3.5 Stars rounded up: Murder Can Haunt Your Handiwork is the third book in A Haunted Craft Fair Mystery series. Celeste Cabot is an artist who travels from craft fair to craft fair to sell her paintings. The latest fair is on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, a magnificent mansion in Asheville, North Carolina, Celeste and her little Chihuahua, Van Gogh have arrived in their pink and white trailer to meet her family. While touring the mansion, her family is kicked out due to a disturbance, but she needs to return to find her wallet. What she finds is a dead body, and the fact that a valuable painting is missing. Once again Celeste is under suspicion due to finding the body. Can she find the real killer?

Our protagonist, Celeste, has an interesting talent. She sees things in her paintings that are clues to solve the murders she is involved with. She is also visited by ghosts and her role is to help them find what they need to cross over. In this book she meets the ghost of one of the Vanderbilts. He doesn't remember much so they don't know what to look for. He does help Celeste in some investigation though. Celeste's family is involved in this story and her Granny is hilarious. I also liked the detective that helps her out, even though it is not his jurisdiction. This was a well written story, with some twists and some laughs. I did figure out the culprit rather early, but I enjoyed how the investigation played out.

I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. What a good mystery with really engaging characters. Highly recommend.

A fairy quick cozy mystery read that had me guess until the end. Bonus for a cute dog that also seem to like mysteries

Murder Can Haunt Your Handiwork by Rose Pressey is the third book in the paranormal cozy Haunted Craft Fair Mysteries series. As with most cozy series each of the books in this series features it’s own mystery that will be fully solved within the book so each can be read as a standalone if choosing to do so. However, there is of course character building that carries over from book to book for those that follow the series from the beginning.

Celeste Cabot is an artist who has bought herself a small travel trailer in which she and her dog spend most of their time traveling from craft fair to craft fair. This allows Celeste the ability to spend her days painting as she sits in her booth outside the trailer at the fairs actually trying to sell her work to customers.One day at a fair however Celeste has a customer return one of her paintings claiming it is haunted and makes mysterious things happen. After investigating her paintings closer Celeste learns that there are hidden images within that she doesn’t purposely paint, weirder still somehow these paintings can summon ghosts.

Celeste has now travelled to Asheville, North Carolina where she has set up her trailer at the latest craft fair being held at a mansion known as the Biltmore Estate that has a beautiful backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Celeste doesn’t have much time to admire her new view though as again the craft fair has been plagued by murder when a tour guide has been found strangled. Not only has there been another murder but a painting at the fair has gone missing and Celeste has been visited by yet another ghost that is invested in solving the murder and theft.

I have followed the Haunted Craft Fair Mysteries series from the beginning since I am one that loves a good mixed genre read and this one has the touch of paranormal in the cozy setting with a ghost helping to solve the mysteries. Also, I love to find those quirky characters and settings for my cozies and this one has checked all of those boxes with some other fun elements of laughs, cute critters and an interesting mystery with plenty of suspects. This was another great addition to the series and I will look forward to coming back to this series again and again.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Even if I like this series I am not fond of this book.
It's a bit over my suspension of belief and Celeste grated on my nerves.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This book was a real struggle for me, I actually shelved it for a later date hoping I'd enjoy it more. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. I've read the previous books in the series and I've always found Celeste impulsive. By this book, she's completely undisciplined and that's a character trait I don't enjoy. I also felt like the paranormal was forced in this book unlike the earlier books. The Biltmore Estate is stunning, I wish more of it would've been included. I will read the next book on the off chance this was just a one off for me.

Celeste Cabot is an artist who has the uncanny ability to paint, unbeknownst to her, a picture inside her artwork of an unsettled ghost which results in their manifestation to her. They do this at a time when a murder has occurred in Celeste's area. Celeste feels that the ghosts are there to help her find the murderer and she throws herself into unusual situations that she should have just left alone.

I was really hoping that since there was a bit of a change of scenery for this craft fair (Biltmore in NC) that things would change , but, alas, same old, same old.
Celeste Cabot is the stupidest character I have ever come across in my reading of cozy mysteries and I can't tolerate her lack of discipline. She complains about her brothers always getting into trouble without thinking, this is the pot calling the kettle black.

I will not be continuing this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for kindly providing me with a digital copy of this book for review.
This is a new to me series, but it’s actually book 3 in part of an ongoing Haunted Craft Fair Series. I think it may read better if read in order, but I wasn’t lost at any point due to prior plots.
This was just ok for me. I’ll be honest, I’m a bit of a hard sell when it comes to paranormal elements- I don’t always dislike it, but I often find I’m having to suspend my disbelief just a little too much in most of the ones I have read.
The main character in this novel discovers a tour guides body in a stately home, and as is often the case in cozy mysteries, she sets about investigating the murder in order to clear her own name. The quirky element of this book is her side kick is a ghost, who crops up with observations and witty remarks. He did have me chuckling at times but I generally found this part of the book a little over done.
Another element of the book which did not appeal to me was the love triangle between the main character and the 2 men investigating the case. I’m not a big fan of love triangles in stories as I think they’re used far more frequently than is actually representative of real life.
I think if you’re a seasoned paranormal cozy fan, then I’m sure you’ll enjoy this. Likewise if you’re a keen crafter then this might appeal- there are recipes running throughout the book. Personally I’d prefer these all at the end of the story as I think it sometimes breaks the flow, but that’s just personal choice. 3.5 stars

This is book 3 in the Haunted Craft fair series and is set around the Biltmore Estate. Celeste has a booth at the craft fair set on the Biltmore grounds and her family is visiting. Now along with her ghost, her two police boyfriends and Grandma and the gang she is involved in the murder of an artist. A good cozy that can be read as a stand alone. The family dynamics will give you a good chuckle. I enjoyed the interaction of the chaos and family dynamics. The ghost is a nice touch. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

3.5 stars

This is the third book in the Haunted Craft Fair mystery series by Rose Pressey.

I enjoyed this book but wasn’t quite sure about the whole backstory relating to her painting haunted paintings. The theme is quite interesting but I wish that there had been a bit more info about this talent of Celeste.

Plotline was interesting and really kept my interest but some of the minor characters were a bit odd. I can understand one unusual character, not a whole slew of them. I almost think the family visiting was just a bit too much for this story. It kept me from focusing on the sleuthing.

Overall it was a decent read. I will definitely check out other titles in this series.

If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

I really wanted to read this book because it takes place around Asheville, NC, where I am from. I loved the setting and the characters. It was a fun, cute read with enough humor and mystery to keep me interested. I feel like the paranormal aspects of the book were a bit too much at times, but all in all it was an enjoyable read.

Princess Fuzzypants here: I have a confession. I really like this author but I am “on the fence”a bit with this series. Celeste is an artist who travels around in a pink trailer with her little dog. She is at another Craft Festival, this time held at Biltmore. She has an uncanny knack for going into a trance and painting a picture from which a ghost then appears. This time the ghost is none other than Mr. Vanderbilt. Celeste never knows why the ghost materializes until clues emerge from the painting but it is a good guess that it might have something to do with the tour guide who is murdered in his former home.

So far, so good. Add in two dishy cops both of whom are vying for Celeste’s affections and then a looney, over the top family who are like a disaster on legs. They create chaos wherever they go so not only is Celeste trying to find a murderer and then an art thief, she must attempt to keep her family in check. It is a good story and there are lots of action and chuckles. I like the way the ghosts are woven into the story too. What detracts for me is how Celeste puts herself in dangerous situations. She is aware of not wanting her family to be harmed but she will blithely wander around even while she acknowledges the danger. And her two would be beaux aid and abet like crazy.

Yet, this does not stop me from liking the books. Somehow she gets very near but skates past the Darwin line. I think the ghostly element negates a lot of sins. If you like your cozies with a supernatural touch, it is a fun read.

Four purrs and one paw up.

Murder Can Haunt Your Handiwork by Rose Pressey an amusing cozy mystery. Celeste Cabot is on the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina for the Fifth Annual Biltmore Estate Craft Fair. She was touring the Biltmore Mansion with her family until her father and brothers got them kicked out. Celeste realizes she has lost her keys and returns to look for them. Instead of her keys, Celeste finds a strangled female employee. Celeste returns to her pink-and-white trailer where she is compelled to paint a man from a time long past. When the ghost of the man in the painting appears, Celeste knows that she must get answers regarding the murder. Murder Can Haunt Your Handiwork is the 3rd A Haunted Craft Fair Mystery. Everything a new reader needs to know is included. I thought Murder Can Haunt Your Handiwork was easy to read thanks to Rose Pressey’s engaging writing style. Celeste Cabot is a quirky main character who makes her living by selling her paintings at craft fairs. She has a cute pink truck which pulls her pink-and-white vintage trailer. Celeste has an adorable Chihuahua named Van (after Van Gogh because of his floppy ear). Celeste’s family is in Asheville with her along with her best friend, Sammi and her two detective love interests, Caleb Ward and Pierce Meyer. I do not know how Celeste puts up with her family. The father and brothers would drive me crazy within five minutes (they are always getting into or causing trouble). Celeste’s grandmother is a sweetie. I liked the ghost, Mr. Vanderbilt. He made some funny remarks. I would have liked to know more about him and the reason for his appearance. The mystery was straightforward. There was a small suspect pool and pointed clues. Celeste follows suspects, asks questions, and eavesdrops on conversations. She is told repeatedly to stay out of the investigation by Caleb and Pierce (she ignores them both). I found Murder Can Haunt Your Handiwork very similar to the first two books (craft fair, murder, ghost, she clumsily investigates, her family causes chaos). I was left with unanswered questions at the end of the book especially regarding the ghost. The whodunit was simple, and it was no mystery as the identity of the killer. The love triangle between Celeste, Caleb, and Pierce continues. I had hoped the author would have resolved it by now. There is also a repetition of information. We get it the first time. I found this A Craft Fair Mystery to be lacking (as you can tell). It could have used a good rewrite. Murder Can Haunt Your Handiwork is a droll cozy mystery with a mysterious manifestation, an executed employee, spooky paintings, a frenzied family, and a prying painter.

This was a story with supernatural elements, art, and a quirky family! While preparing for an art fair at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, at which she will exhibit her paintings, Celeste discovers a dead woman. (Well that's what she gets for running in the opposite direction of the people leaving the scene!) Celeste becomes involved in solving the crime, and also encounters art thieves and ghosts that pop out of paintings. Her two potential suitors play a key role in the story, as do her crazy and destructive family members.

I really liked the grandmother character and her feisty attitude. Brothers Hank and Stevie were also humorous, and I could easily picture them from the descriptions. I also loved the idea of Celeste's pink and white truck and her trailer. Readers who enjoy mysteries with a paranormal twist may enjoy this one, although they might have to suspend some disbelief and skepticism while reading.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

MURDER CAN HAUNT YOUR HANDIWORK by Rose Pressey
The Third Haunted Craft Fair Mystery

Leave it to Celeste's wacky family to get them thrown out of the Biltmore Estate. Although they don't mean any harm, her brothers and father can't help but bring chaos. Fortunately, Celeste is able to remain on the property to sell her paintings during the estate's craft fair. When she returns to the manor house to search for her keys, lost during her family's visit, she finds, not only her keys, but a dead body! With her paintings as clues and a ghost from the estate to help, Celeste doggedly investigates the murder. But will her desire to find the murderer be the death of her?

MURDER CAN HAUNT YOUR HANDIWORK is a cute mystery. Celeste Cabot has a cute retro trailer, in pink, and a cute Chihuahua named Van Gogh. (He is a sweet tempered Chihuahua too, not one of the yappy demons who would sooner nip than look at you.) Her truck is even pink, increasing the cuteness level. There is some danger and there are some unpleasant characters, but the cute factor far outweighs any drama.

My favorite parts of the story include Celeste's family. They had me laughing out loud at their antics. They may wreak havoc wherever they go, but their love and loyalty to each other also shines through. I also really liked the ghost, Mr. Vanderbilt. I loved how he helped Celeste investigate and enjoyed his comments about her suitors. I like both Pierce and Caleb and the rapport they have with each other, but I am not a fan of love triangles. I hope this one resolves quickly.

MURDER CAN HAUNT YOUR HANDIWORK is a light-hearted fun mystery. Plenty of laughs with a friendly paranormal twist make it a quick enjoyable read.

Celeste Cabot is an artist visiting the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina for an arts festival. When touring the house, Celeste stumbles onto a body. She becomes involved in a search for the killer and also creates a painting inspired by the events, which turns out to come with a friendly ghost.

I wanted to read Murder Can Haunt Your Handiwork because I was intrigued by the mention of Celeste having a pink vintage Shasta camper and a Chihuahua named Van (short for Van Gogh). I love vintage campers and small dogs, and enjoyed both these aspects of the story, as expected. (Van is very lovable!)

This is my first time to read a book in the Haunted Craft Fair Mystery series and it worked fine as a standalone. The author did a good job with character introductions and I was able to jump right in and enjoy the novel from the start.

This is a light mystery that combines murder, a little romance (Celeste has two potential boyfriends), some family fun (with Celeste's eccentric family), and even a paranormal element, since Celeste's paintings often come with visiting ghosts.

The mystery aspect of the story was well done and the author gave just enough clues to help the reader solve the crime along with Celeste.

Murder Can Haunt Your Handiwork was a fun, fast read. I would recommend it for fans of light paranormal cozy mysteries.

Murder Can Haunt Your Handiwork: A Haunted Craft Fair Mystery
By Rose Pressey
Kensington
January 2021

Review by Cynthia Chow

After giving up her job as a waitress in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, artist Celeste Cabot is embracing a career as a full-time artist selling her paintings out of her charming pink-and-white Shasta trailer. It allows her to attend and sell her work at craft fairs throughout the South, which has led her to the Fifth Annual Fall Biltmore Estate Craft Fair being held in the Blue Ridge Mountain mansion in Asheville, North Carolina. She didn’t expect to also be accompanied by her very enthusiastic and chaos-attracting family, who have dropped in on her to be both supportive and have their own getaway vacation. In between pulling various brothers off of the exhibits and back behind the ropes, Celeste happens to stumble across the body of a woman murdered inside of the mansion. Her once again being on the scene of a crime is almost as awkward as having the two responding detectives be Caleb Ward and Pierce Meyer, potential suitors and rivals for Celeste’s romantic attentions.

Their telling Celeste to stay out of the investigation is a trigger for her to immediately do the opposite, as she definitely doesn’t like being told what to do; especially since she has had so much success recently with solving murders. What’s given her a leg up has been her ability to paint clues into her artwork, which eventually lead her to the culprit. They also seem to back the ghosts of those involved, which this time is a man whom she believes is possibly William Vanderbilt of the Vanderbilt family. In what is as much a time travel situation as a haunting, as William seems to have missed out on decades of technology and culture changes. Along with her Chihuahua Van Gogh, Celeste will bulldoze her way into the investigation of the historical mansion, its employees, and the confrontations that may have led to murder.

This third in the series includes a funnel cake recipe, adorable pooches, and many romantic entanglements complicating Celeste’s life. Pierce’s agreement to cooperate in the investigation with Celeste may be motivated by more than just dedication to solving a crime, which has Celeste wondering if he values her mind or something else. The tone is kept light as Celeste attempt to decipher her painting, not to mention use the ghost as a spy and secret observer. The banter between Celeste, Caleb, and Pierce makes this something of a romantic comedy, especially since she has yet to reveal her talent for paranormal communication. The Southern setting, mischievous family members, and relationship drama deliver a delightfully fun and frolicking mystery to start off the New Year.

Rose Pressey has done it again! Book 3 of the A Haunted Craft Fair Mysteries is better than the last. She weaves her characters and the story in such a way that it grabs you from the beginning and does not let you go until the very end. Lots of twists and turns.

Finished and now can't wait for book 4.

If you enjoy reading cozy mysteries then definitely pick up this new book by Rose Pressey!

I love this series. The characters are like old friends. I read these books as soon as they come out. I can usually read them in one sitting. I got caught up in this one in the first chapter. I love the authors writing style.

Celeste sells her paintings at craft fairs. She is excited for the opportunity to sell at the Biltmore Estate Craft Fair. Her entire family is looking forward to this fair and offers to come along and "help" her.
Celeste has another talent. Her paintings contain clues to solving crimes. They also seem to come to her from a dream-like state and sometimes allow ghosts to materialize. Celeste can see and speak to them but most others have no idea they are there.
If you liked television shows such as Medium or the Ghost Whisperer you will enjoy this series.
Celeste is intelligent but has a knack for putting herself into dangerous situations.
She has two good friends in law enforcement, but that brings complications as well.