Bodies and Bows by Elizabeth Penney is book three in the Apron Shop series. It can be read as a stand alone.
Iris and her grandmother own an apron shop in the quaint town of Blueberry Cove, Maine and they are also helping on a committee to restore the local lighthouse.
When Bella, a close friend of Iris, is accused of murder, Iris knows she couldn't have done it even though all signs point to Bella. Iris adds finding the killer to her list of things to do and hope she isn't next on the killer's list.
This easy to read Cozy has family, humor, friendship , romance, plot twists, and a rekindled romance.
I was given an ARC by St. Martin's Press via NetGalley for an honest review.

Lighthouse restoration, a long-lost love, and a bustling apron shop are keeping Iris and Grammie busy in "Bodies and Bows," the third book in Elizabeth Penney's series. Iris and her grandmother want to expand their business, but they'll need help.

Iris's friend Bella also needs help, after her boyfriend is killed and she is arrested. Iris and her group of girlfriends hop on the case to free Bella while they also work on opening the old lighthouse as a tourist attraction. The daughter of the last lighthouse keeper lends some mementos, and Iris finds an old love letter. Can she reunite the pair?

I love the interaction between Iris and grandmother, and how Iris's friends are all supportive of each other. The warmth of all the characters makes these books like chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven. The plot is solid, even if the reader might figure out the murderer a bit sooner than they'd like.

A lot of cozies have niche shops that probably wouldn't make it in the real world, but Iris and Grammie have a solid game plan, and they even need to take on help so they can increase their product lines and fulfill more custom orders.

Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Ruffles and Bows is the place to go for handmade home/kitchen items, made with love by Iris Buckley and her Grammie. It's also the place to go to find amateur sleuths who solve mysteries in beautiful Blueberry Cove, Maine. When Bella, one of the their friends, is accused of murdering her boyfriend, Iris, Sophie, Madison and Grammie are on the case!I

The latest in the series is just as much fun as the first two books. The mystery is fast-paced and I didn't want to put the book down! there was so much I enjoyed in addition to the mystery - the heart tugging and heartwarming story involving long lost love, Sophie's wedding planning and how the mystery was solved with all the loose ends nicely tied up.

A visit to Blueberry Cove reminds me of my childhood and a Nana who sewed aprons and kept me in the latest baby fashions with her Singer sewing machine. The series has so much love and respect between the characters and is very easy to believe. There's no rushing into danger, but calculated sleuthing and combined with the relatable characters makes the series a wonderful cozy mystery read!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Things are getting hectic at Ruffles & Bows, Iris Buckley's apron and linens shop, co-owned with her Grandmother. The summer is coming and tourists are pouring into Blueberry Cove, Maine, plus the group is heading up a Lighthouse Museum project that is sure to bring history to life or at least maybe give a long lost romance a second chance. It is a great place to sail or learn how to sail or even date a former Olympiad sailor, like Iris's friend Bella who was getting over the sting of divorce. This story has a plot that surges like a sewing machine, with multiple suspects and is at the top of the list. There is no way that Iris is going to let Bella be set adrift by the obvious misdirection and blatant set up not unlike the red herrings that one needs to sift through. There is an important clue so be sure to pay attention when reading! No spoilers from me other than to tell you that it is an enjoyable book and while it is part of a series you do not need to have read the others to enjoy this one.

Bodies and Bows by Elizabeth Penney (Apron Shop Series #3) 3.5 stars

An ordinary morning and a dentist appointment starts this book. We meet Iris Buckley, co-owner of Ruffles and Bows, a vintage apron and linen shop. Iris has a set of girl friends and one of them, Bella Ricci is dating Lance Pederson, Lance is a world class sailor and former Olympian who recently retired from the pro circuit. During a girls night out, Bella spots Lance with another woman and confronts him. Bella has a problem with wandering males since she divorced her husband because of his infidelity. Lance is later discovered as a victim of a hit and run and unfortunately Bella's car was the one that ran him over. Bella is now the prime suspect and Iris and her friends have to find the real culprit.

This is the third Apron Shop Mystery and it was entertaining. I do think I was missing a little of the background of the supporting characters since I did not read the previous books. Iris and her friends support each other and when one of them is suspected of murder it is all hands on deck. There is a secondary plot involving an old romance with people who haven't seen each other in decades. That romance was very sweet. After reading this, I will have to catch up on the previous two books so that I will be up to speed when the next book comes out.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins Press for this ARC.

One of my main complaints about cozy mysteries is often there are too many characters and they get thrown at you all at once. It’s often impossible to keep track of everyone. But Bodies & Bows introduces its characters in a very natural way and, while there are A LOT of characters (more than average), both old and new, it never feels too crowded and I never had a problem keeping track of everyone.

The core cast, while a bit larger than normal, is still one of my favourites. The friendships are always a main point in this series and this book is no different. In fact, the girls’ friendships are more important than ever when one of their own (Bella) is the main suspect in the town’s latest murder.

And while like most cozies, the main character, Iris, does do most of the heavy lifting in terms of investigating, her group of friends do pull their own weight significantly more than the usual cozy sidekicks. I think it spreads out the “risk” a bit and makes the mystery more interesting when there are other personalities involved.

As a main character, Iris continues to be one of my favourite amateur sleuths. She’s a very well-written and fleshed out character. She is still as genuine and likeable as ever and is in a steady relationship. Some people may find it a bit boring, but I love it. Iris and her no-drama life makes her actions more realistic and believable.

We don’t really get to know the victim, Lance Pederson very well. He’s a home-town hero – a former champion sailor who is good-looking, charming and popular. He was dating Bella (one of Iris’ best friends) but also had a couple of other ladies thinking they were “the one”. It was easy to come up with a list of suspects when Lance was found killed, a victim of a hit-and-run. And while Bella was the obvious prime suspect, you don’t have to be a veteran mystery reader to know that is a big red herring.

Along with the murder (and a second, attempted murder) there is also a sweet romantic storyline too. Nothing that takes up too much space in the story and it doesn’t detract from the murder plotline in any way – it was just a nice sidenote that made the story more charming.

I actually had my guess as to who the killer was about a third of the way into the book … which turned out to be the correct one. There was just one tiny sentence that I read and immediately said “That’s the killer.” But that didn’t stop me from reading (and enjoying) the rest of the story to find out if I was right.

So, while this mystery was a bit easier to solve than other cozies, it was still one of the most enjoyable to watch unravel. There wasn’t a lot of character development for most of the characters, although there were a few big changes to Bella’s life. But that doesn’t bother me at all. I love long-running series that can continue to hold my interest and there are enough interesting characters in the Apron Shop series to keep me coming back for a long time.

*** Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, for providing me with an advanced e-copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, though books 2 and 3 haven't been quite as strong for me. I enjoy Iris and her friends and the apron shop setting, and the plotting of the mystery itself is satisfying. But there are a few things that keep taking me out of the story. One of them, and it has nothing to do with needing to do with advancing the plot, is Iris' huge need to get more help at the Apron Shop. So she's interviewing people, and this idea of being short-staffed is mentioned repeatedly. And yet there are constant lulls and slow times at the shop when she can rush off to investigate with no worry about the shop. I can't recall any reason this element should be mentioned repeatedly, and yet it is, so it draws attention to these two conflicting things. And every time the author does that, it pulls me out of the story and is a bit irritating.

There are a couple of things like that--repetitions or inconsistencies that jar me, but overall, it was still a fun escapist read. I like Iris' relationships with friends and family, and the loyalty there always has me rooting for her.

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Iris Buckley and her grandmother own Ruffles and Bows where they sell vintage aprons. Bella Ricci is a friend and she's dating the town Olympian Lance Pedersen. However Bella catches Lance with another woman and they have a public fight. The next morning Lance is found dead hit by Bella's loaner car. She's arrested but manages to make bail. It's evident Bella is innocent but who wanted Lance dead?? The list f suspects is long yet Iris is determined to clear her friend's name. However will it lead to a dangerous situation? Or can Iris save Bella as well as herself??. This is the 3rd book in The Apron Shop mysteries. Great read with non stop action.

Iris knows her friend Bella was annoyed at Lance (she threw a drink in his face) but she also knows that she didn't run him over and kill him. This latest installment of a charming cozy series set in Maine (it's just as fun as a standalone as it is as a followup) sees Iris dealing with two mysteries. Not only is she trying to figure out the true murderer, she's also trying to track down the two people whose love letter she found while working on a lighthouse rehab project. Iris and her Grammie have an apron shop (something that could only survive in a. really great tourist town) and lots of friends. Penney does a good job of pulling those friends in (there's also Sophie who is getting married) and putting them to work helping Iris. There are some red herrings and twists that will keep you guessing but I must admit I enjoyed this for the love story she's also hunting. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good cozy read.

Apron Shop owner Iris Buckley is as busy as ever, interviewing potential new employees for the shop and helping her grandmother on a committee to convert a local lighthouse into a museum...and trying to clear her best friend's name after a local hero is run over and killed on his morning run.

I adore the Apron Shop mysteries and, while I didn't get as emotionally attached to the newly introduced characters as I did to the ones in the second book, the mystery in this one had me coming up with all kinds of theories. (Part of one was even right this time!)

This series is sweet but everything is so symmetrical. All the main characters are partnered with someone they love and everyone seems so happy. They always bring the right item to the cookout, the picnic or the dinner party. I really want to like these books, but they are too perfect for me.

Iris and her Grammie run a little apron store in Maine. As summer winds down, Iris, Grammie, and Iris's friends work on a committee to restore an old Lighthouse. One night, after working at the lighthouse, Iris and her friends decide to go out for a drink. While at the bar, Bella sees a Lance, who she has dated a few times. But Lance is not alone. Bella blows up and throws a drink in his face. The next day, Lance is found dead. He has been hit by a loaner Jeep that Bella is currently driving. Guess who the prime suspect is?! Iris knows Bella is not the killer. So she decides to do a little snooping. Lance was a womanizer, so there is no dearth of suspects there. Plus there is the victims, jealous brother, and Bella's ex.

I enjoyed this cozy. It was fun, and the characters are likeable. There are several shady people. Are they the killer or what?! This is fun and kept me turning the pages.

"Bodies and Bows” is the 3rd instalment in The Apron Shop Mystery series by Elizabeth Penney set in Blueberry Cove, Maine. I own the previous books but I read this instalment first so it can totally be read as a standalone but I wish I had read in order. What a great series!
I really enjoyed this story, and it has made me want to read book 1 and 2 right away. I really like the bond these five woman have and their friendship. They just felt real and the way they talk to each other felt organic. Makes you wish you were part of their gang. I really liked the story of the lighthouse keepers and how Iris found something in an apron which started a side story that made my heart swell.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep you on the edge of your seat. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself but I was right on who the killer was.

I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

My rating 4.5 stars

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from St. Martins Press and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Another delightful winner from Elizabeth Penney.

Iris Buckley's business, Ruffles and Bows, is taking off, so much so they need to hire a part-time worker. Iris gets side tracked when a former Olympian and current squeeze of her friend Bella is murdered and Bella is the prime suspect. Iris needs to unravel the clues before her friend goes to prison for a crime she did not commit.

I love visiting Blueberry Cove and hanging out with this group. The way Penney writes you feel like one of the gang solving the crime right along with Iris and her friends. I eagerly look forward to more books in this series and revisiting the ones already written.

Thanks Netgalley for an ARC of this book!

Bodies and Bows: The Apron Shop Series
By Elizabeth Penney
St. Martin’s Paperbacks
March 30, 2021

Review by Cynthia Chow

It’s been a busy summer ever since Iris Buckley and her grandmother opened the brick and mortar version of their apron and linens shop in Blueberry Cove, Maine. Before Iris has a chance to look into hiring extra help for their Ruffles & Bows store though, an inconvenient dental filling falling out sends her to the office of her childhood dentist, Dr. Oslo Pedersen. To her surprise his son Peter has taken over the practice, while his much more flirtatious brother Lance continues to teach sailing and romance her best friend Bella Ricci. When Lance is horrifically killed in a hit-and-run accident by Bella’s own car, she is quickly suspected and then arrested for the death.

Unable to idly sit by as a Bella is framed for a crime she didn’t commit, Iris once again wades into a murder investigation to find the truth. Bella’s cheating ex-husband Alan is back declaring his wish to reunite, and it’s all Iris can do to hold back her judgment and opinion. As it happens, Alan’s grandmother Florence Bailey was once a resident of the town’s lighthouse, and as part of the Lighthouse Rehabilitation Committee Iris hopes to use Florence’s reminisces as they celebrate the new lighthouse museum. When not going through the tragically romantic letters stored in lighthouse keeper trunks, Iris gathers her posse of her friends and grandmother to help Bella and solve the mystery behind the Olympic sailor’s death.

This third in the series continues to be a showcase for the bond between these five women. While they are all at different stages in their lives and in an assortment of relationships, they support one another and celebrate one another’s fortunes. The charming existence of a specialty apron shop is made more real through its origin as an online vendor, not to mention its being a tourist destination for those seeking customized, impossible-to-find linens. The conversations between Iris, her grandmother, and her friends always feel natural and real, generating an enviable bond between these women. Whether planning one’s wedding, playing matchmaker for seniors, or finding a motive for murder, these women always have one another’s backs and unwavering support. This is the perfect cozy mystery for a weekend spent escaping from the world, despite its numerous murders and envious villains. It is only appropriate that an apron plays a role in foiling the ultimate killer, tying the bow on a satisfying and very heart-warming read.

She had me at lighthouse restoration and kept me intrigued with the mystery. The idea of an apron shop has me amazed that anyone uses them. Nice location anyway. Charming, interesting characters keep the story moving along. Pleasant cozy series.

A story with strong friendships, interesting lighthouse history and the murder of a well-known bad boy. Everything went right for Lance Pedersen that is until he was murdered. Now Iris's good friend is suspected of the crime and her group of friends are there to do whatever it takes to clear her name.

I really enjoyed the prominent side story dealing with the lighthouse history and restoration but the 5 star suspenseful ending was the best. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

I enjoy this series. The characters are interesting and not over the top crazy/annoying. I like the town. The mystery kept me guessing. I love the shop idea and wouldn't mind finding such a shop.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A delightful cozy mystery set in enchanting coastal Maine. The mystery had twists and surprises which raised it above many cozies where the culprit is obvious before the book is even half over. Penney created well-developed characters and friendships and intergenerational-relationships shone. The setting of an apron shop was unusual but presented many interesting tidbits. There was also a sweet side story of a lightkeeper’s daughter’s long-lost love.

I look forward to reading others in the series.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free ARC in return for an honest review.

Bodies and Bows is the third book in Elizabeth Penney's Apron Shop series. Iris Buckley and her grandmother are the owners of an apron and linen shop, Ruffles and Bows, in the quaint little town of Blueberry Cove, Maine. In this installment, Iris finds herself investigating another murder when her friend Bella becomes the main suspect in the death of her boyfriend, Lance Pederson. The town is also preparing to turn the old lighthouse into a museum, and while volunteering, Iris discovers a love letter dating back to the 50s and becomes determined to out what happened to the writer.

Another enjoyable addition to the Apron Shop series. From the descriptions of vintage aprons and linens( I love all things vintage) to the strong female friendships and the engaging storylines, this series is quickly becoming a favorite. Iris is a down-to-earth and loyal protagonist. I love the friendship between her and her friends. Their girls' nights are always fun to read about and I like that they include Grammie. There are two storylines in this book: the murder mystery and the old love letter found in the lighthouse. I thought the love letter storyline was really heartwarming and it left me a little teary-eyed at the end. As for the murder mystery, I thought it could have played a bigger role in the story. The suspense didn't pick up until the last 20%, but overall it did keep me engaged and I didn't figure out the killer's identity until Iris started putting the pieces together. I liked the action-packed reveal and I thought it made up for how slow the mystery moved in the beginning.
All in all, I really enjoy this series and will definitely be back for another visit.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.