Dollycas’s Thoughts

We are back in Heartsford, Wisconsin, and it’s summertime. Sammy Kane is planning for a big event at Community Craft. A book signing with Jane Johnson, The Queen of Crafts. Jane is also writing a new book that will include one chapter about Community Craft and its original owner, Sammy’s best friend, Kate Allen.

The author surprises Sammy by arriving in town early and requesting a private meeting with her. They agree to meet on a bench by the river. Sammy arrives a short time after Jane, but she is waaayyyy too late. The author is dead and holding her last book. The killer has scratched a deadly message too, “THE END” on the book. Sammy knows the author wanted to talk to her about Kate and the store, but why would anyone kill her over that?

The death brings Sammy back together with Detective Liam Nash which seems to make them both very happy. But Liam tells her to let him handle the case. There is no way Sammy can do that. This case has something to do with Kate and she can’t just back away. She quickly assembles the S.H.E. team (Sammy, her cousin, Heidi, and her sister, Ellie) to help her untangle the clues. Together they are going to chain the information together to find the killer and get to the truth they all seek.

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I was so excited to get back to Heartsford. I really enjoy the part the community plays in Holly Quinn’s stories. This time when the murder ruins Sammy’s big plans, she starts to plan another event that will benefit the town.

The core characters in this series are strong and realistic. Sammy’s mother gets on my nerves a little bit but in ways reminds me of my own mother in certain ways. I was surprised that the relationship between Sammy and Liam didn’t progress at all, while Heidi and Officer Tim’s relationship is progressing nicely. Ellie is taking advantage of her parents being in town to get a little bit of “me time” while they babysit their grandson Tyler. Even if that “me time” means manning the store so Sammy can investigate. When Ellie can’t step in employee/crafter/friend Deborah takes over and keeps the shop running. Of course, Sammy’s lovable golden retriever returns. That dog just steals my heart. Like my dogs, Bara is usually by Sammy’s side or very close by.

I really appreciate the way Ms. Quinn has laid out this mystery. She gives her protagonist a gift of “seeking and finding the truth” and gives us a detective that is man enough to know her information is important. He does his best to rein her in and keep her safe at the same time but Sammy is pretty headstrong. She may have her S.H.E. team to help, but she and Liam make a good team too.

The plot is full of twists, and I loved the way the author crocheted everything together but I did figure this one out before Sammy. Even with that, I was entertained reading and following along as all the clues fell into place right up to the exciting ending. Holding back saying more but Sammy rocked!

Fun characters, a great theme, not 1 but 2 mysteries all set in my neck of the woods. Books like this one are what first pulled me into the cozy mystery genre. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

It's the second book I read in this series and I loved this one as much as I loved the first one.
It's a fun read, entertaining and engrossing.
It was great to meet again the well written cast of characters and be back to the lovely setting.
The mystery was good, no plot hole, and it kept me guessing till the end.
I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

The difference in this cozy mystery and many others I have read is that I actually believe that the protagonist is learning!

In so many of the novels, our heroine does really STUPID things in pursuit of the "truth" (read "killer"). I spend time screaming at the book (and her), "What are you thinking? Don't do that!" But she never listens.

This time, although she did some stupid things and she was annoyed when the detective told her to stay our of the investigation, I got the feeling that she understood, perhaps not the danger she was in, but how she could totally destroy any chance of a good prosecution of the perpetrator. Since what she wants is justice, perhaps in the future she will act in a more judicious manner while pursuing the truth/killer.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will look forward to more in the series to see if I am correct in my character assessment.

Sammy Kane is excited about her upcoming event for her store, Community Craft. Community Craft was started by her best friend, Kate Allen, who died tragically and unexpectedly. Sammy took over the store and is continuing to honor the memory of her best friend by promoting a sense of community and connection amongst the various artisans in Heartsford. This latest event promises to be high profile as the Queen of Crafts, author Jane Johnson, has a book signing scheduled through Community Craft. Unfortunately, Jane Johnson is soon found dead and it appears there is a connection between Jane’s murder and Kate’s death. Can Sammy, her cousin Heidi, and her sister Ellie continue their childhood S.H.E. detective team and uncover who the murderer is?

A CRAFTER HOOKS A KILLER is the second book in the <i>Handcrafted Mystery</i> series and can be read as a standalone. I’m unsure how much about Kate was mentioned in the first book, A CRAFTER KNITS A CLUE, but Holly Quinn ensures the reader has all the information needed to fully enjoy A CRAFTER HOOKS A KILLER. I particularly like how Holly Quinn shows us the bond of friendship Sammy shared with Kate.

I thought the concept of the S.H.E. detectives would be corny but instead it made the amateur sleuth aspect all the more believable. We get some insight into Sammy’s younger years and it’s easy to see how she would be intrigued by a murder that hits so close to home, even more so it appears the death of her best friend is connected. Holly Quinn makes following the clues enjoyable, even as we empathize with Sammy’s grief.

I didn’t want A CRAFTER HOOKS A KILLER to end! The town of Heartsford is so welcoming and I love the various craft-related events that anyone, even someone with no crafting skills, can enjoy and appreciate. Holly Quinn has created a delightful cozy series that readers will want to visit over and over again.

*review is in the editing queue at Fresh Fiction*

felt so bad for Sammy and all she had to deal with. But on the flip side I wish I had a sister and cousin like Ellie and Heidi to hang with. The S.H.E.’s. I think Sammy has what I would consider to be the perfect job, owning and running the Community Craft store. I love crafting and everyone needs a place to sell their wares, right? The characters are great in this story and there are some twists and turns to keep you guessing. Have you ever gone to an author’s signing? They are so much fun! If you haven’t, I would encourage you to do so. There are some unanswered questions so I hope I get to hang with my new friends to see how things work out. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

I greatly enjoyed this novel and visiting Sammy and her family and friends at Community Craft, a central part of life in Heartsford, WI. It was started originally by Sammy’s best friend, Kate Allen. After Kate’s untimely death, Sammy took it over in her honor and to continue the goodwill Kate had instilled in it. The shop sells handcrafted merchandise made by local artisans, from furniture to painted stemware and lapghans. The artisans are also happy to sponsor fundraisers and work together for the good of others. The mysteries are intriguing and the characters engaging.

Sammy arranged for Jane Johnson, the Queen of all crafts and a celebrated author, to do a book signing at Community Craft. While in town, Jane was going to interview Sammy about Community Crafts for a chapter in her upcoming book.

Jane came the shop to meet with Sammy. She hoped to do so in private, as she had come across sensitive information about Kate that could “change everything”. Sammy gave her directions to a bench near the river where they can talk, then went to get beverages for them. As she neared Jane, it looked like she was reading a novel. Until she got around the bench, saw the message gouged into the book, “The End” and saw that Jane was dead.

Sammy raced back to the store for her phone and found her cousin, Heidi, in the parking lot with her boyfriend, patrol officer Tim, and told him what was going on. Liam Nash, the homicide detective who came to town last summer, arrived quickly, while Heidi joined Sammy when heading for the bench. Liam had allowed Sammy to help him with a case last summer, and they dated a bit. Since Jane was to be a guest at the shop, and Sammy wanted desperately to know what Jane learned about Kate, she hoped Liam would allow it this time, also. Liam, however, simply wanted everyone away from his crime scene.

Sammy is impulsive, quick to act and leap to conclusions before thinking something through. She has my empathy, especially when having to admit it as she does when confronted by Liam Nash. I like Sammy, who is hard-working, the younger of two daughters whose mother makes it clear how much she admires Ellie, her older sister, a great wife and mom. I especially like S.H.E. – the girl detective group they put together when growing up together. Sammy. Heidi. Ellie. Even if Ellie is a model mom, S.H.E. might be needed to solve Jane’s murder, and discover whatever Jane had about Kate.

This armchair sleuth was kept on her toes throughout, especially with each new plot twist! I enjoyed seeing Sammy and Deborah talk plan a fund raiser that, if the library chose, could add a shelf of craft books in honor of Jane, or for additional books for the book club group. It was even better to see the fundraiser in full action! The author has a knack for understanding needs, whether crafting, fundraising, or solving murders. She brings the characters and situations to life with realistic conversations and actions. I enjoyed the interactions of S.H.E., as well as Sammy and Liam. I finally guessed who the killer was, but there wasn’t one specific thing that pointed to him/ her. The ending is very satisfactory, and I look forward to the next in series. I highly recommend this to folks who enjoy small, Midwest towns, well-written cozy mysteries, a possibility of romance, and close camaraderie between sisters and cousins.

From a Thankful Heart: I received an e-ARC from the publisher through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

This is the first book I've read in this series and the first book I've read by this author. I enjoyed the story, the mystery was alright, though a bit slow moving and seemingly repetitive at times, mentioning the same clues over and over. But I think that was more with the overt tangible clues and the more subtle clues were more cleverly woven into the narrative but not drawn attention to, by design. I also guessed the killer fairly early on but I believe that is due to my reading a lot of mysteries and being genre savvy, not to the author not doing enough with red herrings and the like. I also found the main character, Sammy, to be like a whiny, petulant child at times and found her really annoying during those times, even though I know she's not really that different from all the other amateur sleuths with a law enforcement boyfriend who warns her to stay out of his case and she, of course, doesn't listen. However, Sammy has a lot of positive qualities as well: she is also caring and compassionate and smart and tenacious, and runs a successful business in honor of a friend. All in all, I enjoyed this read and would read another is this series if I got the opportunity.

This is the second in A Handcrafted Mystery series. We get two mysteries for the price of one. I liked how they were interwoven throughout the story. Ms. Quinn does a god job of delivering a well-plotted, written story. I enjoyed the elements of the story – strong characters, a potential love interest in the detective, red herrings to distract or side-step the reader.
Give this book a try. I am looking forward to the next in this series.
An added bonus for me was the character being named Jane Johnson as I know a local woman with the same name. It is too bad that she dies in this story but that’s part of the mystery.

As an added bonus, a recipe and a crochet blanket project are included.

I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book based on the description and adorable cover. It did not hurt that I read the first book and thought it deserved a follow on. I am not required to leave a favorable opinion.

Samantha “Sammy” Kane is settling back into life in her hometown of Heartsford. She is very excited that her store, Community Craft, is doing well. She is also very excited that best selling author, Jane Johnson is coming to Heartsford for a book signing and to interview Sammy for her next book. When Jane arrives it doesn’t take long for word to get out and people start coming to the store to see the author. Johnson is really comfortable with crowds and asks Sammy if they can meet somewhere quiet to talk, as Johnson has something sensitive to share with Sammy. They agree to meet at a bench down by the river. Before heading for the bench, Sammy stops by Liquid Joy for a couple of iced coffees and a quick chat with the owner, Douglas. As Sammy is approaching the bench and seeing Jane who appears to be reading a book, a chill goes down Sammy’s spine. A pencil was used to dig the words THE END is the pages of her latest book. After calling for the police, Detective Nash is one of the first to arrive at the scene. Sammy and Nash had worked on a previous murder. Sammy had hopes that there might be something starting in the romance department, but she hasn’t seen him in some time. Based on that Nash tells Sammy to let the police handle the investigation...once again.

Sammy heads to the B&B where Johnson was staying, hoping that she might be able to look in her room for something that would tell Sammy what information she wanted to share. As she is about to go into the room, Nash arrives to also search the room. Sammy is able to convince Nash to let her help. Sammy soon finds that what Johnson had to share was information on the death of her friend, Kate Allen, who had left The Community Store to her. Even being told numerous times to stay away from any investigating, she talks the childhood group S.H.E. to help with the investigation. S.H.E. stands for Sammy, her cousin Heidi and her sister Ellie.

The story is well-written and plotted with interesting and believable characters. The sisters and Heidi have their times when they might get upset with each other but that’s part of being family. Sammy and Nash continue to dance around being more than just be acquainted.

A delicious recipe is also included as well as a crochet pattern.

I will be watching for the next book in this enjoyable series.

A charming cozy mystery. Entertaining family relationships. A little romance. Not surprised at the villain in the story, but interesting to get to the whys and actions. Not necessary to have read the first in the series to enjoy this one. I do look forward to reading the next one to see if any of the romantic relationships develop.

I liked this book a lot - there were a lot of unexpected events in this book.

Sammy is still living in Wisconsin after she returned home to run the craft store started by her best friend, Kate. Kate has been dead for a while now, but Sammy is still trying to heal. Then it turns out that her death may not have been an accident - now Sammy can't let it go until she knows the truth. Is knowing the truth always the best, or is it better to let certain secrets remain buried.

4.5 stars.

I voluntarily reviewed this book on Netgalley.

I will post on Amazon and B&N when published.

If you want an engaging cozy, then look no further. I would recommend A Crafter Hooks a Killer to any fan of crafting-inspired cozy mysteries. It was quick and fun read.

Sammy is running Community Crafts Store after the death of her best friend Kate. This concept was Kate’s dream, a place that supports everyone and a meeting space . This is book 2 in the Handmade series and is a good cozy that can stand alone. When famous celebrity and author Jane comes to town to interview Sammy she is murdered before they can talk. Now Sammy is helping Liam, local police officer to solve the murder. I received a copy of this arc in exchange for a fair and honest review.

You'd think running a craft shop in Heartsford, Wisconsin would be a quiet peaceful thing to do but nooooo-Sammy's involved in yet another murder investigation! She took over the shop when her friend Kate died and when Jane, a famous crocheter, claims she's got info about Kate that Sammy should know, she agrees to meet her. Unfortunately, Jane's dead when Sammy gets there. This sets off the team of Sammy, Heidi, and Ellie- a trio of family (two sisters and a cousin) who pretty much ignore the local police (including Ellie's husband and Sammy's love interest) to solve the crime themselves. The interaction between these three is delightful, the mystery involves two time lines, and there's a pattern for a crochet blanket! Thanks to net galley for the ARC. Don't worry if you didn't read the first one- this is a classic cozy perfect for fans of the crafting subgenre.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the second book of Holly Quinn's and the second in this series. Her writing is very colorful and the plots are interesting and entertaining. Sammy is a very likeable character with many varied emotions throughout the story. I'm looking forward to many more books from Holly. Enjoy!📚

Sammy is such an impetuous innocent. She’s also a bit of a trouble magnet. Once again, she’s tangled up in one of Detective Nash’s investigations. And this time it all ties back to the loss of her best friend. I have a feeling it’s just my suspicious nature that doesn’t trust anyone that meant the true culprit wasn’t much of a surprise to me. But it did keep me guessing to the end if I was going to be right or if I’d bought into a bright shiny red herring. I also love seeing the romantic tension between Sammy and Liam. I can’t wait to see where this is going to take us.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.

A Crafter Hooks a Killer is a nice quick read and shows what it would be like to live in a place where the whole community works together toward a common goal. All the different crafting ideas and even recipes and patterns are a plus. Losing a best friend, sibling rivalry, even an overbearing mother all figure into this story.

Sammy Kane is busy running her late friend Kate’s craft shop. Community Craft has always been the place in town where people come to connect and relate with others. When craft guru, Jane Johnson visits, the town is excited to meet with their idol and learn some techniques. But, when Sammy finds her dead on a park bench, she intends to find out all of Jane’s secrets, even the ones pertaining to Kate.
This was a great cozy mystery that was chock full of suspense. I was on the edge of my seat and staying up late to find out the identity of the killer. I love how the town gets together to help one another out and the businesses support each other. It was great to see Sammy’s family interact with one another. Lastly, the budding romance added a little sweetness to the tension of the story. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

A Crafter Hooks a Killer is the second book in the A Handcrafted Mystery series by Holly Quinn. Definitely a cozy mystery with all of the connections that make this a fun easy read.

Amateur sleuth Sammy and her team finds themselves trying to solve Jane’s murder. I love the way each character is provided in detail and even like the broody detective Nash. They each have their own unique personality and all mesh together very well.

The story line keeps you guessing until the very end when you slap yourself in the head and think of course. Thinking back you realize that there were hints all along, but that’s alright as the ending was still a surprise.

I whole-hearted recommend A Crafter Hooks Killer for any cozy-mystery lover. I'll definitely be watching out for future installments.

I especially liked the instructions for the “Urban Ripple Lap Blanket”!!

I GIVE IT A 5 STAR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I enjoyed the first book in this series, A CRAFTER KNITS A CLUE, so much that I couldn’t wait to get A CRAFTER HOOKS A KILLER in my hands. It was well worth the wait!

Setting aside a day to read this book was one of my better ideas. Once I started, I didn’t want to put it down. I was immediately transported to Heartsford, Wisconsin and back with the characters I enjoyed so much from book one.

I was also drawn into another wonderfully plotted mystery. I suppose I should say two mysteries since author Holly Quinn expertly weaved together a present day murder with one from protagonist Sammy Kane’s not so distant past. With more twists and turns than my current crochet project, I really had no idea how it was all going to come together. When the link between the two case and all of the motives behind the murders came to light, I was really taken by surprise.

Author Holly Quinn is two for two in the win column with me. Come on book three!

Oh, did I mention a mouthwatering recipe, and a crochet blanket project are included?