A delightful cozy mystery set in enchanting coastal Maine. The mystery had twists and surprises which raised it above many cozies where the culprit is obvious before the book is even half over. Penney created well-developed characters and friendships and intergenerational-relationships shone. The setting of an apron shop was unusual but presented many interesting tidbits. There was also a sweet side story of a lightkeeper’s daughter’s long-lost love.

I look forward to reading others in the series.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free ARC in return for an honest review.

Bodies and Bows is the third book in Elizabeth Penney's Apron Shop series. Iris Buckley and her grandmother are the owners of an apron and linen shop, Ruffles and Bows, in the quaint little town of Blueberry Cove, Maine. In this installment, Iris finds herself investigating another murder when her friend Bella becomes the main suspect in the death of her boyfriend, Lance Pederson. The town is also preparing to turn the old lighthouse into a museum, and while volunteering, Iris discovers a love letter dating back to the 50s and becomes determined to out what happened to the writer.

Another enjoyable addition to the Apron Shop series. From the descriptions of vintage aprons and linens( I love all things vintage) to the strong female friendships and the engaging storylines, this series is quickly becoming a favorite. Iris is a down-to-earth and loyal protagonist. I love the friendship between her and her friends. Their girls' nights are always fun to read about and I like that they include Grammie. There are two storylines in this book: the murder mystery and the old love letter found in the lighthouse. I thought the love letter storyline was really heartwarming and it left me a little teary-eyed at the end. As for the murder mystery, I thought it could have played a bigger role in the story. The suspense didn't pick up until the last 20%, but overall it did keep me engaged and I didn't figure out the killer's identity until Iris started putting the pieces together. I liked the action-packed reveal and I thought it made up for how slow the mystery moved in the beginning.
All in all, I really enjoy this series and will definitely be back for another visit.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Since the touristy town of Blueberry Cove on the coast of Maine opened its arms and welcomed Iris Buckley and her Gram, Anne, and their beautiful new business, Ruffles & Bows; their lives have been fruitful. Recently, the town also welcomed back Lance Pederson, their celebrity golden boy—an expert sailor and Olympian. The townspeople are hard at work preparing for the lighthouse museum to open on Labor Day weekend, and it’s going to be a gorgeous sight to see! However, a disturbing death hangs over the celebration.

The colorful characters give this book a ton of charm. They’re caring, smart, and savvy, and when they put their heads together, mysteries get solved quickly! As a whole, the story has to come full circle near the ending for the reader to fully understand how and why the murder happens. To entertain in between; the author pulls some emotional strings with the search for, and reunion of a Korean War veteran with his first love—a sweet elderly lady who was actually born in the lighthouse during a winter storm. At 87% on my Kindle, I still didn’t have the killer pinned down. The exciting conclusion escalates rapidly as the unhinged perpetrator attempts to take two more lives! The ending is wonderful. I highly recommend this cozy mystery.

I was provided with an advance digital copy via NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you.

When the local celebrity olympian that Bella is dating is killed in a hit and run and she becomes the prime suspect, Iris and the girls will stop at nothing to prove her innocence. With Bella’s ex husband in town trying to win her back and a slew of other suspects, they can find means, motive or opportunity, but not all three.

Iris and the girls need hard evidence to get the state police to look at other suspects. They need to get cracking if they’re going to save their beloved friend and finger the true murderer. What they don’t need is to become collateral damage in the process.

I love this series and miss my own Grammie who taught me to sew and cook whenever I read it. It’s a pleasant setting in coastal Maine with a great whodunit and always leaves me feeling a bit nostalgic. This is the third book in the series and at the end of each one I’m looking for the next one.

Iris and her grandmother own a delightful apron shop, and are the characters in this series by Elizabeth Penney.
When a long time friend of Iris winds up being arrested for murder, Iris can't help but get involved.
She has a knack for finding out whodunit and her character is very likeable.

This is the third book in the series and it is my favourite so far.
This series has become one of my favorites.
Entertaining characters and a well written whodunit.
I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.