Paint by Murder Mystery #2
Cozy Mystery
Date Published: 10-11-2022
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
In Bailee Abbott’s second book in the Paint by Murder mysteries, Chloe and Izzie are taking their paint party business on the road—with murder as the first stop!
Chloe Abbington and her sister, Izzie, are enjoying huge success running Paint with a View, their paint party business in the tranquil western New York lakeside town of Whisper Cove. Now, their aunt Constance—president of the local chapter of the Chautauqua Sisterhood—has hooked them up with a gig hosting a Halloween painting party. The guests will be painting a local ghost legend, the Lady of Chautauqua Lake, who died a hundred years earlier and rises from the lake every October to haunt anyone who dares venture out on All Hallows’ Eve.
The event seems to be going off without a hitch, until Chloe overhears an argument between Constance and Viola Finnwinkle, the Sisterhood director, about the fate of the local chapter. Both women leave and the sisters finish their painting. But the next morning, Viola’s body is discovered floating face down near the town ferryboat dock, her long red hair spread around her. Eerily, the image is an exact replica of a painting Chloe and Izzie had discovered at the event the night before.
What’s more, the police find Constance’s purple knit hat lying on the ground near the crime scene. Constance pleads innocence, saying the hat mysteriously went missing during the event. Frantic that she might be charged with murder, she begs Chloe and Izzie to help her. The sisters believe their aunt is innocent, but if so, who’s the real killer—and when will the next victim turn up?
About the Author
Bailee Abbott is a native Ohioan who spends her days plotting murder and writing mysteries. She’s a member of Sisters in Crime as well as of International Thriller Writers. Bailee lives with her husband and furry friend Max in the quiet suburbs of Green, Ohio. Bailee also writes the Sierra Pines B&B mystery series under the name Kathryn Long.
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Why Should You Read This?
This is the second book in the series – A Paint by Murder Mystery. I hadn’t read the first book, however, that doesn’t impact the understanding of the plot. However, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the second book, and definitely want to read the first book in the series. What I enjoy the most in cozy mysteries, are the characters. They are relatable, mostly small town, and from a closely knit community. I love the characters in this series – Izzie, Cole, their parents, Aunt Constance. All of these characters paint an idyllic picture.
The story is well-paced, and holds its reader’s attention. Especially enjoyable for someone who is creative or an artist themselves. The plot is well-written, and keeps the reader guessing. A definite recommendation for cozy mystery lovers. It will want you to take a glass of wine, and paint a picture of your own.
Thank you for hosting and reviewing! Chloe and Max are excited to read your comments. – Bailee Abbott