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Taylor Quinn Quilt Shop Mystery #2
Bound and Deceased
Taylor Quinn thought she was done with murder.
She’d finally settled into her life as owner of Flour Sax Quilt Shop in Comfort, Oregon. It wasn’t exciting, but there were compensations, like spending time with handsome Hudson the handyman, and being close to her Grandpa Ernie.
But when her new friend Sissy Dorney’s favorite aunt dies under mysterious circumstances, Taylor is the first person she turns to for help.
The deceased, a celebrated quilter and newlywed might have been killed for her money, but then again, it could have been plain old romantic jealousy too.
With no shortage of suspects or motives, Taylor has her work cut out for her, but she’s up for the task. After all, Comfort is a small town, and townies look out for each other.
She’d finally settled into her life as owner of Flour Sax Quilt Shop in Comfort, Oregon. It wasn’t exciting, but there were compensations, like spending time with handsome Hudson the handyman, and being close to her Grandpa Ernie.
But when her new friend Sissy Dorney’s favorite aunt dies under mysterious circumstances, Taylor is the first person she turns to for help.
The deceased, a celebrated quilter and newlywed might have been killed for her money, but then again, it could have been plain old romantic jealousy too.
With no shortage of suspects or motives, Taylor has her work cut out for her, but she’s up for the task. After all, Comfort is a small town, and townies look out for each other.
518 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2020
539 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Tess Rothery
13 books52 followersSmall towns, romance, quilts, coffee, and crime.
Tess Rothery's cozy mysteries transport you to a quiet world where murder lurks under the comfortable surface of everyday life.
Tess Rothery's cozy mysteries transport you to a quiet world where murder lurks under the comfortable surface of everyday life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 16, 2021
Taylor Quinn is suffering from PTSD after the confrontation in her kitchen with her mother's killer. She's not pleased when her ex, Clayton, shows up wanting to kiss and make up, after refusing to come with her to Comfort, Oregon, when her mother died, but do to sheer persistence and refusal to accept "no" as an answer, he finally gets her to agree to go out for breakfast that morning. Unappealing as that was, it's worse than she expected. Sissy, her somewhat combative and critical neighbor who is the mother of one of her sister Belle's friends--and often the source of useful advice--is having breakfast there, also. She's with her son Cooper, who is a good friend of Belle's, another of her own kids, and a woman whom Taylor doesn't know, but who looks like she must be a relative of Sissy's. What's the big deal? Just the fact that the relative, Sissy's Aunt Raynette, drinks part of a cup of coffee, and suddenly vomits, chokes, and dies.
Belle's friend Cooper, and his friend who is the granddaughter of the owner of the diner and was waiting on their table when it happened, are convinced it's murder, and convinced the girl could get blamed for it.
Cooper and the friend decide that Taylor has to investigate, because of her previous success--which left her traumatize, but the kids don't understand that.
Among other things, it means working closely with Sissy, with whom she has a strained relationship. It means talking to people who, however unlikely, might be killers--and she knows how dangerous that can be.
And she really, really needs to be working on keeping the store running smoothly and the YouTube channel her mother created lively and interesting, because that's what's been keeping the business comfortably profitable rather than just scraping by.
Yet every decision she makes, despite her best efforts, draws her deeper into a murder investigation she wants no part of, while Clayton's determined efforts to win her back (after he dumped her when she needed him) make everything harder and simultaneously demonstrate that "when someone shows you who they are, believe them."
It's a challenging time for Taylor, and the recurring characters, including Grandma Quinn, Cooper's mom Sissy, and Belle's bio mom, Colleen, grow in depth and complexity.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
Belle's friend Cooper, and his friend who is the granddaughter of the owner of the diner and was waiting on their table when it happened, are convinced it's murder, and convinced the girl could get blamed for it.
Cooper and the friend decide that Taylor has to investigate, because of her previous success--which left her traumatize, but the kids don't understand that.
Among other things, it means working closely with Sissy, with whom she has a strained relationship. It means talking to people who, however unlikely, might be killers--and she knows how dangerous that can be.
And she really, really needs to be working on keeping the store running smoothly and the YouTube channel her mother created lively and interesting, because that's what's been keeping the business comfortably profitable rather than just scraping by.
Yet every decision she makes, despite her best efforts, draws her deeper into a murder investigation she wants no part of, while Clayton's determined efforts to win her back (after he dumped her when she needed him) make everything harder and simultaneously demonstrate that "when someone shows you who they are, believe them."
It's a challenging time for Taylor, and the recurring characters, including Grandma Quinn, Cooper's mom Sissy, and Belle's bio mom, Colleen, grow in depth and complexity.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
February 14, 2020
Besides having taken over her mother's quilt shop and YouTube quilting channel, Quinn is responsible for her grandfather who is inexorably falling into the ravages of dementia. She really doesn't need the extra responsibility of an "investigation".
But . . . Taylor had investigated and solved her mother's murder and nearly been killed in the process. Nine months later, she finds herself pulled into another murder investigation because Taylor has trouble saying no. "She had never really had a choice. They knew she would help them."
As she looks into the events surrounding this latest murder, she is pummeled by her own demons, including an ex that doesn't want to stay that way. Honestly, there are times when you just want to take her and shake her. But Rothery has crafted a quickly moving story and has populated this small town with people who truly are endearing. You can't help but have sympathy for them; and you'll keep turning the pages to see how it all plays out.
A quick read with what was ultimately a surprising - but fitting - conclusion. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.
[Many thanks to BookSprout and the author for the opportunity to read an Advance Reader Copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.]
But . . . Taylor had investigated and solved her mother's murder and nearly been killed in the process. Nine months later, she finds herself pulled into another murder investigation because Taylor has trouble saying no. "She had never really had a choice. They knew she would help them."
As she looks into the events surrounding this latest murder, she is pummeled by her own demons, including an ex that doesn't want to stay that way. Honestly, there are times when you just want to take her and shake her. But Rothery has crafted a quickly moving story and has populated this small town with people who truly are endearing. You can't help but have sympathy for them; and you'll keep turning the pages to see how it all plays out.
A quick read with what was ultimately a surprising - but fitting - conclusion. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.
[Many thanks to BookSprout and the author for the opportunity to read an Advance Reader Copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.]
April 4, 2020
Sew Good
Bound and Deceased is the second book in the Taylor Quinn Quilt Shop Mysteries series. I love these books. Taylor and those around her face normal every-day and long-term challenges as well as coping with murder in their midst. Being a quilter, I enjoy the times when quilting, quilters, and fabric are the focus. Still, it seems to me that readers don't need to be quilters to appreciate the characters, the twists in the plot, and the solution to the mystery. I recommend these thoughtful and well-written books.
Bound and Deceased is the second book in the Taylor Quinn Quilt Shop Mysteries series. I love these books. Taylor and those around her face normal every-day and long-term challenges as well as coping with murder in their midst. Being a quilter, I enjoy the times when quilting, quilters, and fabric are the focus. Still, it seems to me that readers don't need to be quilters to appreciate the characters, the twists in the plot, and the solution to the mystery. I recommend these thoughtful and well-written books.
July 15, 2020
I really enjoy these quilt shop mysteries. In Bound and Deceased, Taylor is once again sucked into solving a murder. despite the fact that she just wants to run the quilt store and spend time with her suitors and Grandpa Ernie. There are always too many suspects with too many possible motives. Once I start one of these mysteries, I know I won't get much else done until I reach the end. The killer and motive are always a huge surprise! This is great weekend entertainment!
April 18, 2020
You do not have to be a quilter to love this book!
Guilted into helping a friend, drawn into an investigation she has no business being in; Taylor just does not know how to say and mean, “no”. Especially when it comes to her sister. Will she forever let anger and guilt rule her decisions? Taylor can be so strong in some respects and weak to the point of being a doormat in others. One thing is for sure, her life may be unpredictable but it sure is interesting.
Taylor’s romantic interests are all so different. I can understand why she may have trouble choosing. However, I fear that she may very well loose them all as she strings them along at arm’s length. I appreciate that she does not jump into bed with a man at the drop of a hat. However, it does not seem fair to me to string along four men for such a long period of time.
Amid all the professional. personal, and family issues Taylor is dealing with, she throws herself into investigating a murder due to pressure from her sister. She is laser focused to find and expose the killer. In her quest to uncover the killer, she totally disregards personal safety. Will she be able to survive this investigation?
This is a well-written story; a clean, fun, and easy read. There is no crude language or graphic violence. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a great mystery with a little extra added in.
Guilted into helping a friend, drawn into an investigation she has no business being in; Taylor just does not know how to say and mean, “no”. Especially when it comes to her sister. Will she forever let anger and guilt rule her decisions? Taylor can be so strong in some respects and weak to the point of being a doormat in others. One thing is for sure, her life may be unpredictable but it sure is interesting.
Taylor’s romantic interests are all so different. I can understand why she may have trouble choosing. However, I fear that she may very well loose them all as she strings them along at arm’s length. I appreciate that she does not jump into bed with a man at the drop of a hat. However, it does not seem fair to me to string along four men for such a long period of time.
Amid all the professional. personal, and family issues Taylor is dealing with, she throws herself into investigating a murder due to pressure from her sister. She is laser focused to find and expose the killer. In her quest to uncover the killer, she totally disregards personal safety. Will she be able to survive this investigation?
This is a well-written story; a clean, fun, and easy read. There is no crude language or graphic violence. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a great mystery with a little extra added in.
July 23, 2023
Not a stellar read…
In my opinion, the storyline was too choppy. They kept bringing in more and more characters and it was hard to keep up with their relationship to the others, the deceased, or the protagonist, Taylor. The ending was, I thought, hurriedly and sloppily put together with the guilty party being someone that I couldn’t even remember being mentioned before…like the author was tired of the whole thing and just wrapped it up without any forethought or reasoning or logic. It was a difficult read. Then, when I got to the end, the last little bit was connected to the last of the story, but was actually a trailer for the next…but there was no separation between the two…one paragraph ended the story and the next paragraph was the introduction to the next…no “if you liked this story, keep reading for a little bit of the next story” or anything like that. This was the first book in the series I read, and there was no backstory to it, so maybe it would have been better if I had read the first one first, but it’s not a good stand alone story in my opinion. It was ok, but certainly not fantastic, and I don’t know that I would read another book in the series or by this author.
In my opinion, the storyline was too choppy. They kept bringing in more and more characters and it was hard to keep up with their relationship to the others, the deceased, or the protagonist, Taylor. The ending was, I thought, hurriedly and sloppily put together with the guilty party being someone that I couldn’t even remember being mentioned before…like the author was tired of the whole thing and just wrapped it up without any forethought or reasoning or logic. It was a difficult read. Then, when I got to the end, the last little bit was connected to the last of the story, but was actually a trailer for the next…but there was no separation between the two…one paragraph ended the story and the next paragraph was the introduction to the next…no “if you liked this story, keep reading for a little bit of the next story” or anything like that. This was the first book in the series I read, and there was no backstory to it, so maybe it would have been better if I had read the first one first, but it’s not a good stand alone story in my opinion. It was ok, but certainly not fantastic, and I don’t know that I would read another book in the series or by this author.
April 1, 2025
Taylor Quinn is a fixer by nature – quilts, her family, random mysteries. When her new friend’s favorite auntie is poisoned at a local diner, Taylor once again has to focus on a murder while running one of the town’s quilt shops, raising her high-school aged sister, and making sure her grandpa with dementia is taken care of. There are a host of frustrated family members ripe for suspicion so Taylor has her hands full. She thinks she has a fix on who the killer is, but she’s wrong, putting herself squarely in the killer’s sights.
As with the first book in the series, it could have benefitted from tighter editing. But it is also filled with believable, mostly likable characters, lots of clues, and interesting things about quilting. The author does a good job of filling in the backstories so you could probably read this one first and enjoy it, but I’m a big believer in reading series in order when I can. I like the pace and rhythm of this series. It holds my interest, and makes the time at the gym go faster, but doesn’t keep me up at night. I will read more in this series.
As with the first book in the series, it could have benefitted from tighter editing. But it is also filled with believable, mostly likable characters, lots of clues, and interesting things about quilting. The author does a good job of filling in the backstories so you could probably read this one first and enjoy it, but I’m a big believer in reading series in order when I can. I like the pace and rhythm of this series. It holds my interest, and makes the time at the gym go faster, but doesn’t keep me up at night. I will read more in this series.
January 12, 2023
After feeling lukewarm about the first book in the series, I decided to give book 2 a shot. I was happily surprised by how the characters continued to develop and enjoyed the mystery itself so much more. (There were also fewer editing errors!)
I appreciated that Taylor recognized that she had a business to run that needed her attention while she was investigating the murder. So many times the main character has a business that you wonder how it is functioning given how little attention it is getting.
I think the author struggled most with the development of Belle in the first book and she was barely in this one. I liked that Sissy became a bigger part of Taylor’s life but didn’t suddenly change her personality.
I am definitely going to keep reading the series. My biggest disappointment now is that the quilt block pattern at the end of the books isn’t more detailed for a new quilter to be able to use and did not seem to have any connection to the book. The various culinary cozies I have read usually have recipes that showed up in the story and are complete enough to actually cook.
I appreciated that Taylor recognized that she had a business to run that needed her attention while she was investigating the murder. So many times the main character has a business that you wonder how it is functioning given how little attention it is getting.
I think the author struggled most with the development of Belle in the first book and she was barely in this one. I liked that Sissy became a bigger part of Taylor’s life but didn’t suddenly change her personality.
I am definitely going to keep reading the series. My biggest disappointment now is that the quilt block pattern at the end of the books isn’t more detailed for a new quilter to be able to use and did not seem to have any connection to the book. The various culinary cozies I have read usually have recipes that showed up in the story and are complete enough to actually cook.
July 29, 2024
"Bound and Deceased (Taylor Quinn Quilt Shop Mystery #2)" by Tess Rothery did impress me with its portrayal of then post traumatic stress response someone may experience after being attacked by a murderer and death/murder of a parent. I find that a lot of cozy mysteries just gloss over this. The character is pretty much fine mentally after all the previous encounters they've had. This one has Taylor barricading her bedroom door at night, having panic attacks, not wanting to live alone to the point she isn't putting her grandpa in a nursing home and letting her ex move in "temporarily" and is manic over finding/tricking a new killer.
The mystery was around Sissy's aunt/best friend passing from aspirin overdose. However, she never took drugs of any sort for pain. She did just happen to elope with her significant other of only a couple months though. They both have grown children and he has a money obsessed ex with a young child of his.
The mystery was around Sissy's aunt/best friend passing from aspirin overdose. However, she never took drugs of any sort for pain. She did just happen to elope with her significant other of only a couple months though. They both have grown children and he has a money obsessed ex with a young child of his.
September 9, 2021
I enjoyed this book although I felt that the murder mystery and clues were somewhat forced. I will try the third book in the series.
Taylor fixes things - quilts, cases, people, and her family. She continues to mourn her mother's death but sometimes that seems a bit overdone by the author, i.e. used as an unnecessary filler. She tries to turn one of her rivals into her first friend in town but when Sissy's favorite aunt suffers a poisonous fate, Taylor must switch her attention from quilts to killers.
As Taylor digs deeper, she finds a host of frustrated family members, all of whom could have done the deed. This is complicated by the arrival of her ex from the city who may or may not be sincere about his reasons for reconciliation. It's all a mess until Taylor gets it straightened out!
Taylor fixes things - quilts, cases, people, and her family. She continues to mourn her mother's death but sometimes that seems a bit overdone by the author, i.e. used as an unnecessary filler. She tries to turn one of her rivals into her first friend in town but when Sissy's favorite aunt suffers a poisonous fate, Taylor must switch her attention from quilts to killers.
As Taylor digs deeper, she finds a host of frustrated family members, all of whom could have done the deed. This is complicated by the arrival of her ex from the city who may or may not be sincere about his reasons for reconciliation. It's all a mess until Taylor gets it straightened out!
June 27, 2021
Another interesting mystery. Tess Rothery has created more very realistic characters and a story that keeps you turning the pages or in my case returning to the audio book with anticipation. Once again, Taylor is drawn into mystery solving. The not-so-friendly Sissy asks for her help. The twists and turns as Sissy and Taylor pursue the clues that will lead to Sissy's Aunt Raynette's murderer kept me in suspense to the very end. If you love a good clean mystery, this series is for you.
I enjoyed the audio version of this book. The narration was good which for me is an important element for me to keep listening.
I requested this audio book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review
I enjoyed the audio version of this book. The narration was good which for me is an important element for me to keep listening.
I requested this audio book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review
February 5, 2020
This is a great story which kept me guessing right to the end. I love some of the dilemmas Taylor Quinn has and how she goes about resolving them. Tess creates great and believeable characters. I couldn't put it down once I started and found myself falling asleep because I'd stayed up late reading it.
April 18, 2020
Perfectly Pieced!
Another captivating story revolving around Flour Sax quilt shop (and another suspicious death) in the community of the little town of Comfort. Taylor, owner of Flour Sax since the murder of her mother, is once again drawn into investigating what actually happened to cause the sudden death of a new recruit to the town ...The police don't suspect foul play...but should they...?
Another captivating story revolving around Flour Sax quilt shop (and another suspicious death) in the community of the little town of Comfort. Taylor, owner of Flour Sax since the murder of her mother, is once again drawn into investigating what actually happened to cause the sudden death of a new recruit to the town ...The police don't suspect foul play...but should they...?
February 28, 2022
Murder most Sneaky
It's always the person you least suspect or is it? There are plenty of suspects, but what's their motive? Can anyone be trusted? Is anyone who they pretend to be? Taylor Quinn has her hands full. An aging grandfather, a pushy boyfriend and a murder. Full of twist and turns. An very enjoyable book!
It's always the person you least suspect or is it? There are plenty of suspects, but what's their motive? Can anyone be trusted? Is anyone who they pretend to be? Taylor Quinn has her hands full. An aging grandfather, a pushy boyfriend and a murder. Full of twist and turns. An very enjoyable book!
March 21, 2020
As a quilter I was inclined to like the books, and I do. As a mystery lover they work. Taylor needs a bit more backbone, but she has heart. Well worth reading. The ending was action packed and surprising.
June 23, 2020
I love how the quilting lady falls into the mix. She just happens to be at the right place at the right time to get herself involved. She story is a good one, that keeps going each book. Easy read. Would make a good TV series!
July 29, 2021
Pulled into another murder, reluctantly
When a new resident is murdered, friends of Belle fall under suspicion and seek Taylor's reluctant help. She is still traumatized from the last one.
Characters are getting more interesting.
When a new resident is murdered, friends of Belle fall under suspicion and seek Taylor's reluctant help. She is still traumatized from the last one.
Characters are getting more interesting.
June 2, 2022
Solid quick read
Life throws a lot at Taylor as she tries to run her late Mom's quilt shop. And the people start dying a week after marrying. And more things happened, including the ex. And Taylor gets pulled into a lot as she tries to find her place in her old hometown.
Life throws a lot at Taylor as she tries to run her late Mom's quilt shop. And the people start dying a week after marrying. And more things happened, including the ex. And Taylor gets pulled into a lot as she tries to find her place in her old hometown.
Read
February 7, 2024This should have been a DNF for me. Sadly I decided to hope for the best and kept hoping it would get better. The mystery parts were fine, but I just can't read another minute about Taylor's love life.
February 23, 2024
Bound and Deceased, Taylor Quinn Quilt Shop #2, by Tests Rothery
Although I am not a quilter, I am a knitter and enjoy reading about other fiber arts. I am also enjoy a good cozy mystery. This book is a really good cozy mystery and just a smidge of quilting. I truly enjoyed it 🙂
Although I am not a quilter, I am a knitter and enjoy reading about other fiber arts. I am also enjoy a good cozy mystery. This book is a really good cozy mystery and just a smidge of quilting. I truly enjoyed it 🙂
March 18, 2020
Bound and deceased
I read the book. I feel like it was slow moving. The last 2 chapters were the best. I will read the next installment
I read the book. I feel like it was slow moving. The last 2 chapters were the best. I will read the next installment
September 27, 2020
Good read.
Well written. Good quilting references. Great mystery. Didn't want to put the book down.
Read it all in one day
Well written. Good quilting references. Great mystery. Didn't want to put the book down.
Read it all in one day
November 12, 2020
Mystery all sewn up
As a quilter I truly enjoy these quilt shop mysteries. The little town sounds so quaint with all its quilt shops and festivities
As a quilter I truly enjoy these quilt shop mysteries. The little town sounds so quaint with all its quilt shops and festivities
December 22, 2020
Very engaging
The book is well written and rot me guessing right to the end. Bonus points for being set in a quilt shop!
The book is well written and rot me guessing right to the end. Bonus points for being set in a quilt shop!
March 14, 2021
Wonderful story. A fun read.
June 19, 2021
Good, interesting, easy read. I’m now about to read the next in the series.
Read
July 7, 2021Fun easy read
September 6, 2021
Rather fluffy and predictable, but a good story.
January 28, 2022
greed
Like the idea of a mystery without blood & guts. Also no vivid sex. Enjoyed the first also this one can’t wait to read the rest in the series
Like the idea of a mystery without blood & guts. Also no vivid sex. Enjoyed the first also this one can’t wait to read the rest in the series
March 24, 2022
I really liked this book, would definitely keep reading the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews