Sconed to Death by Betty Hechtman

 Sconed to Death

Book Summary

The perfect ingredients for murder . . .

Annie Hart has transformed the yarn shop she inherited into a thriving business and tea shop. Now she needs to sell it so she can move back to LA. She just has to ensure that young Toby Swanson is kept on as the supplier of their famous scones.

Annie decides to secretly enter Toby in a new reality TV cooking show. But his application video takes a deadly twist when Annie and her business partner, Gray, discover a body on the beach while filming. Even worse, it looks like the young woman had been enjoying Toby’s cherry scones and the shop’s rose tea before her death.

With the help of her misfit group of local yarn artists, can Annie find a killer and save her reputation?

My Thoughts

This one had all the ingredients for a charming cozy mystery, but the final result fell a little flat for me. On paper, Sconed to Death by Betty Hechtman sounded like a book I would really enjoy, especially with its yarn shop and tea shop set in an old schoolhouse. Unfortunately, the story didn’t quite work for me. The writing felt repetitive, the dialogue was awkward at times, and the mystery was far too easy to solve. 

I kept wanting more emotion, more charm, and a stronger connection to the characters. I was also hoping for more real investigating, but the whodunit felt underdeveloped. I noticed the Hoosier jabs as well, though they weren’t quite as heavy-handed here as they were in Death Among the Stitches. More than anything, I wanted this book to deliver the cozy, engaging escape I look for in this kind of mystery, but it never quite got there. In the end, Sconed to Death just wasn’t the cozy, charming escape I had been hoping for.

 

Sconed to Death can be purchased from Amazon.  The first book in A Crochet and Crumpets Mysteries is Death Among the Stitches.  While A Crochet and Crumpets Mysteries are not my cup of tea, I did enjoy Betty Hechtman's A Crochet Mystery series. 

I will return on Tuesday, June 9 with Whose Body in the Library by Eva Gates.  It is the thirteenth A Lighthouse Library Mystery. The author switched things up in this book.  Hope you have a relaxing weekend.  I have a bookcase to put together this weekend if I can convince my cat, Dickens to sleep elsewhere. Anytime a new item enters the house, Dickens claims it for herself (she even plays in the grocery bags).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Death Among the Stitches by Betty Hechtman

Death Among the Stitches

Book Summary

Meet Annie Hart: newly inherited yarn and tea shop owner and reluctant amateur sleuth.

Annie Hart, daughter of Bryan Hart – talent agent to the stars – spends her life getting roped into whatever new task her father needs her to do for his VIP clients. So when she inherits a yarn shop in the small Indiana town of Franklin, she is curious to see what it feels like to have something that is solely hers!

But when her arrival is greeted by the local law enforcement, Annie senses things are not quite as they seem in this idyllic town . . . everyone knows everybody in Franklin yet when it comes to the death of the shop's previous owner, nobody seems sure of anything!

Annie soon discovers that Eleanor Danton was in fact murdered, strangled with her own yarn . . . invigorated by her need to find out the truth, and feeling somehow at home with the friendly bunch of local yarn artists who frequent the shop, she sets out to finding the killer. Much can be achieved over a cuppa and a yarn . . .

My Thoughts

Death Among the Stitches by Betty Hechtman is the debut of A Crochet and Crumpets Mystery series. I enjoy cozy mysteries that incorporate crafts, so I was looking forward to reading Death Among the Stitches.  The story moved at an unhurried pace (I swear I saw snails zipping by me).  I did not like the main character, Annie Sara.  I wanted to tell her to grow a backbone and learn to say no.  The author needed to flesh her out more.  I wish the author had not included Gray in the book (this character was more developed than Annie Sara). The girl cannot please her mother who is a famous actress.  I did not like the body shaming (there was so much of it).  I did not enjoy the talk about the “diet,” getting Gray to fit into these ridiculously tiny jeans, and Annie Sara afraid to eat regular food in front of Gray.  There is also Gray’s romance with Officer Smith.  It is just plain silly (a police officer is, of course, no good enough for the daughter of Camille Constatine).

The mystery was lackluster.  The murder took place long before Annie Sara inherited the schoolhouse.  Annie Sara makes a half-hearted attempt to learn what happened to the murdered woman.  The clues drop at the end of the story before the anticlimactic reveal.  Those who are avid cozy mystery readers will have no problem unraveling the puzzle.  I enjoyed the snippets about knitting and crochet.  I wish the story had focused more on the craft.  My favorite part of the book was hearing about the Hoosier cabinet Annie Sara picked up for the kitchen at the schoolhouse (there was one in our kitchen when I was a child). I like that the history of the cabinet was included. Death Among the Stitches mostly dealt with Annie Sara’s day to day activities.  There were repetitive details particularly about the summer people who rented homes and liked to party. I wish Death Among the Stitches had likeable characters, more depth, and an intriguing mystery.  I felt that this story missed the mark.  

Death Among the Stitches is available from Amazon*.  You can find Betty Hechtman's other cozy mysteries here.  Two other books that came out today are The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis and Schooled in Murder by Victoria Gilbert.  Tomorrow I will feature The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis.  It is a captivating tale.  A cold front arrived last night, so I am keeping warm under my electric blanket with my cat, Dickens perched right next to me.  My mother is under her electric blanket along with a couple of other blankets.  It is hard to believe that I was wearing a t-shirt and capris yesterday.  Do you have snow in your area?  I have not seen snow since I was twelve (the last time I was in Ohio). I loved school, but I also enjoyed the occassional snow day (I could read all day). I hope that you have contented day.  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Knot a Game by Betty Hechtman

Knot a Game

Book Summary

In a new Yarn Retreat Mystery from national bestselling author Betty Hechtman, it’s knit one, kill two when Casey Feldstein hosts a murder mystery weekend that turns into the real thing . . .

At the urging of Vista Del Mar’s owner, Casey Feldstein takes on the job of combining a murder mystery game with her next weekend yarn retreat. Enlisting the help of the hotel’s staff to play the roles of victim and suspects, she lays out a plot and plants some red herrings. And as her intrigued guests watch the murder play out and the clues unfold, Casey is certain she’s pulled off the perfect make-believe murder—until a real murder intrudes and everyone at the hotel is named as a suspect.

As her retreat guests turn away from the fake murder to solve the real one, Casey has her hands full trying to keep them from meddling in police business. But even as they’re dead-set on unraveling the mystery in their midst, Casey has her eye on a few of them, some of whom don’t seem to be who or what they claim. With time ticking down on her weekend and her guests more interested in nabbing a killer than knitting, Casey will have to stitch together her own solution before the killer can stop her and declare game over . . .

Includes a fun, easy knitting project and delicious muffin and biscuit recipes!

My Thoughts

Casey Feldstein is approached by Madeleine Delacourt to combine one of her yarn retreats with a mystery weekend.  Casey organizes the event with the help of the assistant manager of Vista Del Mar, Cloris.  The slots quickly fill up.  The guests are excited when the game begins.  The group is busy discussing the clues when they hear a scream.  The housekeeper found one of the guests dead in his room.  Casey’s group is thrilled to have a real crime to solve.  They work to gather clues and intel so they can identify the killer.

Knot a Game by Betty Hechtman is the ninth A Yarn Retreat Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those who are new to the series.  I like the author’s writing style.  It made the book easy to read.  The characters, though, are another story.  I have become frustrated with Casey.  Her character is at a standstill.  She is still unsure about the yarn retreats (she should really have the hang of it by now) and her relationship with Dane has not moved forward.  Dane is ready for them to go to the next step, but Casey has put on the brakes.  If I ran a yarn retreat business, I would spend my spare time working on my skills.  Casey is still at the beginner stage (she can make a scarf using the knit stitch).  I would love to see her host a retreat using knitting looms (those plastic looms which can make hats, scarves, blankets, socks, and so much more).  I liked that Casey was hosting a mystery weekend.  I would love to attend one.  Casey, though, is hesitant (of course).  Thankfully, she gets help from Cloris, but I have to wonder if Casey has ever heard of the internet.  Casey also needs to work on her organizational skills (the weekend was a bit disorganized).  The whodunit did not begin until I was a third of a way into the book.  There are a couple of suspects, a red herring, and obvious clues.  

There is a secondary mystery involving a woman staying at Vista Del Mar.  When Casey is not baking, handling her retreat, feeding her cat the stinky fish food, talking to Dane, or searching for clues, she unravels the mystery woman’s secret.  Let us not forget that the retreaters still need to solve their fake murder.  There is too much repetition.  Do we really need to know each time Casey feeds Julius (her cat) his stinky fish food?  Or how stinky the food is, and that Casey uses multiple layers of clear wrap to keep the smell out of her fridge (did she ever hear of Ziploc bags or buy the small cans that are one serving).  We are told several times about Dane offering free karate lessons to local teens and about his delectable spaghetti sauce (I will stop my rant now).   These are just a couple of examples.  I would like to see the characters grow and for the stories to have more substance.  Knot a Game takes readers to Cadbury by the Sea where there is a mystery retreat, hand warmer woes, tasty treats, a furtive visitor, scrumptious spaghetti sauce, stinky fish food, and a messy murder.

Knot a Game is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in A Yarn Retreat Mysteries here.  You can follow Betty Hechtman on Amazon and you will receive an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  On Tuesday, December 12 I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for Death Checked Out by Leah Dobrinska.  It is the first book in A Larkspur Library Mysteries.  I hope that you have an enjoyable weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

But Knot for Me by Betty Hechtman

But Knot for Me

Book Summary

In a new Yarn Retreat Mystery from national bestselling author Betty Hechtman, Casey Feldstein has to face down a self-help guru who may have helped himself to murder . . .

When a charismatic life coach and his devoted followers descend on Vista Del Mar, Casey Feldstein and the yarn retreat group she’s hosting literally get pushed aside, out of sight and out of mind of the struggling participants seeking enlightenment. But Casey can’t help overhearing the rancorous argument between two members of the guru’s staff, and when one of them turns up dead after ingesting poisonous mushrooms, Casey finds herself tangled up in a murder investigation while the self-help group looks on helplessly.

With rumors swirling that the victim was having an affair with the group’s leader and a host of potential suspects among her own eccentric yarn retreat group, Casey can only knit her brow at the complexity of the case. And when another staff member turns up dead and Casey narrowly escapes an early demise of her own, she knows she’ll have to unravel the clues quickly to catch a killer who may be feeling more empowered than even the guru intended . . .

Includes a fun and easy crochet project and a mouthwatering muffin recipe!

My Thoughts

But Knot for Me by Betty Hechtman has Casey Feldstein hosting another yarn retreat at Vista Del Mar.  Unfortunately, there seems to be a little snafu.  Kevin St. John got his dates mixed up and promised the whole facility to lifestyle guru, Jordan who is hosting one of his retreats.  Casey works out a compromise with Mr. St. John, but Jordan is none to pleased.  While Casey and her group are enjoying a delicious meal at the Blue Door, the Jordan group head out to forage for their dinner.  Casey later hears that a Jordan employee is dead after ingesting the meal.  Cloris, a hotel employee and friend, is afraid the blame will be placed on her since she was “supervising” the kitchen.  Casey is not going to let Cloris take the blame, so she begins asking questions.  When another Jordan employee turns up dead, Casey is not buying that both deaths were accidents.  Casey with help from her old detective employer, Frank digs deeper for information.  Someone is not happy with Casey’s sleuthing and attempts to silence her.  Casey will need to work quickly if she is going to solve the case before the retreat guests fly the coop.

But Knot for Me is the 8^th A Yarn Retreat Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series.  I always enjoying visiting Cadbury by the Sea where Casey Feldstein lives and hosts her yarn retreats.  She also bakes for the local businesses.  I wish the town was a little more whimsical.  I think it is a shame they do not appreciate the cute names Casey wanted to give her baked goods.  Casey has been setting down roots, but she has not realized it.  She has settled into her inherited home, has a successful baking business as well as running the yarn retreats, has a cat, and a boyfriend.  Dane, Casey’s beau, needs to make her see this if they are going to move forward with their relationship.  I like most of the secondary characters.  Kevin St. John can be a pain, and Tag with his severe OCD was really getting on my last nerve by the end of the book.  I do not know how his wife puts up with him arranging and rearranging everything.  But Knot for Me is well-written with steady pacing. The mystery was fun to figure out.  It was well-done with misdirection, several suspects, and good clues.  I enjoyed piecing together the clues to figure out the identity of the guilty party.  There was a tense scene near the end that gave me the heebie jeebies.  I appreciated that the whodunit was completely wrapped up leaving me with no lingering questions. There is humor in the story as well especially with regard to Casey’s cat and his love for “stinky fish”. But Knot for Me is a relaxing story that was a joy to read.  There is a recipe and pattern for a scrunchie at the end.  I look forward to Casey’s next adventure.  But Knot for Me is a hair-raising tale with a magnetic guru, a culinary conundrum, a phone predicament, chancy challenges, a slithery twist, foul fish, and a mate date scrape.

But Knot for Me can be picked up from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Yarn Retreat Mysteries here.  Check out Betty Hechtman's other novels here.  Thank you for visiting today.  I will be sharing my thoughts on Home to Stay by Loree Lough tomorrow.  It is the 2nd novel in A Little Child Lead Them series.  I hope that you have pleasant and safe day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

One for the Hooks by Betty Hechtman

 One for the Hooks

Book Summary

One for the Hooks by Betty Hechtman has Molly Pink acquiring yarn for the store when she witnesses a drone drop a sack of smelly seafood onto Sloan Renner, a local realtor who does a variety of other jobs as well.  Sloan was helping Miami Wintergarten turn her inherited home into a short-term rental which has her neighbors up in arms.  Molly’s ex-beau, Barry asks for Molly’s help on the case.  Molly has a way of acquiring information that the local police cannot.  Molly has some personal issues to deal with as well.  Her son, Peter shows up with luggage and a pregnant girlfriend.  It seems he needs to a place to live since his latest television project fell through.  Mason Fields, Molly’s layer boyfriend, has a proposition for Molly that could change her life.  Can Molly hook the killer while dealing with her personal drama?

My Thoughts

One for the Hooks by Betty Hechtman is the 14^th A Crochet Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  I thought One for the Hooks was well-written with developed characters.  I like that Molly Pink is a mature woman who is a clever and capable.  I was not a fan of the way Molly dealt with her son, Peter in this book.  I thought she would set down some rules for the pushy son and his cold girlfriend.  Molly most do some soul searching when Mason makes her an offer.  The whodunit had multiple suspects (a whole neighborhood), misdirection, and a unique method of murder.  One detail early in the book is all that is needed to solve the crime (I am not telling you which one).  I enjoyed following Molly and Dinah as they dug up information and got themselves into trouble in pursuit of justice.  Barry, of course, wants Molly’s information, but he is reluctant to share.  He also does not always appreciate her theories (you would think he would have learned to trust her by now).  There are cute pets, gorgeous yarns, fun with friends, plus book and yarn events.  I enjoyed the one-of-a-kind scarf project that Molly came up with using the yarns she purchased for the shop.  Adele was even more over-the-top than usual thanks to her vlog.  Her outfits match her ego (loud and large).  I laughed often while reading One for the Hooks.  I am eager for the next A Crochet Mystery after reading the ending.  One for the Hooks is an entertaining cozy mystery with ritzy yarns, a significant other’s suggestion, a problematic progeny, a daring drone, a curious killing, sensational Serendipity scarves, and the plucky Molly Pink.

One for the Hooks is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other thirteen A Crochet Mystery novels here.  You can find Betty Hechtman's other novels here.  Thank you for reading my review today.  I will be back tomorrow with Still Life and Death by Tracy Gardner.  It is the 3rd A Shepherd Sisters Mystery.  I hope that you have a perky day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Murder Ink by Betty Hechtman

 

Book Summary

Murder Ink by Betty Hechtman has Veronica Blackstone working as a writer for hire when she gets writer’s block while working on her second mystery novel.  She has been hired to write booklet for Rachel Parkers memorial service to celebrate her life.  Veronica had worked with Rachel and her then fiancé, Luke to polish their wedding vows a year ago.  She is shocked when she learned Rachel was dead.  Veronica finds it equally odd that the death been deemed undetermined.  Rachel’s family is more concerned with how it looks and reflects on them than on getting the truth.  Veronica feels that something is off about the situation.  While gathering information for the memorial booklet, Veronica decides to find about more about Rachel’s last days as well to see if she can discover the truth.  

My Thoughts

Murder Ink by Betty Hechtman is the first book in A Writer for Hire Mystery series.  This story is told in the first person from Veronica Blackstone’s point-of-view.  Veronica had a successful first book, but she is having trouble completing the second book.  While waiting for inspiration to hit, Veronica has become a writer for hire as well as a writing coach.  She is hired by Evan to write a letter to a co-worker in the hopes of getting him a date.  Evan is a nervous man who can use all the help he can get.  Veronica also gets hired by Mrs. Parker to create a celebration of life booklet for her recently deceased daughter, Rachel.  Veronica is shocked that the vibrant Rachel is dead.  She worked with Rachel and her then fiancé’, Luke to polish their wedding vows a year ago.  There are some unanswered questions regarding Rachel’s death and Veronica sets out to fill in the blanks.  Murder Ink was easy to read with some quirky characters.  I liked the storyline involving Evan.  It was humorous.  I am not a fan of stories told in the first person and that includes Murder Ink.  We get too much of what Veronica thinks as well as repetition of information.  I thought the pacing was a little slow.  It could have been peppier (it does pick up near the end).  The mystery was straightforward, though, I did not feel it was the main focus of the book.  Veronica did ask people questions but I felt she missed the mark at times.  There was some suspicious activity that made the mystery more interesting.  I thought that Veronica got lucky with the solution.  I found it easy to sus out the guilty party (might as well have been a neon arrow over the persons head).  The mystery wrapped up quickly.  If I did not know better, I would think this was the author’s first cozy mystery.  I did enjoy the descriptions of Chicago and Veronica’s neighborhood.  There were some interesting tidbits about buildings relating back to the Chicago Worlds Fair.  I also enjoyed the writer’s group and Veronica’s downstairs neighbor.   Will I read the next book in A Writer for Hire Mystery series?  I believe I will skip it as this series is not a good fit for me.  Murder Ink is an easygoing cozy mystery with a matchmaking stay-at-home mom, a undefine death, invigorating dance classes, a nervous Nellie, a troublesome television, and a cute cop.

Murder Ink is available from Amazon*.  You can find Betty Hechtman's other novels here.  Ms. Hechtman writes A Yarn Retreat Mystery series and A Crochet Mystery series.    Thank you for reading my review.  The Preacher's Son by Patricia Johns will be featured next time.  It is the first book in The Infamous Amish series.  I hope you have a sunny day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Hooks Can Be Deceiving by Betty Hechtman

Good Day!  Hot Fudge Murder by Cynthia Baker will be released on January 29 along with Ellie's Redemption by Molly Jebber and Death by Chocolate Malted Milkshake by Sarah Graves.  Tonya Kappes' next A Kenni Lowry Mystery is Diggin' Up Dirt and it will be out soon (I am waiting for the exact date).  Kenni meets Finn Vincent's parents.  Something unexpected crops up and it could be a crimp in Kenni & Finn's relationship.  

Hooks Can Be Deceiving by Betty Hechtman is the thirteenth A Crochet Mystery.  Molly Pink is called into her boss’s office at Shedd & Royal Books & More.  The Craftee Channel is creating a new program called Creating with Crochet, and they want to film the premiere show in the yarn department at the bookstore.  Adele is confident that she will be chosen to host the new show with her explementary skills.  Rory Graham, an actress, is picked to host Creating the Crochet.  When Rory visits the store, she confides in Molly that she may have exaggerated her crocheting abilities (basically, she cannot crochet).  Molly cleverly pairs Rory with Adele who believes she is destined to be the actress’s sidekick on the show.  The Tarzana Hookers meet for Happy Hour each day and they have a new addition to the group.  Marianne Freeman joined the group three weeks prior with her companion, Connie Richards.  Molly befriends the Marianne and is worried when she fails to show up one evening.  Molly arrives at Marianne’s home to find Detective Heather Gilmore on the scene with Molly’s ex-boyfriend, Detective Barry Greenberg.  Connie is dead from electrocution and Heather is quick to accuse Marianne.  Barry has his doubts, but he is not the lead detective.  He enlists Molly’s help (talk about a shocker) in ferreting out the truth.  He wants Molly to ask questions only (that’s a laugh).  Molly works in her sleuthing in between her duties at the store, coming up with a make it and take it for the pilot program, keeping Rory on track with her lessons instead of doing a “dance break” every five minutes, keeping her furry companions in kibble and preparing for the upcoming taping of the show.  The killer is not happy with Molly’s investigation and attempts to threaten her away (obvious he does not know Molly).  Can Molly clear Marianne before filming of Creating with Crochet begins?

 

Hooks Can Be Deceiving is a fun and entertaining cozy mystery.  I thought the book was well-written with steady pacing.  Hooks Can Be Deceiving can be read as a standalone.  I like that Molly is a mature main character with an active life.  She has her son, her fur babies, her job, friends and she has started dating Mason again.  The story has humor courtesy of Adele with her outlandish ideas and fashions choices.  She is the perfect choice to host the children’s hour, but I am baffled why the children must register (Adele has an elaborate system in place).  I wish my local bookstore had a yarn department like Shedd & Royal Books & More (it sounds like a great place to spend an afternoon—books, tea, snacks and yarn).  The mystery is clever with a unique method of murder.  The mystery can be solved by the reveal, but I have a feeling some people will be surprised by the killer’s identity.  The ending did feel a bit rushed as the author hurried to wrap up the storylines.  While Adele was not as prominent in this story, the animals were (too much).  I would have liked the author to include descriptions of the yarns carried at the store.  I am not sure how I feel about the relationship between Mason and Molly.  His lifestyle and Molly’s do not seem compatible (she is more down to earth while he has fancy cars and dines in high end restaurants).   We will have to wait and see how it plays out.  I Hooks Can Be Deceiving is an engaging and spirited cozy mystery.  I am giving Hooks Can Be Deceiving 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it).  I am curious to see what trouble Molly will get herself into next time in the fourteenth A Crochet Mystery. 

Thank you for reading my review.  I am featuring With This Pledge by Tamera Alexander tomorrow.  The first book in The Carnton Series.  I hope you have a day filled with glee.  Take care of yourself and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

On the Hook: A Crochet Mystery

I love this colorful cover!  Eye catching!

Happy Saturday!  I hope you are having a delightful and relaxing day.  The Summer I Met Jack by Michelle Gable will be out on May 29 along with A Passion for Haunted Fashion by Rose Pressey.  The Hawaiian Discovery by Wanda E. Brunstetter will be available on June 5.

On the Hook by Betty Hechtman is twelfth tale in A Crochet Mystery series.  Molly Pink and the Tarzana Hookers (get your mind out of the gutter—they are referring to crochet hooks) have decided to get back to their roots.  They are crocheting baby blankets for infants that are surrendered at the police department, fire station and local hospitals.  Adele Humphries loves her new husband, but she is less than thrilled with the cramped living situation since her mother-in-law moved in to their cozy condo.  Elise Belmont has recently acquired her real estate license and is anxious to show her first home, but she does not want her husband, Logan to know.  They are only in the house a few moments when Elise hustles them out the door because Logan is on his way with clients.  On the news that night, Molly sees that Logan found Timothy Clark, owner and actor, dead in the house (oh dear).  The next day Detective Barry Greenberg (one of Molly’s ex’s) shows up asking about a scarf found at the crime scene—oops, it seems Molly’s scarf was left behind in the hurry to exit the house.  Adele is in a further tizzy because the victim was her acting coach (really).  She has been taking lessons without her husband’s knowledge (she told him she was taking yoga—I am shocked he bought it).  To avoid spilling Elise and Adele’s secrets, Molly must solve the case before Barry can prove the scarf is Molly’s.  Molly contacts Mason Fields, attorney and another ex, for legal advice and assistance.  It also gives them a chance to reconnect (sparks are flying) and clear up a few misconceptions.  When not working at the store and stitching together the clues of the case, Molly has been roped into helping Rhoda’s brother-in-law, Leo.  He is a widow who is clueless with women and Rhoda is tired of him moping about her house (Molly is a soft touch).  Can Molly unravel the killer’s identity before Barry proves the scarf belongs to Molly?   

On the Hook is not a standalone book.  It is best to read A Crochet Mystery series in order, so you can understand about Molly, her family, the Tarzana Hookers, and her relationships with the men in her life.  On the Hook contains good writing and has a fast pace (which I liked).  The mystery, though, took a back seat to Molly’s love life.  Instead of a love triangle, we have a square (Leo, Barry, Mason and Molly).  The mystery was straightforward and the solving it is a cinch.  Adele is her usual over-the-top self with her outlandish outfits and crazy ideas.  She is even more zany than usual with her desire to become a host of a crochet show.  Adele’s little ditty will have you in stitches (it is creative and hilarious).  I admit to having trouble getting into On the Hook.  There seems to be a more zany antics than normal in this installment.  There is quite a bit going on in On the Hook with the murder, crocheting blankets for charity, Adele and her acting ambitions, Elise keeping her real estate license hidden from her husband (it made no sense why), Molly’s mother using her house for rehearsals, Barry trying to get Molly to answer his questions about the scarf, Mason and Molly going out, Molly giving Leo lessons, Sam living with Molly, the various animals that live with Molly, the bookstore, Dinah and her situation with Commander Blaine (her husband).  While it is humorous, I wanted more mystery and less Molly stonewalling Barry (which lost its humor after a while).  I am giving On the Hook 3.5 out of 5 stars.  While On the Hook was not my favorite book in A Crochet Mystery series, I am curious to see what happens next with Molly Pink.  Do you think she will ever pick between Barry and Mason? 

Thank you for reading my review today.  I will return on Sunday with my thoughts on The Recipe Box by Viola Shipman.  May you have a fulfilling day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader