Thread and Buried

Mainely Needlepoint #9

by Lea Wait

Haven Harbor is an authentic coastal Maine town--which makes it the perfect location for a new film production. But now it's become the scene of a crime . . .

Needlepointers Angie and Sarah are helping with set design for the movie being shot in their little New England hometown--but as the lighthouse and the wharves bustle with activity, a real-life drama is about to unfold. The producer, Hank Stoddard, has been harassing the pretty young female lead, and the two exchanged heated words at a lobster bake. Now someone's lowered the boom on him . . .

After a wayward piece of sound equipment sends him to his death, theories fly about who went off-script. Meanwhile, a local woman's tragic story about a true love lost at sea, which originally inspired the film, may lead to murderous revelations from long ago. Angie's got to unravel these mysteries, and may need to give more than one killer the hook . . .

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Audiobook, Fiction, Murder Mystery, Amateur Sleuth

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 26, 2019

About the author

Maine 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

Reviews

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thread and Buried is the ninth and final book in the Mainely Needlepoint Mysteries written by the late Lea Wait. I've previously read the earlier books in the series and adore everything about them. For that reason, this will be a tough review. I believe the author was sick and passed away around the time this one was being finalized... and unfortunately, the final product isn't as strong as the earlier ones. Given how much I like these books, I completely look beyond all that, as the core of this story was still good.

For most of the books, Skye West has been a looming presence in the background. She's a famous actress who moved to Haven Harbor in Maine, and while she was suspected of murder a few times, she truly is a good character. In this book, she brings a film crew to town to produce a movie based on one of Ruth's books. Ruth is an elderly woman who tries to keep anonymous but her secret is out. And she's based some of her books on people around town. This time, as we suspected, the plot is about her own youth and a tragedy that occurred in her teens.

Most of this book focused on a cliff-related death. The director fell off, but it appeared like he was possibly intentionally knocked over by falling equipment and/or alcohol and drugs in his system. Angie investigates several film crew members, actors, actresses, and writers. Even Ruth who didn't want more of her story told. On several occasions, the story was repetitive and a bit contradictory... likely due if it was pieced together near the end. It also had very little info (as it did in all the others) about needlepoint stories and connections. Either way, it has merit and kept my interest. I wanted to know about Ruth's past and potential current connections among the movie folks.

I enjoyed Patrick and Angie's growing relationship, as well as some townsfolk who took center stage compared to previous books. I found the setting just as wonderful, and the extracts from Ruth's book versus reality in Maine appealing... it helped me try to guess who was who in the movie versus real life. Kudos to the author for changing up her storytelling methods, and in honor of her, I must say she will be greatly missed. Go into this series knowing it might falter a little in the last two books but overall, it's a wonderful collection of 9 novels that will definitely entertain you.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is with a bit of a heavy heart that I write this review. This will be the last book in the Mainely Needlepoint Mystery due to the death of Lea Wait last year. I enjoyed all the books in this series and this one was no exception. A movie is being shot in Haven Harbor and there are a lot of local residents involved. Angie and Sarah are helping with set design, the movie is based on one of Ruth's books and she is working on rewrites for the script, and some of the young people are acting or working on the crew. This is a boon to Haven Harbor, until there is an accident on the rocks and the director plunges to his death. It looks like an accident, but when his body is found full of alcohol and pills, it seems someone had planned an accident in his future.

I always enjoy the dual timelines in this series. This one has the original story that inspired Ruth's book, along with the present day mystery. Angie starts her own investigation when it appears that Leo, a local teen, is being blamed for the accident. Using her excellent skills of questioning and interviewing, she is able to get information that evades the police. There are several suspects, a wife, some disgruntled actresses and others on the crew due to his abrasive and predatory personality. I really enjoy my visits to Haven Harbor. The characters are so likable and authentic with all the same problems and issues as anyone might have. This story grabbed me right from the first page and held it until the end. It wasn't action packed, but a well developed and well written mystery. I like that Angie has some detecting skills, being a private detective, and is often asked for help by the police, rather than sticking her nose in where it doesn't belong. Overall, another wonderful addition to the Mainely Needlepoint series.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Christina Delaine. She is a wonderful narrator. She uses great expression, pacing and inflection to depict the various characters and mood of the story. My one complaint is that with the local characters where she uses an accent, they tend to sound very much the same. Otherwise, her performance was well done. I do recommend not only this book, but the full Mainely Needlepoint series to readers of mystery, whether you enjoy a cozy or not. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[Lady Galaxy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so sad to learn that the author died before the book was published. It's always doubly sad when an author passes because she takes all her characters with her. Rest in peace Ms. Wait. Thank you for creating such a beautiful setting and interesting cast of characters. You will all be missed. We readers will be left to stitch our own endings to the series. I hope the remainder of Angie's life will be free of murders and full of love and happily ever afters.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book of the Mainely Needlepoint series. I’m really sad that this is also the last book in the series due to the death of the author, Lea Waite. I really enjoy reading cozies set in Maine. It’s been fun getting to know Angie, her friend Sarah, and the Maine Needlepointers over the course of the series.

[Kaitlyn Dunnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an advance reading copy provided by the publisher.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable entry in the Mainely Needlepoint series. Lots of twists and turns and a thoroughly satisfying ending. Highly recommended.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

RIP Ms. Wait, you will be missed. Thanks for leaving us with this wonderful series.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 4 out of 5]

This unfortunately, is the last book in this series, as Ms Wait has left us, but I was happy to visit with these characters one more time. As always this was a well written story with an interesting mystery. My only wish is that we had more closure to the series.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

needlepointers Angie and Sarah are helping with a movie set in their town. Things aren’t going well, the director can’t get along with anyone and he is harassing the female lead. While setting up a shot on a rocky ledge the wind comes up and he is knocked over and dies. At first everyone thinks it was an accident but when it starts looking like murder Angie sets out to find the truth

[Linda Still · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marc or Hank?

I waited to read this final book of Lea's knowing I would miss the Mainly Needlepointers. Wish there had been more of them featured besides Ruth. Someone did a poor job of proofing this as there were too many times it was Hank who died instead of Marv.

[Barbara Nutting · Rating 5 out of 5]

An author who can continue writing a series while she is dying of pancreatic cancer deserves five stars for her final effort. It wasn’t my favorite, but I admire her grit and determination. We’ll never know “the rest of the story” as this is the end of the line.

RIP Lea Wait, I enjoyed exploring Maine with you.

Just to note - Patrick’s birthday was on June 20th per Book #8, but in this one he is celebrating in July?? No matter, it’s the last one he will ever have.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stelle e mezza
Veloce e piacevole lettura sebbene non come in altri libri della serie. Peccato che l'autrice ci abbia lasciati perché avrei letto volentieri altri libri.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was still enjoyable, like its predecessors, but it felt like it was missing something. I know that, sadly, the author died around the time this was published, so maybe she wasn't well when she was writing it.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, quirky Cozy Mystery!!

[Missi Martin (Stockwell) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeing as Thread and Buried, the ninth book in the Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series by Lea Wait, is Lea's very last book I tried to read it slowly.....but I failed miserably.

I have been a fan of Wait's (since her other series the Antique Prints Mysteries) and her Mainely Needlepoint series since Twisted Threads, the first book in this series. I fell in love with main character Angie Curtis, her hometown of Haven Harbor, her friends and their lives. Every time I open one of these books, I know I am going to get swept away and travel to that little coastal town in Maine and never want to leave.

Even when Angie is trying to just go about her life working on her Needlepoint making business, hanging with her friend Sarah or her boyfriend, Patrick or even her grandmother, she always finds herself in the middle of a mystery...... In Thread and Buried Patrick's mother is back in town and she has brought a whole lot of Hollywood people with her....they are making a movie and not just any movie, they are making a movie from one of her dear friend Ruth's books. Ruth helps out with the needlepoint orders when her arthritis isn't acting up but her main source of income has been by writing books, mainly erotica. However the book that the movie is based from is one of her earlier books, before the erotica started. There is a lot of tension with the making of this movie.....the writers are constantly getting asked to make changes to the script, the producer is yelling at everyone. Before even one scene gets finalized, Hank, the producer, has an "accident" and dies. A lot of people saw what happened and felt that it was in deed as accident, however the local police and homicide detectives do not agree.

Can Angie figure out what happened to Hank and keep the movie going ? Even though she was right there and saw everything unfold, she herself has a kot of unanswered questions......

One of the things that I love about Wait is that she can capture the readers attention as soon as they open the book and keep you captive even after your finish the story and close the book. The reader will feel like they are a part of Angie's life and will never want that feeling of belonging to end.

It has been a treat and an honor to have read all of the books in this series and to be able to share my thoughts with other readers. I sincerely hope that my thoughts have encouraged others to pick up this series and get to know Angie, her hometown and friends as well as the author. Wait's ability to take the reader to this little town and make you feel like a part of something is an amazing gift and I am so honored to have taken the ride because of her.

[The Cozy Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series: A Mainly Needlepoint Mystery – Book 9
Author: Lea Wait
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Hobby
Publisher: Kensington Books
Page Count: 272

From Kensington, Books comes the ninth book in the “A Mainly Needlepoint Mystery” hobby cozy series by Lea Wait, Thread, and Buried.

This enormously popular hobby cozy series has grown in leaps and bounds through each new book. The author has always had a grasp on what makes a good story that readers can sink their teeth into and keep turning the page until the very end. She also knows how to keep the identity of the killer a surprise, which makes it difficult to put the book down.

Angie is the type of character in a hobby cozy series that keeps things interesting, even when she sticks her nose where it doesn’t belong. This time she is involved right from the beginning, without intending to be. Along with her friend Sarah, Angie is helping with the set design of a movie, and even though they are ready, the script, the actors, and the writers aren’t. Due to the director changing his mind about everything. Until someone puts an end to him.

The killer isn’t apparent, or even if there is, in fact, a murder. All signs point to an accident, but… is it real or is it something far more sinister? These are the questions the characters and readers must answer in order to get to the truth in this hobby cozy book. The suspects all have reasons to have committed murder. The clues will lead readers down a rabbit hole. If they aren’t following all of the clues and or miss one, they may not be able to come to the correct conclusion. Which is exactly what readers want in a great mystery.

Thread and Buried is a great book and fits in well with this hobby cozy series. I am happy to recommend it to readers who enjoy hobbies, movies, and a killer conundrum. I caution new readers and old alike that there may not be any further additions to this series due to the death of the author.

[Kathleen Chrisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a movie being filmed in Haven Harbor. Angie and Sarah are working behind the scenes on the sets. The movie is based on one of Ruth's early books and she has been hired to work with a husband and wife writing team to turn the book into a script for the movie. The on set producer is not well liked and is known to harass young, pretty actresses. While filming he is involved in a deadly accident...or was it murder?
I have loved Lea Wait's writing style and characters since I picked up the first Mainly Needlepoint mystery. Her characters are unique and believable. I enjoyed spending many hours with them and will miss them like I miss a friend. I am thankful that Ms. Wait was able to give us one last story before she passed, and what a great story it was.

[Lori Bonkoski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last book in this series and it makes me sad again that Lea Wait has passed away. I love her writing and it will be missed!
A movie is being shot in Haven Harbor, based on one of Ruth's books, with a contemporary addition to the original story. Angie & Sarah are providing props for the inside scenes, so they are working a lot in the days of summer in Maine. When the director, Marv, is killed on the rocks at a shoot, things aren't as clear cut as they seem. Did he slip or is there more to the story? Angie works alongside Pete and Ethan, the local cops, to help solve the mystery. A good story and a good mystery that leaves you guessing to the end.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I put off reading this because it is Lea Wait's last book and I didn't want to come to the end. It was, in a lot of ways, an interesting and fitting end, because the answers were unexpected. This wasn't a clear cut solution, but something to ponder, at least for me.

I still have books in her earlier series to read, but the Mainely Needlepoint books were my introduction. Her books entertained and enlightened, and I loved the chapter headings with the sampler texts and information about their creators.

I will miss her.

[Terry Mckone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the last book in the series because Ms. Wait passed away. Ive enjoyed reading all of them as a fun escape from heavier books. I felt like I knew many of the characters and always learned something new about small town Maine life.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Lea Wait's last book; she died soon after she finished this. In reading reviews of this, I was hesitant to read it as quite a few people felt that it was almost incomplete and absolutely not one of her best. I am not sure what book those people were reading, but it isn't the same one that I just finished. This was one of the better ones that I have recently read from this series. At no point did I want to skim ahead, nor did I want to do other things instead of reading. I was engaged from the very beginning and I had no idea who the killer was or what the outcome of the mystery was going to be. All-in-all, I was completely [and pleasantly] surprised when I finished this. I found this to be a fitting end to a fairly decent cozy series. May Ms. Wait rest in peace.

[Abigail · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was absolutely not for me. Super bland and obvious. Disappointed because I definitely misunderstood what I was getting into with this book.

[Suspense Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angie Curtis has returned to her home of Haven Harbor, Maine, to take over the family business, Mainely Needlepoint, which does commissioned needlework for high-end clients. She’s happy to live so close to her grandmother, and to find the love of her life, artist Patrick West.

Patrick has a world-famous mother, movie star Skye West. Skye has decided to make her latest movie, Harbor Heartbreak, in Haven Harbor, and the plot is based on a tragic romance between two young lovers that happened in town many years before. The usually reticent locals are thrilled when the movie folks move into town to shoot the film, especially when two of their own residents, college students Cos Curran and Linc Fitch, are hired to portray the doomed lovers. Angie has been recruited to help add authentic touches to the sets. Although she’s initially shy to be around all the Hollywood folks, Patrick makes her feel comfortable—no easy task since his old girlfriend is one of the stars of the film.

Director Marv Mason has a reputation for pursuing pretty young actresses in his movies until he gets what he wants—both in front of the camera and on his casting couch. In this age of the MeToo movement, everyone is on high alert.

Other locals have been hired to help behind the scenes, including Leo Blackwell, a young man who arrived in town a few months ago and is now living with Dave Percy, a friend of Angie’s.
When a wayward piece of sound equipment sends Marv to a sudden death, theories fly about how the “accident” happened. Since Leo was there at the wrong time, the authorities zero in on him first. Angie doesn’t believe it, especially when she discovers that Marv’s long-absent wife was also present.

“Thread and Buried” is, sadly, the last in Lea Wait’s series. It’s full of twists and turns and wonderful characters that I will miss. But not as much as I will miss Lea Wait.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

THREAD AND BURIED by Lea Wait is the 9th title in her Mainely Needlepoint mystery series.
There are many aspects of this mystery series that I like. I like the covers - bright, cozy, colorful, very ‘Maine’ - the covers would make good jigsaw puzzles. I like the clever titles - THREAD AND BURIED, HANGING BY A THREAD. I like the chapter headings - quotes from 1800’s magazines for ladies; the historical samplers from the 1700 and 1800’s; the bits of poetry. I like the character of Sarah Byrne who always has an Emily Dickinson quote ready for any situation or occasion. I like the Maine history, recipes, interiors and the local characters and situations.
This title includes a crisp, to-the-point recap of Angie Curtis’s life, lifestyle and present situation in the small coastal town of Haven Harbor, Maine.
In THREAD AND BURIED, Skye West (summer resident and movie star) and a movie production crew are in Haven Harbor shooting a movie based on an early book written by Ruth Hopkins, friend and fellow-needlepointer.
Of course an unfortunate incident occurs (of course, a suspicious death) and Angie helps Ethan and Pete with the investigation.
A good series and a good title.

[Becky Tatar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book in the Mainely Needlepoint series. Skye West has brought filmmakers to Haven Harbor to make a film of a book by Ruth Hopkins, one of the Mainely Needlepoint needlepointers, but also a writer, whose books are bestsellers under her various aliases. However, when the director falls on the slippery cliffs in front of everyone, the project comes to a halt as the local and state police begin investigating, and as Angie to help, as she saw the accident. The only question is if it was really an accident. The cliffs were slippery, equipment was falling, and the director had on the wrong shoes.

Sadly, this is the last book in the series as Lea Wait passed away last year. This is a great series, with a lot of quirky characters.

[Paula Ratcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was difficult to read not to say the story isn't great but it's the last book the writer work before dying. She was a phenomenal writer!

Angie and Sarah are helping out with a filming of a movie based on a book written by a needle pointer. Unfortunately the director keeps changing things about the story which takes away from the published book! When the director winds up dead it's up to Angie and the cops to figure out what happened and who set the director for death.

This book was a fun read as we sift through many possible suspects. Everyone for actors to sound people to wives it could be anyone who was annoyed with him. Who harbored the most anger at the director to do the deed?

[Meri-Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final book written by Lea Wait. The series were murder mysteries set in Maine which included characters who loved to needlepoint. This final story doesn’t wrap up anything about the needlepointers but considering she was so sick with cancer when she wrote it, I think it’s great. She definitely makes the reader want to see the coast of Maine and I hope I’ll be able to do just that one day.

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadly the last book in this series as author Lea Wait passed away last year. I will miss this series of cozy mysteries.

[Debi Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series! So sad to know this will be the final entry as the author passed away last year (2019). RIP Ms. Wait & thanks for all the great reading!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one, as well as the entire series. Sadly, the author recently passed after a battle with cancer. May she rest in peace.

[Jessica Bates · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sad it’s the last one.