This is the fourth
release in the author’s series, set in Elderberry Bay,
Pennsylvania. The story begins in October with Willow Vanderling
and her circle of craft shop owners hosting guests in their
homes for the upcoming Halloween events. The biggest, most exciting
occasion is Edna Battersby’s pending wedding. As a practical
joke, Willow and her friends design an ornate top skirt to match
Edna’s wedding gown – one loaded with elegant embroidery
and even lights. Unfortunately, the skirt is unlucky for Isis,
a spell caster, who is found drowned after the skirt rolls into
the lake.
Willow promised the police she would not get involved in another
murder investigation, but she can’t help herself. Was
it Brianna, the obnoxious young lady sent by Willow’s
politician mother to stay with Willow and sell glow-in-the-dark
thread at the upcoming fair? Or did one of the curses placed
by Isis backfire?
I love to discover new cozy mystery authors by reading the latest
release in a series. If the characters and plot keep me entertained,
I’m hooked and will read the previous books. This delightful
addition to Ms. Bolin’s Threadville mystery series did
precisely that. Though I’m not into quilting and knitting,
those crafts were an accompaniment to the diverting plot. The
author incorporated numerous regular town characters, all of
whom I want to know better. I especially enjoyed the Halloween
theme of rampant zombies, the touch of Egyptian mythology and
ancient spell casting. Brianna, the young lady who stays with
Willow, needed lessons in manners, but it was clear to me that
she’s hurting emotionally. Willow’s growing relationship
with Clay added just the right touch of romance.
In short, the murder plot was intricate and kept me turning
the pages. I loved savoring the blend of humor and suspense
until the very last minute.
Janet Bolin’s first
release, DIRE THREADS, was nominated for an Agatha Award for
the Best First Novel of 2011. |
