My Nails and My Book Review - Death Among the Doilies by Mollie Cox Bryan

**NetGalley**

Title: Death Among the Doilies

Series: Cora Crafts Mystery #1

Author: Mollie Cox Bryan

Goodreads Summary: For thirty-something blogger Cora Chevalier, small-town Indigo Gap, North Carolina, seems like the perfect place to reinvent her life. Shedding a stressful past as a counselor for a women’s shelter, Cora is pouring all her talents—and most of her savings—into a craft retreat business, with help from close pal and resident potter Jane Starr. Between transforming her Victorian estate into a crafter’s paradise and babysitting Jane’s daughter, the new entrepreneur has no time for distractions. Especially rumors about the murder of a local school librarian . . .

But when Jane’s fingerprints match those found at the grisly crime scene, Cora not only worries about her friend, but her own reputation. With angry townsfolk eager for justice and both Jane’s innocence and the retreat at risk, she must rely on her creative chops to unlace the truth behind the beloved librarian’s disturbing demise. Because if the killer’s patterns aren’t pinned, Cora’s handiwork could end up in stitches . . .

My Review: **I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review**

At the beginning of the book, I really wasn't sure how I would like it. For a first in series, I was expecting more set up and less dive right into the middle of the story. After a few chapters I was able to follow along with the story, and really enjoyed it. The two main characters are both damaged, and are starting a craft retreat in hopes of being able to heal and start over. As usual, that dream is quickly shattered as things start going wrong before the retreat even starts. But mixed in with the chaos are some heartwarming bonding moments and character growth. The mystery was well written, with some twists and enough clues to give a fair chance at figuring out the murderer.

My Manicure: So this inspiration is doilies. Not only is it right there in the title, but doilies show up in the book, too. I thought the aqua would make a pretty base, not overly bold, but not too subtle. The fact that the cover has a similar shade really is just a coincidence (but I do wish I had planned it). The base is Bonita Dali's Memory. Then I stamped it with Zoya Purity and Pueen 28. I'm absolutely loving this look, and I had better luck with my clear stamper.

~Kelly