Hanging by a Thread

by Dorothy Howell Narrated by Jeanine Bartel

Overview

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 ...

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Praise for Dorothy Howell’s Cozy Mysteries
 
"Seams Like Murder is a charmer of a mystery, a thoroughly engaging tale of murder, romance, and yummy desserts. (Not to mention a nifty sewing project!) I was hooked from page one." —Laura Levine, author of Death By Smoothie on Seams Like Murder
 
“Danger, intrigue, and charm combine in this whodunit set in Hideaway Cove.” – Woman’s World on Seams Like Murder
 
“Flippant fun.” —Kirkus Reviews on Beach Bags and Burglaries
 
“Howell continues to deliver light, fun beach reading. Fans of Laura Levine may also enjoy this one.” —Booklist on Beach Bags and Burglaries

"A fun, lighthearted whodunit.” —The Mystery Gazette on Beach Bags and Burglaries
 
“Enjoyable . . . an unlikely but engaging sleuth.” —Publishers Weekly on Evening Bags and Executions
 
“The well-crafted plot, humor, and designer details will appeal to fans of Laura Levine and MaryJanice Davidson.” —Booklist on Tote Bags and Tote Tags
 
“Howell’s winning debut...Reminiscent of Reese Witherspoon's character in the Legally Blonde films, Haley evolves from a total airhead into a semi-airhead without breaking a nail. A cool cliffhanger will leave readers eager for Haley's next adventure.” —Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW for Handbags and Homicide

Kirkus Reviews

2023-07-13
A local murder puts pressure on the owner of a sewing studio who’s determined to make her adopted hometown into the perfect host for an upcoming conference.

Abbey Chandler is almost happy that her life in LA has crumbled and forced her to start over in the aptly named Hideaway Grove. After all, she has tons of fond memories of spending her summers in the little town with her aunt Sarah and enjoying all the special local shops, though her aunt’s bakery, Sarah’s Sweets, will always be her favorite. But times have changed, and now Hideaway Grove’s shop owners are feeling the crunch of a shrinking economy. And nobody feels the pressure as much as Aunt Sarah, especially now that notorious gold digger Blaine Hutchinson has decided to open a competing bakery with all the bells and whistles. Sheesh. Abbey has money woes of her own, too. She loves her volunteer work transforming donated pillowcases into dresses to be sent to African girls in remote villages, but her own sewing studio needs some contracts that will generate income or it’ll go kaput. Abbey and Aunt Sarah’s worries are made worse when Blaine’s bakery plans are derailed by murder. Abbey’s relief at losing a competitor is dwarfed by her fears that Sarah will be accused of the crime. At a time when all the business owners want to make sure Hideaway Grove is putting its best foot forward as the host of a women’s conference they hope will offer economic respite, Abbey resolves to solve the case and clear Aunt Sarah from suspicion.

A sewing-focused cozy that lacks the sparkle that would set it apart.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940159650047
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	09/26/2023
Series:	Sewing Studio Mysteries , #2
Edition description:	Unabridged

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