Hanging by a Thread
A Sewing Studio Mystery #2
By Dorothy Howell

Publisher’s Description
From USA Today bestselling author Dorothy Howell, the charming new cozy mystery featuring twenty-something Abbey Chandler and her fellow sewing circle members in the quaint, touristy town of Hideaway Cove, California.

After setting up a small sewing studio in quaint Hideaway Grove, Abbey Chandler is focused on finding crafty, creative ideas to build up her clientele. But murder can be bad for business . . .


Some of the independent shops in this sleepy town are barely hanging on financially—and that includes Sarah’s Sweets, Abbey’s aunt’s bakery. The shop’s advantage—aside from the deliciousness of its products—is the fact that it’s the only bakery in the area. But it looks like that’s about to change. The second wife of a wealthy businessman wants her own bakery—and money is no object.

When murder unravels the plans for the competing shop, Aunt Sarah is an immediate suspect—and Hideaway Grove’s merchants are on pins and needles about a big upcoming women’s conference, fearing the organization will cancel their booking because of the crime. Abbey’s doing her best to stay optimistic and stitch some custom tote bags for the attendees, but she’s also concerned with patching up Aunt Sarah’s good reputation. And when it comes to sorting through the possible motives of the victim’s family members and associates, she’s got a few tricks up her sleeve . . .

What I liked about Hanging by a Thread
Hanging by a Thread brings the reader back into Hideaway Grove and to many of the characters introduced in the first book. Abbey Chandler is the main character, and she is still struggling to build up her sewing business by selling her custom totes. She’s had some success selling them in stores around Hideaway Grove, but she knows she needs to expand or lose her business entirely. She’s also still trying to figure out her relationship with local deputy, Zack. It’s off to a very rocky start, but Abbey sets boundaries with Zack. His response signals he wants to give this relationship a try as well. There is still the sewing circle doing volunteer sewing work and spreading town gossip.

What I didn’t like about Hanging by a Thread
The murder victim, Blaine Hutchinson, never makes an appearance in the book. We learn about her through the other characters, and even then it isn’t much and it is clouded by the others’ intense dislike of her. For me, the story lacks something when the murder victim is one step removed from the storyline. Also I wish last names were included in the first few chapters of any book, to help me keep people straight. It’s helpful in each book in a series, grounding the reader in the story whether is the first book in a series or the 15th.

Some of the tropes present in Hanging by a Thread
Small town
Antagonistic relationship with local law enforcement
Main character is a small business owner, female amateur sleuth working to clear her aunt’s name.

The mystery in Hanging by a Thread
I had the murderer figured out before the reveal, but not the why, even though the
clues were planted throughout the book.

Final thoughts
I like this series. I like the sewing aspect of it and the community that forms around it. While I feel the book had some weaknesses, it is still an entertaining and quick read. Recommended, especially if you like some sort of craft with your mystery.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonCozies for giving me a copy of #HangingByAThread in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Abbey Chandler is beginning to find her feet in Hideaway Cove. Her Aunt Sarah has welcomed her with open arms and even let her set up a new sewing business in her bakery's store room. Having recently helped discover the identity of a killer Abbey is also being approached to solve other mysterious issues around town which keeps her very busy.

With an influential women's conference coming to the small town most of the store owners hope their sales and reputations will improve as the mainly local trade in the quiet town only just keeps most businesses afloat. When the owner of the town’s new bakery is found dead, Abbey is horrified that the local Sheriff considers Aunt Sarah his main suspect. Added to everything else, including her burgeoning relationship with local Deputy, Zach McKenna, Abbey is run off her feet. When rumours about drug running and mafia hits begin circulating alongside the threat of the conference being cancelled Abbey knows she has to act but can she save the town and herself from financial ruin?

This is the second in Dorothy Howell's new series and I have to admit I found it a little confusing! There are a lot of people in this book and I'm not sure all of them are actually needed while a few were annoyingly and unnecessarily distracting. I realise some things may have been explained in book one, which I haven't read, but it didn't come across that way. I did however, like the way the author showed rumours circulating and getting bigger and more unlikely very quickly, but unfortunately that didn't save this for me.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington, but the opinions expressed are my own. Unfortunately this was not for me as there are similar cosy crime series I have enjoyed more.

This is the second in series and a very enjoyable cozy read. Thank you to the publisher, Net Galley and the Author. Abbey has set up a sewing studio business in her Aunt's bakery. She has moved to a small endearing town after leaving her corporate job and loves her quiet new life. When her Aunt is supect in the murder of a competing bakery owner Abbey steps up to save her Aunt and their business.

I like the sleuth that kept me guessing to conclusion. The clues and red herrings were well crafted . The charcters are likable and all add to the fun of this series. Abbey is a smart investigator and savvy protagnist who grows in this book . The supporting charcters, the setting all all done to perfection. I loved the sewing information and found it fun to read about. Well done to the author. I look forward to the next in series.

This is the first book I have read in the Sewing Studio series. I had high hopes for the book and looked forward to a great cozy mystery. The book was okay. It was a little drab and although the premise of the story was good, I did not feel connected to the characters. It may have helped if I had read the first book so I would recommend you do that before getting into this book. The mystery of “whodunit” was handled well and I did not figure out who the culprit was until the very end. So that is a positive note for the book. I think I am in the minority here, so I would encourage you to read the first book to see if you would enjoy the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Setting the Scene: Hideaway Grove is anticipating a much needed influx of revenue and visibility from the women's conference scheduled to take place in the town. In fact, the fate of virtually every small business in town, including Abbey's own dream, hangs in the balance. Abbey has been "volunteered" for several projects related to the conference, among them using her marketing experience to create a film to promote the town, but the new bakery under construction that poses a greater threat to Aunt Sarah's bakery has her distracted. When the owner of the new bakery is murdered, and Aunt Sarah becomes the prime suspect, Abbey sets aside everything to find the real culprit.

What I Thought: I enjoy visiting Hideaway Grove. Although firmly set in the 21st century, it feels like an enclave of a bygone era. Abbey, her Aunt Sarah, Zack, and the other residents are intelligent and likeable, albeit imperfect characters. The relationships and friendships Abbey is building are relatable, and the mystery is multi-layered with a variety of suspects. I am frustrated with Abbey's apparent inability to say no to the multitude of projects thrust upon her and with her frequent procrastination in getting them done. I am hopeful she will overcome those traits, but regardless, I look forward to my next visit to Hideaway Cove.

An interesting combination of a start-up sewing business in a bakery and this second book is a great addition to the series that pulls you, keeps you guessing and routing for the characters.

I enjoy the small town cast of characters in this book and the warm relationship between Abbey and her aunt. I also appreciate the way a conference could be a financial boon to a small village--and the accompanying stress over that conference. I'd have like to see a lighter touch with what ends up being the crucial evidence to solve the crime. Anytime in a cozy there's something like a video to watch back (or an envelope to open, or photos to go through--take your pick), and the main character mentions it repeatedly and yet inexplicably continues to NOT do it, you know that's where the big reveal is going to be. Also, it took Abbey an incredibly long time to just tell her client that she could design (or have designed) a great logo for them. It's an enjoyable read, but pretty predicatable.

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

An excellent location pulls the reader in for a most delightful story. You'll be kept guessing who done it until the end. Excellent characters. A fun read. Thanks#Netgalley and #Kensington for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

I love a cozy mystery with a ametuer sleuth.

Abbey ran to Hideaway Cove to get away from corporate America. She’s trying to start up a sewing business in her aunts bakery. When the owner of a another bakery is found dead. Abbey starts looking for the killer when her aunt is accused.

When this the most action packed Mystery? No. Did I still enjoy myself with this story? Yes.

There was a great storyline. You could really see and feel the town of Hideaway Cove. You could feel all the connections Abbey had with the people of the town.

The lost dolls storyline did wrap of quickly and it felt like an after thought. I felt like there could have been more with that part of the story.

I didn’t get the killer until the end of the book so that is a win for me.

This is book 2 in the series so I’m going to go back and read the first book.

This was a great second book in the series. I liked the characters, both primary and secondary. Although I did figure out who the killer was in the first book, this one threw me for a loop. I kinda want to learn how to sew now. I hope there will be more between Abbey and Zack too.

After she lost her job at a marketing firm in L.A, Abbey Chandler retreated to Hideaway Grove, California where she lives with her Aunt Sarah in a cute little cottage🏡
Abbey now runs sewing studio which she’d put together in the big storage room in her aunt Sarah’s bakery, Sarah’s Sweets.

She works alongside members of her sewing circle on some charity projects such as making pillowcase dresses 👗 and so on. Then they donate the dresses to the church and several times a year, to remote villages in Africa.

Sometimes she handles other no-sewing related projects such as making a video for Hideaway Grove’s website which involves getting footage of shops, restaurants, specialty stores, and galleries, plus any other shots that would draw tourists to town.

A woman named Blaine Hutchinson is planning on opening a new bakery and several local business owners are not happy with the newest addition. Blaine is married to Rory Hutchinson who owns a real estate development and construction business in Hideaway Grove. He is considered one of the wealthiest and most influential men in town.

Abbey’s aunt Sarah has the only bakery in town, and the last thing they need is a competition. Abbey’s worried that the new bakery would put her Aunt Sarah out of business. Moreover, she doesn’t think her aunt is financially ready for retirement if her bakery went under.

Hideaway Grove’s next big event is the regional meeting of the Women’s Alliance for Progress, a three-day conference that’s coming up soon and is expected to boost the town’s economy.

Before the event however, an elderly woman named Imogene owner of Dottie’s Toys 🧸 asks Abbey’s help in finding which of her staff is stealing her vintage toys she’s found at antique stores, yard sales etc. Some of the toys she’s set aside for the craft fair is missing.

Imogen is convinced the thief is the Sheriff Ed Grumman’s niece Holly who’s stealing the toys. As such she wants Abbey to catch the culprit and retrieve her toys.

Soon after Imogen hires Abbey to find the culprit, Abbey learns that Blaine was shot dead in her bakery and now her aunt has become the suspect. Can she find the killer and clear her aunt’s name?

It’s a pretty good mystery, love the setting and definitely liked this book.

Thank you to Dorothy Howell, NetGalley and Kensington Cozies for the arc of this book

I really loved this book in a new to my series and author. I can't wait to read the next one. The characters and location really add to the plot. This book keeps you guessing until the end

I really enjoyed this new series by Howell featuring Abbey Chandler. I can't wait for book two to come out!

Hanging by a Thread, the second book in the Sewing Studio Mystery Series, was just as delightful as the first book in the series. It moves at a very quick pace, and I had trouble setting the book down to get things done. I really like the main character, Abbey. She’s always volunteering to help others in the community and I like how the author keeps the reader engaged along the way as Abbey tries to keep track of all the things she is supposed to be doing. It makes the story seem very real. The mystery is very well thought out, without any holes; it’s a good one. The book is well written. There is a touch of romance, but it is a small piece that just adds to the story.
There is a great cast of ladies who also volunteer at Abbey’s sewing studio – making things for children in need. In addition, there are many female business owners who drop by Abbey’s aunt’s bakery (the bakery houses the sewing studio). There are a lot of strong women in Abbey’s life, which I really like. Overall, I’m really enjoying this series and I’m looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend it.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books/Cozies for this terrific ARC. I’m submitting my honest review and opinion. I will post this review to my blog, Goodreads, Bookbub, & Amazon accounts on the publication date, 9/26/23.

This was an good addition to this series. Abby is trying to further her business. I did wonder where she was getting money from after her ordeal in the first book. It is entertaining if you don't analyze it too much. The murder that happens and events surrounding it are a bit contrived as is the ending. I didn't totally buy into it. But for a mindless afternoon it was fine.

I love sewing cozy mysteries (though I can't sew a stitch) and Dorothy Howell is a favorite author.

Abbey Chandler is starting over, with a sewing studio, in Hideaway Cove, California. She grew up there with her Aunt Sarah, who owns Hideaway Cove's only bakery. When a new bakery moves into town, Aunt Sarah isn't sure if her bakery will survive. Turns out, the snooty and disliked owner of the new bakery is murdered and suspicion falls on Abbey's Aunt. Determined to save her business and clear her Aunt's name, Abbey finds herself hanging by a thread in a killer's game!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the 2nd book in this delightful new series by Dorothy Howell. Abby Chandler has set up a sewing studio in a large room in her Aunts bakery, hoping to get her small business off the ground. A wealthy woman has decided to open a bakery in a prime location in their small town which will certainly hurt her aunts bakery profits. When the woman is murdered and her aunt becomes a suspect. Abby does some sleuthing to clear her aunts name. The victim was universally disliked so there are many suspects. This was a nice light read with plenty of red herrings, likeable characters, and a little romance. Thank you to Kensington books and netgalley for this ARC. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

Thank you, NetGalley and Kensington Books for this. ARC.

I enjoyed getting to know Abbey a little bit more in this 2nd book of the Sewing Studio mystery series. I felt the book was entertaining and it kept me guessing on who the murderer was. I also liked that Abbey ss working another mystery that wasn't a murder. Well, she didn't work it much but it was a nice side story. There is also a tad bit of romance thrown into this story. Not sure how that works since Abey and Zack only seem to interact because of the case.

This is definitely a cozy mystery that I would recommend and is on my list of must read series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's suspenseful, and the mystery isn't too easy to solve, but all the clues are there. I'm looking forward to more of this series.

This was so good!! I love Abby! This was a great second book on the series. I loved it!
I just reviewed Hanging by a Thread by Dorothy Howell. #HangingbyaThread #NetGalley
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