No Charm Intended
Cora has a new life in a new home with new friends, in Indigo Gap, North Carolina. She and her business partner and friend, Jane are preparing to host their second “wildcrafting” retreat at her Victorian home. But when local nanny, Gracie Wyke, goes missing everything gets turned upside down. While trying to lead their guests on nature hikes, rock painting and making clay charms, Cora and Jane, team up to investigate Gracie’s disappearance.
Cora takes Paul, Gracie’s lovestruck boyfriend in, believing he is in danger from whoever took Gracie. But as new clues are uncovered, and the body of Paul’s best friend, Henry turns up at a local abandoned Wizard of Oz amusement park, Cora and Jane worry that they may be harboring a dangerous criminal.
Series: A Cora Crafts Mystery – Book #2
Author: Mollie Cox Bryan
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Kensington Books
Rating: 
There is no doubt that Mollie Cox Bryan is a talented and creative writer. The crafting basis of her cozy story is interesting and contains a bit of magic. However, picking a particular character that stands out from all the others is almost impossible, and at times can be confusing as to who the main character even is. The main characters have distinct personalities that, for the most part, are likable. Cora seems to panic over the past and men, whereas Jane is frightened by even a hint of trusting anyone, including Cora.
The writing flows but is a bit slow-paced. The mystery gets lost in the crafting, and the clues to the identity of the killer are too subtle. When it becomes apparent who the killer is, there is no logical reason to suspect the character or to give the killer any credence. A better explanation needs to be given to accept who the killer is and the motive for the brutal murder of a young man and the abduction of a quiet, beautiful young woman.
All books, including those in a series, must stand alone. If not, they fail to capture the audience’s attention and hold it over the course of several books. This cozy book would benefit from giving a quick background on the main characters at the beginning of the story so that the reader doesn’t sit and scratch their head in confusion. The ending is satisfying but brief. The story has appeal, the primary setting has promise, and the crafting angle is well thought out and entertaining. Readers who enjoy craft-related stories will enjoy this book and the crafting projects that are included.
In conclusion, I like the writing of the author, and although the story is long and a bit too complicated for a quick read, the series has great potential for future books.
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