Seams Like the Perfect Crime

by Lois Winston

When staffing shortages continue to hamper the Union County homicide squad, Detective Sam Spader once again turns to his secret weapon, reluctant amateur sleuth Anastasia Pollack. How can she and husband Zack Barnes refuse when the victim is their new neighbor?

Revolutionary War reenactor Barry Sumner had the odd habit of spending hours mowing a small patch of packed dirt and weeds until his mower ran out of gas. He’d then guzzle beer on his front porch until he passed out. That’s where Anastasia’s son Nick discovers his body three days after the victim and his family moved into the newly built mini-McMansion across the street.

After a melee breaks out at the viewing, Spader zeroes in on the widow as his prime suspect. However, Anastasia has her doubts. There are other possible suspects, including a woman who’d had an affair with the victim, his ex-wife, the man overseeing the widow’s trust fund, a drug dealer, and the reenactors who were blackmailing the widow and victim.

When another reenactor is murdered, Spader suspects they’re dealing with a serial killer, but Anastasia wonders if the killer is attempting to misdirect the investigation. As she narrows down the suspects, will she jeopardize her own life to learn the truth?

Craft projects included.

Genres: Mystery

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2025

About the author

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USA Today and Amazon bestselling and award-winning author Lois Winston writes mystery, romance, romantic suspense, chick lit, women’s fiction, children’s chapter books, and nonfiction under her own name and her Emma Carlyle pen name. Kirkus Reviews dubbed her critically acclaimed Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery series, “North Jersey’s more mature answer to Stephanie Plum.” In addition, Lois is a former literary agent and an award-winning craft and needlework designer who often draws much of her source material for both her characters and plots from her experiences in the crafts industry.

Visit Lois and Emma at www.loiswinston.com and visit Anastasia at the Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers blog, www.anastasiapollack.blogspot.com. Follow everyone on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Anasleuth.

Reviews

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got kinda bored with this one.

[K.A. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

SEAMS LIKE THE PERFECT CRIME is the fourteenth book in the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries by Lois Winston. I’ve had my eye on this series for a while but this is the first opportunity I’ve had to finally read one… and now I need to add the previous thirteen books to my TBR list! Despite not know the entire backstory of protagonist Anastasia Pollack’s life, the author did an admirable job weaving in just enough information so that I never felt lost… although I have enough curiosity to make me determined to read and find out. This is one of those books where you love the characters, except for those who are meant to be hated. And thrown in for some humor is the Shakespearean-reciting African Grey parrot, called Ralph. Each of the players had very distinctive personalities, but I like Anastasia is a capable woman with a soft spot for those who need help. She may be a bit of a pushover, but when the situation calls for it, she stands firm and does the right thing. You can tell what kind of woman Anastasia is by the way her teen son lives his life and responds to those who need help as well. It added heartwarming moments to the storyline.

But as all cozy mysteries are prone to do, there is a murder and Anastasia gets involved after her son finds the victim. Goodness, the lead up to and the crime is certainly a page-turner! (Be sure to read the author’s note at the back of the book… it’s eye opening how the plot came to be.) Given the victim is a brand-new neighbor, Anastasia doesn’t know much about him or the people he knows. There is an added level of difficulty in finding out the suspects and the motives for his death, and the author is methodical in laying out the clues and the investigation. The plot moves along at a quick pace and as the story progressed, I found myself unable to put the book down until I’d read the very last sentence.

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a page-turning mystery with some truly laugh-out-loud moments. Set in New Jersey, Anastasia’s new neighbors could have easily been on a reality TV show. I thought I had a guess as to the guilty party, but I was only half right. Leave it to Anastasia to figure out the whole truth. I also enjoyed the descriptions of Anastasia’s renovated house and the many meals Anastasia and Zack shared with Detective Spader. These details added to the cozyness of the story.

Zack is a wonderful character – a bit of a dreamboat of a husband – and I’m so happy for Anastasia. Despite Detective Spader’s slightly bumbling nature, I love that he has Anastasia’s back. The scenes with Nick were heartwarming. And I certainly won’t give any spoilers, but in regards to Anastasia’s mother-in-law: you go, Anastasia!

The New Jersey setting and traveling between Anastasia’s house and work made for an entertaining background for the story to unfold.

As always with this series, there are some fun craft projects included at the end. I enjoyed this five star read!

[PugMom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I have read one other book by Lois Winston this was my first in the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery series. The author did a great job of providing some backstory from the previous books so I did not feel like I was missing anything.
I really enjoyed this cozy. It included a mix of suspense, wit, and relatable characters, all wrapped up in an intriguing mystery!
The list of potential suspects varied, ranging from a jilted lover to a shady financial trustee, a drug dealer, and even members of the war reenactment community involved in blackmail. I attempted to ferret out the culprit but was kept guessing until the very end. Throw in some "Real Housewives of New Jersey" antics, a crazy mother in law, and some interesting crafting information and you've got an engaging cozy mystery that will leave you wanting more. I definitely would like to go back to the beginning of the series and read the previous books before book number 15 comes out!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Kara Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 14th book in this series; I have only read the last few books, but this book would stand alone well. This is actually one of my favorite cozy mystery series now and I’m still planning to go back and read the series from the beginning. Anastasia is a wonderful protagonist, a middle-aged mom who has remarried (to an hotty photojournalist who just might secretly be working for an alphabet agency!) after her previous husband died. She lives in New Jersey and works at an interesting women’s magazine, in New York City best I can tell, but she manages to get involved in more local murder investigations than anyone would ever imagine. In this book, very odd neighbors have moved in across the street. Of course, someone is going to end up dead again, and sure enough, the police need her help again. There is so much humor in this series, and this book definitely didn’t disappoint in that area. The writing is intelligent, imaginative and rings true. I can highly recommend this book and series; I was provided an ARC, which I definitely appreciate, but these opinions are my own.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lois Winston’s series featuring Anatasia Pollock gets better with each book. In “Seams Like the Perfect Crime” our heroine has new neighbors who would make for great reality TV except that one is promptly murdered. Lois Winston has a real gift with stereotypical characters who feel like so much more. Yes, it’s New Jersey and yes, the area has mob connections but she makes it fun, quirky, and light-hearted. Anastasia’s husband, ex-mother-in-law, and BFF continue to make strong additions to the book. I won’t ruin it for you but I definitely cheered for Anastasia mid-way through the book as she stands up for herself. This story is a great read to let go of some stress with characters that you want to know…or maybe watch through the curtains. It’s a well written page turner and I can’t wait for the next release.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anastasia Pollack Barnes seems to be a murder magnet. Fortunately she is also knows a lot about solving murders. She is a talented woman who creates monthly content about crafting for a renowned crafts magazine which really doesn't use her talents of crime solving. However apparently her immediate neighborhood gives her plenty of opportunities for that job!

This fourteenth book in the series includes the fifth murder Anastasia has solved in her neighborhood and the second one across directly across the street! So many details and possible killers, yet not only does she solve the murder, she is gracious and shares everything with the lead detective. She has backup support from her husband and son.

Fun characters, intriguing plots, off kilter family members, and a pet bird who quotes literature insurers lots of laughter.
Fast paced fun! Delightful!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anastasia is back at her official job as crafts editor and her unofficial job as a consulting detective for the Union County homicide department. And when the crime happens right across the street what choice does she have but to get involved? I love how the relationship between Anastasia and Spader has developed. And as always Zack has her back. With many laugh out loud moments between Anastasia and everyone in between piecing together clues there is something for everyone. A bird that quotes Shakespeare, a communist mother in law and a best friend who always has something good to eat, there are characters for everyone to become attached to. Seams Like the Perfect Crime is a fun cozy mystery that is sure to delight all fans of the series and genre.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I enjoyed this book as much as the other ones in the series. I liked that Anastasia recognized her own intensive curiosity as that drive has been one of the greatest factors towards her continuing success as an amateur sleuth. I was happy that Detective Spader has acknowledged Anastasia's and her husband's skills in solving mysteries, and he continued to use their help. I was entertained by the humor in the story. I was invested in solving the case before the actual reveal as I liked the mystery which was as twisted as a pretzel. I enjoyed Alexandra Bitton-Bailey's narration as her performance was entertaining. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crafts magazine editor Anastasia Pollack is curious when two weird neighbors move into the house across the street. Barry Sumner repeatedly mows his lawn, drinks beer and collapses on his front stoop. His wife, Gloria, sits there with him staring into space. Anastasia nicknames them the Stoop Sitters. She learns Barry is a Revolutionary War reeanactor. Not long after their move-in date, Anastasia’s son discovers Barry dead on his doorstep. Someone has stabbed him with a vintage bayonet. Wit and humor abound in this crazy cozy caper as Anastasia and her husband aid their detective friend in hunting down a killer. The tips for memory quilts at the end are a bonus. Highly entertaining!

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, and this book is my favorite by far. There are so many twists and turns that kept me glued to the pages. Anastasia somehow always winds up in the thick of things, whether she wants to be or not. I love her friends who are there for her no matter what, and of course her husband Zack. Even Detective Spader has come around. Leonard the dog is great, and Ralph the Shakespeare reciting bird is a hoot. Circumstances that occurred in this book made things very interesting, and I love the way events progressed. I highly recommend this book and this series!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anastasia finds herself drawn into another murder...this one is her new neighbor. When they move in, she notices them as a little quirky and maybe even strange. When he is discovered dead, and in a most unseemly matter, Anastasia can't help but try to figure out what happened. Enter a cast of characters including drug dealers, civil war reenactors, former wives and it makes for an entertaining mystery. I enjoyed this most recent installment in the crafting mystery series.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lois Winston write the most wonderful cozies around. Her characters are funny and always interesting. Seams Like the Perfect Crime is another winner! We’ve read every one of the Anastasia Pollock mysteries and this one was so much fun….we especially enjoyed the new direction of the “commie mother-in-law from hell!” Such a satisfying read after following these characters for so long. I highly recommend this book!

[Mysterybookreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

Anastasia is once again involved in helping to solve yet another murder. This time, it is her neighbor who is killed but she was not the one to find the body.
This is a great book with many twists and turns. While I suspected the correct killer, there is a twist that made me uncertain. I'm excited for the next book!

[Carol K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series. This was another fun story with all her crazy relatives and friends. I'm already looking forward to the next one.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

love these Anastasia Pollack/Barnes books. Can't always guess the killer!

I can't wait for the next book in this series!

[Vicki May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anastasia has a new, very odd neighbor. Before she can get to know him or find out why he mows the same dirt covered patch of yard everyday, he is murdered. Due to a short staff of police, Detective Spader turns to amateur sleuth, Anastasia, for help. They may not agree on the prime suspect but when there is another murder and the possibility of a series killer, solving the crime takes on new urgency.
I had not read any of the previous Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries but had no difficulty enjoying book 14 so being unfamiliar with the series should not stop anyone from enjoying Seams Like the Perfect Crime. The characters are quirky, fun and likable. I liked the fast paced mystery that kept me guessing until the end with plenty of twists and turns. The humorous writing style made this book enjoyable mystery aside. I would definitely recommend this book to cozy mystery readers whether they have read the previous books in the series or not.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourteenth book by Lois Winston in the Anastasia Pollack Mystery series. The new neighbors across the street move in and shortly after that event, Nick reports to Zack and Anastasia that he thinks the male is dead on the porch. Upon further inspection, Zack declares him dead and dials 911 to report it. This starts the mystery of Barry Sumner’s death.

Quick read, well-plotted, great characters. This is my favorite book in the series. I can see myself re-reading it many times. Lucille wasn’t irritating to the point that I had to take breaks to recover from her toxic actions and words.

As a side note, I did enjoy Nick’s actions toward Billy and his adult conversations with his mother, Zack, and Detective Spader.

I really liked the Memory quilt write up and suggestions.

I was given an advanced readers copy and am not required to leave a positive review.

My second go at this story had me listening to this book. I thought the author and narrator did an excellent job. The narration enhanced the story for me.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio book

There is a new couple in the neighborhood. The husband likes to run the lawnmower constantly at all hours and then drink several beers. But that annoyance does not last long as he is found dead by Anastasia’s youngest son. Earlier he was seen in a fight at a war hero reenactment and was killed by a bayonet. Paying respect to the widow they attend the viewing there is an outburst from the widow saying that one of the wives killed her husband. Could t be that simple or is there more to the crime? Who really commit the crime and why? Anastasia despite not wanting to get involved but somehow is in the middle of things. It is another winner n the series.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seams Like the Perfect Crime is book #14 in the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery series by Lois Winston.

I really enjoyed this book. I like humor in my books and this one delivers! The characters are interesting and there is always something crazy happening. The mystery kept me guessing about the guilty party until the end! I recommend this book and the entire series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.