Two Purloined Pillows - A Guest Post, Review, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Shelby Phillips to Cozy Up With Kathy today. You can find Shelby on the pages of the Nimble Needle Mystery series by Allie Pleiter. TWO PURLOINED PILLOWS is the second book in the series and was released last month.

Hello, I’m Shelby Phillips manager of Nina’s Nimble Needle needlepoint shop in the small North Carolina town of Gwen Lake. My mother, Nina, still owns the shop, and occasionally “forgets” that I manage it now.

Every ounce of managing is in high demand right now as two rival needlepoint canvas designers, the skittish Laura Bitters and the boorish Paul Bardo, vying for attention. They are here for Gwen Lake’s first-ever arts festival, and both consider themselves the star attraction. Laura and Paul are equally popular and talented, but neither one can stand the other. It’s taking every diplomatic skill I have to keep the peace. 

The job becomes much harder when the pillows each artists has stitched for a town auction both disappear. Accusations fly between the two, especially when other small items go missing around town. Gwen Lake’s festival is in peril.

I just think I’ve got the tension under control when one of them turns up dead. 

It will take all my stitching friends—Deb the scientist-turned-barista, my all-too-perfect sister Jessica, and our newest, handsomest stitcher town mechanic Jake—to unravel the mystery of how our guest artist met an untimely end. Thankfully, I get help from my mom’s shop customer regulars, the NYAGs. This group of “Not Your Average Grannies” lend their wit and wisdom to not only hold the town chaos at bay, but bring the killer to justice.

Police Chief Evan Tallen may not yet realize how a few pieces of needlepoint can solve a murder…but he will soon. 

As will you! Join me as we stitch up a tale of rivalries, artistic envy, a shocking affair, and a town event gone horribly wrong.

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Review

TWO PURLOINED PILLOWS by Allie Pleiter
The Second Nimble Needle Mystery 

Gwen Lake, North Carolina is holding its first Arts Festival and Shelby Phillips is eager to spread the love of crafting while also showing that art can be a career. Nina's Nimble Needle will be showcasing two famous needlepoint designers, the boorish Paul Bardo and Laura Bitters, the woman who encouraged Shelby's artistic ability when she was young. Unfortunately, the two despise each other and great pains must be made to keep the peace.Things get off to a rocky start when the two pillows designed and stitched by these artists are stolen. More petty pilferings occur and then on the opening night of the festival Laura collapses and dies. Was it murder? Shelby and her friends will have to unravel many secrets to find the truth...and a killer.

I enjoyed my trip to Gwen Lake and my own love for needlework has been rekindled. While I can't see myself cross stitching again. I can enjoy my time at Nina's Nimble Needle. The mystery was intriguing and I loved the various secrets and truths that were slowly revealed. I appreciate how Shelby works with the police. 

What I found most intriguing about TWO PURLOINED PILLOWS was the different faces people show as well as secrets they hide. Shelby thought the world of Laura, others had different experiences. Different  artists certainly showed their mercurial sides. These two sides is also seen with the NYAGs. In a way these differences can be seen even more obviously through Shelby's nephews. I, for one, would like to punch Hal for his views and encouraging the problems between his sons. 

A positive push for the arts and a fun mystery make TWO PURLOINED PILLOWS a delightful read.

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 Two Purloined Pillows (A Nimble Needle Mystery) by Allie Pleiter

About Two Purloined Pillows

 

Two Purloined Pillows (A Nimble Needle Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series 
Setting - North Carolina 
Publisher: ‎ Kensington Cozies 
Publication Date: ‎ March 31, 2026 
Print Length: ‎ 272 pages

When 30-something graphic artist Shelby Phillips reluctantly returned to her small hometown outside Asheville, North Carolina to manage her mother’s needlepoint shop, she thought it was temporary. But getting entangled in murder investigations has a timeline of its own…

It’s been a little over a year since Shelby started managing Nina’s Nimble Needle following her office-romance and career implosion, and Shelby’s mom has finally handed her the reins—technically, at least. Next, Shelby is excited to oversee two well-known needlepoint designers who will be participating in the town’s first two-week-long arts festival . . .

Laura Bitters and Paul Bardo have each stitched up one-of-a-kind pillows that should be big wins for the Nimble Needle at the festival’s auction . . . until the pillows vanish amid a sudden string of shoplifting incidents.

To add to the knot in Shelby’s stomach, Laura proves highly anxious, while Paul is an egomaniac who believes Laura has been stealing his customers for years. But things go from bad to tragic when Laura behaves oddly at the auction dinner, then collapses—dead.

Soon after, Shelby makes a shocking discovery in Laura’s room at the local inn. Then tests reveal that Laura was poisoned. Resolved to piece together the truth, despite the police chief’s determination to keep her on the fringes, Shelby rallies her personal team, including her sister, Jessica, her friend Deb, and Jake, her potentially more than a friend. As an extra twist, a magazine reporter arrives with unsettling—yet useful—dirt that includes Laura and Paul.

What unravels is a skein of suspects, long-held resentment, bitter jealousy, and betrayal, from which Shelby will have to pull the one crucial thread tied to the killer: a murder-worthy motive . . .

About Allie Pleiter

An avid crafter, coffee junkie, and firm believer that “pie makes everything better,” Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction, working on as many as four books at a time. The bestselling author of over seventy books, Allie has enjoyed a twenty-plus-year career with over 1.9 million books sold. In addition to writing, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on the creative process, publishing, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management for writers. She lives in the Charlotte area with her husband and the world’s most adorable dog. Visit her website at www.alliepleiter.com to learn more.

Author Links: 

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Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/alliepleiter  

Facebook group (books): https://www.facebook.com/groups/firesidewithallie/ 

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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/453346.Allie_Pleiter  

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/allie-pleiter  

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Allie-Pleiter/e/B001H6IEUO/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1  

Purchase Links - Author Website - Amazon - B&N - Kobo - Bookshop.org

The Shrew Detective: The Case of the Pilfered Pearls - A Review

 Review

THE SHREW DETECTIVE: THE CASE OF THE PILFERED PEARLS
By Margi Preis Illustrated by Junyi Wu

Minerva, the Shrew Detective, loves her cozy home in the forest. Admiring her walls decorated with wonderful words from a dictionary she found, she ponders the big mysteries of life and the universe while enjoying lots of snacks. One day her cousin, Tenacity, rushes in desperately needing a detective or surely murder and mayhem will follow. Minerva goes with her, but balks when Tenacity starts to leave the forest. Even worse - she is going into the house...with humans! A pearl necklace belonging to the human woman has gone missing and the woman's already called in an exterminator to place traps around the house. If the necklace isn't found in twenty-four hours she will have the house fumigated! Thus the possible murder of all of the animals who also call the house home. From the chipmunk in the drainpipe and the mice in the walls to the flying squirrels in the attic and Tenacity herself, all are in danger! Will Minerva be able to find the necklace in time?

The first book in The Shrew Detective Mystery series is an absolute delight. Not only are the characters fleshed out, but the mystery is solid with enough clues to allow the reader to solve the mystery along with Minerva. The book is also full of humor and had me smiling at the many play on words including nods to classic mystery sleuths such as Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew, and even Inspector Dalgliesh. I also love how, not wanting to be referred to as "it", Minerva says her pronouns are "she/her".

The publisher states that this is a middle grade book for children ages 8-12. I beg to disagree. This is a book for readers of all ages - I'm 57 and I loved it! The author doesn't shy away from using advanced words, but she explains the meaning and sometimes includes a pronunciation guide. This is a great way to build vocabulary as well as not talk down to the reader. I also love how facts about shrews and the other small animals are included, both within the story and afterward in an author's note. Who knew shrews had to eat so often?!?

A clever mystery with engaging animals THE SHREW DETECTIVE: THE CASE OF THE PILFERED PEARLS is a wonderful start to a charming new series. 

Currently Reading...

I just finished reading The Shrew Detective: The Case of the Pilfered Pearls by Margi Preus, illustrated by Junyi Wu. This book is the first in The Shrew Detective Mystery series and will be released May 19.

Minerva, the Shrew Detective, loves her cozy home in the forest. Admiring her walls decorated with wonderful words from a dictionary she found, she ponders the big mysteries of life and the universe while enjoying lots of snacks. One day her cousin, Tenacity, rushes in desperately needing a detective or surely murder and mayhem will follow. Minerva goes with her, but balks when Tenacity starts to leave the forest. Even worse - she is going into the house...with humans! A pearl necklace belonging to the human woman has gone missing and the woman's already called in an exterminator to place traps around the house. If the necklace isn't found in twenty-four hours she will have the house fumigated! Thus the possible murder of all of the animals who also call the house home. From the chipmunk in the drainpipe and the mice in the walls to the flying squirrels in the attic and Tenacity herself, all are in danger! Will Minerva be able to find the necklace in time?

A Staged Death - A Review & Giveaway

Review

A STAGED DEATH by Samantha Larsen
The Fourth Lady Librarian Mystery 

 

Having catalogued the entire library at Astwell Palace Tiffany Lathrop is at loose ends. But before she can create a new task her good friend Thomas arrives with surprising news, he's engaged. His mother, the Marchioness of Harwood, is not pleased, especially as his fiancée is an actress. While Catherine wants Tiffany and her husband Samir to come to Bath to persuade Thomas to break his engagement, Thomas wants them to come to change his mother's mind. But when they stop at the theatre upon their arrival in the city they find the dead body of a young woman. Was Rosalyn Arden, Thomas' fiancée the intended victim and her understudy killed by mistake? The entire acting troupe is behaving suspiciously, as is Rosalyn's family. Plus the more Tiffany learns about Julia, the possibility that she was the actual target increases. Will she be able to discover the truth, find a killer, and save a wedding? In a big city with people she doesn't know Tiffany faces her biggest challenge yet. 

 

I really enjoy this series, especially for its historical detail. I was excited to travel to Bath and try the waters...without having to taste it! I found the details about the various event halls fascinating, especially how card playing was an almost daily event-and not just for men. I also appreciate the humor, both subtle and otherwise. I'm still giggling at that wedding scene.

 

The mystery here was quite complex and the killer nearly got away. I love how that in trying to shield Beau, he provided the way to solve the murder. I only hope as he gets older he doesn't become an arrogant Duke without redeeming qualities. Fortunately, I have a feeling his father will be able to keep him in check.

 

Dramatics abound in A STAGED DEATH where complex family relations make for an ingeniously plotted mystery.

 

NB: This review is for the print book, not the audible version. 

 

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 A Staged Death: Lady Librarian Mysteries by Samantha Larsen

About A Staged Death

A Staged Death: Lady Librarian Mysteries
Historical Cozy Mystery 4th in Series
Setting - 1787, Bath.
Publisher: Dreamscape
First Audible.com Release Date: March 31, 2026
Listening Length: 8 hours and 30 minutes Author: Samantha Larsen Narrator: Marni Penning

A cozy historical mystery set in the 18th century—perfect for Bridgerton fans!

1787, Bath. Mrs. Tiffany Lathrop has catalogued the entire library at Astwell Palace and is feeling rather dull when Mr. Thomas Montague invites her and her husband Samir to visit Bath. Thomas begs Tiffany to help reconcile his mother Catharine, the Marchioness of Harwood, on his engagement to the famous actress Miss Rosalyn Arden—a beautiful young woman with bright red curls and eyes of mismatched color.

Eager to see his beloved, Thomas stops at the Theatre Royal with Tiffany and they discover a dead body wearing a red wig in Rosalyn’s dressing room. The body is that of Miss Julia Shakespeare, Rosalyn’s understudy and the person who has been blackmailing members of the acting company. Not only are the actors behaving suspiciously, but so are Rosalyn’s newly reconciled relatives that cast her off nine years before when she jilted Sir Frederick Bingham, who then married her younger sister.

If all the world is a stage, then someone acting innocent must be the murderer. Can Tiffany solve the mystery before the final curtain?

©2018 Samantha Larsen (P)2026 Dreamscape First

About Samantha Larsen

 

Samantha Hastings met her husband in a turkey sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, having tea parties, and chauffeuring her four kids. She teaches World Literature at Brigham Young University. Her young adult fiction books are Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selections, and her historical romances are published around the world. She also writes murder mysteries under Samantha Larsen that Publisher’s Weekly called “wildly enjoyable.”  

Author Links: 

Website www.SamanthaHastings.com  

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samanthahastingsauthor/  

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaHastingsAuthor  

X https://x.com/HastingSamantha  

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/samantha-hastings  

Purchase Links: Dreamscape - Amazon - B&N

Truffle Trouble - A Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on Truffle Trouble by Amanda Flower. This book is the tenth Amish Candy Shop Mystery that will be released this week.

Blurb:

Horror d'oeuvres

Summer is finally upon the village of Harvest, Ohio, nestled in picturesque Amish Country, and folks are abuzz over their very own Bailey King’s upcoming June wedding. The Amish Candy shop owner and star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets is marrying Holmes County Sheriff Aiden Brody. To sweeten the occasion will be a scrumptious giant chocolate truffle wedding cake, made especially for the happy couple by Bailey’s New York City mentor, Jean Pierre. Other than the risk of the ring bearer, Jethro the pig, taking a bite out of the confection, what could go wrong?

As it turns out, a food-related disaster does befall the day. But with Bailey in the mix, it’s nothing so pedestrian as a peckish pig. At the reception, a wedding guest dies after sampling the hors d'oeuvres. Café owner and new caterer Darcy Woodin, who made all the food except the desserts, is pegged by police as the number one suspect. Even more incriminating, the victim is one of Darcy's ex-boyfriends . . .
Still, Bailey is friends with Darcy, and she’s certain the young woman is innocent. Even before the first dance with her new husband, Bailey’s on the case. Can she help solve it in time for her honeymoon—or will a killer try to end her happily ever after before it’s even begun . . .?
 

Vengeance in Venice - A Review

 Review

VENGEANCE IN VENICE by Erica Ruth Neubauer
The Seventh Jane Wunderly Mystery

After an impromptu wedding in Scotland, nearly getting killed on a business trip in India, and becoming bored back in London, Jane Wunderly and Redvers decide to go on an actual honeymoon. Traveling to Italy their romantic trip takes an unexpected turn when Aunt Millie and her husband check into the very same hotel! They have been invited to Venice and a costume party by Millie's new friend, socialite Clara Morton, and insist that Jane and Redvers accompany them to the event. Surprised by the dilapidated looking palazzo they're stunned by what waits for them inside. It's a carnival with acrobats and even a Tarot reader, who just happens to be a young woman Jane met years ago in India. Even more shocking than the half dressed hostess with a boa constrictor draped around her is the dead body of her ex-husband in the garden. With Clara accusing Deanna, the Tarot reader, of murder Jane and Redvers find themselves spending their honeymoon on the hunt for a killer. 

I absolutely love this series and one of my favorite things about it is the various places I get to visit vicariously. Visiting Venice was a real treat with descriptions of the canals ancient streets, and architectural details, not to mention the food, even though I dislike seafood. It was fascinating as it didn't dawn on me that people could rent boats and travel via the canals alongside the gondoliers.

VENGEANCE IN VENICE is filled with unforgettable characters. Aunt Millie is back, making me laugh at her outlandish ways, but its the scandalous Clara Morton who is truly one of a kind. Revealing clothing that leaves her practically nude, exotic pets ( I love Carmine!) and avante garde behavior make her truly memorable, if not very likeable. What's even more amazing is that this character is based on a real person! The cast of unconventional and generally unpleasant characters became a hodgepodge of suspects and motives and made Jane and Redvers all the more appealing in their steadfast approach to their investigation and each other. 

A honeymoon turned murder investigation VENGEANCE IN VENICE brings 1920s Venice to life. I look forward to seeing what exploits our intrepid couple encounter next!

Currently Reading...

I just finished reading Vengeance in Venice by Erica Ruth Neubauer. This book is the seventh in the Jane Wunderly Mystery series and will be released next week.

After an impromptu wedding in Scotland, nearly getting killed on a business trip in India, and becoming bored back in London, Jane Wunderly and Redvers decide to go on an actual honeymoon. Traveling to Italy their romantic trip takes an unexpected turn when Aunt Millie and her husband check into the very same hotel! They have been invited to Venice and a costume party by Millie's new friend, socialite Clara Morton, and insist that Jane and Redvers accompany them to the event. Surprised by the dilapidated looking palazzo they're stunned by what waits for them inside. It's a carnival with acrobats and even a Tarot reader, who just happens to be a young woman Jane met years ago in India. Even more shocking than the half dressed hostess with a boa constrictor draped around her is the dead body of her ex-husband in the garden. With Clara accusing Deanna, the Tarot reader, of murder Jane and Redvers find themselves spending their honeymoon on the hunt for a killer.