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Quilt City: Measure Once, Cut Twice: A Hadley Carroll Mystery, Book 3
During a weekly Paducah Quilters Quorum session, Hadley worries about her looming deadline for the cookbook she’s writing, the pain her best friend is in, her depressed young housemate, and the Paducah mayoral race she’s favored to win against her nemesis—corrupt businessman Nick Stoddard. Then she learns that fellow quilter Donna considers the death of a coworker to be suspicious.
Adding to her concerns, Hadley will meet the family of her beau, Detective Brandon Green, that night, and her younger sister, Jenny, will arrive for a visit, bringing three kinds of trouble with her.
But then bricks shatter Hadley’s windows, transforming worry into danger.
Just when Hadley fears her burdens will cause her to crack up, people in and around Paducah die in what could become a major public health crisis.
She steels herself and enlists the services of private eye Garrett Hunt. They investigate the murders, but when her family’s secrets emerge from her late mother’s trunk, Hadley questions who she is and whether her future is doomed.
Adding to her concerns, Hadley will meet the family of her beau, Detective Brandon Green, that night, and her younger sister, Jenny, will arrive for a visit, bringing three kinds of trouble with her.
But then bricks shatter Hadley’s windows, transforming worry into danger.
Just when Hadley fears her burdens will cause her to crack up, people in and around Paducah die in what could become a major public health crisis.
She steels herself and enlists the services of private eye Garrett Hunt. They investigate the murders, but when her family’s secrets emerge from her late mother’s trunk, Hadley questions who she is and whether her future is doomed.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2024
177 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Leonard
11 books67 followersHello, Readers,
My latest novel, Hard Exit, is the most personal of the five I've written. I've lived with the story and various drafts for decades. The story takes place in Malibu and south Los Angeles and is narrated by depressed private eye Jack Drake, who lives in a Malibu beach mansion with movie star Amanda Bigelow.
He's endured traumas and suffered significant losses. He's muddled through years of grief and stasis, but then Game, an at-risk sixteen-year-old, changes Jack's perspective. The two of them become friends, then try to solve a series of murders in Malibu and south Los Angeles.
Unlike the Hadley novels, Hard Exit isn't a cozy mystery. It contains cursing, a sex scene, and some violence. However, fists don't fly every twenty pages, and the Jack doesn't subdue half a dozen armed foes with his wits and a handful of wet pork rinds.
I'm proud of my first four novels, but I think Hard Exit—a love story wrapped in a murder mystery—will appeal to a much broader readership. I hope you enjoy it.
After I finish the thriller I'm writing, and after I write the next Hadley novel, Quilt City: Safety Second, I'll return with the second Jack Drake Mystery: Stronger at the Break.
Stay tuned for audiobooks of the first four Hadley Carroll Mysteries, which should be released late in 2024.
All of my books are available through my website, https://bruceleonardwriter.com
and the usual channels.
Thank you tremendously for your support.
All the best,
Bruce
Please follow my author page at: https://www.amazon.com/author/brucele...
Thank you tremendously for your support.
All the best,
Bruce
My latest novel, Hard Exit, is the most personal of the five I've written. I've lived with the story and various drafts for decades. The story takes place in Malibu and south Los Angeles and is narrated by depressed private eye Jack Drake, who lives in a Malibu beach mansion with movie star Amanda Bigelow.
He's endured traumas and suffered significant losses. He's muddled through years of grief and stasis, but then Game, an at-risk sixteen-year-old, changes Jack's perspective. The two of them become friends, then try to solve a series of murders in Malibu and south Los Angeles.
Unlike the Hadley novels, Hard Exit isn't a cozy mystery. It contains cursing, a sex scene, and some violence. However, fists don't fly every twenty pages, and the Jack doesn't subdue half a dozen armed foes with his wits and a handful of wet pork rinds.
I'm proud of my first four novels, but I think Hard Exit—a love story wrapped in a murder mystery—will appeal to a much broader readership. I hope you enjoy it.
After I finish the thriller I'm writing, and after I write the next Hadley novel, Quilt City: Safety Second, I'll return with the second Jack Drake Mystery: Stronger at the Break.
Stay tuned for audiobooks of the first four Hadley Carroll Mysteries, which should be released late in 2024.
All of my books are available through my website, https://bruceleonardwriter.com
and the usual channels.
Thank you tremendously for your support.
All the best,
Bruce
Please follow my author page at: https://www.amazon.com/author/brucele...
Thank you tremendously for your support.
All the best,
Bruce
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 22, 2023
In "Quilt City: Measure Once, Cut Twice," Bruce Leonard returns with his beloved character, the intrepid reporter, soon to become mayor, Hadley Carroll. The novel weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and heritage in a captivating narrative that solidifies Leonard's prowess in the genre.
From the opening pages, readers are plunged back into the action-packed world of Hadley Carroll. Still a relentless advocate for the rights of others, her fervor for justice is matched only by her keen investigative skills. The cases she delves into in this installment are both intriguing and timely, exploring issues that resonate with today's headlines while also giving nods to timeless human conflicts.
But it's not just the crimes and their resolutions that make this book a page-turner. Leonard has taken a deep dive into Hadley's personal journey, unraveling threads of her family's past that shape her present. The exploration of Hadley's heritage adds a layer of depth to her character, bringing forth questions about identity, belonging, and the undeniable pull of one's roots.
Leonard also advances Hadley's love life, a subplot that's been tantalizing readers since her first appearance. Without giving away too much, the romantic entanglements in this novel are both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, offering a satisfying blend of sweet and bitter that's reminiscent of life itself.
The prose is crisp, with Leonard's skillful balance of dialogue and description ensuring a brisk pace throughout. The settings are vividly rendered, making each scene come alive, whether it's a bustling newsroom, a Sunday quilting/gossip session, or a long overdue family gathering.
One of the standout aspects of "Quilt City: Measure Once, Cut Twice" is Leonard's nuanced portrayal of characters. Everyone, from main players to those with smaller roles, is intricately drawn. This gives the narrative an immersive quality, as readers are likely to see parts of themselves or people they know in the characters, making the stakes of the story all the more personal.
In conclusion, " Quilt City: Measure Once, Cut Twice" is a riveting continuation of Hadley Carroll's journey. Bruce Leonard has once again crafted a story that's both thrilling and poignant, sure to satisfy old fans and garner new ones. With its combination of suspense, romance, and deep character exploration, this book is a must-read for lovers of contemporary mystery and drama.
From the opening pages, readers are plunged back into the action-packed world of Hadley Carroll. Still a relentless advocate for the rights of others, her fervor for justice is matched only by her keen investigative skills. The cases she delves into in this installment are both intriguing and timely, exploring issues that resonate with today's headlines while also giving nods to timeless human conflicts.
But it's not just the crimes and their resolutions that make this book a page-turner. Leonard has taken a deep dive into Hadley's personal journey, unraveling threads of her family's past that shape her present. The exploration of Hadley's heritage adds a layer of depth to her character, bringing forth questions about identity, belonging, and the undeniable pull of one's roots.
Leonard also advances Hadley's love life, a subplot that's been tantalizing readers since her first appearance. Without giving away too much, the romantic entanglements in this novel are both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, offering a satisfying blend of sweet and bitter that's reminiscent of life itself.
The prose is crisp, with Leonard's skillful balance of dialogue and description ensuring a brisk pace throughout. The settings are vividly rendered, making each scene come alive, whether it's a bustling newsroom, a Sunday quilting/gossip session, or a long overdue family gathering.
One of the standout aspects of "Quilt City: Measure Once, Cut Twice" is Leonard's nuanced portrayal of characters. Everyone, from main players to those with smaller roles, is intricately drawn. This gives the narrative an immersive quality, as readers are likely to see parts of themselves or people they know in the characters, making the stakes of the story all the more personal.
In conclusion, " Quilt City: Measure Once, Cut Twice" is a riveting continuation of Hadley Carroll's journey. Bruce Leonard has once again crafted a story that's both thrilling and poignant, sure to satisfy old fans and garner new ones. With its combination of suspense, romance, and deep character exploration, this book is a must-read for lovers of contemporary mystery and drama.
October 10, 2023
Paducah Pinwheel
Super sleuth Hadley Carroll does it again in this action-packed murder mystery set in what should be a sleepy midwestern town known for its quilting obsession. This third novel in Bruce Leonard’s Quilt City series will not disappoint. Hadley juggles local politics, a newspaper business, a budding love life, dysfunctional relatives, a rash of murders, and questions about her own identity. Read it. You’ll be glad you did.
Super sleuth Hadley Carroll does it again in this action-packed murder mystery set in what should be a sleepy midwestern town known for its quilting obsession. This third novel in Bruce Leonard’s Quilt City series will not disappoint. Hadley juggles local politics, a newspaper business, a budding love life, dysfunctional relatives, a rash of murders, and questions about her own identity. Read it. You’ll be glad you did.
October 24, 2023
“Quilt City: Measure Once, Cut Twice” by Bruce Leonard was the perfect read for my vacation in Spain. Leonard skillfully combines elements of mystery, crime, family secrets, and romance into a cozy, hard to put down mystery. This book is loaded with witty, amusing bantering and the writing is superb. The warm connection shared by the wonderful women who shape the story make me wish I could quilt and be a part of such a marvelous group. I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery, which is full of drama, intelligence and clever humor.
November 8, 2023
Definitely read the series in order. I am amazed at the layers developed in each book. Politics, fentanyl, pill mills, Medicare fraud, family genealogy, and romance are all involved in Hadley’s research. Quilting and female friendship are mainstays in all the books. Twists and turns surprise the reader. Looking forward to Book 4. Now to try some of the recipes included in the Quilt City cookbook!
September 27, 2024
another good book
The third book in the series, I love how the author continues to link quilting and detective work into a book. I also love how Hadley and Brandon are building their relationship along with family members. There’s one more book in this series and will read it next.
The third book in the series, I love how the author continues to link quilting and detective work into a book. I also love how Hadley and Brandon are building their relationship along with family members. There’s one more book in this series and will read it next.
January 8, 2024
Hadley finds her family
I liked the book, although I tire of books where the heroine pushes herself endlessly. Hadley was very tired in this book. Good plot and will wait for the next installment .
I liked the book, although I tire of books where the heroine pushes herself endlessly. Hadley was very tired in this book. Good plot and will wait for the next installment .
July 29, 2024
Heartbreaking Scam
It's amazing how low people will go to make a buck. As always Hadley has More than 1 thing On her plate. Why are so many people dying? This is just1 of the things Hadley is trying to solve. Great job. Thank you. Love this character. On to the next.
It's amazing how low people will go to make a buck. As always Hadley has More than 1 thing On her plate. Why are so many people dying? This is just1 of the things Hadley is trying to solve. Great job. Thank you. Love this character. On to the next.
September 26, 2023
Great read!
I truly enjoyed this book Kept my interest through the entire book and it was hard to put down when I had work to do!
I truly enjoyed this book Kept my interest through the entire book and it was hard to put down when I had work to do!
October 26, 2023
Not my favorite series
January 1, 2024
Book 3
I enjoyed Haley's adventures! This series is a perfect late night read. I recommend this series.
Look forward to 4
I enjoyed Haley's adventures! This series is a perfect late night read. I recommend this series.
Look forward to 4
January 11, 2024
Great book, I love the characters in this series
April 16, 2024
Hadley does it again!
Do not pass this one up! The whole series, I mean. Now, if you will excuse me, I have #4 to order. Thanks again, Mr. Leonard
Do not pass this one up! The whole series, I mean. Now, if you will excuse me, I have #4 to order. Thanks again, Mr. Leonard
July 13, 2024
I enjoy the mysteries ( nothing too gory or weird), as well as the quilting that happens in the background of the story. Easy, enjoyable read.
August 28, 2025
love the characters. I can imagine myself visiting Paducah and seeing them walking around
January 5, 2026
Thoroughly enjoying this series. Impressed with the storylines and character development.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews