A Fitting End by Melissa Bourbon is the second book in the “Magical Dressmaking” mystery series. Publisher: Obsidian (Penguin), February 2012

Former Manhattan fashion designer Harlow Jane Cassidy has a gift for creating beautiful dresses. But when Harlow becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation, she’ll more than her sewing skills to unravel the mystery.

Business is booming at Harlow’s custom dressmaking boutique, Buttons & Bows, even with the presence of her great-grandmother’s ghost hanging around the shop. But thanks to the fast approaching Margaret Moffette Lea Pageant and Ball, Harlow has her work cut out for her when Mrs. Zinnia James hires her to make her granddaughter’s pageant gown.

With the debutant ball getting the whole town of Bliss, Texas into a tizzy, Harlow knows her dress has to be perfect. But when a local golf pro is found stabbed to death with dressmaking shears, the new deputy thinks Harlow and Mrs. James conspired to commit the crime. Now Harlow has to finish the dress on time and clear her name before the next outfit she designs is a prison jumpsuit.

I love this series. Harlow is back home where she belong creating fashion for the people of Bliss and a not minute too soon. Her specialty is needed as she has dresses to complete and helps a friend prove her innocence when jailed for the murder of a local golf pro. Secrets abound in this book and boy did I love discovering them along with Harlow. This well-designed drama was a good read from beginning to end. I love a good mystery especially when I’m caught off guard when the killer’s identity is revealed. The warm and familial tone, the pageantry setting, the magnetic and lovable cast was a perfect blend in this delightfully enchanting tale. And that ending, oh I can’t wait for the next book in this charming series.