Quilter's Knot

Harriet Truman / Loose Threads Mystery #2

by Arlene Sachitano

Long-arm quilter Harriet Truman and her quilt group the Loose Threads set off for what should be an enjoyable week of stitching at the Angel Harbor Folk Art School, where member Lauren Sawyer is attending a two-year program in part to quiet the accusation that she copies other people’s work. It appears Lauren is up to her old tricks when Harriet's Aunt Beth announces she’s seen Lauren’s quilt in a museum in Europe. Lauren believes Selestina Bainbridge, owner and teacher at the school, is the one who copied her and insists Harriet prove it. When Selestina dies, Harriet must unravel the clues to exonerate her friend.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

232 pages, Paperback

First published August 5, 2008

About the author

Arlene also teaches a group of creative women in the coastal town of Tillamook, Oregon how to make interesting things by wrapping string around two sticks. Supporting Arlene in her writing endeavors are her husband, children and her feline companion Lydia.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The loose threads group heads to a week long folk art school. Odd things are happening, including a horrible owner of the school . Lauren thinks they are stealing her ideas and is very vocal about it. The owner is found dead and Lauren is blamed. Even though Lauren is unpleasant she is part of the group and they rally round and try to find the killer.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great cozy series

A good series for cozy quilt enthusiasts. Good characters and a story line that keeps you interested right to the end.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this 2nd book in series. If you aren't a quilter I don't think it would be enjoyable. Author goes into much detail to describe quilting techniques. But I am a quilter so I enjoy this. The mysteries are light and sometimes you want to yell at Harriet for doing such dumb things but it is just a book.

I will continue reading this series mainly to see what happens between Harriet and Aiden.

[Dyana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the book covers of this series, but I don't feel like the author has quite hit her stride yet. My mother is a quilter so I don't mind the detailed descriptions of quilting techniques as some reviewers object to. The Loose Threads Quilting Group includes Harriet Truman, Aunt Beth, Mavis Willis, Lauren Sawyer, DeAnn, Connie Escorcia, Robin McLeod, and Sarah plus Carla is along for the ride. Carla works in a quilt shop, is a single mom barely making ends meet, and sleeps in a van. The main character and sleuth, Harriet, is not quite as likable as she could be for a quilter, but she does have her moments of compassion. In fact, several of the ladies like to argue, but Connie and Mavis act of the peacemakers of the group. Does this group not know that tea is a diuretic - they drink gallons of it and eat lots of cookies in between classes?

Harriet Truman now owns a long-arm quilting studio called "Quilt as Desired" in Foggy Point, Washington which her Aunt Beth, deciding to retire, gave to her along with the large Victorian house the business is in. The Loose Threads are planning on going to a quilting workshop at the Angel Harbor Folk Art Center in Angel Harbor - a two hour drive away. Lauren is already there finishing up a two-year series in creative design. She took the course to quell the rumors that she copies other quilter's designs (see book 1). Her best work will be scrutinized by judges in London. Upon arriving they find the beautiful school is set in fragrant woods, and the guest cottages look like tree houses with rooms full of aromatic dried wildflowers and eucalyptus plants. The best part for Harriet is that her boyfriend Aiden Jalbert will also be in Angel Harbor to help out in a spay and neuter clinic during that week. She is still concerned that he is ten years younger than she is.

Upon arriving, they meet Selestina Bainbridge who owns the school and is the head of the fiber arts department. Her constant companion is a short wiry woman named Patience Jacobsen. At orientation she lays out a set of restrictions and regulations, inspects the first-timer's tools and supplies, and then confronts, ridicules, and attacks the students and starts throwing away the supplies that she thinks are inferior. Furious, DeAnn leaves to return home. On a stroll around the grounds to cool her temper, Harriet meets Tom Bainbridge, the owner's son, surveying the property. Why? After a lunch of soup (most of the meals feature soup!), they wander over to an exhibition of student's work and to see Lauren's quilt. It's simple and compelling, but Aunt Beth tells them that it is not an original piece of art. She saw one just like it in London when she was on a recent vacation. At Selestina's first class she fall's to the floor after putting on a thimble, is rushed to the hospital and later dies. Then things begin to happen:

- Aiden and Harriet plan to meet at the exhibit, but he's a no-show. Tom Bainbridge moves in. Aiden finally shows up with a blonde on his arm. Harriet goes to dinner with Tom. This doesn't end well.
- It's determined that Selestina didn't die from a heart condition but from poisoning.
- Lauren's quilt goes missing off the exhibition wall. She bullies Harriet to find her quilt and prove that she didn't copy it from someone else. She insists it's an original.
- Aiden's truck is run off the road by a black Ford Explorer from the school's fleet and seriously injures the vet assistant that was riding with him.
- Harriet's room is trashed. Who was looking for what?
- Officer Weber takes Lauren to the police station for questioning. The Loose Threads learn that Robin is a former lawyer who can help Lauren.
- Aunt Peg had taken a picture of the Lauren-look-alike quilt in London. Lauren is convinced that Selestina had copied her quilt. She continues to bully Harriet into proving it.
- The waiter who serves soup and cleans up at the school is Lauren's brother. His room is also ransacked and blood is found - Lauren disappears.
- Lauren and Carla find Selestina's workshop in the woods, discover the truth, gets locked in and someone sets a fire. They are trapped and search for a way out.
- AND much more

The climax has Harriet and Lauren in the clutches of the killer. I had the murderer figured out about 2/3's of the way in, because there weren't enough other credible possibilities. I definitely will read the next one to see if it deserves another star from me.

[Leslie Lamb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harriet goes on a quilting retreat with her friends. One of her friends from the group, Lauren believes someone copied her quilt design. Selestina is the lady in charge. She is not easy to work with and many don’t like her. Then one day, Selestina ends up dead. The police think that Lauren was out to get her. Who really killed her? Why is someone copying Lauren’s work?

[S. McGee]

Great read

This is a great read. I read it out loud to my husband. We both enjoyed it. I'm a quilter and sewist so I enjoyed the story line. Can't wait to start the next book. Thank you Arlene Sachitano for writing this series. I've just retired and am especially interested in reading.

[Mary Newcomb]

Harriet Truman and her quilt group go to a week long quilt class at a nearby Folk Art school. It has been awhile since I read the first book in this series, many of the details eluded me. This story was OK, although there are a few details which seemed unnecessary for the loose plot.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this cozy mystery.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are OK. It would help if I read them in order as I always feel a bit out of sync.....

[Judy Schulz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

This is a great read. It's fast paced, the characters are very engaging. One or two are not but that's ok, they give context to the storyline.

[Sharon W. Cordray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Loved the characters and the mystery was terrific. Harriet and her friends do a great job of keeping you intrigued right up to the very end.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Poorly written, and many of the characters and their relationships are very negative. I don't need to read the series.

[Josette D’Amato · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read.

[Diane Cadei · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. And I think I learned something new about quilting too.

[Ronda Van Dyke · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

Very well done!! Good twists and great characters
Love the quilting discussions and the friendships formed. Can see yourself in the book!!

[Avid Series Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quilter's Knot is the second book of the Harriet Truman/Loose Threads mystery series. Set in modern-day Washington state, the series features Harriet Truman, current owner of the long-arm quilting business founded by her aunt Beth. Loose Threads is the name of Foggy Point's quilting group.

In the first book of the series, Quilt As Desired, Beth rescued Harriet from the deep depression of widowhood by asking Harriet to run Beth's long-arm quilting business while Beth took an extended cruise vacation. Harriet soon found out that Beth had actually retired and deeded the business to Harriet. While Harriet established herself in the community as a talented long-arm quilter, joined her aunt's long-time quilt buddies in the Loose Threads, and started a new relationship with young veterinarian Aiden Jalbert, she also happened to investigate a murder and thereby place herself in mortal danger. Harriet also meets and befriends young Carla in the first book.

In the second book, the Loose Threads (plus Carla) are off to a week-long folk art school in Angel Harbor Washington. Aiden also happens to be in Angel Harbor for the week, on veterinary business. At first, the only mystery to solve is who plagiarized a quilt designed by Lauren, one of the Loose Threads, who bullies Harriet into investigating. Then a murder occurs at the folk art school, followed by an apparent attempt on Aiden's life, then Lauren disappears. The police suspect Lauren of the murder due to her outspoken criticism of the murder victim, so Harriet investigates on her own, and again places herself in danger. A subplot is Harriet's effort to bolster Carla's confidence and better her circumstances.

The book is an enjoyable read for a quilter. Quilting and fiber arts techniques taught at the folk arts school are interesting. The woodsy setting of the school, all buildings scented with wildflowers and eucalyptus, all meals based on hearty soups, sounds restful and delightful. Taking a week off from everyday life to focus on quilting with a group of friends sounds wonderful. I recommend quilters start with the first book, to learn about Harriet, Loose Threads, Aiden and Carla.

I don't think the book would interest the average mystery reader who is not a quilter. The mysteries are not very compelling, due to the victim's abrasive personalities. The story continually mentions the Loose Threads quilters drinking tea, throughout the book. Drinking tea is not germane to solving the mysteries, nor is it key to any subplot, so you have to wonder why the author included it so often. Harriet's relationship history with Loose Threads members is not explained, but it's not key to solving the mysteries. Although I read the first book, it was months ago; I cannot recall why Harriet hides eating cookies from Loose Threads members in this book.

To any mystery reader, it is not credible that Harriet would repeatedly place herself in serious danger for these obnoxious victims who have personally offended and harassed her, or that when she is in danger, she would use extremely limited cell phone power to leave a message for her boyfriend instead of dialing 9-1-1 for help.

I will continue reading the series because I enjoy quilt-related books and I already purchased the third book, Quilt As You Go.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable series

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of the series, and it is a light, easy read. I love all the quilting references.

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sleuth and Machine quilter, Harriet Truman is talked into attending a week long class at the Angel Harbor Folk Art School. Harriet doesn't really want to attend, but, to keep harmony...

The first thing that happens to the 'Loose Threads' (quilting groups nickname,) is that the owner and quilting expert, Selestina Bainbridge, rants and raves at the new students orientation. Causing bad feelings, emotions are mixed when the next day, Ms. Bainbridge suffers a 'heart arrhythmia' and is rushed to ICU. Then, she dies. The group can't understand this as they have never heard of anyone dying from this ailment. Note to author: I have clinically died from just this issue. It is sometimes an electrical malfunction and can cause a 'Sudden Death.' Mine ended up being cancer, but, thousands are implanted with cardiac defibrillators each year just for heart arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillations.

Ms. Bainbridge has been poisoned. The police lean towards Lauren, one of the Loose Threads more vocal and possible victim of theft of her quilt design by the deceased.

There follows, trucks being forced off the road, fires, and more. We learn a lot about the personalities of the Loose Threads individually and as a group. Harriet deals with her first romance since her Husband's passing and more.

This was a good solid murder mystery. Very good explanation of quilting for non-quilters and you react to the personalities of the characters, or in my case. I did.

I enjoy this series.

[Katarina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, but not brilliant either.

I bought Quilter's Knot at a library book sale, mostly because it was a mystery that didn't look too dense. I also liked the idea of the quilting them. I expected it to be slightly more light-hearted than it actually was, but I can't really expalin why I expected humor, so that's not anything I feel disappointed by.

The characters were fairly interesting, and neatly balanced, if rather 1-dimensional. I liked that there were characters that were nice and charming and comfortable, but there were also abrasive in-your-face kind of people, and the latter were not there simply to provide a victim and/or villian that no one will feel sorry for.

I felt the plot was decent, and largely probable (although I tend to be very believing). I was a little disappointed that I as the reader didn't get more hints as to whodunnit. Do I solve the mystery? Not usually, but I like to try. The characters were missing a few facts, or maybe just not aligning them properly, and I felt that I was handicapped by that. In fact, the mystery was solved only AFTER it became painfully clear [trying to avoid spoileres here] who was behind it all. That was, I think, the one thing about this book that I really would have liked done differently.

On the whole, I got what I wanted out of this book-- a light, ever-so-slightly-suspensful beach read that I will pass along to a friend.

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series about Harriet Truman. They are easy, clean, lighthearted reads.

The book is well written and keeps you guessing throughout with little clues to lead you along until the final reveal at the end. I had my suspicions about who the murderer was but wasn't positive until the end.

This series is not for someone who wants fast paced, violent murder mystery or thriller but for someone who does enjoy fun mystery novels.

Harriet has taken over her aunt's long arm quilting machine business and joined the local quilting group called the loose threads. The women in the group range from early twenties to grandmothers. The group go away for a week of quilting at an art school that is holding a conference. While there one of the loose threads members(who is currently a student at the school) accuses the owner of stealing her quilt design. The owner of the school is murdered and the student, Lauren, is accused of being the murderer.

Harriet apparently has the knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time... or quite possibly in this case right place, right time. She is once again able to piece together who did it and why.

I hope you enjoy it like I did. There are moments where the author goes into detail about quilting techniques but you can either read those parts or skim ahead. Happy reading!!!

[Gail · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this...a mystery with quilters as characters and as the theme. Harriet Truman is a bitter, negative woman who can't see a clue if it hit her on the head, and is ungrateful for the blessings in her life. She's got a hottie guy pursuing her and she's all in a twist because he's ten years younger. Look at the actuary tables, will ya, it will even out in old age. She's less bitter than the first book, but she sure can carry a grudge.

Could have been both hilarious and interesting. The quiling group from the gossipy, nurturing, claustrophobic small town goes on a quilting retreat with many eccentric quilting celebrities. Lots of quilting details. The author missed an opportunity for a good, poignant heart-warming story about Carla, the young unwed (I hate that term) mother living on the edge but learning the glory and beauty of quilting. Missed it entirely.

I gave up halfway through, read the last chapter and found out I pegged the killer and the motive early on the book.

[Carole at From My Carolina Home · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the second book, Harriet and the Loose Threads go to a retreat. One of the members, Lauren, is attending a longer program in original design to stop the rumors of her copying other quilter’s work. However, Aunt Beth thinks she saw an identical quilt to Lauren’s work while she was in Europe. Lauren believes the school owner has in fact copied Lauren, and wants Harriet to prove it. But when the owner is killed, it is up to Harriet to prove Lauren is innocent, and she doesn’t even like Lauren. This is a nice light mystery with a quilting theme. Harriet is once again embroiled in a mystery, this time of copied quilts and of course a murder. I did get a bit annoyed at the character of Lauren, who seems to live to be irritating. Overall a quick and easy read with enjoyable quilting conversations.

[Deon · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Quilter’s Knot Helen is persuaded to join The Loose Threads for a weeklong quilting retreat at the Angel Harbor Folk Art Center. No sooner have classes begun than a teacher is murdered. Helen and her pals are up to their necks in solving the crime while attending classes and working on their quilts. Aiden happens to be in Angel Harbor too, he is eager to have a closer relationship with Helen and is making some progress. Arlene Sachitano fills her series with quilting detail and sympathetic characters. Helen is a likeable sleuth; she is a welcome addition to the mystery genre.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the first book in this series, but I was disappointed by this one. It seems to take place only a week or two after the first book ends. Harriet and some members of her quilt guild go to a retreat center to take classes, but what they end up doing most of the time is sniping at one or two of the other members of the group. Harriet runs around accusing people of all kinds of crimes, and takes a lot of risks. I guessed the killer about five chapters before the end.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

After having finished two of the Harriet Truman/Loose Threads Mystery books, I find myself asking...How do these people drink so much tea? None of the characters spent tons of time in the restroom, yet they were always consuming MANY cups of tea. I think that they are the most well hydrated characters ever!

[Kathy England · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harriet Truman, long-arm quilter and solver of mysteries, and her quilt group, the Loose Threads, are signed up for a week of fiber arts classes at Angel Harbor Folk Art School where a murder occurs: and the hunt for the murderer is on. Besides being a fun read, it brought back many good memories of quilt camps and quilt retreats I've attended.

[Kathleen E · Rating 2 out of 5]

Harriet Truman and the Loose Threads quilters group go to a fiber art quilt school for a week and murder of school owner occurs. This is not a great mystery or quilt story. Gift for Christmas. 2012 from friend Sue Baker who got me signed copy at quilt expo in Portland 9/12.

[SHARON DEMERITT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quilters Knot

I chose this rating because I love quilting and mysteries. This book held my attention and the mystery was only revealed at the end. Also there is a little romance involved.

[Mascanlon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A harriet Truman/Loose Threads mystery. Once again Harriet and her friends have to jump in and solve the mystery while quilting and rescuing stray people and pets.