When thirty-something Shelby Phillips returns to her quiet hometown just outside of Asheville, North Carolina, she reluctantly takes over her mother’s Nimble Needle needlepoint shop—and gets entangled in a murder investigation . . .
It’s only temporary. That’s what Shelby Phillips tells herself when she returns to excruciatingly harmless Gwen Lake after her graphic arts career—and the office romance blooming with it—get tossed like rejected design mockups. Her plan is as simple and fool-proof as a tent stitch: manage the family needlepoint shop duringher parents’ RV vacation. It’s just a month. It’s not as if they’re retiring . . . right?
When Shelby becomes responsible for hosting a trunk show with local vendors, she’s determined to pull it off. Even if that means dealing with former classmate Kat Katsaros, a rising entrepreneur specializing in needlework scissors. Kat has changed since high school—and she’s angling to take over the Nimble Needle herself. The tension unspools when Shelby makes a terrible discovery on the morning of the event: Kat’s dead body.
Shelby can’t believe the death was an accident. That’s why she’s set on exposing who committed the murder with Kat’s own equipment. She finds help in a new friend, a potential crush, and the surprising support of her sister and the Nimble Needle stitchers. Still, Shelby must move quickly to stop the crafty culprit before her maybe not-so-temporary new life in Gwen Lake comes apart at the seams . . .
It’s only temporary. That’s what Shelby Phillips tells herself when she returns to excruciatingly harmless Gwen Lake after her graphic arts career—and the office romance blooming with it—get tossed like rejected design mockups. Her plan is as simple and fool-proof as a tent stitch: manage the family needlepoint shop duringher parents’ RV vacation. It’s just a month. It’s not as if they’re retiring . . . right?
When Shelby becomes responsible for hosting a trunk show with local vendors, she’s determined to pull it off. Even if that means dealing with former classmate Kat Katsaros, a rising entrepreneur specializing in needlework scissors. Kat has changed since high school—and she’s angling to take over the Nimble Needle herself. The tension unspools when Shelby makes a terrible discovery on the morning of the event: Kat’s dead body.
Shelby can’t believe the death was an accident. That’s why she’s set on exposing who committed the murder with Kat’s own equipment. She finds help in a new friend, a potential crush, and the surprising support of her sister and the Nimble Needle stitchers. Still, Shelby must move quickly to stop the crafty culprit before her maybe not-so-temporary new life in Gwen Lake comes apart at the seams . . .
MY THOUGHTS
I loved the charming town of Gwen Lake. The Nimble Needle was such a cozy and inviting shop. I’ve never done needlepoint, but now I’m very intrigued by it. I thought CHNO, the coffeeshop, was really neat, and the yacht club was fun! Very clever!
This book is full of so many wonderful characters. Shelby, her sister Jessica, their parents, the NYAGs—the list could go on and on. I loved the dynamic between Shelby's family. It was realistic. Shelby and Jessica had the typical sibling rivalry, but I loved how they were still supportive of each other.
The mystery was great and kept me guessing. I was completely shocked by the reveal. I sure didn’t see that coming, but it made perfect sense. I love when I can be surprised like that.
If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, grab a copy of this book. You won’t be disappointed. I highly, highly recommend it and can’t wait for the next one.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
FIVE STARS
This sounds like such a fun start to the series! It reminds me that I should pick up a cozy again soon.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed it! I need to read more cozy mysteries. They're a lot of fun. :)
DeleteI like the cover :) Great review!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cindy! :)
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