Monica Ferris – Needlecraft Mysteries #2, 1999 (Audio 2011)
Betsy Devonshire solves two murders spanning fifty years, in this clever cozy mystery with a lacework theme.
As with many cozies, the book is longer than it needs to be, but that’s really ok with an audiobook; while listening to the sometimes tedious thought processes of the sleuth, you don’t have to pay a lot of attention as long as the book hasn’t reached the 75-80% completion point. You know you’ll find out who the killer is; maybe you can unload the dishwasher during the draggy parts. And, you get the added bonus of learning a bit about several kinds of needlework. (Is there such a thing as forensic cross-stitch education? In this story, yes there is – although it’s not named.)
As with Crewel World, Framed in Lace is nicely narrated by Susan Boyce.
Of note:
- If you want complete context for all elements, you’ll want to read/listen to the first book (Crewel World) first.
- This story is pleasantly dialogue-heavy, which helps make up for the dragging part in the middle.
- The book’s whimsical last line will make you smile. I’m not your mother so I won’t tell you not to peek, but you’ll enjoy it so much more if you don’t skip ahead.