Better Off Thread (An Embroidery Mystery #10) by Amanda Lee

I love a holiday themed themed book this time of year, especially when it is part a series I already adore. Better Off Thread (An Embroidery Mystery #10) by Amanda Lee, is the newest part in a charming series that I always enjoying visiting.

From the back of the book:

Santa finds himself in a stitch of trouble in the tenth in the series from the national bestselling author of The Stitching Hour...

Marcy is busy helping her customers make hand-crafted ornaments at her embroidery shop, the Seven-Year Stitch. But despite the yuletide bustle, when her friend Captain Moe asks for her help, she can’t refuse—especially when the favor is to play the elf to his Santa for sick children at a local hospital. Despite the ridiculous outfit, Marcy finds herself enjoying spreading cheer—until the hospital’s administrator is found murdered.

Although the deceased had plenty of people willing to fill her stocking with coal, evidence pins the crime on Moe. Now it’s up to Marcy, with the help of her police officer boyfriend Ted and her Irish Wolfhound Angus, to stitch together the clues to clear Moe’s name—before someone else winds up crossed off Santa’s list for good.

My thoughts:

You may recall I started this series at part eight and fell instantly in love with the characters and storytelling. I have caught up now with back parts, though if you want to start here that would work, as each part holds it's own full mystery with a start and finish. Now that I have been back and watched all of the characters grow and evolve I love them even more. Marcy is awesome and seeing her playing an elf in this part made me giggle.

You know I am a crafter, so the broader theme and setting is a plus, and I loved hearing about the projects her and her customers were working on. I did figure out the mystery, there were a lot of reasonable suspects and it was very well written and paced. Even the odd characters, and suspects were written with humor and added a lot to the story. This made a great weekend read.

Take some time to browse the other great mysteries available from Berkley Prime Crime. While you are there, you can sign up for the newsletter so you never miss a new release. I must warn you though, after browsing my wish list is longer than I could probably read. You can also connect with them on Twitter where you can happen across a fun giveaway as well. 

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.