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Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime
The clock is ticking...
Can a dead child’s cross-stitch pendant find a missing nun? Is revenge possible in just 48 minutes? Can a killer be stopped before the rescuers are engulfed by a city ablaze? Who killed what the tide brought in? Can a soliloquizing gumshoe stay out of jail?
Exploring the facets of time, eleven authors delve into mysteries and crimes that linger in both dark corners and plain sight. Featuring the talents of Gwen Gardner, Rebecca M. Douglass, Tara Tyler, S. R. Betler, C.D. Gallant-King, Jemi Fraser, J. R. Ferguson, Yolanda Renée, C. Lee McKenzie, Christine Clemetson, and Mary Aalgaard.
Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these eleven tales will take you on a thrilling ride into jeopardy and secrecy. Trail along, find the clues, and stay out of danger. Time is wasting...
Can a dead child’s cross-stitch pendant find a missing nun? Is revenge possible in just 48 minutes? Can a killer be stopped before the rescuers are engulfed by a city ablaze? Who killed what the tide brought in? Can a soliloquizing gumshoe stay out of jail?
Exploring the facets of time, eleven authors delve into mysteries and crimes that linger in both dark corners and plain sight. Featuring the talents of Gwen Gardner, Rebecca M. Douglass, Tara Tyler, S. R. Betler, C.D. Gallant-King, Jemi Fraser, J. R. Ferguson, Yolanda Renée, C. Lee McKenzie, Christine Clemetson, and Mary Aalgaard.
Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these eleven tales will take you on a thrilling ride into jeopardy and secrecy. Trail along, find the clues, and stay out of danger. Time is wasting...
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2018
2 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Gwen Gardner
26 books80 followersGwen Gardner writes clean, cozy, lighthearted mysteries with a strong ghostly element.
Since ghosts feature prominently in her books, she has a secret desire to meet one face to face – but will run screaming for the hills if she ever does.
Her lifelong love of books and reading transitioned naturally into a love of writing, where adventure can be found around every corner—or up a dark alley or a down slippery cobblestoned path. She thinks there’s nothing better than a good mystery (being an excellent armchair detective herself), unless it’s throwing a ghost or two into the mix just to “liven” things up. Don’t worry, though. Ghosts may be difficult to keep in line, but they’re harmless—mostly. And it turns out they’re pretty good sleuths, too.
With seven novels and various short stories published, Gwen’s work is always moving toward the next creative venture. To find out more about her writing journey, check out her News page or blog.
Gwen holds a BA degree in English Literature from San Diego State University, is a member of Sisters in Crime, an organization for women crime writers, as well as Untethered Realms, a collaborative group of speculative fiction writers.
Gwen adores travel and experiencing the cultures and foods of different countries. She is always up for an adventure and anything involving chocolate – not necessarily in that order.
Since ghosts feature prominently in her books, she has a secret desire to meet one face to face – but will run screaming for the hills if she ever does.
Her lifelong love of books and reading transitioned naturally into a love of writing, where adventure can be found around every corner—or up a dark alley or a down slippery cobblestoned path. She thinks there’s nothing better than a good mystery (being an excellent armchair detective herself), unless it’s throwing a ghost or two into the mix just to “liven” things up. Don’t worry, though. Ghosts may be difficult to keep in line, but they’re harmless—mostly. And it turns out they’re pretty good sleuths, too.
With seven novels and various short stories published, Gwen’s work is always moving toward the next creative venture. To find out more about her writing journey, check out her News page or blog.
Gwen holds a BA degree in English Literature from San Diego State University, is a member of Sisters in Crime, an organization for women crime writers, as well as Untethered Realms, a collaborative group of speculative fiction writers.
Gwen adores travel and experiencing the cultures and foods of different countries. She is always up for an adventure and anything involving chocolate – not necessarily in that order.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 17, 2018
If you like mystery and crime stories, then I'd highly recommend this anthology published by the Insecure Writer's Support Group. All of the authors have woven a theme of time into their stories in unique and interesting ways. I liked how different the stories were, ranging from cozy mysteries to darker tales, and all of them drew me in and left me wanting more. Anthologies are a great way to try out new authors and sample different writing styles. There's something here for everyone.
March 3, 2018
Time. We all need it. We all have it. We all use it. But do we honor it the way we should? Do we respect time? There is so much we could do with more time. For writers, there’s so much more we could write with more time. But using time as a theme? Why not? It makes a good source of mystery and drama and keeps the plot moving along at a grand pace, even in a short story. Why? Because there’s always time for a good story, a good mystery.
“Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime” is a collection of short stories by various writers from differing backgrounds and from different countries. Brought together by the passion for time in crime, this Insecure Writer’s Support Group collects stories from writers and produces anthologies such as this one. This support group was founded in 2011 by the science fiction author, Alex J. Cavanaugh, “to encourage, support, and inform? With a website full of resources, updated weekly, and means to publish and participate in contests and anthologies.
“Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime” features authors Gwen Gardner, C.D. Gallant-King, Rebecca M. Douglass, J.R. Ferguson, Yolanda Renée, Tara Tyler, Samantha Betler, Christine Clemetson, Mary Aalgaard, C. Lee McKenzie and Jemi Fraser. Each plot somehow addresses the theme of time: ghostly time, time travel, real and abstract time and any time in between and beyond. These are well crafted stories with engaging plots and believable situations. The characters are developed with ease in the minimal perspective and time allotted for a short story. Each story is fast paced, grabbing the reader from the beginning and dragging them along through the time of the plot’s development, reaching the climax with anticipation and unravelling the mystery with various twists and turns of fate. Sometimes the resolution is inconclusive, leaving the ending within the reader’s grasp.
Short stories and mysteries at their best – and all in good time.
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite.
“Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime” is a collection of short stories by various writers from differing backgrounds and from different countries. Brought together by the passion for time in crime, this Insecure Writer’s Support Group collects stories from writers and produces anthologies such as this one. This support group was founded in 2011 by the science fiction author, Alex J. Cavanaugh, “to encourage, support, and inform? With a website full of resources, updated weekly, and means to publish and participate in contests and anthologies.
“Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime” features authors Gwen Gardner, C.D. Gallant-King, Rebecca M. Douglass, J.R. Ferguson, Yolanda Renée, Tara Tyler, Samantha Betler, Christine Clemetson, Mary Aalgaard, C. Lee McKenzie and Jemi Fraser. Each plot somehow addresses the theme of time: ghostly time, time travel, real and abstract time and any time in between and beyond. These are well crafted stories with engaging plots and believable situations. The characters are developed with ease in the minimal perspective and time allotted for a short story. Each story is fast paced, grabbing the reader from the beginning and dragging them along through the time of the plot’s development, reaching the climax with anticipation and unravelling the mystery with various twists and turns of fate. Sometimes the resolution is inconclusive, leaving the ending within the reader’s grasp.
Short stories and mysteries at their best – and all in good time.
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite.
October 9, 2018
Are you in the mood for some good mysteries? Do ghosts hang around you? Have you ever been accused of committing a crime? Do you sometimes wish you could go back in time and change the past? I could go on and on, but if you can answer any of these questions with a “yes” then you’ll likely want to learn more. So, get a copy of TICK TOCK A STITCH IN CRIME an Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology and meet some very interesting characters. If you dare.
In this anthology, you’ll find stories by Jemi Fraser, C. Lee McKenzie, Mary Aalgaard, and Christine Clemetson. Also, S. R. Betler, Tara Tyler, Yolanda Renee, and J. R. Ferguson have contributed their work. Rebecca M. Douglass, C. D. Gallant-King, and Gwen Gardner’s stories are included, as well.
So, turn on the lights, you don’t want to read this Anthology in the dark, get in a comfy chair, and enjoy visiting each story and meeting interesting people. Oh, be sure to lock your doors and windows, too.
Happy Reading!
In this anthology, you’ll find stories by Jemi Fraser, C. Lee McKenzie, Mary Aalgaard, and Christine Clemetson. Also, S. R. Betler, Tara Tyler, Yolanda Renee, and J. R. Ferguson have contributed their work. Rebecca M. Douglass, C. D. Gallant-King, and Gwen Gardner’s stories are included, as well.
So, turn on the lights, you don’t want to read this Anthology in the dark, get in a comfy chair, and enjoy visiting each story and meeting interesting people. Oh, be sure to lock your doors and windows, too.
Happy Reading!
June 5, 2018
Tick Tock a Stitch in Crime is a collection of stories written by eleven authors from the Insecure Writer's Support Group. These are the winning entries from a contest sponsored by the administrators of the group. Ghosts, murderers, a child abuser, a vengeful mob...these are all some of the things readers will find in the pages of this book.
The stories are very imaginative and incorporate the theme of time and crime well. Anthologies are always interesting, as each of the authors have their own unique voices. Reading some of these stories may prompt one to investigate other books written by these authors. Recommended for those who enjoy short stories with a murder/mystery theme.
The stories are very imaginative and incorporate the theme of time and crime well. Anthologies are always interesting, as each of the authors have their own unique voices. Reading some of these stories may prompt one to investigate other books written by these authors. Recommended for those who enjoy short stories with a murder/mystery theme.
May 8, 2018
Once again, some of the best writers in the IWSG (Insecure Writer's Support Group) have pooled their impressive talents to create another fantastic collection of short stories that are well worth reading. This time, mystery is the name of the game, and time is of the essence. Each of the stories is uniquely enjoyable, and all I can say is: What do these writers have to be insecure about? They can WRITE!
Four and a half stars, rounded up to five.
Four and a half stars, rounded up to five.
November 19, 2018
Extremely enjoyable selection of short stories on the theme of crime and time. I felt there was one too many wronged wife stories, but maybe that's just par for the course. As usual with these things, some are outstanding. Kudos to all the authors!
June 9, 2018
Fabulous collection of crime stories. It was difficult to choose a favourite. Excellent.
May 15, 2018
I have read just one story so far. It is C. Lee McKenzie's Heartless. All I can say is that it should have been a novel. It's got a great storyline and packs a whole bunch of wallop into 20 pages. I don't know how she created such an intricate plot line, with so many details and clues, in such a short time. If the other authors in this book have accomplished anything close to the suspense and thrills that Lee shows in her story, then they will be worth reading.
September 7, 2021
The first story, A Stich in Crime, is an interesting cosy mystery with ghosts. A fun read.
The second story, Gussy Saint and the Case of the Missing Co-Ed, objectified women just a little too much – even before his supposed quirkiness was revealed. DNF.
The third story, The Tide Waits, is an interesting mixture of medieval small town and cosy mystery. A fun read.
The fourth story, The Little Girl in the Bayou, is a dark tale of child abduction and child porn. Mack is a good guy who does what the police refuses to do: fin a missing girl. The ending is great.
The fifth story, Cypress, Like the Tree, was melodramatic and without a lot of story to hook me. I DNFed when the detective questioned her the second time.
The sixth story, Reset, starts a bit slow, but once the time travelling stuff kicks in and Casey has to save everyone, it gets interesting.
The seventh story, Three O’clock Execution, starts with an inmate on death row. Really not in the mood to read about whatever crime this person may or may not have committed. DNF.
The eighth story, Center Lane, is about an inmate. Just as with the previous story, I don’t care why he’s there. DNF.
The ninth story, One More Minute, is yet another story in this anthology of a battered woman. DNF.
The tenth story, Heartless, is from the killer’s perspective as well as several others. Not my cup of tea. DNF.
The eleventh story, Until Release, has a very angry vibe. DNF.
I liked the cosy mysteries. Even the darker cosy mystery where the guy goes out to save a girl. But the ones about actual criminals and inmates weren’t for me. And as the titular story is a cosy mystery, I expected the same throughout.
The second story, Gussy Saint and the Case of the Missing Co-Ed, objectified women just a little too much – even before his supposed quirkiness was revealed. DNF.
The third story, The Tide Waits, is an interesting mixture of medieval small town and cosy mystery. A fun read.
The fourth story, The Little Girl in the Bayou, is a dark tale of child abduction and child porn. Mack is a good guy who does what the police refuses to do: fin a missing girl. The ending is great.
The fifth story, Cypress, Like the Tree, was melodramatic and without a lot of story to hook me. I DNFed when the detective questioned her the second time.
The sixth story, Reset, starts a bit slow, but once the time travelling stuff kicks in and Casey has to save everyone, it gets interesting.
The seventh story, Three O’clock Execution, starts with an inmate on death row. Really not in the mood to read about whatever crime this person may or may not have committed. DNF.
The eighth story, Center Lane, is about an inmate. Just as with the previous story, I don’t care why he’s there. DNF.
The ninth story, One More Minute, is yet another story in this anthology of a battered woman. DNF.
The tenth story, Heartless, is from the killer’s perspective as well as several others. Not my cup of tea. DNF.
The eleventh story, Until Release, has a very angry vibe. DNF.
I liked the cosy mysteries. Even the darker cosy mystery where the guy goes out to save a girl. But the ones about actual criminals and inmates weren’t for me. And as the titular story is a cosy mystery, I expected the same throughout.
May 9, 2018
Stories were pretty well-written and organized. Some were a little daunting, but, honestly, they didn't really do anything for me. I felt a little "meh" about them. Nothing exciting about them, really.
October 16, 2021
Another IWSG anthology I enjoyed. The talent of this group never ceases to amaze me. This collection is a great introduction to the mystery genre if someone is unfamiliar with it. There are different kinds of mysteries all related to time in some way; plus other genres mashed in from time to time.
A Stitch in Crime- optimistic, female and ghost detectives, great intro to the collection- 5
Gussy Saint and the Case of the Missing Co-ed- gritty Noir tale, entertaining- 4.5
The Tide Waits- seems like a folktale, strong female lead- 4.5
The Little Girl in the Bayou- thriller, tough subject matter, sticks with you (not for everyone)- 4.5
Cypress, Like the Tree- cool possible femme fatal, grumpy detective, dark but fun- 4.5
Reset- one for the tweens, time-travel, fun- 5
Three O'Clock Execution- Do bad guys really always return to the crime scene/victim?- 4
Center Lane- a cautionary tale about how messed up the justice system can be- 4
One more Minute- too close to home for many women, good suspense- 4.5
Heartless- a good villain really can make the story, incompetent cops are always funny- 5
Until Release- excellent use of real-time, dark yet relatable, multiple POVs- 5
Highly recommended to casual mystery fans who like other genres, and fans of crime and noir mysteries.
A Stitch in Crime- optimistic, female and ghost detectives, great intro to the collection- 5
Gussy Saint and the Case of the Missing Co-ed- gritty Noir tale, entertaining- 4.5
The Tide Waits- seems like a folktale, strong female lead- 4.5
The Little Girl in the Bayou- thriller, tough subject matter, sticks with you (not for everyone)- 4.5
Cypress, Like the Tree- cool possible femme fatal, grumpy detective, dark but fun- 4.5
Reset- one for the tweens, time-travel, fun- 5
Three O'Clock Execution- Do bad guys really always return to the crime scene/victim?- 4
Center Lane- a cautionary tale about how messed up the justice system can be- 4
One more Minute- too close to home for many women, good suspense- 4.5
Heartless- a good villain really can make the story, incompetent cops are always funny- 5
Until Release- excellent use of real-time, dark yet relatable, multiple POVs- 5
Highly recommended to casual mystery fans who like other genres, and fans of crime and noir mysteries.
September 21, 2021
I read this book when it first came out and enjoyed the stories within it. It's a great grouping of stories!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews