Terri Thayer Reviews (2)

(2009) Inked Up

The Stamping Sisters leave their mark on the world by stamping cards and scrapbook pages and in some cases, by stamping out murder! April Buchert has joined the Sisters in her hometown of Aldenville, Pennsylvania. She’s hoping to make a new life with stamping and restoration and maybe, just maybe, with Mitch Winchester as well.

The annual Pumpkin Express and with it the corn maze are traditions in this small town and though a little scary, no one has ever died -- that is, until now. Mitch and April discover the body of Xenia, a Mexican-American woman whose family was to be the recipient of the next Winchester Homes for Hope house. Was this a hate crime? The police, of course, suspect the husband but April is certain he couldn’t have done it. He loved his wife and is an excellent father. Didn’t he? Isn’t he? And can April find the killer before he repeats himself?

This is a cozy, crafty read that even includes a fall stamping project!

By Ceil. First published in the Cozy Library September 18, 2009.

(2008) Old Maid’s Puzzle

Dewey Pellicano’s store, Quilter Paradiso, is financially shaky and she’s looking for a 20th anniversary sale to put it back in the black. A feature about the store on a national TV show and the launch of an online store may just be able to keep Quilter Paradiso open.

Just days before the sale, the body of a murdered man is found in the alley behind Quilter Paradiso. Having the area decorated with crime-scene tape isn’t what Dewey had in mind to attract customers. There’s lots of work to finish getting ready for the sale and most of Dewey’s employees are rising to the occasion – except for one: Kym Pellicano.

Dewey’s truly annoying sister-in-law, with her passive-aggressive nature, manages to throw a monkey wrench into just about everything and to get on whatever nerves Dewey has left. Add to that best beau Buster Healy, who’s on a celibacy kick since his and Dewey’s lustful early days together, and our heroine is having a stressful week.

Old Maid’s Puzzle is a near perfect cozy mystery with a great intergenerational cast. I did find the yammering about celibacy a bit much – I think cozy characters should have sex – or not – but don’t talk it to death and spare me the details. A single “f-bomb” late in the book was also baffling.

Despite those two negative reactions, I liked Old Maid’s Puzzle, second in a series, and would definitely read another -- recommend it to Cozy Library visitors.

By Diana. First published in the Cozy Library October 16, 2008.