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Crochet Mystery #8
For Better or Worsted
Molly Pink and her crochet group, the Tarzana Hookers, are always game for a new adventure. But when their newest member is accused of turning her wedding into happily-never-after for the groom, Molly’s chance to find the truth is hanging by a thread ...
When Molly is invited to a major society wedding, she expects some wedding drama. Though she never anticipated this much trouble. The bride is the daughter of Molly’s close friend Mason—and has been planning this wedding for a long time. But at the reception, things go amiss when the wealthy groom ends up dancing with the grim reaper.
To make matters worse, the bride’s mother is found holding the murder weapon—and, as the newest addition to a reality show, she’s happy to fuel the media frenzy. Molly agrees to open her home to Thursday, the distraught bride, who needs a little peace from the paparazzi. But when it turns out that Thursday and her groom were on shaky ground, the blushing bride takes the spotlight as the prime suspect.
Now Molly and the Hookers must quickly stitch together seemingly unrelated clues and high-profile suspects—before a killer strikes again…
When Molly is invited to a major society wedding, she expects some wedding drama. Though she never anticipated this much trouble. The bride is the daughter of Molly’s close friend Mason—and has been planning this wedding for a long time. But at the reception, things go amiss when the wealthy groom ends up dancing with the grim reaper.
To make matters worse, the bride’s mother is found holding the murder weapon—and, as the newest addition to a reality show, she’s happy to fuel the media frenzy. Molly agrees to open her home to Thursday, the distraught bride, who needs a little peace from the paparazzi. But when it turns out that Thursday and her groom were on shaky ground, the blushing bride takes the spotlight as the prime suspect.
Now Molly and the Hookers must quickly stitch together seemingly unrelated clues and high-profile suspects—before a killer strikes again…
304 pages, Hardcover
First published November 5, 2013
69 people are currently reading
976 people want to read
About the author
Betty Hechtman
33 books714 followersI grew up on the south side of Chicago and in a very busy weekend, got married, graduated college and moved to Los Angeles.
Although my degree is in Fine Arts, all I ever wanted to be was a writer and I've been doing it in one form or another for as long as I can remember. My shining moments in elementary and high school always involved stories or poetry I'd written. I wrote news stories and a weekly column in my college newspaper. My first job out of college was working on the newsletter of a finance company. I worked for a public relations firm and wrote press releases and biographies. Later I wrote proposals for video projects and television shows that went through various stages of development.
I tried writing screenplays and wrote three. I sold one and another was a winner in a Writers' Digest contest.
I was lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom and did all kinds of volunteering at my son's schools including editing and writing several newsletters.
I wrote essays and small pieces that ran in the Los Angeles Times, the Daily News and Woman's Day among others. My short romantic and mystery fiction appeared in Woman's World, and Futures magazine.
From time I was a thirteen-year-old babysitter cooking for the kids I babysat, I dreamed of writing a book about babysitting. It took a little longer than I'd expected, but BLUE SCHWARTZ AND NEFERTITI'S NECKLACE was published in 2006.
My affair with crochet began in Las Vegas. I had always had a fascination with crochet, particularly granny squares, but thought there was some magic involved with making them that was beyond me. And then everything changed that day in Vegas when I saw the kids' kit in FAO Schwartz. If the instructions were easy enough for kids, I thought they might work for me.
My first granny square was missing a corner, but when I tried again, all four corners were there. I was in awe of my own accomplishment. I had found the magic. I went granny square crazy until pretty soon I didn't need directions anymore. Then I learned there were more squares than just basic grannies and I made squares with sunflowers in the middle and other patterns. I moved beyond squares and made flowers, hearts, bookmarks and more.
I was in love with crochet and began to make scarves, purses, afghans, and shawls. I started carrying my hooks everywhere. A plane trip became a pile of granny square wash cloths, or part of a shawl. A vacation in Hawaii turned into a tote bag.
And now I get to write about it...
** Sourced from authors website
Series:
* A Crochet Mystery
* Yarn Retreat
Although my degree is in Fine Arts, all I ever wanted to be was a writer and I've been doing it in one form or another for as long as I can remember. My shining moments in elementary and high school always involved stories or poetry I'd written. I wrote news stories and a weekly column in my college newspaper. My first job out of college was working on the newsletter of a finance company. I worked for a public relations firm and wrote press releases and biographies. Later I wrote proposals for video projects and television shows that went through various stages of development.
I tried writing screenplays and wrote three. I sold one and another was a winner in a Writers' Digest contest.
I was lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom and did all kinds of volunteering at my son's schools including editing and writing several newsletters.
I wrote essays and small pieces that ran in the Los Angeles Times, the Daily News and Woman's Day among others. My short romantic and mystery fiction appeared in Woman's World, and Futures magazine.
From time I was a thirteen-year-old babysitter cooking for the kids I babysat, I dreamed of writing a book about babysitting. It took a little longer than I'd expected, but BLUE SCHWARTZ AND NEFERTITI'S NECKLACE was published in 2006.
My affair with crochet began in Las Vegas. I had always had a fascination with crochet, particularly granny squares, but thought there was some magic involved with making them that was beyond me. And then everything changed that day in Vegas when I saw the kids' kit in FAO Schwartz. If the instructions were easy enough for kids, I thought they might work for me.
My first granny square was missing a corner, but when I tried again, all four corners were there. I was in awe of my own accomplishment. I had found the magic. I went granny square crazy until pretty soon I didn't need directions anymore. Then I learned there were more squares than just basic grannies and I made squares with sunflowers in the middle and other patterns. I moved beyond squares and made flowers, hearts, bookmarks and more.
I was in love with crochet and began to make scarves, purses, afghans, and shawls. I started carrying my hooks everywhere. A plane trip became a pile of granny square wash cloths, or part of a shawl. A vacation in Hawaii turned into a tote bag.
And now I get to write about it...
** Sourced from authors website
Series:
* A Crochet Mystery
* Yarn Retreat
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
December 4, 2015
I read the ninth novel in this series first, and now, I'm going through the series from the beginning. This eighth novel of the series was just as interesting and entertaining as the other books of the series I've read. As was also the case with the other novels in the series, I found the writing style to be good, and the plot was fun. I really enjoyed the novel and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series but, unfortunately, I've had to stop reading them for now because I can't get the ninth book back from the library just now and because the tenth book won't be published until closer to the end of this year, but regardless of all that, I've really loved this series, and I really think that Molly Pink is one of the best amateur sleuth characters that I've run across this year.
April 3, 2024
This is my third Crochet Mystery in a row, and while I've enjoyed following Molly Pink on her amateur sleuthing endeavors, I'll be taking a break from the drama surrounding the Tarzana Hookers crochet group. There are two mysteries involved this time: a groom is murdered at his wedding reception, and there is a yarn bomber afoot and taken far too seriously by the police. While the characters at play were enjoyable, there was simply too much happening between the investigations and the new party planning business Molly is starting at the bookstore on top of her Event Coordinator role. The solutions to both mysteries seemed to come out of left field as well, so neither felt satisfying.
Format: Ebook via Libby
Rating: 3 stars
Book 59 of 2024
Format: Ebook via Libby
Rating: 3 stars
Book 59 of 2024
February 3, 2015
This is the worst one so far. Molly is the worst event coordinator and party planner. She doesn't even know a party needs food! She is also rude and immature. Adults shouldn't roll their eyes at everyone and everything. Going between two men is immature and the two guys aren't even worth the trouble.
May 20, 2025
I think this is my favorite one so far!
March 21, 2024
A few things at the very end were ridiculous, but I really enjoyed the mystery and the plot overall! A lot better than the previous book in the series.
January 16, 2025
Shame the romance isn't as good as the mystery. So ready to be done with "I want to be alone, but I want to date, but I want to be alone, but I want to date."
June 6, 2024
I thought Molly was a professional events planner for "Shedd, Royal and More"? A child's birthday should be a piece of cake, and she should have vendors and suppliers at her fingertips.
All the pieces were there, just needed to be put together. Some were more obvious than others, but then again Molly Pink bounces all over the place ... I did not guess the killer ... or the yarn bomber.
All the pieces were there, just needed to be put together. Some were more obvious than others, but then again Molly Pink bounces all over the place ... I did not guess the killer ... or the yarn bomber.
February 22, 2021
Molly Pink is a widow who works as events coordinator for a local bookstore and cafe҆. She also belongs to their crochet group, the Tarzana Hookers. But when she's invited to the home of attorney Mason Fields for his daughter's wedding reception, she expects it to be like any other wedding. Not one with a dead body. A dead body of the groom -- with the mother of the bride standing over him with the murder weapon in her hand, and the bride with murder on her hands and gown.
Now Mason has asked Molly's help in proving both his ex-wife and daughter innocent of killing Jonah Kingsley. It doesn't help that Thursday wants to stay with Molly instead of her father or mother, and refuses to show any emotion regarding the death. Still, Molly's soft heart allows her to do so, and she becomes even more embroiled in Mason's family than she ever expected.
Meanwhile, her ex-boyfriend, homicide detective Barry Greenberg, is investigating the murder and also trying to win Molly back. He's become what she wanted, but trying to show her he can change and spend time with her instead of being at his job 24/7. It's causing problems with her investigating the murder quietly.
Then there's Adele, who's in a serious relationship with traffic cop Eric Humphries. His mother is in town, and following Adele around. Adele has toned down her outrageous outfits, and is watching what she is saying. But worse yet, Eric's mother is pushing a weight-loss drink on her that Adele doesn't want, but still takes...until she can't stand it. With a crochet-bomber putting odd pieces on items around the bookstore, Eric is convinced it's Adele and wants her to stop. So Adele asks for Molly's help in finding the 'bomber.'
Now Molly has more on her plate than she ever wanted. When she starts finding clues, she can't tell either Mason or Barry until she has definite evidence, because she doesn't know who the guilty party is and doesn't want to upset anyone. Just her and her best friend Dinah are sharing information, and neither one knows where it's going. But a chance encounter opens Molly's eyes to the truth, and this time it might be too late...
I enjoyed this book as much as any of the others in the series, and perhaps we're finally going to have a resolution that gets Molly's head back where it's supposed to be so she can do her job without depending on the Hookers to do all the work. Oh, well. We will see.
The one thing I don't care for in this series is that we're given very little, if any, clues to the murderer so we have nothing to guess at and are inevitably wrong. At least scatter some clues throughout the book so we have a chance.
Other than that, the mystery was done well and the writing was good, with descriptions along the way that helped in placing the story. I liked the character of Thursday and hope that she will be in future books, while I also hope Jaimee disappears (no offense, but she's a horrible person). She's greedy and self-centered, and not in the way CeeCee is self-centered. Adele is quite toned down in this book, and I never minded her awful clothing, but her awful attitude toward everyone else was always quite grating. At least we were given a reprieve here.
But when the murderer is discovered, it was rather sad; although I felt the reason for the murder was insane. I would love to state my reasoning on that, but it would probably give it all away, so I can't. At any rate, the series is a decent one, so I will probably read the next to see where it goes.
Now Mason has asked Molly's help in proving both his ex-wife and daughter innocent of killing Jonah Kingsley. It doesn't help that Thursday wants to stay with Molly instead of her father or mother, and refuses to show any emotion regarding the death. Still, Molly's soft heart allows her to do so, and she becomes even more embroiled in Mason's family than she ever expected.
Meanwhile, her ex-boyfriend, homicide detective Barry Greenberg, is investigating the murder and also trying to win Molly back. He's become what she wanted, but trying to show her he can change and spend time with her instead of being at his job 24/7. It's causing problems with her investigating the murder quietly.
Then there's Adele, who's in a serious relationship with traffic cop Eric Humphries. His mother is in town, and following Adele around. Adele has toned down her outrageous outfits, and is watching what she is saying. But worse yet, Eric's mother is pushing a weight-loss drink on her that Adele doesn't want, but still takes...until she can't stand it. With a crochet-bomber putting odd pieces on items around the bookstore, Eric is convinced it's Adele and wants her to stop. So Adele asks for Molly's help in finding the 'bomber.'
Now Molly has more on her plate than she ever wanted. When she starts finding clues, she can't tell either Mason or Barry until she has definite evidence, because she doesn't know who the guilty party is and doesn't want to upset anyone. Just her and her best friend Dinah are sharing information, and neither one knows where it's going. But a chance encounter opens Molly's eyes to the truth, and this time it might be too late...
I enjoyed this book as much as any of the others in the series, and perhaps we're finally going to have a resolution that gets Molly's head back where it's supposed to be so she can do her job without depending on the Hookers to do all the work. Oh, well. We will see.
The one thing I don't care for in this series is that we're given very little, if any, clues to the murderer so we have nothing to guess at and are inevitably wrong. At least scatter some clues throughout the book so we have a chance.
Other than that, the mystery was done well and the writing was good, with descriptions along the way that helped in placing the story. I liked the character of Thursday and hope that she will be in future books, while I also hope Jaimee disappears (no offense, but she's a horrible person). She's greedy and self-centered, and not in the way CeeCee is self-centered. Adele is quite toned down in this book, and I never minded her awful clothing, but her awful attitude toward everyone else was always quite grating. At least we were given a reprieve here.
But when the murderer is discovered, it was rather sad; although I felt the reason for the murder was insane. I would love to state my reasoning on that, but it would probably give it all away, so I can't. At any rate, the series is a decent one, so I will probably read the next to see where it goes.
February 4, 2023
Molly arrives at the reception for Mason’s daughter Thursday, just in time to hear a blood-curdling scream - rushing in with Barry, who had been outside waiting to talk to her, they find Mason’s ex-wife entangled in the wedding cake, holding a bloody knife - and Thursday’s new husband dead on the ground, his blood staining her wedding gown. Appearances can be deceiving, though - and it doesn’t take long for the police to find themselves trying to identify a murderer among the dressed-alike servers and catering staff who had been hired to work the reception. Molly tries to help, out of friendship for Mason and real regard for Thursday, but when she begins to find that Thursday has been lying to her about things, she wonders just how far the grieving woman’s duplicity goes - finding out may leave someone feeling burned.
April 13, 2020
Molly Pink finally got her invitation to Mason's daughter's wedding. Uh, oh. Now, the groom's dead. Who could have done it?
Molly dons her sleuth hat to try to figure out who poked the groom with a sharp knife. She can't devote herself to the investigation, though, because she has personal qualms about finding the answer. Plus, she's trying to plan a crochet birthday party for an 11-year-old girl.
As is typical, Molly does her actual job (that would be the crochet party at the bookstore for the girl's birthday) poorly. I could have had that party planned in less than an hour.
For readers familiar with Betty Hechtman's crochet mysteries, "For Better or Worsted" was familiar territory. It's a light read that shouldn't be taken too seriously.
Molly dons her sleuth hat to try to figure out who poked the groom with a sharp knife. She can't devote herself to the investigation, though, because she has personal qualms about finding the answer. Plus, she's trying to plan a crochet birthday party for an 11-year-old girl.
As is typical, Molly does her actual job (that would be the crochet party at the bookstore for the girl's birthday) poorly. I could have had that party planned in less than an hour.
For readers familiar with Betty Hechtman's crochet mysteries, "For Better or Worsted" was familiar territory. It's a light read that shouldn't be taken too seriously.
March 5, 2020
Wedding dramas are normally caused by a bridezilla, not by the groom being stabbed to death. Still, this book is a merry mystery romp, with Molly tracking down suspects, taking care of the not-so-heart-broken bride, looking for a mad “crochet bomber,” dealing with the two guys she is sort of dating, and, oh yes, working her normal job at the bookstore. This novel is a quick read, but it packs plenty of entertainment in its pages.
February 7, 2018
I had almost given up on this series and I skipped a book but this was a pleasant surprise. Maybe it’s partially because it was a while since I read the last one, but this one had less of the things I remember basically just hating. Adele is still annoying but at a level that makes sense and isn’t just a caricature. The will she or won’t she drama is also much less ridiculous this time around.
July 24, 2018
Urgh, Fine I will finish reading.
Can't expect too much from crochet people who clearly have a bias against knitters.
Also, they love Hugh Jackman? I get it.
I'm not sure why the main character is involved with an emotionally manipulative man, but I guess it's easier to spot when it's happening to someone else.
I wonder if the first book in this series is better or the same?
Can't expect too much from crochet people who clearly have a bias against knitters.
Also, they love Hugh Jackman? I get it.
I'm not sure why the main character is involved with an emotionally manipulative man, but I guess it's easier to spot when it's happening to someone else.
I wonder if the first book in this series is better or the same?
August 11, 2014
Good book. I think this is the last in the series. If so, no more Molly pink. The thought makes me sad.
September 5, 2024
When Molly is invited to a major society wedding, she expects some wedding drama. Though she never anticipated this much trouble. The bride is the daughter of Molly's close friend Mason--and has been planning this wedding for a long time. But at the reception, things go amiss when the wealthy groom ends up dancing with the grim reaper. To make matters worse, the bride's mother is found holding the murder weapon--and, as the newest addition to a reality show, she's happy to fuel the media frenzy. Molly agrees to open her home to Thursday, the distraught bride, who needs a little peace from the paparazzi. But when it turns out that Thursday and her groom were on shaky ground, the blushing bride takes the spotlight as the prime suspect. [amazon synopsis]
The Tarzana Hookers need to get busy and solve this one before someone else ends up dead. Really sick of Adele and her thinking she is so important. Good characters, otherwise, and I like the 2 beaus.
Fun read.
The Tarzana Hookers need to get busy and solve this one before someone else ends up dead. Really sick of Adele and her thinking she is so important. Good characters, otherwise, and I like the 2 beaus.
Fun read.
May 26, 2024
A bride's husband is murdered at the reception. The suspect- rhe mother-in-law.
Molly's on again off again relationship with the cop is finally over. Now she has moved on to the bride's dad. Personally I think he is a better fit for her.
Only over the top Hollywood is that the bride's name is Thursday.
Molly's on again off again relationship with the cop is finally over. Now she has moved on to the bride's dad. Personally I think he is a better fit for her.
Only over the top Hollywood is that the bride's name is Thursday.
June 8, 2017
While the lure of yarn and crochet attracted me to this book, I have to say it wasn't as good as I expected. Too many characters to keep track of and the lack of depth and feeling with the main characters was disappointing. There wasn't enough crocheting going on in this book to keep my interest.
June 6, 2018
This one was really good because I was going around in circles with Molly - could not
figure out the killer in this one - it was not easy.....but sorry folks again I say Molly
go with Barry....Mason is OK but I think Barry is the ONE!!!
figure out the killer in this one - it was not easy.....but sorry folks again I say Molly
go with Barry....Mason is OK but I think Barry is the ONE!!!
July 21, 2021
I really enjoy this series. I like the main character, Molly and her crochet friends, in this story, Molly’s friend, Mason’s daughter suffers trauma when her groom is murdered at their wedding, they want Molly to find out who killed him.
April 24, 2023
I enjoyed this story. It seemed more nuanced than others she has written. And I like how she weaves the main character's personal situation with the mystery. Having the crochet patterns is helpful too. I may start crocheting again.
October 26, 2023
Oh don't you just love weddings. Weddings with a side of murder. Definitely a great story. Absolutely love this series. Its interesting to read how the dynamic of the characters are changing. I cannot wait to read the next book.
December 31, 2017
Not my favorite one! But I have a compulsion to finish a series when I start one so I'll give the next one a shot.
July 13, 2018
Fun light reading!
November 21, 2018
this is a sweet little story about a murder....my favorite parts are of course the crochet patterns in the back...
June 30, 2019
I love the characters..especially the back and forth between Molly and Barry and Molly and Mason. Just enough of a subplot to add an extra layer on top of the main whodunnit.
July 30, 2019
This one really kept me guessing!
August 23, 2020
Really enjoying the Betty Hechtman books in the 'A Crochet Mystery' series
December 18, 2020
A quick and entertaining read.
March 7, 2021
A random book I picked up on a 1$ shelf at a bookstore when I was on a trip. It was entertaining and the kind of lame murder mystery I was looking for.
September 8, 2022
Cute enough mystery, but more importantly, I'm solidly Team Barry and I seriously hope Molly ends up with him!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews