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A Quilting Mystery #6
Knot My Sister's Keeper
“The results of a DNA test change a woman’s life . . . A mystery combined with wry humor” from the author of Knot What You Think (Kirkus Reviews). In tracing her ancestry, quilter Martha Rose discovers a ritzy half-sister, a stash of family secrets, and a decades-old mystery that only she can unravel . . . Martha Rose is shocked to find she has a half-sister, especially one so different from her. Giselle Cole is wealthy, widowed, and lives a glamorous life in West Los Angeles. At least her grandmother was a quilter! But Giselle can’t answer Martha’s many questions about their father—he disappeared when she was only a child and the few clues left behind indicate he may have been murdered. So Martha and Giselle team up on an investigation that weaves them through the streets of L.A., their father’s hidden love affairs, and into some mysterious unfinished Cole family business . . . Praise for the Quilting Mysteries “What’s knot to love? Mary Marks has crafted another winner stitched together with humor and heart—Martha Rose is one gutsy lady.” —Rochelle Staab, national bestselling author of the Mind for Murder Mysteries “Mary Marks had me on pins and needles and wanting to wrap myself up in a warm quilt while reading her cozy debut!” —Lee Hollis, author of the Hayley Powell Food & Cocktails Mysteries “A pleasurable and satisfying addition to any quilting mystery fan’s reading list. Recommend to those who cannot get enough of Terri Thayer, Elizabeth Craig, or Earlene Fowler.” —Library Journal
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2018
138 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Mary Marks
16 books305 followersMary Marks became an award-winning quilter after an early retirement from her job in administration on the campus of the University of California Los Angeles. After twelve years of sewing twenty four/seven, she came up for a breath and started writing about some of the nearly one hundred quilts she’d created.
Then the writing bug bit her. She was off to the UCLA Extension Writer’s Program for classes. A love of reading mysteries led her to take a four-day mystery writing workshop where she discovered a new creative passion.
Her first novel, FORGET ME KNOT, was a finalist in the Malice Domestic Competition of 2011. Out of that success came the Martha Rose quilting mystery series.
In addition to her own writing, Mary reviews cozy mysteries for New York Journal of Books online.
Mary was born in Los Angeles and grew up in L.A. and the San Francisco Bay Area. She moved back to Southern California to attend UCLA and earned a BA in Anthropology. The next years were spent raising three children. She enrolled in the American Jewish University in L.A. and earned an MA in Public Administration and Management.
She held administrative positions at UCLA until a physical condition stemming from a bout with childhood polio forced her into early retirement. She moved to Israel for a year and returned to L.A. to start her adventures in quilting and murder.
To read more about Mary, check out this interview with Ember Living
You Tube Oral History Interview
Then the writing bug bit her. She was off to the UCLA Extension Writer’s Program for classes. A love of reading mysteries led her to take a four-day mystery writing workshop where she discovered a new creative passion.
Her first novel, FORGET ME KNOT, was a finalist in the Malice Domestic Competition of 2011. Out of that success came the Martha Rose quilting mystery series.
In addition to her own writing, Mary reviews cozy mysteries for New York Journal of Books online.
Mary was born in Los Angeles and grew up in L.A. and the San Francisco Bay Area. She moved back to Southern California to attend UCLA and earned a BA in Anthropology. The next years were spent raising three children. She enrolled in the American Jewish University in L.A. and earned an MA in Public Administration and Management.
She held administrative positions at UCLA until a physical condition stemming from a bout with childhood polio forced her into early retirement. She moved to Israel for a year and returned to L.A. to start her adventures in quilting and murder.
To read more about Mary, check out this interview with Ember Living
You Tube Oral History Interview
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
November 25, 2022
Quilter Martha Rose never knew her father, and she has never known enough about him to even try to find him. All that changes when she takes a DNA test and learns she has a half-sister who also lives in the Los Angeles area. Giselle is very different from Martha, but she actually knew their father, that is until he disappeared when Giselle was twelve. Together, the two women try to find out what happened to him, but it’s been over thirty years. Will they be able to piece together any clues?
Naturally, this book needed a bit of time to set up the mystery, but it doesn’t take a word longer than it needs. Since I already knew Martha, I was quickly invested and enjoyed watching her work to figure out what happened all those years ago. The ending was satisfying. While quilting is mostly a back drop, it does come into play at one point in the story, which I appreciated. The characters are wonderful. I don’t know that I had appreciated how complex the characters in this series are before, but watching Giselle, who has no filter, made me appreciate how complex they really can be. Fans will enjoy this book. If you’ve been thinking about starting the series, I definitely recommend you jump in.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Naturally, this book needed a bit of time to set up the mystery, but it doesn’t take a word longer than it needs. Since I already knew Martha, I was quickly invested and enjoyed watching her work to figure out what happened all those years ago. The ending was satisfying. While quilting is mostly a back drop, it does come into play at one point in the story, which I appreciated. The characters are wonderful. I don’t know that I had appreciated how complex the characters in this series are before, but watching Giselle, who has no filter, made me appreciate how complex they really can be. Fans will enjoy this book. If you’ve been thinking about starting the series, I definitely recommend you jump in.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
August 24, 2018
Author Mary Marks keeps each book in her Quilting Mystery series fresh and exciting. KNOT MY SISTER'S KEEPER is no exception. With protagonist Martha Rose's discovery of a half sister, and investigating the streets of LA, this makes for on of the most adventured filled stories in the series to date. As long as Marks keeps going like this, there is no end in sight to this series!
September 12, 2019
Another great addition to the series. I tend to devour these, and this one just might rank as my favorite so far. Would have rated even higher were it not for the tendency to repeat factoids (for example, the names of her cat and exes). Tends to pull me out of the story. Regardless, I already have the next one ready!
April 16, 2020
This is the sixth installment of the Quilting Mystery series and I have enjoyed them all. This one is a bit different from the others in the series in that the mystery is a 32 year old murder. I think it is also important to know that you do not have to be a quilter, want to be a quilter or know anything about quilting to enjoy this book or series.
Martha Rose never met her father. He abandoned her mother when she told him that she was pregnant, Martha had been told that he died. For a gift, Martha's daughter Quincey, paid for a DNA test for her mother. When she submits it, she finds out that her father was of Irish descent and she had a half sister. The ladies meet and Martha finds out that her father had not died before she was born, but had disappeared 32 years earlier and was presumed dead. Martha and Gisele decide to find out what e to their father. The two sisters decide to combine forces and investigate the mystery of their father's disappearance.
I was engaged in this story throughout. It was very interesting to see the relationship between Martha (Gisele calls her Sissy) and Gisele (called G by Martha) develop. It was very realistic, although a bit quick. Lucy and Jazz were back as fellow quilters and friends as well as Yossi, Martha's fiancee and her daughter Quincey. The police she works with as well as the ladies at the Memory Centre added a bit of the humor to the story. Gisele and Martha played off each other throughout much of the book and I couldn't help but smile and laugh at their antics and interactions. There were a few plot twists and some good red-herrings. I had no idea who the murderer was and almost thought the ladies would never find out. I really enjoyed the details the author included about Jewish rituals and customs. There were explanations of dietary laws, Yiddish words and phrases, celebration of the Sabbath, and life cycle events. When Gisele thoughtlessly made comments using Jewish stereotypes, I liked the way Martha dealt with it. I definitely recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers, in fact, I recommend the whole series. The publisher, Kensington Books, generously provided me with a copy of this book to read. The rating, ideas and opinions are my own.
Martha Rose never met her father. He abandoned her mother when she told him that she was pregnant, Martha had been told that he died. For a gift, Martha's daughter Quincey, paid for a DNA test for her mother. When she submits it, she finds out that her father was of Irish descent and she had a half sister. The ladies meet and Martha finds out that her father had not died before she was born, but had disappeared 32 years earlier and was presumed dead. Martha and Gisele decide to find out what e to their father. The two sisters decide to combine forces and investigate the mystery of their father's disappearance.
I was engaged in this story throughout. It was very interesting to see the relationship between Martha (Gisele calls her Sissy) and Gisele (called G by Martha) develop. It was very realistic, although a bit quick. Lucy and Jazz were back as fellow quilters and friends as well as Yossi, Martha's fiancee and her daughter Quincey. The police she works with as well as the ladies at the Memory Centre added a bit of the humor to the story. Gisele and Martha played off each other throughout much of the book and I couldn't help but smile and laugh at their antics and interactions. There were a few plot twists and some good red-herrings. I had no idea who the murderer was and almost thought the ladies would never find out. I really enjoyed the details the author included about Jewish rituals and customs. There were explanations of dietary laws, Yiddish words and phrases, celebration of the Sabbath, and life cycle events. When Gisele thoughtlessly made comments using Jewish stereotypes, I liked the way Martha dealt with it. I definitely recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers, in fact, I recommend the whole series. The publisher, Kensington Books, generously provided me with a copy of this book to read. The rating, ideas and opinions are my own.
June 18, 2018
Knot My Sister's Keeper is the first I have read in the Quilting Mystery series and I enjoyed it from front to back! I am not a quilter, so I have been hesitant to read the series. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that you definitely do not have to be a quilter to be a fan of these books. After quilter Martha Rose has her DNA submitted to an ancestry company, Martha discovers she has a half-sister, Giselle. Despite definite personality conflicts, Martha and Giselle team up to uncover the story of their father’s life and unravel a 32-year-old murder mystery. I enjoyed that the main character is over 30 years old. It’s nice to read a mystery from another generations point of view. This book is interesting, engaging and full of twists and turns. I loved he ending and you will too.
July 1, 2018
This is the sixth installment of the Quilting Mystery series. Although I had not read any of the prior books in the series nor have I ever quilted, the author made it very easy for me to jump right in and thoroughly enjoy this book.
Martha Rose has lived her whole life not knowing her father, a talented artist. When her daughter submits her DNA to an ancestry database, Martha's whole world is turned upside down when she discovers she has a half-sister named Giselle. The two sisters decide to combine forces and investigate the mystery of their father's disappearance.
The book was a great read and kept me engaged from beginning until end. Although their relationship had a rocky start, I was really hoping that Martha and Giselle (Martha calls her "G") would begin to develop a sibling bond and I was not disappointed. The other characters rounded out the book nicely and the side plot of Martha's daughter's romance with a police detective added additional, but not overpowering, romance to the storyline. There were nice plot twists and some good red-herrings. Overall, the book was well-paced.
The author also provided detailed description of Jewish rituals and customs, such as dietary laws, Yiddish words and phrases, celebration of the Sabbath, and life cycle events. She also confronted "G" about some stereotypes and politely provided an informed response without the need for name-calling. At the conclusion of the book, the author provides a detailed history of quilting. I have several of the books in this series in my personal library and plan to read them in order. I highly recommend this book and series!!
** Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.
Martha Rose has lived her whole life not knowing her father, a talented artist. When her daughter submits her DNA to an ancestry database, Martha's whole world is turned upside down when she discovers she has a half-sister named Giselle. The two sisters decide to combine forces and investigate the mystery of their father's disappearance.
The book was a great read and kept me engaged from beginning until end. Although their relationship had a rocky start, I was really hoping that Martha and Giselle (Martha calls her "G") would begin to develop a sibling bond and I was not disappointed. The other characters rounded out the book nicely and the side plot of Martha's daughter's romance with a police detective added additional, but not overpowering, romance to the storyline. There were nice plot twists and some good red-herrings. Overall, the book was well-paced.
The author also provided detailed description of Jewish rituals and customs, such as dietary laws, Yiddish words and phrases, celebration of the Sabbath, and life cycle events. She also confronted "G" about some stereotypes and politely provided an informed response without the need for name-calling. At the conclusion of the book, the author provides a detailed history of quilting. I have several of the books in this series in my personal library and plan to read them in order. I highly recommend this book and series!!
** Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.
July 4, 2018
This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning. The story is well told and I couldn't put it down.
When Martha Rose receives a DNA test in the mail, she has no idea what her but if saliva will bring into her life.
Will she finally find out the truth about her father, or will it just simply remain a cold case?
I like the cast of characters in this book. They all work well together to bring the story to light.
I've read all the books in this series and I believe this one is my favorite.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
When Martha Rose receives a DNA test in the mail, she has no idea what her but if saliva will bring into her life.
Will she finally find out the truth about her father, or will it just simply remain a cold case?
I like the cast of characters in this book. They all work well together to bring the story to light.
I've read all the books in this series and I believe this one is my favorite.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
July 29, 2018
Knot My Sister’s Keeper by Mary Marks is the sixth novel in A Quilting Mystery series. Martha Rose is bewildered when she receives a DNA kit in the mail from Deep Roots. Her daughter, Quincy sent it as a surprise, so Martha can find out more about the father she never knew. Martha is shocked when she learns she has a half-sister. Giselle Cole, Martha’s half-sister, is a wealthy widow living in Los Angeles and is looking forward to meeting Martha. Giselle is a forthright woman with expensive tastes and an over-the-top personality. Martha learns her grandmother was a quilter and she passed away leaving an unfinished quilt. Martha learns her father was Jacob Quinn Maguire, a painter who disappeared in 1980. Martha and Giselle want to learn what happened to Jacob and set out to get answers. Martha with the aid of her friends stitch together the clues.
Knot My Sister’s Keeper may be the sixth book in the series, but it can be read alone. I thought the story was well-written with a nice steady pace. I thought the story was well thought out and it contains a complex main character with a charming case of secondary characters. Martha is a strong, sassy smart woman with a gift for quilting and knack for solving crimes. I like that Martha Rose is a mature woman who has Fibromyalgia. Many people do not understand the disease or believe it is not real. We get to see what can trigger an episode and the pain Martha experiences. It was interesting to learn more about the Jewish culture and their traditions. It was a nice touch and allowed us to get to know Martha in a different way. Giselle is a dynamic woman, and I was happy to see her outlook changing towards the end of the story. The mystery was multifaceted and there was active investigating (no sitting back and waiting for clues to come to them). I do enjoy a complex mystery (I like the challenge). There are good clues to aid in solving the 32-year-old crime and it was clever how the author incorporated the clues for Martha into the story. I did miss Birdie in this Knot My Sister’s Keeper. There are references to her, but she is not present in the story (she is my favorite secondary character). Quincy is in town, but she is spending her time with Detective Noah Kaplan much to Martha’s dismay. Quincy has a special announcement for the family (oh no). The ending is just beautiful and will leave you smiling. The history of needles is included at the end of the book which I found fascinating. I am eager for the next installment in A Quilting Mystery series. I wonder if Martha will marry Yossi soon?
Knot My Sister’s Keeper may be the sixth book in the series, but it can be read alone. I thought the story was well-written with a nice steady pace. I thought the story was well thought out and it contains a complex main character with a charming case of secondary characters. Martha is a strong, sassy smart woman with a gift for quilting and knack for solving crimes. I like that Martha Rose is a mature woman who has Fibromyalgia. Many people do not understand the disease or believe it is not real. We get to see what can trigger an episode and the pain Martha experiences. It was interesting to learn more about the Jewish culture and their traditions. It was a nice touch and allowed us to get to know Martha in a different way. Giselle is a dynamic woman, and I was happy to see her outlook changing towards the end of the story. The mystery was multifaceted and there was active investigating (no sitting back and waiting for clues to come to them). I do enjoy a complex mystery (I like the challenge). There are good clues to aid in solving the 32-year-old crime and it was clever how the author incorporated the clues for Martha into the story. I did miss Birdie in this Knot My Sister’s Keeper. There are references to her, but she is not present in the story (she is my favorite secondary character). Quincy is in town, but she is spending her time with Detective Noah Kaplan much to Martha’s dismay. Quincy has a special announcement for the family (oh no). The ending is just beautiful and will leave you smiling. The history of needles is included at the end of the book which I found fascinating. I am eager for the next installment in A Quilting Mystery series. I wonder if Martha will marry Yossi soon?
June 14, 2018
Martha Rose engaged to Yossi Levy aka the Crusher. Her daughter is curious about her ancestors and submits her DNA to an ancestry firm. Martha sent her DNA and is very to find she has a half-sister, Giselle. Her father disappeared when Gisele was 8 years. The sisters set out to find out what happened to their Father. The twist and turns of the book will have enthralled until you finished the book. What do the sisters find about their Father? Is he Alive or was he MURDER? The ending will surprise. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and series.I
Disclosure: Many thanks to Kensington Books for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Kensington Books for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
February 28, 2022
I think there must be a cozy mystery for everything. Quilting and the Jewish faith rolled into one. I enjoyed learning all kinds of things about the Jewish ceremonies and way of life in a modern world. Can’t say I learned a heck of a lot about making quilts though. That was more an afterthought. But I also enjoyed the relationships that unfolded when they found about about Quinn’s cheating and womanizing ways. I was shocked over who the murderer was. And I didn’t even relatively have a clue about who did it or the real reason. I’d love to read more in this series if I can find them.
July 28, 2018
3.5 stars
Despite the author's ignorance about asthma and her dismissive attitude toward it, and a weird character name that screamed PNR or urban fantasy, I enjoyed the book. A complex and intriguing story with complex, interesting and mostly likable characters. I love that our heroine was Jewish, which is a rarity in cozies, and she is older and plus-sized. Her fiance is also older and Jewish. The author also did a fantastic job of working the quilting theme of the series into the story. It was relevant and fit in organically. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and want to read more in the series.
Despite the author's ignorance about asthma and her dismissive attitude toward it, and a weird character name that screamed PNR or urban fantasy, I enjoyed the book. A complex and intriguing story with complex, interesting and mostly likable characters. I love that our heroine was Jewish, which is a rarity in cozies, and she is older and plus-sized. Her fiance is also older and Jewish. The author also did a fantastic job of working the quilting theme of the series into the story. It was relevant and fit in organically. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and want to read more in the series.
August 9, 2018
Excellent addition to this series. So much happens in Martha Rose’s latest adventure. I just couldn’t put it down. So many changes. This series gets better and better with each new book. There is never a dull moment for Martha and her family and friends. ‘‘Tis is one of my top three favorite series. I can not wait for the next book.
August 3, 2018
Knot My Sister's Keeper by Mary Marks is the 6th book in A Quilting Mystery series, and another enjoyable fun book. Martha Rose receives a DNA test in the mail from her daughter. When she receives the results she is shocked to find out she has a half-sister.
Martha never met her father, so is excited to meet Giselle and learn about him. When Martha finds out their father disappeared years ago, they work together to get to the bottom of what happened to him. This book made me laugh out loud at times. Not only is this book funny, it has a great mystery. I was hooked from the beginning, and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love cozy mysteries, I recommend this book. You don't have to be a quilter to enjoy this series.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Martha never met her father, so is excited to meet Giselle and learn about him. When Martha finds out their father disappeared years ago, they work together to get to the bottom of what happened to him. This book made me laugh out loud at times. Not only is this book funny, it has a great mystery. I was hooked from the beginning, and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love cozy mysteries, I recommend this book. You don't have to be a quilter to enjoy this series.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 13, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
If you are looking for a cozy with a Jewish flair, quilting, and different type of mystery then look no further then this adorable book. Martha was raised believing her father died in an accident only to find out differently years later though not who he was. When her daughter pushed her to do an ancestry DNA thing she agrees. What follows is really quite intriguing as each new secret is revealed. Daddy had some problems I must say. I never could have predicted the ending either. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
If you are looking for a cozy with a Jewish flair, quilting, and different type of mystery then look no further then this adorable book. Martha was raised believing her father died in an accident only to find out differently years later though not who he was. When her daughter pushed her to do an ancestry DNA thing she agrees. What follows is really quite intriguing as each new secret is revealed. Daddy had some problems I must say. I never could have predicted the ending either. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
August 13, 2021
In this story, the main character finds out she has a half sister. Both women decide to find out what happened to their father who disappeared thirty some years before. They discover a lot about their father and most of it unflattering but he did seem to love his children. The book was a quick easy read.
August 3, 2018
Absolutely delightful cozy mystery that seamlessly integrates the love of quilting with an unusual premise. Daughter Dearest sends off for a DNA test for her mother and the results knock her socks off. Martha Rose is surprised to discover she has a half-sister she never knew existed. What's more, Martha's sister, Giselle Cole, is rich. Really, stinkin' rich, but Giselle is an acquired taste. It is Giselle's grandmother who also shared a common interest in quilting providing the familial link.
Giselle actually knew their father until he disappeared when she was eight years old. Martha, of course, is not a total stranger to sleuthing and it's not long before she's off to figure out what happened to daddy, an acclaimed artist. Martha's financé, Yossi, or "Crusher," is an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, and Tobacco and has connections which will prove useful since this constitutes a REALLY cold case. Her dad disappeared more than thirty years ago.
This book is such a hoot! I really enjoyed the author's writing style, that terrific sense of humor. Loved that the protagonist is a middle-aged woman with a few extra pounds and is involved in a hobby she is good at. Her romantic interest is cleverly done with a mature view. Giselle, while a widow, is 180 degrees from the sensibilities of Martha and their contrast makes for some hilarious dialogue. The support characters are well fleshed and contribute to a sense of tight kinship. It doesn't take long before the reader is invested enough that he/she must learn the truth of what happened to daddy as well.
This is the sixth in the series, but would function well as a standalone. The story is well-plotted and progressed smoothly, never lagged, and the conclusion is most satisfying. I received this ebook download from the publisher and NetGalley through a book tour and greatly appreciate the opportunity to read and review. It was totally my pleasure! Recommended to all who enjoy a fun, fast novel.
See my full review and more at https://rosepointpublishing.com
Giselle actually knew their father until he disappeared when she was eight years old. Martha, of course, is not a total stranger to sleuthing and it's not long before she's off to figure out what happened to daddy, an acclaimed artist. Martha's financé, Yossi, or "Crusher," is an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, and Tobacco and has connections which will prove useful since this constitutes a REALLY cold case. Her dad disappeared more than thirty years ago.
This book is such a hoot! I really enjoyed the author's writing style, that terrific sense of humor. Loved that the protagonist is a middle-aged woman with a few extra pounds and is involved in a hobby she is good at. Her romantic interest is cleverly done with a mature view. Giselle, while a widow, is 180 degrees from the sensibilities of Martha and their contrast makes for some hilarious dialogue. The support characters are well fleshed and contribute to a sense of tight kinship. It doesn't take long before the reader is invested enough that he/she must learn the truth of what happened to daddy as well.
This is the sixth in the series, but would function well as a standalone. The story is well-plotted and progressed smoothly, never lagged, and the conclusion is most satisfying. I received this ebook download from the publisher and NetGalley through a book tour and greatly appreciate the opportunity to read and review. It was totally my pleasure! Recommended to all who enjoy a fun, fast novel.
See my full review and more at https://rosepointpublishing.com
August 4, 2018
I normally don't read a series out of order, but sometimes if a new book to a longer-running series comes out and I've been wanting to try the series, I'll jump in and do that. I'm definitely going to start this one from the beginning. This book was so good, I found it hard to put it down. I quickly grew to like all the regular characters and the idea of the quilting meetings.
Martha Rose was just getting used to being someone's fiancee when she found out she had a wealthy half-sister who lived nearby, who just happened to also be CEO of an oil company. When they got together, they found out they did both have things in common, mainly the desire to find out what happened in the case investigating their dad's disappearance 32 years ago. I thought it was kind of interesting and different for the murder to have occurred that long ago instead of having a current murder to solve. Martha and her new sister, Giselle, become friends fairly quickly despite Giselle's outspoken and seemingly rude comments. Martha found that it was just who she was, but Giselle did try to rein herself in sometimes.
Not only had Martha gained a fiance and sister in a short period of time, she also learned of another couple of someones to join their family. I won't say who they are so that I don't spoil it. The cold case murder involved finding and talking to detectives that had worked the case so long ago. One detective had dementia now, but Martha and Giselle felt that she held the key to what had really happened to their father. They did finally get some closure and the story had a really nice ending. I'm definitely curious to see how this all started out. The author does a nice job of getting readers acquainted with the characters but doesn't let any of the previous murder spoilers slip out, which I definitely appreciated since this was my first in this series to read, but it definitely won't be my last. Very well written and well-plotted!
Martha Rose was just getting used to being someone's fiancee when she found out she had a wealthy half-sister who lived nearby, who just happened to also be CEO of an oil company. When they got together, they found out they did both have things in common, mainly the desire to find out what happened in the case investigating their dad's disappearance 32 years ago. I thought it was kind of interesting and different for the murder to have occurred that long ago instead of having a current murder to solve. Martha and her new sister, Giselle, become friends fairly quickly despite Giselle's outspoken and seemingly rude comments. Martha found that it was just who she was, but Giselle did try to rein herself in sometimes.
Not only had Martha gained a fiance and sister in a short period of time, she also learned of another couple of someones to join their family. I won't say who they are so that I don't spoil it. The cold case murder involved finding and talking to detectives that had worked the case so long ago. One detective had dementia now, but Martha and Giselle felt that she held the key to what had really happened to their father. They did finally get some closure and the story had a really nice ending. I'm definitely curious to see how this all started out. The author does a nice job of getting readers acquainted with the characters but doesn't let any of the previous murder spoilers slip out, which I definitely appreciated since this was my first in this series to read, but it definitely won't be my last. Very well written and well-plotted!
July 2, 2018
Martha Rose, a quilter, is shocked to find a long lost half-sister after she takes a DNA test to trace her ancestry. They realize their missing father may not have abandoned them, but was murdered. Can Martha uncover the clues to find the true story behind her father’s disappearance?
This was a great cozy mystery read. I love Martha’s antics to find the truth. I also like how her friends assist her in going undercover to get information from an uncooperative source. Martha took risks in finding the truth, which is a great character trait for a long-lasting amateur sleuth. The plot had enough twists and turns to keep my pages turning. I can’t wait to the next one in the series. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.
This was a great cozy mystery read. I love Martha’s antics to find the truth. I also like how her friends assist her in going undercover to get information from an uncooperative source. Martha took risks in finding the truth, which is a great character trait for a long-lasting amateur sleuth. The plot had enough twists and turns to keep my pages turning. I can’t wait to the next one in the series. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.
July 24, 2018
HAH! That DNA test you mail in might lead to more than info about your ethnic background. Martha finds out she has a half sister, Giselle, who she refers to as G. As you might imagine, things don't go swimmingly at first but these two warm to each other as they work to figure out the mystery of their shared father. This plot line moved the latest installment in the series beyond the classic cozy as it adds a familial learning experience to the murder mystery. Well done. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. You don't need to have read the earlier books or be a quilter (I'm not) to enjoy this one. It's nicely written and will make you wonder how many other people will get this sort of surprise in the future.
August 2, 2018
This is the first book in this series that I have read, and it won’t be the last, first I am a quilter, and second I found myself laughing out loud, this author is a great story teller.
We hit on genealogy big time here, and getting DNA in an uncouth way, stealing a cup! This story is about finding family, living with family, and getting away from family.
New relatives tracking down their missing father, and surprises and chuckles abound, a great book to unwind with and enjoy!
I received this book through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
We hit on genealogy big time here, and getting DNA in an uncouth way, stealing a cup! This story is about finding family, living with family, and getting away from family.
New relatives tracking down their missing father, and surprises and chuckles abound, a great book to unwind with and enjoy!
I received this book through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
February 25, 2021
Really enjoyed this addition to the series and the part that quilting played in it. This was mystery with a cold case. This time Martha does not get into a shoot out! And she does find family. Again enjoyed the humour.
January 18, 2020
I think I will have to read this series and I rarely say that. I loved the feel of this book. I cared about the characters. A "comfort food" type of book!
August 3, 2018
Knot My Sister’s Keeper is a different book than the rest of them in the Quilting Mystery series. This book is very personal to Martha. After submitting her DNA through an ancestry database, Martha learns that she has a sibling, a half-sister named Giselle Cole. The exact opposite of Martha, Giselle is rich, glamorous, and tactless. What they do have in common is the want of family and to know why their father disappeared without a trace so many years ago. An up-and-coming artist, their father disappeared at the high of his career, never to be heard from or seen again.
The emotional content in this book is heightened due to the personal nature of the situation. Thinking she had limited family members, Martha can’t believe that she has a half-sister. When the gravity of the situation surrounding their father comes to light, the new-found sisters know they have to try and find him. This entire book was an emotional rollercoaster. I liked the unique spin of this book compared to the rest of the books in this series.
Martha Rose is the typical heroine - totally not a crime solver/fighter but makes it her duty to dive in head first whether there's water in the pool or not. Martha Rose puts herself into vary precarious situations and breaks a lot of laws in her quest to find the killer. During downtime in the quest to find their father, Martha still holds the quilting sessions that now include others besides Lucy and Birdie. Giselle, even though she is thoughtless in the things she says does take an active interest in Martha and Crusher’s Jewish customs and traditions, bringing the two sisters that much closer together. The relationship between Martha and Crusher is sweet and I’m honestly glad she is with him. He is so devoted to Martha and she to Crusher.
Mary Marks does another wonderful job building up the mystery and keeping everything a secret. The truth of the situation is revealed at the perfect time and the person responsible is not the person I thought it would be. The writing flows well and is concise. The author's writing style is fluid and smooth and so easy to get lost in. The romantic elements of Knot My Sister's Keeper are subtle and don't overshadow the mystery. The entire novel is engaging; never a dull moment.
The emotional content in this book is heightened due to the personal nature of the situation. Thinking she had limited family members, Martha can’t believe that she has a half-sister. When the gravity of the situation surrounding their father comes to light, the new-found sisters know they have to try and find him. This entire book was an emotional rollercoaster. I liked the unique spin of this book compared to the rest of the books in this series.
Martha Rose is the typical heroine - totally not a crime solver/fighter but makes it her duty to dive in head first whether there's water in the pool or not. Martha Rose puts herself into vary precarious situations and breaks a lot of laws in her quest to find the killer. During downtime in the quest to find their father, Martha still holds the quilting sessions that now include others besides Lucy and Birdie. Giselle, even though she is thoughtless in the things she says does take an active interest in Martha and Crusher’s Jewish customs and traditions, bringing the two sisters that much closer together. The relationship between Martha and Crusher is sweet and I’m honestly glad she is with him. He is so devoted to Martha and she to Crusher.
Mary Marks does another wonderful job building up the mystery and keeping everything a secret. The truth of the situation is revealed at the perfect time and the person responsible is not the person I thought it would be. The writing flows well and is concise. The author's writing style is fluid and smooth and so easy to get lost in. The romantic elements of Knot My Sister's Keeper are subtle and don't overshadow the mystery. The entire novel is engaging; never a dull moment.
August 26, 2021
Martha finds out she has a half sister and meets with her to try and find out what happened to their father. A long ago case has to be reopened and they find a half brother also. A good story and I look forward to the next one in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2019
I would like to thank Kensington Books for providing me with a free electronic ARC of this book, via Netgalley. Any reviews I give are done obligation free, and are unpaid… well, unless you count getting this book for free… but we won’t go there. ;-)
‘Knot My Sister’s Keeper’ is book six in ‘A Quilting Mystery’ series and a book I had been hanging out for and was so pleased to get a chance to read. I love this series, have done so from book one – ‘Forget me Knot’ and was not disappointed when I read it.
I will say I found ‘Knot My Sister’s Keeper’ a little different to the other books in the series as there wasn’t as much quilting as there was sleuthing… but the imbalance was minimal and I almost feel like I’m just being a whinger to mention it! :-D Still, there was a feel and undertone to this book that, for me, had it not seem the same as the other books in the series… it was as if the series went off tangent a little. But in all honesty I don’t think it did REALLY go off tangent as the questions sought – and answered – are ones that have been rattling around in the series all along. Maybe it was just the introduction to such a brash new character that did it? It’s not that I didn’t enjoy Giselle. I don’t know... There was just a feel of slight difference to this book that set it apart from the others in the series. Not in a bad way, please don’t think that at all. Just in a way that… well, I guess it could be a new key stone to expanding the series even further. And I would never complain about that! :-)
Would I recommend this book to others?
Yes I would, especially those who have read the other five books in this series. And if you haven’t – go read them and then read this one. And tell me if I am wrong about the feel of the book. :-)
Would I buy this book for myself?
Of course! I mean, on Amazon, eBook prices have gone through the roof and I look at the cost of ANY eBook there now and go pale. I understand paper books costing more for the print run, but eBooks? So when I see that ‘Knot my Sister’s Keeper’ and the other books in this series are still being sold at a sensible price – of course I will keep buying and enjoying them. It is a good series at a decent price. What more could this crafty cosy crime loving lady want?
In summary: I felt the book was a little different to the others in the series, but still just as enjoyable and highly recommendable.
‘Knot My Sister’s Keeper’ is book six in ‘A Quilting Mystery’ series and a book I had been hanging out for and was so pleased to get a chance to read. I love this series, have done so from book one – ‘Forget me Knot’ and was not disappointed when I read it.
I will say I found ‘Knot My Sister’s Keeper’ a little different to the other books in the series as there wasn’t as much quilting as there was sleuthing… but the imbalance was minimal and I almost feel like I’m just being a whinger to mention it! :-D Still, there was a feel and undertone to this book that, for me, had it not seem the same as the other books in the series… it was as if the series went off tangent a little. But in all honesty I don’t think it did REALLY go off tangent as the questions sought – and answered – are ones that have been rattling around in the series all along. Maybe it was just the introduction to such a brash new character that did it? It’s not that I didn’t enjoy Giselle. I don’t know... There was just a feel of slight difference to this book that set it apart from the others in the series. Not in a bad way, please don’t think that at all. Just in a way that… well, I guess it could be a new key stone to expanding the series even further. And I would never complain about that! :-)
Would I recommend this book to others?
Yes I would, especially those who have read the other five books in this series. And if you haven’t – go read them and then read this one. And tell me if I am wrong about the feel of the book. :-)
Would I buy this book for myself?
Of course! I mean, on Amazon, eBook prices have gone through the roof and I look at the cost of ANY eBook there now and go pale. I understand paper books costing more for the print run, but eBooks? So when I see that ‘Knot my Sister’s Keeper’ and the other books in this series are still being sold at a sensible price – of course I will keep buying and enjoying them. It is a good series at a decent price. What more could this crafty cosy crime loving lady want?
In summary: I felt the book was a little different to the others in the series, but still just as enjoyable and highly recommendable.
July 1, 2018
Knot My Sister’s Keeper is the sixth book in Mary Marks Quilting Mystery series. This book is well plotted and has well-developed characters. Ms. Marks’ witty and humorous writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author provides enough background information that this book can be read as a standalone. There are lots of twists and turns and enough suspects to keep the reader engaged. The final reveal surprised me. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries.
Martha Rose, Lucy Mondello, Birdie Watson, and Jazz Fletcher-Watson are friends who get together once a week to quilt together, but Birdie is on her honeymoon, so she isn’t there when Martha receives an unexpected package. Unknown to Martha, her daughter, Quincy, submitted a DNA sample to an ancestry firm and after receiving the results, she ordered another kit for her mother. When Martha sends hers in and receives the results, she learns she has a younger half-sister, Giselle Cole, who lives nearby. She soon discovers that her father, who abandoned her mother when he learned she was pregnant, is Jacob Quinn Maguire, talented artist, and that Giselle knew him as a devoted husband and father, until he mysteriously disappeared when she was twelve years old. Martha had always been told he died in a train accident, but a couple of years ago, her uncle, Isaac Harris, told her that wasn’t true. Giselle showed Martha three of their father’s portraits and Martha recognized the subject as her mother, painted years after he abandoned them. Martha Rose is engaged to Yossi Levy, a/k/a the Crusher, who is an undercover agent for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, who offers to try to get a copy of the missing persons file related to her father’s disappearance. A lot of time has passed and many of the players are deceased or their memories faded, but the determined half-sisters set out to find out what happened to their father who has been missing for over thirty years. Both Martha and Giselle uncover lots of unsettling things about their father. Martha isn’t happy that Quincy is dating LAPD Detective Noah Kaplan, and is worried about the “big” announcement they have to make.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Martha Rose, Lucy Mondello, Birdie Watson, and Jazz Fletcher-Watson are friends who get together once a week to quilt together, but Birdie is on her honeymoon, so she isn’t there when Martha receives an unexpected package. Unknown to Martha, her daughter, Quincy, submitted a DNA sample to an ancestry firm and after receiving the results, she ordered another kit for her mother. When Martha sends hers in and receives the results, she learns she has a younger half-sister, Giselle Cole, who lives nearby. She soon discovers that her father, who abandoned her mother when he learned she was pregnant, is Jacob Quinn Maguire, talented artist, and that Giselle knew him as a devoted husband and father, until he mysteriously disappeared when she was twelve years old. Martha had always been told he died in a train accident, but a couple of years ago, her uncle, Isaac Harris, told her that wasn’t true. Giselle showed Martha three of their father’s portraits and Martha recognized the subject as her mother, painted years after he abandoned them. Martha Rose is engaged to Yossi Levy, a/k/a the Crusher, who is an undercover agent for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, who offers to try to get a copy of the missing persons file related to her father’s disappearance. A lot of time has passed and many of the players are deceased or their memories faded, but the determined half-sisters set out to find out what happened to their father who has been missing for over thirty years. Both Martha and Giselle uncover lots of unsettling things about their father. Martha isn’t happy that Quincy is dating LAPD Detective Noah Kaplan, and is worried about the “big” announcement they have to make.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
August 21, 2018
Princess Fuzzypants here: I have been reading this series and have enjoyed the earlier books but for the first time, I really felt connected with Martha. I cannot tell you what changed but I was engrossed in this story. Martha, who has learned that the father she thought had died before she was born actually deserted her mother when he discovered she was pregnant. So, when her daughter “gifts” her with a DNA kit, she approaches it with some trepidation. Now that she knows that things she held as true are not, is she ready to find out more. And she had better be ready because there are tons of secrets including siblings and murder.
Love is also in the air both for Martha and her daughter Quincey. With all the changes going on, there are good changes and bad changes- or at least changes that worry Martha a great deal. I admire Martha. Yes, like so many cozies, she does tend to tick a few of the local cops off but she also works with others who recognize her smarts. I like the way she is a zoftig woman who is still highly attractive to men. I like her spunk and her intelligence and heart.
It is an intriguing story as well. Love and betrayal and responsibility and jealousy all combine to tell the story of a man who loved them and left them once too often. The reader can relate to the myriad of emotions Martha is experiencing as she learns more and more about her past and her future.
I give it five purrs and two paws up.
Love is also in the air both for Martha and her daughter Quincey. With all the changes going on, there are good changes and bad changes- or at least changes that worry Martha a great deal. I admire Martha. Yes, like so many cozies, she does tend to tick a few of the local cops off but she also works with others who recognize her smarts. I like the way she is a zoftig woman who is still highly attractive to men. I like her spunk and her intelligence and heart.
It is an intriguing story as well. Love and betrayal and responsibility and jealousy all combine to tell the story of a man who loved them and left them once too often. The reader can relate to the myriad of emotions Martha is experiencing as she learns more and more about her past and her future.
I give it five purrs and two paws up.
July 30, 2018
Knot My Sister's Keeper is the first I have read in the Quilting Mystery series. I am not a quilter and don’t believe you need to be to enjoy the book. I learned a lot. The descriptions were marvelous. I did not feel lost in picking up with book 2.
I found this to be topical in today’s society. Martha Rose has lived her whole life not knowing her father, a talented artist. Her daughter has her submit her saliva to a DNA Ancestry site. Martha Rose discovers she has a wealthy half-sister named Giselle.
Neither knows what has happened to their father. They join forces to find out what happened to their father.
What I liked about this story is:
It is well written, flows smoothly and has a delightful cast of characters.
Twists and turns to keep you guessing.
Can be read as a standalone.
I learned a lot about Jewish customs, dietary law and some words I had never heard before. I also did not know there were variations of Judiasm, other than practicing or not.
There is a history of quilting at the end of the book.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from Kensington Publishing Corporation via Netgalley and these are my own opinions.
I found this to be topical in today’s society. Martha Rose has lived her whole life not knowing her father, a talented artist. Her daughter has her submit her saliva to a DNA Ancestry site. Martha Rose discovers she has a wealthy half-sister named Giselle.
Neither knows what has happened to their father. They join forces to find out what happened to their father.
What I liked about this story is:
It is well written, flows smoothly and has a delightful cast of characters.
Twists and turns to keep you guessing.
Can be read as a standalone.
I learned a lot about Jewish customs, dietary law and some words I had never heard before. I also did not know there were variations of Judiasm, other than practicing or not.
There is a history of quilting at the end of the book.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from Kensington Publishing Corporation via Netgalley and these are my own opinions.
August 15, 2018
Ho acquistato il primo libro di questa serie per il suo tema (patchwork o quilting che dir si voglia), storcendo il naso per la protagonista più vecchietta del solito, ma nel corso della serie mi sono affezionata sempre di più a lei e agli altri personaggi ricorrenti; mi sono accorta che a distanza di mesi (anche anni) mi ricordo benissimo di alcuni episodi. Morale della favola: è sempre un piacere leggere un libro di questa serie! E il voto è non solo per questo volume, ma per la serie in genere.
In questo libro la famiglia di Martha, la protagonista, si allarga in maniera inaspettata e la porta a indagare sulla scomparsa del padre, che non ha mai conosciuto. Devo dire che la soluzione del mistero, per quanto non inaspettata (avevo capito ben presto chi fosse il colpevole) mi ha lasciato un po' l'amaro in bocca, forse anche perché nel corso della storia viene fuori un ritratto del padre di Martha non proprio lusinghiero. Inoltre, restano irrisolte un paio di questioni, forse minori, ma comunque di una certa rilevanza. Bella storia, comunque. Quando esce il prossimo? Visti i precedenti, temo che dovrò aspettare un anno...
In questo libro la famiglia di Martha, la protagonista, si allarga in maniera inaspettata e la porta a indagare sulla scomparsa del padre, che non ha mai conosciuto. Devo dire che la soluzione del mistero, per quanto non inaspettata (avevo capito ben presto chi fosse il colpevole) mi ha lasciato un po' l'amaro in bocca, forse anche perché nel corso della storia viene fuori un ritratto del padre di Martha non proprio lusinghiero. Inoltre, restano irrisolte un paio di questioni, forse minori, ma comunque di una certa rilevanza. Bella storia, comunque. Quando esce il prossimo? Visti i precedenti, temo che dovrò aspettare un anno...
October 26, 2018
I have read all the books in this series and they just keep getting better and better. The main character is jewish and it is always fun when you can find out about another persons culture. Martha was an only child raised by her grandmother and uncle. Her mother was there, but not really there, ever since the man who got her pregnant disappeared before Martha was born. All Martha ever knew about her father was that his name was Quinn. That's why she named her daughter Quincy. 50ish Martha lives in LA, her boyfriend undercover cop Yossi "Crusher" Levy has moved in and her daughter, Quincy has just sent her a DNA test kit. And the result? She has a half sister, Giselle Cole, who also lives in LA. (OK, maybe DNA test kits are not that specific, but it makes a good story) Their father was a famous artist Jacob Quinn McGuire, called Quinn, who left home one day on a business trip and was never heard from again. Together the sisters are determined to track down their father and find out the truth. But sometimes searching for the truth can be dangerous.
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