The Stitching Hour (An Embroidery Mystery, #9)
By Amanda Lee
ISBN13: 9780451473844
Author website: http://www.gayletrent.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
In the latest mystery from the bestselling author of Wicked Stitch, the future of Marcy Singer’s embroidery shop is dangling by a thread…
Marcy’s shop, the Seven-Year Stitch, is one year old this October so it’s time to party in little Tallulah Falls, Oregon. Aside from the Halloween decorations and festive stitching kits and patterns, Marcy’s got all sorts of celebratory swag, including Seven-Year Stitch key rings and goodie bags.
Unfortunately, her new neighbors might spoil the revelry. An eccentric couple has opened a haunted house next door, and all that screaming will certainly scare off customers. But there’s even more to be frightened of after a local waitress is found dead on the sidewalk with mysterious markings on her neck—and one of Marcy’s key rings beneath her. With no time to hem and haw, Marcy must act fast if she hopes to restore the peace to Tallulah Falls…
Review:
I love this series. An Embroidery Mystery series is fun and truly entertaining, always. The Stitching Hour is no different. Marcy Singer has been in Tallulah Falls, Oregon for one year. Her embroidery shop Seven Year Stitch is going to have a one year anniversary party. Marcy has tons of goodies for her shoppers. And her famous costume designer mom is coming in for a visit too. Things get a bit dicey when new neighbors move in next door. They are opening a haunted house. The couple is different for sure. Eccentric and over the top. Marcy worries the screaming may hamper her sales. Then local (and unpopular) waitress Keira winds up dead in front of the haunted house with two puncture wounds on her neck. Has Tallulah Falls been invaded by vampires or did one of the huge snakes in the haunted house get out and kill her. Marcy has to find answers before more damage is done to her celebration.
It is always such a pleasure to make a trip to Tallulah Falls and visit with Marcy and the gang. The characters are wonderful and entertaining and intelligent. Of course Angus, Marcy’s Irish wolfhound, makes these books even better. Marcy is strong, independent and a fabulous friend to her circle. If I were in trouble I would feel 100 times better having her on the case. Her boyfriend Ted is a detective and it makes her interest in the case more feasible. The whole gang is so much fun and their interaction bring the reader in as one of them. Her mother Beverly is entertaining as well. Todd (one of her first love interests when moving there) gets along great with Ted and their friendship is amusing. Amanda Lee writes stellar characters that leap off the page.
The murder mystery is very well-plotted, with several people as possible suspects. From an old boyfriend, to his mother or even vampires, all could be the killer. The amusing work Marcy and her best friend Vera do to find the answers is thoroughly enjoyable. Amanda Lee’s writing style is easy, while still very intelligent. The mystery keeps the reader guessing, but does not drag them off into left field. Even the couple running the haunted house, though truly bizarre, seem believable. The murderer is a bit easy to figure out, but it still keeps you trying to find the answers, including the motive.
Amanda Lee writes the perfect cozy in all of the books in this series, however they keep getting better with each one. The Stitching Hour is the best yet. Her writing is inviting and entertaining and the characters are fabulous as well as being set in the perfect place. Even if you have not read any of the books in this series, you will have no trouble reading this one as a standalone. But why not read all of them, they are all awesome. The character interaction is great. I love visiting Tallulah Falls and hanging out with this cast. You really can’t beat ready one of Amanda Lee’s fantastic cozies. A stellar installment in an extraordinary series.
