Patterns of Murder: Three-in-One (A Needlecraft Mystery)

This is a compilation of the first three books in the Needlecraft cozy mystery series. The first book, "Crewel World", introduces us to the small town of Excelsior, MN, where Margot owns the needlecraft store in the small downtown area. Her sister, Betsy, is coming to stay with her to figure out her life. Betsy has led an itinerant life, running off to join the Navy, marrying a sailor, and then later marrying and now divorcing a man from Southern California. She lives with Margot in the apartment above the shop, and starts helping out at the store. When Betsy is killed in an apparent robbery, Betsy must figure out if she wants to stay or throw in the towel. When her sister's death begins to look like murder, Betsy tries to help in discovering the killer. There are several suspects including the landlord Margot has been battling with, a woman who covets the store, and several other possibilities. She is aided by Margot's loyal friends and co-workers in both running the store and solving the crime. The book included a cross-stitch project at the end related to the story.The second book is "Framed in Lace", and deals with a skeleton found on an historic ferry raised from the local lake. Betsy delves into the town's past. When evidence (a piece of lace) points to one of their fellow stitchers, Betsy, her assistant Godwin, and police woman Jill work together to find some answers to this mystery and clear their friend. Another cross-stitch pattern is included at the end of the novel.The third and final book in the compilation is called "A Stitch in Time" and involves a tapestry discovered when the church is going to be renovated. Betsy offers to donate materials for its repair, and while examining it, discovers that it contains symbols for saints hidden within the design. Someone wants the tapestry to go away, as several attempts are made on Betsy's life. She and her friends must solve the mystery of the tapestry and find out who is bent on keeping old secrets hidden. Again, a design is included at the end of the novel. This was a fun, light series, and I enjoyed reading the descriptions of a hobby that I participate in.

Since I picked up the first story in a used book, I have been wanting to find out more about the main character and her friends.It is not often the main character of a story is close to my age 55+, so I was particularly happy to find this series.I cant wait to read the rest of the stories.

Monica: stop your characters from drinking so much coffee! It gets tiresome reading about it so often when they could at least try another beverage - or better yet - don't mention it AT ALL. Other than that, the stories are pretty good cozy mysteries.

Great read

My first time reading Monica Ferris & this is a really good book.I have only finished reading one so far & have started on the second book.Love the characters & the writing.

These are the first Monica Ferris books I have read. The stories center around a needlework shop called Crewel World.There are many references to different types of needlework. Being a needleworker, I enjoy all the very accurate comments to different types of needlework. Being a mystery lover this makes for a great combination. Easy enjoyable reading!1

Monica Ferris is a terrific mystery writer. Characters are intersting and plot is excellent. I enjoyed having three books in one. I recommend her books to everyone who likes a mystery.

very pleased

A nice gentle read, Monica Ferris books are ideal and mean more when you are actually a cross stitcher. There is a cross stitch chart within the book. Would recommend.Book arrived quickly and was exactly as described

Just so any future potential buyer knows, the three titles included in this trilogy are:-Crewel World, Framed in Lace, and A Stitch in Time.

Interpretation of condition of this book obviously differ, but for the price was OK.