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Embroidery shop owner Marcy Singer is about to have the rug pulled out from under her....

Marcy can’t wait to see the new exhibit at the Tallulah Falls museum on antique tapestries and textiles, including beautiful kilim rugs. But her enthusiasm quickly turns to terror when, the day after the exhibition opens, she discovers a dead body behind her store, the Seven-Year Stitch, wrapped up in a most unusual fashion.

The victim appears to be a visiting art professor in town for the exhibit. Did someone decide to teach the professor a lesson, then attempt to sweep the evidence under the rug? Along with her boyfriend, Detective Ted Nash, Marcy must unravel an intricate tapestry of deception to find a desperate killer.

319 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 3, 2014

62 people are currently reading
831 people want to read

About the author

Amanda Lee

10 books321 followers
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!

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5 stars
260 (32%)
4 stars
312 (39%)
3 stars
193 (24%)
2 stars
26 (3%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
Profile Image for Patrizia.
1,929 reviews41 followers
February 2, 2022
4 stelle e mezza
Altra serie che era finita nel dimenticatoio... Non appena ho iniziato a leggere il libro mi sono ricordata dei personaggi principali, quindi ho trovato la lettura piacevole perché mi è sembrato di tornare fra vecchi amici. Per quanto riguarda il mistero, avevo pensato al colpevole giusto, ma ho dubitato fin quasi alla fine di aver fatto la scelta giusta.
Profile Image for LORI CASWELL.
2,855 reviews328 followers
January 16, 2016


Dollycas’s Thoughts

Never a dull moment in Tallulah Falls. Marcy finds her way right into the middle of another investigation. At least this time Marcy or her mother is not at the top of the suspect list. In fact this time Ted and Marcy really team up to find the truth. Their relationship in really evolving in so many ways.

I absolutely love Angus, Marcy’s Irish Wolfhound. I would love to enter the Seven Year Stitch and be greeted by that wonderful dog. Her is so smart and evens obeys a very special visitor to Marcy’s shop. He is such a smart dog and a perfect companion. He graces the cover of the books and I wish I could just reach in a give him a big hug.

This mystery takes a real turn the will leave you thinking. How far would you go to help one of your children? Would you do something you know is wrong if it would allow you to do something right?

As always Amanda Lee has given us a fabulous story. She has introduced us to a few new characters. One who could be very important as the series continues.

Our favorites return as well. Marcy’s mom, Beverly, may be back in California but they stay in touch as much as they can. Mom’s need to be able to share advice and wise words no matter how many miles they are away from their children.

These stories are so much fun to read. I highly recommend them to all cozy lovers.
Profile Image for Melina.
228 reviews36 followers
June 9, 2014

I really loved the Irish Wolfhound, Angus, in this story. I think it would be awesome to walk into a shop and see a dog like him there. I enjoyed this cozy, it is the first I have read in this series, but I will certainly read more. It kept my attention throughout, though it wasn't really and edge or your seat who-dunnit. It was little more laid-back. I liked the setting of this story and the friendships among the characters. It was well written and pretty easy to follow. Great job, Amanda Lee, I am looking forward to more.





I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.
Profile Image for Nancy.
2,558 reviews64 followers
September 12, 2022
Setting: Oregon.
84 like the “inch high PI” label of Ted’s for Marcy Singer
275 A young woman and her little girl came into the shop. The little girl immediately squealed with delight and went to hug “the pony.”
Her mother looked slightly horrified until I assured her that Angus—who was taller on all fours than her toddler (and a head taller than me on two feet)—was as gentle as a lamb ….
[Angus is an Irish Wolfhound breed of dog.]
289 nice. Liking the end here.
Liked sleuth and her dog .. and everyday stuff .. also nice cover. Textiles, embroidery, convoluted mystery, museum .. not so much.
Profile Image for Fred.
1,012 reviews66 followers
April 27, 2015
Thread End is the seventh book in the An Embroidery Mystery series.

This is the first book that I have read by this author and wish I hadn't started so late.

Marcy and her friend, Reggie Singh are looking forward to attending a new display of textile art at the Tallulah Falls Museum. Just before there were ready to leave for the museum, Detective Tom Nash, Marcy's boyfriend, tell her that an art thief is rumored to be in the area. The next morning, as Marcy is taking the trash to her dumpster she notices a rolled up rug in the alley. Upon looking at it closer, Marcy see that a body is wrapped in the rug and the rug is one of those that was on display at the museum. When Tom and Manu, the police chief, arrive at the scene, Tom tells Marcy that the museum had reported that most of textile collection has also been stolen. The body, it turns out, is that of the art thief, Professor Vandehey. Also in town for the opening is Chad Cummings and his wife Portia. It was Cummings valuable Cezanne that Vandehey had stolen and was never found. Now it is up to police and the inch hig detective, as Nash lovingly calls Marcy,to determine who murdered Vahdehey and if what, if any, the textile theft has to do with the Cezanne.

This was an interesting and well told story with some interesting characters. There is Vera, an avid embroiderer, whose boyfriend is a reporter, and can use his extertise in digging up information. Sadie and Blake, who own a coffee/restaurant, and are around with a cup of joe and calming words. I can't forget Angus, Marcy's Irish Wolfhound. Ever the protector of Marcy and a friend to the Seven Year Stitch's customers.

Will be watching for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Linda Langford.
1,587 reviews14 followers
June 6, 2014
Marcy Singer owns a craft store, the Seven-Year Stitch, in lovely Tallulah Falls, Oregon. She has a great life, including her boyfriend, Ted Nash--a detective; best friend, Sadie; and her loyal companion, Angus, an Irish Wolfhound.

After the local museum hosts an exhibit of valuable textiles, Marcy finds a wanted art thief, Professor Geoffrey Vandehey, dead in the alley behind her shop. To make matters worse, the museum was robbed, and the professors body is rolled up inside a valuable Kilim rug. Special Agent Brown, from the FBI, shows up quickly and tries to take over the case from the local police.

As Marcy and Ted compile a list of suspects who could have motive to kill Dr. Vandehey, it seems they'll never be able to tie up all the loose ends that connect a killer to the victim, or figure out all the why's.

This was the first book in An Embroidery Mystery series that I've read. Author, Amanda Lee, skillfully had me convinced I knew who the murderer was, only to find those clues led to a dead end! There is welcome levity throughout the storyline. The cast of characters are well developed, and you either love them or hate them! The romance between Marcy and Ted is very real and appealing. If you're like me, you'll be surprised, beyond a thread of a doubt, who the 'bad guy' turns out to be, and the reasons behind the whole set of circumstances. Excellent read!!

A copy of this book was provided to me by the author in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ronna.
514 reviews62 followers
June 17, 2014
I got this book free from the author. This is my honest review.

The latest in this embroidery mystery finds Marcy, from the Seven-Year Stitch needlework shop, checking out a new antique textiles and tapestries exhibit at the Tallulah Falls Museum. But before she can even linger over all that she has seen, she finds a dead body wrapped in one of exhibit pieces, behind her store. By now, her neighboring shop owner, Nellie, is convinced that Marcy is jinxing everyone in the neighborhood, and she's none too nice in expressing her feelings to everyone.

Along with her adorable Irish Wolfhound, Angus, and her sexy boyfriend, Detective Ted Nash, Marcy sets out to discover who killed the visiting art professor and why someone would want him dead. In between teaching needlework classes and making her own projects, she checks the internet and politely grills all her customers for information.

Amanda Lee fills her books with great humor around needlework and Hollywood, where her make believe mother costumes the stars for their shows. She also uses facts about the art world and needlework to enhance her mysteries. But best of all, the relationships between the varied characters brings me right into her neighborhood. And who doesn't love her pooch--Angus! As a needle worker and art lover myself, I've found a great new set of friends in these books.
Profile Image for Caitlin C.
508 reviews14 followers
February 11, 2016
I love this series. There is something about Marcy's shop that is so comforting and appealing. It may be in part to her large and lovable Irish Wolfhound, Angus. In this book Marcy stumbles upon the body of an alleged art thief who is wrapped in an expensive textile and dumped behind her shop. She is not overly nosy or annoying which I enjoy but throws ideas around with others who come to her shop to talk. Marcy also has a surprise herself when Ted's mother arrives in her store without warning! Another good installment to the series and a quick, fun read.
3,307 reviews30 followers
May 26, 2024
The main character, Marcy Singer, finds a dead body wrapped in a priceless rug at the dumpster behind her story. The victim is the supposed thief of a priceless painting. The story is full of people that don't live in Tallulah Falls so the suspects are many. The book was an easy read.
Profile Image for Laura Thomas.
1,552 reviews106 followers
June 3, 2014
I live in a small coastal town and we have a lot of small shops like The Seven Year Stitch. I enjoy wandering around, looking at all of the colorful items and usually walk out with things I didn’t plan on buying. It’s also fun to chat with the other folks and catch up on the latest news.

There’s a few things I look for in a cozy mystery. First, the cover art. It’s perfect for this series. I like how the author features Marcy’s wolfhound, Angus, on the covers. I’m a huge dog lover and he adds a lot of humor and genuineness to the story.

The title is important also. It has to be catchy and fun. Thread End is perfect, as someone does meet their end.

There need to be colorful but flawed characters. Marcy is definitely flawed. She’s a magnet for dead bodies. Seems like, for such a small town, she ‘s always stumbling across a new victim.

There also has to be a theme, like the embroidery shop. I enjoy reading about the shop and how Marcy runs it and converses with her customers.

Next is the romance. Marcy and sexy Detective Ted Nash are getting serious and Marcy finally gets to meet his mother.

Finally, there’s the mystery. The author gives you a shady victim. He’s an art thief, and when the museum is robbed you’d think of him first. But that doesn’t work as Marcy finds him rolled up in one of the tapestries, dead, behind her shop.

There are plenty of suspects, with new characters and old. I had such fun sniffing out the clues. There are a lot of red herrings before you begin to get an idea who the culprit is.

What charmed me the most was the little details. Like Marcy waiting to put on her bright red lipstick until after she kisses Ted hello, or remembering to let her dog, Angus, in and out periodically throughout the book. These small things make the story come to life. They ground you in real life events.

The author also is very good at sprinkling in the back story of characters and past events without bogging down your reading. She casually mentions things in just the right places so you aren’t left wondering. That’s why I say you can read this series in any order. But I’d recommend starting at the beginning so you meet each new character as they are introduced and experience them as they grow.

If you like a good cozy mystery, I highly recommend Thread End and the rest of this series. They’ll tickle your funny bone, sharpen your sleuthing skills, and warm your insides with the enchanting romance.

I received this book for my honest review.
Profile Image for Paula Ratcliffe.
1,407 reviews72 followers
June 9, 2014
In this book we meet shop owner Marcy Singer who is getting ready for an exhibit at the museum with her boyfriend Detective Ted Nash, and their friends. The cops are on the lookout for a art thief who conveniently meets his demise not long after the exhibit. Marcy has the unfortunate ability to be the one who found the dead body, and no between Ted, Marcy and their close friends they are determined to find out who killed the victim? And what did they have to gain by committing murder?

Add to this murder is also a theft in the museum and all fingers are pointing at the curator. Is the theft related to the murder and what is the connection between this and Mr. Cummings being around who previously had his art stolen by the victim or did he? This book was incredible with all the mystery described in this book. What is new to this type of cozy is having a theft and murder which makes people really want to know who's connected.

With the help of George the son of the murder victim Marcy is able to figure out who killed the professor and why he stole a painting. This book had so much going on it was great!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
595 reviews15 followers
February 20, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, as I do the whole series. Likeable characters that feel real. Marcy, Ted and friends go to an exhibit at the museum, what follows is a story of twists and turns. Marcy discovers a body of a man who may or may not have been involved in a previous theft. This brings on an influx of characters that will keep you guessing about a theft past and present. How will it all tie together? It tied together nicely, with a satisfactory end and with one thing that surprised me. I will definitely continue on with series.
Profile Image for Amy.
492 reviews4 followers
January 3, 2017
Another great installment in this series... Will take a break as I've just read two in a row but I just can't recommend this series enough--even if you aren't a "crafty" person. The author doesn't burden you with a lot of embroidery details--the book is much more focused on the mystery plot and the characters. The shop is really the "gathering place" of the cozy; the way I think a cozy ought to be..
Profile Image for Grey853.
1,551 reviews60 followers
September 6, 2014
There's cozy and then there's COZY, where the narrator is all about dressing up for her man, what's for lunch, and going out with friends to gossip. That body in the alley is just an excuse for calling it a mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
115 reviews
August 8, 2019
Fun, interesting, good mystery

This whole series of books has certainly been above average in plotting, dialogue, and execution. I have loved each one and can't wait to get on to the next one as soon as I finish my present book. The characters make you feel as if you know them. I recommend the series to all. You'll enjoy the books.
Profile Image for D.
1,294 reviews17 followers
December 17, 2019
While taking out her businesses trash, Marcy finds a dead body wrapped in a stolen museum kilim rug. Among the convoluted murder and thief plots, Ted's mother makes an undercover visit to Marcy's store to check Marcy out. Out-of-town visitors, connected with an antique tapestry and textile exhibit, presents many possible suspects.
Profile Image for nidah05 (SleepDreamWrite).
4,714 reviews
August 16, 2017
I think I can say this is one of my favorite ones in the series so far. The mystery this time was good. The mystery in the other books is also good. Nice to see the story moving forward a bit too. Another really good installment and of course I want to read the next one.
Profile Image for Margaret.
1,141 reviews3 followers
September 6, 2020
An awful lot of the book seemed to be relaying convos from one person to another.
But maybe that is and was the style of the main character's method of investigation. Learn a little here, learn a little there.
Profile Image for Linda.
2,305 reviews58 followers
April 17, 2022
This series is so enjoyable

Another fun entry. I really enjoy this series. Marcy is a fun MC and I love her and Ted together. The mystery was entertaining and my top suspect was guilty.
Profile Image for Connie.
723 reviews18 followers
September 4, 2017
This is a really good one about the museum in town and makes me want to visit a museum, too.
It is done in the summer time and has a theft and a murder along with an old theft being solved.
Enjoy!
Profile Image for Pat Beard.
529 reviews
November 22, 2017
This one was better than the last few and is a solid 4 star. Didn't guess who until near the end and the plot and characters were well done.
31 reviews
June 21, 2018
Wonder how many murders a small town can have but love “Inch high Private Eye”. Quick fun series.
Profile Image for Rena Nowacoski.
180 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2019
Another quick, easy read. This time the author seems acquainted with cross stitch rather than summarizing a wikipedia article.
Profile Image for Mary.
1 review3 followers
Read
January 3, 2020
All of "An Embroidery Mystery" series was wonderful... Easy reads and Amanda Lee takes you into another world...
478 reviews3 followers
May 4, 2022
Light enjoyable cozy. Likable characters and well written.
I solved the mystery early on but reading it play out was fun.
Profile Image for Terri.
2,339 reviews45 followers
June 13, 2022
This is a cozy...I don't like many cozies...this is one of them.
Profile Image for Jan Phillips.
177 reviews
April 7, 2023
This one had me guessing until the end. I kept changing my mind about who I thought did it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews

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