Scraps of Evidence

Quilts of Love #14

by Barbara Cameron

Tess has taken some ribbing from her fellow officer, Logan, for her quilting hobby. He finds it hard to align the brisk professional officer he patrols with during the day with the one who quilts in her off-time. Besides, he’s been trying to get to know her better and he’d like to be seeing her during those few nights a week she spends with her quilting guild. Then one afternoon Tess and Logan visit her aunt in the nursing home, and the woman acts agitated when Tess covers her with the story quilt. Aunt Susan is attempting to communicate a message to them about Tess’s uncle. There’s a story behind this quilt, they realize, one that may lead them to a serial killer. Will they have a chance to have a future together, or will the killer choose Tess for his next victim before they find him?

Genres: Mystery, Christian Fiction, Christian, Romance, Fiction, Quilting, Mystery Thriller

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

CBD, CBA, and ECPA bestselling author of 24 books (including new series upcoming for Abingdon Press in 2011/2012) including fiction and non-fiction books for Abingdon Press, Thomas Nelson, Harlequin, and other publishers.

I sold three films to HBO/Cinemax and am the first winner of the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award.

My two novellas won the 2nd and 3rd place in the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest from the Faith, Love, and Hope chapter of RWA. Both were finalists for the novella category of the Carol Award of the American Christian Writers Award (ACFW).

Reviews

[Kav · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling suspense with a clever quilting tie in. Love how the title marries the two themes in this book. Ingenious because that's exactly all that Tess has to tie a current case with a ten year-old cold case -- both literally and figuratively.

I enjoyed the dynamics between Tess and Logan. Small town cop versus big city cop. They have a lot to learn from each other in order to build a true partnership both at work and off the clock. I also loved the way Cameron introduces her readers to a real tourist town in Florida through the eyes of newcomer Logan.

Their current murder investigation brings Tess back to a traumatic time in her late teens. It gives her an emotional investment in the case that doesn't always leave her objective. Steadfast Logan becomes her anchor which definitely influences their team building.

I enjoyed listening to the audible edition narrated by Amy Tallmadge.

[Colletta Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Figured out who-dunit really early...

[Mardell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guessed who the killer was early, but enjoyed reading how the story unfolded,

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and easy read/listen with a mystery that caught and held my attention early on. Enjoyed this one.

[Nana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scraps of Evidence is quite a surprise for those of us who are avid readers of Barbara Cameron's Amish fiction! Tess is a native of St. Augustine, Florida. She has recently been promoted to detective, and her new partner is a big city guy from Chicago. As Tess gives Logan a tour of the locale to acquaint him with the areas of the city where crime has been a problem, he enjoys her company as well as the tour. One of their current roles as detectives involves investigating leads and information regarding a serial killer. The killer's first victim was Tess's childhood best friend, her body discovered in the park near a lighthouse in the area. As the partners are becoming more acquainted another murder takes place with remarkable parallels to the murder of Tess's friend. Will Tess and Logan discover any clues to the loss of Tess's best friend through the investigation of this most recent murder? As a way to relieve tension Tess begins a new quilt based on the lighthouse, so much a part of her life. Will the quilt reveal any clues that point to the killer?

Barbara Cameron has created a fast paced plot in this cozy mystery. It's obvious that she has done her homework. Her attention to detail reveals accuracy pertaining to crime solving techniques, as well as a beautiful and pictorial description of St. Augustine. I have never been there, but through Barbara's eyes and descriptive technique, I feel as if I have visited the oldest city in the United States. As this book began to propel I didn't want to put it down. I think that the author has proven herself worthy of writing a good mystery as well as excellent Amish fiction. I enjoyed this installment in the Quilts of Love series, and recommend it to those who love a cozy mystery blended with a dash of romance.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Wynn-Wynn Media in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

[Melina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was okay. It has a very good mystery plot. I didn't really enjoy the relationship between Tess and Logan though, I thought it was too quick. Tess seemed to be a determined character who was bound to find her best friends killer. I had the killer figured pretty quickly. This book needed a couple of more pages as I was left wondering about some things. Other than that it was pretty good.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review..

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened on Audible (Included) while Whispersyncing my Kindle version. In this series that seems to be hit or miss, this one falls somewhere in the middle for me. I chose to read this series because each book has something to do with quilting. In reality, this book is a mystery about a cold case killing by a serial killer. File that under “NMCOT” (not my cup of tea). Seeing that I didn’t abandon this book in the first chapter when two things became obvious to me: (1) the book also involves domestic abuse and (2) I figured out whodunnit—I’d say the author must have done something right. Well, for me it was that neither the domestic violence or murders were explicitly detailed—making this a cozy mystery. Also, there’s a romance. Some might call it—scratch that—I would call it “instalove”. While I am in a marriage that falls in that category, I think it’s really rare. As a reader, when I come across that trope, it has to be pretty convincing for me to keep reading. Again, the author did something right because I kept reading. The quilting aspect of the story was pretty clever and a little creepy at the same time. (Insert goosebumps here). As for narration in the audiobook, I’d say it was pretty darn good. For cozy mystery fans, I’d recommend it.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scraos of Evidence is a thrilling mystery written by Barbara Cameron in the Quilts of Love series. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first chapter and you won't want to stop reading it. The suspense just keeps building as the plot unfolds and to think a quilt helps solve the mystery. This is an amazing thriller and the author has done a great job creating the characters to tell the story.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.

Congratulations to Barbara Cameron on releasing another fantastic story for her readers enjoyment. I wish I had read it sooner.

[Crissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am glad I didn't realize it was number 14 before I started because I may not have picked it up. However, if I am missing anything from the previous 13 I don't know it.
I did have a strong suspicion about the one character being the bad guy and was saddened to realize just what a creep this character turned out to be.
Story moved quickly and I couldn't put the book down.

[Julie Akeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was quite a clever book on how the main character was able to catch a serial killer by the scraps of a quilt. I picked up on who did it right away cause I've watched Dexter and other movies with a serial killer and how they act and hide. A good cozy read, a Christian romance novel with some suspense as two partners work together to catch a murderer.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Murder Mystery Romance

Wow! Crazy outcome. I wish we knew more about his mother and Tess' mother as well. I don't read a lot of Murder Mysteries, but I'd like to know the why!
Great narration. There were a few times it was hard to identify the character, but it was real good for the rest.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will capture your attention until the end

Tess and Logan are an awesome couple and great partners. This story covered not just a serial killer but spousal abuse and the need for power. A very powerful book.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have only read the Amish books by this author and admit they are all really great books to read! This book was also a very good book that dealt with common problems in today’s world. Enjoyed this book immensely!

[JanetW · Rating 4 out of 5]

as with all of the books in this series ... i continue to enjoy them ... i also either learn some thing new or it reminds me of solid Christ-like values that get forgotten in the busy-ness of life.

[Anna Caison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read.

[Julynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved that the book that was set in St. Augustine, FL. The love story and mystery was sweet and not too heavy. Nice read!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mystery and romance wrapped into one, with clues in a quilt. I enjoy this Quilts of Love series

[Darinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 14th book in the Quilts of Love series. Christian fiction. Mystery and romance. Light and enjoyable.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this because it was set in Saint Augustine. Modern day detective story with a love story thrown in. Pretty tame and predictable story. Easy quick read in a neat setting. Read on Hoopla.

[JoAnn McGowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book - love the mystery although I kind of figured it out right away, but was still had me turning pages ! A great read

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the best in the series. Good (albeit creepy) resolution

[Marlyn G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story. Quilts, mystery, and love. Plus, a kitty. What more do you need in a book!

[kc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believable characters. Good storyline. A bit predictable. I enjoyed it.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's back. The most recent homicide seems to be connected to a series of cold cases. Can the new detective shed some light on the missing pieces needed to solve the cases? Can he find the connection?

[Heather Delgado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why I Read this Book: When I first saw the tour listed for this book and read that it was part of the Quilts of Love series, I just assumed that it was an Amish story with a bit of suspense thrown in to it. I was WAY OFF because Scraps of Evidence has nothing to do with the Amish. (Talk about me stereotyping because of the word-quilt. Geesh!) In any case, the suspense part was what really drew me in and made me want to read the book.


What I Liked: The setting is St. Augustine, Florida--which just so happens to be one my favorite cities to visit when I get a break from teaching. I loved the fact that I knew many of the (real) places that were mentioned, and had even been to them. St. Augustine is full of history and I was thrilled that Ms. Cameron incorporated some of that history into the story-line. (No, I am not getting paid to advertise the city--although I would not be opposed to it!) ;)

The two main characters-Tess, and her new partner Logan, were very well matched (in more ways than one) and worked well together. The compassion they showed to the victims and their memories will stick in my mind for a long time. I especially loved how they treated the homeless man to lunch before asking him questions concerning their case, and that they offered to get him to safe place to stay since he did not have home of his own.

I also enjoyed the family dynamics between Tess and her Aunt Kathy. It reminded me of the relationship I have with my own aunt because of the easy-going attitude and spirit they share.


What I Didn't Like: It felt like the relationship between Tess and Logan was a bit rushed, but I've been told that "you know when you know," so I'll have to wait until it happens with me to be able to give better feedback. I also think this may have been due to the fact that I couldn't put the book down and devoured it quickly--which may have caused the rushed feeling. (Go figure.) :)

The only other thing I disliked has to do with me. I managed to guess "whodunnit" fairly early on, so the rest of the book was me anticipating whether or not I was correct. I hate doing that to myself because I don't take as much time to enjoy the story because I'm too busy trying to figure out if I'm right. Maybe someday I'll learn to slow down and savor, but this really was a page-turner, so it really couldn't be helped.


Overall Impression: If you're looking for a cozy read with a touch of romance and a bit of blood then Scraps of Evidence is for you! You will be enchanted as you read about St. Augustine's rich history and be enchanted with the lovable characters. What are you waiting for? Go get this book!

[Sunflower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in a Florida, tourist town, small....everyone knows everyone, "Scraps of Evidence" is a great weekend read, filled with mystery, hints about Gods providence, the strength of family and for those who enjoy a sweet love story, a tale of two hard headed but like minded souls who find themselves, investigating a decade old mystery that not only re-surfaces but threatens the small town residents.

With light humor throughout the story,"Scraps of Evidence" was a fun read that doesn't take itself seriously but at the same time, bring well rounded characters that are quick to love and connect with in the story.

For quilt aficionados, there is delicious discussions of patterns and quilting in this mystery that brings a perfect blend for those looking for clean stories that are character rich and entertaining all rolled into one.

What I really enjoy about this book, besides the discussion about quilting, was the fact that this was just an old fashion yet modern tale with a strong character lead who is both headstrong and yet dedicated to not only her work but to her only living family, her aunt, who is the center of her world.

There is a strong connection in the family bonds and Barbara Cameron helps maintain a balance between a story that keeps the reader turning the pages, particularly as the mystery deepens till the ending, to expertly weaving in discussions about quilting that, yes for those who aren't into quilting won't get it, but for those who are either fascinated or do quilt, really captures the work and involvement that is behind this craft.

As for the overall story plot, its clean. It was refreshing and reminded me a lot of Agatha Christie in that the story is about the people and not about the mystery that the people find themselves centered around.

The format is short and makes for an easy read on a cold winter night or maybe for summer vacation, but the characters and the story is fleshed out that, as a reader, I found myself unable to put the book down till I was finished and able to find out how things would work out in the end.

However, that is what made this book good. It captures the reader instantly in the beginning; There is a subtle Christian message throughout the book that doesn't tie in to Gods message until toward the end where the reader finally sees through what Tess and her partner, Logan has to go through.

At the end, there are study questions that work not only in a book club setting but on an individual setting that doubles as well as a short bible study.

"Scraps of Evidence" was a delight to read and if you're looking for an easy mystery/romance story that is fleshed out and a delight, this is highly recommended.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what does a beautiful sewn blue quilt have to do with the latest serial murders running rampant in Florida? Just another mystery waiting to be discovered by best-selling author Barbara Cameron in her latest novel Scraps of Evidence that joins the Quilts of Love Series as book 14. The readers of this novel are bound to a true treat if you have read any of Barbara Cameron's novels. There is always an element of mystery and suspense to keep you reading long past it's time to head for bed because of your compelling urge to know who did it.

Join Detective Tess Villanova as she teams up with her new partner who just happens to be amazingly good-looking as well as single, Detective Logan McMillian from Chicago. Now they must work together when the latest case reopens the serial murder case when Tess lost her best friend as the first murder victim. Working hard to try and find the killer, when the latest body turns up, Logan gives the case a whole new perspective and a fresh set of eyes.

Like most colleagues that work together and spend so much time together, you get to know someone in ways you never would if you had met in a bar, and this gives Tess and Logan time to unwind and compare notes over lunches and dinners working their case. What they find is that they have more in common than simply being partners working together and the more time they spend with one another the more things begin to heat up and not just in the romance department.

I received Scraps of Evidence by Barbara Cameron compliments of Abingdon Press and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own unless otherwise noted. The best thing about any of the novels you find in the Quilts of Love series is why they do have a common thread running through them, you can pick up any of them and read them. They are not linked in any way other than having a quilt at the central theme. I've been a huge fan of Barbara Cameron's novels and was thrilled to read and review this one. I love the romantic tension that builds up between Logan and Tess and you just hope by the time you get to the end, they both come around to realize love is in the air. I easily give this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. Included in this novel at the conclusion are some excellent discussion questions just perfect for book clubs as well as sneak peek into the next book in the series A Sky Without Stars.

[J.C. Morrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is this: I really hope Barbara never lets anyone talk her into making this a movie because they’ll ruin it.

WHAT a GREAT story!

I have to say it was a bit of a shock for my system going from Amish to Crime – and by the same author but I’m so glad I went ahead and read them in order. As a matter of fact, I’m sitting here writing this a full two days ahead of schedule. It was THAT GOOD! I seriously could NOT put the book down and I usually detest mystery novels. I used to read a series by another author who shall remain nameless and it effectively killed any taste for mysteries that I may have had.

But this book is nowhere near the same league as those. Or any other… And when I say that, I mean that this book is far far above the rest.

I could happily read a dozen more by Barbara because I already know that she is capable of writing a great story with believable characters and a plot-line that even a seasoned mystery writer would envy.

Barbara Cameron doesn’t drag things out, she doesn’t throw in a ridiculous amount of obvious clues and… the coup-de-grâce – she does not have her characters do stupid things. No walking right into the path of the killer over and over again, no figuring out the whole thing right before the killer sticks a gun to your temple and no running around screaming like an idiot. I LOVE IT!

THANK YOU Barbara Cameron!

And PLEASE write more of these kind of stories!

You might, if you’re an old-hand at mysteries, pick out a clue or two but nothing that stands there screaming “RIGHT HERE! THEY DID IT! DON’T MISS THIS!” And some of you might think the romance moves a little too quickly (I don’t think I’m giving anything away there – you knew there had to be romance) but please remember this is a short book. It’s supposed to move fast. However, I have to say that I don’t think the book itself moved too fast – it had a perfect pace and, at the end, I found myself wondering how I’d gotten there already.

The only complaint I have is the synopsis. I don’t know if the book underwent a lot of changes since it was written or if whoever wrote it just hadn’t read the book but there are several goofs in it. Logan is a new partner and he never really “ribs” Tess about her quilting. And Tess’s aunt isn’t in a nursing home. She’s in the hospital. But oh well…

It’s a GREAT story! Read it! You won’t be sorry!

Disclaimer: I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

Scraps of Evidence was a good story. I did figure out pretty early who the murder was but it kept my interest in the story. I like the easy relationship Tess and Logan fall into. As they become partners and more. I also liked how both cared about the people around them. Everyone seemed to know Tess and she knew them. (I am personally lousy at names)

This is a fast clean read. Lots of drama, history of the area, lots or relationships between characters.
Tess is a strong smart woman who cares about people and wants to help. Tess became a cop after her best friend in high school was murdered the night of prom. Her Uncle is a policeman and helped her learn to be a detective. Tess shot got a promotion to Detective. Her new partner is from Chicago.

Logan has been a cop for years. He just closed a big case in Chicago that drew attention to him even down in Florida. He was asked here to join their force. He needed a change. He likes Tess off right away. He enjoys her showing him around.

Their first week get a murder that they have seen before. In fact he looks to be the same one that killed Sam Tess's friend all those years ago.

Warning this book might make you hungry. They talk a lot about food and where to eat.

I was given this ebook to read and in exchanged asked to give honest review from Netgalley and Abingdon Press

Publisher: Abingdon Press (January 21, 2014) 240 pages ISBN-13: 978-1426752780


Description below taken off of Amazon

Tess has taken some ribbing from her fellow officer, Logan, for her quilting hobby. He finds it hard to align the brisk professional officer he patrols with during the day with the one who quilts in her off-time. Besides, he’s been trying to get to know her better and he’d like to be seeing her during those few nights a week she spends with her quilting guild. Then one afternoon Tess and Logan visit her aunt in the nursing home, and the woman acts agitated when Tess covers her with the story quilt. Aunt Susan is attempting to communicate a message to them about Tess’s uncle. There’s a story behind this quilt, they realize, one that may lead them to a serial killer. Will they have a chance to have a future together, or will the killer choose Tess for his next victim before they find him?

[Brooke (i blog 4 books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review originally published at i blog 4 books (1/27/2014): http://iblog4books.blogspot.com/2014/...


This is a hard review to write because I have such mixed feelings about this book. I immediately got wrapped up in this story. I loved the set-up of Tess and Logan being new partners on the police force and having an attraction for one another. And the mystery of the serial killer was interesting as well. I was itching to know who the killer was and see how they were going to solve this case that started so many years before! Every time I had to set the book aside (you know ... for real life things like work!), I wanted to get back to it ... and quickly!

However, three-fourths of the way through the book, everything changed drastically. The plot in the last fourth seemed completely disconnected from the rest of the book, and the writing style totally changed. I almost felt like the last 60 pages were written by someone else. It didn't make any sense at all. There was also a huge shift in focus and Tess's aunt and her quilt became major factors in the book—when the aunt was a mere mention early on, and the quilt was completely absent. It was just confusing.

My other issue was that the copy on the back of the book didn't match with the story. At. All. I don't want to be rude, but it seemed like the back cover was written by someone who had not actually read the book. (Note: The "about the book" section above was taken from the publisher's website, which matches up more closely to the plot than the back cover.) Also, Tess's aunt is named Aunt KATHY, not Aunt Susan (as listed on the publisher's website and the copy on the book).

Had the first two-thirds to three-fourths of the book not been so intriguing, I would probably have given this book 1 or 2 stars. However, the story started off really strong, earning it an extra star. But the end was a disappointment. [3 stars]

(NOTE: While I did receive an advance copy of this book, it was the finished product and not an uncorrected proof.)

I received a free copy of this book from Abingdon Press through Christian Fiction Blog Alliance in exchange for my fair and honest review.