A Stitch in Time (Needlecraft Mystery) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "John Rettger regarded the bustle and noise in his church hall with pleasure, hope, and concern..." (more)
Key Phrases: counted cross stitch, brake line, Father John, Crewel World, Father Keane (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

When a damaged tapestry is discovered in a small-town church closet, needleworkers join to stitch together the clues which lead to a crafty crime.

"Entertaining...Fans of Jessica Fletcher will devour this book."-Rendezvous

3rd Needlecraft Mystery-includes a free cross-stitch pattern!

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Berkley (July 10, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425175111
• ISBN-13: 978-0425175118
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #171,891 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A delightful needlecraft cozy, July 10, 2000

By	Mystery Maven (Tucson, AZ USA) - See all my reviews

A STITCH IN TIME is the 3rd book in this needlecraft series by Monica Ferris. Betsy, the protagonist, is a novice at needlecrafts, but she is aided by a number of knowledgeable and quirky crafters in running her shop, Crewel World. When a tapestry is found hidden in the local church, Betsy donates the materials necessary to repair it. It soon becomes obvious that someone didn't want the tapestry found, and Betsy is nearly killed several times in order to maintain the secret of the tapestry. The killer's identity was obvious to me halfway through the book, but I very much enjoyed the book anyway. I think most cozy lovers will find this series delightful.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a comfortable and cozy book!, August 19, 2001

By	kellytwo "kellytwo" (cleveland hts, ohio) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Having enjoyed the first in this series, I somehow missed the second. I won't miss any more, that's for sure. This third book is as comfy and cozy to wrap yourself up in, as a much-loved, hand-knitted sweater or afghan. Betsy Devonshire is a marvelous character, one that you can easily believe in, and wish to have as a friend; furthermore, she's a perfect match for Excelsior, Minnesota.

Betsy had returned to the cold midwest from San Diego for a much-needed respite from her immediate past while renewing the relationship with her sister, Margo. Unfortunately, Margo was the victim in book one, but she left her business "Crewel World" to Betsy, who, in spite of knowing little about the world of needlework, endeavored to settle into it.

Learning how to run a business, as well as learning about needlework exposes her to all sort of people and situations, while allowing her to use her not inconsiderable curiosity to help the small-town police department solve persistent puzzles.

In this episode, it's very near to Christmas, and while Trinity Episcopal Church prepares for the holiday season, it is also preparing for a major renovation. To the surprise of all, a mildewed, hand-worked tapestry is discovered hidden away in a closet. When it's discovered to be the work of the previous rector's wife, all concerned decide to restore the piece as a decoration for the new addition.

Immediately, strange things begin to happen to Betsy, who has agreed to furnish any yarn necessary for the renovation of the tapestry. One of the strangest, while totally unconnected, is a visit from her former husband, Hal the Pig, who seems to sincerely want to mend his fences and re-establish the relationship with Betsy. Not surprisingly, she is of the totally opposite opinion.

With the help of Jill, the policewoman, the mysteries--old and new--are all eventually resolved. Hal is sent on his way, and we're left with a warm feeling towards the inhabitants of Crewel World and Excelsior, Minnesota, in spite of all that fluffy white stuff all over the ground. My only niggle is: where are the recipes for all those great sounding hot dishes?

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun read, highly recommended, July 23, 2000

By	Joan Marie Verba "joanmarie1701" (Minnetonka, MN USA) - See all my reviews

There's never a dull moment in Betsy Devonshire's life, and her experience in this volume, A Stitch in Time, is no exception. Her car stalls in a blizzard and she nearly freezes to death, then....well, that's for the rest of the story. And with all the rest of it, she's dealing with the unexpected and unwelcome return of her ex-husband, trying to keep her store in business, and unraveling the symbolic significance of a tapestry. The characters are wonderful, the story is absorbing, and the novel is just plain fun. Highly recommended.