Brenda H. (booksinvt) -
A Crafter Hooks Killer is the second installment in the A Handcrafted Mystery series set in Heartsford, Wisconsin and featuring craft store owner Samantha "Sammy" Kane. Having settled into running Community Craft, the shop she took over when her best friend Kate Allen was killed, Sammy is looking forward to hosting a book signing for well known craft book author Jane Johnson. With crafters from all over the county expected to attend, Sammy and her employee Deborah are hurrying to get the shop in shape.
The early and unexpected arrival of the author leaves Sammy star struck and speechless. When she realizes that the paparazzi and other nosy neighbors are descending upon the shop, she suggests that Jane slip out the back for a quiet walk along the river. As she departs the author whispers for Sammy to meet her as soon as possible because she has something important to tell her about Kate. Shocked that Jane would know anything about Kate or Kate's death, Sammy sneaks away to meet her and sadly stumbles across the murdered woman reclining on a bench.
Determined to not only uncover who murdered the famous author but what she was going to tell her about Kate's death, Sammy teams up with her cousin Heidi and sister Ellie, the SHE's (as the girls call their amateur detective agency) against the advice of Detective Liam Nash.
A fast paced plot that makes for an easy afternoon read. A likable cast of characters and great tips for crafting ideas. A resolution into what happened to Kate and a touch of romance have readers looking forward to the next addition to the series.
The early and unexpected arrival of the author leaves Sammy star struck and speechless. When she realizes that the paparazzi and other nosy neighbors are descending upon the shop, she suggests that Jane slip out the back for a quiet walk along the river. As she departs the author whispers for Sammy to meet her as soon as possible because she has something important to tell her about Kate. Shocked that Jane would know anything about Kate or Kate's death, Sammy sneaks away to meet her and sadly stumbles across the murdered woman reclining on a bench.
Determined to not only uncover who murdered the famous author but what she was going to tell her about Kate's death, Sammy teams up with her cousin Heidi and sister Ellie, the SHE's (as the girls call their amateur detective agency) against the advice of Detective Liam Nash.
A fast paced plot that makes for an easy afternoon read. A likable cast of characters and great tips for crafting ideas. A resolution into what happened to Kate and a touch of romance have readers looking forward to the next addition to the series.
A Crafter Hooks a Killer can be read as a standalone if you have not read A Crafter Knits a Clue. Samantha âSammyâ Kane is happy running Community Craft which fosters community spirit and encouraging artists. She is happy to be back in her hometown with Heidi and Ellie. Her budding romance with Detective Liam Nash, though, has stalled out since he has not contacted her since the case was closed. Jane Johnson, the Queen of Crafts, is coming to Community Craft for a book signing which is quite a coup for their small town. But then Jane ends up murdered after telling Sammy she had sensitive information to share regarding Kate Allen's death. Kate was Sammy's best friend and she realizes she does not know the details of how she died. I like how the author tied the two whodunits together. Sammy, Heidi and Ellie (the S.H.E. detective team) are quick to assemble so they can unravel this knotty mystery. Despite being told by multiple people to leave the case to the police, Sammy questions various people while Heidi wheedles information out of her police officer boyfriend (poor Tim). There is no absence of case details as the ladies' work into the two crimes. I did find the pace in A Crafter Hooks a Killer to be on the slow side which made it hard for me to get into this cozy mystery along with the repetition of case details and endless speculation. I thought it was a breeze to pinpoint the guilty party with the limited suspects and obvious clues. I was not a fan of Ellie or the girls' mother. They were both critical of Sammy, obsessed with cleanliness and basic worrywarts. All the various backbiting, boyfriend problems, and nitpicking got on my nerves. While it may be realistic, I would have preferred a little harmony. I liked when Sammy said that she had âa gift for seeking and finding the truthâ. Friendship, family, and food are not lacking in A Crafter Hooks a Killer. Holly Quinn's food descriptions will have your mouth watering. I enjoyed reading about the beautiful painted glasses and crocheted blankets. There are instructions for a lap blanket at the end of the book. A Crafter Hooks a Killer has three curious ladies, two complex crimes, one disgruntled detective and a delightful doggie.
