Thread on Arrival: An Embroidery Mystery

An Embroidery Mystery #5

by Amanda Lee

Embroidery shop owner Marcy Singer gets hung up on a tapestry that may lead to sunken treasure and be the motive for murder....

When Marcy’s friend Reggie, Tallulah Falls’ local librarian, asks her to teach an embroidery class as therapy for domestic abuse victims, she gladly agrees. One of the women wants to flee from her abusive husband but is afraid to leave her elderly father-in-law behind. And she thinks Marcy can help.

The elderly gentleman shows Marcy a tapestry his grandmother made, which he believes reveals the location of pirate treasure off the Oregon coast. He’ll move to a shelter—provided Marcy takes the tapestry to keep it safe. But when the police arrive the next day to escort him out, they find the old man murdered and the house ransacked. Does someone want that treasured tapestry desperately enough to kill for it?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Romance, Crafts, Small Business

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2012

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

[Patrizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questa è una delle mie serie preferite, ma confesso che darei 5 stelle solo perché finalmente termina il triangolo amoroso... Confesso anche che mi piacerebbe essere al posto della protagonista, col suo bel negozio e, ora, col suo aitante e interessante fidanzato...

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcy is asked to teach an embroidery class for domestic abuse victims. She is warned to not get too involved but the first night she meets a woman who wants to escape but is afraid to leave her elderly father-in-law behind. She thinks Marcy can help her convince her father -in-law to leave if she can show him that an old tapestry isn’t a treasure map. He is found dead the next day and Marcy is in the middle of it. Marcy finally makes a choice between her two boyfriends.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a super quick read. I enjoyed the mystery, treasure hunting is always fun! Really liked the developments in Marcy's personal life. My top suspect even turned out to be guilty! Looking forward to reading more in the series.

[❂ Murder by Death · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, and this series in general, just didn't do it for me. Halfway through I had decided I'd finish, but not read any further into the series. The writing just felt so flat, so 1950's-ish. A bit prudish. Don't get me wrong - I love cozies and I'm not looking for a lot of sex, etc. I can point to quite a few books/series whose writing relies on inferences rather than detail and the writing still pops.

Still, by the second half of the book, the story picked up a bit - once you got past her best friend acting like a sulky child (who does this?!?) and all the awkward moments in the beginning of the book. The murderer was screamingly obvious to me from almost the start, but there was a bit of a twist at the end I didn't see coming. The ending wasn't bad, a bit anti-climatic, but I liked it. Most of the characters are likeable. I'm still not sure I'll pick up the next or not - probably will.

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

Even though I took a little break, okay a long break from this series, there's just something about it that brings me back.

While reading, it reminded me why I like the characters, setting, and tone. Another good installment in the series so far. Already want to read the next book.

[Pat Cray-Hollis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Amanda Lee's series on Embroidery Mystery. Everytime I read her books I want to start counted cross stitching or crocheting.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

So disappointed. The author seems to have forgotten she was writing a mystery and not a romance novel plus so much if this was beyond unbelievable. Did not finish.

[Christine Laboy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one more than the others because I think that Marcy’s character growth has been more evident here than elsewhere. Still found the ending to be a little abrupt but I’m learning to get used to that!

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embroidery shop owner Marcy Singer agrees to help teach a class as therapy for domestic abuse victims. She meets Mary Cantor who wants to leave her abusive husband and take her daughter with her. There's one problem. Her elderly father-in-law lives with them and she can't bear to leave him behind. Marcy thinks she may be able to help after she learns the man wants to talk to her about on old tapestry that he believes may be a treasure map.

After Marcy meets with Mr. Cantor and promises to keep the tapestry safe, he agrees to leave his home. Unfortunately when the police show up the next day to escort him a safe place they are too late. Mr Cantor is dead and the house had been searched. Would someone kill to get their hands on the tapestry? Could it really be a treasure map? Marcy is definitely going to find out.

Dollycas's Thoughts

I love my visits to Seven Year Stitch where I am not only welcomed by Marcy Singer but also by her wonderful Irish Wolfhound Angus and Jill. the mannequin the looks like Marilyn Monroe.

Marcy has made some great friends since moving to Oregon. They take her classes, tell her who she should be spending her life with, and try to keep her safe as she is out trying to track down a killer. Her mother is in California, but only a phone call away. Sometimes she knows what is happening in her daughter's life before her daughter does. Wonderful, rich, full characters - every one.

In addition to the murder mystery which I thought I had figured out, then didn't, then did, then didn't :) Marcy makes a big decision about her love life. There was also a bit of history stitched in about the shipwrecks off the coast of Oregon that I found quite interesting. Lee knots it all together into a very engaging story that I read all in one sitting.

You know things will never stay quiet for long in Tallulah Falls. Cross Stitch Before Dying hits shelves in August. Who knows what mystery the Inch High Private Eye will find herself in the middle of next?

[Laurel-Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcy Singer, an embroidery shop owner in Tallulah Falls, Oregon, first appeared in "The Quick and the Thread: An Embroidery Mystery." Her shop, Seven-Year Stitch, is a cozy gathering place for those who love the embroidery arts. Marcy's cozy corner of the shop is a great place for individual instruction, and her occasional classes offer the opportunity for townsfolk to learn more about the craft.

But when Marcy agrees to offer a class for domestic abuse survivors, she soon finds herself embroiled in all kinds of trouble. What does an old tapestry that might be a treasure map have to do with a subsequent murder? How does a strange young woman who is seemingly a friend foreshadow future dire events? And how does Marcy manage to insert herself into the thick of things, putting her own life at risk?

Another character that I enjoyed was Angus the dog, who seems to be an important part of the story.

"Thread on Arrival: An Embroidery Mystery" drew me further into Marcy's world in Tallulah Falls, and now I can't wait to read more. The mystery was fun, with a few red herrings, but I figured out early on whose dark agenda had led to some of the bad happenings. But a few twists revealed toward the end reminded me that not everything is as it seems.

I thought the characters and settings were wonderful, but the last few pages tied things up a little too neatly for me. Therefore, four stars. Recommended for those who enjoy the characters in a cozy mystery as much or more than the actual mystery.

[Moondance · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a gorgeous spring day, and the sun streaming through the windows warmed the back of my neck as I sat on the navy sofa thumbing through Easter patterns.

Marcy is searching for a Faberge egg pattern to make a gift for her mom when local librarian, Reggie, asks her to teach a group of women at a local shelter for abused women. Never one to pass up the opportunity to share her passion, Marcy agrees. The first class Marcy meets Mary and Melanie, a mother and daughter of a volatile man. Mary has wanted to meet Marcy to have her look at a tapestry that belongs to her father-in-law, Chester. Chester is convinced that the tapestry is a treasure map for a ship that sank off the coast. Marcy takes the tapestry back to the Seven Year Stitch to examine. Chester is found murdered the following day. Marcy turns the tapestry over to the police but keeps photos to continue her evaluation.

Marcy finally resolves the dreaded lover's triangle. I am pleased with her choice and enjoy their courtship.

Police detective, Ted, listens to Marcy's ideas and theories regarding the potential treasure map. Marcy's mom gets involved by sending a film director to discuss the possibility of a documentary on treasure hunts. As usual, Marcy gets very involved with the mystery and puts herself in danger.

I enjoy my time in Tallulah Falls. I can picture each of the shops and wish that I could visit. I would love to take a class from Marcy. The subject of domestic abuse was handled well. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Melodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not loving this series like I used to. This is a 5 in my owne grading system, so 2.5 stars, but am giving it the benefit of the doubt and going the extra .5 star instead of deducting and going down to 2. Marcy is wearing a bit thin with me, and I find her friend Sadie to be a bit of a petulant child. Was glad to see the "triangle" come to an end in this one. I'll read the next one, but if it doesn't knock my socks off I'll probably be done with this series.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love this series and this book was fun, just like all the others. My only complaint was that there were a lot of story lines in this book and the book ended really abruptly, wrapping up all the story lines in just a matter of paragraphs. It was very strange and felt so sudden that it kind of ruined the book for me. I still enjoyed everything else, which is why I gave 4 stars but please, Ms. Lee, don't end any more books this way!

[Lichen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why would the Sheriff encourage his girlfriend to bring in a TV production company in the middle of a murder investigation?

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

good but too mushy

[Jmlwallis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending was a bit short, but all in all, it was a quick read and a good story.

[Sherrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

hoping the next bookin the series is better.

[Tina Choy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Main character is starting to get in my nerves. She sticks her nose in everyone's business and ignore her friends' advise.

[Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant and easy read. I'd place this as a beach read or a train/plane ride read. This is the first in the series I've read, so I wasn't as familiar with the individuals and town as others who've read the first four in the series are.

What I liked most about the story wasn't the murder (which felt more like a secondary storyline in the book) but the treasure map/hidden pirate booty storyline. Chester believes his family tapestry reveals the location of a pirate treasure. When he's murdered, Marcy (owner of the embroider shop) delves in to find out who murdered Chester and if the tapestry really is a treasure map. For me, this was the best part of the book.

What I found disappointing, Marcy acted more like a high school girl with a crush than a thirty-something mature woman business owner. Her dependence on her policeman beau Ted, left her looking spineless and weak. Wish the relationship had been written with more equality.

Early on, the cozy felt more like an HGTV ad than a cozy mystery. The descriptions would go on and on..."Above the fireplace was a flat-screen television. Its remote control was on the coffee table in front of the sofa. The only other thing on the table was a tray of cork-backed coasters with the Tallulah Falls lighthouse on the front. To the right of the sofa was a matching chair with a neatly folded red-and-black-plaid blanket lying on the seat. A silver floor lamp gleamed in the corner" (p. 77/78). Do you want to Love It or List It? The first half of the book had a lot of the fluff.

And my last little grievance was the ending. I don't like murder mysteries that feel rushed to end. The killer is caught and then the reader is given an epilogue to wrap everything up. This cozy's last chapter ends with a, here's the killer, and then a 3 page epilogue to explain things.

Too many other cozy's that do things better to continue with this series.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given this book 5 stars except there was too much romance for me. I did not need to know every time they kissed. But this is just me and people that know me know I don't like to mix my romance with a cozy. A little is fine.

I believe this is the 5th book in the series and it continues to entertain. Great characters, fantastic writing and a mystery that keeps you guessing. Marcy owns her own Embroidery shop called The Seven Year Stitch and her friend Reggie ask her to teach an embroidery class as therapy for domestic abuse victims. Of course she agrees but it goes beyond the class. One of the women ask that she speak with her father-in-law about a tapestry that he has that he thinks is a map to a treasure. After she meets with him he is found dead the next day and his house was ransacked. Did this have anything to do with the tapestry or did his son who has an abusive personality kill him. Marcy feels responsible so with the help of her boyfriend who is a detective that start checking out suspects.

I have enjoyed all of Amanda Lee's series. Her writing just flows and not only does she keep you guessing she keeps you turning the page. Great series.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this book, it's a solid addition to the series, and I am beyond grateful the romance issue has finally been settled.

I enjoyed the part about the tapestry and appreciated the look at the issue of domestic abuse, though the ending seemed a bit tidy. Though I suspect a cozy mystery isn't the place for a in depth look at the issue, I did like how it was handled respectfully.

At this point of a series is starts to get hard to find new things to say but if you are a fan of the series, you will like this one as well.

[Kathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very fast paced mystery with few clues as to what was going on. As usual the cute little heroine has an accident which quickly leads to her solving the crime. I really am not much interested in her dating habits but it seems to be the authors hope that this is progressing in each book. I am more interested in the mystery than the love interests. I like the dog but doesn't seem practical that he should be in a stitchery store. Too much hair in the yarn and on the fabrics.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcy stumbles upon another mystery when she volunteers to lead an embroidery class for battered women. Her caring nature draws her to help a mother and daughter escape a bad home life and start over. But while doing so a treasure map creates havoc for the family and community.
On the plus side Marcy and Ted make their relationship official. I’m glad she’s no longer trying to decide between two nice men, that trope gets old fast!

[Diana]

Angie has moved back to her home town and now runs the local needlepoint shop. Ike, is a local man who collects bottles to survive. Leo, a teenager who has just moved to town, teams up with Ike. When Ike is found murdered, Leo becomes a suspect. Why was Ike murdered? Angie does some sleuthing to try and find out. Each chapter in the book is prefaced by a short commentary on a person from earlier times who did needlework and the inscription they stitched into their canvas.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stitching

This is a cozy and I appreciate them especially if I've read a lot of noir mysteries. I especially like it takes place in a needlework shop but I know that you don't get to stitch in an accrual needlework shop very often. I'd recommend to readers that enjoy cozies, needlework and big love able dogs.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcy has spent the previous books being friends with Todd and Ted. She has been hesitant to get into a deeper relationship with either man after being devastated by being left at the altar. In this book, she makes up her mind and chooses Ted. This burgeoning relationship adds a great deal of romantic sweetness to offset the sad topic of domestic abuse victims, murder, and arson.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A so-so read. Liked the main character but too many side stories and too much unnecessary background. The killer’s name was evident halfway thru the book but the reason remained hidden till the end. So many sad childhood stories became depressing!

I admit I skipped the middle of the book but I don’t think I missed anything.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the latest book in this series was a good thriller of a read, her editors are not doing this author justice. 5 books in and she is still referring to San Francisco as “San Fran”. It’s annoying and distracting. Seriously if you are too lazy to write it out then maybe the character should have come from LA!!

[Jennifer Kovaleski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series. I enjoy everything about it. The setting, characters, and mystery are spot on. Marcy is assertive but sweet . Glad she made a decision in her love life in this installment. I did figure out part of The who in this one . The story was well developed and wrapped up nicely in the end.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

The events were interesting enough. The writing was competent enough. But I couldn't remember what happened past shutting the book covers. I probably would have stopped part way through except that my pile of cozies is shrinking as we finish 3 months of sheltering at home.