Besides being an avid reader, I am also a quilting addict; so, the concept of a paranormal story line involving fabric and sewing was utterly intriguing. “Hanging by a Thread” is a story about a junior in high school, Clare who moves back to Winston, California with her mother after the economy goes bad. What is so special about that? Well, Clare has the unique ability to see glimpses of people’s negative actions when she touches their clothing. This is a gift/curse that was passed down to her from her great grandmother.

While living in San Francisco, Clare kept in contact with one her friends in Winston, Rachel. Rachel is very popular and will be Clare’s opening in getting acquainted with the high school crowd. She is painfully aware that the house she lives in is considered by most to be haunted and that her grandmother is also considered a little eccentric. So, Clare is concern about blending in.

Clare has another talent. She has the ability to take vintage clothes and turn them into unique new style that is attracting quite a following in town. She also has a unique way of dressing as well that does not go unnoticed by Jack, the bad boy of town. Winston is coming upon the second year anniversary when two kids had been murdered. The first was a ten year old boy who was killed when he was pushed over the edge of a cliff while riding his bicycle and second was a missing teenage girl who mysteriously disappeared. Clare locates a piece of clothing belonging to the girl and is instantaneously drawn in to discovering who killed her and why.

This story was a little too disjointed. The author bounces from tale to tale often leaving some of the details unresolved. Quite frankly the plot was ‘sluggish’ leaving the reader with nothing but verbose inner dialogues and a serious lack of action. I continually awaited the big fight scene of the anticipation of an attack by the killer but it just never occurs. I also had one other problem with this book, Clare mentions that she is planning to have random sex for the first time and although it does not occur there is no solid explanation for why the author thought this was a good idea to include in the story line. It just doesn’t make sense or add any value. Overall, this book was just okay. It could have improved greatly if action had been added to the plot.