A Crafter Hooks a Killer: A Handcrafted Mystery

I greatly enjoyed this novel and visiting Sammy and her family and friends at Community Craft, a central part of life in Heartsford, WI. It was started originally by Sammy’s best friend, Kate Allen. After Kate’s untimely death, Sammy took it over in her honor and to continue the goodwill Kate had instilled in it. The shop sells handcrafted merchandise made by local artisans, from furniture to painted stemware and lapghans. The artisans are also happy to sponsor fundraisers and work together for the good of others. The mysteries are intriguing and the characters engaging. Sammy arranged for Jane Johnson, the Queen of all crafts and a celebrated author, to do a book signing at Community Craft. While in town, Jane was going to interview Sammy about Community Crafts for a chapter in her upcoming book. Jane came the shop to meet with Sammy. She hoped to do so in private, as she had come across sensitive information about Kate that could “change everything”. Sammy gave her directions to a bench near the river where they can talk, then went to get beverages for them. As she neared Jane, it looked like she was reading a novel. Until she got around the bench, saw the message gouged into the book, “The End” and saw that Jane was dead. Sammy raced back to the store for her phone and found her cousin, Heidi, in the parking lot with her boyfriend, patrol officer Tim, and told him what was going on. Liam Nash, the homicide detective who came to town last summer, arrived quickly, while Heidi joined Sammy when heading for the bench. Liam had allowed Sammy to help him with a case last summer, and they dated a bit. Since Jane was to be a guest at the shop, and Sammy wanted desperately to know what Jane learned about Kate, she hoped Liam would allow it this time, also. Liam, however, simply wanted everyone away from his crime scene. Sammy is impulsive, quick to act and leap to conclusions before thinking something through. She has my empathy, especially when having to admit it as she does when confronted by Liam Nash. I like Sammy, who is hard-working, the younger of two daughters whose mother makes it clear how much she admires Ellie, her older sister, a great wife and mom. I especially like S.H.E. – the girl detective group they put together when growing up together. Sammy. Heidi. Ellie. Even if Ellie is a model mom, S.H.E. might be needed to solve Jane’s murder, and discover whatever Jane had about Kate. This armchair sleuth was kept on her toes throughout, especially with each new plot twist! I enjoyed seeing Sammy and Deborah talk plan a fund raiser that, if the library chose, could add a shelf of craft books in honor of Jane, or for additional books for the book club group. It was even better to see the fundraiser in full action! The author has a knack for understanding needs, whether crafting, fundraising, or solving murders. She brings the characters and situations to life with realistic conversations and actions. I enjoyed the interactions of S.H.E., as well as Sammy and Liam. I finally guessed who the killer was, but there wasn’t one specific thing that pointed to him/ her. The ending is very satisfactory, and I look forward to the next in series. I highly recommend this to folks who enjoy small, Midwest towns, well-written cozy mysteries, a possibility of romance, and close camaraderie between sisters and cousins. From a Thankful Heart: I received an e-ARC from the publisher through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

Sammy is such an impetuous innocent. She’s also a bit of a trouble magnet. Once again, she’s tangled up in one of Detective Nash’s investigations. And this time it all ties back to the loss of her best friend. I have a feeling it’s just my suspicious nature that doesn’t trust anyone that meant the true culprit wasn’t much of a surprise to me. But it did keep me guessing to the end if I was going to be right or if I’d bought into a bright shiny red herring. I also love seeing the romantic tension between Sammy and Liam. I can’t wait to see where this is going to take us. I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.