The eighth in the Mainely Murder series opens with Haven Harbor's yearly Blessing of the Fleet, an event honoring all those who perished at sea over the centuries pursuing a livelihood at fishing in the cold waters off Maine. This is the first blessing Angie Curtis has attended after years away, but all the town is there to see the fleet go by and be blessed for the upcoming season. One of the town's more eccentric and down-at-the-heel residents, Ike Hamilton, also is there. Ike has lived all his life in Haven Harbor and supports himself by collecting bottles all over town for the return fees. After his parent's death, he lived alone in their house until it collapsed and now lives in a garage on the property with minimal heat and no conveniences. Today however he is accompanied by a skinny teenager who has been "helping" him. Ike introduces the teenager to Angie's companion, Dave, high-school teacher and one of Angie's needlepointers, as someone who could help him if he needed it. That help is needed soon when Ike is murdered. The boy, of course, is the main suspect and a sketchy background. He also has trouble telling the truth. There are others in Haven Harbor who weren't too fond of Ike, who was very observant and may have seen things he shouldn't.

I always enjoy visiting Haven Harbor through Lee Wait's books and Thread on Arrival is no exception. I did have my suspicions on who might have killed Ike very early, so the mystery was not such a puzzle this time. The pleasure is the town, the quirky characters and Angie's developing relationship with the people and of course, her boyfriend, Patrick.

Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for an advance digital copy. The opinions are my own.

RATING- 4 Stars

Thread on Arrival by Lea Wait takes readers back to Haven Harbor, Maine. Angie Russo along with her boyfriend, Patrick West are heading to the harbor for the annual Blessing of the Fleet which honors those lost at sea. They notice Ike Hamilton has a teenage boy helping him. Ike is on Social Security Disability and supplements his income by collecting bottles to return for their deposit. Leo, who has been in town three weeks, is helping Ike who injured his back a few weeks ago and living in Ike’s garage with him. The next day, Angie is at Dave Percy’s when Leo comes pounding on the door. He has blood on him and blurts out that Ike is dead. They quickly call Sergeant Pete Lambert who rushes to Ike’s. Pete calls Detective Ethan Trask because Ike was murdered. Unfortunately, suspicion falls onto young Leo who Angie and Dave believe is innocent. Angie talks to various townspeople who provided bottles to Ike and learns that Ike was extremely observant. He had the tendency of sharing what he learned with others which may have been Ike’s downfall. Did Ike uncover someone’s secret which led to his death? Then a second tragedy befalls the town when another resident passes away. Will Angie be able to uncover the truth, or will the killer make sure that Angie does not celebrate her upcoming twenty-eighth birthday?

Thread on Arrival is the eighth novel in A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading Twisted Threads first. It will provide you with background information on Angie and the major secondary characters. It is hard to believe that Angie has been in Haven Harbor for less than a year. She is managing Mainely Needlepoint, dating Patrick West, has made some good friends and has her adorable black cat, Trixi. In Thread on Arrival, we are introduced to Ike Hamilton who has fallen on hard times. He wants to live out the rest of his days in Haven Harbor and, when his home was demolished for safety reasons, he took up residence in the garage. Ike is an honorable man with principles. He does not like seeing people harmed or being taken advantage of by those in power. Angie feels bad that she was unaware that he collected bottles and could have assisted him. When Leo becomes the prime suspect, Angie wants to assist the young man who has had a difficult life.

All the regular characters are in the Thread on Arrival (Gram, Sarah, Anna, Dave, Ruth, Reverend Tom) as they get ready for tourists to soon descend on the town and work on needlepoint projects for Mainely Needlepoint. I enjoy the descriptions of the projects and the sampler quotations at the beginning of each chapter along with descriptions of the sampler. Sarah Byrne is Angie’s best friend and owns an antique shop. We get historical information on political memorabilia (political buttons are valued by collectors) and learned the history of embroidered “pockets” (not the type in the seams of our clothes). There are lovely cozy moments as we follow Angie about her day-to-day activities. I appreciated that we got to know more about Dave Percy in this installment (he has a unique poison garden). The mystery was thought out with multiple viable suspects. I was able to identify the killer early in the story, though, based on previous books I have read, and I had a strong suspicion as to why. The secondary crime was more unique. I like how the reveal was done and was happy to see this killer taken down. There are recipes at the end of the book which includes Dave’s lasagna and Angie’s special birthday cake. Come along to Haven Harbor for good food, antiques, needlepoint, clear skies, and a pesky murder or two in Thread on Arrival.

An absolutely delightful addition to the Mainely Needlepoints series. When a local is found brutally murdered the young man who was seen with him is suspected. He goes to one of the Needlepoints for help. The teenager's own behavior does not help.

This book puts less emphasis on the mystery, although it is still good, than o the people in the group. That's what I really liked about it.

Threads on Arrival by Lea Wait is the 8th book in the Mainely Needlepoint series, and another great adventure with Angie Curtis and the gang. Ike Hamilton lives on his disability checks, but collects bottles for extra money. Lately Ike has been seen around town with a teenage boy, Leo, who is helping him. When Ike is found murdered, Leo become the prime suspect. Angie believes he is innocent, so she starts investigating. I love this series, and the books are not only filled with likable characters, and good mysteries but they are also full of history. A heartwarming cozy mystery that takes place in a small town Maine, and you don't have to be a craftier to enjoy this mystery. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.  If you love cozy mysterious, give this book/series a try. As always it's better to read the series in order.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.

The latest Mainely Needlepoint mystery was enjoyable though slightly convoluted. While the identity of the murderer is plausible as is the motive the reveal scene unsatisfying in the characters reactions and behavior. I liked the plot and that characters as always, the development of the relationships and Angie's field journeys to find more information. Overall, a solid addition to the series.

Thread On Arrival by Lea Wait is the 8th book in the Mainely Needlepoint mystery series. I have read the entire series and enjoyed this next in series as one of my favorites of the series. The author has created a series of good friendships, a charming seaside town, a love of crafting and always a good sleuth. I love the setting in Maine and the likable friendly characters. I highly recommend the entire series for your reading enjoyment for all who like cozy mysteries.
In this next in series a local man down on his luck is stabbed. The suspect is a new resident . A young man who appears to be homeless. Our protagonist Angie is on the case with help from her family and friends. Soon she is on the right path to the possible suspect and piecing together clues. Her relationship with her friends and family sustain this series as charming and heartwarming with kindness and compassion.
I love everything about this series. The recipes included are wonderful as is the needlepoint. The author has a talent for creating a fascinating sleuth that is well crafted and keeps me guessing.
This is a enjoyable fun cozy series that I hope will continue. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the ARC for review. My opinions are my own. Very well done to the author. i love returning to this next in series.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Haven Harbor holds an annual event, Blessing of the Fleet, which honors all those lost at sea over the centuries. While there Angie meets Ike Hamilton. Ike’s family home was crumbling down around him. The chamber wanted the property condemned but that doesn’t stop Ike, he just moves into the garage. With his disability money, the few dollars he made from bottle redemption and a little help from a few friends he made it on his own even taking in a young homeless man. But he always was afraid “the chambers” were after him.

The town was shocked when Ike was killed in his garage. The teenager, Leo, who he took in was the one to find him and the prime suspect in the murder. Angie and her friend and needlepointer, Dave Perry, a high school teacher, believe the guy is innocent. Dave even takes Leo into his own home promising he will be available for any questions the police may have. He also starts to work with Angie to find the real person responsible for Ike’s death.

Ms. Wait introduces readers to Ike Hamilton. An independent and very principled man, traits that may have played a very big part in why the man was killed. Before his death he also let us see his heart by opening up his “home” to another needy soul. I was upset that someone shortens his life. I was anxious to learn the “rest of the story” and the pages were flying. The author lays out a sad tale. A tale that took another life before the case was solved.

All my favorite regular characters were back. The Maine Needlepointers were busy finishing up orders before tourist season begins, even a couple of custom orders, one I would love for my home. They also had time to pitch in to help Dave and Angie with their investigation. Gram and Pastor Tom are also very involved because there are so many ties to the church as more suspects are added to the list. Even Patrick lent a helping hand. All these characters are well developed and genuine. This core group drew me in from the first book in this series and their growth continues to bring me back for more. I enjoy following along with their everyday life almost as much as the mystery. This time getting to know more about Dave Perry was so good.

The journey to solving the mystery was very well-plotted. I did have the actual killer in mind early in the story due to something I had witnessed in my own life. As the story continued my thoughts were clearly cemented and I almost cheered out loud as the reveal was made and the person got their comeuppance.

Ms. Wait also gives readers the treat of sampler quotations at the start of each chapter. I always seem to read them twice, as I am reading the book and again after I finish to make note of ones I want to save and remember.

I highly recommend this entire series!

An interesting and intriguing cozy mystery. Many familiar characters and some new. A definite page turner that kept me guessing.

Although I have to admit that my enthusiasm for cozy mysteries is waning, Lea Wait's Mainely Needlepoint series is still a favorite. Chalk it up to a cast of characters that's always interesting, mysteries that are always intriguing, evocative chapter headings that remind me of the samplers I stitched in my childhood, and a setting that has Maine in the top three on my list of states that I want to visit.

In Thread on Arrival, readers learn about Haven Harbor's annual Blessing of the Fleet, when those who have died at sea are remembered and the boats of the locals are blessed. It's a moving ceremony that is undoubtedly performed in coastal towns around the world where fishermen brave the elements to make a living.

We also get to know Dave Percy, one of the Mainely Needlepointers, better because he is the one who is adamant about helping prove homeless teen Leo's innocence, although others in the group are quick to offer their help. In fact, helping others is one of the themes in Thread on Arrival (and in the series as well).

Needlepoint, helping others, Maine traditions, interesting characters, and a mystery that has a long suspect list-- just five of the reasons why I continue to enjoy this series. If you haven't already, I urge you to give it a try.

Thread On Arrival is the eighth book in the Mainely Needlepoint series.

The story starts with Angie and David, her friend, a high school biology teacher, and poisonous plant expert are attending The Blessing of the Fleet. The Blessing pays homage to those that have lost their lives while working the sea and blessing the new season, fishermen, and their boats for a safe and bountiful season. While at the Blessing they see Ike Hamilton, Ike has been living in the families garage since the house was condemned and to supplement his disability check he collects bottles and cans and takes them to a recycling center. Ike is walking with a scrawny teenager. Ike introduces them to the young man, Leo, and says he is staying in the garage with and says that Leo helps him collect bottles and cans. David and Angie both feel that boy should be in school and tells him if he ever needs to talk to someone to come see him. The next day Leo appears at David’s door covered in blood and says that somebody has killed Ike. Angie and David want to believe that Leo is innocent of the murder. Detective Trask of the Maine State Police and Pete Lambert aren’t so sure, especially that all the Leo will share with anyone is that his name is Leo. Until they can learn more about Leo, David offers to take Leo into his home. The police are able to pull some strings and gets David appointed as his temporary guardian. Angie and David immediately get start looking at Haven Harbor residents as they learn that some residents feel Ike is an embarrassment to the community and could cause a decline of tourist coming to Haven Harbor.

I love this series and for those readers who aren’t into embroidery don’t hesitate to read this series, as embroidery is only lightly touched upon. One thing that I particularly like is the description of embroidery done by young children at the beginning of each chapter. The story is well-written a wonderful cast of believable cast of characters. In this book, the reader will learn more about David’s background.

Delicious sounding recipes are also included with the book

I will be definitely looking forward to the next book in the series, Thread And Buried, due out in October of this year.

This is the eighth in the series. It may be read as a standalone.

I enjoy Ms Wait’s books. This one finds us attending the Blessing of the Boats. I really enjoyed learning about this tradition and the modern twist to it. This story also deals with domestic abuse.

Even though I figured out the domestic abuse angle early, I was not sure who could have murdered Ike Hamilton. I liked how Dave took in the young man and helped guide him through the process of being a suspect.

This was a well-plotted story.

a murder is happening in a coastal town. a lot of peope are suspicious but who the murderer really ist will surprise you. INteresting to read.

I received a free copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

Thread on Arrival is book 8 in the Mainely Needlepoint Series. Trouble begins in the small community when Ike, a local man who lives in a run down garage on his property off the money he makes collecting bottles, is murdered. Who could have murdered him and why? Angie pokes her nose in, uncovering clues, looking for motives and for the identity of a young teen who seems to be the only suspect. I have not read any earlier books in this series and so I was not tuned in to any ongoing relationships or back-stories of the recurring characters. I suspect I would have found the story line richer with that knowledge. I did guess the killer and the reason very early on, so I would have liked a little more subterfuge or some other red herrings. Quick cozy mystery read.

An amazing mystery, darker and more complex than usual.
I love this series and each new book is a pleasure to savour.
I love to meet again the cast of characters and read about their life and relationship.
This book was complex, emotionally charged and it has some strong characteristics of a thriller like hidden secrets and some heavy social issues.
I loved the way the writer manage all the different element and mixes them together creating an unputdownable and engaging plot.
The mystery was great, no plot hole, and I was happy to see I guessed the right culprit. The solution was great and it reminded me of Agatha Christie.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Coastal Maine Cozy Murder Mystery
This lovely cozy mystery was a joy to read! It takes place in a small coastal town in Maine. The back story is all about needlework with some good cooking thrown in for fun. The mystery is a great whodunnit with lots of suspects and little evidence. I enjoyed the chapter introductions which were the description of some needlework samplers made from the 1700s and 1800s along with a brief bit about the artist and her life. All around it is a good book and now I want to read the entire series! I received this ARC for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

Lea Wait is a magnificent story teller and reading her books transport me to a fictional place that I wish was real. There is always something in her stories that makes me feel better.

Ike, it turns out, wasn't the innocent most people in Haven Harbor thought he was. Someone disliked him enough to murder him and it wasn't Leo, the homeless teen. Angie, our intrepid amateur detective (she's working on her PI license) hops in to find out the truth. One of the charms of this series (and you can read this one as a standalone) are the bits and pieces you'll learn about needlework- each chapter is headlined with some info. Angie calls on one of her customers, Dave, this time around to help with Leo as she investigates and we get to learn more of his backstory. Angie's love interest Patrick doesn't feature as largely (I think) as he has in the past but that's ok. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A fun cozy with a good mystery.

Angie and Patrick have joined the rest of the town in the Blessing of the Fleet. This is an annual event prior to the start of the fishing season. The next day Ike Hamilton, a local man down on his luck, is killed. Leo, a young boy, who has been staying with Ike is blamed. Angie and Dave don’t believe that Leo is responsible and try to find who might be. It turns out that as well as collecting bottles for the deposit money, Ike has been collecting secrets.

This is an enjoyable mystery set on the coast of Maine. Tourists are of course the trade as well as Angie’s company that makes custom needlepoint items. This book has a great setting along with relatable characters.

Another great read by my favourite author Lea Wait.
This book is about Ike Hamilton who is well know in Haven Harbor, people find a way to help him by saving the bottles that he collects exchange for money and sometimes food.
Ike is found stabbed to death , but who would what to kill him?.
Plenty of suspects and twist with Angie and Dave on the case to try and solve the mystery.
I love to read about the verses and descriptions of vintage samplers in the books and it all children’s work, brilliant. Can’t wait for the next book to come out.
Many thanks to Kensington books and Nettgalley for giving me the chance to read and review this book.

Thread on Arrival
(Mainely Needlepoint #8)
by Lea Wait

Paperback, 320 pages
Expected publication: April 30th 2019 by Kensington Publishing Corporation




Goodreads synopsis:
In this coastal New England town, folks take care of the needy--but someone is killing without kindness . . .

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 needlepointing partners 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


***

4.5 Stars

I always get excited when another Mainely Needlepoint mystery comes out. This is one of my favorite series worlds. I keep hoping Angie will get her PI license. Am I alone? And am I the only person who thinks she and Dave (poison garden guy) should be an item? Maybe it is just me. I mean, you hooked up all the police force with other people. I would have been totally on board with an Ethan/Angie relationship. When you get to know these people, it is almost like you live in Haven Harbor and these are your neighbors.

This story revolved around a homeless guy, Ike, who was helping an 18 year old runaway, Leo. Not sure if runaway is the right word since the guy was 18 but I felt like his character was mentally younger than that, probably from the lack of schooling. Ike is found murdered and the main suspect becomes the young Leo.

Angie and Dave begin to investigate since this kid is so young and needs someone to take care of him. There are quite a few suspects once Angie pokes her nose around town. There is even a funny crack about how since Angie came to town in book one there sure are a lot of murders now. LOL! Too funny.

Just a great book. Surprisingly complex mystery and quite a page turner. Definitely check this one out! Lea Wait never fails to produce a great book.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.