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Stitches In Crime #10
Aida Time
What’s a woman to do if she finds a skeleton in her own back yard?
Since she moved into her farmhouse, Paisley Sutton has wanted to convert the old summer kitchen house into an office for herself, and it’s finally time. But when her contractor begins opening up the walls to insulate, they find far more than they expected.
Will Paisley be able to solve this time-worn murder, or will someone stop her before she can?
Since she moved into her farmhouse, Paisley Sutton has wanted to convert the old summer kitchen house into an office for herself, and it’s finally time. But when her contractor begins opening up the walls to insulate, they find far more than they expected.
Will Paisley be able to solve this time-worn murder, or will someone stop her before she can?
- GenresCozy
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2023
61 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 23, 2023
I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
Aida Time is the tenth book already in the Stitches and Crime series. This is my favorite series so far by this author. I love the focus on history and the ties to the present and the way that all comes together in the mystery. I like reading about Paisley, her son and her fiancé the sheriff as well as all the friends and family she has around her to help her out.
Aida Time had such an interesting mystery. This time Paisley finds a body on her own property as she's turning the old summer kitchen into an office. It was interesting to read about how the research led her to figure out who owned her property before her and who build her house as well as the stories of the enslaved people who worked there. There was a great twist in the mystery and who did it and it was a bit sad as well. It had a satisfying conclusion and I liked how she honored the man whose body she found and his family.
Paisley is such a great character to read about. I really like her and the way she handles things. It's great to see her life develop throughout the series. In this book she has people who run her shop for her and she's planning her wedding to her fiancé. There are some fun scenes with her son and also plenty scenes where he isn't present for valid reasons as they dive into this mystery. I like the close group of friends and family she has around her, how she isn't afraid to ask for help and the way her friends and family are there for her and are happy to help her out. There are new friends as well as old ones that make an appearance.
To summarize: I really like this series and this newest installment was a great one. The mystery takes place close to home as Paisley finds a body below the old summer kitchen she's turning into an office. This was an interesting mystery with a surprising twist at the end. I found it interesting how the research focused on how owned the land and build the house where Paisley now lives. I like the tie to the past as well as the present and how that combines in the mystery. I really enjoy reading about Paisley and she handles these mysteries and interacts with other characters. She has a great group of friends and family around her. I really liked how this book got wrapped up with a satisfying conclusion to both the mystery and Paisley's personal life too.
Aida Time is the tenth book already in the Stitches and Crime series. This is my favorite series so far by this author. I love the focus on history and the ties to the present and the way that all comes together in the mystery. I like reading about Paisley, her son and her fiancé the sheriff as well as all the friends and family she has around her to help her out.
Aida Time had such an interesting mystery. This time Paisley finds a body on her own property as she's turning the old summer kitchen into an office. It was interesting to read about how the research led her to figure out who owned her property before her and who build her house as well as the stories of the enslaved people who worked there. There was a great twist in the mystery and who did it and it was a bit sad as well. It had a satisfying conclusion and I liked how she honored the man whose body she found and his family.
Paisley is such a great character to read about. I really like her and the way she handles things. It's great to see her life develop throughout the series. In this book she has people who run her shop for her and she's planning her wedding to her fiancé. There are some fun scenes with her son and also plenty scenes where he isn't present for valid reasons as they dive into this mystery. I like the close group of friends and family she has around her, how she isn't afraid to ask for help and the way her friends and family are there for her and are happy to help her out. There are new friends as well as old ones that make an appearance.
To summarize: I really like this series and this newest installment was a great one. The mystery takes place close to home as Paisley finds a body below the old summer kitchen she's turning into an office. This was an interesting mystery with a surprising twist at the end. I found it interesting how the research focused on how owned the land and build the house where Paisley now lives. I like the tie to the past as well as the present and how that combines in the mystery. I really enjoy reading about Paisley and she handles these mysteries and interacts with other characters. She has a great group of friends and family around her. I really liked how this book got wrapped up with a satisfying conclusion to both the mystery and Paisley's personal life too.
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December 10, 2022Ya'll, I leaned in hard to my sweet spots with this book and wrote about the history of enslaved people and my own property in this book. I live on a two-acre beauty of a farmette, and I used my exact house and land as the setting for this book. That was so fun . . . and so easy. :)
Plus, there's this scene that involves Paisley on the roof. . . . let's just say I hope I don't have to actually enact that.
I so hope you enjoy the book.
Thanks for being such loyal readers!
Plus, there's this scene that involves Paisley on the roof. . . . let's just say I hope I don't have to actually enact that.
I so hope you enjoy the book.
Thanks for being such loyal readers!
April 18, 2024
3.25 stars
January 20, 2023
I enjoy this book very much. I love all the history though out the story. I have read all of the series. But the last couple have had some things in it that I don't approve of. So I will not be reading anymore of them. I know it is in this world, but I read books to get away from it. The same way I don't watch some tv shows that have that life style in them. But if it dose not bother you this is the book for you.
"in exchange for a review." Instead, acknowledge that you got an ARC and that you are leaving an honest review.
"in exchange for a review." Instead, acknowledge that you got an ARC and that you are leaving an honest review.
October 12, 2024
I will not be continuing the series
Sadly, this book took a hard left turn. It included a lot of subject matter I'm just not ok with. I didn't finish it and will not be continuing the rest of the series. I did enjoy the earlier books.
Sadly, this book took a hard left turn. It included a lot of subject matter I'm just not ok with. I didn't finish it and will not be continuing the rest of the series. I did enjoy the earlier books.
January 31, 2023
"Aida Time" is the 10th book in the Stitches In Crime series by ACF Bookens
Just weeks before their summer wedding, Paisley Sutton and Santiago decided to renovate the old summer kitchen on the property into a home office. As they started removing rotted floor boars, a skeleton is discovered underneath. How long had the skeleton been there and how had the person died? Could they identify the skeleton and bring closure to some family?
My thoughts:
Ms. Bookens has always managed to tell amazing stories and also teach readers a bit about the history of Virginia. This book was deeply layered in the history of how people of color were treated in the years just after emancipation. Not all the people in Paisley's hometown are as open minded as her family and friends and tensions do flare when word gets out where the body was found and who they were. Paisley and friends dig deep into research to find the full history. Of course that isn't easy given the time period and how little respect was shown to people of color in those years. It takes a lot of hours, hard questions and searching but some answers are slowly found.
For me there seemed to be a few pieces that didn't quite add up or weren't fully answered but we were given a complex story that does make sense. It pulls at the heart at how horridly people of color have been treated and how love isn't always tolerated either. Most of the people who Paisley meets in this story have come through the verbal and ancestral history to become the strong open minded people they are today and that gives me hope.
With the subject matter, it wasn't always an easy read, but it was a needed and good read.
Just weeks before their summer wedding, Paisley Sutton and Santiago decided to renovate the old summer kitchen on the property into a home office. As they started removing rotted floor boars, a skeleton is discovered underneath. How long had the skeleton been there and how had the person died? Could they identify the skeleton and bring closure to some family?
My thoughts:
Ms. Bookens has always managed to tell amazing stories and also teach readers a bit about the history of Virginia. This book was deeply layered in the history of how people of color were treated in the years just after emancipation. Not all the people in Paisley's hometown are as open minded as her family and friends and tensions do flare when word gets out where the body was found and who they were. Paisley and friends dig deep into research to find the full history. Of course that isn't easy given the time period and how little respect was shown to people of color in those years. It takes a lot of hours, hard questions and searching but some answers are slowly found.
For me there seemed to be a few pieces that didn't quite add up or weren't fully answered but we were given a complex story that does make sense. It pulls at the heart at how horridly people of color have been treated and how love isn't always tolerated either. Most of the people who Paisley meets in this story have come through the verbal and ancestral history to become the strong open minded people they are today and that gives me hope.
With the subject matter, it wasn't always an easy read, but it was a needed and good read.
January 31, 2023
I absolutely loved reading the latest book in this series, set in Octonia about local salvage expert Paisley, her fiancee and Sheriff Santi, and the other regular characters. Paisley has a habit of finding skeletons buried under the buildings she's employed to salvage, and, interested in the history of the area and ancestry, tends to get involved solving murders which happened decades before.
A community where slaves were regularly employed, the books aren't just mysteries, they're full of historical reference about the enslaved community, the things which happened and how history shapes the future, not always for the better but, hopefully, mostly. The research which this author has to do before writing these books must be tremendous.
In this book, it's only a few weeks before Paisley and Santi get married and they're renovating the old summer kitchen on her property when a body is found. There follows a story about the house she now lives in, of tracing a family tree back 8 generations, and a story of love, and hope.
Whilst each book is a standalone story, the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
I really hope this isn't the last in this great series. If you like this series, try the St Marins cozy mystery series by the same author.
A community where slaves were regularly employed, the books aren't just mysteries, they're full of historical reference about the enslaved community, the things which happened and how history shapes the future, not always for the better but, hopefully, mostly. The research which this author has to do before writing these books must be tremendous.
In this book, it's only a few weeks before Paisley and Santi get married and they're renovating the old summer kitchen on her property when a body is found. There follows a story about the house she now lives in, of tracing a family tree back 8 generations, and a story of love, and hope.
Whilst each book is a standalone story, the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
I really hope this isn't the last in this great series. If you like this series, try the St Marins cozy mystery series by the same author.
January 4, 2023
When Paisley and Santi are renovating an old kitchen in back of the house to make office space for them, they end up ripping out much of the rotting, termite eaten flooring and find the skeletal remains of a man who died 150 years before. There is a good chance that he was enslaved at that time. It's too late for Santi to look for the murderer(s), since they'd be long dead, but Paisley and friends can look for any and all clues to find out who he was, why he was murdered and who likely did it. I usually rate a book by how excited I am to keep reading; how deeply it holds my interest. I sincerely enjoyed this book and I didn't want to stop until I finished it. The author seemed to have a lot of fun writing it and that came out in the interactions Paisley had with her son, her fiance and her friends. Paisley seemed brighter, funnier and more thoughtful. She's always kind but when a woman makes some very nasty and racist remarks to a friend, Paisley gives her "what for" but she also uses kindness when speaking to her. I received this book as an ARC, but I've read pretty much all of this author's books and I would have gladly chosen to read this one, too.
January 25, 2023
Creating one’s niche
Paige is truly an inspiration and not just as a single parent trying to balance home and work life. She made her way into a career she loves by crafting it herself (in book one) and she’s still building it up quite well (in book ten). Extra credit for saving people time in looking for things and even more bonus kudos for keeping things out of landfills. It’s also wonderful that she digs up history to pass along to others.
Fave quote:
‘I was having some serious concerns about what energy I was putting out into the universe if the universe kept sending me bodies.’
I enjoyed the first book in this series recently and was able to pick right up. I *do* plan on reading the ones in between ‘cause I really like this series (as well as some in other ones by this author - she’s a keeper!).
Paige is truly an inspiration and not just as a single parent trying to balance home and work life. She made her way into a career she loves by crafting it herself (in book one) and she’s still building it up quite well (in book ten). Extra credit for saving people time in looking for things and even more bonus kudos for keeping things out of landfills. It’s also wonderful that she digs up history to pass along to others.
Fave quote:
‘I was having some serious concerns about what energy I was putting out into the universe if the universe kept sending me bodies.’
I enjoyed the first book in this series recently and was able to pick right up. I *do* plan on reading the ones in between ‘cause I really like this series (as well as some in other ones by this author - she’s a keeper!).
February 3, 2023
Dark and Enlightening is our past
The race riots of the 50's, 60's and even the early 70's was truly a dark period in our history, I know I lived through it. The concept with the entire idea that one human could be bought and sold as cattle or other live stock, is a blight on our intelligence and humanity as a species. Regardless of our opinion and feelings concerning being gay, or whatever each person is, is an individual to our Creator whom they and each of us are answerable to. Hatred, murder, arrogance and intolerance have no place in a cultured society. This story bring out all these thoughts quietly, and gives us a sense of peace at the end of he story. Well Done
The race riots of the 50's, 60's and even the early 70's was truly a dark period in our history, I know I lived through it. The concept with the entire idea that one human could be bought and sold as cattle or other live stock, is a blight on our intelligence and humanity as a species. Regardless of our opinion and feelings concerning being gay, or whatever each person is, is an individual to our Creator whom they and each of us are answerable to. Hatred, murder, arrogance and intolerance have no place in a cultured society. This story bring out all these thoughts quietly, and gives us a sense of peace at the end of he story. Well Done
January 15, 2023
Another well written book with a fascinating story. Slavery is a time in our history that a lot of people do not wish to remember or talk about. Times were different back then and the author treats the situation and her characters with dignity and respect. How I wish the world would deal with it like her. A gripping story, especially as I am a genealogy person and so I was immediately sucked in. I think readers will love the end (no spoilers!). Thank you for my ARC. A really enjoyable read that brought a tear to the eye in some places.
January 20, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest entry in the series. Its main characters have come to be old friends, and the addition of new characters just make it a pleasure to visit.
The story has a twist to it that hits close to Paisley this time, bringing up some sensitive and timely subjects. As always, the author handles them with kindness, making this book a wonderful read.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this excellent book and couldn't resist purchasing it for my library. I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves great storytelling.
The story has a twist to it that hits close to Paisley this time, bringing up some sensitive and timely subjects. As always, the author handles them with kindness, making this book a wonderful read.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this excellent book and couldn't resist purchasing it for my library. I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves great storytelling.
January 21, 2023
Five-star story and writing! One new renovation project equals ... a new skeleton, this time in Paisley's back yard. It's found under the floor of a mid-1800s summer kitchen , and Paisley and company need all their resources to find who it was and their history. However, first results are questioned, new facts and possibilities turn up, and justice is seen to have many faces. As always with this series, the historical background is well done and the story is warming and tugs at your heartstrings. - I received an advance copy and freely leave this honest review.
January 27, 2023
While in the process of remodeling her summer kitchen into an office, Paisley and Santiago discover the skeleton of a black man who had been stabbed approximately 150 years prior. They are in the process of discovering who he was and who killed him. They are also finishing up the final details of their wedding which was to take place in two weeks. Can they finish the remodeling and find out who the man was and why he was killed before the wedding.? Good book as usual. Looking forward to the next one.
I am volunteeringly reviewing this book after receiving it free from the author.
I am volunteeringly reviewing this book after receiving it free from the author.
January 5, 2023
When Paisley and Santiago find a skeleton while renovating an old kitchen on her property, it leads them and their friends on an intriguing genealogical mystery. ACF Bookens, as always, entertains and educates as readers find out some of the history of enslaved people and the incredibly difficult lives they had to navigate. As a non-U.S. reader, I found it very thought-provoking. My only complaint is that I finished it too quickly!
January 7, 2023
Paisley decided to fix the floor of the summer kitchen at her house. We know what happens when she starts taking things apart. Yep, this time is no different. The skeletal remains of a human were discovered. This time, Santi, the sheriff and her fiancé was with her. As always, Paisley wants to know who the remains belong to. Now, the interesting part starts.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
January 9, 2023
Paisley meets a generous couple whose history she helps to research and resolve a decades old mystery.
Andi creates realistic characters that make you feel like you are right there with them.
Pais and Santi tie the knot with new and old friends.
Andi’s research and history of Jim Crow times then putting it all together in an enjoyable and enthralling who dunit mystery keeps you reading until you are finished and anxious for more!
Andi creates realistic characters that make you feel like you are right there with them.
Pais and Santi tie the knot with new and old friends.
Andi’s research and history of Jim Crow times then putting it all together in an enjoyable and enthralling who dunit mystery keeps you reading until you are finished and anxious for more!
January 22, 2023
I haven’t read the other books before this one. I did however enjoy the characters. I really liked them.
Paisley Sutton and her fiancé Sheriff Santiago have found a Skelton in her backyard not what they expected at all. It’s gets very interesting when the find out more about the Skelton. Paisley a single mother, and historian wants to find out more. When he tells Santiago he’s ok with it.
I will go back to see how these two met.
I loved Sawyer her soon. So sweet.
Paisley Sutton and her fiancé Sheriff Santiago have found a Skelton in her backyard not what they expected at all. It’s gets very interesting when the find out more about the Skelton. Paisley a single mother, and historian wants to find out more. When he tells Santiago he’s ok with it.
I will go back to see how these two met.
I loved Sawyer her soon. So sweet.
January 4, 2023
on the way to getting ready for their wedding, Santi and Paisley discover a body on the property
is it a piece of history? a threat to their family? simply history showing in the low country?
intriguing exploration of genealogical research for enslaved people and the challenges for gay couples throughout time
is it a piece of history? a threat to their family? simply history showing in the low country?
intriguing exploration of genealogical research for enslaved people and the challenges for gay couples throughout time
January 4, 2023
Once again Paisley discovers a murder victim during a renovation - this time on her own property. When the coroner rules that it’s not a recent homicide, Paisley and her group of friends must dig into the past to uncover the truth. The story is well written and I enjoyed being along for the ride as the mystery was unraveled.
January 6, 2023
Loved how this book took a bad thing and turned into a learning experience for the whole community. Finding a skeleton under a building that Paisley and Santiago are remodeling takes Paisley and most of the towns people into researching 150 years of history. The things that they find show the history of Paisleys home through a period of a farm with slaves to present day. Made you think.
January 9, 2023
A most intriguing story. The characters are gently woven together with the ease that only this author could have accomplished. Also of prime importance is the underlying issue of racism and hatred. You follow the desperate search for information on Isiahs' family through historical references used by the author and her intrepid characters.
January 11, 2023
I received this book free in exchange for a honest review.
I want to start off by saying I've read every book in this series. They keep getting better.
Once again an unexpected body shows up. So Paisley and the crew have a mystery to solve. Can they solve a decades old murder by research and networking?
A likeable case of characters and a nice, easy to read mystery. I really enjoyed it.
I want to start off by saying I've read every book in this series. They keep getting better.
Once again an unexpected body shows up. So Paisley and the crew have a mystery to solve. Can they solve a decades old murder by research and networking?
A likeable case of characters and a nice, easy to read mystery. I really enjoyed it.
January 20, 2023
Paisley and Santiago are getting married and while remodeling a summer kitchen discover a skeleton under the floor. With help from several people and using public and genealogy records, they discover who this skeleton was and how he died. It’s about family caring for family even ancestors from 150 years ago. I’m not into genealogy but enjoyed the story and the explanation of their method
January 21, 2023
Love, love, love this book! I love doing genealogy research and this book hit the mark. It's tough, but rewarding work to research and find ancestral lines. I love how history and cultural challenges were intertwined with the research.
I reviewed this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
I reviewed this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
January 24, 2023
Aida Time is the 10th book in the stitches in crime series and probably the most unique one yet. This story was original and very creatively written. I have grown to love the standard set of characters, like old friends. This story has a good amount of twists and turns with the story flowing continuously through till the very end. I look forward to many more Paisley and Santi murder mysteries.
January 27, 2023
Very good plot
Aida Time deserves a five star rating with a very historically interesting plot line. As always Booken's characters remain my personal favorite. Her newer additions don't disappoint. I'd recommend this cozy to anyone that can appreciate the growth in minorities, and those of us who enjoy a good read.
Aida Time deserves a five star rating with a very historically interesting plot line. As always Booken's characters remain my personal favorite. Her newer additions don't disappoint. I'd recommend this cozy to anyone that can appreciate the growth in minorities, and those of us who enjoy a good read.
August 25, 2023
Paisley and Santiago are fixing up an old kitchen building on their property to make it into a home office once their married. Underneath some rotten floorboards, they find another skeleton. This time, paisley has to research her own property to figure out this mystery!
I think this story was my favorite so far but there were a lot of loose ends that are a bit frustrating as a reader - 3.75/5
I think this story was my favorite so far but there were a lot of loose ends that are a bit frustrating as a reader - 3.75/5
August 25, 2024
Doesn't Disappoint
Aida Time starts with what appears to be a murder, and ends with what could be one of the greatest love stories I've ever read. Ms. Bookens never walks away from difficult subjects. This book doesn't dance around the effects of Jim Crow or homophobia on the small society of Octonia. It does demonstrate the joy of acceptance and family.
Aida Time starts with what appears to be a murder, and ends with what could be one of the greatest love stories I've ever read. Ms. Bookens never walks away from difficult subjects. This book doesn't dance around the effects of Jim Crow or homophobia on the small society of Octonia. It does demonstrate the joy of acceptance and family.
October 3, 2025
Aida Time
Aida Time is part of a great series, Stitches In Crime. It has very nice characters! And you will want to know more with every single one. I love it also has references to cross stitching and crafts. And the mysteries are great too. A great read for single Moms too. I liked Paisley since page 1, book 1!!
Aida Time is part of a great series, Stitches In Crime. It has very nice characters! And you will want to know more with every single one. I love it also has references to cross stitching and crafts. And the mysteries are great too. A great read for single Moms too. I liked Paisley since page 1, book 1!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews