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Former antiquities bounty hunter, Julie Ellis, is on the run, trying to stay one stiletto step ahead of her past. She accepts a position as manager of the Quilt Haus Inn in Missouri wine country, thinking it the perfect place to keep a low profile and start a new, less-dangerous career. It is—until Daniel Franklin walks through the door and asks for a room.

Daniel claims he’s come to Straussberg in search of a famous sunken ship that he believes is buried in a nearby farm field. Julie finds the handsome historian’s story odd at best, but when a dead body is discovered at the proposed dig site, it becomes clear somebody else believes the theory and doesn’t want the ship or its secrets exposed. Who in the town would possibly care about the old shipwreck? As frightening things start to happen at the inn—all seemingly connected to the hunt for the missing ship—Julie and her quilting friends must unearth the truth before someone else is buried.

INCLUDES A FREE QUILTING PATTERN INSPIRED BY THE STORY!

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2015

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687 people want to read

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Mae Fox

2 books14 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Denise Spicer.
Author 16 books70 followers
April 9, 2021
Julie Ellis, "retired" bounty hunter and her business associate Hannah get new jobs as manager and cook at a Bed and Breakfast in Missouri wine country. Though specializing in clients who are quilters, a new guest checks in who is in the area on a salvage dig. Daniel, an historian, is looking for treasure. His helper, George, an old college friend, is murdered and Julie calls on her detective skills to find the killer. Quaint and charming setting with mostly congenial characters. Romance. Includes bonus quilting pattern (coasters).
27 reviews2 followers
June 14, 2015
2.5, rounded down because I really wanted to like it, because I like both mysteries and crafts, but wanting to like it just wasn't enough. The texture was off -- this is always hard to explain as it's the opposite of knowing a really great book when you read one. Finished because it was a fast read, not because I actually cared about the characters. However, the obligatory "new guy the MC swears is just a friend" and "romantic rival for said guy" boxes were checked...but not in a way that made anything happen. Will not be reading further in this series nor looking for further work from the author.
Profile Image for Carol.
804 reviews
March 20, 2023
This was a cozy mystery, set in an inn that caters to quilters. A cute, easy to read story.
125 reviews9 followers
October 17, 2017
A mystery with quilting overtones. Easy read but a little too simple for me.
Profile Image for OpenBookSociety.com .
4,089 reviews133 followers
April 7, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie

Threads of Deceit is a fun first novel in the Vineyard Quilt Mystery series by Mae Fox and Jan Fields. Ms. Fields has written several volumes of the Annie’s Attic Mysteries, all of which I’ve read and enjoyed. The primary characters and partners in detection are Julie Ellis and her friend, Hannah Marks. Julie accepted the position to manage the Quilt Haus Inn, for which she has no experience, as she was hiding from less than savory characters from her former profession as an antiquities bounty hunter. Surely a small inn in the wine region of Missouri would be a much safer place to work where nobody would think to find her! Hannah is hired as the chef, who loved her chosen profession and proves to be a master at it.

Daniel Franklin is not the typical guest at the inn, as most of those who stay are there to take part in various quilting groups or events, but was able to accurately name and discuss the various quilt patterns displayed. He is an historian who is on a dig to locate and excavate a steamship, missing for over 100 years, that is believed to be buried in a farmer’s field. Of course, he also plans to unearth any treasures and antiques that went down with the ship. And unfortunately, his close friend and partner is found late one night at the site, murdered.

The characters are each uniquely and clearly developed throughout the story. Julie is probably my favorite, with Hannah running a close second. Julie is spunky, adventurous, and a fast thinker. As she helps Daniel, the prime suspect of the local police, this reader could ‘investigate’ vicariously through her. She is just as apt to break into someone’s office to find clues as she is able to think of a logical explanation to cover herself if needed to provide an alibi. Hannah is as top-notch of an internet researcher as she is a chef, which I also enjoyed, and envied her ability to find the dirt on almost anyone involved with the dig.

The plot is involved, well planned and thoroughly executed. The idea of a sunken steamship buried on dry land is fascinating in itself. While the primary challenge is to find the murderer and perpetrator of incidents that occur around the property, the additional mysteries include finding who would want to shut down the dig and why. As the story continues, research and dig finds indicate there was more than an accidental sinking of the ship. What cargo was worth the loss of life, then and now? The plots within the plot are as interesting as solving the murder of Daniel’s friend. Watching the interactions of those who are there for the quilting activities is also interesting, and their reactions to the local dig and murder.

I highly recommend Threads of Deceit to those who appreciate quilting, historical excavations, and well-written inspirational mysteries. It is a great read that I really enjoyed. I was challenged by the mysteries, and endured many moments of thrilling suspense as the investigation unfolded. One doesn’t need to be a quilter to enjoy the story; I am very sewing-challenged and envious of those who can design and quilt yet loved the story! And for those who are not sewing challenged, a quilting pattern is included.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,318 reviews265 followers
April 7, 2015
After making more than a few enemies as an antiquities bounty hunter, Julie Ellis, and her friend Hannah, seek the quiet life in Straussberg, Missouri. Julie gets a job as an innkeeper at the Quilt Haus Inn and Hannah gets one as the cook. What could be more safe and relaxing than a small inn filled with quilters?

When Daniel Franklin wants to get a room at the inn, Julie turns him down since he’s not a quilter. However, he proves to her that he’s an historian and quilts are one of the things he researches. She agrees to give him a room, but she’s also suspicious. She learns he’s looking for a sunken ship that he thinks is buried in a local farm field. Strange things start happening on the site, including a murder. Daniel is the prime suspect. Julie is determined to prove his innocence but it’s not easy and everyone at the inn is in danger.

This is an intriguing cozy mystery with many possible outcomes. I didn’t suspect the real killer until close to the end. Julie is a strong character who doesn’t know how to mind her own business. LOL The secondary characters are a mixed bag of personalities. Each one is portrayed vividly. The possibility of a romance between Julie and Daniel is interesting. The author has them take it slowly to develop a relationship and I think that’s a good thing. No need to rush into things, like so many stories do.

Great start to a new series. I’m anxiously awaiting my next visit to Straussberg and the Quilt Haus Inn.



FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Doward Wilson.
752 reviews18 followers
September 8, 2015
This is the debut in A Vineyard Quilt Mystery series from Annie's Craft Store. This was a fast paced and well plotted mystery with interesting characters and a well developed background setting. Julie and Hannah are former antiquities bounty hunters hiding out from the bad guys they bested. They are now managing and cooking at Quilt Haus Inn in Missouri wine country while trying to maintain their low profile. Then Daniel Franklin shows up to unearth a sunken paddle wheeler from the middle of a local farmer's field. The ship is reputed to hold treasure and historical evidence in an old mystery. When Daniel's friend and partner is murdered on the exploration site Julie is dragged into solving the crime.
This was a fun and entertaining read that had me turning the pages non-stop. The background and characters are well defined and the murder plot was an intricate maze with an explosive ending. This series is available thru bookstores and libraries unlike the other series that Annie's offer. Mae Fox is the lead writer on this one and Book#2 but not sure if that will continue to be the case. There are quilting patterns for those who do crafts. I enjoyed how quilting was worked into this first story and am looking forward to the next book. This is a fast paced, well plotted mystery for anyone who likes treasure hunting, puzzle solving and mystery.
Profile Image for Kori.
156 reviews
August 20, 2016
Meh. Julie is an "antiquities bounty hunter" (whatever THAT is) who is on the run because she got involved with some dangerous characters. Now she is in-hiding and takes a job as an innkeeper at a quilt-themed country inn. She considers herself some sort of modern-day Nancy Drew - always searching for a mystery, and is a bit full of herself. Ok, you have to know that I was practically desperate or I would never have picked this up. This is quick, non-challenging fiction and I don't have anything particularly good or bad to say about it. The writing wasn't bad. But it wasn't anything to write home about. It's gotten good reviews, so apparently a lot of people liked it, but it reminds me of those 1980's TV movies-of-the-week that you would watch when there was nothing else....
Profile Image for Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews.
2,860 reviews210 followers
March 30, 2015
I really enjoyed this cozy. It is a little different from others as the main character is a jewel/art "thief" that is laying low and is doing it at a quilting B&B. The characters are diverse which contribute to an interesting story. I think this is going to be a fun series and can't wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Rachel.
227 reviews
February 14, 2015
A very solid, rather clever, lightly humorous cozy mystery.
Just a hint of romance, which was a nice change.
Well written while also being a quick read. What I lovingly refer to as a perfect "bathtub book".
Profile Image for Glenys.
447 reviews5 followers
August 8, 2021
Great story, looking forward to finding more in the series...Julie and Hannah work together in Antiques Recovery, after recovering one antique and upsetting the art world Mafia they try to keep their heads down and out of the limelight taking on work at a small country inn. Julie as receptionist and Hannah working in the kitchen, The Inn is a quilt-makers delight specialising in retreats for the quilting community. Daniel asks for a room in the inn, claims to be an historian and knows a lot about quilts, Julie is sceptical and is proven correct as it comes to light that he is searching for a sunken ship with an unusual cargo. A death, threats and vandalism come his way and Julie is on the case trying to work out who is behind all this.
Profile Image for Roberta .
1,295 reviews27 followers
August 22, 2022
I can see why there are only two books in this series. Vineyards and quilting are entirely incidental in this book. It could have just as easily been jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts visiting a pineapple plantation. The main characters are done ever so much better in T.E. Kinsey's Lady Hardcastle mysteries.

And, while we're at it, "Among sailing vessels, the distinction between ships and boats is that a ship is a square-rigged craft with at least three masts, and a boat isn't. With regard to motorized craft, a ship is a large vessel intended for oceangoing or at least deep-water transport, and a boat is anything else."
Profile Image for Kristie.
387 reviews8 followers
June 18, 2017
I read this for a group read. It was already in my TBR pile so I moved it to the top. It was so good! For some reason, I had it in my head that it might be dull. Not at all!! While I had an inkling of who the killer was, but not why, the story was so exciting! The search for the sunken ship and the killer kept me engaged through the whole book. I'll definitely continue on with this series!
Profile Image for Kellie.
267 reviews4 followers
April 26, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded up.

Fairly average mystery that gets more points for the cozy aesthetic than for the plot. I love the setting of a small-town inn for quilters, and the nearby treasure hunt, but the mystery just wasn’t quite interesting enough to hold my attention. The ending was rushed, and there wasn’t nearly enough detail of the excavation of a buried ship.
187 reviews
February 25, 2020
A little different than most quilt theme mysteries. Not much actually about quilting. Since it is first in a series you are still learning about characters and their histories. Will be curious to see how book two builds on character development.
Profile Image for Regan.
2,039 reviews96 followers
June 9, 2017
A lot of "telling", a lot of leaps to conclusions and I never really got why the amateur detective was on the run.
904 reviews6 followers
June 17, 2017
I wanted to like it, but it felt a little light. I can't quite decide why. It was okay.
Profile Image for Elise.
1,748 reviews
August 27, 2017
Very light cozy mystery. Still kept my interest and was a quick read.
Profile Image for Sarah A.
2,227 reviews19 followers
November 16, 2017
Gentle cozy mystery featuring quilts and archaeology. Gentle, sometimes a bit slow and more of a romance.
Profile Image for Mkotch.
337 reviews4 followers
April 19, 2019
Cute but I really wanted more quilting. The main character, Julie, doesn't quilt but does think about doing it.
55 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2020
This was a reread and was worth it.
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,015 reviews83 followers
April 12, 2015
I just finished Threads of Deceit by Mae Fox and Jan Fields. It is the first book in the new series Vineyard Quilt Mysteries. Julie Ellis was in antiquities recovery until she recovered an item from the wrong people (mafia). Now Julie along with Hannah are hiding at Quilt Haus Inn in Straussberg, Missouri. Julie is the new manager of the inn and Hannah (her assistant and tech person) is the new cook (and baker).

Julie is enjoying her new job, but she misses the excitement of her recovering antiques. Daniel Franklin walks in looking to be a guest at the inn. Daniel is looking for a steamship buried on a nearby farm. The steamship was named The Grand Adventure and she went down with all her cargo. Julie is intrigues especially when Daniel tells her of a riddle and that a clue may be somewhere at the inn.

Daniel starts experiencing trouble right away. Someone is messing with the site and then the owner of the farm is approached with an offer to buy his property. The offer comes with the condition that excavation stops immediately. When the owner declines to sell, the violence escalates until Daniel’s friend and business partner, George Benning is murdered. Julie is determined to find out who is behind the destruction and murder (plus she is enjoying the excitement). The owner of the inn gives Julie permission to investigate (as long as she gives talks to the guests about the excavation). Julie, Daniel, and a reluctant Hannah set out to solve the case!

Threads of Deceit is a delightful book. I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. I downgraded it a little because I wish they had explained about Julie and Hannah’s recovery business and why they had to hide. We are given the barest of details. I look forward to reading the next book in the Vineyard Quilt Mystery series. If you enjoyed Annie’s Attic Mysteries, you will enjoy reading Threads of Deceit.
Profile Image for Lynn.
557 reviews12 followers
August 4, 2015
Threads of Deceit is the first book in the Vineyard Quilt Mystery book Series. Julie Ellis an ex antiquities bounty hunter and her best friend decide it is time to find a job with a low profile since they angered some dangerous people. Julie accepts a positon as an innkeeper at Quilt Haus in Straussberg Missouri. Her friend Hannah takes the position as cook. Just reading about what Hannah is making every day can make one hungry and I think most readers would love to eat her food.

Daniel arrived at the Quilt Hauss for a room. He is planning on searching for and excavating a sunken steam ship that he believes to be buried in a corn field with all of its cargo.. In real life, there is a museum in Kansas City called the Arabia Steamboat Museum. It was a steamboat that went down on the Missouri River in the 1850's. It hit a snag and went down with its cargo. Over the years the river course changed and the Arabia was found in a cornfield with all its cargo in the late 1980's. It is all now in a museum. So I felt Daniel looking for the Grand Adventure was very believable.

Julie is quite spunky and will break and enter to go after what she wants to find out. She has an A type personality. Hannah is more laid back and is the computer whiz. What a cook she is! Many times the murder victim in cozy mysteries is an unlikable character. Not so in Threads of Deceit as the victim was a bit of a surprise. I did not have the mystery solved until the end. I thought I did several times due to some red herrings. I thought the ending was rushed and the motive for the murder was a bit of stretch. The book held my attention and I read it fast as I wanted to find out who the murderer was. It was an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Sherry Sharpnack.
1,006 reviews38 followers
February 18, 2017
It was a cute, fun, quick read. I had a pretty good idea of who the murderer was by the last chapter or so. What I don't understand is why this series is called Vineyard mysteries, except that the Quilt Haus Inn is in Missouri wine country. There is also next to nothing about quilting except for a pattern at the end. Still a more fun read than the other book I'm trying to work my way through.
12 reviews
August 24, 2019
Cozy. Light mystery. Characters engaging. A quick, entertaining read for any afternoon, rainy or otherwise.
Profile Image for Jonathan.
588 reviews47 followers
April 20, 2015
My library's ebook library doesn't get many just published mysteries that often and when they do they are taken and on hold for months after, however I saw this one and luckily I was the first to nab it. I'm glad I did this book was probably one of the best mysteries I've read all month.

I loved the characters and the fact that they weren't perfect. Julie isn't above breaking the law to do what she feels is right and Hannah and Julie don't always get along. It felt like the characters were written so naturally to me, they were vivid and compelling.

The setting was also flawless. I've been to some of the areas they were talking about, so I could picture them perfectly in my head. The authors also did a great job of not overloading you with quilting facts like some series do. They had a few but the story really focused on the mystery, which was a refreshing change from a lot of cozy mysteries these days.

The mystery was amazing. I guessed the killer about 2/3 of the way through, but the way the authors wrapped it up was nice.

Overall a really good mystery and overall book. I'll be looking for the next one next month!
Profile Image for Donna.
2,355 reviews
September 18, 2015
Julie Ellis and Hannah Marks are antiquities bounty hunters forced to lie low for awhile. Julie applies to be an innkeeper at the Quilt Haus Inn in Missouri. Hannah has sous chef and short order cooking skills so she is hired to cook at the inn. Daniel Franklin, a historian looking to dig up a sunken ship believed to be buried close by in a farmer's field, checks into the inn. His partner is soon murdered on the site of the buried ship. Julie uses both her locksmith skills and her bounty hunting background to investigate people with an interest in keeping the old ship and its contents buried.

I thought this story was a good mystery that kept me entertained throughout. I would like to read more books like this one and I was glad to find a copy in the local library.
269 reviews
December 15, 2015
This cozy mystery started off well, unfortunately in the latter half of the book both the dialogue and situations seemed stilted and forced and the conclusion/reveal was quite rushed. Overall, not a bad mystery, but nothing unique or memorable either. As for the main characters, there are some characters I'd be interested in knowing more about. Unfortunately, the lead character, Julie, wasn't one of those. I probably wouldn't read a sequel. However, I doubt I'm the primary audience for this particular series. If you like cozy mysteries, give this a shot; if you're more a fan of Agatha Christie, give it a pass.

*Note: I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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