How the heck is medium Madame G involved? A seance? Well, that went off the rails quickly. And, oh, where is Dayna's missing business partner? Why....oh, never mind. This one stands on it's own so well that more teasers aren't needed. You'll quickly fall in love with Abby, the quite reluctant sleuth, who even when she isn't trying has the knack of falling into things at the wrong/right time. A fun series. Give it a read.

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me to Snowberry Creek's first-ever arts and crafts show. I'm looking forward to seeing where the ending takes us with Tripp and Abby.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in the Abby McCree Mystery series by Alexis Morgan, set in Snowberry Creek, Washington featuring Abby and Tripp Blackston.

Abby helps organisations to raise money as well as making quilts and generally keeping herself busy. She is in a good place, her tenant, Tripp Blackston is a great person, and she is currently liaising between the Snowberry Creek City Council and the new planning committee for the town’s first ever arts and crafts fair. Abby’s in Washington State, doing some groundwork on other fairs along with Something's Brewing, coffee shop and bakery owner, Bridey Kyser and potter, Dayna Fisk, Abby's friend since college. But when someone is murdered Abby reluctantly gets involved in the mystery.

With her resourcefulness and sassy attitude, I was pleased to be back in Abby's company. Alexis Morgan has surrounded Abby with a great supporting cast and Tripp especially is easy to warm to. The connection and chemistry between him and Abby are evident. Abby also has a true friendship and understanding with Police Chief Gage Logan and Ben and of course, Zeke, Abby's lovable Mastiff mix, deserves a mention. The author has written a very strong mystery here too. With its great plot, the pacing is comfortable and there were enough red herrings to keep me guessing a while. Alexis Morgan's humorous touches were neat and helped to make Death by Arts and Crafts a really compelling, fun read. A marvellous addition to this series, I was totally entertained from beginning to end. Bring on book #7!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.

[JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby McCree inherited her aunt's home and moved to Snowberry Creek after a messy divorce. She's made friends and put down roots, and has become close with her tenant, Tripp Blackston, who resides in the mother-in-law house behind hers.

In fact, she's become so much a part of the community that she was coerced into joining the city council. Now, as its newest member, she's assigned to travel to several arts and crafts fairs around the area in order to see if they, having committed to being a part of Snowberry Creek's first arts and crafts fair, will need anything the day of the fair. Along with her are her two best friends, Bridey Roker, who owns the local bakery, and Dayna Fisk, who works in ceramics.

All seems well when they begin their journey, and they have no problems until they finally reach a noted craftsman. But she can only meet the man's niece, as he seems busy, and decides to return later. But when she does, the tent is closed, and so she returns home.

Then Abby, back home, is visited by Homicide Detective Ben Earle and local sheriff Logan Gage. They have questions about her being at one of the fairs -- it seems someone was murdered and her business card was found at the scene. When she explains her actions, she's determined to stay out of this murder, which pleases the three men in her lives. But when a woman disappears and her friend Dayna is considered a suspect, things change. But how can Abby be there for Dayna and stay out of the murder? She's determined to figure it out -- but fate has a way of changing things all around...

This is the sixth book in the series and I have read them all. I must say that this is my very favorite of them. For some reason, when Abby was sad, I was also. When she cried, I felt my own tears pooling. Usually, I am not drawn into books as deeply as I was in this one, and it was indeed an emotional roller coaster. Following Abby as she tries to navigate caring for her friend and staying away from the murder isn't easy, because Abby is having a difficult time herself. Each time she tries, something else occurs that pulls her closer; it eventually begins to pull at her instincts, and we feel the uncertainty that she does as she tries to figure it all out.

But it is a final note that brings Abby to the truth, and when she does figure it out, she comes to the same conclusion as I did a bit earlier (only because, and I state this regularly, I read a lot of mysteries). Watching Abby in the climax of the book only shows us how intelligent and resourceful that she is.

When the murderer is discovered, the reasons for it seem rather sad on one side and as old as time on the other (read the book and you will understand); and yet -- there is more to come and it brings both joy and calm and expectation for the future. All is well once again in Abby's Snowberry Creek; and I am glad that it is so. Kudos to Ms. Morgan for bringing us a terrific tale of mystery and intrigue. I thoroughly enjoyed it and anxiously await the next in the series. Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Proof reading. I proof an e-mail before I send it and everything else that ends up with someone else so why can't publishers do that with their books. It's often typos but there is nothing simple about typos. Just a thought about being made of no significance by publishers.
I did enjoy this book very much. Craft fairs are nearly always fun and you can often find incredible examples of artistic craftmanship. As I read about Abby's visit to the ironworker's booth I could envisage his work and I thought I'd like to see those twisted iron stakes holding the glass balls. My next thought was that he was going to be murdered and it was as if he was real and we were being deprived of magical art pieces. Of course he was murdered. At least the murder happened at someone else's fair and not at Snowberry's very first fair.
The cast has been well established in earlier volumes but this is the first that I've read. Names are a problem when you come into a series this far in because everyone knows the surnames and are on a first name or even nickname basis with the characters but we do get everyone straight fairly quickly. I did like Zeke the dog.
Eating. I've never met a series like this where we have the details on nearly every meal the characters have. There are a tremendous number of sandwiches and take out meals- to say nothing of pie! What is wrong with an apple if you have to have a "dessert"?
The murder made sense as did the logic behind it. I liked the town, especially as it reminded me of the coastal area in which I grew up.

[Lisa Malmquist · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abby McCrfee is helping on the Snowberry Creek City Council to plan for the newest project.
The are going to host their first ever Arts and Crafts Fair.
Abby gets to go around Washington State with two of her friends to check out other fairs as part of the preparations for the one in her town.
So a nice day out with her two best friends, Brady Roker the owner of the local coffee shop and Danny Fisk a pottery artist.
While the trip looks like a big success, meanwhile, someone gets murdered at one of the fairs and Abby gets pulled into another investigation.
Her friend Danny gets put at the top of the suspect list. And other vendors are disappearing.
A complicated series of crimes to sort out.
This puts Abby in danger once again and her friends in the police department and romantic interest Tripp Blackstone is worried about her caught in the crosshairs of another killer.

[Christine LaBatt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Abby is helping organize her town’s first ever arts and crafts festival by going around and talking to participants. However, one of them ends up dead and more murder and chaos ensues. Abby investigates to solve the crime before one of her friends becomes the next victim.

I hadn’t read any of the previous In this series, which ultimately was ok. You don’t have as much insight into relationships but for the actual mystery, it’s fine! However, I felt like there wasn’t a lot of investigation. It was more things happening and then Abby stumbling upon things than her searching for clues and interviewing people.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenna (readinginjennaland) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby McCree lives in a Victorian house that she inherited from her Aunt. Her boyfriend Tripp, ex-militarily, rents the guest cottage. Abby hasn't figured out what Tripp is majoring in. Abby volunteers for the city council. The town is having a fair and they've requested that Abby meet the vendors at other fairs. Josiah owns a booth filled with iron works. Abby witnesses a fight and then later a dead body is discovered. Abby tries to stay out of investigation but somehow she gets sucked in.

This is the sixth book in the series and my first. I was definitely able to read it as a standalone. The writing and the characters are fantastic. I'm hooked on this series and I can't wait to read more.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and in this series. I enjoyed the characters and the fact that the main character, Abby, tries to stay out of trouble. Her relationship with her dog, Zeke , is what all dog owners should have with their animals. The book was a quick easy read.

[Susan Faloon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in a series but the first Abby McCree Mystery for me. It is written very well as a stand alone. I like how the author smoothly wrote this so that I understand who everyone is without her writing background, etc. This is an enjoyable mystery for me. I always like to figure everything out. I take it as a challenge. Alexis Morgan weaves a good web. I couldn't solve the entire thing. Well done.

I like the characters. Abby is obviously in a pattern of changes in her life but is serving her community and friends along the way. Mystery and danger seems to find her so she has accrued this group of new friends and want to be protectors along the way. Ben and Gage are the featured law officials in this story. Having had law enforcement officers sit around my parents table years ago the friendships in the series are very much like what I remember with my Dad's fellow officers. I love that the author pays respect to our military Veterans in her line up of characters. Abby's renter and good friend Tripp is one of the Veterans. I am certainly invited to go back into the five earlier books of the series so I can observe how this magnetic relationship starts.

I want to that the author, publisher and NetGalley for not only my advanced reader's copy of this book but the introduction to a series that I know I will enjoy. This is my own personal opinion. I will be reading more! I enjoyed this particular mystery, the characters, clean language and touch of romance. And there's a wonderful dog too.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death by Arts and Crafts is an enchanting cozy mystery. Try as she might, Abby can’t seem to keep from being drawn into the latest murder and mystery in Snowberry Creek. It doesn’t hurt that she’s well liked and trusted by the locals, and she’s good at piecing together clues. With her friend Tripp also serving as a protector, she attempts to help solve this whodunit and protect her friends, while also trying her best not to get involved in police business. I love the characters and the twists and turns as the residents of Snowberry Creek are faced with another case of foul play.

[Kay Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEATH BY ARTS AND CRAFTS by Alexis Morgan is the sixth book in the An Abby McCree Mystery Series. It’s the fabulous page turning, whodunit centered round Abby McCree and the Snowberry Creek’s first ever arts and crafts fair.

As the newest Council member, it seems that Abby finds herself volunteered for many projects. She wasn’t really surprised when she found out she was to have many jobs and to play a big part in the arts and crafts fair. She also knew if she can fit it all in, that she would also enjoy them. Her first job is to go around to like fairs in the area the weekend prior to theirs seeking out booths owners that will be appearing in the Snowberry Creek fair. After finding them, she would ask if they had any questions or requests about their fair the following weekend. Abby had the fabulous idea of combining work with pleasure by asking two of her best friends, Dayna, a potter, and Bridey, owner of Something’s Brewing, to go with her. After all, her work shouldn’t take that much time. By paying for the extra expense out of her pocket, getting a suite will make it a luxurious girl’s weekend with plenty of time for them to do some shopping and some much needed pampering.

As much as she hates it and promises it’s not going to happen again, it seems wherever Abby goes murder isn’t far behind. The work/fun weekend seems to be no exception. When Abby wasn’t able to talk personally to Josiah Garth, a prominent ironworker who was to be the big draw for their local fair, she left her business card taped to the canvas flap of his tent asking him to call if he had any questions or needs for the following weekend. When he was found murdered, it was Abby that Police Chief Gage Logan and Homicide Detective Ben Earle came calling on. All because of that business card, she is once again being pulled into a murder investigation.

When it’s discovered that Dayna had had a loud, disruptive disagreement with her business partner, who is also missing, right around the corner from the murder, it seems that the police are zeroing in on her as their prime suspect. Promises or not, Abby is not one to stand by and allow one of her friends to be railroaded for something she just couldn’t have possibly done. She’s determined to find the clues to prove her innocence. She is nothing if not protective of her friends!

Can Abby stay busy with the fair in order to stay out of trouble? Why would the council give the main attraction space to the psychic Madam G? What’s her connection to Josiah? And why is she requesting the appearance of Abby, Dayna, the Chief, and the Detective at her séance? Not seeming to show much in the way of mourning, whose work is Josiah’s niece selling in her booth? Will Abby’s investigating find clues or more bodies? Will it bring major danger to her or those she loves? Will she be able to work with the police instead of against them? Refusing to leave her unprotected, can Tripp, Abby’s boyfriend, keep her safe?

DEATH BY ARTS AND CRAFTS is one cozy mystery you won’t be able to put down. As you turn the pages, you are walking beside Abby feeling her frustration at times with the police as well as the danger that seems to lurk close by. Alexis Morgan weaves the clues and danger equally keeping you on your toes as you try to put the pieces to the puzzle together in order to figure out whodunit before the reveal. Along the way, she has the beginnings of a sweet romance on the verge of starting to mature from friends to something more, but we will have to wait until the next story to see how it develops. She does that in a way that we don’t mind because what we do know lets us know it’s in the budding stages of a blooming and fabulous new romance. Fabulous FIVE STAR book! I recommend it to those that love cozy mysteries and a great way to get hooked on them if you’ve never read one.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th installment in the Abby McCree mystery series. Abby has promised she is going to stay away from any trouble and dead bodies. So as the newest City Council member she has been selected to act as a liaison for the Arts Committee who is about to host Snowberry Creek’s first Arts and Craft Fair. Abby has been asked to attend some of the other fairs in the area to connect with some of the vendors to check for anything that can be done to help the fair go off without a hitch. Abby decides to make it a gals trip with her friend Bridey and Dayna (who is also a vendor for the upcoming fair). Abby feels the trip has been a success so far as they attend the 3rd fair in 2 days. She has just has a couple more vendors to visit and one is Madame G who is a psychic and unfortunately she decides to give her a reading and warns her about an upcoming path that will darken her door. Abby hopes it is all just for show when she tries to visit her final vendor Josiah Garth who is a high profile vendor who takes up a couple of booths with all his handcrafted metal works and furniture. Abby witnesses Josiah having a very heated argument with a man but talks to his niece Jenny instead. Abby’s friend Dayna also had business to talk to her business partner and why she is not selling her pottery as well and this ends in a heated argument and Dayna being very upset. Abby attempts one more time to connect with Josiah before they leave but his tent is shut down. Abby later learns when Gage (Sheriff) and Ben (County Detective) arrive at her door asking why her business cards were at a crime scene that Josiah has been murdered and Dayna’s business partner Wendy has gone missing. Abby has promised to not get involved into another police investigation but that does not really work very well for her. She does not do active investigation like she has in prior investigations but she is in the middle of the investigation and being threatened. Abby and Tripp keep dancing around the nature of their relationship with it becoming very clear they are exclusive and are meant for each other. The finally are officially a couple at the end of the story. I have enjoyed every single story and this was no exception. I enjoy the relationship of Gage and Ben along with all her other friends. Maybe there will be some romantic interests for those two gentlemen sometime soon in the future. Love this series and look forward to the next installment.

[Lauren Afflerback · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby McCree is still finding her place in her new town of Snowberry. She inherited her aunt’s home and finds herself falling more in love with the place she now calls home. She has her new friends, many responsibilities that she gets volunteered for and it doesn’t hurt that her tenant (ok he may be more than that) is attractive. All is good. Except one thing, she keeps finding herself in the middle of murder investigations. When two of her business cards end up at a murder scene in the middle of a craft fair, Abby is questioned and tries to steer clear. But as the mysterious Madam G predicted, she goes on the path to solve that happened to the victim while also trying to find out what happened to her best friend’s business partner. Will a séance be the answer to whodunit?
I love small town, cozy murder mysteries. They seem to pull me in and keep me guessing until the end. Thanks to NetGalley, I was able to dive into this one.
This is the first book I have read in the Abby McCree series, but it turns out you don’t necessarily need to read them all in order. There are some brief reminders written in to give you the clear picture of Abby’s life. The title automatically called out to me because I am a crafter, so of course I needed to know what this book was about. There wasn’t a whole lot about the crafts themselves, but it made sense to why the title is what it is..
I was immediately sucked in and ended up finishing the book in about two days. I did enjoy it, but I was hoping for more “investigation”. I guess Abby was really trying to stay out of the way. It felt like things kind of just “fell” into her lap and found them out instead of seeing the process that led up to the clues being found.
I loved her rapport with the chief and detective. Her “mean streak” had me giggling and the kindness she had to still feed them was something that I could relate to. Even if she was very mad at them. I also love how protective she is over those she cares for.
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. I would recommend this to my friends that love murder mysteries and do not have a whole lot of time to sit and read. It was a quick and fun read but left me wanting more. I do plan on finding the other books and reading them too.

[Ashley P]

I actually started reading this book before turning around and deciding to read the previous five first. From what I understand though is that you could read this book as a standalone.

The Victim(s)
Ooooh, this book has SO many victims in it! I don't know why I'm celebrating that. Some end up dead, and some walk away from it. Some, however do not. They are varied in behaviour and how they are perceived and the variety kept me guessing.

The Suspects
Due to the sheer amount of victims this book kept me guessing in the best ways. Some of them seemed too out there to be serious suspects, while others seemed a little too obvious. They were just as varied in personality as the victims and it seemed like a real change from the previous books.

The Scene(s) of the Crime(s)
Craft fairs! Workshops! Someone's house! Variety is the spice of life, and this has me wondering if I should keep walls off my craft cubicle.

The Characters
Abby - she is getting spicier and spicier with each book and I absolutely love that. She's really coming into her own, and while she does sometimes make remarks about ladies not being able to swear, I still like her. But sometimes, girl, it's nice to let one or two out. And does she get roped into yet another town duty? Yes she sure does.

Tripp - He's learned how to talk about his feelings! Just a little bit but enough to have me beaming. He deserves happiness.

Dayna - Abby's BFF was in the book just enough for me to be interested in her work as a pottery artist, but not enough for me to trust her.

Gage - Not enough Gage in this book but when he's there he's still a big presence.

The Plot

This book has one of the stronger plots of any of the books and might actually be my favourite. I loved that part of the crime happened outside of Snowberry Creek. It made everything more interesting, to see how the characters interacted with each other in different environments.

The fairs being set as a backdrop for the book was awesome. It allowed for the suspects, and potential victims to move around each other and for the reader to become more interested in who they are and what they were doing.

I also always love learning more about the people of Snowberry Creek.

[Lghiggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although Abby and Tripp, the protagonists of Death by Arts and Crafts, are good main characters, my favorite character in this series is Zeke, Abby’s faithful mastiff-mix, with a huge drool factor and a sweetly manipulative personality. Abby doesn’t need to work, at least temporarily, and spends a lot of time volunteering on civic events. As the title indicates, in this cozy mystery, she is the liaison between the town council and the committee for Snowberry Creek’s first arts and crafts fair. Tripp is a twenty year veteran for the Special Forces and rents the mother-in-law house on Abby’s property while he attends college. He and Abby have grown close, and his protective instinct clicks in quickly when she is in danger—which happens a lot in this mystery.

Abby and two of her friends enjoy a girls’ weekend visiting neighboring fairs and are surprised to discover when they return home that a murder occurred under their noses. They are interviewed by Ben, a homicide detective, and Gage, the local police chief. From that point, things get more complicated and dangerous for Abby and her friend Dayna. Dayna is a potter who discovers her art partner Wendy has been less than honest in her business dealings. This mystery has lots of threads, several murders, some attacks, and a kidnapping. There is resolution in the end along with the revelation of surprising motivations. I enjoyed coming along for the ride, watching the mystery play out, and observing the growing friendship of Tripp and Abby.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Carolyn Bragg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby McCree and two of her friends are checking out local arts and crafts fairs over the weekend, making it a girl's outing. For her, it's part of her community assignment as liaison for Snowberry Creek's first arts & craft fair. For the others, it's more of a shopping trip.

The last fair they visit poses some particular difficulties. And by the day after they return home, someone is missing, someone is dead, and a fair fortune teller has warned Abbey to stay out of the police investigation. She thinks. Those predictions are so vague, they could mean anything, right?

Do things get better? Yes, and no. More intrigue, more scheming, a pool of blood, and Abby's tenant (and kinda boyfriend) becomes more protective--in a nice way. But that's not the half of it! Hold onto your funnel cakes folks! If these people aren't drinking beverages and eating tasty treats, there is almost non-stop action! Your mission is to keep up with the cast and list of crimes...and identify the killers!

This was an enjoyable fair-time story with some romance (of sorts) on the side, and a lovable slobbery dog.

3.8/5 Stars

Thanks to Kensington Books, Kensington Cozies, and NetGalley for the temporary ecopy preview of this book; any review is voluntary and entirely my own opinion.

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[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death by Arts and Crafts is the 6th Abby McCree mystery. Whenever I pick an Abby mystery up I wonder how she could not have a job and yet spend money so freely. I know she has money from her former business and inherited her aunt’s house free and clear, but still. You’ll see what I mean about spending when Abby visits craft fairs with her friends Bridey and Dayna.
After the last encounter with a killer, Abby promised Tripp, Gage and Ben that she would stay out of police investigations. And she really does try even though her thoughts whirl with curiosity and questions when she learns that one of the artists she visited has been murdered.
I like how creative the author is in coming up with settings for the mystery to play out. There has been a big movie night in the park, an auction, a race and an arts and craft fair. It allows the main players to be the same but bring together new characters that figure into the murder.
I think the mystery is well written and has some good red herrings. I didn’t connect the dots until the end. I enjoyed reading Death by Arts and Crafts. I think it’s a mystery you can pick up at any part of the series. The main characters are well described and the relationships clear, so if you haven’t gotten to know Abby McCree pick up Death by Arts and Crafts and make her acquaintance.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to review this book.

[Myarn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death by Arts and Crafts by Alexis Morgan (Abby McCree Mystery #6) 5 stars

Ever the volunteer or is it ever always drafted, Abby McCree has her hands full as a new council member. Next on the ever growing list of duties is official liaison between the City Council and the committee running the first Arts and Crafts Fair in Snowberry Creek. But the job seems fun and Abby is able to turn it into a girls weekend with her friends Bridey and Dayna. All Abby has to do is meet with some of the vendors that have signed up for the Snowberry Fair. So over that weekend, Abby and friends visit about four fairs to meet vendors and do some reconnaissance. Unfortunately, one of the contracted vendors is murdered and Abby is questioned because her business card is found at the crime scene. Abby is determined to stay out of the investigation, but due to suspicious circumstances, Dayna ends up a suspect. Abby will have to use all her skills and ingenuity to find the real culprit.

I love the Abby McCree mysteries; they are fun and great reads. I love the relationships between Abby and the supporting characters. The romance between Abby and Tripp Blackston has been on a steady trajectory since Book One and this book has a milestone for their story. I look forward to the next book in this series.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advanced e-copy in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: 12/27/22.

3.5*

Abby is helping with her town's inaugural arts and crafts fair by visiting local fairs to gain insights and chat with the vendors before the big weekend. Right before the big day, however, her business card gets found at a murder scene... and Abby all of a sudden is brought into the investigation. Although this was one of the best-written cozies I've read, it didn't give me the same comfort a cozy normally does.

Throughout the entire book, Abby is incredibly reluctant to get involved in the investigation. In fact, multiple times she stops any consideration of the murder or who may have done it to stay out of it. While this may be realistic, it didn't feel very characteristic of a cozy. I don't feel like I got any amateur sleuthing, any deductions, or any fun with the actual mystery. I'll admit that she seems pretty jaded due to past experiences (which I didn't read as this was my entrance into the series) but still... it resulted in a less fun read despite the good writing.

Side note: the amount of dessert these people consume is honestly just impressive. Who eats that many cookies in a day? Or pie? I wish the answer was me.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: Abby has been steamrolled. Into helping with another community event, this time an Arts and Crafts festival. In preparation for the weekend, she and two of her friends including potter Dayna travel to other festivals the weekend before so Abby can touch base with the artists who will be attending their festival as well. Things are going well until the man who was to headline the Snowberry event is murdered. When Dayna’s business partner goes missing, she becomes embroiled in the investigation that may or may not be connected to the murder.

Abby has all the best intentions. She has had enough close calls to leave the detecting to her two cop friends. But try as she might, she seems to be a magnet for intrigue and deadly doings. Good thing she has three capable men looking out for her- the two cops and Tripp, her erstwhile tenant and possibly something else far more intimate. The characters are always interesting as is the dynamic between Abby, Tripp, and Gage, one of the cops. She constantly feeds them and they constantly try to keep her out of trouble. It is always fun to see how she gets enmeshed in the mystery and how she gets herself out of it. This story does not disappoint.

Five purrs and two paws up.

[Jerri Cachero · Rating 4 out of 5]

A first time festival, is planned for Snowberry Creek to draw visitors to the cozy city. Arts and crafts booths, fun food, activities are all set to go.....unfortunately, someone added murder to the list of events! Abby McCree is once again smack dab in the middle of a deadly investigation. As the newest city council member in Snowberry Creek, Abby is assigned the task of meeting with vendors who will be participating in the their first festival. Everything is on a roll until the vendors she visited with start disappearing. If Abby isn't careful, she may be next!I

Abby is a strong woman whose kind heart and natural curiosity lead her into sleuthing. However, she has good friends who are there to help. One of the reasons I enjoy this series,is the strong sense of community. Another is the growing relationship between Abby and her boyfriend, Tripp. It's a mature romance that has grown over the series. Tripp is very supportive of Abby as are her friends Betsy and Dayna. So many things happen in this book that you won't want to put it down!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Mackenzie Busalacchi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death by Arts and Crafts is a delightfully fun cozy mystery. Abby, the newest member of the Snowberry Creek city council, finds herself on the planning committee for the town's first arts and crafts fair. With her friends by her side, Abby visits a number of other fairs across the state in order to compare set ups and talk with the artists. What was supposed to be a fun weekend with her girls turns deadly when one of the local artists is found murdered. Once again (and not to the delight of the local police), Abby is caught up in a homicide investigation, one in which her dear friend is a prime suspect.

Death by Arts and Crafts has everything a good cozy needs: small town vibes, delicious food, close friends, and an adorable fuzzy roommate. The mystery was entertaining and kept me guessing until the end. The fair setting is perfect and brought back many memories of attending similar festivals. Death by Arts and Crafts is an excellent read for anyone looking for a fast, cozy mystery.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An outing for Abby (as a new member of the city council) and her two friends to check out vendors who have signed up to be part of Snowberry Creek's first Arts and Crafts fair turns out to have something unwelcome added - a dead vendor. Because her business cards were found at the scene, the police come asking questions. Abby promised to stay away from investigating, she really did. However when the police turn their attention to her friend. Dyna, making her more than just a person of interest, Abby jumps in to clear her of suspicion. With the help of friends and her tenant/boyfriend Tripp Abby sets out to find the killer.
This entry works as a stand alone. The small PNW town makes a lovely setting, the recurring characters are people the reader comes to care about and the puzzle has many twists, turns and a few red herrings. I guessed wrong but that never, ever bothers me. Oh and I mustn't forget to mention Abby's great dog, Zeke.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.