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When an elderly man shows up at the home of reluctant amateur sleuth Anastasia Pollack, she’s drawn into the unsolved mystery of the greatest art heist in history.

Boston mob boss Cormac Murphy has recently been released from prison. He refuses to believe Anastasia’s assertion that the man he’s looking for doesn’t live at her address and attempts to muscle his way into her home. His efforts are thwarted by Anastasia’s fiancé Zack Barnes.

A week later, a stolen SUV containing a dead body appears in Anastasia’s driveway. Anastasia believes Murphy is sending her a message. It’s only the first in a series of alarming incidents, including a mugging, a break-in, another murder, and the discovery of a cache of jewelry and an etching from the largest museum burglary in history.

But will Anastasia solve the mystery behind these shocking events before she falls victim to a couple of desperate thugs who will stop at nothing to get what they want?

Crafts projects included.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 23, 2022

23 people are currently reading
68 people want to read

About the author

Lois Winston

65 books327 followers
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USA Today and Amazon bestselling and award-winning author Lois Winston writes mystery, romance, romantic suspense, chick lit, women’s fiction, children’s chapter books, and nonfiction under her own name and her Emma Carlyle pen name. Kirkus Reviews dubbed her critically acclaimed Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery series, “North Jersey’s more mature answer to Stephanie Plum.” In addition, Lois is a former literary agent and an award-winning craft and needlework designer who often draws much of her source material for both her characters and plots from her experiences in the crafts industry.

Visit Lois and Emma at www.loiswinston.com and visit Anastasia at the Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers blog, www.anastasiapollack.blogspot.com. Follow everyone on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Anasleuth.

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,209 reviews61 followers
September 6, 2022
Guilty as Framed Earns 5/5 Masterpiece Etchings…Engaging & Clever!

Renovating her outdated home shouldn’t be a perilous endeavor, but Anastasia Pollack’s reputation for getting entangled in murder investigations is a well-established thing, so beware! The problems start with a pushy, older man, donning a fedora hat, demanding to see “Johnnie D.” Zack, fiancé extraordinaire, helps send the man on his way, but it isn’t over. Detective Spader is notified of “fedora man’s” threats, and later reports the man as recently released con Cormac Murphy, a Boston mob boss involved in counterfeiting and forgery. Murphy was also thought to have been involved in what many label the greatest art heist in history (1990 robbery at Isabell Stewart Gardener Museum), but he had a well-established alibi…he was in prison at the time. Murphy is not deterred by “Johnnie D. doesn’t live here,” but is he the one who parks the SUV in Anastasia’s driveway with a dead body in it? The body’s identity answers one question, but it opens a Pandora’s box of more dead bodies, a mugging, a break in, and a shocking discovery in the rubble of the kitchen remodel.

Lois Winston again crafted a clever cozy as the eleventh book in her Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery incorporating an infamous art theft, aging mobsters, missing witnesses, a murder then, more now, and the recovery of a masterpiece? Revenge is typical motive when the mob is involved; they don’t take kindly to “rats,” betrayals, or not getting their cut of an extremely lucrative caper. It gets more complex with curious incidents, misunderstandings, and lots of perilous, nail-biting moments. Well done all the way to a surprise, climatic ending…and a bit of a “reward”!

Lois Winston’s writing style and creative “crafty” eye makes the Anastasia Pollack Mysteries a popular series for me! It check off all my cozy boxes with descriptive language to create the New Jersey setting and exciting mood, realistic banter to illustrate multi-generational personalities, and fun bonuses. I enjoy the sleuthing partnership between Anastasia and Zack, as well as parental partners of Anastasia’s two teen boys, and seeing them remain a solid team when dealing with the very challenging senior citizens of the group. Anastasia’s mother-in-law would be gone or at least given a big dose of the truth, if it were me, and her mama’s selfishness would have me wishing to be an orphan. But, Zack’s calming, yet no-nonsense, attitude helps corral Anastasia’s emotions and defuse that which could explode. All around special experience…Don’t miss this!

The bonus, “Anastasia’s Frame Art Crafts,” is your guide with detailed instructions, tips, and finishing techniques to create your own “literal” frames: Road Map Decoupage, Decorative Photo, Shabby Chic, and Shells, Buttons, Charms or Beads. Fun!

Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
181 reviews6 followers
September 6, 2022
Guilty as Framed by Lois Winston is the eleventh book in the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery series. Anastasia seems to attract dead bodies and has gained a reputation as a well-thought-of amateur sleuth. In this eleventh book, Anastasia again finds herself caught up in a criminal case. She cannot get away from being involved after dead bodies and stolen valuables of jewelry and artwork that may have possible ties to an art heist are discovered on her property in New Jersey. Anastasia uses her sleuthing skills in conjunction with the law enforcement investigation. However, solving the crimes becomes even more personal due to a physical attack and attempted murder of a household member.

Besides trying to get to the bottom of who and why criminals have singled out her family, Anastasia is dealing with significant house renovations and dramatic family diatribes. The case is challenging in trying to come up with answers as Anastasia runs into hurdles to overcome. Will Anastasia and law enforcement officials successfully identify the culprits and end their criminal activities before more people are victimized?

Winston has written a fun and exciting murder mystery with great dialogue and characters who run the gamut of positive and negative emotions. The cast of characters with individual temperaments makes for close-knit interactions and, at times, exasperating conflicts. A romantic relationship and unwavering bonds with family and friends also play a part in the story. Well-placed clues and cliffhangers keep readers in suspense and turning the pages until reaching the end.

Guilty as Framed can be read as a stand-alone. However, there are references in the story to the past sleuthing adventures of Anastasia. Anyone who wants to know more about Anastasia’s character development and her involvement in criminal cases as an amateur sleuth can read the first ten books in a tantalizing mystery series.

The author shares an interesting tidbit of information about an unsolved major artwork theft in 1990 from a museum in Boston, which is the inspiration behind Guilty as Framed. Anyone interested in learning more about the robbery can find details about it on the Internet.
Profile Image for Nancy.
Author 40 books668 followers
July 22, 2022
Murder, mobsters, and mirth mingle in this cozy mystery featuring crafts editor Anastasia Pollack. When a dead body turns up on her property, Anastasia can’t help getting involved. Someone is targeting her as well as her Communist mother-in-law. With a kitchen renovation and a fiancé who’s anticipating their upcoming nuptials, Anastasia has enough on her plate. She’d better get these killers off her back so the wedding can proceed without further mishaps. Otherwise, if the bad guys have their way, the bride will never make it down the aisle. Reading a book in this series is like visiting an old friend. It’s gratifying to see how the main characters evolve. Disclaimer - I did receive an advance copy from the author, but this is my original, unbiased review.
1,596 reviews12 followers
September 13, 2022
A great twisty mystery that pulled me into the middle of all that was happening and I stayed totally immersed in the adventure until I read the last word with incredible characters and a page turner mystery. Even though this is book eleven in the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery series, you should have no issues reading it as a standalone but why miss out all the fun and previous adventures. I love Anastasia and enjoy her dynamic with her friends and family and look forward to what happens next. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review. I liked it so much, I purchased a copy to read again later.
2,130 reviews46 followers
August 31, 2022
Anastasia Pollock has dealt with so much since her husband's death. He hadn't told her about his massive debt to the bookies. Now she's responsible for repaying it. Unfortunately, her MIL now lives with her. I felt for Anastasia. This woman is extremely unpleasant. She makes everyone suffer. I was so glad that Zack was there. I knew that he would always protect his fiancé . If only Anastasia wouldn't keep finding bodies! Now she's involved in murder, a decades old jewelry heist, and the Boston Mob. Guilty As Framed is a suspenseful cozy mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. Especially when it involved the possibility of recovering a stolen Rembrandt. The characters are well written. They made me care. I couldn't believe all the action in New Jersey. Anastasia's super power is apparently finding bodies. What a dangerous way to live.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Lisa Stewart.
64 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2022
Home renovations can be murder. When an elderly man shows up at the home of reluctant amateur sleuth Anastasia Pollack, she’s drawn into the unsolved mystery of the greatest art heist in history.
A discovery during the renovation reveals a hidden stolen treasure. Excellent plot and characters. Highly recommend this series. Her detective skills are excellent, and I am enjoying her ongoing home renovation. I do wish she would finally tell her mother in law the truth about her son and his “life insurance”.
Profile Image for Ashley Mertz.
251 reviews9 followers
September 7, 2022
Meet the Author: Lois Winston, author of Guilty as Framed, writes mystery, romance, romantic suspense, chick lit, women’s fiction, children’s chapter books, and nonfiction. Lois is a former literary agent and an award-winning craft and needlework designer. She often draws much of her source material for both her characters and plots from her experience in the craft industry.

Synopsis: Guilty as Framed is the eleventh book in the Anastasia Pollock Crafting Mystery Series. When old man Con, Cormac Murphy, Boston Mob Boss, shows up on Anastasia’s doorstep demanding to speak to “Johnnie D”, threats are made. Detective Spader is made aware of said threats and begins to investigate. After an SUV housing a dead body is parked in Anastasia’s driveway other crimes quickly begin to surface.

Reader’s Thoughts: This was my first time reading a book written by Lois Winston. Although this was the eleventh book within this series, I did not find myself lost or missing out on any details. I thoroughly enjoyed each character in this book. They were fun and full of witty banter. The plot was thoroughly thought out and flowed smoothly throughout. I look forward to reading more from this series in the near future.

Available Today September 6th 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you, #cozymysteryreviewcrew for providing me with a complimentary review copy. In no way has that influenced my voluntary review.
33 reviews
August 31, 2022
Anastasia Pollack seems to live the type of life you can't make up. Living with her 2 children, fiance, and her communist former mother-in-law after her first husband dies in deep gambling debt, she now has mobsters threatening her for "goods" she doesn't even know she has until her kitchen undergoes renovation.
The cast of characters are hilarious and outrageous yet I found them endearing. Each character seems to be wonderfully and individually crafted. I wasn't sure at first that such an ensemble would work cohesively but I found myself wanting to learn more about each one. I can't wait to go back to the beginning and then continue on with this series.
If you are looking for a fun, action-packed read to brighten your day, this is it. I found myself chuckling and reading passages out loud to friends.
I received an advanced copy of this book that in no way influenced my review. It only served to introduce me to a new series that filled me with joy.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,602 reviews24 followers
September 6, 2022
This is a fun page turning mystery that grabs you from the beginning and keeps you turning pages! Anastasia Pollack, has gotten over her dead, cheating, criminal husband and is now working for a magazine as a craft editor. She has so much on her plate. Her now boyfriend, Zack is a wonderful calming influence with a kitchen remodel, two really great teenage sons, Alex and Nick and with the most disagreeable, mean spirited hateful mother-in-law from her marriage to the dead first husband living with her. I loved the locations picked since I am from Sussex County and knew the area she described. Now in this book we have stolen art work, stolen jewelry, the Boston mob, dead bodies and kidnapping all rolled into a page turning book that grabs you from the beginning and holds onto you until the end! The characters are well-written and believable. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Kara Marks.
462 reviews81 followers
September 7, 2022
This is the 11th book in this series; I have also read other books in this series, but not all of them. This stands alone very well, though. This book is more original than a lot of cozy mysteries and I really enjoy its intricate plot. Anastasia is a great character and I also really like the surrounding lesser characters, except for the one we’re supposed to dislike, Anastasia’s former mother-in-law. There is also a fair amount of humor in the book, along with genuine tension and fear during certain situations. Anastasia’s job is working at a women’s magazine, writing articles about doing crafts, which is quite interesting. The author also did some good research into some art and jewel history and thefts, which adds to the authenticity of the story. Anastasia is also quite good at solving mysteries, and she’s rather forced to in this book, through no fault of her own. I definitely recommend this book and series; I was provided an arc, but these opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Debra Goldstein.
Author 30 books393 followers
July 9, 2022
Guilty as Framed is a worthy entry to the Anastasia Pollack series. Winston not only combines Jersey, well-crafted characters, and tight plotting, but she adds her own interpretation and possible solution to a factual museum art crime. Guilty as Framed was a quick and enjoyable read, as are the other books in the series. One thing that impressed me in this series is how Winston has evolved her characters from the first book - from the strength and confidence the protagonist has gained to the maturity her sons demonstrate (especially in this book. Happily, one character, although her involvement in the plot changes, has remained the same - the protagonist's opinionated (crazy) mother-in-law. Please note that although I received an advance copy, my review and rating were not influenced by that, but instead are based on the merits of the book.
Profile Image for Barbara Hackel.
2,867 reviews46 followers
November 7, 2022
Another mystery thrust on Anastasia, this time because of robbery and mob ties to the house where Anastasia and her family happen to live. A nightmare of mob, murder, break-ins, kidnapping, and so many unknowns are woven into Anastasia's life. Somehow life continues during this ordeal, complete with a science fair, work, an ungrateful and entitled communist mother-in-law, a spoiled mother, and oh yeah, kitchen and bathroom remodeling. All fit together with near panic at times. To say this is a lively and faced paced mystery is a definite understatement!

A rapidly moving story with lots of terrific characters, this one had a more intricate plot than many others in the series. Plenty of excitement, action, and chaos made this one of those books that was hard to put down. Even when I got to the end I wasn't ready to stop reading! I loved it!
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,853 reviews9 followers
October 12, 2024
Renovating her kitchen, a Boston Crime boss looking for something he believes Anastasia has, Lucille being targeted, and her mother showing up to move-in what more could go wrong?
When the renovation is done, Anastasia and Zach will be getting married. Until then there is a lot happening in this story.

I truly enjoyed this standalone book. If you read them in order, you get a better sense of the recurring players.

I loved how we learned more about Anastasia’s art background which she put to use in this story. I figured out one of the bad guys pretty early but there were plenty of mis-directions to keep me guessing.

I enjoyed the story, the sense of family even with the trying moments. Anastasia has more patience then I do.

I highly recommend this book. It was a great listen.
There are no craft tips on the Audible version.
Profile Image for Jeanne.
1,918 reviews9 followers
November 2, 2024
Guilty as Framed is book #11 in the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery series by Lois Winston. Narrated by Alexandra Bitton-Bailey.

Anastasia is picking out tile for her home remodel when a stranger tries to barge into her house looking for someone she doesn’t know. It’s the first in a string of odd happenings and dead bodies she has to deal with. I’m so happy the dog has gotten away from Anastasia’s crazy mother-in-law. This was an interesting mystery. I guessed the guilty party early on but had no idea how complicated this mystery would be. The ending was sweet.

I enjoyed the narration by Alexandra Bitton-Bailey. I plan to listen to more books in this series.

I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
500 reviews6 followers
July 14, 2022
Life is never dull for Anastasia Pollack, and this time what should have been a simple kitchen remodel turns into a case of theft, kidnapping, and murder. The circumstances of the kidnapping and subsequent escape was truly crazy in the way this series always delivers. What makes it even more interesting is that the plot is based on an actual robbery, which makes me want to learn more about the original case. Lucille is as cantankerous and entertaining as usual and Alex and Nick have both grown into mature, intelligent young men. Still no word on whether Zach really does moonlight as a spy or it's all in Anastasia's head.
2,065 reviews9 followers
October 6, 2024
Audiobook: I was entertained by this story as much as the others in the series. I admired Anastasia's sleuthing abilities which were tested in the beginning by a strange man who tried to force his way into her house and then throughout the entire story by all the events which occurred. I enjoyed all the twists and turns as the mystery unfolded. I liked the relationship between Anastasia and her sons. I was amused by Anastasia's mother-in-law. I thought Alexandra Bitton-Bailey's narration was enjoyable. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this story.
Profile Image for Robyn .
474 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2022
Another phenomenal book in an awesome series. Lois Winston knows how to write engaging books that keep the reader mesmerized and hooked from beginning to end. I love Jersey girl Anastasia Pollack and her family. Life is never dull for her, between the antics of her mother-in-law, her mother, and her misfortune of unintentionally discovering dead bodies. This story hits closer to home, and when she feels her family may be in danger, Anastasia stops at nothing to protect her loved ones. I absolutely love this book and this series, and I highly recommend it!
Author 39 books75 followers
June 27, 2025
Charming plot with everything going wrong in Anastasia’s life, including bodies being buried in her back yard. It seems she lives in a house that used to be frequented by gangsters. How inconvenient for them to visit now during a kitchen remodel, a wedding to plan, and no end of dangerous mysteries going on in the neighborhood and with an ex mother-in-law causing problems. Did we mention there’s a link to a stolen painting and jewels hidden somewhere? Madcap fun. Part of a series but you don’t need to read the earlier books to catch on.
Profile Image for Marissa.
3,590 reviews48 followers
November 17, 2024
Audiobook Review

Even a simple home renovation can be murderous adventure for Anastasia. The house past will bring nefarious beings whose past will come to life. Bodies will soon pile life as she digs into things as her mother and mother-in-law find a way to get into the action. She’ll be kept busy on her toes not knowing what the killer wants. It’s another fun cozy that you do not want to miss.
1,323 reviews23 followers
November 30, 2022
I was so looking forward to reading this book as I have read the rest in the series. From the start the cover was such a mystery and so creative. Then I jumped in and wow was this good. I wasn't sure at all what the end was going to be so that was so exciting when Anastasia solved another. Lois hit this cozy mystery right up the right field line and got a home run!
Profile Image for Eve Nelson-Barry.
6 reviews
September 19, 2022
Bedtime reading

I laughed......cried.......totally enjoy these light humorous mysteries. Fun read....clean romance.....the issues Anastasia has to deal with....both mother....and mother in law.....
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