Helpful Score: 3
Finally, another present day murder! Unlike the last few books where Betsy either investigated a murder that happened decades ago or simply had attempts on her life but no real murder mystery to solve this one had a murder that happend right at the start of the book. The plot was more complex than some of the others and introduced a few new characters which Betsy had to deal with. Well done.
Helpful Score: 3
This was the most agonizing book in this series to read, so far. The first chapter starts off with a local police detective ranting and raving about his nemesis, who is the main character of this series. It went down hill from there.
The author tried too hard to develop some characters that don't even have bit parts, but are reoccuring in this series. The writing was strained in many chapters. It was almost as if the author couldn't find anything more that was interesting about needlework, so they had to make something up to find any type of connection to this series.
The actual crime was rather predictable. Though there was some subterfuge, I was still able to predict who the killer was the second they were introduced in the book. The wool the author tried to pull over our eyes was crocheted with an O hook.
Even though I was disappointed with this book in the series, I will continue to read these books. 6 decent mysteries far out weigh a silly read that was almost a waste of time.
The author tried too hard to develop some characters that don't even have bit parts, but are reoccuring in this series. The writing was strained in many chapters. It was almost as if the author couldn't find anything more that was interesting about needlework, so they had to make something up to find any type of connection to this series.
The actual crime was rather predictable. Though there was some subterfuge, I was still able to predict who the killer was the second they were introduced in the book. The wool the author tried to pull over our eyes was crocheted with an O hook.
Even though I was disappointed with this book in the series, I will continue to read these books. 6 decent mysteries far out weigh a silly read that was almost a waste of time.
Betsy Devonshire has volunteered for an art fair, and one of the artists, a woodcarver, is found with his throat cut with his own knife. A young teenage delinquent has been arrested, but his aunt, a friend of Betsy's, begs her to help him. Reluctantly Besty agrees as after meeting the disagreeable young man, she does not believe him capable of murder.
I was very impressed by the detail in this story. Besty explores the world of art, and the author shows the tedious side of investigating, in the many questions Betsy must ask to familiarize herself with artists as she grasps for any clues that might lead her to the truth. The story at times felt a little disjointed as Ferris used several points of view, but the mystery was more solid than some she has written, and the revelation at the end satisfying.
I was very impressed by the detail in this story. Besty explores the world of art, and the author shows the tedious side of investigating, in the many questions Betsy must ask to familiarize herself with artists as she grasps for any clues that might lead her to the truth. The story at times felt a little disjointed as Ferris used several points of view, but the mystery was more solid than some she has written, and the revelation at the end satisfying.
Almost everyone in Excelsior, Minnesota-craftsy and non-craftsy alike-has turned out for the art fair. So when an artisan is murdered there, the list of suspects is practically endless. Betsy Devonshire wants to help out in the police investigation. Her best friend, Office Jill Cross, confides that they have a lead: a bloody footprint in the woodcarvers' booth matches that of a local youth. But when Betsy can't keep the news to herself, Jill gives Betsy the cold shoulder. Everyone's on pins and needles-and when the family of the kid in question asks Betsy to prove his innocence, she must first regain Jill's trust, then figure out who had designs on the dead disigner...
An very good book in the needlecraft mystery series.
Cute story, typical of Monica Ferris
One of her most enjoyable.
A nice "cozy" mystery with needlework as its background
Great cozy mystery with Betsy Devonshire owner of needlework shop, Crewel World, again finding clues the police seem to miss! The scene is an art fair, and the characters, except for the dead one, are warm and sometimes mysterious!
Fun fast read - enough needlework related tidbits to keep it interesting.
The murder of a woodcarver at an artists' fair draws Crewel World owner and amateur sleuth Betsy Devonshire into a quest for the killer.
Almost everyone in Excelsior, Minnesota craftsy and non-craftsy alike has turned out for the art fair. So when an artisan is murdered there, the list of suspects is practically endless. Betsy Devonshire wants to help out in the police investigation. Her best friend Officer Jill Cross confides that they have a lead: a bloody footprint in the woodcarver's booth matches that of a local youth. But when Betsy can't keep the news to herself, Jill gives Betsy the cold shoulder, Everyone's on pins and needles and when the family of the kid in qustion asks Betsy to prove his innocence, she must first regain Jill's trust, then figure out who had designs on the dead designer.
A Needlecraft Mystery. Fun cozy reading and you don't have to be involved in needlecraft to enjoy.
Very good story. Characters are really growing, Betsy is getting better. Cozy, enjoy.
another winner in the series
Needlework shop owner, Betsy Devonshire, eager to help her best friend, Officer Jill Cross, investigate the murder of an artisan that takes place during the local art fair, she ends up alienating Jill by sharing confidential information with others. Before she can prove the innocence of a young man falsely accused, Betsy must regain Jill's trust.
Excellent cozy reading. I just love this series! This one kept my attention very keenly and I enjoyed watching Betsy unravel the mystery. Very believable. I love all the characters in this series, and it is like visiting with old friends
I thoughly enjoyed this book and the others in the series. I really hate parting with the books, but I think others should get a chance to read them. Light reading.
An artisan is murdered at the art fair
Love this series. Good one as usual. . .
Another great book in the Needlework series by Monica Ferris.
Another neat needlecraft mystery that had me guessing until the last few pages.
Almost everyone in Excelsior, Minnesota--craftsy and non-craftsy alike--has turned out for the art fair. So when an artisan is murdered there, the list of suspects is practically endless. Betsy Devonshire wants to help out in the police investigation. Her best friend, Officer Jill Cross, confides that they have a lead: a bloody footprint in the woodcarvers' booth matches that of a local youth. But when Betsy can't keep the news to herself, Jill gives Betsy the cold shoulder. Everone's on pins and needles--and when the family of the kid in question asks Betsy to prove his innocence, she must first regain Jill's trust, then figure out who had designs on the dead designer...
This entire series is a fantastic read. None of the information about people and places is over-done or repeated to the point of aggrivation.You get to know all the charaters very well by learning something new in every book.The series is very well written. It makes you want a new book every six months at least!!!
From the back cover of the book:
Almost everyone in Excelsior, Minnesota - craftsy and non-craftsy alike - has turned out for the art fair. So when an artisan is murdered there, the list of suspects is practically endless. Betsy Devonshire wants to help out in the police investigation, but when her best friend, Officer Jill Cross, confides that they have a lead, Betsy can't keep the news to herself. Now she must first regain Jill's trust, then figure out who had designs on the dead designer . . .
From the back cover of the book:
Almost everyone in Excelsior, Minnesota - craftsy and non-craftsy alike - has turned out for the art fair. So when an artisan is murdered there, the list of suspects is practically endless. Betsy Devonshire wants to help out in the police investigation, but when her best friend, Officer Jill Cross, confides that they have a lead, Betsy can't keep the news to herself. Now she must first regain Jill's trust, then figure out who had designs on the dead designer . . .
Great Read...........this is a wonderful series!
