Wreath of Deception

Craft Corner #1

by Mary Ellen Hughes

It's opening day at Jo's Craft Corner, and Jo is wired more tightly than the wreath on her store's front door. The entertainment she's hired, Cuddles the Clown, is little help, grumbling and complaining until Jo is ready to strangle him. Someone else does silence him, though – for good. With a dead clown in her storeroom and murdered with one of her craft items, Jo becomes the prime suspect. She works to clear her name, unaware that the crafty killer is ready to do anything it takes to stop her – and won't stop at murder!

Includes directions for a craft project!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Crafts, Mystery Thriller

260 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 1, 2000

Reviews

[Zoe · Rating 2 out of 5]

This craft shop mystery wasn't annoying in what it got wrong, it was more what it didn't get right. While there were plenty of characters that you can see will be recurring, part of what makes a cozy enjoyable is the setting. There were lots of times the main character drove through town and didn't describe a bit of it, and the main character's craft store is where much of the action takes place, but is never described. We have no idea how big it is or how it's arranged, is it in a strip mall, etc. This lack of info makes all the action (and there is some) seem as though it's taking place in a brown paper bag, and it makes the book bland.

[Sally906 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book,even though I am not into scrapbooking- and I actually figured out who dunnit about 3/4 of the way through - which rarely happens. I just didn't know why until the MC figured it out :)

[Denise Zendel · Rating 3 out of 5]

In an attempt to recover from the tragic death of her husband of five years, Jo McAllister returns to her childhood home to open Jo’s Craft Corner. On opening day, Cuddles the Clown, Jo’s hired entertainer, gets done in with knitting needles from Jo’s store. Jo becomes the prime suspect, and starts asking questions to clear her name and save her business.

This was a re-read for me (I must have read it in paperback when it was first published), and I’m pleased to say it stood the test of time. The interaction between Jo, her best friend Carrie, Carrie’s son Charlie, and the Craft Corner customers is entertaining. The author weaves crafting tips into the plot in a natural way, and it made me itch to expand my crafting horizons.

This was a light, easy read, and I re-liked it enough to pick up the others in the series.

[Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful start to a series - there are red herrings in abundance leading to a fantastic showdown!

Jo is a young widow after her husband was killed whilst making his art, she has headed back to her closest friend to heal and whilst she wants to still make her jewellery her friend Carrie suggests that making it a full craft shop would be better. On the opening day people are coming and going but Jo and Carrie need to cope with a reluctant clown, still the day is a success and people have been signing up for the evening workshops as well!  Everything seems to be going well until the next day when Jo goes in and finds Kyle aka Cuddles the Clown well and truly dead in the storeroom!

Now the Detective seems determined to pin the murder on Jo (and even suggests that she killed Mike, her husband, to get the insurance money!) so Jo - along with the evening crafters - needs to find out the truth or the only thing she will be making is licence plates in prison!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

" Cuddles the Clown " is murdered in the storeroom
on opening day at Jo's Craft Corner in Abbottsville,
Maryland!!! The weapon....knitting needles.
Then an actress is found dead at the bottom of a
cliff. A car accident bangs up Jo McAllister as she
investigates what is happening to clear herself of
any involvement that the Police Lieutenant Russ
Morgan thinks she is capable of doing.
Jo decides to open a craft shop after the death of
her husband when they were living in New York. She
and her best friend who lives in Abbottsville work
hard to accomplish this feat only to have the murder
throw in a monkey wrench!! Add danger, mystery ,
suspense and a cast of well written, creative characters
for an enjoyable read.
This is the first book in the Craft Corner Mystery Series.
Directions on how to make seasonal wreaths included.

[Jess Schira]

A good vacation read though not one that will end up on my keeper shelf.

[Sydney Guerrera · Rating 2 out of 5]

just thought the whole thing was funny even though it wasn't supposed to be

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first in the "Craft Corner Mystery" series. This is also a review of String of Lies and Paper-Thin Alibi, the next two books in the series. I enjoyed them as light reading and liked the protagonist and other characters. The books get better and the characters even better-drawn as the series progresses, although it is incredible that the protagonist could be suspected of three murders (one in each book) in the space of the 9 to 12 months these books cover. Note to author: mere curiosity is motivation enough (in a cozy mystery) for a person to want to solve a murder she's connected with--the fear of being a suspect is not really necessary. Further, the protagonist is worried that people in her (new to her, small) town will think she's a bad person because she's had the bad luck to know some murder victims and be suspected of one murder, which doesn't seem consistent with human nature in general to me. The author took a slightly tedious amount of time setting up red herrings in the middle part of the first book. The crafting part holds little interest for me, but lately these series seem to need an "angle," and that's as good as any. Otherwise, these are an enjoyable, fast read and I would probably read others in the series if they are forthcoming.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that I had this mystery figured out very early in the story (hence the three stars instead of four), and usually that significantly lowers my opinion of a mystery book. Despite this drawback, however, I was very surprised to realize that I still rather enjoyed this little book! I just couldn't wait for my bus rides so I could pick it up and keep reading!

I thought the central characters were well drawn. I was engaged in the stories surrounding the lives of Carrie and her family, and I was engaged in Jo's struggles to overcome past and present difficulties. The central characters seemed realistic and belivable to me, and the fact that they spent so much time in a craft store, well, doesn't everyone? :-) I really enjoyed that Carrie's teenage son played such an important role in the unfolding of this story, and that as a teenager he was not relegated to the figurative children's table. I found that to be a refreshing element, and I think that helped hook me into the story.

All in all, an enjoyable read, and I'll be back for more Craft Corner Mysteries!

[Pooch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Place a few ladies of varying ages and backgrounds around a table in a craft shop and they not only learn craft techniques, they also reveal themselves through casual conversation. In WREATH OF DECEPTION, a cozy mystery by Mary Ellen Hughes, Jo not only begins her new small town life by opening her craft supply store, but also solves crimes! The endearing Jo is surrounded by a stereotypical group of ladies: the elderly mother-figure, the young woman, the silly-fluttery person, the dear ever-reliable close friend, and so on.

This initial book in the Craft Corner Mystery series is a relaxing read with affable characters, an interesting plot, a fairly standard recipe for chili, and directions of wreath-making. What more could you want?

[Priya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the premise, but I feel the author needed to make the mystery a little more intriguing.

[Joni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo McAllister has recently moved to Abbottsville, Maryland from New York City after the tragic death of her husband. Jo, along with her best friend Carrie, are anxiously awaiting the grand opening of Jo's Craft Corner. The shop is filled with all types of craft and do-it-yourself items and Jo hopes to make a go of it after being a jewelry designer in NYC.

The grand opening is successful and Jo has high hopes for her new life until...well...she finds 'someone' in her stock room after the store has closed.

First in the Craft Corner series (I think there are only three), the characters are well-defined. Ms. Hughes has written each character interestingly from teenager Charlie to retired schoolteacher Ina Mae. What would a cozy mystery be without the doubting police officer or red herring?

Very satisfying; I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Alton Motobu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Newly widowed Jo McCallister leaves NYC and opens a craft shop in small town in MD. Opening day a clown she hired to entertain customers is found murdered in her storeroom. Then an actress in local theater is found dead at the bottom of a cliff. Jo is a suspect since the first murder occurred in her shop. She investigates and uncovers plot by wife of local politician to cover up blackmail and affairs by her husband. No surprises since the wife was acting suspiciously early on. Takes place in late September; the wreath in the title refers to an "autumn wreath."

[Linda C · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the grand opening of her craft shop, Jo McAllister discovers the clown she'd hired dead in her storage room. Since he was killed with a knitting needle from the shop she becomes a prime suspect. In self defense she starts asking questions concerning the victim to find out about any potential enemies. The characters are interesting and the plot OK, just nothing stands out that would draw me to the next in the series.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this first in the series. Jo is opening a craft store when a clown hired for opening day turns up dead. I like the relationship of Jo with her friend Carrie and well as Carrie's family. I enjoyed all the side characters, especially enjoyed the bond the Jo and Carrie's son had, I thought that it was a nice touch. The mystery kept me guessing and tied up nicely. I will continue on with this series.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wreath is a little dry, but still nice decor

Pretty good mystery centered around one of my favorite settings-a craft store. I feel that the character development was slightly lacking between the new group of budding friendships. Otherwise, it was a pleasant read. Looking forward to the others in the series.

[L.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced and filled with interesting characters. I really liked this book. It's unfortunate it only lasted 3 books, hopefully the author will consider continuing it independently. Jo is sweet and fun, I love her relationship with Carrie and her family. Charlie is charming in a rebellious teen kind of way and I look forward to seeing how he plays into future books.

[Nancy H · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very good cozy mystery set in Maryland in a craft shop. When the clown who has been there for the grand opening is found later stabbed in the supply room, the owner must solve the crime before she is arrested for the murder. This is a very good read.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

quick, fun mystery

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Easy to read but was slow and repetitive.

[Ruth Kevghas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read and have already lent it to one of my co-workers!

[Diane Thorne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read a number of other books by this author, but found this one not one of the better ones. Most of the characters were flat and the story and descriptions seemed rushed and incomplete.

[Dorothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad for a start of a new series. I did figure out who the murderer was before page 100.

[Nairabell · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her husband's recent tragic death, Jo McAllister has moved from New York to the small town of Abbotsville in Maryland not too far from where she grew up. Jo hopes her new store Jo's Craft Corner will give her something positive to focus on, and allow her to indulge in and share her crafty hobbies. But when she hires Cuddles the Clown as entertainment for her grand opening, the last thing Jo expects is to stumble over his dead body in her store room. Jo is soon the prime suspect for the murder and decides to do everything she can to clear her name.

This book sat on my TBR for over two years before I finally got round to reading it and I must say I'm really impressed. The reason this book sat around for so long is that I got hooked on culinary mysteries, but as a keen crafter I finally picked this one up and have discovered a whole new type of cozy. The mystery is well plotted and full of twists and red herrings, not to mention an ending I never saw coming.

I liked Jo as a lead character, and it's great that rather than using the usual divorced lead character Jo is a widow. It means there's no romantic subplot but the mystery is so twisty and turny there isn't really room for one. Jo's friend Carrie was great and I liked the unconventional choice to have Carrie's teenage son Charlie as the sidekick rather than another adult. The ladies at Jo's craft sessions are great, and it's fun to see the sleuth interacting with a larger group.

As I mentioned before I am a keen crafter (knitting, stitching, crochet, papercrafts - you name it) and I loved how different crafts were shown through the book. The only downside was that the craft discussions were so descriptive and imaginative I was sorely tempted to put my book down and go and do some crafts, to the point where I ended up torn between trying to figure out the mystery and wanting to do something crafty.

Also included in the book are directions for making your own woodland wreath (a picture is available on the author's website), and a recipe for Carrie's Chili.

All in all, this was a great cozy read and I'm looking forward to reading the next two books in the series (String of Lies and Paper-Thin Alibi).

Plot: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Enjoyment: 9/10
Cover: 9/10

Overall: 47/50

[Drebbles · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her husband is killed, Jo McAllister moves from New York back to Maryland where she grew up and opens up her own craft store, Jo's Craft Corner. Having put all her money into the store, Jo needs as many customers as possible and on opening day she hires a clown, Cuddles, to attract customers. But her store gets the wrong kind of attention when someone murders Cuddles in her storeroom using one of her knitting needles. Police Lieutenant Russ Morgan seems to think Jo not only killed Cuddles but also arranged the explosion that killed her husband. Jo is anxious to clear her name and with the encouragement of some of her loyal customers, she begins to investigate the murder with the help of 15 year old Charlie, the son of her best friend Carrie. Jo has plenty of suspects but when there is another murder and someone poisons Jo, causing her to crash her car, she realizes she may be getting too close to the truth.

"Wreath of Deception" is the well-written first book in the Craft Corner Mystery Series. Jo is a sympathetic character as she struggles to rebuild her life after her husband's devastating death. One of the things that made this book so enjoyable is the friendship between Jo and Carrie and Carrie's family. Carrie's family is well developed and the strained relationship between Charlie and his father is well done. Charlie's relationship with his "Aunt" Jo is also well done and he's a great help in solving the mystery as his character grows during the course of the book. Jo's Craft Corner's customers are also well written, especially the ones that take her craft workshops: elderly Ina Mae Kepner, who has the energy of someone half her age; Deirdre Patterson, who is married to a senator and very aware of her image; Loralee Phillips with her large tote which seems to carry everything but the kitchen sink; dentist wife Javonne Barrett; and doting mother to twin toddlers, Mindy Blevins. The craft elements are deftly weaved into the story and figure more into the mystery than first appears. Author Mary Ellen Hughes has a nice way with words that is shown when Jo wonders if she is dragging Charlie into dangerous waters and decides it's okay as long as she swims beside him. The mystery itself is well plotted and the identity of the murderer comes as quite a surprise.

"Wreath of Deception" is a well-done cozy mystery and I look forward to reading more books in this series.

[Nytetyger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book one in a new cozy mystery series, with the setting of a recently widowed woman coming to a small town to start a craft store. One HER opening day (what the heck is it with opening days and these books?) the clown she hires to stand in front of the store is murdered in her back room… with one of her knitting needles. She is seen as the number one suspect, especially when a tie is found to a person she knew in her old home in NYC who she had a business arrangement with which ended badly. Since she knows she is innocent, and WE know she is innocent, she begins her own efforts to find out what really happened and clear her name.

We meet the loyal friend, the oddball friends who craft with her, and the big bad cop, who is big and bad because in this series, she is not currently falling in love with him. All in all, it was not a bad read, but there was a lot of side story about her best friend’s younger son and his father no longer getting along, too many extra characters, and in all seriousness, the crafting angle seemed a bit forced—she had been a successful jewelry artist in NYC; the death of her husband might have meant she needed to move away to get away from the memories, but to totally give up a successful career for a store that she keeps whining about failing at any second seemed stupid. And adding in, as if hoping the series was a long one, and thus needing several million sub-characters for our heroine to work with, a mother who she does not get along with and who she has a lot of unresolved emotional outburst to come was again, annoyingly distracting. I’m on the fence whether to get the next book in this series, free or otherwise

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought Wreath of Deception was an excellent first book in a series. Mary Ellen didn't spend too much time introducing the character but got right into the story in a very few pages. I like that in a book (not getting bogged down with explanations). I feel that I am a fairly intelligent person that can pick up what I need to know about the characters while also being immersed in the story. I felt the story moved along at a pretty good clip (only once or twice did I think okay let's get on with the story). I must admit I didn't know who the murderer was until Mary Ellen wrote it into the story (but as I said in the Cozy Mystery Group, I had a real struggle with myself not to peek at the end to see who it was). Good book, very touching ending (I cried). I look forward to reading more from Ms. Hughes.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great cozy mystery. Enjoyed it from start to finish. Jo McAllister decides to move back to a small town in Maryland after the accidental death of her husband Mike to be near her close friend Carrie. With the money from Mike's death she opens a craft store that she has dreamed of doing for years. With the help of Carrie and her family the day finally comes. With treats, prizes and a grumpy clown who gets himself killed with a couple of knitting needles in Jo's supply room. The police immediately thinks Jo killed him even though she had never met him. In order to clear her name she will have to investigate the murder because the police are only focusing on her. Great cast of characters that you hope shows up in future books and a strong story line with a murder mystery to die for. (did I really say that). I enjoyed this book so much I ordered the next one immediately to start reading.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a new series for me - I discovered it on the Cozy Mysteries group here on Goodreads. I must admit that I'm not much of a crafty person, but I really like that the setting is near where I live. The story was pretty good, and although I figured out "whodunit" fairly early, it was a suspenseful story through to the last chapter. The plot was a bit saccharine in parts, but I am sure it will appeal to lots of (mostly female) readers, whether they be Moms, craft aficionados, or just cozy mystery fans. I liked the characters and will probably read more books in this series, although I won't likely get too involved with this series until I finish some of the others I'm in the middle of reading.

new word: sodality

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd previously read the first in another series by this author and liked it well enough to put the others on my list for the used book store. On my last trip, they didn't have any more of those, but they had the first three in this series, so I picked them up.

This was fairly enjoyable. I felt like the setting wasn't filled out nearly as much as it could have been, but this is the first in a series, so I'm willing to give it time. I knocked a star off on this one because it was entirely too easy to figure out who the culprit was, though the why didn't come until later (but before it was revealed).