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Mainely Needlepoint #6
Thread the Halls
This Yuletide season, there's no time for Angie Curtis and Patrick West to linger under the mistletoe. Patrick's being needled by his mother--movie star Skye West--to set the stage for a perfect white Christmas as she brings her costar, screenwriters, and director home for the holidays. With his mother's long list of wishes, Patrick's becoming unraveled. To help, the Mainely Needlepointers offer to decorate Skye's Victorian mansion and create needlepoint pillows as gifts for the guests. But not long after the celebrity celebrants invade Haven Harbor, an unscripted tragedy occurs. Then some questionable Christmas cookies make Patrick sick. Before Santa arrives at the town pier on a lobster boat, Angie and the Needlepointers need to trim down the naughty list, catch a cold-hearted killer, and wrap up the case . . .
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First published October 31, 2017
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About the author
Lea Wait
40 books509 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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January 20, 2021
Thread the Halls is the 6th book in the Mainely Needlepoint series written by Lea Wait. In this one, our heroine, Angie Curtis, helps her boyfriend, Patrick West, prepare for his mother's arrival to Aurora at Christmastime. We've met Skye West before, and this time, she's bringing a troupe of actors and actresses who are squabbling on the set of their next movie. One of them dies, and it looks like Angie might be involved somehow!
To begin with, the book is a treasure trove of Christmas joy and amazement, especially in Maine. I loved the traditions, the descriptions, the small town decorations... everything about the holidays felt perfect, and I was glad to read it this week as we close out the actual Christmas season in a few more days. The murder was also intriguing: Angie and Patrick find one of the guests dead in the snow on his property, but they don't know why. Poison? Gun shot? It looks like a hunting accident, but there must be more, right?
I feel all the charm in this series. I really love the supporting cast, and I have to slow myself from reading the remaining 3 in the series before I'm all done. The author passed away recently, so that will be all that I have left, sadly. When the book came to a conclusion, I found myself a little stumped, and then when I reflected back on some things that happened, I felt a little let down, to be honest. There were some niggles and frustrations.
When Patrick is injured, his mother, Skye, blasts Angie as if it's her fault. She actually accuses her of murder and wants Angie away from Patrick for the holiday. Until this point, Skye has raved about Angie, so this was clearly just a plot device to add a few chapters. There was no tension or concern previously... and even if I could get over that, the apology later on was too minimal with no heart. Skye was usually much kinder, even as a lead actress with a bit of dramatic flair. She never truly thanked Angie for helping find the real killer, and even though Patrick defended Angie, it wasn't enough. Major bump down for me from 5 to 4 stars.
Also... the true killer and wrap-up was too quick and tidy without enough details. Two stories intersected, which I predicted, but the 3 chapters about Skye's anger toward Angie should've been focused on relating the real story at the end. So, I knocked off another 1/2 star. Because of those, I wanted to round down to 3 but ultimately, the holiday spirit was very strong, so I caved and will round up to a 4. But in book 7, this little mess better be fixed! :) That said, still ADORE the series.
To begin with, the book is a treasure trove of Christmas joy and amazement, especially in Maine. I loved the traditions, the descriptions, the small town decorations... everything about the holidays felt perfect, and I was glad to read it this week as we close out the actual Christmas season in a few more days. The murder was also intriguing: Angie and Patrick find one of the guests dead in the snow on his property, but they don't know why. Poison? Gun shot? It looks like a hunting accident, but there must be more, right?
I feel all the charm in this series. I really love the supporting cast, and I have to slow myself from reading the remaining 3 in the series before I'm all done. The author passed away recently, so that will be all that I have left, sadly. When the book came to a conclusion, I found myself a little stumped, and then when I reflected back on some things that happened, I felt a little let down, to be honest. There were some niggles and frustrations.
When Patrick is injured, his mother, Skye, blasts Angie as if it's her fault. She actually accuses her of murder and wants Angie away from Patrick for the holiday. Until this point, Skye has raved about Angie, so this was clearly just a plot device to add a few chapters. There was no tension or concern previously... and even if I could get over that, the apology later on was too minimal with no heart. Skye was usually much kinder, even as a lead actress with a bit of dramatic flair. She never truly thanked Angie for helping find the real killer, and even though Patrick defended Angie, it wasn't enough. Major bump down for me from 5 to 4 stars.
Also... the true killer and wrap-up was too quick and tidy without enough details. Two stories intersected, which I predicted, but the 3 chapters about Skye's anger toward Angie should've been focused on relating the real story at the end. So, I knocked off another 1/2 star. Because of those, I wanted to round down to 3 but ultimately, the holiday spirit was very strong, so I caved and will round up to a 4. But in book 7, this little mess better be fixed! :) That said, still ADORE the series.
November 11, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Snow is falling in Haven Harbor, Maine and movie star Skye West has decided to come home for a white Christmas and bring the people working on her current movie with her. This means her son Patrick has his work cut out for him to get her mansion all decorated for the holiday. She also wants needlepoint gifts for everyone so the Mainely Needlepointers have a last minute job to take of.
Angie is a little disappointed, it is her first Christmas since coming home from Arizona and she had wanted to have a quiet Christmas with Patrick. She decides any time with him is a gift after all he has been through so she helps him get everything ready for his mother’s arrival. Skye and her entourage arrive but before they spend one night in Maine, one of them is found dead in the snow. Patrick’s mother decided the show must go on and doesn’t let a murder ruin her holiday plans until Patrick is poisoned and rushed to the hospital. Angie knows they are a limited number of suspects but she is stumped about who killer could be. There is a definite chill in the air and it’s not from the typical Maine winter weather. There is a killer near by, she just needs to figure out who before it is too late.
This was a very entertaining story. Haven Harbor has its own holiday traditions like Santa arriving on a lobster boat. Skye adds a snowy hayride for her friends too.
Angie grows more in each story. She is really getting comfortable running the needlepoint business and her own needlepoint skills are improving. But she does keep finding those dead bodies. She tries to stay out the investigations but she always ends up right in the middle of them. I loved the part of the story where Angie decorated her tree, trying to bring back the Christmases she remembered. Angie’s relationship with her grandmother always warms my heart.
I always have to adjust my thinking about Skye whenever she arrives on the page. She is a pushy and demanding women but there is no malice in her actions or requests. It is just the way she is. Patrick knows how to handle his mother and even though she sometimes forgets he is a grown man he still loves her. After the fire any mother can understand where she is coming from. They have a close relationship. I hope they both start to fit more into the fabric of Haven Harbor and be less like “the rich people in town” where they expect people to cater to them. Patrick is starting to make progress in that direction as his relationship with Angie gets more serious.
The story unfolded at a comfortable pace with several twists. One I had worked out in the back of my mind. The climatic ending really took me by surprise. I knew something had to happen soon because we were getting to the final pages but I never expected what happened. Kudos to Ms. Wait for a very exciting ending!
Again the author has stitched together a fantastic mystery with memorable characters in a spectacular setting. She also sprinkles humor throughout the story in all the right places. A perfect escape for the holiday season.
Snow is falling in Haven Harbor, Maine and movie star Skye West has decided to come home for a white Christmas and bring the people working on her current movie with her. This means her son Patrick has his work cut out for him to get her mansion all decorated for the holiday. She also wants needlepoint gifts for everyone so the Mainely Needlepointers have a last minute job to take of.
Angie is a little disappointed, it is her first Christmas since coming home from Arizona and she had wanted to have a quiet Christmas with Patrick. She decides any time with him is a gift after all he has been through so she helps him get everything ready for his mother’s arrival. Skye and her entourage arrive but before they spend one night in Maine, one of them is found dead in the snow. Patrick’s mother decided the show must go on and doesn’t let a murder ruin her holiday plans until Patrick is poisoned and rushed to the hospital. Angie knows they are a limited number of suspects but she is stumped about who killer could be. There is a definite chill in the air and it’s not from the typical Maine winter weather. There is a killer near by, she just needs to figure out who before it is too late.
This was a very entertaining story. Haven Harbor has its own holiday traditions like Santa arriving on a lobster boat. Skye adds a snowy hayride for her friends too.
Angie grows more in each story. She is really getting comfortable running the needlepoint business and her own needlepoint skills are improving. But she does keep finding those dead bodies. She tries to stay out the investigations but she always ends up right in the middle of them. I loved the part of the story where Angie decorated her tree, trying to bring back the Christmases she remembered. Angie’s relationship with her grandmother always warms my heart.
I always have to adjust my thinking about Skye whenever she arrives on the page. She is a pushy and demanding women but there is no malice in her actions or requests. It is just the way she is. Patrick knows how to handle his mother and even though she sometimes forgets he is a grown man he still loves her. After the fire any mother can understand where she is coming from. They have a close relationship. I hope they both start to fit more into the fabric of Haven Harbor and be less like “the rich people in town” where they expect people to cater to them. Patrick is starting to make progress in that direction as his relationship with Angie gets more serious.
The story unfolded at a comfortable pace with several twists. One I had worked out in the back of my mind. The climatic ending really took me by surprise. I knew something had to happen soon because we were getting to the final pages but I never expected what happened. Kudos to Ms. Wait for a very exciting ending!
Again the author has stitched together a fantastic mystery with memorable characters in a spectacular setting. She also sprinkles humor throughout the story in all the right places. A perfect escape for the holiday season.
July 23, 2017
This is is an author review. I had such fun writing THREAD THE HALLS! To begin with, I love books set at Christmas, and a Maine Christmas can be (at least fictionally) just about perfect. Of course, since this is a mystery, there does have to be a murder, and a few other complications. But I loved writing about Angie's tree, and Skye's, and the Haven Harbor Christmas festival. Some of my readers have told me they've enjoyed meeting Skye West, the famous Hollywood actress who's bought a home in Haven Harbor, and wondered how I made her seem "just like a real person," as one person said. Well .. I've been on the fringes of movies and television at various points in my life. I worked at a summer playhouse in Maine when I was in high school and college. I majored in drama in college, and also attended the Pittsburgh Playhouse School of the Theatre. In New York, I was on camera daily for two years as the writer-directory-producer (and on-camera talent) in a corporate TV show, and produced corporate films. But perhaps I came closest to "stars" during the four years I was married to a television comedy writer who wrote for some major comedians, on tv and in nightclubs. So -- Skye does seem like a real person to me! I hope you'll enjoy meeting her again in THREAD THE HALLS.
November 17, 2017
**I voluntarily read this ARC**
That was simply amazing. The setting was beautiful, yet dangerous. The mystery was wonderful and a bit shocking. I do have to admit that I ended up putting the book down after a few chapters. The needlepoint descriptions inspired me to pick up a cross stitch that I've been meaning to get to for over a year.
That was simply amazing. The setting was beautiful, yet dangerous. The mystery was wonderful and a bit shocking. I do have to admit that I ended up putting the book down after a few chapters. The needlepoint descriptions inspired me to pick up a cross stitch that I've been meaning to get to for over a year.
October 20, 2018
I have been following this series since it began and was getting a bit behind. With a new book due out soon, I realized that this Christmas edition of the Mainely Needlepoint series was just what I was looking for, now that I am beginning my Christmas reads.
Angie and the Mainely Needlepointers are getting set to have a quiet Christmas season when Patrick West, Angie's boyfriend, drops a bombshell and asks for favours. His mother, actress Skye West, has decided to come home to Haven Harbor for a white Christmas. Not only that, but she is bringing home some people she is working with on her recent, troubled movie. He needs help decorating the mansion, making needlepoint gifts for each of the guests as well as inviting them all for Christmas Eve. There go Angie's plans down the drain. She had wanted to have a quiet Christmas with Patrick, but any time with him is a gift after all he has been through so she helps him get everything ready for his mother’s arrival. Skye and her entourage arrive but before they spend one night in Maine, one of them is found dead in the snow. While trying to keep Christmas on track and find the killer, Angie becomes a suspect, not only in the murder, but in poisoning Patrick as well. There is a definite chill in the air and it’s not from the typical Maine winter weather. There is a killer nearby, she just needs to figure out who before it is too late.
Angie grows more in each story. She is really getting comfortable running the needlepoint business and her own needlepoint skills are improving. Whenever a dead body shows up, she tries to stay out the investigations but she ends up right in the middle anyway. Angie’s relationship with her grandmother is so special and I love when she laments about being an adult and not having her grandmother around to make her hot cocoa or whatever else she needs. Skye and Patrick are rich and used to getting what they want, so they take some getting used to, but they are not rude and malicious. Skye is a mother first, so whenever something happens to Patrick, she goes all mama bear, not always thinking about how she treats others. I am enjoying the relationship of Angie and Patrick, but he needs to think more about her, than his mother. I hope that improves as the series goes forward. I had a niggling in the back of my mind about one of the characters as the story unfolded and I was right in my suspicions. The motive for the murder was the one sticking point so the twist at the end was a great way to wind up this mystery. The story was well paced, with some surprises and that huge twist. Each chapter begins with a tidbit about needlepoint or a bit of a historic sampler, but you do not have to read them if that does not interest you. Another great entry to this series. I recommend it to cozy mystery lovers, especially those who love to learn about the area the story takes place.
Angie and the Mainely Needlepointers are getting set to have a quiet Christmas season when Patrick West, Angie's boyfriend, drops a bombshell and asks for favours. His mother, actress Skye West, has decided to come home to Haven Harbor for a white Christmas. Not only that, but she is bringing home some people she is working with on her recent, troubled movie. He needs help decorating the mansion, making needlepoint gifts for each of the guests as well as inviting them all for Christmas Eve. There go Angie's plans down the drain. She had wanted to have a quiet Christmas with Patrick, but any time with him is a gift after all he has been through so she helps him get everything ready for his mother’s arrival. Skye and her entourage arrive but before they spend one night in Maine, one of them is found dead in the snow. While trying to keep Christmas on track and find the killer, Angie becomes a suspect, not only in the murder, but in poisoning Patrick as well. There is a definite chill in the air and it’s not from the typical Maine winter weather. There is a killer nearby, she just needs to figure out who before it is too late.
Angie grows more in each story. She is really getting comfortable running the needlepoint business and her own needlepoint skills are improving. Whenever a dead body shows up, she tries to stay out the investigations but she ends up right in the middle anyway. Angie’s relationship with her grandmother is so special and I love when she laments about being an adult and not having her grandmother around to make her hot cocoa or whatever else she needs. Skye and Patrick are rich and used to getting what they want, so they take some getting used to, but they are not rude and malicious. Skye is a mother first, so whenever something happens to Patrick, she goes all mama bear, not always thinking about how she treats others. I am enjoying the relationship of Angie and Patrick, but he needs to think more about her, than his mother. I hope that improves as the series goes forward. I had a niggling in the back of my mind about one of the characters as the story unfolded and I was right in my suspicions. The motive for the murder was the one sticking point so the twist at the end was a great way to wind up this mystery. The story was well paced, with some surprises and that huge twist. Each chapter begins with a tidbit about needlepoint or a bit of a historic sampler, but you do not have to read them if that does not interest you. Another great entry to this series. I recommend it to cozy mystery lovers, especially those who love to learn about the area the story takes place.
November 5, 2017
The Mainely Needlepoint cozy mystery series has been a favorite series of mine since book 1. It is a series that I pre-order. I like it because of the main character Angie Curtis who grew up in Haven Harbor Maine. Her mother died at a young age and she was raised by her Gram. She left for awhile to be a P.I. assistant in Arizona but is back now in her home town of Haven Harbor running a needlepoint visit. As a reader, I feel that Angie can take care of herself due to her P.I. training. The series started out edgier than many cozy mysteries but I feel the edginess is mostly gone. Perhaps because Angie has resolved some past issues through out the books.
Angie is looking forward to a relaxing Christmas in Haven Harbor. She has been gone at Christmas time for awhile so she is looking forward to having her Haven Harbor traditional Christmas. This is not be as Angie's boyfriend Patrick West receives a phone call from his famous movie star mother Skye West, that she want to bring her co-stars, screen writers and director to Aurora for Christmas. Aurora is a beautiful home that she uses as a privacy retreat. There are only a few days until Christmas and she has a list of what she needs done to make this a perfect Christmas for her and her guests. This disrupts many people's personal plans to make this happen for Skye West. She offers money and expects it to be accomplished. It is accomplished but a murder occurs on their first day at Aurora.
I want to mention too that the location of Maine and its traditions add to the enjoyment of the book. Also, the reoccurring secondary characters are interesting to keep up with. I particularly enjoyed the oh so cozy scenes between Angie and her Gram. A Nor'easter storm took out the power and heat at Angie's house and she went to spend the night with her Gram. Gram is Angie's rock. .
It was a good read. I had two suspects in mind for the murder. I wonder what the future holds for Angie and Patrick. I wonder if Pete will be a future suitor. I am looking forward to the next book.
Angie is looking forward to a relaxing Christmas in Haven Harbor. She has been gone at Christmas time for awhile so she is looking forward to having her Haven Harbor traditional Christmas. This is not be as Angie's boyfriend Patrick West receives a phone call from his famous movie star mother Skye West, that she want to bring her co-stars, screen writers and director to Aurora for Christmas. Aurora is a beautiful home that she uses as a privacy retreat. There are only a few days until Christmas and she has a list of what she needs done to make this a perfect Christmas for her and her guests. This disrupts many people's personal plans to make this happen for Skye West. She offers money and expects it to be accomplished. It is accomplished but a murder occurs on their first day at Aurora.
I want to mention too that the location of Maine and its traditions add to the enjoyment of the book. Also, the reoccurring secondary characters are interesting to keep up with. I particularly enjoyed the oh so cozy scenes between Angie and her Gram. A Nor'easter storm took out the power and heat at Angie's house and she went to spend the night with her Gram. Gram is Angie's rock. .
It was a good read. I had two suspects in mind for the murder. I wonder what the future holds for Angie and Patrick. I wonder if Pete will be a future suitor. I am looking forward to the next book.
October 21, 2017
It is pleasant to read a Christmas story that shows the everyday life of the individuals. This one does as we follow Angie Curtis and Patrick West as they get ready to celebrate the holidays. Patrick's Mother Skye West returned home to for the Yuletime bringing a trouble movie crew. An unexpected death occurs with the handsome leading man. It is ruled a homicide and the search is on for the killer. The tale takes several turns as the story proceeds. An attempted to poison Michael out the spotlight on Angie as the killer. Angie must work to clear her name. Meanwhile, the story takes place with the annual festival. At the beginning of each h chapter are fascinating tidbits of early needlepoint work. I highly recommend this book and series.
A recipe for Bev Clifford's Tourtiere is included.
I received a free copy from Kennington Books through NetGalley for an honest review.I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
A recipe for Bev Clifford's Tourtiere is included.
I received a free copy from Kennington Books through NetGalley for an honest review.I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 23, 2020
A taste of home. Full disclosure - as a Mainer who is longing to return home, it's hard for me to review this book, I want to be IN it. Wait hits all the high notes of Christmas in Maine, and even touches a bit on the history of the Flying Santa. It's all true, and all very Maine.
Haven Harbor, ME is the perfect Christmas town. The description made me think of the opening scene from Murder She Wrote. Rocky shore, bit of beach, well wooded. The perfect place for Christmas. When a prominent actor is murdered, and an attempt made on Angie Curtis's boyfriend's life, Angie finds herself smack dab in the middle of the suspect pool. This former PI turned needlework shop owner has to work to clear her name and save her reputation and her relationship.
Wait has written a wonderful closed room mystery in the tradition of Agatha Christie. All of the suspects are present, there's no room for the surprise outsider, and the clues are all shared with the reader. No rabbits from the hat here - just good solid writing. A joy to read.
Haven Harbor, ME is the perfect Christmas town. The description made me think of the opening scene from Murder She Wrote. Rocky shore, bit of beach, well wooded. The perfect place for Christmas. When a prominent actor is murdered, and an attempt made on Angie Curtis's boyfriend's life, Angie finds herself smack dab in the middle of the suspect pool. This former PI turned needlework shop owner has to work to clear her name and save her reputation and her relationship.
Wait has written a wonderful closed room mystery in the tradition of Agatha Christie. All of the suspects are present, there's no room for the surprise outsider, and the clues are all shared with the reader. No rabbits from the hat here - just good solid writing. A joy to read.
October 6, 2017
Let me preface this review by saying I love this series, this was the best installment so far! The story moved at a steady pace, no lags anywhere what so ever. The characters have grown and it is evident in this book. A surprise ending made this story, well surprising. I thought I had the mystery sewn up but I was wrong. This book is one Christmas present that shouldn't be left on the shelf.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2018
Angie and Patrick have now been going out for a few months and it is coming up to the Festive Season, Patrick's mother (Skye) has been working away and then she drops the bombshell that she is coming to Haven Habour for Christmas, that isn't the bombshell though, the bombshell is that she is bringing a group with her and wants the mansion Christmas ready (in about 3 days!), oh and needlepoint cushions for the half dozen people. Luckily the Mainely Needlepointers come to the fore and not only agree to do the needlepoint but also to help arrange the Christmas festivities.
Angie's Gram comes through with the name of someone to do all the cooking for the crowd and her new(ish) husband arranges for a choir to come along on Christmas Eve and sing carols. So far so good, until Angie and Patrick discover someone dead in the woods of the mansion, Angie needs to try and sort out a large needlepoint order (from a Texan who turns up day after day asking about Skye!) and then Patrick is ill. Who is being more than a Grinch this Christmas, Angie needs to find out and quickly before someone else winds up dead.
Lea Wait has pulled out all the stops again for this, the latest in the Mainely Needlepoint series, how a series can get better than 10 out of 10 consistently I have no idea but Lea Wait manages it!
Angie's Gram comes through with the name of someone to do all the cooking for the crowd and her new(ish) husband arranges for a choir to come along on Christmas Eve and sing carols. So far so good, until Angie and Patrick discover someone dead in the woods of the mansion, Angie needs to try and sort out a large needlepoint order (from a Texan who turns up day after day asking about Skye!) and then Patrick is ill. Who is being more than a Grinch this Christmas, Angie needs to find out and quickly before someone else winds up dead.
Lea Wait has pulled out all the stops again for this, the latest in the Mainely Needlepoint series, how a series can get better than 10 out of 10 consistently I have no idea but Lea Wait manages it!
October 22, 2017
Thread The Halls is the sixth book in the A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series.
Angie is looking forward to spending her first Christmas, in ten years, in Haven Harbor and baking cookies, relaxing with friends and most of all some quality time with her boyfriend, Patrick West. But that is not to be, as Skye West, Patrick’s mother, and actress, is planning on flying home from Scotland and wants the house decorated in a quaint Maine Christmas theme. Skye and the cast will be taking a much-needed break from the filming of their latest movie. There are problems with the cast and script but, with some time away from the location and do some rewriting of some script, it is hoped they can put those problems behind them. Before going to meet Skye and her guests Patrick decide to take a walk to enjoy the starlit sky and have a little private time. Just as they are about to turn and head towards the house, Angie notices a shadow and when she goes to investigate she finds the body of the co-star, Paul Carmichael. Even with this unfortunate incident there doesn’t seem to be a lot of sympathy for what has happened to a fellow cast member and Angie begins to wonder if one of them wanted him out of the picture...for good. Then when there is an attempt on Patrick’s life, Angie really feels the need to learn who the killer is
Lea Wait once again provides a well-plotted story with the Mainely Needlepointers providing their usual support for each other and members of their community.
Delicious recipes are also included.
I love this series and will be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
Angie is looking forward to spending her first Christmas, in ten years, in Haven Harbor and baking cookies, relaxing with friends and most of all some quality time with her boyfriend, Patrick West. But that is not to be, as Skye West, Patrick’s mother, and actress, is planning on flying home from Scotland and wants the house decorated in a quaint Maine Christmas theme. Skye and the cast will be taking a much-needed break from the filming of their latest movie. There are problems with the cast and script but, with some time away from the location and do some rewriting of some script, it is hoped they can put those problems behind them. Before going to meet Skye and her guests Patrick decide to take a walk to enjoy the starlit sky and have a little private time. Just as they are about to turn and head towards the house, Angie notices a shadow and when she goes to investigate she finds the body of the co-star, Paul Carmichael. Even with this unfortunate incident there doesn’t seem to be a lot of sympathy for what has happened to a fellow cast member and Angie begins to wonder if one of them wanted him out of the picture...for good. Then when there is an attempt on Patrick’s life, Angie really feels the need to learn who the killer is
Lea Wait once again provides a well-plotted story with the Mainely Needlepointers providing their usual support for each other and members of their community.
Delicious recipes are also included.
I love this series and will be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
October 2, 2017
Thread The Halls, the latest in Lea Wait’s Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series, is an engaging, well-plotted mystery with well-developed characters. Set at Christmastime in Haven Harbor, Maine we follow Angie Curtis, owner of the Mainely Needlepoint business, who is happily planning traditional Christmas activities. But, when boyfriend Patrick’s mother, famous actress Skye West, announces that she is coming to Haven Harbor from Scotland where she is filming a movie, and bringing two of her co-stars, her producer, and the two screenwriters with her, plans change rapidly because Skye tasks Patrick with creating, in two days, a traditional Christmas complete with Christmas tree, wreaths, gifts for her guests, a huge Christmas eve gala buffet, carolers, and a sleigh ride. Asked by a somewhat panicked Patrick, Angie agrees to help and brings in other friends to help as well, including Bev, a widow, who agrees to live in Skye’s home and cook for the group during their stay.
Shortly after the entourage arrives, while Angie and Patrick are out walking, Angie finds a body which is soon identified as one of the film party though the police can find no motive and no evidence of who the murderer might be. As Christmas day approaches, others in Skye’s party are in danger, clues are scarce, and the police are baffled. With things going from bad to worse, Angie tries to help figure out what is going on but is also stymied, especially when the police begin to look at her as a “person of interest.” Can Angie move suspicion away from herself and help find the real culprit?
The resolution is a beautiful blend of the partly obvious and partly unexpected. I thoroughly enjoyed Thread The Halls and highly recommend it.
Shortly after the entourage arrives, while Angie and Patrick are out walking, Angie finds a body which is soon identified as one of the film party though the police can find no motive and no evidence of who the murderer might be. As Christmas day approaches, others in Skye’s party are in danger, clues are scarce, and the police are baffled. With things going from bad to worse, Angie tries to help figure out what is going on but is also stymied, especially when the police begin to look at her as a “person of interest.” Can Angie move suspicion away from herself and help find the real culprit?
The resolution is a beautiful blend of the partly obvious and partly unexpected. I thoroughly enjoyed Thread The Halls and highly recommend it.
November 3, 2017
Princess Fuzzypants here:
Angie and Patrick are going to spend their first Christmas in Maine together and it is going to be perfect. That is until his movie star mother brings some of her film buddies back to rework a script that is in trouble.. She wants them to create a fairy tale environment. It turns into a scary one when the male lead of the movie is shot to death in a snowy field behind her mansion. Things slide further downhill when Angie becomes a suspect.
As the story evolves, secrets that are best left alone come to the forefront and it gets very messy before all is revealed. It is a good story complete with an exciting Nor’Easter, lots of Christmas stuff, interesting characters and a good plot. I did figure out who was the villain but not why and there was an extra wrinkle that was unexpected. It was an enjoyable read that I can recommend.
I give it five purrs and two paws up.
Angie and Patrick are going to spend their first Christmas in Maine together and it is going to be perfect. That is until his movie star mother brings some of her film buddies back to rework a script that is in trouble.. She wants them to create a fairy tale environment. It turns into a scary one when the male lead of the movie is shot to death in a snowy field behind her mansion. Things slide further downhill when Angie becomes a suspect.
As the story evolves, secrets that are best left alone come to the forefront and it gets very messy before all is revealed. It is a good story complete with an exciting Nor’Easter, lots of Christmas stuff, interesting characters and a good plot. I did figure out who was the villain but not why and there was an extra wrinkle that was unexpected. It was an enjoyable read that I can recommend.
I give it five purrs and two paws up.
November 10, 2017
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October 23, 2017
There's no time for Angie Curtis and Patrick West to linger under the mistletoe this holiday season. Patrick's, mother and movie star Skye West wants a perfect white Christmas. She brings her co-star, screenwriters, and director home for the holidays and hopes it will help solve the issues that have been plaguing the movie set and actors. With his mother's long list of wishes, Patrick's needs help to get everything done before her arrival. The Mainely Needlepointers offer to help decorate Skye's Victorian mansion and create needlepoint pillows as gifts for the guests.
Hours after the celebrities invade Haven Harbor, a tragedy occurs. Skye’s co-star is murdered in her backyard. Someone delivers poison Christmas cookies to Patrick, and Skye blames Angie. Before Santa arrives at the town pier on a lobster boat, Angie and the Needlepointers need to trim down the naughty list, catch a cold-hearted killer, and wrap up the case.
--
Series: A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery - Book 5
Author: Lea Wait (www.leawait.com)
Genre: Career/Hobby Cozy
Publisher: Kensington
Thread the Halls is a delightful adventure for the holidays with plenty of action and a great cast of characters. Lea Wait has created a fun, fast-paced story with a colorful location. This book will delight readers no matter how many cozy’s they have read.
Angie Curtis wants to reclaim her childhood Christmas’, everything from the experiences she had as a child, to the decorations on the tree and in her heart. Skye West, her boyfriend’s famous mother wants a picture-perfect postcard Christmas for her guests. Neither of them will get exactly what they want this year.
Recapturing our childhood is something most people want at some point in their life. Unfortunately, like Angie, we learn that we can’t really make this happen, but we can come close. Angie wants to go back and feel those special moments from holidays gone by. But… things keep getting in her way, including murder.
The cast of characters in this book are well-rounded and easily relatable. Even the killer is someone you feel you may know, or someone in your life just like him/her. Angie’s grandmother is an understanding and caring woman that readers will want to learn more about. Angie and Patrick's relationship is still in the new stage but progresses throughout the story to a very satisfactory conclusion. Even though Skye is a famous actress, she is very down to earth and loves her son. She wants Christmas to be special and happy, but she doesn’t become dramatic when things don’t go according to plan.
The setting in the town of Haven Harbor, although fictional, could easily be any small town where people know their neighbors and take care of each other. The food described in this book sounds delicious and makes the reader hungry. The townspeople are down home and in many cases set in their ways, but they treat each other with respect and dignity.
Thread the Halls is the 5th book in the “A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery” series and is a wonderful addition. The plot is straightforward and does not deviate from the main storyline. The story flows smoothly, and the writing is flawless. This book and series is highly recommended to those who enjoy a whodunit with humor, intrigue and old-fashioned holiday fun.
Hours after the celebrities invade Haven Harbor, a tragedy occurs. Skye’s co-star is murdered in her backyard. Someone delivers poison Christmas cookies to Patrick, and Skye blames Angie. Before Santa arrives at the town pier on a lobster boat, Angie and the Needlepointers need to trim down the naughty list, catch a cold-hearted killer, and wrap up the case.
--
Series: A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery - Book 5
Author: Lea Wait (www.leawait.com)
Genre: Career/Hobby Cozy
Publisher: Kensington
Thread the Halls is a delightful adventure for the holidays with plenty of action and a great cast of characters. Lea Wait has created a fun, fast-paced story with a colorful location. This book will delight readers no matter how many cozy’s they have read.
Angie Curtis wants to reclaim her childhood Christmas’, everything from the experiences she had as a child, to the decorations on the tree and in her heart. Skye West, her boyfriend’s famous mother wants a picture-perfect postcard Christmas for her guests. Neither of them will get exactly what they want this year.
Recapturing our childhood is something most people want at some point in their life. Unfortunately, like Angie, we learn that we can’t really make this happen, but we can come close. Angie wants to go back and feel those special moments from holidays gone by. But… things keep getting in her way, including murder.
The cast of characters in this book are well-rounded and easily relatable. Even the killer is someone you feel you may know, or someone in your life just like him/her. Angie’s grandmother is an understanding and caring woman that readers will want to learn more about. Angie and Patrick's relationship is still in the new stage but progresses throughout the story to a very satisfactory conclusion. Even though Skye is a famous actress, she is very down to earth and loves her son. She wants Christmas to be special and happy, but she doesn’t become dramatic when things don’t go according to plan.
The setting in the town of Haven Harbor, although fictional, could easily be any small town where people know their neighbors and take care of each other. The food described in this book sounds delicious and makes the reader hungry. The townspeople are down home and in many cases set in their ways, but they treat each other with respect and dignity.
Thread the Halls is the 5th book in the “A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery” series and is a wonderful addition. The plot is straightforward and does not deviate from the main storyline. The story flows smoothly, and the writing is flawless. This book and series is highly recommended to those who enjoy a whodunit with humor, intrigue and old-fashioned holiday fun.
October 22, 2017
The Mainely Needlepoint Series by Lea Wait has added another book! Thread the Halls is about Christmas in Haven Harbor, Maine including a side of murder and snowstorms. Needle pointing plays a part in all these novels, but not to the extent that it is burdensome. I love the quotes at the beginning of each chapter.
The story begins when Angie Curtis was having a small Christmas party for the Mainely Needlepointers and a couple of others. Patrick’s mother calls and drops a bombshell! She and her castmates are coming for Christmas and could Patrick arrange a couple of things. By the end of the phone call, the reader knows it is going to be a complete assault on Haven Harbor and its resources. Angie and others chip in to help Patrick and the house is completely transformed into a Christmas Dream. Within hours of their arrival, there is a murder and fingers are pointed every which way. Angie and Patrick do not get a break as the situation gets even dicier with confusion and mix-ups.
Thread the Halls by Lea Wait is an entertaining, cosy mystery.
April 30, 2019
Il libro mi è piaciuto, anche se la parte gialla vera e propria si concentra nel finale. Avevo capito chi fosse il colpevole, ma non il motivo; comunque l'autrice è riuscita a sorprendermi nel finale aggiungendo un altro piccolo mistero.
October 27, 2017
This Christmas season, Angie Curtis has no time to bake cookies or enjoy herself. Her boyfriend, Patrick, has asked her to help out with the preparations for his mother, an actress, and her guests to come to town. Not long after they arrive, Angie finds an actor dead in the backyard. Can Angie find the murderer before another body drops?
This is a great holiday read for anybody who loves a cozy mystery. Ms. Wait creates characters that feel like they could be your neighbors. I love how the churches open their doors to assist people who have no place to go during the brutal winter storms. Ms. Wait has a gift in describing the winter weather of Maine. I could almost feel the cold wind and wet snow. The best thing about this mystery is the use of red herrings to drive us to a surprise ending. I can’t wait to read another of Ms. Wait’s mysteries. An Advanced Reading Copy was received in exchange for an honest review.
This is a great holiday read for anybody who loves a cozy mystery. Ms. Wait creates characters that feel like they could be your neighbors. I love how the churches open their doors to assist people who have no place to go during the brutal winter storms. Ms. Wait has a gift in describing the winter weather of Maine. I could almost feel the cold wind and wet snow. The best thing about this mystery is the use of red herrings to drive us to a surprise ending. I can’t wait to read another of Ms. Wait’s mysteries. An Advanced Reading Copy was received in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2017
Now I know I said that I was going to quit this series but when I saw that the next release was a holiday themed one, I knew I wanted to try it. I’m such a sucker for holiday reads that I can’t resist it when I see one.
Just like the other books in this series, these books are much slower in pace than other Cozy Mysteries. That was my biggest complaint with them. It can take up nearly the first half of the book for the initial murder to occur before the amateur sleuth stuff gets going.
The main heroine, Angie Curtis, also comes across as pretty laid back. So it keeps in line with the pacing and plot of the novel. I don’t think she takes too much initiative compared to others so that’s another thing to keep in mind.
The holiday aspect of this series is bright and fun and with such a large community in this series, you do have some pretty memorable moments. So I am glad that I ended up trying this series again.
December 22, 2017
I enjoy this series but must admit I had a few issues with this installment. But before I get into that, here are the reasons I like the series...I love the setting and the descriptions of Maine life. Being a Florida girl I have very little concept of what it's like to live in the climates of Maine. This author does an excellent job of describing what it's like to live on a Maine coastal town. I've now added coastal Maine as a place I want to visit. I enjoy the references to needlecrafts. I like doing cross stitch and embroidery so I enjoy the little historical tidbits at the beginning of each chapter. I like the main character and the relationship she has with her grandmother. I'm enjoying Angie's journey in rediscovering herself and her roots. She was a person who was held hostage by events from her past but is finally free to move forward and make her life what she wants it to be and is finally putting down some roots. Okay time for the issues...first of all the relationship between Angie and Patrick has no spark. It's like they are strangers who kiss occasionally. I'm not feeling it with this couple. Second, there were multiple consistency issues in this book. In one case, Angie called her grandmother to tell her what has happened, a few chapters later she is sitting in grandma's kitchen "breaking the news" to her again and grandma is reacting like it's the first she has heard about the situation. Also, found it really unlikely that no one in town had heard what really happened. Everyone had heard a vague rumor someone had died despite the fact that it had been splashed all over the news. Also, the fact that it was a murder was the best kept secret, in a small town not likely. Lastly, the end of the book was very rushed. The solution to the mystery I felt was weak and the last minute added crime and culprit seemed unnecessary. It was all wrapped up in less than 3 pages. I will continue to follow this series in the hopes that these issues are not repeated and/or improve.
January 5, 2018
This is one of my favorite series. And this latest edition did not disappoint me. I loved it. I highly recommend this book and the five previous books in the series.
October 21, 2017
Thread the Halls is the sixth book in Lea Wait’s A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series and is an engaging, well-plotted mystery with well-developed characters. The writing style flows smoothly at a steady pace and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in descriptive writing and much of the time I was reading, I felt like I was there, watching the activities taking place. There are enough suspects, and twists and turns, to make it difficult to figure out who the killer is. This book combined plenty humor, suspense, tension and heartache and the author blended them all perfectly. The story quickly drew me in and the reveal and ending were surprising. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a well-crafted cozy mystery.
After years of living in Arizona, Angie Curtis is excited to spend her first Christmas back in Haven Harbor, Maine. She’s looking forward to reliving family traditions and introducing her boyfriend, Patrick West to all the Christmas activities revolving around Christmastime in Haven Harbor. Patrick receives a call from his mother, Skye West, a famous actress currently filming a movie in Scotland, who announces that she’s not only returning to Aurora, her Haven Harbor estate, but is also bringing two of her co-stars, her producer, and two screenwriters with her, and wants Patrick to transform Aurora into a traditional Maine Christmas wonderland. Not only does she want a fully decorated Christmas tree, wreaths, handmade needlepoint gifts for her guests, carolers, and a sleigh, but also a Christmas Eve party with all the foods eaten by residents of Maine at Christmastime. With only a couple of days to accomplish her requests, Patrick is in a full blown panic and calls upon Angie and the Mainely Needlepointers to help him. Everyone pitches in to help Patrick fulfill Skye’s requests and if there’s something they can’t provide, they put him in contact with members of their tight community who can. When Skye and her guests arrive, she’s thrilled with everything and Patrick invites Angie to dinner until she can catch up with his mom and meet her guests. When Angie arrives, she and Patrick decide to go on a walk before joining the others. As they are preparing to return to the house, Angie spots something in the field that doesn’t look right and when she investigates, discovers a body covered in snow. That person is identified as one of Skye’s guests, and it’s determined his death wasn’t an accident. As Christmas Eve approaches, clues are scarce, the police are baffled, Patrick is poisoned, and Skye is blaming Angie.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
After years of living in Arizona, Angie Curtis is excited to spend her first Christmas back in Haven Harbor, Maine. She’s looking forward to reliving family traditions and introducing her boyfriend, Patrick West to all the Christmas activities revolving around Christmastime in Haven Harbor. Patrick receives a call from his mother, Skye West, a famous actress currently filming a movie in Scotland, who announces that she’s not only returning to Aurora, her Haven Harbor estate, but is also bringing two of her co-stars, her producer, and two screenwriters with her, and wants Patrick to transform Aurora into a traditional Maine Christmas wonderland. Not only does she want a fully decorated Christmas tree, wreaths, handmade needlepoint gifts for her guests, carolers, and a sleigh, but also a Christmas Eve party with all the foods eaten by residents of Maine at Christmastime. With only a couple of days to accomplish her requests, Patrick is in a full blown panic and calls upon Angie and the Mainely Needlepointers to help him. Everyone pitches in to help Patrick fulfill Skye’s requests and if there’s something they can’t provide, they put him in contact with members of their tight community who can. When Skye and her guests arrive, she’s thrilled with everything and Patrick invites Angie to dinner until she can catch up with his mom and meet her guests. When Angie arrives, she and Patrick decide to go on a walk before joining the others. As they are preparing to return to the house, Angie spots something in the field that doesn’t look right and when she investigates, discovers a body covered in snow. That person is identified as one of Skye’s guests, and it’s determined his death wasn’t an accident. As Christmas Eve approaches, clues are scarce, the police are baffled, Patrick is poisoned, and Skye is blaming Angie.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
November 14, 2018
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
Reviewed in a post for A GOOD AUDIOBOOK SPEAKS VOLUMES BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY on 11/14/2018
If you cannot be in Maine this holiday season, a book by Lea Wait is the next best thing. And, whatever holiday you celebrate this winter, it’s always better with a little cozy mystery. Lea Wait is a very good writer who writes highly nuanced characters with suspenseful plots that have real consequences. For example in this book, Angie’s boyfriend, Patrick, continues to suffer from burns he suffered from a fire that burned his house down. It has effected his profession. While it has taken a while for the books to come out, the timeline for them is much shorter, so Patrick and Angela have a new-ish relationship. Lea approaches romance a little cautiously, but the story stays clean. And with the clean romance you don;t have to worry about who might overhear your book, and you can loan it, or gift it, to your friend, mom, gran, or your Auntie.
People who do needle-craft will also enjoy the needlepoint talk and the samplers excerpted and explained at the start of each chapter.
Ss far as this plot goes, as with most cozies, I figured out some of it but there were some unexpected Christmas surprises that I didn’t pick up on. The plot of the holiday house party is a little reminiscent of an Agatha Christie mystery, but without the accents and in the US.
I think Christine Delaine gets the accents and is the voice of the series, but I don’t like the way she voices Patrick: in this one especially he’s a little wimpy. Also, I don;t know why her Grandmother, at sixty-five sounds like she’s 80.
The story (and the series) is full of Maine charm, ACCURATE Maine charm. Lea is just a ways up the coast, she gets it all right; talking about places in Portland, Maine history, our museum and our delicious food. I love books that take place in my stomping grounds — and the accuracy here is important to be as a reader. But, for those who do not live in Maine, the way Lea describes it will make you think that if you step outside you’ll smell the salty tang of the ocean, and see the snow on the lawn, the wreaths on the doors and windows, the old rock walls, and the water in the distance. I recommend any one of the Mainely Needlepoint Series (In fact I have two that I will be reviewing next week). I’ve enjoyed them all, and get pretty invested in the characters and the goings on, but for the holidays come home to Maine with THREAD THE HALLS.
December 6, 2017
Thread the Halls is the sixth in the cozy mystery series A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery by author Lea Wait but the first one I’ve read. It’s set in Haven Harbor, Maine where Angie Curtis is busy preparing for her first Christmas in the town in ten years. She plans on spending a quiet Christmas with family and friends as well as her boyfriend, Patrick. However, when Patrick announces his movie star mother, Skye is heading to the town with some of the people from the movie she is working on, all her plans for a quiet holiday are thrown out the window. Suddenly, she and her friends are helping Patrick to prepare for the arrival, decorating and needlepointing gifts. And if that isn’t bad enough, the media gets wind of the arrival and a rabid fan is determined that Angie introduce her to Skye. However, almost immediately after the celebrities arrive, one of them is murdered, not that any of the others seem to be upset. Then Patrick is poisoned and Angie finds herself chief suspect.
Thread the Halls s a fun fast read. It was pretty easy to spot the culprit but that really didn’t make the story less enjoyable. It is more about the spirit of Christmas and the importance of friends, family, and traditions especially at the holidays. The best part of the book, at least for me, was a paragraph at the beginning of each chapter giving a small history of needlepointing going all the way back, in one case, to Shakespeare. These included quotes from real samplers (some seemingly quite morbid by today’s standards given that many were created by children as young as nine) as well as short biographies of the creators. A well-written cozy just in time for the holidays.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
Thread the Halls s a fun fast read. It was pretty easy to spot the culprit but that really didn’t make the story less enjoyable. It is more about the spirit of Christmas and the importance of friends, family, and traditions especially at the holidays. The best part of the book, at least for me, was a paragraph at the beginning of each chapter giving a small history of needlepointing going all the way back, in one case, to Shakespeare. These included quotes from real samplers (some seemingly quite morbid by today’s standards given that many were created by children as young as nine) as well as short biographies of the creators. A well-written cozy just in time for the holidays.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
April 16, 2019
4.5 Stars
Another great book by Lea Wait. And a Christmas one at that!
I am not sure how I missed reading this title. So, I am going backward in time to catch myself up. I was taken aback in parts of this book for Angie. My stomach fell as she was accused of something two different times by two different people. Even though it was quickly wrapped up with one, I almost wished that Patrick would have been a tad angry at her even though the whole incident wasn’t her fault. I am trying to be vague here and not spoil a key part of the plot.
Another thing that bothered me a bit was that Angie always goes to the Christmas celebration at her Gram’s church, but it was expected of her to be at this movie star’s party. A nice host would have scheduled her event for a time that didn’t correspond with a big event in town. And Ethan, you need to talk a bit more dude, you are like the ghost of Haven Harbor just floating in and out with scenes without speaking.
It may sound like I am really down on this book but I am totally not! I am the biggest fan ever and just want to see more of my favorites get their air time. There are only a couple of Mainely Needlepointers who make it into these books and I sure would like to see more of them featured like Ruth the closet erotica author was in this one.
This is a great mystery, the suspense really catches you off guard and once you start you just can’t put it down. One of my favorite cozy mystery worlds.
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.
Another great book by Lea Wait. And a Christmas one at that!
I am not sure how I missed reading this title. So, I am going backward in time to catch myself up. I was taken aback in parts of this book for Angie. My stomach fell as she was accused of something two different times by two different people. Even though it was quickly wrapped up with one, I almost wished that Patrick would have been a tad angry at her even though the whole incident wasn’t her fault. I am trying to be vague here and not spoil a key part of the plot.
Another thing that bothered me a bit was that Angie always goes to the Christmas celebration at her Gram’s church, but it was expected of her to be at this movie star’s party. A nice host would have scheduled her event for a time that didn’t correspond with a big event in town. And Ethan, you need to talk a bit more dude, you are like the ghost of Haven Harbor just floating in and out with scenes without speaking.
It may sound like I am really down on this book but I am totally not! I am the biggest fan ever and just want to see more of my favorites get their air time. There are only a couple of Mainely Needlepointers who make it into these books and I sure would like to see more of them featured like Ruth the closet erotica author was in this one.
This is a great mystery, the suspense really catches you off guard and once you start you just can’t put it down. One of my favorite cozy mystery worlds.
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.
December 12, 2017
This one was a little different than the others from this series but I enjoyed it.
Angie just wants to have a normal Christmas as it will be the first one since she came back home, but it seems fate has other plans. Her boyfriend's mother Skye, an actress, is coming home with her crew as they are having some problems on set. She wants everything decorated, catered and all sorts of extravagant things done for Christmas by the time she gets there and for while she is there. Patrick is stressing out a bit and ask Angie and her needlepointers for help. This was not the plans that Angie had for the days leading up to Christmas.
Then one of the actors ends up dead and chaos of the holidays ensues plus trying to figure out why anyone would want to kill Paul. Then Patrick, Angie's boyfriend is poisoned and then Angie is under suspicion for the murder. It's not turning out to be a very merry Christmas the way Angie had hoped.
I really like Angie and the gang of needlepointers they are a pretty cool lot. Even though Skye can be a bit extravagant as she is an actress she can also be pretty cool and I really like Patrick too. It just has a great cast of characters.
The motive for what was happening I couldn't figure out though I guessed who had done it pretty early on, I just was baffled as to why and there was a little surprise that caught me off guard towards the very end it kind of went along with a bit of the storyline with the screen writers. :)
I have really been enjoying the holiday cozies this year and this was another good one!
Angie just wants to have a normal Christmas as it will be the first one since she came back home, but it seems fate has other plans. Her boyfriend's mother Skye, an actress, is coming home with her crew as they are having some problems on set. She wants everything decorated, catered and all sorts of extravagant things done for Christmas by the time she gets there and for while she is there. Patrick is stressing out a bit and ask Angie and her needlepointers for help. This was not the plans that Angie had for the days leading up to Christmas.
Then one of the actors ends up dead and chaos of the holidays ensues plus trying to figure out why anyone would want to kill Paul. Then Patrick, Angie's boyfriend is poisoned and then Angie is under suspicion for the murder. It's not turning out to be a very merry Christmas the way Angie had hoped.
I really like Angie and the gang of needlepointers they are a pretty cool lot. Even though Skye can be a bit extravagant as she is an actress she can also be pretty cool and I really like Patrick too. It just has a great cast of characters.
The motive for what was happening I couldn't figure out though I guessed who had done it pretty early on, I just was baffled as to why and there was a little surprise that caught me off guard towards the very end it kind of went along with a bit of the storyline with the screen writers. :)
I have really been enjoying the holiday cozies this year and this was another good one!
November 6, 2017
Now I know I said that I was going to quit this series but when I saw that the next release was a holiday themed one, I knew I wanted to try it. I’m such a sucker for holiday reads that I can’t resist it when I see one.Just like the other books in this series, these books are much slower in pace than other Cozy Mysteries. That was my biggest complaint with them. It can take up nearly the first half of the book for the initial murder to occur before the amateur sleuth stuff gets going.
The main heroine, Angie Curtis, also comes across as pretty laid back. So it keeps in line with the pacing and plot of the novel. I don’t think she takes too much initiative compared to others so that’s another thing to keep in mind.
The holiday aspect of this series is bright and fun and with such a large community in this series, you do have some pretty memorable moments. So I am glad that I ended up trying this series again.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Annie❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
April 16, 2018
This is the first book that I have read in the Mainely Needlepoint mystery series, but look forward to reading other books in the series and finding out more about Angie, the main character. There were many things that were alluded to in the book about her childhood and also about her training as a P.I. in Arizona that I found interesting. In the current book, it is Christmas time in Haven Harbor, Maine, and everyone in town is busy trying to get their last minute things done before the holiday. Angie's boyfriend Patrick's mother, the actress Skye West, has decided that she is going to spend Christmas in town and bring some of the people from her current movie with her. This adds to the last minute things that Angie and her friends agree to do to help Patrick get things ready at Aurora. I liked the characters in this book, they are interesting and seem like real people that you might know in real life. I also enjoyed the small town setting and the descriptions of the town and of the Maine coast. I am looking forward to reading more of these books in the near future.
I would like to thank Lea Wait for a copy of this book. This did not influence my review in any way.
I would like to thank Lea Wait for a copy of this book. This did not influence my review in any way.
May 17, 2023
Hollywood meets Haven Harbor, Maine and of course murder follows. Even if I can figure out the culprit who committed the crime, I love seeing how Angie figures it all out.
The description of the festivities over the Christmas season are wonderful, in spite of death the show must go on.
My favorite character is the kitten. Patrick is a bit of a Mama’s Boy, we’ll have to see how he comes across in the next episode. Basically I like all the characters.
I guess Dave’s poison garden isn’t the only source of deadly potions, where did the arsenic come from?? A few other things were left hanging, but I enjoyed it anyway.
This is Book #6 that started in May. Angie was going to give her visit a six month trial. Now we are into December, I feel like the author forgot to write about the two intervening months?? She has her time frame a little mixed up.
The description of the festivities over the Christmas season are wonderful, in spite of death the show must go on.
My favorite character is the kitten. Patrick is a bit of a Mama’s Boy, we’ll have to see how he comes across in the next episode. Basically I like all the characters.
I guess Dave’s poison garden isn’t the only source of deadly potions, where did the arsenic come from?? A few other things were left hanging, but I enjoyed it anyway.
This is Book #6 that started in May. Angie was going to give her visit a six month trial. Now we are into December, I feel like the author forgot to write about the two intervening months?? She has her time frame a little mixed up.
August 28, 2019
It's Christmas time in Haven Harbor, Maine and Angie and the needlepointers are working hard to complete their Christmas orders. Local actress and mother of Angie's boyfriend, Skye West has decided to host Christmas at her mansion, Aurora and is bringing a couple of her famous friends. Skye has been working on a movie in Scotland and there are rumors that the movie isn't going so well. The thought is that Skye is bringing them to Haven Harbor to drum up some publicity. Once of the main actors in the movie is found shot dead outside Aurora and everyone is a suspect. Then, Patrick is poisoned with some questionable cookies that he claims came from Angie. Now, Angie really wants to get to the bottom of the mystery, so she can prove to Patrick and Skye that she would never do anything to hurt Patrick. Another good one in the Mainely Needlepoint series.
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