Lori C. (dollycas) reviewed on 8/19/2023 + 683 more book reviews

Dollycas's Thoughts

Abbey Chandler's life in Los Angeles gets turned upside down so she decides to return to her happy place in Hideaway Grove where she knows her Aunt Sarah and her bakery will welcome her and give her time to decide where she wants to go with her life. Abbey doesn't even have time to recover from the long drive before her car is impounded and she is at the top of the suspect list for the hit-and-run homicide of the new librarian.

With no car, Abbey finds herself pretty much sidelined but while cleaning up a new area at the bakery she learns about a charity sewing project that a friend of her aunt's was working on before she had to leave town to go help her daughter. Abbey's sewing skills are pretty minimal but the project looks pretty basic and she hopes she can get some other members of the community to help her to reach the goal needed by the charity. Soon she has making pillowcase dresses down pat and moves on to make so aprons for her aunt's bakery. She has even been encouraged to sell some items at the upcoming craft fair.

While doing all the crafting she is also working on clearing her name and trying to pin down the real hit-and-run culprit. As the clues start to seam together it may be Abbey that gets hemmed in by the killer unless she can get a little help from her friends.

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Abbey Chandler's life is certainly in flux and for a while, it affected her whole demeanor. Her aunt really didn't need her help at the bakery but everyone thought she was the perfect person to take over the pillowcase project when the only thing she had ever sewn was a skirt several years ago and she did an awful job at that. Then she finds herself on a festival committee in charge of getting donations from the town merchants. She didn't or wasn't given the opportunity to say "no" to anything. Thankfully, there were people to help her out and boost her confidence. Connie, who runs the local fabric store was a godsend. I also loved Abbey's idea of a Pillowcase Party to get the community involved in the charity project and it was also a good way to meet people and get information about the librarian's death.

We also meet several members of the community. An old friend of Abbey's is clearly dealing with something but Abbey isn't sure how to help her. Detective Zack McKenna became a key part of Abbey's life. He seemed to pop up wherever she was. He knew she was investigating and he was trying to keep her safe but there was plenty of romantic tension too.  The author did a good job of character development for the first book in the series but we still have plenty to learn about all the characters as the series continues.

While I liked most of the characters there was one who I abhorred. Sheriff Ed Grumman was clueless and really abused the limits allowed by the law and sadly got away with it. Abbey was the last person he should have suspected. He was rude and condescending and I hope he is replaced soon.

The mystery was good but I did pin down the killer pretty early. I did enjoy the way Abbey did her investigation though and all the people that helped her. A break-in and some vandalism really shook up the town with a murderer on the loose. There were some nice twists and the final one surprised her. The showdown was quite exciting and I loved the way it all played out.

Prior to my accident in 2001, my happy places were my sewing room and any fabric store. I made most of my own and my kid's clothes and even several things for my husband. I was making quilts and quilted projects for everyone too. Instead of staying up late reading like I do now, I stayed up late sewing after working my day job 40 hours a week and taking care of my family. My accident that left my right side basically useless took both my job and my crafting away. That is why I love to read books like this one. When Abbey went into Connie's Fabrics I saw myself.

I wandered through the aisles. This store seemed so exciting now. All the colors, the patterns, the textures, -- the possibilities. My imagination came alive with the things I could create.

I miss those days so much but by reading books like Seams Like Murder I can live vicariously through the characters. It is much cheaper :) but sadly there are no tangible items made. I still have my machines and a heck of a lot of fabric, books, and patterns. I can't give them up because there is always hope I will be able to figure out a way to create again someday.

Seams Like Murder has set this series off to a great start. It did touch my heart in such a good way. I love the idea of a Sewing Studio and the way Abbey is embracing it. I am happy to see the next book in the series is being released on September 26 so I don't have to wait too long for my next trip to Hideaway Grove. 

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