Thread on Arrival (Mainely Needlepoint #8) by Lea Wait

Jan 24, 2021 James rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 1-fiction, 3-multi-book-series

Thread on Arrival is the 8th book in the Mainely Needlepoint series written by the late Lea Wait. I've previously read all the others in the series and now have only the ninth and last left to read. I really enjoy these characters and the setting, so I'm hoping her Shadow Antique's series, also set in Maine, is equally as good or better.

Ike has been down on his luck for years. He's been living in his old garage, except in the winters when it's too cold. He wanders around Haven Harbor, collecting Thread on Arrival is the 8th book in the Mainely Needlepoint series written by the late Lea Wait. I've previously read all the others in the series and now have only the ninth and last left to read. I really enjoy these characters and the setting, so I'm hoping her Shadow Antique's series, also set in Maine, is equally as good or better.

Ike has been down on his luck for years. He's been living in his old garage, except in the winters when it's too cold. He wanders around Haven Harbor, collecting bottles and listening to gossip from various townsfolk around storefronts and homes on his route. Someone he learned of recently didn't take too kindly to Ike spreading the word about the person's bad behaviors. Who killed him? Was it the bookstore owner who was too flirtatious with his employees? The woman who claims to be caring for her invalid husband? The caretaker--with a secret to hide--of a wonderful family's older mother? Or something far worse and yet undiscovered? Angie is keen to find out, especially after teen Leo is following Ike around and suspected of the man's stabbing death.

Oh, Ms. Wait clearly knows how to create a good story ripe with possibilities and strong characters. I enjoyed the various pieces of this puzzle and had narrowed it down to two options. I was correct this time, and predicted the reason that ended up being the motive. I still enjoyed the book and relished in the growing relationship between Patrick and Angie, Sarah and Pete, and even Dave and Dr. Karen. There were a few repetitive moments, in particular when Angie retells readers what happened to Patrick's hands last year (once was enough, two was eh okay, but three times meant the editor missed his or her primary focal point). All minor stuff, but when I added that up with a few character flaws and spots in the tale that needed more juice, I settled on a 3.5 star rating. Because I adore the series and setting, I rounded up.

Wait knows how to make you feel part of the story. I rarely skim. I hardly page thru it like a thriller, in a good way. I want to enjoy relaxing, savoring all the background commentary, daydreaming if I were a citizen in this town. I could be one day... as Maine is on the list for a new home in 2021. So... one left to read, and I will be sad, but all good things come to and end. I will always remember the positive points (and there are tons) in this series. ...more

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Apr 30, 2019 LORI (Dollycas) CASWELL rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-2019

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Haven Harbor holds an annual event, Blessing of the Fleet, which honors all those lost at sea over the centuries. While there Angie meets Ike Hamilton. Ike’s family home was crumbling down around him. The chamber wanted the property condemned but that doesn’t stop Ike, he just moves into the garage. With his disability money, the few dollars he made from bottle redemption and a little help from a few friends he made it on his own even taking in a young homeless man. But he alw Dollycas’s Thoughts

Haven Harbor holds an annual event, Blessing of the Fleet, which honors all those lost at sea over the centuries. While there Angie meets Ike Hamilton. Ike’s family home was crumbling down around him. The chamber wanted the property condemned but that doesn’t stop Ike, he just moves into the garage. With his disability money, the few dollars he made from bottle redemption and a little help from a few friends he made it on his own even taking in a young homeless man. But he always was afraid “the chambers” were after him.

The town was shocked when Ike was killed in his garage. The teenager, Leo, who he took in was the one to find him and the prime suspect in the murder. Angie and her friend and needlepointer, Dave Perry, a high school teacher, believe the guy is innocent. Dave even takes Leo into his own home promising he will be available for any questions the police may have. He also starts to work with Angie to find the real person responsible for Ike’s death.

Ms. Wait introduces readers to Ike Hamilton. An independent and very principled man, traits that may have played a very big part in why the man was killed. Before his death he also let us see his heart by opening up his “home” to another needy soul. I was upset that someone shortens his life. I was anxious to learn the “rest of the story” and the pages were flying. The author lays out a sad tale. A tale that took another life before the case was solved.

All my favorite regular characters were back. The Maine Needlepointers were busy finishing up orders before tourist season begins, even a couple of custom orders, one I would love for my home. They also had time to pitch in to help Dave and Angie with their investigation. Gram and Pastor Tom are also very involved because there are so many ties to the church as more suspects are added to the list. Even Patrick lent a helping hand. All these characters are well developed and genuine. This core group drew me in from the first book in this series and their growth continues to bring me back for more. I enjoy following along with their everyday life almost as much as the mystery. This time getting to know more about Dave Perry was so good.

The journey to solving the mystery was very well-plotted. I did have the actual killer in mind early in the story due to something I had witnessed in my own life. As the story continued my thoughts were clearly cemented and I almost cheered out loud as the reveal was made and the person got their comeuppance.

Ms. Wait also gives readers the treat of sampler quotations at the start of each chapter. I always seem to read them twice, as I am reading the book and again after I finish to make note of ones I want to save and remember.

I highly recommend this entire series! ...more

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May 23, 2019 Carla Johnson-Hicks rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley, cozy-mystery

The Mainely Needlepoint series is one of my favourites. Haven Harbor is a community that takes care of its own. Ike Hamilton is a man who has no family and is a bit slow. When his house was condemned, he moves into his garage. Ike survives by collecting bottles and cans. When Ike is bludgeoned and stabbed in his garage, Angie and her friend and fellow needlepointer, Dave step in to help Leo, the teenager who has been living with Ike. They are sure he did not hurt Ike, but there is so much they d ...more

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Mar 16, 2019 Annie rated it liked it

Shelves: genre-cozy-mystery, read-in-2019, review-requests, arc, ebooks, author-lea-wait, series-mainly-needlepoint

So I know what you’re thinking… what are you doing reading this series again, Annie? The answer is…well, perhaps I enjoy this series more than I thought. Although my previous reviews of these books tend to be a little wishy-washy, I always find myself picking up these books whenever a new one is released. I think some of the charm that lies within it is that it really is a slow-paced series, which is great, especially when you’re life is as busy as mine. It’s a wonderful way to relax and en ...more

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May 13, 2019 Amy rated it it was amazing

Another happy return to the coastal town of Haven Harbor, Maine in this eighth installment in the Mainely Needlepoint series. Ike Hamilton is a local man who supplements his disability checks by collecting bottles left by residents and businesses and redeeming them for their deposits. Most don't mind the seemingly benign man and accept him as part of their community. A teenager with his own troubles, Leo, has recently turned up in town--living with Ike and helping him in his rounds. When Ike is ...more

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Apr 09, 2019 ✨Brithanie Faith✨ rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley

3.5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐.5

ARC provided by NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review!

Thread On Arrival by Lea Wait is the 8th book in the Mainely Needlepoint mystery series! There isn't much I can say without spoiling anything, but thankfully the tagline for this book tells you everything you need to know; "In this coastal New England town, folks take care of the needy—but someone is killing without kindness." Indeed they are!

I always forget how much I love cozy mysteries until I'm ...more

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Apr 03, 2019 Kirsti rated it it was amazing

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!

I do love cozy mystery titles; however there is another 'Thread on arrival' by another author and I didn't even realize I'd marked it as currently reading instead of this one! Reader beware! This book however was delightful. I loved the characters and the setting in Maine. From the very first chapter with the blessing of the boats I was hooked, and I wanted to know more about both Ike and Leo and how things had come to pas ...more

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Mar 03, 2019 Betty rated it it was amazing

Shelves: e-books, cats, arc, cozy-mystery

The Haven Harbor Community has turned out in mass for the Blessing of the fleet. It is an annual event where the names of those lost at sea are read and the fleet receives a blessing asking for a safe and productive year. Angie attends and Patrick accompanied her in the eighth book in the Mainly Needlepoint series. There they see Ike Hamilton and friend, Leo. Ike is disabled and collects empty bottles to add income. Leo is new to the area and very young, he has been helping Ike to collect bottle ...more

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Jun 20, 2019 Lynn rated it really liked it

Mainely Needlepoint series is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I always pre-order it. The series seemed a little more edgier at the beginning of the series which I liked.

Angie and her friend Dave become involved in the murder of a local man Ike who picks up bottles for a living. A teenage boy has been befriended by Ike who gives him a home. The boy arrives at Dave's house covered with blood. It is Ike's blood and he has been murdered. Dave, a high school teacher, previously reached out t ...more

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Mar 11, 2019 Kaitlyn Dunnett rated it it was amazing

Shelves: cozy-mystery

I was privileged to receive an advance reading copy of this book. I think it may be my favorite in the series, as Angie gets help not only from her friend Sarah and her grandmother, but also from the delicious Patrick, when she tries to prove a young man innocent of murder. With lots and twists and turns, this one will keep you guessing not only who dunnit but how dunnit right up until the end.

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Apr 29, 2019 Kristina rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley, 2019, 2019-netgalley-challenge, cozy-mysteries

Thread on Arrival by Lea Wait takes readers back to Haven Harbor, Maine. Angie Russo along with her boyfriend, Patrick West are heading to the harbor for the annual Blessing of the Fleet which honors those lost at sea. They notice Ike Hamilton has a teenage boy helping him. Ike is on Social Security Disability and supplements his income by collecting bottles to return for their deposit. Leo, who has been in town three weeks, is helping Ike who injured his back a few weeks ago and living in Ike’s Thread on Arrival by Lea Wait takes readers back to Haven Harbor, Maine. Angie Russo along with her boyfriend, Patrick West are heading to the harbor for the annual Blessing of the Fleet which honors those lost at sea. They notice Ike Hamilton has a teenage boy helping him. Ike is on Social Security Disability and supplements his income by collecting bottles to return for their deposit. Leo, who has been in town three weeks, is helping Ike who injured his back a few weeks ago and living in Ike’s garage with him. The next day, Angie is at Dave Percy’s when Leo comes pounding on the door. He has blood on him and blurts out that Ike is dead. They quickly call Sergeant Pete Lambert who rushes to Ike’s. Pete calls Detective Ethan Trask because Ike was murdered. Unfortunately, suspicion falls onto young Leo who Angie and Dave believe is innocent. Angie talks to various townspeople who provided bottles to Ike and learns that Ike was extremely observant. He had the tendency of sharing what he learned with others which may have been Ike’s downfall. Did Ike uncover someone’s secret which led to his death? Then a second tragedy befalls the town when another resident passes away. Will Angie be able to uncover the truth, or will the killer make sure that Angie does not celebrate her upcoming twenty-eighth birthday?

Thread on Arrival is the eighth novel in A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading Twisted Threads first. It will provide you with background information on Angie and the major secondary characters. It is hard to believe that Angie has been in Haven Harbor for less than a year. She is managing Mainely Needlepoint, dating Patrick West, has made some good friends and has her adorable black cat, Trixi. In Thread on Arrival, we are introduced to Ike Hamilton who has fallen on hard times. He wants to live out the rest of his days in Haven Harbor and, when his home was demolished for safety reasons, he took up residence in the garage. Ike is an honorable man with principles. He does not like seeing people harmed or being taken advantage of by those in power. Angie feels bad that she was unaware that he collected bottles and could have assisted him. When Leo becomes the prime suspect, Angie wants to assist the young man who has had a difficult life.

All of the regular characters are in the Thread on Arrival (Gram, Sarah, Anna, Dave, Ruth, Reverend Tom) as they get ready for tourists to soon descend on the town and work on needlepoint projects for Mainely Needlepoint. I enjoy the descriptions of the projects and the sampler quotations at the beginning of each chapter along with descriptions of the sampler. Sarah Byrne is Angie’s best friend and owns an antique shop. We get historical information on political memorabilia (political buttons are valued by collectors) and learned the history of embroidered “pockets” (not the type in the seams of our clothes). There are lovely cozy moments as we follow Angie about her day-to-day activities. I appreciated that we got to know more about Dave Percy in this installment (he has a unique poison garden). The mystery was thought out with multiple viable suspects. I was able to identify the killer early in the story, though, based on previous books I have read, and I had a strong suspicion as to why. The secondary crime was more unique. I like how the reveal was done and was happy to see this killer taken down. There are recipes at the end of the book which includes Dave’s lasagna and Angie’s special birthday cake. Come along to Haven Harbor for good food, antiques, needlepoint, clear skies, and a pesky murder or two in Thread on Arrival.
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Feb 18, 2020 Gaele rated it really liked it

Shelves: audio-book, reviewed, tantor-audio, kensington, cozy-mystery

AudioBook Review
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 4 Story 4

Let me start with saying that if you are a cozy lover – this is a wonderful series – I’ve read (or listened to) most of the titles in this series – and the development of the characters, the town and the tidbits of Maine life and weather are not to be missed. And, with the author’s passing last August, the final (and 9th) in the series is already out and ready to order – so get on it!. In this, the eighth in the series, the story shows the com AudioBook Review
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 4 Story 4

Let me start with saying that if you are a cozy lover – this is a wonderful series – I’ve read (or listened to) most of the titles in this series – and the development of the characters, the town and the tidbits of Maine life and weather are not to be missed. And, with the author’s passing last August, the final (and 9th) in the series is already out and ready to order – so get on it!. In this, the eighth in the series, the story shows the community spirit as it rallies around a resident who has fallen on hard times. Not a community that is blessed with riches and plenty of money – like most fishing-reliant areas along the coast it is tourism, hard work and a reliance on friends, family and goodwill to get through the lean moments. It’s how Angie had taken a small group of residents who all appreciate and have a talent for needlework, and built a thriving cottage industry with a website presence and a reputation for ‘getting it done’.

And Ike had hit on seriously hard times, with not quite enough to survive on, manage needed repairs to his home – a house badly in need of them. But, Ike, like many of the residents in town is always willing to share what he has, and has taken in a young homeless man, Leo, to share what he has. It’s not that Leo is a local, in fact no one knows much about him, and while Angie and the Mainely needlepointers are curious and concerned, they never hit the point of overbearing – even with Angie’s history as a PI, or the general ‘newness’ of Leo. And soon things get worse as it is Leo who discovers that Ike has been bludgeoned to death in the garage they shared, and he’s the main suspect. It will take lots of digging – which Angie is more than prepared to do, a ton of unearthed red herrings, until finally the culprit is revealed. And that was a set of twists, turns and plenty of moments to think on the “is it X or Y or Z” instead of everything being handed out quickly and simply.

Narration for this story is provided by Christina Delaine, my first listen to this narrator. Her voice is clear, melodic and easy to listen to: she pauses appropriately for information to “sink in”, and her narration from Angie’s point of view (always a treat) keep the story flowing forward. Bits of information from history, the scenery and even the moments of friendship, community and the town allows the listener the ability to get lost into the story, following along as if one were there on the scene. A lovely pairing of narrator and book, this is a wonderful option for those who are more commonly readers but may want a ‘different feel’ for a bit.

I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
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Nov 05, 2019 Tracy rated it it was amazing

Haven Harbor, a quaint new Englad town with quaint new Englanders. At least most of them are quaint and one of them is a murderer. Ike, a native Mainer and a son of Haven Harbor has been taking care of himself as long g as people can remember. He keeps to himself, collecting bottles to recycle and living in his family's garage. Not everyone appreciates Ike, and while the "chambers" are out to relocate him to a home, someone decides to remove him altogether. The least likely suspect, a young bo ...more

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May 02, 2019 Patty rated it really liked it

Threads on Arrival by Lea Wait is the 8th book in the Mainely Needlepoint series, and another great adventure with Angie Curtis and the gang. Ike Hamilton lives on his disability checks, but collects bottles for extra money. Lately Ike has been seen around town with a teenage boy, Leo, who is helping him. When Ike is found murdered, Leo become the prime suspect. Angie believes he is innocent, so she starts investigating. I love this series, and the books are not only filled with likable characte ...more

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May 31, 2019 Jeanie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: obs

I very much enjoyed this 8th offering in the Mainely Needlepoint series! It can be read as a standalone, but I will definitely want to read the ones I've missed as I like this little town of Haven Harbor and its inhabitants.

Mainely Needlepoint was started by Charlotte, "Gram" to Angie, as a way for local folks to make and sell their needlecrafts to tourist shops, individuals, and interior designers. Several people contribute to the work, and as the business grows, Angie considers adding more peo I very much enjoyed this 8th offering in the Mainely Needlepoint series! It can be read as a standalone, but I will definitely want to read the ones I've missed as I like this little town of Haven Harbor and its inhabitants.

Mainely Needlepoint was started by Charlotte, "Gram" to Angie, as a way for local folks to make and sell their needlecrafts to tourist shops, individuals, and interior designers. Several people contribute to the work, and as the business grows, Angie considers adding more people, especially to have stock ahead during the summer. Angie now runs the business since Gram married Reverend Tom; she also lives in Gram's house.

One of the locals who does needlework is Dave, a teacher a the local high school who had learned needlepoint when in the navy, where he spent many long months underwater aboard subs. He is interested in the needs of the youth he teaches. At the recent Blessing of the Fleet, an annual event where primarily boats of those who make their living with fish and lobster along with private vessels are prayed over for their safety during the upcoming season, Dave meets a young man who will change his life.

Angie and her boyfriend Patrick, an artist and gallery owner, attend, along with much of the town. One of the attendees is Ike, an older man who collects recyclable bottles to turn in to help with his living expenses. His parents' home had been demo'd by the town when it was damaged beyond repair, so he has lived in the workshop/ garage on the property. He now has a teen with him, and Dave made it a point to meet Leo, who now lives with Ike in the garage and he would help. He just didn't know how quickly Leo would take him up on that!

When Leo did show up at Dave's house, he had blood all over his hands and shirt. He had been gone from the garage only a half hour, long enough to run to the YMCA to shower, and came back to find Ike was murdered. The blood on Leo was from checking to see if it would be possible to give CPR, but it was too late. There were broken glass bottles and a knife used to hurt the poor old man.

Unfortunately, Leo lied to the police on multiple things, so they were hesitant to believe that the teen was innocent. Dave and Angie believed Leo, however, and Dave is allowed by the police to let Leo stay at his home. The police make Leo Dave's responsibility to have him accessible over the course of the investigation.

Days later, Leo's only friend over the years dies of a massive heart attack in the local ER. Jim Lewis has had MS, was cared for diligently by his loving wife, but has not spoken for a couple years. Before he died, he spoke - long enough to tell who killed him - and Ike. Wow.

Angie puts her analytical skills to use as she tries to find who has a grudge against Ike, primarily so Leo can be off the hook. She found out who Leo really is and his background, and Dave is even more determined to help the teen. Even so, it is beyond anyone's guess why that person would want to murder Ike, much less Jim.

What a great mystery! I appreciated seeing Angie work with friends to find out what she could. She has a kind heart despite what she endured from locals after her mother disappeared. I like many things about Angie, including her work ethic, loyalty to friends, and relationship with Gram and Tom. There are plot twists that bring surprising clues, even a red herring or two. The reason for the murders was surprising, even though the murderer wasn't a complete surprise. I did enjoy the ending of the novel; it is very satisfying. I definitely have to read the ones I've missed earlier in the series! For those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries, the Maine setting, and likable characters, I highly recommend this!

From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this book from the publisher and this is my honest review. ...more

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Jun 05, 2019 Stephanie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Does a Good Deed Ever Go Unpunished in Lea Wait’s Newest Mystery?
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
An older man, living on the fringe of society takes in a young homeless boy.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader’s copy of this book. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.

I love cozy mystery series — not all of them of course — something has t o click. Cozies tend to be female centric and the mysteries provide a foil the kinds of iss Does a Good Deed Ever Go Unpunished in Lea Wait’s Newest Mystery?
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
An older man, living on the fringe of society takes in a young homeless boy.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader’s copy of this book. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.

I love cozy mystery series — not all of them of course — something has t o click. Cozies tend to be female centric and the mysteries provide a foil the kinds of issues women faced in their time, status, or whatever. For Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline WInspear it was a matter of station, a woman in a man’s world and WWI. For the Country Club Murders by Julia Mulhern, it was being a Midwestern society woman in the 1970s looking for something besides dances at the club, in the 1970s — a period of great change for women and hence for society. For Angie it’s coming home to a town in Maine where she was apart because of her mother’s reputation and disappearance. Angie lit out after graduation as far as one could drive in the US – Arizona – and ended up working as an assistant to a private detective. When she returns to see her grandmother she ends up being involved on solving an apparent crime wave.

That brings up a curious feature in cozies (not Maisie Dobbs who runs an investigation firm), the women seem to attract murder. Even if they are not culpable, the bodies piling up around them will eventually leave a dearth of society with whom they will be able to engage. In the Country Club Murders. Ellison’s mother begs her to stop finding bodies (as if she is trying to find bodies). Authors have devices to counter the issue of so many bodies and murderers. Some are outsiders – just coming for a visit, sometimes the victims and/or the killers are people from outside the community, or people who were killed long ago, or people on the fringe.

This is one of the great ways Lea solves the issue, Haven Harbor is a small town and the series has occurred in a very compressed time period: Some of the murders occurred long ago, others on the fringes of society or higher up in society such that they don’t mix much with the others in the community. In this book the victim is on the fringes of society, but knows everyone.

As per usual, when the sleuth is an amateur the police constantly warn Angie to leave the investigation to them. But it’s a rare thing that the police are on the right track and they are often in danger of convicting the wrong person. Often in a cozy, there is an aspect of setting another life straight in the process of finding the murderer. In this case the victim has taken a troubled young man into his home and of course his actions are questioned and the young man is a suspect when he seeks help for his friend covered in blood.

Another great thing in Lea’s books is the amount of history she inserts into the story and the needlework tidbits are always great. I confess, I have only listened to the series and have not read a print version. So, for me Christina Delaine is Angie. Her husky voice is sexy and deliberate — she lends gravity to Angie’s character. I live in coastal Maine, not too far from Lea, and I have never heard anyone as camp-ishly New England as she portrays Angie’s grandmother. But, she hits the teenaged boy in this one spot-on!

I like this series so much that I got my sister into them and she is as huge a fan as me. So, it’s a good series to share with your family. And, if you like cozies and happen to be heading to New England – you should definitely read Lea Wait! ...more

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Mar 02, 2019 RO G'ma rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2019, 2019-craving-for-cozies-challenge

Thread on Arrival is the eighth book in Lea Wait’s Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series. This is a clean, quick read with a well-plotted storyline and well-developed, likable characters. The books in this series can be read as standalones. This is a quick, smooth read with twists and turns and a satisfying ending with all the ends tied up nicely. The reveal of the killer was a surprise to me. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a well-crafted cozy mystery.

Angie Curtis moved ba Thread on Arrival is the eighth book in Lea Wait’s Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series. This is a clean, quick read with a well-plotted storyline and well-developed, likable characters. The books in this series can be read as standalones. This is a quick, smooth read with twists and turns and a satisfying ending with all the ends tied up nicely. The reveal of the killer was a surprise to me. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a well-crafted cozy mystery.

Angie Curtis moved back to Haven Harbor, Maine about a year ago, is managing Mainely Needlepoint for her grandmother, and dating Patrick West, who is preparing for the upcoming opening of his art gallery. Angie and Patrick, as well as almost all of Haven Harbor’s residents, are attending the annual Blessing of the Fleet day, which remembers those lost at sea and prays for the safety of those who make their living from the sea or enjoy being at sea. When Angie sees Ike Hamilton, a local man with disabilities who many residents help, she notices a young man with him who she doesn’t recognize. Angie and her friend, Dave Perry, a high school teacher, approach Ike and learn that the teenager, Leo, is helping him collect and redeem recyclable items in exchange for room and board. Dave believes the teen is troubled and tells him to come to him if he ever needs anything. When Leo discovers someone has murdered Ike, he rushes to Dave’s house, his shirt and hands covered with blood. Sergeant Pete Lambert of the Haven Harbor Police Department calls in Ethan Trask, the Maine State Police homicide detective who handles murders in this area of Maine. Angie and Dave believe Leo is innocent; Dave takes the now homeless teen into his home, and Angie uses her investigative skills to find out more about Leo and hopefully clear his name. Angie discovers Leo isn’t who he says he is and uncovers secrets held by several residents, which may prove to be the reason for Ike’s murder. Angie also learns that several people had been angry with Ike because he’d threatened to tell the police or their spouse about what was going on. Angie is having trouble narrowing down her suspect list, and Patrick offers his help.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
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Feb 23, 2019 Fred rated it it was amazing

Thread On Arrival is the eighth book in the Mainely Needlepoint series.

The story starts with Angie and David, her friend, a high school biology teacher, and poisonous plant expert are attending The Blessing of the Fleet. The Blessing pays homage to those that have lost their lives while working the sea and blessing the new season, fishermen, and their boats for a safe and bountiful season. While at the Blessing they see Ike Hamilton, Ike has been living in the families garage since the house was Thread On Arrival is the eighth book in the Mainely Needlepoint series.

The story starts with Angie and David, her friend, a high school biology teacher, and poisonous plant expert are attending The Blessing of the Fleet. The Blessing pays homage to those that have lost their lives while working the sea and blessing the new season, fishermen, and their boats for a safe and bountiful season. While at the Blessing they see Ike Hamilton, Ike has been living in the families garage since the house was condemned and to supplement his disability check he collects bottles and cans and takes them to a recycling center. Ike is walking with a scrawny teenager. Ike introduces them to the young man, Leo, and says he is staying in the garage with and says that Leo helps him collect bottles and cans. David and Angie both feel that boy should be in school and tells him if he ever needs to talk to someone to come see him. The next day Leo appears at David’s door covered in blood and says that somebody has killed Ike. Angie and David want to believe that Leo is innocent of the murder. Detective Trask of the Maine State Police and Pete Lambert aren’t so sure, especially that all the Leo will share with anyone is that his name is Leo. Until they can learn more about Leo, David offers to take Leo into his home. The police are able to pull some strings and gets David appointed as his temporary guardian. Angie and David immediately get start looking at Haven Harbor residents as they learn that some residents feel Ike is an embarrassment to the community and could cause a decline of tourist coming to Haven Harbor.

I love this series and for those readers who aren’t into embroidery don’t hesitate to read this series, as embroidery is only lightly touched upon. One thing that I particularly like is the description of embroidery done by young children at the beginning of each chapter. The story is well-written a wonderful cast of believable cast of characters. In this book, the reader will learn more about David’s background.

Delicious sounding recipes are also included with the book

I will be definitely looking forward to the next book in the series, Thread And Buried, due out in October of this year. ...more

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Aug 23, 2019 Missi Martin (Stockwell) rated it it was amazing

Reading any book in the Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series is like returning home for a visit. The author, Lea Wait, captures the readers attention within the first chapter of every book and by the time you get to the last page, you are a beloved member of the little coastal town of Haven Harbor....

The main character Angie Curtis grew up in Haven Harbor but moved away for a while. In this series Angie moves back to her hometown into the house she grew up in with her grandmother and mother taking ...more

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Apr 14, 2019 Toni rated it really liked it

Shelves: arcs

4.5 Stars

I always get excited when another Mainely Needlepoint mystery comes out. This is one of my favorite series worlds. I keep hoping Angie will get her PI license. Am I alone? And am I the only person who thinks she and Dave (poison garden guy) should be an item? Maybe it is just me. I mean, you hooked up all the police force with other people. I would have been totally on board with an Ethan/Angie relationship. When you get to know these people, it is almost like you live in Haven Harbor a ...more

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Mar 27, 2019 Anita rated it it was amazing

Ike Hamilton has been a fixture in Haven Harbor, Maine for many years. He’s the one who collects cans and bottles from his neighbors and most of the businesses in town to supplement his disability checks. But, some people believe that he needs to go away, and someone took care of him permanently. The main suspect in his murder is a runaway teenager who found Ike’s body. Can Angie find out the truth before someone else is killed?
Some authors have the ability to grab a reader and take them to anot ...more

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Mar 17, 2019 Jan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: amateur-sleuth, family, cozy-mystery, historical-research, friendship, law-enforcement, needlework, teens, culinary, maine

What a marvelous book!
Putting the mystery aside for the moment, the chapter introductions each describe a sampler and its creator complete with a bit about her life in the late 18th or early 19th century and the East Coast town she lived in. It was like a trip through a fine museum, and I loved it!
The mystery, characters, twists, and red herrings were very well done and the frustrations and puzzlements of those involved are so clear that the reader is so tightly caught up in the story that p ...more

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Jun 15, 2019 OpenBookSociety.com rated it it was amazing

Shelves: jeanie

https://openbooksociety.com/article/t...

Thread on Arrival
Mainely Needlepoint #8
By Lea Wait
ISBN 9781496716736
leawait.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

Synopsis:

In this coastal New England town, folks take care of the needy–but someone is killing without kindness . . .
Ike Hamilton is a part of the Haven Harbor community just like anyone else, though he’s fallen on hard times and has to make do on disability checks and deposit bottles. Most of the locals do what they can to help him out, and ...more

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Mar 21, 2019 JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mysteries, cozy

Angie Curtis lives in Haven Harbor, Maine and runs Mainely Needlepoint, a small business she took over from her grandmother; she and its members create needlepoint items that they sell online and in stores. She and her boyfriend Patrick are attending the Blessing of the Fleet, an annual ritual where her grandfather (by marriage) Pastor Tom is conducting this year. It is a reading of the names of those who have died while fishing, and a blessing of the boats before the season begins.

When Angie s Angie Curtis lives in Haven Harbor, Maine and runs Mainely Needlepoint, a small business she took over from her grandmother; she and its members create needlepoint items that they sell online and in stores. She and her boyfriend Patrick are attending the Blessing of the Fleet, an annual ritual where her grandfather (by marriage) Pastor Tom is conducting this year. It is a reading of the names of those who have died while fishing, and a blessing of the boats before the season begins.

When Angie sees that one of the other needlepointers, Dave Pearcy, she goes over to say hello. Dave is a high school science teacher, and together they notice Ike Hamilton. Ike's a bit slow, and since his parents died, he lives alone - or so they thought - in his family's old garage, their home having been destroyed years ago. With him is a teenager who only identifies himself as Leo.

Dave wonders about Leo, since he hasn't seen him at the school and is immediately drawn to him. He tells Leo if he ever needs help, to come find him; describing his house for the young boy. Little does he know that it will be sooner than later Leo will need his help. The next day, while Angie is visiting Dave, Leo shows up at his door. He tells Dave that Ike is dead, and he needs help.

Angie calls the police - even though Leo doesn't want anything to do with them - and he tells his story. Dave decides to care for Leo since there is no one else, but the police have him down as the main suspect in the murder. While Dave and Angie both believe the boy is innocent, she decides to do a little sleuthing herself.

Angie, who worked for a PI while living in Arizona, has a bit of experience in this (also having helped solve other murders). What she finds out about the people in her town is eye-opening, to say the least, and gives her a few suspects that may have had a reason to want Ike out of the picture. But her final help comes from an unlikely source, and it shows her the truth isn't always easy to see, even if it's right in front of you all the time...

This is such a delightful series to read. The characters are well-drawn, and I love the fact that Angie doesn't walk blindly into situations that could put her in danger. She actually thinks things out first, putting all the facts in front of her, then disassembling them piece by piece until she can put the puzzle back together again. It's refreshing to read.

Angie's investigation takes her out of town, where she learns about Leo's past, which she shares with Dave, and he, in turn, shares with the police. But Dave's faith in the boy only wavers a little; they're still convinced he's innocent of murder (although Angie does waver a tad). Yet she always wants to find the truth, unwilling to convict without sound evidence. Unfortunately, it brings several people to view in an unfavorable light, which bothers her.

She's also coming into a new stage with Patrick, and he's allowing himself to realize that he doesn't mind her sleuthing at all. It was a nice surprise, and hopefully Angie will appreciate that this a good man who truly loves her. We will see on that front.

Anyway, we learn a little more about Dave's past, and while it's rather sad, it made him the man he is; I have always liked him and I like him even more; it's always nice to learn about the secondary characters. It makes them more human, and brings you more into the story. We've already learned about Sarah's past, so I recommend that if you haven't read any of the previous books, you go back to the beginning and do so, because it's a very good series indeed.

I did know the who the murderer was early on, but only because I read so many mysteries and pay extreme attention to details; still, my enjoyment of the book never faltered as Ms. Wait is a talented writer who knows how to weave a story admirably and put everything together so well. And this she does admirably.

In the end, I felt that the ending was quite satisfactory; the murderer revealed in an unexpected setting, with everything joined nicely and giving a tale that is filled with plenty of clues and quite fun to read. I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended. ...more

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Mar 27, 2019 Book rated it really liked it

Shelves: cozy-mystery

Lea Wait never disappoints and the latest Mainely Needlepoint Mystery, Thread on Arrival is a little richer than usual.

Ike Hamilton insists on living in the garage after his family home was condemned and demolished. Surviving on disability, Ike collects bottles and cans to augment his income. When Angie Curtis and Dave Percy run into Ike at the Blessing of the Fleet event, he introduces them to Leo, a young boy who helps him when his back pain hampers his ability to bend over or lift bags.

The Lea Wait never disappoints and the latest Mainely Needlepoint Mystery, Thread on Arrival is a little richer than usual.

Ike Hamilton insists on living in the garage after his family home was condemned and demolished. Surviving on disability, Ike collects bottles and cans to augment his income. When Angie Curtis and Dave Percy run into Ike at the Blessing of the Fleet event, he introduces them to Leo, a young boy who helps him when his back pain hampers his ability to bend over or lift bags.

The next day, Leo knocks on Dave’s door and breathlessly tells Dave and Angie that Ike is dead. After meeting with the police Dave volunteers to let Leo stay with him since the garage is now crime scene and Leo has no where else to go. Leo claims he’s 18 so the police can’t call social services to place him in care.

Angie Curtis, a private investigator in Arizona before moving to Haven Harbor to take over her Gram’s Mainely Needlepoint business, is determined to uncover who wanted Ike dead. Turns out that Ike knew a lot about folks in Haven Harbor due to his weekly route around the community collecting bottles and cans to earn money at the redemption center. To prompt information from Leo, Angie and Dave persuade the teenager to accompany them around Ike’s collection route, hoping the activity will help Leo recall some of Ike’s insights. For instance, Leo remembers that when stopping at Jim Lewis’ house, Ike told him that Sandra Lewis was not a good person. Jim Lewis was Ike’s best friend but suffered from MS and Sandra was his wife and full time caregiver.

In another example, Ike confronts Gus, the bookstore owner who harasses his young women employees and threatens to tell his wife. Ike also told Leo that “the Chambers” wants him to move out. Ed Campbell, head of the Chamber of Commerce, campaigned to get Ike moved to a facility, contending he was a blight on the community as he wandered around collecting bottles. And then there is the person who beat Ike, but Ike refused to identify the individual, would not even tell Leo.

Visiting the community Leo claims is his hometown, Angie discovers Leo is Leon Blackwell, with no living relatives since his parents were killed when their home exploded. Leon survived because his parents had locked him out and he was sleeping on the front porch when the explosion occurred.

Ms. Wait fabricates a fascinating mystery with familiar characters confronting red herrings and a few twists. What makes this a compelling story is Ms. Wait’s skill in integrating emotionally charged relationships so effectively as key components. Lea Wait is a consummate story teller and Thread on Arrival is an excellent example of her considerable talent.
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May 08, 2019 Barbara Sousa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

As a California girl, I never get tired of reading stories set on the eastern seaboard, and Haven Harbor is one of my favorite places to (literarily) visit. Not only do the series regulars feel like old friends, but the town itself is quintessentially cozy.

Thread on Arrival, the eighth Mainely Needlepoint mystery by Lea Wait, starts off with the annual Blessing of the Fleet, a harbor-side service to honor those lost at sea over the years. Immediately, we are immersed in the scene, watching the r As a California girl, I never get tired of reading stories set on the eastern seaboard, and Haven Harbor is one of my favorite places to (literarily) visit. Not only do the series regulars feel like old friends, but the town itself is quintessentially cozy.

Thread on Arrival, the eighth Mainely Needlepoint mystery by Lea Wait, starts off with the annual Blessing of the Fleet, a harbor-side service to honor those lost at sea over the years. Immediately, we are immersed in the scene, watching the reactions of both familiar characters (Angie Curtis and her boyfriend, Patrick West) and newcomers Ike Hamilton and Leo, a runaway teenager living with Ike, who feature prominently in the story. The mystery, in this case, centers around Ike, an easily- overlooked man who has fallen on hard times and is living in his garage (his home previously had been demolished), supplementing his disability checks by collecting bottles and turning them in for recycling money. Leo, too, is a mysterious figure, who not only lives with Ike, but also accompanies him as he travels around the town collecting bottles. When a panicked Leo finds Ike stabbed in his garage, he turns to Dave Percy (a high school teacher who had been kind to him) for help. Almost immediately the police zero in on Leo as their prime suspect, and Dave enlists Angie’s help to prove his innocence.

The mystery is well-developed and suspenseful, and the trail of clues lead Angie and Dave all over the town. It turns out that Ike learned a lot about the residents while collecting his bottles and passed that information on to Leo, which elicits an ever-increasing number of suspects. Along the way, Angie’s concern about her upcoming birthday and its impact on her relationship with Patrick add warmth – and a touch of humor – to the novel. Without getting into specifics, while I had “guessed” the killer early on, the actual “reveal” was most satisfying.

Once again, Lea Wait has crafted a delightful cozy mystery. The characters and the town itself are charming – even if they seem plagued by murder. I look forward to reading the ninth installment in this wonderful series.

Note: I received an ARC of Thread on Arrival from NetGalley and Kensington Books. The above is my honest review.
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Sep 13, 2020 Mella rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook-library, ebook-read, law-enforcement-detective, audience-young-adult, audience-adult, genre-cozy-mystery, mystery-and-detective-cozy, mystery-and-detective-sleuths, mystery-and-detective-procedural, mystery-and-detective-investigators

The editor's been dropping the ball on this series. The last three books have been riddled with continuity issues and it's annoying.

The things I like most about this series were absent in this volume. I don't mind the faster pace (although the slower pace was what made the other books stand out) but I would prefer there to be some needlepointing (I mean it's called Mainely Needlepoint, it's kind of essential to include some sort of project more than Angie running around to the post office.) and ...more

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May 14, 2019 Susan Johnston rated it it was amazing

Princess Fuzzypants here: Just because the tourist season has yet to start does not mean there are lots of things going on in town. Angie meets Ike at the Blessings for the Boats ceremony. He’s an older fellow who collects bottles to support himself. He’s a harmless but quirky guy who has a big heart. He takes in a homeless lad who needs a place to sleep and a friend. When Angie and her friend Dave meet Leo he tells the boy to reach if he ever needs help, never suspecting his offer would be acce ...more

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Sep 11, 2019 Faythe Shattuck rated it really liked it

Ike Hamilton is a part of the Haven Harbor community just like anyone else, though he's fallen on hard times and has to make do on disability checks and deposit bottles. Most of the locals do what they can to help him out, and town residents Angie and Sarah are happy to see him at the annual Blessing of the Fleet, honoring all those lost at sea over the centuries.

But when harmless Ike is stabbed, suspicion quickly falls on a troubled teenage boy who's new in town. Angie's convinced that young Le ...more

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Sep 18, 2020 Trish rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: cozy-crafts-or-diy, src-2020-3-fall

For the most part I like this series, but this particular one seemed rather repetitive within itself - the author kept explaining things she'd explained before, almost like she was recapping for a serial, and that got rather annoying. ...more

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