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Nell and the crafty Someday Quilters undertake their first cold case in the latest addition to this bewitching series.
After their quilting retreat upstate, the Someday Quilts ladies return to Archers Rest to prepare for the town's big anniversary celebration. But their plans are unexpectedly derailed by the discovery of a human skeleton in Nell's grandmother's backyard-making Eleanor the prime suspect in a murder. But a skeleton isn't the only thing that's long been buried. When a wave of vandalism raises fears that the town's bygone history of witchcraft has been reawakened, secrets are unearthed that could change life in Archers Rest forever. In addition to a thrilling mystery and the warm camaraderie of the ladies, The Devil's Puzzle is full of the quilting lore and techniques that Clare O'Donohue's readers adore.
There is a lot going on in Archer's Rest.
First, Nell and Oliver are planning a huge surprise for Eleanor. They are going to replant the beautiful rose garden in her backyard and bring it back to the way it was before Grace, the previous owner died. But the surprise turns out to be on them as while digging up the garden they discover the skeleton of a human body. The mystery is started as Nell and her Chief of Police boyfriend, Jesse, start to gather clues to determine who the deceased was and how he came to be buried in rose garden.
Archer's Rest is also planing a a big anniversary celebration for the town. There will be a parade, a carnival, a quilt show, and fireworks to mark the 350th year since John Archer had founded the town that bears his name.
Add to that, someone is vandalizing everything from the school to the cemetery, and the rumors are flying around town about ghosts and witches.
As the clues and many secrets are revealed the job of sewing them all together may be too much for Jesse even with Nell's help. Thankfully they have many friends willing to assist them in solving this mystery.
My Thoughts
Visits to Archer's Rest are like a trip to visit friends. Friends that understand perfectly my overwhelming fabric stash and my vast collection of quilting books and magazines.
My favorite passage from this book, "We are all joined by needle and thread, by the usefulness and beauty of a quilt, and by the friendships that form because of it."
I love the way Clare writes, she describes the scene, makes her characters shine, threads together a complex plot with so many suspects, and keeps it all tight and real. This time there were so many pieces I didn't know how they were all going to come together but she sews everything up with missing a stitch.
This is the perfect story to cozy up with as the weather turns cooler. Sit back and enjoy as Archer's Rest works together to not only pull off a fine festival but uncovers the real "devil" behind this mystery puzzle.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Plume, A Division of Penguin Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.DAinNY1
Posted October 11, 2011
This well-crafted mystery was a delight to read. The storyline kept me intrigued as it came to an exciting and surprising finish. The mystery plays a large part in this book, but it's the relationships and camaraderie among the residents that keeps me coming back. With an endearing cast, great dialogue and the sense of small-town community, this is the best book yet in this character-driven and charming series.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 27, 2011
Great addition to the series! Loved it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 5, 2012
If you like fast moving stories with a lot of what seems like old friends you will love all of the Clare O'Donohue books . Can't wit for the next one.
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Posted October 1, 2011
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Posted August 15, 2011
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Overview
Nell and the crafty Someday Quilters undertake their first cold case in the latest addition to this bewitching series.
After their quilting retreat upstate, the Someday Quilts ladies return to Archers Rest to prepare for the town's big anniversary celebration. But their plans are unexpectedly derailed by the discovery of a human skeleton in Nell's grandmother's backyard-making Eleanor the prime suspect in a murder. But a skeleton isn't the only thing that's long been buried. ...