by Sandra Murphy

Details on how to win a copy of A Seamless Murder at the end of this review, along with a link to purchase the book where a portion goes to help support KRL & indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy.

The Cassidy family thinks it’s magic. It could just be a talent. Since Harlow is a descendant of Butch Cassidy (yes, that one), you might lean more toward the magical side of things.

Harlow is an excellent clothing designer. She talks to her clients, gets to know them, and then has a vision of just what the person will love—no matter what they think they want. Wearing one of her creations helps make their deepest desire come true. It’s a lot to ask of a garment!

This time around, Harlow is asked to make a set of aprons (nine or so) for the Red Hat Society ladies. They’re hosting a progressive dinner and each hostess wants her own, most individual look. Delta lives next door to Harlow. There have been some, umm, differences of opinion about goats from Harlow’s place wandering into Delta’s yard. She’s not the easiest person to get along with on a good day. Harlow mostly goes with the flow and tries to ignore it all.

Delta lives with her husband, mom, daughter, and son-in-law. The house is full of antiques that Megan, the daughter, sells online. Some of them look awfully familiar—wasn’t that table in the church basement?

Delta lets her opinions be known in the city government, too. She is for historical preservation as long as it’s convenient. If not, tear it down, plow it over, and move on. Since much of the town is old enough to qualify for historical status, this is not a popular opinion to hold.

When Delta is found dead in the cemetery—how appropriate!—it’s not too big a surprise. There is no lack of suspects, either, from family to friends to co-workers to the historical society itself. Harlow’s step-daddy is the sheriff and she thinks he needs a hand in solving the case. Besides, Delta was found with the apron Harlow made her, so Harlow’s kind of invested in finding out what happened to her neighbor.

There’s a nice romance brewing (and possibly about to come to a boil) between Harlow and boyfriend Will. He looks like a keeper. After all, how many guys are okay with the news that your great-grandma is still around in ghost form? He’s also supportive of her need to find the truth.

Although I did figure out who the murderer was, as well as the motive, it wasn’t until late in the book so it didn’t spoil the reading for me. I like being able to do that now and again so I feel as smart as the characters! Harlow and Will are a good couple; her family is, well, kooky, but a lot of fun. The magical aspect doesn’t take away from the mystery.

This is the sixth in the series. Pleating for Mercy, A Fitting End, Deadly Patterns, A Custom-Fit Crime and A Killing Notion (reviewed for KRL) can be read out of order—but to follow the romance, get them all, and read in order.

To enter to win a copy of A Seamless Murder, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Seamless,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen January 31, 2015. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & short stories in our mystery section.

Use this link to purchase a copy of the book & a portion will go to help support KRL & indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy:

A Seamless Murder: A Magical Dressmaking Mystery

Sandra Murphy lives in the shadow of the arch, in the land of blues, booze and shoes—St Louis, Missouri. While writing magazine articles to support her mystery book habit, she secretly polishes two mystery books of her own, hoping, someday, they will see the light of Barnes and Noble. You can also find several of Sandra’s short stories on UnTreed Reads including her new one Bananas Foster. Sandy’s latest short story “The Tater Tot Caper” is one of eleven stories in The Killer Wore Cranberry: Fourths of Mayhem. The annual Thanksgiving anthology has eleven stories and this year, includes recipes. And it’s on sale! Available in all e-versions and in print.