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Bliss, Texas, is gearing up for its annual Winter Wonderland festival, but when a mysterious Scrooge ends the merriment with murder, it'll take more than a ghost from Christmas past to set things right.

Designing a holiday fashion show set in the town's most prominent historic mansion seems like a job tailor made for dressmaker Harlow Jane Cassidy. But with the mansion's restoration still in progress and threatening weather on the horizon, she's feeling on pins and needles more than reveling in holiday cheer.

Having volunteered to play Santa in this year's festival, Dan Lee Chrisson was ready to move on after his divorce--until Bliss became his final resting place. Discovering his body puts Harlow at the scene of the crime. She'll need plenty of help from friends and even her late great-grandmother's spirited sleuthing if she's to have a ghost of a chance of catching a killer who's just jumped to the top of the naughty list....

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 2, 2012

71 people are currently reading
781 people want to read

About the author

Melissa Bourbon

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Melissa Bourbon is the national bestselling author of more than forty novels and nonfiction writing resource books. All of her books feature strong female and family relationships, bits of history, and lots of fun.

Melissa used to teach middle school English/Language Arts, but now she teaches creative writing to adults. She founded WriterSpark Academy, an online school for aspiring and new writers seeking to hone their craft.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
Profile Image for ❂ Murder by Death .
1,071 reviews146 followers
November 2, 2012
I love this series and this book, Deadly Patterns, didn't let me down. I was extremely confused reading the last book and I truly think there was a continuity or editing error, concerning two of the characters, but everything is resolved and clearly so, in this book.

I thought the mystery was excellent, lots of clues and lots of things distracting this reader from seeing all of them When the murderer was revealed it wasn't a total shock, but it was someone I hadn't given a lot of thought too.

I absolutely love the characters and the setting and I can't wait for the next book to catch up with them all.
Profile Image for Kate.
473 reviews16 followers
December 15, 2012
You wouldn't really know it from the title or cover but this is a Christmas themed book. It was good and moved along at a fast pace that made me want to keep reading. My only complaint about this series is that Harlow keeps discovering more and more people who are related to her from way back when, and it is difficult and sometimes confusing to keep the names straight and trace back how they are related to her. I hope the author will simplify the family tree references a bit in the next book.
Profile Image for Linda.
2,218 reviews55 followers
December 26, 2019
3.5 stars. I enjoy this series but trying to keep up with all the characters and all their connections is tough! Even with a family tree at the end. The story was fun and kept me guessing.
Profile Image for Genevieve.
1,270 reviews9 followers
May 4, 2020
I love the characters in this book and I just love the romance of Harlow and Will. He is one of the good guys who accepts Harlow for who she is. I found the story line dragged a bit and there were to many side stories and the actual solution to the mystery seemed a little far fetch and the side stories had all taken a bit away from the main line.
Profile Image for Jeannie and Louis Rigod.
1,991 reviews38 followers
October 8, 2012
This book brought me so many laughs, catches of breath, confusion, and ended with complete clarity. Huh? Yes, I really went through all that and in a mere comfy paperback novel. Ms. Bourbon writes very compellingly.

This gives a reviewer a problem...how to make the reader (of the review) understand the excitement yet not give a darn thing away in telling. So, I will give you the points from the back of the book with my embellishments.

Harlow Jane Cassidy, Butch Cassidy's descendant has been put in charge of the Winter Wonderland Fashion show by Mrs. James (yup, that James family.) Mrs. James and Mrs. Abernathy want to delegate and they seem to think Harlow Jane is the one to go to. The community has restored and renovated the old Dennison House. The house, itself, is filled with infamous folklore of the past, with having Bonnie and Clyde staying there and being won in a poker game.

During the final walk-through of the house as the ladies start the decorating for the show, Mr. Dan Lee Chrissom goes up to the widow's walk for a safety check and falls. The railing is broken off! That sounds normal doesn't it? Well, that scene had me gasping and saying aloud "Oh, My Gosh." You have to read it to find out why.

Was the fall innocent,an accident or was it planned? And, who was supposed to fall? And, here is the magic question, just why?

There is treasure, genealogy, craft making, Santa Claus, and Romance in this compact mystery. The Cassidy gift expands, as does the family.

So, here is the truth, I love this series. I can barely wait until "Custom-Fit" comes out in July 2013. Grab a copy and catch up with the 'Hole in the Wall' gang in 2012!
Profile Image for Vickie.
2,233 reviews6 followers
November 27, 2020
I love this time of the year when I read primarily cozy/amateur sleuth, especially holiday- themed ones.
This is a delightful series. It's magical without going overboard and it's a really good mystery with excellent characters, setting and premise. I highly enjoyed the first two and I look forward to the rest of the series.
There's more than a suspicious death going on through the book. There are plenty of suspects and the mystery of Harlow Jane Cassidy's family with all of their abilities. And the growing amount of folks she seems to be related to via the chain of events from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
I like that Harlow has self-doubt in her abilities plus a blooming romance and she's always busy. She loves her family and her friends. She wants to help everyone and doesn't take much time for herself.
Glad she has her family, both on this plane and the spiritual one.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
I would love to have her energy and time management.
This is
Profile Image for Robert Alvarez.
221 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2025
"Deadly Patterns," by Melissa Bourbon, is the third in the "Magical Dressmaking Mysteries."

As usual, I enjoyed this Cozy Mystery very much. In the short time I have known about Ms. Bourbon, her books are so enjoyable, and very entertaining. In addition, I find myself wanting to visit Bliss, Texas, which is a testament to Ms. Bourbon's superb writing skills; between Ted Cruz and Greg Abbott, the thought of visiting Texas gives me massive pause, but I digress.

Bliss, Texas has its very first "Winter Wonderland" Festival, and Harlow Cassidy is in the thick of things, as usual. Of course, I find it interesting how Harlow stumbles on a dead body in the most interesting of ways (sorry, no spoilers!).

I especially loved how this installment was based on a true story. How cool is that!

I have already begun reading "A Custom-Fit Crime," fourth in this Cozy Mystery series. And already it is so, so good!
Profile Image for Kristen.
2,506 reviews83 followers
May 7, 2022
This is a fun cozy mystery series. I enjoy it.

First off, this is set in the South - Texas specifically - and I enjoy the Southern way of life. The turn of phrase, the manners, the food - I find it all charming so I enjoy that aspect of this series.

It also has fashion, which I also enjoy, and hearing about the fabulous clothes Harlow makes is also a fun feature of this series.

Finally, there is a whif of magic in this series and I love how it is woven in with the rest of the story.

I did find this book's plot to be quite complicated with many misdirections and red herrings, but I guess that is part of a mystery so okay.

Overall, a fun, fast enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Fred.
1,012 reviews65 followers
October 1, 2012
Deadly Patterns is the third book in the A Magical Dressmaking Mystery series.

Life back in Bliss, Texas is going well for Harlow Jane Cassidy and her dressmaking shop is going well, too. Preparation are well underway for the Holiday fashion show that will be held at a beautiful mansion that is currently being restored. When the recently divorced Dan Lee Chrisson goes to inspect the railing around the widow's walk and doesn't return in a few minutes, Harlow and some other members of the planning committee go see where he might be. When they get there they find that the railing has broke and Chrisson has fallen to his death. Harlow, in the chaos that happened upon finding the body, also falls, but is save by a tent that has been erected in the back. So with numerous bumps and bruises she sets out to finish several outfits for the show and a new Santa's suit for Will.

But, naturally, her mind keeps going back to the death of Chrisson. Everyone knew that the railing was weak, so was it an accident or murder? There are several possible suspects. The ex-wife, Raylene, who feared that Chrisson would try to get custody of their child or maybe Hattie, Raylene's sister, for divorcing her sister. The house has a colorful past, what with Bonnie and Clyde having stayed there after a robbery in town. Possibly something valuable had been hidden in the house and the murderer thought that Chrisson might have found it.

I always try to read a series in order, but somehow I missed #2. The author causally mention things that had occurred in that book and would have help me to understand better, those parts.

This is a delightful series, with a fun and interesting cast of characters and just a little bit of woo-woo, too. And a little romance too.

Looking forward to book #4.
Profile Image for LORI CASWELL.
2,778 reviews319 followers
October 27, 2012
Bliss, Texas is getting ready for the annual Winter Wonderland Festival. Harlow Jane Cassidy has designed a holiday fashion show that will take place in the town's most prominent mansion. But the weather and the not yet completed restoration of the mansion has Harlow "on pins and needles" while everything comes together. It seems her workload keeps increasing as the event draws near. Where is that darn Lee Chrisson anyway? She needs to get that Santa suit altered.

Sadly Lee Chrisson has met with foul play and will not be Santa in Bliss this year. Discovering the body puts Harlow at the scene of the crime. Someone has jumped to the top of the naughty list and Harlow will need the help of family and friends "if she has a ghost of a chance" of catching the killer.

Dollycas's Thoughts

A trip to Buttons and Bows just warms my heart. Growing up in a family of seamstresses like Harlow these stories always bring back memories. When Harlow fears she is losing her magical charm because she can't envision the perfect outfit for Josie it almost broke my heart. My grandma was a lot like Harlow, she always made the perfect wedding dress or business suit for her clients making them feel beautiful or empowered. I think that's why I love MeeMaw so much. Her ghostly hi-jinks remind me so much of my grandma. I may have to check out my family tree, maybe we are related to Butch Cassidy :)

Melissa Bourbon brings together wonderful characters, a little history, a bit of romance and a fun mystery perfect for this holiday season. Curl up with these charming ladies and the rest of Bliss, Texas. A perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Profile Image for Diana.
894 reviews712 followers
January 3, 2013
DEADLY PATTERNS is another fun installment in the Magical Dressmaking Mystery series. Christmas is coming to the small town of Bliss, Texas, and with it the Winter Wonderland festival. Dressmaker Harlow Jane Cassidy has been put in charge of the fashion show, which is being held in the newly renovated Denison Mansion. Preparations for the event are rolling along until the man hired to play Santa winds up dead, the victim of foul play.

After some investigating, Harlow finds out that this particular Santa was on several people's naughty list, and perhaps he wanted in the old Denison House for a reason other than spreading holiday cheer. With a little encouragement from her deceased great-grandmother's ghost, Harlow sets out to solve the Santa murder mystery and have the fashion show set to go on time.

This is one of my favorite new cozy mystery series, so I can't miss a book. I love visiting Bliss, Texas, and Harlow is a very interesting and likable main character. In addition to the mystery, the story also delves deeper into the Cassidy family tree. It did get confusing remembering who was related to whom and how, all the way back to Butch Cassidy himself, but luckily there's a family tree chart at the back of the book.

I would probably recommend reading the prior two books in the series first, just because Harlow has a complex family history and it would help to know the backstory. Fans of cozy mysteries with a little romance and a little magic are sure to be pleased.
Profile Image for Patty.
53 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2018
I sew and I love mysteries. When I saw an article written about the first book in the series, Pleating for Mercy, I contacted the Melissa to get permission to reprint it in the sewing guild newsletter I edit. Then I downloaded the book and it actually got me started on reading on my iPad. Because I was late to the party, I didn't wait long for the second book, and eagerly anticipated book three.

The series is all about family histories and relationships, with a murder or two thrown in. In each book, Melissa has given you a good dose of the characters their eccentricities (and gifts) and as the series has developed so has the family tree. She weaves a good mystery that, of course, Harlow is compelled to solve, but she doesn't make Harlow a victim—someone who is always in peril and must be rescued.

The book can stand on its own, but knowing some of the details of the ever-growing family tree can make it that much better. Truth be told my retention of those details over the course of a year-plus since reading the first book isn't so great. But I enjoyed this third book so much, I'm rereading the first two, and enjoying them all over again.
Profile Image for Debbie Heaton.
Author5 books20 followers
October 22, 2013
In Bourbon’s mystery novel, dressmaker Harlow Jane Cassidy is preparing for a holiday fashion show set in a recently restored mansion for the annual Winter Wonderland festival in Bliss, Texas. Dan Lee Chrisson has volunteered to play Santa Claus when his body is found unexpectantly after he apparently fell from the Widow’s Walk of the mansion. Harlow finds the body and sets her own investigation into motion allowing her natural sleuthing skills to blend with her special magic as she follows the pattern of clues to find the murderer.

Harlow Jane is an amazing amateur sleuth and I love the advice she gets from her dearly departed great-grandmother! Another fabulous addition to the A Magical Dressmaking Mystery.
Profile Image for Ev.
94 reviews14 followers
June 24, 2024
This was the first book I read in this new to me series. MS Bourbon appears to have another hit in this cozy mystery series. The main character is intelligent enough to solve the crime without conflict with local law enforcement and I found that really refreshing. If you are a fan of Kathi Dailey and/or Scarlett Moss you may enjoy this author, too.
Profile Image for Vicky.
436 reviews7 followers
October 14, 2012
The only thing that irritates me about this series is that Harlow's brother Red is mentioned in all three books but never comes into reality until the tail end of this book. Also where is Granddaddy in the 1st 2 books and suddenly he appears at the end of this book also.
1,788 reviews
May 5, 2024
Another great book in this series. The characters are wonderful and the plots are well done. I recommend this series.

Amazon synopsis:
Bliss, Texas, is gearing up for its annual Winter Wonderland festival, but when a mysterious Scrooge ends the merriment with murder, it’ll take more than a ghost from Christmas past to set things right.
Designing a holiday fashion show set in the town’s most prominent historic mansion seems like a job tailor made for dressmaker Harlow Jane Cassidy. But with the mansion’s restoration still in progress and threatening weather on the horizon, she’s feeling on pins and needles more than reveling in holiday cheer.

Having volunteered to play Santa in this year’s festival, Dan Lee Chrisson was ready to move on after his divorce—until Bliss became his final resting place. Discovering his body puts Harlow at the scene of the crime. She’ll need plenty of help from friends and even her late great-grandmother’s spirited sleuthing if she’s to have a ghost of a chance of catching a killer who’s just jumped to the top of the naughty list�.
4,320 reviews29 followers
May 14, 2025
First, have a notepad and pen handy. You will need it to keep up with family trees and how they intertwine. Harlow seems to have a knack for being in the vicinity when people are murdered. I can’t help wondering if that is part of her Cassidy charm/curse? That charm seems to be one of the worst kept secrets in town. Again, you will find romance, humor, death, mystery and a surprising ending. I’ll bet you won’t see it coming. Looking forward to seeing what trouble the Cassidy women get into next.
Profile Image for Amber.
272 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2023
Another great addition to this series. I am really enjoying to get to know Harlow and her family and friends. She is really settling into Bliss TX now and becoming her own person. I like the history twists that she is connected to. I enjoyed how the who done it was accomplished in this cozy. Different then I’ve seen it done before. A Christmas book that didn’t feel overly Christmasy and fine to read out of season.
606 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2023
magic murder and some romance

Harlow holds the loyalty to her family with all her heart. The charm bestowed in her and her family mean to her. But Will Flores and Gracie mean so much to her as well. Secrets area part of Bliss and everyone has one. With the Winter Wonderland and wanting to be honest about her family Harlow’s head is spinning . So when a man fails to his death murder takes priority. Great series
2,155 reviews
December 18, 2024
Different from other cozies I have read

4.25 stars

It was a little confusing because there were so many players involved as well as connections to the past, but it was still an engaging story that I was sucked into. I enjoyed the characters. The mystery was intriguing and interesting. I liked how Harlow pieced to puzzle together until she figured it out. The stuff from the past was interesting even if it was a lot of stuff to keep tracking of.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
96 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2025
4.5 stars! My first book by this author, and I enjoyed it. The characters are believable and easy to like and care about, and Harlow's gift of visualizing (and being able to create) just the right garment for her clients is fascinating. A bit different from the usual witchy stuff! Good writing as well, of course.
Profile Image for Bonnie Drummond.
921 reviews19 followers
July 26, 2018
Deadly Patterns book 3 in the Magical Dressmaking Mystery was every one running around getting ready for The Winter Festival and Christmas only to have a bamper put on all for a murder in the Historical House.
Profile Image for Shannon.
419 reviews9 followers
July 22, 2019
Another great book in the series! I love how the Cassidy family and Bliss town secrets keep growing. More and more characters get added, but the drama connecting everyone together doesn't make it difficult to remember who is who.
157 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2022
Truly a feel good read!

Despite murder and a bit of mayhem!!!This book has every thing one needs to enjoy the who dunnit? To intrigue a reader! Love the romantic entanglement between the central characters.
L
37 reviews
February 16, 2024
Good read

I would recommend this book to anyon
e who likes to" who done it", and what I like is the chemistry between Will and the dress maker, and how she does when solving a crime.
49 reviews
May 20, 2024
Fun magical mystery

Harlow Cassidy has a gift along with other members of her family. Only the women have special gifts and they use them to solve problems and mysteries throughout the town of Bliss. There are exciting things happening all the time.
552 reviews
September 5, 2024
like an onion

Biiss, Texas has layers of secrets wrapped up in its history. Why was Donnie Lee pushed off the widow walk? Who knows the Cassidy family’s secrets and why are they publishing them? And how will Harlow design for a pregnant friend?
Profile Image for Monica.
1,102 reviews
August 13, 2017
I love these stories. The characters and great and the mystery is good.Can't wait to start the next book.
9 reviews
August 29, 2017
I really like this series, perfect for vacations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews

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