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A Southern Sewing Circle #1
Sew Deadly
Ever since she moved to Sweet Briar, South Carolina, Yankee librarian Tori Sinclair has been the talk of the tiny town. But she's been so busy at work, winning over the sewing circle, and trying to forget her cheating ex that she hasn't even had time to baste together a pillow, let alone mind local gossip. Then she finds the hometown sweetheart dead at her back door...
Everyone believes the police investigator, who's just fixin' to link Tori to the murder in a love triangle gone bad. To clear her name, Tori will have to rely on her new sewing sisters and stitch together the truth- or be darned.
Everyone believes the police investigator, who's just fixin' to link Tori to the murder in a love triangle gone bad. To clear her name, Tori will have to rely on her new sewing sisters and stitch together the truth- or be darned.
280 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 8, 2009
132 people are currently reading
4065 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
November 26, 2021
And sew I find myself beginning another series (see what I did there?) I picked this book up because I needed a book about sewing for a challenge and now I find myself so interested that I have added book two to my want to read list.
Sew Deadly features Tori, a new librarian in town, who upsets the locals by not being Southern. When a murder occurs she is a suspect merely becasue she is new to town, and she finds herself in the position of needing to clear her own name. Tori is an interesting character and she begins a very sweet romance with Milo, the local school teacher.
I enjoyed the whole book very much. It was nicely written with some fun characters and a good mystery. I did not see the twist at the end coming at all, though it turned out to be a very satisfactory conclusion.
Sew Deadly features Tori, a new librarian in town, who upsets the locals by not being Southern. When a murder occurs she is a suspect merely becasue she is new to town, and she finds herself in the position of needing to clear her own name. Tori is an interesting character and she begins a very sweet romance with Milo, the local school teacher.
I enjoyed the whole book very much. It was nicely written with some fun characters and a good mystery. I did not see the twist at the end coming at all, though it turned out to be a very satisfactory conclusion.
May 8, 2012
I wanted to like this book. I really did. I've lived in the south and I know these women Casey has characterized who sew and bake and gossip. Unfortunately that's where the substance died. As far as mysteries go, it ranks up there with Scooby Doo. I had it figured out from the first mention of the killer and spent the rest of the pages bored while the main character, Tori Sinclair, stressed and fretted her way from page to page. With only 50 pages left until the end, I had to put the book down for fear of dozing off.
I picked it up again, clinging to the hope that the romance set up between Tori and the local school teacher would provide some interest, but it didn't even spawn a legitimate kiss before the last page. Jane Austen did better than that 200 year ago with Victorian mores. Also, the big ending, the solving of the mystery, the big reveal? Wasn't. Only mentioned in past tense. At least with Scooby we got a big unveiling of the killer, some kind of climatic scene. I suppose with so many books to read and so little time, I should be glad that I've saved myself the effort with the rest of the series.
I picked it up again, clinging to the hope that the romance set up between Tori and the local school teacher would provide some interest, but it didn't even spawn a legitimate kiss before the last page. Jane Austen did better than that 200 year ago with Victorian mores. Also, the big ending, the solving of the mystery, the big reveal? Wasn't. Only mentioned in past tense. At least with Scooby we got a big unveiling of the killer, some kind of climatic scene. I suppose with so many books to read and so little time, I should be glad that I've saved myself the effort with the rest of the series.
June 30, 2011
I really liked this book and before I even finished, I ordered 3 more books in the series. It's hard to believe that "Sew Deadly" is the author's debut novel. It's well written, has interesting characters and the fact that I worked in a library for many years and have sewn since I was a kid makes it all that more appealing. She really did a good job first time out and I'm looking forward to reading the next one. Definitely recommend for lovers of cozy mysteries.
July 17, 2019
3.5 stars
Ωραίο ξεκίνημα για cozy mystery σειρά!
Ωραίο ξεκίνημα για cozy mystery σειρά!
June 4, 2020
Sew Deadly is the first book in Elizabeth Lynn Casey's ( Laura Bradford ) Southern Sewing Circle mysteries series. I love anything about sewing and the enticing covers caught my attention quickly. I'm a fan of the Author and enjoy reading not only her latest releases but everything written by her in the past also. I wasn't able to guess who the real murderer was and love that I was surprised by the ending.
Tori Sinclair wanted a fresh start at a new job at Sweet Briar , deep in the Southern states. Being from Chicago she stuck out like a sore thumb. That wasn't the only reason some people didn't except her. Unknown to Tori was the fact that she had been hired on as Sweet Briar's head librarian to replace Dixie Dunn, who had been forced into retirement against her will by the library board members. To say that Tori was made to feel welcome by the town's citizens would be anything but the truth.
It seemed as though everything went against Torie as far as the town's people where concerned. Their attitude towards someone not born in the South seemed standoffish and to this reader just down right rude. She did get invited to be a guest of non other than the town's mayor, Georgina Hayes, to a sewing circle made up of the town's leading citizens. Even there she wasn't really excepted since the former and now retired head librarian was a member and made it known that she held it against Tori for taking away her job from her. Then came that afternoon when Tori went to the garbage dumpster, to throw away some old moldy books, that she discovered the dead body of Tiffany Anne Gilbert, the town's beauty queen. Then things went from bad to worse when the police investigator suspected Tori of being guilty of the murder for no other reason except that she was new in town. Oh yes and also it was rumored around Sweet Briar that Tori flirted with Milo Wentworth, Tiffany's heart throb. Surely this was motive enough for Tori to have killed the young beauty queen. She must now slueth to find the real murderer and clear her name, because the investigator had a one track mind dead set on proving that the new librarian was guilty!
This is definitely a great read for all lovers of cozy mysteries. I highly recommend it for you reading pleasure.
I purchased a Kindle copy of Sew Deadly from Amazon. A favorable review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Tori Sinclair wanted a fresh start at a new job at Sweet Briar , deep in the Southern states. Being from Chicago she stuck out like a sore thumb. That wasn't the only reason some people didn't except her. Unknown to Tori was the fact that she had been hired on as Sweet Briar's head librarian to replace Dixie Dunn, who had been forced into retirement against her will by the library board members. To say that Tori was made to feel welcome by the town's citizens would be anything but the truth.
It seemed as though everything went against Torie as far as the town's people where concerned. Their attitude towards someone not born in the South seemed standoffish and to this reader just down right rude. She did get invited to be a guest of non other than the town's mayor, Georgina Hayes, to a sewing circle made up of the town's leading citizens. Even there she wasn't really excepted since the former and now retired head librarian was a member and made it known that she held it against Tori for taking away her job from her. Then came that afternoon when Tori went to the garbage dumpster, to throw away some old moldy books, that she discovered the dead body of Tiffany Anne Gilbert, the town's beauty queen. Then things went from bad to worse when the police investigator suspected Tori of being guilty of the murder for no other reason except that she was new in town. Oh yes and also it was rumored around Sweet Briar that Tori flirted with Milo Wentworth, Tiffany's heart throb. Surely this was motive enough for Tori to have killed the young beauty queen. She must now slueth to find the real murderer and clear her name, because the investigator had a one track mind dead set on proving that the new librarian was guilty!
This is definitely a great read for all lovers of cozy mysteries. I highly recommend it for you reading pleasure.
I purchased a Kindle copy of Sew Deadly from Amazon. A favorable review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
November 7, 2017
This one keeps you guessing!
This book is a super fun quick read! Quirky characters, small southern town, lots of suspects and a main character to cheer on and fall in love with! I can usually figure out whodunit, but this one! I was completely taken by surprise! Therefore, Five Stars! 🌟
This book is a super fun quick read! Quirky characters, small southern town, lots of suspects and a main character to cheer on and fall in love with! I can usually figure out whodunit, but this one! I was completely taken by surprise! Therefore, Five Stars! 🌟
August 12, 2009
I think a lot of cozy mystery fans will enjoy this book. I am a cozy mystery fan who neither loved nor hated the book. I found the book just a tad too sweet, a tad too quaint, a tad too cutesy, a tad too too everything - Little House on the Prairie meets a Hallmark movie with a tiny murder thrown in for spice.
November 11, 2017
This was an excellent book! The ending was totally a surprise and I loved how I felt while reading it. Tori is a great main character. She's smart and quick on her feet. Even has a little romance. You don't even need to like sewing to enjoy this book.
September 28, 2009
This is an excellent debut book. Torie (Victoria) takes a job as a head librarian at a small town in S.C. where she finds out that she is replacing a long-standing head librarian, who just happens to hate her guts for this turn of events. Torie starts making friends, mostly with the people in a sewing circle but also through her work and a budding romance is also on the horizon.
When a local sweetheart is found dead (by Torie) behind a dumpster outside the library life starts getting more complicated. Torie starts doubting if she will ever fit into the very close-knit community. While trying to deal with the major issue of murder Torie is also dealing with a series of small issues like disappearing light bulbs, boxes of books that appear overnight and other strange things seem to "go missing" on a daily basis.
I had an inkling of the murderer but the motive was totally a surprise and there were enough twists and turns to make me doubt my guess. All in all a good book, very good for a first in a series.
When a local sweetheart is found dead (by Torie) behind a dumpster outside the library life starts getting more complicated. Torie starts doubting if she will ever fit into the very close-knit community. While trying to deal with the major issue of murder Torie is also dealing with a series of small issues like disappearing light bulbs, boxes of books that appear overnight and other strange things seem to "go missing" on a daily basis.
I had an inkling of the murderer but the motive was totally a surprise and there were enough twists and turns to make me doubt my guess. All in all a good book, very good for a first in a series.
December 17, 2016
This was a perfect cozy read for me. I love libraries and sewing, plus the main character was someone I could empathize with. The mystery was well thought out and I didn't figure out anything until it was revealed. Great book!
March 27, 2020
"Southern Ladies NEVER have nicknames". Sorry Skeeter, I just don't think that's true. My source in The South agrees. That might be a minor point, except it was alluded to constantly in the first 43 pages.
Also, Southerners don't drink Only sweet tea. They like lemonade too.
Apparently Elizabeth Lynn Casey is a Yankee who doesn't know any better.
Tori has left Chicago for Sweet Briar after she "quite literally caught her fiance", The Love Of Her Life, "with his pants down in the coat closet during her engagement party".
I'm not sure how much time has passed since this incident - weeks? months? but she's already making googly eyes at the third grade teacher after 5 minutes of conversation.
I also find it inconceivable that a librarian would not have inquired about why her position became available. Seeking information is in the job description (eye roll).
dnf at page 43
Also, Southerners don't drink Only sweet tea. They like lemonade too.
Apparently Elizabeth Lynn Casey is a Yankee who doesn't know any better.
Tori has left Chicago for Sweet Briar after she "quite literally caught her fiance", The Love Of Her Life, "with his pants down in the coat closet during her engagement party".
I'm not sure how much time has passed since this incident - weeks? months? but she's already making googly eyes at the third grade teacher after 5 minutes of conversation.
I also find it inconceivable that a librarian would not have inquired about why her position became available. Seeking information is in the job description (eye roll).
dnf at page 43
January 28, 2013
I really enjoyed this cozy set in a sweet Southern Community. The people are nice ( for the most part )..
As Tori gets familiar with her new librarian job, and making new friends,.she finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation.
And some of the people that dont know her ( or want to get to know her ) think that she is the killer!
As Tori gets familiar with her new librarian job, and making new friends,.she finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation.
And some of the people that dont know her ( or want to get to know her ) think that she is the killer!
June 23, 2017
The last few books I have read all started out with me not sure if I would like them, and this one was the same way. I am glad to say this book (and the rest) I thoroughly enjoyed. I like the library aspect of the book and the sew circle concept is quite new to me and I quite like it. Cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
November 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I liked Tori (Victoria) and Milo, they are so cute together. I enjoyed the sewing circle ladies. The mystery was enjoyable and I even figured it out a step or two ahead of Tori. Not being from a small town in the south I wasn't sure how accurately some of the stereotypes were portrayed and I hope they were just magnified for the story. Looking forward to reading more.
January 13, 2010
Victoria "Tori" Sinclair is a very sweet and bright young woman, who after breaking off her engagement wanted to reclaim her life. Tori decided that she needed a change and leaving Chicago for the tiny town of Sweet Briar, South Carolina was it. Tori just did not know how big of a change she was about to get!
Tori has her work cut out for her not only as the town’s new librarian but trying to fit into the Southern way of life as well. And some of the townspeople aren’t making it any easier for her. To most folks in the small town of Sweet Briar, Tori Sinclair was in a nutshell two words: a Yankee and an outsider both they did not take to kindly too! It didn’t matter to them that she was a great librarian or that she could improve their library, because she replaced one of their own, Dixie Dunn, who in their eyes was the only librarian the town needed.
Just when Tori seems to be making some friends and joining the town’s sewing circle, her life becomes a tangled mess. Important papers and other things come up missing at the library and her front porch light bulbs disappear as fast as she replaces them. Then Tori finds herself smack-dab in the middle of a love triangle and the murder of the town’s sweetheart, Tiffany Ann Gilbert.
Now, with most of the town and the police investigator believing her guilty of murder, Tori knows she must find the true killer to save herself. Will Tori, with the help of her sewing circle ladies be able to unravel this murder mystery in time? Or will the killer find a way to sew her sleuthing up for good?
Elizabeth Lynn Casey has hit a homerun her first time at bat, with "Sew Deadly", the first book in her (Southern Sewing Circle series)! "Sew Deadly" is a marvelous mystery that takes the reader to small town existence in South Carolina where life there is anything but boring. Small town gossip, rivalries, love triangles, and even murder take on a whole new meaning in this tiny "Peyton Place"! But even with all its faults, there is a lot of good in Sweet Briar too, Southern charm and grace is in abundance as well!
You will find yourself enthralled in this breathtaking book the second you pick it up! You will be yearning to learn more about the people of Sweet Briar and Tori herself as you go along this mystery ride with them!
I am looking forward to joining Tori, the sewing circle and the town of Sweet Briar when Elizabeth Lynn Casey takes us on another mysterious adventure in "Death Threads" the second book in the (Southern Sewing Circle series) which will be released March 2, 2010!
Reviewer, Janean Sparks For Night Owl Romance
http://www.nightowlromance.com/nighto...
Tori has her work cut out for her not only as the town’s new librarian but trying to fit into the Southern way of life as well. And some of the townspeople aren’t making it any easier for her. To most folks in the small town of Sweet Briar, Tori Sinclair was in a nutshell two words: a Yankee and an outsider both they did not take to kindly too! It didn’t matter to them that she was a great librarian or that she could improve their library, because she replaced one of their own, Dixie Dunn, who in their eyes was the only librarian the town needed.
Just when Tori seems to be making some friends and joining the town’s sewing circle, her life becomes a tangled mess. Important papers and other things come up missing at the library and her front porch light bulbs disappear as fast as she replaces them. Then Tori finds herself smack-dab in the middle of a love triangle and the murder of the town’s sweetheart, Tiffany Ann Gilbert.
Now, with most of the town and the police investigator believing her guilty of murder, Tori knows she must find the true killer to save herself. Will Tori, with the help of her sewing circle ladies be able to unravel this murder mystery in time? Or will the killer find a way to sew her sleuthing up for good?
Elizabeth Lynn Casey has hit a homerun her first time at bat, with "Sew Deadly", the first book in her (Southern Sewing Circle series)! "Sew Deadly" is a marvelous mystery that takes the reader to small town existence in South Carolina where life there is anything but boring. Small town gossip, rivalries, love triangles, and even murder take on a whole new meaning in this tiny "Peyton Place"! But even with all its faults, there is a lot of good in Sweet Briar too, Southern charm and grace is in abundance as well!
You will find yourself enthralled in this breathtaking book the second you pick it up! You will be yearning to learn more about the people of Sweet Briar and Tori herself as you go along this mystery ride with them!
I am looking forward to joining Tori, the sewing circle and the town of Sweet Briar when Elizabeth Lynn Casey takes us on another mysterious adventure in "Death Threads" the second book in the (Southern Sewing Circle series) which will be released March 2, 2010!
Reviewer, Janean Sparks For Night Owl Romance
http://www.nightowlromance.com/nighto...
January 1, 2013
What I did like: I like how the this took place in a small town. I also like how the main character is a librarian and a lot of the book took place there. One other thing I like is how there was mention of Laura Ingalls Wilder a lot in this book, she has always been one of my all time favorite authors.
Overall Impression: I liked this mystery of the town sweetheart murdered and how they tried to pin it on the new person in town. Many small towns are not very welcome to outsiders moving into their town - I speak this from experience as being a new person moving to a small town. One thing I did notice though was in the end the author chose a different was of catching the killer than most cozies I have read. In most cozies the person accused or trying to solve the crime confronts and catches the killer whereas in this book the accused figured out who did it, went to the authorities and that is pretty much the last you heard about it other than a fly by conversation about the feelings of someone close to the murderer. I am not sure I like this. I kind of like the excitement of the the person solving the crime being caught by the killer and then being rescued. I almost thought this book had more of a library feel to it than a sewing circle feel as there was not a lot about the sewing circle, but the people from the circle we main characters in this book. I know this sounds like I am bashing the book, but I am not I truly liked this book and read it in a few days. I liked how Tori and Milo seemed to connect without even trying. Lulu was one of my favorite people in this book and it was fun to watch her transform from a shy little girl to someone who is excited about reading. Margaret Louise was a hoot - she told it like it was and became a true friend to Tori. I love how Leona and Margaret gave Tori tips on living in the South. I felt bad for Tori and some of the things she had to go thru and basically alone since she was new to town. In the end all works out and the town is happy again. I am giving this book 4 stars.
Overall Impression: I liked this mystery of the town sweetheart murdered and how they tried to pin it on the new person in town. Many small towns are not very welcome to outsiders moving into their town - I speak this from experience as being a new person moving to a small town. One thing I did notice though was in the end the author chose a different was of catching the killer than most cozies I have read. In most cozies the person accused or trying to solve the crime confronts and catches the killer whereas in this book the accused figured out who did it, went to the authorities and that is pretty much the last you heard about it other than a fly by conversation about the feelings of someone close to the murderer. I am not sure I like this. I kind of like the excitement of the the person solving the crime being caught by the killer and then being rescued. I almost thought this book had more of a library feel to it than a sewing circle feel as there was not a lot about the sewing circle, but the people from the circle we main characters in this book. I know this sounds like I am bashing the book, but I am not I truly liked this book and read it in a few days. I liked how Tori and Milo seemed to connect without even trying. Lulu was one of my favorite people in this book and it was fun to watch her transform from a shy little girl to someone who is excited about reading. Margaret Louise was a hoot - she told it like it was and became a true friend to Tori. I love how Leona and Margaret gave Tori tips on living in the South. I felt bad for Tori and some of the things she had to go thru and basically alone since she was new to town. In the end all works out and the town is happy again. I am giving this book 4 stars.
May 27, 2018
Sew Deadly by Elizabeth Lynn Casey is the first book of a cozy mystery series set in a small town in contemporary North Carolina. After a breakup with her fiance, Victoria "Tori" left her home in Chicago to be librarian in a small Southern town. She doesn't speak or understand Southern slang, and is not at all prepared for small-town insularity. Tori soon learns she replaced long-term librarian Dixie, who deeply resents her. It's quickly obvious that Dixie is responsible for the frequent vandalism (but not acknowledged until near the end).
When Tori finds a murder victim by the dumpster behind the library, the police consider her the prime suspect. The victim was Miss Popularity, a lovely Southern deb idolized by the town. There wasn't the slightest reason for Tori to kill her, however it's a tiresome but frequent plot device for cozies to portray small-town policemen as bigoted idiots. She's new in town, therefore guilty.
Tori understandably fears it was a big mistake to take the new job and move to a new town. Saving graces: her successes with schoolchildren, especially one young girl who Tori coaches to read; new friendships in the Sewing Circle; a budding romance with the schoolteacher.
While some hate her and sabotage her work at the library, others like Tori, and try to figure out who killed the victim. The big breakthrough that solves the crime comes from Tori's visit to a tiny village. She uncovers an illegal scam which led to the murder. I found the scam completely implausible; a crime far too easily uncovered and traced to its perpetrator.
When Tori finds a murder victim by the dumpster behind the library, the police consider her the prime suspect. The victim was Miss Popularity, a lovely Southern deb idolized by the town. There wasn't the slightest reason for Tori to kill her, however it's a tiresome but frequent plot device for cozies to portray small-town policemen as bigoted idiots. She's new in town, therefore guilty.
Tori understandably fears it was a big mistake to take the new job and move to a new town. Saving graces: her successes with schoolchildren, especially one young girl who Tori coaches to read; new friendships in the Sewing Circle; a budding romance with the schoolteacher.
While some hate her and sabotage her work at the library, others like Tori, and try to figure out who killed the victim. The big breakthrough that solves the crime comes from Tori's visit to a tiny village. She uncovers an illegal scam which led to the murder. I found the scam completely implausible; a crime far too easily uncovered and traced to its perpetrator.
November 21, 2017
This one did a big turnaround for me. I immediately liked the main character, Tori, but the same cannot be said for the cast of characters in the Southern town of Sweet Briar, South Carolina, that she relocated to. Being from the outskirts of the South myself, and knowing how judgmental it can be, I took offense, right along with Tori, to the way she was treated. Especially once she became the lead suspect in a homicide.
She wasn't all on her own, though. She had some plucky older ladies from her sewing circle on her side, along with a handsome third grade teacher who was willing to go the distance to help prove her innocence.
Despite my extreme dislike of many of the characters at the halfway point of the book, I came around on most of them by the end. Because it's a cozy mystery, it was destined to end better than things seemed halfway through. That's one of the things I love most about them.
All in all, I ended up really liking a book I was very unsure about. I still think some of the characters were jerks, because that's the way Southern society works, but mostly they made every effort to redeem themselves. The mystery itself was great, and everything was put together neatly at the reveal. I even caught onto a couple of clues, and that never happens! Despite the rocky start, I'm glad I read it and looking forward to the rest of the series.
She wasn't all on her own, though. She had some plucky older ladies from her sewing circle on her side, along with a handsome third grade teacher who was willing to go the distance to help prove her innocence.
Despite my extreme dislike of many of the characters at the halfway point of the book, I came around on most of them by the end. Because it's a cozy mystery, it was destined to end better than things seemed halfway through. That's one of the things I love most about them.
All in all, I ended up really liking a book I was very unsure about. I still think some of the characters were jerks, because that's the way Southern society works, but mostly they made every effort to redeem themselves. The mystery itself was great, and everything was put together neatly at the reveal. I even caught onto a couple of clues, and that never happens! Despite the rocky start, I'm glad I read it and looking forward to the rest of the series.
July 18, 2017
A delightful fun read with some romance and a couple minor mysteries.Victoria Sinclair moved to Sweet Briar South Carolina to take the head librarian position. She bought a house there. Tori, as she prefers to be known, is invited to join a sewing circle. She has much to learn about living in the south. At the library, she meets the third-grade teacher and his students. One a shy girl named Lulu becomes a friend. Things she needs keep disappearing and make it difficult to function. The light over her door is one of them. A leading belle of the town has decided the third-grade teacher will be her husband. When she is found dead behind the library Tori is the only suspect. Will Tori find answers before she arrested? I enjoyed the book and plan on reading the rest of the series. I recommend the book.
July 26, 2017
I have had this book on my shelf for quite some time but forgot about it. Then, a friend in a cozy mystery group on Facebook suggested reading through this series as a group, and I was excited to get this one off my shelf.
Tori Sinclair is the new librarian in Sweet Briar, South Carolina. She finds herself as the prime suspect in the murder of one of the town sweethearts. The only way out of it is to figure it out herself.
I loved the small-town setting of Sweet Briar. I'm from a small town and could easily relate to the gossip and everyone knowing everything about everybody else. I do not know anything about sewing, but liked that aspect of the story. This was a fun cozy mystery and Tori really grew on me as a character I liked. I enjoyed the mystery, even though it was one I figured out ahead of the reveal. I'm excited to read the next book in this series.
Tori Sinclair is the new librarian in Sweet Briar, South Carolina. She finds herself as the prime suspect in the murder of one of the town sweethearts. The only way out of it is to figure it out herself.
I loved the small-town setting of Sweet Briar. I'm from a small town and could easily relate to the gossip and everyone knowing everything about everybody else. I do not know anything about sewing, but liked that aspect of the story. This was a fun cozy mystery and Tori really grew on me as a character I liked. I enjoyed the mystery, even though it was one I figured out ahead of the reveal. I'm excited to read the next book in this series.
January 26, 2018
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the book. A sewing circle didn't really sound like my thing but the protagonist is a librarian and that very much is my thing. Having moved frequently, I could also well identify with being the unknown in a small community and the wealth of friendships those communities can offer once one is accepted. Until I found out how and why the murder occurred, it felt a bit contrived, then I was kind of "Oh, now I get it. That was a well done." Needless to day, I am joining this sewing circle for the duration.
May 4, 2019
Elizabeth Lynn Casey is a "new to me" author but I am glad that I found her books. I really enjoyed this first book in the series. The plot was well-crafted and I loved getting to know all of the characters in this small town mystery. I'll be reading the second book in the series as soon as my library sends to me.
July 26, 2020
In Elizabeth Lynn Casey's Sew Deadly, the first installment in the Southern Sewing Circle crafty cozy mystery series debut, this riveting new cozy series will have you at the edge of your seat. When Victoria "Tori" Sinclair moved to Sweet Briar, South Carolina, from Chicago, it was a fresh new start for her when she landed a new librarian job. But things aren't when they seem when fellow Southerners treated her as an outsider. Her first day at the job didn't go as planned and she needed to impress others in a local sewing circle by her skills and what treats she brought to the table. The former librarian gave her a hard time, certain objects disappeared from her left to right, and she discovered a dead body. At the certain of all, she envisioned a children's room in the library and dodges the local police as a potential person of interest. She does a bit of snooping on her own to clear her name and discovers what happened to the deceased in question. If that wasn't enough, she charmed the local kindergartners, helped a local girl to learn to read, and had swoony feelings for their teacher. In the end, she solved the puzzle, learned new revelations, and made herself a home in Sweet Briar to start her new life there.
April 11, 2024
Tori (Victoria) Sinclair has moved to the town of Sweet Briar, South Carolina, to be the head librarian. Bit the ladies of the town insist on calling her Victoria and she eventually gives up correcting them. She meets antique seller Leona on her way back from the hardware store after buying more lightbulbs since her porch lights keep disappearing. She sees a wooden sewing box in the window that reminds her of her grandmother's who taught her to sew. Georgina Hayes comes by with brownies to welcome her to town, sees the pillow she is sewing and invites her to come to the sewing circle.
She is also warned that the previous librarian did not go willingly. Dixie Dunn does not feel she should have been retired by the board. She is determined to give Tori problems about her library policies and plans.
Tori is pleased to meet the 3rd grade teacher, Milo Wentworth, who brings his class every Friday for some library time to back up what they're studying in class. Milo was previously married, but his wife died about 5 years ago. The town princess, Tiffany Ann, has a crush on Milo and is trying to make herself worthy to be noticed by him. But Milo seems interested in Tori. Tiffany Ann returns to town with big plans, but is discovered dead by Tori behind the library. The town's police chief is on his annual vacation, but the investigator from the neighboring town has been listening to someone who believes Tori got rid of her so she would have Milo all to herself. There is a core of women in the sewing circle who are convinced of Tori's innocence and determined to find the real killer so the investigator will leave her alone and she can get on with her plans for the children's section of the library.
She is also warned that the previous librarian did not go willingly. Dixie Dunn does not feel she should have been retired by the board. She is determined to give Tori problems about her library policies and plans.
Tori is pleased to meet the 3rd grade teacher, Milo Wentworth, who brings his class every Friday for some library time to back up what they're studying in class. Milo was previously married, but his wife died about 5 years ago. The town princess, Tiffany Ann, has a crush on Milo and is trying to make herself worthy to be noticed by him. But Milo seems interested in Tori. Tiffany Ann returns to town with big plans, but is discovered dead by Tori behind the library. The town's police chief is on his annual vacation, but the investigator from the neighboring town has been listening to someone who believes Tori got rid of her so she would have Milo all to herself. There is a core of women in the sewing circle who are convinced of Tori's innocence and determined to find the real killer so the investigator will leave her alone and she can get on with her plans for the children's section of the library.
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September 9, 2009Victoria “Tori” Sinclair is thrilled to begin her new job as head librarian of Sweet Briar, South Carolina’s library. Not only is it a new challenge for her, its also chance to start her life over again after a devastating end to a romance.
As a newcomer to town, as well as being a “Northerner,” Tori is having a difficult time settling into her new home and making friends. An avid sewer, she is thrilled to be invited to join the local sewing circle, but is dismayed to discover the former librarian, the woman whose job Tori has just assumed, is also a member of the group.
But the discomfort of trying to make new friends will soon be a minor inconvenience compared to what is about to turn Tori’s life upside down. After finding the town’s sweetheart dead behind the library, Tori is the number one suspect in the murder.
Determined to find the true culprit, Tori finds understanding and help from 3rd grade teacher Milo, bossy grandmother Margaret Louise, a few of her sewing friends and a darling little girl named Lulu. Will she be able to stitch together enough clues to clear her name?
“Sew Deadly” was a pure delight from start to finish. Elizabeth Lynn Casey captures the true essence of “Southern-ness” from the sweet tea right down to the “bless your hearts.” This is such a comfortable novel that readers will feel right at home on Tori’s front porch, if she can ever find a bulb for the light. And the gorgeous artwork on the cover is taken right from the description of Tori’s living room – just perfect.
I look forward to the next installment of this dandy series.
As a newcomer to town, as well as being a “Northerner,” Tori is having a difficult time settling into her new home and making friends. An avid sewer, she is thrilled to be invited to join the local sewing circle, but is dismayed to discover the former librarian, the woman whose job Tori has just assumed, is also a member of the group.
But the discomfort of trying to make new friends will soon be a minor inconvenience compared to what is about to turn Tori’s life upside down. After finding the town’s sweetheart dead behind the library, Tori is the number one suspect in the murder.
Determined to find the true culprit, Tori finds understanding and help from 3rd grade teacher Milo, bossy grandmother Margaret Louise, a few of her sewing friends and a darling little girl named Lulu. Will she be able to stitch together enough clues to clear her name?
“Sew Deadly” was a pure delight from start to finish. Elizabeth Lynn Casey captures the true essence of “Southern-ness” from the sweet tea right down to the “bless your hearts.” This is such a comfortable novel that readers will feel right at home on Tori’s front porch, if she can ever find a bulb for the light. And the gorgeous artwork on the cover is taken right from the description of Tori’s living room – just perfect.
I look forward to the next installment of this dandy series.
May 28, 2017
I'm a little torn about this book. All in all, I enjoyed the book, but there were also some things that bothered me about it as well.
The mystery in this book is definitely well written. I loved that there were so many different things going on at once. It kept my mind spinning and my attention on the story. I read the book quickly because I wanted to find out how everything would turn out. Just as I thought I had a lock on who was trying to sabtoge Tori and who was behind the murder, my suspicion would shift to someone else. In the end, the people behind both acts completely caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting that at all.
I enjoyed most of the characters and was glad to see that some of them had a change of heart in their behavior towards Tori. I'm interested to see where things go with Tori and Milo in the next book. Little Lulu captured my heart.
In regards to what bothered me, I was a little put off with some of the character's behavior toward Tori just because she was new to their town. When you think of southern hospitality, you don't really think of people being mean or hateful, so that bothered me a little bit. I also wish there had been a little bit more sleuthing done. It seemed like the bulk of it happened at the end of the book. I also wish the confrontation and the fall out with the killer hadn't been "behind the scenes". I would have liked to see that play out.
Overall though I enjoyed the book and will definitely be reading the next books in the series. I'm interested to see what will happen next.
The mystery in this book is definitely well written. I loved that there were so many different things going on at once. It kept my mind spinning and my attention on the story. I read the book quickly because I wanted to find out how everything would turn out. Just as I thought I had a lock on who was trying to sabtoge Tori and who was behind the murder, my suspicion would shift to someone else. In the end, the people behind both acts completely caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting that at all.
I enjoyed most of the characters and was glad to see that some of them had a change of heart in their behavior towards Tori. I'm interested to see where things go with Tori and Milo in the next book. Little Lulu captured my heart.
In regards to what bothered me, I was a little put off with some of the character's behavior toward Tori just because she was new to their town. When you think of southern hospitality, you don't really think of people being mean or hateful, so that bothered me a little bit. I also wish there had been a little bit more sleuthing done. It seemed like the bulk of it happened at the end of the book. I also wish the confrontation and the fall out with the killer hadn't been "behind the scenes". I would have liked to see that play out.
Overall though I enjoyed the book and will definitely be reading the next books in the series. I'm interested to see what will happen next.
February 16, 2012
Tori leaves a ruined love life in Chicago and accepts a position as head librarian in the quaint southern town of Sweet Briar. She is not prepared for the stares and interest of the local residents.
Shortly after arriving, Tori is invited to participate in the town's sewing circle. Then she finds out that her job was at the expense of the previous librarian and half of the sewing circle is friend with the previous librarian. She also learns a great deal about residents of the the town including the local beauty queen, who just happens to be in love with the man that is showing interest in Tori.
While cleaning out the extra spaces of the library, Tori takes a load of books to the dumpster and trips over the body of that beauty Queen. There hasn't been a murder in over a hundred years, so the to the Sheriff, it makes sense to look at the newest resident, Tori. She can't believe anyone thinks she could kill someone, but it becomes clear that she had better figure out who the real killer is before she sent up river for a crime she didn't commit.
Casey has created a number of vivid characters as part of the sewing circle. The characters are well rounded and deep. The plot is thorough and well planned. And Tori's ideas for the library are upto date and her ability to get the town's people involved is terrific.
I look forward to reading others in the series.
Shortly after arriving, Tori is invited to participate in the town's sewing circle. Then she finds out that her job was at the expense of the previous librarian and half of the sewing circle is friend with the previous librarian. She also learns a great deal about residents of the the town including the local beauty queen, who just happens to be in love with the man that is showing interest in Tori.
While cleaning out the extra spaces of the library, Tori takes a load of books to the dumpster and trips over the body of that beauty Queen. There hasn't been a murder in over a hundred years, so the to the Sheriff, it makes sense to look at the newest resident, Tori. She can't believe anyone thinks she could kill someone, but it becomes clear that she had better figure out who the real killer is before she sent up river for a crime she didn't commit.
Casey has created a number of vivid characters as part of the sewing circle. The characters are well rounded and deep. The plot is thorough and well planned. And Tori's ideas for the library are upto date and her ability to get the town's people involved is terrific.
I look forward to reading others in the series.
October 16, 2016
I have to say that I had started this series in the middle and enjoy it so I am starting at the beginning now to get a little more background, and I am glad that I did. I had no problem following the other books but this gave me a deeper understanding of the characters.
Tori moves to Sweet Briar, leaving behind an ex fiance and is starting over as the new head librarian. She joins a sewing circle and finds that she is not welcomed by all. Especially as things start disappearing and a dead body turns up and the police are looking at her.
Tori is a likable, real person. She shows real emotions from fear, uncertainty to anger when pushed. I did figure out the murderer but it didn't matter because it was so fun getting to know the characters. I also liked how we gradually get to know the characters with their changing attitudes. You are lead along at a nice pace getting to know them with Tori. I will continue on with these earlier books until I catch up to where I am in the series.
Tori moves to Sweet Briar, leaving behind an ex fiance and is starting over as the new head librarian. She joins a sewing circle and finds that she is not welcomed by all. Especially as things start disappearing and a dead body turns up and the police are looking at her.
Tori is a likable, real person. She shows real emotions from fear, uncertainty to anger when pushed. I did figure out the murderer but it didn't matter because it was so fun getting to know the characters. I also liked how we gradually get to know the characters with their changing attitudes. You are lead along at a nice pace getting to know them with Tori. I will continue on with these earlier books until I catch up to where I am in the series.
August 24, 2020
Very light and engaging.
Victoria "Tori" Sinclair moves from Chicago to the small town of Sweet Briar to start her new librarian position. As a new comer to a small town, she quickly learns the difference between southern hospitality and small town rumors, as well as how they quickly divide circles, even the tight knit sewing circle. Things aren't made easier for her when a body is found behind the library.
Accused of murder (unofficially), Tori, along with her supporters, set out to get to the bottom of the mysteries in the town.
I wasn't sure who the saboteur was but I figured out the killer early on but not the why.
I enjoyed that this was light and that Tori didn't go out and put her self in crazy danger. I also enjoyed the budding romance with Milo and the sweet relationship Tori developed with Lulu.
I am looking forward to continuing this series to see the relationship grow between Tori and Milo.
Victoria "Tori" Sinclair moves from Chicago to the small town of Sweet Briar to start her new librarian position. As a new comer to a small town, she quickly learns the difference between southern hospitality and small town rumors, as well as how they quickly divide circles, even the tight knit sewing circle. Things aren't made easier for her when a body is found behind the library.
Accused of murder (unofficially), Tori, along with her supporters, set out to get to the bottom of the mysteries in the town.
I wasn't sure who the saboteur was but I figured out the killer early on but not the why.
I enjoyed that this was light and that Tori didn't go out and put her self in crazy danger. I also enjoyed the budding romance with Milo and the sweet relationship Tori developed with Lulu.
I am looking forward to continuing this series to see the relationship grow between Tori and Milo.
February 12, 2011
I could complain about the two-dimensional characters, the pre-Flood gender roles. I could complain about the lack of subtlety or any sense of reality and a plot whose contours could be guessed at by a blind deaf-mute from 300 miles away. But what really offended me? The constant assertion that perfectly normal words and phrases were somehow, SOMEHOW distinctly Southern. The word "dab" for example. I'm sorry but you cannot declare regional ownership of a word used in Shakespeare. Monks were probably illuminating the word "dab" in manuscripts in the Dark Ages. Do you see what I'm saying? It's not regional color; it's just your own illiteracy.
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