Sophie draws on her network of community sources that extends from the local crafting community to the nursing home that serves Cadyville. Housemate and fellow craftsperson Meagan and her daughter Erin provide support as well for Sophie's efforts to discover the identity and motives of the killer, as well as the mysterious stalker who seems to know every move she makes. It takes all of Sophie's connections, keen observation, and deductive power—not to mention a far-too-close encounter with the killer--to knit all her loose threads into a clear picture of murder.

While putting up preserves and making soap doesn't exactly bring murder to mind, the author integrates them seamlessly into the life of her story. Fortunately for the future of this new Home Crafting Mystery series, Sophie Mae Reynolds has a few more strings to her bow. Her police detective boyfriend, a night-time gig at the Heaven House crisis center helpline, and the inevitable maze of small town relationships—including her core group of home crafters-- all combine to provide more than enough grist for the mystery mill.

McRae ably navigates the waters of small-town crime, establishing believable characters and capturing the charm and camaraderie of the denizens of Cadyville. This town might well be worth visiting frequently.