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Stitched in Secret: An Alex Allin Cozy Mystery
A clever canine. A vanished friend. A secret someone would kill to keep buried —and Alex Allin’s cozy life is about to come undone.
When a centuries-old ornate box appears in Alex Allin’s Colorado shop, it carries more than curiosity—it reveals a mystery stretching across generations. A cryptic pattern tucked inside leads straight to Istanbul. Reluctant but determined, Alex follows the thread, never expecting the puzzle to turn deadly.
When her best friend is abducted, the mystery becomes personal. With her snack-obsessed dog, Saedie, a flirtatious journalist, and the eccentric Granny Squad in tow, Alex is plunged into a tangled web of secrets, deception, and betrayal. In the labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar, suspects weave tales as intricate as a Turkish rug.
From antique dealers to local historians, everyone has something to hide—and someone wants Alex to stop asking questions.
Time is running out. If Alex and her companions can’t stitch the clues together, they might lose more than the mystery—they might lose Juniper forever
🧵 Perfect for fans of lighthearted mysteries, clever clues, and strong female friendships, Stitched in Secret is a stitch-perfect cozy threaded with unexpected twists, endearing camaraderie, and one very clever Cavapoo.Includes a recipe and quilt block pattern.
When a centuries-old ornate box appears in Alex Allin’s Colorado shop, it carries more than curiosity—it reveals a mystery stretching across generations. A cryptic pattern tucked inside leads straight to Istanbul. Reluctant but determined, Alex follows the thread, never expecting the puzzle to turn deadly.
When her best friend is abducted, the mystery becomes personal. With her snack-obsessed dog, Saedie, a flirtatious journalist, and the eccentric Granny Squad in tow, Alex is plunged into a tangled web of secrets, deception, and betrayal. In the labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar, suspects weave tales as intricate as a Turkish rug.
From antique dealers to local historians, everyone has something to hide—and someone wants Alex to stop asking questions.
Time is running out. If Alex and her companions can’t stitch the clues together, they might lose more than the mystery—they might lose Juniper forever
🧵 Perfect for fans of lighthearted mysteries, clever clues, and strong female friendships, Stitched in Secret is a stitch-perfect cozy threaded with unexpected twists, endearing camaraderie, and one very clever Cavapoo.Includes a recipe and quilt block pattern.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2025
24 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Gracie Gann
10 books7 followersGracie Gann writes heartwarming cozy mysteries stitched with secrets, small-town charm, and a touch of faith. She and her husband served as missionaries for over 50 years before she turned to fiction, stitching her love of history, mystery, and meaningful connection into every book.
Gracie now lives in Colorado with Steve and their black-and-white Cavapoo, Saedie—who frequently steals both snacks and scenes in her stories. When she’s not plotting fictional crimes, she’s dreaming up recipes, exploring hidden corners of the world, or designing her next quilt.
Her Alex Allin Cozy Mystery series is perfect for readers who love a good puzzle, a strong female lead, and a little faith mixed in with their fiction.
Visit her at www.graciegannbooks.com
Gracie now lives in Colorado with Steve and their black-and-white Cavapoo, Saedie—who frequently steals both snacks and scenes in her stories. When she’s not plotting fictional crimes, she’s dreaming up recipes, exploring hidden corners of the world, or designing her next quilt.
Her Alex Allin Cozy Mystery series is perfect for readers who love a good puzzle, a strong female lead, and a little faith mixed in with their fiction.
Visit her at www.graciegannbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 13, 2025
Alex Allin, historian and quilt shop owner is intrigued when an ornate box appears in her store. Little does she know that the contents of this box will lead her halfway around the world to Istanbul to solve this quilting mystery. After her friend, Juniper is abducted at the market, Alex and her crew (her cavapoo, Saedie, reporter Justin Case and the Granny Squad) make it their mission bring her home.
Gann uses descriptive language to paint a colorful picture of Istanbul. The reader feels like they are in the marketplace with the characters. There were historical elements interwoven throughout the story and the Granny Squad added a dose of humor without going overboard. If you are into intrigue, quilting and strong women characters, this is the story for you.
*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Gann uses descriptive language to paint a colorful picture of Istanbul. The reader feels like they are in the marketplace with the characters. There were historical elements interwoven throughout the story and the Granny Squad added a dose of humor without going overboard. If you are into intrigue, quilting and strong women characters, this is the story for you.
*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 18, 2025
Stitched in Secret
Book 1 of An Alex Allin Cozy Mystery Series
by Gracie Gann
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Stitched in Secret, the first in the Alex Allin Cozy Mystery series by Gracie Gann, is a delightful blend of quilting, mystery, and international intrigue that had me turning the pages with curiosity and occasional chuckles.
Alix Allin, owner of Patchwork Havens, makes for a smart and grounded protagonist, and her trusty Cavapoo, Saedie, brings a sharp instinct and charm to the team (seriously, this dog deserves a badge). When a quilting mystery threatens to unravel far more than just patterns, it touches on history, greed, and secrets leading all the way to Istanbul.
The stakes escalate quickly.
Especially when her friend Juniper vanishes, and it’s up to Alix and her determined group of Grannies to piece together the truth.
I particularly loved the infusion of Turkish culture throughout the plot, adding a unique and refreshing layer to the cosy mystery formula. The humour balanced well with the suspense, and the tone remained light while still tackling darker twists.
The only point that left me a bit puzzled was during Juniper’s disappearance. One moment Saedie is dashing down an alley, Alix is close behind, and then… it abruptly shifts. I found myself flipping back to see if I missed a thread.
Overall, Stitched in Secret is a warm, clever, and slightly globe-trotting cosy mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. I’ll definitely be following Alix and her loyal crew in the next instalment.
Book 1 of An Alex Allin Cozy Mystery Series
by Gracie Gann
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Stitched in Secret, the first in the Alex Allin Cozy Mystery series by Gracie Gann, is a delightful blend of quilting, mystery, and international intrigue that had me turning the pages with curiosity and occasional chuckles.
Alix Allin, owner of Patchwork Havens, makes for a smart and grounded protagonist, and her trusty Cavapoo, Saedie, brings a sharp instinct and charm to the team (seriously, this dog deserves a badge). When a quilting mystery threatens to unravel far more than just patterns, it touches on history, greed, and secrets leading all the way to Istanbul.
The stakes escalate quickly.
Especially when her friend Juniper vanishes, and it’s up to Alix and her determined group of Grannies to piece together the truth.
I particularly loved the infusion of Turkish culture throughout the plot, adding a unique and refreshing layer to the cosy mystery formula. The humour balanced well with the suspense, and the tone remained light while still tackling darker twists.
The only point that left me a bit puzzled was during Juniper’s disappearance. One moment Saedie is dashing down an alley, Alix is close behind, and then… it abruptly shifts. I found myself flipping back to see if I missed a thread.
Overall, Stitched in Secret is a warm, clever, and slightly globe-trotting cosy mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. I’ll definitely be following Alix and her loyal crew in the next instalment.
June 20, 2025
Stitched in Secret
This is a very delightful cozy mystery that takes readers on an unexpected journey from a charming Colorado shop to the bustling streets of Istanbul. With a curious antique box at its center, the story weaves together friendship, family secrets, and a touch of danger, all wrapped in a lighthearted tone.
Alex Allin and her loyal (and always snack hunting) pup Saedie add a dose of charm and comic relief.Fans of cozy mysteries with strong female leads, clever clues, and lovable sidekicks will find a lot to enjoy here; a heartwarming, puzzle-packed read with just enough suspense to keep the pages turning.
This is a very delightful cozy mystery that takes readers on an unexpected journey from a charming Colorado shop to the bustling streets of Istanbul. With a curious antique box at its center, the story weaves together friendship, family secrets, and a touch of danger, all wrapped in a lighthearted tone.
Alex Allin and her loyal (and always snack hunting) pup Saedie add a dose of charm and comic relief.Fans of cozy mysteries with strong female leads, clever clues, and lovable sidekicks will find a lot to enjoy here; a heartwarming, puzzle-packed read with just enough suspense to keep the pages turning.
June 13, 2025
Fascinating story.
A truly fascinating story filled with intrigue, mystery, and deceit as Alex, her friends and the Granny Squad travel to Istanbul with Alex's beloved cavoodle, Saedie, to follow the threads of a story about a quilt. The historical elements to this story are incredibly interesting and I could not put the book down. This is a great book that I can highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
A truly fascinating story filled with intrigue, mystery, and deceit as Alex, her friends and the Granny Squad travel to Istanbul with Alex's beloved cavoodle, Saedie, to follow the threads of a story about a quilt. The historical elements to this story are incredibly interesting and I could not put the book down. This is a great book that I can highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
June 27, 2025
Great clean, well written mystery
This is a very clean book with well developed characters, that gives us intrigue, humor, and education about the quilt world and Turkey. Especially love Saedie's remarkable contributions in exchange for snacks! It's an enjoyable mystery. Take a chance on this book. I'm presenting it at my book club later this year.
This is a very clean book with well developed characters, that gives us intrigue, humor, and education about the quilt world and Turkey. Especially love Saedie's remarkable contributions in exchange for snacks! It's an enjoyable mystery. Take a chance on this book. I'm presenting it at my book club later this year.
July 24, 2025
A Mystery about Quilt Design
Alex and Juniper are joined by Justin as they travel to Istanbul from Colorado. Of course the best detective of the bunch is her dog, a clever Cavapoo. This story is complex with mystery, clues, history, sewing/quilting and an added group of talented grannies. If you are interested in any of these topics this will be a fun read for you.
Alex and Juniper are joined by Justin as they travel to Istanbul from Colorado. Of course the best detective of the bunch is her dog, a clever Cavapoo. This story is complex with mystery, clues, history, sewing/quilting and an added group of talented grannies. If you are interested in any of these topics this will be a fun read for you.
July 6, 2025
Amazing
Beautifully descriptively written. The description of Istanbul makes you feel like you are there walking through the Grand Bazaar. The knowledge of quilting and the patterns was astounding. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot combining the history of both. I loved the book.
Beautifully descriptively written. The description of Istanbul makes you feel like you are there walking through the Grand Bazaar. The knowledge of quilting and the patterns was astounding. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot combining the history of both. I loved the book.
November 20, 2025
Mysteries in quilts, stories in quilts,
secrets in quilts ...
Many different teases can be found
in quilts ... if you know how and where
to look.
Can YOU figure THIS mystery out ?
Enjoy !!
Phyllis S.
secrets in quilts ...
Many different teases can be found
in quilts ... if you know how and where
to look.
Can YOU figure THIS mystery out ?
Enjoy !!
Phyllis S.
December 9, 2025
Stitched in Secret
Alex, Saedie, and the Grannies head for Turkey in this adventure. Will the secrets of the quilt bring a sweet for Granite Dolly? Another quilt mystery and friendship leads the reader to a great adventure involving a quilt and a trip to Turkey
Alex, Saedie, and the Grannies head for Turkey in this adventure. Will the secrets of the quilt bring a sweet for Granite Dolly? Another quilt mystery and friendship leads the reader to a great adventure involving a quilt and a trip to Turkey
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews