A review by amothersmusings1
The Wonderland Murders by Millie Ravensworth, Millie Ravensworth

3.0

Cosy with a capital C, Millie Ravensworth has created the epitome of a relaxing village crime series in the “Cozy Craft Mysteries” based in Framingham, Suffolk.  Funny, quirky and just positively unique in its simplicity, I loved every one of these books.  The mysteries form only part of the story and fits in around the cosy life of the endearing characters. 

I loved the banter between cousins Penny and Izzy as they reunited and began to adapt to each other’s personalities. Their camaraderie was my type of friendship and had me chuckling at their antics. 

Nanna Lem, who is the owner of the Cozy Craft shop and also grandma to Penny and Izzy, is the pivotal character of the series and enjoys her five minutes of fame in each book. Her friendship to a fellow male resident where she is staying, is a joy to follow. 

I don’t have much interest in dressmaking or handicrafts at all but I enjoyed how the sewing shop in rural Suffolk was the backdrop for this series and I actually learned a lot of interesting facts and tips. 

 

Book 1 - “The Wonderland Murders” features the death of a thoroughly detestable bully, which obviously attracts a number of suspects. This intrigued me and kept my interest since I couldn’t work out the murderer due to the limited clues.  Penny finds herself an unlikely suspect, needing to prove her innocence as well as help trap a killer. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

 

Book 2 - “The Painted Lobster Murder” sees Penny and Izzy involved in a murder at a client’s house and the introduction of an adorable Corgi dog named Monty, who really is the star of this book. With handyman Aubrey becoming friendly with Penny and Oscar, a fabric salesman taking a similar interest, could this be start of a budding romance for Penny? ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

 

Book 3 - “The Sequinned Cape Murders” focuses a lot more on Izzy and her family and the sewing side of the series, in particular the making of a replica 70’s Elvis costume for her dad. I liked the way the book opened with the dead body and a main character in the immediate frame for the death. A proper conundrum that Penny and Izzy do well to solve, using traditional sleuthing techniques. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

 

Book 4 - “The Swan Dress Murders” is my favourite of the four books, an unusual death occurs of yet another unlikeable character but I was very intrigued as to how the mystery would be solved considering the bizarre clues left. There's a love triangle that's been active for a couple of books, that now looks like it could be decided upon. I'm not sure who I was routing for to be the suitor but the way things seem to be shaping, I'm quite satisfied if that's the outcome. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️