British style mystery set in America

Any additional comments?

I liked this book about a small town murder mystery with a twist of needlework shop thrown in. The depiction of knitting, counted work and embroidery are all accurate. The discussion of design drawn from objects in an art museum, color and fiber snobbery are spot on. The story kept my interest and if it is a series (which I think it is) I will probably give the next book a try. The character development was good and made it an engaging story. Be aware that having a needlework hobby probably would add to the enjoyment level for the reader-- but this isn't a must.

42 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Nice little cozy

The only time I buy books this short are when I'm spending a bonus gift card, so frequently I end up with a book written by an author I don't know, a book whose chief asset was that it didn't cost more than the value of the gift card. This was one of those, and a lucky buy.

I like a good cozy now and then -- at least to intersperse with some of the more violent or hard-boiled thrillers -- and this one was exceptionally good. It starts very differently, that's for sure. The woman you think is going to be the protagonist isn't -- its her sister instead, Betsy, who turns out to be a more interesting person than her goody-two-shoes, civic-minded sister would have been -- something about the lure of that 'sadder but wiser' girl that Prof. Harold Hill lusted after in 'Music Man'. Betsy has a bit of history behind her, which makes her all that much more interesting.

The first part of the book deals with Betsy's stepping into her new role, so we get an unusually long 'introduction'. No doubt some listeners will be screaming to get on with the detection part, but I liked this more gradual entry. And besides, it makes you think: What if you arrived in a brand new town, and within a day, found yourself entirely responsibly for planning -- and paying for -- a funeral? Good stuff -- I'll be looking for more books by this author, and I'm glad to know how it all began.

I don't think any knowledge or interest in knitting or crafting of any kind is required -- nor is it gender-specific. Male crewel artists appear, too -- it's ART, and not just for women any more, which this book proves beyond a doubt.

The narrator was new to me as well -- there's a faint trace of Brooklyn or maybe LonGuyland in her voice, even though the story is set in small-town Minnesota. Didn't matter -- she probably wouldn't know what to do with lutefisk or lefse, but she did a fine job reading.

Good book! Now I just wish it had been longer....

15 persone l'hanno trovata utile

"So round, so firm, so fully packed"

Having read almost the whole series, mostly in print version, I recommend it highly. This is the first book in the series and it is well worth reading. You are gradually introduced to the characters that will be around for a while and a few who won't be, but since the dirty deed doesn't happen right off the bat, you don't know who's going to get it or "who dun it" for a while. This does build tension, but it isn't obvious. This book is not gimmiky or gadgety. You feel these are real people who are having the same troubles and delights as the rest of us. The author takes the time to flesh out the characters, so when there is a tragedy, it doesn't fit. And it shouldn't, most people don't experience this, except on TV etc. In fact the true nature of the crime doesn't get exposed until gradually as they are putting their lives back together it emerges as something else. It brings it all home more than most "who dun it's."
The only thing you don't get in the audio version is the stitching pattern at the back. And there may be a way!

7 persone l'hanno trovata utile

So-So

The story was pleasant enough and I might have bought others (on sale) in this series as I am a fibre enthusiast but not with this narrator. I found that she enunciated each word, especially in the dialogue, so much so that I kept thinking she was targeting her reading to a 2 year old. However, I did finish the book so it certainly wasn't the worst narration I've endured.

6 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Good story; hated the narrator

The narrator nearly ruined this for me. She was very stilted in her delivery, especially of the main heroine's voice, which made her sound unappealing. But the elements of a good "cozy mystery" were there, especially it you like crafts. If later books in this series have a different narrator, I'd definitely consider them. Otherwise, it's off to the library. Be sure to check out the sample recording and see if you can tolerate the narration.

5 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Needlecrafts, Murder, and New Beginnings

This audio book was an unexpected fun and fresh listen for me . . . I love quilting books that mostly focus on the relationships of the people in the small towns and particularly the women who form close friendships while they learn to quilt. Well, this series is similar, but with a different twist . . . MURDER!!! I like that it is family friendly, interesting, and features cross stitch, crewel, needlepoint and all levels of crafters from expert to beginners. I enjoy many, many different kinds of books . . . and this one is a great change of pace . . . not too serious, not too dreary, just the right amount of "who done it" mixed in with small town life . . .

4 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Helped me Untangle the Threads in my busy week.

If you could sum up Crewel World in three words, what would they be?

Time Well Spent

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Not on the "edge" of my seat - but firmly planted, reluctant to be distracted by anything in the outside world.
When the family came home - the main stereo turned off and the ipod & headphones went to work.

What about Susan Boyce’s performance did you like?

The consistancy of a level calm read.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

captivating & tangling into the lives of artful women

Any additional comments?

The only thing that would of made my experience more enjoyable would of been a calm fire in the fireplace as I sat in my recliner next to a large picture window with snow piled up outside.
I don't have a picture window, we get very little snow anymore, and I do not have a fireplace.
I do have a recliner....

4 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Perfect for me

As Peter's wife, I have knitted & needleworked for most of my life, this is a perfect series for me to listen to while driving. It's amusing but not distracting, the characters are believeable as well as the story lines.

3 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Good Start

This is a good beginning to a new series. The characters are likeable and the story is believable.

3 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Very enjoyable

I enjoyed this book. The mystery was entertaining and the narration excellent. I didn't want to stop listening once I started.

3 persone l'hanno trovata utile