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Someday Quilts Mysteries #2
A Drunkard's Path
By the author of The Lover's Knot, a brand-new quilting mystery in the tradition of Jennifer Chiaverini and Emilie Richards.
In the sleepy town of Archers Rest, Nell Fitzgerald is finishing her first quilt and preparing for her first date- with Police Chief Jesse Dewalt. When Jesse stands her up, it turns out he has a good reason-the body of a murdered young woman has been discovered near the Hudson River.
Meanwhile the members of Nell's quilting circle encourage her to take drawing classes with the famous artist Oliver White. When Nell's professor meets her grandmother Eleanor, owner of the Someday Quilts shop, he seems instantly smitten. But once another woman's body is found outside her grandmother's home under a blanket of snow, Nell begins to patch together clues and follow a path of evidence that suggests her professor may also have a degree in the art of murder.
In the sleepy town of Archers Rest, Nell Fitzgerald is finishing her first quilt and preparing for her first date- with Police Chief Jesse Dewalt. When Jesse stands her up, it turns out he has a good reason-the body of a murdered young woman has been discovered near the Hudson River.
Meanwhile the members of Nell's quilting circle encourage her to take drawing classes with the famous artist Oliver White. When Nell's professor meets her grandmother Eleanor, owner of the Someday Quilts shop, he seems instantly smitten. But once another woman's body is found outside her grandmother's home under a blanket of snow, Nell begins to patch together clues and follow a path of evidence that suggests her professor may also have a degree in the art of murder.
272 pages, Paperback
First published August 29, 2009
12 people are currently reading
519 people want to read
About the author
Clare O'Donohue
16 books131 followersClare O'Donohue was born in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest of four children. Her parents, John and Sabina O'Donohue, were both born in Ireland. They met in London and moved to the US and settled on Chicago's South Side where she was raised.
She always knew she wanted to be a writer and in fact wrote her first novel when she was 15. It was a mystery. After college she worked as a newspaper reporter and writing teacher before moving to LA and getting her first job in television. That was on the HGTV show, Simply Quilts. she had already been quilting for about five years, which was why the producer hired her, but she really got an education in quilting from that show.
http://clareodonohue.com/feed/
She always knew she wanted to be a writer and in fact wrote her first novel when she was 15. It was a mystery. After college she worked as a newspaper reporter and writing teacher before moving to LA and getting her first job in television. That was on the HGTV show, Simply Quilts. she had already been quilting for about five years, which was why the producer hired her, but she really got an education in quilting from that show.
http://clareodonohue.com/feed/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
January 8, 2016
My baseline review for a mystery is 3 stars. I read them in between heavier books to clear my head. I have been hooked on Clare O'Donohue for a little while now. In this Someday Quilts series, the protagonist is Nell Fitzgerald. She lives with her grandmother in Archers Rest, New York as she gets her life back together after being dumped by her fiancé. In this second book in the series, Nell has since befriended her grandmother's quilting circle and both started quilting on her own and taking art classes. She is also developing a romantic relationship with the town police chief. I won't give anything away because this is a quicky quilting mystery; however, I do recommend this series and O'Donohue's other budding series Kate Conway mysteries because both feature female protagonists with spunk.
July 29, 2022
SPOILER ALERT
I was liking this book (along with the first one in the series "True Lover's Knot")but suddenly realized the heroine was an idiot. Confronted with a death and a mystery she runs and tries to solve it herself for no other reason than that the first body turned up close to her home. She is dating the chief of police who asks, then orders, and finally begs her to respect him enough to let him do his job, but she's too arrogant to stop meddling. He even breaks up with her but she just won't quit. She lies to his face, then hurries to interrogate witnesses before he can get there, and breaks into a crime scene and steals evidence. Then she gets angry when he tells her to back off-- because he's not respecting her!
It was well-written and the plot was good, but as I said, she was a moron. There are supposed to be more in this series, but I'm not sure I can read another one because she is so unlikeable. Not to mention TSTL (too stupid to live).
I was liking this book (along with the first one in the series "True Lover's Knot")but suddenly realized the heroine was an idiot. Confronted with a death and a mystery she runs and tries to solve it herself for no other reason than that the first body turned up close to her home. She is dating the chief of police who asks, then orders, and finally begs her to respect him enough to let him do his job, but she's too arrogant to stop meddling. He even breaks up with her but she just won't quit. She lies to his face, then hurries to interrogate witnesses before he can get there, and breaks into a crime scene and steals evidence. Then she gets angry when he tells her to back off-- because he's not respecting her!
It was well-written and the plot was good, but as I said, she was a moron. There are supposed to be more in this series, but I'm not sure I can read another one because she is so unlikeable. Not to mention TSTL (too stupid to live).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2012
After reading "The Lover's Knot," I thought these books had the potential to be one of the better cozy series. By the time I had read a third of this second book, I disliked Nell so much that I am considering writing a mystery myself so that I can cast her as the victim!
November 14, 2024
Predictable but a very good mystery with great characters.
March 8, 2015
A Drunkard's Path, second in the Someday Quilts series, continues with the lives of Nell Fitzgerald, her grandmother Eleanor Cassidy and all of the women in the quilt group.
Having survived helping in a murder investigation and finding a new romance, Nell is still trying to find her true calling. Will it be working at Someday Quilts or will she be able to become an artist, which is a lifelong dream of hers. Nell starts taking art classes with famous artist, Oliver White. It doesn't take long for Nell to once again be drawn into an investigation that takes as many curves as the Drunkard Path Quilt that the quilting group is working on. All is not lost though as Nell, her new love interest Jesse Dewalt and the wonderful group of ladies in the quilting club soon figure it out.
This is an excellent second book for the series. The ladies of the quilting club, along with Nell, Eleanor and Jesse, will soon become old and trusted friends of the readers.
Now I must find the rest of the series!
Having survived helping in a murder investigation and finding a new romance, Nell is still trying to find her true calling. Will it be working at Someday Quilts or will she be able to become an artist, which is a lifelong dream of hers. Nell starts taking art classes with famous artist, Oliver White. It doesn't take long for Nell to once again be drawn into an investigation that takes as many curves as the Drunkard Path Quilt that the quilting group is working on. All is not lost though as Nell, her new love interest Jesse Dewalt and the wonderful group of ladies in the quilting club soon figure it out.
This is an excellent second book for the series. The ladies of the quilting club, along with Nell, Eleanor and Jesse, will soon become old and trusted friends of the readers.
Now I must find the rest of the series!
September 20, 2014
Once again Nell Fitzgerald finds herself playing amateur sleuth, much to the despair of Police Chief Jesse Dewatt. When he stands Nell up for their date, Jesse is down at the river where a dead girl has washed ashore. Who is she? Where did she come from? When another girl is found murdered too close to home, worry is that a serial killer may be on the lose. Everyone is a suspect, including Nell's charming new art teacher, Oliver, who has eyes for her grandmother, Eleanor. Nell and the other members of the quilt circle are concerned for Eleanor, who is falling too quickly for Oliver. And who is the young girl in Nell's class, reluctant to share information of her past? Feeling sorry for her, Nell invites her to stay with her and Eleanor. But, could she be the killer?
Reconnect with the ladies in the quilt circle and share their passion for quilting. Follow the clues and try to figure out "who done it?".
Reconnect with the ladies in the quilt circle and share their passion for quilting. Follow the clues and try to figure out "who done it?".
October 2, 2009
Nell's grandmother, quilt shop owner Eleanor, meets and starts to date Nell's art school teacher, handsome, rich and famous Oliver. But Nell is afraid that he's involved in the unexplained death of a young woman. All the women in Eleanor's quilting group become involved in investigating Oliver's background, but Nell tries to find out about the death, much to the displeasure of the local police chief Jesse, whom Nell is dating.
February 15, 2010
I read this book after enjoying the first someday quilt mystery. this one however, annoyed me more than entertained me. He law-breaking sleuthing bothered me, and the relationships between characters seemed shallow.
August 8, 2013
This book guilted me into finishing my first quilt. Thanks, book!
May 29, 2021
Twenty-six-year-old Nell Fitzgerald moved from New York City to Archers Rest to help in her grandmother’s quilt shop and go to art school after her grandmother Eleanor broke her leg, and finds herself attracted to the town’s police chief Jesse Dewalt, a widower with a six-year-old daughter. When he stands her up on their first date, she learns that the body of a young woman was found in the river near her grandmother’s old house. Then she discovers that her painting teacher, celebrated artist Oliver White, is attracted to her 74-year-old grandmother, and the attraction is mutual. When one of her fellow art students is discovered dead, Nell’s inquisitive nature kicks into high gear and she suspects Oliver of the murder. With the help of her grandma’s quilt club members, she begins her own investigation. Unfortunately, her nosing in the murder case causes her to butt heads with Jesse, and their budding romance may not get the chance to bloom.
This series of four murder mysteries based around a quilt shop is a nice read. The title of each book is also the name of a quilt pattern, and gives a clue as to the story. Also, the contrast between the two romances, Nell and Jesse and Eleanor and Oliver, add a nice side note as well as a contrast between the ages of the lovers in question.
This series of four murder mysteries based around a quilt shop is a nice read. The title of each book is also the name of a quilt pattern, and gives a clue as to the story. Also, the contrast between the two romances, Nell and Jesse and Eleanor and Oliver, add a nice side note as well as a contrast between the ages of the lovers in question.
December 27, 2020
Took longer to read than usual, because of Christmas. There is a lot to like about the second novel of the Someday Quilts Mystery series. Unfortunately, there is also some things that tarnish the story.
First off, I am liking a lot of the characters in the novel. However, the main character, Nell, was not as likeable this time around. I think the main reason for that is the way she knowingly ruined the legality of key evidence in the investigation. She handled evidence, therefore making it inadmissible. I think the author actually missed adding that important information to the story. The fact that key evidence came from somebody who had committed a crime was overlooked. The author probably should have added a bit more realism with regards to how police investigations work, even for a cosy-mystery.
Even though I didn't know for sure who the murderer was until it was revealed, I think the overall story this time wasn't as well structured as the first novel. It seemed a bit disorganised, however I can overlook that, but I thought the way some of Nell's circle gathered evidence a little far-fetched.
As cosy-mysteries go, this is shaping up to be a good series, and I will keep reading.
First off, I am liking a lot of the characters in the novel. However, the main character, Nell, was not as likeable this time around. I think the main reason for that is the way she knowingly ruined the legality of key evidence in the investigation. She handled evidence, therefore making it inadmissible. I think the author actually missed adding that important information to the story. The fact that key evidence came from somebody who had committed a crime was overlooked. The author probably should have added a bit more realism with regards to how police investigations work, even for a cosy-mystery.
Even though I didn't know for sure who the murderer was until it was revealed, I think the overall story this time wasn't as well structured as the first novel. It seemed a bit disorganised, however I can overlook that, but I thought the way some of Nell's circle gathered evidence a little far-fetched.
As cosy-mysteries go, this is shaping up to be a good series, and I will keep reading.
November 20, 2024
Questo voto è una media fra le 4 stelle che si meriterebbe la storia e le 2 che appioppo alla protagonista. La storia non è male, anche se alla fine avevo sospettato ben presto della persona giusta, anche se speravo di sbagliarmi. Il problema è la protagonista: alla base di ogni cozy mystery c'è un personaggio che investiga senza essere un poliziotto, ma sinceramente odio quei libri in cui il/la protagonista lo fa non rispettando la legge. In questo caso lei entra due volte in posti dove non dovrebbe andare per contro se c'è qualcosa e in un caso prende pure un indizio. Quando poi il capo della polizia (che poi sarebbe il suo probabile boyfriend) lo scopre perché lei è così saputella da farlo senza indossare i guanti, ovviamente si arrabbia e lei che fa? Si offende perché lui si arrabbia! Ma ringrazia il cielo che non ti arresti come meriteresti! Oltretutto, è chiaro che non può dirti nulla delle indagini, anche se cerca di rassicurarti... E alla fine appare lampante che avesse capito chi fosse l'assassino. Mah, non so che dire di più.
February 26, 2020
Outstanding! Part of the reason I love amateur sleuth/cozy mysteries is seeing how the main character, a civvie, gets involved in the investigation. Is it seamless or feel forced? Another is seeing the premise of the story or occupation of the main character and do I want to take up the occupation or craft while reading the book. Do I feel like I could be in the main character's company and be friends. Would I like to live in this town, know the characters.
I want to be friends with Nell, I want to live in this town, I want to learn how to quilt from her or her grandmother, I want to know the ladies of the quilting circle. The investigation was natural and I like that Nell kept pressing even if it caused pain for her relationship with her grandmother and Nell's early-stages relationship with the chief of the town's police. She is protective of her grandmother and she knows she has to know the truth.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
I want to be friends with Nell, I want to live in this town, I want to learn how to quilt from her or her grandmother, I want to know the ladies of the quilting circle. The investigation was natural and I like that Nell kept pressing even if it caused pain for her relationship with her grandmother and Nell's early-stages relationship with the chief of the town's police. She is protective of her grandmother and she knows she has to know the truth.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
December 29, 2020
I must like the main character in the story I am reading to really enjoy it. In this book, I did not like Nell Fitzgerald so in turn, I only gave it 2 stars.
Nell feels it is fine to be a free spirit to do exactly as she pleases. She has a boyfriend who is a policeman who keeps pleading with her to stop investigating the murders that happen in their village....but does she stop? No...she breaks into homes, she steals pertinent items involved in the crime, she tells all to a bunch of nosy parkers who form a quilting group, she feels she has the right to do these things because the police need her help. Does her investigating endear her to her boyfriend? Of course not but she really doesn't care.
For those who love to quilt, the story might be interesting except I find it hard to think a quilt top could be put together in a matter of a few hours.
Hence I won't search out other books in this series...I only finished the story to find out who the murderer was but even the ending was muddled and disappointing.
Nell feels it is fine to be a free spirit to do exactly as she pleases. She has a boyfriend who is a policeman who keeps pleading with her to stop investigating the murders that happen in their village....but does she stop? No...she breaks into homes, she steals pertinent items involved in the crime, she tells all to a bunch of nosy parkers who form a quilting group, she feels she has the right to do these things because the police need her help. Does her investigating endear her to her boyfriend? Of course not but she really doesn't care.
For those who love to quilt, the story might be interesting except I find it hard to think a quilt top could be put together in a matter of a few hours.
Hence I won't search out other books in this series...I only finished the story to find out who the murderer was but even the ending was muddled and disappointing.
April 4, 2025
This is the second book in the series. I didn’t like it as much as the first book.
Nell joins Art school and meets a famous artist. The artist has an eye for her grandma. There are a couple of deaths that take place. Nell feels it’s her job to investigate since it could be her grandma’s new love interest. Nell and Jesse are supposed to go on their first date but he doesn’t show up. He seems preoccupied during this whole book. I did not feel any connection between them.
The quilt club joins together to help Nell figure out what’s going on. Jesse ends up finding out that Nell has interfered and he is not happy.
The ending is not what you expect. There are a couple surprises. In the end, Jesse and Nell decide to be friends. I’m hoping she finds someone to love. Or maybe she should actually join the police force.
Nell joins Art school and meets a famous artist. The artist has an eye for her grandma. There are a couple of deaths that take place. Nell feels it’s her job to investigate since it could be her grandma’s new love interest. Nell and Jesse are supposed to go on their first date but he doesn’t show up. He seems preoccupied during this whole book. I did not feel any connection between them.
The quilt club joins together to help Nell figure out what’s going on. Jesse ends up finding out that Nell has interfered and he is not happy.
The ending is not what you expect. There are a couple surprises. In the end, Jesse and Nell decide to be friends. I’m hoping she finds someone to love. Or maybe she should actually join the police force.
September 13, 2017
Even though I had things pretty much figured out, this was an enjoyable read. Filled with friendly characters and humor, I enjoyed the situations the characters found themselves in. Nell is a likable protagonist and Jesse, as the by the book police chief who discourages Nell's involvement, but benefits from it, is a perfect foil. Anyone who enjoys a light-hearted mystery with charming characters will enjoy this book. It's a Hallmark Murders and Mysteries kind of story, but better, of course, because it's a BOOK!
May 10, 2022
Another good cozy from this author. Being a quilter I like all the references to quilting and fabric but even more I like the story behind all this.
Admittedly the plots are getting a little more unbelievable but if you just accept that there are impossible things taking place and just go with it, it’s a great tale. The friendship between the women is enviable and romance after 70 is the stuff dreams are made of.
I solved the mystery 1/2 way thru and kept reading to see how they discovered the murderer and was happily proved wrong! Wrong suspect! Fun!
Admittedly the plots are getting a little more unbelievable but if you just accept that there are impossible things taking place and just go with it, it’s a great tale. The friendship between the women is enviable and romance after 70 is the stuff dreams are made of.
I solved the mystery 1/2 way thru and kept reading to see how they discovered the murderer and was happily proved wrong! Wrong suspect! Fun!
October 29, 2018
This series isn't cerebral or super literary, nor is it just light cozy mystery fluff. It has a nice balance, so it was a fun read with little quilting details thrown in for extra fun. There is more character development as learn more about the group of quilters surrounding Nell & her grandmother. This one focused on Nell's new path as an art student so there was interesting painting things in it. Fun read.
January 23, 2019
Love this series! Nell Fitzgerald has more problems with her love life, and part of that has to do with her urge to find out who killed the young woman near her home and the connection between her and a second woman found. Nell was also busy with learning to quilt and taking art classes. The teacher a famous artist is smitten with Nell's grandmother and Nell is worried he is somehow involved with the murders. On to the third book.
November 30, 2018
Loved the story line , but Nell is too stubborn to realize she puts herself in danger. She thinks she does abetted job than the police department. This causes a lot of extra problems. Other than that an OK read.
May 11, 2020
I have definitely become a fan of O'Donohue's books. The quilter's group is becoming pretty good at detective work, but it was very a bit tricky figuring out whodunit. I had a couple hunches, one right and one wrong, but wasn't sure how to add all the puzzle pieces together.
October 13, 2023
Nell has worries about her relationship with Jesse as she's innately curious. She mildly upset about her grandmother's relationship with a man she is convinced is guilty of murder. Lots of quilting and a meandering plot
August 7, 2017
This was a light, easy to read mystery. The main character and her quilt group all come together to help solve the mystery.
December 14, 2018
2nd in The Someday Quilts series. Nice light easy read. Some humor with the antics Nell gets herself into.
October 19, 2019
It was okay. It had some good moments..but nothing earth shattering. But, better than the first one so I will read the next one.
November 21, 2019
The book wound around quite a bit, trying to confuse the reader, then ended very abruptly. Weird
April 5, 2020
Back to the small town of Archer's Rest and the Someday Quilts, quilt shop. Excellent mysteries and enjoyable characters in this series!
July 8, 2022
Not as good as The Lover's Knot, and I didn't feel any romantic spark between Nell and Jesse.
September 21, 2022
I enjoyed the 2nd book in this series. It kept me guessing.
October 8, 2022
First one was better
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews