Wednesday, August 11, 2010

The Quick And The Thread by Amanda Lee

When I first saw the cover of this book several months ago, I was immediately drawn to it. After I read a brief synopsis, I was hooked.

THE QUICK AND THE THREAD by Amanda Lee is a perfect cozy murder mystery.

Marcy Singer has moved from San Francisco to Tallulah Falls and opened The Seven-Year Stitch, an embroidery shop. Her best friend, Sadie, and her husband, Blake, own the coffee shop next door, MacKenzies’ Mochas.

The morning after Marcy holds an open house, she finds the former shop tenant dead in her stockroom. Tim Enright has used a tapestry needle to scratch a cryptic message - four square fifth w - on the stockroom wall. Now Marcy wishes she had taken the time to talk to Enright at the open house even though he appeared to be drunk. Enright had operated a hardware store in the building before losing his business.

The case is investigated by Tallulah Falls Police Department Chief Detective Ted Nash. A spark of attraction between Nash and Marcy is ignited. It’s fun to watch as the two begin to banter back and forth over the course of the investigation. Throw Todd Calloway into the mix and it really heats up. Calloway owns the bar, The Brew Crew, across the street from Marcy’s shop.

Shortly after finding Enright’s body, Marcy learns her landlord, Bill Trelawney, is murdered. Marcy believes the two deaths are connected given the way Trelawney reacted when he learned of Enright’s cryptic message.

Marcy begins to investigation on her own and learns that Four Square was a development company that was really a real estate scheme landing its partners in prison. The more she checks, the more twists and turns she encounters. As she gets closer to finding the killer, the more she begins to question just how well she really know anyone in town.

Author Amanda Lee depicts a quaint small town with all its charm and intrigue. The bits of movie and TV nostalgia sprinkled throughout the book gives it an added touch of humor. The various townspeople Marcy befriends are (killer aside) friendly, interesting characters you will come to enjoy and want to know more about. One of the most lovable characters is Angus, Marcy’s 100-pound Irish wolfhound.

This is an easy, delightful read with memorable characters. There are no embroidery tips or patterns at the end. However, you do get a sneak preview at the next embroidery mystery, STITCH ME DEADLY, coming February 2011. Can’t wait to read more.

Amanda Lee (also known as author Gayle Trent) can be found blogging at www.gayletrent.com/blog/ and her website is www.GayleTrent.com

The Quick And The Thread by Amanda Lee, An Embroidery Mystery, Obsidian, @2010, ISBN: 978-0-451-23096-6, Paperback, 336 pages


FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.


15 comments:

  1. I have heard about this book and think it looks delightful. Since I use threads of all types, i know I would love this. It's all about relating, isn't it?

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have this book on my TBR pile and I just may move it up a notch. Thanks for the recap.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mason - Thanks so much for this review. This sounds like a terrific cosy, and certainly worth putting on my TBR list. I have to say, I got drawn to the title, too - right away. I really appreciate a clever title, and this one's a good 'un.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for the info! Yet another cozy to try out! I like the cover too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I might just have to start reading this mystery series, since I suck so horribly at embroidery, knitting, or crocheting...or even sewing in general. Perhaps reading books set in an embroidery shop will increase my understanding and liking of such endeavors. And if not, I've still read a good mystery!

    Helen

    ReplyDelete
  6. Teresa, it is about relating. This is an enjoyable read I think you'd like.

    Dru, even though this is an embroidery related-book I think you'll enjoy it since you are a quilter too.

    Margot, this is a catchy title and a terrific cozy.

    Holdenj, the cover is the first thing that drew me in. Couldn't help but like the cover.

    Helen, after reading this I wanted to start back on a cross stitch pattern that I quit three years ago. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great review, Mason! Sounds like a nice, cozy, easy (recreational) read; just the kind of book to delve into after *reading* all day!

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a clever title! I love the cover, too. Thanks for the review!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Probably not the same as The Quick & the Dead!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Crystal, a recreational read is a good description. It's strange to say it's light hearted since it is a murder mystery. But since it's not a thriller type mystery then light hearted fits.

    Carol, it is a fun read.

    Talli, I love the cover too. So many wonderful colors included.

    Alex, LOL not the same even thought there are a couple of quick deaths involved. Besides were you talking about the 1st or 2nd Q & D?

    ReplyDelete
  11. This one looks and sounds like a perfect cozy.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I adore cozy mysteries, and this one sounds GREAT!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love a good cozy! This one sounds like one that would grab me from the beginning!

    ReplyDelete
  14. This book does look quite enticing.

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's post. Thanks for dropping by.