Death by Arts and Crafts (Abby McCree Mystery #6), by Alexis Morgan

 

Publication Dec. 27, 2022

Likable characters, fast paced, with lots and lots of twists and turns and red herrings. Despite her best efforts to stay out of the investigation into the murder of an iron work artist, Abby McCree does seem to have the bad luck of being in the wrong place at the wrong time when a body is discovered. And, to think, it all started with a fun combo work and girl's weekend out with friends Bridey Booker, who is about six months pregnant, and ceramic artist and long time friend Dayna Fisk. It somehow ends with Dayna being a suspect.

I'm not going to detail the plot, it's readily available elsewhere. It was one of those books I found myself reluctant to put down and spent some down time pondering who did it when doing other things. That's when I know a book has hooked me, when it makes me think.

The characters are well-rounded, with strengths and weaknesses, and includes solid friendships with police friends Gage and Ben. Ben is the more intense of the two while Gage is more protective of Abby, although neither is as invested as Tripp, who Abby isn't quite sure to describe as just a good friend or boyfriend. He, like Zeke the part mastiff dog that owns Abby (dog owners know why I use that phrase), has her back.

So, who managed to brutally kill an artist at an arts and crafts fair without being seen or heard? Why is Dayna a suspect? Why did the artist's assistant go missing? How the heck is medium Madame G involved? A seance? Well, that went off the rails quickly. And, oh, where is Dayna's missing business partner? Why....oh, never mind. This one stands on it's own so well that more teasers aren't needed. You'll quickly fall in love with Abby, the quite reluctant sleuth, who even when she isn't trying has the knack of falling into things at the wrong/right time. A fun series. Give it a read.

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me to Snowberry Creek's first-ever arts and crafts show. I'm looking forward to seeing where the ending takes us with Tripp and Abby.