Welcome to August! I have always been a sucker for the crafty amateur sleuth, not only for the wit and smart, but also the ones who use their hands and imaginations to make things that spark joy. I spent a lot of years making things out of popsicle sticks, construction paper, and copious amounts of glue. I never waded into the top-tier crafts, like crocheting or knitting, but I adore the things that are created by these amazing people who’ve mastered the knit once, pearl two.
So let’s dive into some sassy sleuths who also make those super cool things we love to collect and sleep under and gift to our favorite people.
First we have CRAFTING FOR MURDER: A Gasper's Cove Cozy Mystery by Barbara Emodi. Get ready for some serious fun and sewing! I adore the family connections here as well as learning about sewing from a master. By now, I’m sure you’re aware I love laughing and getting right on into those family dynamics. This hits all the right notes, so enjoy the community, the lessons, and the solving of a murder, of course.
Next up, we have SEAMS LIKE THE PERFECT CRIME: An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery Book 14 by Lois Winston. Now, I have to be honest in that I have been a huge Lois fan for a lot of years, so of course she was going to be on this crafty list. This book is pretty far into the series, but you can jump right in, or start back at the beginning, whichever works for you. As always, she did a great job with an awesomely solid plot, dialogue that engages you right off the bat, and a fabulous mystery that I could not put down until it all was said and done. Run, don’t walk, to dive into this series, and this book in particular!
And finally, let’s not forget FOLLOW THE CRUMBS: A Cozy Quilts Club Mystery by Marsha DeFilippo. Quilting has always fascinated me. Growing up in Pennsylvania, I’ve spent many hours admiring quilts pieced together by groups of super-talented women. The way the pieces are put together, the batting that makes them lovely, the talking and community that happen around these beautiful works of art is a thing to be astounded by. That community and friendship is very much on display in this series, and when you add in the paranormal angle, I was completely hooked.
So there you have it! Crafty sleuths doing crafty things! I’ll be reading and enjoying the weather as summer winds down and hope you do too. I’ll also be doing some crafts of my own as I wind up to the opening of a new online store that will run tandem with my writing. Keep an eye out for Misty Simon’s Emporium of Positivity if you’re inclined to check out some slightly snarky positivity, the kind that reflects my personality and the books I love to write. Until next time!
Misty Simon always wanted to be a storyteller - preferably behind a Muppet. Animal was number one, followed closely by Sherlock Hemlock. Since that dream didn’t come true, she began writing stories to share her world with readers, one laugh at a time.
Touching people’s hearts and funny bones are two of her favorite things, and she hopes everyone at least snickers in the right places when reading her books. She lives with her husband in Central Pennsylvania where she is hard at work on her next novel or three. She loves to hear from readers so drop her a line via email.
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