Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Glass Bead Mystery #4

To Bead or Not to Bead

Rate this book
When a glass chandelier crashes to the ground and kills a wealthy theater owner, Jax and Tessa must find the culprit before their lives are shattered.When a wealthy theater owner is killed by a falling art glass chandelier, glass beadmaker Jax O’Connell’s boyfriend, Detective Zachary Grant, quickly determines it was no accident. Jax and her friend Tessa try to carry on with a charity fashion gala at the theater, but with only a few days before the big event, they have to scramble to keep things from falling apart. The emcee quits, and to make matters worse, Tessa’s daughters are suspects in the murder. As the chaos unfolds, Jax discovers new suspects at every turn, including an edgy glass blower, an agoraphobic socialite, and a hunky former-cop-turned-actor.Can Jax piece together the clues to find the killer and uncover the dark secrets behind the victim’s family or will it be curtains for her? Buy To Bead or Not to Bead today to find out!Praise for To Bead or Not to Bead“Janice Peacock brings down the house with her latest novel, To Bead or Not to Bead. Once again, the spotlight follows amateur sleuth Jax O’Connell as she tries to save the local community theater and solve a murder before the final curtain call. “Breaking a leg” is the least of her worries in this fun and intriguing story. The Bard would be proud!”—D.J. Lutz, author of The Apple Pie Alibi, a Culinary Mystery“Another bead-azzling mystery! Follow Jax and her friends as they uncover a dramatic murder that will leave you guessing until the very end.”—J.J. Chow, author of the Winston Wong Cozy Mysteries“With To Bead or Not to Bead, Janice Peacock has crafted another gem in her Glass Bead Mystery series, with humor, quirky characters and a twisty plot. A fun cozy read.”—Vickie Fee, author of Liv and Di in Dixie mystery series“Ms. Peacock continues to grow into the difficult role of writing a lasting and engaging cozy series. In her latest, To Bead or Not to Bead, we are drawn into the world of the theatre, where she highlights her gift of spinning an engrossing story.”—Heather Haven, multi-award-winning author of the Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries“A fun, fast-paced cozy with twists and turns galore! Jax O’Connell is a tenacious amateur sleuth with just the right amount of spunk. Her latest adventure is an action-packed mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.”—Marla Cooper, author of the Kelsey McKenna Destination Wedding Mysteries

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 26, 2018

35 people are currently reading
157 people want to read

About the author

Janice Peacock

9 books281 followers
• Janice Peacock is a cozy mystery author who specializes in craft and hobby mysteries. She loves to write about artists who find new ways to live their lives and perhaps catch a criminal or two in the process. While working in a glass studio with several colorful and quirky artists, she was inspired to write the Glass Bead Mystery Series. The Ruby Shaw Mysteries, which are set in a small hillside mining town, were inspired by her trips to Jerome, Arizona, and Jacksonville, Oregon.

When Janice isn’t writing about amateur detectives, she wields a 2,500-degree torch to melt glass and create one-of-kind beads and jewelry. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and an undisclosed number of cats.

Facebook.com/JanPeac
Instgram.com/JanPeac

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
89 (55%)
4 stars
54 (33%)
3 stars
13 (8%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for LORI CASWELL.
2,876 reviews328 followers
August 18, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts

Jax and Tessa have volunteered to help with a charity event at a local theater. A fashion show/auction to benefit an organization that helps the homeless. They are stunned by the beautiful glass chandelier donated for the auction, now hanging in the theater. More stunning is learning that it fell on the theater owner and killed him. It was no accident either, Detective Zachary Grant has ruled the death a homicide and he has begged his girlfriend Jax to stay out of his investigation. When she learns that Tessa’s teenage daughters, models for the fashion show, are considered suspects there is no way she can sit idly by. Before long Jax has a “bead” on several more suspects, but her snooping may lead her right into the killer’s path.

The characters in this series are so much fun. They are always busy with something. Jax and Tessa have their hands full trying to keep the charity event on track. Val is manless at the moment but a new character may help her out of her rut. Jax and Detective Grant are trying to move their relationship forward but a little jealousy could throw a wrench into those plans. The four-legged creatures are always entertaining and by the end of the story, there is a new one added to the mix. One who was very important to the plot.

The theater and all its unique places make it a great setting for the murder. People involved with an upcoming play also become involved in the murder mystery adding to the list of suspects. I enjoyed learning about different things related to the theater and the play. One thing I did already know and I loved how it was treated within this story.

The plot flowed very well. The murder weapon was different that what we don’t usually see in a cozy mystery and learning about the chandelier creator opened up a new direction for the mystery. I was very impressed with the several diversions the author put on our path to solving the mystery. There were so many secrets. I was totally surprised when the killer was revealed.

Well-written and well-plotted I read the entire book in one sitting. A fine who-dun-it!
Profile Image for Lisa Ks Book Reviews.
842 reviews140 followers
July 15, 2018
I’ve heard it said that writers write what they know. It’s so very clear that author Janice Peacock must know what she’s talking about when it comes to glass bead making. But how does she get her knowledge for mysteries. Who cares. As long as she keeps more coming like, TO BEAD OT NOT TO BEAD!

I’ve enjoyed the Glass Bead Mysteries from the very first book in the series. In this installment all the great characters are back. Jax and Tessa are in the thick of things again, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. They’re just so much fun to read.

As for the whodunit, I was so happy to see the victim get what he deserved (I’m really not so vengeful in my own life), and in a very creative way. A gun or poison weren’t good enough. No, author Peacock had other ideas for this victim, and I’m so happy she did!

Mystery fans, you will be blown away with, TO BEAD OR NOT TO BEAD.
Profile Image for Linda Langford.
1,613 reviews14 followers
August 21, 2018
I loved this cozy mystery! The story is a pageturner with constant action. I’m a huge fan of jewelry designing so I really enjoyed the way this plot was woven around so many necklace artists. Protagonist, Jax O’Connell, a glass bead designer, is volunteering for a fundraiser to be held at a local theater. Her best friend, Tessa, and her two daughters will also be participating. Everyone working at the theater is shocked when a one-of-a-kind glass chandelier hanging over center stage falls and crushes the theater owner, Mr. Greer. Jax’s boyfriend, Detective Zachary Grant deems it a homicide and soon entrusts Jax with a special undercover mission which almost gets her killed.

The author does a fabulous job of focusing readers’ attention on several viable suspects and multi-plot twists to steer you away from guessing the true criminals. This is a fun, entertaining story with an ending that not only wraps up all the motive, means, and opportunity of the killer, but also sets up a scenario for the fifth book in the series.

I reviewed a digital copy provided by the author. Thank you.
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,598 reviews49 followers
August 13, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

Jax is involved in yet another murder no matter how hard she tries not to be. Working as a volunteer at a local theater things are great until the owner turns up murdered. Not directly involved she skirts the issue to keep Zachary happy but life seems to have other plans. Delightful cozy mystery full of crafty bead details, a cute kitty, and a murder that will keep you guessing. I highly recommend it to fans of the genre. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Profile Image for Carla.
7,678 reviews180 followers
February 17, 2023
In To Bead or Not to Bead, Jax and Tessa are volunteering at a charity fashion show, gala and auction at the local theatre. They are raising money for HAT, a homeless advocacy charity. When they head to the theatre for rehearsal, they find police have cordoned off the area. The gorgeous glass chandelier that was to be auctioned off, fell from the ceiling and landed on the wealthy theater owner and killed him. It is quickly determined that it was not an accident, someone released the chandelier on purpose. Who killed Austin Greer? When Tessa's daughters and her friends that are modeling in the show are considered suspects, Jax knows she needs to find the culprit. Detective Zachary Grant, Jax's boyfriend wants her to stay out of the investigation, but when it is revealed that the Greer family is being investigated for money laundering, Jax is recruited to wear a microphone and see what she can find out.

I really like Jax as a protagonist. She knows a lot of people and is pretty good at schmoozing people to get information. She is also smart and good at putting puzzles together. Once again, Val adds some comic relief and even helps to solve the mystery. It seems that Zachary and Jax are getting more serious and I like where their relationship is going. When Austin's wife tries to shut down the theatre, Jax is able to convince her to keep it open, at least until the fundraiser is over. Not only is Jax trying to find a killer, but she and Tessa are scrambling to carry on with a charity fashion gala. The emcee quits, and takes his jewelry with him, so they need more items to auction off. There seems to be a lot happening in this story and Jax being asked to help is new. As the chaos unfolds, Jax discovers more suspects at every turn, including an edgy glass blower, an agoraphobic socialite, and a hunky former-cop-turned-actor. It is not an easy mystery to solve, but I like how it all comes together in the end, with one final problem that they have to overcome. Another great addition to this series.
Profile Image for Cozybooklady .
2,186 reviews126 followers
June 30, 2018
Thank you to the author, Janice Peacock, for having me as a beta reader. I was honored to read this book before it was actually published.
I'm a big fan of this series, so reading this book was a pleasure.
A murder, a play, and secrets will surely keep you guessing in To Bead or Not to Bead.
The laugh out loud moments were wonderful, especially when reading about Val's diets. She is such a quirky character who blends well in the story.
I can't wait to catch up with everyone again in the next book.
Profile Image for Teresa Kander.
Author 1 book187 followers
August 9, 2018
I've been a big fan of this series from the beginning, and always look forward to a new book. Jax and Tessa always have memorable adventures, and this is no exception.

As usual, there are moments of hilarity mixed in with the sleuthing, and also some romantic moments. I enjoyed Jax's matchmaking with Val and the new veterinarian.

I always enjoy the jewelry and bead making descriptions the author works into the story (and I am blessed to be the proud owner of one of her bracelets!).

There are secrets galore to be uncovered in this story, and Jax manages to put herself in danger yet again. I was totally surprised at the identity of the killer, for sure.

I can hardly wait to see what will happen next with this crew.
Profile Image for Janis Hill.
Author 4 books10 followers
June 30, 2018
Let’s start with me being open and honest – as always. If I gave half stars, this would be a 4 ½ out of 5.

Oh, and I would also like to thank the author Janice Peacock for accepting me as a Beta Reader for ‘To Bead or Not to Bead’. I have been a fan of her work since book one of the ‘Glass Bead Mystery series’ and so did indeed do a little happy dance when given the opportunity to read the next book in the series before nearly anyone else.

I read, I review, and I love free books from my favourite authors. So, yes, this was an awesome opportunity for me. Though, I will add here, that in this case I then went and BOUGHT my own eBook copy of ‘To Bead or Not to Bead’ with my own money. Yup, I put my money where my mouth is and supported an author. So you can’t think that I am just saying all of this as I was paid to do so… not that any of my frequent readers would think that, right? ;-)

So, let’s get on with the actual review rather than my open and honest statements about how I got the book!

Okay, so the story is set back in Jax’s hometown, where she has partnered up with her best friend Tessa to help out with a fashion parade in aide of charity. The usual gang – met via the other books in the series so far – are all there, including my favourites Val – Jax’s next door neighbour – and Jax’s catnip addicted cat Gumdrop. Plus there are a few new characters to get to know, even if for just a short time.

As always, the setting is well described, the plot sound and the little side stories – like Val’s fad dieting – always highly amusing and relevant to the overall tale being told. Jax once more finds herself in the midst of a murder and the ensuing whodunit required to ensure a friend is not blamed for the crime. The reason I gave it a half star off the full 5 stars is simply because there were too many love interests for the one gal. Perhaps I am just jealous? ;-) Pssst, don’t tell my husband that!

I mean, she has the “Clark Kent cute” Zachary the cop, while also trying to help a former love interest Ryan and for a moment I thought the cute vet was also a candidate buuut…. Well, you can wait and see what happens there without any spoilers. ;-)

As far as your cosy crime/ mystery series go – this is a fantastic read. It has all the plot lines, characters, twists and turns an excellent cosy/ mystery needs. So, it carries on in quality seamlessly from the previous books in this series.

And, although I’ve not yet read the final print copy of ‘To Bead or Not to Bead’, I would like to think you won’t find any clangers or typos in it. But that could just be me being a bit prideful. ;-) Oh, let’s face it…. “My Padawan” thrilled me! :-D

Would I recommend this book to others?

Yes I would, and do feel it could possibly be enjoyed as a stand-alone read. However, you would be doing yourself an injustice if you didn’t go and grab the first three books (and the novella) and read them first. Go on… they’re available at all good online bookstores (and not so good ones like Amazon) so go grab them, thank me later.

Basically, if you love cosy crimes/ mysteries with a craft based under current – you will love this book and this whole series. Janice’s love of lamp work beading really shines through in all her stories and can be quite addictive.

Would I buy this book for myself?

This section is fairly redundant, isn’t it? I’ve already said that I did go and buy it and I can’t wait to have a read through once more to see if it’s as good the second time as it was the first. I bet it will be!

In summary: Craft loving cosy crime/ mystery fans will love this book. Go buy it now! Thank me later.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
July 31, 2018
I admire how clever authors can be when relating a book title to the story within. Being a theatre geek and loving all creative crafts, I knew this series, especially this book, was calling to me.
I am not reading this series in proper book order but it does not seem to be making a difference.
The characters are appealing and the situations Jax finds herself in are engaging and curious.
While Jax is involved in a romantic relationship, she is still free enough and alive enough to be open to possibilities around her. Sometimes that adds to the humor in each book.

The book has a wonderful combination of humor and romance and danger and above all, mystery.
Theatres have always had an air of mystery about them, particularly with superstitions, history and certain plays. In this book something is always happening!
Usually you have the official detectives pushing the amateur sleuths away from investigating.
Zachary seems to be wavering between asking for Jax's insider help and desiring to keep her safe.

One rule of writing a cozy mystery is never to kill off a well liked character. I did not hate the victim and it seems he did some philanthropic behaviors. Were they a smokescreen or was he as much in the dark as many around him? The person I really did not care for was the person in charge of HAT. You will have to read and decide for yourself.

If you have done any volunteering, you know how easy it is to get involved in over your head and for a simple job to take up far more time, and occasionally muscle, than anticipated. For Jax, this event begins to involve more and more of her friends and neighbors. It was fun to get to know more about the extra characters of this series. And Gumdrop as well. There are a lot of different personalities here.

A fun book to escape into with plenty of motives for harm and misdirection everywhere.

Profile Image for Theresa.
1,428 reviews25 followers
August 23, 2021
Last in a series of cozy mysteries featuring amateur sleuth Jax, a glass bead maker living in Seattle. Jax is involved in a charitable fashion show and auction being held in an old theater used for amateur theatricals. The philanthropist behind the charity and theater dies gruesomely in the theater one night, and Jax of course is in the middle of the investigation. Even though her boyfriend Zachary, a homicide detective, disapproves.

This was slightly better than the last full length and a short story were, but still not as good as the first 2 in the series were. I'm actually giving this 2.5 stars rounded down to 2. The writing is weak, the adult behavior and emotions coming off as adolescent. Oh and every plot development is so broadly hinted at as to be anything but a surprise.

Note: the author is an acclaimed glass bead and jewelry maker, whose pieces are in museums. I think she should stick to her day job.
836 reviews10 followers
June 30, 2018
So Many Questions!

With this title you know the Bard has to be involved somehow! Jess becomes involved with the next murder when she volunteers to help friend Tessa at a fashion show/auction being held at the local theater. They are sharing stage time with a Hamlet revival. When the theater’s benefactor dies Jess can’t help investigating. There were many twists & turns as the plot unfolds with quite a few surprises I did not see coming. I got quite a chuckle over neighbor Val’s different diets, especially the werewolf diet! We are also tantalized with a small cliffhanger at the ending.
Profile Image for Rosalie.
Author 1 book8 followers
October 28, 2018
I had the pleasure beta reading this books and I found it to be just what the doctor ordered. The characters were vivid and unique. Jax O'Connell is a woman who sees the beauty in the little things and knows when they are important. This allows her to be the perfect amateur sleuth! In this book, she is dragged into a murder unique in method. She is able to take the many different pieces that she manages to gather while looking for the killer and figure out who the killer is and what their motive is. To Bead or Not to Bead is fast paced and packed full of action. It was a joy to join Jax on her latest adventure.
9 reviews
August 17, 2018
Jax is back and in the middle of another mystery- much to her loved ones (and cats) dismay. This series doesn't disappoint and the books are filled with humor and story lines that keep you wanting more. To Bead or Not to Bead continues that tradition and the story of Jax & Co. It is fun to revisit my book friends and see what adventures they are on now. The characters and stories are relatable (even if you don't craft). This series is one that I recommend to all my friends. I can't wait for the next adventure!
85 reviews
August 2, 2019
I normally read Janice Peacocks books as ARCs (advanced reader copy) however I was unable to participate this time. I didn’t want to miss any of this series so I purchased it.
This is another fun cozy mystery that keeps you guessing. It’s a stand-alone book but I highly recommend reading the full series. The characters have interesting little quirks. Since I make beaded jewelry these books are even more fun.
Profile Image for Edith.
103 reviews
December 5, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Like the others in the series, the characters were interesting, the plot had many surprises and I wasn’t able to solve the mystery. This is the first cozy mystery series I ever read and one of my very favorites. I hope the next book comes out soon!
1,323 reviews23 followers
July 23, 2019
This book I loved and I have read all of the books up to this book. This is about a woman and her friends who always find themselves in a mystery that they want to solve. Plus there is a hint of romance in the book. Janice hit the ball to the outfield and got an in the park home run!
2,547 reviews10 followers
March 25, 2019
This is my favorite of the four books in the series. Janice did indeed improve writing and plot line.
Profile Image for Liz Whelan.
69 reviews7 followers
July 2, 2022
FANTASTIC

I Loved All 4 Books. I need more books to this Series. Please Janice Peacock give us more books from this Series.
Profile Image for Pamela.
414 reviews9 followers
July 19, 2018
My favorite in the series so far

I've enjoyed this series and it's quirky characters. For me Book 4 was a particular treat. There is a lot of storylines involved in this mystery and the author neatly ties them together. I like how the characters have grown and the mystery is more complicated. Looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.