Hooks Can Be Deceiving

Crochet Mystery #13

by Betty Hechtman

Things are getting knotty in this delightful 13th installment in the Crochet cozy mystery series—featuring crochet patterns and delicious recipes! The Tarzana Hookers crochet club is ready for its close-up . . . But Molly Pink may be getting too close to a case that will land her on the cutting-room floor. Molly Pink’s excitement level is off the The Craftee Channel’s new cable talk show “Creating with Crochet” has scheduled an upcoming taping at the bookstore. While she’s there, TV host Rory Graham is to work with the Tarzana Hookers on a Make and Take bracelet project to draw bookstore customers to the yarn section. It’s a win-win...or so it “seams.” The situation gets a bit knotted when channel producer Michael Kostner confides to Molly his concern that Rory may have oversold her ability as a crocheter. When the producer’s worst fears are realized, it’s up to Molly to make sure Rory comes through. Guiding Rory through crocheting-for-beginners will have to wait, though, as Molly suddenly has to untangle the mysterious death of a new Tarzana Hookers member. Marianne Freeman and her live-in companion, Connie Richards, haven’t exactly been gabby since they joined the Hookers, but Connie’s voice is silenced permanently when she is electrocuted while walking on a wet lawn—electrified by an old radio plugged into a faulty extension cord. The fingers point at Marianne, but Molly is fast on the case to protect one of her own. Was Marianne the killer...or the intended target? Why does her younger brother want to keep her from talking to the cops? And why is this whole case starting to remind Molly Pink of an old TV movie?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Romance, Animals, Audiobook

315 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 11, 2018

About the author

I grew up on the south side of Chicago and in a very busy weekend, got married, graduated college and moved to Los Angeles.

Although my degree is in Fine Arts, all I ever wanted to be was a writer and I've been doing it in one form or another for as long as I can remember. My shining moments in elementary and high school always involved stories or poetry I'd written. I wrote news stories and a weekly column in my college newspaper. My first job out of college was working on the newsletter of a finance company. I worked for a public relations firm and wrote press releases and biographies. Later I wrote proposals for video projects and television shows that went through various stages of development.

I tried writing screenplays and wrote three. I sold one and another was a winner in a Writers' Digest contest.

I was lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom and did all kinds of volunteering at my son's schools including editing and writing several newsletters.

I wrote essays and small pieces that ran in the Los Angeles Times, the Daily News and Woman's Day among others. My short romantic and mystery fiction appeared in Woman's World, and Futures magazine.

From time I was a thirteen-year-old babysitter cooking for the kids I babysat, I dreamed of writing a book about babysitting. It took a little longer than I'd expected, but BLUE SCHWARTZ AND NEFERTITI'S NECKLACE was published in 2006.

My affair with crochet began in Las Vegas. I had always had a fascination with crochet, particularly granny squares, but thought there was some magic involved with making them that was beyond me. And then everything changed that day in Vegas when I saw the kids' kit in FAO Schwartz. If the instructions were easy enough for kids, I thought they might work for me.

My first granny square was missing a corner, but when I tried again, all four corners were there. I was in awe of my own accomplishment. I had found the magic. I went granny square crazy until pretty soon I didn't need directions anymore. Then I learned there were more squares than just basic grannies and I made squares with sunflowers in the middle and other patterns. I moved beyond squares and made flowers, hearts, bookmarks and more.

I was in love with crochet and began to make scarves, purses, afghans, and shawls. I started carrying my hooks everywhere. A plane trip became a pile of granny square wash cloths, or part of a shawl. A vacation in Hawaii turned into a tote bag.

And now I get to write about it...

** Sourced from authors website

Series:
* A Crochet Mystery
* Yarn Retreat

Reviews

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly Pink is excited about the prospect of The Craftee Channel bringing their cable show to the bookshop and yarn market business. The plan is for celebrity Rory Graham to host the show and work with the Tarzana Hookers who meet at the book and yarn store, to work on a simple Make and Take crocheted project. Owners of the store hope it will be good exposure and greatly increase business for the store. But it seems Rory has not been truthful about her crocheting ability. It will all fall apart unless they can get her up to speed with simple crochet techniques. But then Molly finds other things demand her attention, when a woman, who has recently become a member of the Tarzana Hookers, is found dead. It looks like murder and Molly is always on the job when it comes to so-living puzzles and crimes. Will she be able to uncover the murderer? Or will it be left to the detectives to solve the crime? Could she even help her ex, Homicide detective, Barry Greenberg find the culprit?
It took me a little while to get into this book but once I did engage, I really enjoyed it. Molly is a lot of fun as she juggles her interests in crochet, and solving crimes as well as trying to keep her meetings with Barry away from her relationship with her love interest Mason. There is an assortment of feline and canine characters and also some quirky secondary characters that add humour and interesting little subplots. Addd to that the mystery and danger that threatens and it all makes for an engaging read.
I have no interest in crochet as I am probably one of the least crafty people on the planet, but I still enjoyed reading about the crochet products.
Thought the plot got a bit of a stretch for the imagination towards the end but still a good fun read overall. I am sure a lot of people will enjoy this cosy mystery told with a light humour. This is book 13 In the Crochet Mystery series, which may explain why it took me a little while to get into this book and sort out back stories of characters. So probably much better if you have read the other books, but not essential.

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lively Tarzana Hookers find out their crocheting skills will be featured on a national television show on the Craftee Channel. Molly befriends Marianne, a group newcomer, who joins the hookers with her companion, Connie. When a seemingly freak accident takes the life of one of the women, Molly’s ex-boyfriend, Detective Barry Greenberg, asks Molly to help him reason out the circumstances leading up to the death since he has suspicions it’s a homicide.

This cozy series features a popular cast of characters who have different personalities yet enjoy getting together socially to crochet. As usual, Molly’s dogs and cats are home to greet her and she loves each one. The killer reveal was a surprise to me. I think Cozy fans—old and new—will enjoy this fast-paced plot. The author shares crochet patterns and recipes at the end of the book.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. Thank you.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to new books in this series, as it’s like visiting old friends. Thirteenth in the Crochet Mystery series, this enjoyable novel can be read as a standalone. The author’s trademark humor, at least one character resembling our most challenging co-worker or client, and an electrifying mystery are crocheted together into an exciting, laugh-out-loud story that goes by far too quickly.
Molly is head of the yarn department and assistant manager at Shedd & Royal Books and More and hosts many events there. This time is a bit different. First is a book signing by “Missy Z”, who wants to be so anonymous that she will come in only if wearing a disguise. The other is a big deal that Mrs. Shedd wants to be perfectly executed. The Craftee Channel wants to tape the premier show of “Creating with Crochet” during one of the Tarzana Hookers’ Happy Hour groups. Hosting the show will be Rory Graham, most recently from reality TV shows, her “signature” being something she calls Dance Break, a way of keeping people’s focus on her. One little problem: Rory can’t crochet and doesn’t want to. She wants to simply be the star, even though the producer is adamant that Rory shows people how to make the hour-long project. Adele comes to the rescue in hopes of getting on the show regularly.
There are two new women; Marianne, who seems to be on meds that keep her off balance, and Connie, who seems to be their spokeswoman. Marianne forgot her crochet project at the shop, so Molly was going to take it to her. Upon arrival, Molly finds police SUV’s and a detective’s car. She hears detectives Barry Greenberg and Heather Gilmore. When the crochet hook drops, Barry hears it and escorts Molly away without leaving Marianne’s project. Barry and Molly were once a couple. Surprisingly, Barry comes to Molly’s later that evening asking for a favor. Since Molly knows Marianne a little, he would like Molly to keep an eye and ear out for anything that could point the finger to a murderer. Her companion, Connie’s, murderer. Not typical Barry at all. Until Molly starts getting threats.
The author defines her characters delightfully well. We learn something new every time about the regulars, especially Molly and best friend Dinah, current significant other Mason, “ex” boyfriend Barry, and of course Adele. You’ll have to read about Adele for yourself to believe it; you have worked with or for someone like her. Rory, a millennial star, is in many ways like Adele, but even more self-absorbed. She and Adele provide much comic relief.
The crochet group shares each other’s troubles but also has a good time together. I find that Mason’s and Barry’s reflections in this novel are very revealing – one from a man who wants to re-write his legacy, and the other a man who is finally listening to the woman he loves and lost.
So many things in this story could be clues! Or they could simply be pieces of fluff like the yarn that pulls apart when being used. There are interesting and confounding plot twists. I couldn’t make up my mind about one suspect even as considering others. I was stunned to find out who the killer was and why; it was not anyone I thought about at all. Not one of the plot twists or clues could prepare for that! I highly recommend this delightful, at times frightening or LOL funny, outstandingly well-written cozy mystery!
From a grateful heart: I received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tarzana Hookers are excited as the craft channel is planning on filming an on crochet event at the bookstore. Molly Pink welcomes Marianne and her caregiver, Gloria to the Hookers. Gloria is electrocuted walking over to the guesthouse. Detective Barry Greenberg and his partner Heather have the case. Barry asked Molly to I help him on the case. Popular TV host Rory Anderson the show and Rory must crochet an item on the show. Rory needs to learn to crochet. The 13th installment has several twists and turns that will keep amusing you. The ending surprised me. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.
Knitting pattern and recipes are included.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books for a review copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

[JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly Pink is finally starting to get her life in order -- again. She's found out she's the 'contact person' for the Craftee Channel, who want to film a show at Shedd & Royal Books & More, where Molly works. But her co-worker Adele isn't happy, since she thinks that she should be the right person. And when Molly discovers that a young reality star, Rory Graham, is going to be the host, she's less than thrilled -- especially when she finds out Rory can't crochet.

But then the Tarzana Hookers are joined by two new members -- Marianne Freeman and Connie Richards. Molly soon figures out that Marianne has some problems, and Connie is there to help her. But she also learns that Marianne's brother Errol isn't happy about it, and wants to keep Marianne where he can see her.

At least her love life is improving; she's back with high-powered criminal defense attorney Mason Fields, and they're starting all over, trying to make time for each other in their busy schedules. Although her ex homicide detective Barry Greenberg isn't happy, he's trying to learn to deal with it.

But then Connie is found dead on Marianne's lawn, electrocuted, and now Marianne is a suspect. She won't talk to the police, but Barry comes to Molly for help, which is a first, hoping she can get information from Marianne that the police can't. Molly, who has an innate curious nature, is more than willing to help.

When Molly starts asking Marianne questions she begins to learn more about the quiet woman than she ever imagined. It's obvious Marianne's brother doesn't want her in their home, but Molly persists, and Marianne is on Molly's side.

But Rory is another problem: if she's not ready for the show, everything will fall apart and Mrs. Shedd will be devastated. So Molly enlists her fellow crocheters to help, tries to get Mariane to talk, is trying to set up a very different type of book signing, keep her relationship with Mason going, and keep Barry and Mason apart, all while helping Barry. It's enough to make her take her eye off the killer so they can put theirs on her...

This is the eleventh book in the series, and there is a lot going on here. Rory is more interested in showing off her dance moves than crocheting, figuring that Adele can do the job for her (of course she can't); and Molly is trying to keep her helping Barry on the down low, which is near impossible when her best friend Dinah is having her own problems and hiding out at Molly's intermittently.

It's an interesting mystery that starts to come together slowly, with the clues being put together as Molly finds them. Is Marianne guilty? Molly doesn't think so, but Detective Heather Gilmore is sure of it, not even looking at other suspects. Barry doesn't agree with her, which is why he's enlisted Molly's help.

Of course, Molly is still feeding anyone who shows up at her house, and I find that a bit overdone; people know how to feed themselves. At least Adele has toned things down a bit in this book, and for that I am grateful. (One note that I have to say is that I am a left-handed crocheter. I have been crocheting since I was a child, learning from my mother, and never had any problem with patterns at all.)

When the ending comes and Molly puts everything together, the murderer is a surprise, which is always a nice thing. I did enjoy reading this book and look forward to the next, waiting to see what lies in store for Molly and her friends. Recommended.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great mystery for those who enjoy crafts, books, coffee and pets. Molly Pink is the event person for Shedd & Royal Books and More where she works in Tarzana, a community in the San Fernando Valley of California. In addition to books, the shop has a cafe and yarn room. They have book signings from time to time and a group of crocheters, the Tarzana Hookers, meet each day of the week except Tuesday to crochet. Molly is loosely the leader of the group but CeeCee Collins, an Academy Award nominee actress, is in actually the leader. The hookers get some exciting news when they learn that the Craftee Channel wants to film a segment of a new series, Creating with Crochet, there at the store and use the group as part of the filming of the premiere. They have to come up with a project to make during the filming and include guests participating in the project. Things should go smoothly but there are some bumps in the road. The celebrity host, Rory Graham, sold herself as a crochet expert but she is actually clueless when it comes to crochet. If the group can't get Rory to become a proficient crocheter, the show might not happen. A couple of newcomers to the meetings trigger the interest of all, especially when one of the two ends up dead. Marianne lives in a large home and estate where she has a companion, hired by her overbearing brother. Her companion, Connie, lives in a guest house on the estate until she is electrocuted walking across the wet lawn. Molly is drawn to Marianne and to solving the mystery of her need for a companion and what happened to Connie. Her former boyfriend, Barry, is a detective assigned to the case who decides to use Molly's connection to find out what information she can gather from Marianne. But it is all under the cloak of night when no one can see that the two are working together. As the mystery unravels, there are lots of connections between people that we meet in the story through the store and show that could be involved in the death as well as Marianne, her brother and his wife. But the answer to whodunit was a surprise that I did not see coming. This is a great mystery and I plan to check out other books in the series.
I received a complimentary ARC of the book from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley. The thoughts expressed are mine only.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hooks Can Be Deceiving by Betty Hechtman is the thirteenth A Crochet Mystery. Molly Pink is called into Mrs. Pamela Shedd and Joshua Royal’s office at Shedd & Royal Books & More. The Craftee Channel is creating a new program called Creating with Crochet and they want to film the premiere show in the yarn department at the bookstore. Adele is confident that she will be chosen to host the new show with her explementary skills. Rory Graham, an actress, is picked to host Creating the Crochet. When Rory visits the store, she confides in Molly that she may have exaggerated her crocheting abilities (oh no). Molly cleverly pairs Rory with Adele who believes she is destined to be the actress’s sidekick on the show. The Tarzana Hookers meet for Happy Hour each day and they have a new addition to the group. Marianne Freeman joined the group three weeks prior with her companion, Connie Richards. Molly befriends the Marianne and is worried when she fails to show up one evening. Molly arrives at Marianne’s home to find Detective Heather Gilmore on the scene with Molly’s ex-boyfriend, Barry Greenberg. Connie is dead from electrocution and Heather is quick to accuse Marianne. Barry has his doubts, but he is not the lead detective. He enlists Molly’s help (talk about a shocker) in ferreting out the truth. Molly works in her sleuthing in between her duties at the store, coming up with a make it and take it for the pilot program, keeping Rory on track with her lessons instead of doing a “dance break” every five minutes, keeping her furry companions in kibble and preparing for the upcoming taping of the show. The killer is not happy with Molly’s investigation and attempts to threaten her away (obvious he does not know Molly). Can Molly clear Marianne before filming of Creating with Crochet begins?

Hooks Can Be Deceiving is a fun and entertaining cozy mystery. I thought the book was well-written with steady pacing. Hooks Can Be Deceiving can be read as a standalone. I like that Molly is a mature main character with an active life. She has her son, her fur babies, her job, friends and she has started dating Mason again. The story has humor courtesy of Adele with her outlandish ideas and fashions choices. She is the perfect choice to host the children’s hour, but I am baffled why the children must register (Adele has an elaborate system in place). I wish my local bookstore had a yarn department like Shedd & Royal Books & More (it sounds like a great place to spend an afternoon—books, tea, snacks and yarn). The mystery is clever with a unique method of murder. The mystery can be solved by the reveal, but I have a feeling some people will be surprised by the killer’s identity. The ending did feel a bit rushed as the author hurried to wrap up the storylines. While Adele was not as prominent in this story, the animals were (too much). I would have liked the author to include descriptions of the yarns carried at the store. I am not sure how I feel about the relationship between Mason and Molly. His lifestyle and Molly’s do not seem compatible (she is more down to earth while he has fancy cars and dines in high end restaurants). We will have to wait and see how it plays out. I Hooks Can Be Deceiving is an engaging and spirited cozy mystery. I am giving Hooks Can Be Deceiving 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I am curious to see what trouble Molly will get herself into next time in the fourteenth A Crochet Mystery.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started out a bit slow but picked up quickly. This was probably the first time I didn't figure out who done it.

[Dez Nemec · Rating 3 out of 5]

Molly Pink is back! Shedd & Royal books has been asked to serve as the location for the premiere episode of a new craft show called Creating With Crochet after the previous location had to cancel. Mrs. Shedd is positive that this will put the store on the map as a tourist stop and is frantic that things go well. Unfortunately, the program’s host, a former teen star turned reality tv personality, Rory Graham, has slightly oversold her expertise as a crocheter. Or rather, completely oversold, as she has no idea how to crochet whatsoever. Molly now must ensure that the show goes off without a hitch, including getting Rory to sit still long enough to learn the skills she’s already professed to know.
In the meantime, new Hooker Marianne’s “companion” Connie suffers a terrible accident when she is accidentally electrocuted outside Marianne’s house. But is the electrocution an accident or murder? And could Marianne, who usually takes evening walks across the lawn have actually been the intended target? Detective Barry Greenberg thinks his partner’s snap judgement that Marianne is a murderess is wrong and enlists Molly to be his covert co-investigator. He simply wants her to ask questions, but doesn’t want to answer any, and he does not want her to actually investigate. Naturally, Molly has other plans.
Like the other Crochet Mysteries, this was a fun and entertaining read. Adele wasn’t very prominent in the story and I as I find her annoying, I rather appreciate that. I don’t know if I like Molly and Mason’s relationship, but we’ll see what comes next. Looking forward to #14!

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Angela Simmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3.5
I’ve been having so much fun discovering new cozies lately.

Molly’s thrilled when she learns a craft show will be taping in the bookstore she works at although her excitement diminishes slightly when she discovers she’ll be more or less babysitting Rory, an actress who will be the host of the show who has no clue how to knit. As the shows taping date grows closer, Molly’s starting to get things under control until one of their craft club members dies in a mysterious accident. Now Molly and her craft club mates need to figure out who the killer is before they become their next victim.

This one was interesting—I always like a craft-based cozy, even if I can’t knit to save myself—and I found the characters to be unique.

The mystery in this one was solid. There were a few red herrings being tossed about and I didn’t really expect the outcome, and that’s always thrilling.

Like most cozies, there’s a love triangle. Molly’s ex Barry, who happens to be a detective, and her new boyfriend Mason, who I believe is an attorney. While it seemed to me that she’s more comfortable around Barry, I feel like I was missing a huge chunk of what was going on.

Overall, I had fun with this one. The characters, the mystery, the bookshop/craft club setting but I feel like this one, being book 13, was a little too far into the series to actually pull me in since Molly’s backstory is missing.

I would eventually like to go back and read the previous books in this series.

[Kate Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I downloaded expecting to enjoy just the first chapter with the promise of the whole in October. I was loving the beginning and was delighted that the whole ARC is available now. I have had a lovely day with this Cozy Mystery.
This is the first book I have read by Betty Hechtman.
Hooks Can Be Deceiving can be read as a stand alone as I have, but I feel sure it will literally hook readers into wanting to read other books from The Crochet Mystery Series.

Added bonuses include 2 crochet patterns and 2 recipes.

I will be recommending Hooks Can Be Deceiving to many friends who love to crochet or craft as well as read mysteries.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This was a fun story to follow. Molly Pink works at a bookstore with a popular yarn area and an even more popular group of crocheters. When a tv show wants to film at their location, Molly finds herself in charge. The celebrity has over sold her abilities and has to get up to speed before the show starts to film. And then a dead body shows up connected to more people than Molly realizes..

I really liked how the crochet group and Molly worked together to solve the mystery. No one was overly annoying. I was glad of that. I liked that the focus was kept on Molly and her investigation.

The mystery was complex and the reveal shocking. I waffles quite a bit when trying to identify the killer. Great plotting and character building in these pages. I can't wait to read more on this fascinating series.

I received this as an ARC via NetGalley in return for an honest review. TY.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Molly Pink and her role in Hooks Can Be Deceiving is stellar.
As Molly and the Tarzana Hookers get ready for their close up, there is another bizarre murder.

This time, when Molly's sleuthing skills are put to the test, she finds herself a target. Not planning on becoming another victim, Molly kicks it into high gear and soon finds her answers.
I really enjoyed this book. I was engaged in the story from beginning to end and of course I love having Molly and Mason as a couple.

I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The bookstore where Molly works is going to be the site of a cable talk show episode about crochet. It doesn’t take long for things to get out of hand. There are conflicts galore, and even more trouble when a new hooker ends up dead. Molly still is bouncing between spending time with Mason to feeding and talking with Barry, Diane is having trouble with her new husband’s grown daughter, Adele has mother-in-law problems, and another new hooker is having a variety of health issues. The interplay between characters was really more interesting than the solution to the murder in this mystery.

[Melli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series.. whenever I want a crochet cozy she is one of my go to authors. I love how the characters are developing and the series..

[Melli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series. One of my go to authors for a good crochet cozy mystery

[Nancy Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Ms. Hechtman.

[Karen ReadsALot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Repetitive but good cast of characters. Would be interesting for sewing/knitting/crocheting groups. Good ideas to enhance book stores.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly Pink works in a bookstore, lives with an assortment of cats and dogs in a house with a room dedicated to crochet. And solves crimes in her spare time. Lots of likable quirky characters and a fun mystery. An easy entertaining read.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I haven’t read the rest of these books . I found it confusing and hard to follow then about three forth of the way in it was tolerable . They are opening sparkling water bottles about every three pages 😬😬

[Becky Tatar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Molly Pink falls into another murder when the companion of one of the bookstore's crochet club members is murdered. And all the club members expect Molly to solve the mystery. All the while getting ready for a tv show that wants to film the crochet club working on a craft, lead by a local reality tv star, who doesn't know how to crochet. And somehow, the murder, and the tv show have more in common that it seems.

Could not get into this one. I think one thing about a series, is that the backstory should be quickly explained, in order to set up all the characters. This assumed that you had read the previous books in the series.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fairly enjoyable book and a whodunit that certainly kept me guessing. I was a bit disappointed in the ending as it seemed to wind up quickly.
Having not read the previous books in the series, I may have understood the dynamics between the characters more if I had.
I found it a bit annoying that the protagonist kept things that were relevant to solving the crime from the detective (her ex-boyfriend).
However, it was all in all a solid cozy.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Joann]

such a fun book series.

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a favorite mystery series of mine as it includes crafts, books, coffee and pets. This is the 13th in this beloved series and I have enjoyed the entire series. Thank you for the ARC that does not influence my personal review.

Molly Pink is the event person for Shedd & Royal Books and More where she works in Tarzana California. In addition to books, the shop has a cafe and yarn room. Her friends are a group of crocheters, "The Tarzana Hookers" who meet at the store to crochet. The hookers are all excited to learn that the Craftee Channel wants to film "Creating with Crochet," there at the store and use the group as part of the filming . As they work on what project to create while filming the excitement grows and Molly is looking forward to publicity for the store.
The problem is that the group must include celebrity host, Rory Graham as a crochet expert but she cannot crochet. If the group can't get Rory to learn how to be a crocheter, the show will not happen. Everyone joins in to help Rory learn . Then a new person that joins their group is murdered. Molly is on the case and wants to find out what happened. She soon is involved in finding several clues to the death and possible suspects. While the group continues to meet and crochet her investigation takes a turn that has everyone on edge.

I loved this new release in this favorite series. The sleuth is well crafted and kept me guessing to the end. The supporting charcters are all enjoyable and likable to the reader. The crafting is interesting and fun to read about their techniques. This is the perfect cozy mystery for a fun afternoon read. I look forward to returning to the "Tarzana Hookers" and their next adventure.
Thank you with gratitude for the ARC which does not influence my personal review.

[Barb Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Molly Pink actually spent time working at her job in "Hooks Can Be Deceiving," part of A Crochet Mystery series.

The companion to a drugged-out newbie to the Tarzana Hookers is electrocuted while walking across a lawn. Molly, with Barry's approval, sets out to find out what happened. Her efforts are complicated by the shenanigans of a young actress who is going to host a craft show filmed at the bookstore; the actress told the producers she was an expert at crochet. Hmmm. Not so much.

Between making frequent trips to the scene of the crime and going out to dinner with Mason (There's a lot of food mentioned in this novel. Be sure to eat before you start reading), Molly actually spends time working at the bookstore. She moves furniture around to create event space. She sets up chairs and tables for an author signing. She works the author signing and even stays late, after the event is over. She even works at the information desk.

Gee. It's almost like she's supposed to be a bookstore employee.

We had too much Mason for my taste. I was happy, though, to see that Barry is making a comeback for Molly's attentions.

Again, it seemed like Molly's solution to the case came out of nowhere. Perhaps that's why she's the amateur detective, and I'm just a grunt working for a living. If you've read any of Betty Hechtman's books, you know exactly what to expect.

[Julie Witt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love cozy mysteries and I love to knit (shhhh, don't tell Adele), and crochet, so Betty Hechtman's Crochet Mystery Series is a favorite of mine. This installment finds Molly Pink and the Tarzana Hookers getting the chance to show off their skills when a new television show on the Craftee Channel chooses the book store to film their first episode. Of course, murder is never far away from Molly, and she's on the case, working with her ex, Barry, this time.

I love this series and enjoyed this book as much as I have all of its predecessors. Molly is a fun character who loves to put her detective skills to the test. All the Tarzana Hookers are great, even Adele in all her crankiness and fun outfits. I liked that Molly and Barry actually worked together on this mystery and hope that they continue to do so. I, of course, tried to figure out who the murderer was, and I, of course, was wrong, but that's part of the fun.

In summary, I love this series and this book didn't change my mind at all. I can definitely recommend it to cozy mystery lovers and yarnies alike, and think they will enjoy it as much as I did.

5/5 stars.

I received a copy of this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Fluff Smut & Murder · Rating 4 out of 5]

The you to the publisher and to NetGalley.com for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Tarzana Hookers are back in yet another cozy crochet mystery.. Adele is still ....crazy Adele and the rest of the hookers seem to fade in the background in the latest tale. Its primarily the Molly/Mason/Ross show and I anticipate this dragging out for a few more books (#TeamMason). I love all of the animals, the bookstore regulars, the distractions in the book, and I love that I haven't figured out one of her mysteries before the end yet.

What I loved: Shout out to my fellow lefties out there and how hard it is to learn crafts taught to us by right handed people. Thank you for the nod about left handers and how we seem to do things backwards.. I wish I could find a class on how to knit or crochet as a leftie but since I haven't yet I'm glad I needlepoint.

What I didn't love: Some parts to Molly's life are as repetitive as our real lives but I don't need it every chapter that the son is not home, lights weren't on, dogs not fed.. that's life with a grown kid!

Overall Grade: B

[Anam Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is the 13th book in the Crochet Mystery series, I had not read any of the others and found it quite enjoyable. It works as a stand-alone, although if readers want to know more about the Tarzana Hookers, I feel certain that they will not have any problems reading the earlier books.

Molly works in a bookstore that has certain areas dedicated to products other than books. There is a yarn section which s where the Hookers have their meetings. Two new women join who are very quiet and no one in the group can figure out the story behind them. When one of the women dies (accident or murder?) the second is suspected. But there is reason to believe that she is being framed, but by whom and why? Add to the storyline a prima dona reality TV star who is convinced she cannot fail and you have the makings of a fascinating tale.

I read this on kindle, so didn't look to see what was on the last pages. To my delight, the author included the directions for crochet projects featured in the book as well as two recipes mentioned in the story line.

I will be watching for more of Betty Hechtman's books.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never learned to crochet but ,after reading this delightful mystery, I may just put it on my list of goals for the new year. If I could only live between the pages of this book and have Molly take me under her wing. Just don't add another murder to my lessons. Molly has her hands full with Rory, a popular tv host who is supposed to crochet live on tv and hasn't a clue. On top of that, in a freak accident that really isn't - it was murder - the companion of a new member to Molly's group, the Tarzana Hookers. Molly's ex boy friend asks for her help which puts Molly in the killers sights.
This series has a wonderful cast of well developed characters and, while this entry can be read as a stand alone, if you are new to the series, be prepared to play catch up. The humor is good for many laughs, there is some romance and there are friendships and assorted pets. The mystery gave me clues and read herrings and I guessed wrong.
My thanks to the publisher, Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Julie Trapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly Pink's excitement level is off the hook: The Craftee Channel's new cable talk show "Creating with Crochet" has scheduled an upcoming taping at the bookstore. While she's there, TV host Rory Graham is to work with the Tarzana Hookers on a Make and Take bracelet project to draw bookstore customers to the yarn section. It's a win-win...or so it "seams." The situation gets a bit knotted when channel producer Michael Kostner confides to Molly his concern that Rory may have oversold her ability as a crocheter. When the producer's worst fears are realized, it's up to Molly to make sure Rory comes through. Guiding Rory through crocheting-for-beginners will have to wait, though, as Molly suddenly has to untangle the mysterious death of a new Tarzana Hookers member. [amazon synopsis]

Electrified by a wet lawn. Who set this up? and how? Why does this mystery remind Molly of an old TV movie? Glad Adele was not in the forefront as much in this book. Am NOT a fan of her. I am a Mason fan also. Barry needs to take his dog home and bug off. Good series. 2 left.