Pleating for Mercy, A Magical Dressmaking Mystery, Book 1
Pleating for Mercy is a TOP PICK by The Season for Romance!
“Pleating for Mercy is…a charming, whimsical tale that’s also chock full of sex, lies, intrigue, and murder, and it’s one heckuva series debut…cleverly plotted and elegantly constructed. Run to your nearest bookstore and snap up a copy of this whimsical take on a supernatural cozy” ~ Kat, The Season for Romance
♥ ♥ ♥
I’m thrilled to announce that PLEATING FOR MERCY held steady on B&N’s mass market mystery bestseller list during its first week, and stayed strong on Bookscan’s bestselling mass market mystery list, as well! Thank you to everyone who’s picked up a copy of the first Magical Dressmaking Mystery.
About Pleating Mercy…
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 opens Buttons & Bows, a custom dressmaking boutique in the turn-of-the-century farmhouse she inherited, Harlow begins to feel an inexplicable presence…
One of her first clients is her old 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?
* * *
Release Date: August 2, 2011
Order Pleating for Mercy Now!
Amazon – Print
Amazon - Kindle
Amazon – UK
Reviews and Blurbs
“This series debut by Bourbon has a clever premise, lots of interesting trade secrets, snappy dialog, and the requisite quirky and loveable family. It’s very Texas…a fun read with plenty of potential.” ~Library Journal
“A crime-solving ghost and magical charms from the past make PLEATING FOR MERCY a sure winner! The Cassidy women are naturally drawn to mystery and mischief. You’ll love meeting them! ” ~NYT Bestselling Author Maggie Sefton
“A seamless blend of mystery, magic, and dress-making, with a cast of masterfully tailored characters you’ll want to visit again and again.”~Nationally Bestselling Author, Jennie Bentley
“A fun read, and the historical tie-in with Butch Cassidy was a kick. Harlow’s character [is] compelling and relatable as a down-to-earth designer and seamstress.” ~Fresh Fiction
“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
“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
“A who done it that will keep you guessing the whole time.” ~PatternReview
Blog Reviews
“[Pleating for Mercy is a] captivating and a very enjoyable read. Ms. Ramirez does an excellent job of weaving together a murder-mystery with our favorite hobby/obsession — sewing! There are varied characters you’ll get to know through the author’s wonderfully detailed descriptions and you’ll still be trying to guess “whodunit” by the last few pages when the mystery is finally solved. As the story unfolds, there’s a little love interest for Harlow, some spiritual magic, lots of sewing, and even a number of cultural references only real stitchers will get.
This is 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




















