Lye in Wait

October 1, 2007
When Sophie Mae Reynolds discovers the corpse of her handyman in her workshop where she makes soaps and other beauty products, she shifts into amateur-sleuth mode and places herself in danger as soon as possible. McRae crafts strong characters, including Sophie's best friend, Meghan; Meghan's ten-year-old daughter; and an aging corgi. She also spins a credible, enjoyable plot. This debut series is set in Cadyville, WA, which is just north of Seattle. For cozy and crafts fans.

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2007
Say good-bye to whatever stereotypes of home crafters you may have, and welcome boutique soap-maker Sophie Mae Reynolds, the amateur sleuthheroine in McRaes debutingHome Crafting Mystery series. The author, herself a soap maker, gives readers a new tweak on the cozy, complete with credibly written characters possessing enough appealing eccentricities to keep readers happy. Our protagonist in this sudsy cozy is a thirtysomething, stubbornly independent widow, housemate to Meaghan, divorced mom of superbright preadolescent Erin. When their handymans body turns up in their home, appealing small-town characters appear on the scene, not the least of whomis the places soleand singlepolice detective. Once arson and a home break-in follow the suspicious death, almost everyones a suspect, with wry commentary from Sophie, who soon finds herself in danger. Though the plot convolutions untangle with an ending readers who prefer eye-for-an-eye retribution may find less than satisfying, many readers will cheer McRaes addition to the growing category of woman-centered mystery series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)