Threaded for Trouble

Threadville Mystery #2

by Janet Bolin

 Welcome back to Threadville, Pennsylvania, where crafts are king, and a “killer” sewing machine lives up to its name…Darlene Coddlefield, the winner of a national sewing competition, has come to Willow Vanderling’s embroidery shop, In Stitches, to be presented with a top-of-the-line Chandler Champion sewing and embroidery machine as her prize. But Darlene’s triumph is short-lived after she’s found dead under her sewing table, apparently crushed by the heavy machine.

It soon becomes clear that this was no freak accident. Who had it in for Darlene Coddlefield? The long string of suspects includes Darlene’s fire chief husband. So Willow and her best friend, Haylee, become volunteer firefighters to uncover the truth. But when a second sewing machine sparks trouble, the friends realize they may have jumped from the frying pan into the fire…

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

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 5, 2012

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have no talents in sewing, quilting, or tatting, but that doesn't stop me from appreciating and enjoying a well written mystery where these arts take center stage.

In this (the second in the series) Willow welcomes the winner of a sewing contest to her store in Threadville, PA...and the winner takes home a Chandler Champion sewing machine. After much hoopla the winner has the machine at home....and it looks like the machine kills her! There is no lack of suspects - the husband...the nanny...and Willow feels somewhat responsible since the sewing machine came from her store. But who could have hated the winner enough to have killed her (or did the sewing machine really do it)?

A nicely constructed story, I thought the ending a bit of a reach though, which only got 3 stars instead of 4.

[Christine (KizzieReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a comfort read for me. I love cozy mysteries, especially about one of my favourite things, sewing and machine embroidery. This installment kept me on the edge of my seat, and the pages turning. A few grammar errors as well as spelling mistakes, but otherwise, a really good story. I will continue to read these, as I just love them!!

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Threadville Pennsylvania is a street of craft shops the feature everything from Quilting to Yarn Crafts. Willow Vanderling owns In Stitches, the embroidery shop. Today is a special day at In Stitches as Darlene Coddlefield will be presented with her new top of the line sewing machine. She has won a national competition sponsored by The Chandler Company. The company representative has arrived to award the prize and she is driving Willow crazy with her demands.

Poor Darlene never gets to do more with her new machine but test it out for a few minutes. She is found dead under her sewing table that looks to have collapsed from the weight of the extremely heavy machine. It soon becomes apparent that this way no accident and the suspects are many including Darlene's fire chief husband, "Plug" . Willow and her best friend Haylee even become volunteer firefighters to see if they can uncover the true culprit. Hopefully they can do it without getting burned.

Dollycas's Thoughts 
I was excited for another trip to Threadville. It is a place I would love to live.

The characters are so well defined, they are already a group of literary friends. The high-jinks of "The Three Weird Mothers", Opal, Naomi and Edna actually has me "in stitches". I was laughing so hard I was crying.

As a formerly addicted crafter who had been knitting, quilting and sewing since I was 8 years old until my accident in 2001, I can identify with each and every shop owner in Threadville and this story has given me a new respect for my sewing machine. My father was also the fire chief of our small town so the firefighters in this story made me smile even the cantankerous one. With the drought this year we can all understand the fire outbreaks and the sirens at all hours usually at night.

Filled with all the elements a perfect cozy and a perfect escape!

I loved the first book in this series and this one is even better. Kudos to the author! Do we really have to wait until June for the next installment?

[Amanda McGill · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am just not getting into this series, probably because I don't know anything about embroidery.

Oh man talk about unlikable characters. I don't mind the main character, Willow, but the other characters are horrible. They don't stand out at all! I felt no connection to any of the characters and there was just a lack of empathy for even the murdered mother of 8.

The mystery was just as bad and very unbelievable.

Another cozy mystery series that I am giving up on. I would only recommend to those who are a fan of embroidery.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve never read a series with characters so deeply unlikable and simultaneously forgettable. Continuing the theme from the first book, the small-town hometowners are written to be so unaccepting of the outside Threadville proprietors that one can’t help but wonder how the women do anything without a yokel spitting on them and telling g them to go back where they came from. The murder itself is handled well, and is a nice twist, but the characters are so unrealistic it’s hard to enjoy this.

[Duffy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, charming and a totally fun read. Up all night finishing it. Feel in love with Willow, the pups, the detective and even Felicity.
A real page-turner to be sure.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willow is getting In Stitches, her embroidery store, in shape for the presentation of a Chandler Champion sewing and embroidery machine to a local resident, Darlene Coddlefield. Darlene had won this in a national sewing competition. Chandler has sent a representative, Felicity, to present the machine and is one of the most demanding persons Willow has ever met. As soon as the the machine is presented, Felicity packs the machine up and follows Darlene home to set up the machine. A couple hours there is a small fire in the machine and as Darlene is trying to unplug the machine, it falls on her and kills her. Edna, another shop owner, makes tray of Lasagna and asks Willow to go with her to deliver it to the deceased family. While there they see the deceased husband, Pug, in a passionate embrace with the young nanny of his eight children. One of the other shops owners is trying to get new members for the Volunteer Fire Department and asks Willow and Haylee to become new members. Neither is really interested, but then Pug is the fire chief and just maybe they can look into the death of Darlene. Just as they are getting into the first firefighting class, the fire siren goes and chief Pug and his assistant take off for the fire, leaving the new recruits behind. Three, teen aged boys, just take off. Willow decides that this might be a chance to experience fire fighting first hand. She soon learns that it is Coddlefield home that is on fire. As she is approaching the house she sees another firefighter getting into their car. As she gets to fire scene, one of the children says there is mean woman in the house. No one seems to hear the child, so Willow dons fire apparel and heads into the house.

Now she is sure that something more than a badly wired, brand new sewing machine is the problem. Add to this, Willow has had two on road encounters with the speeding son of Pug. Willow and Haylee must try and find the murderer without themselves becoming the next victims.

Very good series with very interesting characters. I am looking forward to the next book.

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel entertained me from page one until page 320 and left me wanting more. That being said, yes, I do highly recommend this book.

Is it possible to exceed the expectations left from the first book in a new series when so often the next one is just a wee bit less...well everything? The answer is a resounding 'Yes.' "Threaded For Trouble" not only lived up to it's prior novel, it lived up to it's Title! And, has me seriously re-thinking about buying a sewing machine. At least I will make sure to try and stay on the machine's good side.

A resident of 'Threadville, PA' wins a national contest and a spanking brand new top of the line Embroidery Sewing Machine. There is a celebration at our sleuth friend's, Willow Vanderling's store, "In Stitches" to present Darlene Coddlefield her prize.

At the same time, Willow and friend, Haylee have decided to join the local volunteer fire department and when they discover that Ms. Coddlefield is married to the Fire Chief...well things get dicey, especially as Mrs. Coddlefield has just been murdered by her sewing machine!

Ms. Bolin not only found one of the most unique methods of demise in my reading history, but, she has us at carnivals, fancy dinners with all friends watching out for her, mud swims, laughter and more. The dogs "Sally Forth" and "Tally Ho" are special also and I love the Opera singing....

What on Earth am I rambling on about? Well, I sincerely suggest you go and get a copy of this book immediately for a good summer smile and solid mystery. This novel truly exceeded my expectations and I can't wait for the next volume in the series.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought these would be a fun series and I did like the first book. That being said, I can only take so much description of the different shop owners and the things they are making. I don't need to know every detail of every outfit and bedding. Because of this, I only got part way into this book and then set it aside. I also had the rest of the series checked out and waiting to be read. I just returned them all to the library.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This well written novel was the second in a fun cozy mystery series. The characters are well drawn, and they get into the most hilarious and occasionally dangerous circumstances while "not sleuthing" and are often being confronted and embarrassed by the local sheriff or detectives with the state police at almost every turn.

[RC Prentice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Killer sewing machines? Somehow the means for murder seem a bit of a stretch, as does the motive that eventually emerges. But if you like to read all about sewing and stitches and threads, then this cozy mystery is for you.

[Joyce Ziebell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery series is full of quirky characters and at times it seems everyone is guilty of something, including the victim who doesn't seem to be a nice person either. I do like the two main characters, who play off of each other well.

[Jeanie Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This continuing series, is getting better and better.

Who knew sewing machines could kill!

[Kathie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this story to be confusing. I enjoy the tips about embroidery but the part about the two girls becoming volunteer firemen seemed far fetched.

[Salena Moffat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first in the series. To be honest, I'm already sick of the whole Flora, Fauna and Merryweather schtick. Hoping the third book is better.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great storyline. Enjoyed this book as much as the first

[Lyn Soulia-Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book, kept you wondering. Fun read. Liked the characters.

[Bunny Merrill · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the twist at the end, and loved the murder weapon, but this will be my last book in this series.

1. My biggest issue with this book was Willow and Hailey's attitude toward being firefighters. Hailey couldn't even be bothered to get out of bed and go to the fire. Hopefully the other firefighters will manage to get up if it's her house on fire.

2. Willow can't even go on a date without the whole town turning out to chaperone?

3. The "mothers" are really irritating. I'd move away to get away from them.

4. She is too embarrassed to ask to have a wonky outlet repaired? (but, she is a firefighter and should know better)

[Cathy Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow Vanderling, owner of In Stitches, located in Threadville, PA, is thrilled to be awarding a local the prize of a Chandler Champion Sewing machine for a national sewing machine. After the prize is awarded, Willow is devastated to learn that the winner was killed by her sewing machine “falling on her”. Determined to proof that it wasn’t her fault or the machine’s she sets out to find the killer.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Dire Threads. The idea of a town unofficially called “Threadville” because of the new embroidery and yarn stores, that have opened there, thrills the crafter in me.

If it’s possible I enjoyed Threaded for Trouble even more. The reader sees how strong the friendship between Willow and Haylee is in this book, as they set about to solve the murder together – even going as far to join the firefighters as volunteers to investigate the Chief Firefighter, who was Darlene’s (the murder victim) husband.

The mystery itself was first-class. I read a lot of mysteries and pride myself on being able to guess the murderer and I didn’t have a clue with this one. Well done, Janet Bolin, for keeping me guessing!!

Threadville is fast becoming one of my favorite cozy destinations and I can’t wait to pick up Thread and Buried to find out what Willow and Haylee are going to get up to next.

[Momkersch · Rating 3 out of 5]

As cozies go, Threaded for Trouble stands up reasonably well. Bolin gives us a central character, Willow, who owns two dogs and a shop that specializes in machine embroidery. Her supporting cast includes a best friend, Haylee, who boasts three mothers. All of her mothers are suckers for anyone in need. Threadville, her setting, is a town on Lake Erie that is supported by shops that support various needle skills (quilting, knitting, embellishing with beads and ribbons, as well as machine embroidery). It seems that this town is overrun every day by avid needle artists, so all the shop keepers have to do is be there and give classes (talk about fantasy!)

This particular mystery involves the death of a woman who wins a "Champion" sewing machine--a top-of-the-line model that can do everything any sewer could ask--evidently including murder. She is the mother of 8 children (yep, 8, count 'em) and her husband is the fire chief of the small town. The combination of her murder and suspicious fires make Willow and Haylee join the volunteer fire department, and it's from this vantage point that she goes after the killer. After all, she doesn't want her shop to be tainted by a faulty sewing machine.

[Scilla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Willow Vanderling runs an embroidery shop. A Chandler Champion sewing machine is being awarded in her shop to Darlene Coddlefield, who won a national competition. The Chandler rep Felicity is awful, and Russ, the oldest of her 8 children appeared to be very angry. Russ takes the very heavy machine home for his mother and Felicity goes to give a lesson. The next morning Willow learns that Darlene is dead, killed when her machine fell on her. When Willow and friend take a casserole and cookies to the family, Darlene's husband, the fire chief Plug, and the au pair girl Tiffany are in a clinch. Plug drops the killer machine on the porch of Willow's store, and Willow tests it. There is gum stuck in the presser foot, the needle is loose and bent, the power switch is broken, and the memory has things it shouldn't. The killing was not accidental, and Willow continues to do her sleuthing in spite of the police telling her not to. There appear to have been a lot of suspicious fires, and Willow and her friend Hayley join the volunteer fire company to check out Plug. Willow is in deep trouble near the end as the surprise culprit comes out.

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book in this series but this book irritated me. The author fell into the trap that a lot of cozies fall into. She makes the heroine insufferable. Willow Vanderling owns the In Stitches store in Threadville, PA. A sewing and embroidery machine is won by a local woman and the company asks Willow if the award can be made in her store. The woman is found dead under the sewing machine. Willow goes right ahead and questions the police and then goes behind the police and questions everyone in the case, walks into people's homes uninvited, and then spends a great deal of the book saying over and over that she doesn't want anything to do with the murder or solving it. The other problem with this book is that the murderer is someone that it would be impossible to know about because other than a mention in the very beginning, the murderer is not a part of the story at all. Enough for me, thanks but no thanks.

[Kathi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hard to believe this book received so many stars....talk about writing for $$. This series is unbelievable on so many levels. The premise has promise and the main character is OK but the surrounding characters..wow. and their ability to create hand crafted clothing in mere minutes is just crazed! I read the first book and thought I would give the second a try. I have finished it only because I do not want to watch the Green Bay Packers....I have the next in the series checked out, but it is going back to the library unread. I read for entertainment, but this was so nuts it was not even entertaining. The book is centered in an area that is under drought conditions and fires are starting in the fields almost spontaneously...so....they have a Harvest Festival and shoot off fireworks!!!!!!! Many of the other situations in this book are just as unreal. I think this writer can write....just not this series!!

[Moondance · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, Felicity banished my dogs.

This is the second book in the Threadville series. Elderberry Bay, Pennsylvania is known as Threadville because of the needlework shops in the downtown area. Willow is the owner of the embroidery shop, In Stitches. The story opens with a celebration for the winner of the new Chandler Champion swing machine. The machine falls on the recipient that evening, killing her. Willow and company turn to sleuthing to find the killer.

This is a quick easy read. I enjoy the tips given about various handwork techniques. Willow and her best friend Haylee along with Haylee's "mothers", Edna, Opal and Naomi keep the story flowing. Quirky characters and small town events keep the book fresh and fun.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Darlene Ferland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read two of the books out of order and it really didn't disrupt the storyline. Willow Vanderling's shop In Stitches played host to the winner of a very expensive sewing machine.
The winner was a local woman and the company sent a representative to present the machine.
As with Ms. Bolin's books, the trouble that followed include a death by sewing machine. Willow and her best friend Haylee also joined the Volunteer Fire Department and realized that fires were occurring more frequently even though they were in a very dry spell. The fun in Ms. Bolin's stories is in the maze of the storyline. Each part of the book is intriguing and you follow along with rapt attention. . . I am waiting for the 4th in this series. . .

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had not read the first in the Threadville Mystery series "Dire Threads" however after reading Threaded for Trouble, however it was not a requirement for reading Threaded. The characters are lively and entertaining ("the Mothers" had me laughing out loud with their antics). The story flowed well and was easy to keep up with- I was hooked and read this through in one sitting. I am certainly looking forward to the next book in the series! Highly recommended for anyone that loves cozy mysteries. I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Nora-adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janet Bolin is getting better with each book. Threaded for Trouble is the second book in her new series and it hits new heights of intrigue, murder and craziness. With the help of her friends and the Three Moms, she manages to accrue a high score in finding clues and putting this puzzle to rest.

I truly believe that in a short time this series and its author will be on the pages of the NY Times Book Review.


FTC Full Disclosure: I received my copy of this book as a gift from a friend.

[Nell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mystery with an unusual murder weapon (a sewing machine). Several suspects and a culprit that kept me guessing. A character list would have been helpful - in addition to the recurring characters, there were tourists, new townspeople and folks who regularly visit for classes. It was hard to keep track. The author describes the small town setting so well it feels like you are there. Strong believable characters and some funny scenes when the weird mothers decide to help. Good read.