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A Paint By Murder Mystery #2
Kill Them With Canvas
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?
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?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2022
20 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
October 9, 2022
Cosy authors come up with some intriguing ideas for running your own business. In sisters Chloe and Izzie are running a paint party business so, if you want an original way to entertain your guests, they come along and teach everyone how to paint. Sounds like fun.
Unfortunately one of their parties goes sadly wrong when two of the guests have a fight, both storm off, and the next day one of them is found floating face down in the lake. One of the suspects is the sisters' Aunt Constance so they begin investigating other possibilities. It is an interesting story, nicely told but the characters are a little over the top. Still it is fun and worth a read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Unfortunately one of their parties goes sadly wrong when two of the guests have a fight, both storm off, and the next day one of them is found floating face down in the lake. One of the suspects is the sisters' Aunt Constance so they begin investigating other possibilities. It is an interesting story, nicely told but the characters are a little over the top. Still it is fun and worth a read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 16, 2022
A cute cozy mystery that I found to be very baffling. Kill Them With Canvas is the second book in A Paint by Murder Mystery series. The First book is A Brush With Murder. In book one we were introduced to the characters and though it was edge of seat near the end I found I enjoyed this second book more. I was drawn into the story quickly and the book kept me turning pages to the very end. The murder happens near the beginning so the rest of the book is dedicated to digging up clues and pinning down suspects. There are about four suspects but readers wait till near the ending to find out Whodunnit. Romance is in the air as Chloe and Hunter find excuses to be together. The ending may have been a bit drawn out as each suspect takes a turn as the main suspect but this didn’t sway my interest in the story. It was entertaining and unpredictable as a good Cozy Mystery should be.
It’s October in Whisper Cove and Halloween is just around the corner as the town prepares for the celebration and quite possibly a sighting of Abigail Bellow’s ghost! Chloe and Izzie are busy booking Paint parties and their Aunt Constance, local President of The Sisterhood of Chautauqua Lake has set up a paint party at the lodge in town for her chapter of the Sisterhood. It’s a full house and even the Sister Hood director Viola Finnwinkle has made a special trip just to attend this event. All goes well until a loud argument between Aunt Constance and Viola grabs everyone’s attention. It seems that Viola wants to take the Whisper Cove branch of the Sisterhood chapter and add them to another branch. This doesn’t go well with Aunt Constance as it will end her position as President. The two ladies both leave the paint session as their tempers flare at one another. Then early the next morning Viola Finnwinkle is found floating facedown and quite dead at the ferry dock of Chautauqua Lake. Was this an accidental death or is it murder?
I recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mystery. It’s part of a series but can be read as a standalone. This book is scheduled to be released on 10/11/22.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
#KillThemWithCanvas#NetGalley
It’s October in Whisper Cove and Halloween is just around the corner as the town prepares for the celebration and quite possibly a sighting of Abigail Bellow’s ghost! Chloe and Izzie are busy booking Paint parties and their Aunt Constance, local President of The Sisterhood of Chautauqua Lake has set up a paint party at the lodge in town for her chapter of the Sisterhood. It’s a full house and even the Sister Hood director Viola Finnwinkle has made a special trip just to attend this event. All goes well until a loud argument between Aunt Constance and Viola grabs everyone’s attention. It seems that Viola wants to take the Whisper Cove branch of the Sisterhood chapter and add them to another branch. This doesn’t go well with Aunt Constance as it will end her position as President. The two ladies both leave the paint session as their tempers flare at one another. Then early the next morning Viola Finnwinkle is found floating facedown and quite dead at the ferry dock of Chautauqua Lake. Was this an accidental death or is it murder?
I recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mystery. It’s part of a series but can be read as a standalone. This book is scheduled to be released on 10/11/22.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
#KillThemWithCanvas#NetGalley
June 16, 2022
Two sister’s, Chloe and Izzie, own Paint with a View in lovely Whisper Cove, New York. When their Aunt Constance argues with a woman from a nearby Sisterhood Chapter, and said woman’s body shows up in the lake soon after, Constance is the number one suspect. A lively plot begins to unfold as Chloe and Izzie make a list of possible killers and some of those suspects counterback with names to throw them off track.
I’ve struggled with liking the main characters in this story. Their personalities seem to war with each other much of the time. I also have a peeve in which I prefer the protagonist name always be mentioned almost immediately in a story, and it was 11% on my Kindle before Chloe’s name first appeared. Overall, the plot has a nice mix of mystery and supporting characters.
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I’ve struggled with liking the main characters in this story. Their personalities seem to war with each other much of the time. I also have a peeve in which I prefer the protagonist name always be mentioned almost immediately in a story, and it was 11% on my Kindle before Chloe’s name first appeared. Overall, the plot has a nice mix of mystery and supporting characters.
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
March 30, 2022
Kill Them With Canvas was an interesting book but a little long. Chloe Abbington is the main character who owns Paint with a View paint party shop with her sister, Izzie. They live in a town called Whisper Cove, New York. The supporting characters round out the story. Their aunt, Constance Abbington is President of Chautauqua Sisterhood local chapter. She is putting on an event at Bellows Lodge for the club's members. The rumor has it that the lodge is haunted. Abjigail Bellows drowned when she was 20 in the lake. The legend is that whoever goes' out on Hallows Eve will die. Paint with a View is the entertainment for this event. Viola Finnwinkle is the Director of the club. She tells Constance that their club is being merged with other clubs and that Constance will no longer be President. Chloe overhears her aunt and Viola arguing and both of them storm out of the lodge. When cleaning up after the event is over Chloe comes across one of the paintings' painted showing a person dead floating on the lake. The next day Izzie and Chloe go to the ferry dock and discover the body of Viola Finnwinkle dead in the water, This is where the story takes off with Chloe and Izzie trying to figure out who killed Viola and why especially since their aunt is the suspect. Lots go on that I will leave to the reader to enjoy to the ending with other surprises.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
October 28, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
It’s almost Halloween in Whisper Cove and Chloe and Izzie are making the most of the holiday with several events for their Paint with a View painting party business. The first event is for their Aunt Constance and the local chapter of the Chautauqua Sisterhood. They will be painting a picture of the Lady of Chautauqua Lake who died a hundred years ago and has become a legend who rises every All Hallows Eve from the lake to haunt the small lakeside town.
The sisterhood director, Viola Finnwinkle has decided to attend the painting party and the event is going well until an argument between the director and Aunt Constance, president of the local order erupts after she informs Constance the local chapter will be merging with others. Soon both abruptly leave the event while other guests finish their paintings. The next morning Viola’s body is found floating by the ferryboat dock eerily just like a painting Izzie and Chloe found left behind at the Chautauqua Sisterhood party the night before. A piece of evidence found at the crime scene puts Aunt Constance at the top of the suspect list. Their aunt is not a killer! Chloe and Izzie drop their brushes to prove her innocence but will they find the true killer or will they paint their aunt into a corner?
Izzie was hard for me to like in A Brush with Murder. In reading this 2nd installment of the Paint by Murder Mystery she has not grown on me and Chloe is faltering in my affection. Chloe came across as downright rude at times. I was so happy to see Willow is back to work for the sisters Abbington because they spend a lot of time out of their shop trying to clear their aunt’s name. Willow is also the one that paints the pictures of the projects in progress to help painters see the pictures they are trying to paint in steps. I assume Chloe painted those while Willow was away. Chloe worrying endlessly over her love life got to be too much for me too. Adding their cousin Spencer to the mix didn’t help either because we see she has a lot of immature traits and thoughts as well. Aunt Constance has some interesting friends, one who is always extremely close literally which was a little creepy but she added an interesting element to the story. Chloe and Izzie have grown a little since the last book but I hope there is some big development in book three.
The mystery was very nicely plotted with a small group of suspects from members of the Chautauqua Sisterhood, Dewey, the ferry manager, and Aunt Constance. The sisters make a valiant try to solve the mystery but they should be extremely thankful for Max, a fluffy white Maltese poodle mix with and love of sniffing out evidence. He moved the investigation along more than once. Chloe and Izzie’s investigation was very by the seat of their pants impulsively darting from one thing to another but a last-minute plan reveals all. I never truly focused in on the true killer which made the that reveal was super satisfactory for me.
I loved that the story was set during Halloween. The legend of the Lady of Chautauqua Lake was a great theme. I easily pictured the woman from the author’s description and the paintings she was featured in. I would have loved to be part of that painting party.
Kill Them With Canvas was an entertaining cozy mystery marred by some truly over-the-top characters. There were so many good things about the first two books in this series. I think the right character development can make book 3 a Perfect Escape.
It’s almost Halloween in Whisper Cove and Chloe and Izzie are making the most of the holiday with several events for their Paint with a View painting party business. The first event is for their Aunt Constance and the local chapter of the Chautauqua Sisterhood. They will be painting a picture of the Lady of Chautauqua Lake who died a hundred years ago and has become a legend who rises every All Hallows Eve from the lake to haunt the small lakeside town.
The sisterhood director, Viola Finnwinkle has decided to attend the painting party and the event is going well until an argument between the director and Aunt Constance, president of the local order erupts after she informs Constance the local chapter will be merging with others. Soon both abruptly leave the event while other guests finish their paintings. The next morning Viola’s body is found floating by the ferryboat dock eerily just like a painting Izzie and Chloe found left behind at the Chautauqua Sisterhood party the night before. A piece of evidence found at the crime scene puts Aunt Constance at the top of the suspect list. Their aunt is not a killer! Chloe and Izzie drop their brushes to prove her innocence but will they find the true killer or will they paint their aunt into a corner?
Izzie was hard for me to like in A Brush with Murder. In reading this 2nd installment of the Paint by Murder Mystery she has not grown on me and Chloe is faltering in my affection. Chloe came across as downright rude at times. I was so happy to see Willow is back to work for the sisters Abbington because they spend a lot of time out of their shop trying to clear their aunt’s name. Willow is also the one that paints the pictures of the projects in progress to help painters see the pictures they are trying to paint in steps. I assume Chloe painted those while Willow was away. Chloe worrying endlessly over her love life got to be too much for me too. Adding their cousin Spencer to the mix didn’t help either because we see she has a lot of immature traits and thoughts as well. Aunt Constance has some interesting friends, one who is always extremely close literally which was a little creepy but she added an interesting element to the story. Chloe and Izzie have grown a little since the last book but I hope there is some big development in book three.
The mystery was very nicely plotted with a small group of suspects from members of the Chautauqua Sisterhood, Dewey, the ferry manager, and Aunt Constance. The sisters make a valiant try to solve the mystery but they should be extremely thankful for Max, a fluffy white Maltese poodle mix with and love of sniffing out evidence. He moved the investigation along more than once. Chloe and Izzie’s investigation was very by the seat of their pants impulsively darting from one thing to another but a last-minute plan reveals all. I never truly focused in on the true killer which made the that reveal was super satisfactory for me.
I loved that the story was set during Halloween. The legend of the Lady of Chautauqua Lake was a great theme. I easily pictured the woman from the author’s description and the paintings she was featured in. I would have loved to be part of that painting party.
Kill Them With Canvas was an entertaining cozy mystery marred by some truly over-the-top characters. There were so many good things about the first two books in this series. I think the right character development can make book 3 a Perfect Escape.
November 6, 2022
This is the second book in Bailee Abbott’s delightful Paint by Murder Mystery series featuring amateur sleuths Chloe Abbington and her sister Izzie, co-owners of Paint with a View, a successful paint party business in upstate New York. This time, Chloe and Izzie are hired for a Halloween painting event at which those attending will be painting pictures of the Lady of Chautauqua Lake, the ghost of a woman named Abigail Bellows who supposedly died over a century ago and rises out of the lake every Halloween. At the event, Chloe overhears two women arguing. The next morning one of the women, Viola, is found dead, floating in Chautauqua Lake, while the other woman, Chloe and Izzie’s Aunt Constance, whose hat is found on the shore in proximity to Viola’s dead body, is the police’s suspect. It’s up to Chloe and Izzie to prove their aunt is innocent.
I love cozy mysteries set on Halloween and this one was no exception. The plot flows nicely and there’s no shortage of red herrings or suspects. There are twists and turns and great characters. I really enjoyed the first book in this series but I absolutely loved this one.
I love cozy mysteries set on Halloween and this one was no exception. The plot flows nicely and there’s no shortage of red herrings or suspects. There are twists and turns and great characters. I really enjoyed the first book in this series but I absolutely loved this one.
March 28, 2022
Sisters Chloe and Izzie are busy running their popular paint party venue, Paint with A View. Hosting a party for their aunt's Chautauqua Sisterhood club proves to be successful until a few arguments arise. An odd painting left behind, a mysterious death, and now their aunt is the prime suspect unless Chloe and Izzie can find the real killer. I like the idea of a paint party, it sounds like a great way to have fun. The mystery was well done and I was wrong when I guessed whodunit. I'm happy to recommend this series to readers who appreciate a good solid story with colorful characters. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book. #KillThemWithCanvas #NetGalley
May 25, 2022
First, I enjoyed the book. However, while I liked the determination and courage Chloe and Izzy showed trying to prove their Aunt Constance's innocence in a murder case, they were way over the top all too often. While I understand they are still young, they tend to go into high drama and impulsive behavior way too frequently for my taste. Toss in, say, Constance's tendency to get hysterical and faint when confronted with problems, Dewey's strangeness, and Chloe's seemingly unending fretting about her love life and, well, it was a tad much. Hopefully they mature a bit and tone it down in future installments.
The mystery itself was fun, with hints of ghostly visitations, and enough suspects to keep you guessing. How did Viola wind up dead in the lake supposedly haunted by the ghost of Abigail Bellows, the Lady of Chautauqua Lake, who died over a hundred years ago? Where did the mysterious painting left behind after the party hosted by Chloe and Izzy come from? Was it a hint, confession or, well, sheer coincidence? Would you be freaked out or glad to have the likes of Marilyn stalking, er, keeping an eye on you? What is going on with Wink? Where does police detective Hunter Barrett get his patience when it comes to dealing with Chloe sticking her nose into his case? Does she trust him or not? Is Spencer genuinely worried about her mother or is she trying to scam her out of money? And, and, and....oh, so much more. Ignore the high drama and dangerously naive plans hatched by Chloe to catch the killer and you'll enjoy the story. Besides, there are cute dogs to pet virtually while you're reading and the premise of the Paint With a View business and location is intriguing.
Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for letting me sit in on Chloe and Izzy's Paint With a View sessions and observe how they operate. I'm curious enough to admit that I'll be looking for the next in the series, too, as it was fun. 3.5 rounded to a 4 for entertainment value.
The mystery itself was fun, with hints of ghostly visitations, and enough suspects to keep you guessing. How did Viola wind up dead in the lake supposedly haunted by the ghost of Abigail Bellows, the Lady of Chautauqua Lake, who died over a hundred years ago? Where did the mysterious painting left behind after the party hosted by Chloe and Izzy come from? Was it a hint, confession or, well, sheer coincidence? Would you be freaked out or glad to have the likes of Marilyn stalking, er, keeping an eye on you? What is going on with Wink? Where does police detective Hunter Barrett get his patience when it comes to dealing with Chloe sticking her nose into his case? Does she trust him or not? Is Spencer genuinely worried about her mother or is she trying to scam her out of money? And, and, and....oh, so much more. Ignore the high drama and dangerously naive plans hatched by Chloe to catch the killer and you'll enjoy the story. Besides, there are cute dogs to pet virtually while you're reading and the premise of the Paint With a View business and location is intriguing.
Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for letting me sit in on Chloe and Izzy's Paint With a View sessions and observe how they operate. I'm curious enough to admit that I'll be looking for the next in the series, too, as it was fun. 3.5 rounded to a 4 for entertainment value.
July 27, 2022
This is book two in the series and I can already see the growth in character development in our main characters Chloe and Izzie. They are stronger, more confident characters. I enjoyed the first book but I believe this book is better. The mystery is well-written with well-placed red herring which kept me guessing who the real killer was and why. I recommend this book to cozy mystery fans.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
October 30, 2022
Okay, so here is the thing, I didn’t hate this book, but neither did I love it. It wasn’t the worst book I have ever read, but it certainly isn’t the best. I was not in love with any of the characters. There comes a point when the flaws of the characters outweigh the good. And in Kill Them with Canvas, this certainly holds true. The paint party and legendary ghost sightings simply aren’t enough to cover up the exaggerated characteristic, the crying, fainting, etc� on top of all of that, accusing everyone of the crime diminish the good parts to the point you can’t tell the difference.
The initial murder and evidence point directly at Chloe and Izzie’s aunt. There is no getting around the fact that they argued and were overheard by a room full of people at the paint party, and left at the same time. The ghost portrait that the sisters find after the event points to the victim, even though there hasn’t even been a victim yet. The evidence keeps leading them and the police directly to Aunt Constance. The other suspects are as overblown as the main characters, and there is just too much of everything.
As for the storyline, it was a good idea. The paint party and the Halloween legend of the ghost, the lady of the lake, are as old as time, and for that reason, it is not original but makes for an easy plot to follow. The killer was fairly easy to spot and, in some readers� cases, may have been too easy. The ending was almost predictable. I had hoped for more growth throughout the book but was disappointed that there was very little overall. Chloe and Izzie need to mature a bit more before this series can be top-notch. On the other hand, Kill Them with Canvas has some interesting chapters, and the entire series holds the promise of better things to come.
The initial murder and evidence point directly at Chloe and Izzie’s aunt. There is no getting around the fact that they argued and were overheard by a room full of people at the paint party, and left at the same time. The ghost portrait that the sisters find after the event points to the victim, even though there hasn’t even been a victim yet. The evidence keeps leading them and the police directly to Aunt Constance. The other suspects are as overblown as the main characters, and there is just too much of everything.
As for the storyline, it was a good idea. The paint party and the Halloween legend of the ghost, the lady of the lake, are as old as time, and for that reason, it is not original but makes for an easy plot to follow. The killer was fairly easy to spot and, in some readers� cases, may have been too easy. The ending was almost predictable. I had hoped for more growth throughout the book but was disappointed that there was very little overall. Chloe and Izzie need to mature a bit more before this series can be top-notch. On the other hand, Kill Them with Canvas has some interesting chapters, and the entire series holds the promise of better things to come.
April 22, 2022
I like the whole cozy/small creative business owner/small town vibe of this series, and I like Chloe's personality and her determination (along with Izzie's) to help her Aunt Constance. Still this book feels histrionic. Everybody's hysterical! Aunt Constance has all her drama ("The last word dragged out in a screeching howl"), Dewey ("Dewey was spiraling down into one of his hysterical episodes"), suspects are sobbing into the grass, sinking to their knees, etc. It's all just way too over-the-top, especially considering that the resolution of the mystery isn't all that satisfying. The explanation of the death-scene painting doesn't hold water, and overall, I want more real tension and less melodrama. I guess this series just isn't my taste.
REview copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
REview copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2022
I wasn't a fan of the characters in the first book in this series but I found them more likeable in this one.
An entertaining cozy mystery that kept me guessing and reading.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
An entertaining cozy mystery that kept me guessing and reading.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 19, 2022
While this is my first book by this author, it won’t be my last! I truly enjoyed this cozy mystery and its idiosyncratic plot. The is the second in the A Paint by Murder series. The series follows sisters Chole and Izzie as they run their highly successful paint party business called Paint with a View.
In this quirky tale, Chole and Izzie agree to host an event for their Aunt Constance’s Sisterhood chapter. The party is going as planned until Constance argues with a woman and she winds up dead. Constance is the prime suspect and it’s up to Chloe and Izzy to find the real killer before it’s too late.
The cast of characters are well written, and I found myself engaged from start to finish. The book moves at the perfect pace and the mystery is compelling. There are so many red herrings that it was hard to figure out who did it. Everyone was suspect at one point or another. The descriptions were spot on, and I felt like I was there.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good cozy mystery with a brilliant cast of characters and an ending leaving you wanting more. I look forward to reading more from and watching the characters continue to grow. I also know I’ll be going back to read book 1!
In this quirky tale, Chole and Izzie agree to host an event for their Aunt Constance’s Sisterhood chapter. The party is going as planned until Constance argues with a woman and she winds up dead. Constance is the prime suspect and it’s up to Chloe and Izzy to find the real killer before it’s too late.
The cast of characters are well written, and I found myself engaged from start to finish. The book moves at the perfect pace and the mystery is compelling. There are so many red herrings that it was hard to figure out who did it. Everyone was suspect at one point or another. The descriptions were spot on, and I felt like I was there.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good cozy mystery with a brilliant cast of characters and an ending leaving you wanting more. I look forward to reading more from and watching the characters continue to grow. I also know I’ll be going back to read book 1!
March 30, 2022
Set in Whisper Cove, New York, Chloe Abbington runs a paint party shop called Paint with a View with her sister Izzie.
Constance Abbington was Dad’s widowed sister-in-law and is also the president of the Chautauqua Sisterhood’s local chapter. She’s planning on hosting a Halloween painting event with Paint with a View and has hired the Abbington sisters to host the event.
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 director of the Sisterhood’s northern district, Viola Finnwinkle, had called earlier to inform Constance of her plans to attend the event which Constance finds odd since Viola has never attended any of the sisterhood functions before. The event is set to take place in Bellows Lodge.
Earlier Detective Hunter Barrett had dropped by to inform the sisters about a couple of robberies that took place the previous night and to warn them to be on the lookout. The robber made away with items normally sold at hardware stores.
At the event, Constance learns from Viola that her chapter was being dissolved and would be merged with two other chapters. As a result, Constance would lose her position as President An altercation ensues whereupon Viola stands up to leave but without Constance making a threat at her.
On their way to pick up an order in Stow a nearby town, the sisters discover Viola's body floating face down in the town ferryboat dock in Chautauqua Lake, her long red hair spread around her.
Earlier not long after the guests left the lodge Chloe discovered a bizarre painting that was a replica of the same scene they stumbled on.
Then the police retrieves a purple knit hat belonging was found in the parking lot next to the ferry in Whisper Cove. The hat in question fits the description of the one Constance was wearing at the event. But Constance claims her hat went missing during the event. Is she being framed for murder?
When Chloe and Izzie learn that Constance might be charged with murder, they both set out to clear her name and find the real killer.
Well-written mystery. I enjoyed the characters and the setting.
Thank you to Bailee Abbott, NetGalley, and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC of this book.
Constance Abbington was Dad’s widowed sister-in-law and is also the president of the Chautauqua Sisterhood’s local chapter. She’s planning on hosting a Halloween painting event with Paint with a View and has hired the Abbington sisters to host the event.
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 director of the Sisterhood’s northern district, Viola Finnwinkle, had called earlier to inform Constance of her plans to attend the event which Constance finds odd since Viola has never attended any of the sisterhood functions before. The event is set to take place in Bellows Lodge.
Earlier Detective Hunter Barrett had dropped by to inform the sisters about a couple of robberies that took place the previous night and to warn them to be on the lookout. The robber made away with items normally sold at hardware stores.
At the event, Constance learns from Viola that her chapter was being dissolved and would be merged with two other chapters. As a result, Constance would lose her position as President An altercation ensues whereupon Viola stands up to leave but without Constance making a threat at her.
On their way to pick up an order in Stow a nearby town, the sisters discover Viola's body floating face down in the town ferryboat dock in Chautauqua Lake, her long red hair spread around her.
Earlier not long after the guests left the lodge Chloe discovered a bizarre painting that was a replica of the same scene they stumbled on.
Then the police retrieves a purple knit hat belonging was found in the parking lot next to the ferry in Whisper Cove. The hat in question fits the description of the one Constance was wearing at the event. But Constance claims her hat went missing during the event. Is she being framed for murder?
When Chloe and Izzie learn that Constance might be charged with murder, they both set out to clear her name and find the real killer.
Well-written mystery. I enjoyed the characters and the setting.
Thank you to Bailee Abbott, NetGalley, and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC of this book.
May 23, 2022
I always enjoy a cozy mystery with a unique theme and this does not disappoint. The theme is a painting party business run by two sisters. This is the second in series. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley. My review opinion is my own.
Killing Them with Canvas is a fun Halloween theme read. Sisters Chloe and Izzy own a successful business of a art shop, Paint With A View in a small fictional town of Willow Shores on Chautauqua Lake. The morning after a painting class a woman is murdered and the sisters step up to their second murder investigation. I liked the unique theme of art in this series, the relationship between the sisters and the fun setting. The sleuth was well crafted and kept me guessing. A enjoyable fun cozy read.
Killing Them with Canvas is a fun Halloween theme read. Sisters Chloe and Izzy own a successful business of a art shop, Paint With A View in a small fictional town of Willow Shores on Chautauqua Lake. The morning after a painting class a woman is murdered and the sisters step up to their second murder investigation. I liked the unique theme of art in this series, the relationship between the sisters and the fun setting. The sleuth was well crafted and kept me guessing. A enjoyable fun cozy read.
October 22, 2022
Izzie & Chloe are sisters who own a painting party place in Whisper Cove, NY. Aunt Constance Abbington the president of the Sisterhood of Chautauqua throws an event for the sisterhood. At the event the director Viola Finnwinkle fires Aunt Constance and does away with the chapter. Constance is outraged and leaves the event. Later Viola is found floating in the water. Aunt Constance is the number one suspect. Chloe and Izzy jump in to help clear her of murder.
This is the second book in the series and my first. I was able to read as a standalone. I really enjoyed the setting and the characters. A wonderful cozy mystery.
This is the second book in the series and my first. I was able to read as a standalone. I really enjoyed the setting and the characters. A wonderful cozy mystery.
April 21, 2022
One of the biggest differences between screen and page is that the page gets BETTER with each new episode!
The publisher's blurb does a good job of setting things up so I wanted to read it, yet it gave away nothing critical. The story is nicely twisty and the characters are so realistic and engaging. I liked it a lot!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley.
The publisher's blurb does a good job of setting things up so I wanted to read it, yet it gave away nothing critical. The story is nicely twisty and the characters are so realistic and engaging. I liked it a lot!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley.
January 11, 2023
Unfortunately, this is not a series for me. I didn’t connect to the writing which felt a bit clunky, or the dialogue, which didn’t read especially natural to me. When Aunt Constance fainted after being accused of murdering Viola Finnwinkle, and the girls just left her where she was, more or less unconcerned for her well-being, I put the book down.
I’m in a minority with this book, and it’s not a series I’ll be continuing.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.
I’m in a minority with this book, and it’s not a series I’ll be continuing.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.
April 17, 2022
The second in the A Paint By Murder cozy mystery series. Chloe and her sister Izzie are back on the case when their aunt is accused of murder. They must find out the true culprit before she is arrested for murder.
I liked this mystery, but I felt like the first half was a little slow. Once it picked up, it was much better. I would read more in this series.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this mystery, but I felt like the first half was a little slow. Once it picked up, it was much better. I would read more in this series.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2023
I did not want to put this book down once I started reading it.
April 28, 2022
Chloe Abbington and her sister, Izzie, run Paint with a View, their paint party business in Whisper Cove, New York. Their latest gig is for their Aunt Constance, president of the local chapter of the Chautauqua Sisterhood, the members with be painting a local ghost legend. The party is going well until Chloe overhears an argument between Constance and Viola Finnwinkle, the Sisterhood director � Constance is not happy with Viola’s plans and drives off in anger. When Viola’s body is floating face down in the water near the town ferryboat dock, Constance is naturally the prime suspect. She turns to Chloe and Izzie for help and they agree to do so but it won’t be easy � there are plenty of suspects but all of them, including Aunt Constance, aren’t telling the truth about what happened that night.
“Kill Them with Canvas� is the second book in Bailee Abbott’s Paint by Murder cozy mystery series and for the most part it was pretty enjoyable. The paint party premise is a good one and I enjoyed reading about the various paint parties that they held as well as the description of the shop. I also love the lake setting � how I would love to live there � and the local ghost legend, which led to some fun moments in the book. The mystery was itself was well done with just the right amount of suspects and twists and turns to keep a reader guessing who the killer was. Unfortunately there were times in the book where I found myself not like either of the main characters very much, especially Chloe who could be rude to people, especially Hunter which left me wondering why he liked her so much! I’m hoping both Izzie and Chloe soften as characters as the series goes on.
“Kill Them with Canvas� isn’t perfect but it does have some good moments that make it worth reading.
“Kill Them with Canvas� is the second book in Bailee Abbott’s Paint by Murder cozy mystery series and for the most part it was pretty enjoyable. The paint party premise is a good one and I enjoyed reading about the various paint parties that they held as well as the description of the shop. I also love the lake setting � how I would love to live there � and the local ghost legend, which led to some fun moments in the book. The mystery was itself was well done with just the right amount of suspects and twists and turns to keep a reader guessing who the killer was. Unfortunately there were times in the book where I found myself not like either of the main characters very much, especially Chloe who could be rude to people, especially Hunter which left me wondering why he liked her so much! I’m hoping both Izzie and Chloe soften as characters as the series goes on.
“Kill Them with Canvas� isn’t perfect but it does have some good moments that make it worth reading.
April 13, 2022
I received a review copy from NetGalley. This was a fun read that kept me entertained and drawn into the story. I enjoyed the characters and the twists and turns till the very end kept me reading.
April 11, 2022
This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, Crooked Lane Books and by #NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
I truly appreciate a good cozy mystery, this one didn’t disappoint. It’s an enjoyable addition to the Paint by Murder series.
I truly appreciate a good cozy mystery, this one didn’t disappoint. It’s an enjoyable addition to the Paint by Murder series.
April 5, 2022
Chloe and Izzie are hosting a painting party for their Aunt’s ladies club. When one of the club sisters is murdered after attending the event, Aunt Constance becomes the main suspect and Chloe and Izzie heed their Aunt’s call to help figure out who the real murderer is before she’s sent up the river for a murder she didn’t commit.
A great setting in upstate New York that is tranquil and serene, but filled with murder given the series. Adorable dogs and enough red herrings to keep you guessing.
A great setting in upstate New York that is tranquil and serene, but filled with murder given the series. Adorable dogs and enough red herrings to keep you guessing.
April 2, 2022
This is the second book of this Paint by murder mystery series. Sisters Chloe and Izzy run Paint with a View. Their Aunt Constance is President of the Chautauqua local chapter and hires them to host a Halloween themed painting party at Bellows Lodge. All seems to go well until a loud argument breaks out between their aunt and Viola Finwinkle, the chapter director. When Viola is found murdered the next day, Aunt Constance is the prime suspect. Chloe and Izzy set out to clear her name and find the real murderer. This was a quick read that kept me guessing till the very end. Thank you Netgalley the advance copy!
March 28, 2022
Sisters Chloe and Izzie are busy running their popular paint party venue, Paint with A View. Hosting a party for their aunt's Chautauqua Sisterhood club proves to be successful until a few arguments arise.
An odd painting left behind, a mysterious death, and now their aunt is the prime suspect unless Chloe and Izzie can find the real killer.
I like the idea of a paint party, it sounds like a great way to have fun. The mystery was well done and I was wrong when I guessed whodunit.
I'm happy to recommend this series to readers who appreciate a good solid story with colorful characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#KillThemWithCanvas #NetGalley
An odd painting left behind, a mysterious death, and now their aunt is the prime suspect unless Chloe and Izzie can find the real killer.
I like the idea of a paint party, it sounds like a great way to have fun. The mystery was well done and I was wrong when I guessed whodunit.
I'm happy to recommend this series to readers who appreciate a good solid story with colorful characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#KillThemWithCanvas #NetGalley
May 2, 2022
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! I really enjoy the relationship between Chloe and Izzie. overall the mystery was fun. The only drawback was the characters being way over the top. I think it could be toned down and still have the effect.
#KillThemwithCanvas #NetGalley.
#KillThemwithCanvas #NetGalley.
August 24, 2022
Kill Them With Canvas is the second book in Bailee Abbott’s Paint by Murder mystery series. I very much enjoyed this relatively new series. Somehow I missed the first in the series, but I’ll definitely be getting it to read.
Sisters Chloe and Izzie run their new business, Paint with a View, in their lakeside hometown of Whisper Cove, New York. Their Aunt Constance has booked them for a job hosting a Halloween painting party for her chapter of the Chautauqua Sisterhood. It’s looking to be a great gig until the director of the Sisterhood, Viola, and Aunt Constance are heard arguing. Viola is dissolving Constance’s chapter, thereby stripping her of her presidency. Chloe steps in and attempts to calm them down and they part ways. Later that evening while cleaning up, Chloe finds an eerie painting left behind depicting a woman with long red hair floating dead in the lake. The next morning, Viola is found floating in the lake - exactly how the painting was depicted. And Aunt Constance is the number one suspect. Chloe and Izzie leap into action to try and clear their beloved aunt’s name and find out whodunnit.
Even though this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. It’s so well-written that it was easy to get to know the characters and the relationships between them all. The author also brought the setting to life. It can be difficult to write setting at times, but Ms. Abbott did a great job painting the town so it comes alive. I could easily envision what the town surrounding the lake looks like, and it sounds like someplace I’d love to visit.
Plenty of red-herrings abound to keep the story lively and interesting. Also added are characters who try to muddy the waters for the sleuthing sisters. I was completely immersed in the story and read it in one sitting.
I highly recommend this book to lovers of Cozy Mysteries. Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to read the advanced copy. I’m happy to leave my thoughts on this book.
Sisters Chloe and Izzie run their new business, Paint with a View, in their lakeside hometown of Whisper Cove, New York. Their Aunt Constance has booked them for a job hosting a Halloween painting party for her chapter of the Chautauqua Sisterhood. It’s looking to be a great gig until the director of the Sisterhood, Viola, and Aunt Constance are heard arguing. Viola is dissolving Constance’s chapter, thereby stripping her of her presidency. Chloe steps in and attempts to calm them down and they part ways. Later that evening while cleaning up, Chloe finds an eerie painting left behind depicting a woman with long red hair floating dead in the lake. The next morning, Viola is found floating in the lake - exactly how the painting was depicted. And Aunt Constance is the number one suspect. Chloe and Izzie leap into action to try and clear their beloved aunt’s name and find out whodunnit.
Even though this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. It’s so well-written that it was easy to get to know the characters and the relationships between them all. The author also brought the setting to life. It can be difficult to write setting at times, but Ms. Abbott did a great job painting the town so it comes alive. I could easily envision what the town surrounding the lake looks like, and it sounds like someplace I’d love to visit.
Plenty of red-herrings abound to keep the story lively and interesting. Also added are characters who try to muddy the waters for the sleuthing sisters. I was completely immersed in the story and read it in one sitting.
I highly recommend this book to lovers of Cozy Mysteries. Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to read the advanced copy. I’m happy to leave my thoughts on this book.
October 10, 2022
I gave Kill Them With Canvas by Bailee Abbott 3.75 stars.
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.
-------- REVIEW --------
The second book in A Paint by Murder Mystery-series. This one was a little bit better than the first book. A fast and cute cozy mystery, that kept me entertained. I like both sisters, that sometimes can be too impulsive for their own good. There is also some romance in this book and I am looking forward to seeing how it will progress in the upcoming books.
This book takes place during Halloween something the cover doesn't hint at. I wish they would have put something on it that would showcase this, since I know it can be hard finding Halloween-themed cozy mysteries.
This book comes out Oct 11th.
Thank you Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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.
-------- REVIEW --------
The second book in A Paint by Murder Mystery-series. This one was a little bit better than the first book. A fast and cute cozy mystery, that kept me entertained. I like both sisters, that sometimes can be too impulsive for their own good. There is also some romance in this book and I am looking forward to seeing how it will progress in the upcoming books.
This book takes place during Halloween something the cover doesn't hint at. I wish they would have put something on it that would showcase this, since I know it can be hard finding Halloween-themed cozy mysteries.
This book comes out Oct 11th.
Thank you Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 11, 2022
Halloween and its ghost tales were scary enough, but the scariest thing for Chloe and Izzie was the idea of their aunt getting hauled back to jail for murder, so the girls knew they needed to sleuth this one out just like last time. I love little Max whose sniffer comes in handy sometimes for finding evidence. He ended up with a sweet little houseguest, but since said houseguest had an owner, he had to go back eventually. But sometimes with cute dogs come handsome owners...for unattached sisters, as I could tell Chloe's brain was working toward. It did help that Izzie seemed to be interested!
During the case itself, Chloe did seem to be getting closer to Hunter like she wanted to. She's just kinda scared to commit but he seems like a sweetheart who's willing to take things slow if needed--and he's there for her a lot more than Ross had time for. I was proud of Chloe for finally telling Ross how it was gonna be now. Ross wasn't an awful person or anything and his attorney skills definitely came in handy for Constance's case, but Chloe already knew life with him was fairly lonely since he worked so much. I can't wait to see what's in store for Chloe and Hunter in the next book!
There were lots of good red herrings as far as suspects went, but I kept going between two of them and I don't think I was ever sure who I picked, so I just enjoyed the showdown and reveal. Aunt Constance was safe from any prison threat now, and Hunter was just happy Chloe was safe from any killer lurking around. A crazy case and a fun lakefront Halloween celebration made for the perfect read for this time of year.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
During the case itself, Chloe did seem to be getting closer to Hunter like she wanted to. She's just kinda scared to commit but he seems like a sweetheart who's willing to take things slow if needed--and he's there for her a lot more than Ross had time for. I was proud of Chloe for finally telling Ross how it was gonna be now. Ross wasn't an awful person or anything and his attorney skills definitely came in handy for Constance's case, but Chloe already knew life with him was fairly lonely since he worked so much. I can't wait to see what's in store for Chloe and Hunter in the next book!
There were lots of good red herrings as far as suspects went, but I kept going between two of them and I don't think I was ever sure who I picked, so I just enjoyed the showdown and reveal. Aunt Constance was safe from any prison threat now, and Hunter was just happy Chloe was safe from any killer lurking around. A crazy case and a fun lakefront Halloween celebration made for the perfect read for this time of year.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
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