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Annie's Attic Mysteries #1
The Lady in the Attic
Upon the death of her beloved grandmother, Annie Dawson travels to Stony Point, Maine to tie up affairs and decide the fate of the family home, Grey Gables. In the attic, she comes across an unusual cross stitch featuring a young woman seated on a porch swing of the grand old house. Who is the woman? It isn’t her grandmother. Annie is intrigued and determined to discover her identity. Others, however, don’t like her nosing around their town. As small incidents begin to happen, Annie wonders, is she in danger? With the help of her new friends in the Hook and Needle Club, a local needlecraft group, Annie sets out to discover clues about the Lady in the Attic. But what will it cost Annie as she grows closer to the truth?
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
43 people are currently reading
1439 people want to read
About the author
Tara Randel
89 books760 followersTara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and, of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara has received the Heart of Excellence Readers' Choice Award and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award. Visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at Tara Randel Books.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 247 reviews
October 10, 2011
Nice 'gentle' NON-murder mystery. It was rather refreshing to read a mystery that was NOT about someone dying for a change. Interesting read, and it was a bit hard to put down though not much truly 'exciting' happened. Was fairly well written and intriguing. A little predictable near the end, but not in a bad way. Did seem odd that people got so 'fixated' on this image. Then again, sometimes odd things capture the imagination and anything is a break from the routine.
May 13, 2011
I had been looking at this book for some time. I love crafts and wanted to read it, but I never wanted to only order it. I wanted to purchase more books.
What a lovely birthday present from my sweet daughter.
Annie inherited her grandmother's home, Grey Gables in Maine. She lived in Texas and had spent her childhood summers there. With the pace of caring for a child and car sales company with her husband, she had not made it back to Maine to visit her grandma.
She went to see the home only to fall in love with it. Memories flashed back into her mind of a happy time. She had not smiled much since her husband died last year. Her friend, whom she played with during her summers, was the first to come by and see her.
She was asked to join their club where the ladies brought their craft projects they were working on.
When a picture stitched by her grandma was found in the attic, Annie wanted to find out about the different little pictures withtin the big stitched picture. This started the hunt for The Lady in the Attic. The scenes were around Stony Point, Maine. The stitch club was happy to help find the different places and to solve the mystery left by grandma, Betsy.
She not only renewed a childhood friendship, but made new friends.
I knew I would love this book.
Please read it and get hooked as I did. I started reading early on May 12th, and finished the book early on May 13th. It pulled me in and I did not want to put it down.
Loved it. Loved it....
What a lovely birthday present from my sweet daughter.
Annie inherited her grandmother's home, Grey Gables in Maine. She lived in Texas and had spent her childhood summers there. With the pace of caring for a child and car sales company with her husband, she had not made it back to Maine to visit her grandma.
She went to see the home only to fall in love with it. Memories flashed back into her mind of a happy time. She had not smiled much since her husband died last year. Her friend, whom she played with during her summers, was the first to come by and see her.
She was asked to join their club where the ladies brought their craft projects they were working on.
When a picture stitched by her grandma was found in the attic, Annie wanted to find out about the different little pictures withtin the big stitched picture. This started the hunt for The Lady in the Attic. The scenes were around Stony Point, Maine. The stitch club was happy to help find the different places and to solve the mystery left by grandma, Betsy.
She not only renewed a childhood friendship, but made new friends.
I knew I would love this book.
Please read it and get hooked as I did. I started reading early on May 12th, and finished the book early on May 13th. It pulled me in and I did not want to put it down.
Loved it. Loved it....
May 30, 2011
The first book in the "Annie's Attic" series. It was a nice easy read, with a simple but fun storyline. The characters were very easy to relate to, being a needle-crafter myself. I enjoyed it very much.
May 22, 2020
The Lady In the Attic is the story of Annie Dawson's hunt to solve the mystery in the town of Stony Point. I really like this book and the story behind the mystery, first time reading anything from Tara Randal the Author.
August 11, 2019
I got halfway through, and I just can't stand another minute of it. The Lady in the Attic is about a lady named Annie. She inherits her grandmother's house. Annie finds a cross stitch featuring a woman in the attic. She decides to try to figure out who the woman is. While I can understand why Annie would want to know who the woman is, as someone who isn't tied to Annie or her grandmother, I genuinely don't care who the woman is. At the halfway point, I'm bored out of my mind. Annie wonders about the cross stitch. Annie asks some people about the cross stitch. Annie goes to a diner. Annie takes pictures of the cross stitch. Annie talks to a handyman. Annie goes to a knitting group. And that's all that's happened in the entire first half of the book. It also doesn't help that all the characters seem so generic that I can hardly tell them apart. This might be great for people who want to read a book without getting themselves worked up by too much excitement. But it's just not for me.
September 23, 2010
Annie spent many summers with her grandmother in Stony Point, Maine, but in recent years she's been living in Texas near her children and grandchildren. When her grandmother, Betsy, dies and Annie inherits her house, she goes to Maine to settle the estate and finds herself involved in a mystery.
I bought this book on a whim. It was advertised in a needlecraft/quilting catalog. I had not heard of the author, but thought it might be a nice book to read and then share with my mother-in-law. I was right. The story of the Stony Point women who meet every week at the local quilt/yarn/craft shop to work on their projects and talk is a sweet interesting story of friendship and small town life. While this is not an action-packed page-turner, it is a nice quiet story of family, friends, and long kept secrets. Although I figured out the mystery long before it was revealed, I didn't mind. I know my mother-in-law will enjoy this too.
I bought this book on a whim. It was advertised in a needlecraft/quilting catalog. I had not heard of the author, but thought it might be a nice book to read and then share with my mother-in-law. I was right. The story of the Stony Point women who meet every week at the local quilt/yarn/craft shop to work on their projects and talk is a sweet interesting story of friendship and small town life. While this is not an action-packed page-turner, it is a nice quiet story of family, friends, and long kept secrets. Although I figured out the mystery long before it was revealed, I didn't mind. I know my mother-in-law will enjoy this too.
April 3, 2016
Annie Dawson, a widow, has recently inherited her grandmother's Victorian home in Stony Point, Maine. Annie decides to have a temporary visit (purging, upgrading the home); but receives phone calls from her loved ones living in Texas. Annie joins the members of 'The Hook and Needle Craft Club' and discovers a mysterious, cross-stitch, work of art. As Annie purges items out from the attic, she finds something surprising? First, a completed cross-stitch piece, in her grandmother's style; but the cross-stitch was not made by her mothers, but of an unknown woman. Well worth following to the end. Great story, well done.
December 19, 2010
This is a new author for me & I will definitely be reading more of her work! ;) I came across the ad for this book in a crochet magazine so I checked it out. If you are into needlecraft as well as a good mystery, you'll love this book. It really made me think about where I grew up & family history since it's about a house being inherited by a granddaughter & finding the mysteries of the grandmother's life. So pick it up to read today because it's the perfect book to cuddle up with in the winter months, sipping on a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate & reminiscing. :)
April 30, 2010
Annie Dawson lost her husband, she had a independent daughter with twins...Annie hears that her Grandmother died and left her the house that she spent her summers when she was young. She drove from Texas to Maine. When Annie arrived at the house, the mystery starts with the cross stitch her grandmother left in the attic. It leads Annie all over town and she meets up with the Hook and Needle Club and they all want to help her solve the mystery.
July 31, 2017
This book was a fun summer read. An easy mystery to solve but the characters make the story.
November 23, 2025
I know nothing about needlework, but I enjoyed the mystery of this family piece. I had a difficult time engaging with these characters, but I wanted to find out who the lady was in the piece. My hunch was correct and I was happy with the ending.
April 30, 2025
This was an enjoyable story to read of how many of life’s moments and decisions can impact those around you. The added needlecraft club of friends was a heartwarming core to the story.
July 12, 2021
My mother would have loved this. Cute little book, the cover sold me and the nice touch with the sewn in bookmark. The story was definitely not in my wheelhouse, even though I do enjoy needlecrafts. The mystery, quite simple, no murder or mayhem here. If you like a simple, fun, uncomplicated mystery you’ll enjoy.
March 17, 2020
A sweet story of the friendships of women. The book begins when Annie Dawson has been informed that her grandmother has left her the big, old Victorian home in Story Point, Maine. Annie leaves her Texas hom to take care of the work needed to be done. Annie's daughter is very independent, married, has twins and doesn't need help. Annie and her husband owned an auto dealership. But now she's a widow, missing Wayne terrible, sold the dealership, is at loose ends. She needs to get away. She and Gram had been close during her growing up years and spent the summers vacationing in Maine which she loved. A beautiful house not far from the ocean, a pretty little town. She loved all of this.
The book tells much of knitting, crocheting and cross-stitching. Betsy Holden was a beautiful cross-stitcher, her pieces were displayed in many places. Annie has always liked this and is interested in different types of fabrics. She goes into the pretty village and finds, to her joy, a shop named A Stitch in Time. She talked to the owner, Mary Beth, finds her friendly, she loved Betsy Holden. Everybody knew Betsy, Gram, and loved her. The lady who had been Annie's best friend, Alice, now divorced, when she was visiting Gram came to visit and brought her a cat, Boots, that had been one of Gram's strays, the last one.
The two ladies talked Annie into joining the Hook and Needle Club where she met other ladies, Peggy, who loves gossip and listens conversations to hear what she can. Stella, an older lady, who took a dislike to Annie. She was from far away, not one of the.
Gram was close to being a hoarder. Her big, old house was stuffed with so much. When in the attic, Annie found a beautiful cross-stitch in a frame. A young woman gazes soulfully into the distance. She was dressed in clothes of a different time and sitting in a porch swing. This was in Gray Gables. Other features, a beach, a barn, a storefront, a house. Where are these places? Who is this lady? This is the most beautiful cross-stitch Gram has ever done, but never shown.
Annie is wondering about the lady, who could she be? She pulls the ladies of the Hook and Needle Club into the search. A cute mystery. There is some romance.
The book tells much of knitting, crocheting and cross-stitching. Betsy Holden was a beautiful cross-stitcher, her pieces were displayed in many places. Annie has always liked this and is interested in different types of fabrics. She goes into the pretty village and finds, to her joy, a shop named A Stitch in Time. She talked to the owner, Mary Beth, finds her friendly, she loved Betsy Holden. Everybody knew Betsy, Gram, and loved her. The lady who had been Annie's best friend, Alice, now divorced, when she was visiting Gram came to visit and brought her a cat, Boots, that had been one of Gram's strays, the last one.
The two ladies talked Annie into joining the Hook and Needle Club where she met other ladies, Peggy, who loves gossip and listens conversations to hear what she can. Stella, an older lady, who took a dislike to Annie. She was from far away, not one of the.
Gram was close to being a hoarder. Her big, old house was stuffed with so much. When in the attic, Annie found a beautiful cross-stitch in a frame. A young woman gazes soulfully into the distance. She was dressed in clothes of a different time and sitting in a porch swing. This was in Gray Gables. Other features, a beach, a barn, a storefront, a house. Where are these places? Who is this lady? This is the most beautiful cross-stitch Gram has ever done, but never shown.
Annie is wondering about the lady, who could she be? She pulls the ladies of the Hook and Needle Club into the search. A cute mystery. There is some romance.
May 18, 2017
The Lady in the Attic is a quaint novel taking place in the small town of Stony Point, Maine. It is a great read, in my opinion, although I can see why some may become disinterested. The Lady in the Attic is not a fast-paced, action-packed thriller. Rather, I would compare it to a gentle stream. It is a calm, yet somehow intriguing book. One has no choice but to keep reading as the main character, Annie Dawson, uncovers mysteries found in her late grandmother’s estate. I would most likely recommend this book to older folks, mainly women. The story contains lots of arts and crafts references and events, so if that’s not your thing, then this might not be your book. Personally, I’m not into all the arts and crafts stuff, either. What got me was the mystery. All I am trying to say is that there is hope. Even if you don’t think you would like the book, give it a try. You might surprise yourself. For those that have finished it and did enjoy it, there are many more in the series. I believe there are 30 books, of which I have read about 10. Honestly, it’s a hit-or-miss thing. Just give the book a try!
April 14, 2010
This book is the first in a series of mysteries from of all places Annie's Attic Craft Patterns and books. I enjoyed reading it because it had knitting, crocheting, and counted cross stitch all of which I have done and do more often than housework! If I am not reading, you can usually find me in my favorite chair with either needles or cloth for cross stitch.
Annie Dawson is trying to deal with the loss of her husband when she hears that her Grandma died and left her the house that she visited when she was young. Her Grandma was an avid cross stitcher. When Annie gets to the house, the mystery starts with the cross stitch she finds in the attic. It leads Annie all over the town and she meets up with the Hook and Needle Club and they all want to help her solve the mystery.
It was a quick read and interesting as it tells about Maine and some of the traditions of the area. It was well worth the read!
Annie Dawson is trying to deal with the loss of her husband when she hears that her Grandma died and left her the house that she visited when she was young. Her Grandma was an avid cross stitcher. When Annie gets to the house, the mystery starts with the cross stitch she finds in the attic. It leads Annie all over the town and she meets up with the Hook and Needle Club and they all want to help her solve the mystery.
It was a quick read and interesting as it tells about Maine and some of the traditions of the area. It was well worth the read!
April 14, 2011
What a sweet story. I really enjoyed reading about a quaint little town. I also enjoyed trying to solve the mystery right along with the characters of the book. Approximately, three quarters of the way through the book, I had a feeling I solved the mystery. By the end of the book I found out I was correct. If you are looking for something light and fun to read, I would recommend this book.
February 5, 2010
Easy to read. Great story. Enjoyed this book.
May 10, 2010
This was a pretty good book. I got it from a book club and am anxious to read the rest.
June 10, 2010
I enjoyed the needlecraft aspect of this book, but the mystery wasn't so mysterious. Still it was a very good book.
October 2, 2010
Always love a good mystery and this fell into that category.
April 20, 2011
what an excellent story!!
April 25, 2011
A nice story about a middle aged woman who inherits a house from her grandmother. She discovers a cross stitch piece that causes quite a stir in the small town.
May 19, 2011
Great book. You can always find friends where ever you go and don't let the one you do have get away.
April 21, 2018
A fun, fast read with engaging characters and a light yet sentimental plot line. It's the first in a long series so I'm excited to read more!
November 20, 2019
A new series for me. I very good mystery and the relationships of new and old friend.
March 11, 2020
Enjoyable cozy mystery for "ladies of a certain age."
When Annie's husband dies she loses not only her husband but her friend and business partner, as they owned a car dealership in Texas. Annie's grown daughter, married and with kids, really doesn't need her help, so when Annie learns that her beloved Gran has died in Maine and left her "Grey Gables," she drives across country to claim her inheritance. And have an adventure.
While not a newcomer to the tiny Maine town, since she summered there for many years, she is still an outsider and the townsfolk are cautious around her. Luckily, her childhood best friend immediately restarts their relationship, much to Annie's relief. Alice invites her to the local craft shop to introduce her to her (Alice's) friends, all women who loved and respected Annie's grandmother Betsy, a skilled needlewoman whose art has become famous.
As Annie slowly makes friends and a possible love interest (the mayor) there is one fly in the ointment, sour and nasty Stella, who makes it obvious Annie isn't welcome. When Annie finds a big needlework canvas by her grandmother, never seen before, Annie engages her new friends to help figure out if Betsy did, indeed create it, and who is the young woman in the piece, since Betsy never stitched people, only scenes.
Quick and pleasant read, no bad language and not heavy on the Christian angle.
When Annie's husband dies she loses not only her husband but her friend and business partner, as they owned a car dealership in Texas. Annie's grown daughter, married and with kids, really doesn't need her help, so when Annie learns that her beloved Gran has died in Maine and left her "Grey Gables," she drives across country to claim her inheritance. And have an adventure.
While not a newcomer to the tiny Maine town, since she summered there for many years, she is still an outsider and the townsfolk are cautious around her. Luckily, her childhood best friend immediately restarts their relationship, much to Annie's relief. Alice invites her to the local craft shop to introduce her to her (Alice's) friends, all women who loved and respected Annie's grandmother Betsy, a skilled needlewoman whose art has become famous.
As Annie slowly makes friends and a possible love interest (the mayor) there is one fly in the ointment, sour and nasty Stella, who makes it obvious Annie isn't welcome. When Annie finds a big needlework canvas by her grandmother, never seen before, Annie engages her new friends to help figure out if Betsy did, indeed create it, and who is the young woman in the piece, since Betsy never stitched people, only scenes.
Quick and pleasant read, no bad language and not heavy on the Christian angle.
January 31, 2019
The Lady in the Attic was a quick, easy read. It was a sweet story. But, it was very predictable. If you're looking for a great mystery, this isn't it. But, if you want a easy read with a sweet story, give it a try.
January 30, 2022
Sweet, heartwarming story. Not a mystery in the murder sense, so much as unraveling secrets of the past. Nice, clean easy going read.
I enjoyed the craft group. :)
I enjoyed the craft group. :)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 247 reviews