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Stitches In Crime #11
Needle You Mind
It was supposed to be a simple salvage job. A couple mantels, some doorknobs. . .but definitely not a dead body.
Paisley Sutton is sad to see an old Craftsman cottage be gutted, but she’s at least glad she gets to salvage some of the pieces. But when she finds the body of an older woman, still warm, in the house’s kitchen, she finds herself tangled up in a mystery that has ties to the house’s original owner.
Who wanted an old woman dead? Do they want the same for Paisley?
Paisley Sutton is sad to see an old Craftsman cottage be gutted, but she’s at least glad she gets to salvage some of the pieces. But when she finds the body of an older woman, still warm, in the house’s kitchen, she finds herself tangled up in a mystery that has ties to the house’s original owner.
Who wanted an old woman dead? Do they want the same for Paisley?
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2023
51 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
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November 28, 2023Well, this one was fun to write. Lots of history and Nancy Drew stuff, which I love. There's even a secret room - but I won't say more.
Enjoy Paisley's latest adventured.
Enjoy Paisley's latest adventured.
April 18, 2024
3.25 stars
November 2, 2023
I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
Needle You Mind is the 11th book in this series and it continues to be one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I thought maybe the previous book was the last one, so I was really excited when I found out there will be more books. Paisley stumbles upon another dead body on a salvage job and this book had another interesting mystery.
The mystery was well written and kept me invested as I wanted to figure out how everything tied together. I was happy to just read along and see Paisley figure things out as I had no clue who was the murderer or what the motive. I enjoyed reading about Paisley as she figures things out and we learn more about the characters and the house in which the dead women was found. The ending was tense and then wrapped things up well.
I enjoyed being back in this series and reading about Paisley as well as her friends and family. Paisley is a likable character and I enjoy seeing how she figures things out. I also like how she and her husband, the sheriff, interact and handle these murder investigations. There's more of Paisley's son as well and it's been interesting seeing him grow up throughout the series.
To summarize: This was another great read! I was so excited to hear about this new book in this series after I thought book 10 was the last one. This book had a great mystery and I was invested in the story and wanted to know what had happened. There is some history about the house and the dead women that Paisley digs up as part of the investigation. The resolution was well done and I liked how things got wrapped up.
Needle You Mind is the 11th book in this series and it continues to be one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I thought maybe the previous book was the last one, so I was really excited when I found out there will be more books. Paisley stumbles upon another dead body on a salvage job and this book had another interesting mystery.
The mystery was well written and kept me invested as I wanted to figure out how everything tied together. I was happy to just read along and see Paisley figure things out as I had no clue who was the murderer or what the motive. I enjoyed reading about Paisley as she figures things out and we learn more about the characters and the house in which the dead women was found. The ending was tense and then wrapped things up well.
I enjoyed being back in this series and reading about Paisley as well as her friends and family. Paisley is a likable character and I enjoy seeing how she figures things out. I also like how she and her husband, the sheriff, interact and handle these murder investigations. There's more of Paisley's son as well and it's been interesting seeing him grow up throughout the series.
To summarize: This was another great read! I was so excited to hear about this new book in this series after I thought book 10 was the last one. This book had a great mystery and I was invested in the story and wanted to know what had happened. There is some history about the house and the dead women that Paisley digs up as part of the investigation. The resolution was well done and I liked how things got wrapped up.
July 10, 2025
Wonderful Cast of Characters
Paisley Sutton started out as a single mom but has since married the local Sheriff in her small-ish central Virginia town. She has a son from a previous marriage who has gone from diapers to kindergarten (so far), a best friend who owns a yarn shop, another friend who runs the local Historical Society, and a cast of other supporting characters. Paisley salvages items from old homes and sells them online and in a relatively new “brick and mortar” storefront; she also sends out a newsletter with historical and genealogical tidbits about the buildings from which she salvages. The books are very well researched on these two fronts. It is during these salvage ventures that she finds dead bodies — sometimes decades old — and her research skills and curiosity help her help her husband to solve the murder mysteries.
I love the idea that it’s not a small town with a gazillion murders, but that some are old deaths that have to be explored — generally without the aid of DNA databases. The author brings up the past sins as well as moderns sins associated with racism and homophobia — she is not afraid to take on current social issues, or to confront the past issues in a small southern town. These make for more interesting reading than in many “cozy” mysteries.
I also appreciate the sleuth cross stitches to clear her mind. The author also brings up contemporary social factors — like Keanu Reeves and the John Wick series! And more often than not she includes a reference to another murder mystery book!
My only beef is the typos that seem to be inevitable with ebooks. Not the author’s fault at all of course, but sometimes annoying.
Paisley Sutton started out as a single mom but has since married the local Sheriff in her small-ish central Virginia town. She has a son from a previous marriage who has gone from diapers to kindergarten (so far), a best friend who owns a yarn shop, another friend who runs the local Historical Society, and a cast of other supporting characters. Paisley salvages items from old homes and sells them online and in a relatively new “brick and mortar” storefront; she also sends out a newsletter with historical and genealogical tidbits about the buildings from which she salvages. The books are very well researched on these two fronts. It is during these salvage ventures that she finds dead bodies — sometimes decades old — and her research skills and curiosity help her help her husband to solve the murder mysteries.
I love the idea that it’s not a small town with a gazillion murders, but that some are old deaths that have to be explored — generally without the aid of DNA databases. The author brings up the past sins as well as moderns sins associated with racism and homophobia — she is not afraid to take on current social issues, or to confront the past issues in a small southern town. These make for more interesting reading than in many “cozy” mysteries.
I also appreciate the sleuth cross stitches to clear her mind. The author also brings up contemporary social factors — like Keanu Reeves and the John Wick series! And more often than not she includes a reference to another murder mystery book!
My only beef is the typos that seem to be inevitable with ebooks. Not the author’s fault at all of course, but sometimes annoying.
December 5, 2023
Book 11 in the Stitches in Crime series by this fabulous, cosy mystery author. She writes cosy mysteries, which also contain a lot of social history. They are well written and very interesting too.
Santiago, Sheriff of Octonia, has recently married Paisley, who is a historian with her own architectural salvage business; she's especially interested in the social history of the area. Paisley has worked hard to get where she is now, having been a single mother for many years to Sawyer. She met Santi through the bodies she seemed to find in her salvage locations.
In this book, Paisley yet again finds a dead body in a Craftsman Cottage in the town. She has paid the owners a fair sum to take anything of architectural value as they want a purely contemporary style in their cottage. However, she finds something unexpected hidden in the wall, and with a big interest in history, Paisley looks into the history of the house's previous owners and uncovers an unexpected story.
This is a great series, I couldn't put this book down. Each book is a standalone cosy mystery, but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
If you liked this book, try the St Marins Cosy Mysyery series set in a bookshop. It's just as good as this series is.
Santiago, Sheriff of Octonia, has recently married Paisley, who is a historian with her own architectural salvage business; she's especially interested in the social history of the area. Paisley has worked hard to get where she is now, having been a single mother for many years to Sawyer. She met Santi through the bodies she seemed to find in her salvage locations.
In this book, Paisley yet again finds a dead body in a Craftsman Cottage in the town. She has paid the owners a fair sum to take anything of architectural value as they want a purely contemporary style in their cottage. However, she finds something unexpected hidden in the wall, and with a big interest in history, Paisley looks into the history of the house's previous owners and uncovers an unexpected story.
This is a great series, I couldn't put this book down. Each book is a standalone cosy mystery, but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
If you liked this book, try the St Marins Cosy Mysyery series set in a bookshop. It's just as good as this series is.
March 17, 2024
Honestly not my favorite. Took me forever to get into, I figured out who did the 💀 at like 50% into it. For some reason the term actress is bad???? There were a lot of errors in this one, and parts of it just felt rushed and not read through properly to make sure it flowed well. I’m shocked that sawyer is 5!!! In this book but he acts and talks like he should be 12/13. Maybe I just don’t understand kids that age, but I feel he’s way more adept than what I’d peg a five year old to be. I am also so, so tired of her being referred to as a “single mother” and “ms” despite being married. Maybe it’s just me but??? I’m so confused on why she keeps referring to herself as that. If I were a parent, who was married, I’d be flaunting the “Mrs” and not constantly referring to myself as a single parent.
It’s also so weird she just went into a random woman’s house and never even got a proper introduction before snooping to find this secret room?? 😭
Honestly over all I just had a lot of problems with this one. Usually they’re easy reads, but I’m just so disappointed in this one. I’m still giving it 3 stars because maybe someone else will like it more than me.
It’s also so weird she just went into a random woman’s house and never even got a proper introduction before snooping to find this secret room?? 😭
Honestly over all I just had a lot of problems with this one. Usually they’re easy reads, but I’m just so disappointed in this one. I’m still giving it 3 stars because maybe someone else will like it more than me.
December 6, 2023
Once again this is such an engaging storyline and book. I've read all of Stitches in Crime books and so pleased I have. The way all the relationships work and interact just make my heart happy. I love the fact that there is a little history...made up or not it is a great addition to each story. And that Paisley saves the old to sell to others that are restoring their homes or businesses.
Great read, each person has become part of my family...I look forward to another installment.
Big hugs, this was once again a great read!!!!
Great read, each person has become part of my family...I look forward to another installment.
Big hugs, this was once again a great read!!!!
October 29, 2024
Paisley is back with another salvage job and another dead body! She’s going through an old craftsman when she finds the body of an old woman and calls her sheriff husband to the scene. Together they find a hidey-hole with a Cartier Christmas pin inside. Another body and secret rooms round out this cozy mystery.
I was happy to see another book in this easy reading series. There were a few name errors and inconsistencies with relationships that can be bothersome but I just kinda ignored it. 4/5
I was happy to see another book in this easy reading series. There were a few name errors and inconsistencies with relationships that can be bothersome but I just kinda ignored it. 4/5
May 18, 2025
Such fun to curl up with.
I've been enjoying your books for some years now. I read a!it and when something gets to heavy or sad your books lift me up. Keep writing.
I've been enjoying your books for some years now. I read a!it and when something gets to heavy or sad your books lift me up. Keep writing.
May 21, 2025
Needle You Mind
Really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend that you read it as well. Looking forward to reading the next in this series.
Really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend that you read it as well. Looking forward to reading the next in this series.
October 3, 2025
Always a fun read
Love these Paisley mysteries. Always fun to read, full of historical facts and fun seeing Paisley and Santi’s life changing
Love these Paisley mysteries. Always fun to read, full of historical facts and fun seeing Paisley and Santi’s life changing
November 28, 2023
Known as the woman who finds dead bodies and solves murders by the local media does not make Paisley Sutton happy but that has been the case recently. While salvaging another home, once again, Paisley comes across the body of a woman. Immediately calling her new husband, Sheriff Santiago Shifflett, she shields her son Sawyer, who is helping her today, from the body. Another dead body. Maybe Paisley needs to find another career. When they discover who the woman is, the investigation begins. Santiago and Paisley soon discover that the dead woman was once engaged to man many years ago but never married and both remained single. With Paisley’s inquisitive nature, she soon discovers why the marriage never occurred and when returning to the home she is working on, she and her husband discover a hidden space behind the kitchen wall and find a letter and pin that they soon discover is quite valuable. Is this why the woman was killed? Did Paisley somehow interrupt the killer? This wonderful, creative and stellar mystery is another example of ACF Bookens writing. I love her books and each of the Stitches in Crimes novels has never disappointed. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.
November 18, 2023
I always love receiving my ARC from this author because I know it is going to be a captivating read and this one did not disappoint. Another salvage job for Paisley and, yet again, another dead body for her to investigate. I like the historical details that are woven into the story and the thoughtful way Paisley deals with the people involved. How I wish everyone was like her. How much brighter our lives would be. This next in series did feel a little more intense than previous editions though and seemed to add an extra strand of feeling in the author’s writing which I liked.
This is a story that will keep you interested, involved and leave you quite thoughtful. Thanks to the author for my ARC and the musings I was left with. An enjoyable read as always.
This is a story that will keep you interested, involved and leave you quite thoughtful. Thanks to the author for my ARC and the musings I was left with. An enjoyable read as always.
November 27, 2023
I'm very glad to read again about Paisley and Santi, and Sawyer too, who is now a bit older and definitely growing up. A simple house salvage is a murder scene, and at first there are no relatives and no clues. But of course digging for information slowly produces some results, which are interesting and leading to possible danger. You can read this book on its own and enjoy it almost as much as if you'd been introduced to the town and characters in the earlier books - but you'll want to catch up if you do, since these are part of the charm and warmth of this series. - I received a review copy and freely leave this honest review.
November 3, 2023
I have enjoyed all the books in this series, and this one isn't any different. Paisley is starting a new salvage job and doesn't get very far when she sees a .........You guessed it, a dead body! She immediately called Santiago, the sheriff, who also happens to be her husband.
To find out what happens and who killed this person, you'll have to read the book. You won't be disappointed, but you will be surprised at who the guilty person is.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
To find out what happens and who killed this person, you'll have to read the book. You won't be disappointed, but you will be surprised at who the guilty person is.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
November 28, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest entry of the Stitches In Crime series. Old familiar characters are back to welcome us into their world, as well as some new ones to expand it. The story is intriguing and well-crafted, pulling you quickly into its tangled tale. I was so enthralled that I kept reading right through to the last word.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this excellent book and just had to add it to my library. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves great storytelling.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this excellent book and just had to add it to my library. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves great storytelling.
December 1, 2023
Needle You Mind is book #11 in the Stitches in Crime series by ACF Bookens.
It was wonderful to get to see Paisley and her family and friends again. I can’t believe how much Sawyer has grown up. For me, the best thing about series that run this long are seeing how the characters grow and develop over time. The mystery starts nearly right away. I love how Paisley and Santiago work together to investigate. I was completely surprised by who committed the crime and why.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
It was wonderful to get to see Paisley and her family and friends again. I can’t believe how much Sawyer has grown up. For me, the best thing about series that run this long are seeing how the characters grow and develop over time. The mystery starts nearly right away. I love how Paisley and Santiago work together to investigate. I was completely surprised by who committed the crime and why.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
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November 30, 2023Paisley, Sawyer and their band of pals and family are once again faced with a mysterious death or two
what costs pride and prejudices might have pops up several times, and in very different ways.
goals, greed and perceptions vary widely among different folks- especially between folks who seem to value objects and positions over people and connections
the bonds among friends and chosen family are powerful, and sometimes empowering- sometimes devastating
what costs pride and prejudices might have pops up several times, and in very different ways.
goals, greed and perceptions vary widely among different folks- especially between folks who seem to value objects and positions over people and connections
the bonds among friends and chosen family are powerful, and sometimes empowering- sometimes devastating
November 21, 2023
Delightful cozy.
A delightful cozy with Paisley, a salvage specialist, investigating a murder along with her husband, Santiago, the Sheriff. Some interesting twists with entertaining characters makes this a fun to read cozy mystery.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
A delightful cozy with Paisley, a salvage specialist, investigating a murder along with her husband, Santiago, the Sheriff. Some interesting twists with entertaining characters makes this a fun to read cozy mystery.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
November 24, 2023
Paisey Sutton is working on the salvage of an old house and finds the body of a lady. She is allowed to continue to do her salvage after the police are through and works on that and also to solve the mystery involved in the old home. Criminals are involved but eventually everything works out like it should.
December 9, 2023
Paisley, Santi, Sawyer and gang are involved in locating treasure (jewelry) that a woman who was murdered hid in her recently sold house. There is conspiracy, murders, kidnapping and old fashioned detecting. Fast paced action and underhanded ploys are the order of the day. Very good read.
Red Robin
Red Robin
December 1, 2023
Paisley and her friends have another murder mystery to solve.
An old house with many secrets.
Decades old secrets come out, and closure is met.
A who done it until near the end of the book.
I was given an arc copy for my honest review.
An old house with many secrets.
Decades old secrets come out, and closure is met.
A who done it until near the end of the book.
I was given an arc copy for my honest review.
November 28, 2023
I always enjoy the books in this series and this one is no exception. Join the gang for a new mystery.
December 3, 2023
Paisley is salvaging an old cottage. She barely gets started when she finds a still warm dead body. Can she and Santiago solve the mystery before another body shows up?
December 5, 2023
I loved this book. Another exciting adventure with Fen and crew. This book is fast-paced and kept you guessing until the end.
December 6, 2023
This was another good entry into the Paisley Sutton series. Once again Paisley discovers a body in a house where she’s salvaging old fixtures. I like the characters and the mystery was interesting.
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