Pleating For Mercy by Melissa Bourbon is the first book in the new “Magical Dressmaking” mystery series. Publisher: Obsidian (Penguin), August 2011

All the Cassidy women possess special gifts. Harlow Jane Cassidy’s is creating beautiful dresses. But she’s about to discover secrets in her own family, and another gift—one that can reach beyond the grave.

When her great-grandmother passes away, Harlow Jane Cassidy leaves her job as a Manhattan fashion designer and moves back to Bliss, Texas. But soon after she opening Buttons & Bows, a custom dressmaking boutique in the old farmhouse she inherited, Harlow begins to feel an inexplicable presence.

One of her first clients is her childhood friend Josie, who needs a gown for her upcoming wedding. But when Josie’s boss turns up dead, it starts to look as if the bride-to-be may be wearing handcuffs instead of a veil. Suddenly Josie needs a lot more from Harlow than hemming a dress. Can Harlow find the real killer—with a little help from beyond?

What an exciting debut! Harlow Jane comes back to Bliss, Texas and is soon pulled in as an amateur sleuth when her client and friend Josie pleads with her to find the person responsible for the dead body found on Harlow’s property. With time running out, Harlow will have to work quickly before a killer hems her in. OMG, I love this book. This was a great mystery that had me guessing throughout most of the book. Every time I thought I had it figured out, the direction took another turn and I was surprised when the killer was presented. I like the tone of this story and the setting is a perfect stage to display the wonderful characters that will cross its path with amusing and engaging conversations. This is the first book in a blissfully enchanting and entertaining series that I hope is here to stay.

FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book