Monica Ferris and her Needlework mystery series

Reviewed by Janelle Martin

 

When her agent asked if she knew anyone “who might write a new mystery series about a middle-aged woman who lives in a small town and does needlework while solving crimes," Mary Pulver decided she should undertake the challenge.  And thus the Needlework Mysteries series was born – as was Monica Ferris.

As Mary shares on her website: “I invented a heroine named Margot Berglund, a widow who runs a successful needlework shop.  But when I started doing the intense research it takes to make a novel "real," I found I didn't know nearly enough about needlepoint and counted cross stitch, or about running a small business, to carry her off.  So I murdered Margot and brought in her sister Betsy, who is as ignorant as I am. It's been interesting.”

The Needlework mysteries follow Betsy Devonshire as she: adjusts to life in Excelsior, Minnesota; runs her sister’s successful business when no one believes she can; tries to rebuild a life for herself after her second divorce; and discovers her own gift for solving mysteries.  As an added bonus, each volume contains a small needlework project related to the mystery plot.  A cozy mystery series perfect for anyone who loves needlework, small towns and middle-aged ladies who snoop!

Mary Pulver writes under many names - Margaret of Shaftesbury, Mary Monica Pulver, Mary Pulver Kuhfeld, Monica Ferris and half of Margaret Frazer – each pseudonym representing works in a different genre.

 
Newest- #10
Sins and Needles

When Lucille Jones walks into Crewel World, Betsy notices that she looks an awful lot like Betsy’s friend Jan Henderson.  It turns out that Lucille is an adoptee and she’s in town searching for her roots, convinced that Jan must be her sister.  Everyone becomes suspicious when Jan's eccentric great-aunt is found dead in her bed, and the only ones to inherit her fortune are the female children of her nieces.  Was it just fortuitous timing that led Lucille to town?

Sins and Needles is the 10th book in the Betsy Devonshire needlework mystery series and this time the customers of Crewel World are focused on sock knitting.  Part of the enjoyment of this series is discovering how Monica Ferris will incorporate the featured needlework skill into the mystery.  

Those who enjoyed the Stanley Steamers featured in A Murderous Yarn, will be delighted by Great-Aunt Edyth’s Baby Gar boat and details about boating in the 30s and 40s.  

Unlike many of the earlier offerings in this series, Betsy and Godwin do not play as central a role in this book.  Sins and Needles focuses mostly on Jan, Lucille, the members of their extended families and the challenges faced in clearing Jan’s name.   

Since Betsy is not as central a character in Sins and Needles, there is little development with Betsy’s personal life.  While this was an enjoyable read, this reviewer missed the banter between Detective Mike and Betsy.  Their chemistry adds a welcome element to this series. 

 

Summaries for #1-9:

 

Crewel World - #1

After her divorce from her second husband, Betsy Devonshire retreats to stay with her sister in Excelsior, Minnesota while she figures out what to do next.  In the meantime, she helps out in Crewel World, Margot’s successful needlework store.  Soon after arriving; however, Betsy arrives back at Margot’s and discovers the store trashed and Margot murdered.  Suddenly Betsy’s future isn’t looking so bright, but Margot’s patrons aren’t about to let their favourite store close and they rally together to help Betsy solve the crime – and keep Crewel World open.


Framed In Lace - #2

Now in charge of Crewel World, Betsy debates whether to keep the shop or close it and move to a warmer location.  Excelsior is buzzing over the Hopkins, an old ferry which used to ply the waters of Lake Minnetonka in the Twenties and Thirties.  Sunk in the 1949, the Hopkins is raised with much aplomb - until a skeleton is found on board, along with a piece of  lace-like fabric.  When one of her Monday group regulars is arrested for the murder, it’s up to Betsy to find the real criminal.  


A Stitch in Time - #3

During renovations at Trinity Episcopal Church, a huge tapestry that had been completed by Lucy Abrams, wife of the former rector, Keane is found.  Lucy was unable to finish the tapestry after she had a fatal stroke while trying to help her husband who had also just suffered from a stroke.  When it is decided that the tapestry will be restored as a tribute to Lucy, Betsy volunteers to donate all necessary supplies.  During an inspection, she notices little icons sewn onto the tapestry and copies several of them to try and decipher. 

Soon after her car is run off the road during a snowstorm, she finds out she’s being poisoned with arsenic, and her shop is set on fire.  Who is trying to kill her and does it have anything to do with the tapestry?


Unraveled Sleeve - #4

Her sister’s estate is finally wound up and Betsy is three million dollars richer.  Suddenly everyone seems to have ideas about how she should spend her newfound wealth.  In hopes of getting a break, Betsy heads off with her friend Jill for a "stitch-in" in Naniboujou, Minnesota, along the Lake Superior shoreline.
When the key speaker doesn't show up, both Jill and Betsy become suspicious and when they turn out to be the ones who find the body, Betsy’s sleuthing skills once again are called into play.

 
A Murderous Yarn - #5

Jill’s good friend Lars Larson has purchased a Stanley Steamer and Crewel World is one of his sponsors for an antique car run.  When the owner of a Maxwell is killed after his car explodes, his widow asks Betsy to investigate.

Unlike earlier Needlework mysteries, A Murderous Yarn does not feature as much actual needlework, although readers will gain a better understanding of Irene Potter, one of the Monday group regulars. 


Hanging By A Thread - #6

When Betsy hires Foster Johns to fix her roof, she has no clue that she is opening a can of worms.  The town is firmly convinced that Foster killed his mistress and her husband five years earlier, a case which is still unsolved.  When Foster asks Betsy to help him clear his name, she readily agrees and counts on her Monday group to help her uncover the truth.


Cutwork - #7

During the local Art Fair, one of the exhibitors and a local teen arrested for the crime.  Believing the youth to be innocent, Betsy begins her own investigation which gets her into hot water with her friend Jill, a local cop.


Crewel Yule - #8

While attending the annual needlework tradeshow in Nashville, an unexpected snowstorm traps convention attendees in the exhibition hotel.  When an exhibitor falls to her death from a 9th story balcony, Betsy and her friend Jill step in to investigate until the police can arrive.

 Filled with interesting details about the needlework business and providing an insiders look at the annual buyers’ convention which isn’t open to the public, Crewel Yule is a wonderful addition to the Needlework mysteries but should not be a reader’s introduction to the series. 


Embroidered Truths - #9

When Godwin, Betsy’s right-hand man, wins a trip to Mexico, he is delighted to finally have the opportunity to repay years of his long-term boyfriend John’s generosity by finally taking him on vacation.  Unfortunately their years of turbulence continue and soon after their return, John throws Godwin out.  When John turns up dead a short time later, the police are convinced that Godwin is the murderer.   Betsy must act quickly if she wants to save her friend, and her invaluable assistant.

Author Website: www.monica-ferris.com
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