Mary Marks

This one fell flat for me. The beginning was slow and fairly boring. The mystery aspect did pick up but I didn't particularly like Martha or the love interest. I did enjoy the way in which the mystery was solved and how she figured it out - it was rather unique to write messages, stories into her quilts in braille. and I really enjoyed how that all came together. I guess the main issue is that by the end of the novel, I felt more connected with the dead woman, Claire. Her life and subsequent death and the circumstances surrounding her, were a way more fascinating and riveting story. On the other hand, I didn't care for Martha at all. I didn't care about her life story and her thoughts felt very messy - Martha's not the kind of person I'd be friends with - she just felt weak to me. I did like the supporting cast of Birdie and Lucy and the rest of Lucy's family but they certainly weren't unique enough or vibrant enough to make it worth reading. This isn't bad. It's just not anything to rave about. It's a bit more technical than the [b:Quilt or Innocence|13006585|Quilt or Innocence (A Southern Quilting Mystery, #1)|Elizabeth Spann Craig|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327561763l/13006585._SY75_.jpg|18167962] series and for a cozy mystery a lot longer than normal. Or at least felt like it was. Unfortunately I felt every bit of that extra length.… (plus d'informations)

This is my first book from this author and I was quite excited to read it. I wasn't as excited to finish it.

The book is filled with terrific, dynamic characters who obviously have a history with each other and the protagonist Martha Rose, this being the latest book in a substantial series, yet I never felt lost or left out of that history. The cozy itself was fun and quick-paced and though I did figure out the bad guy, it was only near the end and by sheer luck. I did enjoy learning more about both the Jewish and Muslim cultures. Also, the small sewing background I have was enough to thoroughly enjoy the quilting scenes. It is quite obvious that Martha and her quilters are experts and they are an enjoyable addition to the story. The story contained lovely elements.

My issue is Martha, I just don't like her. She is quick to judgment, quick to anger, and totally insecure. Those traits drag what would otherwise be an entertainable read far down. All good characters have flaws, however, I often felt that she was severely overreacting to the point that I felt sympathetic toward those who drew her ire, even though they might have deserved it.

I believe I would enjoy reading other books by this author, but I don't think I will be reading any more of this series.… (plus d'informations)

Martha's eager to finish the baby quilt she's making for her new granddaughter, but she scraps those plans when a young girl rings her doorbell begging for help. Poppy Halaby, the foster child of Martha's neighbor, is an orphan whose parents were murdered by a killer who was never caught. When Poppy's doting foster mom falls suspiciously ill, Martha is determined to keep the child safe. But she'll have to unravel more about Poppy's parents to stitch a broken family back together again--and prevent another crime cut from the same cloth . . .

Going into this, I had no idea it was part of a series until I went to add it to my Goodreads! I was able to follow along without any background knowledge quite well.

*Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*… (plus d'informations)