Tightening the Threads

Mainely Needlepoint #5

by Lea Wait

Antique dealer Sarah Byrne has never unspooled the truth about her past to anyone-not even friend and fellow Mainely Needlepointer Angie Curtis. But the enigmatic Aussie finally has the one thing she's searched for all her life-family. And now she and long-lost half-brother, Ted Lawrence, a wealthy old artist and gallery owner in town, are ready to reveal their secret connection . . . Ted's adult children are suspicious of their newfound aunt Sarah-especially after Ted, in declining health, announces plans to leave her his museum-worthy heirloom paintings. So when Ted is poisoned to death during a lobster bake, everyone assumes she's guilty. If Sarah and Angie can't track down the real murderer in time, Sarah's bound to learn how delicate-and deadly-family dynamics can truly be . . .

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Suspense

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 17, 2017

About the author

Maine author Lea Wait writes the NYT-praised 8-book Shadows Antique Print Mystery series, the latest of which is SHADWS ON A MORNING IN MAINE, and the USA Today best-selling Mainely Needlepoint series which debuted with TWISTED THREADS in January, 2015, and was followed by THREADS OF EVIDENCE in August, 2015, THREAD AND GONE, in January, 2016, DANGLING BY A THREAD in late October, 2016, and TIGHTENING THE THREADS in March, 2017. Wait also writes acclaimed historical novels for ages 8 and up set in 19th century Maine, the latest of which, UNCERTAIN GLORY, takes place in a small northern town during the first two weeks of the Civil War. Lea's LIVING AND WRITING ON THE COAST OF MAINE, about being an author and living year 'round in Maine with a husband who's an artist also includes writing tips. Lea did her undergraduate work at Chatham College (now University) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and her graduate work at New York University. While she was raising the four daughters she adopted as a single parent she worked as a manager for AT&T. Now she writes full time and speaks at schools and libraries. She loves rowing, visiting historical sites, and, of course, reading and writing. See her website,
www.leawait.com, and the blog she writes with other Maine Mystery writers, http://www.mainecrimewriters.com, friend her on FB and Goodreads, and, if you'd like to be on her email list to find out when her next book will be published, send her your email address write to her at leawait@roadrunner.com

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tightening the Threads is the 5th Mainely Needlepoint book written by Lea Wait. I've read the previous four and will continue finishing this series. Let's chat about this particular book. Angie, our heroine, has been home in Harbor Haven, Maine for four months. She agreed to stay for six months, supporting a business owned by her gram, who recently married a minister. Angie's smitten with Patrick, the son of a famous actress who moved to town, and she's learning needlepoint to grow the business. Sarah, an Aussie who moved to the area for unknown reasons, finally confesses the secret truth to Angie.

Sarah's genealogical history is complicated, but it's fun to delve into the past. We've met some of the supporting characters in previous books, but this time, it's the classic scenario: rich patriarch learns of a new relative and leaves her some money. The will wasn't finalized before he kicks the bucket. Which family member did it? I enjoy this storyline, though some feel it's an overdone trope. Truthfully, it's hard to come up with a totally unique storyline, and if the characters are strong and the plot is intriguing, what does it matter? Henceforth... I adored this book, and I'm thrilled it was my first read of 2021.

If you've read my past reviews, you know I love Maine and want to move there this year. I stumbled upon this series last year and am focusing on reading the whole collection before picking up another series about Maine (by this author or others, too). Wait has passed on, and there are a total of nine in this particular series, which makes me sad. But I'm happy to read quality cozy mystery writing where I feel invested in solving the murder. While the plot isn't too intense, and any one of the family could have a reasonable motive, understanding which path the author took is always fun for me.

The deceased's kids were all ruthless. They showed some positive signs, but when the biggest worry was their inheritance, I can't help but want them to suffer. Of the three known kids, one is gay and married, which was also a nice surprise. Thankfully, he was treated like any other character, and there was absolutely no discussion of his choice or decision to be gay. I love when books just gloss over it and mention it purely to show a different characteristic, as if it someone is brunette or blonde, gay or straight or bisexual, et al.

All-in-all, this was fun, easy-to-read, kept me interested, and warmed my heart. I will be saddened when I'm finished with this series as I love feeling like I'm on the coast, learning knew things about how to do a clam and lobster bake or what "the County" refers to in this beautiful state. So, if you're looking for a reliable series with the right balance of side stories and main mysteries, a variety of character types, some sentimental moments and several chillier times... this will work very well. Read from the beginning to watch the character growth too. 2021 is off to a fantastic reading start.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

This fifth installment of the series brings us the story of Angie’s friend Sarah. Sarah is an Aussie that moved to Haven Harbor. She has her antiques business and works with the Mainely Needlepointers but has remained pretty well stitched up about her past and her family. She has grown close to Ted Lawrence, a wealthy man, who runs an art gallery. His father was a famous artist. Ted’s is an artist too but never reached the acclaim of his father. She finally reveals to Angie that she and Ted are related and explains the history is complicated. Ted wants to celebrate his birthday with his children that he rarely sees and introduce them to their Sarah. Things do not go as planned when Ted dies during a family lobster bake. The entire family makes up the suspect list with most the family’s fingers pointing at Sarah. She, Angie, and their friend Patrick start tightening the clues together and following the threads to catch the real killer…but can they find the truth in time…

Lea Wait never disappoints and this time she draws in a piece of history I knew absolutely nothing about. There was a time when number of foster children in Britain was more than the system could handle and children were sent to Australia. Sarah’s search for her family takes her from Australia to Britain and then on to Maine. That doesn’t quite bring all the family dynamics to light but as the story continues and the mystery plays out more secrets are revealed. The author explains this child migration and the aftermath in such interesting detail all while not taking away from the coziness of the mystery. I love learning something new when reading just for fun.

The new characters she created, Ted’s children, are an eclectic group. His daughter and her husband live in the northern part of the state and have an organic farm. One son has a high pressure job in New York and the other is a frustrated poet and perpetual student. The family hasn’t gotten together for years. There was already plenty of family drama even before their father’s murder. Ted also has an assistant that has helped him in the gallery for years. Together they all bring their own excitement to the story.

As this is Sarah’s story the other Mainely Needlepointers are absent or just have cameo appearances. I was fine with this as Sarah and Ted’s story is a pretty powerful one that I really enjoyed.

This is another solid addition to this series. It flows well, has several twists, diverse characters, and kept me guessing from start to finish.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angie Curtis is invited to Ted Lawrence 75th birthday party when to Ted plans to introduce Sarah Bryne as his niece to his children. Patrick and Jeremy, his gallery employees are also invited. The first night Ted tells everyone that Sarah is the granddaughter of his Father by an affair his Father had during World War Two. He will be rewriting his will to include Sarah who will inherit The Lawrence 's paintings. The next day Ted dies from eating a clan infected with red tide. The twists and turns this take takes made the book hard to put down. Luke Lawrence hired Angie to investigate. The ending will surprise. I recommend this book and series.

Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: This is an author review. Tightening the Threads is the fifth in the Mainely Needlepoint mystery series, about a group of stitchers in Haven Harbor, Maine. They all have jobs in addition to doing custom needlepoint, and Sarah Bryrne is an antiques dealer. She's also Australian. Tightening the Threads is really "Sarah's Story", explaining how Sarah ended up living on the coast of Maine. It involves a years-long British program to decrease the foster care population in England and increase immigration to several Commonwealth families ... and ends with Sarah searching for family, and a place to call home. With hopes readers enjoy her journey, and the secrets she uncovers along the way!

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

TIGHTENING THE THREADS is the fifth book in the Mainely Needlepoint series by Lea Wait. Although this is only the second book that I’ve read from Wait, I feel like I have already figured out her writing style. If you’re new to Cozy Mysteries and prefer ones that are very slow in pace, then this series might be a good match for you.

However, I think it’s just too slow of a pace for me personally. This book opens up with a dumping of backstory from the main character’s friend. Although I understand that it’s all necessary to set up the mystery part of the book and the author does tell it in a conversational style, it still felt like a dumping of information onto the reader. I wished there’d been something else to break it up a bit but the first 15% is really just backstory overload.

Back to pacing. I feel like everything is very slow going all throughout this book. I know it has to do with the characters and also the setting but personally, it’s just too slow for me. I felt like the scenes dragged and a lot of nothing occurred. I’m not sure yet if I’ll continue on with this series or not because I feel like I need to have a lot of patience at the ready to read this series again.

[Linda Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Tightening the Threads, we finally learn the background and reasons for Aussie transplant Sarah Byrne's move to Haven Harbor, ME. She has always been very secretive, even with her best friend, Angie Curtis, the owner of Mainely Needlepoint. Author Lea Wait also shines a light on a little-known episode in British and Australian history. In the years after WWII and up into the 1960's, the British foster care system was overflowing and the solution was to send children to Australia. The idea was to supposedly give the children a better life. In reality, many faced slavery and abuse on Australian farms. Sarah's father was one of these children who was sent out, leaving a teenage unwed mother behind. Sarah's mother died when she was an infant and her alcoholic father hung himself two years later. Raised by her Australian grandmother, Sarah had a happy upbringing and had little interest in learning about her parents until her grandmother was near death and told her the history. Upon her death, Sarah left Australia to find her British grandmother. She did find her, but the British grandmother died shortly after. It turns out that Sarah's American soldier grandfather was Robert Lawrence, the deceased famous artist and Haven Harbor resident. His son, Ted, is also a painter and still has a gallery in the village. Over the course of months, Sarah has formed a friendship with Ted and finally reveals her identity. Ted's response is to invite his three adult children home to celebrate his 75th birthday, introduce Sarah to them and announce that he will be including her in his will.

Sarah is delighted that she will be meeting the family that she always wanted and nervous as well; so nervous that she asks Angie to be at the family gathering. It turns out that the three siblings are predictably displeased. After a blow-up at the dinner, Ted insists that they have a family clambake regardless the next day. When Ted dies at the clambake, they assume he ate a clam contaminated with Red Tide. But further investigation determines that he was poisoned. Who did it? Was it the grasping children, Sarah, or someone else? There is plenty of motivation, as Ted turns out to have been a pretty poor father to his own children.

Tightening the Threads is another solid entry in this cozy series. I was kept guessing until the end, especially since there is another death after Ted's. The Mainely Needlepoint series is packed with Maine charm and characters that continue to evolve. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for an advance copy. The opinions above are my own.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my least favorite so far of all the books. I knew who the killer was by chapter 4 [and stopped listening to the audiobook and switched to reading because it would go faster], knew the why by chapter 6 and though the second death was a surprise [as was the killer], it wasn't enough of one to redeem this book. UGH. And I think that Angie needs to come to grips with Patrick's injuries and start treating him better. I am totally unimpressed with how she is with him a lot of the times.
This was a very unenjoyable read.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth installment of the Mainely Needlepoint series. This was Sarah's story and there was not much needlepointing in it. I was fine with that as it was nice to find out more about one of the main characters in this series that i very much enjoy. Sarah is a member of the Mainely Needlepointers and a good friend of Angie's. She moved to Haven Harbor from Australia, but never really shared her reasons for this. In the last book in the series Sarah became close to wealthy gallery owner Ted Lawrence, and in this book she shares with Angie that Ted is her uncle. She tells her about her history and that her father was acclaimed artist Robert Lawrence, Ted's father. Ted wants to have a 75th birthday party with his three children who he bareley talks to or sees, Sarah, Jeremy (his assistant), Patrick and Angie. He plans to reveal who Sarah is and his plans to change his will. Well, things do not go as planned and some of Ted's announcements are a huge surprise. When Ted ends up dead from eating a clam that was poisoned from Red Tide, Angie suspects that he was murdered. For Sarah's sake, and at the request of one of Ted's sons, she begins to investigate.

Lea Wait never disappoints and there is usually something historical to learn. This time we learn about the period of history where foster children in Britain were numerous and costly. They were sent to Australia to a new life. Sometimes that life was good, but more than likely, they were treated as free labour. Sarah's father was one of these children. Sarah was able to locate her paternal grandmother, who had been told her son had died. From there she headed to Maine to search for her paternal grandfather and other family members. What she finds is Ted and through him, her cousins. Ted's children are a very interesting group of people. They are partly spoiled, think they are entitled and in some ways, waiting for him to die so they will inherit. They are not very accepting of Sarah and not very nice to her either. They add a lot of intrigue to the story, especially when another dead body shows up.

Even though, this was not really a needlepointing story, I really enjoyed it. I liked the character development, the way the relationship with Angie and Patrick continued to develop and the mystery. There were several suspects as well as the possibility that it could have been accidental. If you enjoy a cozy with great characters and a storyline that goes beyond the mystery, pick this book up. You will certainly enjoy it. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tightening the Threads is the fifth installment in the Mainely Needlepoint series set in Haven Harbor, ME and featuring Angela "Angie" Curtis. Angie has settled into her role of running the Mainely Needlepoint business and is adjusting to being back in her hometown.

Angie's best friend Sarah Byrne invites her over for pizza and opens up about her relationship with gallery owner and town elder, Ted Lawrence. Ted is hosting a clambake in honor of his seventy fifth birthday and has asked Sarah to organize the event. Feeling apprehensive about meeting Ted's estranged children for the first time she asks Angie to accompany her for the weekend's festivities. The arrival of the dysfunctional siblings puts Angie on edge and after a shocking announcement by one of the family members, it's not a big surprise when one of them keels over at the clambake.

Angie, with help of Patrick West, soon discovers a tangled family history that includes drownings, infidelity, alcoholism and valuable artwork. With each family member harboring resentment, Angie has plenty of suspects to investigate.

A fast paced storyline revolving around a cast of well rounded characters, this series continues to get better with each new edition. The perfect elements for a cozy: seaside community, friends and family, romance and cute pets.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley via Kenisington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stelle e mezza
Era da più di un anno che volevo leggere questo libro, ma poi ce n'era sempre un altro che attirava la mia attenzione...
Bella storia, che non mi ha fatto rimpiangere il fatto che, alla fin fine, le indagini si siano concentrate nell'ultimo quarto del volume.

[Anita (Hearts and Whodunits) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angie Curtis is helping her friend, Sarah Byrne, set up a birthday party for Ted Lawrence, a wealthy old gallery owner and artist. After Ted Lawrence’s estranged family arrives, he announces that Sarah is a long lost relative. Ted also states that he is dying of cancer and is changing his will and leaving the bulk of his estate to Sarah. The next day, at a lobster bake, Ted is poisoned to death. Now, Angie is investigating to find out who killed Ted Lawrence.
This was a great addition to this wonderful series. I always thought there was more to Sarah’s character, and you learn a lot about her in this story. I liked how the author showcased different families and how children are affected more by the lack of love than the lack of money. This well-plotted cozy mystery’s ending was a surprise and made me look forward to the next installment. An Advanced Reading Copy was received in exchange for an honest review.

[Debbie]

Book Five in the Mainely Needlepoint Mysteries, this was focuses on Sarah Byrne, the Australian transplant who has become Angie Curtis's closest friend since she returned to her hometown in Maine. Sarah runs an antiques shop, and folks have been noticing she's been spending a lot of time with the much older Ted Lawrence, who has an art gallery in town. Ted is the son of prominent artist Robert Lawrence, and Sarah confesses to Angie that she first came to Maine because she has reason to believe the artist had a relationship with her grandmother in England during WWII, and he is in fact her grandfather. Sarah's documents, Ted's documents, and DNA testing confirm the relationship. Ted is preparing to celebrate his 75th birthday, to which he has invited his three children from whom he is largely estranged, and plans to reveal Sarah as their cousin. Well, a lot more gets revealed during the celebratory weekend, and before it's all over, Ted is dead. This is another great entry in a wonderful series. I love how Lea starts her chapters with descriptions of antique needlework pieces (much like she starts her Shadows series with descriptions of old prints.) Good characters, the Maine coast, and lots of twists and turns. A truly delightful read.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tightening The Threads is the fifth book in the A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series.

This series is one of my favorite series. Ms. Wait does a wonderful job of describing the town of Haven Harbor and the surrounding area and adding some of its interesting residents.

Angie Curtis has been friends with Sarah Byrne since she returned to Haven Harbor bur know almost nothing about her except she is from Australia and runs an antique store. So when Sarah invites Angie over for a “girls night”, Angie feels that Sarah will put to rest some the rumors going around town that Sarah is romantically involved with local artist and gallery owner, Ted Lawrence. Those rumors are reinforced when she a huge oil painting gracing the wall of Sarah’s apartment. Angie soon learns that the painting is actually a Robert Lawrence, Ted’s father, original and possibly worth a million dollars or more. Finally, Angie is able to learn that Ted Lawrence is actually Ted’s niece and no one knew of the other son of Robert’s.

Ted is planning a 75th birthday party with his three children, Abbie and her husband, Silas, Luke and Michael. The Lawrence family is far from a loving and caring family and the children wonder what the big announcement is that their father has promised to make. After everyone had their fill of the delicious lobster bake and dessert is being eaten, Ted. makes his announcement that Sarah is his niece and he will be rewriting his will. His plan is to leave his father’s paintings. a large part of his estate, to Sarah and much to the disgust of children and Jeremy. As everyone is beginning to pack up the leftovers from the bake, Ted becomes very ill and is rushed to the hospital where he is soon declared dead. When it is learned that he died Red Tide, Angie begins to speculate on who might have wanted to see the will not change the most.

Angie soon finds out that all the children need the monies that they would inherit, some more than others. Jeremy, who has been managing Ted’s art gallery for a number of years had hope that the business would be left to him seems to be on the short end if he ends without the painting to sell and draw in customers.

Another wonderfully descriptive story situated in coastal Maine. I really enjoy this series by Lea Wait as she skillfully weaves in a vivid description of locale, it’s thoughtful residents into an exciting mystery. One can almost hear the waves crashing and get the feel of the sea mist.

Will definitely be watching for Thread The Halls, the next book in this engaging series.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angie Curtis has moved back to Haven Harbor,
Maine where she runs the Mainly Needlepoint
business that her Gram had run.
There is a group of stitchers that create the
piece sold. The fall is a busy season for the
businesses in Haven Harbor due to the leaf
peeper time when visitors visited the coast of
Maine to view leaves changing colors plus shop.
Mainly Needlepoint sold lots of Christmas sachets,
And other stitched items in the fall.
One of Angie’s new friends, Sarah Byrne who
came from Australia is a stitcher. Sarah runs
the antique shop during work hours. She is
searching for family which led her to Haven
Harbor.
Ted Lawrence, an artist and son of the famous,
Robert Lawrence runs the local art gallery in
Haven Harbor. Ted is having a family get-together.
His offspring have been estranged from each
other for years. In addition to them, Sarah, the
men who work in his gallery and Angie are to be
there. During the clam bake, Ted dies. Were the
clams he ate bad with the Red Tide disease??
If the clams were bad, why did no one else become
ill???
Then Ted’s daughter’s husband goes swimming at
night and drowns. What caused him to drown??
Angie is hire to investigate. Will working with the
authorities help discover what happened??
Well defined, well developed, colorful characters
involved in a complex plot with many twists and
Turns.
Each chapter starts with a verse and a description
of a sampler from the 1800 era plus a brief
history of the stitcher or a quote from a stitchery
publication. One chapter had that Mrs Theodore
Roosevelt. Jr recorded family stories and adventures
In crewel stitching or needlepoint.
Another interesting historical fact told is regarding
the years long British program to decrease the foster
care population in England and increase immigration
to Australia.
This is book # 5 in the Mainely Needlepoint series.
It can be read as a stand alone.
I volunteered to read this eBook. Thanks to Kensington
Books via NetGallery for the opportunity. My opinion
is my own.

[Barbara Nutting · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good one - a little bit of Agatha Christie at the end. I guessed wrong on the murderer, maybe that’s why I liked it.

Was interested in the process of creating a lobster bake, but I’m with Patrick, I’ll have it catered!!

It is now September in the series, Book #5, Angie gave herself a six month trial stay in Haven Harbor, so the next book should let us know what she decides. Are there any more people waiting to be murdered in this Maine harbor town?

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a lovely mystery. This is the first one I've read in this series. Love the sampler and history at the beginning of each chapter. Great book for cozy mystery fans!

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in the Mainely Needlepoint series set in coastal Maine. The main protagonist, Angie Curtis, manages a needlepoint business that she took over from her grandmother in previous books. The focus of this book however is on Sarah Byrne, antiques dealer from Australia and stitcher. As the story unfolds, we're told much about Sarah's mysterious past and her search for belonging. As the mystery unfolds, the characters interaction with one another is a high point of this book. It is an excellent book on it's own, however, for maximum enjoyment, I highly recommend that you read the other books in this series before you start on this gem. Highly recommended reading, each installment seems to be better than the one before. I wish to thank Net Galley and the publisher for furnishing me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I had already pre-ordered this title on my Kindle as Lea Wait is one of my favorite authors and I jumped at the chance to read it as soon as possible. Now I must be patient and wait for the next one!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book from the author. Sarah is an antique dealer and she has just found her long lost family. Her half brother is weathly and he plans to leave her most of his money and paintings which makes the rest of the family angry. A family reunion is planned and he tells the rest of the family his plans and that he is dying. He is poisoned to death and needle pointer Angie gets involved in finding who did it. Lots of interesting information about clam bakes and Maine.

[Anam Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was hard to put down. It kept me guessing right to the end.

I loved the quotes from samplers at the beginning of each chapter and thought about how much I would love to make another one just as I did as a child. I also wonder what ever happened to that sampler.....

Set in Maine, the Lawrence family is gathering for the 75th birthday of Ted, the father who seems to have practiced benign neglect of his three children after his wife died. None received what he really needed most - a father's love. Enter the child of Ted's brother (Ted had been unaware of his brother's existence) who has found a family she never knew existed until a year or so before. Ted is delighted with Sarah and announces not only that his children have a long lost cousin, but also that he plans to change his will to remember her in it. He also tells them that he is dying of cancer.

Of course, more for Sarah, means less for Abbie, Michael, and Luke. When Ted collapses at his birthday party, is it his age, his illness, or something more sinister?

The next day, his son-in-law drowns. An accident or foul play?

[RO G'ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tightening the Threads is the fifth book in Lea Wait’s Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series and I found this to be an enjoyable read with a well-plotted storyline and relatable characters. This is a quick, steadily paced, smooth read with lots of twists and turns. The reveal of the killer was a surprise to me. This cozy series has become one of my favorites, and I'm looking forward to the next book. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a well-crafted cozy mystery.

Angie Curtis’s good friend, Sarah Byrne, an Australian transplant to Haven Harbor, Maine and antiques shop owner, invites her to dinner and the first thing Angie notices is a large beautiful painting that overwhelms her small apartment. Sarah tells her that local artist and gallery owner, Ted Lawrence, gave it to her, that the artist was Robert Lawrence, Ted’s father, and that it could be worth as much as one million dollars. When Angie asks why Ted would give her such an expensive gift, Sarah reveals the reason she came to Haven Harbor was to discover her roots and hopefully find her family. Ted believed Sarah was Robert Lawrence’s granddaughter and they confirmed his suspicions with DNA testing. Ted asked Sarah to help plan a celebration for his 75th birthday where he planned to introduce her to his three adult children who he had limited contact with. In addition to introducing Sarah to her cousins, Ted announces he’s ill, and is changing his will, leaving all the Robert Lawrence paintings to Sarah. Ted’s children doubt that Sarah is really their cousin and are devastated and angry that she will inherit the paintings, which are worth millions of dollars. During the family lobster bake, Ted becomes ill and he is rushed to the hospital, where he later dies. Before the weekend is over two are dead and everyone who attended the weekend celebration are murder suspects. One of Ted’s children hires Angie, who worked for a PI in Arizona, to help with the investigation.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

The books in this series just keep getting better.
Angus Curtis has grown a lot in this quirky series by Lea Wait.
In this story, Angie helps out her friend Sarah. She is organizing a family reunion for her friends 75th birthday.
When secrets and truths are revealed and a murder takes place, not even the wealthy find themselves able to fight against greed.

I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mainely Needlepoint series is a favorite cozy series of mine. I like this series due to the character of Angie Curtis who grew up in Haven Harbor Maine. She left to work as a assistant to a private investigator in Arizona but recently returned home. I always learn something new about Maine when I read these books. This book showed all the preparation and work that goes into a clam bake. I learned too about Red Tide in some clams.

This book revolves around Sarah Byrnes who runs a antique store and is a new friend of Angie's. She is moved to Haven Harbor after leaving Australia with an stop over in England. Sarah has had a somewhat mysterious past in previous books as to what brought her to Haven Harbor. Sarah has befriended Ted Lawrence who is the son of a very famous painter. Ted is quite wealthy, has dabbled in painting and owns a gallery where he sells art work. Sarah has recently told Ted some information about her background. Ted is terminally ill and is calling all his children home to make several announcements. Soon there are two deaths and the police and Angie work to determine if they are accidents or homicide .

I liked that Angie put on her PI role , carried a gun at times and was hired to find the answers of the deaths. She is very level headed, independent and works with the police. I have already preordered the next book as I stated earlier it is a favorite cozy read due to the characters, location and plotting.

[Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book Angie is helping Sarah set up a family weekend for Ted Lawrence (who it appears is Sarah's half-uncle as his father had an affair during the War in the UK and Sarah's father was the result), during the first evening Ted let's it be known about Sarah's new part in the family (unsurprisingly Ted's daughter and two sons are NOT too happy about this!) and Ted also drops the bombshell that he is dying of lung cancer (and a second bombshell that on the Monday he will be changing his will to include his new niece).  Even with this the weekend seems to be going smoothly enough until part way through the clam/lobster bake when Ted seems to suffer a stroke - the weekend goes downhill from there on in and Angie (along with the local law enforcement) needs to sort out the truth from the lies.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable addition to the Mainly Needlepoint Series. This series has all the elements of a great mystery. The characters are engaging and likable, the story is captivating and will keep you wanting to turn the page to find out what happens next, the mystery itself will keep you guessing as to who the culprit is.

I certainly enjoy visiting Haven Habor, I feel as though I'm visiting with friends. I hope there will be more books in this series, I really enjoy them.

I received a copy of this manuscript from the publisher through a NetGalley, my review has been voluntarily submitted.

[S. Schmauder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lea Wait's new mystery in this series is the best yet. Her writing grips the reader at once. Angie Curtis (who has worked in Arizona for a detective agency before returning to her home in Haven Harbor, Maine) sees a huge painting in her Aussie Friend Sarah Byrne's apartment. Where did she get it? From the owner of a local art gallery, Ted Lawrence.
Wait sets the scene in Haven Harbor with just enough details to make us feel we know the place: Angie sets out one morning when "Chilly gusts of wind were blowing fallen orange and yellow leaves from one side of the street to the other as I headed toward Main Street and the harbor...Occasionally a jogger passed me, or a pickup or car headed out of town. A plastic pot of orange marigolds caught by the wind rolled down the sidewalk..."
Ted Lawrence has called his three children to come to his 75th birthday party. Sarah, his very good friend, will meet them, and Angie will come with her for moral support among strangers. Ted's two sons and daughter are not all likeable, which adds to tension.They are semi-estranged from their father and each other. Wait parcels out details slowly, which keeps us reading. The weekend will be full of drama, as well as an old-fashioned Maine lobster bake. (You'll find excellent directions for your own lobster bake).
Silas, Ted's daughter Allie's husband seems to want to set a record in drinking. Luke lives in NYC, as does brother Michael, a poet and professional student after 10 years in college. They all need money. Then Ted breaks some big news: he is dying, and other details. His father's valuable paintings are in contention. Who will inherit them? Deaths occur. Are there more secrets?
The short chapters are easy to read, and the reader dashes on to the next to see what else will happen. No one and nothing is as it seemed, but Angie helps the police solve the murders. This fifth entry in Wait's Mainely Needlepoint series is highly recommended.

Wait also writes another excellent series, the Shadows Antique Print mysteries, and a historical fiction series for Young Adults.

I received an ARC copy of "Tightening The Threads," and have given an honest analysis of the book.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the last book we were left wondering why Sarah was hanging out with Ted and Angie seemed unsure if she wanted to pursue Dave or Patrick. This book jumps into answering these questions.
This book is more about Sarah and her backstory because the murder doesn't even happen until about a third into the book. Luckily at this point we've grown to like the characters and learning her backstory finally was cool.
The subplot about Angie finding bones buried on her property seemed out of place but maybe it'll come up again in a future book?

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say, if I was a rich person, I would not call together my children and tell them "oh, I'm changing my will next week and adding a new person to it". It seems like that would be hastening the end...as indeed it did in this book. So I'm afraid that while I liked the rest of the book, it loses a star for stating the obvious. Plus, I figured out who the murderer was relatively early.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite in the series so far. These books just keep getting better and better.

[ML Blair · Rating 3 out of 5]

A real twisty one, more than one murder. A two-dunnit!

[Bailie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery set in Maine which left me with a serious hankering for a good seafood chowder and fall weather!
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley but all opinions are my own!