A Stitch in Crime by Cathy Elliot - REVIEWED

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Stitch in Crime Abingdon Press (January 20, 2015) by Cathy Elliot

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cathy Elliott is a full-time writer who lives in northern California and whose cozy mysteries reflect her personal interests from playing her fiddle with friends to antique collecting and quilting. Besides collecting (too much) cool fabric, she also enjoys hunting for antiques and is several years into recovery from her eBay addiction. UPDATE: She backslid a while back, enticed to bid on a 1945 Singer Featherweight. (She won.) But now she’s back on the wagon. Except for the recent crazy quilt pillow purchase. She also leads music at church and enjoys time with her grandchildren.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Thea James has accepted an assignment as co-chairperson for Larkindale’s first quilt show extravaganza. Juggling the new assignment with running her antique business, she’s already feeling frayed when things start to unravel. Mary-Alice Wentworth, a much-loved town matriarch, respected quilt judge, and Thea’s dear friend, is covertly conked on the head during the kick-off Quilt Show Soiree, throwing suspicion on her guests. It also appears that a valuable diamond brooch has been stolen during the attack. The family is furious. But is it because of their mugged mother or the missing diamonds? When a renowned textile expert goes MIA and the famous Wentworth heritage quilt disappears, Larkindale’s reputation as a tourist haven is at risk. Thea attempts to piece the mystery together and save the town’s investment in the quilt show before Mary-Alice is attacked again . . . with far worse results.

My Thoughts:

“Getting information out of Odette was like removing a molar with eyebrow tweezers.”  (p. 34)

Honestly, Thea winds up having to pull a lot of molar-sized pieces of information with tweezer-sized opportunities.  Cathy Elliott has created a true cozy mystery within the city limits of Larkindale.  Thea is chairing the first annual quilt show, and she really has her work cut out for her!  Both of the major opening events end rather catastrophically, and they totally side-track Thea’s efforts to ensure the weeklong event is successful.  In addition to that, her co-chair is also side-tracked with her East Coast sister, and Thea’s best friend suddenly isn’t quite so friendly.

Thea ends up chasing a lot of “leads” in the aftermath of each crime, and the town matriarch, Mary-Alice proves to be just the balance Thea needs to keep things in right perspective.  I have to say Mary-Alice was my favorite character.  I love the way she knew just how to encourage with Scripture and hope, even when folks were rather incorrigible.   I also loved Uncle Nick’s heart toward Thea.  The culprit will surprise you, though the reasons behind the crimes is pretty universal.  This is a very good blend of the human and the need for a solid spiritual Rock to stand on.

I have always been a fan of cozy mysteries, and this one was very well written.  I am happy to recommend this Quilts of Love book to everyone!  A Stitch In Crime is a great addition to this series!

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Stitch in Crime, go HERE.