Bodies and Battlements - A Review

 Review

BODIES AND BATTLEMENTS by Elizabeth Penney
The First Ravensea Castle Mystery 

 

The Asquith Family have lived in Ravensea Castle for over a thousand years, but maintaining a castle is expensive and the family is barely scraping by. Despite her sister's misgivings and her brother's lack of interest Nora Asquith has decided to open the castle to the public as a small bed and breakfast. Despite newer resident Hilda Dibble trying to block her every step of the way, Nora finally succeeded and the castle is set to host its first guests. While the first night goes smoothly, despite the appearance of Hilda, things take an abrupt turn for the worse the next morning when Nora finds Hilda's body in the knot garden. Though Hilda couldn't prevent Ravensea from opening, her death could cause it to close! While the dishy guest who turns out to be the new Detective Inspector has taken charge of the case, Nora and her sister Tamsyn decide to investigate themselves. With a little help from their resident ghost the Asquith sisters will follow clues leading them to other townsfolk who had issues with the dead woman as well as to their other guests. Will they find the killer, or will they go out of business permanently?

 

BODIES AND BATTLEMENTS has it all, a castle by the Yorkshire seaside, a ghost, good food, a big lovable dog, and murder, not to mention a smidge of romance. To me these are perfect ingredients for a wonderful mystery and the first Ravensea Castle Mystery is just that. From a somewhat absent minded father, well known actress sister, and a faithful good natured cook along with her handyman husband to the varied guests and locals, everyone is interesting, multilayered, and important...even Sir Percival, the ghost. I enjoyed reading about Nora's herbal creations, witnessing the love of the Asquith family and friends, and seeing the romantic possibilities.  

 

A delightful mystery comprised of charming characters, as well as some nasty ones, BODIES AND BATTLEMENTS is a stellar start to a new series. 

Madrigals and Mayhem - A Review

 Review

MADRIGALS AND MAYHEM by Elizabeth Penney
The Fourth Cambridge Bookshop Mystery

Molly Kimball is happily settling into life in Cambridge. A close set of friends, including a wonderful boyfriend, makes everything better and she's eagerly awaiting her first Christmas in England. As she, her aunt, and mother begin to deck out Marlowe - Manuscripts and Folios for the holidays the trio are delighted to see life in the toy shop across the way. Charlotte Pemberly is preparing to reopen the shop she inherited from her grandfather. Unfortunately, a very expensive doll is missing and Charlotte thinks her grandfather's new family is trying to steal it away from her. Add a break in and a poisoning and Molly is certain that Charlotte needs help. But is she truly an innocent victim? With a clear head and good friends by her side Molly will do what she can to uncover the truth and have a very happy Christmas!

I love the holiday season and really enjoy books set at this magical time. Adding a bookshop, a toy store, and a great group of friends increases that pleasure and setting it in England makes it even better. The characters in the Cambridge Bookshop series are a delight. They are people who really enjoy each other's company. They support and love each other bringing warmth even on a cold winter night. I like that Molly is eager to make a new friend, but doesn't blindly jump in, especially when murder is involved.

The mystery is as enjoyable as the characters, with various crimes and a treasure hunt. I loved how everything eventually came together with an amazing reveal!

New friends, frightful family, and the joys of Christmas along with a sprinkling of romance make MADRIGALS AND MAYHEM a delightful read at any time of year.

Chapter and Curse - A Review

 Review

CHAPTER AND CURSE by Elizabeth Penney
The First Cambridge Bookshop Mystery

With nothing holding them in Vermont Molly Kimball and her mum, Nina, move to England to help run the family bookshop. Thrilled to be working at one of the oldest bookstores in Cambridge, Molly has lots of ideas to get the struggling store into the black. Their first major event, a poetry reading with Persephone Brightwell, Aunt Violet's old college classmate, is a huge success; that is until Molly stumbles upon the dead body of one of their guests in the back garden. It seems the victim wasn't exactly a nice old pensioner and when Aunt Violet becomes a prime suspect, Molly knows she can't just sit idly by. Along with her mum and newfound friends, Molly starts quietly looking into things. It turns out plenty of people had reason to want the victim dead, but who would also want Aunt Violet found guilty? 

Starting over and new beginnings mark the first Cambridge Mystery. Who wouldn't love to move to a quaint English town famed for knowledge and learning to help run Cambridge's oldest bookshop?! I love that Molly goes with her mom and that running the bookstore is a true family endeavor. Molly makes a delightful protagonist and the friendships she develops are truly special. I enjoyed the mystery and look forward to reading more.

With appealing characters, a delightful setting, and an intriguing mystery CHAPTER AND CURSE is an enchanting start to a new series.

The Fatal Folio - A Review

 Review

THE FATAL FOLIO by Elizabeth Penney
The Third Cambridge Bookshop Mystery 

 

Gloom and rain have descended on Cambridge, but Molly Kimball is happily ensconced in Hazelhurst House, the stately home of her boyfriend's parents, cataloging their impressive library. It's there she discovers that not only do they own the original manuscript of the popular Gothic novel The Fatal Folio, one of their ancestors wrote it. As another project Molly decides to see if she can determine just which Scott actually wrote the piece. But her literary pursuits are not the only challenges Molly faces. She and her friends stumble across the body of a student who has just been stabbed. While reeling from his death, and wondering if Kieran's cousin had anything to do with it, the manuscript is stolen. Could the crimes be connected? 

THE FATAL FOLIO is a great addition to this fantastic series. I love how the story is intertwined with that of The Fatal Folio and how we are able to read that story as well. In fact so many things are deftly interwoven in this mystery, the murder, the theft, literary research, the Gothic literary festival, and relationships. Indeed, it's the relationships that make this book, and series, so much more than just a mystery. The love and friendship between a great cast of characters influences everything and makes the reader more invested in the story. 

With Gothic bones THE FATAL FOLIO takes a dreary November and turns it into an atmospheric mystery warmed with the comfort of good friends.

Bodies and Bows - A Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on a book on my TBR pile. I somehow missed the release of Bodies and Bows by Elizabeth Penney. This book is the third in the Apron Shop Mystery series.

Blurb:

Iris Buckley is hoping for a bit of rest and relaxation now that the summertime rush is winding down in Blueberry Cove, Maine. Her apron shop Ruffles & Bows has been a huge success, her friendships are stronger than ever, and now she’s ready for all of the end of summer cookouts on the beach that she can handle.

But before Iris can even turn on the grill, Bella’s latest fling, former Olympian sailor and gorgeous bad boy Lance Pederson is killed in a hit and run while jogging at dawn—and all the evidence points to Bella herself.

Suddenly the month of August isn’t looking so restful, since now Iris has been roped into the Lighthouse Rehabilitation Committee, helping her friend Sophie plan a wedding, and—most importantly of all—tracking down a killer and clearing Bella’s good name before everything unravels.

 

Thread and Dead - A Review

Review

THREAD AND DEAD by Elizabeth Penney

The Second Apron Shop Mystery

As Blueberry Cove, Maine is gearing up for Lobster Fest Iris Buckley is excited to be offered antique linens from one of the elite "summer cottages". In addition to selling some linens, Eleanor is renting rooms in the once glorious mansion to a team of environmentalists, much to the chagrin of her nephew and sole heir who wants her to sell. While rock climbing nearby Iris and her friends discover the body of one of the environmentalists. Does her murder have something to do with the seaweed farming project? Or something closer to home? It couldn't have anything to do with Eleanor's request that Iris help her look into her mother's mysterious past, could it? In addition to running Ruffles & Bows and enjoying the Lobster Fest activities Iris decides to do all she can to help Eleanor as well as find justice for the murdered young woman...no matter the cost.

More than one mystery can be found in the pages of the second Apron Shop Mystery and I love how they're intertwined, not only with each other, but with the everyday life of the characters. Things don't come to a halt because of a dead body. While Iris does ask questions and directly agrees to help Eleanor find out more about her mother, she also runs her shop, participates in town events, and hangs out with her friends. 

I really like Iris Buckley and her friends. They are supportive and fiercely loyal. I especially like how Grammie is always included in the girls' nights and is, in general, treated as one of the gang. And a gang it is with several couples in the mix. The couples add an interesting dynamic as there are several romantic relationship quandaries here. And while couples have a major role, the women aren't dependent on the men and can save the day themselves.

There's an interesting juxtaposition of old and new in THREAD AND DEAD. Not only do we have the old in the antique linens and clothes, as well as the mystery of Eleanor's mother, and Shorehaven, but we have the new of seaweed farming and technology to preserve Maine's coast and waters, not to mention cuisine. We also have the combination of old and new in Iris and her habit of wearing vintage fashions as well as solving mysteries old and new alike.

THREAD AND DEAD is a delightful mystery featuring good friends and a wonderful cat. Its blending of vintage and modern make an appealing twist in a charming series.

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Thread and Dead by Elizabeth Penney. This book is the second in the Apron Shop Mystery series and will be released next week.

As Blueberry Cove, Maine is gearing up for Lobster Fest Iris Buckley is excited to be offered antique linens from one of the elite "summer cottages". In addition to selling some linens, Eleanor is renting rooms in the once glorious mansion to a team of environmentalists, much to the chagrin of her nephew and sole heir who wants her to sell. While rock climbing nearby Iris and her friends discover the body of one of the environmentalists. Does her murder have something to do with the seaweed farming project? Or something closer to home? It couldn't have anything to do with Eleanor's request that Iris help her look into her mother's mysterious past, could it? In addition to running Ruffles & Bows and enjoying the Lobster Fest activities Iris decides to do all she can to help Eleanor as well as find justice for the murdered young woman...no matter the cost.

Hems & Homicide - A Review & Giveaway

Review

HEMS & HOMICIDE by Elizabeth Penney

The First Apron Shop Mystery

Iris Buckley's online store selling aprons and vintage linens has been a success. Now she's partnering with her grandma to open a brink and mortar store in Blueberry Cove, Maine. The two have their work cut out for them, for though their storefront has great bones, it's a bit decrepit. Still, they're not afraid of stained ceilings, creaky floors, and spiders. The skeleton in the basement, however, is another matter. Grammie believes the remains are those of her friend Star Moonshine, a young woman who disappeared in the early 1970s. News of the skeleton spreads quickly and Iris is soon receiving threats. Not one to back down she's determined to not only open her store, but discover just what happened to Star all those years ago.

The first Apron Shop Mystery introduces readers to Iris Buckley, a nice, somewhat klutzy and socially awkward woman with a penchant wearing for mid century modern clothing. She's also not afraid to stand up for herself and is willing to defend herself and her friends. Iris is surrounded by a cadre of good friends and her loving grandmother who make good compatriots in their first encounter with murder. Blueberry Cove, Maine, a small town on the rise, makes a charming setting and vivid descriptions make me want to visit.

I really like that the mystery starts with a cold case. The skeleton is easily identified, but no one knows her real name. I appreciate how Iris and her friends piece together the puzzle of who Star Moonshine really is with old memories, pictures, diaries, and research. And I love how that research led to a unique former commune with a Shakespearean theme and my favorite characters, Alfie, Trooper, and Bacon. I certainly hope we see more of them in future books!

With a multilayered plot and unique characters with flair HEMS & HOMICIDE makes a solid start to a new series.

************************************************************************

Hems & Homicide (Apron Shop Series) by Elizabeth Penney

About Hems & Homicide

 

Hems & Homicide (Apron Shop Series) 

Cozy Mystery 1st in Series  

Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (December 31, 2019)  

Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages

Welcome to the first in the Apron Shop mystery series by Elizabeth Penney, set in the quaint village of Blueberry Cove, Maine where an expert seamstress turned amateur sleuth is getting measured for murder. . .

Iris Buckley is sew ready for a change. After the death of her beloved grandfather, Iris decides to stay in her Maine hometown to help out her widowed grandmother, Anne—and bring her online hand-made apron designs to real-time retail life. Her and Anne’s shop, Ruffles & Bows, is set to include all the latest and vintage linen fashions, a studio for sewing groups and classes, and a friendly orange cat. The only thing that they were not planning to have on the property? A skeleton in the basement.

Anne recognizes the remains of an old friend, and when a second body shows up in the apron shop—this time their corrupt landlord, whom Anne had been feuding with for decades—she becomes a prime suspect. Now, it’s up to Iris to help clear her name. Enlisting the help of her old high-school crush Ian Stewart who, like certain fabrics, has only gotten better-looking with age and her plucky BFF Madison Morris, Iris must piece together an investigation to find out who the real killer is. . .and find a way to keep her brand-new business from being scrapped in the process.

About Elizabeth Penney

Elizabeth Penney is an author, entrepreneur, and local food advocate living in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. In addition to writing full-time, she operates a small farm. Elements that often appear in her novels include vintage summer cottages, past/present mysteries, and the arts. She is represented by the fabulous Elizabeth Bewley at Sterling Lord Literistic.

Elizabeth's writing credits include over twenty mysteries, short stories, and hundreds of business articles. A former consultant and nonprofit executive, she holds a BS and an MBA. She's also written screenplays with her musician husband.

She loves walking in the woods, kayaking on quiet ponds, trying new recipes, and feeding family and friends.

Author Links:
Webpage: www.elizabethpenneyauthor.com  
Twitter: @liz2penney  
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7877413.Elizabeth_Penney  
Purchase Links - Amazon Barnes & Noble IndieBound

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Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Hems & Homicide by Elizabeth Penney. This book is the first in the Apron Shop Mystery series and was released last month.

Iris Buckley's online store selling aprons and vintage linens has been a success. Now she's partnering with her grandma to open a brink and mortar store in Blueberry Cove, Maine. The two have their work cut out for them, for though their storefront has great bones, it's a bit decrepit. Still, they're not afraid of stained ceilings, creaky floors, and spiders. The skeleton in the basement, however, is another matter. Grammie believes the remains are those of her friend Star Moonshine, a young woman who disappeared in the early 1970s. News of the skeleton spreads quickly and Iris is soon receiving threats. Not one to back down she's determined to not only open her store, but discover just what happened to Star all those years ago.