Bookstore

AMATEUR SLEUTH/COZY/
CHICK LIT/CRAFTS/CRIME/
CULINARY/SMALL TOWN/
TRADITIONAL/WHODUNIT MYSTERY
lye in wait
Cocoa butter soap, check. Lemon lip balm, check. A dead body?
 
That’s just what Sophie Mae Reynolds finds in her workroom: the corpse of Walter Hanover, the neighborhood handyman. He died from drinking lye, something she has in good supply. But the police don’t suspect Sophie Mae, a thirty-something widow who makes and sells beauty products. Instead they call it a suicide. But why would a man with lottery cash and a loving fiancée kill himself?
 
No one can stop the impulsive Sophie Mae from answering this riddle, not her sensible best friend Meghan or Detective Ambrose, who incites annoyance as well as stomach flutters. Sophie Mae’s big mouth and sharp nose lead her to a peppermint-scented trail of arson, bigamy, and a shocking family secret that reveals a personal connection to Walter . . . and his killer.
 
This crafty new series features real recipes and a blundering, yet lovable, amateur sleuth who brings a fresh face to cozy mysteries.
Read A Review:

Sophie Mae Reynolds is quite surprised to find the neighborhood handyman, Walter Hanover, dead in her workroom. He died from drinking lye. She has plenty of it on hand for making soap. But the police call it suicide.

Sophie can't understand why a man who won the lottery and has a loving fiancée kill himself. So, she investigates. Her best friend Meghan tries to stop her to no avail. Detective Ambrose, who sends the butterflies in her stomach a flutter but can also cause her annoyance, can't stop her either.

Her sleuthing leads her to peppermint and a trail of arson, bigamy, and a family secret that's quite shocking and reveals a personal connection to Walter. Can it connect him to his killer? Can Sophie uncover the killer without putting herself and those she loves at risk?

Sophie is a breath of fresh air as a lovable amateur sleuth. She is so much fun as she works her way through her investigation. I look forward to reading many more adventures with Sophie.

Detective Ambrose and Meghan help balance Sophie and try to keep her out of trouble. That isn't an easy job.

The new craft series features recipes as well. I highly recommend this book.

Dawn Dowdle


When Sophie Mae Reynolds discovers the corpse of her handyman in her workshop where she makes soaps and other beauty products, she shifts into amateur-sleuth mode and places herself in danger as soon as possible. McRae crafts strong characters, including Sophie’s best friend Meghan; Meghan’s ten-year-old daughter; and an aging corgi. She also spins a credible, enjoyable plot. This debut series is set in Cadyville, WA, which is just north of Seattle. For cozy and crafts fans.

Library Journal Review