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Quilting Cozy Mysteries #1
Sewing Suspicion
Secrets and a patchwork of white lies. Can Alex string together the truth before her life unravels?
Alex Bailey’s heart feels threadbare. Struggling with the dubious practices of her NYC law firm, she’s left her high-profile career and is eager to clear her conscience with a trip home to care for the woman who raised her. But when an ill fate befalls the quilting matriarch, the shocked lawyer suspects someone is covering up murder.
Unpicking the strands of her beloved grandmother’s life, Alex patches together clues that prove her loved one’s death was no accident. And when the practice’s stained history weaves into the culprit’s devious handiwork, she’ll need to stay alive long enough to expose a heartless killer.
Can Alex get to the bottom of a sinister pattern before she ends up buried in a flower garden?
Sewing Suspicion is the captivating first book in a series of Quilting Cozy Mysteries. If you like troubled heroines, pulse-pounding twists, and intriguing howdunits, then you’ll love Kathryn Mykel’s cleverly woven tale.
Alex Bailey’s heart feels threadbare. Struggling with the dubious practices of her NYC law firm, she’s left her high-profile career and is eager to clear her conscience with a trip home to care for the woman who raised her. But when an ill fate befalls the quilting matriarch, the shocked lawyer suspects someone is covering up murder.
Unpicking the strands of her beloved grandmother’s life, Alex patches together clues that prove her loved one’s death was no accident. And when the practice’s stained history weaves into the culprit’s devious handiwork, she’ll need to stay alive long enough to expose a heartless killer.
Can Alex get to the bottom of a sinister pattern before she ends up buried in a flower garden?
Sewing Suspicion is the captivating first book in a series of Quilting Cozy Mysteries. If you like troubled heroines, pulse-pounding twists, and intriguing howdunits, then you’ll love Kathryn Mykel’s cleverly woven tale.
272 pages, ebook
First published November 4, 2021
698 people are currently reading
2544 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Mykel
57 books1,010 followersKathryn Mykel, is an award-winning author of best-selling Sewing Suspicion, book 1 in the Quilting Cozy Mystery Series.
Inspired by the laugh-out-loud and fanciful aspects of cozies, Kathryn Mykel writes lighthearted, humorous cozies surrounding her passion for the craft of quilting. She's an avid quilter who was born and raised in a small New England town.
For more fun content and new releases, follow https://www.authorkathrynmykel.com
Sign up for her newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/61c1f4...
or join her and her thReaders on Facebook at @AuthorKathrynMykel or the Books For Quilters FB Group.
Inspired by the laugh-out-loud and fanciful aspects of cozies, Kathryn Mykel writes lighthearted, humorous cozies surrounding her passion for the craft of quilting. She's an avid quilter who was born and raised in a small New England town.
For more fun content and new releases, follow https://www.authorkathrynmykel.com
Sign up for her newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/61c1f4...
or join her and her thReaders on Facebook at @AuthorKathrynMykel or the Books For Quilters FB Group.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
July 2, 2022
I admit I’m just not a quilter. It’s not that I have anything against quilting but being left handed I look at everything from a different angle. That doesn’t stop me from reading cozy mysteries about quilting and this one I throughly enjoyed. The writer actually owns a quilting studio so she didn’t have to research that part of the mystery. This book was refreshingly different and I feel better for reading it. I found the characters with their quirky personalities very likable and they truly fit the story. The book held my interest from the beginning to the epilogue. It was entertaining, realistic, unpredictable and even had an edge of seat part close to the end of the book. I did guess whodunnit but I didn’t know for sure if I was right until it was revealed to the readers at the books ending. This new to me author has won me over and I have book two on my want to read shelf.
Alex Bailey is a Lawyer for a successful Law Firm in New York City. Because her Grandma Nona needs her Alex resigns from the Law Firm and returns home to Spruce Street in Salem. Something isn’t right with Grandma Nona and Alex can’t get her to open up about what is troubling her. Nona seems upset with family members and seems unable to except changes in her life. She refuses to confide in Alex about why she, Nona, asked her granddaughter to come home from NewYork City. During a quilt meeting with members of Nona’s quilting club she seems intent on making rude comments about her new daughter in law in front of that lady and the rest of the club ladies in attendance. Then Grandma Nana excuses herself and doesn’t return to the meeting. Her live in companion finds Nana dead in the bathroom. What caused this healthy woman to be entertaining one moment and then be found dead the next moment? Alex can’t help but question her death. Something just doesn’t seem right but who would have reason to kill this prominent older resident on Spruce Street? Alex has questions that she wants answered for her own closure.
I recommend this book to readers of cozy mystery and for those who love to quilt. It is the first book of A Quilting Cozy Mystery series.
I won this book in a Facebook group giveaway. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own thoughts about this book.
Alex Bailey is a Lawyer for a successful Law Firm in New York City. Because her Grandma Nona needs her Alex resigns from the Law Firm and returns home to Spruce Street in Salem. Something isn’t right with Grandma Nona and Alex can’t get her to open up about what is troubling her. Nona seems upset with family members and seems unable to except changes in her life. She refuses to confide in Alex about why she, Nona, asked her granddaughter to come home from NewYork City. During a quilt meeting with members of Nona’s quilting club she seems intent on making rude comments about her new daughter in law in front of that lady and the rest of the club ladies in attendance. Then Grandma Nana excuses herself and doesn’t return to the meeting. Her live in companion finds Nana dead in the bathroom. What caused this healthy woman to be entertaining one moment and then be found dead the next moment? Alex can’t help but question her death. Something just doesn’t seem right but who would have reason to kill this prominent older resident on Spruce Street? Alex has questions that she wants answered for her own closure.
I recommend this book to readers of cozy mystery and for those who love to quilt. It is the first book of A Quilting Cozy Mystery series.
I won this book in a Facebook group giveaway. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own thoughts about this book.
November 4, 2021
I read this as a first draft beta read back in June (five months prior to publication) and really enjoyed the story. It was quirky and fun. I loved the character, Nona and from what I have read it looks like she (yes, Nona ... and I suppose the author too) has laid the ground work for an entertaining and cool series - yay for Nona and her quilting quirks.
I've given this book a five star rating based off an unedited draft because I loved the story and the characters and could see its potential once the rounds of edits were completed. I think any lover of cozy's will be happy with this series, and any quilting or wanna-be quilters out there will love it too.
I've given this book a five star rating based off an unedited draft because I loved the story and the characters and could see its potential once the rounds of edits were completed. I think any lover of cozy's will be happy with this series, and any quilting or wanna-be quilters out there will love it too.
November 26, 2021
This was a different kind of main character for a cozy that had a little more intrigue and threat to her since Alex had worked as a high-powered lawyer in a not-so-upstanding law firm that she'd left. I enjoyed meeting Nona and thought it was so sweet how she treated Alex just like a blood granddaughter. But as I'd read in the blurb, I knew not to expect Nona to stick around which was actually sad because I liked her.
She'd left Alex quite the legacy to take care of, but first Alex was concerned with finding out who would've had a motive to kill Nona. The showdown was a really good one and even better once it was done and I found out something else about it. The series is in Kindle Unlimited, so I'll definitely be reading on and seeing how Alex's life is coming along on Spruce Street.
She'd left Alex quite the legacy to take care of, but first Alex was concerned with finding out who would've had a motive to kill Nona. The showdown was a really good one and even better once it was done and I found out something else about it. The series is in Kindle Unlimited, so I'll definitely be reading on and seeing how Alex's life is coming along on Spruce Street.
February 11, 2022
This was a quick, cute cozy mystery read with great characters and an intriguing mystery. I loved how Alex’s New York life was woven into this story rather than just added as a reason to bring her home. I was really getting to like Granny and was a little sad when she’s murdered; she was so sassy! The quilting was a prominent part of the story but it wasn’t necessary to know too much about it to enjoy this one (I only know what I’ve picked up from other cozies over the years and I wasn’t lost). So excited to read the second one with the change in location.
October 30, 2021
Alex moves home to Salem, Massachusetts because she wants to leave the law firm in NYC behind. She moves in with her Nona, who has asked her to come home. Once she arrives, mayhem ensues, and she must unravel the deadly secrets! A cute first entry in a new series and I will watch for the next editions. I received an advance readers copy from the author in return for an honest review.
February 27, 2022
I loved this book, it's a cozy mystery which are my go to books at the moment and the characters are like one big family. They're easily read in a few hours and have a good storyline.
Alex was taken in by Nona and her family when she was orphaned and was raised by Nona, ending up as a very successful lawyer in New York. However, Alex is unsettled at work, and when Nona asks her for help, it's the push she needs to come home to Spruce Street in Salem.
Once she's home, Alex finds out that Nona has some strange ideas abd has changed, which is very worrying. When Nona suddenly dies, Alex is determined to find out who did it. She's shocked to find out the truth.
I hope this is a long series, I've never read anything by this author before, but I'll be looking out for more. Like the majority of books in this genre, they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
Alex was taken in by Nona and her family when she was orphaned and was raised by Nona, ending up as a very successful lawyer in New York. However, Alex is unsettled at work, and when Nona asks her for help, it's the push she needs to come home to Spruce Street in Salem.
Once she's home, Alex finds out that Nona has some strange ideas abd has changed, which is very worrying. When Nona suddenly dies, Alex is determined to find out who did it. She's shocked to find out the truth.
I hope this is a long series, I've never read anything by this author before, but I'll be looking out for more. Like the majority of books in this genre, they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
November 17, 2021
I am an avid mystery reader. From hard boiled mystery writers like Raymond Chandler and Rex Stout to Cozy Mysteries. The author has done a solid job of sprinkling clues through the story without giving the ending away. And ending with several interesting twists. The mystery is solved, but the author also throws in some tantalizing tidbits as far as where the next book in the series might lead, and I can't wait. One final comment. For any readers that are concerned you need to be a quilter to appreciate this book, never fear. That would be akin to saying you must be a gourmand or a lover of orchids to appreciate Nero Wolfe. The quilting references are included in the story, but lacking a knowledge of quilting should not interfere with the reader's enjoyment. Recommend this book. It is entertaining and a quick read.
November 14, 2021
Must-read quilting mystery!
I am so glad I decided to read this fun and intriguing book. I enjoyed the twists and turns and “thread-clipping” weaving of words. I really didn’t know a lot about quilting before I read this - but the plot and character-building was so good that I was completely drawn in to the story. I may even take up quilting now. Guess I should start saving my cereal boxes-lol.
I didn’t see the end coming!! Read it in one sitting and can’t wait to see more books from this author.
I am so glad I decided to read this fun and intriguing book. I enjoyed the twists and turns and “thread-clipping” weaving of words. I really didn’t know a lot about quilting before I read this - but the plot and character-building was so good that I was completely drawn in to the story. I may even take up quilting now. Guess I should start saving my cereal boxes-lol.
I didn’t see the end coming!! Read it in one sitting and can’t wait to see more books from this author.
July 12, 2022
A superficial treatment of a disjointed story. While quilting forms a backdrop, the theme falls flat and doesn't really add anything to the story. The "whodunit" part seems completely separate from the interpersonal interactions. The protagonist does nothing but ask a couple of questions.
I got no real sense of the characters and their relationships, and the ending seemed like "Oh. I got to 100K words. How do I wrap this up now?"
The dialog is extremely stilted and unrealistic.
I got no real sense of the characters and their relationships, and the ending seemed like "Oh. I got to 100K words. How do I wrap this up now?"
The dialog is extremely stilted and unrealistic.
May 25, 2022
I read this book for book club. This was an entertaining read. The characters are interesting and likable. It took me a couple of chapters to get invested in the story but once I did. The mystery move at a good pace with several twists and turns. I recommend to book to cozy mystery fans.
June 14, 2022
To start: this series really needs to read in order to understand and watch the characters and the story unfold.
This is such a fun story about Alex who lives in NYC and her “Nona”. Alex would do anything for her. So, when her “Nona” calls and asks that she come back home and help her, Alex doesn’t think twice. She leaves her lawyer job and heads home. When she gets home, strange things are happening. I will let you read about those. Alex tries to put the puzzle pieces together, but they are not all fitting. There are a lot of fun and funny spots in this story. And yes there are many references to quilting along the way. Can’t wait to read book 2
This is such a fun story about Alex who lives in NYC and her “Nona”. Alex would do anything for her. So, when her “Nona” calls and asks that she come back home and help her, Alex doesn’t think twice. She leaves her lawyer job and heads home. When she gets home, strange things are happening. I will let you read about those. Alex tries to put the puzzle pieces together, but they are not all fitting. There are a lot of fun and funny spots in this story. And yes there are many references to quilting along the way. Can’t wait to read book 2
November 14, 2021
A Wholesome Romp Down a Small Town Street
A wholesome romp down a small town street with quirky neighbours ripe for suspect picking. Quilting tidbits and desserts galore are delightfully dished, as an evil perpetrator stops at nothing to "needle" their way into Spruce Street resident life. Former New York high priced lawyer, Alex, will take up the sleuthing mantle to avenge a strange and sudden family death, weaving a path that takes her down a multi-layered and adventurous end.
A wholesome romp down a small town street with quirky neighbours ripe for suspect picking. Quilting tidbits and desserts galore are delightfully dished, as an evil perpetrator stops at nothing to "needle" their way into Spruce Street resident life. Former New York high priced lawyer, Alex, will take up the sleuthing mantle to avenge a strange and sudden family death, weaving a path that takes her down a multi-layered and adventurous end.
April 17, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book and I really like the characters. The storyline was different, a little twisted. The relationship between Charlotte, Jack, Nona and Alex was unusual and should’ve been explained early on. I can really appreciate the research that went into the murder weapon, that was really unusual. I don’t think we’re done with that law firm. I look forward to the next book in the series!!
January 23, 2023
Cute
A cute book which I read quickly. I couldn't believe I had finished it as quickly as I did. Lucky for me, I already have the next two books in the series.
A cute book which I read quickly. I couldn't believe I had finished it as quickly as I did. Lucky for me, I already have the next two books in the series.
August 11, 2025
I loved this book! Such a fun read for quilters or non quilters. Was disappointed that it ended. Looking forward to #2.
Betsy Megna
Betsy Megna
April 23, 2022
A bit shallow
There are good bones here, but it felt as if it was all surface and never went deeper than that. The small town was kitschy but cute. There was a definite community and a seemingly loving small town vibe. I just couldn’t get a good connection on the characters and frankly the killer was kinda obvious. I wanted to like the story but it just didn’t work for me. Your mileage may vary.
There are good bones here, but it felt as if it was all surface and never went deeper than that. The small town was kitschy but cute. There was a definite community and a seemingly loving small town vibe. I just couldn’t get a good connection on the characters and frankly the killer was kinda obvious. I wanted to like the story but it just didn’t work for me. Your mileage may vary.
April 25, 2022
I really wanted to love this book as my two favourite things are reading and quilting. The characters are interesting and believable and the plot was good. My problem was that there were too many inconsistencies. Too many times when I stopped and thought "no, no way would anyone do that, say that, or act like that". Finally too many unfinished parts of the story, yes I know, it is so I am supposed to read the second book. Unfortunately I don't care what happens next.
Read
January 29, 2022Couldn't get into this one, might just not be in the right headspace
May 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to getting the next one in the series
July 26, 2025
The ending felt very rushed and the arrest was honestly too quick and easy. I love cozies so I know they aren’t meant to be incredibly intense, however this was lacking for me. I may look into the next in the series as the epilogue was exciting.
August 12, 2025
I love Alex and her tribe of quilters and friends! Cute, cozy quilting mystery at its best ~ I'm already looking forward to the rest of the series :)
April 29, 2022
I enjoyed this cozy mystery. There seems to be two cleverly woven mysteries in this book/series to keep the read entertained. One that gets solved in this book (who killed Nana) and a second one that continues in the next book (the Secrets and scheming Nana did before she died). I didn't actually like Nana, she just seemed rude and mean for no reason and never did explain why she was behaving that way, although if she did I guess the mystery would have been solved a lot quicker. The rest of the characters were like able and Alex made for a good main character, she wasn't a ditzy blonde like most and wasn't afraid to suspect her own family. There is a lot of sewing/quilting talk but you don't need to have an understanding of it to enjoy the book and it was more of a way for the characters to get together and even show there love. The mystery was interesting with a number of suspects. Off to start the next book.
Alex gets a phone call from her Nana asking her to come home. Disillusioned with her job the request proves the perfect opportunity to hand her in notice at the law firm she works at. Once she arrives it's to find here Nana is acting strangely and demanding she wants her will changed, writing everybody but Alex out. Alex tries to smooth the ruffled feathers between her adopted family members by trying to bridge the divide with everybody's passion quilting. Unfortunately Nana dies at one one of the meeting from an allergy nobody knew she had. Was she killed because of the will? Alex is determined to stitch together all the clue to find out. What did Nana have against her only some new wife? Why did she kick her grand daughter out of the house? And what was with all the everyday hair appointments ? The break in at her house that she told nobody but her best friend? Or even more worrying the threatening notes Alex keeps finding. Can Alex find out what happened?
Alex gets a phone call from her Nana asking her to come home. Disillusioned with her job the request proves the perfect opportunity to hand her in notice at the law firm she works at. Once she arrives it's to find here Nana is acting strangely and demanding she wants her will changed, writing everybody but Alex out. Alex tries to smooth the ruffled feathers between her adopted family members by trying to bridge the divide with everybody's passion quilting. Unfortunately Nana dies at one one of the meeting from an allergy nobody knew she had. Was she killed because of the will? Alex is determined to stitch together all the clue to find out. What did Nana have against her only some new wife? Why did she kick her grand daughter out of the house? And what was with all the everyday hair appointments ? The break in at her house that she told nobody but her best friend? Or even more worrying the threatening notes Alex keeps finding. Can Alex find out what happened?
March 5, 2023
Sewing Suspicion is a new debut cozy mystery and it is very good! The characters are interesting and likable. The mystery is good but the culprit was easy to guess but I wasn’t sure until the end about the details. Alexandria (Alex) is a lawyer but leaves her job and goes home to help her adopted Grandmother Nona. Nona raised Alex and they are very close. Nona’s son Jack arrived home recently with a new bride Jennifer which has Nona upset. Jack’s daughter Charlotte is arguing with Nona. Alex decides to give Jennifer a chance and invites her to a quilting group meeting. Nona seems fine and then ends up dead. Often cozy mysteries start off with the grandmother or Aunt already dead so this is unusual but it is nice to get to know Nona and it isn’t overly maudlin. Of course the mystery is solving Nona’s death. The quilt aspect was interesting especially when Alex finds a pile of quilts. The book moves at a good pace and there is enough going on to keep the reader engaged. This was a very enjoyable cozy mystery. #sewingSuspicion
November 12, 2022
This first book in the series was a delightful read. There were layers of mystery throughout the book and not all were resolved at the end. Alex comes back to her childhood home after leaving her New York City law firm under strange circumstances. We get hints throughout the book as to why she left but there’s more to that mystery in this series I think. Shortly after her return, her adopted grandma Nona dies under strange circumstances. Alex is set on finding Nina’s murderer and along the way receives strange texts warning her of danger. As characters unfold during the book we get to meet a fun cast of neighbors and friends in this unique Spruce Street neighborhood where each house is simply know by it’s number, based on the order in which it was built. I was guessing until the end and surprised when the murderer was revealed. I’m looking forward to continuing this wonderful cozy mystery series.
February 27, 2024
I loved this book, it's a cozy mystery which are my go to books at the moment and the characters are like one big family. They're easily read in a few hours and have a good storyline.
Alex was taken in by Nona and her family when she was orphaned and was raised by Nona, ending up as a very successful lawyer in New York. However, Alex is unsettled at work, and when Nona asks her for help, it's the push she needs to come home to Spruce Street in Salem.
Once she's home, Alex finds out that Nona has some strange ideas abd has changed, which is very worrying. When Nona suddenly dies, Alex is determined to find out who did it. She's shocked to find out the truth.
I hope this is a long series, I've never read anything by this author before, but I'll be looking out for more. Like the majority of books in this genre, they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
Alex was taken in by Nona and her family when she was orphaned and was raised by Nona, ending up as a very successful lawyer in New York. However, Alex is unsettled at work, and when Nona asks her for help, it's the push she needs to come home to Spruce Street in Salem.
Once she's home, Alex finds out that Nona has some strange ideas abd has changed, which is very worrying. When Nona suddenly dies, Alex is determined to find out who did it. She's shocked to find out the truth.
I hope this is a long series, I've never read anything by this author before, but I'll be looking out for more. Like the majority of books in this genre, they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
March 12, 2024
I must be an outlier here, but this was just OK. Perhaps if you are looking for a quick read to reach a Goodreads Challenge goal, this could be a recommendation. There is no explanation of how the lead lawyer/ adopted granddaughter became so wealthy. No reason why her grandmother would have been evasive with her. The characters were not interesting enough, and the motive behind the murder was not really even clear. Why was the actual granddaughter at odds with Nona? No clue and it just miraculously resolved? It was just odd. I was looking forward to the crafting element with the quilting, but even that was not really taking center stage. How many times can she go to the fabric store and "pet" fabric? The writing was definitely not polished.
I think the set up leading into another book in the series was well done with a air of mystery, but I am not interested enough to continue.
I think the set up leading into another book in the series was well done with a air of mystery, but I am not interested enough to continue.
August 13, 2022
This is my first read by this author but can't wait to read the next in the series. Her writing style is light-hearted and loaded with some quirky characters that will make you laugh. Her characters are fun, steeped in intrigue and lots of mystery.
This cozy surrounding a neighborhood of quilting enthusiasts gives the books an interesting list of characters. I loved Nona's quirky habits and had many laughs from her throughout the book. She was a gem in the story. Great plot.
The story ending wrapped up everything nicely. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and solve a mystery!
This cozy surrounding a neighborhood of quilting enthusiasts gives the books an interesting list of characters. I loved Nona's quirky habits and had many laughs from her throughout the book. She was a gem in the story. Great plot.
The story ending wrapped up everything nicely. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and solve a mystery!
January 22, 2023
I thought this was an excellent book. I did remember the clue that gave away the killer but you can never be certain the one you think is truly “it.” It was a kooky story
But it had some depth that other cozies often lack. I enjoyed the characters but some of the neighbors were a little over the top. The concept of things happening on Spruce Street was a fun one to me. I like Alex very much and look forward to more mysteries with her as the protagonist. A fast-moving story and easy reading.
But it had some depth that other cozies often lack. I enjoyed the characters but some of the neighbors were a little over the top. The concept of things happening on Spruce Street was a fun one to me. I like Alex very much and look forward to more mysteries with her as the protagonist. A fast-moving story and easy reading.
September 5, 2023
A Great Mystery
Mykel delivers a well written, clean and engrossing story for any age! I loved the characters and the interactions of the different generations among the quilting club. The villain took me by surprise, even though I had my suspicions. The explanation made total sense but, of course, the reasoning of the murderer was senseless - that's why they get caught! The victim seemed bigger than life and you wished she didn't have to die but her legacy remains powerful. What a fun story. I recommend this highly for clean, swear-free reading.
Mykel delivers a well written, clean and engrossing story for any age! I loved the characters and the interactions of the different generations among the quilting club. The villain took me by surprise, even though I had my suspicions. The explanation made total sense but, of course, the reasoning of the murderer was senseless - that's why they get caught! The victim seemed bigger than life and you wished she didn't have to die but her legacy remains powerful. What a fun story. I recommend this highly for clean, swear-free reading.
April 28, 2022
Sewing Suspicion: A Quilting Cozy Mystery Book 1 by Kathryn Mykel A cute little mystery revolving around quilting! My mother was a quilter so I loved the jargon and being reminded of all things involved in quilting. Alex moved back to Spruce Street from the big city to live with her adopted grandmother. She lands right in the middle of a murder investigation that she has to solve. Lots of twists and turn in this heartwarming cozy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews