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Queen Bees Quilt Shop Mystery #1
A Patchwork of Clues
Small-town quilters look for a killer's pattern in this delightful series by the national bestselling author of the Seaside Knitters mysteries . . . On her morning jog, Portia Paltrow comes upon the dead body of antiques store owner and college professor Owen Hill, sprawled across the back doorstep of Selma Parker's fabric and quilt shop on Elderberry Road. The site of their Saturday morning quilting bee just became a crime scene. Violent crime is rare in the charming village of Crestwood, Kansas, and rumors are soon circulating of a burglary gone wrong. But who would rob a quilt shop? No, Owen Hill has been murdered.
Selma and her assistant manager Susan are understandably at loose ends over the crime. So while the tightly knit covey of quilters-who range from a new mother to a wise octogenarian-work together on a Crystal Pattern quilt for Selma's store's anniversary, they also get busy stitching together a patchwork of clues. But they'd better work fast-before a crafty killer bolts . . .
Previously titled Murders on Elderberry Road
Selma and her assistant manager Susan are understandably at loose ends over the crime. So while the tightly knit covey of quilters-who range from a new mother to a wise octogenarian-work together on a Crystal Pattern quilt for Selma's store's anniversary, they also get busy stitching together a patchwork of clues. But they'd better work fast-before a crafty killer bolts . . .
Previously titled Murders on Elderberry Road
152 pages, Paperback
First published July 22, 2003
426 people are currently reading
1815 people want to read
About the author
Sally Goldenbaum
38 books911 followersSally Goldenbaum is a philosophy teacher, knitter, editor, and the author of more than two-dozen novels.
Series:
* A Seaside Knitters Mystery
*
Series:
* A Seaside Knitters Mystery
*
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
April 17, 2019
I have been wanting to give this author a try so when I saw she had a new cozy mystery series debuting in June I thought I would give it a try. I like the author's writing style and the characters in this new series. This is a group of diverse women brought together by their love of quilting in a local quilt group. There is really a character for everyone in this book. They are all likable. The author did a good job of introducing the characters and providing their backstory and laying the ground work for the series. However, for me, she did too much of this. I was over 60% of the way through the book before the group of women decided they were going to try to solve the mystery. One of the characters discovers the body of the victim in the first chapter. I like a good character driven cozy mystery, but for me I thought this book was too light and too late with the mystery.
I'm not sure if I will continue with the series. I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
I'm not sure if I will continue with the series. I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
April 25, 2019
A Patchwork of Clues by Sally Goldenbaum is the beginning of what I hope is a long running new cozy series. Ms. Goldenbaum is a "new to me" author and I thoroughly enjoyed this first book.
The well-crafted story introduces the members of the quilting bee held in the back room of the Queen Bee Quilt Shop. The characters are a variety of ages and backgrounds but their love of quilting and their friendships are strong. I liked each woman and was glad that Ms. Goldenbaum took her time to introduce each one with some background so that I felt like I knew them all by the end of the book. Though the murder was discovered in the first chapter the sleuthing didn't actually begin until later in the book; but I was intrigued enough to know about each character that I was okay with this slow start. There were very few suspects, lots of suspicions and gossip and enough twists to keep me guessing.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Lyrical Underground via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
The well-crafted story introduces the members of the quilting bee held in the back room of the Queen Bee Quilt Shop. The characters are a variety of ages and backgrounds but their love of quilting and their friendships are strong. I liked each woman and was glad that Ms. Goldenbaum took her time to introduce each one with some background so that I felt like I knew them all by the end of the book. Though the murder was discovered in the first chapter the sleuthing didn't actually begin until later in the book; but I was intrigued enough to know about each character that I was okay with this slow start. There were very few suspects, lots of suspicions and gossip and enough twists to keep me guessing.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Lyrical Underground via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
April 27, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!
Firstly, three stars is a rather low rating for me, but it wasn't because this book was bad exactly. It was just so slow to get into the mystery, and spent far too long on each character and their sweaters than I had time for. I wanted some sleuthing to get done, but it was a long while into the book before anything on that count was even attempted. I get that it was setting us up to know the characters, but the suspense was just too much. Normally this is what I love about cozies, but you can have too much of a good thing I guess.
Maybe now the characters are set up the next book will be better. I'd still give it a chance but with misgivings. Three stars for this one!
Firstly, three stars is a rather low rating for me, but it wasn't because this book was bad exactly. It was just so slow to get into the mystery, and spent far too long on each character and their sweaters than I had time for. I wanted some sleuthing to get done, but it was a long while into the book before anything on that count was even attempted. I get that it was setting us up to know the characters, but the suspense was just too much. Normally this is what I love about cozies, but you can have too much of a good thing I guess.
Maybe now the characters are set up the next book will be better. I'd still give it a chance but with misgivings. Three stars for this one!
June 8, 2019
A Patchwork of Clues is the first in this new quilting series. I really enjoy crafting cozies and this is a new author for me. I liked that the murder happened early in the story. However, solving it seemed to be put on the back burner as the author spent so much time describing all the various characters--too many for me.. I liked that the main character, Po, was a widow in her 60's--so she was more relatable to me than a 20-something owning her own business, but I just didn't connect with the others. I am hoping the next book will focus more on solving the mystery and less on the characters' day-to-day existence. While giving this book three stars, I'd like to read the next book in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lyrical Underground/Kensington for a digital copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lyrical Underground/Kensington for a digital copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
March 12, 2019
Correcting an error (thank you Linda for letting me know!) that I was thinking this was a continuation of the original series, when it's simply a revamping with new titles and covers. I even noticed on the Amazon order page that it does state the previous title. But when I was thinking it was a continuation, I remembered having this one in my TBR and was very happy to find that it's much like her Seaside Knitters series, meaning that there's a group of awesome friends of all ages who get together and quilt, hence the Quilting Bees.
I really enjoyed getting to know all these characters. There were little pencil-looking sketches of each of the eight members of the quilting bee shown at the front of the book, much like the author does with her character list in the other series, only with a drawing and short description. I always like to read through those, and even though eight seems like a lot in a group, by the end of the book, I felt like I knew most of them fairly well, as well as some of the town members. My favorite character of course was Po, since she was like a mom to the younger members and the story does seem to center more around her. I love her sense of family and wanting her friends around her as much as possible. Eleanor Canterbury was the oldest member and I got a kick out of her. She came from old money and some might have thought she'd be snooty, but she was ready with the rest of them to get the case solved--and to perfect her quilting.
This book wasn't as long as the typical Seaside Knitters book, but it was definitely as thought-provoking and not just about the mystery. It was also about the people themselves. The showdown of this book was epic, and I liked the epilogue that tied everything up in a neat package.
(Note: Thanks again to Linda for letting me know about this, so I could correct my blog and this review. I think I'll wait and post the review on Amazon when it's the new title. I guess I'll be the proud owner of both the old set and the new lol)
I really enjoyed getting to know all these characters. There were little pencil-looking sketches of each of the eight members of the quilting bee shown at the front of the book, much like the author does with her character list in the other series, only with a drawing and short description. I always like to read through those, and even though eight seems like a lot in a group, by the end of the book, I felt like I knew most of them fairly well, as well as some of the town members. My favorite character of course was Po, since she was like a mom to the younger members and the story does seem to center more around her. I love her sense of family and wanting her friends around her as much as possible. Eleanor Canterbury was the oldest member and I got a kick out of her. She came from old money and some might have thought she'd be snooty, but she was ready with the rest of them to get the case solved--and to perfect her quilting.
This book wasn't as long as the typical Seaside Knitters book, but it was definitely as thought-provoking and not just about the mystery. It was also about the people themselves. The showdown of this book was epic, and I liked the epilogue that tied everything up in a neat package.
(Note: Thanks again to Linda for letting me know about this, so I could correct my blog and this review. I think I'll wait and post the review on Amazon when it's the new title. I guess I'll be the proud owner of both the old set and the new lol)
January 4, 2022
A Patchwork of Clues by Sally Goldenbaum is the first book in the Queen Bees Quilt Shop Mystery series. While out jogging, Portia Paltrow finds the body of antique store owner Owen Hall at the back of the fabric and quilt store. I had a hard time getting into this book as it was more about introducing us to the quilters and their quilting with no real investigationof the murders. Rather tedious and overly descriptive with not a lot of excitement until the very end. It may appeal more to quilters.
July 7, 2019
A Patchwork of Clues is a cute, lighthearted cozy mystery. Po Paltrow is a strong female character and I like that she is an older protagonist (60s). It provides a different perspective. The quilters are various ages and have diverse personalities (a character for every reader). They are friendly group of women who support each other. It is cute how Po, with help from the other ladies, is working to set up her goddaughter, Kate Simpson with Officer PJ Flanigan. The author took the time to establish the characters and describe the Elderberry Shops which is good since this is a character driven cozy mystery. The mystery was clear-cut and not the main focus of the book. The body is found at the beginning (in the first chapter), but the investigating does not begin until the second half of the book. While I knew who committed the crime, the why took longer to uncover. The quilters were eager to dig into the mystery which is obvious when they say, “Let’s sleuth!”. A Patchwork of Clues needed more action which would have helped the pacing. There are plenty of cozy moments with quilting, chatting, eating, and drinking wine. I enjoyed the fabric descriptions and the information on quilting. There is mild foul language in the story. I was happy to see an epilogue that tidily wrapped up everything tidily like a beautifully bound quilt. A Patchwork of Clues has eager quilters, charming shops, serious suspects, fabulous fabrics, and a sexagenarian sleuth.
April 7, 2019
Crafting mysteries are a favorite of mine and A Patchwork of Clues didn't disappoint. I enjoyed the characters, mystery and the quilting theme.
When Po (Portia Paltrow) and her group of quilters, tackle the murder of a beloved college faculty member, the adventure begins! I loved the range in ages, backgrounds and quilting experience in the book. There is a character for every reader - my favorite was Po, a "60 something" writer who serves as the center of the group and loves to jog and enjoy life. She's smart, kind and someone you'd want for a best friend..
The book is, to me, the definition of a cozy mystery - a story that keeps you reading, a smart main character, a group of unique and equally curious friends, a beautiful small town locale and atmosphere that makes you want to visit!
I'm looking forward to another project with the Crestwood quilting group!
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of this book.
When Po (Portia Paltrow) and her group of quilters, tackle the murder of a beloved college faculty member, the adventure begins! I loved the range in ages, backgrounds and quilting experience in the book. There is a character for every reader - my favorite was Po, a "60 something" writer who serves as the center of the group and loves to jog and enjoy life. She's smart, kind and someone you'd want for a best friend..
The book is, to me, the definition of a cozy mystery - a story that keeps you reading, a smart main character, a group of unique and equally curious friends, a beautiful small town locale and atmosphere that makes you want to visit!
I'm looking forward to another project with the Crestwood quilting group!
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of this book.
July 18, 2019
Portia finds the dead body of antiques store owner Owen Hill, the quilter’s group is puzzled by the idea that someone would break into a quilt store instead of one of the more expensive stores. The quilters work on a crystal pattern quilt for Selma’s store as they try to figure out who murdered Own and why. With the wide ages of the quilters there are several interesting side stories. I look forward to the next in the series. 0
July 29, 2019
On her morning jog, Portia Paltrow comes upon the dead body of antiques store owner and college professor Owen Hill, sprawled across the back doorstep of Selma Parker's fabric and quilt shop on Elderberry Road. The site of their Saturday morning quilting bee just became a crime scene. Violent crime is rare in the charming village of Crestwood, Kansas, and rumors are soon circulating of a burglary gone wrong. But who would rob a quilt shop? No, Owen Hill has been murdered.
The quilting ladies decide to work together to find out whodunit, before another murder occurs.
This is a busy book. I enjoyed parts of it, and was frustrated by others.
The town setting was perfect. The descriptions were well written, and painted a perfect picture. That in itself made the book fun to read. However, I felt there were too many characters to keep track of, and I needed to write down who was who to keep track of the characters. To me that was a little distracting. However, the characters were well drawn. They were all different and had their own personalities, which made them fun to get to know.
The mystery was good, and I enjoyed the conclusion. But in the end, I'm not sure this is a series I will continue with. I will wait a bit before reading the second book, and we'll see where it goes from there.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
The quilting ladies decide to work together to find out whodunit, before another murder occurs.
This is a busy book. I enjoyed parts of it, and was frustrated by others.
The town setting was perfect. The descriptions were well written, and painted a perfect picture. That in itself made the book fun to read. However, I felt there were too many characters to keep track of, and I needed to write down who was who to keep track of the characters. To me that was a little distracting. However, the characters were well drawn. They were all different and had their own personalities, which made them fun to get to know.
The mystery was good, and I enjoyed the conclusion. But in the end, I'm not sure this is a series I will continue with. I will wait a bit before reading the second book, and we'll see where it goes from there.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
June 5, 2019
This is the first book in the Queen Bees Quilt Shop series by Lyrical Underground. It had previously been published as “The Murders on Elderberry Road.” This is an updated and renamed version.
I have to admit that I am the biggest crafty fanatic around, although quilting is not my particular jam. My great aunt is a quilting guru. So, I am not unfamiliar with this world.
There is a lot going on here. LOTS of characters. I had a hard time distinguishing ages between residents since there seemed to be a big gap in the age range. I wasn’t certain who the main character was through most of this. There is lot more small town gossip going on than actual mystery solving here. It was a struggle to wade through it all.
Po was getting a lot of second hand information and being as she is the main character, I think a majority of her clues should come from her own investigation not heresy. Maybe that’s just me and what I like to see in a cozy mystery.
I wasn’t engaged. I didn’t care about solving the mystery of who killed Owen and ran down the lawyer. I hadn’t met them. Didn’t know them. Why would I care? Po barely seemed to care either. I felt a lot of standoffishness between the characters in general as if they all were there not to connect with each other but to do their due diligence and get their check mark for doing a good deed.
The actual “hey we need to solve this mystery” atmosphere didn’t even come into the picture until 66 percent into the novel. Everything before this was just busy work and I wondered if I had learned anything in the previous 65 percent that amounted to more than a hill of beans. I am reading this for the mystery. I got a glance here and there but nothing definite until 66 percent in. So, if you are a person who likes to DNF a book in its early stages, you might want to wait and stick this one out.
Once the story rounded the 80 percent mark, it was off and running. Don ’t give up on this book. The end is worth the trudge through the beginning. What unfolds is a great unveiling of what will happen in future books in the series. I found myself opening to the players at the end and found it a really heartwarming conclusion that tugs at your heartstrings.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
I have to admit that I am the biggest crafty fanatic around, although quilting is not my particular jam. My great aunt is a quilting guru. So, I am not unfamiliar with this world.
There is a lot going on here. LOTS of characters. I had a hard time distinguishing ages between residents since there seemed to be a big gap in the age range. I wasn’t certain who the main character was through most of this. There is lot more small town gossip going on than actual mystery solving here. It was a struggle to wade through it all.
Po was getting a lot of second hand information and being as she is the main character, I think a majority of her clues should come from her own investigation not heresy. Maybe that’s just me and what I like to see in a cozy mystery.
I wasn’t engaged. I didn’t care about solving the mystery of who killed Owen and ran down the lawyer. I hadn’t met them. Didn’t know them. Why would I care? Po barely seemed to care either. I felt a lot of standoffishness between the characters in general as if they all were there not to connect with each other but to do their due diligence and get their check mark for doing a good deed.
The actual “hey we need to solve this mystery” atmosphere didn’t even come into the picture until 66 percent into the novel. Everything before this was just busy work and I wondered if I had learned anything in the previous 65 percent that amounted to more than a hill of beans. I am reading this for the mystery. I got a glance here and there but nothing definite until 66 percent in. So, if you are a person who likes to DNF a book in its early stages, you might want to wait and stick this one out.
Once the story rounded the 80 percent mark, it was off and running. Don ’t give up on this book. The end is worth the trudge through the beginning. What unfolds is a great unveiling of what will happen in future books in the series. I found myself opening to the players at the end and found it a really heartwarming conclusion that tugs at your heartstrings.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
June 9, 2019
Series: Queen Bees Quilt Shop - Book 1
Author: Sally Goldenbaum http://www.sallygoldenbaum.com/
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Hobby/Writer
Publisher: Lyrical Press https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book....
Page Count: 155
New (re-issue)from Lyrical Press https://www.kensingtonbooks.com Sally Goldenbaum’s first book in her “Queen Bees Quilt Shop Mystery ” series, A Patchwork of Clues is an easy to read, entertaining book with great characters and a wonderful setting.
Portia (Po) is a woman on a mission, she is in the middle of writing a new book about famous strong women in history and their connection with Quilting. She also tries to get out and keep in shape. As an older woman, it isn’t easy to stay fit, busy and happy all at the same time, but she is making it work.
Po’s Quilting group meets every week to create works of art, catch up with each other and spend time with like-minded people. The fact that their age range is very wide, they are close and comfortable with each other and accept each of them for who they are, and who they want to be. All the characters in this book are interesting, the kind of people most of us would like to have as friends. Warm, caring, giving and filled with a sense of purpose, each character adds a facet to the story that makes it worth reading.
The murder on first impression appears unpretentious, however, as the story progresses readers begin to realize that it is far from simple and at its heart is sinister and complicated. The reveal of the killer and the motive are a head-shaking moment that is very believable, even ordinary with just enough unhappiness to make us realize that life can be messy and sad.
Although A Patchwork of Clues is on the slow side, it isn’t uncommon for a first book in a new series, but it certainly could have used more action and less description. The first book sets up the characters, locations, and overall what readers can expect from the sleuth, motives, and murders in future books. Overall, this is a pleasant first book in a new series and I expect it will get better with each new addition.
Author: Sally Goldenbaum http://www.sallygoldenbaum.com/
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Hobby/Writer
Publisher: Lyrical Press https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book....
Page Count: 155
New (re-issue)from Lyrical Press https://www.kensingtonbooks.com Sally Goldenbaum’s first book in her “Queen Bees Quilt Shop Mystery ” series, A Patchwork of Clues is an easy to read, entertaining book with great characters and a wonderful setting.
Portia (Po) is a woman on a mission, she is in the middle of writing a new book about famous strong women in history and their connection with Quilting. She also tries to get out and keep in shape. As an older woman, it isn’t easy to stay fit, busy and happy all at the same time, but she is making it work.
Po’s Quilting group meets every week to create works of art, catch up with each other and spend time with like-minded people. The fact that their age range is very wide, they are close and comfortable with each other and accept each of them for who they are, and who they want to be. All the characters in this book are interesting, the kind of people most of us would like to have as friends. Warm, caring, giving and filled with a sense of purpose, each character adds a facet to the story that makes it worth reading.
The murder on first impression appears unpretentious, however, as the story progresses readers begin to realize that it is far from simple and at its heart is sinister and complicated. The reveal of the killer and the motive are a head-shaking moment that is very believable, even ordinary with just enough unhappiness to make us realize that life can be messy and sad.
Although A Patchwork of Clues is on the slow side, it isn’t uncommon for a first book in a new series, but it certainly could have used more action and less description. The first book sets up the characters, locations, and overall what readers can expect from the sleuth, motives, and murders in future books. Overall, this is a pleasant first book in a new series and I expect it will get better with each new addition.
March 11, 2024
2.5⭐️
The town is cute, the characters very likable, but there is a lot of them. There are a variety and ages and I normally like that, but I found I didn’t really care. I didn’t really even start to get interested until about 75% of the book. I struggled to keep the characters straight. I listened to it and enjoyed the narrator.
I love groups of friends and crafty cozies, This one just didn’t work for me..
The town is cute, the characters very likable, but there is a lot of them. There are a variety and ages and I normally like that, but I found I didn’t really care. I didn’t really even start to get interested until about 75% of the book. I struggled to keep the characters straight. I listened to it and enjoyed the narrator.
I love groups of friends and crafty cozies, This one just didn’t work for me..
May 27, 2019
I love a mystery that has a crafty theme, "A Patchwork of Clues" is the first book in the Queen Bees Quilt Shop Mystery series by Sally Goldenbaum. This is my first book by this author, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I enjoyed it.
The story was a little slow to get started as murder was in first chapter but wasn't till 2/3rds of the way through that they decide to sleuth. (only reason why I gave 3 stars)
But with that said the mystery is interesting and I loved the characters which are well developed. The Queen Bees are a mixed group of eight women of different ages and lives who gather together at a local quilt shop to work on quilting projects. (Made me think of my relative Barbara in Maine who quilts much like this)
There are just enough twists and turns, suspicions to keep you to keep you guessing and second-guessing on whodunnit. I feel like I would still give it a chance as I am interested to see what the future holds for the Queen Bees.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from the Lyrical Underground and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The story was a little slow to get started as murder was in first chapter but wasn't till 2/3rds of the way through that they decide to sleuth. (only reason why I gave 3 stars)
But with that said the mystery is interesting and I loved the characters which are well developed. The Queen Bees are a mixed group of eight women of different ages and lives who gather together at a local quilt shop to work on quilting projects. (Made me think of my relative Barbara in Maine who quilts much like this)
There are just enough twists and turns, suspicions to keep you to keep you guessing and second-guessing on whodunnit. I feel like I would still give it a chance as I am interested to see what the future holds for the Queen Bees.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from the Lyrical Underground and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 13, 2011
The first thing wrong with this book is the beginning. The author has drawn pictures of the characters, along with mini-bios. I thought the idea of a book was to describe the characters, and allow you to picture them in your own mind as you see them. As a matter of fact, none of the 'drawn characters' fit their later descriptions in the book; (i.e., Phoebe LOOKS a lot older than she is supposed to be in the book). It really spoils the enjoyment of reading. Note to author: You can leave in the bios, but eliminate the pictures. Allow the reader to have the enjoyment of 'seeing' the characters themselves.
February 17, 2019
Murders on Elderberry Road (Hardcover)
by Sally Goldenbaum (Goodreads Author)
One of SG's early books (2003), Murders on Elderberry Road is the first in the Queen Bees Quilting mysteries. A good mix of characters and character introductions without the tediousness sometimes seen in first books for setup. I can definitely see elements that make it into the Seaside Knitters books.
I really like escaping into Sally Goldenbaum's books, it's like visiting with friends old and new.
If you like cozy mysteries you'll like Murders on Elderberry Road.
by Sally Goldenbaum (Goodreads Author)
One of SG's early books (2003), Murders on Elderberry Road is the first in the Queen Bees Quilting mysteries. A good mix of characters and character introductions without the tediousness sometimes seen in first books for setup. I can definitely see elements that make it into the Seaside Knitters books.
I really like escaping into Sally Goldenbaum's books, it's like visiting with friends old and new.
If you like cozy mysteries you'll like Murders on Elderberry Road.
May 26, 2019
A Patchwork of Clues is the first book in Sally Goldenbaum’s Queen Bees Quilt Shop series. The author did a good job of introducing a diverse group of likable, caring, and giving characters and providing their backstories, which makes for a good foundation for the series, but I felt there was too much background and not enough mystery. The discovery of a murder victim occurs in the first chapter; however, no amateur sleuthing occurs until the last third of the book. That said, I enjoyed reading this well written book. The mystery was interesting, and the reveal came as a surprise.
Portia (Po) Paltrow lives in the small town of Crestwood, Kansas and meets with her quilting group in the back room of the Queen Bee Quilt Shop every week to work on quilts and enjoy catching up with each other. In addition to Po, Kate Simpson (Po’s goddaughter), Maggie Helmers, Eleanor Canterbury, Leah Sarandon, Phoebe Mellon, Selma Parker, and Susan Miller are members of the Crestwood Quilters. The quilters are working on a special quilt for the fiftieth anniversary of Selma’s store. While on her morning jog, Po discovers the body of Owen Hill at the back entrance of Selma Parker’s quilt shop. Owen was a college professor, and he and his wife, Mary, own Windsor House Antique Shop. The police believe it was a burglary gone wrong, and arrest a suspect, but release him when they discover he isn’t the culprit. The group discusses the status of the police investigation, their thoughts about who killed Owen, possible motives, and local gossip, and the fact that they think the police are on the wrong track. When Max Elliott, Owen’s best friend, and Elderberry Shop Owners Corporation’s lawyer and accountant, ends up in a coma after being involved in a deliberate hit and run, Po begins to suspect something is seriously amiss in Crestwood. Phoebe tells everyone that it’s time to get organized and that there has to be a connection between the murder and the hit and run. Po and her quilting friends finally decide to take matters into their own hands and start asking questions and snooping around.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Portia (Po) Paltrow lives in the small town of Crestwood, Kansas and meets with her quilting group in the back room of the Queen Bee Quilt Shop every week to work on quilts and enjoy catching up with each other. In addition to Po, Kate Simpson (Po’s goddaughter), Maggie Helmers, Eleanor Canterbury, Leah Sarandon, Phoebe Mellon, Selma Parker, and Susan Miller are members of the Crestwood Quilters. The quilters are working on a special quilt for the fiftieth anniversary of Selma’s store. While on her morning jog, Po discovers the body of Owen Hill at the back entrance of Selma Parker’s quilt shop. Owen was a college professor, and he and his wife, Mary, own Windsor House Antique Shop. The police believe it was a burglary gone wrong, and arrest a suspect, but release him when they discover he isn’t the culprit. The group discusses the status of the police investigation, their thoughts about who killed Owen, possible motives, and local gossip, and the fact that they think the police are on the wrong track. When Max Elliott, Owen’s best friend, and Elderberry Shop Owners Corporation’s lawyer and accountant, ends up in a coma after being involved in a deliberate hit and run, Po begins to suspect something is seriously amiss in Crestwood. Phoebe tells everyone that it’s time to get organized and that there has to be a connection between the murder and the hit and run. Po and her quilting friends finally decide to take matters into their own hands and start asking questions and snooping around.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
June 2, 2019
"A Patchwork of Clues" earns 5/5 Colorful Quilt Patches...Engaging Fun!
Sally Goldenbaum has penned quite the complex mosaic of an engaging murder mystery and rich, even quirky, characters with a fun camaraderie that kept me totally engaged. Selma Parker's fabric and quilt shop, the creative center for an eclectic group of women dubbed the Crestwood Quilters, has become a crime scene. The victim's desire to spruce up the business district had led to arguments and hard feelings, but murder? The police are focusing on the crime as a robbery gone wrong, but their suspect is released for lack of evidence. When another incident occurs, the Quilters are sure the police are going in the wrong direction.
With the large group of characters, Sally rightfully chose to use a third-person narrative, and although not my favorite literary perspective, it was well down focusing on the group as a whole. Unlike most first books the murder victim is discovered right off and introductions and connections are creatively done as sirens are heard in the distance. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the town, the shops, and the people along with dialogue that illustrated well the various personalities. I was fascinated by the references to quilting since in my younger days I, too, created three elaborate quilts as wedding gifts and family mementos. Sally mentions details about the Crystal Star pattern the Quilters are using for the special Quilt they are creating as a gift, but I'd love to have more specific directions as a treat or a special recipe for something from one of the Elderberry Road shops. Just saying...
Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Sally Goldenbaum has penned quite the complex mosaic of an engaging murder mystery and rich, even quirky, characters with a fun camaraderie that kept me totally engaged. Selma Parker's fabric and quilt shop, the creative center for an eclectic group of women dubbed the Crestwood Quilters, has become a crime scene. The victim's desire to spruce up the business district had led to arguments and hard feelings, but murder? The police are focusing on the crime as a robbery gone wrong, but their suspect is released for lack of evidence. When another incident occurs, the Quilters are sure the police are going in the wrong direction.
With the large group of characters, Sally rightfully chose to use a third-person narrative, and although not my favorite literary perspective, it was well down focusing on the group as a whole. Unlike most first books the murder victim is discovered right off and introductions and connections are creatively done as sirens are heard in the distance. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the town, the shops, and the people along with dialogue that illustrated well the various personalities. I was fascinated by the references to quilting since in my younger days I, too, created three elaborate quilts as wedding gifts and family mementos. Sally mentions details about the Crystal Star pattern the Quilters are using for the special Quilt they are creating as a gift, but I'd love to have more specific directions as a treat or a special recipe for something from one of the Elderberry Road shops. Just saying...
Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
June 15, 2019
Much like the ladies in the Seaside Knitters in this author's other series, this is another awesome group of women who have each others' backs no matter what. It doesn't hurt that they all seem to like a good mystery as well. It seemed like a larger group of characters to get to know, but by the end of the book I definitely knew that Po as the unspoken leader of the group was my favorite. She had an amazing sense of family and loved to surround herself with her friends whom she considered to be like family.
The oldest member, Eleanor Canterbury really cracked me up! She was sharp, spunky, and even though she came from money, she's as down-to-earth as the rest of the friends. I honestly had no idea who the killer was until the clues started coming, and the showdown was great! I'm glad that these books were given a face lift, as the new covers are super attractive and fun! And I do like the updated titles as well.
The oldest member, Eleanor Canterbury really cracked me up! She was sharp, spunky, and even though she came from money, she's as down-to-earth as the rest of the friends. I honestly had no idea who the killer was until the clues started coming, and the showdown was great! I'm glad that these books were given a face lift, as the new covers are super attractive and fun! And I do like the updated titles as well.
April 13, 2019
The first book of a new series, Queen Bee Quilt Shop was slow going as each member of the quilt group was introduced with a personal background.
Portia Paltrow is jogging through an area and when she reaches Elderberry road and its shops she found Owen Hill murdered body in the entrance of Selma Parker's shop, the site of the quilting group. The story takes several turns as the quilting group learns about the different opinions of the shop owners. Owen Hill was in charge of the Elderberry Shops Organization. The ending is a surprise. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: Thanks to Lyrical Underground for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Portia Paltrow is jogging through an area and when she reaches Elderberry road and its shops she found Owen Hill murdered body in the entrance of Selma Parker's shop, the site of the quilting group. The story takes several turns as the quilting group learns about the different opinions of the shop owners. Owen Hill was in charge of the Elderberry Shops Organization. The ending is a surprise. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: Thanks to Lyrical Underground for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
March 2, 2023
Rating revised downward upon further thought.
This is a book that couldn't decide if it wanted to be a cozy or a feel good book. There were a lot of things that bothered me about it. Clearly the author has a problem with heavy people. The villain was repeatedly referred to as burly and smelly and how could someone like that ever find another job? One of the character's weight was mentioned every time she was and the main character was wondering what she could do to fix her. The twin toddlers were repeatedly described as sweetly giggling. Characters were not fleshed out and there were too many of them. It read cold. I did finish it; for awhile I didn't think I was going to do that. Although they were supposedly looking for clues, the quilters were pretty ineffectual at doing that. I'm a quilter. The more I think about this book, the more irritated I become.
This is a book that couldn't decide if it wanted to be a cozy or a feel good book. There were a lot of things that bothered me about it. Clearly the author has a problem with heavy people. The villain was repeatedly referred to as burly and smelly and how could someone like that ever find another job? One of the character's weight was mentioned every time she was and the main character was wondering what she could do to fix her. The twin toddlers were repeatedly described as sweetly giggling. Characters were not fleshed out and there were too many of them. It read cold. I did finish it; for awhile I didn't think I was going to do that. Although they were supposedly looking for clues, the quilters were pretty ineffectual at doing that. I'm a quilter. The more I think about this book, the more irritated I become.
April 16, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
In a small Kansas college town, a popular professor and public figure is found dead in the back of a store. An Aunt and niece duo start poking around, as the murders continue. This business of murder to cover up other murders seems logical in the mystery genre, but doesn't really seem to happen all that often.
The sections on quilts were educational.
In a small Kansas college town, a popular professor and public figure is found dead in the back of a store. An Aunt and niece duo start poking around, as the murders continue. This business of murder to cover up other murders seems logical in the mystery genre, but doesn't really seem to happen all that often.
The sections on quilts were educational.
April 25, 2019
This story is set in Crestwood, Kansas and features a group of quilters who get involved with a murder in their college town. I received my free Kindle download thru the Goodreads First Reads program. The book is an easy read.
January 19, 2020
Disappointing
As a fan of Sally Goldenbaum's Seaside Knitters books, I was looking forward to this series. This first book was disappointing. It was slow going and never really grabbed my attention. I will read the second book and hope it is better.
As a fan of Sally Goldenbaum's Seaside Knitters books, I was looking forward to this series. This first book was disappointing. It was slow going and never really grabbed my attention. I will read the second book and hope it is better.
February 18, 2020
3 stelle e mezza
Alla fin fine la storia non sarebbe neanche stata male, ma il libro non mi ha proprio preso. Più che altro non mi ha convinta il personaggio principale, mentre altre donne del gruppo di quilters non sono male. E non aiuta certo il suo nome, Po: tutte le volte che lo leggevo non potevo fare a meno di pensare al fiume...
Alla fin fine la storia non sarebbe neanche stata male, ma il libro non mi ha proprio preso. Più che altro non mi ha convinta il personaggio principale, mentre altre donne del gruppo di quilters non sono male. E non aiuta certo il suo nome, Po: tutte le volte che lo leggevo non potevo fare a meno di pensare al fiume...
December 31, 2022
Good Mystery
This is a good mystery.
Po is a good mystery solver. But she couldn't seem to solve this one.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
This is a good mystery.
Po is a good mystery solver. But she couldn't seem to solve this one.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
February 10, 2023
This one surprised me - it was definitely a more “wholesome” murder mystery for sure! Loved the way it was written and liked that it was a quick read - finished it in just over a day. 10/10 would totally read about the Queen Bee Quilters again. And there are 2 more books so I may just have to!
December 29, 2023
A lovely cost mystery.
October 11, 2023
Enjoyed this book!! A very good story that incorporated about a half dozen friends(quilters) took it upon themselves to solve murders/ mysteries.
March 15, 2020
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
The author spent a good deal of time introducing us to the town and its inhabitants. I appreciated that, because there were a good number of characters. I feel like the reader got to know who each person was and I had little trouble keeping them apart in my mind. This provided a good foundation for future books in this series.
As for the mystery itself, the bad guy wasn't too difficult to figure out, but it was still a good cozy and I enjoyed reading it.
The author spent a good deal of time introducing us to the town and its inhabitants. I appreciated that, because there were a good number of characters. I feel like the reader got to know who each person was and I had little trouble keeping them apart in my mind. This provided a good foundation for future books in this series.
As for the mystery itself, the bad guy wasn't too difficult to figure out, but it was still a good cozy and I enjoyed reading it.
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