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A Mayhem Village Cozy Mystery
The Case of the Twisted Threads: A Mayhem Village Cozy Mystery
Lifeless body, hidden clues, and a hidden murderer.
Jane Donovan's ordinary trip to the fabric store takes an unexpected turn. When she comes upon the lifeless owner. With just scissors and a keen eye, Jane must find the identity of the murderer concealed in the cloth.
Jane and Bruce team up to unravel the mystery. They find riddling messages and secret codes that the victim left behind.
The victim's relatives and neighbors are gradually coming to suspect each other as a result of these enigmatic messages. The victim, sensing peril, leaves a trail of mystery.
With her sharp sense and salon equipment at her disposal, Jane faces an impending murderer's shadow as she rushes against time. Is Jane able to finish the puzzle in time? Or will the murderer sever her inquiry, making her the guilty party?
Jane Donovan's ordinary trip to the fabric store takes an unexpected turn. When she comes upon the lifeless owner. With just scissors and a keen eye, Jane must find the identity of the murderer concealed in the cloth.
Jane and Bruce team up to unravel the mystery. They find riddling messages and secret codes that the victim left behind.
The victim's relatives and neighbors are gradually coming to suspect each other as a result of these enigmatic messages. The victim, sensing peril, leaves a trail of mystery.
With her sharp sense and salon equipment at her disposal, Jane faces an impending murderer's shadow as she rushes against time. Is Jane able to finish the puzzle in time? Or will the murderer sever her inquiry, making her the guilty party?
- GenresCozy Mystery
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2023
35 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 14, 2023
Twisted threads
What I liked about this book Jane’s dogged pursuit of justice for a man she didn’t know. The friendship and partnership between her and Bruce an actual police officer whose job it is to find the killer. The vivid and amusing descriptions of characters and places. Of course Archie the adorable doggie.
What was not as great was Jane’s single minded focus to the detriment of everything else. She owns a business and ignores it and her clients at the drop of a hat to go off willy nilly. She forgets a friends birthday and takes advantage of help from people who work with her. I realize this is a cozy mystery and she’s the amateur sleuth but it makes no sense. Seems like if you build a business and want to keep it you should show up. It irked me but you may not find it incongruous. Also Jane has a way of thinking she’s knows better than everyone else. Even when she says she’s going to cooperate she goes behind Bruce’s back and it’s rather obnoxious. She’s at times like a toddler who wants what they want when they want it. Investigations don’t work like that whatever kind of detective you are.
The plot is a twisty mystery with an unexpected victim, a highly determined sleuth and a lovely supporting cast of small town charming characters. I enjoyed the plot very much but the main character occasionally made it difficult to like her. So if you’re a plot driven person you’ll love this, if you’re a person who’s drawn to a story by its characters maybe not as much.
I received an ARC from the author. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
What I liked about this book Jane’s dogged pursuit of justice for a man she didn’t know. The friendship and partnership between her and Bruce an actual police officer whose job it is to find the killer. The vivid and amusing descriptions of characters and places. Of course Archie the adorable doggie.
What was not as great was Jane’s single minded focus to the detriment of everything else. She owns a business and ignores it and her clients at the drop of a hat to go off willy nilly. She forgets a friends birthday and takes advantage of help from people who work with her. I realize this is a cozy mystery and she’s the amateur sleuth but it makes no sense. Seems like if you build a business and want to keep it you should show up. It irked me but you may not find it incongruous. Also Jane has a way of thinking she’s knows better than everyone else. Even when she says she’s going to cooperate she goes behind Bruce’s back and it’s rather obnoxious. She’s at times like a toddler who wants what they want when they want it. Investigations don’t work like that whatever kind of detective you are.
The plot is a twisty mystery with an unexpected victim, a highly determined sleuth and a lovely supporting cast of small town charming characters. I enjoyed the plot very much but the main character occasionally made it difficult to like her. So if you’re a plot driven person you’ll love this, if you’re a person who’s drawn to a story by its characters maybe not as much.
I received an ARC from the author. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
April 19, 2024
I thought I couldn’t dislike Jane more and then this book. I hope all her friends leave/quit, she’s awful. Imagine being mad at the chief of police because he doesn’t want you ruining a case!!! Why is Bruce friends with her? He needs to stop enabling her bad behaviors. Archie, the dog, has more sense and a better personality.
December 11, 2023
As cosy mysteries go the story is well written, except that the main character is extremely unlikeable, at least to me. In the first two chapters she lies to police, and then steals evidence from the crime scene so she can undertake her own investigation into the murder.
In her own mind Jane is the only person who can solve the crime and uses this sense of self-importance to lie to the police and others again and again, including to her friend Bruce who is her only ally on the police force, commits trespass several times, steals evidence, damages evidence and breaks the chain of custody, keeps from police information that is vital to their investigation and more. Jane also treats her employees/friends at the salon she owns poorly, skipping out on them regularly to conduct her investigations and leaving them to take up the slack.
Ignoring these issues with Jane's character - this is the third book in the series and perhaps this is explained in earlier books in the series - she does work out who committed the murder, although the path she takes there is interesting with its incorrect assumptions and corrections.
If you can ignore the fact that Jane keeps back from the police evidence that would have helped them solve the crime, it isn't too bad and probably deserves 3 1/2 out of 5. If you can't, 2 1/2.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In her own mind Jane is the only person who can solve the crime and uses this sense of self-importance to lie to the police and others again and again, including to her friend Bruce who is her only ally on the police force, commits trespass several times, steals evidence, damages evidence and breaks the chain of custody, keeps from police information that is vital to their investigation and more. Jane also treats her employees/friends at the salon she owns poorly, skipping out on them regularly to conduct her investigations and leaving them to take up the slack.
Ignoring these issues with Jane's character - this is the third book in the series and perhaps this is explained in earlier books in the series - she does work out who committed the murder, although the path she takes there is interesting with its incorrect assumptions and corrections.
If you can ignore the fact that Jane keeps back from the police evidence that would have helped them solve the crime, it isn't too bad and probably deserves 3 1/2 out of 5. If you can't, 2 1/2.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 10, 2023
This Book Starts with Jane Donovan and her Dog, Archie. Visiting the Fabric Store to Find a Birthday Present for Gina!!! What She Ends Up Finding Instead, is the Owner, Jason Umstead, out the Back Door and Very Dead!!! She Calls Her Police Detective Friend, Bruce, First and He Has to Tell Her to Call 911 ASAP!!! Detective Bruce Arrives Before the 911 Responding Policeman, Trey, which Doesn't Sit Well With Trey Right From the Start!!! As is Jane's Style, She Starts Her Own Investigation Right From the Scene by Stealing Papers from Jason's Desk!!! Jane is Definitely a Very Entertaining, Amateur Sleuth!!! Jane Donovan Owns the Hair It Out Salon, But During Her Investigation of Jason's Murder, She Relies on Her Employees, Gina, Brenda and Abby to Keep the Salon Running Smoothly for her!!! After Many Twists and Turns, the Murderer is Finally Found!!! No Spoilers Now!!! If You are Like Me and Enjoy an Awesome Cozy Mystery, It's Time to Read This Book!!! This is the 3rd Mayhem Village Cozy Mystery Or the 4th Including the Prequel!!! It is Possible to Enjoy this Book as a Stand-Alone, But I Have Started Reading This Series in Order!!! I Highly Recommend This Book and This Series!!! I am Looking Forward to Reading More Books in This Series!!!
I Received an ARC Book From the Author!!! This is my Voluntary and Honest Review!!!
I Received an ARC Book From the Author!!! This is my Voluntary and Honest Review!!!
December 16, 2023
Jane’s shopping trip is rudely interrupted by her discovery of a body – the proprietor of the shop fabric shop she was perusing. With a long-standing relationship with a local police detective, she starts by phoning him instead of 911, which rather muddies the water when the timeline is called into question.
Inquisitive to the point of obsession, Jane decides she will do a better job investigating what is clearly a suspicious death, than the local police force. So begins a twisty murder mystery with Jane at its helm.
The writing is super – descriptions, characters, and Jane’s delightful sidekick/dog Archie, all jump off the page and carry you through the story. With an intriguing and plausible plot – with regard to the murder – this is an easy read full of detail and emotion.
I did, however, have a problem believing that a police detective would be as accommodating with a civilian, especially as she steals and conceals evidence in her desire to be the first to reveal the murderer. This is the third in series, and I haven’t read the earlier ones, so I’m not privy to how this relationship developed, but I would still question its validity.
If this sort of quibble doesn’t bother you, then it’s an enjoyable cozy mystery set in small-town America, and a stand alone despite being part of a series.
I received an ARC from the author, which has in no way influenced my review.
Inquisitive to the point of obsession, Jane decides she will do a better job investigating what is clearly a suspicious death, than the local police force. So begins a twisty murder mystery with Jane at its helm.
The writing is super – descriptions, characters, and Jane’s delightful sidekick/dog Archie, all jump off the page and carry you through the story. With an intriguing and plausible plot – with regard to the murder – this is an easy read full of detail and emotion.
I did, however, have a problem believing that a police detective would be as accommodating with a civilian, especially as she steals and conceals evidence in her desire to be the first to reveal the murderer. This is the third in series, and I haven’t read the earlier ones, so I’m not privy to how this relationship developed, but I would still question its validity.
If this sort of quibble doesn’t bother you, then it’s an enjoyable cozy mystery set in small-town America, and a stand alone despite being part of a series.
I received an ARC from the author, which has in no way influenced my review.
December 10, 2023
A delightful and well written cozey mystery with a thread of murder. The array of familiar and some new colorful and vibrant characters are waiting to draw you into their mayhem enticing you further with a plot full of intrigue, lies and betrayal hiding in amongst this town with few suspects and fewer clues a killer hides in plain sight. You'll feel as though you're investigating right along with the amateur sleuth and detective..You might be able to beat them to figuring out who did the dirty deed and the twists and turns that get you there. I couldn't put it down once I started reading this marvelous mystery until I'd reached its unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " The Case of the Twisted Threads "A Mayhem Village Cozy Mystery. I just know you'll enjoy it as much as I have. Kat
December 11, 2023
A friendly old man who owned a fabric store ... not the most likely candidate for a violent murder victim, but you can never tell about people's taste. Someone wasn't happy with him and removed his source of irritation ... a bit more permanently than voting out an unpopular politician. The question is simple ... who stood to gain? Because most murders committed with planning are based on finances, in one way or another, and most of the others are crimes of passion (rejected suitors, ex-love interests, etc.) and most old men are unlikely to have love interests passionate enough to murder. Was the victim in "Twisted Threads" an exception to the rule, or was he simply another statistic, killed because of money?
December 13, 2023
4-1/2 stars. 4th in series, but can be read as standalone. Jane & her faithful dog Archie are visiting the local fabric store to find a birthday present for Gina, her friend & employee at the hair salon. Instead of a gift, Jane finds the dead body of the owner out back. Jane calls Detective Bruce before 911, starting off her investigation on a sour note. In her quest for justice for the victim, she takes paperwork from the crime scene. The stolen paperwork leads her to hidden messages in books in the store that point to possible motives & suspects. Can the amateur sleuth find the culprit? I wasn't expecting the solution to the murder. I received an ARC copy of the book from the author & am leaving a voluntary review.
December 10, 2023
Jane is looking for a birthday present & sees that the fabric shop allows dogs inside, so she goes in. Jason, who is the owner seems to have gone missing, so Jane decides to see if he’s outside. He is, but, he is dead. She calls Bruce who tells her to phone emergency immediately! The detective interviewing her doesn’t believe her story as to why she called Bruce before emergency services! At the funeral service she hears how lucky Jason has always been. She finds out the latest piece of luck could have lead to his death. Lots of questions don’t get the correct answers, at least that’s what she thinks. She solves it in the end.
December 10, 2023
Jane and her dog Archie visited a fabric store and found the owner out the back door dead. Right away she gets involved by stealing papers from the dead persons desk. She continue to investigate despite Bruce, her policeman friend disapproval.
After many twist and turns the murderer is found with a surprise ending. It was a good read,easily understandable, without a ton of characters which gets confusing. I will be looking for other books by Kate Jach.
I received an advance review copy, ARC, for free, and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review
After many twist and turns the murderer is found with a surprise ending. It was a good read,easily understandable, without a ton of characters which gets confusing. I will be looking for other books by Kate Jach.
I received an advance review copy, ARC, for free, and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review
December 10, 2023
Lifeless body, hidden clues, and a hidden murderer.
Jane Donovan's ordinary trip to the fabric store takes an unexpected turn. When she comes upon the lifeless owner. With just scissors and a keen eye, Jane must find the identity of the murderer concealed in the cloth.
This is a good mystery. I read it immediately after I got the ARC. That has been several weeks ago. I admit that I don't remember it all. But I remembered that I liked it very much.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
Jane Donovan's ordinary trip to the fabric store takes an unexpected turn. When she comes upon the lifeless owner. With just scissors and a keen eye, Jane must find the identity of the murderer concealed in the cloth.
This is a good mystery. I read it immediately after I got the ARC. That has been several weeks ago. I admit that I don't remember it all. But I remembered that I liked it very much.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
December 11, 2023
This cosy, mystery had suspense, rabbit trails and a doggy companion to help solve the murder.
Enjoyable, at times, funny and also sad but the duo of Jane and Bruce compliment each other…one the arm of the law and the other, an excellent, unofficial detective who owns the local hairdresser’s in Mayhem.
Would recommend this for a light read and plenty of action to keep the story moving along. Will Bruce and Jane maybe one day be more than friends?!
I received this is an Advanced Reader Copy from the author and this is my opinion given voluntarily.
Enjoyable, at times, funny and also sad but the duo of Jane and Bruce compliment each other…one the arm of the law and the other, an excellent, unofficial detective who owns the local hairdresser’s in Mayhem.
Would recommend this for a light read and plenty of action to keep the story moving along. Will Bruce and Jane maybe one day be more than friends?!
I received this is an Advanced Reader Copy from the author and this is my opinion given voluntarily.
December 11, 2023
I loved this cozy mystery story. Jane and Bruce make a good team, and Archie is such a smart dog. This takes me back to my Encyclopedia Brown or Scooby Doo days from my childhood. Although the story is targeted toward adult readers, it was a wholesome mystery that younger readers would enjoy as well. This book was a nice change of pace from what I have been reading lately. I am very happy that I picked this one up. I look forward to reading more from the author.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book. My review is my thoughts and is left voluntarily.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book. My review is my thoughts and is left voluntarily.
December 12, 2023
The Case of the Twisted Threads written by Kate Joch. This book was awesome I couldn’t put it down. From start to finish there were lots of twists, turns and mystery in the book. From murder to finding out who had done it. It was so good and trying to figure out and thinking you know who did it. Kate keeps you wondering. Jane will keep you on your toes trying to figure out who did it. Yes I have the book and I recommend it to anyone. If you like mysteries you will love this book. Go get the book you won’t regret it.
Written by
Edith L 🤗
Written by
Edith L 🤗
December 12, 2023
Jane’s probably about the most dedicated sleuth I’ve read about, but sometimes she can get a little too wrapped up in the mystery. If I was one of her employees I wouldn’t be too thrilled when she got involved in a new mystery since she did tend to leave the salon a lot. And Bruce must be the most patient man alive lol to deal with her refusal to stay out from the investigation—or maybe he loves her and can’t figure out how to tell her? There’s no indication, that’s just my wishful thinking. I really love that sweet Archie pup—he always comes through for a case.
December 17, 2023
She goes to a craft store to buy something for a friend
There is no-one there . . . .and she goes out the back door to see if the owner is there. He is = but he's dead!!!! There is no way she can leave this mystery alone. First she calls a freind who is also a police man. And then she starts looking around. All she can find that looks like it does not belong is a scarf. And then she takes the scarf!!! THIS IS A REALLY GREAT MYSTERY!! Loved it. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
There is no-one there . . . .and she goes out the back door to see if the owner is there. He is = but he's dead!!!! There is no way she can leave this mystery alone. First she calls a freind who is also a police man. And then she starts looking around. All she can find that looks like it does not belong is a scarf. And then she takes the scarf!!! THIS IS A REALLY GREAT MYSTERY!! Loved it. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
December 10, 2023
Jane owner of Hair-It -Out salon wants to get a gift for Gina and goes to the fabric shop and finds the owner Jason Umstead dead. Bruce her detective friend is in charge with officer Trey . She is able to get more information about Jason from Brenda. I enjoyed this book with it’s twist and turns. A intriguing read .I received a ARC copy and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
December 11, 2023
This is an entertaining read. The mystery is good and I enjoyed how it was solved. There were twists and turns that our amateur sleuth experienced along the way. The various secondary characters – including the dog and the local police officer – added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The story is easy to read and get into.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 15, 2023
Jane and Archie are a force no one saw coming. Jane's day job is a hair stylist, her other job is to solve mysteries. Discovering a body while shopping for a birthday resent Jane gets hot on the case. While Jane doesn't know the victim, her friends do. With friends that care and want to help, a good looking and helpful detective, and a faithful dog that will always protect her, The case of the Twisted Threads is a fun read with great characters.
December 10, 2023
Enjoyable cozy mystery.
A very enjoyable cozy mystery with Jane and her amazing dog Archie who work with the police to investigate the murder of a local shop owner. Lots of potential suspects, but Jane needs to narrow them down to find the culprit. A fun and entertaining book.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
A very enjoyable cozy mystery with Jane and her amazing dog Archie who work with the police to investigate the murder of a local shop owner. Lots of potential suspects, but Jane needs to narrow them down to find the culprit. A fun and entertaining book.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
December 10, 2023
This was definitely one tangled up mystery. Just when you hone in on a suspect and have them dead to rights--you find out you're wrong and have to reasses and move on. Lots of moving parts, but as usual Jane has a few things up her sleeve, and with the aid of Bruce they narrow the field of suspects down. See if you can guess who?!
December 10, 2023
This series is so much fun! I had wrongly solved the mystery, so that was definitely a comeuppance! I keep waiting for a little romance between Jane and Bruce, but again, it didn’t happen.
I love all the small-town tidbits, and I love these books!!
I received a gifted copy from the author. My review is voluntary.
I love all the small-town tidbits, and I love these books!!
I received a gifted copy from the author. My review is voluntary.
December 11, 2023
What an exciting mystery to read! I greatly enjoyed it. Jane and her dog, Archie, make a formidable team. It is interesting that she finds so many more clues than the police who are working the case! I like how inquisitive her mind is, I think that is what makes this book so much fun. It was entertaining to read and I look forward to her next adventure!
December 14, 2023
I received a free copy of this book prior to publication as a member of Kate Jach’s ARC team. I am writing a completely honest and voluntary review. The owner of a fabric store is found dead by Jane Donovan. Lots of twists and turns, secret codes, riddles, murder and mayhem, complex characters and a good story, make this a real page turner and a must read!
December 23, 2023
The author has once again provided us with how amateurs can solve crimes almost as good as, if not better than the local police. I love how Jane always manages to end up involved in the latest crime. Recommend this book and others in the series to all who love a good cozy.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
April 16, 2024
Jane is shopping at the local fabric shop when she discovers it's owner, Jason, dead, he had been strangled with a scarf. Jane, of course, feels that she has to find out just what happened to Jason. Along with Bruce, they find discover that Jason has just inherited property of this deceased uncle leaving out his three siblings and two cousins. One of them was not happy about this.
December 10, 2023
I enjoy reading this series, it has a great storyline and the characters are well written. I can't wait for the next book. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
December 10, 2023
Jane finds the dead body of the owner of the fabric store. Of course Jane can't resist to dive into this case and bent/break the rules. A entertaining story with nice characters.
I received an advance review copy for free and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received an advance review copy for free and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
December 10, 2023
This series keeps getting better. Jane finds a dead body and starts investigating. With Archie helping her Jane is bound to catch the culprit. I was an ARC reader and given this book free for my honest opinion.
December 10, 2023
This is a great cozy mystery that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Jane and her dog, Archie help solve a murder mystery. It's a well written story that is full of twists and turns and will keep you guessing until the end. Loved it!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews