On Pins and Needles

Southern Quilting Mysteries #10

by Elizabeth Spann Craig

Some new residents don’t deserve welcome baskets.

Small towns can be notoriously cliquey. Dappled Hills, however, wasn’t usually such a town. The residents ordinarily welcomed newcomers with open arms. But when Annabelle Tremont moved to town, the usual cheery greetings became angry whispers. Annabelle could be difficult and it wasn’t a big surprise to anyone when she turned up dead.

Beatrice was surprised when Annabelle moved from Atlanta to Dappled Hills … but she wasn’t surprised when she made enemies. That’s because Beatrice knew Annabelle from her days as a museum curator. Now Beatrice must find the killer … and clear her own name.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 27, 2018

About the author

Author also writes under Elizabeth Craig

Elizabeth is the bestselling cozy mystery author of the Southern Quilting mysteries, the Myrtle Clover Cozy Mysteries, the Village Library Mysteries, and Memphis Barbeque mysteries for Penguin Random House, Midnight Ink, and independently. Find out more about her books and sign up for her newsletter on her website: http://elizabethspanncraig.com . Find her books on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beatrice's daughter, Piper is married to Meadow's son and the two mothers-in-law are good friends in the town of Dappled Hills. Meadow often bemoaned that the children live so far away and when they spoke of moving back, both the ladies were thrilled, especially when there will be a third little member joining them. Everything seemed perfect, in their little town, except for the fly in the ointment, Annabelle Tremont, who moved from Beatrice's old stomping ground, Atlanta, to Dappled Hills as well.

Annabelle did not appear to embrace the small town charm, but set about changing things. The house she commissioned was a monstrosity, which blocked many a beautiful view of the mountains for her new neighbours, the village shop was given instructions to stock foods that she liked, but that probably would go unsold to the townfolk, and the last straw was the tower she was petitioning to have built on the top of the mountain so that she could have decent mobile phone signal. That lady had to be stopped.... and someone did stop her.

A fun read from Elizabeth Spann Craig. I like the way she lines up the suspects, each one of them seeming equally guilty. I must admit I as convinced of each in turn! Meadow makes me smile as unlike me, she cannot seem to bring herself to suspect any of them!! I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Canuck Mom of Three · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is pretty much average for the genre of cozy mysteries. It delivers what one expects, a light read that is barely entertaining. My biggest problem with this book was that the protagonists (Beatrice and Meadow) have such 'perfect' lives. They are basically constantly very happy, they have no major poblems, and as such they are just so BORING and their conversation is just idle chit-chat (along the lines of: should I have carrot cake or chocolate cake for dessert?) that takes up unnecessary space in the book. Their only interesting activity in this book is their rather slow and contrived search for the murderer. Also, the only way they actually search is by talking to a few of the people they know in their town. They never examine other clues or anything. Overall, Nancy Drew did a better job.

[Julie Trapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Small towns can be notoriously cliquey. Dappled Hills, however, wasn’t usually such a town. The residents ordinarily welcomed newcomers with open arms. But when Annabelle Tremont moved to town, the usual cheery greetings became angry whispers. Annabelle could be difficult and it wasn’t a big surprise to anyone when she turned up dead. Beatrice was surprised when Annabelle moved from Atlanta to Dappled Hills … but she wasn’t surprised when she made enemies. That’s because Beatrice knew Annabelle from her days as a museum curator. Now Beatrice must find the killer … and clear her own name. [amazon synopsis]

This is a fun series. Light and fluffy. Am glad Boris didn't play a large part in this one and am not a fan of the corgi either. Quilting is an afterthought, but the brown bag event sounded like a lot of fun.

[Neena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the latest in the Southern Quilting Mystery series. It includes all the usual characters, Beatrice and Meadow, their husbands, children and dogs. Once again they get themselves tangled up in a murder in their quiet little town. This time the victim is an acquaintance from Beatrice's former life in Atlanta, and the murder weapon Beatrice just happened to once own. Throw in some shady characters, quite a few suspects, some quilty fun and you end up with another fun story.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received an advance reader copy from the author.

[Lady Galaxy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know it must be hard for cozy mystery writers to find the right balance between the mystery and the lives of the main characters. I thought this one spent way too much time on the mystery. I love all the characters. I like to see them do more than just run around town asking questions of all their suspects. In fact, I'd be happy to read a general fiction book with all these main characters coming together to solve a mystery not involving a death.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each time I thought Beatrice would name the murderer the story went in another direction. I loved how each of these characters have grown and meshed together. This is a great story to wrap up in and lose yourself in the wonderful town of Dappled Hills. If not for the murders, I would love to live there!! ROFLOL.....now to get the next book!!

[Judy Tolley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nosey could get you killed

Beatrice and Meadow are sleuthing again. All is very unrealistic so the reader needs to be in the mood for this type of mystery. A good palate cleaning between meatier mysteries.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story was completely unbelievable. I can’t believe that people wouldn’t be upset about cheating and stealing.

[Vicky Coughlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good funny read by this author.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of murder and southern charm

[Nancy Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great book by Ms. Craig.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

These always keep me guessing...the sign of a good mystery.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

kindle

[Dorothy A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much new info in the story. I love this series.

[Linda Lugar · Rating 4 out of 5]

So enjoyable. Meadow worries so much but she and Beatrice always save the day! Plus, Miss Sissy appears... you have to love that!

[Michelle Fidler]

I enjoyed it. I always like these.