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Mainely Needlepoint #8
Thread on Arrival
In this coastal New England town, folks take care of the needy—but someone is killing without kindness . . . Ike Hamilton is a part of the Haven Harbor community just like anyone else, though he’s fallen on hard times and has to make do on disability checks and deposit bottles. Most of the locals do what they can to help him out, and needlepointing partners Angie and Sarah are happy to see him at the annual Blessing of the Fleet, honoring all those lost at sea over the centuries. But when harmless Ike is stabbed, suspicion quickly falls on a troubled teenage boy who’s new in town. Angie’s convinced that young Leo is innocent—but if he didn’t do it, who did? Turns out Ike may have appeared simple-minded, but he knew a few secrets that someone might have murdered him to keep quiet. Angie sets out to trace Ike’s bottle-collecting route to find out what he witnessed—and for this killer, there may be no redemption . . .
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2019
125 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
About the author
Lea Wait
40 books510 followersMaine author Lea Wait writes the NYT-praised 8-book Shadows Antique Print Mystery series, the latest of which is SHADWS ON A MORNING IN MAINE, and the USA Today best-selling Mainely Needlepoint series which debuted with TWISTED THREADS in January, 2015, and was followed by THREADS OF EVIDENCE in August, 2015, THREAD AND GONE, in January, 2016, DANGLING BY A THREAD in late October, 2016, and TIGHTENING THE THREADS in March, 2017. Wait also writes acclaimed historical novels for ages 8 and up set in 19th century Maine, the latest of which, UNCERTAIN GLORY, takes place in a small northern town during the first two weeks of the Civil War. Lea's LIVING AND WRITING ON THE COAST OF MAINE, about being an author and living year 'round in Maine with a husband who's an artist also includes writing tips. Lea did her undergraduate work at Chatham College (now University) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and her graduate work at New York University. While she was raising the four daughters she adopted as a single parent she worked as a manager for AT&T. Now she writes full time and speaks at schools and libraries. She loves rowing, visiting historical sites, and, of course, reading and writing. See her website,
www.leawait.com, and the blog she writes with other Maine Mystery writers, http://www.mainecrimewriters.com, friend her on FB and Goodreads, and, if you'd like to be on her email list to find out when her next book will be published, send her your email address write to her at leawait@roadrunner.com
www.leawait.com, and the blog she writes with other Maine Mystery writers, http://www.mainecrimewriters.com, friend her on FB and Goodreads, and, if you'd like to be on her email list to find out when her next book will be published, send her your email address write to her at leawait@roadrunner.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
February 14, 2021
Thread on Arrival is the 8th book in the Mainely Needlepoint series written by the late Lea Wait. I've previously read all the others in the series and now have only the ninth and last left to read. I really enjoy these characters and the setting, so I'm hoping her Shadow Antique's series, also set in Maine, is equally as good or better.
Ike has been down on his luck for years. He's been living in his old garage, except in the winters when it's too cold. He wanders around Haven Harbor, collecting bottles and listening to gossip from various townsfolk around storefronts and homes on his route. Someone he learned of recently didn't take too kindly to Ike spreading the word about the person's bad behaviors. Who killed him? Was it the bookstore owner who was too flirtatious with his employees? The woman who claims to be caring for her invalid husband? The caretaker--with a secret to hide--of a wonderful family's older mother? Or something far worse and yet undiscovered? Angie is keen to find out, especially after teen Leo is following Ike around and suspected of the man's stabbing death.
Oh, Ms. Wait clearly knows how to create a good story ripe with possibilities and strong characters. I enjoyed the various pieces of this puzzle and had narrowed it down to two options. I was correct this time, and predicted the reason that ended up being the motive. I still enjoyed the book and relished in the growing relationship between Patrick and Angie, Sarah and Pete, and even Dave and Dr. Karen. There were a few repetitive moments, in particular when Angie retells readers what happened to Patrick's hands last year (once was enough, two was eh okay, but three times meant the editor missed his or her primary focal point). All minor stuff, but when I added that up with a few character flaws and spots in the tale that needed more juice, I settled on a 3.5 star rating. Because I adore the series and setting, I rounded up.
Wait knows how to make you feel part of the story. I rarely skim. I hardly page thru it like a thriller, in a good way. I want to enjoy relaxing, savoring all the background commentary, daydreaming if I were a citizen in this town. I could be one day... as Maine is on the list for a new home in 2021. So... one left to read, and I will be sad, but all good things come to and end. I will always remember the positive points (and there are tons) in this series.
Ike has been down on his luck for years. He's been living in his old garage, except in the winters when it's too cold. He wanders around Haven Harbor, collecting bottles and listening to gossip from various townsfolk around storefronts and homes on his route. Someone he learned of recently didn't take too kindly to Ike spreading the word about the person's bad behaviors. Who killed him? Was it the bookstore owner who was too flirtatious with his employees? The woman who claims to be caring for her invalid husband? The caretaker--with a secret to hide--of a wonderful family's older mother? Or something far worse and yet undiscovered? Angie is keen to find out, especially after teen Leo is following Ike around and suspected of the man's stabbing death.
Oh, Ms. Wait clearly knows how to create a good story ripe with possibilities and strong characters. I enjoyed the various pieces of this puzzle and had narrowed it down to two options. I was correct this time, and predicted the reason that ended up being the motive. I still enjoyed the book and relished in the growing relationship between Patrick and Angie, Sarah and Pete, and even Dave and Dr. Karen. There were a few repetitive moments, in particular when Angie retells readers what happened to Patrick's hands last year (once was enough, two was eh okay, but three times meant the editor missed his or her primary focal point). All minor stuff, but when I added that up with a few character flaws and spots in the tale that needed more juice, I settled on a 3.5 star rating. Because I adore the series and setting, I rounded up.
Wait knows how to make you feel part of the story. I rarely skim. I hardly page thru it like a thriller, in a good way. I want to enjoy relaxing, savoring all the background commentary, daydreaming if I were a citizen in this town. I could be one day... as Maine is on the list for a new home in 2021. So... one left to read, and I will be sad, but all good things come to and end. I will always remember the positive points (and there are tons) in this series.
April 30, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Haven Harbor holds an annual event, Blessing of the Fleet, which honors all those lost at sea over the centuries. While there Angie meets Ike Hamilton. Ike’s family home was crumbling down around him. The chamber wanted the property condemned but that doesn’t stop Ike, he just moves into the garage. With his disability money, the few dollars he made from bottle redemption and a little help from a few friends he made it on his own even taking in a young homeless man. But he always was afraid “the chambers” were after him.
The town was shocked when Ike was killed in his garage. The teenager, Leo, who he took in was the one to find him and the prime suspect in the murder. Angie and her friend and needlepointer, Dave Perry, a high school teacher, believe the guy is innocent. Dave even takes Leo into his own home promising he will be available for any questions the police may have. He also starts to work with Angie to find the real person responsible for Ike’s death.
Ms. Wait introduces readers to Ike Hamilton. An independent and very principled man, traits that may have played a very big part in why the man was killed. Before his death he also let us see his heart by opening up his “home” to another needy soul. I was upset that someone shortens his life. I was anxious to learn the “rest of the story” and the pages were flying. The author lays out a sad tale. A tale that took another life before the case was solved.
All my favorite regular characters were back. The Maine Needlepointers were busy finishing up orders before tourist season begins, even a couple of custom orders, one I would love for my home. They also had time to pitch in to help Dave and Angie with their investigation. Gram and Pastor Tom are also very involved because there are so many ties to the church as more suspects are added to the list. Even Patrick lent a helping hand. All these characters are well developed and genuine. This core group drew me in from the first book in this series and their growth continues to bring me back for more. I enjoy following along with their everyday life almost as much as the mystery. This time getting to know more about Dave Perry was so good.
The journey to solving the mystery was very well-plotted. I did have the actual killer in mind early in the story due to something I had witnessed in my own life. As the story continued my thoughts were clearly cemented and I almost cheered out loud as the reveal was made and the person got their comeuppance.
Ms. Wait also gives readers the treat of sampler quotations at the start of each chapter. I always seem to read them twice, as I am reading the book and again after I finish to make note of ones I want to save and remember.
I highly recommend this entire series!
Haven Harbor holds an annual event, Blessing of the Fleet, which honors all those lost at sea over the centuries. While there Angie meets Ike Hamilton. Ike’s family home was crumbling down around him. The chamber wanted the property condemned but that doesn’t stop Ike, he just moves into the garage. With his disability money, the few dollars he made from bottle redemption and a little help from a few friends he made it on his own even taking in a young homeless man. But he always was afraid “the chambers” were after him.
The town was shocked when Ike was killed in his garage. The teenager, Leo, who he took in was the one to find him and the prime suspect in the murder. Angie and her friend and needlepointer, Dave Perry, a high school teacher, believe the guy is innocent. Dave even takes Leo into his own home promising he will be available for any questions the police may have. He also starts to work with Angie to find the real person responsible for Ike’s death.
Ms. Wait introduces readers to Ike Hamilton. An independent and very principled man, traits that may have played a very big part in why the man was killed. Before his death he also let us see his heart by opening up his “home” to another needy soul. I was upset that someone shortens his life. I was anxious to learn the “rest of the story” and the pages were flying. The author lays out a sad tale. A tale that took another life before the case was solved.
All my favorite regular characters were back. The Maine Needlepointers were busy finishing up orders before tourist season begins, even a couple of custom orders, one I would love for my home. They also had time to pitch in to help Dave and Angie with their investigation. Gram and Pastor Tom are also very involved because there are so many ties to the church as more suspects are added to the list. Even Patrick lent a helping hand. All these characters are well developed and genuine. This core group drew me in from the first book in this series and their growth continues to bring me back for more. I enjoy following along with their everyday life almost as much as the mystery. This time getting to know more about Dave Perry was so good.
The journey to solving the mystery was very well-plotted. I did have the actual killer in mind early in the story due to something I had witnessed in my own life. As the story continued my thoughts were clearly cemented and I almost cheered out loud as the reveal was made and the person got their comeuppance.
Ms. Wait also gives readers the treat of sampler quotations at the start of each chapter. I always seem to read them twice, as I am reading the book and again after I finish to make note of ones I want to save and remember.
I highly recommend this entire series!
May 23, 2019
The Mainely Needlepoint series is one of my favourites. Haven Harbor is a community that takes care of its own. Ike Hamilton is a man who has no family and is a bit slow. When his house was condemned, he moves into his garage. Ike survives by collecting bottles and cans. When Ike is bludgeoned and stabbed in his garage, Angie and her friend and fellow needlepointer, Dave step in to help Leo, the teenager who has been living with Ike. They are sure he did not hurt Ike, but there is so much they do not know. While Dave moves Leo in with him, Angie starts nosing around to see what she can find out.
All my favorite characters were back in this book. The Mainely Needlepointers always have time to pitch in and help with the investigation. Gram and Pastor Tom also help out with knowledge based upon their ties to the church and church members. I also enjoyed seeing Patrick busy with his gallery, yet still developing his relationship with Angie. All these characters are well developed, realistic and very relatable. Each book in this series has us getting to know one of the Mainely Needlepointers more, this time it was Dave Percy. I enjoyed the mystery in this book. As Angie asked questions, there is more than one suspect introduced. Ike was an honest, upright man and he would not hesitate to tell someone they were wrong and threaten to tell someone if they did not stop their behaviour. Unfortunately, this left him with plenty of enemies. I did not suspect the culprit at all, yet when the reveal came, things fell into place that made it very believable. I definitely recommend this book and series to cozy mystery lovers. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
All my favorite characters were back in this book. The Mainely Needlepointers always have time to pitch in and help with the investigation. Gram and Pastor Tom also help out with knowledge based upon their ties to the church and church members. I also enjoyed seeing Patrick busy with his gallery, yet still developing his relationship with Angie. All these characters are well developed, realistic and very relatable. Each book in this series has us getting to know one of the Mainely Needlepointers more, this time it was Dave Percy. I enjoyed the mystery in this book. As Angie asked questions, there is more than one suspect introduced. Ike was an honest, upright man and he would not hesitate to tell someone they were wrong and threaten to tell someone if they did not stop their behaviour. Unfortunately, this left him with plenty of enemies. I did not suspect the culprit at all, yet when the reveal came, things fell into place that made it very believable. I definitely recommend this book and series to cozy mystery lovers. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
May 1, 2019
So I know what you’re thinking… what are you doing reading this series again, Annie? The answer is…well, perhaps I enjoy this series more than I thought. Although my previous reviews of these books tend to be a little wishy-washy, I always find myself picking up these books whenever a new one is released. I think some of the charm that lies within it is that it really is a slow-paced series, which is great, especially when you’re life is as busy as mine. It’s a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the quiet time that I so rarely get.
Although the majority of the books tend to have a slow pace, I found that THREAD ON ARRIVAL does have more suspense to it. I think that is because the murder is a stabbing. It felt more purposeful and direct rather than poisoning or the victim falling to his death or something like that. With the stronger intention, it create more intrigue.
BUT if you’re a big fan of the slow and steadiness of this series, fear not. It’s still very much there, but perhaps the author is trying to add something a little different to her books. It’s a fun book and I think if you’re a Cozy fan, this one will be enjoyable to read.
June 3, 2019
Another happy return to the coastal town of Haven Harbor, Maine in this eighth installment in the Mainely Needlepoint series. Ike Hamilton is a local man who supplements his disability checks by collecting bottles left by residents and businesses and redeeming them for their deposits. Most don't mind the seemingly benign man and accept him as part of their community. A teenager with his own troubles, Leo, has recently turned up in town--living with Ike and helping him in his rounds. When Ike is found murdered, Leo is the obvious suspect. But this seems too obvious and Angie is determined to find the real killer. Leo has lied to the police but what is his real background?
I've never been to Maine but the author paints such a lovely scene that I feel I've seen it with my own eyes. I enjoy the characters' development and would like to see where the romance between Angie and Nate progresses. The book is a relaxing, classic cozy read. This series is one of my favorites and I look forward to the next one. There are also recipes at the end for lasagna and Angie's birthday cake.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advance digital copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
I've never been to Maine but the author paints such a lovely scene that I feel I've seen it with my own eyes. I enjoy the characters' development and would like to see where the romance between Angie and Nate progresses. The book is a relaxing, classic cozy read. This series is one of my favorites and I look forward to the next one. There are also recipes at the end for lasagna and Angie's birthday cake.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advance digital copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
April 9, 2019
3.5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐.5
ARC provided by NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review!
Thread On Arrival by Lea Wait is the 8th book in the Mainely Needlepoint mystery series! There isn't much I can say without spoiling anything, but thankfully the tagline for this book tells you everything you need to know; "In this coastal New England town, folks take care of the needy—but someone is killing without kindness." Indeed they are!
I always forget how much I love cozy mysteries until I'm in the middle of one, and while this wasn't my favorite book in the series-it was definitely worth the read! I ended up solving the mystery before the big reveal, but in this case it wasn't super obvious-which I really appreciate, as trying to guess 'who done it' is half the fun! As always- I enjoyed my time in Haven Harbor, and I'll be keeping an eye out for the next one!
The expected publication for Thread On Arrival is the 30th of April, 2019! If you're looking to get your cozy mystery fix, I would definitely recommend picking this one up! (You don't have to read the rest of the books in this series! It's stands pretty well on it's own!)
ARC provided by NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review!
Thread On Arrival by Lea Wait is the 8th book in the Mainely Needlepoint mystery series! There isn't much I can say without spoiling anything, but thankfully the tagline for this book tells you everything you need to know; "In this coastal New England town, folks take care of the needy—but someone is killing without kindness." Indeed they are!
I always forget how much I love cozy mysteries until I'm in the middle of one, and while this wasn't my favorite book in the series-it was definitely worth the read! I ended up solving the mystery before the big reveal, but in this case it wasn't super obvious-which I really appreciate, as trying to guess 'who done it' is half the fun! As always- I enjoyed my time in Haven Harbor, and I'll be keeping an eye out for the next one!
The expected publication for Thread On Arrival is the 30th of April, 2019! If you're looking to get your cozy mystery fix, I would definitely recommend picking this one up! (You don't have to read the rest of the books in this series! It's stands pretty well on it's own!)
April 3, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!
I do love cozy mystery titles; however there is another 'Thread on arrival' by another author and I didn't even realize I'd marked it as currently reading instead of this one! Reader beware! This book however was delightful. I loved the characters and the setting in Maine. From the very first chapter with the blessing of the boats I was hooked, and I wanted to know more about both Ike and Leo and how things had come to pass. I had my suspicions, which proved to be correct, and it was a satisfying ending.
The characters give this a real small town feel, and I liked the investigation aspect. It wasn't too over the top and the police work didn't really interfere with the sleuthing. Although this contained plenty of recipes, I wouldn't mind seeing more of the needlepoint side, but I guess that occurs on the 'on' season more. Hopefully I can track down the rest of the books!
If you're looking for a fun little cozy to pass some time, then this is a winner. Five stars.
I do love cozy mystery titles; however there is another 'Thread on arrival' by another author and I didn't even realize I'd marked it as currently reading instead of this one! Reader beware! This book however was delightful. I loved the characters and the setting in Maine. From the very first chapter with the blessing of the boats I was hooked, and I wanted to know more about both Ike and Leo and how things had come to pass. I had my suspicions, which proved to be correct, and it was a satisfying ending.
The characters give this a real small town feel, and I liked the investigation aspect. It wasn't too over the top and the police work didn't really interfere with the sleuthing. Although this contained plenty of recipes, I wouldn't mind seeing more of the needlepoint side, but I guess that occurs on the 'on' season more. Hopefully I can track down the rest of the books!
If you're looking for a fun little cozy to pass some time, then this is a winner. Five stars.
February 7, 2021
Piacevole lettura. All'inizio ero molto curiosa di scoprire il passato di Dave, uno degli amici della protagonista, poi sono stata interessata anche dal tentativo di risolvere l'omicidio, sebbene abbia sospettato subito della persona giusta. Peccato che questo sia il penultimo libro della serie...
March 5, 2019
The Haven Harbor Community has turned out in mass for the Blessing of the fleet. It is an annual event where the names of those lost at sea are read and the fleet receives a blessing asking for a safe and productive year. Angie attends and Patrick accompanied her in the eighth book in the Mainly Needlepoint series. There they see Ike Hamilton and friend, Leo. Ike is disabled and collects empty bottles to add income. Leo is new to the area and very young, he has been helping Ike to collect bottles. Angie is picking up needlepoint and is present at Dave's when a bloody Leo seems help from Dave. Ike has been stabbed to death. Is Leo guilty? Angie and Dave feel he is not guilty and set out to aid him. Who is Leo? Why is he homeless? I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.
Recipes are included.
Disclosure: Thanks to Kensington Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Recipes are included.
Disclosure: Thanks to Kensington Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
June 26, 2019
Mainely Needlepoint series is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I always pre-order it. The series seemed a little more edgier at the beginning of the series which I liked.
Angie and her friend Dave become involved in the murder of a local man Ike who picks up bottles for a living. A teenage boy has been befriended by Ike who gives him a home. The boy arrives at Dave's house covered with blood. It is Ike's blood and he has been murdered. Dave, a high school teacher, previously reached out to the teenager and said if you ever need help, I live in the yellow house. Help was needed and the boy reached out to Dave.
Who would kill Ike? He appeared to have no enemies. Angie and Dave become involved. I like this series mainly due to the main character of Angie. She was a previous assistant to a P.I. . She carries a gun when necessary. She is independent. Angie loves Maine and her grandmother who raised her. This is a good cozy mystery series.
Angie and her friend Dave become involved in the murder of a local man Ike who picks up bottles for a living. A teenage boy has been befriended by Ike who gives him a home. The boy arrives at Dave's house covered with blood. It is Ike's blood and he has been murdered. Dave, a high school teacher, previously reached out to the teenager and said if you ever need help, I live in the yellow house. Help was needed and the boy reached out to Dave.
Who would kill Ike? He appeared to have no enemies. Angie and Dave become involved. I like this series mainly due to the main character of Angie. She was a previous assistant to a P.I. . She carries a gun when necessary. She is independent. Angie loves Maine and her grandmother who raised her. This is a good cozy mystery series.
March 11, 2019
I was privileged to receive an advance reading copy of this book. I think it may be my favorite in the series, as Angie gets help not only from her friend Sarah and her grandmother, but also from the delicious Patrick, when she tries to prove a young man innocent of murder. With lots and twists and turns, this one will keep you guessing not only who dunnit but how dunnit right up until the end.
April 29, 2019
Thread on Arrival by Lea Wait takes readers back to Haven Harbor, Maine. Angie Russo along with her boyfriend, Patrick West are heading to the harbor for the annual Blessing of the Fleet which honors those lost at sea. They notice Ike Hamilton has a teenage boy helping him. Ike is on Social Security Disability and supplements his income by collecting bottles to return for their deposit. Leo, who has been in town three weeks, is helping Ike who injured his back a few weeks ago and living in Ike’s garage with him. The next day, Angie is at Dave Percy’s when Leo comes pounding on the door. He has blood on him and blurts out that Ike is dead. They quickly call Sergeant Pete Lambert who rushes to Ike’s. Pete calls Detective Ethan Trask because Ike was murdered. Unfortunately, suspicion falls onto young Leo who Angie and Dave believe is innocent. Angie talks to various townspeople who provided bottles to Ike and learns that Ike was extremely observant. He had the tendency of sharing what he learned with others which may have been Ike’s downfall. Did Ike uncover someone’s secret which led to his death? Then a second tragedy befalls the town when another resident passes away. Will Angie be able to uncover the truth, or will the killer make sure that Angie does not celebrate her upcoming twenty-eighth birthday?
Thread on Arrival is the eighth novel in A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading Twisted Threads first. It will provide you with background information on Angie and the major secondary characters. It is hard to believe that Angie has been in Haven Harbor for less than a year. She is managing Mainely Needlepoint, dating Patrick West, has made some good friends and has her adorable black cat, Trixi. In Thread on Arrival, we are introduced to Ike Hamilton who has fallen on hard times. He wants to live out the rest of his days in Haven Harbor and, when his home was demolished for safety reasons, he took up residence in the garage. Ike is an honorable man with principles. He does not like seeing people harmed or being taken advantage of by those in power. Angie feels bad that she was unaware that he collected bottles and could have assisted him. When Leo becomes the prime suspect, Angie wants to assist the young man who has had a difficult life.
All of the regular characters are in the Thread on Arrival (Gram, Sarah, Anna, Dave, Ruth, Reverend Tom) as they get ready for tourists to soon descend on the town and work on needlepoint projects for Mainely Needlepoint. I enjoy the descriptions of the projects and the sampler quotations at the beginning of each chapter along with descriptions of the sampler. Sarah Byrne is Angie’s best friend and owns an antique shop. We get historical information on political memorabilia (political buttons are valued by collectors) and learned the history of embroidered “pockets” (not the type in the seams of our clothes). There are lovely cozy moments as we follow Angie about her day-to-day activities. I appreciated that we got to know more about Dave Percy in this installment (he has a unique poison garden). The mystery was thought out with multiple viable suspects. I was able to identify the killer early in the story, though, based on previous books I have read, and I had a strong suspicion as to why. The secondary crime was more unique. I like how the reveal was done and was happy to see this killer taken down. There are recipes at the end of the book which includes Dave’s lasagna and Angie’s special birthday cake. Come along to Haven Harbor for good food, antiques, needlepoint, clear skies, and a pesky murder or two in Thread on Arrival.
Thread on Arrival is the eighth novel in A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading Twisted Threads first. It will provide you with background information on Angie and the major secondary characters. It is hard to believe that Angie has been in Haven Harbor for less than a year. She is managing Mainely Needlepoint, dating Patrick West, has made some good friends and has her adorable black cat, Trixi. In Thread on Arrival, we are introduced to Ike Hamilton who has fallen on hard times. He wants to live out the rest of his days in Haven Harbor and, when his home was demolished for safety reasons, he took up residence in the garage. Ike is an honorable man with principles. He does not like seeing people harmed or being taken advantage of by those in power. Angie feels bad that she was unaware that he collected bottles and could have assisted him. When Leo becomes the prime suspect, Angie wants to assist the young man who has had a difficult life.
All of the regular characters are in the Thread on Arrival (Gram, Sarah, Anna, Dave, Ruth, Reverend Tom) as they get ready for tourists to soon descend on the town and work on needlepoint projects for Mainely Needlepoint. I enjoy the descriptions of the projects and the sampler quotations at the beginning of each chapter along with descriptions of the sampler. Sarah Byrne is Angie’s best friend and owns an antique shop. We get historical information on political memorabilia (political buttons are valued by collectors) and learned the history of embroidered “pockets” (not the type in the seams of our clothes). There are lovely cozy moments as we follow Angie about her day-to-day activities. I appreciated that we got to know more about Dave Percy in this installment (he has a unique poison garden). The mystery was thought out with multiple viable suspects. I was able to identify the killer early in the story, though, based on previous books I have read, and I had a strong suspicion as to why. The secondary crime was more unique. I like how the reveal was done and was happy to see this killer taken down. There are recipes at the end of the book which includes Dave’s lasagna and Angie’s special birthday cake. Come along to Haven Harbor for good food, antiques, needlepoint, clear skies, and a pesky murder or two in Thread on Arrival.
February 18, 2020
AudioBook Review
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 4 Story 4
Let me start with saying that if you are a cozy lover – this is a wonderful series – I’ve read (or listened to) most of the titles in this series – and the development of the characters, the town and the tidbits of Maine life and weather are not to be missed. And, with the author’s passing last August, the final (and 9th) in the series is already out and ready to order – so get on it!. In this, the eighth in the series, the story shows the community spirit as it rallies around a resident who has fallen on hard times. Not a community that is blessed with riches and plenty of money – like most fishing-reliant areas along the coast it is tourism, hard work and a reliance on friends, family and goodwill to get through the lean moments. It’s how Angie had taken a small group of residents who all appreciate and have a talent for needlework, and built a thriving cottage industry with a website presence and a reputation for ‘getting it done’.
And Ike had hit on seriously hard times, with not quite enough to survive on, manage needed repairs to his home – a house badly in need of them. But, Ike, like many of the residents in town is always willing to share what he has, and has taken in a young homeless man, Leo, to share what he has. It’s not that Leo is a local, in fact no one knows much about him, and while Angie and the Mainely needlepointers are curious and concerned, they never hit the point of overbearing – even with Angie’s history as a PI, or the general ‘newness’ of Leo. And soon things get worse as it is Leo who discovers that Ike has been bludgeoned to death in the garage they shared, and he’s the main suspect. It will take lots of digging – which Angie is more than prepared to do, a ton of unearthed red herrings, until finally the culprit is revealed. And that was a set of twists, turns and plenty of moments to think on the “is it X or Y or Z” instead of everything being handed out quickly and simply.
Narration for this story is provided by Christina Delaine, my first listen to this narrator. Her voice is clear, melodic and easy to listen to: she pauses appropriately for information to “sink in”, and her narration from Angie’s point of view (always a treat) keep the story flowing forward. Bits of information from history, the scenery and even the moments of friendship, community and the town allows the listener the ability to get lost into the story, following along as if one were there on the scene. A lovely pairing of narrator and book, this is a wonderful option for those who are more commonly readers but may want a ‘different feel’ for a bit.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 4 Story 4
Let me start with saying that if you are a cozy lover – this is a wonderful series – I’ve read (or listened to) most of the titles in this series – and the development of the characters, the town and the tidbits of Maine life and weather are not to be missed. And, with the author’s passing last August, the final (and 9th) in the series is already out and ready to order – so get on it!. In this, the eighth in the series, the story shows the community spirit as it rallies around a resident who has fallen on hard times. Not a community that is blessed with riches and plenty of money – like most fishing-reliant areas along the coast it is tourism, hard work and a reliance on friends, family and goodwill to get through the lean moments. It’s how Angie had taken a small group of residents who all appreciate and have a talent for needlework, and built a thriving cottage industry with a website presence and a reputation for ‘getting it done’.
And Ike had hit on seriously hard times, with not quite enough to survive on, manage needed repairs to his home – a house badly in need of them. But, Ike, like many of the residents in town is always willing to share what he has, and has taken in a young homeless man, Leo, to share what he has. It’s not that Leo is a local, in fact no one knows much about him, and while Angie and the Mainely needlepointers are curious and concerned, they never hit the point of overbearing – even with Angie’s history as a PI, or the general ‘newness’ of Leo. And soon things get worse as it is Leo who discovers that Ike has been bludgeoned to death in the garage they shared, and he’s the main suspect. It will take lots of digging – which Angie is more than prepared to do, a ton of unearthed red herrings, until finally the culprit is revealed. And that was a set of twists, turns and plenty of moments to think on the “is it X or Y or Z” instead of everything being handed out quickly and simply.
Narration for this story is provided by Christina Delaine, my first listen to this narrator. Her voice is clear, melodic and easy to listen to: she pauses appropriately for information to “sink in”, and her narration from Angie’s point of view (always a treat) keep the story flowing forward. Bits of information from history, the scenery and even the moments of friendship, community and the town allows the listener the ability to get lost into the story, following along as if one were there on the scene. A lovely pairing of narrator and book, this is a wonderful option for those who are more commonly readers but may want a ‘different feel’ for a bit.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
January 2, 2020
Haven Harbor, a quaint new Englad town with quaint new Englanders. At least most of them are quaint and one of them is a murderer. Ike, a native Mainer and a son of Haven Harbor has been taking care of himself as long g as people can remember. He keeps to himself, collecting bottles to recycle and living in his family's garage. Not everyone appreciates Ike, and while the "chambers" are out to relocate him to a home, someone decides to remove him altogether. The least likely suspect, a young boy whom Ike has taken under his wing, offering shelter and shared bottle duties, is under suspicion for Ike's murder. As Angie starts looking for answers, she and Dave (local school teacher and willing foster parent) retrace Ike's route and routine, it becomes apparent that Ike saw everything and was outspoken, however he also didn't always see the whole story so did he see something he shouldn't have? This was a very good story with a plot that moved at a good pace and who wouldn't like a story with recipes included. Such excellent recipes that I am inspired to make lobster chowder on our next cold weather day.
May 2, 2019
Threads on Arrival by Lea Wait is the 8th book in the Mainely Needlepoint series, and another great adventure with Angie Curtis and the gang. Ike Hamilton lives on his disability checks, but collects bottles for extra money. Lately Ike has been seen around town with a teenage boy, Leo, who is helping him. When Ike is found murdered, Leo become the prime suspect. Angie believes he is innocent, so she starts investigating. I love this series, and the books are not only filled with likable characters, and good mysteries but they are also full of history. A heartwarming cozy mystery that takes place in a small town Maine, and you don't have to be a craftier to enjoy this mystery. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. If you love cozy mysterious, give this book/series a try. As always it's better to read the series in order.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
June 1, 2019
I very much enjoyed this 8th offering in the Mainely Needlepoint series! It can be read as a standalone, but I will definitely want to read the ones I've missed as I like this little town of Haven Harbor and its inhabitants.
Mainely Needlepoint was started by Charlotte, "Gram" to Angie, as a way for local folks to make and sell their needlecrafts to tourist shops, individuals, and interior designers. Several people contribute to the work, and as the business grows, Angie considers adding more people, especially to have stock ahead during the summer. Angie now runs the business since Gram married Reverend Tom; she also lives in Gram's house.
One of the locals who does needlework is Dave, a teacher a the local high school who had learned needlepoint when in the navy, where he spent many long months underwater aboard subs. He is interested in the needs of the youth he teaches. At the recent Blessing of the Fleet, an annual event where primarily boats of those who make their living with fish and lobster along with private vessels are prayed over for their safety during the upcoming season, Dave meets a young man who will change his life.
Angie and her boyfriend Patrick, an artist and gallery owner, attend, along with much of the town. One of the attendees is Ike, an older man who collects recyclable bottles to turn in to help with his living expenses. His parents' home had been demo'd by the town when it was damaged beyond repair, so he has lived in the workshop/ garage on the property. He now has a teen with him, and Dave made it a point to meet Leo, who now lives with Ike in the garage and he would help. He just didn't know how quickly Leo would take him up on that!
When Leo did show up at Dave's house, he had blood all over his hands and shirt. He had been gone from the garage only a half hour, long enough to run to the YMCA to shower, and came back to find Ike was murdered. The blood on Leo was from checking to see if it would be possible to give CPR, but it was too late. There were broken glass bottles and a knife used to hurt the poor old man.
Unfortunately, Leo lied to the police on multiple things, so they were hesitant to believe that the teen was innocent. Dave and Angie believed Leo, however, and Dave is allowed by the police to let Leo stay at his home. The police make Leo Dave's responsibility to have him accessible over the course of the investigation.
Days later, Leo's only friend over the years dies of a massive heart attack in the local ER. Jim Lewis has had MS, was cared for diligently by his loving wife, but has not spoken for a couple years. Before he died, he spoke - long enough to tell who killed him - and Ike. Wow.
Angie puts her analytical skills to use as she tries to find who has a grudge against Ike, primarily so Leo can be off the hook. She found out who Leo really is and his background, and Dave is even more determined to help the teen. Even so, it is beyond anyone's guess why that person would want to murder Ike, much less Jim.
What a great mystery! I appreciated seeing Angie work with friends to find out what she could. She has a kind heart despite what she endured from locals after her mother disappeared. I like many things about Angie, including her work ethic, loyalty to friends, and relationship with Gram and Tom. There are plot twists that bring surprising clues, even a red herring or two. The reason for the murders was surprising, even though the murderer wasn't a complete surprise. I did enjoy the ending of the novel; it is very satisfying. I definitely have to read the ones I've missed earlier in the series! For those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries, the Maine setting, and likable characters, I highly recommend this!
From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this book from the publisher and this is my honest review.
Mainely Needlepoint was started by Charlotte, "Gram" to Angie, as a way for local folks to make and sell their needlecrafts to tourist shops, individuals, and interior designers. Several people contribute to the work, and as the business grows, Angie considers adding more people, especially to have stock ahead during the summer. Angie now runs the business since Gram married Reverend Tom; she also lives in Gram's house.
One of the locals who does needlework is Dave, a teacher a the local high school who had learned needlepoint when in the navy, where he spent many long months underwater aboard subs. He is interested in the needs of the youth he teaches. At the recent Blessing of the Fleet, an annual event where primarily boats of those who make their living with fish and lobster along with private vessels are prayed over for their safety during the upcoming season, Dave meets a young man who will change his life.
Angie and her boyfriend Patrick, an artist and gallery owner, attend, along with much of the town. One of the attendees is Ike, an older man who collects recyclable bottles to turn in to help with his living expenses. His parents' home had been demo'd by the town when it was damaged beyond repair, so he has lived in the workshop/ garage on the property. He now has a teen with him, and Dave made it a point to meet Leo, who now lives with Ike in the garage and he would help. He just didn't know how quickly Leo would take him up on that!
When Leo did show up at Dave's house, he had blood all over his hands and shirt. He had been gone from the garage only a half hour, long enough to run to the YMCA to shower, and came back to find Ike was murdered. The blood on Leo was from checking to see if it would be possible to give CPR, but it was too late. There were broken glass bottles and a knife used to hurt the poor old man.
Unfortunately, Leo lied to the police on multiple things, so they were hesitant to believe that the teen was innocent. Dave and Angie believed Leo, however, and Dave is allowed by the police to let Leo stay at his home. The police make Leo Dave's responsibility to have him accessible over the course of the investigation.
Days later, Leo's only friend over the years dies of a massive heart attack in the local ER. Jim Lewis has had MS, was cared for diligently by his loving wife, but has not spoken for a couple years. Before he died, he spoke - long enough to tell who killed him - and Ike. Wow.
Angie puts her analytical skills to use as she tries to find who has a grudge against Ike, primarily so Leo can be off the hook. She found out who Leo really is and his background, and Dave is even more determined to help the teen. Even so, it is beyond anyone's guess why that person would want to murder Ike, much less Jim.
What a great mystery! I appreciated seeing Angie work with friends to find out what she could. She has a kind heart despite what she endured from locals after her mother disappeared. I like many things about Angie, including her work ethic, loyalty to friends, and relationship with Gram and Tom. There are plot twists that bring surprising clues, even a red herring or two. The reason for the murders was surprising, even though the murderer wasn't a complete surprise. I did enjoy the ending of the novel; it is very satisfying. I definitely have to read the ones I've missed earlier in the series! For those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries, the Maine setting, and likable characters, I highly recommend this!
From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this book from the publisher and this is my honest review.
June 5, 2019
Does a Good Deed Ever Go Unpunished in Lea Wait’s Newest Mystery?
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
An older man, living on the fringe of society takes in a young homeless boy.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader’s copy of this book. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.
I love cozy mystery series — not all of them of course — something has t o click. Cozies tend to be female centric and the mysteries provide a foil the kinds of issues women faced in their time, status, or whatever. For Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline WInspear it was a matter of station, a woman in a man’s world and WWI. For the Country Club Murders by Julia Mulhern, it was being a Midwestern society woman in the 1970s looking for something besides dances at the club, in the 1970s — a period of great change for women and hence for society. For Angie it’s coming home to a town in Maine where she was apart because of her mother’s reputation and disappearance. Angie lit out after graduation as far as one could drive in the US – Arizona – and ended up working as an assistant to a private detective. When she returns to see her grandmother she ends up being involved on solving an apparent crime wave.
That brings up a curious feature in cozies (not Maisie Dobbs who runs an investigation firm), the women seem to attract murder. Even if they are not culpable, the bodies piling up around them will eventually leave a dearth of society with whom they will be able to engage. In the Country Club Murders. Ellison’s mother begs her to stop finding bodies (as if she is trying to find bodies). Authors have devices to counter the issue of so many bodies and murderers. Some are outsiders – just coming for a visit, sometimes the victims and/or the killers are people from outside the community, or people who were killed long ago, or people on the fringe.
This is one of the great ways Lea solves the issue, Haven Harbor is a small town and the series has occurred in a very compressed time period: Some of the murders occurred long ago, others on the fringes of society or higher up in society such that they don’t mix much with the others in the community. In this book the victim is on the fringes of society, but knows everyone.
As per usual, when the sleuth is an amateur the police constantly warn Angie to leave the investigation to them. But it’s a rare thing that the police are on the right track and they are often in danger of convicting the wrong person. Often in a cozy, there is an aspect of setting another life straight in the process of finding the murderer. In this case the victim has taken a troubled young man into his home and of course his actions are questioned and the young man is a suspect when he seeks help for his friend covered in blood.
Another great thing in Lea’s books is the amount of history she inserts into the story and the needlework tidbits are always great. I confess, I have only listened to the series and have not read a print version. So, for me Christina Delaine is Angie. Her husky voice is sexy and deliberate — she lends gravity to Angie’s character. I live in coastal Maine, not too far from Lea, and I have never heard anyone as camp-ishly New England as she portrays Angie’s grandmother. But, she hits the teenaged boy in this one spot-on!
I like this series so much that I got my sister into them and she is as huge a fan as me. So, it’s a good series to share with your family. And, if you like cozies and happen to be heading to New England – you should definitely read Lea Wait!
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
An older man, living on the fringe of society takes in a young homeless boy.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader’s copy of this book. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.
I love cozy mystery series — not all of them of course — something has t o click. Cozies tend to be female centric and the mysteries provide a foil the kinds of issues women faced in their time, status, or whatever. For Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline WInspear it was a matter of station, a woman in a man’s world and WWI. For the Country Club Murders by Julia Mulhern, it was being a Midwestern society woman in the 1970s looking for something besides dances at the club, in the 1970s — a period of great change for women and hence for society. For Angie it’s coming home to a town in Maine where she was apart because of her mother’s reputation and disappearance. Angie lit out after graduation as far as one could drive in the US – Arizona – and ended up working as an assistant to a private detective. When she returns to see her grandmother she ends up being involved on solving an apparent crime wave.
That brings up a curious feature in cozies (not Maisie Dobbs who runs an investigation firm), the women seem to attract murder. Even if they are not culpable, the bodies piling up around them will eventually leave a dearth of society with whom they will be able to engage. In the Country Club Murders. Ellison’s mother begs her to stop finding bodies (as if she is trying to find bodies). Authors have devices to counter the issue of so many bodies and murderers. Some are outsiders – just coming for a visit, sometimes the victims and/or the killers are people from outside the community, or people who were killed long ago, or people on the fringe.
This is one of the great ways Lea solves the issue, Haven Harbor is a small town and the series has occurred in a very compressed time period: Some of the murders occurred long ago, others on the fringes of society or higher up in society such that they don’t mix much with the others in the community. In this book the victim is on the fringes of society, but knows everyone.
As per usual, when the sleuth is an amateur the police constantly warn Angie to leave the investigation to them. But it’s a rare thing that the police are on the right track and they are often in danger of convicting the wrong person. Often in a cozy, there is an aspect of setting another life straight in the process of finding the murderer. In this case the victim has taken a troubled young man into his home and of course his actions are questioned and the young man is a suspect when he seeks help for his friend covered in blood.
Another great thing in Lea’s books is the amount of history she inserts into the story and the needlework tidbits are always great. I confess, I have only listened to the series and have not read a print version. So, for me Christina Delaine is Angie. Her husky voice is sexy and deliberate — she lends gravity to Angie’s character. I live in coastal Maine, not too far from Lea, and I have never heard anyone as camp-ishly New England as she portrays Angie’s grandmother. But, she hits the teenaged boy in this one spot-on!
I like this series so much that I got my sister into them and she is as huge a fan as me. So, it’s a good series to share with your family. And, if you like cozies and happen to be heading to New England – you should definitely read Lea Wait!
March 2, 2019
Thread on Arrival is the eighth book in Lea Wait’s Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series. This is a clean, quick read with a well-plotted storyline and well-developed, likable characters. The books in this series can be read as standalones. This is a quick, smooth read with twists and turns and a satisfying ending with all the ends tied up nicely. The reveal of the killer was a surprise to me. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a well-crafted cozy mystery.
Angie Curtis moved back to Haven Harbor, Maine about a year ago, is managing Mainely Needlepoint for her grandmother, and dating Patrick West, who is preparing for the upcoming opening of his art gallery. Angie and Patrick, as well as almost all of Haven Harbor’s residents, are attending the annual Blessing of the Fleet day, which remembers those lost at sea and prays for the safety of those who make their living from the sea or enjoy being at sea. When Angie sees Ike Hamilton, a local man with disabilities who many residents help, she notices a young man with him who she doesn’t recognize. Angie and her friend, Dave Perry, a high school teacher, approach Ike and learn that the teenager, Leo, is helping him collect and redeem recyclable items in exchange for room and board. Dave believes the teen is troubled and tells him to come to him if he ever needs anything. When Leo discovers someone has murdered Ike, he rushes to Dave’s house, his shirt and hands covered with blood. Sergeant Pete Lambert of the Haven Harbor Police Department calls in Ethan Trask, the Maine State Police homicide detective who handles murders in this area of Maine. Angie and Dave believe Leo is innocent; Dave takes the now homeless teen into his home, and Angie uses her investigative skills to find out more about Leo and hopefully clear his name. Angie discovers Leo isn’t who he says he is and uncovers secrets held by several residents, which may prove to be the reason for Ike’s murder. Angie also learns that several people had been angry with Ike because he’d threatened to tell the police or their spouse about what was going on. Angie is having trouble narrowing down her suspect list, and Patrick offers his help.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Angie Curtis moved back to Haven Harbor, Maine about a year ago, is managing Mainely Needlepoint for her grandmother, and dating Patrick West, who is preparing for the upcoming opening of his art gallery. Angie and Patrick, as well as almost all of Haven Harbor’s residents, are attending the annual Blessing of the Fleet day, which remembers those lost at sea and prays for the safety of those who make their living from the sea or enjoy being at sea. When Angie sees Ike Hamilton, a local man with disabilities who many residents help, she notices a young man with him who she doesn’t recognize. Angie and her friend, Dave Perry, a high school teacher, approach Ike and learn that the teenager, Leo, is helping him collect and redeem recyclable items in exchange for room and board. Dave believes the teen is troubled and tells him to come to him if he ever needs anything. When Leo discovers someone has murdered Ike, he rushes to Dave’s house, his shirt and hands covered with blood. Sergeant Pete Lambert of the Haven Harbor Police Department calls in Ethan Trask, the Maine State Police homicide detective who handles murders in this area of Maine. Angie and Dave believe Leo is innocent; Dave takes the now homeless teen into his home, and Angie uses her investigative skills to find out more about Leo and hopefully clear his name. Angie discovers Leo isn’t who he says he is and uncovers secrets held by several residents, which may prove to be the reason for Ike’s murder. Angie also learns that several people had been angry with Ike because he’d threatened to tell the police or their spouse about what was going on. Angie is having trouble narrowing down her suspect list, and Patrick offers his help.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
April 27, 2019
Thread On Arrival is the eighth book in the Mainely Needlepoint series.
The story starts with Angie and David, her friend, a high school biology teacher, and poisonous plant expert are attending The Blessing of the Fleet. The Blessing pays homage to those that have lost their lives while working the sea and blessing the new season, fishermen, and their boats for a safe and bountiful season. While at the Blessing they see Ike Hamilton, Ike has been living in the families garage since the house was condemned and to supplement his disability check he collects bottles and cans and takes them to a recycling center. Ike is walking with a scrawny teenager. Ike introduces them to the young man, Leo, and says he is staying in the garage with and says that Leo helps him collect bottles and cans. David and Angie both feel that boy should be in school and tells him if he ever needs to talk to someone to come see him. The next day Leo appears at David’s door covered in blood and says that somebody has killed Ike. Angie and David want to believe that Leo is innocent of the murder. Detective Trask of the Maine State Police and Pete Lambert aren’t so sure, especially that all the Leo will share with anyone is that his name is Leo. Until they can learn more about Leo, David offers to take Leo into his home. The police are able to pull some strings and gets David appointed as his temporary guardian. Angie and David immediately get start looking at Haven Harbor residents as they learn that some residents feel Ike is an embarrassment to the community and could cause a decline of tourist coming to Haven Harbor.
I love this series and for those readers who aren’t into embroidery don’t hesitate to read this series, as embroidery is only lightly touched upon. One thing that I particularly like is the description of embroidery done by young children at the beginning of each chapter. The story is well-written a wonderful cast of believable cast of characters. In this book, the reader will learn more about David’s background.
Delicious sounding recipes are also included with the book
I will be definitely looking forward to the next book in the series, Thread And Buried, due out in October of this year.
The story starts with Angie and David, her friend, a high school biology teacher, and poisonous plant expert are attending The Blessing of the Fleet. The Blessing pays homage to those that have lost their lives while working the sea and blessing the new season, fishermen, and their boats for a safe and bountiful season. While at the Blessing they see Ike Hamilton, Ike has been living in the families garage since the house was condemned and to supplement his disability check he collects bottles and cans and takes them to a recycling center. Ike is walking with a scrawny teenager. Ike introduces them to the young man, Leo, and says he is staying in the garage with and says that Leo helps him collect bottles and cans. David and Angie both feel that boy should be in school and tells him if he ever needs to talk to someone to come see him. The next day Leo appears at David’s door covered in blood and says that somebody has killed Ike. Angie and David want to believe that Leo is innocent of the murder. Detective Trask of the Maine State Police and Pete Lambert aren’t so sure, especially that all the Leo will share with anyone is that his name is Leo. Until they can learn more about Leo, David offers to take Leo into his home. The police are able to pull some strings and gets David appointed as his temporary guardian. Angie and David immediately get start looking at Haven Harbor residents as they learn that some residents feel Ike is an embarrassment to the community and could cause a decline of tourist coming to Haven Harbor.
I love this series and for those readers who aren’t into embroidery don’t hesitate to read this series, as embroidery is only lightly touched upon. One thing that I particularly like is the description of embroidery done by young children at the beginning of each chapter. The story is well-written a wonderful cast of believable cast of characters. In this book, the reader will learn more about David’s background.
Delicious sounding recipes are also included with the book
I will be definitely looking forward to the next book in the series, Thread And Buried, due out in October of this year.
August 23, 2019
Reading any book in the Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series is like returning home for a visit. The author, Lea Wait, captures the readers attention within the first chapter of every book and by the time you get to the last page, you are a beloved member of the little coastal town of Haven Harbor....
The main character Angie Curtis grew up in Haven Harbor but moved away for a while. In this series Angie moves back to her hometown into the house she grew up in with her grandmother and mother taking over her grandmother's business, Mainely Needlepoint and helps the local police department solve murders.
In Thread on Arrival a harmless homeless member of the community, Ike Hamilton, is murdered and the teenage boy that he recently friended is looking good for the murder. However Angie and her friend, Dave, do not think that Leo is guilty even when all the signs are pointed towards him. So what does Angie do ? Well if you have read ANY of the books in this series you know exactly what Angie is going to do. She's going to ask questions and talk to everyone.....and the BEST part about it in this book is that her boyfriend Patrick helps her work through it !!!
I've said it before but I will continue saying it.... I am a HUGE fan of Lea Wait and the Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series. There is so much to enjoy while reading this series. You have all the close relationships, there is a celebrity living in Haven Harbor, one of the residents has a poison garden, another resident, an elderly woman, writes erotica books when her athritis isn't acting up, there are kittens, good food, and ocean air that you will swear you feel because you are so involved in the story !! I could go on and on but that is just holding you up from picking up one of the books so I will leave you with this....... Run, don't walk, or grab your laptop and get your copy of Thread on Arrival or one or all of the other books in this amazing series. You will love the escape !!!!
The main character Angie Curtis grew up in Haven Harbor but moved away for a while. In this series Angie moves back to her hometown into the house she grew up in with her grandmother and mother taking over her grandmother's business, Mainely Needlepoint and helps the local police department solve murders.
In Thread on Arrival a harmless homeless member of the community, Ike Hamilton, is murdered and the teenage boy that he recently friended is looking good for the murder. However Angie and her friend, Dave, do not think that Leo is guilty even when all the signs are pointed towards him. So what does Angie do ? Well if you have read ANY of the books in this series you know exactly what Angie is going to do. She's going to ask questions and talk to everyone.....and the BEST part about it in this book is that her boyfriend Patrick helps her work through it !!!
I've said it before but I will continue saying it.... I am a HUGE fan of Lea Wait and the Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series. There is so much to enjoy while reading this series. You have all the close relationships, there is a celebrity living in Haven Harbor, one of the residents has a poison garden, another resident, an elderly woman, writes erotica books when her athritis isn't acting up, there are kittens, good food, and ocean air that you will swear you feel because you are so involved in the story !! I could go on and on but that is just holding you up from picking up one of the books so I will leave you with this....... Run, don't walk, or grab your laptop and get your copy of Thread on Arrival or one or all of the other books in this amazing series. You will love the escape !!!!
September 13, 2020
The editor's been dropping the ball on this series. The last three books have been riddled with continuity issues and it's annoying.
The things I like most about this series were absent in this volume. I don't mind the faster pace (although the slower pace was what made the other books stand out) but I would prefer there to be some needlepointing (I mean it's called Mainely Needlepoint, it's kind of essential to include some sort of project more than Angie running around to the post office.) and for the mystery to be a cold case. I think the author does the mix of an old mystery affecting the present really well and it's one of the things I love most about the series.
The mystery in this one isn't bad. It's a decent cosy mystery - meaning you'll probably guess the killer off the bat. It's not as complex as some of the previous mysteries have been but it's enjoyable enough. It's just not what I really expect from this series.
The characters were a little off in this one too. I couldn't quite put my finger on it but something was bothering me with the interactions between them. On the other hand the romance in this series is majorly juvenile to the point it actually feels awkward reading it. Angie seems mostly confident but she turns into a basketcase when it concerns Patrick. But that's not exclusive to this book so whatevs.
This book felt very repetitive too. Angie was constantly relaying all of the information between three or four different people and many exchanges were just slightly rephrased. It made it feel a lot longer than it was and it made it somewhat exhausting to read her back and forth between everyone.
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 stars.
The things I like most about this series were absent in this volume. I don't mind the faster pace (although the slower pace was what made the other books stand out) but I would prefer there to be some needlepointing (I mean it's called Mainely Needlepoint, it's kind of essential to include some sort of project more than Angie running around to the post office.) and for the mystery to be a cold case. I think the author does the mix of an old mystery affecting the present really well and it's one of the things I love most about the series.
The mystery in this one isn't bad. It's a decent cosy mystery - meaning you'll probably guess the killer off the bat. It's not as complex as some of the previous mysteries have been but it's enjoyable enough. It's just not what I really expect from this series.
The characters were a little off in this one too. I couldn't quite put my finger on it but something was bothering me with the interactions between them. On the other hand the romance in this series is majorly juvenile to the point it actually feels awkward reading it. Angie seems mostly confident but she turns into a basketcase when it concerns Patrick. But that's not exclusive to this book so whatevs.
This book felt very repetitive too. Angie was constantly relaying all of the information between three or four different people and many exchanges were just slightly rephrased. It made it feel a lot longer than it was and it made it somewhat exhausting to read her back and forth between everyone.
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 stars.
April 15, 2019
4.5 Stars
I always get excited when another Mainely Needlepoint mystery comes out. This is one of my favorite series worlds. I keep hoping Angie will get her PI license. Am I alone? And am I the only person who thinks she and Dave (poison garden guy) should be an item? Maybe it is just me. I mean, you hooked up all the police force with other people. I would have been totally on board with an Ethan/Angie relationship. When you get to know these people, it is almost like you live in Haven Harbor and these are your neighbors.
This story revolved around a homeless guy, Ike, who was helping an 18 year old runaway, Leo. Not sure if runaway is the right word since the guy was 18 but I felt like his character was mentally younger than that, probably from the lack of schooling. Ike is found murdered and the main suspect becomes the young Leo.
Angie and Dave begin to investigate since this kid is so young and needs someone to take care of him. There are quite a few suspects once Angie pokes her nose around town. There is even a funny crack about how since Angie came to town in book one there sure are a lot of murders now. LOL! Too funny.
Just a great book. Surprisingly complex mystery and quite a page turner. Definitely check this one out! Lea Wait never fails to produce a great book.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
I always get excited when another Mainely Needlepoint mystery comes out. This is one of my favorite series worlds. I keep hoping Angie will get her PI license. Am I alone? And am I the only person who thinks she and Dave (poison garden guy) should be an item? Maybe it is just me. I mean, you hooked up all the police force with other people. I would have been totally on board with an Ethan/Angie relationship. When you get to know these people, it is almost like you live in Haven Harbor and these are your neighbors.
This story revolved around a homeless guy, Ike, who was helping an 18 year old runaway, Leo. Not sure if runaway is the right word since the guy was 18 but I felt like his character was mentally younger than that, probably from the lack of schooling. Ike is found murdered and the main suspect becomes the young Leo.
Angie and Dave begin to investigate since this kid is so young and needs someone to take care of him. There are quite a few suspects once Angie pokes her nose around town. There is even a funny crack about how since Angie came to town in book one there sure are a lot of murders now. LOL! Too funny.
Just a great book. Surprisingly complex mystery and quite a page turner. Definitely check this one out! Lea Wait never fails to produce a great book.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
March 27, 2019
Ike Hamilton has been a fixture in Haven Harbor, Maine for many years. He’s the one who collects cans and bottles from his neighbors and most of the businesses in town to supplement his disability checks. But, some people believe that he needs to go away, and someone took care of him permanently. The main suspect in his murder is a runaway teenager who found Ike’s body. Can Angie find out the truth before someone else is killed?
Some authors have the ability to grab a reader and take them to another world, learning about different people, places and hobbies. The reader forgets about their troubles and enjoys the story. Ms. Wait has this amazing gift. I loved this book, its characters and plot were both absorbing and thought-provoking. What would we do if a homeless person was in trouble? Would we step out and help him/her? Would we take him/her in and give them a home? And, what if he/she were a suspect in a murder? I think that Angie showed a lot of courage to stand up and help the homeless teen get out from under the murder investigation and find the real culprit. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Some authors have the ability to grab a reader and take them to another world, learning about different people, places and hobbies. The reader forgets about their troubles and enjoys the story. Ms. Wait has this amazing gift. I loved this book, its characters and plot were both absorbing and thought-provoking. What would we do if a homeless person was in trouble? Would we step out and help him/her? Would we take him/her in and give them a home? And, what if he/she were a suspect in a murder? I think that Angie showed a lot of courage to stand up and help the homeless teen get out from under the murder investigation and find the real culprit. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.
March 17, 2019
What a marvelous book!
Putting the mystery aside for the moment, the chapter introductions each describe a sampler and its creator complete with a bit about her life in the late 18th or early 19th century and the East Coast town she lived in. It was like a trip through a fine museum, and I loved it!
The mystery, characters, twists, and red herrings were very well done and the frustrations and puzzlements of those involved are so clear that the reader is so tightly caught up in the story that putting it down just doesn't feel like an option. The publisher's blurb does pretty well, and spoilers are just wrong, so I'll just repeat that I loved it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you so much!
Putting the mystery aside for the moment, the chapter introductions each describe a sampler and its creator complete with a bit about her life in the late 18th or early 19th century and the East Coast town she lived in. It was like a trip through a fine museum, and I loved it!
The mystery, characters, twists, and red herrings were very well done and the frustrations and puzzlements of those involved are so clear that the reader is so tightly caught up in the story that putting it down just doesn't feel like an option. The publisher's blurb does pretty well, and spoilers are just wrong, so I'll just repeat that I loved it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you so much!
April 29, 2019
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
So I know what you’re thinking… what are you doing reading this series again, Annie? The answer is…well, perhaps I enjoy this series more than I thought. Although my previous reviews of these books tend to be a little wishy-washy, I always find myself picking up these books whenever a new one is released. I think some of the charm that lies within it is that it really is a slow-paced series, which is great, especially when you’re life is as busy as mine. It’s a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the quiet time that I so rarely get.
Although the majority of the books tend to have a slow pace, I found that THREAD ON ARRIVAL does have more suspense to it. I think that is because the murder is a stabbing. It felt more purposeful and direct rather than poisoning or the victim falling to his death or something like that. With the stronger intention, it create more intrigue.
BUT if you’re a big fan of the slow and steadiness of this series, fear not. It’s still very much there, but perhaps the author is trying to add something a little different to her books. It’s a fun book and I think if you’re a Cozy fan, this one will be enjoyable to read.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Ann❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
June 15, 2019
https://openbooksociety.com/article/t...
Thread on Arrival
Mainely Needlepoint #8
By Lea Wait
ISBN 9781496716736
leawait.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
In this coastal New England town, folks take care of the needy–but someone is killing without kindness . . .
Ike Hamilton is a part of the Haven Harbor community just like anyone else, though he’s fallen on hard times and has to make do on disability checks and deposit bottles. Most of the locals do what they can to help him out, and needlepointing partners Angie and Sarah are happy to see him at the annual Blessing of the Fleet, honoring all those lost at sea over the centuries.
But when harmless Ike is stabbed, suspicion quickly falls on a troubled teenage boy who’s new in town. Angie’s convinced that young Leo is innocent–but if he didn’t do it, who did? Turns out Ike may have appeared simple-minded, but he knew a few secrets that someone might have murdered him to keep quiet. Angie sets out to trace Ike’s bottle-collecting route to find out what he witnessed–and for this killer, there may be no redemption . . . (From Goodreads)
Review:
What a great mystery! Haven Harbor, Maine is where Angie returned to after being away for nearly a decade after her high school graduation. It is a delightful town on the coast where many make a living on the sea. Those who call it home are an eclectic group, most being hard-working folks who have known each other much of their lives. The setting is gorgeous, characters show who they are, and the mystery is, at times, confounding.
Angie’s mother disappeared when she was ten. Angie travelled through the country, landing in Mesa, Arizona where she worked for a PI. To me, that would be an exciting job despite some of the divorce stakeouts she participated in. That job enhanced her analytical thinking when faced with a challenge or a murder. Angie’s Gram, Charlotte, has married Reverend Tom and moved into the parsonage, while Angie lives in Gram’s old house and runs the business Charlotte started. Mainely Needlepoint is a group of excellent Maine needlepoint workers who make and sell products on the web site. From items for tourist shops to custom hangings, they are busy year-round.
Angie and boyfriend Patrick are at the Blessing of the Fleet, an annual event of blessing the boats of those who make their living on the ocean and some who sail or go boating for pleasure. It is there that she learns more about the local homeless man, Ike, and his new young friend Leo. Ike lives in the garage on his parents’ property, supplementing his disability by picking up recyclable beverage containers and cashing them in. Some people on the Chamber of Commerce would prefer if he wasn’t there, even tried to send him away to a group home, as their priority is tourism. Many individuals and businesses leave their bottles in a place where Ike can pick them up on his regular “route”. Dave, a high school teacher, met Leo, still a teen, and told him if he ever needed anything, where his house is and to go see him.
Leo showed up at his door when least expected. Angie was there to pick up some needlepoint work Dave had completed – he learned it when living on a submarine in the Navy – when Leo arrived, hands and shirt covered in blood and visibly shaken. Leo had been at the Y, as they allowed Ike and him to take showers there. When he returned, Ike was lying in the garage covered in blood from glass of broken bottles and a knife. The teen had checked to see if Ike was alive, if he could start CPR, but it was too late.
Police Sargent Pete Lambert came to Dave’s home to talk with Leo about what he saw while other officers went to the garage that Ike, and Leo for a few short weeks, called home. Dave and Angie went to the police station to quietly sit in while Leo was questioned. Dave offered Leo a place to stay while the investigation is going on, and Pete makes Dave responsible for Leo’s whereabouts.
Dave and Angie didn’t think Leo killed Ike. They want to talk with Leo more to find out if Ike had any enemies. There were no reports from his hometown of Leo Smith being a runaway. At first, he claimed to be seventeen, old enough to not attend school, then that he wasn’t quite seventeen. As Angie investigates further, she learns that Leo’s real name is Leon Blackwell and his parents died in a horrible explosion that some thought he was behind. These lapses of telling the truth don’t bode well for Leo, as he lied to the police more than once, so how does one know for sure he didn’t kill Ike?
Then, only days later, Jim Lewis died in the emergency room of the local hospital. An MS sufferer, Jim has been a regular at the ER for years for various broken bones, injuries, and pneumonia. He hasn’t been heard speaking to his wife or anyone else for a couple years, so it is a stunned town who hears that he stated who killed Ike and was trying to kill Jim, himself.
Angie and her fellow townspeople are defined through realistic conversations, actions, and the thoughts of Angie herself. I enjoyed getting to know her and Gram, as well as Dave, Patrick, and Leo. Angie continues to learn about the folks in town after her years away. Just because it is a small town doesn’t mean that people aren’t always who they seem to be, however. Someone murdered Ike and, if something caused the massive heart attack Jim died from, him as well. Dave’s past unfolds to Angie as the novel progresses; he has his own reasons for being willing to take in and care for Leo.
This is a satisfying novel on every level. The mysteries are complex; has Ike seen or heard something that he was murdered for? The ER doctor said Ike was injured by somebody several weeks before his murder, perhaps a warning to not tell tales? Did Jim really talk or is the ER nurse making it up to implicate his suspect? As the layers of Leo’s young life are pulled back, he isn’t very well respected by some…but neither was Angie after her mother disappeared. The novel also includes a bit of romance that doesn’t distract from the overall story. The relationships Angie has with Gram and Reverend Tom, Patrick and her close friend Sarah, and her concern for Leo and another teen in town, show how her early challenges tempered rather than embittered her. While I had an idea who might have done the deed, I didn’t get the motives until finishing the novel. Angie is one smart young lady, and I hope there will be more to come I this delightful series. I highly recommend this!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Thread on Arrival
Mainely Needlepoint #8
By Lea Wait
ISBN 9781496716736
leawait.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
In this coastal New England town, folks take care of the needy–but someone is killing without kindness . . .
Ike Hamilton is a part of the Haven Harbor community just like anyone else, though he’s fallen on hard times and has to make do on disability checks and deposit bottles. Most of the locals do what they can to help him out, and needlepointing partners Angie and Sarah are happy to see him at the annual Blessing of the Fleet, honoring all those lost at sea over the centuries.
But when harmless Ike is stabbed, suspicion quickly falls on a troubled teenage boy who’s new in town. Angie’s convinced that young Leo is innocent–but if he didn’t do it, who did? Turns out Ike may have appeared simple-minded, but he knew a few secrets that someone might have murdered him to keep quiet. Angie sets out to trace Ike’s bottle-collecting route to find out what he witnessed–and for this killer, there may be no redemption . . . (From Goodreads)
Review:
What a great mystery! Haven Harbor, Maine is where Angie returned to after being away for nearly a decade after her high school graduation. It is a delightful town on the coast where many make a living on the sea. Those who call it home are an eclectic group, most being hard-working folks who have known each other much of their lives. The setting is gorgeous, characters show who they are, and the mystery is, at times, confounding.
Angie’s mother disappeared when she was ten. Angie travelled through the country, landing in Mesa, Arizona where she worked for a PI. To me, that would be an exciting job despite some of the divorce stakeouts she participated in. That job enhanced her analytical thinking when faced with a challenge or a murder. Angie’s Gram, Charlotte, has married Reverend Tom and moved into the parsonage, while Angie lives in Gram’s old house and runs the business Charlotte started. Mainely Needlepoint is a group of excellent Maine needlepoint workers who make and sell products on the web site. From items for tourist shops to custom hangings, they are busy year-round.
Angie and boyfriend Patrick are at the Blessing of the Fleet, an annual event of blessing the boats of those who make their living on the ocean and some who sail or go boating for pleasure. It is there that she learns more about the local homeless man, Ike, and his new young friend Leo. Ike lives in the garage on his parents’ property, supplementing his disability by picking up recyclable beverage containers and cashing them in. Some people on the Chamber of Commerce would prefer if he wasn’t there, even tried to send him away to a group home, as their priority is tourism. Many individuals and businesses leave their bottles in a place where Ike can pick them up on his regular “route”. Dave, a high school teacher, met Leo, still a teen, and told him if he ever needed anything, where his house is and to go see him.
Leo showed up at his door when least expected. Angie was there to pick up some needlepoint work Dave had completed – he learned it when living on a submarine in the Navy – when Leo arrived, hands and shirt covered in blood and visibly shaken. Leo had been at the Y, as they allowed Ike and him to take showers there. When he returned, Ike was lying in the garage covered in blood from glass of broken bottles and a knife. The teen had checked to see if Ike was alive, if he could start CPR, but it was too late.
Police Sargent Pete Lambert came to Dave’s home to talk with Leo about what he saw while other officers went to the garage that Ike, and Leo for a few short weeks, called home. Dave and Angie went to the police station to quietly sit in while Leo was questioned. Dave offered Leo a place to stay while the investigation is going on, and Pete makes Dave responsible for Leo’s whereabouts.
Dave and Angie didn’t think Leo killed Ike. They want to talk with Leo more to find out if Ike had any enemies. There were no reports from his hometown of Leo Smith being a runaway. At first, he claimed to be seventeen, old enough to not attend school, then that he wasn’t quite seventeen. As Angie investigates further, she learns that Leo’s real name is Leon Blackwell and his parents died in a horrible explosion that some thought he was behind. These lapses of telling the truth don’t bode well for Leo, as he lied to the police more than once, so how does one know for sure he didn’t kill Ike?
Then, only days later, Jim Lewis died in the emergency room of the local hospital. An MS sufferer, Jim has been a regular at the ER for years for various broken bones, injuries, and pneumonia. He hasn’t been heard speaking to his wife or anyone else for a couple years, so it is a stunned town who hears that he stated who killed Ike and was trying to kill Jim, himself.
Angie and her fellow townspeople are defined through realistic conversations, actions, and the thoughts of Angie herself. I enjoyed getting to know her and Gram, as well as Dave, Patrick, and Leo. Angie continues to learn about the folks in town after her years away. Just because it is a small town doesn’t mean that people aren’t always who they seem to be, however. Someone murdered Ike and, if something caused the massive heart attack Jim died from, him as well. Dave’s past unfolds to Angie as the novel progresses; he has his own reasons for being willing to take in and care for Leo.
This is a satisfying novel on every level. The mysteries are complex; has Ike seen or heard something that he was murdered for? The ER doctor said Ike was injured by somebody several weeks before his murder, perhaps a warning to not tell tales? Did Jim really talk or is the ER nurse making it up to implicate his suspect? As the layers of Leo’s young life are pulled back, he isn’t very well respected by some…but neither was Angie after her mother disappeared. The novel also includes a bit of romance that doesn’t distract from the overall story. The relationships Angie has with Gram and Reverend Tom, Patrick and her close friend Sarah, and her concern for Leo and another teen in town, show how her early challenges tempered rather than embittered her. While I had an idea who might have done the deed, I didn’t get the motives until finishing the novel. Angie is one smart young lady, and I hope there will be more to come I this delightful series. I highly recommend this!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
March 21, 2019
Angie Curtis lives in Haven Harbor, Maine and runs Mainely Needlepoint, a small business she took over from her grandmother; she and its members create needlepoint items that they sell online and in stores. She and her boyfriend Patrick are attending the Blessing of the Fleet, an annual ritual where her grandfather (by marriage) Pastor Tom is conducting this year. It is a reading of the names of those who have died while fishing, and a blessing of the boats before the season begins.
When Angie sees that one of the other needlepointers, Dave Pearcy, she goes over to say hello. Dave is a high school science teacher, and together they notice Ike Hamilton. Ike's a bit slow, and since his parents died, he lives alone - or so they thought - in his family's old garage, their home having been destroyed years ago. With him is a teenager who only identifies himself as Leo.
Dave wonders about Leo, since he hasn't seen him at the school and is immediately drawn to him. He tells Leo if he ever needs help, to come find him; describing his house for the young boy. Little does he know that it will be sooner than later Leo will need his help. The next day, while Angie is visiting Dave, Leo shows up at his door. He tells Dave that Ike is dead, and he needs help.
Angie calls the police - even though Leo doesn't want anything to do with them - and he tells his story. Dave decides to care for Leo since there is no one else, but the police have him down as the main suspect in the murder. While Dave and Angie both believe the boy is innocent, she decides to do a little sleuthing herself.
Angie, who worked for a PI while living in Arizona, has a bit of experience in this (also having helped solve other murders). What she finds out about the people in her town is eye-opening, to say the least, and gives her a few suspects that may have had a reason to want Ike out of the picture. But her final help comes from an unlikely source, and it shows her the truth isn't always easy to see, even if it's right in front of you all the time...
This is such a delightful series to read. The characters are well-drawn, and I love the fact that Angie doesn't walk blindly into situations that could put her in danger. She actually thinks things out first, putting all the facts in front of her, then disassembling them piece by piece until she can put the puzzle back together again. It's refreshing to read.
Angie's investigation takes her out of town, where she learns about Leo's past, which she shares with Dave, and he, in turn, shares with the police. But Dave's faith in the boy only wavers a little; they're still convinced he's innocent of murder (although Angie does waver a tad). Yet she always wants to find the truth, unwilling to convict without sound evidence. Unfortunately, it brings several people to view in an unfavorable light, which bothers her.
She's also coming into a new stage with Patrick, and he's allowing himself to realize that he doesn't mind her sleuthing at all. It was a nice surprise, and hopefully Angie will appreciate that this a good man who truly loves her. We will see on that front.
Anyway, we learn a little more about Dave's past, and while it's rather sad, it made him the man he is; I have always liked him and I like him even more; it's always nice to learn about the secondary characters. It makes them more human, and brings you more into the story. We've already learned about Sarah's past, so I recommend that if you haven't read any of the previous books, you go back to the beginning and do so, because it's a very good series indeed.
I did know the who the murderer was early on, but only because I read so many mysteries and pay extreme attention to details; still, my enjoyment of the book never faltered as Ms. Wait is a talented writer who knows how to weave a story admirably and put everything together so well. And this she does admirably.
In the end, I felt that the ending was quite satisfactory; the murderer revealed in an unexpected setting, with everything joined nicely and giving a tale that is filled with plenty of clues and quite fun to read. I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
When Angie sees that one of the other needlepointers, Dave Pearcy, she goes over to say hello. Dave is a high school science teacher, and together they notice Ike Hamilton. Ike's a bit slow, and since his parents died, he lives alone - or so they thought - in his family's old garage, their home having been destroyed years ago. With him is a teenager who only identifies himself as Leo.
Dave wonders about Leo, since he hasn't seen him at the school and is immediately drawn to him. He tells Leo if he ever needs help, to come find him; describing his house for the young boy. Little does he know that it will be sooner than later Leo will need his help. The next day, while Angie is visiting Dave, Leo shows up at his door. He tells Dave that Ike is dead, and he needs help.
Angie calls the police - even though Leo doesn't want anything to do with them - and he tells his story. Dave decides to care for Leo since there is no one else, but the police have him down as the main suspect in the murder. While Dave and Angie both believe the boy is innocent, she decides to do a little sleuthing herself.
Angie, who worked for a PI while living in Arizona, has a bit of experience in this (also having helped solve other murders). What she finds out about the people in her town is eye-opening, to say the least, and gives her a few suspects that may have had a reason to want Ike out of the picture. But her final help comes from an unlikely source, and it shows her the truth isn't always easy to see, even if it's right in front of you all the time...
This is such a delightful series to read. The characters are well-drawn, and I love the fact that Angie doesn't walk blindly into situations that could put her in danger. She actually thinks things out first, putting all the facts in front of her, then disassembling them piece by piece until she can put the puzzle back together again. It's refreshing to read.
Angie's investigation takes her out of town, where she learns about Leo's past, which she shares with Dave, and he, in turn, shares with the police. But Dave's faith in the boy only wavers a little; they're still convinced he's innocent of murder (although Angie does waver a tad). Yet she always wants to find the truth, unwilling to convict without sound evidence. Unfortunately, it brings several people to view in an unfavorable light, which bothers her.
She's also coming into a new stage with Patrick, and he's allowing himself to realize that he doesn't mind her sleuthing at all. It was a nice surprise, and hopefully Angie will appreciate that this a good man who truly loves her. We will see on that front.
Anyway, we learn a little more about Dave's past, and while it's rather sad, it made him the man he is; I have always liked him and I like him even more; it's always nice to learn about the secondary characters. It makes them more human, and brings you more into the story. We've already learned about Sarah's past, so I recommend that if you haven't read any of the previous books, you go back to the beginning and do so, because it's a very good series indeed.
I did know the who the murderer was early on, but only because I read so many mysteries and pay extreme attention to details; still, my enjoyment of the book never faltered as Ms. Wait is a talented writer who knows how to weave a story admirably and put everything together so well. And this she does admirably.
In the end, I felt that the ending was quite satisfactory; the murderer revealed in an unexpected setting, with everything joined nicely and giving a tale that is filled with plenty of clues and quite fun to read. I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
March 27, 2019
Lea Wait never disappoints and the latest Mainely Needlepoint Mystery, Thread on Arrival is a little richer than usual.
Ike Hamilton insists on living in the garage after his family home was condemned and demolished. Surviving on disability, Ike collects bottles and cans to augment his income. When Angie Curtis and Dave Percy run into Ike at the Blessing of the Fleet event, he introduces them to Leo, a young boy who helps him when his back pain hampers his ability to bend over or lift bags.
The next day, Leo knocks on Dave’s door and breathlessly tells Dave and Angie that Ike is dead. After meeting with the police Dave volunteers to let Leo stay with him since the garage is now crime scene and Leo has no where else to go. Leo claims he’s 18 so the police can’t call social services to place him in care.
Angie Curtis, a private investigator in Arizona before moving to Haven Harbor to take over her Gram’s Mainely Needlepoint business, is determined to uncover who wanted Ike dead. Turns out that Ike knew a lot about folks in Haven Harbor due to his weekly route around the community collecting bottles and cans to earn money at the redemption center. To prompt information from Leo, Angie and Dave persuade the teenager to accompany them around Ike’s collection route, hoping the activity will help Leo recall some of Ike’s insights. For instance, Leo remembers that when stopping at Jim Lewis’ house, Ike told him that Sandra Lewis was not a good person. Jim Lewis was Ike’s best friend but suffered from MS and Sandra was his wife and full time caregiver.
In another example, Ike confronts Gus, the bookstore owner who harasses his young women employees and threatens to tell his wife. Ike also told Leo that “the Chambers” wants him to move out. Ed Campbell, head of the Chamber of Commerce, campaigned to get Ike moved to a facility, contending he was a blight on the community as he wandered around collecting bottles. And then there is the person who beat Ike, but Ike refused to identify the individual, would not even tell Leo.
Visiting the community Leo claims is his hometown, Angie discovers Leo is Leon Blackwell, with no living relatives since his parents were killed when their home exploded. Leon survived because his parents had locked him out and he was sleeping on the front porch when the explosion occurred.
Ms. Wait fabricates a fascinating mystery with familiar characters confronting red herrings and a few twists. What makes this a compelling story is Ms. Wait’s skill in integrating emotionally charged relationships so effectively as key components. Lea Wait is a consummate story teller and Thread on Arrival is an excellent example of her considerable talent.
Ike Hamilton insists on living in the garage after his family home was condemned and demolished. Surviving on disability, Ike collects bottles and cans to augment his income. When Angie Curtis and Dave Percy run into Ike at the Blessing of the Fleet event, he introduces them to Leo, a young boy who helps him when his back pain hampers his ability to bend over or lift bags.
The next day, Leo knocks on Dave’s door and breathlessly tells Dave and Angie that Ike is dead. After meeting with the police Dave volunteers to let Leo stay with him since the garage is now crime scene and Leo has no where else to go. Leo claims he’s 18 so the police can’t call social services to place him in care.
Angie Curtis, a private investigator in Arizona before moving to Haven Harbor to take over her Gram’s Mainely Needlepoint business, is determined to uncover who wanted Ike dead. Turns out that Ike knew a lot about folks in Haven Harbor due to his weekly route around the community collecting bottles and cans to earn money at the redemption center. To prompt information from Leo, Angie and Dave persuade the teenager to accompany them around Ike’s collection route, hoping the activity will help Leo recall some of Ike’s insights. For instance, Leo remembers that when stopping at Jim Lewis’ house, Ike told him that Sandra Lewis was not a good person. Jim Lewis was Ike’s best friend but suffered from MS and Sandra was his wife and full time caregiver.
In another example, Ike confronts Gus, the bookstore owner who harasses his young women employees and threatens to tell his wife. Ike also told Leo that “the Chambers” wants him to move out. Ed Campbell, head of the Chamber of Commerce, campaigned to get Ike moved to a facility, contending he was a blight on the community as he wandered around collecting bottles. And then there is the person who beat Ike, but Ike refused to identify the individual, would not even tell Leo.
Visiting the community Leo claims is his hometown, Angie discovers Leo is Leon Blackwell, with no living relatives since his parents were killed when their home exploded. Leon survived because his parents had locked him out and he was sleeping on the front porch when the explosion occurred.
Ms. Wait fabricates a fascinating mystery with familiar characters confronting red herrings and a few twists. What makes this a compelling story is Ms. Wait’s skill in integrating emotionally charged relationships so effectively as key components. Lea Wait is a consummate story teller and Thread on Arrival is an excellent example of her considerable talent.
May 8, 2019
As a California girl, I never get tired of reading stories set on the eastern seaboard, and Haven Harbor is one of my favorite places to (literarily) visit. Not only do the series regulars feel like old friends, but the town itself is quintessentially cozy.
Thread on Arrival, the eighth Mainely Needlepoint mystery by Lea Wait, starts off with the annual Blessing of the Fleet, a harbor-side service to honor those lost at sea over the years. Immediately, we are immersed in the scene, watching the reactions of both familiar characters (Angie Curtis and her boyfriend, Patrick West) and newcomers Ike Hamilton and Leo, a runaway teenager living with Ike, who feature prominently in the story. The mystery, in this case, centers around Ike, an easily- overlooked man who has fallen on hard times and is living in his garage (his home previously had been demolished), supplementing his disability checks by collecting bottles and turning them in for recycling money. Leo, too, is a mysterious figure, who not only lives with Ike, but also accompanies him as he travels around the town collecting bottles. When a panicked Leo finds Ike stabbed in his garage, he turns to Dave Percy (a high school teacher who had been kind to him) for help. Almost immediately the police zero in on Leo as their prime suspect, and Dave enlists Angie’s help to prove his innocence.
The mystery is well-developed and suspenseful, and the trail of clues lead Angie and Dave all over the town. It turns out that Ike learned a lot about the residents while collecting his bottles and passed that information on to Leo, which elicits an ever-increasing number of suspects. Along the way, Angie’s concern about her upcoming birthday and its impact on her relationship with Patrick add warmth – and a touch of humor – to the novel. Without getting into specifics, while I had “guessed” the killer early on, the actual “reveal” was most satisfying.
Once again, Lea Wait has crafted a delightful cozy mystery. The characters and the town itself are charming – even if they seem plagued by murder. I look forward to reading the ninth installment in this wonderful series.
Note: I received an ARC of Thread on Arrival from NetGalley and Kensington Books. The above is my honest review.
Thread on Arrival, the eighth Mainely Needlepoint mystery by Lea Wait, starts off with the annual Blessing of the Fleet, a harbor-side service to honor those lost at sea over the years. Immediately, we are immersed in the scene, watching the reactions of both familiar characters (Angie Curtis and her boyfriend, Patrick West) and newcomers Ike Hamilton and Leo, a runaway teenager living with Ike, who feature prominently in the story. The mystery, in this case, centers around Ike, an easily- overlooked man who has fallen on hard times and is living in his garage (his home previously had been demolished), supplementing his disability checks by collecting bottles and turning them in for recycling money. Leo, too, is a mysterious figure, who not only lives with Ike, but also accompanies him as he travels around the town collecting bottles. When a panicked Leo finds Ike stabbed in his garage, he turns to Dave Percy (a high school teacher who had been kind to him) for help. Almost immediately the police zero in on Leo as their prime suspect, and Dave enlists Angie’s help to prove his innocence.
The mystery is well-developed and suspenseful, and the trail of clues lead Angie and Dave all over the town. It turns out that Ike learned a lot about the residents while collecting his bottles and passed that information on to Leo, which elicits an ever-increasing number of suspects. Along the way, Angie’s concern about her upcoming birthday and its impact on her relationship with Patrick add warmth – and a touch of humor – to the novel. Without getting into specifics, while I had “guessed” the killer early on, the actual “reveal” was most satisfying.
Once again, Lea Wait has crafted a delightful cozy mystery. The characters and the town itself are charming – even if they seem plagued by murder. I look forward to reading the ninth installment in this wonderful series.
Note: I received an ARC of Thread on Arrival from NetGalley and Kensington Books. The above is my honest review.
May 14, 2019
Princess Fuzzypants here: Just because the tourist season has yet to start does not mean there are lots of things going on in town. Angie meets Ike at the Blessings for the Boats ceremony. He’s an older fellow who collects bottles to support himself. He’s a harmless but quirky guy who has a big heart. He takes in a homeless lad who needs a place to sleep and a friend. When Angie and her friend Dave meet Leo he tells the boy to reach if he ever needs help, never suspecting his offer would be accepted so quickly.
Leo runs to Dave’s home when he discovers Ike dead. He is the first suspect as no one can imagine anyone with a beef against Ike that would lead to murder. Angie who is there when Leo arrives, feels compelled to find another suspect once she is convinced Leo is innocent. What follows is a revelation of a simple soul who collected information with his bottles but without the guile to keep his silence.
Angie learns that everyone in town is not as principled and kind as they may seem. In fact, some are downright villainous. Then when a friend who has been suffering with MS dies but accuses someone close to him before he goes, Angie digs deeper to find out whether there is any truth to the accusations.
I am always fascinated by the sampler quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I like Angie, her Gram, her friends and fellow needle-pointers. I have enjoyed the romance that has developed between her and Patrick. In fact, it is a place I enjoy visiting. With strong characters (and delightful kitties), I continue to recommend the series.
Five purrs and two paws up.
Leo runs to Dave’s home when he discovers Ike dead. He is the first suspect as no one can imagine anyone with a beef against Ike that would lead to murder. Angie who is there when Leo arrives, feels compelled to find another suspect once she is convinced Leo is innocent. What follows is a revelation of a simple soul who collected information with his bottles but without the guile to keep his silence.
Angie learns that everyone in town is not as principled and kind as they may seem. In fact, some are downright villainous. Then when a friend who has been suffering with MS dies but accuses someone close to him before he goes, Angie digs deeper to find out whether there is any truth to the accusations.
I am always fascinated by the sampler quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I like Angie, her Gram, her friends and fellow needle-pointers. I have enjoyed the romance that has developed between her and Patrick. In fact, it is a place I enjoy visiting. With strong characters (and delightful kitties), I continue to recommend the series.
Five purrs and two paws up.
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