Threads of Deceit by Mae Fox and Jan Fields is the first book in the new “Vineyard Quilt” mystery series. Publisher: Annie’s, April 2015

Former antiquities bounty hunter, Julie Ellis, is on the run, trying to stay one stiletto step ahead of her past. She accepts a position as manager of the Quilt Haus Inn in Missouri wine country, thinking it the perfect place to keep a low profile and start a new, less-dangerous career. It is—until Daniel Franklin walks through the door and asks for a room.

Daniel claims he’s come to Straussberg in search of a famous sunken ship that he believes is buried in a nearby farm field. Julie finds the handsome historian’s story odd at best, but when a dead body is discovered at the proposed dig site, it becomes clear somebody else believes the theory and doesn’t want the ship or its secrets exposed. Who in the town would possibly care about the old shipwreck? As frightening things start to happen at the inn—all seemingly connected to the hunt for the missing ship—Julie and her quilting friends must unearth the truth before someone else is buried.

I like it. More than a sunken ship is discovered when a dead body is found and seeking some excitement Julie plays amateur sleuth and uncovers a whole lot of holes let to be dug up. I love the writing style and the comfortable tone in this whodunit that was enjoyable. The author has a way with the written word that let me play along with the characters. The mystery was good as it kept me closely watching all the action as one-by-one the suspect list was narrowed to a few with some twists that caught me unawares. Julie is very likable as is her BFF Hannah. She is surrounded by Millie who may have sporadic appearances, Shirley who I adore, Inga who just needed the right moment and of course I hope we get to see more of Daniel. This was a fun read and I can’t wait to read Pattern of Betrayal, the next book in this delightfully charming debut series. Bonus quilt pattern is included.

previously posted on the Cozy Chicks blog