Bodies and Bows by Elizabeth Penney

 Bodies and Bows

Book Summary

Bodies and Bows by Elizabeth Penney has Iris Buckley helping her grandmother, Anne with the displays for the new lighthouse museum in Blueberry Cove, Maine.  With the summer season winding down there is more time to work on obtaining stock for their shop Ruffles & Bows.  They have orders for custom aprons pouring in, but they do not have enough time to sew them.  Iris begins looking for an employee who can sew and help in the shop.  Early one morning, Irish is awakened by a phone call from Bella Ricci.  Bella’s latest beau, Lance Pedersen was out jogging when he was run down by a driver in Bella’s loaner car.  Bella was home alone which leaves her without an alibi, and she had motive after catching Lance the night before out with another woman.  Iris with help from her friend’s sets out to clear Bella of a murder charge.  

My Thoughts

Bodies and Bows by Elizabeth Penney is the 3^rd book in The Apron Shop Series.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series, but I do not know why you would want to miss the first two books in this cute cozy mystery series.  Iris Buckley and her grandmother, Anne owns Ruffles and Bows in the quaint town of Blueberry Cove, Maine.  Ruffles and Bows sells vintage linens and aprons as well as new aprons made by Iris and Anne.  I just love the descriptions of the vintage linens and the gorgeous aprons (I collect vintage aprons myself).   Iris is a strong female character who wears vintage clothing (sometimes new clothes made from 1950s patterns).  She is close to her grandmother and has good friends as well as a boyfriend.  Iris and her girlfriends organize ladies’ nights in which they include Grammie (I think that is wonderful).  Iris’ friend, Sophie is getting married and needs help with her wedding plans.  Grammie and Iris offer to assist.  The old lighthouse is being turned into a museum.  Anne and Iris are on a committee to help with the exhibits.  They are going through old trunks and furniture looking for items to help.  Iris finds an old apron with a love note inside.  She sets out to help two star crossed lovers and hope it does not backfire.  I liked learning about lighthouses and keepers.  It would be fascinating working on a lighthouse museum.   Iris’ friend, Bella is accused of killing Lance Pedersen.  Iris and her friends know that Bella is innocent and work together to prove it.  There are several viable suspects along with subtle clues in this whodunit.  I was able to discern the guilty parties’ identity, but I had no clue as to why this person committed the crime.  There is a great action-packed reveal.  I enjoyed reading this appealing cozy mystery and I look forward to my next visit to Blueberry Cove.   Bodies and Bows is a charming tale with antique aprons, luxury linens, a slain suitor, lip-smacking barbecue, a funky filling, and ill-fated mates.  

Bodies and Bows is available from Amazon*.  The other two novels in The Apron Shop Series are Hems and Homicide plus Thread and Dead.  Elizabeth Penney has Chapter and Curse publishing September 28. It is the first book in a new cozy mystery series featuring Molly Kimball and set in one of the oldest bookshops in Cambridge, England.  I am eager to read it.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for Boarding with Murder by Kathryn Long.  It is A Sierra Pines B&B Mystery.  I hope that each of you have a sprightly day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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