Forget Me Knot by Mary Marks, Plus a Giveaway

 
Note: The winners of this giveaway are Janie M., Cynthia W., Sarah P., Maureen E., and Donna D. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all those who entered the giveaway.
 
It’s with great pleasure that I’m participating in debut author Mary Marks’ Great Escape Virtual Book Tour for her recent release, FORGET ME KNOT, the first book in her Quilting Mystery series.

This is a charming start to a fun new series. As part of the tour I’m sharing my thoughts on the book. But as an added bonus (thanks to Mary and the lovely Lori @ Great Escape), I have not 1 but 5 copies of FORGET ME KNOT to giveaway. More details on the giveaway can be found toward the end of the post.

Here’s a brief synopsis of the new cozy mystery series set in San Fernando Valley, California:

        The heroine, Martha Rose, and her coterie of quilters are enjoying life on the good side of retirement—until murder pulls a stitch out of their plans.
        Martha and her besties Lucy and Birdie are set to expand their Quilty Tuesdays by inviting newcomer Claire Terry into their group. Though at forty Claire’s a tad younger than their average age, her crafty reputation could perk up their patchwork proceedings, especially as they prepare for the fancy quilt show coming to town. But when they arrive at Claire’s home and find her dead inside the front door, and her exquisite, prize-winning quilts soon missing. 
        Martha is not one to leave a mystery unraveled, especially if she wants to stop a killer from establishing a deadly pattern.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born and raised in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, Mary Marks earned a B.A. in Anthropology from UCLA and an M.A. in Public Administration from the American Jewish University in Los Angeles. 

In 2004 Mary enrolled in the UCLA Extension Writers Program. Her first novel, FORGET ME KNOT, was a finalist in a national writing competition in 2011.

FORGET ME KNOT by Mary Marks

Sometimes the theme of a cozy murder mystery can be overwhelming leaving the reader searching for a storyline. 

That definitely isn’t the case for debut author Mary Marks’ recent release, FORGET ME KNOT. Marks provides an intriguing storyline, tantalizing characters, and just enough theme information to keep everything on track. You don’t have to be a quilting fan or even know anything about quilting to enjoy this fascinating mystery.

Claire Terry was a potential new member to the weekly Tuesday gathering of quilters Martha Rose; her friend, Lucy; and Lucy’s neighbor, Birdie. Claire, at age 40, was bit younger than the trio, but her quilting reputation could help them at the upcoming fancy quilt show. Finding Claire dead inside her front door unraveled their plans and put them in danger.

Days later at the quilt show, Claire’s prize-winning quilts are stolen, along with some of the trio’s quilts. Martha knows how much time, work and love went into the quilts and she wants them back, even if the sexy detective called them blankets.

Claire’s mother asks Martha to help find answers and she can’t turn her down even if it means putting herself in harm’s way. As she searches for clues, Martha deals with a few problems of her own including family issues and warm feelings for the detective. When Martha put the pieces of the murder together, she’s caught in a bind that could be fatal.

Marks has created zany characters that are mature, but full of life and spunk. They are realistic, memorable and will have you laughing with delight. Her protagonist is strong and determined but deals with issues readers can relate to – aging, overweight and battling loneliness.

The setting draws you in and the story holds you spellbound until the end. The story flows smoothly and at a steady pace with a few surprises along the way to keep you guessing.

Marks has a keen eye for details and her vivid descriptions of the quilts brings them to life. The added tidbits of history adds depth to the story and how the murder unfolds.

FORGET ME KNOT is much more than just a story about quilts and quilting. It’s a story that deals with family relationships, friendship, and living life with gusto at any age. Martha Rose is a protagonist that will applique herself to your heart with a lasting effect. This is an entertaining beginning for a series that will wrap you in a warm embrace of enjoyable reading.

Forget Me Knot by Mary Marks, A Quilting Mystery, Kensington Publishing, @2014, ISBN: 978-0758292056, Paperback, 384 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher as part of the author’s blog tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This giveaway is for five winners to each receive a copy of FORGET ME KNOT and the contest is open to residents of the U.S. only.

To enter, please send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win Forget Me Knot.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance to win one of five copies of FORGET ME KNOT is 8 p.m. (EST) on Thursday, Jan. 23.

For more chances to win a copy of this delightful book, check out the other bloggers below participating in Mary’s tour.

January 6 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – Review, Guest Post, Giveaway
January 7 – Books-n-Kisses – Review and Giveaway
January 8 – Escape With Dollycas – Review, Guest Post, Giveaway
January 9 – off
January 10- Community Bookstop – Review and Giveaway
January 10 - Dru's Book Musings – Added by author
January 11- Dr. Pepper Diva – Review and Giveaway
January 12- A Blue Million Books – Interview and Giveaway
January 13 – rantin' ravin' and reading – Review, Guest Post, Giveaway
January 14 – My Recent Favorite books – Review and Giveaway
January 15 - Thoughts in Progress – Review and Giveaway
January 16 – Mochas, Mysteries  and More – Guest Post and Giveaway
January 17 - My Devotional Thoughts – Review and Giveaway

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Do you enjoy cozy murder mysteries with a theme? Do you quilt or have you ever tried to? Remember to enter the giveaway for a chance to win one of FIVE copies of FORGET ME KNOT.