What do you think?
Rate this book
A Needlecraft Mystery #16
And Then You Dye
Betsy Devonshire, full-time owner of the Crewel World needlework shop and part-time sleuth, has hooked more than a few crooks in the USA Today bestselling Needlecraft Mysteries. Now Betsy learns the hard way that a murder is still murder, any way you color it…
Betsy is a natural-born yarnsmith—so it’s only fitting that some of her favorite items to stock come from the dye-works of Hailey Brent. Hailey makes hand-dyed knitting wool, silk, soy, and corn yarns. She uses only natural vegetable dyes, creating soft and beautiful colors. Which means her yarns are expensive, but well worth it.
Unfortunately, someone thinks they’re worth killing for.
When Hailey’s body is discovered shot dead in her workshop, Betsy discovers that there was a lot about Hailey she would have never guessed. Like her penchant for stealing other’s property for her own use. Her use of dangerous additives to create her so-called all-natural fibers. And a scheming mind that had made her more than one enemy.
Now, Betsy must wring the truth from a bevy of colorful suspects. Because the truth just might mean the difference between living—and dyeing…
Betsy is a natural-born yarnsmith—so it’s only fitting that some of her favorite items to stock come from the dye-works of Hailey Brent. Hailey makes hand-dyed knitting wool, silk, soy, and corn yarns. She uses only natural vegetable dyes, creating soft and beautiful colors. Which means her yarns are expensive, but well worth it.
Unfortunately, someone thinks they’re worth killing for.
When Hailey’s body is discovered shot dead in her workshop, Betsy discovers that there was a lot about Hailey she would have never guessed. Like her penchant for stealing other’s property for her own use. Her use of dangerous additives to create her so-called all-natural fibers. And a scheming mind that had made her more than one enemy.
Now, Betsy must wring the truth from a bevy of colorful suspects. Because the truth just might mean the difference between living—and dyeing…
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
60 people are currently reading
678 people want to read
About the author
Monica Ferris
27 books491 followersHas published as
Mary Monica Pulver (real name)
Mary Kuhfeld
Margaret Frazer (with Gail Frazer)
[from the author's own website)
Mary Monica Pulver (her maiden name) is an incidental Hoosier — Terre Haute, Indiana, had the hospital closest to her parents’ home in Marshall, Illinois. She spent the later part of her childhood and early adult life in Wisconsin, graduating from high school in Milwaukee.
She was a journalist in the U.S. Navy for six and a half years (two in London), and later attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She is married to a museum curator.
Mary Monica sold her first short story, “Pass the Word,” to Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, in 1983, and has since sold more than two dozen short stories to anthologies and magazines, including some in Germany, England, Italy and France.
She has appeared in such anthologies as The Mammoth Book of Historical Detectives, The Mammoth Book of Historical Whodunnits, Shakespearean Mysteries, Royal Whodunnits, Unholy Orders, Murder Most Crafty, and Silence of the Loons. Her first mystery novel, Murder at the War, appeared from St. Martin’s Press in 1987 and was nominated for an Anthony as Best First Novel. The Unforgiving Minutes and Ashes to Ashes followed in 1988; but Original Sin was sold to Walker, who also presented the fifth book, Show Stopper, in May of 1992. Berkley Diamond brought these mysteries out in paperback. They feature detective Peter Brichter – a cop one reviewer said was “a hardboiled sleuth who’s somehow landed in a cozy mystery”.
Berkley published six medieval mysteries Mary Monica wrote in collaboration with Gail Frazer under the pseudonym Margaret Frazer: The Novice’s Tale, The Servant’s Tale (nominated for an Edgar as Best Original Paperback of 1993), The Outlaw’s Tale, The Bishop’s Tale, The Boy’s Tale, and The Murderer’s Tale. The detective in the mysteries is a nun, Dame Frevisse, a niece by marriage of Thomas Chaucer, the legendary Geoffrey’s son. The stories take place in England in the 1430s. Gail presently continues the series alone.
In 1998 Mary Monica began writing a new series for Berkley featuring amateur needleworking sleuth Betsy Devonshire. Set in Excelsior, Minnesota, Crewel World came out in March and was followed by Framed in Lace, A Stitch in Time, Unraveled Sleeve, A Murderous Yarn, Hanging by A Thread, Cutwork, Crewel Yule, Embroidered Truths, Sins and Needles, Knitting Bones, Thai Die, Blackwork, and Buttons and Bones. Threadbare will appear in December of 2011, and she is at work on And Then You Dye. The first six were paperback originals. Subsequent books were hardcovers followed by paperback editions. These light and traditional novels are written under the pseudonym Monica Ferris, and all have gone to multiple printings – the first one is in its eighteenth printing!
Mary Monica has taught courses on mystery writing to children at North Hennepin Community College, gifted children in District #287, and adults at one-evening seminars at Hennepin and Ramsey County libraries. She does lectures and signings, and has appeared on panels at mystery and science fiction conventions, including Bouchercon, Minicon, Diversicon, Magna Cum Murder, and Malice Domestic.
She has spoken to stitchery guilds on local, state, and national levels. She has won a place on national and local best-seller lists, including USA Today and the independent mystery bookstore compilation. She is a member of Sisters in Crime (a national organization that promotes women who write mystery fiction), remains a paid speaker on the life of a mystery author, and is a volunteer for Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, and in
Mary Monica Pulver (real name)
Mary Kuhfeld
Margaret Frazer (with Gail Frazer)
[from the author's own website)
Mary Monica Pulver (her maiden name) is an incidental Hoosier — Terre Haute, Indiana, had the hospital closest to her parents’ home in Marshall, Illinois. She spent the later part of her childhood and early adult life in Wisconsin, graduating from high school in Milwaukee.
She was a journalist in the U.S. Navy for six and a half years (two in London), and later attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She is married to a museum curator.
Mary Monica sold her first short story, “Pass the Word,” to Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, in 1983, and has since sold more than two dozen short stories to anthologies and magazines, including some in Germany, England, Italy and France.
She has appeared in such anthologies as The Mammoth Book of Historical Detectives, The Mammoth Book of Historical Whodunnits, Shakespearean Mysteries, Royal Whodunnits, Unholy Orders, Murder Most Crafty, and Silence of the Loons. Her first mystery novel, Murder at the War, appeared from St. Martin’s Press in 1987 and was nominated for an Anthony as Best First Novel. The Unforgiving Minutes and Ashes to Ashes followed in 1988; but Original Sin was sold to Walker, who also presented the fifth book, Show Stopper, in May of 1992. Berkley Diamond brought these mysteries out in paperback. They feature detective Peter Brichter – a cop one reviewer said was “a hardboiled sleuth who’s somehow landed in a cozy mystery”.
Berkley published six medieval mysteries Mary Monica wrote in collaboration with Gail Frazer under the pseudonym Margaret Frazer: The Novice’s Tale, The Servant’s Tale (nominated for an Edgar as Best Original Paperback of 1993), The Outlaw’s Tale, The Bishop’s Tale, The Boy’s Tale, and The Murderer’s Tale. The detective in the mysteries is a nun, Dame Frevisse, a niece by marriage of Thomas Chaucer, the legendary Geoffrey’s son. The stories take place in England in the 1430s. Gail presently continues the series alone.
In 1998 Mary Monica began writing a new series for Berkley featuring amateur needleworking sleuth Betsy Devonshire. Set in Excelsior, Minnesota, Crewel World came out in March and was followed by Framed in Lace, A Stitch in Time, Unraveled Sleeve, A Murderous Yarn, Hanging by A Thread, Cutwork, Crewel Yule, Embroidered Truths, Sins and Needles, Knitting Bones, Thai Die, Blackwork, and Buttons and Bones. Threadbare will appear in December of 2011, and she is at work on And Then You Dye. The first six were paperback originals. Subsequent books were hardcovers followed by paperback editions. These light and traditional novels are written under the pseudonym Monica Ferris, and all have gone to multiple printings – the first one is in its eighteenth printing!
Mary Monica has taught courses on mystery writing to children at North Hennepin Community College, gifted children in District #287, and adults at one-evening seminars at Hennepin and Ramsey County libraries. She does lectures and signings, and has appeared on panels at mystery and science fiction conventions, including Bouchercon, Minicon, Diversicon, Magna Cum Murder, and Malice Domestic.
She has spoken to stitchery guilds on local, state, and national levels. She has won a place on national and local best-seller lists, including USA Today and the independent mystery bookstore compilation. She is a member of Sisters in Crime (a national organization that promotes women who write mystery fiction), remains a paid speaker on the life of a mystery author, and is a volunteer for Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, and in
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
November 20, 2022
An enjoyable Betsy at Crewel World mystery
January 30, 2013
Pleasant entry into an enjoyable series. It feels as though the setup is reaching a tipping point between the heroine remaining an "amateur" sleuth or gaining some legitimate sanction, like a P.I. license, but for now the status quo remains unchanged.
Oh, and Betsy's new friend Annie from the last book, Threadbare, makes an appearance as well.
Oh, and Betsy's new friend Annie from the last book, Threadbare, makes an appearance as well.
December 19, 2012
Monica Ferris' Needlecraft series is always great fun and this newest entry is no exception. I like checking in on the lives of Betsy's friends and customers to see what's new. The mystery this time kept me second guessing and I learned a few things as well. The Fourth of July picnic was described so well I thought I was there myself!
August 1, 2016
This 16th in the series is as good as the first. I found this series by accident in the library and eagerly look for each one as they come out. Not only Monica Ferrus' writing, but her reaserch and knowledge of Needarts is always spot on. I keep wishing tgat I could have lunch with Betsy and Godwin someday ;)
January 27, 2015
It's never a good sign when I have to force myself to read a novel. I've read all of this series so far, but I think I'm done now. I just haven't enjoyed the last few books. There are several problems with this one. First, if you're going to murder someone, it's nice if you can make me care about the dead person. I didn't care that Hailey was dead because she wasn't very likable and no one seemed to miss her at all. If you can't make me care about the victim, then you'd better get me to worry about the accused. But Marge? Not only did I not like her much either, but I never really believed she was that much of a suspect. I felt all along that she was considering herself more of a suspect than the police were, and everyone should have just gone back to their business and let the police do their jobs. Not the way you want to feel when reading a cozy mystery. lol
As for the subplot with Godwin and Rafael - boring. You could see every "twist" coming a mile away. I never believed in their relationship and it wan't pleasant to read about the developments here. Neither was Annie's problem with her son - the other subplot. Why not have something nice going on instead? The other reason I no longer enjoy these books is that Betsy has lost all the personality she had earlier on. She's become a bland, flat character. So I'm done with this series. If I get the urge to revisit it, I'll go back and reread the first few books.
As for the subplot with Godwin and Rafael - boring. You could see every "twist" coming a mile away. I never believed in their relationship and it wan't pleasant to read about the developments here. Neither was Annie's problem with her son - the other subplot. Why not have something nice going on instead? The other reason I no longer enjoy these books is that Betsy has lost all the personality she had earlier on. She's become a bland, flat character. So I'm done with this series. If I get the urge to revisit it, I'll go back and reread the first few books.
December 20, 2013
It's been a while since I have read this series so it took me a little bit to catch up on the characters. Some I didn't remember. This was a good book. It has some twists and is fun.
July 1, 2018
Enjoyed this one as much as the 1st story in the series. Nice, cozy mystery in a charming town. Will pick up others as I run across them!
July 27, 2022
This is the second book in this series I have read and it was as delightful as the first. The cosy mystery – particularly one set in a needlecraft shop – has the potential to be twee but somehow, the author seems to bring this back from a saccharine sweet affair to an extremely well-written mystery.
In this offering, Betsy Devonshire, owner of Crewel World, a needlecraft shop, is asked to investigate when one of her guest speakers (a wool dye expert) is found dead in her dyeing room. Betsy soon discovers that the victim was not as innocent as she seemed but will she endanger herself in discovering the truth?
At times, the investigation seemed a little long-winded but on the whole, the plot is quite well paced and the climax satisfying. I love all of the needlecraft details and the vivid descriptions of people’s clothes. A really gentle, comforting read and one I enjoyed a good deal.
In this offering, Betsy Devonshire, owner of Crewel World, a needlecraft shop, is asked to investigate when one of her guest speakers (a wool dye expert) is found dead in her dyeing room. Betsy soon discovers that the victim was not as innocent as she seemed but will she endanger herself in discovering the truth?
At times, the investigation seemed a little long-winded but on the whole, the plot is quite well paced and the climax satisfying. I love all of the needlecraft details and the vivid descriptions of people’s clothes. A really gentle, comforting read and one I enjoyed a good deal.
December 7, 2023
And Then You Dye by Monica Ferris is the 16th book in A Needlecraft Mystery series. Yarn dyer, Hailey Brent is shot dead in her worksshop shortly after a presentation on yarn dyeing at Crewel World and Betsy Devonshire is asked to investigate. I learnt a bit about various yarns and the dyeing of them and especially using plants in this process. The mystery was intriguing, especially how it tied into the subject. An enjoyable and interesting cozy mystery.
May 20, 2023
Hailey Brent is murdered while dyeing fibers in her basement. Betsy Devonshire reluctantly tries to solve her most difficult case yet.
I listened to this in one afternoon. RECOMMEND.
I listened to this in one afternoon. RECOMMEND.
February 4, 2014
And Then You Dye by Monica Ferris
From amazon.com:
Betsy Devonshire, full-time owner of the Crewel World needlework shop and part-time sleuth, has hooked more than a few crooks in the USA Today bestselling Needlecraft Mysteries. Now Betsy learns the hard way that a murder is still murder, any way you color it…
Betsy is a natural-born yarnsmith—so it’s only fitting that some of her favorite items to stock come from the dye-works of Hailey Brent. Hailey makes hand-dyed knitting wool, silk, soy, and corn yarns. She uses only natural vegetable dyes, creating soft and beautiful colors. Which means her yarns are expensive, but well worth
Unfortunately, someone thinks they’re worth killing for.
When Hailey’s body is discovered shot dead in her workshop, Betsy discovers that there was a lot about Hailey she would have never guessed. Like her penchant for stealing other’s property for her own use. Her use of dangerous additives to create her so-called all-natural fibers. And a scheming mind that had made her more than one enemy.
Now, Betsy must wring the truth from a bevy of colorful suspects. Because the truth just might mean the difference between living—and dyeing…
Leona's Review:
This is the first book I have read by Monica Ferris; it was recommended to me by a friend. One of the main characters, Ruth Ladwig, has been a good friend of mine for years and she has taught me most of what I know of dyes.
Hailey Brent has been shot to death in her basement where she used to dye fabrics. Mike Malloy is the police detective in charge of the case. Betsy Devonshire, an amateur sleuth, is helping him on the case. The book has lots of activities happening but I feel it helped with the story. Lots of characters, who are defined, so no real confusion when new characters are brought into the book. I have read some reviews and see some of the characters have been in other books but the introductions of the characters made it a stand alone book.
The reader learns about dyes, needlework threads, needlework, plants, coin collecting and places in Minnesota. Betsy lives and has her needlework shop, Crewel World, in Excelsior, Minnesota. It was fun to read about places I knew. The book is great for those who do needlework and love to learn. Monica Ferris has added men who do needlework in the story. Reminded me of Rosey Grier who did needlework. It makes me want to pick up my embroidery and start a new project.
The book does not spend all the time on the murder so we see new characters and even what they feel. Description of food, scenery and clothing help make this book. As always, it is so nice to have a cat or pet in any story. There is a cross stitch pattern in the back oft the book.
I am giving "And Then You Dye" a 4 star. I checked out this book from my library. I look foward to reading other works by Monica Ferris and I am glad my friend introduced me to this author. A great cozy mystery that is a fast read.
Readers may find Monica Ferris at www.monica-ferris.com
Leona Olson
www.mnleona.blogspot.com
June 14, 2017
Needlecraft store owner Betsy Devonshire holds a class in yarn dyeing by expert Hailey Brent. But when Hailey is found dead in her basement,one of Betsy's friends is high on the suspect list and asks amateur sleuth Betsy to look into things. I love "The Needlecraft Mystery" cozy series. I like that Betsy is a middle-aged heroine plus the other characters are well developed. This book also includes a bonus short story by the author that I know you will enjoy!
May 18, 2017
I enjoy this series. I like Betsy. She's short and a bit plump, but she can unravel mysteries along with the best of them. She's not as put together as Laura Childs' Theodosia Browning, but she's just as good at finding the culprit. A nice easy read, usually not too graphic. I wish I could finish projects as fast as these characters!
September 12, 2016
I was not too crazy about this story line. It took a longer time to get into it. The plot was strange and hard to believe. And I don't like the way Jill's character has turned out. I still like this series. I guess it can't be extremely fantastic every time, but it is close.
March 5, 2017
Patenting new flower types....dyeing different fibers for knitting and other needlework......extramarital affairs.....what more could you ask for in a book..oh, wait, a murder to solve!!!! This is a great series.
November 1, 2018
Another absorbing mystery from Monica Ferris. Interesting plot around natural dyes for fibres, and some good character development, as well as interesting first time characters. Ferris depicts people, settings and occupations with a competent and empathic touch.
July 6, 2017
Another fun needle arts mystery. This one shared a lot about gardening and dying yarns. I wish I had a hydrangea to see if I could get it to change color😊
August 7, 2017
Another fun, quick read in Needlecraft mystery series. (Library)
October 10, 2018
Good plot - interesting to hear about the money to be made when discovering a new color in Marigold flowers!
Read
July 19, 2019I enjoy this series but this one was probably my least favorite of the bunch.
January 31, 2020
By the end didn't care who the murderer was
September 26, 2023
And Then You Dye by Monica Ferris is the 16th book in the Needlecraft mystery series set in contemporary (fictitious) small town Excelsior, Minnesota. Betsy Devonshire is the owner of Crewel World, Excelsior's needlework shop. She invites Hailey Brent, who makes hand-dyed knitting wool, silk, soy, and corn yarns, to give an in-depth class on the tools and techniques of dyeing fibers. Betsy notices and wonders at Hailey's spiteful remarks to class member Marge, owner of a gardening shop. Soon after the class, Hailey's murdered body is found. Marge asks Betsy to prove she isn't the killer.
Betsy's usual sleuthing is to clear a friend or loved one who is unjustly suspected. But Betsy agrees, warning Marge that investigation frequently means probing into details and learning secrets. Betsy struggles with this case. Since all the information she collects doesn't point to a killer, it takes longer, but a few strokes of luck give her the break she needs. Yet without hard evidence, Mike Malloy warns the case cannot be prosecuted. Not realizing the danger, Betsy goes to collect hard evidence. Her best friend Jill (former police detective) saves the day; the killer confesses; the mystery is solved.
Betsy's store manager Godwin has a personal crisis in the story - his lover wants them to go into a retail business together. Godwin is loyal to Betsy, fond of Crewel World. He suggests they try sales in a booth at a collector show first. That backfires, freeing Godwin to continue happily working at Crewel World.
Betsy's romance with Connor is going well. But he gets hurt protecting Annie, Betsy's friend from an earlier mystery, then hurt again at the confrontation with the killer. Poor Connor!
Betsy's usual sleuthing is to clear a friend or loved one who is unjustly suspected. But Betsy agrees, warning Marge that investigation frequently means probing into details and learning secrets. Betsy struggles with this case. Since all the information she collects doesn't point to a killer, it takes longer, but a few strokes of luck give her the break she needs. Yet without hard evidence, Mike Malloy warns the case cannot be prosecuted. Not realizing the danger, Betsy goes to collect hard evidence. Her best friend Jill (former police detective) saves the day; the killer confesses; the mystery is solved.
Betsy's store manager Godwin has a personal crisis in the story - his lover wants them to go into a retail business together. Godwin is loyal to Betsy, fond of Crewel World. He suggests they try sales in a booth at a collector show first. That backfires, freeing Godwin to continue happily working at Crewel World.
Betsy's romance with Connor is going well. But he gets hurt protecting Annie, Betsy's friend from an earlier mystery, then hurt again at the confrontation with the killer. Poor Connor!
March 20, 2022
I'm trying out cosy mysteries, and I wanted to like this book, and I did enjoy aspects of it (especially the fiber arts theme), but the ableist stuff took me out of the story. The protagonist casually discusses the possibility of involuntarily institutionalizing a woman with a traumatic brain injury because she has difficulty with anger management. It is talked about as if it were a totally normal and reasonable thing for her husband to do. The only barrier mentioned is the cost - not, you know, the woman's civil rights or anything?
May 4, 2017
This one felt more about the formula than the characters or story, but it was familiar and fun nonetheless.
Also, while I can forgive the narrator for mispronouncing local place names (Edina, Wayzata - though truly 5 min of research on the part of an intern could have fixed that easily), I twitched when she repeatedly pronounced "brat" as if it meant "a misbehaving child" rather than "a sausage". Especially when discussing grilling brats for a 4th of July picnic...
Also, while I can forgive the narrator for mispronouncing local place names (Edina, Wayzata - though truly 5 min of research on the part of an intern could have fixed that easily), I twitched when she repeatedly pronounced "brat" as if it meant "a misbehaving child" rather than "a sausage". Especially when discussing grilling brats for a 4th of July picnic...
June 1, 2020
I really do enjoy these stories, but because I am reading out of order and have many questions. But these stories provide some really good information. Betsy is fitting into her new home and people come to her for help when they are worried they might be considered a suspect. This has happened again and after a class on dyeing there are things being said at the class that prompts the murder of the teacher.
May 7, 2024
The farther I get in this series the less engaging they are. Maybe it's lazy writing, maybe it's me.
Pages of filler - unrelated uninteresting episides.
I liked the call-back to (formerly homeless) Annie from the previous book and seeing how well she's doing. I don't remember much about Connor from past books but he's pretty bland as far as love interests go.
Murder mystery was somewhat creative - interesting to learn about the fiber dye process. Resolution was anti-climactic.
Pages of filler - unrelated uninteresting episides.
I liked the call-back to (formerly homeless) Annie from the previous book and seeing how well she's doing. I don't remember much about Connor from past books but he's pretty bland as far as love interests go.
Murder mystery was somewhat creative - interesting to learn about the fiber dye process. Resolution was anti-climactic.
May 31, 2017
Book takes place in Twin Cities suburb of Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka. I listened to the audiobook and was bothered by the pronunciation of the word "brat" meaning sausage. It was pronounced like the word for bad child. The story was interesting and I learned about vegetable and flower dying of different kinds of yarn.
December 7, 2020
A wonderful cozy revolving around stitching, dying fabric and fiber, and gardening. The mystery is convoluted and the perfect cozy read for a lazy day.
If you want to know about dyes and fibers, there’s plenty to learn about in this mystery.
The book includes a stitching pattern, one of the hallmarks of Monica Ferris’ mysteries.
If you want to know about dyes and fibers, there’s plenty to learn about in this mystery.
The book includes a stitching pattern, one of the hallmarks of Monica Ferris’ mysteries.
March 14, 2021
This was a wonderful story of our heroine, Betsy, solving a murder of a lady who gave dyeing lessons in Betsy's fabric store. Its rather interesting because the murderer turns out to be the person who asks her to solve the murder. Go figure. Anyway, like all these Needlecraft Mysteries, a good read.
January 11, 2024
Well this is a first. Betsy Devonshire was at a loss when the teacher for the dying of yarn was killed. Officer Malloy suspected Marge the garden nursery owner. Marge has come to Betsy for help to prove she didn't kill Hailey. But this case has stumped Betsy and she can't make the pieces fit.
Fun read.
Fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews