Murder Spelled in Thread: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery

Ella Bloom Mysteries #8

by Sarah Noffke

Every stitch tells a story. Some stories get you killed.

For over a decade, the Chattering Needles have gathered every week in Gloamington — knitting, embroidering and sharing secrets.

They had one what's said in the circle, stays in the circle.

Someone broke it.

When one of their own is found dead, the needles go silent. And so does everyone else…

Was it the victim who let something slip outside the circle? Or did the secrets shared about her seal her fate? With a mysterious drifter lurking at the edges of town and a tangle of husbands, rivals and old grudges to unravel, the suspect list is anything but short.

Now Ella Bloom and Malcolm Fawkes must pick apart every thread, including the spelled one woven into the murder itself. But as Ella hunts a killer hiding among Gloamington's most tight-knit women, she's still being hunted herself.

Can Ella and Malcolm stitch together the truth before the murderer strikes again? Or will the secrets buried in that circle prove too deadly to unravel?

Murder Spelled in Thread is the eighth book in the enchanting Ella Bloom Mysteries.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2026

About the author

Sarah Noffke is a prolific USA Today Best-Selling Author, who writes YA and NA science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and urban fantasy. Most of her stories draw on her experiences living on the West Coast, growing up in Texas or traveling the world.

Her passion for art, culture and literature drives her to create stories that are full of whimsey, humor and philosophy. Her books appeal to readers who enjoy an escape, a bit of magic mixed with science and the unexpected--like a dragon who tells bad jokes and has a video game addiction, but fights for justice.

Noffke's books are top rated and best-sellers on Amazon. Her books are available in paperback, audio and in Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch and Italian.

To stay up to date with Sarah, please visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter: www.sarahnoffke.com

For a complete list of books by Sarah and a suggested reading order, please see: www.sarahnoffke.com/reading-guide/

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tie the knot

Ella, Malcolm, and Shadow are off again to solve another murder mystery. This one takes place in a retirement home full of secrets and they will really need their wits to figure out who done it. The mysteries in this series are very well thought out and I love all the characters. I also very much enjoy Ella's story and look forward to meeting the Fairy queen and seeing how her trial goes.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adore this series!

Thank you Sarah for your imaginative storytelling and your awareness of the magic that exists in and around us. Your description of the singing flowers was exquisite and took me to an exalted space. I look forward to the unfolding tale in the books to come!

[Paula Dawes · Rating 5 out of 5]

when their eyes met time stood still

Ella and Malcom have another murder to solve while there is a wedding to plan. I love the found family and magic that is in the story. Bagpipes is a great sidekick and definitely gets his way. Who knew a cat knows fashion! Tyler is so solid and caring how can Ella not have fallen in love with him

[Melanie Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best one yet

This is the best of the series so far. Questions are answered and more asked. So many old friends appear and the cat is running the show. We even bet a happily ever after, for now anyway. Can't wait to see what happens next.

[Ann Zdunczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

Murder at the Retirement Home was its own adventure and the Bagpipes designed the wedding. It was a surprise who did the killing. The wedding was wonderful.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

We head back to the wonderful town of Gloamington to find Ella hiding from the residents who have been put in lockdown by the fae king when there’s a murder in the fairytale retirement village. Secrets, lies and a close knit group called the chattering needles are in the centre of this investigation as Malcom and Ella leave no stone unturned and make their way round town following lead after lead. There’s a wedding to plan, a murder to solve and a fae queen to get ready to meet as we meet more extraordinary characters and discover who is loyal to Ella. It’s a fantastic addition to this incredible series with a wonderful ending and yes I did shed a few tears it was So, so good!

[Cheryl Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this, Ella finally gets married, the cat plans the wedding which is hilarious, the murder is something she has to solve along the way and work who is responsible and why. The residents of the retirement are fun and Ella learns to increase her magic, taught by a scallywag who is not entirely legal. Let's hope she did pay her debts to the shop.

Really good and entertaining story, the sort that keeps you going back for more. So I can't wait to find out what happens in the fae court. I am pleased her father came to the wedding.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok, I don't give 5-stars very often. I usually would have given this one a 4. However, the mystery was well done, the emotions around the wedding preparations were sufficiently tense enough, and lastly the wedding was just beautiful. The description was too short and it ended a bit abruptly but it was overall - for me - the best of what is a great series. Now - on to the trial with the Queen. I look forward to it!

[SusanR · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lovely Book

This book has heart, love, and murder. It wasn’t sappy, it was written just right. It’s not a standalone, but the journey to it was worth it. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Margaret lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love gloamington

Wow I loved this book it’s characters and animals are amazing Sarah says it’s going to be a 15 book series why please do at least 30 I would be quite happy reading them all I highly recommend this series it lifts up your heart a very big 5 stars

[Georgia Tumbleweed McNabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sweet Series

I am not usually a cozy story person, but I am truely enjoying this Series. Our Detective and Elle compliment each other so very well and the aloe methodical was they figure out the various mysteries is nice.

[William Dickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Congratulations

These books are so much fun. Two stories in one book . Ella's growth and a murder mystery. I did pretty good this time on who did it. The adventures continue to grow, and the next book should be another winner.

[Edmund C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW

Murders and weddings!
Simply awesome
Captures your attention
Solves mysteries
Just enough to be satisfied, yet want more

Love all the characters from all the stories who care about Ella

Thank you!

[Mrs Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous story from Sarah Noffke

Thank you Sarah, for transporting me into a gorgeous world filled with magic, love and gentle adventure. I have loved every single one and can’t wait to read the next 15!!

[Maria Sepulveda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than watching a movie,

I felt like I was participating in every part of the story. I was transported to this magical place. She is awesome. I can imagine her 😺.