A Stitch in Time

This is my second book in the series, and I think I liked it better than the first that I read (Cutwork). This is definitely a women's mystery (or men who do needle crafts). Set around Christmas time in frozen Minnesota, the plot involves an incomplete and mildewed tapestry found in a church. The tapestry was clearly the work of the previous rector's wife -- she died of a heart attack and didn't finish it -- and he suffered a severe stroke and is in a nursing home. Betsy, who has inherited a needlecraft store in this cozy little Minnesota town (you can really picture it from the descriptions), is asked to contribute some wool to complete it. When she goes to inspect it, she notices some unusual details that intrigue her. Shortly afterwords, Betsy ends up stuck in a ditch -- is it an accident? If not, what's going on? I look forward to reading more in this series. This was a book that whenever I had to put it down and go to work, I looked forward to getting back to.

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?

Betsy Devonshire is certainly busy stitching and sleuthing. With each book in the series she is getting better at both, as is Ms. Ferris's writing. This was the best so far. The characters feel real and are getting to be my friends. I miss them when the book is over. Though from the South, I understood and enjoyed the hot dish and Lutheran references. Stitching, humor, and a good mystery--who could ask for anything more! I can hardly wait for the next book. One problem: reading makes me want to cross stitch and stitching makes me want to read. What's a girl to do?

This is so far the best book in the whole series! I really enjoyed the mystery, the nice balance of needlework and relationships. The voice is a lot more mature and a lot more enjoyable. It's a good cozy mystery. I saw a lot of growth in Betsy, and I'm really looking forward to the next novel. It gets better with each one! Bravo Monica!

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.