"Number Seventeen is as Engrossing as Number One"
The Drowning Spool
By: Monica Ferris
Genres: Mystery Hobbies | Mystery Cozy
Posted: June 1, 2014
As in previous books, friends and customers provide continuity with the earlier books without making new readers feel out of their depth. Monica Ferris has the all-too-rare skill to weave a new story on the already-warped loom of earlier books in the series, seamlessly bringing first-time readers into her world. That's 'warped' as in vertical threads, not warped as in twisted for those who aren't fairly geeky crafters like myself.
Speaking of crafting, one of the strongest points in the Needlecraft Mystery series is the wide variety of crafts Ferris explores, this time needle punch. As usual, there is a lovely pattern available in the back of the book, as well as on her website http://monica-ferris.com/along with patterns from her earlier needlecraft books, but you needn't be a crafter to enjoy these mysteries, the intriguing story lines are enough to keep any cozy mystery fan satisfied.
One of the most impressive threads in THE DROWNING SPOOL is the delicacy, humor and respect with which Monica Ferris describes Wilma Carter, a resident suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The other new characters are also deftly sketched and realistic, adding to the story line while not overwhelming it.
Fresh, smart and engrossing; whether a first time reader of the Needlecraft Mystery series or a long time fan of Monica Ferris, you will be glad you chose THE DROWNING SPOOL. You may also be familiar with the author as a co- writer (in collaboration with Gail Frazer) of a medieval mystery series under the name Margaret Frazer.
Book Summary
Even though running Crewel World keeps Betsy plenty busy, a little extra cash on the side doesn't hurt. So when the local senior complex, Watered Silk, asks her to teach a class on the tricky punch needle technique, Betsy jumps at the opportunity to win over some new customers.
Unfortunately, the business that Betsy drums up is not of the needlework variety. A young woman is found floating in Watered Silk's therapy pool, and Betsy's sleuthing skills are immediately called upon to figure out who drowned her. But the list of suspects is more twisted than any Betsy has encountered before. The young woman had three lovers - each with a motive for the murder.
It's up to Betsy to sort out the snarl of romantic entanglements and find a killer, or the wrong man is bound to get pinned for a crime he didn't commit!
FREE EMBROIDERY PATTERN INCLUDED
Read an Excerpt
by: Monica Ferris
Berkley
February 1, 2014
On Sale: February 4, 2014
Featuring: Betsy
304 pages
ISBN: 0425270084
EAN: 9780425270080
Kindle: B00HSD3I7Y
Hardcover / e-Book