Designs to Die For

Annie’s Mysteries Unraveled #1

by Jan Fields

Kate Stevens thought the bright, cozy community of Sage Hills, Texas, was the perfect place for a fresh start to her new life, until a shocking discovery cloaked in blood and intrigue has her pegged as the main suspect. From the very first chapter, you'll find Designs to Die For impossible to put down. You'll feel like a supportive friend standing beside Kate Stevens as she works toward a fresh start ... settling into the cozy town of Sage Hills ... finding comfort in escaping to Once Upon a Yarn needlework shop ... and cheering Kate on as she uncovers the answers to the untimely demise of her unscrupulous book publisher ... maybe even finding another mystery to solve!

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Fiction

205 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Jan Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up at a book sale. It looked interesting and I always like to try a new author. I was not disappointed and will have to be on the lookout for more of her books. Recently divorced, single mother Kate moves from the life she knows in Maine to Sage Hills, Texas. Her daughter will be attending University there and she has signed a contract for a book deal based on her original crochet designs. A call from a friend back home brings doubts about her contract, so Kate decides to go discuss this with her publisher. She meets with him and gets no answers. After taking a few moments to collect herself, she decides to go back to his office and try again. Unfortunately, someone has murdered him. Kate is the prime suspect and must do all that she can to clear her name and find out where this leaves her book deal.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big move from one part of the country to Texas--without furniture so I did wonder why she needed a moving van but that's probably an unnecessary diversion-- as Kate seeks to re-establish herself following a divorce, get a book of her crochet designs published, and make a new life for herself. But right away, she finds herself involved in a murder--and is the primary suspect as well.

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I read by this author. I didn't feel there was much mystery, but did enjoy how it was written. The sub-plot kept me more engaged than the primary plot. I plan to read another book from this author to compare the writing and continuity of plot lines. Overall, an easy and enjoyable summer read.

[Dorian · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Not a bad story, I like Kate, even if she was a bit prude and I figured out the killer the first time after the murder she encountered him. I’ll chalk that up to the author needing mote in depth red herrings.

[Amy Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. It was a fun, quick read, but the mystery lacked depth. However, I love the location and am very interested in Kate's personal story and business, so I will pick up the second book. I also love her neighbor, Viv!

[Sandra Thierer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good cozy mystery.

[Jamie Scholz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow at first but pulls you in fast

[Victoria Marie Lees · Rating 3 out of 5]

Designs to Die For by Jan Fields is an interesting mystery. This is the first novel in the Annie’s Mysteries Unraveled series. Kate Stevens is divorced and just moved to Texas because her daughter is attending college there. Kate designs crocheted clothing and has a new book deal with a publisher in Forst Worth.

But there’s more to the story. Kate is trying to stand on her own for the first time in her life. Then she gets mixed up in the murder of her new publisher. Most all the clues point to her being the killer. Only the detective assigned to the case, Peter Matthews, feels she’s innocent.

Kate doesn’t like being the main suspect in a murder case. She and her new neighbor and friend Vivi try to find the killer. Clues, possible suspects, red herrings, and a budding romance between Kate and Peter keep the story and reader moving forward. If you like cozies, Designs to Die For by Jan Fields is an enjoyable read.

[Stitchywoman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable light read. Kate can be a little annoying at times with her insecurities and the murderer was pretty easy to figure out but it was still a fun read.

[Kathy Dahlstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

good easy read love it

[Lelisha Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greattttttttt book

[Chris Noel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, easy to read mystery about Kate, a crochet designer, who moves to Texas after a divorce. She has doubts about the publisher who has a contract (suspicious) to publish her designs. He is murdered while she is in his building and she is a suspect. Kate & her new best friend, Vivi, investigate & get in the way of the police investigation. Romance develops between Kate and Peter, the police detective. When does Kate have time to crochet?

[Geneva Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice thrift store find! A good mystery and, if you prefer "clean" books (no cursing, no sex, no drugs), this fits the bill. It was very enjoyable. I love the crocheted wrap on the cover and wish the pattern had been included.

[Sarah Keeter · Rating 3 out of 5]

very predictable, but a light and easy read. really wish they would have included the designs for the sweater on the front and the basket she made in the course of the book.