Thread Reckoning

An Embroidery Mystery #3

by Amanda Lee

Cupid's arrow is making its way to Tallulah Falls, Oregon, bringing lots of business to Marcy Singer's embroidery specialty shop-like the bride who wants her mother's dress embellished with jewels. But someone wants to squash all the romance-and in this case they'll go as far as murder...

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Romance, Crafts, Mystery Thriller

Paperback

First published September 1, 2011

About the author

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

Amanda Lee is a pseudonym of Gayle Trent.

Series:
* Embroidery Mystery

(from Gayle Trent's webpage)

"Thank you so much for stopping by my site!

I live in Southwest Virginia with my husband and two beautiful children, a boy and a girl. I’m a full-time writer/editor/mom/wife and chief cook and bottle washer, and I love every minute of it. Okay, not the bottle washing so much, but the rest of it is great.

I’m happy to introduce you to my latest characters, cake decorator Daphne Martin and embroidery shop owner Marcy Singer.

Read more about Daphne and Marcy at my blog.

Who’s Amanda Lee?

Amanda Lee is a pseudonym Gayle is using for the new cozy mystery series featuring a heroine who owns an embroidery shop. The series is set on the Oregon Coast and features Marcy Singer, a spunky, thirty-something, entrepreneur who is handy with a needle.

Drop me a Line or join me on Twitter!

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this entry in the series. There was a lot of action as Marcy tried to solve the murder that took place outside her shop. Her love triangle turned briefly into a love square. I really don't see how Marcy will ever choose because they both seem like great guys.

[nidah05 (SleepDreamWrite) · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know how you breeze through a book, putting aside another book you were also reading then once you finish one of the books, you're like, either the mystery ended too quickly and abrupt or I just read too fast.

Or both. Yeah definitely both.

Anyway, Marcy this time around can't seem to catch a break. Murder happens at her shop....again. And of course the love triangle is still ongoing, with the addition of her ex. And to add more to it, there's a masquerade ball.

Book you had at me at masquerade ball.

The pacing, writing style, characters, mystery, etc are still good and interesting as ever. As for that love triangle, while I like Todd and Ted, I'm leaning more toward Ted.

I also like that the characters acknowledge that murder seems to happen around Marcy's shop...again.

So, another good sequel. Can't say enough how much I'm liking these books. Good series so far.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was 4 pages away with no end in murderer and then in the last 2 pages it’s resolved and the epilogue read like a wiki page. Very poorly done

[Saadia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is all right, with Marcy running a needle-craft shop (not just embroidery) and rushing into all kinds of situations. She has a very supportive cast of suitors and friends to float her through her trials. And she is a petite pocket Venus apparently!

Clearly, the author is comfortable talking about well-known things like designing the embroidery overlay to the wedding gown or making the ribbon roses. Things get a little shakier when describing more complicated situations.

I was not so sure about character development: some parts seemed right on, like her friends dropping by and expressing concern; the ex-fiance acting like a jerk and a creep; the bereaved fiance expressing grief and then appreciating other female support. But some interactions seemed a bit difficult to believe: as in Marcy conversing with the Santiago men, Junior and Senior or the gentlemanly behavior of her two suitors dragging on and on. The way Marcy handled the ex-fiance was a little puzzling to me: in several of her conversations, she does not seem to draw clear boundaries and leaves things hanging. Maybe that is a reflection of her own ambiguity. Also, the killer at the end is just revealed, voila! Not much action or explanation about his role, his motive, his past activities.

[Stacie Amelotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It was your typical Tuesday at the Seven-Year Stitch, insofar as there’s anything typical about Tallulah Falls.”

I really love this series and this entry did not disappoint! It’s a fun, quick read that is easy to get caught up in. A "bridezilla", a murder, Angus the Irish wolfhound, a love triangle and now a former love comes back into the picture. Lots going on this time! I also enjoy the descriptions of Marcy's needlework projects. The ribbon rose purses that she made for the ball sound absolutely beautiful. Makes me want to try to start some sort of craft project!

[Meagan Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I love the book, the characters, and the authors writing style. This particular book felt like it tool it's time building through the entire book and then rushed the wrap up of the book in the last 5 pages of the epilogue.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's February in Tallulah Falls, Oregon and love is in the air especially at Seven Year Stitch, Marcy Singer's embroidery shoppe. A bride who is getting married in less than two weeks on Valentine's Day brings in a vintage wedding gown she would like embellished for her big day. The groom's mother provides the jewels to be embroidered on the dress. Marcy is very excited and can't wait to get started on the dress. The bride gives approval to one of Marcy's designs and Marcy goes right to work.

The next morning the groom's mother is found stabbed to death in front of Marcy's store. She looked to be bringing Marcy more jewels as a small velvet bag was found near her body. Both the couple and Marcy were under the assumption that the jewels were fake but the police have the jewels Marcy had examined and find out that they are real and some are missing. This makes Marcy the prime suspect. She is going to do everything she can to find the real jewel thief and not get herself stitched up in the process.



My Thoughts
I was loving this book until the last couple of chapters. I adore these characters completely, the setting is perfect and the mystery was sharp and perfectly paced, then it felt like the author lost the needle and had to hurry and wrap the story up as fast as possible.


The bride Cassandra was a true "Bridezilla", even with her fiance's mother dying in such a horrible fashion was not going to steal her spotlight on her wedding day. Postpone the wedding, no way. You really feel the groom's pain not only dealing with is mother's death but going through it alone because his bride is so selfish.

I love this author and her books. I just felt tangled or unraveled at the ending. The epilogue ties together the loose threads but the leaves Marcy's future up in the air. I hope this is not the end of this series, it is one I really do enjoy. I hope we see a lot more Marcy and Tallulah Falls soon!!!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Obsidian. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcy Singer has a problem. Actually, she has several of them. She's got two guys - Ted and Todd - interested in her, a former fiance stalking her, and not one, but two dead bodies.

Like most current cozy mysteries, this one centers around a theme - in this case, Marcy's "Seven Year Stitch" yarn and embroidery shop. The clues are laid, the suspects lined up, and enough other activities are going on to keep the story moving and the reader from getting bored. I enjoyed the story. The mystery was good, the characters quirky and believable, and the twists well done. If there was anything I didn't like, it was that the end seemed rushed. Up to the last couple of pages, the pace was nice and steady, and even a little bit slow, then suddenly, it was all over. But other than this minor nit, this did exactly what a cozy mystery is supposed to do - entertained with a mystery in a nice easy way.

If you like cozies, definitely pick this one up - in fact, pick up the entire series. It looks to be a good one.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I cannot say enough good about the characters and interactions. Marcy is very likeable, Ted gave me a few laugh out loud moments, Todd very efficient, I love her relationship with her mother and all her friends are loveable. My only drawbacks with this books are first, Marcy's ex fiancé coming back to town, frankly I think the words I would have had with him would have been totally different than hers, I think she needed a little more backbone. Secondly the ending was a little quick. That being said the mystery was good and kept me guessing with twists and turns. I can get into these characters and picture the events so clearly, it flows so smoothly. I think you could read this as a stand alone but I do recommend the others, just for background and fun. I will definitely continue on with this series.

[Carolyn Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. So much so, I read it in 2 days, which is highly unusual for me. It was quick, it was fun, and I didn't start to suspect the villain until just a few pages before he/she was revealed. I tend to give 5 stars to books that I think about while I'm not reading them and after I've finished, and this is one of those where I enjoyed the characters so much, I want to move to Tallulah Falls! Now to head back to the library and get another book in this series.....

[Chere Weaver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another in Amanda Lee's mystery series that take place in Tallulah Falls. A good read but I felt like the author decided to wrap it up too quickly. I think it could have benefitted from at least one chapter tying up loose ends. Instead, it was BAM and it was over. A little disappointing but still a good read.
Also I only read it once. This stupid update says twice. LOL

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. I did find though with this particular book that the ending was really abrupt. Even though the mystery was solved I felt like I was somehow left hanging a bit. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute mystery love the characters. The journey is better than the destination. The mystery is just "wrapped up" with 2 pages of explanation which did not all logically follow as conclusions to the rest of the story. But still fun and I will still read more of them.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it!! I agree with some reviewers the ending seemed to happen quickly, but I had no idea who it was! All in all a great book!

[Amanda Ryals · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, but... brief?

The only thing I don't like is how this one was wrapped up. The ending was very abrupt, and it felt slightly contrived. Otherwise, it was an enjoyable read.

[Kylie Casas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third book in the series, still very enjoyable. I didn’t like how rushed the end was. The last 3 pages wrapped everything up. Will continue to read the series.

[Rena Nowacoski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice series. The Ending was to sparse and quick.

[Diana Maculan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cozy mystery and a quick read. First that I have read in the series but enough of the background is given so that I didn't feel the need to have read the previous books in order to follow along with the characters (and how they relate to each other). The main character, Marcy Singer, becomes involved investigating a murder which occurs right outside of her shop. She is quite tenacious at approaching many of those involved and asking some pretty delicate questions. While I didn't mind her style (keeps the action moving right along), it didn't seem like the detectives were doing much investigating themselves but rather took a back seat to her sleuthing. She has the romantic attention of not one, but two, very handsome suitors, Todd and Ted. Ted is the main detective on the case, but he seems to let her have carte blanche into the investigation and spends a considerable amount of time being worried about her getting in harm's way. Also he seems to disclose quite a bit of sensitive information and confidential details. (I know, it's just a fun, cozy mystery, but still seemed off somehow). To make matters more complicated for Marcy, her ex-fiance (quite a jerk, in my opinion) comes to town and proceeds to try to win her back with some very poor excuses for his irresponsible behavior (having left her at the altar on their wedding day). Thank goodness that she is able to see him for what he was (and is). I agree with other reviewers in saying the wrap up of who committed not one, but two murders (another related character is also murdered), is revealed so quickly in just a few pages at the end that it seemed rushed. Spoiler alert: she also seems to have been tricked rather easily by the murder, just because he was wearing a mask? What about his voice?
Anyhow, liked the setting and variety of characters. Really like Angus (the dog) but don't think he should be left out in the yard so much. Why not just leave him inside when she isn't home? Sorry, that's just me, a dog lover :) Might pick up another in the series.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 3.5* It has been a while since I read anything in this series so I had a hard time remembering the characters, but that did not detract from the story. This was fast paced and interesting. I like Fredric and Harriet grew on me after a while. I was not a fan of Cassandra but was still surprised when she ended up getting murdered. I really felt bad for Fredric, first his mom and then his (ex) fiancee get murdered, but it seemed like something was brewing with Harriet, so we will see if they show up in future books. I was not surprised that the murders were tied to the Santiago Corporation, but I was surprised at HOW they were tied. That both brothers were involved was unexpected. I cannot stand David and am so happy that he left her at the alter! Hopefully he will not show up in any more books. I enjoyed this book, I enjoy this series, and I like this author. I will be reading more.

[Westminster Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based around Valentine's Day, Marcy has an offer of a commission to refurbish a bridal gown. The fateful meeting, to decide if Marcy's designs will suit, soon leads to a great deal of grief for the groom. Marcy's sidewalk becomes a crime scene, which leads to her investigating a great many new characters. Also, Marcy's former fiancée shows up wanting to restart their relationship. His history with some of the suspects leads us wondering about his motives.

Find Thread Reckoning at Westminster Public Library today!

And if you are in search of new books to read, try our services, What Do I Read Next. Our library staff are standing by to create a personalized recommendation list for you!

[Pumpkinpuddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book except for Marcy's ex returning and her not giving him the heave ho right from the start. I've read too many books lately where the female lead's ex returns and she puts up with all his stuff instead of just telling him to get lost. I know it's supposed to create drama for the story, but maybe it's time women got to read about women strong enough to say 'get lost' instead of letting their ex's pull them into hugs, put up with being kissed when they don't want to be, etc.

I realize this book has been around a while, but maybe as we review books like this, our collective voices saying 'enough of wishy washy women who can't say no' will get heard. Time for new plot lines that show women as stronger and in charge of themselves and their lives.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am enjoying but not loving this series. Enjoying it because I like the setting and I really like Marcy's mom, but I don't find the patience of the two suitors all that believable, and I wish the ex-fiancé, introduced in this installment, had more nuance. Instead he was an obvious jerk.

The ending on this was way too rushed. I borrowed the e-version from the library, noticed I was at 98% with 2 minutes left to go in the book, and nothing had wrapped up. I was worried there was a technical glitch and I didn't get the end of the book. Nope, it was all there. It wrapped up in the final sentence and a lame epilogue.

[Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good chapter in Marcy's life! This time she is juggling not only Todd and Ted but the rat that left her at the altar (literally!) has arrived in town and wants to win her back. Luckily she is distracted by the fact that a Bridezilla would like her to embellish the Bride's Mother's wedding dress, but before she can get too far with it the future Mother in law is killed outside the shop!

Now with the wedding dress taken as evidence, Marcy wants to find out the truth so the wedding can go ahead.

[Pat Beard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually might be more like a 3.5 star. This one had a little tighter plot line and the characters were more developed. Still a fast and fun cozy. Only problem is that it seemed to wind up in three pages very abruptly. Like you are reading along and then rather than continue the narrative you get: "And then the killer decides to kill the heroine, gets caught, and every body goes away happy." The End.

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based around Valentines Day, Marcy has a commission for a bridal gown being refurbished offered to her. The fateful meeting deciding if Marcy's designs will suit leads to a great deal of grief for the groom. Marcy's sidewalk, outside the shop, is a crime scene which leads to her investigation with a great many new characters introduced. Also, Marcy's former fiancée shows up wanting to restart their relationship. His history with some of the suspects leads us wondering about his motives.

[Kirsten · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was good all the way up until the end - the mystery was entertaining and well-paced but the solution was presented almost like an afterthought, in literally a couple of pages. It read like the author suddenly realized she had to wrap the book up to meet a deadline or like someone else finished it for her using her notes. The explanation of the mystery was provided in an epilogue that was written like a plot summary on Wikipedia. Really disappointing.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This summer I decided that I would start reading cozy mysteries as my version of a beach read. I have enjoyed them greatly and was drawn to this series. The first two books were fun mysteries, as was this one, but the ending of this one seemed abrupt and more difficult to believe than the others. I would have hoped for some more clues along the way but will still continue reading and enjoying this series!

[Jimmie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very disappointing installment in the series. This was the third I had read, first two were fun and had just ordered four additional to continue the series. I am now doubting if that was a wise move. Found the story unbelievable with a rushed finish which left many holes in the solution area. I surely hope this will not be a trend for the next ones.

[Vestisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why bother? 300 pages of lead up and then a resolution in 2 pages that reads more like a summary than narrative. I wondered if something happened and the author was unable to finish the book. The story goes straight from building the tale tti summarizing the ending. It was a decent story until that point. Not worth starting in hindsight.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Marcy Singer, discovers a dead body outside her shop. It appears the woman had been mugged. Marcy of course wants to know all about the woman and what happened to her. Marcy also has her former fiancee in town trying to get back together and he won't take no for an answer. The story was interesting and the book was an easy read.