Stamped Out

Stamped Out: A Stamping Sisters Mystery by Terri Thayer ~~

Packed full of family drama and small-town charm, Thayer's enjoyable mystery series debut outshines most other crafting cozies. After her marriage crumbles and her interior decoration career deteriorates, April Buchert returns to her hometown of Aldenville, Pa., in search of a new beginning. She's helping her father, Ed, on an extensive restoration project when a skull tumbles from the rubble of an old building. Ed was in charge of the building's construction and demolition; a cop with a grudge now thinks he's a killer, and April must clear his name. The only bright spot in April's new life is the Stamping Sisters, a group of fellow craftswomen who support her when she feels like everything's coming apart. Twists and turns keep the story fresh and compulsively readable, and the characters feel like family by the time the last page is turned. Thayer and the Stamping Sisters are worth keeping an eye on. (From Amazon)

April came home to her small town after being scammed by her own husband. She returns to a town full of secrets and lies. While beginning to work with her father, a skull is unearthed and her father is arrested. April will do anyting she can to find out who the skull belongs to and who is ultimately responsible for his/her death. A cute start to a new series. April is able to reconnect with her mother and begin a new life for herself. April is very likeable and loyal to those she loves. While there are some scenes where stamping is the focus, I think the author could have done more to explain the process and a little more. The motive is slowly revealed at the end and it's up to April to figure it out as the police chief doesn't seem to care much. All in all I thought this was a solid start to a new series.