Karen S. (BoysMom) - , reviewed on 10/2/2023 + 741 more book reviews

Hanging by a Thread by Dorothy Howell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A baffling murder, multiple storylines, and engaging characters make this second in the series a winner!

Hanging By a Thread is the second book in author Dorothy Howell's cozy series, the Sewing Studio Mysteries, and along with the murder of an abhorred local gold-digger, there are multiple subplots of interest to unwind. This robust story caught my attention from the start, and I was quickly drawn into the community life of Hideaway Grove.

The main character, Abbey Chandler, a recent arrival to town after her high-pressure life in LA imploded, is good-hearted and willing to help her friends and business acquaintances out any way she can. She is swamped with work, mostly favors for others, including Janine, the town's flighty tourism manager, in preparation for an important upcoming women's conference. All the while, Abbey is trying to establish her fledgling tote bag business and juggling volunteers for her charitable project making pillowcase dresses for young girls in Africa. It was exhausting considering what she had on her plate, but I could relate to her load as will many other readers who have pitched in to make things happen.

The murder sets off the small-town gossip mill, and along with the fear of a killer on the loose, local business owners are scrambling, worried the failure of the sheriff to solve the case will impact the lifeblood of the tourist-dependent economy. Abbey's friend and local business owner, Anna, was most often the herald of imminent doom, spreading any and all rumors, no matter how outlandish. It got to the point that Abbey had to talk to her about her gossip's impact, but someone needed to have an honest "Come to Jesus" with the woman.

The murder victim is a perfect target, almost universally disliked for her well-discussed and dissected shady past behavior. Not a soul sheds a tear on her behalf, and the sheriff appeared to drag his feet on the investigation. Even with Aunt Sarah directly in his sites, he makes zero effort to drag her in for questioning. However, Abbey, believing she needs to solve the crime herself to save Aunt Sarah, puts off talking to her aunt for far too long. However, I loved where the story goes regarding the resolution of the murder, though.

Other intriguing subplots were winners with me and will have me anxiously awaiting future books in the series. Abbey and Zack's relationship teeters between romantic and antagonistic. Props to Abbey for refusing the flowers; she was way more understanding of how Zack spoke to her than I would have been. Caitlin's personal saga will be one to watch, too, with her perceived future and past dreams so at odds and the presence of a third party in the wings with his own unrequited hopes for a future with her. The baffling mystery at the toy shop was also a great side story, especially with the lovely reputation and personality of the suspect. Also, tidbits detailing Abbey's projects and business are sprinkled throughout for the craft-minded among us to enjoy.

With multiple storylines and an engaging array of characters, I recommend HANGING BY A THREAD to cozy mystery readers, especially fans of the previous book and those who enjoy craft-themed stories or tales featuring small businesses.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

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