Customer Reviews

A Stitch in Time

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is appealing to stitchers, but not so much for real mystery fans. It's a passable book, not totally predictable, but in some areas seems a bit forced. Still, as big fan of needlework, it's always exciting for me to read about it, particularly to see it combined with a cozy mystery.

The third book in the needlework series. When a damaged tapestry is discovered in a church closet no one expects it to cause an uproar, let alone murder. Needlework shop owner Betsy Devonshire sets out to learn the truth before the threats get any closer.

Having enjoyed the first in this series, I somehow missed the second. I won't miss any more, that's for sure. This third book is as comfy and cozy to wrap yourself up in, as a much-loved, hand-knitted sweater or afghan. Betsy Devonshire is a marvelous character, one that you can easily believe in, and wish to have as a friend; furthermore, she's a perfect match for Excelsior, Minnesota.

Betsy had returned to the cold midwest from San Diego for a much-needed respite from her immediate past while renewing the relationship with her sister, Margo. Unfortunately, Margo was the victim in book one, but she left her business "Crewel World" to Betsy, who, in spite of knowing little about the world of needlework, endeavored to settle into it.

Learning how to run a business, as well as learning about needlework exposes her to all sort of people and situations, while allowing her to use her not inconsiderable curiosity to help the small-town police department solve persistent puzzles.

In this episode, it's very near to Christmas, and while Trinity Episcopal Church prepares for the holiday season, it is also preparing for a major renovation. To the surprise of all, a mildewed, hand-worked tapestry is discovered hidden away in a closet. When it's discovered to be the work of the previous rector's wife, all concerned decide to restore the piece as a decoration for the new addition.

Immediately, strange things begin to happen to Betsy, who has agreed to furnish any yarn necessary for the renovation of the tapestry. One of the strangest, while totally unconnected, is a visit from her former husband, Hal the Pig, who seems to sincerely want to mend his fences and re-establish the relationship with Betsy. Not surprisingly, she is of the totally opposite opinion.

With the help of Jill, the policewoman, the mysteries--old and new--are all eventually resolved. Hal is sent on his way, and we're left with a warm feeling towards the inhabitants of Crewel World and Excelsior, Minnesota, in spite of all that fluffy white stuff all over the ground. My only niggle is: where are the recipes for all those great sounding hot dishes?

Betsy Devonshire even when she doesnt want to her cusiosity takes her to help discover the secret behind the tapestry. This is an entertaining book that keeps you wondering what is going to happen next with this lady. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Betsy Devonshire is certainly busy stitching and sleuthing. With each book in the series she is getting better at both, as is Ms. Ferris's writing. This was the best so far. The characters feel real and are getting to be my friends. I miss them when the book is over. Though from the South, I understood and enjoyed the hot dish and Lutheran references. Stitching, humor, and a good mystery--who could ask for anything more! I can hardly wait for the next book. One problem: reading makes me want to cross stitch and stitching makes me want to read. What's a girl to do?

The Betsy Devonshire series is a fun read for any fan of cozy mysteries and is particularly fun if: 1)you know what "LYS" stands for (local yarn store), and/or 2)Minnesota figures in your life. I'm lucky enough to fall into both categories. So, one minute I enjoy the chatter about worsted weight versus sport weight yarn and in another moment, I laugh out loud at the discussion of "hot dishes" (called casseroles by the rest of us in the USA).

Ferris is improving with each episode. In this book, Betsy keeps having scary "accidents" and can't figure out why someone would be out to get her. We, the readers, know of course. It's fun to follow the twists and turns as Betsy figures out what's up. Catching the culprit is almost an anti-climax.

A fun read with lots of snow and Christmas for atmosphere. Now, if they'd only produce the series on audio-tape so I could knit and "read" at the same time!

I found all three of her books enjoyable. They were interesting, fast to read and also great characters. If you are looking for a nice entertaining book to read, please read one of her books. I read all three in about a week and can't wait for her next one! Even lost sleep, since I couldn't put them down.Enjoy!

Betsy Devonshire, the new owner of The Crewel World, has suddenly become the victim of a series of nasty accidents. Could it all be coincidence? Or could it have something to do with the sudden appearance of her ex-husband? Or perhaps it might actually have something to do with her charitable impulse to donate the materials neccesary to repair the damage done to a lovely piece of tapestry recently discovered at the local Episcopal church...

This is a mystery novel that really involved reader response! I groaned out loud each time Besty took a wrong turn when investigating who was out to get her. And even though it was fairly obvious who the culprit was, I'd still recommend this book (and series) as an enjoyable "cozy" worth curling up .

This is so far the best book in the whole series! I really enjoyed the mystery, the nice balance of needlework and relationships. The voice is a lot more mature and a lot more enjoyable. It's a good cozy mystery. I saw a lot of growth in Betsy, and I'm really looking forward to the next novel. It gets better with each one! Bravo Monica!

There's never a dull moment in Betsy Devonshire's life, and her experience in this volume, A Stitch in Time, is no exception. Her car stalls in a blizzard and she nearly freezes to death, then....well, that's for the rest of the story. And with all the rest of it, she's dealing with the unexpected and unwelcome return of her ex-husband, trying to keep her store in business, and unraveling the symbolic significance of a tapestry. The characters are wonderful, the story is absorbing, and the novel is just plain fun. Highly recommended.