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A Sewing Studio Mystery #1
Seams Like Murder
Abbey Chandler needs a new start and a place to escape, so Hideaway Grove, where she spent her childhood summers, seems like a perfect choice. Once there, she takes up a rewarding new hobby—but also gets tangled up in a hit-and-run homicide . . .
Abbey has barely arrived in the quaint, quiet town of Hideaway Grove before things turn from blissful to bloody—as the new librarian is mowed down by a car. The only witness on the scene isn’t much help, aside from handing Abbey the bag of books dropped by the victim. Even worse, the sheriff’s office seizes Abbey’s car because of a suspicious dent in the right front fender.
While she waits for the problem to be sorted out, Abbey is drawn into a charity sewing project—even though she can’t tell a bobbin from a seam ripper. Before she knows it, she’s graduating from pillowcase dresses to aprons, setting up a studio in a back room of her aunt’s bakery, and making plans to participate in the upcoming craft fair.
But through it all, she keeps looking for patterns and possible conflicts in the late librarian’s personal, professional, and romantic life. Then a shocking discovery sends her in a new direction, and as the truth begins to unspool, she’s got a notion about who’s guilty . . .
Abbey has barely arrived in the quaint, quiet town of Hideaway Grove before things turn from blissful to bloody—as the new librarian is mowed down by a car. The only witness on the scene isn’t much help, aside from handing Abbey the bag of books dropped by the victim. Even worse, the sheriff’s office seizes Abbey’s car because of a suspicious dent in the right front fender.
While she waits for the problem to be sorted out, Abbey is drawn into a charity sewing project—even though she can’t tell a bobbin from a seam ripper. Before she knows it, she’s graduating from pillowcase dresses to aprons, setting up a studio in a back room of her aunt’s bakery, and making plans to participate in the upcoming craft fair.
But through it all, she keeps looking for patterns and possible conflicts in the late librarian’s personal, professional, and romantic life. Then a shocking discovery sends her in a new direction, and as the truth begins to unspool, she’s got a notion about who’s guilty . . .
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2022
158 people are currently reading
1691 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Howell
78 books272 followersDorothy Howell writes for two publishing houses, in two genres, under two names. She writes mysteries as Dorothy Howell historical romance novels under the pseudonym Judith Stacy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
August 28, 2022
This was a very enjoyable and interesting first book in a new series. Abbey Chandler's job in L.A. comes to an unplanned and sticky end and she runs back to a place from her childhood, appropriately named Hideaway Grove. Almost immediately she is in the wrong place at the wrong time when the local librarian dies in a hit and run. Was it an accident or was it murder? Abbey sets out to find out.
What I enjoyed the most was the pillow case dresses which people in the town are making for African missions. Abbey gets very involved in this and I was mystified as to what they must look like. Then I looked properly at the cover and there are a couple hanging up there which are absolutely gorgeous. It was totally new to me but what a great idea!
Of course there are lots of fun townsfolk, a very unpleasant policeman, a much nicer policeman who is the love interest and a mysterious orange cat called Cheddar. The mystery is intriguing and practically unguessable until the end of the book. It was all well written and entertaining and I look forward to a second book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
What I enjoyed the most was the pillow case dresses which people in the town are making for African missions. Abbey gets very involved in this and I was mystified as to what they must look like. Then I looked properly at the cover and there are a couple hanging up there which are absolutely gorgeous. It was totally new to me but what a great idea!
Of course there are lots of fun townsfolk, a very unpleasant policeman, a much nicer policeman who is the love interest and a mysterious orange cat called Cheddar. The mystery is intriguing and practically unguessable until the end of the book. It was all well written and entertaining and I look forward to a second book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 28, 2022
I really enjoyed the way this cozy mystery built into a heartwarming fellowship of good neighbors helping each other. Abbey Chandler left the hectic pace of Los Angeles behind for the much slower pace in Hideaway Grove where her Aunt Sarah runs Sarah’s Sweets Bakery. Almost immediately, an ill-timed hit-and-run accident takes the life of the town’s librarian, Iris Duncan. It happens in the alley behind several stores, including the bakery! The intriguing plot begins to move swiftly forward. Soon, the only witness leaves town.
Abbey decides to prove Iris was murdered and find the killer herself! She also starts organizing a storage room where Sarah and her neighboring shop owner, Gretchen, planned to turn into a gift shop. Gretchen, who is out of town, made pillowcase dresses for girls in Africa, but Abbey isn’t confident she can sew well enough to keep up the flow of donations. However, the space is soon called the Sewing Studio and many folks stop in and admire it while encouraging Abbey to continue sewing the simple dresses. Someone is also breaking into shops and making a mess in the alley. Handsome Detective Zack McKenna tries to keep Abbey safe and welcomes any information she can provide to move the case forward.
I liked Abbey’s strength of character. Her idea for a Pillowcase Party was fun, and she got to meet a lot of people. I felt like the story’s pacing was just right, and the ending and reasoning for Iris’s death was surprising and satisfying. The author includes a dress pattern.
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
Abbey decides to prove Iris was murdered and find the killer herself! She also starts organizing a storage room where Sarah and her neighboring shop owner, Gretchen, planned to turn into a gift shop. Gretchen, who is out of town, made pillowcase dresses for girls in Africa, but Abbey isn’t confident she can sew well enough to keep up the flow of donations. However, the space is soon called the Sewing Studio and many folks stop in and admire it while encouraging Abbey to continue sewing the simple dresses. Someone is also breaking into shops and making a mess in the alley. Handsome Detective Zack McKenna tries to keep Abbey safe and welcomes any information she can provide to move the case forward.
I liked Abbey’s strength of character. Her idea for a Pillowcase Party was fun, and she got to meet a lot of people. I felt like the story’s pacing was just right, and the ending and reasoning for Iris’s death was surprising and satisfying. The author includes a dress pattern.
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
August 15, 2022
This book caught my eye as I was looking for something light and fun to read and I thought a cozy mystery would be just right. The book has a cute cover and is the first in a new series.
Abby Chandler was living in Los Angeles and it seemed like everything in her life was falling apart. She packed up and went to her aunt's home in Hideaway Grove, the place she had spent her childhood summers. Soon after she arrived the town's librarian was hit by a car and died. The driver didn't stop and the circumstances were somewhat suspicious as a witness is convinced this was not an accident. Through circumstance Abbey comes under suspicion by the local Sheriff and her car is taken as it has a suspicious dent in the fender. Abbey is stranded at her aunt's house. While she is staying there, she becomes involved in some of the town's activities, takes up a new hobby, and resolves to find the librarian's murderer.
This was just what I was looking for and I enjoyed this mystery. There were a number of suspects and I wasn't sure who the culprit was until near the end. This is a short, easy read I would recommend to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on September 27, 2022.
Abby Chandler was living in Los Angeles and it seemed like everything in her life was falling apart. She packed up and went to her aunt's home in Hideaway Grove, the place she had spent her childhood summers. Soon after she arrived the town's librarian was hit by a car and died. The driver didn't stop and the circumstances were somewhat suspicious as a witness is convinced this was not an accident. Through circumstance Abbey comes under suspicion by the local Sheriff and her car is taken as it has a suspicious dent in the fender. Abbey is stranded at her aunt's house. While she is staying there, she becomes involved in some of the town's activities, takes up a new hobby, and resolves to find the librarian's murderer.
This was just what I was looking for and I enjoyed this mystery. There were a number of suspects and I wasn't sure who the culprit was until near the end. This is a short, easy read I would recommend to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on September 27, 2022.
July 28, 2022
Seams Like Murder was a fun read. It is the first of this series. Abbey Chandler is the main character who has come to visit her aunt Sarah who lives in the town of Hideaway Grove. Her aunt owns Sarah's Sweets Bakery. Abbey left her job in L.A. as she made a mistake on an account but word had gone around that she had a fight with her supervisor and was taken out by security which was not true.
While visiting her aunt's shop they hear Earline screaming and went to investigate. They found Iris Duncan the librarian, dead against the building. Earline shouted that someone killed her by a hit and run. Iris had moved to Hideaway Grove a few months ago an was liked by everyone. They called 911 and the police came. Ed Grumman, police chief and Zack McKenna, policeman arrived. Later that day the sheriff came and possessed Abbey's car as it had a dent on the front bumper. Abbey was afraid that the sheriff thought that she was involved with the hit and run so she felt that she would have to find out who did it to clear herself. Earline was upset that the townspeople did not believe her and she would be the talk of the town with the gossip. When delivering cookies to Earline from her aunt Earline tells her that she is going to get out of town and go and visit her sister. She gives her a tote bag with books in it to return to the library. She had picked it up when Iris was killed in the alley. Abbey says she will check on her house for her. When having lunch at the Parliament Cafe talking with the waitress, Melanie Abbie realized that Earline did not tell them that she had left town. She was a waitress there.
This is where the story takes the reader on an adventure of Abbie following up on whodunit and Abbie fitting into the town, There is the second part of the story about a group of woman sewing pillow case dresses for the children in Africa. Abbey learns how to sew the dresses as well as aprons and tote bags, etc. The two parts of the story emerge together to bring the story to the exciting climax.
I look forward to the next book in the series to Abbie adjusts to her new life in Hideaway Grove along with her friends and townspeople. There is also romance in the air.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for this ARC.
While visiting her aunt's shop they hear Earline screaming and went to investigate. They found Iris Duncan the librarian, dead against the building. Earline shouted that someone killed her by a hit and run. Iris had moved to Hideaway Grove a few months ago an was liked by everyone. They called 911 and the police came. Ed Grumman, police chief and Zack McKenna, policeman arrived. Later that day the sheriff came and possessed Abbey's car as it had a dent on the front bumper. Abbey was afraid that the sheriff thought that she was involved with the hit and run so she felt that she would have to find out who did it to clear herself. Earline was upset that the townspeople did not believe her and she would be the talk of the town with the gossip. When delivering cookies to Earline from her aunt Earline tells her that she is going to get out of town and go and visit her sister. She gives her a tote bag with books in it to return to the library. She had picked it up when Iris was killed in the alley. Abbey says she will check on her house for her. When having lunch at the Parliament Cafe talking with the waitress, Melanie Abbie realized that Earline did not tell them that she had left town. She was a waitress there.
This is where the story takes the reader on an adventure of Abbie following up on whodunit and Abbie fitting into the town, There is the second part of the story about a group of woman sewing pillow case dresses for the children in Africa. Abbey learns how to sew the dresses as well as aprons and tote bags, etc. The two parts of the story emerge together to bring the story to the exciting climax.
I look forward to the next book in the series to Abbie adjusts to her new life in Hideaway Grove along with her friends and townspeople. There is also romance in the air.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for this ARC.
September 28, 2022
When her life in Los Angeles falls apart, Abbey Chandler heads up the California coast to the town of Hideaway Grove where she spent many happy summers as a child visiting her aunt. Abbey’s hardly arrived before she catches a glimpse of a hit and run behind her aunt’s bakery. Now, instead of trying to figure out what to do with her life, Abbey is trying to figure out who killed the town’s new librarian. Everyone seemed to love the victim. Who wanted her dead?
This book gets out to a quick start, but then the pacing becomes uneven. There is lots of set up for future books in the series here. I enjoyed seeing Abbey reconnect with old friends and making new ones as well as discovering a love of sewing, but it did slow things down. Don’t misunderstand, there is a good mystery here, and I like how things came together at the end. I also really liked most of the characters, although the sheriff was shockingly clueless. There are many scenes in the aunt’s bakery that will have you drooling, but this is a crafting cozy series, so our extra is a guide to creating pillowcase dresses. If you are looking for a promising new series, this is one to check out.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This book gets out to a quick start, but then the pacing becomes uneven. There is lots of set up for future books in the series here. I enjoyed seeing Abbey reconnect with old friends and making new ones as well as discovering a love of sewing, but it did slow things down. Don’t misunderstand, there is a good mystery here, and I like how things came together at the end. I also really liked most of the characters, although the sheriff was shockingly clueless. There are many scenes in the aunt’s bakery that will have you drooling, but this is a crafting cozy series, so our extra is a guide to creating pillowcase dresses. If you are looking for a promising new series, this is one to check out.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
December 20, 2022
Review coming soon.
August 19, 2023
Dollycas's Thoughts
Abbey Chandler's life in Los Angeles gets turned upside down so she decides to return to her happy place in Hideaway Grove where she knows her Aunt Sarah and her bakery will welcome her and give her time to decide where she wants to go with her life. Abbey doesn't even have time to recover from the long drive before her car is impounded and she is at the top of the suspect list for the hit-and-run homicide of the new librarian.
With no car, Abbey finds herself pretty much sidelined but while cleaning up a new area at the bakery she learns about a charity sewing project that a friend of her aunt's was working on before she had to leave town to go help her daughter. Abbey's sewing skills are pretty minimal but the project looks pretty basic and she hopes she can get some other members of the community to help her to reach the goal needed by the charity. Soon she has making pillowcase dresses down pat and moves on to make so aprons for her aunt's bakery. She has even been encouraged to sell some items at the upcoming craft fair.
While doing all the crafting she is also working on clearing her name and trying to pin down the real hit-and-run culprit. As the clues start to seam together it may be Abbey that gets hemmed in by the killer unless she can get a little help from her friends.
____
Abbey Chandler's life is certainly in flux and for a while, it affected her whole demeanor. Her aunt really didn't need her help at the bakery but everyone thought she was the perfect person to take over the pillowcase project when the only thing she had ever sewn was a skirt several years ago and she did an awful job at that. Then she finds herself on a festival committee in charge of getting donations from the town merchants. She didn't or wasn't given the opportunity to say "no" to anything. Thankfully, there were people to help her out and boost her confidence. Connie, who runs the local fabric store was a godsend. I also loved Abbey's idea of a Pillowcase Party to get the community involved in the charity project and it was also a good way to meet people and get information about the librarian's death.
We also meet several members of the community. An old friend of Abbey's is clearly dealing with something but Abbey isn't sure how to help her. Detective Zack McKenna became a key part of Abbey's life. He seemed to pop up wherever she was. He knew she was investigating and he was trying to keep her safe but there was plenty of romantic tension too. The author did a good job of character development for the first book in the series but we still have plenty to learn about all the characters as the series continues.
While I liked most of the characters there was one who I abhorred. Sheriff Ed Grumman was clueless and really abused the limits allowed by the law and sadly got away with it. Abbey was the last person he should have suspected. He was rude and condescending and I hope he is replaced soon.
The mystery was good but I did pin down the killer pretty early. I did enjoy the way Abbey did her investigation though and all the people that helped her. A break-in and some vandalism really shook up the town with a murderer on the loose. There were some nice twists and the final one surprised her. The showdown was quite exciting and I loved the way it all played out.
Prior to my accident in 2001, my happy places were my sewing room and any fabric store. I made most of my own and my kid's clothes and even several things for my husband. I was making quilts and quilted projects for everyone too. Instead of staying up late reading like I do now, I stayed up late sewing after working my day job 40 hours a week and taking care of my family. My accident that left my right side basically useless took both my job and my crafting away. That is why I love to read books like this one. When Abbey went into Connie's Fabrics I saw myself.
I wandered through the aisles. This store seemed so exciting now. All the colors, the patterns, the textures, -- the possibilities. My imagination came alive with the things I could create.
I miss those days so much but by reading books like Seams Like Murder I can live vicariously through the characters. It is much cheaper :) but sadly there are no tangible items made. I still have my machines and a heck of a lot of fabric, books, and patterns. I can't give them up because there is always hope I will be able to figure out a way to create again someday.
Seams Like Murder has set this series off to a great start. It did touch my heart in such a good way. I love the idea of a Sewing Studio and the way Abbey is embracing it. I am happy to see the next book in the series is being released on September 26 so I don't have to wait too long for my next trip to Hideaway Grove.
Abbey Chandler's life in Los Angeles gets turned upside down so she decides to return to her happy place in Hideaway Grove where she knows her Aunt Sarah and her bakery will welcome her and give her time to decide where she wants to go with her life. Abbey doesn't even have time to recover from the long drive before her car is impounded and she is at the top of the suspect list for the hit-and-run homicide of the new librarian.
With no car, Abbey finds herself pretty much sidelined but while cleaning up a new area at the bakery she learns about a charity sewing project that a friend of her aunt's was working on before she had to leave town to go help her daughter. Abbey's sewing skills are pretty minimal but the project looks pretty basic and she hopes she can get some other members of the community to help her to reach the goal needed by the charity. Soon she has making pillowcase dresses down pat and moves on to make so aprons for her aunt's bakery. She has even been encouraged to sell some items at the upcoming craft fair.
While doing all the crafting she is also working on clearing her name and trying to pin down the real hit-and-run culprit. As the clues start to seam together it may be Abbey that gets hemmed in by the killer unless she can get a little help from her friends.
____
Abbey Chandler's life is certainly in flux and for a while, it affected her whole demeanor. Her aunt really didn't need her help at the bakery but everyone thought she was the perfect person to take over the pillowcase project when the only thing she had ever sewn was a skirt several years ago and she did an awful job at that. Then she finds herself on a festival committee in charge of getting donations from the town merchants. She didn't or wasn't given the opportunity to say "no" to anything. Thankfully, there were people to help her out and boost her confidence. Connie, who runs the local fabric store was a godsend. I also loved Abbey's idea of a Pillowcase Party to get the community involved in the charity project and it was also a good way to meet people and get information about the librarian's death.
We also meet several members of the community. An old friend of Abbey's is clearly dealing with something but Abbey isn't sure how to help her. Detective Zack McKenna became a key part of Abbey's life. He seemed to pop up wherever she was. He knew she was investigating and he was trying to keep her safe but there was plenty of romantic tension too. The author did a good job of character development for the first book in the series but we still have plenty to learn about all the characters as the series continues.
While I liked most of the characters there was one who I abhorred. Sheriff Ed Grumman was clueless and really abused the limits allowed by the law and sadly got away with it. Abbey was the last person he should have suspected. He was rude and condescending and I hope he is replaced soon.
The mystery was good but I did pin down the killer pretty early. I did enjoy the way Abbey did her investigation though and all the people that helped her. A break-in and some vandalism really shook up the town with a murderer on the loose. There were some nice twists and the final one surprised her. The showdown was quite exciting and I loved the way it all played out.
Prior to my accident in 2001, my happy places were my sewing room and any fabric store. I made most of my own and my kid's clothes and even several things for my husband. I was making quilts and quilted projects for everyone too. Instead of staying up late reading like I do now, I stayed up late sewing after working my day job 40 hours a week and taking care of my family. My accident that left my right side basically useless took both my job and my crafting away. That is why I love to read books like this one. When Abbey went into Connie's Fabrics I saw myself.
I wandered through the aisles. This store seemed so exciting now. All the colors, the patterns, the textures, -- the possibilities. My imagination came alive with the things I could create.
I miss those days so much but by reading books like Seams Like Murder I can live vicariously through the characters. It is much cheaper :) but sadly there are no tangible items made. I still have my machines and a heck of a lot of fabric, books, and patterns. I can't give them up because there is always hope I will be able to figure out a way to create again someday.
Seams Like Murder has set this series off to a great start. It did touch my heart in such a good way. I love the idea of a Sewing Studio and the way Abbey is embracing it. I am happy to see the next book in the series is being released on September 26 so I don't have to wait too long for my next trip to Hideaway Grove.
September 21, 2022
I received an advance copy via NetGalley.
This cozy mystery is set in the fictional California town of Hideaway Hollow, an owl-obsessed small town packed with gossip and primed for murder. Abbey visited her baker aunt there during her childhood summers, but now has rolled up in town, fleeing Los Angeles and an embarrassing incident at work that's left her mortified. Upon arrival, she encounters a hit and run accident that leaves a local librarian dead. When her car's bumper dent makes her a suspect and causes her vehicle to be taken by the police, she busies her days trying to solve the suspicious death so she can leave--and in the meantime is embroiled in small town gossip and volunteer work.
The set up is great, but the execution didn't click for me. So many of the major aspects of the mystery felt forced. The way Abbey is regarded as a suspect doesn't make sense to me as a reader or even to anyone in the book, but managed to trap her in town. She doesn't do anything to try to get her old job back--that situation escalates on its own. She doesn't even want to start the sewing studio, but is horned into it by busybodies who ignored every word she said. I felt more frustrated as I read, and didn't feel satisfied at the end when my prime suspect from the start ended up being guilty.
This cozy mystery is set in the fictional California town of Hideaway Hollow, an owl-obsessed small town packed with gossip and primed for murder. Abbey visited her baker aunt there during her childhood summers, but now has rolled up in town, fleeing Los Angeles and an embarrassing incident at work that's left her mortified. Upon arrival, she encounters a hit and run accident that leaves a local librarian dead. When her car's bumper dent makes her a suspect and causes her vehicle to be taken by the police, she busies her days trying to solve the suspicious death so she can leave--and in the meantime is embroiled in small town gossip and volunteer work.
The set up is great, but the execution didn't click for me. So many of the major aspects of the mystery felt forced. The way Abbey is regarded as a suspect doesn't make sense to me as a reader or even to anyone in the book, but managed to trap her in town. She doesn't do anything to try to get her old job back--that situation escalates on its own. She doesn't even want to start the sewing studio, but is horned into it by busybodies who ignored every word she said. I felt more frustrated as I read, and didn't feel satisfied at the end when my prime suspect from the start ended up being guilty.
September 14, 2022
Things are not going well for Abbey but she hopes an impromptu visit to see her aunt will help her figure out what to do next. However, a questionable hit and run accident behind her aunt's bakery causes the sheriff to be suspicious of Abbey and it appears the deputy is always lurking in the shadows. Now it seems like Abbey might have even bigger problems.
This was an entertaining mystery with relatable characters and just an innuendo of romance. There are so many ways this story could go and I look forward to seeing what the author does with the second book in the Sewing Studio Mystery series. Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
This was an entertaining mystery with relatable characters and just an innuendo of romance. There are so many ways this story could go and I look forward to seeing what the author does with the second book in the Sewing Studio Mystery series. Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 6, 2022
Seams Like Murder is the first in a new series and it features Abbey Chandler, a twenty-four-year-old who returns to Hideaway Grove, her aunt's hometown, having left her job in Los Angeles. Aunt Sarah, age 59, owns a bakery called Sarah's Sweets. Abbey bumps into one of her acquaintances, Brooke, then as she and Sarah are on their way back to Sarah's house on Hummingbird Lane they hear screaming from one of Sarah's neighbours, Earlene, who has just witnessed a hit-and-run. Iris Duncan, the new librarian is dead.
A great mystery with a good number of suspects, I had a ball puzzling over the likely culprit. Good concealment by the author and excellent characterisation. I hope to follow this series.
This review was written voluntarily and my rating was in no way influenced by the fact that I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from Kensington via NetGalley.
A great mystery with a good number of suspects, I had a ball puzzling over the likely culprit. Good concealment by the author and excellent characterisation. I hope to follow this series.
This review was written voluntarily and my rating was in no way influenced by the fact that I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from Kensington via NetGalley.
September 24, 2022
After being suspended from her job in Los Angeles, Abbey Chandler decides to get away from it all. She visits her aunt, Sarah, in Hideaway Grove. What she thought would be a relaxing visit, turned into anything but relaxing.
A beloved local librarian is run down by a car and the car resembles Abbey’s car. The sheriff immediately suspects Abbey and takes her car in as evidence. There is one witness who gives Abbey a bag of books the librarian had dropped, but the witness soon vanishes.
Since the sheriff is determined to blame Abbey, she decides to do some of her own investigating. She quickly learns the librarian wasn’t beloved at all. There are many other potential suspects that fit the bill better than Abbey. After all, she didn’t even know the woman.
As the investigation continues, Abbey keeps herself busy by opening a sewing studio in the back of her aunt’s bakery. She gets a group of townspeople to work on a charity sewing project. While that occupies her time, she can’t get her mind off the investigation and clearing her name.
I fell in love with Hideaway Grove right away. The town is made up of interesting characters and shops. It felt like a town I’d enjoy living in without the mystery part, of course.
Abbey is a strong character. There are hints at a romance, but the main focus is the mystery. The story is fast paced with many twists and turns along the way. I was engrossed from page one until the end. I kept trying to figure out whodunit, but I didn’t get it until the end when things started to come together.
This is a solid start to a brand new series. I look forward to reading more and re-visiting these characters.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
A beloved local librarian is run down by a car and the car resembles Abbey’s car. The sheriff immediately suspects Abbey and takes her car in as evidence. There is one witness who gives Abbey a bag of books the librarian had dropped, but the witness soon vanishes.
Since the sheriff is determined to blame Abbey, she decides to do some of her own investigating. She quickly learns the librarian wasn’t beloved at all. There are many other potential suspects that fit the bill better than Abbey. After all, she didn’t even know the woman.
As the investigation continues, Abbey keeps herself busy by opening a sewing studio in the back of her aunt’s bakery. She gets a group of townspeople to work on a charity sewing project. While that occupies her time, she can’t get her mind off the investigation and clearing her name.
I fell in love with Hideaway Grove right away. The town is made up of interesting characters and shops. It felt like a town I’d enjoy living in without the mystery part, of course.
Abbey is a strong character. There are hints at a romance, but the main focus is the mystery. The story is fast paced with many twists and turns along the way. I was engrossed from page one until the end. I kept trying to figure out whodunit, but I didn’t get it until the end when things started to come together.
This is a solid start to a brand new series. I look forward to reading more and re-visiting these characters.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 19, 2023
As the first book in a new series, Seams Like Murder is a good start to what I hope will be a delightful and ever-growing series. Abbey has had a rough time of it, so running back to Hideaway Grove seems like a great idea. As a child, she always loved the place, and her aunt still lives there. Getting involved in a murder investigation isn’t the quiet, restful time she was looking for or getting involved in a sewing project when she can barely thread a needle. But we don’t always get to pick our destiny; sometimes, we just have to go with the flow and work hard to make things turn out right.
Abbey and the other characters in this new series are growing and learning about each other. The reader will grow with them and be better off for the experience. A hit-and-run murder is a good method, and it allows Abbey and the police to get to know the people involved or suspected of being involved. There are plenty of suspects, most of which are long-time residents of Hideaway Grove, and each has a motive, even if it isn’t always straightforward. The bakery is the central location, but the store room turned into a sewing studio is a lovely setting. It isn’t difficult to figure out who the killer is; in many respects, the motive is even easier. The killer is a character all on their own, and finding them and the evidence to prove it pits Abbey against a foe who is intelligent and willing to kill anyone who discovers their secret.
The story was well written, the characters easy to like, and Hideaway Grove was described in a way that makes readers fantasize about living or visiting. I really like the sewing studio and hope it continues to be a center point for Abbey. Although there was some confusion at the beginning of the book, it all worked itself out. The pace was good, with just enough detail to bring Hideaway Grove and the cast of characters to life. I had the urge to sew something after reading this book, but I’m afraid that even a pillowcase dress is beyond my capabilities. I look forward to the next book in the series and to visiting with all the cast once again.
Abbey and the other characters in this new series are growing and learning about each other. The reader will grow with them and be better off for the experience. A hit-and-run murder is a good method, and it allows Abbey and the police to get to know the people involved or suspected of being involved. There are plenty of suspects, most of which are long-time residents of Hideaway Grove, and each has a motive, even if it isn’t always straightforward. The bakery is the central location, but the store room turned into a sewing studio is a lovely setting. It isn’t difficult to figure out who the killer is; in many respects, the motive is even easier. The killer is a character all on their own, and finding them and the evidence to prove it pits Abbey against a foe who is intelligent and willing to kill anyone who discovers their secret.
The story was well written, the characters easy to like, and Hideaway Grove was described in a way that makes readers fantasize about living or visiting. I really like the sewing studio and hope it continues to be a center point for Abbey. Although there was some confusion at the beginning of the book, it all worked itself out. The pace was good, with just enough detail to bring Hideaway Grove and the cast of characters to life. I had the urge to sew something after reading this book, but I’m afraid that even a pillowcase dress is beyond my capabilities. I look forward to the next book in the series and to visiting with all the cast once again.
September 30, 2022
Great start to a new series! I loved the setting and the characters; the town is so quaint and is the quintessential small town – everyone knows each other, they help each other out, they gossip. Abbey is a breath of fresh air; she’s smart, she’s capable, and she stands up for herself (for the most part). The mystery was intriguing and, although I figured out who the murderer was early on, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
June 2, 2022
I really loved this book! I loved the idea of the sewing room in the bakery, and I found all the characters to be quite charming.
Poor Abbey is having a run of bad luck, and it seems her luck may have run out! The police chief puts her at the top of his suspect list when the local librarian is deliberately run down, and Abbey knows she has to find the truth.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this fun, new series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#SeamsLikeMurder #NetGalley
Poor Abbey is having a run of bad luck, and it seems her luck may have run out! The police chief puts her at the top of his suspect list when the local librarian is deliberately run down, and Abbey knows she has to find the truth.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this fun, new series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#SeamsLikeMurder #NetGalley
June 27, 2022
Ugh, I am completely fed up with mystery authors writing utterly incompetent cops who don't follow the law!
A cop cannot take a car into custody in this way .. I just can't even finish this utter drivel
A cop cannot take a car into custody in this way .. I just can't even finish this utter drivel
August 13, 2023
The first in a series , it was pretty good just a few annoyances .
January 22, 2023
My rating 3.5 stars
Seams Like Murder by Dorothy Howell is the 1st instalment in the "A Sewing Studio Mystery" series. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading book 2.
Meet twenty-something Abbey Chandler and her fellow sewing circle members in the quaint, touristy town of Hideaway Cove. Abbey needs a new start and a place to escape, so Hideaway Grove, where she spent her childhood summers, seems like a perfect choice. Once there, she takes up a rewarding new hobby—but also gets tangled up in a hit-and-run homicide…
This was a good start to a new cozy mystery series. It was entertaining, and the mystery kept me interested until the end.
I recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Readers Copy from NetGalley and Kensington Books. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
Seams Like Murder by Dorothy Howell is the 1st instalment in the "A Sewing Studio Mystery" series. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading book 2.
Meet twenty-something Abbey Chandler and her fellow sewing circle members in the quaint, touristy town of Hideaway Cove. Abbey needs a new start and a place to escape, so Hideaway Grove, where she spent her childhood summers, seems like a perfect choice. Once there, she takes up a rewarding new hobby—but also gets tangled up in a hit-and-run homicide…
This was a good start to a new cozy mystery series. It was entertaining, and the mystery kept me interested until the end.
I recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Readers Copy from NetGalley and Kensington Books. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
September 28, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded up
Her personal life in turmoil, Abbey retreats to Hideaway Grove, where she used to spend summers with her aunt Sarah. Almost immediately upon arriving in town, Abbey becomes a suspect in the hit and run death of the town’s new librarian. Determined to clear her name, and to fill her days while waiting for a resolution to her job crisis, she investigates the librarian’s background and discovers more than she expected to learn.
This is the first book in a new series by a new-to-me author, but the premise caught my attention so I took a chance, and I’m glad I did. It didn’t have a lot of the issues usually found in series introductions, probably because this isn’t the author’s first book. The small town setting reminded me of many other small town settings, with everyone knowing everyone else’s business, but also with a (generally) good group of good people who are willing to help when necessary.
The core group of characters are likeable, although many of them seem to have secrets waiting to be discovered. I like the way they all look out for each other and don’t hesitate to get involved in a good cause. It seemed a little unrealistic that Abbey, whose early adventures in sewing were pointedly unremarkable, was able to learn how to operate a complicated sewing machine so quickly, but for the sake of the story, that was important. I had never heard of pillowcase dresses before, and was fascinated not only by the idea, but by the apparent popularity of making them for various charities and causes. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if donations to these causes increase following this book’s release.
Although the character ultimately revealed to be the culprit was at the top of my list almost from the moment the person was introduced, the motive didn’t become clear until much later in the story. When I figured that out, I expected more characters to be involved, so I was surprised to learn that wasn’t the case. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Her personal life in turmoil, Abbey retreats to Hideaway Grove, where she used to spend summers with her aunt Sarah. Almost immediately upon arriving in town, Abbey becomes a suspect in the hit and run death of the town’s new librarian. Determined to clear her name, and to fill her days while waiting for a resolution to her job crisis, she investigates the librarian’s background and discovers more than she expected to learn.
This is the first book in a new series by a new-to-me author, but the premise caught my attention so I took a chance, and I’m glad I did. It didn’t have a lot of the issues usually found in series introductions, probably because this isn’t the author’s first book. The small town setting reminded me of many other small town settings, with everyone knowing everyone else’s business, but also with a (generally) good group of good people who are willing to help when necessary.
The core group of characters are likeable, although many of them seem to have secrets waiting to be discovered. I like the way they all look out for each other and don’t hesitate to get involved in a good cause. It seemed a little unrealistic that Abbey, whose early adventures in sewing were pointedly unremarkable, was able to learn how to operate a complicated sewing machine so quickly, but for the sake of the story, that was important. I had never heard of pillowcase dresses before, and was fascinated not only by the idea, but by the apparent popularity of making them for various charities and causes. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if donations to these causes increase following this book’s release.
Although the character ultimately revealed to be the culprit was at the top of my list almost from the moment the person was introduced, the motive didn’t become clear until much later in the story. When I figured that out, I expected more characters to be involved, so I was surprised to learn that wasn’t the case. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 21, 2022
Abbey Chandler returns to Hideaway Grove, where she spent her childhood summers, for a fresh start and a new life. When the local librarian is mowed down by a car, Abbey becomes a suspect and her car is impounded. She stays with her aunt, and learns how to sew and investigate the murder. Will she learn the truth and find the murderer before it’s too late?
This was a good start to a new cozy mystery series. This book had a good plot and some interesting characters. But it was slow, and there wasn't much excitement or suspense. The mystery itself kept me interested until the end. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this Advanced Reader’s Copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.
This was a good start to a new cozy mystery series. This book had a good plot and some interesting characters. But it was slow, and there wasn't much excitement or suspense. The mystery itself kept me interested until the end. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this Advanced Reader’s Copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.
November 10, 2022
The first book in a new cozy mystery series is always full of lots of characters, IMO, and this one was no different. We had a full, full cast to start this and I was a bit confused at times with who went where and with who. Lol. Perhaps this could have been broken up in the future books
Abbey is back in Hideaway Grove after being gone for years. While at her aunt Sarah's sweets shop one morning the local librarian is hit by a car. Whose car was it it? Who would do such a thing to sweet Iris? Abbey finds herself on the Sheriff's suspect list, actually at the top of said list, and her car is towed. While she's waiting to find out when she will get it back she meets Zach, a deputy. She also takes on a massive sewing project and calls a bunch of the local ladies to help her sew dresses to donate. Perhaps she's fitting back into this town quite nicely.
Change is on the horizon for Abbey it seems. New city, new potential romantic partner, a new sewing hobby, and even some new amateur detective skills.
2.5 rounded up to 3
Abbey is back in Hideaway Grove after being gone for years. While at her aunt Sarah's sweets shop one morning the local librarian is hit by a car. Whose car was it it? Who would do such a thing to sweet Iris? Abbey finds herself on the Sheriff's suspect list, actually at the top of said list, and her car is towed. While she's waiting to find out when she will get it back she meets Zach, a deputy. She also takes on a massive sewing project and calls a bunch of the local ladies to help her sew dresses to donate. Perhaps she's fitting back into this town quite nicely.
Change is on the horizon for Abbey it seems. New city, new potential romantic partner, a new sewing hobby, and even some new amateur detective skills.
2.5 rounded up to 3
September 25, 2022
Abby’s life is at an all time low. She’s lost her abode and her job. Now she’s lost her car since the sheriff’s department Impounded it, believing it may be involved with the murder of the new librarian.
I liked the sewing stuff. It makes for a soothing read. There definitely are some unhinged people in Hideway Grove.
For the first time, I’m unsure about the love interest. Zack seems very controlling and suspicious. Demanding that Abby not leave town without his permission and keeping her car that long?? I’m not sold on him at all.
Thanks to Edelweiss, NetGalley and Kensington Books for the early read.
I liked the sewing stuff. It makes for a soothing read. There definitely are some unhinged people in Hideway Grove.
For the first time, I’m unsure about the love interest. Zack seems very controlling and suspicious. Demanding that Abby not leave town without his permission and keeping her car that long?? I’m not sold on him at all.
Thanks to Edelweiss, NetGalley and Kensington Books for the early read.
June 26, 2022
Abbey Chandler has left LA behind after things seem to fall apart. To get away from it all and start fresh she heads to her Aunt’s house, where she spent many happy Summers. But it seems Abbey’s run of bad luck isn’t over yet as she’s the prime suspect in the murder of the local librarian who was run over. Abbey knows if she’s going to change her luck, she’ll have to start with solving this murder. Can she turn the tides, or will her luck, or lack there of, be the death of her?
A great start to a new cozy series. I am eagerly awaiting the next entry in the series and what life has in store for Abbey moving forward.
A great start to a new cozy series. I am eagerly awaiting the next entry in the series and what life has in store for Abbey moving forward.
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November 2, 2022DNF at 35%
I really wanted to like this one but I just couldn't get into it! The plot and characters just fell kinda flat for me. Good premise so if you are interested I suggest you give it a try!
I really wanted to like this one but I just couldn't get into it! The plot and characters just fell kinda flat for me. Good premise so if you are interested I suggest you give it a try!
Read
June 20, 2022DNF. This one isn't doing it for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2023
I received a free copy from the publisher through Netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Seams Like Murder is the first book in the Sewing Studio mystery series. This book quickly throws the main character Abbey in the middle of things, she's visiting her aunt at Hideaway grove when someone is killed by a car driving by. One of the eye witnesses thinks it's murder and Abbey believes so as well. The police investigate, but don't seem as keen to believe it's murder. They do confiscate Abbey's car and thus Abbey gets involved in the mystery.
I quite enjoyed this mystery, there were plenty of suspects and some interesting twist. Once I had enough pieces I could piece together what happened and I was right. I was a bit disappointed I managed to predict the murderer and most of the motive pretty spot on and it felt a bit obvious toward the end who had did it, but I also felt good about figuring it out and I still liked seeing it all play out. I thought there was some good progression throughout and a good balance between the mystery and other story elements.
It bothered me a bit how the police weren't taking the situation more seriously and most residents didn't believe the eye witness' claims of it being murder. I also didn't like how Abbey didn't tell the police about what she heard. And the whole thing with them confiscating Abbey's car while not treating her as a serious suspect besides that felt a bit odd.
With the cover and title I had expected the book to be more about sewing. I have to admit it had been a while since I read the blurb, so I thought the main character would run a sewing store. In fact throughout the book she gets into sewing and gets a studio to work in. I liked seeing Abbey discover a passion for sewing and how that developed throughout the book and hope to see more of that in future books. As this was the first book in a series and Abbey only comes to visit Hideaway Grove I did feel she wasn't as integrated in the town yet, but I liked seeing her get to know the residents and make new friends and connect with old ones.
To summarize: This was a solid start to this series. Abbey is visiting her aunt in Hideaway Grove when she gets caught up in a murder mystery. I liked the mix between the mystery and other plot elements. It made sense why Abbey got involved and I liked seeing things progress and her figure more things out. I was able to piece together most of the motive and who the murderer was toward the end of the book, which felt good, but I was also a bit disappointed as I felt it was a bit too obvious toward the end. There were a few things about the mystery that bothered me like the police not taking things seriously, but they did confiscate Abbey's car, which seemed a bit odd. The sewing aspect only comes into play later in the book as Abbey slowly gets into sewing again, I liked reading about that and how she picked it up again and started making things. Abbey wasn't as integrated yet in the town, but I liked seeing her make new friends and reconnect with old ones. All in all it was a solid start to this new series and I plan to check out book 2.
Seams Like Murder is the first book in the Sewing Studio mystery series. This book quickly throws the main character Abbey in the middle of things, she's visiting her aunt at Hideaway grove when someone is killed by a car driving by. One of the eye witnesses thinks it's murder and Abbey believes so as well. The police investigate, but don't seem as keen to believe it's murder. They do confiscate Abbey's car and thus Abbey gets involved in the mystery.
I quite enjoyed this mystery, there were plenty of suspects and some interesting twist. Once I had enough pieces I could piece together what happened and I was right. I was a bit disappointed I managed to predict the murderer and most of the motive pretty spot on and it felt a bit obvious toward the end who had did it, but I also felt good about figuring it out and I still liked seeing it all play out. I thought there was some good progression throughout and a good balance between the mystery and other story elements.
It bothered me a bit how the police weren't taking the situation more seriously and most residents didn't believe the eye witness' claims of it being murder. I also didn't like how Abbey didn't tell the police about what she heard. And the whole thing with them confiscating Abbey's car while not treating her as a serious suspect besides that felt a bit odd.
With the cover and title I had expected the book to be more about sewing. I have to admit it had been a while since I read the blurb, so I thought the main character would run a sewing store. In fact throughout the book she gets into sewing and gets a studio to work in. I liked seeing Abbey discover a passion for sewing and how that developed throughout the book and hope to see more of that in future books. As this was the first book in a series and Abbey only comes to visit Hideaway Grove I did feel she wasn't as integrated in the town yet, but I liked seeing her get to know the residents and make new friends and connect with old ones.
To summarize: This was a solid start to this series. Abbey is visiting her aunt in Hideaway Grove when she gets caught up in a murder mystery. I liked the mix between the mystery and other plot elements. It made sense why Abbey got involved and I liked seeing things progress and her figure more things out. I was able to piece together most of the motive and who the murderer was toward the end of the book, which felt good, but I was also a bit disappointed as I felt it was a bit too obvious toward the end. There were a few things about the mystery that bothered me like the police not taking things seriously, but they did confiscate Abbey's car, which seemed a bit odd. The sewing aspect only comes into play later in the book as Abbey slowly gets into sewing again, I liked reading about that and how she picked it up again and started making things. Abbey wasn't as integrated yet in the town, but I liked seeing her make new friends and reconnect with old ones. All in all it was a solid start to this new series and I plan to check out book 2.
December 10, 2023
Abbey screws up at work and her nasty boss immediately fires her so she goes to the small town her grandmother lives in to lick her wounds. The day after she arrives there is a hit and run in the alley behind her grandmothers bakery and the police chief suspects Abbey as her car has a dent. Despite the fact that Abbey was in the bakery with many witnesses. If the chief won’t investigate then Abbey will. Along the way she picks up a hobby. Sewing as she takes over sewing pillowcase dresses for kids in Africa, a charity of the local church. A fun read.
August 16, 2022
I thought this book was charming. It was fast paced, I don't think I've encountered a book that jumps right into the plot point at the start, it was very well done. I couldn't get down with the cop though, but I think that was the point! Any time he came up I was like "here we go with some more BS." Other than HIM.. I did enjoy this mystery - it was plenty of twists and turns to make me question the suspect list so many times. I am excited to see how the series continues!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
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December 6, 2022This was a fun cozy! Abbey is an endearing protagonist, and I loved her family and friends. The mystery was fun, and I enjoyed trying to figure out "who-dun-it!"
September 28, 2022
Seams Like Murder is the first book in The Sewing Studio Mystery series by Dorothy Howell.
Abbey has been suspended from her job in Los Angles and has decided to head to Hideaway Grove to spend time with her Aunt Sarah. Sarah runs Sarah’s Sweet’s, known for delicious cookies and cakes. Abbey drops by the store, and Sarah suggests that Abbey head over to her house, get cleaned up, and maybe a nap. First, Abbey is helping her aunt take the trash to the dumpster when she hears a loud noise and a woman scream. They head for the screaming woman, Earline, commenting that a car hit Iris Duncan, the new librarian in town, and kept on going. Sheriff Grumman comes to investigate and determines that it was an accident, not murder, as Earling claimed. Later, Grumman shows up and questions Abbey some more. Grumman ends up impounding Abbey’s car, as it matches the description of the vehicle that killed Iris. Later that day, she is introduced to Deputy Sheriff Zack McKenna, who refuses to offer Abbey any information on the investigation. Naturally, he tells her not to get involved and to leave the investigation to the police.
Abbey soon realizes that to get her car back and clear her name, she must conduct her own investigation. Reportedly Iris had been seeing a man in the alley. Maybe he wanted to break off their relationship and decided to run her down. Abbey also learns that Iris was not as well-liked as some thought. She needs to look into Miss Merriweather, an eighty-year-old who drives through town recklessly and has a white car. There are others that she needs to look into.
A subplot to the book involves a room in the cookie shop that Sarah’s friend Gretchen used as a sewing room to make pillowcase dresses. These dresses were being sent to Africa for young girls. Gretchen had to leave to care for her sick daughter and grandchildren. Everybody is pushing Abbey to take over making the dresses. But Abbey remembers, all too well, her attempt to make a skirt one summer during her teen years.
Instructions and tips for sewing pillowcase dresses are also included in the book.
Abbey has been suspended from her job in Los Angles and has decided to head to Hideaway Grove to spend time with her Aunt Sarah. Sarah runs Sarah’s Sweet’s, known for delicious cookies and cakes. Abbey drops by the store, and Sarah suggests that Abbey head over to her house, get cleaned up, and maybe a nap. First, Abbey is helping her aunt take the trash to the dumpster when she hears a loud noise and a woman scream. They head for the screaming woman, Earline, commenting that a car hit Iris Duncan, the new librarian in town, and kept on going. Sheriff Grumman comes to investigate and determines that it was an accident, not murder, as Earling claimed. Later, Grumman shows up and questions Abbey some more. Grumman ends up impounding Abbey’s car, as it matches the description of the vehicle that killed Iris. Later that day, she is introduced to Deputy Sheriff Zack McKenna, who refuses to offer Abbey any information on the investigation. Naturally, he tells her not to get involved and to leave the investigation to the police.
Abbey soon realizes that to get her car back and clear her name, she must conduct her own investigation. Reportedly Iris had been seeing a man in the alley. Maybe he wanted to break off their relationship and decided to run her down. Abbey also learns that Iris was not as well-liked as some thought. She needs to look into Miss Merriweather, an eighty-year-old who drives through town recklessly and has a white car. There are others that she needs to look into.
A subplot to the book involves a room in the cookie shop that Sarah’s friend Gretchen used as a sewing room to make pillowcase dresses. These dresses were being sent to Africa for young girls. Gretchen had to leave to care for her sick daughter and grandchildren. Everybody is pushing Abbey to take over making the dresses. But Abbey remembers, all too well, her attempt to make a skirt one summer during her teen years.
Instructions and tips for sewing pillowcase dresses are also included in the book.
December 17, 2022
I enjoyed the mystery. I liked the setting and the characters.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
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