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A Sewing Studio Mystery #2
Hanging by a Thread
From USA Today bestselling author Dorothy Howell, the charming new cozy mystery featuring twenty-something Abbey Chandler and her fellow sewing circle members in the quaint, touristy town of Hideaway Cove, California.
After setting up a small sewing studio in quaint Hideaway Grove, Abbey Chandler is focused on finding crafty, creative ideas to build up her clientele. But murder can be bad for business . . .
Some of the independent shops in this sleepy town are barely hanging on financially—and that includes Sarah’s Sweets, Abbey’s aunt’s bakery. The shop’s advantage—aside from the deliciousness of its products—is the fact that it’s the only bakery in the area. But it looks like that’s about to change. The second wife of a wealthy businessman wants her own bakery—and money is no object.
When murder unravels the plans for the competing shop, Aunt Sarah is an immediate suspect—and Hideaway Grove’s merchants are on pins and needles about a big upcoming women’s conference, fearing the organization will cancel their booking because of the crime. Abbey’s doing her best to stay optimistic and stitch some custom tote bags for the attendees, but she’s also concerned with patching up Aunt Sarah’s good reputation. And when it comes to sorting through the possible motives of the victim’s family members and associates, she’s got a few tricks up her sleeve . . .
After setting up a small sewing studio in quaint Hideaway Grove, Abbey Chandler is focused on finding crafty, creative ideas to build up her clientele. But murder can be bad for business . . .
Some of the independent shops in this sleepy town are barely hanging on financially—and that includes Sarah’s Sweets, Abbey’s aunt’s bakery. The shop’s advantage—aside from the deliciousness of its products—is the fact that it’s the only bakery in the area. But it looks like that’s about to change. The second wife of a wealthy businessman wants her own bakery—and money is no object.
When murder unravels the plans for the competing shop, Aunt Sarah is an immediate suspect—and Hideaway Grove’s merchants are on pins and needles about a big upcoming women’s conference, fearing the organization will cancel their booking because of the crime. Abbey’s doing her best to stay optimistic and stitch some custom tote bags for the attendees, but she’s also concerned with patching up Aunt Sarah’s good reputation. And when it comes to sorting through the possible motives of the victim’s family members and associates, she’s got a few tricks up her sleeve . . .
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 26, 2023
46 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Howell
78 books272 followersDorothy Howell writes for two publishing houses, in two genres, under two names. She writes mysteries as Dorothy Howell historical romance novels under the pseudonym Judith Stacy.
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September 9, 2023
Crafts, desserts, and a death shake the small town of Hideaway, California in
Hanging by a Thread
by Dorothy Howell. Abbey Chandler has recently moved to the community and has set up a small sewing studio. She’s hoping to build a clientele for her business. Many of the shops are barely surviving and are depending on an upcoming women’s conference to help them. That includes Abbey’s Aunt Sarah’s bakery. However, when a partner in a competing shop is killed during its construction, Sarah becomes a suspect. Abbey is determined to find the culprit and clear her aunt’s reputation.
This novel has good characterization. Abbey takes on too many tasks. She can’t seem to say no to anyone and seemed somewhat scattered as she moved from one thing to another. This didn’t quite fit with my expectations of a character who had worked for a marketing firm in Los Angeles. Anna, the thrift shop owner, is known to gossip and jump to conclusions. However, she also donates pillowcases to be turned into dresses for charity. Other shop owners have varying degrees of depth. Aunt Sarah is mainly worried about her business and how she can make it more profitable. She’s also a loving aunt who Abbey spent her childhood summers with and who welcomed Abbey into her home when she moved to Hideaway Cove.
This is a fun cozy featuring many unique and interesting characters. However, I thought Aunt Sarah would play a larger role in the first half of the book. The stimulating plot kept me turning the pages after a somewhat slow start. Additionally, there are a few things that became repetitive such as why the streets have bird names and the offers to pay for the thrift store pillowcases. Other than that, the prose is well-written. Additionally, the world-building was well-done. I could easily visualize the shops. There’s a subplot within the storyline as well that deals with stolen goods. How can Abbey solve it, find the killer, and do all the other things she was volunteered for?
There is humor sprinkled throughout the novel as well as one major action scene. Woven through it are themes of caring for and helping others, charity work, family, gossip, death, friendship, a budding romance, and giving up one’s dreams due to family expectations. I see several threads from the story that could and likely will show up in future books.
Overall, this novel is entertaining and was a pleasurable reading experience. Those who enjoy cozy mysteries featuring crafts and desserts will likely enjoy this book. I’m looking forward to the next one in the series.
Kensington Books, Kensington Cozies and Dorothy Howell provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for September 26, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 3.26 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
This novel has good characterization. Abbey takes on too many tasks. She can’t seem to say no to anyone and seemed somewhat scattered as she moved from one thing to another. This didn’t quite fit with my expectations of a character who had worked for a marketing firm in Los Angeles. Anna, the thrift shop owner, is known to gossip and jump to conclusions. However, she also donates pillowcases to be turned into dresses for charity. Other shop owners have varying degrees of depth. Aunt Sarah is mainly worried about her business and how she can make it more profitable. She’s also a loving aunt who Abbey spent her childhood summers with and who welcomed Abbey into her home when she moved to Hideaway Cove.
This is a fun cozy featuring many unique and interesting characters. However, I thought Aunt Sarah would play a larger role in the first half of the book. The stimulating plot kept me turning the pages after a somewhat slow start. Additionally, there are a few things that became repetitive such as why the streets have bird names and the offers to pay for the thrift store pillowcases. Other than that, the prose is well-written. Additionally, the world-building was well-done. I could easily visualize the shops. There’s a subplot within the storyline as well that deals with stolen goods. How can Abbey solve it, find the killer, and do all the other things she was volunteered for?
There is humor sprinkled throughout the novel as well as one major action scene. Woven through it are themes of caring for and helping others, charity work, family, gossip, death, friendship, a budding romance, and giving up one’s dreams due to family expectations. I see several threads from the story that could and likely will show up in future books.
Overall, this novel is entertaining and was a pleasurable reading experience. Those who enjoy cozy mysteries featuring crafts and desserts will likely enjoy this book. I’m looking forward to the next one in the series.
Kensington Books, Kensington Cozies and Dorothy Howell provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for September 26, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 3.26 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
July 28, 2023
Abbey Chandler is beginning to find her feet in Hideaway Cove. Her Aunt Sarah has welcomed her with open arms and even let her set up a new sewing business in her bakery's store room. Having recently helped discover the identity of a killer, Abbey is also being approached to solve other mysterious issues around town, which keeps her very busy.
With an influential women's conference coming to the small town, most of the store owners hope their sales and reputations will improve as the mainly local trade in the quiet town only just keeps most businesses afloat. When the owner of the town’s new bakery is found dead, Abbey is horrified that the local Sheriff considers Aunt Sarah his main suspect. Added to everything else, including her burgeoning relationship with local Deputy, Zach McKenna, Abbey is run off her feet. When rumours about drug running and mafia hits begin circulating alongside the threat of the conference being cancelled, Abbey knows she has to act, but can she save the town and herself from financial ruin?
This is the second in Dorothy Howell's new series, and I have to admit I found it a little confusing! There are a lot of people in this book, and I'm not sure all of them are actually needed, while a few were annoyingly and unnecessarily distracting. I realise some things may have been explained in book one, which I haven't read, but it didn't come across that way. I did, however, like the way the author showed rumours circulating and getting bigger and more unlikely very quickly, but unfortunately, that didn't save this for me.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington, but the opinions expressed are my own. Unfortunately, this was not for me as there are similar cosy crime series I have enjoyed more.
With an influential women's conference coming to the small town, most of the store owners hope their sales and reputations will improve as the mainly local trade in the quiet town only just keeps most businesses afloat. When the owner of the town’s new bakery is found dead, Abbey is horrified that the local Sheriff considers Aunt Sarah his main suspect. Added to everything else, including her burgeoning relationship with local Deputy, Zach McKenna, Abbey is run off her feet. When rumours about drug running and mafia hits begin circulating alongside the threat of the conference being cancelled, Abbey knows she has to act, but can she save the town and herself from financial ruin?
This is the second in Dorothy Howell's new series, and I have to admit I found it a little confusing! There are a lot of people in this book, and I'm not sure all of them are actually needed, while a few were annoyingly and unnecessarily distracting. I realise some things may have been explained in book one, which I haven't read, but it didn't come across that way. I did, however, like the way the author showed rumours circulating and getting bigger and more unlikely very quickly, but unfortunately, that didn't save this for me.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington, but the opinions expressed are my own. Unfortunately, this was not for me as there are similar cosy crime series I have enjoyed more.
August 15, 2023
I had read the first Sewing Studio mystery, Seams Like Murder by Dorothy Howell, and enjoyed it, so I was happy to pick this one up. This is a good cozy series.
Description:
After setting up a small sewing studio in quaint Hideaway Grove, Abbey Chandler is focused on finding crafty, creative ideas to build up her clientele. But murder can be bad for business . . .
Some of the independent shops in this sleepy town are barely hanging on financially—and that includes Sarah’s Sweets, Abbey’s aunt’s bakery. The shop’s advantage—aside from the deliciousness of its products—is the fact that it’s the only bakery in the area. But it looks like that’s about to change. The second wife of a wealthy businessman wants her own bakery—and money is no object.
When murder unravels the plans for the competing shop, Aunt Sarah is an immediate suspect—and Hideaway Grove’s merchants are on pins and needles about a big upcoming women’s conference, fearing the organization will cancel their booking because of the crime. Abbey’s doing her best to stay optimistic and stitch some custom tote bags for the attendees, but she’s also concerned with patching up Aunt Sarah’s good reputation. And when it comes to sorting through the possible motives of the victim’s family members and associates, she’s got a few tricks up her sleeve . . .
My Thoughts:
Love the characters and the little town of Hideaway Grove. There are actually two mysteries going on in this book - the murder mystery, and a case of stolen collectible dolls from a toy store. Both were interesting stories. In this book the town is getting ready for a Women's Conference which will provide great exposure benefits for the town as well as increased revenue for the shop owners, so a lot of the story is about the town's involvement in getting ready for the conference. Everyone was worried the murder would cause the conference to be cancelled. I enjoyed the relationships in the story as well as the plot. My favorite characters are Abbey and her romantic interest, Deputy Zach McKenna. I liked Abbey's efforts getting her sewing business off the ground.
Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on September 26, 2023.
Description:
After setting up a small sewing studio in quaint Hideaway Grove, Abbey Chandler is focused on finding crafty, creative ideas to build up her clientele. But murder can be bad for business . . .
Some of the independent shops in this sleepy town are barely hanging on financially—and that includes Sarah’s Sweets, Abbey’s aunt’s bakery. The shop’s advantage—aside from the deliciousness of its products—is the fact that it’s the only bakery in the area. But it looks like that’s about to change. The second wife of a wealthy businessman wants her own bakery—and money is no object.
When murder unravels the plans for the competing shop, Aunt Sarah is an immediate suspect—and Hideaway Grove’s merchants are on pins and needles about a big upcoming women’s conference, fearing the organization will cancel their booking because of the crime. Abbey’s doing her best to stay optimistic and stitch some custom tote bags for the attendees, but she’s also concerned with patching up Aunt Sarah’s good reputation. And when it comes to sorting through the possible motives of the victim’s family members and associates, she’s got a few tricks up her sleeve . . .
My Thoughts:
Love the characters and the little town of Hideaway Grove. There are actually two mysteries going on in this book - the murder mystery, and a case of stolen collectible dolls from a toy store. Both were interesting stories. In this book the town is getting ready for a Women's Conference which will provide great exposure benefits for the town as well as increased revenue for the shop owners, so a lot of the story is about the town's involvement in getting ready for the conference. Everyone was worried the murder would cause the conference to be cancelled. I enjoyed the relationships in the story as well as the plot. My favorite characters are Abbey and her romantic interest, Deputy Zach McKenna. I liked Abbey's efforts getting her sewing business off the ground.
Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on September 26, 2023.
August 29, 2024
Review coming soon.
February 14, 2024
An enjoyable read. For those who like sewing and sweets. 😀
April 25, 2023
I love sewing cozy mysteries (though I can't sew a stitch) and Dorothy Howell is a favorite author.
Abbey Chandler is starting over, with a sewing studio, in Hideaway Cove, California. She grew up there with her Aunt Sarah, who owns Hideaway Cove's only bakery. When a new bakery moves into town, Aunt Sarah isn't sure if her bakery will survive. Turns out, the snooty and disliked owner of the new bakery is murdered and suspicion falls on Abbey's Aunt. Determined to save her business and clear her Aunt's name, Abbey finds herself hanging by a thread in a killer's game!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Abbey Chandler is starting over, with a sewing studio, in Hideaway Cove, California. She grew up there with her Aunt Sarah, who owns Hideaway Cove's only bakery. When a new bakery moves into town, Aunt Sarah isn't sure if her bakery will survive. Turns out, the snooty and disliked owner of the new bakery is murdered and suspicion falls on Abbey's Aunt. Determined to save her business and clear her Aunt's name, Abbey finds herself hanging by a thread in a killer's game!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 4, 2023
I was expecting a bit more excitement from #HangingbyaThread #NetGalley.
Parts of the story seemed redundant and forced, while others we really good.
I like the premise of the story, and I think the author has the beginning of a great cozy series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Parts of the story seemed redundant and forced, while others we really good.
I like the premise of the story, and I think the author has the beginning of a great cozy series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
April 1, 2023
I enjoyed this book very much. It’s fast, interesting and great characters. I was definitely surprised by who the killer is. #HangingbyaThread #NetGalley
October 1, 2023
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Sarah’s Sweets is going to have some competition when a new bakery opens up in town. Abbey’s aunt was already worried about making ends meet and the new bakery has all the money it needs thanks to the owner’s rich husband. Sarah is hoping the upcoming women’s conference will give her business a bit of a cushion until she finds new ways to help the bakery be more profitable. The whole town really needs the event to be a big success. Abbey is hoping the tote bags she has been making in the sewing studio sell well too so that she can make some additions to the studio and grow that into a business of her own.
But the murder of the owner of the new bakery may tear everything apart at the seams. Aunt Sarah becomes the prime suspect. Can they really believe she would literally kill her competition? The town’s merchants are worried not only about a murderer in their midst but also that the conference will be canceled because of the crime. Abbey is juggling quite a few things but her number one priority is clearing her aunt’s name and then making sure the conference goes on as planned. She is going to need a little help from her friends because she still has to take care of her commitments for the women’s conference, of which she has many.
I do like the characters of this series, but I had the same problem with Abbey that I had in the first book, Seams Like Murder. Projects are just thrust upon her, and she can’t say no. She was also very weak with an order placed for her tote bags. The conference committee wanted a tote bag that would be given out to all attendees and each and every design they provided was worse than the last, yet she made a sample of each one for them to approve which they didn’t. She knew the designs were bad but she had no initiative to tell the committee that and offer suggestions until her friend Caitlin stepped in and offered to come up with the perfect design. By then, it was hard to believe Abbey had enough time to make all those tote bags and some of her own in time for the conference with only one machine. She also had to make poodle skirts for the servers at the conference to wear with no idea how to make them. Thankfully, again Connie, the fabric shop owner saved the day with an easy pattern and some pointers but she still needed to make a variety of sizes. She also had to track down pillowcases to make pillowcase dresses for a fashion show at the conference. She did have help with those but that is still a ton of projects so she didn’t have much time to sleuth out a killer.
The are several supporting characters within the story. I wish Aunt Sarah had a larger role because she was definitely worried about something but she held it in for most of the book. I also am troubled by Caitlin’s engagement, that subplot is going to blow up soon, I hope. A different subplot deals with another shop owner and a problem she asked Abbey to help with. I was very happy to have it contained within this story and that it had a positive ending.
The main mystery, the murder, unfolded slowly. Sheriff Grumman still continues to distress me. He jumps to conclusions with no evidence or he tries to make the evidence prove what he has preconceived. I am glad he has Deputy Zach McKenna to help him out. He has a good head on his shoulders and he has a budding romance with Abbey, although he is a little clueless in that department. Unlike the sheriff, I did focus in on the right guilty party but I needed just a few more clues for everything to fall into place. I knew the showdown was coming and it was exciting. It did happen before the women’s conference so we have that to look forward to or at least how it may affect Abbey’s Sewing Studio and Sarah’s Sweets.
Hanging by a Thread is an entertaining cozy mystery and I am looking forward to the third installment of the Sewing Studio Mystery Series very much. Abbey has shown us how strong she can be in the face of danger. I need more of that strength to come out in her interactions with people who ask her to do things. I want her business to succeed and it can’t be if she lets people walk all over her. She is a good person with a big heart but she is smart too, smart enough to stand up for herself and her time.
Sarah’s Sweets is going to have some competition when a new bakery opens up in town. Abbey’s aunt was already worried about making ends meet and the new bakery has all the money it needs thanks to the owner’s rich husband. Sarah is hoping the upcoming women’s conference will give her business a bit of a cushion until she finds new ways to help the bakery be more profitable. The whole town really needs the event to be a big success. Abbey is hoping the tote bags she has been making in the sewing studio sell well too so that she can make some additions to the studio and grow that into a business of her own.
But the murder of the owner of the new bakery may tear everything apart at the seams. Aunt Sarah becomes the prime suspect. Can they really believe she would literally kill her competition? The town’s merchants are worried not only about a murderer in their midst but also that the conference will be canceled because of the crime. Abbey is juggling quite a few things but her number one priority is clearing her aunt’s name and then making sure the conference goes on as planned. She is going to need a little help from her friends because she still has to take care of her commitments for the women’s conference, of which she has many.
I do like the characters of this series, but I had the same problem with Abbey that I had in the first book, Seams Like Murder. Projects are just thrust upon her, and she can’t say no. She was also very weak with an order placed for her tote bags. The conference committee wanted a tote bag that would be given out to all attendees and each and every design they provided was worse than the last, yet she made a sample of each one for them to approve which they didn’t. She knew the designs were bad but she had no initiative to tell the committee that and offer suggestions until her friend Caitlin stepped in and offered to come up with the perfect design. By then, it was hard to believe Abbey had enough time to make all those tote bags and some of her own in time for the conference with only one machine. She also had to make poodle skirts for the servers at the conference to wear with no idea how to make them. Thankfully, again Connie, the fabric shop owner saved the day with an easy pattern and some pointers but she still needed to make a variety of sizes. She also had to track down pillowcases to make pillowcase dresses for a fashion show at the conference. She did have help with those but that is still a ton of projects so she didn’t have much time to sleuth out a killer.
The are several supporting characters within the story. I wish Aunt Sarah had a larger role because she was definitely worried about something but she held it in for most of the book. I also am troubled by Caitlin’s engagement, that subplot is going to blow up soon, I hope. A different subplot deals with another shop owner and a problem she asked Abbey to help with. I was very happy to have it contained within this story and that it had a positive ending.
The main mystery, the murder, unfolded slowly. Sheriff Grumman still continues to distress me. He jumps to conclusions with no evidence or he tries to make the evidence prove what he has preconceived. I am glad he has Deputy Zach McKenna to help him out. He has a good head on his shoulders and he has a budding romance with Abbey, although he is a little clueless in that department. Unlike the sheriff, I did focus in on the right guilty party but I needed just a few more clues for everything to fall into place. I knew the showdown was coming and it was exciting. It did happen before the women’s conference so we have that to look forward to or at least how it may affect Abbey’s Sewing Studio and Sarah’s Sweets.
Hanging by a Thread is an entertaining cozy mystery and I am looking forward to the third installment of the Sewing Studio Mystery Series very much. Abbey has shown us how strong she can be in the face of danger. I need more of that strength to come out in her interactions with people who ask her to do things. I want her business to succeed and it can’t be if she lets people walk all over her. She is a good person with a big heart but she is smart too, smart enough to stand up for herself and her time.
September 5, 2023
Abbey Chandler is trying to find ways to make money in Hidden Cove, California. Making tote bags for businesses. A new business is coming into town , a bakery. Aunt Sarah is worried but she isn't saying anything. When the new owner of the bakery is found dead in her bakery. Aunt Sarah is the prime suspect. Abbey decides to investigate and tries to finish all her projects.
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. I had no idea who the killer was until the end. I can't wait to read more of this series.
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. I had no idea who the killer was until the end. I can't wait to read more of this series.
September 26, 2023
Hanging By A Thread is the second book in the A Sewing Studio Mystery series by Dorothy Howell.
Many shops in Hideaway Grove barely make ends meet, including Abbey’s aunt’s bakery, Sarah’s Sweets. They're hoping that might change with the upcoming regional meeting of the Women’s Alliance for Progress coming to town soon. Abbie and Sarah are very concerned with recent newcomer Blaine Hutchinson, who is about ready to open her bakery, Blaine is wealthy, and she will probably force Sarah out of business.
Imogene, the owner of Dottie’s Toys, approaches Abbey and asks her to look into the toys that have been stolen from her storeroom. The toys are relatively valuable, and she was planning to sell the toys during the WAP. Imogene confides in Abbey that she feels that her employee, Holly, is the thief. Abbey is not sure she wants to help Imogene, as Holly is the niece of Sheriff Grumman, and they hardly happen to have a working relationship. But Abbey does finally agree. A day or two later, Abbey is walking down the alley behind Dottie’s Toys when she notices the door ajar. Abbey enters and finds the body of Blaine, who had been shot. Aunt Sarah will quickly become the prime suspect. Abbey will call on her friends to help find out who the murderer was. She soon finds that there is no shortage of suspects.
The book is well-written and plotted. The characters are well-written, developed, and engaging. There were plenty of twists and turns that I kept guessing until the end about who the murderer was.
I will be waiting for the next book in the series. I’m anxious to see if Abbey and Zack can solve their differences.
Many shops in Hideaway Grove barely make ends meet, including Abbey’s aunt’s bakery, Sarah’s Sweets. They're hoping that might change with the upcoming regional meeting of the Women’s Alliance for Progress coming to town soon. Abbie and Sarah are very concerned with recent newcomer Blaine Hutchinson, who is about ready to open her bakery, Blaine is wealthy, and she will probably force Sarah out of business.
Imogene, the owner of Dottie’s Toys, approaches Abbey and asks her to look into the toys that have been stolen from her storeroom. The toys are relatively valuable, and she was planning to sell the toys during the WAP. Imogene confides in Abbey that she feels that her employee, Holly, is the thief. Abbey is not sure she wants to help Imogene, as Holly is the niece of Sheriff Grumman, and they hardly happen to have a working relationship. But Abbey does finally agree. A day or two later, Abbey is walking down the alley behind Dottie’s Toys when she notices the door ajar. Abbey enters and finds the body of Blaine, who had been shot. Aunt Sarah will quickly become the prime suspect. Abbey will call on her friends to help find out who the murderer was. She soon finds that there is no shortage of suspects.
The book is well-written and plotted. The characters are well-written, developed, and engaging. There were plenty of twists and turns that I kept guessing until the end about who the murderer was.
I will be waiting for the next book in the series. I’m anxious to see if Abbey and Zack can solve their differences.
August 7, 2023
Hanging by a Thread
A Sewing Studio Mystery #2
By Dorothy Howell
Likes-This series got me interested in sewing again. (I’m not that good at it, but it gives me another creative outlet.)
The cast of characters-likeable.
The struggles of a trying to figure out a possibly romantic relationship.
Dislikes-Didn’t develop any feelings for the murder victim, probably because she never makes an appearance of her own. The only way to know about her is through the other characters—she’s married to one of the richest men in town after breaking up his marriage, she doesn’t have any problem throwing her money around, and she’s opening up a bake shop that threatens to put XXXX Aunt Sarah’s bakery out of business. But the reader never *meets* her.
The mystery-This was a little difficult to solve at first. I did figure out the murderer’s identity, but not the motive even though all the facts were present throughout the story.
Quick read. Entertaining. Recommended.
Publisher’s Description
From USA Today bestselling author Dorothy Howell, the charming new cozy mystery featuring twenty-something Abbey Chandler and her fellow sewing circle members in the quaint, touristy town of Hideaway Cove, California.
After setting up a small sewing studio in quaint Hideaway Grove, Abbey Chandler is focused on finding crafty, creative ideas to build up her clientele. But murder can be bad for business . . .
Some of the independent shops in this sleepy town are barely hanging on financially—and that includes Sarah’s Sweets, Abbey’s aunt’s bakery. The shop’s advantage—aside from the deliciousness of its products—is the fact that it’s the only bakery in the area. But it looks like that’s about to change. The second wife of a wealthy businessman wants her own bakery—and money is no object.
When murder unravels the plans for the competing shop, Aunt Sarah is an immediate suspect—and Hideaway Grove’s merchants are on pins and needles about a big upcoming women’s conference, fearing the organization will cancel their booking because of the crime. Abbey’s doing her best to stay optimistic and stitch some custom tote bags for the attendees, but she’s also concerned with patching up Aunt Sarah’s good reputation. And when it comes to sorting through the possible motives of the victim’s family members and associates, she’s got a few tricks up her sleeve . . .
What I liked about Hanging by a Thread
Hanging by a Thread brings the reader back into Hideaway Grove and to many of the characters introduced in the first book. Abbey Chandler is the main character, and she is still struggling to build up her sewing business by selling her custom totes. She’s had some success selling them in stores around Hideaway Grove, but she knows she needs to expand or lose her business entirely. She’s also still trying to figure out her relationship with local deputy, Zack. It’s off to a very rocky start, but Abbey sets boundaries with Zack. His response signals he wants to give this relationship a try as well. There is still the sewing circle doing volunteer sewing work and spreading town gossip.
What I didn’t like about Hanging by a Thread
The murder victim, Blaine Hutchinson, never makes an appearance in the book. We learn about her through the other characters, and even then it isn’t much and it is clouded by the others’ intense dislike of her. For me, the story lacks something when the murder victim is one step removed from the storyline. Also I wish last names were included in the first few chapters of any book, to help me keep people straight. It’s helpful in each book in a series, grounding the reader in the story whether is the first book in a series or the 15th.
Some of the tropes present in Hanging by a Thread
Small town
Antagonistic relationship with local law enforcement
Main character is a small business owner, female amateur sleuth working to clear her aunt’s name.
The mystery in Hanging by a Thread
I had the murderer figured out before the reveal, but not the why, even though the
clues were planted throughout the book.
Final thoughts
I like this series. I like the sewing aspect of it and the community that forms around it. While I feel the book had some weaknesses, it is still an entertaining and quick read. Recommended, especially if you like some sort of craft with your mystery.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonCozies for giving me a copy of #HangingByAThread in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
A Sewing Studio Mystery #2
By Dorothy Howell
Likes-This series got me interested in sewing again. (I’m not that good at it, but it gives me another creative outlet.)
The cast of characters-likeable.
The struggles of a trying to figure out a possibly romantic relationship.
Dislikes-Didn’t develop any feelings for the murder victim, probably because she never makes an appearance of her own. The only way to know about her is through the other characters—she’s married to one of the richest men in town after breaking up his marriage, she doesn’t have any problem throwing her money around, and she’s opening up a bake shop that threatens to put XXXX Aunt Sarah’s bakery out of business. But the reader never *meets* her.
The mystery-This was a little difficult to solve at first. I did figure out the murderer’s identity, but not the motive even though all the facts were present throughout the story.
Quick read. Entertaining. Recommended.
Publisher’s Description
From USA Today bestselling author Dorothy Howell, the charming new cozy mystery featuring twenty-something Abbey Chandler and her fellow sewing circle members in the quaint, touristy town of Hideaway Cove, California.
After setting up a small sewing studio in quaint Hideaway Grove, Abbey Chandler is focused on finding crafty, creative ideas to build up her clientele. But murder can be bad for business . . .
Some of the independent shops in this sleepy town are barely hanging on financially—and that includes Sarah’s Sweets, Abbey’s aunt’s bakery. The shop’s advantage—aside from the deliciousness of its products—is the fact that it’s the only bakery in the area. But it looks like that’s about to change. The second wife of a wealthy businessman wants her own bakery—and money is no object.
When murder unravels the plans for the competing shop, Aunt Sarah is an immediate suspect—and Hideaway Grove’s merchants are on pins and needles about a big upcoming women’s conference, fearing the organization will cancel their booking because of the crime. Abbey’s doing her best to stay optimistic and stitch some custom tote bags for the attendees, but she’s also concerned with patching up Aunt Sarah’s good reputation. And when it comes to sorting through the possible motives of the victim’s family members and associates, she’s got a few tricks up her sleeve . . .
What I liked about Hanging by a Thread
Hanging by a Thread brings the reader back into Hideaway Grove and to many of the characters introduced in the first book. Abbey Chandler is the main character, and she is still struggling to build up her sewing business by selling her custom totes. She’s had some success selling them in stores around Hideaway Grove, but she knows she needs to expand or lose her business entirely. She’s also still trying to figure out her relationship with local deputy, Zack. It’s off to a very rocky start, but Abbey sets boundaries with Zack. His response signals he wants to give this relationship a try as well. There is still the sewing circle doing volunteer sewing work and spreading town gossip.
What I didn’t like about Hanging by a Thread
The murder victim, Blaine Hutchinson, never makes an appearance in the book. We learn about her through the other characters, and even then it isn’t much and it is clouded by the others’ intense dislike of her. For me, the story lacks something when the murder victim is one step removed from the storyline. Also I wish last names were included in the first few chapters of any book, to help me keep people straight. It’s helpful in each book in a series, grounding the reader in the story whether is the first book in a series or the 15th.
Some of the tropes present in Hanging by a Thread
Small town
Antagonistic relationship with local law enforcement
Main character is a small business owner, female amateur sleuth working to clear her aunt’s name.
The mystery in Hanging by a Thread
I had the murderer figured out before the reveal, but not the why, even though the
clues were planted throughout the book.
Final thoughts
I like this series. I like the sewing aspect of it and the community that forms around it. While I feel the book had some weaknesses, it is still an entertaining and quick read. Recommended, especially if you like some sort of craft with your mystery.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonCozies for giving me a copy of #HangingByAThread in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 26, 2023
Hanging By A Thread is the 2nd book in A Sewing Studio Mystery series. It is a low key pleasant cozy mystery with likable characters. The culprit wasn't too hard to guess but there were a few other things going on. Abbey recently moved back to town and is using her Aunt Sarah's spare room at her bakery for a sewing room. Aunt .Sarah, Abby's friend Caitlin, Police Officer Zach and the sewing group are all likable characters. They mostly talk about the upcoming conference and the murder. Everyone is excited about a women's conference that is due to arrive. It will help all of the small businesses. Abbey is trying to start a tote bag business and is continuing to make pillowcase dresses for a charity. Aunt Sarah is very worried about a new bakery opening and the unpopular owner ends up dead. Aunt Sarah is the prime suspect. Abbey wants to clear her Aunt and asks a lot of questions. There is a potential romance between Abbey and Zach but it is still in the friend stage. The book starts out slowly and it is a bit repetitive at times. Overall it is a pleasant cozy mystery. I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley and Kensington Books and I voluntarily leave this review. #HangingByAThread. #ASewingStudioMystery #NetGalley. #KensingtonBooks
October 30, 2023
Touristy little Hideaway Grove seems to be a place where pink is for girls, blue is for boys. The many women entrepreneurs run bakeries, dress shops, antique shoppes, and the few men we're introduced to are in law enforcement, own tire stores, are woodworkers. The women are rather hysterically worried about a big convention cancelling on short notice (have they never heard of contracts?) after an unpleasant woman is killed. Abbey (sewing studio, though she doesn't seem much of a devoted needlewoman) worries that her Aunt Sarah is the main suspect, as the victim was planning to start a competing bakery. Surprise--she finds the real killer, and barely escapes with her life.
September 25, 2023
I read the first Sewing Studio mystery, Seams Like Murder by Dorothy Howell, and thanks to #NetGalley, I was able to read this one.. I love stories that take place in a small town and Hanging by a Thread doesn't disappoint. I also, enjoy cozy mysteries that make me want to try something new, whether it's a new recipe or as in this case, new ideas for sewing.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
May 6, 2023
After she lost her job at a marketing firm in L.A, Abbey Chandler retreated to Hideaway Grove, California where she lives with her Aunt Sarah in a cute little cottage🏡
Abbey now runs sewing studio which she’d put together in the big storage room in her aunt Sarah’s bakery, Sarah’s Sweets.
She works alongside members of her sewing circle on some charity projects such as making pillowcase dresses 👗 and so on. Then they donate the dresses to the church and several times a year, to remote villages in Africa.
Sometimes she handles other no-sewing related projects such as making a video for Hideaway Grove’s website which involves getting footage of shops, restaurants, specialty stores, and galleries, plus any other shots that would draw tourists to town.
A woman named Blaine Hutchinson is planning on opening a new bakery and several local business owners are not happy with the newest addition. Blaine is married to Rory Hutchinson who owns a real estate development and construction business in Hideaway Grove. He is considered one of the wealthiest and most influential men in town.
Abbey’s aunt Sarah has the only bakery in town, and the last thing they need is a competition. Abbey’s worried that the new bakery would put her Aunt Sarah out of business. Moreover, she doesn’t think her aunt is financially ready for retirement if her bakery went under.
Hideaway Grove’s next big event is the regional meeting of the Women’s Alliance for Progress, a three-day conference that’s coming up soon and is expected to boost the town’s economy.
Before the event however, an elderly woman named Imogene owner of Dottie’s Toys 🧸 asks Abbey’s help in finding which of her staff is stealing her vintage toys she’s found at antique stores, yard sales etc. Some of the toys she’s set aside for the craft fair is missing.
Imogen is convinced the thief is the Sheriff Ed Grumman’s niece Holly who’s stealing the toys. As such she wants Abbey to catch the culprit and retrieve her toys.
Soon after Imogen hires Abbey to find the culprit, Abbey learns that Blaine was shot dead in her bakery and now her aunt has become the suspect. Can she find the killer and clear her aunt’s name?
It’s a pretty good mystery, love the setting and definitely liked this book.
Thank you to Dorothy Howell, NetGalley and Kensington Cozies for the arc of this book
Abbey now runs sewing studio which she’d put together in the big storage room in her aunt Sarah’s bakery, Sarah’s Sweets.
She works alongside members of her sewing circle on some charity projects such as making pillowcase dresses 👗 and so on. Then they donate the dresses to the church and several times a year, to remote villages in Africa.
Sometimes she handles other no-sewing related projects such as making a video for Hideaway Grove’s website which involves getting footage of shops, restaurants, specialty stores, and galleries, plus any other shots that would draw tourists to town.
A woman named Blaine Hutchinson is planning on opening a new bakery and several local business owners are not happy with the newest addition. Blaine is married to Rory Hutchinson who owns a real estate development and construction business in Hideaway Grove. He is considered one of the wealthiest and most influential men in town.
Abbey’s aunt Sarah has the only bakery in town, and the last thing they need is a competition. Abbey’s worried that the new bakery would put her Aunt Sarah out of business. Moreover, she doesn’t think her aunt is financially ready for retirement if her bakery went under.
Hideaway Grove’s next big event is the regional meeting of the Women’s Alliance for Progress, a three-day conference that’s coming up soon and is expected to boost the town’s economy.
Before the event however, an elderly woman named Imogene owner of Dottie’s Toys 🧸 asks Abbey’s help in finding which of her staff is stealing her vintage toys she’s found at antique stores, yard sales etc. Some of the toys she’s set aside for the craft fair is missing.
Imogen is convinced the thief is the Sheriff Ed Grumman’s niece Holly who’s stealing the toys. As such she wants Abbey to catch the culprit and retrieve her toys.
Soon after Imogen hires Abbey to find the culprit, Abbey learns that Blaine was shot dead in her bakery and now her aunt has become the suspect. Can she find the killer and clear her aunt’s name?
It’s a pretty good mystery, love the setting and definitely liked this book.
Thank you to Dorothy Howell, NetGalley and Kensington Cozies for the arc of this book
October 2, 2023
A baffling murder, multiple storylines, and engaging characters make this second in the series a winner!
Hanging By a Thread is the second book in author Dorothy Howell's cozy series, the Sewing Studio Mysteries, and along with the murder of an abhorred local gold-digger, there are multiple subplots of interest to unwind. This robust story caught my attention from the start, and I was quickly drawn into the community life of Hideaway Grove.
The main character, Abbey Chandler, a recent arrival to town after her high-pressure life in LA imploded, is good-hearted and willing to help her friends and business acquaintances out any way she can. She is swamped with work, mostly favors for others, including Janine, the town's flighty tourism manager, in preparation for an important upcoming women's conference. All the while, Abbey is trying to establish her fledgling tote bag business and juggling volunteers for her charitable project making pillowcase dresses for young girls in Africa. It was exhausting considering what she had on her plate, but I could relate to her load as will many other readers who have pitched in to make things happen.The murder sets off the small-town gossip mill, and along with the fear of a killer on the loose, local business owners are scrambling, worried the failure of the sheriff to solve the case will impact the lifeblood of the tourist-dependent economy. Abbey's friend and local business owner, Anna, was most often the herald of imminent doom, spreading any and all rumors, no matter how outlandish. It got to the point that Abbey had to talk to her about her gossip's impact, but someone needed to have an honest "Come to Jesus" with the woman.
The murder victim is a perfect target, almost universally disliked for her well-discussed and dissected shady past behavior. Not a soul sheds a tear on her behalf, and the sheriff appeared to drag his feet on the investigation. Even with Aunt Sarah directly in his sites, he makes zero effort to drag her in for questioning. However, Abbey, believing she needs to solve the crime herself to save Aunt Sarah, puts off talking to her aunt for far too long. However, I loved where the story goes regarding the resolution of the murder, though.Other intriguing subplots were winners with me and will have me anxiously awaiting future books in the series. Abbey and Zack's relationship teeters between romantic and antagonistic. Props to Abbey for refusing the flowers; she was way more understanding of how Zack spoke to her than I would have been. Caitlin's personal saga will be one to watch, too, with her perceived future and past dreams so at odds and the presence of a third party in the wings with his own unrequited hopes for a future with her. The baffling mystery at the toy shop was also a great side story, especially with the lovely reputation and personality of the suspect. Also, tidbits detailing Abbey's projects and business are sprinkled throughout for the craft-minded among us to enjoy.
With multiple storylines and an engaging array of characters, I recommend HANGING BY A THREAD to cozy mystery readers, especially fans of the previous book and those who enjoy craft-themed stories or tales featuring small businesses.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.
September 28, 2023
Hanging by a Thread by Dorothy Howell takes us back to Hideaway Cove where Abbey Chandler is still busy sewing pillowcase dresses. Abbey is slowly decorating her sewing studio at her aunt’s bakery. I admit that I am still baffled as to why Abbey is starting a sewing business when she can barely sew. It would make more sense for Abbey to be the publicist for the town since she was a marketing executive in Los Angeles. But that is neither here nor there. Abbey, despite working as a corporate executive, cannot seem to say no. She has too many projects and not enough time. She gets roped into sewing the poodle skirts for servers at the upcoming women’s convention and, naturally, Abbey has no clue how to sew them. Abbey is also embroidering the tote bags for the women’s conference. Each design she receives is worse than the last, but Abbey does not say a word. By the time a design is approved, I do not see how Abbey’s one embroidery machine can get all the totes done before the convention. Abbey finds herself with two mysteries to solve. The woman who owns the local toy store finds vintage dolls disappearing from her back room. She asks Abbey to identify the culprit (even though the woman is positive she knows who is the thief). The case of the lost dolls becomes an afterthought. I thought it was a silly storyline. The murder mystery is okay. It was obvious who would die. Abbey gets involved when the local sheriff zeros in on Aunt Sarah as a suspect. There is one item that I knew would be important to the whodunit because it is mentioned multiple times. There is a tense reveal where lingering questions are answered. The author needs to make a decision regarding Abbey. Is she business savvy (to match her business background), scattered, or will she continually make stupid decisions? I wonder if Abbey will learn to say no and quit taking on too many projects. I am also curious about the quality of her stitching. While I found Hanging by a Thread easy to read there are repetitive details. There are so many characters and many of them are not needed (some were annoying). Hanging by a Thread is the second A Sewing Studio Mystery. It does help to read Seams Like Murder. I gave A Sewing Studio Mysteries a second chance, but it is not my cup of tea (I ended up rolling my eyes too many times).
October 4, 2023
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.
https://novelsalive.com/2023/10/04/4-...
Hanging by a Thread is the second book in the A Sewing Studio Mystery, but the first I’ve read by Dorothy Howell. Abbey runs the Sewing Studio and hopes to make a go of making and selling totes on a grander scale than she’s currently doing and for the upcoming women’s conference to be held in their small town. She’s also been tasked with many other duties surrounding it, and we see her in action in her many different roles. But will it happen, or is it on the verge of being canceled, as many fear?
This cozy mystery is set in a small town where many small businesses are being run. I loved the types of shops and all their names. The characters who owned them all had unique personalities. Many seemed to have a half-glass-empty disposition, always thinking the worst was about to happen, especially after a murder was committed. Abbey seems better at gathering clues and creating a list of suspects than the police, much to the chagrin of Zack, her friend or romantic interest, who happens to be on the force. Which is he really?
There are many twists and turns to the story, along with several stories being threaded together. There is a fairly good flow to the story, and the suspected murderer became clear to me sooner than anyone else, it seems. There is some romance and many activities and details about the women’s conference. There are hopes and dreams dependent on it. There are family and friends, anger, fear, lots of sweets created at Abbey’s aunt’s bakery, which I could taste, beautiful descriptions, and, of course, crimes to solve.
The murder wasn’t always at the forefront, and neither were the thefts that only Abbey and the doll’s owner seemed to know about. There is a cliffhanger ending, but also some loose ends of storylines not being brought to their conclusion—at least not yet. It makes me want to read the next book in the series once it’s released. The cover is colorful and has a lot of essential elements to the story depicted.
Hanging By a Thread is a cozy mystery set in a small town with lots of shopkeepers, beautiful descriptions, and a murder to solve. It’s just what I needed during these colder autumn nights.
https://novelsalive.com/2023/10/04/4-...
Hanging by a Thread is the second book in the A Sewing Studio Mystery, but the first I’ve read by Dorothy Howell. Abbey runs the Sewing Studio and hopes to make a go of making and selling totes on a grander scale than she’s currently doing and for the upcoming women’s conference to be held in their small town. She’s also been tasked with many other duties surrounding it, and we see her in action in her many different roles. But will it happen, or is it on the verge of being canceled, as many fear?
This cozy mystery is set in a small town where many small businesses are being run. I loved the types of shops and all their names. The characters who owned them all had unique personalities. Many seemed to have a half-glass-empty disposition, always thinking the worst was about to happen, especially after a murder was committed. Abbey seems better at gathering clues and creating a list of suspects than the police, much to the chagrin of Zack, her friend or romantic interest, who happens to be on the force. Which is he really?
There are many twists and turns to the story, along with several stories being threaded together. There is a fairly good flow to the story, and the suspected murderer became clear to me sooner than anyone else, it seems. There is some romance and many activities and details about the women’s conference. There are hopes and dreams dependent on it. There are family and friends, anger, fear, lots of sweets created at Abbey’s aunt’s bakery, which I could taste, beautiful descriptions, and, of course, crimes to solve.
The murder wasn’t always at the forefront, and neither were the thefts that only Abbey and the doll’s owner seemed to know about. There is a cliffhanger ending, but also some loose ends of storylines not being brought to their conclusion—at least not yet. It makes me want to read the next book in the series once it’s released. The cover is colorful and has a lot of essential elements to the story depicted.
Hanging By a Thread is a cozy mystery set in a small town with lots of shopkeepers, beautiful descriptions, and a murder to solve. It’s just what I needed during these colder autumn nights.
December 7, 2023
From USA Today bestselling author Dorothy Howell, the charming new cozy mystery featuring twenty-something Abbey Chandler and her fellow sewing circle members in the quaint, touristy town of Hideaway Cove, California.
After setting up a small sewing studio in quaint Hideaway Grove, Abbey Chandler is focused on finding crafty, creative ideas to build up her clientele. But murder can be bad for business . . .
Some of the independent shops in this sleepy town are barely hanging on financially—and that includes Sarah’s Sweets, Abbey’s aunt’s bakery. The shop’s advantage—aside from the deliciousness of its products—is the fact that it’s the only bakery in the area. But it looks like that’s about to change. The second wife of a wealthy businessman wants her own bakery—and money is no object.
When murder unravels the plans for the competing shop, Aunt Sarah is an immediate suspect—and Hideaway Grove’s merchants are on pins and needles about a big upcoming women’s conference, fearing the organization will cancel their booking because of the crime. Abbey’s doing her best to stay optimistic and stitch some custom tote bags for the attendees, but she’s also concerned with patching up Aunt Sarah’s good reputation. And when it comes to sorting through the possible motives of the victim’s family members and associates, she’s got a few tricks up her sleeve .
I enjoyed the mystery. My only complaint being that it had a bit too many characters to decide which were important and which were to be ignored. I found sorting thru the extra characters and over information a bit tedious at times! TMI spoils the plot and the storyline and makes many of the characters flat and unnecessary! Not bad-- just not great!
After setting up a small sewing studio in quaint Hideaway Grove, Abbey Chandler is focused on finding crafty, creative ideas to build up her clientele. But murder can be bad for business . . .
Some of the independent shops in this sleepy town are barely hanging on financially—and that includes Sarah’s Sweets, Abbey’s aunt’s bakery. The shop’s advantage—aside from the deliciousness of its products—is the fact that it’s the only bakery in the area. But it looks like that’s about to change. The second wife of a wealthy businessman wants her own bakery—and money is no object.
When murder unravels the plans for the competing shop, Aunt Sarah is an immediate suspect—and Hideaway Grove’s merchants are on pins and needles about a big upcoming women’s conference, fearing the organization will cancel their booking because of the crime. Abbey’s doing her best to stay optimistic and stitch some custom tote bags for the attendees, but she’s also concerned with patching up Aunt Sarah’s good reputation. And when it comes to sorting through the possible motives of the victim’s family members and associates, she’s got a few tricks up her sleeve .
I enjoyed the mystery. My only complaint being that it had a bit too many characters to decide which were important and which were to be ignored. I found sorting thru the extra characters and over information a bit tedious at times! TMI spoils the plot and the storyline and makes many of the characters flat and unnecessary! Not bad-- just not great!
September 30, 2023
Abbey is settling into her new life in Hideaway Grove, but it’s her aunt Sarah that is facing trouble. Blaine Hutchinson is opening a rival bakery. But before she can get it off the ground, she is murdered in her shop. With Sarah as a suspect, can the Abbey figure out what really happened?
I was hoping to like the second book since I saw potential in the first. Sadly, this book wasn’t that good. The main mystery was strong enough for a novella, and it was fleshed out with lots of subplots. I wanted to tell Abbey not to take on anything else at several points in the book. Not to mention that there wasn’t the follow up on things there should be been. We do have a good conclusion to the mystery at least. And I do like Abbey and many of the other characters, although what Abbey pulls on the potential love interest at one point wasn’t handled well. I support what she was going for, but this wasn’t how to do it. Since Abbey’s sewing studio is located next to Sarah’s bakery, we get lots of talk about mouthwatering desserts. Unfortunately, I think this will be my last visit with these characters.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I was hoping to like the second book since I saw potential in the first. Sadly, this book wasn’t that good. The main mystery was strong enough for a novella, and it was fleshed out with lots of subplots. I wanted to tell Abbey not to take on anything else at several points in the book. Not to mention that there wasn’t the follow up on things there should be been. We do have a good conclusion to the mystery at least. And I do like Abbey and many of the other characters, although what Abbey pulls on the potential love interest at one point wasn’t handled well. I support what she was going for, but this wasn’t how to do it. Since Abbey’s sewing studio is located next to Sarah’s bakery, we get lots of talk about mouthwatering desserts. Unfortunately, I think this will be my last visit with these characters.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
September 20, 2023
This is an interesting cozy mystery with a main character who takes on more than she can handle and is more than a bit scattered in her process. Abbey has been in Hideaway Grove for a few months now. She is trying to get her business idea off the ground. She has taken on so many different roles and jobs that it took a while for me to know what her business idea involved.
When the co-owner of a rival bakery is murdered, Abbey investigates in order to find the real culprit and keep the sheriff from accusing her Aunt Sarah. At the end of the day, Abbey stumbles on the most important information. I think she missed a lot of clues because she had too many things going on that drew her focus away from the murder.
As an interesting side note, the sheriff is absent from the book except in one scene where he comes to the bakery to question Sarah. He is mentioned all the way through but absent in every other way, which is very different from the first book in the series when he was alway popping up in various places to accuse Abbey of that murder.
I like visiting Hideaway Grove but with all the activity surrounding Abbey it’s not a peaceful sort of cozy.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review the book.
When the co-owner of a rival bakery is murdered, Abbey investigates in order to find the real culprit and keep the sheriff from accusing her Aunt Sarah. At the end of the day, Abbey stumbles on the most important information. I think she missed a lot of clues because she had too many things going on that drew her focus away from the murder.
As an interesting side note, the sheriff is absent from the book except in one scene where he comes to the bakery to question Sarah. He is mentioned all the way through but absent in every other way, which is very different from the first book in the series when he was alway popping up in various places to accuse Abbey of that murder.
I like visiting Hideaway Grove but with all the activity surrounding Abbey it’s not a peaceful sort of cozy.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review the book.
September 26, 2023
Hanging by a Thread, the second book in the Sewing Studio Mystery Series, was just as delightful as the first book in the series. It moves at a very quick pace, and I had trouble setting the book down to get things done. I really like the main character, Abbey. She’s always volunteering to help others in the community and I like how the author keeps the reader engaged along the way as Abbey tries to keep track of all the things she is supposed to be doing. It makes the story seem very real. The mystery is very well thought out, without any holes; it’s a good one. The book is well written. There is a touch of romance, but it is a small piece that just adds to the story.
There is a great cast of ladies who also volunteer at Abbey’s sewing studio – making things for children in need. In addition, there are many female business owners who drop by Abbey’s aunt’s bakery (the bakery houses the sewing studio). There are a lot of strong women in Abbey’s life, which I really like. Overall, I’m really enjoying this series and I’m looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend it.
There is a great cast of ladies who also volunteer at Abbey’s sewing studio – making things for children in need. In addition, there are many female business owners who drop by Abbey’s aunt’s bakery (the bakery houses the sewing studio). There are a lot of strong women in Abbey’s life, which I really like. Overall, I’m really enjoying this series and I’m looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend it.
October 3, 2023
Hanging by a Thread by Dorothy Howell is the second installment in A Sawing Studio Mystery series.
I chose this book thinking that it was a first in the series and I believe that I would have probably liked it more had I read the first book.
I would really appreciate it if it is stated which book in the series the books on this site are. It would eliminate potential confusion, even though I always check before choosing a book, especially cozy mysteries, since they lean heavily on character development and I simply like to start at the beginning, at times mistakes happen.
I liked both the main heroine as well as side characters. They are relatable and realistic and I like how many different trades and shops were presented. That said I also feel that there were too many characters and people involved and even though I tried I simply couldn't keep up with all of them.
The story started well and it showed real promise but soon my attention seemed to wane. There was some repetitivness and it was unnecessary in my opinion.
The mystery itself was solid.
I chose this book thinking that it was a first in the series and I believe that I would have probably liked it more had I read the first book.
I would really appreciate it if it is stated which book in the series the books on this site are. It would eliminate potential confusion, even though I always check before choosing a book, especially cozy mysteries, since they lean heavily on character development and I simply like to start at the beginning, at times mistakes happen.
I liked both the main heroine as well as side characters. They are relatable and realistic and I like how many different trades and shops were presented. That said I also feel that there were too many characters and people involved and even though I tried I simply couldn't keep up with all of them.
The story started well and it showed real promise but soon my attention seemed to wane. There was some repetitivness and it was unnecessary in my opinion.
The mystery itself was solid.
December 1, 2023
I would rate this as 3.5 stars, but will round up. I had a hard time getting into the book. This was a cute cozy, but I did get a little tired of Abby and some of the other characters. She lives in a small town and the town is hosting a Women's Conference. Abby lives with her Aunt that runs the bakery. Abby is trying to start a business creating tote bags. A rival bakery is opening up and when one of the owners is killed, the police look to her Aunt, thinking she may have killed the competition. Abby knows they are wrong and sets out to find the real killer.
I didn't fall in love with the characters. Abby seems to be flighty, she has lots of work, but seems to never get around to doing it. She wants to make tote bags, but she doesn't have a business plan or really much of an idea of how to get it started. Other characters just eat and gossip. The story was easy-ot-read and fun. I didn't figure out the killer until just before they revealed them self.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and offer my honest opinion.
I didn't fall in love with the characters. Abby seems to be flighty, she has lots of work, but seems to never get around to doing it. She wants to make tote bags, but she doesn't have a business plan or really much of an idea of how to get it started. Other characters just eat and gossip. The story was easy-ot-read and fun. I didn't figure out the killer until just before they revealed them self.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and offer my honest opinion.
April 17, 2024
-Did I make up she was 24? She is not a 24 year old
-The "romance" is completely flat. Do they even like each other?
-All of the women are asinine and hysterical. Cool.
-What's the weird obsession with guns?
-"The police are doing nothing because we've heard nothing!!!" -all bad mysteries, always.
-Why does this woman, who has no sewing experience, own a sewing business??
-Stop stitching bad designs other people give you, ding dong. It's YOUR business. Also, her super awesome design that she put on everything and sells everywhere sounds terrible.
-How many pillowcases is this very small, apparently struggling, town giving to the thrift store?? And how annoying that you give your volunteers day-of notice, what, every other day?
-What is the point of the theft storyline? For the video? Dumb.
-Aaaaaannd she figures out who the murderer is because they try to kill her. I win bad cozy mystery bingo!
-The "romance" is completely flat. Do they even like each other?
-All of the women are asinine and hysterical. Cool.
-What's the weird obsession with guns?
-"The police are doing nothing because we've heard nothing!!!" -all bad mysteries, always.
-Why does this woman, who has no sewing experience, own a sewing business??
-Stop stitching bad designs other people give you, ding dong. It's YOUR business. Also, her super awesome design that she put on everything and sells everywhere sounds terrible.
-How many pillowcases is this very small, apparently struggling, town giving to the thrift store?? And how annoying that you give your volunteers day-of notice, what, every other day?
-What is the point of the theft storyline? For the video? Dumb.
-Aaaaaannd she figures out who the murderer is because they try to kill her. I win bad cozy mystery bingo!
April 8, 2023
With the town’s businesses trying to stay afloat, they’re looking forward to a conference that’s coming to town, everyone is counting on making it successful and bringing more business to everyone. But when a murder happens in town, the business owners all fear this could be a reason for the convenience to be moved to another location.
Abbey Chandler has a little more skin in the game than the others as her aunt is the main suspect. Abbey’s going to do her best to find the killer to save not only her aunt, but all of their businesses as well, even if it seams impossible at times.
I love cozies set in small towns. They’re just comforting and slower paced, until the murder and mystery kicks in, then things pick up. This first in a new series set in small town Hideaway Cove is just the ticket!
Abbey Chandler has a little more skin in the game than the others as her aunt is the main suspect. Abbey’s going to do her best to find the killer to save not only her aunt, but all of their businesses as well, even if it seams impossible at times.
I love cozies set in small towns. They’re just comforting and slower paced, until the murder and mystery kicks in, then things pick up. This first in a new series set in small town Hideaway Cove is just the ticket!
May 8, 2023
I love a cozy mystery with a ametuer sleuth.
Abbey ran to Hideaway Cove to get away from corporate America. She’s trying to start up a sewing business in her aunts bakery. When the owner of a another bakery is found dead. Abbey starts looking for the killer when her aunt is accused.
When this the most action packed Mystery? No. Did I still enjoy myself with this story? Yes.
There was a great storyline. You could really see and feel the town of Hideaway Cove. You could feel all the connections Abbey had with the people of the town.
The lost dolls storyline did wrap of quickly and it felt like an after thought. I felt like there could have been more with that part of the story.
I didn’t get the killer until the end of the book so that is a win for me.
This is book 2 in the series so I’m going to go back and read the first book.
Abbey ran to Hideaway Cove to get away from corporate America. She’s trying to start up a sewing business in her aunts bakery. When the owner of a another bakery is found dead. Abbey starts looking for the killer when her aunt is accused.
When this the most action packed Mystery? No. Did I still enjoy myself with this story? Yes.
There was a great storyline. You could really see and feel the town of Hideaway Cove. You could feel all the connections Abbey had with the people of the town.
The lost dolls storyline did wrap of quickly and it felt like an after thought. I felt like there could have been more with that part of the story.
I didn’t get the killer until the end of the book so that is a win for me.
This is book 2 in the series so I’m going to go back and read the first book.
July 9, 2023
This is the first book I have read in the Sewing Studio series. I had high hopes for the book and looked forward to a great cozy mystery. The book was okay. It was a little drab and although the premise of the story was good, I did not feel connected to the characters. It may have helped if I had read the first book so I would recommend you do that before getting into this book. The mystery of “whodunit” was handled well and I did not figure out who the culprit was until the very end. So that is a positive note for the book. I think I am in the minority here, so I would encourage you to read the first book to see if you would enjoy the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
July 22, 2023
This is the second in series and a very enjoyable cozy read. Thank you to the publisher, Net Galley and the Author. Abbey has set up a sewing studio business in her Aunt's bakery. She has moved to a small endearing town after leaving her corporate job and loves her quiet new life. When her Aunt is supect in the murder of a competing bakery owner Abbey steps up to save her Aunt and their business.
I like the sleuth that kept me guessing to conclusion. The clues and red herrings were well crafted . The charcters are likable and all add to the fun of this series. Abbey is a smart investigator and savvy protagnist who grows in this book . The supporting charcters, the setting all all done to perfection. I loved the sewing information and found it fun to read about. Well done to the author. I look forward to the next in series.
I like the sleuth that kept me guessing to conclusion. The clues and red herrings were well crafted . The charcters are likable and all add to the fun of this series. Abbey is a smart investigator and savvy protagnist who grows in this book . The supporting charcters, the setting all all done to perfection. I loved the sewing information and found it fun to read about. Well done to the author. I look forward to the next in series.
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