Cheryl C. (moondance120) reviewed on 5/24/2014 + 422 more book reviews

"We believe he is dead, faithful squire," Queen Olivia pronounced in grand, dramatic fashion.

WICKED WEAVES is the first book in the Renaissance Faire Mystery series by Joyce and Jim Lavene. The Faire is a year round attraction in Myrtle Beach, SC. History professor, Jessie, has worked at the faire every summer since college. This summer she is working with Mary Shift, a Gullah basket maker. A stranger is found dead in the village with basket weave around his neck. Mary becomes the prime suspect and Jessie steps forward to investigate. Jessie's summer romance with Chase, the village bailiff, adds an ally for both her and Mary.

This is an enjoyable read from the Lavene team. The portrayal of the Renaissance Village and its people is quite accurate. I had the pleasure of working at a festival for a couple of years and it is amazing how into character these folks become. The addition of the Gullah basket weaving is educational. The Gullah traditions are very evident in the low country of South Carolina. Their basket weaving is a long standing tradition. The sweetgrass used to weave the baskets is in short supply so they are quite valuable and often quite expensive.

I always enjoy reading local authors and look forward to reading more in this series. I believe the next book has Jessie working with the glassblower.

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