4 out of 5 stars.
I would like to thank Kensington Books for an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an open and honest review.
What a refreshing and fun bit of cosy crime! I really enjoyed this story and feel the only reason I didn’t give it the top score it is the third in a series and I didn’t know that when requesting it from Netgalley. But that is a minor quibble I have with Netgalley – that it rarely states a book is part of a series when it really should – and not the books fault. So I do feel mean marking it down, but I think I would have enjoyed it more than I did if I had known and started from the beginning of a series.
So, saying all that, my review. This is book three in the ‘Quilting Mysteries’ and I’m not a huge fan of starting a series mid-way through. But to be honest, this book did some minor recapping of the previous stories, enough to keep a new reader like me in the loop and therefore happy reading it out of sequence. Not all books in a series do this, they just seem to expect you to have been with them since book one. So definite bonus points for helping a new reader of the series feel welcome and entertained.
I loved the setting, the trio, the quilting and all the different family traditions, faiths and rituals represented. It was a good balance of mystery, adventure and just everyday life. I had been struck down by a dreaded end of winter virus this past weekend and this book was almost as good as a bowl of chicken and noodle soup. Just the sort of enjoyable read to convalesce in bed with.
Although there is murder, bodies left forgotten and the usual grime of crime, they are well written, not over used and added to the balance of humour, sleuthing and life well. Nothing too over the top… though I do now have a craving to try some quilting… not a good thing, I’m a knitter! I don’t have the space, though inspired by the love (and helpful tips at the end) given in this book.
Would I recommend this book to others? Yes I would, though I would advise them it is the third in the series and suggest they go and read ‘Forget me knot’ and ‘Knot in my backyard’ first. But lovers of a good cosy crime are going to adore this series.
Would I buy this book for myself? Yes I would. In fact, I enjoyed it so much I went and bought the first two books in the series this morning to fill in the blanks. Not that you really need to have read them to enjoy this book, I just wanted to as I enjoyed the series so much. And that are reasonably priced too!
In summary: Although not the first book in the series, it was a pleasant introduction to a cosy crime series I enjoyed so much I know own the first two books too. If you’re a cosy crime love, a craft nut or all of the above (like me) – you’ll enjoy this book and most likely the series.
Until next time,
Janis. XXOO
Janis's Journal 