My main complaint is that I only have one book in this series and I'll be so sad to see the last of Angie, Sara, Dave, Patrick, and everyone else in Haven Harbor. I really love these characters and the community of Haven Harbor. In this book I really liked that we got to get a little bit of Dave's backstory and got to know him a bit better. I did have a pretty good clue as to at least part of the who and the why but I still had plenty of questioned and I really enjoyed the journey to the reveal. I really enjoy the notes on different samplers or other things related to antique embroidery. This is perhaps a slower moving series and Angie definitely took some time to really grow on me but this is proving to be a series that I thoroughly enjoy

This was such a fun story! I very rarely read cozy mysteries but I couldn't resist this one! Cats, wine and murder! I'm also glad I really didn't need to read the first seven to know what's going on, though I think I will read more now! Thank you so much!

Haven Harbor, a quaint new Englad town with quaint new Englanders. At least most of them are quaint and one of them is a murderer. Ike, a native Mainer and a son of Haven Harbor has been taking care of himself as long g as people can remember. He keeps to himself, collecting bottles to recycle and living in his family's  garage. Not everyone appreciates Ike, and while the "chambers" are out to relocate him to a home, someone decides to remove him altogether.  The least likely suspect, a young boy whom Ike has taken under his wing, offering shelter and shared bottle duties, is under suspicion for Ike's murder. As Angie starts looking for answers, she and Dave (local school teacher and willing foster parent) retrace Ike's route and routine, it becomes apparent that Ike saw everything and was outspoken, however he also didn't always see the whole story so did he see something he shouldn't have? This was a very good story with a plot that moved at a good pace and who wouldn't  like a story with recipes included. Such excellent  recipes that I am inspired to make lobster chowder on our next cold weather day.

Spring has arrived at Haven Harbor, Maine and the Blessing of the Fleet is in full swing. Angie Curtis sees Ike Hamilton, an elderly man with some learning difficulties,collecting recyclables to turn in for money. It;s his way of supporting himself. However, some of the more "esteemed" residents feel that he brings the image of Haven Harbor down and want to have him relocated somewhere else before the tourist season is in full swing. Angie and her fellow needlepointer Dave, meet Ike with a new friend,Leo, a teenager who Dave thinks may be a runaway. Dave tries to befriend the teenager and offers his name and address in case he ever needs help. The next day Leo shows up on Dave's doorstep terrified because Ike is dead!

The mystery is full of twists and turns, bad guys and good guys, and a few red herrings!
Sol much fun!

This was a fun, cute cozy mystery! I love the theme throughout, and I will definitely be continuing with the series.

Ike Hamilton is a part of the Haven Harbor community just like anyone else, though he's fallen on hard times and has to make do on disability checks and deposit bottles. Most of the locals do what they can to help him out, and town residents Angie and Sarah are happy to see him at the annual Blessing of the Fleet, honoring all those lost at sea over the centuries.

But when harmless Ike is stabbed, suspicion quickly falls on a troubled teenage boy who's new in town. Angie's convinced that young Leo is innocent but if he didn't do it, who did? Turns out Ike may have appeared simple-minded, but he knew a few secrets that someone might have murdered him to keep quiet. Angie sets out to trace Ike's bottle-collecting route to find out what he witnessed and for this killer, there may be no redemption.

The author does a great job of describing the town of Haven Harbor, you can picture the town and it's residents in your mind as you are reading the book. The characters each have their own personalities, strengths, and even a flaw or two so they seem like old friends. The mystery is full of viable suspects, red herrings, and a twist or two that makes the mystery complicated but not so complicated that the plot line is hard to follow.

I have been a fan of this series since book #1 Twisted Threads and I look forward to reading the next book Thread and Buried, which may also be the last book in the series since Lea Wait passed away in August.

I received and ARC of this book from Netgalley and Kensington Books for my honest review.

Thread on Arrival

by Lea Wait

I’m so happy to have read Thread on Arrival, the latest in the Mainely Needlepoint Series, by Lea Wait. Angie Curtis, with some private investigator training in Arizona, has returned to Maine to run the Mainely Needlepoint group formerly run by her grandmother who raised her. She finds herself involved in several simultaneous investigations in this mystery, but they all spring from a runaway boy, Leo, who is in a panic because the homeless man who has taken him under his wing has been brutally murdered. To prove Leo did not murder his friend, Angie must find the real killer and suspects abound. I did guess the murderer before the end of the book, but I still have trouble understanding how anyone could be so cruel. If you like watching how investigative clues are put together, you’ll enjoy this book.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Kensington Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Mystery

Notes: #8 in the Mainely Needlepoint Series

Publication: April 30, 2019—Kensington Books

Memorable Lines:

As long as men and women made a living from the waters, mourning and remembering would continue, and names would continue to be carved on the monument.

Being a teenager was never easy. But is was much harder when you weren’t like everyone else in your town or school.

Although there are over 24 characters in this book, they are friendly ones. One homeless person seems to be causing a lot of angst in this coastal town, Haven Harbor, until he is eventually murdered. Angie hopes to find the killer before more problems arise. This book is an enjoyable, investigative tale. Great series. Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this advanced reader copy. Hats off to Lea Wait on another great book!

I liked this book. It is #8 in the Mainely Needlepoint series. Haven Harbor, Maine is celebrating spring and the Blessing of the Fleet. Angie is happy to see all her friends and visits with Ike, an older man who collects bottles and cans around town to survive. This year he has Leo, young man helping him. When Ike is found stabbed Leo becomes the main suspect. Angie and her fellow needlepointers jump into action to save the innocent boy. A good mystery that deals with elder abuse and homelessness. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

"Thread on Arrival" is the eighth 'Mainely Needlepoint' mystery by Lea Wait. Although it's usually best to read a mystery series in order, I started with this one and felt at no disadvantage in doing so.

The mystery was well-developed and suspenseful, with an ever-increasing number of suspects, as the story progressed. Though this series featured an amateur sleuth, Angie Curtis who ran a needlepoint business, it was not quite as cozy as similar mysteries I've read. I loved this book and its characters and plot were both absorbing and thought-provoking. In addition, the novel had a great comedic aspect.

The actual reveal at the end was most fulfilling and satisfying. Highly recommended and very worthy of its five stars!

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

This book follows our beloved Angie Curtis who has found herself in a mystery when Ike Hamilton winds up dead and the boy he had living with him finds the body and runs to Dave for help. Who killed Ike and why? Also who is Leo (the boy Ike took in) and why is he in Haven Harbor? The more Angie digs the more questions about Leo arise.

Add to this Angie's birthday is coming up and she is not wanting to make a big deal with it even if her Grams is making her a cake for the special day!

This book really showcased the relationship between Angie and Dave they went to great lengths to protect the teenager Leo. It also showed a look into elder care and how difficult and can be.

The book pulled me in and I was glad I bought my copy it was definitely worth it. Angie and her friends are so great and really help each other when they can. You could feel Angie's emotion on her birthday having been home about a year. Can't wait to see what is next for the Mainely Needlepointers!

The Mainely Needlepoint series is one of my favourites. Haven Harbor, Maine is a community that takes care of its own. Ike Hamilton is a man who has no family and is a bit slow. When his house was condemned, he moves into his garage. Ike survives by collecting bottles and cans. When Ike is bludgeoned and stabbed in his garage, Angie and her friend and fellow needlepointer, Dave step in to help Leo, the teenager who has been living with Ike. They are sure he did not hurt Ike, but there is so much they do not know. While Dave moves Leo in with him, Angie starts nosing around to see what she can find out.

All my favorite characters were back in this book. The Mainely Needlepointers always have time to pitch in and help with the investigation. Gram and Pastor Tom also help out with knowledge based upon their ties to the church and church members. I also enjoyed seeing Patrick busy with his gallery, yet still developing his relationship with Angie. All these characters are well developed, realistic and very relatable. Each book in this series has us getting to know one of the Mainely Needlepointers more, this time it was Dave Percy. I enjoyed the mystery in this book. As Angie asked questions, there is more than one suspect introduced. Ike was an honest, upright man and he would not hesitate to tell someone they were wrong and threaten to tell someone if they did not stop their behaviour. Unfortunately, this left him with plenty of enemies. I did not suspect the culprit at all, yet when the reveal came, things fell into place that made it very believable. I definitely recommend this book and series to cozy mystery lovers.

So I know what you’re thinking… what are you doing reading this series again, Annie? The answer is…well, perhaps I enjoy this series more than I thought. Although my previous reviews of these books tend to be a little wishy-washy, I always find myself picking up these books whenever a new one is released. I think some of the charm that lies within it is that it really is a slow-paced series, which is great, especially when you’re life is as busy as mine. It’s a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the quiet time that I so rarely get.

Although the majority of the books tend to have a slow pace, I found that THREAD ON ARRIVAL does have more suspense to it. I think that is because the murder is a stabbing. It felt more purposeful and direct rather than poisoning or the victim falling to his death or something like that. With the stronger intention, it create more intrigue.

BUT if you’re a big fan of the slow and steadiness of this series, fear not. It’s still very much there, but perhaps the author is trying to add something a little different to her books. It’s a fun book and I think if you’re a Cozy fan, this one will be enjoyable to read.

A really good cozy mystery with an story that is easy to follow but not boring and interesting characters

Princess Fuzzypants here: Just because the tourist season has yet to start does not mean there are not lots of things going on in town. Angie meets Ike at the Blessings for the Boats ceremony. He’s an older fellow who collects bottles to support himself. He’s a harmless but quirky guy who has a big heart. He takes in a homeless lad who needs a place to sleep and a friend. When Angie and her friend Dave meet Leo he tells the boy to reach our if he ever needs help, never suspecting his offer would be accepted so quickly.
Leo runs to Dave’s home when he discovers Ike dead. He is the first suspect as no one can imagine anyone with a beef against Ike that would lead to murder. Angie who is there when Leo arrives, feels compelled to find another suspect once she is convinced Leo is innocent. What follows is a revelation of a simple soul who collected information with his bottles but without the guile to keep his silence.
Angie learns that everyone in town is not as principled and kind as they may seem. In fact, some are downright villainous. Then when a friend who has been suffering with MS dies but accuses someone close to him before he goes, Angie digs deeper to find out whether there is any truth to the accusations.
I am always fascinated by the sampler quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I like Angie, her Gram, her friends and fellow needle-pointers. I have enjoyed the romance that has developed between her and Patrick. In fact, it is a place I enjoy visiting. With strong characters (and delightful kitties), I continue to recommend the series.
Five purrs and two paws up.

Another happy return to the coastal town of Haven Harbor, Maine in this eighth installment in the Mainely Needlepoint series. Ike Hamilton is a local man who supplements his disability checks by collecting bottles left by residents and businesses and redeeming them for their deposits. Most don't mind the seemingly benign man and accept him as part of their community. A teenager with his own troubles, Leo, has recently turned up in town--living with Ike and helping him in his rounds. When Ike is found murdered, Leo is the obvious suspect. But this seems to obvious and Angie is determined to find the real killer. Leo has lied to the police but what is his real background?
I've never been to Maine but the author paints such a lovely scene that I feel I've seen it with my own eyes. I enjoy the characters' development and would like to see where the romance between Angie and Nate progresses. The book is a relaxing, classic cozy read. This series is one of my favorites and I look forward to the next one. There are also recipes at the end for lasagna and Angie's birthday.cake.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advance digital copy of this book. My review is voluntary.

This was an excellent mystery novel that definitely made me stop and think, with some red herrings thrown in along the way. Absolutely loved it!

As a California girl, I never get tired of reading stories set on the eastern seaboard, and Haven Harbor is one of my favorite places to (literarily) visit. Not only do the series regulars feel like old friends, but the town itself is quintessentially cozy.

Thread on Arrival, the eighth Mainely Needlepoint mystery by Lea Wait, starts off with the annual Blessing of the Fleet, a harbor-side service to honor those lost at sea over the years. Immediately, we are immersed in the scene, watching the reactions of both familiar characters (Angie Curtis and her boyfriend, Patrick West) and newcomers Ike Hamilton and Leo, a runaway teenager living with Ike, who feature prominently in the story. The mystery, in this case, centers around Ike, an easily- overlooked man who has fallen on hard times and is living in his garage (his home previously had been demolished), supplementing his disability checks by collecting bottles and turning them in for recycling money. Leo, too, is a mysterious figure, who not only lives with Ike, but also accompanies him as he travels around the town collecting bottles. When a panicked Leo finds Ike stabbed in his garage, he turns to Dave Percy (a high school teacher who had been kind to him) for help. Almost immediately the police zero in on Leo as their prime suspect, and Dave enlists Angie’s help to prove his innocence.

The mystery is well-developed and suspenseful, and the trail of clues lead Angie and Dave all over the town. It turns out that Ike learned a lot about the residents while collecting his bottles and passed that information on to Leo, which elicits an ever-increasing number of suspects. Along the way, Angie’s concern about her upcoming birthday and its impact on her relationship with Patrick add warmth – and a touch of humor – to the novel. Without getting into specifics, while I had “guessed” the killer early on, the actual “reveal” was most satisfying.

Once again, Lea Wait has crafted a delightful cozy mystery. The characters and the town itself are charming – even if they seem plagued by murder. I look forward to reading the ninth installment in this wonderful series.

Note: I received an ARC of Thread on Arrival from NetGalley and Kensington Books. The above is my honest review.

“It takes a village.” In this case, Haven Harbor, a small, oceanside village in Maine. Since Angie Curtis’s return from Arizona to Maine, she’s shown an affinity for crime solving. Angie’s day job is to coordinate the needlepoint efforts of the local craftspeople—there’s a market for attractive, Maine-themed pillows.

Every April, the town gathers by the harbor for the Blessing of the Fleet, a poignant ceremony at a granite memorial that is carved with the words “LOST AT SEA NOT FORGOTTEN.” Over the years, 123 men lost their lives. Angie and her boyfriend, Patrick, are in the crowd.

Like most Harbor residents, I’d attended the annual reading of the names and Blessing of the Fleet since I was a child, walking down from our house on the Green with Mama and Gram. Walking from the same home two of those men hadn’t returned to.

Patrick notices a “gray-haired man who was bent over and dressed in layers of torn and stained sweatshirts.” Angie tells him, “Ike Hamilton is a part of the Haven Harbor community just like anyone else, though he’s fallen on hard times and has to make do on disability checks and deposit bottles.” Their friend Dave, a biology teacher at the high school, chips in that five cents a bottle might not move the needle for most, but it’s a vital supplement to Ike’s monthly check. Dave is surprised that Angie hasn’t noticed Ike doing his rounds.

“Guess I never paid attention,” I admitted. “Maybe I should be saving bottles for Ike too.”



“It’s a good deed,” Ruth agreed. “When he stops to pick up my bottles, we chat a little. He always has a story to tell, or a bit of gossip he’s collected along with his bottles. I suspect he stops at my house about lunchtime because I always invite him in to have a sandwich with me.”



“Who’s the boy with him?” Patrick asked.

Haven Harbor residents are nothing if not nosy concerned for their neighbors. The town has a police force and a Chamber of Commerce, but there’s an informal safety net as well. Is that what leads Dave and Angie to introduce themselves to Ike’s scruffy young companion? Ike tells them, “Leo’s my friend,” and Dave asks Leo his age with the clear implication that Leo should be in school. Before “wicked shy” Leo vanishes into the crowd after flatly stating he won’t attend high school, Dave reaches out.

“I understand,” said Dave calmly. “But if you should change your mind, or if you need help for any reason, come and see me. I live in the yellow house on Union Street. Ike knows where it is. Where’re you from?”

Leo avails himself of Dave’s offer the very next day. He’s out of breath, and his hands and shirt are “covered with blood.” Leo tells Dave and visiting Angie that Ike is dead. Suddenly, Thread on Arrival morphs into a mystery that hinges on homelessness, poverty in plain sight, and elder abuse.

Dave and Angie believe Leo’s account that he returned to Ike’s rundown garage after taking a shower at the local Y only to find an awful sight. Leo’s been “cut, bad, on his face and head and neck. There was blood all around him.” Leo has blood on his hands because he attempted CPR.

Most of the townspeople think the young transient killed Ike. It couldn’t be anyone local. But Dave suspects Leo is a runaway, one of society’s “throwaways,” a boy with no family, no prospects, and no hope. But he’s not a murderer. Leo tells the police that he made his way to Haven Harbor because he was curious to see the ocean. He had no money, so like Ike, he turned to collecting bottles.

“He said I could stay with him if we collected together, if I helped him,” Leo hesitated. “I needed a place to stay. And Ike couldn’t carry as many bottles as I could, or bend as well to pick ‘em up. He was pretty old and his back hurt him. He said we could be partners.”

If Leo didn’t kill Ike, who did? Dave offers Leo a place to stay—if he attends high school—and Angie starts sleuthing.

Where does Leo come from? She finds a few clues online and uses her business as an excuse to find out more. Angie calls up a customer, asks her if she’d like to have her “Save the Cormorant” pillows delivered in person, and off she goes to Dexter, Maine. An older woman at the high school tells Angie that Leo’s parents died in an explosion. Leo was cleared of the accusation that he murdered his parents, but he became an unhappy cog in the child welfare system.

Once Angie and Dave gain Leo’s trust, he gives them a glimpse into Ike’s last days. Angie starts to wonder. What about Ike’s sore back? Was he suffering from old age, or could it be something more sinister? Angie may have been unaware of Ike’s bottle collecting circuit in the past, but to find out what he might have gleaned, she decides to retrace his steps. Perhaps the old man knew too much—and shared his suspicions with the wrong people.

Angie and her friends’ ruminations on the nature of crime make for interesting reading. Dave is spot on with his description of what probably happened in Ike’s garage.

“Murder investigations focus on suspects who have MOMs: motives, opportunities, and methods. No one needed to bring a murder weapon to Ike’s garage. The bottles and the knife were probably already there. So the murder probably wasn’t premeditated. Someone went to see Ike, got angry, and picked up whatever was close at hand.

Angie has the how, but it will take persistence and a certain flair and ingenuity to sort out the murderer from a rather large cast. It seems Ike might have “threatened to tell someone something the suspects would rather have kept quiet.” But as Shakespeare stated so succinctly in The Merchant of Venice, “Truth will out.”

The plot, the characters, and the Maine setting all combine to make this, the 8th installment in the Mainely Needlepoint mystery series, another outstanding mystery from Lea Wait.

Though this series features an amateur sleuth, Angie Curtis, who runs a needlepoint business, it's not quite as cozy as other cozies I've read. Although it's always best to read a mystery series in order, readers could start with this one, if they're so inclined.

Highly recommended for fans of well-plotted mysteries.