Copyright © 2007 Mary Ellen Hughes
People are Saying
People are Saying
REVIEWING THE EVIDENCE:
…The craft shop setting creates a small town gathering spot for the locals, who are as interested in town gossip as they are crafts. The book’s characters reflect a wide range of personalities, with everyday problems and concerns, from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds. Author Mary Ellen Hughes uses just the right touch with the crafting aspect of the novel, letting the beading class add to the story, rather than detract from it, and crafters will enjoy the hook of a free beading pattern at the mystery’s end.
The story itself is easy to like, and Hughes creates enough diversions – and characters with motives to do Holt in – to keep her readers from figuring out who murdered Holt and why until the end. Jo McAllister, the central character, is likeable, although it does defy belief somewhat that anyone would go to such lengths to clear the names of friends, at times putting her own safety in danger.
However, suspending belief for the sake of a well-told tale is a small price to pay to enjoy this bit of crafty sleuthing. Though there are some parts of the book that obviously refer back to the first book in the series (WREATH OF DECEPTION), this novel does stand on its own. For those who enjoy a well-crafted mystery, STRING OF LIES seems sure to please.
Reviewed by Christine Zibas, September 2007 http://www.reviewingtheevidence.com
Mystery News (October/November 2007)
…Fast-paced, suspenseful, and full of good characters, this is a tale to enjoy. The craft shop provides loyal customers who help Jo in her search for the truth.
Mary Helen Becker (4 quills)
Fresh Fiction
Reviewed by Denise Powers October 15, 2007
"Engaging cozy with craft tips"
…STRING OF LIES is the second story in the Craft Corner mystery series. Filled with craft tips, this mystery is an enjoyable tale. Jo and her friends make pleasant companions as well as quick-witted sleuths. With just a hint of a possible romance, this series promises to grow even more intriguing as it goes on. Fans of cozy mysteries will love Ms. Hughes' latest endeavor.
CA Reviews
Reviewed by Deborah Hern…Jo is a wonderful character, a sort of everywoman, trying to put her life back together after being widowed at only thirty-six. She’s neither impulsive nor foolish, and her involvement in this mystery makes perfect sense. There are plenty of scenes that take place in the craft shop, and enough craft tips (this time the topic is beading) to make you want to clear off the table and get to work/play. This is the second installment in this delightful cozy series, following WREATH OF DECEPTION, and already the shop regulars seem like old friends. I’m looking forward to seeing them again soon.
http://ca-reviews.blogspot.com/2007/09/string-of-lies-mary-ellen-hughes.html
Meritorious Mysteries
The second in the "Craft Corner" mysteries was just as enjoyable as the first (Wreath of Deception). When local developer Parker Holt begins buying up small businesses on her street, craft store owner Jo McAllister has reason to be concerned. Her worries escalate when her dear friend and husband of her best friend is the prime suspect in Parker's murder. Once again Jo galvanizes her customer-friends in her beading class to ferret out clues which will clear Dan's name.
I like Jo and her friends. The mystery is reasonable, with fair clues, and the tips on beading add color to the pages. I'd recommend this series to any cozy-reading crafter http://mysteryheel.blogspot.com
