Forget Me Knot by Mary Marks is the first book in the new “Quilting” mystery series. Publisher: Kensington, January 2014

Welcome to San Fernando Valley, California, where Martha Rose and her coterie of quilters are enjoying life on the good side of retirement—until murder pulls a stitch out of their plans.

Martha and her besties Lucy and Birdie are set to expand their Quilty Tuesdays by inviting newcomer Claire Terry into their group. Though at forty Claire’s a tad younger than their average age, her crafty reputation could perk up their patchwork proceedings, especially as they prepare for the fancy quilt show coming to town. But when they arrive at Claire’s home and find her dead inside the front door, and her exquisite, prize-winning quilts soon missing, Martha is not one to leave a mystery unravelled. Especially if she wants to stop a killer from establishing a deadly pattern.

The author did a good job in delivering a fast-paced, fun and lighthearted whodunit centered around three quilters who happened to find the dead body of another quilter and what followed was their eagerness to find a murderer who’s hiding in plain sight. With plenty of suspects to choose from, I loved the twists and turns the mystery took as it rapidly pulled me into an intriguing storyline where secrets are uncovered and threats are made. Everyone had a role to play and it was done in a way that each clue gathered took us closer to the killer’s identity.

This was an enjoyable read featuring a lovable cast of characters and good conversations in this engaging debut novel. You don’t necessarily have to be a quilter to enjoy this book, but the tidbits and tips will add to a quilter’s repertoire. I look forward to more exploits with Martha and her friends in this lovely new series.

FTC Disclosure – The author sent me a copy of this book, in hopes I would review it.

previously posted on the Cozy Chicks blog