Customer Reviews

String of Lies (Wheeler Cozy Mystery)

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

 

 

I thought the first book in this series, Wreath of Deception, was very good, but String of Lies is even better! I really enjoyed revisiting the familiar town and characters. There's been some change and a few new characters, and I thought the story was very absorbing. Plus, I didn't know anything about beading, but after reading String of Lies I think I'd like to try it. The mystery had plenty of surprises and a really good ending. I recommend it.

Jo McAllister, owner of Jo's Craft Corner, discovers that Parker Holt has been buying up some of the neighboring buildings and putting her friends' businesses out of business. Fearing for the future of her new business, she tries to contact her landlord Max. Not being able to reach him, she decides to talk to Parker himself. Easier said than done. So she finds out from Dan, her friend Carries' husband, when Parker will be home and heads over to confront him in person. Unfortunately he is dead. Someone set up an electrical trap, and the police are pointing the finger at Dan's construction crew, especially Xavier. Xavier's wife, Sylvia, had worked for Parker Holt. Parker had made unsavory advances, and Xavier was not happy.

Jo and her friends set out to help clear Xavier before his first child is born. Plus Dan's business is suffering from the bad press. But can they pin down the killer's identity without the killer targeting them?

I really enjoy this series. Jo and Carrie, Dan's wife and Jo's friend, are such great characters. The author has done such a great job of creating a small town you would want to go visit and especially a crafting store many women would like to frequent. The various customers really add to the story and provide a lot of great sub-stories in each book.

There are a crafting tip and directions at the back of the book as well. I highly recommend this book and series. It's always a great, quick reading cozy.

In general, I enjoyed this book, though I did find myself annoyed at times with the main character. If you are looking for a book that is destined to be a classic, this is not the one for you. If you want a quick, light read, pick this one up.

I must disagree with the previous reviewer. This book is a definite keeper. The story takes off on page one and doesn't let up. Just about every character has a strong motive for murder, so the resolution had me stumped right until the end. I loved the author's more indepth characterizations of Ina Mae and Loralee, and her introduction of Vernon was a delightful surprise. This story was even more intriguing than WREATH OF DECEPTION. This series is getting better and better and I'm anxious to see what crafty plot twists the author will weave into the next book. Highly recommended.

I enjoyed this book very much. It was written in a style that I wanted to read every single word and read it slowly. It was a " who done it" that I couldn't figure out till the very, very end. No typo errors in this book. That was refreshing, since so many books are not that way any more. I also didn't know anything about the craft of beading and enjoyed the detailed way the craft was explained throughout the story. The personalities of each character added to making a all around good mystery book. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

The second in the series, "String of Lies" by Mary Ellen Hughes, keeps the energy flowing as Jo McAllister, owner of Jo's Craft Corner, attempts to clear her friend of murder. Lively characters, a charming setting and a good story, keep one turning pages to the end. Highly recommended.

This is book number two in the Craft Corner mystery series featuring female-sleuth and craft store owner Jo McAllister.

We find Jo wondering about the fate of her store as she hears that wealthy businessman Parker Holt is buying up local real estate, including several stores on the street where Jo's Craft Corner is located. Jo tries to reach him by phone, but he has a very protective secretary and she never hears back from him.

Since Jo's best friend's husband, Dan is working on a home improvement project for Mr. Holt, she decides to pay Mr. Holt a visit and asks Dan for the address. When Jo arrives she sees a car in the driveway but nobody answers the doorbell. She notices a side door is ajar. When she steps inside, she sees that Mr. Holt has fallen down the stairs and appears to be dead.

The police arrive and rule Mr. Holt's death a homicide based on the evidence they find at the scene. Unfortunately suspicion is thrown upon Dan and his employee, Xavier. Jo knows this can't be true so she sets out to find the truth.

I thought this was a good read as the book really held my interest.

I always enjoy a cozy mystery and this book is right up there. I enjoyed finding a new author and look forward to more of her books.

This was a great read as are all the books written by Mary Ellen Hughes. Can't wait to read more.

I don't usually post reviews but I was amazed at how highly this book was ranked. There are things this author does well, and things she doesn't. I do like some of her characters, particularly Carrie and Charlie. This isn't going to be a keeper for me, although I believe it was better than the first in the series.