I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the praise Pleating for Mercy has received!  A big huge thanks to cozy mystery readers everywhere who’ve made it a smashing success.

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“This series debut by Bourbon (who also writes the “Lola Cruz” series under the name Misa Ramirez) has a clever premise, lots of interesting trade secrets, snappy dialog, and the requisite quirky and loveable family. It’s very Texas, and Wendy Lyn Watson fans should enjoy. A fun read with plenty of potential..” ~ Library Journal

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“A crime-solving ghost and magical charms…a sure winner!”  ~ NY Times Bestselling Author Maggie Sefton

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“A seamless blend of mystery, magic, and dress-making, with a cast of masterfully tailored characters you’ll want to visit again and again.” ~ NY Times Bestselling Author, Jennie Bentley

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“Enchanting! Prepare to be spellbound from page one by this well-written and deftly-plotted cozy. It’s charming, clever and completely captivating!  Fantasy, fashion and a foul play—all sewn together by a wise and witty heroine you’ll instantly want as a best friend.  Loved it!” ~ Hank Phillippi Ryan  Agatha, Anthony and Macavity winning author

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“Cozy couture!  Harlow Jane Cassidy is a tailor-made amateur sleuth.  Bourbon stitches together a seamless mystery, adorned with magic, whimsy, and small-town Texas charm.” ~ Wendy Lyn Watson, Author of NAL’s Mystery a la Mode series

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TOP PICK

“A charming, whimsical tale that’s also chock full of sex, lies, intrigue, and murder…one heckuva series debut.  Harlow is a marvelous heroine.  Smart, funny, and full of fire.  Bourbon’s supporting cast is remarkable, as well – a perfect blend of quirk, menace, and heart…the image-conscious, richer-than-God Kincaid family could have been plucked straight from an episode of Dallas; and hunky architect-slash-handyman Will Flores and his young daughter Gracie add heat and warmth (respectively) to the story.

Run to your nearest bookstore and snap up a copy of this whimsical take on a supernatural cozy; you just may find me there standing in line to buy the sequel.”  ~ The Season for Romance

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“I was really happy and satisfied when I was finished with “Pleating for Mercy” and I want more cozy mysteries like this one.” ~ About Happy Books
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“This is a fun read, perfect for vacation or, if you’re like me, holed up on your bed turning the pages at 2 AM to find out what happens. I’m looking forward to the next installment in this new series.” ~ Stitches and Seams

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“How can you not like a character that can drink a hot cup of Joe as easily on a sweltering day as she can on a chilly 40-degree one and calls herself a “Project Runway,” “Dancing with the Stars” and “Iron Chef” kinda gal.”

~ AnnArbor.com

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“Pleating for mercy is an engaging novel!  It kept me up late, wanting to know how all the details worked out in the end, and making sure my favorite characters were as friendly as I had imagined.  I loved how fabric was woven into each part of the story, as the characters weave their own tale.” ~ Amy’s Creative Side

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“This is the first book in a blissfully enchanting and entertaining series that I hope is here to stay.” ~ Notes from Me

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“Harlow is a clever, down-to-earth main character who you can’t help but like. Most of the action takes place right in her dress shop, and Harlow asks all the right questions as she tries to figure out the murder mystery….Fans of cozy mysteries will want to be sure to put this one at the top of their “to be read” list.” ~ Two Lips Reviews

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“What can I say about this debut series? “Charm”(ing), intriguing, and satisfying; a page-turner with the right touch of potential romance and paranormal just about covers it.” ~ Once Upon a Romance

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“This book was a fun read, and the historical tie-in with Butch Cassidy was a kick, as well.” ~ Fresh Fiction

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“PLEATING FOR MERCY is a fantastic first book in a new cozy mystery series by Melissa Bourbon.  I was quickly absorbed in the book and did not want to put it down!” ~ Book of Secrets

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“This opening act in the new paranormal amateur sleuth A Dressmaker’s Mystery is as enchanting as the magic of the Cassidy women is a two edged sword of both a blessing and a curse. Pleating for Mercy is a spirited whodunit.”

~ The Mystery Gazette

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“Harlow is such an interesting character.I enjoyed this book a lot and felt it was a great first book in a series and sets readers up well for what’s to come.Using comic relief to lighten the mood is a common tool employed in cozy mysteries, but I think this one takes it to a new height.” ~ Deb’s Book Bag

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“Filled with twists, turns, laughs and mystery, this is a MUST read  for that rainy night, that lazy fall day by the fire, or just any time you are looking for a warm, suspenseful, fun read by a wonderful author!” ~ Reviews by Molly

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“This is the first in A Magical Dressmaking Mystery series, and it is a charming debut. It’s full of Texas small town flavor, unique and interesting characters (Grandma the goat whisperer? I love it), good plotting and just enough romance.” ~ Over My Dead Body

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“The book is a blissful read, is suitable for ages preteen, and up, and would make a nice back to school gift for a student or a teacher-but don’t forget to buy an extra copy for yourself!” ~ Myshelf

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“A highly enjoyable paranormal cozy mystery! It would be highly enjoyable no matter the genre label.” ~Vixen Books

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“…a good one.” ~ Storybook Reviews

I worked for hours and hours on that dress, even adding buttons up the straight skirt.  I was so proud of myself, but what I remember most is how proud my mom was.  That was the beginning of a lifelong love of sewing.

Fast-forward thirty-something years.  I still sew, but my five kids, my former career as a teacher, and my current career as a full-time writer have zapped my free time.  Sewing isn’t something I can do everyday or even every week.  It’s one of those luxuries I fit in every chance I get.

So what is a fabric-aholic, craft-lover, creative writer girl to do if she can’t actually sew as much as she’d like?

Create a cozy mystery series that revolves around sewing, of course!

Pleating for Mercy, the debut book in A Magical Dressmaking mystery series, features fashion designer Harlow Cassidy, a descendent of Butch Cassidy. She’s all I need to get my sewing fix. I get to research fabrics, fashion, style, and accessories.  I get to write about sewing machines, technique, and notions.  And I get to peruse bridal magazines, books on Victorian fashions, and anything else that strikes my sewing fancy.  It may not be the same as sitting down at my Pfaff and creating a color-blocked dress or a quilted tote, but it works.

For now.

Thank you, Mom!