The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-Up, by Kate Solly

Felicity ‘Fleck’ Parker loves solving puzzles; crosswords, wordplays, sudoku, acrostics – all types keep her brain alive while caring for her three small children. When fellow school mum Trixie is accused of stealing from the charity craft shop where she volunteers, Fleck puts her brain to solving the mystery of who is really responsible and clearing Trixie’s name. The initial chapters of this novel were so ‘mumsy’ it was tempting to just chuck it. For sure having three kids under five would be exhausting and mind-numbing but it’s really not interesting to read about. Fortunately things improve as the action gets underway. The plot, involving people trafficking and money laundering, is patently absurd, but for the most part this is an entertaining and undemanding read as Fleck and Trixie solve everyone's problems along the way. Cosy crafting crime.