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Magical Dressmaking Mysteries #5
A Killing Notion
Harlow Jane Cassidy is swamped with homecoming couture requests. If only she didn’t have to help solve a murder, she might get the gowns off the dress forms.... Ìý
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Harlow is doing everything she can to expand her dressmaking business, Buttons & Bows—without letting clients know about her secret charm. When she has a chance to create homecoming dresses with a local charity and handmade mums for several high school girls—including Gracie, whose father, Will, has mended Harlow’s heart—she is ready to use her magical talents for a great cause.
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But when Gracie’s date for the dance is accused of murder, Harlow knows things won’t be back on course until she helps Gracie clear the football player’s name. If Harlow can’t patch up this mess before the big game, her business and her love life might be permanently benched.
INCLUDES SEWING TIPS
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Ìý
Harlow is doing everything she can to expand her dressmaking business, Buttons & Bows—without letting clients know about her secret charm. When she has a chance to create homecoming dresses with a local charity and handmade mums for several high school girls—including Gracie, whose father, Will, has mended Harlow’s heart—she is ready to use her magical talents for a great cause.
Ìý
But when Gracie’s date for the dance is accused of murder, Harlow knows things won’t be back on course until she helps Gracie clear the football player’s name. If Harlow can’t patch up this mess before the big game, her business and her love life might be permanently benched.
INCLUDES SEWING TIPS
Ìý
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2014
52 people are currently reading
632 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Bourbon
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***
Melissa Bourbon is the national bestselling author of more than forty novels and nonfiction writing resource books. All of her books feature strong female and family relationships, bits of history, and lots of fun.
Melissa used to teach middle school English/Language Arts, but now she teaches creative writing to adults. She founded WriterSpark Academy, an online school for aspiring and new writers seeking to hone their craft.
Find me online!
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Are you an aspiring writer? Learn about about WriterSpark Academy at
For updates about my books and writing life, sign up for my newsletter on my website:
Follow me on BookBub for the latest on new releases and sales:
***
Melissa Bourbon is the national bestselling author of more than forty novels and nonfiction writing resource books. All of her books feature strong female and family relationships, bits of history, and lots of fun.
Melissa used to teach middle school English/Language Arts, but now she teaches creative writing to adults. She founded WriterSpark Academy, an online school for aspiring and new writers seeking to hone their craft.
Find me online!
Website:
Facebook:
ArcherBooks
Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ:
Instagram:
Pinterest:
Are you an aspiring writer? Learn about about WriterSpark Academy at
For updates about my books and writing life, sign up for my newsletter on my website:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
January 21, 2019
One of my favourite cozy mystery series!I'm really sad that Melissa Bourbon has not continued on with it!
January 16, 2016
It’s homecoming time in Bliss, Texas and the girls are working on their mums. Like everything in Texas these mums are big!! Harlow Jane Cassidy, owner of Buttons & Bows, is not only helping with the mums, she is making several homecoming dresses. Gracie has decided to make her own dress. Then when Gracie’s date for the dance is accused of murder Harlow realizes Gracie is going need much more than help with her dress. Harlow needs to patch together the clues and clear the boys name before the whole homecoming celebration is ruined.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
First things first I had to do a little investigating into the Texas size mums, we don’t have anything like it to my knowledge here in Wisconsin. I found some pictures of them on The Style Sisters blog. Why these girls would want to cover up these beautiful dresses or wear this kind of thing around their neck all day is beyond me but it seems to be quite the tradition.
Now Melissa has crafted quite a mystery while her characters were crafting their mums. Gracie has grown up so fast and this story really zones in on her character. Her boyfriend is not only struggling with his father’s death, he is also the cops prime suspect.
This story has a very interesting twist that I started to put together just a bit ahead of Harlow and then another huge twist at the end that took me completely by surprise.
This is one of my favorite series as I too come from a background full of seamstresses and before my accident sewing and crafting were the way I spent all of my free time. I love all the characters and the way all their charms work. MeeMaw continues to make her presence known and she just tickles my heart.
As soon as I finish a Melissa Bourbon story I always want more. These are characters I truly hate to leave behind as I wait for my next trip to Bliss. This is a wonderful series, start at the beginning and sit back and curl up with some great cozy mysteries.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
First things first I had to do a little investigating into the Texas size mums, we don’t have anything like it to my knowledge here in Wisconsin. I found some pictures of them on The Style Sisters blog. Why these girls would want to cover up these beautiful dresses or wear this kind of thing around their neck all day is beyond me but it seems to be quite the tradition.
Now Melissa has crafted quite a mystery while her characters were crafting their mums. Gracie has grown up so fast and this story really zones in on her character. Her boyfriend is not only struggling with his father’s death, he is also the cops prime suspect.
This story has a very interesting twist that I started to put together just a bit ahead of Harlow and then another huge twist at the end that took me completely by surprise.
This is one of my favorite series as I too come from a background full of seamstresses and before my accident sewing and crafting were the way I spent all of my free time. I love all the characters and the way all their charms work. MeeMaw continues to make her presence known and she just tickles my heart.
As soon as I finish a Melissa Bourbon story I always want more. These are characters I truly hate to leave behind as I wait for my next trip to Bliss. This is a wonderful series, start at the beginning and sit back and curl up with some great cozy mysteries.
March 18, 2014
It's homecoming time in Texas, and the only way to go is to go big or go home. Harlow Cassidy and her custom dress shop, Buttons & Bows, are in the thick of the preparations. Not only is she designing and completing two dresses for two under-privileged girls, but Harlow's also making mums for several of Bliss High School's gals - including Gracie, the daughter of Harlow's beau, Will Flores. But at the crucial time - just days before the big dance - Gracie gets shocking news: her date's father has been killed in a car crash. And as horrible as that news is, the accident looks suspicious and Shane, Gracie's boyfriend and the victim's son, is suspected of tampering with the car and causing the fatal accident. Gracie asks Harlow for help and so does Shane's mother, Reba. And as much as Will would like to keep Harlow away from the danger and out of the investigation, Harlow is compelled to play detective and clear Shane's name in time for Homecoming.
This series has quickly become one of my favorites. The characters are vivacious and Melissa Bourbon's descriptions of life in a small Texas town are charming. She has a way of writing that makes me feel welcome - like part of the family.
A Killing Notion is the fifth book in the Magical Dressmaking series. To date, I've only read the first and this fifth installment. I'm eager to return to Bliss to see how Meemaw match made Harlow and Will (from beyond the grace, no less!) and to discover the other stories and plot points hinted at in Notion.
Reading these books is like the best of your favorite things - pajamas and your most comfortable sweatshirt, curled up or stretched out in your favorite spot with a hot cup of coffee. That said, I think my cup is ready. Enjoy!
This series has quickly become one of my favorites. The characters are vivacious and Melissa Bourbon's descriptions of life in a small Texas town are charming. She has a way of writing that makes me feel welcome - like part of the family.
A Killing Notion is the fifth book in the Magical Dressmaking series. To date, I've only read the first and this fifth installment. I'm eager to return to Bliss to see how Meemaw match made Harlow and Will (from beyond the grace, no less!) and to discover the other stories and plot points hinted at in Notion.
Reading these books is like the best of your favorite things - pajamas and your most comfortable sweatshirt, curled up or stretched out in your favorite spot with a hot cup of coffee. That said, I think my cup is ready. Enjoy!
April 1, 2014
In this book we follow Texan Harlow Jane Cassidy as she is helping teenage girls get ready for homecoming. When quickly in the book Gracie Harlow's boyfriend's daughter's boyfriend ends up loosing his dad then getting accused of his death. Did Shane really kill his father? And is there more to Chris Montgomery than meets the eye?
Helping Harlow investigate the murder is Harlow's dead grandmother who leads her to clues to solving the murder. This book dealt with a lot families and the children of those families and how they deal when things go wrong and kids find out.
I enjoyed journeying to the truth in this story of who had the most to gain by Chris's death. What you find out will really give a whole new angle for cozy mysteries I have never read one like this with such a twist that you wonder how these secrets stayed quiet for so long. I loved how Gracie and Harlow really connected in this book with making homecoming dress and accessories used. It was great!
Helping Harlow investigate the murder is Harlow's dead grandmother who leads her to clues to solving the murder. This book dealt with a lot families and the children of those families and how they deal when things go wrong and kids find out.
I enjoyed journeying to the truth in this story of who had the most to gain by Chris's death. What you find out will really give a whole new angle for cozy mysteries I have never read one like this with such a twist that you wonder how these secrets stayed quiet for so long. I loved how Gracie and Harlow really connected in this book with making homecoming dress and accessories used. It was great!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2014
I feel privileged that I was asked to read an advanced copy of this book is the fifth book in the series Magical Dressmaking Mystery. The Cassidy ladies have secrets that must be kept from the people of Bliss Texas, now don't get me wrong, it's not terrible secrets just small ones the townsfolk wouldn't understand.
It's homecoming week in Bliss and Harlow has been designing and sewing dresses for the young ladies in town. Gracie the daughter of Harlow's beau Will has decided to make her own dress. But will there be any reason to finish it when Gracie's date is accused of murder?
Once again Harlow and her friends are playing amateur sleuth. Will they be able to figure this one out, especially when men keep dying?
It's homecoming week in Bliss and Harlow has been designing and sewing dresses for the young ladies in town. Gracie the daughter of Harlow's beau Will has decided to make her own dress. But will there be any reason to finish it when Gracie's date is accused of murder?
Once again Harlow and her friends are playing amateur sleuth. Will they be able to figure this one out, especially when men keep dying?
February 19, 2014
I absolutely LOVE this series!! Melissa Bourbon does an amazing job of bringing you into the book. I often find myself being swept away in the pages and staying up way to late just to finish it! She brings not only the characters but the town to life. I can picture myself sitting on the porch of Button and Bows, rocking and waiting to see what trouble meemaw causes. This book does not disappoint. It takes you on a "who done it?" ride that keeps you guessing. With homecoming fast approaching, Harlow has to make customized dresses, Mums that are larger than life, and oh, solve a murder. Nothing a small town dress maker can't handle!!
April 6, 2014
This was probably the best book that I have read so far this year!! It grabbed my attention and kept it the whole way through. Melissa Bourbon's words flowed so well, making this a very easy and fast read. I loved the small, hometown feel of the book. And I also loved that it was set during Homecoming time in Bliss, which brought back memories. This book had many, many twists and turns that kept me guessing till the very end. I would think I had it figured out, and there would be an twist that made me think again. Great job Melissa Bourbon, I will definitely be reading more from this great series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.
October 22, 2014
As always, this is by far one of my favorite series. If I could take a vacation there, I would go to Bliss and have Harlow make me a dress. I had my suspicions early on of the murderer, but didn't really make the full connection until a bit later and loved the story line. Love the characters, Will is still Benjamin Bratt in my mind. I wish Melissa could write a little faster because I don't like waiting for the next book to come out!
May 2, 2025
"A Killing Notion," by Melissa Bourbon, is the fifth in the "Magical Dressmaking Mysteries." My mass market paperback copy has 310 pages, which consist of: Reviews of the previous mysteries, the Cassidy Family Tree, 33 chapters, sewing tips, and a recipe (three recipes actually) for Mahi Mahi Tacos with Strawberry-Mango Salsa and Cilantro-Lime Rice (in spite of the fact I do not like seafood, even I felt my mouth watering), as well as excerpts from "A Seamless Murder (sixth in the series)," and from "Pleating for Mercy," first in the series.
One of the biggest events in Bliss, Texas, the homecoming mums ball, is underway, and Harlow is helping the girls with their mums, providing charms, elaborate ribbons and more. But then, a murder (yes, another one) strikes Bliss, but this one hits super close to home, because it is Gracie's boyfriend's father.
Much to the dismay of her stepbrother, Deputy Gavin McShane, not one, but two people ask Harlow for her help in finding out the real culprit, because Gracie's boyfriend, Shane, did NOT kill his father.
Once again, Harlow adds sleuthing to her CV (curriculam vitae, Latin for "course of life," and a summary of an individual's professional life), and helping the girls get their mums on, and solve a mystery, and enjoy being alive, happy, successful and back in Bliss, Texas, where she was meant to be all along.
As a Cozy Mystery lover, I love the supernatural/magical/magickal elements, as well as the legacy of the Butch Cassidy Charms that he wished upon his descendants (in spite of the fact that a man made the wish, only the women have charms; Harlow's brother, Red, as well as his sons, her nephews, have no charms). As a Magickal Practitioner, I love the magical/Magickal elements to these Cozy Mysteries. As someone who has always wanted to learn how to sew, I wholly appreciate the sewing tips.
I look forward to the next one, sixth in this Cozy Mystery Series, "A Seamless Murder."
One of the biggest events in Bliss, Texas, the homecoming mums ball, is underway, and Harlow is helping the girls with their mums, providing charms, elaborate ribbons and more. But then, a murder (yes, another one) strikes Bliss, but this one hits super close to home, because it is Gracie's boyfriend's father.
Much to the dismay of her stepbrother, Deputy Gavin McShane, not one, but two people ask Harlow for her help in finding out the real culprit, because Gracie's boyfriend, Shane, did NOT kill his father.
Once again, Harlow adds sleuthing to her CV (curriculam vitae, Latin for "course of life," and a summary of an individual's professional life), and helping the girls get their mums on, and solve a mystery, and enjoy being alive, happy, successful and back in Bliss, Texas, where she was meant to be all along.
As a Cozy Mystery lover, I love the supernatural/magical/magickal elements, as well as the legacy of the Butch Cassidy Charms that he wished upon his descendants (in spite of the fact that a man made the wish, only the women have charms; Harlow's brother, Red, as well as his sons, her nephews, have no charms). As a Magickal Practitioner, I love the magical/Magickal elements to these Cozy Mysteries. As someone who has always wanted to learn how to sew, I wholly appreciate the sewing tips.
I look forward to the next one, sixth in this Cozy Mystery Series, "A Seamless Murder."
May 31, 2023
Wow, this one kept me guessing all the way through. Even after Harlow figured out whodunnit, it was written in such a way that I still wasn't sure. The final reveal was a real shocker.
It's been almost 30 years since I taught High School. I still remember the excitement of "homecoming week." Homecoming was a big deal back here in Ohio, too, but the girls never wore or created "mums" like the ones mentioned in this book. I suppose things could have changed by now, or maybe it's just a Texas thing. I had a hard time picturing them in my mind, especially the ones so large they needed a harness for support!
It's been almost 30 years since I taught High School. I still remember the excitement of "homecoming week." Homecoming was a big deal back here in Ohio, too, but the girls never wore or created "mums" like the ones mentioned in this book. I suppose things could have changed by now, or maybe it's just a Texas thing. I had a hard time picturing them in my mind, especially the ones so large they needed a harness for support!
January 21, 2025
This is another fab book from one of my favorite authors. I like the characters, the setting, the premise. It's not full-on paranormal, rather magical realism and mystery rolled together.
I like the activity of everything Harlow does: she's creating homecoming dresses, volunteering everywhere, helping teach the girls going to homecoming how to create their Texas tradition of these humongous mums made from ribbon, and trying to help solve a murder because the wife of the victim asked her to. Plus being asked by the daughter of Harlow's beau to help since the suspect is the victim's son and boyfriend of the beau's daughter. I know it sounds convoluted but it all works.
I though I had it figured out at various points but I really did not see any of it coming. It was very well-crafted and twisty - turny.
I loved it! I can absolutely recommend this book, series and author.
I like the activity of everything Harlow does: she's creating homecoming dresses, volunteering everywhere, helping teach the girls going to homecoming how to create their Texas tradition of these humongous mums made from ribbon, and trying to help solve a murder because the wife of the victim asked her to. Plus being asked by the daughter of Harlow's beau to help since the suspect is the victim's son and boyfriend of the beau's daughter. I know it sounds convoluted but it all works.
I though I had it figured out at various points but I really did not see any of it coming. It was very well-crafted and twisty - turny.
I loved it! I can absolutely recommend this book, series and author.
October 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I love Harlow as a main character. She is strong, smart and can give people clothes they need with an extra spell to make wishes come true. Her love interest Will is a nice steady guy with a very adorable teenage daughter. I have to admit I thought the ending might have gone differently. I had hoped that when Will wanted to go away for the weekend just the two of them he was going to propose but guess I am ahead of the author. I loved the story line with twists and turns that kept me guessing till the end. The description of the dresses and mums were so well described I felt like I was there working on them with Harlow and the girls.
March 10, 2024
An interesting situation. A man murdered. A man disappeared. They are co-owners in a business, but have never ever been seen together.
There's a lot going on beyond the murder and disappearance. Lots of family dynamics; love, hate, revenge. For a cozy, there's a lot of negative emotion in this book.
Paranormal isn't my thing, so I mostly ignore the 'charm' part of the equation. Although, it doesn't appear as though the 'witchy' part of each of the Cassidy clan is very strong.
I had figured out part of the equation between the murdered man and missing man (no spoiler here) but I had not figured out who the murderer was.
There's a lot going on beyond the murder and disappearance. Lots of family dynamics; love, hate, revenge. For a cozy, there's a lot of negative emotion in this book.
Paranormal isn't my thing, so I mostly ignore the 'charm' part of the equation. Although, it doesn't appear as though the 'witchy' part of each of the Cassidy clan is very strong.
I had figured out part of the equation between the murdered man and missing man (no spoiler here) but I had not figured out who the murderer was.
May 5, 2024
This was a great book! I had a clever plot and delightful characters.
Amazon synopsis:
Harlow is doing everything she can to expand her dressmaking business, Buttons & Bows—without letting clients know about her secret charm. When she has a chance to create homecoming dresses with a local charity and handmade mums for several high school girls—including Gracie, whose father, Will, has mended Harlow’s heart—she is ready to use her magical talents for a great cause.
But when Gracie’s date for the dance is accused of murder, Harlow knows things won’t be back on course until she helps Gracie clear the football player’s name. If Harlow can’t patch up this mess before the big game, her business and her love life might be permanently benched.
Amazon synopsis:
Harlow is doing everything she can to expand her dressmaking business, Buttons & Bows—without letting clients know about her secret charm. When she has a chance to create homecoming dresses with a local charity and handmade mums for several high school girls—including Gracie, whose father, Will, has mended Harlow’s heart—she is ready to use her magical talents for a great cause.
But when Gracie’s date for the dance is accused of murder, Harlow knows things won’t be back on course until she helps Gracie clear the football player’s name. If Harlow can’t patch up this mess before the big game, her business and her love life might be permanently benched.
February 11, 2021
This book, like most of the cozy mysteries I reach for in my "cleaning palate" moments of reading are usually full of the same tropes that I appreciate in the genre. And I give a lot of latitude because it's pure entertainment to read charming cozy mysteries. I've enjoyed the other books in the series, despite the kind of silly premise, but this one just lacked in most of the other things that I enjoyed. I really couldn't wait to finish it though I could have stopped midway as I could see the ending almost immediately.
September 13, 2017
Harlow is increasing her dressmaking business by making dresses for upcoming Homecoming Dance. Gracie is part of the group and her boyfriend and dare to the Homecoming becomes a suspect in his dad's death brings everyone down. So Harlow works on the side to find out who did it. She uncovers 2 different families but the same dad and at the very end she figures out who did it and needs to be on her guard so another person is not hurt.
March 25, 2020
This was a fun read. It's homecoming season in Bliss which means lots of dresswork for Harlow...and, of course, murder. Too many authors try to belittle or over-simplify young characters, and I didn't feel that this was the case for the majority of the book. There was some moments that seemed too cutesy, but on the most part, it felt like an honest depiction of excited high-schoolers. I also liked how Gavin and Harlow's teamwork is beginning to come together more.
April 1, 2023
This is a series I enjoy, but this was not one of the better installments for me. It was okay but I have liked the other books much better.
It may have been the subject matter which I won't go into detail about to avoid spoilers. Suffice it to say I was not very engaged with it and it did not fit my interests.
That said, I like the world and characters of the series and will read future books as one installment as a miss could happen to anyone.
It may have been the subject matter which I won't go into detail about to avoid spoilers. Suffice it to say I was not very engaged with it and it did not fit my interests.
That said, I like the world and characters of the series and will read future books as one installment as a miss could happen to anyone.
December 11, 2020
I really enjoyed this mystery. Harlow, the main character, has magical powers that bring a person she designs an item for their true desires. But what if the person’s desire was for revenge. Harlow has to face this possibility when a man who turned out to have two wives and fathered children to both wives is murdered.
May 6, 2025
As I was reading this book I kept thinking I'd already read it, but since I track my reading, it wasn't coming up as a re-read. Then I realized -- it is the exact same story as Ruth Rendell's An Unkindness of Ravens that came out in 1985. Even some of the names were similar. Disappointing. I give it a 2 based on good writing.
July 2, 2017
3.5 stars but I'll round up because I love this series.
July 30, 2024
Incredible series!
I've loved every book so far in this series. They're so well done.Never a dull moment and intricate plots. I can't wait for the rest of them. And I wish there were more.
I've loved every book so far in this series. They're so well done.Never a dull moment and intricate plots. I can't wait for the rest of them. And I wish there were more.
August 18, 2017
Good mystery but left me wondering on a couple of things about Sue and why she left and put her mother through pain.
April 13, 2018
Kept me guessing till the very end! Always good in a mystery!
July 12, 2018
I had a feeling that's whodunit!
December 7, 2018
A fun read, but too repetitive, and too much filler. I figured out both ‘mystery� aspects (not going to include a spoiler) well before Harlow did, which is not something I usually do.
April 25, 2020
More predictable than her others. I figured the plot line out early on and only had to wait till the end in one detail.
November 2, 2020
What a good series. The clues are good and can lead you into different directions. Think you have the culprit, guess again. Good book.
July 25, 2022
Wow!
Lots of twists and turns, only figured out one. Great plotline. Fun descriptions of the mums. Beautiful homecoming dresses. The recipe sounds really good.
Lots of twists and turns, only figured out one. Great plotline. Fun descriptions of the mums. Beautiful homecoming dresses. The recipe sounds really good.
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