Assault and Beadery is the fourth book in Mollie Cox Bryan’s Cora Crafts Mystery series. I highly recommend this series and have enjoyed each book in this fabulous series. If you enjoy crafting and even if you do not but always wanted to craft you will love this series. The author has included craft instructions and supply list at the end of the book for all who would like to try their hand at beading !

Cora Chevalier our protagonist for the series, is a successful crafting blogger and owner of the Kildare House Craft Retreat in Indigo Gap, North Carolina, She is preparing for her third crafting retreat with her good friends and crafters Jane a potter and Ruby, a herbalist and candle maker. They all share living space at the retreat house.
They are all helping a friend prepare for a local musical when the director of the theater group is murdered. One of their fellow retreat friends is being held as the prime suspect. Cora begins to investigate and soon finds evidence that clears her friend from all charges and implicates a retreat attendee. Cora soon finds that the clues don't make sense and finds that the suspect is still on the loose.
This was a excellent mystery and such a fun addition to the series. The reader feels as if they are present and can participate in the crafting. This book will make every reader want to practice beading. The supporting charcters are interesting and fun additions to the plot. I love the well crafted sleuth and how the whodunit kept me guessing until the end. I look forward to the next in series. This is a delightful series that every cozy reader will love.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it with gratitude.

ASSAULT AND BEADERY by Mollie Cox Bryan
The Fourth Cora Crafts Mystery

Cora Chevalier and her business partner Jane are thrilled that their time at IndigoArts is almost over. Corralled to help design and paint the scenery by their friend Zee, the duo have had enough of the egotistical director and the stage mothers. Plus, a new retreat is about to start. This time they decided to create a retreat for moms featuring a big name beader. When one guest shows up early, Cora is thrown a tad off schedule, but she's thrown even more when she receives a phone call from Zee. Zee won't be bringing the floral arrangements she promised-she's in jail, suspected of murdering the IndigoArts director!

Mothers are the thread that bind this crafting mystery. We see mothers taking time for themselves, mothers putting their children first, mothers on the warpath, mothers desperately missing their children, and more. For someone who has no desire to be a mother, some of it was a bit much, but I'm sure anyone with kids will love this theme and commiserate with several of the mothers found in these pages.

The mystery itself was quite interesting, most people disliked the egotistical director, but who would actually want to kill him? Cora deals with trying to shelter her retreat participants from the murder, only to discover one of them could be the killer!

Mollie Cox Bryan creates a wonderful atmosphere for her retreats. It's an insulated world of creativity and acceptance...and in this case some mothers gone wild! Cora better watch her liquor cabinet more carefully. I love the variety of crafts that are showcased and enjoy learning more about them. I actually make Artist Trading Cards, so it was fun reading about that.

ASSAULT AND BEADERY is an engaging mystery that empowers women while comforting them.

I'm sorry. I just couldn't wholeheartedly like this book. I had problems with the dialogue, the jumping from characters points of view and the cross-over to other books from the author. It was confusing. I especially don't care for the relationship between Cora and her 'boyfriend'. I felt no tension and didn't feel the love they expressed. It all seemed formulaic. Again, I'm sorry.

I’m offering my honest review in exchange for ARC from NetGalley

This is my first book by Mollie Cox Bryan and I really enjoyed it. The resort setting sets the perfect escape for the reader. The characters are very likable and relatable. Just like a Murder She Wrote episode, there is a murder but it doesn’t diminish the small town feel of Indigo Gap.

This book reminds me of the first in the series. It takes me back to a craft retreat for our lead character Cora. Jane, Cora and London are back. This time the Indigo Gap Group solves a murder of a local theater director Stan. Zee is up as prime suspect. Something seems oddly familiar about this book, but that may be I just read the previous books in the series. But it seems a little like I have been here before. The series changed things up last time, then this time we are back to almost book one. The details changed, the people have grown. Though I do feel a kinship this entire time with Cora. Her panic attacks are finally getting more under control. I too suffer from the panic and anxiety. So that is a factor to the character that I feel sympathy. The speed at which Cora gets the details is fast in this book. The author waited no time in getting to the murder. I was hoping a little bit that this would be paced better. Though for me it was a really quick read. It seems I was at the finale quicker than I thought. I love this series. This one was good. I do get the feeling that Cora would do well in the other series by the same author. I think on her own Cora is good, but I'm loosing some of my love. And I'm not sure but London seemed an after thought this time.

Assault and Beadery by Mollie Cox Bryan is the fourth book in A Cora Crafts Mystery series. Cora Chevalier and Jane Starr are touching up the sets for IndigoArts production of Fiddler on the Roof which begins that evening. They then hurry home to make sure all preparations are complete for their Crafty Mom’s Escape Weekend which begins the next day. Cora is surprised when she gets a call from Zee Mancini, musical director for IndigoArts, later that evening. Stan Herald, the play’s director, was found murdered on the stage with an unconscious Zee beside him. Cora knows that Zee did not commit the crime. She teams up with Jane and Cora to dig into Stan’s life looking for alternate suspects. The ladies need to string together the clues to get a bead on the killer. It would help if Zee was not so mysterious about her past. In between talking with their suspects, the ladies need to teach their classes and make sure their guests have a pleasant crafting weekend. Can they wrap up the case before the killer strikes again?

Assault and Beadery may be the fourth book in the series, but it can be read alone. The author provides the background on the main characters and how the retreat came to exist. The current crafting retreat, Mom’s Escape Weekend, is for mother’s whose children just went back to school. It is a chance for them to get away, relax and learn some new skills. Beading is the focus of the weekend. French beading, making rose beads, polymer clay beads, wet felting, knotting and artist trading cards are a few of the crafts described in the book. Instructions for different crafts are included at the end of the book. I like that crafting is featured in this series (many cozy mysteries used to feature crafts). The crafty fun is described with delightful details. If not for the pesky murder, I would love to be a guest at this retreat. I still do not understand why they do not employ a cook for their retreats instead of using a caterer. The retreaters could bound over delectable dinners. Indigo Gap sounds like a charming town. There are a variety of shops that I would enjoy browsing. I like how the shops and streets have blue themed names. I have still not taken a liking to Cora. This series would have benefited from a different main character. Cora with her anxiety issues and panic attacks make her unappealing. It is mentioned frequently throughout the story with it becoming an issue near the end for Cora. Panic attacks are a serious issue and the author has shown how Cora tries to cope without resorting to medication. However, reading is supposed to be relaxing and Cora gives me anxious and uncomfortable. Cora is not the right person to be the main character who investigates crime which puts in her situations that exacerbate her condition. The whodunit has a variety of suspects and misdirection to confuse the reader. Readers will have no problem untangling the clues and identifying the killer. It was fun to have the characters from A Cumberland Creek Mystery series visit Indigo Gap. The pace is a little slower in Assault and Beadery and there is mild foul language along with copious amounts of alcohol (these ladies let loose while Cora was out of the house). Join Cora, Jane and Ruby in Indigo Gap for crafts, creativity and killing.

Author Mollie Cox Bryan has a knack for choosing and describing crafts that makes me want to head for the nearest store to buy up all the necessaries and start to work. After reading Assault and Beadery, I now want to take up beading.

Aided by two characters from the author's Cumberland Creek cozy series, Cora and Jane have their work cut out for them in a very well-plotted mystery that will keep readers guessing. There are so many people with so many secrets and hidden pasts and agendas that Cora wonders if she should also run background checks on all the people attending their retreats as well as the teachers-- but she's not really serious. However, that passing thought does highlight one of the things I like about this series: Bryan lets readers see the business side of running a small craft retreat.

Like any cozy series worth its salt, the cast of characters is first-rate. Cora Chevalier spent many years running a shelter for the victims of abuse. She's seen more of the dark side of human nature than most people have, and she made the conscious decision to leave that life and do something that would not only help people but bring herself joy. But she cannot deny the very basic part of her nature that wants to help those in need. It's not an accident that her last name is Chevalier, which is French for "knight". Her empathy, her compassion, has made her a knight in shining armor for people in trouble.

To leaven Cora's nature, there are two other characters. Victim of domestic abuse and mother of a small daughter, Jane Starr is the very practical and logical one in the business and friendship. Her life has taught her to be cautious, and this is something that Cora needs during her murder investigations. The third character is the older woman, Ruby, whose son is a lawyer who's proven invaluable in these cases. Ruby is a local and a hard worker, but she's a gossipmonger and is a bit too abrasive for me to like her much-- but who says we have to like everyone?

Good setting, good crafts, good mysteries, good characters. That's what you get in Mollie Cox Bryan's Cora Crafts series. Give it a try!

A crafting cozy (complete with crafting instructions!). Cora knows Zee didn't commit murder; her friend is a good person who has gotten caught up when people jump to conclusions. Stan the theater director is the classic cozy creep- you know the type who is disliked by more people than liked. Cora and Jane investigate while at the same time worrying about their retreat for crafting moms. They live in the delightful small town of Indigo Gap, which is almost another character. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. You can read and enjoy this as a standalone and like me will be sorry there won't be more.

This can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.

I like the town of Indigo Gap. The characters are well developed even though they seem a little toned down from previous books.

The Kildare House has been set up as a craft retreat with guests staying in rooms upstairs during the retreat.
The current retreat is targeted for Moms after the kids go back to school. It features different types of beading and author cards which is a paper craft I learned about reading this book.

I didn’t feel the same sense of mystery as with the author’s previous books. I felt Cora, Jane & Ruby were on the outside looking in until 80 percent into the book.

The author gives instructions at the back of the book about the crafts and a few recipes, so that you can try them yourself.

Cora and Jane are at it again! Just prior to their Beading Retreat, the director of their local theater is murdered. Their friend Zee who does the music is the number one suspect. Not intending to investigate, Cora and Jane both know that Zee is innocent. What can it hurt to just ask a few questions?

This was fun. I enjoy reading about different crafts. This time it was different types of techniques to make beads. The characters are fun. Cora, Jane, Ruby and the rest are likeable. Even the retreat attendees added some quirkiness. There were a couple of not so likeable characters, but that is to be expected. Especially when one was the murder victim. The writing style is easy to read and the plot kept me turning the pages.

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the Digital Review Copy.

This was first my introduction to the Cora Crafts Mystery series. This book was a bit different from other cozy mysteries I have read. I would describe it as not as "clean" as other cozies. There was some cussing, drinking, etc which is fine with me. There was also lots of talk about crafting, including paper crafting and beading.

I found the story to be pretty slow , which wasn't bad. The mystery and the connections between the characters was interesting. I feel like there were things that happened in the story that were never explained. I might read the other books in the series.

Assault and Beadery by Mollie Cox Bryan is the fourth book in Cora Crafts Mystery series but can be read as a stand alone.

This is the first installment in the series that I have read and but it was easy to follow the story.
Cora has moved to little southern town and her luck changed. She is managing a successful business running crafty retreats, has a great boyfriend and charming house.
Cora and her friend Jane are doing crafty work for the local theater when disliked director Stan is found murdered. Cora's friend Zee is the one accused but Cora knows she didn't do it. However when she tries to clear Zee's name it turns out that her colorful past is a bit too dramatic and finding a real killer can be quite a challenge.

I particularly liked description of rooms in the house and all magnificent details. Also tasty recipes and craft ideas add to the charm.
The story is absorbing, fast moving with many red herrings to keep it interesting. I like the characters and the sense of friendship that prevails.

Assault and Beadery is the 4th book by Mollie Cox Bryan
I enjoyed this book as much as all the others I have read,a brilliant read.
I love learning all about bead making and the ideal how Cora and Jane's retreat works.
Highly recommended the series and Author .
Many thanks for giving me a chance to read and review this book.

Assault and Beadery is the fourth book in Mollie Cox Bryan’s Cora Crafts Mystery series. The writing style flows smoothly at an even pace and the book is an easy read. The author is talented in descriptive writing and I felt like I was there, watching the crafting activities taking place. The mystery is well plotted, the characters are well rounded, and the book has enough suspects, twists, and turns to make it difficult to identify the killer. There are craft instructions and supply lists at the end of the book. Other than some adult language, this is a clean cozy mystery featuring no gratuitous sex or violence.

Cora Chevalier, a successful crafting blogger and owner of the Kildare House Craft Retreat in Indigo Gap, North Carolina, Jane Starr, her best friend, business partner, and talented potter, and Ruby O’Malley, an herbalist and candle maker, are preparing to host their third retreat. Cora lives in the attic apartment; Jane, a talented potter, is a childhood friend and former client and her seven-year-old daughter, London, live in the carriage house’s second floor apartment, above Jane’s pottery studio and shop; and Ruby O’Malley, an herbalist and candle maker, lives in the gardener’s cottage. Cora’s boyfriend, Adrian Brisbane, is a school librarian. Cora and Jane are helping their friend, Zora “Zee” Mancini, who’s a B&B owner, floral arranger, and the IndigoArts Theater’s musical director with the props for their upcoming musical. Lena Ross, a renowned beading artist, is the guest teacher for the Crafty Moms’ Escape Weekend retreat. Zee, who provides the floral arrangements for the retreats, calls Cora and tells her she can’t deliver them because Stan Herald, the director of the theater group, has been murdered, she’s at the police station, and thinks she’s their prime suspect. Zee hires Cashel, Ruby’s son, to represent her. Cora, Jane, and Ruby are convinced there’s no way Zee could be guilty and Lulu, Zee's sister, believes someone is framing her. Zee is arrested for Stan’s murder, but when Cora finds a bloody scarf in the trash collected from the guest rooms and one of the retreat attendees confesses, Detective Thomas Brodsky releases Zee and makes a second arrest. When the confession, evidence, and facts don’t add up, it becomes clear that the killer is still walking around thinking they’ve avoided apprehension.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

This could have been an excellent book; however, there were fifteen ladies at this beads retreat, out of fifteen, only one from the South?! Out of fifteen, not one Christian? I find this book very anti-Christian, very anti- Southern! I love North Carolina, in case this Author does not realize this; the highway that turns in front of the Biltmore is the Billy Graham Highway, one hour from there is The Cove, a Christian Teaching, relaxing retreat built by Billy, and Anne Graham! Franklin, his two sisters, and his son William Graham run The Cove. The Billy Graham Library is one hour north of The Cove! Out of fifteen ladies at this beads retreat, there was not one Christian!? The Author is out of touch with reality; she portrays Southerners as dumb, poor speech, single mothers? The mystery was good for a cosy genre, yet, the bias was too much for me. I felt no commonality with any of these women.
Carolintallahassee

One of my favorite series, which always has me wanting to join Cora on her adventures. Really loved the intertwining of crafting and the theater. Fun characters that I can really relate to and a well done mystery besides, the crafting is a bonus!

I'm a fan of this series and Assault and Beadery did not disappoint me.
I would love to be at one of Cora and Jane's retreats. They sound great and I know I would have a lot of fun and laughs.
When a local theatre member is found murdered, the suspect list is wrong, and it even includes some of Cora and Jane's guests.
This book grabbed my attention and get it from cover to cover. I highly recommend it to all cozy mystery readers.

I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

Assault and. Beadery is my first book by Bryan. It's set ina quaint town where indigo had a strong history. I loved all the bluish tints in the story. Cora runs a crafting retreat with two friends, but she also has a penchant for getting involved in murder investigations. Readers learn much about beads with corresponding crafting instructions in the back. The murder plot was a little lame, but overall, it's a good cozy mystery.

Cora’s new adventure starts with Stan being murdered and Zee being accused of it, so Cora stew her heart to prove her innocent. I love the quirky characters, the funny situations and, of course, the mystery.

A great addition to an intelligent and fun series. Cora Chevalier runs a crafting retreat business in Indigo Gap, North Carolina along with her friends Jane and Ruby. They have decided to hold a bead making retreat for moms to give them a break at the beginning of the school year. Jane is waiting for her friend Zee, the musical director of the local community theater, to bring over the flower arrangements when she gets a call from Zee saying that she is at the police station, accused of the murder of Stan, the play's director. Cora is convinced of Zee's innocence, despite people telling her that she doesn't know all about her, and, despite her obligations to her craft guests, she is determined to prove her friend innocent. This is a great read, especially as it brings to life several different forms of crafting . Reading this book made me love the idea of going on a crafting retreat and hope to find one in real life.