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Stitches In Crime #3

Hanged By A Thread

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The promise of old printer’s trays has her heart aflutter, but it nearly stops when she finds a body at the bottom of the elevator shaft.

When salvage expert and historian Paisley Sutton heard that a 19th century printing press was still in the old warehouse that was scheduled for demolition, she knew she had to get in there. But when her dreams of a salvage windfall lead her on the genealogical hunt for the owners of the press and their descendants, she uncovers a story that promises to stay with her far longer than the income from her salvage operations.

When the story becomes public, will Paisley’s business be safe? Will she?

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 11, 2021

153 people are currently reading
272 people want to read

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A.C.F. Bookens

39 books272 followers

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5 stars
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112 (17%)
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20 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Melinda.
75 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2023
This was more a book promoting gender change than a mystery. It was interesting in the fact that it was very wrong for a wedding cake designer to refuse service to a gay wedding, but it was not wrong for a store owner to refuse service to people who wanted to come to her store, I generally do not preferred to read books that are trying to make some sort of statement that takes away from the reading of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
84 reviews
October 11, 2021
Death of a transgender

Too much romance and child caring for me in this story. I was glad to finish it and don’t plan on reading another story along this line,
Profile Image for .。:.*☾Annalisa☾ *.:。..
68 reviews3 followers
February 14, 2025
Girl, you need to stop crying. Every time she cries I roll my eyes because it is definitely not a moment that any normal person, would cry for. It's so weird.

The amount of people who have nothing else to do and can take care of her kid on a whim is crazy. It honestly feels like shes taking advantage of her dad and step mum, it's every single day out of nowhere. Why not pay for childcare? Well I guess she can't really afford it.

Speaking of finances, it's clearly obvious that her "job" is not really working for her.. ignoring the bodies, she is constantly saying that she's broke, if you are constantly broke and struggling then it's probably not an ideal situation especially with a kid.

This book just kind of left me bored, this is a murder mystery with very little murder mystery, more on her relationships with people around her but even those didn't really change much at all?

Her chief of police boyfriend is so casual about breaching confidentiality it's pretty crazy lmao.

Idk if I'll continue with this series, it just kind irritated me..
Profile Image for Lola.
1,994 reviews275 followers
April 29, 2021
I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

I am really enjoying this cozy mystery series and was excited to dive into book 3 of this series. Hanged by a Thread is another great read in this series. Main character Paisley stumbles upon another dead body in a house she's excavating and gets involved in another mystery. Slowly she finds out more about the young women who died and who might've wanted her death.

I really liked this book. There's something comforting about the small town feel, Paisley's interactions with her son Sawyer, the sweet romance between Paisley and the sheriff and the group of awesome characters around Paisley. I really liked returning to this series and while the vibe of the setting and characters stays the same in each book, the mystery is very different in every book and gives each book a distinct feel. This series is quickly turning into one of my favorite cozy mystery series as I am really enjoying these books.

This book had a great mystery that kept me guessing for a long time. I eventually settled on one main suspect with two other potential suspects and it turned out my guess was right although I was still surprised by details when they came to light. This book deals with the murder of a young trans women and I liked how we slowly find out more about who she was. I liked how there aren't a bunch of suspects from the start. In fact it takes quite some time before things become clearer and as more details come to light so do the suspects. I also liked how Paisley didn't set out to solve this mystery, she just wanted to help remember this young women who died too soon. This gives the mystery and progression a realistic feel that I really appreciate in a cozy mystery as it's hard to pull off.

The characters really help this series shine. I really like paisley, she's so sweet and compassionate, but also stands up for what she believes in. I like her love for old buildings and her savaging job is fun to read about. She feels so real and I like that. Normally I am not a big fan of books with kids in them, but Sawyer really grew on me. I like how Sawyer really feels like a kid. And I also really how Paisley is as a mother, how she wants to teach him things and plays along, but also protects him by getting him out of harms way or letting her emotions out when she's not with her son.

The side characters are awesome too. Paisley's Dad and Lucille are both great, I like how caring they are and how they're always there to help out and take care of Sawyer. Mika is a great friend for Paisley and I really like their friendship. Then there is the Sheriff who is now dating Paisley and I really like them together. They make for a great couple. I like how he is caring and worries, but also isn't over protective or tries to tell Paisley what to do.

To summarize: This series is quickly turning into one of my favorite cozy mystery series and I love returning to this lovely small town and fun characters each time for another installment. The mystery in this one kept me guessing, but I ended up being able to guess right who the killer was. I liked how the mystery played out, with us slowly finding out more about the murdered women and the possible suspects. I liked how Paisley didn't set out to solve the mystery, but was involved anyway as she was helping with the memorial for the dead women. It felt realistic. I really like Paisley and the awesome group of side characters. I can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Vicky.
443 reviews9 followers
June 26, 2022
Ugh. I deleted my entire review of book 2 yesterday so the next reader could make up their own mind. But this goody goody virtue signaling leaves a taste of overly sweet lemonade in my mouth.
534 reviews3 followers
April 16, 2023
Another sad tale but an obvious culprit. Not sure I’ll upload any more of this series, it’s just a bit too southern USA drawl.
Profile Image for Andrea.
1,796 reviews23 followers
May 19, 2021
Another great book with Paisley and her crew! I love how ACF Bookens includes all kinds of people, specifically trans people in this one. These books are more than just a mystery. They are also a lesson in compassion and humanity. Paisley discovers the murderer in a realistic way and she gets herself out of trouble in a realistic way. The murderer and other bad guys were complex, so even the bad guys seem more human. I just love this series.
I received a copy of the book. This is my review.
230 reviews
April 12, 2021
I was so excited to receive my ARC and, once again, Ms Bookens has woven a murder into the another sensitive subject. Paisley discovers human bones in the basement of a building she is salvaging from. Trying to find out who this person was and why the body was hidden there becomes an emotional voyage of discovery for Paisley and her friends when it becomes obvious that trans gender is the reason for the death.

An honest review is asked for and so I can say that the subject matter has been handled with love and care as usual. God says we should love and treat each other as we would want to be treated and this book has it in bucket loads. So even if you are unsure about the subject, put it to one side and just enjoy a good mystery story. Definitely recommended reading for Bookens fans but also for those just discovering her writing talent.
929 reviews4 followers
April 11, 2021
Wonderful strong characters and a sensitive look into the murder of a trans woman in a small town.
hard to put down.
1 review
March 23, 2025
Isn’t it ironic when people who have different opinions are portrayed as hateful, small-minded, and judgmental? If an author truly wants to open a dialogue about a topic, then present both sides. Then you can try to dismantle the argument point by point. Otherwise one must ask which side is being judgmental here? Better yet, just keep your political views to yourself. I found this book to be annoying in its judgement.
58 reviews
June 21, 2022
Too drawn out

Not a bad story overall, but way too drawn out. There were too many irrelevant things discussed throughout the book that didn't really play into the overall story- they gave us details about Paisley's life, but otherwise had no impact on the story.
Profile Image for Kelsey  Zielke.
118 reviews8 followers
May 29, 2024
Stopped reading this after chapter 5. This book had a clear agenda and took away from the story. I don’t care to read books that promote gender change and have a crappy plot. Guess I’m done with this series…
343 reviews
October 24, 2023
More of a political statement than mystery. Very disappointed as I had been really enjoying this series.
117 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2025
Still Reading!

CAWPILE.
The characters in ACF Bookens books are great; but as all cozy aficionados know, no cozy is perfect. Paisley is our protagonist, single mom with a best friend (Mika) and parents (Dad and step-mom Lucille) for support, and of course, she’s dating the sheriff in a small, rural, Virginia town. She is self-employed as an architectural salvager, selling on anything and everything she can salvage from old buildings. She is assisted by Saul, Mika’s uncle (did I mention it’s a small town?) who owns a construction company in a small, rural town in Central Virginia (somewhere between Charlottesville and the Blue Ridge) who nevertheless has tons of money to pay. His crew to assist with the salvaging, although I suppose he does get paid by the property owners to take down the buildings — but still…. Paisley is a good protagonist because we get a lot of her internal thoughts, so she’s pretty well developed and we get to know the other characters more and more with each book. totally persuaded by these characters —
The setting, the small, rural town in Central Virginia is also coming into better focus with each book. There are lots of different people in this small town — Mika owns a yarn shop (Paisley cross stitches, she doesn’t knit), there is a local historian and historical society, a garden club for “ladies who lunch” basically, and old buildings, nearby walking trails and the potential for development.
ACF Bookens has taken on some serious social issues in these books — last book dealt with a cult up in the “hollow,” and domestic violence. Nothing was simplified to incredibility, in fact, a woman was complicit in the actions of the cult, despite having a child from “nonconsensual sex” and a physically abusive brother. In this book Bookens takes on transgender issues — particularly poignant these days and a brave topic to take on. Skeletal remains are found in an old warehouse Paisley and Saul are salvaging from, dressed in bell bottom jeans and a cute top, under several large bags of soil, none of which should be in the basement of the warehouse, everyone thinks it’s a female, but the coroner reveals it’s a male skeleton. The search is on to identify the body and solve the mystery.
The writing style is very good and the editing is great so no grammar issues, no misspellings, no “hanging threads” (pun intended) of story lines. Because the author gives us access to Paisley’s inner thoughts, there is more opportunity for thought provoking writing than in a usual cozy with an omniscient narrator.
The plot holds together, Paisley is put in danger, someone comes to her rescue, and the killer is revealed. I’m curious to see if she keeps getting in so much trouble. Her dad and step mom are from heaven — I kid you not. While they purportedly have their own lives, they are ALWAYS available to take Sawyer, Paisley’s young son, still referred to as toddler; her best friend lets him play on the cash register in her store — she has a “practice mode” on it, and the sheriff lets him play in a jail cell, to the point of taking a nap in the cell! Some of this is, of course, pure cozy territory that drives some people nuts, but there are places where kids are more important than other places and therefore more tolerated.
The intrigue of the story carries through, very well done — I did not guess the killer and I usually do.
I very much enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next installment!
Profile Image for dnsyl57.
603 reviews12 followers
May 20, 2021
"Hanged By A Thread" is the third book of the "Stitches In Crime" series by A C F Bookens.

Paisley has secured the rights to salvage items from an old warehouse before it is torn down. As Paisley and Saul go through the building to see what can be saved, they eventually come across a skeleton hidden in the basement. The identity of the body brings out a lot of emotions and turmoil. Paisley quickly finds herself needing to find justice for the victim - despite the objections and outright intolerance from the victims parents.

I love how Ms Bookens, always finds a way to express compassion over intolerance for the victim, to explore social injustice and help readers see that there is more to each person than their appearance or belief. Her family and friends are supportive, open minded and always there to lend a helping hand. Sawyer is downright adorable. Santiago? Well what's not to like? Who wouldn't want a Santiago in their life!

I thoroughly enjoy this series and the St Marin Cozy series that Ms Bookens also writes. Interesting plots, unique characters, great dialogue, social justice without being preachy and well written. You can't go wrong!
474 reviews6 followers
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May 5, 2021
Paisley Sutton is a historian as well as the proud owner of Paisley’s Architectural Salvage and is often excited to be able to find historical objects in soon to be torn down buildings. Her silent partner, best friend Mika’s Uncle Saul makes the job easier as he has a crew to help. Paisley’s ultimate goal is to “pull the pieces of history out of the past while setting them in the now.” Her current job is tearing down a warehouse that had been a small printing house for letter press books. Excited to find three antique letter press printing machines has her heart beating with excitement. But when she and Uncle Saul find a body, her excitement fades. She calls Sheriff Santiago Shifflet, whom she is currently dating to the warehouse. What they discover about the body will send the small town into a tizzy. I am so enjoying this series. In this book, the author has created a storyline that is relevant in today’s world. It shows division in a community by some as well as acceptance by others. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,424 reviews12 followers
October 15, 2021
I think this is the most emotive book in this series so far, I loved it and would read it time and time again!

Paisley is asked to salvage what she can from an old warehouse, which was once a cannery then a printers. Mika's Uncle Saul is helping her out, but when the pair of them take a final sweep of the building, they come across something they didn't expect to, another body.

So begins another case for Sheriff Shifflett and of course, Paisley, Mika, Saul and others get involved too. This time though, it soon becomes apparent that not all is what it seems, and an influential family in the area is involved.

Will Paisley end up in danger again when she begins to piece the story together? Will Sawyer end up motherless?

It's a great story and one which deals with a delicate subject so very well. I'm so looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

These books are best read in order to preserve the continuity of the characters.

If you like this series, try St Marins cozy mystery series by the same author, set in a bookshop, comes complete with reading recommendations.
Profile Image for Chris N.
314 reviews16 followers
August 25, 2023
After reading this one, I got the first three books as a set for free, I won’t be getting any more in this series.

First is that every time Paisley finds a dead body she immediately thinks of how she would feel if her 2 year old son died. I’m sorry but it’s a bit too much to have her sobbing just thinking about this every time. Honestly, who thinks like this constantly? The only time I thought of my son dying was when he was serving in Afghanistan.

Way too much about Sawyer and Paisley constant juggling for someone to watch him or how much she is in awe of him. He gets to run riot in her friends store and everyone is so friendly and helpful all the time, just to sickly sweet for my taste. Oh and Paisley’s need to cry at least four times in each book, just stop already. You can have empathy without the constant need to cry.

What sheriff in his right mind would let her help in investigating and give her so much relevant information about a crime?

These are just some of the things that bother me about these books. I like a cozy mystery but these just didn’t cut it for me. If you like clean, very light mysteries that don’t need much thought then this series is for you.
190 reviews
May 12, 2021
Another Great Mystery Story!

Paisley find herself in the middle of trouble again when she works on another property that she is salvaging. While going through the old building, Paisley and Saul find the bones of a dead body under a pile of bags. While investigating the circumstances surrounding the body and the identity of it, Paisley and her friends have uncovered a well-kept secret. When the victim is identified tempers run high in the well-known family.

There are several suspects for the murder but the real killer was a big surprise to me.

It is heartening to see that Paisley and Sheriff Santiago Shifflett are now romantically involved. I can’t wait to read more of their time together to see where their love takes them.

I really enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series. Thanks for a great plot and interesting characters.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of the book.
293 reviews4 followers
May 13, 2021
Paisley, Sawyer and Saul are looking through an old warehouse that Paisley and Saul's crew intend to demolish. They are choosing the things that are salvageable from each floor. Upon arriving in the basement, they find the old elevator full of bags of fertilizer. As they are removing them, Paisley realizes that there's a body hidden by the bags. The police investigation begins the search for when the murder occurred, who is the killer and most of all, who the victim was. Paisley, her best friend Mika, Sheriff Santiago and Paisley's family begin the search for the identity of the victim who is soon identified as a transgender named Celeste Davenport. Celeste was disowned by his family because he wanted to become a female. Who wanted Celeste dead and why was the body hidden where it was?

I am voluntarily reviewing this book after receiving it free from the author.

Profile Image for Jeanne.
1,909 reviews9 followers
May 19, 2021
Hanged by a Thread is the third book in the Stitches in Crime series by ACF Bookens.

Paisley is salvaging a warehouse when she makes an unfortunate discovery.

I really enjoyed this installment. Paisley is working with Saul on her business, Sawyer is doing well, her relationship with Santiago is progressing, Mika and Paisley’s dad and step-mom are there for her. There are characters from previous books that became more prominent as well. There were some very touching scenes that brought me to tears. I like how Paisley fills Santiago in whenever she finds information rather than keeping it to herself and trying to solve things herself. As a cross-stitch, I enjoy hearing what projects Paisley is working on.

I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens next.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
216 reviews2 followers
May 5, 2021
This is a wonderful book! Its wonderful characters, with their endearing (and sometimes irritating) little quirks make me thrilled to greet them. The plot is twisty enough to grab your attention and keep you focused , while turning page after page until you've reached the end.

There is some sensitive material in the plot that some may find offensive but it's handled with grace, understanding and, above all, kindness. All of these are much needed in our world and this story delivers. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story. I can't wait to have it added to my library on release day!
Profile Image for Shelly Mendenhall.
75 reviews2 followers
October 12, 2021
I loved this book. Paisley Sutton, a single mother and local antique collector in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia is a fascinating character who always seems to have a habit of finding more than antiques, she finds dead bodies. This time it’s a trans woman named Celeste. But who killed her and why?

ACF Bookens stories are just the right mix of cozy Murder mystery, light romance, and discussion of social justice issues within the LGBT communities. Great story. Enjoyed every page and it was a mix of fun, serious, and once in a while sad read.
64 reviews
November 19, 2023
Hanged By A Thread (stitches in Crime, #3)
This is my first book in this series. As Claire Sutton and her son begin another great salvage job, the mystery of another dead body slows up progress. I read hard copy and/or via kindle. Characters are well done and the town in Virginia is highlighted with a bit of history too.
Compassion, grace, love, madness and unacceptance mingle in this mystery of who killed a young transwoman and why. There is a message here for everyone who chooses to accept it.
Profile Image for Carolyn Wagner.
328 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2025
This one had a few issues for me. I don't think I'm spoiling anything by saying that a skeleton is found in a building Paisley is salvaging. But it is automatically assumed to be murder. At least give me a reason why it wasn't suicide or an accident and the body was hidden for another reason. Also later in the book, lit candles were discovered in a building and no one thought to question if the person who lit them was still around because obviously that had recently occurred. There were a few other things like this that bothered me but overall I really enjoy this series.
6,028 reviews45 followers
May 14, 2021
Another salvage job finds single mom Paisley hard at work with business partner Saul on a former cannery and hand printing press in a warehouse

A grisly discovery waits inside

Paisley and her friends work not only to solve the crime, but to memorialize the deceased as and for herself

Small town prejudices, fear, and personal acceptance are issues at hand for the deceased, the perpetrator and surviving friends, family and community

Heart breaking discoveries and drama
Profile Image for Trick Wiley.
961 reviews5 followers
June 17, 2021
I loved this story! So much mystery and danger in this story that kept me reading to find out what happened!! The characters have a life of their own where they start to become real people and you forget that they are just a story! It's a must read and I love how the people come together to help out where need be!! ACF ,they have the best stories and I try to make sure I get them all read and so will you once you read any of these fantastic stories that becomes real!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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