Knot What You Think

Mary Marks

Jul 2017 · A Quilting Mystery Book 5 · Kensington Cozies

About this ebook

“A joyous romp with a special appeal to quilters and devotees of delicatessens” from the author of Something’s Knot Kosher (Kirkus Reviews).
 
The newest member of Martha’s close-knit quilting circle has an eye for couture. But when the designer’s fingerprints are found blanketing a crime scene, Martha must prove that he didn’t have a hand in homicide . . .
 
Martha Rose is alarmed by the discovery of Dolleen Doyle’s dead body, especially when evidence suggests a fellow quilter committed the crime. Set on clearing her pal, Martha searches for answers—but with ties to a convicted fraudster’s stolen millions and a secret office room, the victim’s past raises even more questions. As Martha inches towards the culprit, she learns that wrapping the case up—and living to baste another square—will be trickier than she ever imagined . . .
 
Praise for the Quilting Mysteries
 
“What’s knot to love? Mary Marks has crafted another winner stitched together with humor and heart—Martha Rose is one gutsy lady.” —Rochelle Staab, national bestselling author of the Mind for Murder Mysteries
 
“Mary Marks had me on pins and needles and wanting to wrap myself up in a warm quilt while reading her cozy debut!” —Lee Hollis, author of the Hayley Powell Food & Cocktails Mysteries
 
“A pleasurable and satisfying addition to any quilting mystery fan’s reading list. Recommend to those who cannot get enough of Terri Thayer, Elizabeth Craig, or Earlene Fowler.” —Library Journal

Ratings and reviews

Knot What You Think by Mary Marks is the fifth installment in A Quilting Mystery series. Martha Rose and her friends are settling in to spend the day quilting when Jazz Fletcher arrives. He was trying to deliver some completed doggie outfits and accessories to Dolleen Doyle. They had arranged to meet the previous evening, but Dolleen was a no show. Jazz, though, could hear her dog, Patti barking inside. Dollen was never without her beloved pooch. Jazz stopped by again this morning, and, again, there was no answer (just barking). Martha has a bad feeling, so the group heads to Dolleen’s house in nearby Tarzana. They peek in Dolleen’s windows and discover her laying in a pool of blood on her kitchen floor. The quickly enter the house through the unlocked back door, but they are too late to save Dolleen. Martha calls Detective Arlo Beavers (her ex-boyfriend), a LAPD homicide detective, who rushes over. After the evidence is processed, Jazz ends up the prime suspect. Martha puts on her investigator cap and delves into Dolleen’s life. It turns out that Dolleen was keeping secrets, and they are the key to finding her killer. Follow Martha Rose and her friends on their quest to capture a murderer in Knot What You Think. Knot What You Think is nicely written and it has a good pace. I appreciate that Mary Marks included a character (Martha Rose that has fibromyalgia. Many people do not understand what sufferers of fibromyalgia experience (it is a misunderstood disease). The character of Martha Rose is well-developed. I am, though, tired of her indecision regarding her romantic life. There is a love triangle (insert groan here) between Martha Rose, Yossi “Crusher” Levy and Arlo Beavers (I am Team Arlo). I believe the situation will be resolved in the next book in the series (keep your fingers crossed). The romance takes up too much of the story. I prefer romantic entanglements to be in the background and not dominate a novel. I did, though, enjoy Birdie’s wedding at the end of the story. Birdie deserves her happy ending. My rating for Knot What You Think 3 out of 5 stars. The mystery is slightly complex and gets more interesting in the second half of the book. The suspect pool is small, and I thought one individual (the killer) stood out. I did like the quilt descriptions provided in the story especially the one on charm quilts. I found the information about the Jewish faith and their traditions (Passover was celebrated in the story) to be very informative. I wish there had been less repetition of certain details (the “do rag” Yossi wears on his head and why, Yossi’s job, why Martha Rose has trust issues, details about Jazz Fletcher’s relationship with Russell Watson, the type of car Jazz drives are a few examples). Knot What You Think can be a read without having enjoyed the previous four novels in the series (all that you need to know is included). At the end of Knot What You Think, readers are left with a cliffhanger. Who is behind Martha Rose at Birdie’s wedding?

I enjoyed the book....I like the humor every now and then from Martha....can't wait for the next book....I do hope Yossi is the man for Martha...

Enjoyed this series. Keeps you guessing till the end ! Interesting characters, fun cozy mystery.

About the author

Born and raised in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, Mary Marks earned a B.A. in Anthropology from UCLA and an M.A. in Public Administration from the American Jewish University in Los Angeles. In 2004 she enrolled in the UCLA Extension Writers Program. Her first novel, Forget Me Knot, was a finalist in a national writing competition in 2011. She is currently a reviewer of cozy mysteries for The New York Journal of Books at www.nyjournalofbooks.com. Readers can visit her at www.marymarksmysteries.com and www.facebook.com/mmarks2013.