In the coastal town of Haven Harbor, blood runs thicker than water—and just as freely . . .Antique dealer Sarah Byrne has never unspooled the truth about her past to anyone—not even friend and fellow Mainely Needlepointer Angie Curtis. But the enigmatic Aussie finally has the one thing she’s searched for all her life—family. And now she and long-lost half-brother, Ted Lawrence, a wealthy old … Lawrence, a wealthy old artist and gallery owner in town, are ready to reveal their secret connection . . .
Ted’s adult children are suspicious of their newfound aunt Sarah—especially after Ted, in declining health, announces plans to leave her his museum-worthy heirloom paintings. So when Ted is poisoned to death during a lobster bake, everyone assumes she’s guilty. If Sarah and Angie can’t track down the real murderer in time, Sarah’s bound to learn how delicate—and deadly—family dynamics can truly be . . .
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Tightening the Threads is the 5th Mainely Needlepoint book written by Lea Wait. I’ve read the previous four and will continue finishing this series. Let’s chat about this particular book. Angie, our heroine, has been home in Harbor Haven, Maine for four months. She agreed to stay for six months, supporting a business owned by her gram, who recently married a minister. Angie’s smitten with Patrick, the son of a famous actress who moved to town, and she’s learning needlepoint to grow the business. Sarah, an Aussie who moved to the area for unknown reasons, finally confesses the secret truth to Angie.
Sarah’s genealogical history is complicated, but it’s fun to delve into the past. We’ve met some of the supporting characters in previous books, but this time, it’s the classic scenario: rich patriarch learns of a new relative and leaves her some money. The will wasn’t finalized before he kicks the bucket. Which family member did it? I enjoy this storyline, though some feel it’s an overdone trope. Truthfully, it’s hard to come up with a totally unique storyline, and if the characters are strong and the plot is intriguing, what does it matter? Henceforth… I adored this book, and I’m thrilled it was my first read of 2021.
If you’ve read my past reviews, you know I love Maine and want to move there this year. I stumbled upon this series last year and am focusing on reading the whole collection before picking up another series about Maine (by this author or others, too). Wait has passed on, and there are a total of nine in this particular series, which makes me sad. But I’m happy to read quality cozy mystery writing where I feel invested in solving the murder. While the plot isn’t too intense, and any one of the family could have a reasonable motive, understanding which path the author took is always fun for me.
The deceased’s kids were all ruthless. They showed some positive signs, but when the biggest worry was their inheritance, I can’t help but want them to suffer. Of the three known kids, one is gay and married, which was also a nice surprise. Thankfully, he was treated like any other character, and there was absolutely no discussion of his choice or decision to be gay. I love when books just gloss over it and mention it purely to show a different characteristic, as if it someone is brunette or blonde, gay or straight or bisexual, et al.
All-in-all, this was fun, easy-to-read, kept me interested, and warmed my heart. I will be saddened when I’m finished with this series as I love feeling like I’m on the coast, learning knew things about how to do a clam and lobster bake or what “the County” refers to in this beautiful state. So, if you’re looking for a reliable series with the right balance of side stories and main mysteries, a variety of character types, some sentimental moments and several chillier times… this will work very well. Read from the beginning to watch the character growth too. 2021 is off to a fantastic reading start.
Sara learns about her long lost family, and spoiled rich “kids” get selfish over a will. Wow just wow. ……. I enjoyed this book. Kind of makes me sad to think how selfish some people can be. Great addition to this series. Always enjoy getting to know new characters, even if they don’t last long.
Back to great stuff
Interesting characters, good old friends and new people. Nice mysteries with spice that had some twists to throw us off. That last book was a fluke!
Love the Maine setting. Lea Wait’s always writes a good story with interesting characters.
This series has been fun to read!
This is a great book. Had me wondering the whole way thru the book who was the bad person. Kept me very interested.
Enjoy this author, have read all her books
I liked this book. Easy to read and it kept my interesting in the end.
I loved this book!
Angie Curtis has moved back to Haven Harbor,
Maine where she runs the Mainly Needlepoint
business that her Gram had run.
There is a group of stitchers that create the
piece sold. The fall is a busy season for the
businesses in Haven Harbor due to the leaf
peeper time when visitors visited the coast of
Maine to view leaves changing colors plus shop.
Mainly Needlepoint sold lots of Christmas sachets,
And other stitched items in the fall.
One of Angie’s new friends, Sarah Byrne who
came from Australia is a stitcher. Sarah runs
the antique shop during work hours. She is
searching for family which led her to Haven
Harbor.
Ted Lawrence, an artist and son of the famous,
Robert Lawrence runs the local art gallery in
Haven Harbor. Ted is having a family get-together.
His offspring have been estranged from each
other for years. In addition to them, Sarah, the
men who work in his gallery and Angie are to be
there. During the clam bake, Ted dies. Were the
clams he ate bad with the Red Tide disease??
If the clams were bad, why did no one else become
ill???
Then Ted’s daughter’s husband goes swimming at
night and drowns. What caused him to drown??
Angie is hire to investigate. Will working with the
authorities help discover what happened??
Well defined, well developed, colorful characters
involved in a complex plot with many twists and
Turns.
Each chapter starts with a verse and a description
of a sampler from the 1800 era plus a brief
history of the stitcher or a quote from a stitchery
publication. One chapter had that Mrs Theodore
Roosevelt. Jr recorded family stories and adventures
In crewel stitching or needlepoint.
Another interesting historical fact told is regarding
the years long British program to decrease the foster
care population in England and increase immigration
to Australia.
This is book # 5 in the Mainely Needlepoint series.
It can be read as a stand alone.
I volunteered to read this eBook. Thanks to Kensington
Books via NetGallery for the opportunity. My opinion
is my own.
Enjoyed very much