According to the persnickety Felicity Ranquels, Sally-Forth and Tally-Ho, the dogs of In Stitches owner Willow Vanderling would only detract from the important occasion they're preparing for. Darlene Coddlefield has won a national sewing competition and will be presented with her prize-- a top-of-the-line Chandler Champion sewing machine at Willow's shop. But when Darlene is later found dead beneath the Chandler Champion, Willow knows that she's going to have to put the treadle to the metal to prove that she doesn't sell killer sewing machines in her shop.
This book has it all for cozy mystery fans: an intriguing mystery, lots of humor, close friendships, a spark or two of romance, and the lure of the needle arts. Every time I read one of Janet Bolin's Threadville mysteries, I have the insane desire to buy a sewing machine, even though I know I wouldn't use it. Bolin's descriptions of Willow thinking through new designs as well as the descriptions of finished projects of faithful customers are like catnip to any fan of needle and fiber.
There is humor laced throughout the story such as the scene when Willow agrees to meet a suspect for dinner and finds that she has plenty of bodyguards. Readers also get to learn a bit about what it takes to be a volunteer fireman. As with all the best cozy mystery series, it's the characters who make or break the books, and Bolin has assembled an excellent cast. Felicity Ranquels, representative of the Chandler sewing machine company, managed to be the sort of irritating that I'd like to see make a repeat visit. Just when I thought Felicity was a rather stock character with all the beauty and appeal of a horse fly, Bolin added a twist and gave her the depth that makes me want to see more.
If you're in the mood for a light-hearted mystery with some depth to it, grab a copy of Threaded for Trouble. You're going to have a fun read.
Threaded for Trouble by Janet Bolin
ISBN: 9780425251324
Berkley Prime Crime © 2012
Mass Market Paperback, 320 pages
Cozy Mystery, #2 Threadville mystery
Rating: B+
Source: Paperback Swap
Cathy - I can remember learning to sew when I was young and your review here made me think of that. It sounds like a good premise for a story, and of course, you have to have strong characters too if you're going to create a solid cosy series. Sounds like this is one.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother taught me to sew, and (unfortunately) it's one of the reasons why I don't use a sewing machine to this day. Let's just say that she wasn't the world's best teacher and leave it at that. So for Bolin to make me want to run out and buy an expensive machine is quite the achievement!
DeleteI love this style of book you review and need to stock up some $$ to buy several I've added to my list. My mom sews and embroiders, and I know how to, though I don't often. I think we would both enjoy these. :)
ReplyDeleteYou probably would because "Threadville:" isn't just for sewing machines. There are shops catering to fabric, yarn, buttons and beads.... it's like a small treasure trove. I needlepoint, and I'd love to go to Threadville!
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