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Beaded to Death
You'd think the life of a bead artist would be fairly uneventful. But that's not the case for Lilias Ruiz. Especially when she returns from an art fair tour and is greeted by a dead body.The police are convinced she's the killer and suddenly Lilias finds herself hanging on to a thread of innocence. But after her home is vandalized and her van broken into, Lilias begins to realize that she has something someone wants.Determined to return to the craft circuit, Lilias is relieved to be accompanied by her 7'3" nephew who's on the run from an unwanted basketball scholarship. Along with the help of her colorful neighbor, Annie, a cutthroat attorney who means well and an overzealous FBI agent, they string together the clues and wonder if there really could be a gem in Lilias's collection of dusty old beads. Or is the killer after something more?
- GenresMystery
301 pages, Unknown Binding
First published October 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 8, 2012
*I received a copy of this book for review via Netgalley.*
I’m on a bit of a ‘cosy mystery’ kick at the moment and was pleased that I had the opportunity to review this book, the first in a brand new series which is due to be released at the end of this month. I really enjoy cosy crime based around arts and crafts in particular (knitting, needlework, cooking etc) but had never read one based around a bead artist before, so welcomed the opportunity to read this. Cosy crimes (usually starring female amateur sleuths) are positively ideal for days when you want a bit of light-hearted reading and a mystery that doesn’t tax the brain too much. They’re also non-gory with a surprising lack of violence, and considering they’re murder mysteries you never witness the actual deed being done!
That’s probably just as well for bead artist Lilias Ruiz, who returns home from a craft fair to find a dead body on her rug. Traumatised enough by the fact a man has been murdered in her home, Lilias is perplexed to discover the police suspect she is caught up in the mess somehow. After a further incidents, including a spate of break-ins to her van and her house being vandalised, Lilias realises that somehow she has something that these people want; the question is: what is it?
I thought this was a strong start to a new series. Characters were introduced particularly well and I liked Lilias, her neighbour and best friend Annie and her nephew Toby. Some of the characters were perhaps a little bit stereotypical of this genre (the disbelieving, bullish police and FBI detectives for example), but I appreciated how Lilias had been given a background to make the reader empathise with her. Some small details were divulged about her con artist son, David, and I would hope that in future books, further gravity is given to this story thread as it is not often that the protagonists actually have family members, let alone criminal ones!
The writing flows well in this story; it is nicely paced without bombarding the reader with too many red-herrings and certainly kept me turning the pages. I thought I had the whodunit aspect all figured out and thought the story to be a bit predictable and then there was a surprising little twist towards the end which I hadn’t expected. Lilias didn’t seem as ‘involved’ in the sleuthing until towards the end of the book, when things started locking into place for her, which was entertaining to read about- and I loved the dynamics between her and the detectives and her indignant attitude towards them. There is also the suggestion of some romance too, which again, I would like to read about in future books of the series.
I would recommend this novel to fans of cosy crime, especially those that have enjoyed books by Betty Hetchman, Monica Ferris or Maggie Sefton in the past. I am delighted to have found yet another new writer within the cosy mystery genre that I enjoy and I will definitely be reading part two of this series.
I’m on a bit of a ‘cosy mystery’ kick at the moment and was pleased that I had the opportunity to review this book, the first in a brand new series which is due to be released at the end of this month. I really enjoy cosy crime based around arts and crafts in particular (knitting, needlework, cooking etc) but had never read one based around a bead artist before, so welcomed the opportunity to read this. Cosy crimes (usually starring female amateur sleuths) are positively ideal for days when you want a bit of light-hearted reading and a mystery that doesn’t tax the brain too much. They’re also non-gory with a surprising lack of violence, and considering they’re murder mysteries you never witness the actual deed being done!
That’s probably just as well for bead artist Lilias Ruiz, who returns home from a craft fair to find a dead body on her rug. Traumatised enough by the fact a man has been murdered in her home, Lilias is perplexed to discover the police suspect she is caught up in the mess somehow. After a further incidents, including a spate of break-ins to her van and her house being vandalised, Lilias realises that somehow she has something that these people want; the question is: what is it?
I thought this was a strong start to a new series. Characters were introduced particularly well and I liked Lilias, her neighbour and best friend Annie and her nephew Toby. Some of the characters were perhaps a little bit stereotypical of this genre (the disbelieving, bullish police and FBI detectives for example), but I appreciated how Lilias had been given a background to make the reader empathise with her. Some small details were divulged about her con artist son, David, and I would hope that in future books, further gravity is given to this story thread as it is not often that the protagonists actually have family members, let alone criminal ones!
The writing flows well in this story; it is nicely paced without bombarding the reader with too many red-herrings and certainly kept me turning the pages. I thought I had the whodunit aspect all figured out and thought the story to be a bit predictable and then there was a surprising little twist towards the end which I hadn’t expected. Lilias didn’t seem as ‘involved’ in the sleuthing until towards the end of the book, when things started locking into place for her, which was entertaining to read about- and I loved the dynamics between her and the detectives and her indignant attitude towards them. There is also the suggestion of some romance too, which again, I would like to read about in future books of the series.
I would recommend this novel to fans of cosy crime, especially those that have enjoyed books by Betty Hetchman, Monica Ferris or Maggie Sefton in the past. I am delighted to have found yet another new writer within the cosy mystery genre that I enjoy and I will definitely be reading part two of this series.
February 6, 2018
a fun read for a snowy day....
March 12, 2021
Funny mystery - love the main character.
October 19, 2012
*This review is for an early release from NetGalley.*
I know a book is good when all I do is think about how to sneak in time to read, regardless of where I'm at or what I'm doing. Arrive 10 minutes early for an appointment? Yahoo, I can read a few pages! Have to go the bathroom? Perfect, I can read even more pages! (Don't deny it. You have your own bathroom reading pile.) I couldn't put this book down and ended up finishing it in three days. Would've been sooner, but I have to pay attention to my job, my partner, and my cats at some point. Plus, eating and sleeping isn't a bad idea, either. Beaded to Death is the first in a brand new series that is available on Kindle now.
Patterson wrote a brilliant, suspenseful 'cozy mystery' from a unique angle. Avoidance of explicit sex and violence, emphasis on puzzle-solving over suspense, a small-town setting, and a focus on a hobby or occupation are all frequent elements of cozy mysteries. The precise boundaries of the genre are vague, however, and can use some traits from typical murder mysteries. Patterson has all the hallmarks of a cozy mystery, but also adds a twist of suspense. Her book brings to mind the Julia Spencer-Fleming mystery series of Russ Van Alstyne and Claire Fergusson. It's a similar concept.
Lilias Ruiz, the main character, is a bead artist who travels to craft shows and sells her bead work for a living. Make sure you take note that Lilias is a 'bead artist.' Don't you dare call her just a bead crafter! She'll take you to task for it as she has quite a temper.
Upon her arrival home from traveling to such a show, she walks into her house and discovers a dead man on her Mexican weave carpet. The police are convinced that she is the killer and suddenly Lilias finds herself hanging by a thread onto her innocence. But after her home is vandalized and her van broken into, Lilias begins to realize that she has something that someone wants. But she has no idea what that something is!
Determined to return to the craft circuit, Lilias is relieved to be accompanied by her 7'3" nephew who's on the run from an unwanted basketball scholarship. Along with the help of her colorful neighbor, Annie, a cutthroat attorney who means well and an overzealous FBI agent, they string together the clues and wonder if there really could be a gem in Lilias's collection of dusty old beads or if the killer is after something more.
This is a strong start to a new series. Characters were introduced particularly well. Lilias is a strong-willed, fiery tempered, woman who lost her husband two years ago. She still struggles with her grief at times and is heartbroken over her son, David, a con artist always looking for the next big thing. Lilias doesn't engage in much detective work until the middle of the story, when she finally becomes tired and angry of being attacked, frightened, and on the run. I really enjoyed Lilias as the main character. She has a strength, iron-will, and temper, as well as soft, tender side that usually remains hidden to the 'public.' It was easy to fall in love with her and root for her to defeat the bad guys.
I also found her neighbor, best friend, and fierce attorney Annie, and Lilias's nephew Toby quite likable and intriguing. Some of the characters were perhaps a little bit stereotypical of this genre (the disbelieving, bullish police and FBI detectives for example). At times, I wanted to smack the FBI agents for badgering Lilias, thinking she was the ring leader of the evildoers, but we are given a glimpse of history about the one persistent FBI agent as to why he is so hardheaded about pursuing Lilias. It shows the FBI agent as more than one dimensional which allows us to feel some sympathy for him and sets us up for some unexpected 'romantic' scenes towards the end of the novel. A genius twist on Patterson's part. Some small details were divulged about her con artist son, David, and I hope that in future books, this area is explored, as well as the potential romances.
Patterson is brilliant in her writing. The flow is smooth, engaging, and intriguing. I always wanted to keep turning the pages to know what happens next. I did figure out the whodunit before the book was over, but not the why or how. Despite this, I still wanted to keep reading! I had to know if I was right or not, of course. And how it all happened.
If you want a easy, light-hearted, but suspenseful, 'cozy' mystery, Patterson's Beaded to Death is the perfect read.
You can read more of my reviews at Kat's Book Reviews (http://www.katsbookreviews.com)
I know a book is good when all I do is think about how to sneak in time to read, regardless of where I'm at or what I'm doing. Arrive 10 minutes early for an appointment? Yahoo, I can read a few pages! Have to go the bathroom? Perfect, I can read even more pages! (Don't deny it. You have your own bathroom reading pile.) I couldn't put this book down and ended up finishing it in three days. Would've been sooner, but I have to pay attention to my job, my partner, and my cats at some point. Plus, eating and sleeping isn't a bad idea, either. Beaded to Death is the first in a brand new series that is available on Kindle now.
Patterson wrote a brilliant, suspenseful 'cozy mystery' from a unique angle. Avoidance of explicit sex and violence, emphasis on puzzle-solving over suspense, a small-town setting, and a focus on a hobby or occupation are all frequent elements of cozy mysteries. The precise boundaries of the genre are vague, however, and can use some traits from typical murder mysteries. Patterson has all the hallmarks of a cozy mystery, but also adds a twist of suspense. Her book brings to mind the Julia Spencer-Fleming mystery series of Russ Van Alstyne and Claire Fergusson. It's a similar concept.
Lilias Ruiz, the main character, is a bead artist who travels to craft shows and sells her bead work for a living. Make sure you take note that Lilias is a 'bead artist.' Don't you dare call her just a bead crafter! She'll take you to task for it as she has quite a temper.
Upon her arrival home from traveling to such a show, she walks into her house and discovers a dead man on her Mexican weave carpet. The police are convinced that she is the killer and suddenly Lilias finds herself hanging by a thread onto her innocence. But after her home is vandalized and her van broken into, Lilias begins to realize that she has something that someone wants. But she has no idea what that something is!
Determined to return to the craft circuit, Lilias is relieved to be accompanied by her 7'3" nephew who's on the run from an unwanted basketball scholarship. Along with the help of her colorful neighbor, Annie, a cutthroat attorney who means well and an overzealous FBI agent, they string together the clues and wonder if there really could be a gem in Lilias's collection of dusty old beads or if the killer is after something more.
This is a strong start to a new series. Characters were introduced particularly well. Lilias is a strong-willed, fiery tempered, woman who lost her husband two years ago. She still struggles with her grief at times and is heartbroken over her son, David, a con artist always looking for the next big thing. Lilias doesn't engage in much detective work until the middle of the story, when she finally becomes tired and angry of being attacked, frightened, and on the run. I really enjoyed Lilias as the main character. She has a strength, iron-will, and temper, as well as soft, tender side that usually remains hidden to the 'public.' It was easy to fall in love with her and root for her to defeat the bad guys.
I also found her neighbor, best friend, and fierce attorney Annie, and Lilias's nephew Toby quite likable and intriguing. Some of the characters were perhaps a little bit stereotypical of this genre (the disbelieving, bullish police and FBI detectives for example). At times, I wanted to smack the FBI agents for badgering Lilias, thinking she was the ring leader of the evildoers, but we are given a glimpse of history about the one persistent FBI agent as to why he is so hardheaded about pursuing Lilias. It shows the FBI agent as more than one dimensional which allows us to feel some sympathy for him and sets us up for some unexpected 'romantic' scenes towards the end of the novel. A genius twist on Patterson's part. Some small details were divulged about her con artist son, David, and I hope that in future books, this area is explored, as well as the potential romances.
Patterson is brilliant in her writing. The flow is smooth, engaging, and intriguing. I always wanted to keep turning the pages to know what happens next. I did figure out the whodunit before the book was over, but not the why or how. Despite this, I still wanted to keep reading! I had to know if I was right or not, of course. And how it all happened.
If you want a easy, light-hearted, but suspenseful, 'cozy' mystery, Patterson's Beaded to Death is the perfect read.
You can read more of my reviews at Kat's Book Reviews (http://www.katsbookreviews.com)
November 18, 2024
Fun cozy mystery revolving around a bead artist and the quirky characters surrounding her world of jewelry shows across the country. A murder, mystery within the jewelry world and a detailed account of the life of a bead artist makes this a fast paced, fun mystery with great characters.
Lilias is a recent widower who travels to jewelry shows across the country struggling to earn a living after her husband’s death. Lilias returns home after weeks on the road and discovers the dead body of man she has never seen before lying on her living room floor. Police suspect Lilias but she doesn’t have any idea who the man is or why he is lying dead in her home. Her best friend Annie is a high powered lawyer and lives across the street from Lilias defending and protecting Lilias with fierce intensity. Who is the victim? Why is he in Lilias house? What does Lilias have that someone is determined to get from her?
Lilias is a recent widower who travels to jewelry shows across the country struggling to earn a living after her husband’s death. Lilias returns home after weeks on the road and discovers the dead body of man she has never seen before lying on her living room floor. Police suspect Lilias but she doesn’t have any idea who the man is or why he is lying dead in her home. Her best friend Annie is a high powered lawyer and lives across the street from Lilias defending and protecting Lilias with fierce intensity. Who is the victim? Why is he in Lilias house? What does Lilias have that someone is determined to get from her?
August 3, 2016
I'm not familiar with bead artists, nor the trade show fairs they frequent to sell their wares but this carried me through as though I'd always had some part of this life. I found myself thinking about where I had to leave off when I put the book down, and rushing back to read more each moment time permitted. The main character's personality is almost completely different than my own, and I was amused and enjoyed how she thought and how she handled situations that somehow revolved around her, around her home with a murdered man discovered as she returned home from one of her travels, around her beads at home and work (booth at the art fairs) which then also involved the murder of the couple she'd purchased some of her supplies from still she did not have one clue why, or how other than she somehow was involved. Her best friend is a ruthless female attorney, who takes her on as a client. By mid story her 7'3" nephew who eats endlessly and is suppose to be at college joins the picture as protector and confidant. Police, FBI, you weren't always sure who was the good guy or bad guy but it was packed with action cover to cover, and I'll be looking forward to reading more books by this author.
October 7, 2012
Lilias is having a bad day… She gets home from a road trip and walks in to a nightmare. What would you do if there was a dead body in your house??? I mean your day just can't get much worse especially if you don't know the person. She's just a woman who makes incredible things with beads so none should need to break in. Her house is trashed and she's shot at but is resilient enough to keep going and just wants the truth about why this is happening to her.
The mystery in this book was fun to read and overall it was interesting but not completely memorable. I liked watching her friend fall for the detective but otherwise it was just another quick read.
Thanks to NetGalley.com and Carina Press for the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.
The mystery in this book was fun to read and overall it was interesting but not completely memorable. I liked watching her friend fall for the detective but otherwise it was just another quick read.
Thanks to NetGalley.com and Carina Press for the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.
June 17, 2013
I had read and thoroughly enjoyed The Hollow House by this author. It was a beautifully crafted book with interesting characters and an fine mystery. In reading Beaded to Death, I kept going back to check that the same author had written both books. The latter was quite pedestrian with not-terribly interesting characters, a plot line that dragged, and a mystery that wasn't very mysterious. Most of the action occurred in the protagonists thoughts that were redundant and not very interesting. I would read many more books like the Hollow House, but won't read another like Beaded to Death. I wonder which author wrote Exercise in Murder?
November 6, 2012
I really liked this book and I hope there is more to come.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews