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Crochet Mystery #11
Hooking for Trouble
Molly Pink can’t help seeing a pattern of trouble in the latest mystery from the national bestselling author of Seams Like Murder.
The Tarzana Hookers’ Yarn University has been a big success, and the classes have drawn in a slew of new crochet devotees. A less welcome arrival is the boxy monstrosity in the yard behind Molly’s house. She hasn’t met her new neighbors, but when she sees a couple struggling on the balcony and later spies what looks like someone lying on the ground, Molly wastes no time calling in her ex, homicide detective Barry Greenberg.
To Molly’s shock, Barry reports that nothing is amiss with her neighbors and asks her to lay off with the amateur detecting. Molly knows she wasn’t just seeing things, but with no body to prove her case she’ll have to unravel the evidence on her own—because someone in Tarzana is tangled up in murder...
DELICIOUS RECIPES & CROCHET PATTERNS INCLUDED!
The Tarzana Hookers’ Yarn University has been a big success, and the classes have drawn in a slew of new crochet devotees. A less welcome arrival is the boxy monstrosity in the yard behind Molly’s house. She hasn’t met her new neighbors, but when she sees a couple struggling on the balcony and later spies what looks like someone lying on the ground, Molly wastes no time calling in her ex, homicide detective Barry Greenberg.
To Molly’s shock, Barry reports that nothing is amiss with her neighbors and asks her to lay off with the amateur detecting. Molly knows she wasn’t just seeing things, but with no body to prove her case she’ll have to unravel the evidence on her own—because someone in Tarzana is tangled up in murder...
DELICIOUS RECIPES & CROCHET PATTERNS INCLUDED!
282 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2016
103 people are currently reading
1116 people want to read
About the author
Betty Hechtman
33 books709 followersI grew up on the south side of Chicago and in a very busy weekend, got married, graduated college and moved to Los Angeles.
Although my degree is in Fine Arts, all I ever wanted to be was a writer and I've been doing it in one form or another for as long as I can remember. My shining moments in elementary and high school always involved stories or poetry I'd written. I wrote news stories and a weekly column in my college newspaper. My first job out of college was working on the newsletter of a finance company. I worked for a public relations firm and wrote press releases and biographies. Later I wrote proposals for video projects and television shows that went through various stages of development.
I tried writing screenplays and wrote three. I sold one and another was a winner in a Writers' Digest contest.
I was lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom and did all kinds of volunteering at my son's schools including editing and writing several newsletters.
I wrote essays and small pieces that ran in the Los Angeles Times, the Daily News and Woman's Day among others. My short romantic and mystery fiction appeared in Woman's World, and Futures magazine.
From time I was a thirteen-year-old babysitter cooking for the kids I babysat, I dreamed of writing a book about babysitting. It took a little longer than I'd expected, but BLUE SCHWARTZ AND NEFERTITI'S NECKLACE was published in 2006.
My affair with crochet began in Las Vegas. I had always had a fascination with crochet, particularly granny squares, but thought there was some magic involved with making them that was beyond me. And then everything changed that day in Vegas when I saw the kids' kit in FAO Schwartz. If the instructions were easy enough for kids, I thought they might work for me.
My first granny square was missing a corner, but when I tried again, all four corners were there. I was in awe of my own accomplishment. I had found the magic. I went granny square crazy until pretty soon I didn't need directions anymore. Then I learned there were more squares than just basic grannies and I made squares with sunflowers in the middle and other patterns. I moved beyond squares and made flowers, hearts, bookmarks and more.
I was in love with crochet and began to make scarves, purses, afghans, and shawls. I started carrying my hooks everywhere. A plane trip became a pile of granny square wash cloths, or part of a shawl. A vacation in Hawaii turned into a tote bag.
And now I get to write about it...
** Sourced from authors website
Series:
* A Crochet Mystery
* Yarn Retreat
Although my degree is in Fine Arts, all I ever wanted to be was a writer and I've been doing it in one form or another for as long as I can remember. My shining moments in elementary and high school always involved stories or poetry I'd written. I wrote news stories and a weekly column in my college newspaper. My first job out of college was working on the newsletter of a finance company. I worked for a public relations firm and wrote press releases and biographies. Later I wrote proposals for video projects and television shows that went through various stages of development.
I tried writing screenplays and wrote three. I sold one and another was a winner in a Writers' Digest contest.
I was lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom and did all kinds of volunteering at my son's schools including editing and writing several newsletters.
I wrote essays and small pieces that ran in the Los Angeles Times, the Daily News and Woman's Day among others. My short romantic and mystery fiction appeared in Woman's World, and Futures magazine.
From time I was a thirteen-year-old babysitter cooking for the kids I babysat, I dreamed of writing a book about babysitting. It took a little longer than I'd expected, but BLUE SCHWARTZ AND NEFERTITI'S NECKLACE was published in 2006.
My affair with crochet began in Las Vegas. I had always had a fascination with crochet, particularly granny squares, but thought there was some magic involved with making them that was beyond me. And then everything changed that day in Vegas when I saw the kids' kit in FAO Schwartz. If the instructions were easy enough for kids, I thought they might work for me.
My first granny square was missing a corner, but when I tried again, all four corners were there. I was in awe of my own accomplishment. I had found the magic. I went granny square crazy until pretty soon I didn't need directions anymore. Then I learned there were more squares than just basic grannies and I made squares with sunflowers in the middle and other patterns. I moved beyond squares and made flowers, hearts, bookmarks and more.
I was in love with crochet and began to make scarves, purses, afghans, and shawls. I started carrying my hooks everywhere. A plane trip became a pile of granny square wash cloths, or part of a shawl. A vacation in Hawaii turned into a tote bag.
And now I get to write about it...
** Sourced from authors website
Series:
* A Crochet Mystery
* Yarn Retreat
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
November 9, 2022
HOOKING FOR TROUBLE
Betty Hechtman
Well, meh! MEH! MEH! (oh wait that's goats!) This was alright, nothing hot, but always a steady and enjoyable read. It is a cozy mystery about older women and the characters are women of a certain age (50ish). On a rainy day with nothing to do, it was great.
3.7 rounded to 4 stars
Happy Reading!
Betty Hechtman
Well, meh! MEH! MEH! (oh wait that's goats!) This was alright, nothing hot, but always a steady and enjoyable read. It is a cozy mystery about older women and the characters are women of a certain age (50ish). On a rainy day with nothing to do, it was great.
3.7 rounded to 4 stars
Happy Reading!
November 15, 2016
I always love finding new books to read and I was happy when I picked up the newest release in Betty Hechtman’s Crochet Mystery series, HOOKING FOR TROUBLE. Even though I have not read any in this series and this is the eleventh book (boy do I have a lot of catching up to do!) it was an enjoyable, fun read!
I grew up watching my grandmother crochet all evening long whether she was watching tv or chatting with family. There is a certain mesmerizing rhythm to crocheting (and knitting) that can be soothing and Betty Hechtman manages to convey that feeling throughout the book, even with a murder mystery taking place. The plot surprised me and stepped outside the usual format which kept me guessing, erroneously, which way the twists and turns where heading. It’s the kind of story that kept me turning pages late into the night to find out what happens next. While the characters were new to me, it was easy to jump in and figure out who was who without being distracted. The bits of backstory and the writing is concise without being distracting. I enjoyed Molly’s entertaining mother, who adds lots of fun to the subplots, along with her friends who both inspire and challenge.
While the crocheting bug never grabbed me (I tried but didn’t have the patience to stick with it) Betty has included a scarf pattern at the back of the book that sounds delightful. I tried the recipe for Molly’s Double Chocolate Cookie Bars. Oh my, a chocolate lover’s dream cookie and is perfect for upcoming holiday parties or for sharing with family and friends to celebrate the season!
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I grew up watching my grandmother crochet all evening long whether she was watching tv or chatting with family. There is a certain mesmerizing rhythm to crocheting (and knitting) that can be soothing and Betty Hechtman manages to convey that feeling throughout the book, even with a murder mystery taking place. The plot surprised me and stepped outside the usual format which kept me guessing, erroneously, which way the twists and turns where heading. It’s the kind of story that kept me turning pages late into the night to find out what happens next. While the characters were new to me, it was easy to jump in and figure out who was who without being distracted. The bits of backstory and the writing is concise without being distracting. I enjoyed Molly’s entertaining mother, who adds lots of fun to the subplots, along with her friends who both inspire and challenge.
While the crocheting bug never grabbed me (I tried but didn’t have the patience to stick with it) Betty has included a scarf pattern at the back of the book that sounds delightful. I tried the recipe for Molly’s Double Chocolate Cookie Bars. Oh my, a chocolate lover’s dream cookie and is perfect for upcoming holiday parties or for sharing with family and friends to celebrate the season!
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 1, 2016
Author Betty Hechtman knows how to spin a yarn that will keep readers hooked.
With my fiftieth birthday just around the corner when I read this HOOKING FOR TROUBLE, the irony of protagonist Molly Pink celebrating her fiftieth wasn’t lost on me. Indeed, I felt energized by the fact.
HOOKING FOR TROUBLE was an excellent story. It had such a well thought out plot, which was executed brilliantly. There were times when I was sure I knew exactly where things were leading, only to turn the page and find I was heading in a completely different direction. Betty Hechtman has a real talent for writing an intricate tale that twists and turns, slowly intertwining until the reader is totally tied up in the tale. Then, she expertly starts to unravel the knot to lead us through the exciting reveal and the ultimate conclusion.
It truly is hard to tell that HOOKING FOR TROUBLE is the eleventh book in the Crochet Mystery series. Hechtman’s ideas are still fresh and entertaining. I for am looking forward to volume twelve!
Make sure to check out the back of this book for a great crochet pattern, as well as a couple tasty recipes!
With my fiftieth birthday just around the corner when I read this HOOKING FOR TROUBLE, the irony of protagonist Molly Pink celebrating her fiftieth wasn’t lost on me. Indeed, I felt energized by the fact.
HOOKING FOR TROUBLE was an excellent story. It had such a well thought out plot, which was executed brilliantly. There were times when I was sure I knew exactly where things were leading, only to turn the page and find I was heading in a completely different direction. Betty Hechtman has a real talent for writing an intricate tale that twists and turns, slowly intertwining until the reader is totally tied up in the tale. Then, she expertly starts to unravel the knot to lead us through the exciting reveal and the ultimate conclusion.
It truly is hard to tell that HOOKING FOR TROUBLE is the eleventh book in the Crochet Mystery series. Hechtman’s ideas are still fresh and entertaining. I for am looking forward to volume twelve!
Make sure to check out the back of this book for a great crochet pattern, as well as a couple tasty recipes!
January 9, 2017
this was very enjoyable to read. it's a cozy mystery which is a genre i've never read before and was excited to read. the book is about an ordinary woman, not a detective who solves mysteries. i liked that it's. not a detective solving mysteries because i think that it makes. the character more relatable. i also really enjoyed the fact that that the author put recipes at the end of the book. i think more authors should put recipes at the end of their books to go with their story.
January 1, 2025
3.5 The Tarzana Hookers’ Yarn University has been a big success, and the classes have drawn in a slew of new crochet devotees. A less welcome arrival is the boxy monstrosity in the yard behind Molly’s house. She hasn’t met her new neighbors, but when she sees a couple struggling on the balcony and later spies what looks like someone lying on the ground, Molly wastes no time calling in her ex, homicide detective Barry Greenberg. To Molly’s shock, Barry reports that nothing is amiss with her neighbors and asks her to lay off with the amateur detecting. [amazon synopsis]
Molly knows what she saw. As usual she continues to try and solve the "crime". I am definitely a Mason fan - Barry takes advantage of Molly. Tho Molly is a door mat. 4-yr olds cannot crochet/knit
Molly knows what she saw. As usual she continues to try and solve the "crime". I am definitely a Mason fan - Barry takes advantage of Molly. Tho Molly is a door mat. 4-yr olds cannot crochet/knit
September 14, 2019
This one was a little different in that there was no outright murder. I had to keep convincing myself that something must have happened and we would eventually get to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2023
New favorite in the series! This one was so much different and I loved it!
August 2, 2017
This will be my last "Crochet Mystery." I just can't get past my general irritation with the genre. The characters are kind of dull, the mysteries are tame to the point of being sleep-inducing, and the plots are mind-numbingly slow moving. I can see the appeal of these for certain readers but I just can't get into them the way I had hoped I would.
November 18, 2016
Really enjoyed the latest Crochet Mystery cozy! I don't know how she does it, but the author writes better mysteries every time, including suspense, humor, relationship challenges and crochet crafts. I might even have to try the Tunisian crochet as it sounds so much easier in the pattern. Molly is the ideal sleuth. I am also happy to see that some of the female sleuths are reaching 'that age' so I feel a little less of an antique. Enjoy the escapades with Molly's pets - love cats! And hope to see more of Adele...she provides some of the comic relief!
The plot is fresh and exciting, full of suspense and fun. I kind of like the ex-boyfriend Barry better than the current boyfriend, Mason. While on one hand, he is a good guy in many ways, Barry is much more responsive when Molly needs help and doesn't have his ex living in his house. His kid has a much better relationship with Molly than Mason's daughter - yes an adult daughter moved back in with him and her 'tude around Molly speaks up waaay too loud.
A couple things that made this mystery fresh is that not only has Molly's parents moved to town, but her mother's girl band from back in the day gets back together. How cool is that, to watch your mom sing and do some dance routines again?
Yes, I am a fan of this author, and definitely look forward to the next in series, in spite of a cliffhanger (hate cliffhangers, love this series). Definitely a 5 in my book overall!
The plot is fresh and exciting, full of suspense and fun. I kind of like the ex-boyfriend Barry better than the current boyfriend, Mason. While on one hand, he is a good guy in many ways, Barry is much more responsive when Molly needs help and doesn't have his ex living in his house. His kid has a much better relationship with Molly than Mason's daughter - yes an adult daughter moved back in with him and her 'tude around Molly speaks up waaay too loud.
A couple things that made this mystery fresh is that not only has Molly's parents moved to town, but her mother's girl band from back in the day gets back together. How cool is that, to watch your mom sing and do some dance routines again?
Yes, I am a fan of this author, and definitely look forward to the next in series, in spite of a cliffhanger (hate cliffhangers, love this series). Definitely a 5 in my book overall!
October 21, 2016
Sunday was a rainy and blustery day at my place so I spent much of the day with Betty Hechtman's Hooking For Trouble. Out November 1st this crochet mystery has a fantastic title an I love the cover. Hooking for trouble is book 11 and was actually my favorite book in the series so far. I loved being back with the gang and seeing what they were all up to. I love that main character Molly Pink turns 50 in this book and that she only improves with age, gives a girl something to look forward to!
This was a great mystery and I did not figure out the killer until it was revealed. It was a fun story line as murder mysteries go and I know that others who enjoy this series will be thrilled with it.
This was a great mystery and I did not figure out the killer until it was revealed. It was a fun story line as murder mysteries go and I know that others who enjoy this series will be thrilled with it.
December 18, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/ho...
Hooking for Trouble
A Crochet Mystery, Book #11
By Betty Hechtman
ISBN: 9780425279458
Author Website: bettyhechtman.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Molly Pink can’t help seeing a pattern of trouble in the latest mystery from the national bestselling author of Seams Like Murder.
The Tarzana Hookers’ Yarn University has been a big success, and the classes have drawn in a slew of new crochet devotees. A less welcome arrival is the boxy monstrosity in the yard behind Molly’s house. She hasn’t met her new neighbors, but when she sees a couple struggling on the balcony and later spies what looks like someone lying on the ground, Molly wastes no time calling in her ex, homicide detective Barry Greenberg.
To Molly’s shock, Barry reports that nothing is amiss with her neighbors and asks her to lay off with the amateur detecting. Molly knows she wasn’t just seeing things, but with no body to prove her case she’ll have to unravel the evidence on her own—because someone in Tarzana is tangled up in murder…(Goodreads)
Review:
Molly Pink is my kind of protagonist! Number 11 in the Crochet Mystery series, Hooking for Trouble exceeds the expectations I had based on prior novels. It can be read in order with the series or read as a standalone. While the characters may change and grow from one novel to the next, a reader can always count on the author’s sense of humor bringing a LOL fun break to even the most grueling day. The reader can also rely on the author to ‘demonstrate’ a crochet technique and include a new pattern or two.
Molly’s life is never dull. On the night of her surprise birthday party, after everyone left, one of her cats has escaped the yard, going into the not-yet-landscaped yard of a new two story home was built on a hill, taking away Molly’s privacy. While there, she saw what looked like a man and woman fighting and the woman nearly going off the balcony. On another evening it looked as though a dead body was lying in the yard. Both times, she called her ex-boyfriend, Barry, a homicide detective, to check it out. Both times there was a ‘logical explanation’.
Molly is assistant manager at an indie bookstore; among other things, they added a yarn department that coordinates well with the happy hour group, The Tarzana Hookers (uh…crochet type hookers). Their Yarn University classes have successfully increased customers and crochet classes. The latest plan is to bring two girl groups in to sing and bring attention to their music and video department. One is the return of She La Las, a group that split only when husbands and babies came along. Oh…and this group includes Molly’s mother, who still has her beautiful singing voice and each of the ladies can still perform some dance routines!
The second group is one in which the lead-singing sister is well known from reality TV shows, the ChIlLas. There are three sisters, one of whom’s husband is the manager The husband of another is a well-known country-western singer. Oh…and just for fun, the manager, Garrett and his wife Cheyenne, own the recently constructed two story home built up on a hill on the lot behind Molly’s home. The very same home where Molly had seen the unusual occurrences.
Cheyenne loves to crochet, and has joined the class on Tunisian crochet where Molly works. Adele, the drama queen of the bookstore, has another major crisis regarding her upcoming nuptials. Things begin to heat up when Molly has to make sure nobody says a word around Cheyenne that Molly lives behind her and might be the nosy neighbor who kept calling the police. Molly learns one of the children’s nannies left suddenly and seemed to disappear the night Molly had seen the body. She had all good intentions of not doing any more detecting, but some situations just invited her to seek justice.
Molly, through whose eyes we see the events, is the character we get to know the best. The more I get to know Molly, the more I wish she were my neighbor! Her close friend Dinah and co-worker Adele are possibly the next best defined characters. Dinah is often her partner in investigating. Adele is often the reason for frustration or laughter, yet Molly is as kind as possible to her. It will be fun to watch Molly and her parents since their move to the Valley as we don’t know as much about them. Barry, the ex-boyfriend, seems to have never gotten over Molly, while Mason, her current boyfriend, has his ex-wife and daughter staying in his albeit huge home. The Tarzana Hookers are also a delightful group that I would love to have in my neighborhood. What a group of talented, adventurous crafters they are!
This is another novel in the Crochet Mystery series that pulled me in at the beginning and kept my attention throughout. The mysteries and lack of a body certainly made for an interesting plot, one that included the relationships of the ChIlLas and the challenges in Molly’s relationship with Mason. While at times the various situations seemed like a tangled web of yarn, Molly and her friends seem to effortlessly untangle and make something beautiful and even whimsical with it. The plot twists kept changing my point of view regarding who the bad guy or gal might be, and I was a bit surprised at how it all unraveled. The novel ending was almost completely satisfying. There was one minor disappointment in that I don’t like novels to have cliffhangers, but I have enjoyed this series long enough to look forward to the next in series. I highly recommend Hooking for Trouble to crochet enthusiasts and cozy mystery fans who enjoy a little romance and crafting to bring added texture to the suspense.
Hooking for Trouble
A Crochet Mystery, Book #11
By Betty Hechtman
ISBN: 9780425279458
Author Website: bettyhechtman.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Molly Pink can’t help seeing a pattern of trouble in the latest mystery from the national bestselling author of Seams Like Murder.
The Tarzana Hookers’ Yarn University has been a big success, and the classes have drawn in a slew of new crochet devotees. A less welcome arrival is the boxy monstrosity in the yard behind Molly’s house. She hasn’t met her new neighbors, but when she sees a couple struggling on the balcony and later spies what looks like someone lying on the ground, Molly wastes no time calling in her ex, homicide detective Barry Greenberg.
To Molly’s shock, Barry reports that nothing is amiss with her neighbors and asks her to lay off with the amateur detecting. Molly knows she wasn’t just seeing things, but with no body to prove her case she’ll have to unravel the evidence on her own—because someone in Tarzana is tangled up in murder…(Goodreads)
Review:
Molly Pink is my kind of protagonist! Number 11 in the Crochet Mystery series, Hooking for Trouble exceeds the expectations I had based on prior novels. It can be read in order with the series or read as a standalone. While the characters may change and grow from one novel to the next, a reader can always count on the author’s sense of humor bringing a LOL fun break to even the most grueling day. The reader can also rely on the author to ‘demonstrate’ a crochet technique and include a new pattern or two.
Molly’s life is never dull. On the night of her surprise birthday party, after everyone left, one of her cats has escaped the yard, going into the not-yet-landscaped yard of a new two story home was built on a hill, taking away Molly’s privacy. While there, she saw what looked like a man and woman fighting and the woman nearly going off the balcony. On another evening it looked as though a dead body was lying in the yard. Both times, she called her ex-boyfriend, Barry, a homicide detective, to check it out. Both times there was a ‘logical explanation’.
Molly is assistant manager at an indie bookstore; among other things, they added a yarn department that coordinates well with the happy hour group, The Tarzana Hookers (uh…crochet type hookers). Their Yarn University classes have successfully increased customers and crochet classes. The latest plan is to bring two girl groups in to sing and bring attention to their music and video department. One is the return of She La Las, a group that split only when husbands and babies came along. Oh…and this group includes Molly’s mother, who still has her beautiful singing voice and each of the ladies can still perform some dance routines!
The second group is one in which the lead-singing sister is well known from reality TV shows, the ChIlLas. There are three sisters, one of whom’s husband is the manager The husband of another is a well-known country-western singer. Oh…and just for fun, the manager, Garrett and his wife Cheyenne, own the recently constructed two story home built up on a hill on the lot behind Molly’s home. The very same home where Molly had seen the unusual occurrences.
Cheyenne loves to crochet, and has joined the class on Tunisian crochet where Molly works. Adele, the drama queen of the bookstore, has another major crisis regarding her upcoming nuptials. Things begin to heat up when Molly has to make sure nobody says a word around Cheyenne that Molly lives behind her and might be the nosy neighbor who kept calling the police. Molly learns one of the children’s nannies left suddenly and seemed to disappear the night Molly had seen the body. She had all good intentions of not doing any more detecting, but some situations just invited her to seek justice.
Molly, through whose eyes we see the events, is the character we get to know the best. The more I get to know Molly, the more I wish she were my neighbor! Her close friend Dinah and co-worker Adele are possibly the next best defined characters. Dinah is often her partner in investigating. Adele is often the reason for frustration or laughter, yet Molly is as kind as possible to her. It will be fun to watch Molly and her parents since their move to the Valley as we don’t know as much about them. Barry, the ex-boyfriend, seems to have never gotten over Molly, while Mason, her current boyfriend, has his ex-wife and daughter staying in his albeit huge home. The Tarzana Hookers are also a delightful group that I would love to have in my neighborhood. What a group of talented, adventurous crafters they are!
This is another novel in the Crochet Mystery series that pulled me in at the beginning and kept my attention throughout. The mysteries and lack of a body certainly made for an interesting plot, one that included the relationships of the ChIlLas and the challenges in Molly’s relationship with Mason. While at times the various situations seemed like a tangled web of yarn, Molly and her friends seem to effortlessly untangle and make something beautiful and even whimsical with it. The plot twists kept changing my point of view regarding who the bad guy or gal might be, and I was a bit surprised at how it all unraveled. The novel ending was almost completely satisfying. There was one minor disappointment in that I don’t like novels to have cliffhangers, but I have enjoyed this series long enough to look forward to the next in series. I highly recommend Hooking for Trouble to crochet enthusiasts and cozy mystery fans who enjoy a little romance and crafting to bring added texture to the suspense.
February 26, 2017
I read a book in this series some while ago and it was fun, especially the continuing battle for supremacy between crochet and knitting. This book, could not finish. Might try the series again based on the other book i read.
March 23, 2021
Molly Pink is a widow who works at a bookstore as Events Coordinator/Assistant Manager. She and her fellow Tarzana Hookers, their crochet club, use their free time to get together and crochet. They have some new members, including a woman named Lauren, who won't talk about her past.
But there's more going on in Molly's life. Her parents have moved back to Tarzana and her mother, member of a girls' group called The She La La's is practicing their dance steps at Molly's so they're always underfoot. Molly's gentleman friend, Mason, a celebrity attorney, is having both professional problems with a client and the fact that his ex-wife Jaime and daughter Brooklyn are living with him, leaving no place for them to get together. Then, her friends Dinah and Adele are both getting married and having problems of their own.
To add to the confusion, there's a huge house going up behind Molly's and she's sure she's seen nefarious doings. She's convinced someone was murdered, but when her ex, homicide detective Barry Greenberg, goes to investigate, he finds nothing and tells her to leave it alone. Of course we know she won't; and when she involves her best friend Dinah they manage to garner a clue. Albeit a small one, but a clue nonetheless.
What makes it worse is she discovers the people she's investigating are celebrities themselves -- members of their own group, the ChLiLas, and their leader, Cheyenne, has temporarily joined the group, and what's more, agreed that she and her sisters will perform at the bookstore. This gives one of the owners an idea to have musical events, which only add to Molly's duties and frustration, as one more problem pops up.
Now, with very little time and very little clues, she's convinced someone is dead. The problem is: who is it, and where is their body?...
I have read all of these books so far, and I must say, for some reason that after reading this one I felt dissatisfied. It wasn't anything specific that I can put my finger on; the murder was solved and the murderers were caught, as we always know they will be. I think it is more that I am getting frustrated with Molly and her actions. She claims to always be in a relationship, but never spends any time with the person she's involved with. How is that a relationship? I have a better one with the cashier at my grocery store than Molly does with either her ex, Barry, or her current love, Mason. That, and the fact that we never get anywhere before the book ends. It's becoming annoying and distracting from the murder investigation. She needs to sit down and talk with someone about why she won't open up instead of complaining about others not opening up to her.
I think I'm also getting tired of Adele's hysterics. I get that it's supposed to be humorous, but it's grating most of the time and I just want to slap her and tell her to get it together. Jeez, she's a grown woman. Handle your problems, lady.
Other than these things, the mystery itself was fine, and I enjoyed looking for clues. I was surprised by ending, but that's not a bad thing; the murderer was not anyone I would have suspected. So, it was a decent mystery and it took less than a day to read, making it an easy one to get through.
But there's more going on in Molly's life. Her parents have moved back to Tarzana and her mother, member of a girls' group called The She La La's is practicing their dance steps at Molly's so they're always underfoot. Molly's gentleman friend, Mason, a celebrity attorney, is having both professional problems with a client and the fact that his ex-wife Jaime and daughter Brooklyn are living with him, leaving no place for them to get together. Then, her friends Dinah and Adele are both getting married and having problems of their own.
To add to the confusion, there's a huge house going up behind Molly's and she's sure she's seen nefarious doings. She's convinced someone was murdered, but when her ex, homicide detective Barry Greenberg, goes to investigate, he finds nothing and tells her to leave it alone. Of course we know she won't; and when she involves her best friend Dinah they manage to garner a clue. Albeit a small one, but a clue nonetheless.
What makes it worse is she discovers the people she's investigating are celebrities themselves -- members of their own group, the ChLiLas, and their leader, Cheyenne, has temporarily joined the group, and what's more, agreed that she and her sisters will perform at the bookstore. This gives one of the owners an idea to have musical events, which only add to Molly's duties and frustration, as one more problem pops up.
Now, with very little time and very little clues, she's convinced someone is dead. The problem is: who is it, and where is their body?...
I have read all of these books so far, and I must say, for some reason that after reading this one I felt dissatisfied. It wasn't anything specific that I can put my finger on; the murder was solved and the murderers were caught, as we always know they will be. I think it is more that I am getting frustrated with Molly and her actions. She claims to always be in a relationship, but never spends any time with the person she's involved with. How is that a relationship? I have a better one with the cashier at my grocery store than Molly does with either her ex, Barry, or her current love, Mason. That, and the fact that we never get anywhere before the book ends. It's becoming annoying and distracting from the murder investigation. She needs to sit down and talk with someone about why she won't open up instead of complaining about others not opening up to her.
I think I'm also getting tired of Adele's hysterics. I get that it's supposed to be humorous, but it's grating most of the time and I just want to slap her and tell her to get it together. Jeez, she's a grown woman. Handle your problems, lady.
Other than these things, the mystery itself was fine, and I enjoyed looking for clues. I was surprised by ending, but that's not a bad thing; the murderer was not anyone I would have suspected. So, it was a decent mystery and it took less than a day to read, making it an easy one to get through.
May 10, 2020
The absence of a body doesn't deter Molly Pink from investigating what she is sure is a murder in "Hooking for Trouble."
In this installment of the Crochet Mystery series, pop and country music stars waltz into the bookstore where Molly works and become toasts of the town. There's trouble, though. There might not be a body, but Molly is sure there has been a murder. She's determined to figure out the mystery.
Much of the mystery was apparent fairly early in the book. Background "chatter" about wedding preparations and problems for Adele and Dinah were more an annoyance than anything. I'm still not liking the Molly/Mason pairing. Give me Barry.
This book is the 11th installment in the series. If you don't know by now what to expect from the books, you haven't been paying attention.
In this installment of the Crochet Mystery series, pop and country music stars waltz into the bookstore where Molly works and become toasts of the town. There's trouble, though. There might not be a body, but Molly is sure there has been a murder. She's determined to figure out the mystery.
Much of the mystery was apparent fairly early in the book. Background "chatter" about wedding preparations and problems for Adele and Dinah were more an annoyance than anything. I'm still not liking the Molly/Mason pairing. Give me Barry.
This book is the 11th installment in the series. If you don't know by now what to expect from the books, you haven't been paying attention.
April 5, 2020
Molly is sure she saw someone being murdered at her new next door neighbor’s home. But no one seems to be missing, and there is no body to be found. Molly tries her hand at detecting, using a kid’s detective set, and is on the verge of giving up when she finally realizes what she has been missing. This is a clever and intriguing mystery, and readers have the chance to solve it right along with Molly. Much happens in the personal lives of these colorful characters, too, so if you are new to the series, go back and start from the beginning. The continuing story of these characters is half the fun of the series.
February 6, 2023
Good fences
Molly has new neighbors behind her, and worries when she sees what appears to be an abusive situation; when Barry checks it out, he’s told the couple was just practicing a dance routine for an upcoming performance. Barry comes again when Molly tells him she saw a body in the neighbor’s yard, but once again it seems she’s mistaken, and what she saw was just a lounge cushion. She can’t help persisting in her suspicions when things about the neighbors don’t seem right, but with nothing to support her feelings, she’s just about ready to give up. She needs concrete evidence, but getting it may bury her deeper in danger.
Molly has new neighbors behind her, and worries when she sees what appears to be an abusive situation; when Barry checks it out, he’s told the couple was just practicing a dance routine for an upcoming performance. Barry comes again when Molly tells him she saw a body in the neighbor’s yard, but once again it seems she’s mistaken, and what she saw was just a lounge cushion. She can’t help persisting in her suspicions when things about the neighbors don’t seem right, but with nothing to support her feelings, she’s just about ready to give up. She needs concrete evidence, but getting it may bury her deeper in danger.
February 7, 2022
This was fine. This is like the third cozy mystery I’ve tried out and I think most of them just aren’t for me. I wasn’t really a fan of the writing in this one and there were way too many characters to keep track of.
I mostly enjoyed this book because crochet is a main focus, and I love that a whole series of cozies exists with crochet as a main character. I did enjoy how the book touched on the therapeutic elements of crocheting. Overall, it’s cool to see my personal craft of choice be the star of the show.
I mostly enjoyed this book because crochet is a main focus, and I love that a whole series of cozies exists with crochet as a main character. I did enjoy how the book touched on the therapeutic elements of crocheting. Overall, it’s cool to see my personal craft of choice be the star of the show.
August 12, 2018
I have read this entire series but didn’t like this one. By chapter 8 I had figured out who the victim.....its a missing body at this point... and killer were going to be. I was very tired if the Mason has his ex and daughter at his house storyline . I read the last few pages to confirm mu guesses and even went back a little to find out why.
Yes I will read the next one but I won’t buy it. I hope it is better and the author was just off her game on this one.
Yes I will read the next one but I won’t buy it. I hope it is better and the author was just off her game on this one.
April 10, 2023
Another amazing book by Betty Hechtman. Molly can't help herself and loves solving murders. Her son Peter bought her a kids detective set for her birthday as a joke but turns out it actually worked and she used it to solve the murder of the nanny Jennifer next door.
There is lots of humor sprinkled into the storyline as well. Will Molly and Mason take their relationship to the next level or will she get back together with Barry?
There is lots of humor sprinkled into the storyline as well. Will Molly and Mason take their relationship to the next level or will she get back together with Barry?
November 6, 2023
Great book. I love how Molly Investigates. Although, I am interested to read what happens next. With everything that is up and coming. Cannot wait to read more. Definitely keeps you wanting to read more.
February 2, 2017
A really fun read. Very interesting characters revealed as the story unfolds. Some conclusions are left to the reader. Very enjoyable page turner.
May 10, 2017
Good crochet mystery
I love the crochet aspect since I'm a fellow hooker. The nosy neighbor side is always interesting. And the love triangle is perfect.
I love the crochet aspect since I'm a fellow hooker. The nosy neighbor side is always interesting. And the love triangle is perfect.
August 7, 2017
Good series I really enjoy
September 14, 2017
Awesome story. Can not wait for the next book.
February 13, 2018
enjoyed the entire series. this one was a little clear cut towards the end. But getting saved was a twist and the end was a real cliff hanger. keeps you wanting the next book to be out very soon.
June 14, 2018
Next - last in crochet series?
February 14, 2019
Funny quirky characters that I loved getting to know!
August 14, 2019
Love the Tarzana Hookers!
June 7, 2021
Molly and the gang are up to good again. Disappointed than My Man Dan did not make it through ...
June 20, 2022
Another great read from Betty Hechtman! Get a taste of what her writing and you'll not want to stop!
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