When a wealthy theater owner is killed by a falling art glass chandelier, glass beadmaker Jax O’Connell’s boyfriend, Detective Zachary Grant, quickly determines it was no accident. Jax and her friend Tessa try to carry on with a charity fashion gala at the theater, but with only a few days before the big event, they have to scramble to keep things from falling apart. The emcee quits, and to make … make matters worse, Tessa’s daughters are suspects in the murder. As the chaos unfolds, Jax discovers new suspects at every turn, including an edgy glass blower, an agoraphobic socialite, and a hunky former-cop-turned-actor. Can Jax piece together the clues to find the killer and uncover the dark secrets behind the victim’s family or will it be curtains for her?
Praise for To Bead or Not to Bead
“Janice Peacock brings down the house with her latest novel, To Bead or Not to Bead. Once again, the spotlight follows amateur sleuth Jax O’Connell as she tries to save the local community theater and solve a murder before the final curtain call. “Breaking a leg” is the least of her worries in this fun and intriguing story. The Bard would be proud!”
—D.J. Lutz, author of The Apple Pie Alibi, a Culinary Mystery
“Another bead-azzling mystery! Follow Jax and her friends as they uncover a dramatic murder that will leave you guessing until the very end.”
—J.J. Chow, author of the Winston Wong Cozy Mysteries
“With To Bead or Not to Bead, Janice Peacock has crafted another gem in her Glass Bead Mystery series, with humor, quirky characters and a twisty plot. A fun cozy read.”
—Vickie Fee, author of Liv and Di in Dixie mystery series
“Ms. Peacock continues to grow into the difficult role of writing a lasting and engaging cozy series. In her latest, To Bead or Not to Bead, we are drawn into the world of the theatre, where she highlights her gift of spinning an engrossing story.”
—Heather Haven, multi-award winning author
of the Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries
“A fun, fast-paced cozy with twists and turns galore! Jax O’Connell is a tenacious amateur sleuth with just the right amount of spunk. Her latest adventure is an action-packed mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.”
—Marla Cooper, author of the Kelsey McKenna Destination Wedding Mysteries
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I loved this cozy mystery! The story is a pageturner with constant action. I’m a huge fan of jewelry designing so I really enjoyed the way this plot was woven around so many necklace artists. Protagonist, Jax O’Connell, a glass bead designer, is volunteering for a fundraiser to be held at a local theater. Her best friend, Tessa, and her two daughters will also be participating. Everyone working at the theater is shocked when a one-of-a-kind glass chandelier hanging over center stage falls and crushes the theater owner, Mr. Greer. Jax’s boyfriend, Detective Zachary Grant deems it a homicide and soon entrusts Jax with a special undercover mission which almost gets her killed.
The author does a fabulous job of focusing readers’ attention on several viable suspects and multi-plot twists to steer you away from guessing the true criminals. This is a fun, entertaining story with an ending that not only wraps up all the motive, means, and opportunity of the killer, but also sets up a scenario for the fifth book in the series.
I reviewed a digital copy provided by the author. Thank you.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Jax and Tessa have volunteered to help with a charity event at a local theater. A fashion show/auction to benefit an organization that helps the homeless. They are stunned by the beautiful glass chandelier donated for the auction, now hanging in the theater. More stunning is learning that it fell on the theater owner and killed him. It was no accident either, Detective Zachary Grant has ruled the death a homicide and he has begged his girlfriend Jax to stay out of his investigation. When she learns that Tessa’s teenage daughters, models for the fashion show, are considered suspects there is no way she can sit idly by. Before long Jax has a “bead” on several more suspects, but her snooping may lead her right into the killer’s path.
The characters in this series are so much fun. They are always busy with something. Jax and Tessa have their hands full trying to keep the charity event on track. Val is manless at the moment but a new character may help her out of her rut. Jax and Detective Grant are trying to move their relationship forward but a little jealousy could throw a wrench into those plans. The four-legged creatures are always entertaining and by the end of the story, there is a new one added to the mix. One who was very important to the plot.
The theater and all its unique places make it a great setting for the murder. People involved with an upcoming play also become involved in the murder mystery adding to the list of suspects. I enjoyed learning about different things related to the theater and the play. One thing I did already know and I loved how it was treated within this story.
The plot flowed very well. The murder weapon was different that what we don’t usually see in a cozy mystery and learning about the chandelier creator opened up a new direction for the mystery. I was very impressed with the several diversions the author put on our path to solving the mystery. There were so many secrets. I was totally surprised when the killer was revealed.
Well-written and well-plotted I read the entire book in one sitting. A fine who-dun-it!
I’ve heard it said that writers write what they know. It’s so very clear that author Janice Peacock must know what she’s talking about when it comes to glass bead making. But how does she get her knowledge for mysteries. Who cares. As long as she keeps more coming like, TO BEAD OT NOT TO BEAD!
I’ve enjoyed the Glass Bead Mysteries from the very first book in the series. In this installment all the great characters are back. Jax and Tessa are in the thick of things again, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. They’re just so much fun to read.
As for the whodunit, I was so happy to see the victim get what he deserved (I’m really not so vengeful in my own life), and in a very creative way. A gun or poison weren’t good enough. No, author Peacock had other ideas for this victim, and I’m so happy she did!
Mystery fans, you will be blown away with, TO BEAD OR NOT TO BEAD.
I normally read Janice Peacocks books as ARCs (advanced reader copy) however I was unable to participate this time. I didn’t want to miss any of this series so I purchased it.
This is another fun cozy mystery that keeps you guessing. It’s a stand-alone book but I highly recommend reading the full series. The characters have interesting little quirks. Since I make beaded jewelry these books are even more fun.
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Jax is involved in yet another murder no matter how hard she tries not to be. Working as a volunteer at a local theater things are great until the owner turns up murdered. Not directly involved she skirts the issue to keep Zachary happy but life seems to have other plans. Delightful cozy mystery full of crafty bead details, a cute kitty, and a murder that will keep you guessing. I highly recommend it to fans of the genre. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.