Showing posts with label Wednesday Elf. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wednesday Elf. Show all posts

Saturday, April 23, 2022

Review of Harrison Investigations

 Book Series by Heather Graham


Image of a dark forest at night


“Harrison Investigations specializes in the bizarre ~ the unexplained ~ the things that go bump in the night.:

There are those who walk among us who are no longer alive, but not yet crossed over.  They stay to seek retribution or to help or watch over and protect those they love.

Among the living, few sense their presence ~ but some can!


The Harrison Investigations Series


Adam Harrison began Harrison Investigations after his son, Josh, died. Adam started putting together a team of people to look into cases with a paranormal angle because, although he didn't have the ability, Josh did, and Adam is able to recognizes it in others who can see and talk to ghosts. 


Harrison Investigation Series book covers
Available on Amazon

Throughout this series of ten books, we meet many people, all trained as Private Investigators, who are able to see what exists in a slightly different dimension.


This series fits into several genres – mystery & thriller, suspense, fantasy, paranormal, Historical Romance and romantic suspense. Each story takes place in a different place and, quite often, we are given a history lesson from earlier times. You learn a bit about the history of the place going back to Civil War times and other events that occurred in the 1700s and 1800s. The current story is taking place in modern times, but the ghost(s) will be from the past. The ghost has stayed around to help or have a wrong righted.


Books in the Series 


Haunted - book cover
Haunted - Book 1


The series begins with Haunted, which takes place in an historic Virginia estate that dates back to the Revolutionary War. Suspecting that the house is haunted, owner Matt Stone finally allows Harrison Investigations in the form of paranormal investigator Darcy Tremayne to try and discover the truth about some strange happenings at the house.


Book #3 (Ghost Walk) finds us in New Orleans where Nikki DuMonde manages a successful haunted-tour company. Nikki doesn't scare easily until she wakes up at 4 a.m. to see her newest employee standing at the end of her bed begging for help. The next day she discovers that the employee had been killed. Nikki doesn't believe in ghosts, and no one believes her until Brent Blackhawk, a paranormal investigator able to communicate with the dead, arrives to help. 


Unhallowed Ground (Harrison Investigations Book #7) takes place in Florida where Sarah McKinley has bought an historic mansion that she has always loved.  While the house is being renovated, remains of dozens of bodies – some dating back over a century – are discovered in a wall.


Meanwhile Caleb Anderson, a P.I. With Harrison Investigations, is in town investigating several missing-person cases. He soon comes to believe that his cases are linked to Sarah's house and its dark past. Sarah and Caleb are compelled to research the history of the house to discover the truth.


For all ten books in the Harrison Investigation series, click here.


Summary


Harrison Investigation Series Volume 2

The characters in each book are always interesting and the ghosts are delightful.  There is usually a romantic interest between the main male & female characters, of course. And the historic background of each area and place is fascinating.


An interesting fact is that the Harrison Investigation Series pre-dates the Krewe of Hunters series reviewed earlier here on ReviewThisReviews. From being private investigators for Adam Harrison, the group's crime solve-rate is so good that eventually the FBI becomes interested and the Krewe of Hunters become a group of unusual FBI agents who are called upon when something complex (and usually paranormal) is going on.


I have now read my way through both series and really enjoyed them. Therefore, I recommend them to anyone interested in this type of genre. Classic paranormal romantic suspense by Heather Graham.



*Harrison Investigations Book Series reviewed by Wednesday Elf






Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Adorable Amigurumi – Craft Book Review

 A crochet pattern book for Cute and Quirky Crocheted Critters



Adorable Amigurumi Book Cover

Adorable Amigurumi Craft Pattern Book


Serious cuteness in Japanese Amigurumi crochet – the yarn-filled world of “small, crocheted stuffed toys”. This book contains patterns for new characters that are adorable and cuddly.  


Marcel the Monkey, a pattern in the book Adorable Amigurumi
Marcel the Monkey
Craft a Koala Bear or a not-so-fearsome Yeti. Try out a darling dragon or a Dachshund Dog.  Pick a zoo or jungle animal with these patterns for a cute giraffe, a lovable lion or Marcel the Monkey.


Then there are funny characters to crochet, such as a Dust Bunny or Sy Clops.



Dragonfly, a crochet pattern
Dragonfly


A Dragonfly, a Butterfly and a Bug-eyed Ladybug will flit around your child's toy room. 


For fans of sea creatures, Adorable Amigurumi has patterns for Tubs the Whale, Olive Octopus and Cal I.Mari. 


Toucan, a crochet pattern
Toucan


Don't forget Bella la Batty – a fun toy bat, or a colorful Toucan bird.




Author of Adorable Amigurumi


Erin Clark, a crochet crafter since age six, calls herself Voodoo Maggie online. She admits that her crochet crafting at such a young age first only consisted of the chain stitch. In fact, she once chained a whole skein of yarn! (Fellow crochet crafters will understand what this would look like – LOL). 


Eventually she mastered scarves and afghans. These turned out fine for gifts, but soon it became boring to crochet only flat things.  After looking around for something more challenging, Erin discovered the magical world of Amigurumi. The reason she gives for loving Amigurumi so much is because, to her, it's like 'sculpting' with yarn.


After mastering this craft, Erin began to create her own patterns in the style of Amigurumi crochet.  The end result is Adorable Amigurumi ~ filled with patterns of delightful and unique crocheted critters from the imagination of Voodoo Maggie.


Summary


Adorable Amigurumi Crochet Craft Book cover

Adorable Amigurumi Craft Book crochet contains patterns for 18 animals done in the Amigurumi style of crochet. The instructions in the book will walk you through step-by-step directions to make your own creations of these delightfully playful Japanese amigurumi animals. The book is also full of over 300 colorful photos to help guide you.


So, get out your favorite yarns and crochet hooks and pick a pattern to begin your collection of these cute toybox toy stuffies.



*Adorable Amigurumi Crochet Pattern Book reviewed by Wednesday Elf






Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, April 9, 2022

National Unicorn Day – A Holiday Review

 April 9th is National Unicorn Day!


Unicorn standing against a night sky image
On April 9 we celebrate a popular mythical creature loved by children (and many adults, even if they don't admit it).  Why?  Because it's a beautiful creature, and because it is a symbol of happiness, fantasy and wonder.


This icon of color is magical and often makes its appearance on birthday cakes and children's clothing, in books and music and even as plush animals.


Unicorns are horse-like and pictured as white with a single horn. The Rainbow Unicorn is white with a rainbow-colored mane and tail. 


The origin of National Unicorn Day is unknown, but it is enchanting to celebrate these majestic creatures and remember how much more fun life can be when we let a little magic in sometimes.


A Collection of Unicorns


Coloring Book


Unicorn coloring book cover
Unicorns and Rainbows

What could be a more perfect example of the colorful critter called a Unicorn than this coloring book filled with 50 designs for kids ages 4-8.  If you  have a child who loves unicorns, stars and rainbows, this Unicorn Coloring Book is a fun treat.


Unicorn Pajamas


Pajama sleep set with unicorn design
Unicorn Pajamas - a Sweet Sleep Set

Little girls would enjoy taking a unicorn to bed by wearing this sweet sleep set with unicorns prancing all over. This two-piece pajama set will send your little one off to dreamland in style. Available on Amazon.


Plush Toy Unicorn


Crocheted plush unicorn
Crochet Unicorn on Etsy

For a baby shower or a new baby gift, this hand-crocheted plush unicorn makes a lovely gift.  A fairy-tale unicorn is excellent décor for the nursery. Soft and cuddly for baby's first toy.  This magical fluffy plush white unicorn has a rainbow mane and tail in pretty pastels, perfect for a baby. 


Plush unicorn is handmade in crochet by Elena and can be found in her Etsy Shop MagicToysBY.


Summary


Image of a colorful unicorn

So gather together a few unicorns, or unicorn lovers, and celebrate National Unicorn Day on April 9.


For more Holiday Reviews on ReviewThisReviews

click on Holidays


*National Unicorn Day Review written by Wednesday Elf





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Tuesday, March 29, 2022

National Crayon Day Review

March 31st is National Crayon Day – a day to celebrate the creation of crayons and the joy of coloring.


Image of a group of crayons

Children love to color and a box of crayons and a coloring book will give them hours of fun. Today, even adults enjoy this childhood activity; albeit with intricate designs created just for them as an artistic challenge of expression.


The Origin of Crayons


Box of crayons
Image Source: Pixabay

Crayons date back to the 17th century, although those were not made of wax and were not as durable as today's wax crayons. Colored wax crayons for children were invented by  Binney & Smith in 1903. They are a company which produces paint, pigments and slate pencils for schools. They also produce a dustless chalk, originally invented at the request of teachers. The wax and chalk-based crayons are also popular with artists.


Crayon Trivia


  • Did you know that the smell of crayons is the most recognizable scent of all?
  • There are 120 Crayola Colors
  • The most popular crayon color is BLUE
  • Crayola has made over 237 billions crayons over the years.


Crayola Crayons


Crayola Crayons
Image Source: Pixabay

The first box of Crayola crayons was sold as an eight-pack with colors; black, brown, blue, red, violet, orange, yellow, and green. We still have this first box of colorful creations today with the same original colors, just with a more modernized look. Boxes of crayons come in many sizes from 8-count to 120. There are also various varieties of crayons, including washable and erasable.

Check out Crayola.com for the names of all 120 colors available today. 


Summary


To celebrate this colorful day, get out some crayons and a coloring book and get to work. Coloring is a kid-favorite activity. And, if you are an adult, it will surely bring back fond memories and make you feel like a kid again. 


National Crayon Day
March 31


An image of crayons
Image Source: Pixabay


Links to Coloring Article Reviews:




*National Crayon Day Review written by Wednesday Elf






Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, March 26, 2022

One Step Too Far – Book Review

 Book 2 in the new Frankie Elkin mystery series by Lisa Gardner. 


One Step Too Far book cover


Last June I reviewed Book 1 (Before She Disappeared) in the Frankie Elkin series. At last, Book 2 has arrived ~ One Step Too Far


Frankie Elkin is a recovering alcoholic who travels the country searching for missing people. She does this for no money or recognition. Her reason is known only to her, but she feels compelled to search for those whom the police have given up on due to too many other cases that CAN be solved, and when the public no longer remembers and the media has never bothered to care. 


Synopsis of One Step Too Far


Wyoming Wilderness image
Wyoming Wilderness -Image Source: Pixabay

A young man goes missing in the wilderness of Wyoming. He and his 3 best friends had gone on a camping trip in the mountains for his bachelor party prior to getting married. The trip was Timothy O'Day's choice of a pre-wedding time with his friends. Tim was a very experienced camper who knew the woods and surrounding wilderness well. 

A set of circumstances caused Tim to leave the campsite and somehow disappear completely. He left behind his guilt-ridden groomsmen, two heartbroken parents, and a pile of clues that don't make any sense. Numerous searches were conducted, yet no trace of him was ever found.

Five years later, Tim's father is organizing one last search in an attempt to find what surely has to be nothing but bones now. But it's time for closure. The rescue team is made up of eight people, including the 3 best friends from that fateful night, a trained woodsman friend of the father, an experienced guide and a woman with her search & rescue trained dog.

Frankie Elkin doesn't know the woods, but she knows how to find people. She joins the rescue team, despite their reluctance. As they hike into the mountains, it becomes apparent that something dangerous is at work in the woods. Someone seems to be trying to stop their search. Time is running out and Frankie and the search party soon discover that evil waits for those who go one step too far..... 


Summary 


Book cover of Lisa Gardner's One Step Too Far novel
Amazon gives mixed reviews of this book. Some readers love it, some hate it. I liked it. I liked the character in the first book in the series and was interested in seeing what happens with Frankie in Book 2. I am also a fan of author Lisa Gardner and her 23 other suspense novels. I enjoy her style of writing. I particularly like the fact that she ends the story, then does another chapter of an Epilogue, filling you in on all the things that happen after a situation is resolved. Many books leave you to wonder. Lisa answers the questions you may have been left with. 

So, if you are a Lisa Gardner fan and like suspense stories with a continuing character, I recommend One Step Too Far. I would suggest you begin with Book 1 – Before She Disappeared – as the author makes a few references to things that happened to Frankie on her first missing person's case in Boston. 


Related Links of Lisa Gardner Book Reviews:




*Book Review of One Step Too Far written by Wednesday Elf




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Giant Panda Bear Day – A Holiday Review


Image of a Giant Panda Bear

China is on my mind with having recently watched and enjoyed the 2022 Winter Olympics. And I just discovered that the holiday Giant Panda Bear Day occurs every year on March 16. So it seems an appropriate time to review the Panda Bear, since it is only found in China. 

Giant Panda Bear 


The Giant Panda lives in the mountains of central China. It is estimated that there are about 2,000 pandas today, the population being a bit on the rise so that they are classified now as 'vulnerable', rather than 'endangered'. Only about 49 Panda Bears live outside the country in zoos; with the rest living wild. Two of these zoo panda bears (Ya Ya and Le Le) live at the Memphis, TN Zoo which my colleague, Sylvestermouse, here at Review This Reviews has visited many times. 


Giant Panda Bears at the Memphis Zoo. Photo by Sylvestermouse

These beautiful panda photos are by Sylvestermouse and her wonderful description of the Giant Panda Bear can be found at her animal site Amazing Wild Animals, along with more adorable panda photos. You can also visit the Memphis Zoo virtually at The Memphis Zoo Review by Sylvestermouse. As you can see, she is a big fan of all animals, especially the Giant Panda Bear. 

Panda Bears in Plush


Giant plush panda bear handmade in crochet
Giant Panda Bear on Etsy


Panda Bears are easy to recognize with their bold black & white coat and rotund body. This is a plump, plush panda bear handmade in the Amigurumi style of crochet. He 
measures a plump 11 inches high and 7 inches wide, and is a huggable handful of softness.

Panda bears can weight up to 250 lbs. and can grow as tall as 4 to 6 feet, so this smaller stuffed toy panda is a much better playmate for a child. 

My plush Giant Panda Bear can be found in my Etsy Shop Coastal Crochet Crafts

FUN FACT: The Giant Panda Bear goes by the names Giant Panda, Panda and Panda Bear. The scientific name for the panda has an odd meaning. The name  Ailuropoda melanoleuca means black and white cat food! I guess it doesn't translate well. :) There is also a Red Panda Bear, but that's another story! 

Summary 


Giant Panda Bear
Image Source: Pixabay

The Giant Panda Bear is one of the cutest and most loved animals on the planet. So, on March 16, be sure and celebrate this lovable bear. 

Giant Panda Bear Day

March 16 


Related Post:


*Giant Panda Bear Day Holiday Review written by Wednesday Elf 







Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Book Review of Autopsy by Patricia Cornwell

Autopsy by Patricia Cornwell book cover

I have been a fan of author Patricia Cornwell for many years. I am particularly fond of her Kay Scarpetta series. The main character, Kay, is a medical examiner/forensic pathologist primarily based in Virginia where the majority of these crime novels take place. 

I am a mystery/crime novel fan. I became interested in Cornwell's Scarpetta Novels when the series began in 1990 because at the time I was working for a Medical Examiner. I have followed character Kay Scarpetta, medical examiner, through all 25 books in the series. Book #25 grabbed my attention immediately. Not only was it the latest in the Scarpetta Novel Series, but the title AUTOPSY really appealed to me. You see, I used to type my medical examiner boss's Autopsy Reports! This may not appeal to everyone, but I loved my job and was fascinated with both the pathology and the back-story to each case my boss, County Medical Examiner Dr. D., was involved in. Even the scene investigations were interesting. 

*Writer's Note: My M.E. boss even met Author Patricia Cornwell at a medical examiner's convention around the early days of her writing career. 

Synopsis of Autopsy by Patricia Cornwell 



Autopsy book cover
Two widely different and chilling murders occupy forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta as she returns to Virginia to become the Chief Medical Examiner for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Kay and her husband, Benton Wesley, former FBI Profiler and now a forensic psychologist with the U.S. Secret Service, have relocated to Old Town, Alexandria which puts them close to both to the headquarters of the Chief Medical Examiner's Office and to the Pentagon in Washington DC. where Benton works. It is a different post-pandemic world filled with much unrest.


Crime scene tape - do not cross
Image Source: Pixabay

The first case involves a woman's body found shockingly displayed near railroad tracks in a U.S. Park. Eventual identification of the victim brings the trail unnervingly close to Kay's own historic neighborhood. Helping her with the investigation are Pete Marino, former homicide detective who has assisted her on cases for many years, and Lucy, her niece, who is FBI-trained and a whiz on computers.

As the investigation continues, they discover that another young woman was killed in a near-duplicate fashion and found in a similar location. Kay determines that the cases most-likely are connected, even though the first case was signed out as an accidental drowning. 

spaceship in space
Image Source: Pixabay

At the same time, a catastrophe occurs in a top secret laboratory in space, endangering at least two scientists aboard. Kay and her husband Benton are called to the White House for a meeting of the classified Doomsday Commission they work with which specializes in sensitive national security cases. As they work remotely with the first potential crime scene in space, an apparent serial killer strikes again very close to home. 

Summary 


Autopsy will keep you on the edge of your seat with the shocking twists and deep tension as these cases reach a conclusion. The forensic details are fascinating to those of us readers who enjoy this type of crime story. 

Of Additional Interest... Comet Pictures & Blumhouse have secured the rights to The Scarpetta Series. The books will be adapted to an hour-long TV drama series. The main character, Kay Scarpetta, will be played by Jamie Lee Curtis. Being so familiar with all the Kay Scarpetta stories, I cannot think of a better actress to play the part of the main character. It's perfect, and I look forward to the TV series as much as I look forward to each book in the Scarpetta Novel series. 

For more Book Reviews on Review This!

check out ReviewThisBooks.com



*Review of the book Autopsy written by Wednesday Elf 



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Holidays Celebrating Peanut Butter

Reviewing Peanut Butter Holidays


Image of peanuts and peanut butter
Source: Pixabay

People submit dates on several holiday sites to celebrate something they love or are passionate about. It may be a food, an animal, an event or to give recognition to a cause. Thus, over time, we have ended up with literally hundreds of these fun, interesting, sometimes wacky or weird, holidays to enjoy.


Peanut Butter, a solid staple in most kitchen cupboards, has seemingly produced several holidays. People must really love Peanut Butter!


Let's talk a bit about peanut butter and review these peanut butter celebrations.


What is Peanut Butter?


Image of jars of peanut butter and jelly
Source: Pixabay

Peanut butter is a spread made from ground up dry-roasted peanuts, with a bit of salt and sweeteners added. It was invented by
Marcellus Gilmore Edson in 1848. Today it is a spread used on crackers, bread, toast or celery, and as a tasty ingredient in desserts and other dishes. The most popular sandwich, especially in children's school lunches, is a PB&J.


Peanut Butter Dates to Celebrate


The whole month of November every year has been designated National Peanut Butter Lover’s Month.


  • January 24th is National Peanut Butter Day
  • March 1st is National Peanut Butter Lover's Day
  • April 2nd has been set aside to celebrate National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day.
  • May 18th – I Love Reese’s Day – a day to celebrate those sweet peanut butter candies loved by many.
  • June 12th is a day to bake some peanut butter cookies to celebrate Peanut Butter Cookie Day.
  • November 20th is another 'tasty' day for those with a sweet tooth as we celebrate National Peanut Butter Fudge Day.


Peanut Butter Reviews


Our behind-the-scenes writers love Peanut Butter as seen by the fun and fascinating reviews and recipes written on this blog by several of our ReviewThis! Contributors.


Coconut Peanut Butter No Bake Bliss BallsPeanut Butter Bliss Balls
Dawn Rae gives us her recipe for Easy No-Bake Bliss Balls with delicious coconut and peanut butter in the ingredients.


Peanut Butter M&MsPeanut Butter M&Ms
Dawn Rae reviews the many flavors of M&Ms, including one with peanut butter.


Peanut Butter Magic Spoon CerealMagic Spoon Cereal
For Keto diet followers, Brite-Ideas reviews Magic Spoon Cereal. These cereals come in four flavors, one of which is peanut butter.


Reeses Peanut Butter Christmas TreesReeses Peanut Butter Christmas Trees
Reeses peanut butter cups have long been a favorite candy. Seasonally, Reeses brings out these peanut butter cups in holiday shapes. Wednesday Elf reviews the Peanut Butter Christmas Trees.


Peanut Butter Keto Cookie Dough SnackSnack Better With The Best Healthy Keto Cookie Dough Bites
Margaret Schindel reviews Bhu Keto Bites mini protein bars perfect for Keto snacks. They come in a variety of flavors, one of which is Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.


So, pick a day from this list of holidays to celebrate this wholesome food we call PEANUT BUTTER! 


Peanut Butter sandwich
Source: Pixabay


*Peanut Butter Holidays written and compiled by Wednesday Elf.





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, February 26, 2022

By Hook or By Crook – Book Review

 

 

A ball of yarn and a crochet hook
*Created with Pixabay & Fotojet

 

I love books and am a big fan of mysteries. I also love to crochet. So finding a mystery book that is a crochet mystery was a delight. And discovering that the author, Betty Hechtman, has written a whole series of these cozy mysteries starring a crochet group was even more fun.


Today's review is on By Hook or By Crook by Betty Hechtman.


Story Characters


The characters in this story are known as the Tarzana Hookers ~ that's hookers as in crochet!


They are a group of ladies (and even one man) who crochet and meet regularly in a small book store in Tarzana, California (thus the name). The crochet group's main focus is to crochet for charities. The group is headed by Molly Pink (main character), a widow with two grown sons who works as the event planner at this book store. Somehow, Molly keeps finding herself involved in mysteries she becomes determined to solve. And, of course, various members of the crochet group get involved.


Synopsis of By Hook or By Crook


'By Hook or By Crook' book cover
Available on Amazon

“Nobody noticed the bag at first”


The story begins as the group is packing up their table at a charity fund-raiser they had been involved in for a local state park. After the leftover crochet blankets, scarves and teddy bears from the sale had been put away, they noticed a plain brown grocery bag sitting on the end of the table. With nobody claiming the bag, naturally they had to look inside. 


The bag contained some curious items ~ an unfinished note that spoke of remorse, ending in Please....., a single-page diary entry written 20 years ago, and a piece of filet crochet with a group of complicated pictures that don't, at first, make any sense. The pictures on the panel of filet crochet include a building, a house, a couple of cats, what looks like a guy with a bow and arrow, and a vase of flowers.  What could it mean and who crocheted this piece?


As time goes on, Molly discovers that the aqua thread used in part of the filet crochet piece is a specialty thread and she tracks it down to the local yarn store which carries it. The shop owner keeps good records, so Molly is able to learn who bought this particular thread. When she goes to return the bag, she discovers that the crocheter it belonged to has been murdered.


Since the note in the bag began - "I did something a long time ago that I now regret and would like to make right.....” Molly decides she has to discover what that is and help make it right. She thinks the pictures in the crochet piece could be clues to solve this mystery and, with the help of fellow crocheters in her group, she sets out to learn what it is all about. Her discoveries take her to Catalina Island where things get very strange. Her life is also complicated by her parents suddenly deciding to visit and taking over her house, her two dogs, only one of which is hers, the bookstore demanding her attention, especially because a TV program is being scheduled to film an episode there, distractions caused by the lives of her crochet group members, and just life in general. 


Defining a Cozy Mystery


Loosely defined, a Cozy Mystery is a gentle subset of the genre of crime writing.  It's a comfort read that leaves you satisfied, rather than scared to sleep alone with the lights out....


These mysteries are enjoyable, most often starring a female amateur detective, and with the crime and detection taking place in a small community. They are a comfortable and quick read.


Author Betty Hechtman


Author Betty Hechtman
Betty Hechtman

Betty Hechtman has (to date) written 14 books in her 'crochet mystery' series. Betty loves mysteries, which began with reading Nancy Drew. She has also been doing handicrafts since she was a child. She states it was like a dream come true to be able to mix mystery and yarn craft in her books. 




Summary


By Hook or By Crook meets the requirements of a cozy mystery and the series of 'crochet mysteries' this book belongs to is particularly interesting to not only lovers of mysteries, but also anyone who enjoys crochet.

Although the series appears to be a continuing one with the same characters, I don't believe they need to be read in any particular order. I began with this book, which is #3 in the series, and had no trouble figuring out who everyone was and what roles they played in the story. I now look forward to reading the rest of the series and learning more about Molly and the other members of the Tarzana Hookers. They sound like a group I'd love to belong to. 

 

*By Hook or By Crook Book Review Written by Wednesday Elf





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


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