Twisted Threads by Lea Wait, Read by Christina Delaine

A decade after she disappeared, the body of Angie Curtis’ mother is discovered drawing Angie back to her hometown of Harbor Haven, Maine, and to her grandmother, Charlotte, who raised her.

Author Lea Wait tugs at the heartstrings with TWISTED THREADS, the first installment in her Mainely Needlepoint Mystery Series.

Narrator Christina Delaine does a wonderful job giving distinct voices to the Mainers, as well as the outsiders in this story. Her cadence and accents add depth to this tantalizing murder mystery.

Angie returns home when her mother’s body is found in a storage shed freezer. The question now is was she killed by the local baker renting the shed (who passed away a short time ago) or someone else? Seems the good baker had some other secrets he was hiding too.

Meanwhile, Angie is reunited with her grandmother who has started a needlepoint business with several locals calling the enterprise Mainely Needlepointers. More trouble begins when a shady business associate of the group dies suddenly under suspicious circumstances. It appears Angie and Charlotte have the most to gain with the death so they become prime suspects.

Determined to clear their names and find out who really killed her mother, Angie starts to unravel the various threads of truth. The more she searches, the closer she gets to a killer with secrets that could change everything she’s ever though growing up.

The small costal town feel comes alive in the story through the author’s vivid descriptions and eye for details. The close knit community is emphasized as the search for a killer gets underway. The author also explores the pain and uncertainty those touched by unsolved cases may feel.

The story flows smoothly and at a rapid pace. The twists and turns of the story will hold your attention. The characters are well-developed, realistic and fun to follow.

TWISTED THREADS is filled with suspense, mystery, humor, friendship and family loyalty. This is a delightful start to an intriguing new mystery series. You don’t have to enjoy needlepoint to relish this entertaining story.

Twisted Threads by Lea Wait, A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery (Book #1), Narrated by Christina Delaine, Tantor Audio, @2015, ISBN: 978-1515951001, Unabridged, 7 CD Discs, Run Time: 8 Hours and 34 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – An audio copy of 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. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope I’ve tempted you with this charming mystery. Do you do needlepoint? Do you have pieces of needlepoint in your home that have been passed down through the generations in your family?

Spider Woman’s Daughter by Anne Hillerman

It’s rare that a series can continue in the same style and strength after the author has died and another has picked up the torch.

SPIDER WOMAN’S DAUGHTER is one of those rare books. Author Anne Hillerman expertly continues the Leaphorn and Chee series her late father, Tony Hillerman, created and beautifully wrote for so many years. This installment features Navajo Nation Police Officer Bernadette ‘Bernie’ Manualito more prominently, along with her husband, Sergeant Jim Chee.

Narrator Christina Delaine does an excellent job bringing the various characters to life and giving each their own distinct voice. Her mannerisms enhance the author’s writing and captures the listeners’ attention.

Following a routine breakfast meeting of law enforcement officers, retired Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn is shot in the restaurant parking lot. Bernie witnesses the shooting and rushes to Leaphorn. She promises him the shooter will be caught as she tries to remember as much as possible about the incident.

As a witness to the shooting, Bernie is taken off the case but continues to work behind the scenes when her husband is put in charge of the case. While keeping her promise to Leaphorn, Bernie also has to deal with her unhappy sister and ailing mother.

The story takes twists and turns before bringing all the evidence together in a heart-pounding conclusion. Throughout the story, listeners/readers are left wondering if the legendary Leaphorn will soon join his creator.

Hillerman follows in her father’s footsteps placing the listener/reader in the middle of the action. Her vivid descriptions of the Southwest setting are breathtaking. Her eye for detail showcases the rich Native American culture.

SPIDER WOMAN’S DAUGHTER continues the Leaphorn and Chee tradition with a fresh take on beloved characters.

Author Anne Hillerman’s website is http://www.annehillerman.com/

Spider Woman’s Daughter by Anne Hillerman, A Leaphorn and Chee Novel, Performed by Christina Delaine, Harper Audio, @2013, ASIN: B00E0X1CJC, Unabridged, Digital Download, Listening Time: 9 Hours and 54 Minutes 

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

Thanks for stopping by today. What are your thoughts on a series continuing after the author has passed away?