I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the praise Pleating for Mercy and A Fitting End have received! A big huge thanks to cozy mystery readers everywhere who’ve made it a smashing success.
A Custom-Fit Crime
4 1/2 stars “The fourth Magical Dressmaking mystery brings fashion to rural Bliss, Texas. This challenging caper will have you guessing till the end and then stun you with another twist. The characters are all amusing and the added haunting of Meemaw makes it a real page-turner. Can’t wait for more from this author.” ~RT Book Reviews
“Harlow, who has given up the “glamour” of high fashion couture, is far happier creating beautiful clothing for real women who appreciate designs that bring out their true inner beauty. She also guides Gracie as she grows into her own newly discovered gifts, something Harlow truly values as she herself came upon her powers only recently and very unexpectedly. The Cassidy women, descendants of Butch Cassidy, carry the magical charm as well as spirit and relentless determination of their ancestor, making them thoroughly enjoyable and the strongest of allies. The author, who also writes the Lola Cruz mysteries under her name Melissa Bourbon Ramirez, continues this fourth in the series with as much humor, magic, and fashion as any reader could ever desire.” ~Kings River Life Magazine
A Fitting End
4 STARS “This enchanting mystery with down home charm is as comfortable as slipping into your favorite dress and sitting down and drinking sweet tea with engaging characters who quickly become old friends.” ~ The Mystery Reader
“The magic, the mystery, the small town cozy feel, and the nicely balanced mix of characters of all ages make this book a read that promises to entertain those of various generations. It would be a wonderful selection for a mother/daughter book group, a sewing group who likes to read as well, and for those will just plain love the cozy mystery genre…The twist at the end was like the cherry on top of a swirly delicious ice cream on a hot day.” ~Laura Hinds
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Pleating for Mercy
“This series debut by Bourbon (who also writes the “Lola Cruz” series under the name Misa Ramirez) has a clever premise, lots of interesting trade secrets, snappy dialog, and the requisite quirky and loveable family. It’s very Texas, and Wendy Lyn Watson fans should enjoy. A fun read with plenty of potential..” ~ Library Journal
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“A crime-solving ghost and magical charms…a sure winner!” ~ NY Times Bestselling Author Maggie Sefton
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“A seamless blend of mystery, magic, and dress-making, with a cast of masterfully tailored characters you’ll want to visit again and again.” ~ NY Times Bestselling Author, Jennie Bentley
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“Enchanting! Prepare to be spellbound from page one by this well-written and deftly-plotted cozy. It’s charming, clever and completely captivating! Fantasy, fashion and a foul play—all sewn together by a wise and witty heroine you’ll instantly want as a best friend. Loved it!” ~ Hank Phillippi Ryan Agatha, Anthony and Macavity winning author
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“Cozy couture! Harlow Jane Cassidy is a tailor-made amateur sleuth. Bourbon stitches together a seamless mystery, adorned with magic, whimsy, and small-town Texas charm.” ~ Wendy Lyn Watson, Author of NAL’s Mystery a la Mode series
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TOP PICK
“A charming, whimsical tale that’s also chock full of sex, lies, intrigue, and murder…one heckuva series debut. Harlow is a marvelous heroine. Smart, funny, and full of fire. Bourbon’s supporting cast is remarkable, as well – a perfect blend of quirk, menace, and heart…the image-conscious, richer-than-God Kincaid family could have been plucked straight from an episode of Dallas; and hunky architect-slash-handyman Will Flores and his young daughter Gracie add heat and warmth (respectively) to the story.
Run to your nearest bookstore and snap up a copy of this whimsical take on a supernatural cozy; you just may find me there standing in line to buy the sequel.” ~ The Season for Romance
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“I was really happy and satisfied when I was finished with “Pleating for Mercy” and I want more cozy mysteries like this one.” ~ About Happy Books
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“This is a fun read, perfect for vacation or, if you’re like me, holed up on your bed turning the pages at 2 AM to find out what happens. I’m looking forward to the next installment in this new series.” ~ Stitches and Seams
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“How can you not like a character that can drink a hot cup of Joe as easily on a sweltering day as she can on a chilly 40-degree one and calls herself a “Project Runway,” “Dancing with the Stars” and “Iron Chef” kinda gal.” ~ AnnArbor.com
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“Pleating for mercy is an engaging novel! It kept me up late, wanting to know how all the details worked out in the end, and making sure my favorite characters were as friendly as I had imagined. I loved how fabric was woven into each part of the story, as the characters weave their own tale.” ~ Amy’s Creative Side
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“This is the first book in a blissfully enchanting and entertaining series that I hope is here to stay.” ~ Notes from Me
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“Harlow is a clever, down-to-earth main character who you can’t help but like. Most of the action takes place right in her dress shop, and Harlow asks all the right questions as she tries to figure out the murder mystery….Fans of cozy mysteries will want to be sure to put this one at the top of their “to be read” list.” ~ Two Lips Reviews
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“What can I say about this debut series? “Charm”(ing), intriguing, and satisfying; a page-turner with the right touch of potential romance and paranormal just about covers it.” ~ Once Upon a Romance
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“This book was a fun read, and the historical tie-in with Butch Cassidy was a kick, as well.” ~ Fresh Fiction
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“PLEATING FOR MERCY is a fantastic first book in a new cozy mystery series by Melissa Bourbon. I was quickly absorbed in the book and did not want to put it down!” ~ Book of Secrets
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“This opening act in the new paranormal amateur sleuth A Dressmaker’s Mystery is as enchanting as the magic of the Cassidy women is a two edged sword of both a blessing and a curse. Pleating for Mercy is a spirited whodunit.” ~ The Mystery Gazette
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“Harlow is such an interesting character.I enjoyed this book a lot and felt it was a great first book in a series and sets readers up well for what’s to come.Using comic relief to lighten the mood is a common tool employed in cozy mysteries, but I think this one takes it to a new height.” ~ Deb’s Book Bag
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“Filled with twists, turns, laughs and mystery, this is a MUST read for that rainy night, that lazy fall day by the fire, or just any time you are looking for a warm, suspenseful, fun read by a wonderful author!” ~ Reviews by Molly
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“This is the first in A Magical Dressmaking Mystery series, and it is a charming debut. It’s full of Texas small town flavor, unique and interesting characters (Grandma the goat whisperer? I love it), good plotting and just enough romance.” ~ Over My Dead Body
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“The book is a blissful read, is suitable for ages preteen, and up, and would make a nice back to school gift for a student or a teacher-but don’t forget to buy an extra copy for yourself!” ~ Myshelf
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“A highly enjoyable paranormal cozy mystery! It would be highly enjoyable no matter the genre label.” ~Vixen Books
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“…a good one.” ~ Storybook Reviews