Book Review - Quilling Me Softly by Nigel May

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Title: Quilling Me Softly

Author: Nigel May

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author Supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 24th February 2023

Rating: 4 Stars

Meet the craft group swapping decoupage for deception and glues for clues…

Violet Brewer is the owner of Rooney-at-Burrow’s charming wool shop, Brewer’s Loop, and the organiser of its weekly crafting group. Nothing much usually happens in the sleepy little English village. Until now.

But when Sir Buster Burniston, much-loved owner of nearby Burrow Hall, is found dead, a cloud of mystery lingers in the village air. Or at least it does for Violet and her fellow craft mates in Team C.R.A.B – the Crafters of Rooney-at-Burrow. They are certain that the old man’s death might not be as cut and dried as Violet’s police officer nephew, Samuel, seems to think. Violet has lived in the village for over sixty years, and something tells her and her creative pals that there is more behind Sir Buster’s sad demise. Violet and her friends are determined to turn detective, despite what her nephew says. And soon murder is on the cards at their meet and make sessions as they discover a mystery that needs to be unpicked stitch by stitch...

It is so good to see Nigel May back writing books, and although this is a very good cozy mystery that grew on me a lot as it reached its rather fabulous climax, there is a part of me that is very sad that he isn't still writing his glam blockbusters that I used to be able to devour. 

I am though really hoping this is the first book in a series, as it got off to a fairly slow start, and it took me a while to get all the characters straight in my head, and I think a second book with them would be great, as I really need more of this village and these people in my life. 

There is definitely a suspicious death, not that the police believe foul play is involved initially and in fact I really wasn't that impressed with the local village police in this story, whereas the craft group's amateur detecting was sublime. 

Violet is a wonder, she is determined and a force to be reckoned with.  And with so many friends happy to go along with her thoughts, and help her, the crafters in town, discover all sorts of interesting tidbits.  And watching them interact with the despicable grown up children of the deceased and well loved Sir Buster was eye opening. 

The writing draws you completely into village life and I loved the cosy feeling of Violet's craft shop. I also thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of the very many characters, too many to mention. 

I was completely surprised by who the murderer turned out to be and found the last quarter of the book incredibly hard to put down. 

An excellent change of direction for thus author, proving he can write enjoyable books no matter the subject.  

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.