Pleating for Mercy

August 1, 2011

Consider this premise: all the women in the Texas family descended from Butch Cassidy have a "magic" touch. One of these women, the lovely and unmarried Harlow, who's a fashion designer/seamstress, comes back to the small town of Bliss and hangs up her shingle. One afternoon she's sketching dress designs for an upcoming wedding, and by that evening, a bridesmaid turns up strangled in Harlow's garden. Trouble ensues. Harlow ponders the usual evil trio--revenge, greed, and jealousy--and finds herself in a heap of trouble. There's something in her shop the killer wants, and Harlow's going to need some magic to stay alive. VERDICT 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.

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