REVIEW: Death Among the Doilies

Death Among the Doilies
Author: Mollie Cox Bryan
Publication Date: 8/30/16

**I received a copy of this upcoming book from Kensington Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

As an avid crafter, I understand the therapeutic benefits of creative endeavors. When I read the description of this upcoming cozy mystery by Mollie Cox Bryan, I  knew I would identify with the main character! Cora Chevalier is a blogger, crafter, and former counselor at a women's shelter. She left her counseling position because the constant stress was causing her to have panic attacks and anxiety. What better way to find zen in her life than to open a crafting retreat business in a historic Victorian home? But when her business partner and friend, Jane, becomes a murder suspect just as their first craft retreat guests begin arriving, Cora is worried that their crafting dream might be an immediate flop. Can she help clear her friend, while handling a womanizing craft instructor and caterer problems?

This book was a fun read. I loved the idea of crafting retreat weekends! I liked the two main characters, Cora and Jane. Jane has a bit of a checkered past but is trying to improve life for her and her daughter. Cora is her friend through thick and thin, despite occasional frustrations or differences of opinion. For me, the portrayal of the main characters as less than perfect made this a more believable story.

The mystery portion of the plot is engaging and well written. Small town gossip and politics, lots of possible suspects, and some good plot twists combine to make this an excellent mystery. At the end of the book are instructions for several craft projects from the story and a recipe, too.

I liked how Bryan sprinkled facts and information about broom-making throughout the story. Their opening craft retreat weekend features classes taught by a master broom-maker. While the man teaching the classes is definitely a womanizing cad, the information about making brooms is very interesting! I had no idea that some people collect vintage handmade brooms. I knew nothing about how to make handmade brooms either. Now I'm interested in learning more!

Mollie Cox Bryan is the author of several crafty cozy mysteries in the Cumberland Creek series. Death Among the Doilies is the first book in the new Cora Crafts series. Find out more information about the author at her website: http://www.molliecoxbryan.com