Step into the charming world of the Button Box Mysteries, where antique buttons unlock secrets and cozy crimes await! Written by Constance Laux under the pen name Kylie Logan, this delightful series follows Josie Giancola, a button expert and shop owner in Chicago, who stumbles into amateur sleuthing when murders disrupt her cozy world. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries, the series blends historical button lore with clever whodunits, offering a unique twist on the genre.
With its quirky premise and engaging characters, Button Box Mysteries invites readers to unravel intricate crimes alongside Josie, all while exploring the surprisingly fascinating history of buttons. From vintage treasures to murderous plots, this four-book series is a hidden gem for mystery lovers seeking a light, captivating read.
How Button Box Mysteries Began
Constance Laux, a prolific author with a knack for diverse genres, crafted the Button Box Mysteries under her Kylie Logan pseudonym to explore the cozy mystery realm. Inspired by her love for mysteries—sparked by her father’s Sherlock Holmes tales and his work as a Cleveland police officer—Laux wove her passion for storytelling into a unique niche: antique buttons. The series, launched in 2011 with Button Holed, reflects Laux’s ability to transform an overlooked craft into a compelling backdrop for crime-solving, drawing readers into Josie’s world of collectibles and clues.
The Heart of Button Box Mysteries
The series kicks off with Button Holed (2011), where Josie’s Button Box shop attracts a Hollywood starlet seeking custom buttons for her wedding gown. When the shop is ransacked and the actress is murdered, Josie teams up with Detective Nevin Riley to solve the case, using her button expertise to decipher clues like an antique button hook. In Hot Button (2012), Josie chairs an international button collectors’ conference, but chaos ensues when the guest of honor is found dead, pulling her deeper into sleuthing.
Panic Button (2012) introduces a cursed Victorian charm string—a collection of 1,000 buttons tied to romance and tragedy—that leads to murder when its owner is strangled. The series wraps with Buttoned Up (2013), where Josie’s investigation into a local artist’s death uncovers secrets tied to her beloved buttons. Themes of community, curiosity, and resilience shine through, set against Chicago’s vibrant backdrop. The button motif, steeped in historical detail, adds a fresh layer to the cozy mystery formula, making each book a quick, witty read.
Josie’s charm lies in her quirky expertise and relatable struggles, like navigating her annoying ex-husband, Kaz. Laux’s light, conversational style keeps the pacing brisk, with enough red herrings to keep readers guessing. The series’ blend of craft, history, and crime makes it a standout in the cozy genre.
Why Button Box Mysteries Resonates
Though a shorter series, Button Box Mysteries has carved a niche among cozy mystery fans for its originality. Readers praise its engaging characters and the unexpected depth of button history, which sparks curiosity about antique collecting. Reviews highlight Josie’s likability and Laux’s skillful plotting, with outlets like Fresh Fiction noting the series’ ability to educate while entertaining. Its Chicago setting and focus on a female sleuth add to its appeal, offering a cozy escape with a touch of sophistication.
The series’ legacy lies in its ability to make an obscure hobby feel thrilling, inspiring readers to hunt for vintage buttons or dive into other cozy mysteries. Though it ended after four books, its fanbase cherishes its unique flavor, proving that even lesser-known series can leave a lasting mark.
- Publication Years: 2011–2013
- Number of Books: 4
- Setting: Chicago, Illinois
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
Grab Button Holed and dive into the Button Box Mysteries’ delightful world of buttons, clues, and cozy crime-solving!