Helpful Score: 6
This started out great, but bogged down about half way through. The story didn't have the momentum needed to keep the plot going, the tension a good mystery needs to keep the reader hooked or the character strength needed to make you feel connected to their lives. The author did pull it together somewhat with the last few chapters, adding some much needed tension, but it wasn't enough to redeem the story completely. The main flaw, I think, is that the murderer was very obvious from the start so there was never any wondering who it was and how it would turn out. Too bad as it could of been a great read, but ended up being a lackluster one instead.
Helpful Score: 4
I found this book to be a very good start on a new series. This cozy reminded me of Monica Ferris' Needlework series. A good story line, she's developing her characters well, and the main character is not one of those "I could hear breathing down in the dark cellar, I knew I shouldn't go down there, but I couldn't help myself....." types. :)
Helpful Score: 4
This is the first in a new series. I liked the setting and the characters and it kept me guessing until the very end.
Helpful Score: 4
A little slow at the beginning but picked up half way through. I liked that I did not suspect the "killer" til just bout when the main character did!
Helpful Score: 3
Great start to a great series. The characters come real to you and you can't put the book down.
Helpful Score: 3
I thought this was a pretty good start to a new series. The craft shop is a nice background and the characters are likable. I plan on reading the second book in the series very soon.
Melissa P. (melissaenglish72) reviewed Wreath of Deception (Craft Corner, Bk 1) on + 42 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A good cozy mystery with a crafty spin.
Helpful Score: 2
This is the first book in the new "Craft Corner Mystery" series. Jo McAllister is setting up shop in a small town, but no town is to small for secrets and murder
I enjoyed this new series very much
I enjoyed this new series very much
Helpful Score: 2
1st in series. A fun setting and I think the characters may grow on me. I will definitely give the next one a try!
Vandana D. (romabellaroma) reviewed Wreath of Deception (Craft Corner, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I thought this was a good start for the series and will look for the others in the series. It is a cozy so its not as spine tingling or taut as "mysteries/thrillers" would be, but it's well written, with good characters: unlike with other cozies, I do want to see what happens to them in the next book. Enjoyable read.
Marlene W. (KansasSunflower) -
Helpful Score: 2
Started out good, but too predictable. I figured it out halfway through.
goddesslovingbookworm -
Helpful Score: 2
I actually read book three before this one (I usually try to read series in order) and I loved it so much, I decided this will be a keeper series for me. Not only are the characters well-written and believable but the craft ideas are simple to execute.
Each mystery in the series focuses on a different craft also, which makes for variety even as we delve deeper into the relationships between the characters.
Each mystery in the series focuses on a different craft also, which makes for variety even as we delve deeper into the relationships between the characters.
Helpful Score: 1
A nice cozy mystery.
Bonnie A. (ladycholla) -
Great first book, good read. Interesting sub characters, they should get better all the time. Cozy read.
Another great series............
This is a fun mystery series.
Enjoyed this book. I hope there are more coming in this series.
Was an enjoyable story, read it in two days.
Janice P. (jannymarie) -
Fun read. The pace is great doesn't leave you time to get bored. Keeps you quessing. Then still makes you jump even after you've figured it out.
Nice start to a good series of mysteries. Never heard of the writer before but she is very good and keeps you reading and before you know it, the book is finished leaving you wanting more and more of this series. You will enjoy it and the others to come.
Jo McAllister , who is recently widowed has opened up a craft shop in Abbotsville, Manyland. On opening day, the clown she hired to hand out balloons and such, is murdered in her storeroom.
The police suspect her,so she must clear her own name. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the rest of the series.
The police suspect her,so she must clear her own name. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the rest of the series.
From the back cover:
"Recently widowed, Jo McAllister is setting up shop in Abbotsville, Maryland. She hopes Jo's Craft Corner will take her mind off her troubles. But no town is too small for secrets, scandal, -- even murder....
"Recently widowed, Jo McAllister is setting up shop in Abbotsville, Maryland. She hopes Jo's Craft Corner will take her mind off her troubles. But no town is too small for secrets, scandal, -- even murder....
