Seven Sisters

Benni Harper #7

by Earlene Fowler

Meet Benni Harper…a spirited ex-cowgirl, quilter, and folk-art expert who’s staking out her own corner of the contemporary American West. She’s got an eye for murderous designs—and a talent for piecing together the most complex and cold-blooded crimes…

When Benni’s stepson announces his plans to marry into the wealthy, influential Brown family, she and her husband are invited to the Browns’ sprawling ranch, Seven Sisters, to celebrate the engagement. But the party takes a tragic turn when a member of the esteemed family is murdered. While trying to unravel the feuding clan’s tangled past, Benni uncovers a shocking pattern of tragedy—and stitches a hodgepodge of clues into a very disturbing design…

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Quilting, Cozy, Romance, Contemporary

306 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Earlene Fowler was raised in La Puente, California, by a Southern mother and a Western father. She lives in Southern California with her husband, Allen, a purple pickup truck, and many pairs of cowboy boots. She is currently working on the next Benni Harper mystery.

Series:
* Benni Harper Mysteries
* Love Mercy Johnson Mystery

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been getting many requests to name authors whose mysteries somehow involve quilting. After some research and finding that Monica Ferris and Earlene Fowler share somewhat the title Queen of the Quilting Mysteries, I figured it high time to work them into my schedule.

Seven Sisters is the recent chapter in the adventures of Benni Harper, a folk art museum curator and amateur sleuth, though in this story she appears to be spending more time patching together clues to solve the murder of a local winery man. The "seven sisters" (also a quilt pattern) are members of the town's most prominent family, and each is involved differently in the case Benni reluctantly accepts, in death and in life.

I say reluctantly, because Benni tries hard throughout this story to disassociate herself from the mystery (she's aided by a few veiled threats as well), but a new detective in town keeps needling her into making his job easier. Benni can't complain to her husband the police chief, either, because he's apparently renewed a friendship with his first wife that leaves Benni wanting to sew his feet to the floor so he can't move.

I must admit though I enjoyed this story, especially the verbal sparring between Benni and the Texan transplant detective with a bad boot fetish, but I wish I had done some backtracking and read the earlier stories. Seven Sisters, appropriately, is the seventh book in this series, and I suspect I might have enjoyed it more had I been more familiar with the characters and their backstories. Of course, with Christmas vacation coming up I have plenty to do just that.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another in the Benni Harper mysteries. I find this one hard to put down. (I have even put down my cross-stitching to read this one!) It explores the struggle in family between generations and those who want to continue raising racehorses and those who want to pursue a winery. I have learned 'trivia' about both industries. This one revolves around a murder which opens up some mysteries from the past.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anche stavolta è quasi più interessante quello che succede nella vita privata della protagonista che il mistero dietro un assassinio, che, fra l'altro, avevo capito ben presto dove andasse a parare. Molto deludente il fatto che il colpevole la faccia franca.

[Jeff Dickison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, but darker entry, in the Benni Harper series. A wedding being planned and a murder at a ranch/winery compose the action. This one is not for the faint hearted. Recommended.

[Kieraanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the few that I actually remember quite a bit of the story just because it was so disturbing. Not much interaction between Benni and Gabe in this, but it was still good.

[J. Alyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a mystery, this book rates about two stars. The central problem is an unplanned pregnancy. The death of one man is only a minor problem compared to the problems caused by the relationship that resulted in the pregnancy and their solution. As a book about human relationships, the book is pretty good.

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love reading these Benni Harper mysteries. The small town California life is infused with the murder of a member of the local rich family. Add a wine tasting and wedding planning and the plot thickens.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family secrets truly never stay buried, no matter how hard you try to keep them hidden. When they finally come to light, nothing good ever happens. Add in differences of opinion over how two sisters want to use their family land, well......grab this book and see what happens!

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story about the characters although the murder mystery was a little weak.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another good book in the Benni Harper series, although I was disappointed in the ending.

[Ginnie Leiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this mystery very much, both for its quilt theme and as a whodunit, although I did figure it out before the end. I will definitely look up the other novels by this promising author.

[❂ Murder by Death · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent entry in the series. Haunting, but with humour in the balance, and probably with a more realistic end than most cozy mysteries. This series just gets stronger with each book.

[Challice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know how to rate this.
it will stay with me, it's haunting, but I don't know that I can say I really enjoyed it.
the mystery was intriguing, the outcome shocking and sobering. I can't say more so to avoid spoilers. I think sometimes books like this are done in a way to make a statement and it's so much a sermon that it loses the appeal for me. This is where Earlene Fowler did well in that she told a good story and pointed out some things in our current justice system that need attention without making it in your face.

what I did not enjoy is the Detective Hudson that acted like a flirt around a married woman. I didn't enjoy the information regarding the married couples love life. enjoy being married but we don't need the details. Can't a good story be written without all that?

[Sabine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benni Harper und ihr Mann, der Polizeichef von San Celina, Gabe Ortiz hören aufwühlende Neuigkeiten: Gabes 19jähriger Sohn Sam tut kund, dass er heiraten will und seine zukünftige Frau schwanger ist. Während Benni die Ruhe bewahrt, explodiert Gabe erstmal, vorallem, da seine zukünftige Schwiegertochter Bliss gerade mal drei Jahre älter als Sam ist und noch dazu eine seiner Polizistinnen.

Benni ist viel mehr aufgewühlt durch die Neuigkeit, dass Sams Mutter Lydia zu Besuch kommen will, um ihre zukünftige Schwiegertochter kennenzulernen und natürlich auch deren Familie. Denn die Familie von Bliss, die Browns - gehört zu einer der einflußreichsten des Countys - die Seven Sisters Ranch ist berühmt. Sie wurde nach den sieben Töchtern des Erbauers und Gründers des Anwesens benannt.

Als die Einladung zum Meet'n'Greet der Familien kommt ist Benni zwiegespalten; ihr graut vor dem Treffen mit Gabes erster Frau und auch vor Bliss' Familie. Doch beides soll sich noch als kompliziert erweisen, denn die Browns sind ein zerstrittener Haufen, der von der ältesten der noch lebenden Schwestern, Cappy, angeführt wird. Sie und ihre zwei Schwestern Etta und Willow sind sich nicht ganz grün und auch der Rest der Bande scheint Geheimnisse zu haben. Als beim Barbecue plötzlich der Mann von Bliss' Cousine erschossen aufgefunden wird, gibt es einen Mordfall zu klären. Zum Glück ist dieses Mal nicht Gabe zuständig, sondern ein texanischer Cowboy-Detective, der Benni bei seinen Ermittlungen gehörig auf die Nerven geht. Als hätte sie nicht schon genug um die Ohren mit der neuen Familie und mit Lydia, die immer wieder versteckte Seitenhiebe auf Benni abfeuert und das alles mit einem scheinheilig-freundlichen Lächeln. Während Gabe sich mehr und mehr um seine Ex-Frau und seinen Sohn kümmert, wird Benni von dem Detective Hudson immer mehr in die Ermittlungen hineingezogen und je mehr Benni über die Familie von Bliss erfährt, umso geheimnisvoller wird es. Bald ist ihre Neugier geweckt doch es scheint als hätte die Familie mehr Leichen im Keller als gedacht und vorallem sind sie nicht begeistert übers Bennis Schnüffeleien..


Ich weiß gar nicht, wieso ich so lange mit dem Lesen des siebten Bands der Benni Harper Reihe gewartet habe. Von der ersten Seite an war ich wieder in Bennis Welt. Dieses Mal rätselt Benni nicht nur über den Mordfall sondern muss sich zudem auch fragen, ob Sams Mutter Lydia hinter ihrem Gabe her ist. Während ihre Familie und Freunde Warnungen aussprechen, schmollt Benni lieber vor sich hin und tut als wäre nichts gewesen. Ehrlich gesagt weiß ich nicht, ob ich so cool hätte bleiben können wie Benni - ich wäre sicherlich geplatzt vor Eifersucht! Aber aller Ratschläge ihrer Grandma Dove und ihres Cousins Emory zum Trotz weigert sie sich, Gabe zur Rede zu stellen und sitzt es einfach aus. Hat mich stellenweise wirklich in den Wahnsinn getrieben!

Der Mord selbst ist relativ schnell passiert und danach rätselt man seitenweise zusammen mit Benni und dem merkwürdigen Cowboy-Polizisten Ford Hudson über das Motiv. Natürlich ist klar, dass es jemand aus der Familie gewesen sein muss, einzig das Warum ist offen. Anscheinend ging es um Erpressung - aber eben: Warum? Benni muss lange graben und schnüffeln, ehe sie die Lösung hat und ebenso lange muss sie sich fragen, ob sie am Ende noch einen Ehemann hat. Auch wenn sie sich ständig selbst davon überzeugt, dass sie alles richtig macht und gar nicht eifersüchtig ist.

Witzig war der seltsame Polizist Ford "Hud" Hudson, mit seinen schrägen Geschichten und ebenso schrägen Outfits, der Benni in den Wahnsinn trieb. Ständig tauchte er dann auf, wenn sie ihn gar nicht gebrauchen konnte und die Wortgefechte der beiden waren zum totlachen. Man darf gespannt sein, ob man ihn in einem der späteren Bücher wieder trifft.

Auch der siebte Band konnte mich begeistern und überzeugen mit einem herzzerreißenden Fall aus der Vergangenheit. Daumen hoch für Benni Harper und ihre Hottie-Ehemann Gabe Ortiz!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benni gets drawn into a mystery against her will when it involves her stepson, Sam, and his newly formed plans to marry into an old and influential family in the county. She is a witness to the murder of a family member at a party and then tries to stay out of it, but a new Sheriff's office detective keeps coercing her into helping. As she is drawn into the family's history at Seven Sisters Ranch, she discovers things she would rather not know, and the final revelation is disturbing. The book also ends rather ambiguously which I found to be a good ending but may bother some readers. Each entry in the series seems to get a little more complex and deep, so I'm glad I've stuck with these characters. There are still light moments and wise folk sayings with Gramma Dove, and Isaac returns to woo her again. Elvia and Emory are still working on their relationship and he is a support to Benni as she discovers unsavory things about her neighbors and works through feelings of jealousy and hurt as Gabe's ex-wife comes to town to work on Sam's wedding plans.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another great addition to the Benni Harper series by Earlene Fowler. The story is layered with mystery. The first is a death that occurs in the present and the second occurs in the past. And the ird is how they may or may not be connected. All of this mystery is surrounded by the personal strugges many of the characters face when it comes to keeping family secrets, understand family relationships, an an unending devotion to family under any conditions. The story presents a real-life issue that we hear about in today's news events, sadly too often. Seven Sisters was not as fast paced as some of the other books, but the story is wonderfully told.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to read this series because I am invested in the characters. Bennie is a lovable, nosy young woman. Her husband Gabe the persona of Latin Lover.
This story introduces a new nemesis for Bennie. A Texas born member of the County Sheriff's office. He teases her, yet knows he needs her help in solving the murder mystery of a member of one of the counties' most elite family's members.

There is a side story that involves Bennie's stepson Sam and his pregnant girlfriend, who just happens to work for his father, the police chief.

This story touches on family bonds, blended family drama and a rare yet terrifying psychological disease.

[Pumpkin+Bear · Rating 2 out of 5]

My favorite part of this book is how it does NOT have a happy ending. The murderer gets away with the crime, another murderer gets away with other crimes, and the heroine ends up really sad and tells us that she'll be haunted by these events for the rest of her life.

Pretty sweet.

Other than that, eh. Maybe you can do a shot every time Benni feels guilty about having an independent will, and another shot anytime a man manipulates Benni into doing something by bringing up the unequal power dynamic within her marriage. Oh, and her husband reads like an ass.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My notes indicate this was 306 pages copyright 2000. This was an emotional read for me. And I entered this quote (which says it all) in my journal from page 299:

"I realized then that our mothers set the stage so early for who we are, what we think of the world, of ourselves, of the bare facts of what we perceive as good and evil that even their absence, emotionally or physically, changes the very fabric and landscape of our lives. We didn't have to be like them, but we never escaped them, no matter how swiftly we tried to run." . . . Earline Fowler

- - - we never escaped . . .

[Marlene · Rating 2 out of 5]

This could have been a three if I had not recently read on of Earlene Fowler's other Benni Harper series. I was almost like reading the same book. Jealous wife - jealous of someone from her husband's past, a man who always seems to be around and is flirtatious, with whom she has a love/hate relationship, and a murder left up in the air. I am now anxious to see if the other books of hers that I have in my drawer (hand-me-downs) will also have the same format. I hope not.

[Brenda Klaassen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because I really enjoy how this author writes. I was a little disappointed that the person who killed Giles never had to serve jail time. I was laughing out-loud when I found out what Dove's idea was to raise money for the Senior Center kitchen. Overall, this was a fun story to read.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't think the ending to this mystery was very satisfying. Hudson Ford was a real pain and I can't believe our Benni had anything to do with him. In addition, she let her husband ignore her in order to spend time with his ex-wife. While there were extenuating circumstances, I thought that this heroine had more self respect.

[Becky Galambos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of my favorites. We never really do get a satisfactory ending to a chilling story, and it is just overall a depressing storyline.

Reread my way through the series in April 2013, 2015, and April 2018. I think first reading was around two years ago after I discovered the series in the quilt guild library.

[Henrita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got what I expected with this book, but felt the story wasn't as good as the previous Benni Harper mysteries and was more predictable. I felt that the sub-story of Bliss and Sam ended too abruptly as if it needed to be wrapped up and tied with a bow. Overall a good "beach" read and still enjoyable.

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This continues to go well. The writing is not at a high caliber but it is pleasant. I like the quilt references, and Benni Harper is good--sometimes I find her a little annoying but she is largely a good character

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery was a "4" to me despite the excellent writing and intriguing mystery, because I felt cold toward some of the characters. Usually, I can find something to relate to in each one, but not in some of these.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benni is a pain in the side of a new detective as he attempts to solve the murder of a member of wealthy ranch and winery owner family. As usual, there is conflict with the family. Gabe's ex visits and his son and girlfriend are expecting. Lots of drama and sprinkled with a few laughs.

[Kitty Tomlinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

While trying to unravel a feuding family's past, folk art expert Benni Harper uncovers a shocking pattern of tragedy-and a patchwork of clues that form a very disturbing design.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read.

[Helen Fleischer · Rating 3 out of 5]

ye gods and dead babies