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A Southern Sewing Circle #12
Patterned After Death
Everyone in Sweet Briar, South Carolina, knows former high school football stars Jake Davis and Noah Madden. The two were fierce rivals once and now, twenty years later, the dueling quarterbacks haven’t lost their luster. So townsfolk are surprised when Jake and Noah team up for a business venture. And there’s only one suspect when Noah turns up murdered.
Margaret Louise, Jake’s mother and one of the founding members of the sewing circle, isn’t about to take the attack on her son’s reputation lying down. In fact, she’s in full mama-bear mode. And Tori and the rest of the Sweet Briar gang are more than willing to help her sharpen her claws to catch a killer.
Margaret Louise, Jake’s mother and one of the founding members of the sewing circle, isn’t about to take the attack on her son’s reputation lying down. In fact, she’s in full mama-bear mode. And Tori and the rest of the Sweet Briar gang are more than willing to help her sharpen her claws to catch a killer.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 6, 2017
38 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 6, 2017
When I have a new book from author Casey, I try to make sure I have an entire day set aside to read it, because I know once I open that book I’m not going to want to put it down until I am finished. Her stories are that amazing. Out of my top five favorite cozy mystery series, the Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries ties for top honors with Ms. Casey’s (Writing as Laura Bradford) Amish Mysteries.
Book 12 in the Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries, proves you can’t get too much a good thing. As with the previous titles in this series, PATTERNED AFTER DEATH was a brilliant cozy mystery, expertly written by author Elizabeth Lynn Casey. You can tell see put her heart and soul into this one.
Every time I’m back in Sweet Briar, SC I have the most glorious time. This time was no different. From the adorable town, to the very eclectic group of characters, I would have packed my bags and moved there years ago if only it really existed. PATTERNED AFTER DEATH focused a lot on my favorite character, Margaret Louise. She is one of the best characters in a southern cozy.
An exception tale from beginning to end, this whodunit had everything. An excellent mystery, one that had me speculating but getting no closer to the answer, southern charm as well as southern sarcasm, and stories with in the story that kept the pace of the book moving briskly. Honestly, there was not one slow or boring part.
At the back of the book you’ll find sewing tips, and a pattern for a lovely project. But never fear, you don’t have to know how to sew to read PATTERNED AFTER DEATH, or the rest of the series!
If you haven’t read the Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries, please don’t wait to get started on them. Seriously, I cannot say enough good things about this series.
Book 12 in the Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries, proves you can’t get too much a good thing. As with the previous titles in this series, PATTERNED AFTER DEATH was a brilliant cozy mystery, expertly written by author Elizabeth Lynn Casey. You can tell see put her heart and soul into this one.
Every time I’m back in Sweet Briar, SC I have the most glorious time. This time was no different. From the adorable town, to the very eclectic group of characters, I would have packed my bags and moved there years ago if only it really existed. PATTERNED AFTER DEATH focused a lot on my favorite character, Margaret Louise. She is one of the best characters in a southern cozy.
An exception tale from beginning to end, this whodunit had everything. An excellent mystery, one that had me speculating but getting no closer to the answer, southern charm as well as southern sarcasm, and stories with in the story that kept the pace of the book moving briskly. Honestly, there was not one slow or boring part.
At the back of the book you’ll find sewing tips, and a pattern for a lovely project. But never fear, you don’t have to know how to sew to read PATTERNED AFTER DEATH, or the rest of the series!
If you haven’t read the Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries, please don’t wait to get started on them. Seriously, I cannot say enough good things about this series.
June 18, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Tori’s day gets off to a bad start with her car making a funny noise but things get a whole lot worse when she finds a body at the Jake’s repair shop. Jake seems to be a shocked as Tori and Milo but because he and the dead man have a history that dates back 20 years he becomes the #1 suspect. His mom, Margaret Louise is one of Tori’s best friends as is his wife, Melissa, mother of his 8 children. Tori knows he is innocent, she just has to prove it. The Sewing Circle members all pitch in any way the can to get this mystery stitched up as quickly as possible.
I love this series! I love these characters!
The Sewing Circle is made up of a fabulous group of ladies, 1 gentleman and 1 rabbit 🙂 The group has its share of spats between the members but this time there is a major divide and feelings are hurt. Of course, there is an explanation but communication lines between 2 members are completely shut down causing even more stress and urgency to find the real killer. The characters introduced in the first story have become so real over the years that when they hurt it flutters right off the pages and into my heart. They are truly as close as family and I absolutely love the way they take care of each other. This is a true sign of the author’s excellence, she keeps the characters real and vital. If they actually were real I would move to South Carolina just to join this group.
Now as for the mystery, that is top drawer as well. More suspects than I had originally imagined. The way the whole town was involved – Team Jake – Team Noah pulled me even deeper into the action in Sweet Briar. You may think a book set in the South would have a slow build but this story moves at a speedy pace. In addition to the murder there is some very emotional stuff going on. After the murderer is revealed the story has a final delightful, wonderful, heartwarming twist. I loved the ending. I am going to have an especially hard time waiting for the next installment 🙂
I have been asked before if these books can be read as stand alone and they definitely can but you will probably want to go back to the beginning to see how Tori’s life in Sweet Briar started.
Tori’s day gets off to a bad start with her car making a funny noise but things get a whole lot worse when she finds a body at the Jake’s repair shop. Jake seems to be a shocked as Tori and Milo but because he and the dead man have a history that dates back 20 years he becomes the #1 suspect. His mom, Margaret Louise is one of Tori’s best friends as is his wife, Melissa, mother of his 8 children. Tori knows he is innocent, she just has to prove it. The Sewing Circle members all pitch in any way the can to get this mystery stitched up as quickly as possible.
I love this series! I love these characters!
The Sewing Circle is made up of a fabulous group of ladies, 1 gentleman and 1 rabbit 🙂 The group has its share of spats between the members but this time there is a major divide and feelings are hurt. Of course, there is an explanation but communication lines between 2 members are completely shut down causing even more stress and urgency to find the real killer. The characters introduced in the first story have become so real over the years that when they hurt it flutters right off the pages and into my heart. They are truly as close as family and I absolutely love the way they take care of each other. This is a true sign of the author’s excellence, she keeps the characters real and vital. If they actually were real I would move to South Carolina just to join this group.
Now as for the mystery, that is top drawer as well. More suspects than I had originally imagined. The way the whole town was involved – Team Jake – Team Noah pulled me even deeper into the action in Sweet Briar. You may think a book set in the South would have a slow build but this story moves at a speedy pace. In addition to the murder there is some very emotional stuff going on. After the murderer is revealed the story has a final delightful, wonderful, heartwarming twist. I loved the ending. I am going to have an especially hard time waiting for the next installment 🙂
I have been asked before if these books can be read as stand alone and they definitely can but you will probably want to go back to the beginning to see how Tori’s life in Sweet Briar started.
February 21, 2021
Patterned After Death is the last book of Elizabeth Lynn Casey/ Laura Bradford's Southern Sewing Circle mystery series. I have really enjoyed reading this entire mystery series and have gotten to know and love the characters that have made these books so good. I shall miss them so much now that I've read the last book.
In this book Margaret Louise's son, Jake Davis is framed for the murder of his business partner, Noah Madden. Unfortunately Tori Sinclair Wentworth has to be the one to find Noah's dead body stuffed in the trunk of his car. Tori and Milo have taken her car into the repair shop to be worked on and while Jake walks them through his and Noah's newly renovated shop Tori finds the body in one of the cars Jake has been working on.
There had been bad history between Noah and Jake during their high school years that caused the town to take sides. Now twenty years later the town still remembers this and if this isn't enough there's a clause in Noah and Jake's new business partnership agreement that makes Jake benefit should Noah die before he does. No things don't look good for Jake and Chief Dallas doesn't think so either.
Tori, and Charles work together to try and clear Jake of these murder charges. A rift between characters in the sewing circle cause bad feelings and a split between Leona Elkin and Tori. Can relationships and hurt feelings be mended and can Tori find out who framed Jake?
I recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mysteries and fans of Elizabeth Lynn Casey/ Laura Bradford.
I borrowed a copy of this book from The Ohio Digital Library. A review wasn't requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
In this book Margaret Louise's son, Jake Davis is framed for the murder of his business partner, Noah Madden. Unfortunately Tori Sinclair Wentworth has to be the one to find Noah's dead body stuffed in the trunk of his car. Tori and Milo have taken her car into the repair shop to be worked on and while Jake walks them through his and Noah's newly renovated shop Tori finds the body in one of the cars Jake has been working on.
There had been bad history between Noah and Jake during their high school years that caused the town to take sides. Now twenty years later the town still remembers this and if this isn't enough there's a clause in Noah and Jake's new business partnership agreement that makes Jake benefit should Noah die before he does. No things don't look good for Jake and Chief Dallas doesn't think so either.
Tori, and Charles work together to try and clear Jake of these murder charges. A rift between characters in the sewing circle cause bad feelings and a split between Leona Elkin and Tori. Can relationships and hurt feelings be mended and can Tori find out who framed Jake?
I recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mysteries and fans of Elizabeth Lynn Casey/ Laura Bradford.
I borrowed a copy of this book from The Ohio Digital Library. A review wasn't requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
June 18, 2017
Patterned After Death by Elizabeth Lynn Casey is the twelfth (and final) book in The Southern Sewing Circle Mystery series. Librarian, Victoria “Tori” Sinclair lives in Sweet Briar, South Carolina with her elementary school teacher husband, Milo. Tori’s car is on the fritz and Margaret Louise tells Tori take it over to her son, Jake Davis. Milo and Tori are going out after dinner to check on Rose Winters and stop by Jake’s garage. Jake is working on a fancy silver car, but takes time out to show them around the newly expanded garage. Tori notices the trunk of the silver car ajar and goes to close it. A piece of fabric is in the way and as she tucks it inside the car, Tori touches a hand. Inside the trunk is Jake’s new business partner, Noah Madden. People in town were surprised when Noah and Jake went into business together. The town has been split since the two men were rival quarterbacks in high school (over eighteen years prior). Unfortunately, the evidence is stacked against Jake, and he is arrested for Noah’s murder. Margaret Louise is extremely distraught and she asks Tori to find the real killer. Tori starts asking questions and gathering clues so she can get Jake out of jail and back to his family. Tori’s attention is split, though, with Rose being under the weather. Tori is worried and cannot bear to lose the dear woman. The members of the sewing circle will need to band together to help their friends during their time of need and to capture a murderer.
Patterned After Death is well-written and has a good pace which made the book easy to read. It contains delightful, friendly characters and a welcoming, Southern town. It was wonderful to catch up with Tori, Milo, Rose, Margaret Louise, Leona, Georgina, Charles, and the other members of sewing circle (and town). I have read this series from the beginning and each book is better than the previous one (Wedding Duress is my favorite). Patterned After Death has a sweet ending that will delight admirers of the series. While Patterned After Death can be read alone, I recommend reading the series in order. You can watch the characters (and their relationships/friendships) grow and develop over the course of the series. I give Patterned After Death 5 out of 5 stars. I thought that the mystery was well-crafted. There is a good twist that will surprise many readers. The whodunit can be solved, but not easily (my favorite type). Elizabeth Lynn Davis took various elements and stitched them together into one engaging, heartwarming cozy mystery. I am sorry to see this charming cozy mystery series come to end.
Patterned After Death is well-written and has a good pace which made the book easy to read. It contains delightful, friendly characters and a welcoming, Southern town. It was wonderful to catch up with Tori, Milo, Rose, Margaret Louise, Leona, Georgina, Charles, and the other members of sewing circle (and town). I have read this series from the beginning and each book is better than the previous one (Wedding Duress is my favorite). Patterned After Death has a sweet ending that will delight admirers of the series. While Patterned After Death can be read alone, I recommend reading the series in order. You can watch the characters (and their relationships/friendships) grow and develop over the course of the series. I give Patterned After Death 5 out of 5 stars. I thought that the mystery was well-crafted. There is a good twist that will surprise many readers. The whodunit can be solved, but not easily (my favorite type). Elizabeth Lynn Davis took various elements and stitched them together into one engaging, heartwarming cozy mystery. I am sorry to see this charming cozy mystery series come to end.
June 17, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/pa...
Patterned After Death
A Southern Sewing Circle, Book #12
By Elizabeth Lynn Casey
ISBN13: 9780425282571
Author website: http://elizabethlynncasey.com/blog/ , http://www.laurabradford.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
Murder hits close to home for the Southern Sewing Circle in the latest mystery from national bestselling author Elizabeth Lynn Casey.
Everyone in Sweet Briar, South Carolina, knows former high school football stars Jake Davis and Noah Madden. The two were fierce rivals once and now, twenty years later, the dueling quarterbacks haven’t lost their luster. So townsfolk are surprised when Jake and Noah team up for a business venture. And there’s only one suspect when Noah turns up murdered.
Margaret Louise, Jake’s mother and one of the founding members of the sewing circle, isn’t about to take the attack on her son’s reputation lying down. In fact, she’s in full mama-bear mode. And Tori and the rest of the Sweet Briar gang are more than willing to help her sharpen her claws to catch a killer.
PATTERN AND SEWING TIPS INCLUDED
Review:
Several things I have to say first, one I wish I could give this more than 5 stars. Even a 100 of them would not be enough. Any time I get to read a book written by Elizabeth Lynn Casey/Laura Bradford, I am one happy camper. Her writing style and stories are always fun, entertaining and heartfelt. Sadly Patterned After Death is the last in the fabulous cozy series “A Southern Sewing Circle”. I am happy that the author was able to end this delightful series on her own terms. I will sure miss this eclectic group of ladies that have become friends to me. I will miss visiting Sweet Briar, South Carolina. I look forward to anything this fabulous author puts out next.
Now on to the book itself. Patterned After Death finds everyone in an uproar after high school football star and man about town Noah Madden winds up dead. He is found in his old rival/new partner’s mechanic shop. Jake Davis is family so you know Tori Sinclair is not going to take this lying down. Even if she goes down when she finds the body, hard. No one could understand why the two men went into business together when their feud had been going strong for so long. High school football in Sweet Briar is pretty dang important and the citizens have long memories. Tori cannot let Jake get railroaded, his mother is her best friend Margaret Louise. He and his family are family to the ladies of the sewing circle. This cannot be happening.
Margaret Louise cannot believe anyone would begin to suggest Jake, her baby boy, is capable of murder. She is not going to let them get away with it either. She has to stay home though and take care of Jake’s family, wife and all his children, her babies. So of course, Tori has to get involved. Who will be her wing man if Margaret Louise is out of commission, new comer but dear friend Charles of course. During Tori’s investigation, she does the unthinkable. She hurts Leona and it seems there is no going back. Also during this time, sweet Rose is out of the fray. She is not doing well and honestly it broke my heart when I would read her parts.
Patterned After Death is everything and more anyone could want in a cozy mystery. This is the twelfth book in the series and if you have not read any of them, do it. They are the best of the best in this genre. Sadly this is the last one, but it can definitely be read as a standalone, but why would you? All the fabulous characters are here and boy do I love them. Elizabeth Lynn Casey is truly one of the best writers, not just in cozies. Her words transport you to wonderful Sweet Briar, they bring the characters to life in a way you can actually get to know them and love most of them. This book is dedicated to the readers and as an avid one I want to say THANK YOU!!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
Patterned After Death
A Southern Sewing Circle, Book #12
By Elizabeth Lynn Casey
ISBN13: 9780425282571
Author website: http://elizabethlynncasey.com/blog/ , http://www.laurabradford.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
Murder hits close to home for the Southern Sewing Circle in the latest mystery from national bestselling author Elizabeth Lynn Casey.
Everyone in Sweet Briar, South Carolina, knows former high school football stars Jake Davis and Noah Madden. The two were fierce rivals once and now, twenty years later, the dueling quarterbacks haven’t lost their luster. So townsfolk are surprised when Jake and Noah team up for a business venture. And there’s only one suspect when Noah turns up murdered.
Margaret Louise, Jake’s mother and one of the founding members of the sewing circle, isn’t about to take the attack on her son’s reputation lying down. In fact, she’s in full mama-bear mode. And Tori and the rest of the Sweet Briar gang are more than willing to help her sharpen her claws to catch a killer.
PATTERN AND SEWING TIPS INCLUDED
Review:
Several things I have to say first, one I wish I could give this more than 5 stars. Even a 100 of them would not be enough. Any time I get to read a book written by Elizabeth Lynn Casey/Laura Bradford, I am one happy camper. Her writing style and stories are always fun, entertaining and heartfelt. Sadly Patterned After Death is the last in the fabulous cozy series “A Southern Sewing Circle”. I am happy that the author was able to end this delightful series on her own terms. I will sure miss this eclectic group of ladies that have become friends to me. I will miss visiting Sweet Briar, South Carolina. I look forward to anything this fabulous author puts out next.
Now on to the book itself. Patterned After Death finds everyone in an uproar after high school football star and man about town Noah Madden winds up dead. He is found in his old rival/new partner’s mechanic shop. Jake Davis is family so you know Tori Sinclair is not going to take this lying down. Even if she goes down when she finds the body, hard. No one could understand why the two men went into business together when their feud had been going strong for so long. High school football in Sweet Briar is pretty dang important and the citizens have long memories. Tori cannot let Jake get railroaded, his mother is her best friend Margaret Louise. He and his family are family to the ladies of the sewing circle. This cannot be happening.
Margaret Louise cannot believe anyone would begin to suggest Jake, her baby boy, is capable of murder. She is not going to let them get away with it either. She has to stay home though and take care of Jake’s family, wife and all his children, her babies. So of course, Tori has to get involved. Who will be her wing man if Margaret Louise is out of commission, new comer but dear friend Charles of course. During Tori’s investigation, she does the unthinkable. She hurts Leona and it seems there is no going back. Also during this time, sweet Rose is out of the fray. She is not doing well and honestly it broke my heart when I would read her parts.
Patterned After Death is everything and more anyone could want in a cozy mystery. This is the twelfth book in the series and if you have not read any of them, do it. They are the best of the best in this genre. Sadly this is the last one, but it can definitely be read as a standalone, but why would you? All the fabulous characters are here and boy do I love them. Elizabeth Lynn Casey is truly one of the best writers, not just in cozies. Her words transport you to wonderful Sweet Briar, they bring the characters to life in a way you can actually get to know them and love most of them. This book is dedicated to the readers and as an avid one I want to say THANK YOU!!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
June 4, 2017
Patterned After Death is the twelfth book in the Southern Sewing Circle series.
This was another enjoyable visit to Sweet Briar to see what Tori and the other ladies of the Southern Sewing Circle are up to.
This story center around a rivalry that goes back some 20 years to high school football days of Jake Davis and Noah Madden. The residents are surprised when the two of the joined together and modernized Jake’s auto repair business, having aligned themselves with either Team Jake or Team Noah.
Tori is having car problems and Margaret Louise, a member of the Sewing Circle and Jake’s mother, convinces her to take it to Jake’s, as she is sure he would get right on it. As she is waiting for Jake to get from under another car, Tori notices that cars trunk isn’t shut and notices a hand sticking out. The hand is that of the lifeless body of Noah, lying in the trunk of his own car. Nearby Jake is a crowbar with Noah’s blood covering it. When somebody sends a copy of the agreement for the running of the business that spells out that in event of the death of either, the survivor will get the other half of the business, Jake soon finds himself arrested for murder.
Margaret Louise convinces Tori to put on her sleuthing cap and find out who had murdered Noah. Her investigation becomes difficult as the members of the Sewing Circle are divided between Jake’s guilt and innocence.
Most of the usual characters are back once again. But my favorite character from this series, Rose, is around much as see is having health problems.
Sadly, this is the last book in the series and I will miss my visits to Sweet Briar and especially Rose.
This was another enjoyable visit to Sweet Briar to see what Tori and the other ladies of the Southern Sewing Circle are up to.
This story center around a rivalry that goes back some 20 years to high school football days of Jake Davis and Noah Madden. The residents are surprised when the two of the joined together and modernized Jake’s auto repair business, having aligned themselves with either Team Jake or Team Noah.
Tori is having car problems and Margaret Louise, a member of the Sewing Circle and Jake’s mother, convinces her to take it to Jake’s, as she is sure he would get right on it. As she is waiting for Jake to get from under another car, Tori notices that cars trunk isn’t shut and notices a hand sticking out. The hand is that of the lifeless body of Noah, lying in the trunk of his own car. Nearby Jake is a crowbar with Noah’s blood covering it. When somebody sends a copy of the agreement for the running of the business that spells out that in event of the death of either, the survivor will get the other half of the business, Jake soon finds himself arrested for murder.
Margaret Louise convinces Tori to put on her sleuthing cap and find out who had murdered Noah. Her investigation becomes difficult as the members of the Sewing Circle are divided between Jake’s guilt and innocence.
Most of the usual characters are back once again. But my favorite character from this series, Rose, is around much as see is having health problems.
Sadly, this is the last book in the series and I will miss my visits to Sweet Briar and especially Rose.
March 23, 2018
Lots of troubles for Tori Sinclair to worry about including the arrest of Jake, the son of one of Tori's friends. Also troubling for Tori is Rose and how she is getting weaker. Tori discovers a body in a trunk of a car and faints which leads to her not feeling well. The ending of the book is a happy one for everyone involved. The book was a quick easy read.
June 13, 2017
Patterned After Death is everything and more anyone could want in a cozy mystery or any book actually. This is the twelfth book in the series and if you have not read any of them, do it. They are the best of the best in this genre. Sadly this is the last one, but it can definitely be read as a standalone, but why would you? All the fabulous characters are here and boy do I love them. Elizabeth Lynn Casey is truly one of the best writers, not just in cozies. Her words transport you to wonderful Sweet Briar, they bring the characters to life in a way you can actually get to know them and love most of them. This twelfth in the Southern Sewing Circle series is the culmination of a fabulous ride with an amazing eclectic group of ladies and their journey to becoming a true family. I have loved and adored every single one of them. I hope you do as well, cannot imagine you would not. This book is dedicated to the readers and as an avid one I want to say THANK YOU!!
I was given a copy by the publisher. My views are my own.
I was given a copy by the publisher. My views are my own.
June 11, 2017
I just finished Patterned After Death and the first word that came to mind is Wow. Sadly this is the last in the series but this closes with all that you could hope for. When Jake, Margaret Louise's son is accused of murder the Sweet Briar's ladies are turned upside down in so many ways. Margaret Louise steps up as the stalwart mom that she is, never mess with this woman and her family. Tori steps up to help solve the murder to get this town back together, because everybody seems to be invested in this. Along with Rose's failing health, a divide in the group, there is so much going on that pulls every feeling out of you and really makes you look at behind the scenes of what happens to the family. It is all tied up beautifully in the end. Sorry to see this series end but what a wonderful conclusion.
July 27, 2021
Last of the series. Ms. Casey wraps up the series with a good mystery and ties up all lose ends with a 'red bow'. Enjoyed the series. Recommend if you want a really 'cozy' mystery series to read in between the 'serious' stuff.
April 24, 2021
A good end to the series!
June 13, 2017
I absolutely loved this book! The entire series is awesome, and this is the cherry on top of the sundae! Elizabeth Lynn Casey has done it again.
June 9, 2017
I have read every book in this series, all 12 of them, and I have to say that this book is by far the best one yet. The emotions and feelings within the characters were so well written and very easy to get caught up in. Love how the author included a few characters from another series that she writes. And the plot twist towards the end of the book, oh my, there had better be a few more coming after this one. LOVED this book.
September 24, 2017
Jake and Noah had been fierce rivals for their high school football team and even after 20 years the town is divided into team Jake or team Noah. When they go into business together everyone is surprised and when Noah is found dead at the business Jake is blamed. Tori and her sewing circle aren't about to let Jake be blamed for something they don't believe he did.
July 20, 2017
Reviewed by Wendy
Sexual Content: None
Language Content: Mild
Violent Content: Minimal
Sweet Briar, South Carolina is the setting for Patterned After Death, the twelfth and apparently final book in the “Southern Sewing Circle”mystery series.
Former high school football stars and rivals, Jake Davis and Noah Madden are now co-owners of a local garage. When Tori Sinclair brings her car to the garage, she discovers the body of one of the owners in the trunk of a car also being worked on. When the murder weapon is found, with the other owner’s fingerprints on it, the police arrest the surviving co-owner.
Tori’s friend Margaret Louise, a member of the sewing circle, asks for Tori’s help to find the real killer. Tori can’t say no, as she feels Margaret Louise has done so much for her. Tori works hard to find out who among the townspeople may still have a grudge dating back to the high school rivalry. Does someone want to set up an innocent man for murder?
Patterned after Death is a fine cozy mystery which keeps the reader guessing until the end. Filled with interesting and quirky characters, the mystery keeps the reader engaged with a strong heroine and good secondary characters. An enjoyable read, cozy lovers will enjoy, this book works fine as a stand alone novel.
-- WENDY
Sexual Content: None
Language Content: Mild
Violent Content: Minimal
Sweet Briar, South Carolina is the setting for Patterned After Death, the twelfth and apparently final book in the “Southern Sewing Circle”mystery series.
Former high school football stars and rivals, Jake Davis and Noah Madden are now co-owners of a local garage. When Tori Sinclair brings her car to the garage, she discovers the body of one of the owners in the trunk of a car also being worked on. When the murder weapon is found, with the other owner’s fingerprints on it, the police arrest the surviving co-owner.
Tori’s friend Margaret Louise, a member of the sewing circle, asks for Tori’s help to find the real killer. Tori can’t say no, as she feels Margaret Louise has done so much for her. Tori works hard to find out who among the townspeople may still have a grudge dating back to the high school rivalry. Does someone want to set up an innocent man for murder?
Patterned after Death is a fine cozy mystery which keeps the reader guessing until the end. Filled with interesting and quirky characters, the mystery keeps the reader engaged with a strong heroine and good secondary characters. An enjoyable read, cozy lovers will enjoy, this book works fine as a stand alone novel.
-- WENDY
November 23, 2021
Having read other books by Ms. Casey's other pen-name, Laura Bradford, and enjoying them immensely--I went into this book with great anticipation. Unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The tone of the book was entirely too depressing. The mystery was pretty stock and I could see the conclusion a mile off. The characters were interesting, although I found some more obnoxious than necessary, but just nothing special. I probably will not read another of the Sewing Circle mysteries although I do still love other series by Ms. Bradford.
Story synopsis: Close friend of the family Margaret Louise' son Jake is accused and jailed for the murder of his business partner Noah. With the long and rocky history between the two men, the evidence against Jake, and the town taking sides his mother is a worried mess, his wife a wreck and his children suffering from whispered gossip and innuendo. Our protagonist is the local librarian, Tori, and she is determined to find out who killed Noah and why. Up against old grievances, an obsessed ex-girlfriend of Jake's, and being 'the outsider' she slowly peels back the layers of clues to uncover who-done-it along with her husband Milo and various friends.
Story synopsis: Close friend of the family Margaret Louise' son Jake is accused and jailed for the murder of his business partner Noah. With the long and rocky history between the two men, the evidence against Jake, and the town taking sides his mother is a worried mess, his wife a wreck and his children suffering from whispered gossip and innuendo. Our protagonist is the local librarian, Tori, and she is determined to find out who killed Noah and why. Up against old grievances, an obsessed ex-girlfriend of Jake's, and being 'the outsider' she slowly peels back the layers of clues to uncover who-done-it along with her husband Milo and various friends.
February 5, 2018
Around the Year in 52 Books 2018 Reading Challenge. A book about one of the 7 deadly sins (Greed).
Half of a whole is better than half of a half. And that is the key to understanding this murder. Tori's car is making a strange noise, so she and Milo take it to Jake's garage for him to fix it. While they are there, Tori discovers a dead body in the trunk of the car that Jake is repairing. She faints and hits her head on the concrete floor of the garage. It's Jake's business partner. Since there exists a twenty year history of problems not only between these two, but also their friends and family, Jake is arrested for the murder. Margaret Louise is beside herself and kept busy trying to help her daughter-in-law Melissa with the children. Melissa is overwhelmed. A miscommunication leads Leona to be angry with Tori. And all the while, Tori and Charles are attempting to clear Jake's name, they are also worried about their friend Rose who isn't doing well at home all alone. I love this group of friends who are truly a family by choice.
Half of a whole is better than half of a half. And that is the key to understanding this murder. Tori's car is making a strange noise, so she and Milo take it to Jake's garage for him to fix it. While they are there, Tori discovers a dead body in the trunk of the car that Jake is repairing. She faints and hits her head on the concrete floor of the garage. It's Jake's business partner. Since there exists a twenty year history of problems not only between these two, but also their friends and family, Jake is arrested for the murder. Margaret Louise is beside herself and kept busy trying to help her daughter-in-law Melissa with the children. Melissa is overwhelmed. A miscommunication leads Leona to be angry with Tori. And all the while, Tori and Charles are attempting to clear Jake's name, they are also worried about their friend Rose who isn't doing well at home all alone. I love this group of friends who are truly a family by choice.
March 1, 2018
I love this book, well actually the whole series. So much was going on. It's like you get attached to all the characters that you feel the emotions they are. When Jake's partner gets killed and he's blamed for it all hell breaks loose in Sweet Briar. Tori finds out it's like a town divided over some dumb high school football crap from twenty years before. Even within her beloved sewing circle, sides are chosen. So she decides to investigate for the sake of her family. Margaret Louise, Leona, Melissa and the kids. She's also worried about her beloved Rose, who isn't feeling well.
If you haven't had the pleasure of reading this series I suggest you start from the beginning. You will fall in love with the town and characters.
I hope the series continues. I want to know what happens next for them.
If you haven't had the pleasure of reading this series I suggest you start from the beginning. You will fall in love with the town and characters.
I hope the series continues. I want to know what happens next for them.
March 20, 2018
Even after eleven books in the Southern Sewing Circle cozy mystery series, Elizabeth Lynn Casey, still manages to write entertaining plots for her eclectic main characters! Patterned After Death turned out to be one of my favorites! This go round, a suspicious death is blamed on Margaret Louise's son, Jake, which affects everyone in the sewing circle. Also all the ladies are concerned about Rose. When I got to the end of this book, I had a smile on my face, but I was also sad that there were no more pages to turn! I am definitely looking forward to reading what happens next!
(My favorite paragraph from this book: "She could feel Nina"s eyes following her as she made her way down the mystery isle, shelving the night depository's last few titles. A Churn for the Worse by Laura Bradford...")
(My favorite paragraph from this book: "She could feel Nina"s eyes following her as she made her way down the mystery isle, shelving the night depository's last few titles. A Churn for the Worse by Laura Bradford...")
December 9, 2021
Tori brings her car to the shop because it finally needed work to be done. Milo is with her and Jake comes around to inspect her car. While he is doing that, Tori is wandering around the shop and notice that the trunk was open slightly with something sticking out. Unfortunately it is an arm and so starts another murder for Tori with Jake (who would not hurt anyone in custody). While this is going on Rose is having issues because time is catching up with her. Margaret Louis and Melissa are working with the horror of Jake being accused of murder. In the meantime, Tori has lost her apetite but is that due to what is happening or something else.
May 14, 2017
I can't believe that this is book 12 in the Southern Sewing Circle series and I've never read any of this series. Set in very small town South Carolina where high school football grudges are still smoldering after 20 years, Milo and Tori are caught in the middle of a murder mystery with lots of suspects and hard feelings. I'll be going back to get some back info on some of these unforgettable characters but I had no problems reading this as a stand alone. an enjoyable cozy set around a sewing club with Rose as the matriarch who is failing in health.
August 6, 2020
This is the last in this fun series. I miss this bunch of crazy, good hearted people in Sweet Briar. They got themselves into the darndest predicaments! In the south, High school football is sacred, well into the rest of the lives of the football stars themselves. No one in Sweet Briar forgot the rivalry of these two guys, and when one is murdered, naturally the other is the main suspect. To the rescue comes the sewing circle, who naturally start their own investigation to find the real killer. If books about devoted friendships appeal to you, then read this series.
June 30, 2017
Two formally fierce football rivals go into business together and when Noah turns up dead, Tori's friend's son is the number one suspect. The police think they have their man but the Davis family asks Tori to find the real killer. This is a great cozy mystery series. Great characters and mysteries. This is the last one in the series, printed this year but I suspect the series will continue and I look forward to it!
May 5, 2021
I have a feeling that this is the last in the series and I'm sad! Not only do I love the protagonist, Tori the librarian, but I love all of her sewing circle friends! At least in this book Tori learns more of the history of her friends and their children -- and about grudges that can last. Will she be able to help clear Margaret Louise's son of a murder he's accused of? Will she reconcile with Leona? I definitely kept reading to find out!
November 26, 2023
This series is definitely not for me but I did complete it. I will try something else from this author because I heard she has some other series that are a lot better under her other name Laura Bradford. The same issues for this book as with the rest of the books in the series; overly descriptive, over the top, overly dramatic and the mystery is so secondary and not very imaginative. This book did have a nice ending to the series.
June 14, 2017
It's good to be back with the Sewing Circle Ladies... Tori stumbles upon a dead body in the trunk of a car, it seems that Margaret Louis' Jake is the murderer, but we all know that looks are deceiving!! It's up to Tori and Charles to find the real killer, can they do it?? Of course they can!!! I loved this book and loved the ending!!
July 17, 2017
I've enjoyed this series from the beginning but the last one and this one has me annoyed Tori she's whining and I'm finding her annoying. The author does a wonderful job of give you a person you can relate too . The writing and mystery in itself is great except for Tori. I enjoyed how we focused more on the other ladies and town history when it comes to sports. All in great writing.
April 30, 2019
A bittersweet ending for a long and much loved series!!!! We get one last mystery Margaret Louise's, one of their own, son is accused of murder, Tori, not feeling well as she passed out and hit her head when she found the body is nevertheless determined to solve this problem for her friends. Sorry to say goodbye to such good friends!!!!
July 12, 2017
This little gem was worth waiting for. I finished the last of the other 11 Sewing Circle mysteries sometime last year, and this one did not disappoint. This is a grab-your-favorite-beverage and read kind of cosy, a mystery that is easy to read cover-to-cover.
July 13, 2017
Have really enjoyed this series. The characters are great and they don't always get along just as in real life. Love the setting and the sewing projects. My recommendation is read them in order for the most enjoyment.
. I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
. I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
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