This is one of my favorite series and an author I admire. Lois’ books are both entertaining and engaging and it is my pleasure to share with you the cover reveal for the next book in the “Anastasia Pollack Crafting” mystery series, coming February 2026 and now up for preorder.
Publication Date: February 10, 2026
Name of Series: Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries ~ Book 15
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Format: Digital, Print and Audio (to come)
Author Website: loiswinston.com
Book Synopsis
A Stitch in Time Could Save a Life…
When Anastasia’s mother Flora is offered a free spa vacation from Jeremy Dugan, a man connected to her distant past, Anastasia and husband Zack suspect ulterior motives. After all, too-good-to-be-true often spells trouble. Their suspicions are confirmed when the FBI swoops in to apprehend Dugan. However, Dugan isn’t who he claimed to be, and his arrest raises more questions than answers.
The Feds link Dugan to a string of cons targeting elderly single women across the country, but his seemingly airtight alibi leaves investigators stumped. Then, shortly after his release on bail, he’s kidnapped. A certain segment of New Jersey’s population is known for delivering deadly messages, and the FBI believes Dugan received one of them.
Meanwhile, bodies begin showing up in the newly created public garden across the street from Anastasia and Zack’s home. With two baffling crimes, no clear suspects, scant evidence, and every possible motive unraveling, both the FBI and local law enforcement are once again picking Anastasia’s brain. This time, though, her involvement is far from reluctant. Will she stitch together enough clues before she or someone she loves becomes the killer’s next victim?
Craft project included.
Amazon | Apple Books | Kobo | Nook
About the author
Lois Winston, a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of mystery, romance, romantic suspense, chick lit, middle-grade, and nonfiction, sold her first book to a NY publishing house in 2005. Currently she writes the critically acclaimed Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries, featuring magazine crafts editor and reluctant amateur sleuth Anastasia Pollack, along with a supporting cast of characters that include Anastasia’s communist mother-in-law, her self-proclaimed Russian princess mother, and Ralph, the Shakespeare-quoting parrot. Learn more at www.loiswinston.com where you can sign up for her newsletter and receive a free Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mini-Mystery.
Nice cover! This sounds like a good one
Thanks, Mary! Hope you enjoy it.
One of my favorite series. Can’t wait to read this one!
Always a boost to my ego, Susan! Thanks!
This is probably the only reason to look forward to February. I love this series. And, Dru Ann, I apologize for “fanning” on you at Crimebake — it was just so lovely to put a face to this great blog!
Oh, Maren, what a wonderful compliment! Thank you!
As someone who has read the draft version of Embroidered Lies and Alibies, I can promise readers are in for a treat, and important lessons as to how often savvy people can fall victim to scammers. Anastasia has her hands full with this one! A great mystery as usual with some important prevention recommendations!
As always, your feedback was invaluable, Donnell! You’re the best!
Story sounds great and I love the colors on the cover!
Thanks, Nancy!
Just found this series recently! Love it!
Thank you so much, Christy!
It’s a great cover, Lois. Looking forward to reading this one!
Thanks, Maggie! Hope you enjoy it!
Clever title.
Thanks, Candace!
I’m sure it will be another fun mystery from you, Lois. (I’ll find out because I just ordered it.)
Thanks so much, Jacqueline! I hope you enjoy it!
It’s stunning! Congrats, Lois. Looking forward to this one!
Thanks, Saralyn! Hope you enjoy it!
Love it!!
Thanks, Kass!
Lovely cover, Lois! Looks like a craft I’d like to make, haha!
Thanks, Ashley-Ruth! Trust me, this one is easy enough for a kindergartener to make (with a little supervision and assistance!) ;-D
Great Cover.
Thanks, Cheryl!