Customer Reviews

Knitting Bones (Needlecraft Mysteries)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Reviewed by Stephanie Boyd

In Monica Ferris's eleventh Needlecraft Mystery, Knitting Bones, featuring the intrepid Betsy Devenshire and her friends from Crewel World, Betsy isn't able to get around and do her usual sleuthing because she has a broken leg. So this time her lovable employee Goddy decides to do the "leg work."

The mystery involves a missing check for over twenty-thousand dollars raised for the National Heart Coalition by stitchers-and the man who accepted the check for the charity is missing, too. Allie Germaine, the local Embroiders Guild president and the missing man's wife both insist that something horrible has happened to her husband-he would never steal that check.

It is Allie who gets Betsy and Goddy involved, and something about Allie's story makes Betsy think that her husband may not be the perpetrator, but a victim. Goddy on the other hand has a much harder time staying neutral and keeps jumping to conclusions that may cause them to miss crucial clues. Can Betsy solve this mystery without talking to people herself while laid up in bed, and can she teach Goddy how to interview people without telling them what he wants to hear?

I love this series! Often by the time an author gets to the eleventh book of a series, the story line is getting stale and they are running out of new ideas, not so for Monica Ferris and her Needlecraft Mystery series!

Goddy has always been a funny character in this series, and putting him in charge of the trying to find the information Betsy needs to solve the crime, is hilarious. And of course if you are a needleworker the story is full of tips, new needlework ideas, and a knitting pattern.

I've noticed in Ferris's last few books in this serie,s she has introduced new police officers from other jurisdictions who like and listen to Betsy. I think it is time for her to introduce a new love interest for Betsy-and wouldn't a police officer be a great match! Unfortunately, the one in this story is married but he is still quick to pick up on the fact that Betsy is really good with details and solving mysteries.

This entry in the series does not disappoint, and I can't wait to go look for a crossstitch pattern mentioned in the story.

Armchair Interviews says: If you love these needlework mysteries-and Betsy and the gang from her shop Crewel World, then add this 4-Star read to your collection!

I've read all the books in this series & have enjoyed all of them until now. I liked this book the least of all in the series. Betsy gets hurt right at the beginning of the book & the rest of the book is devoted to Betsy coaching Godwin on how to be an amateur detective. It was alright enough to finish reading and the end of the book was actually enjoyable and the mystery within was good - but the whole center about coaching Goddy the basics of sleuthing skills was nerve racking for me.

If you enjoy any kind of needlework along with a good mystery and a great cast of characters, this is the book for you.

I purchased the book because it's by another Minnesota native, and I too am interested in a variety of handwork crafts. That said, I have to admit that I'm in agreement with those who found it a little disappointing. It is the first of the series that I've read, and since others have indicated that they enjoyed the other books more than this one, I will try again.

In my case I found that the central character's confinement to her apartment because of an accident somewhat claustrophobic and limiting. Having to learn everything about the murder and its venue second hand was not very satisfying or illustrative, even given the stream-of-conscious narration from the main suspect. I felt a little blind. I realize that the Nero Wolfe series employs this tactic to show the genius and eccentricity of its central character, but the active agent, Archie Goodwin, is such a colorful and informative one that there is less of a feeling of limitation imposed (see Seven Complete Nero Wolfe Novels.) The character of Goddy, while charming and interesting, lacked the witty personality and acute observation of Archie.

I'll try another and see.

This is another winner in a winning series. Light reading that keeps me interested until the last page. I have every book in the series and will buy any more that come along.

This mystery gives us an interesting twist as it puts Godwin at center stage since Betsy is out with a broken leg. It gives the author the ability to really develop his character in this installation. I would say that there wasn't enough store time (half the fun of a cozy mystery to me), but this really was a fun new addition to the series. The mystery definitely keeps you hopping and is a great addition to a stellar series.

Any person who crochets, knits, quilts, etc. will enjoy the fiction books by Monica Ferris. The readers feels as if they walked into their local craft store and watched a mystery unfold. GREAT, REFRESHING, LIGHT READING.

I am a member of the Embroiderers' Guild of America and found many inaccuracies in Ferris's use of the organization as a plot device. Only one vendor at a major gathering of the EGA? Never! Even with Betsy's large inventory of various needlework supplies and patterns. The introduction of the crow seemed very strange, but before long I knew exactly how it was going to figure in the ending. This book could have used some strengthening in both plot and facts. Sorry I couldn't like it more.

Monica Ferris' books are a delight! The characters are real and absolutely adorable and the mysteries keep me turning the pages. The setting is great (now I want to go to Minnesota!) and even though I know nothing about needlework I love that the "backdrop" is a needlework shop!

I like to read something light and entertaining at night and this book is just that. Pleasant, easy reading.