The Mainely Needlepoint group is ready to celebrate Christmas but an unexpected guest shows up and brings even more people with her. Patrick's mother, the famous film star Skye, is going to spend Christmas in Maine. It seems that the actors on her latest film aren't getting along and there is some hope that a group vacation will do them some good. Too bad one of the actors gets killed the night they arrive. Especially disappointing after all of the hard work Angie and her friends put in trying to make the house festive.
I haven't read the other books in the series but felt fine jumping in at number 6. I liked the character development and most of the story but the end of the book was just... disappointing. The entire wrap up took something like, 10 pages? An okay dip into this series but one I won't continue.

Two an a half stars
This book comes out October 31
This book was provided as an ARC by NetGalley

Entertaining cozy mystery

This is the first book I've read in Lea Wait's A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series. It is a stand alone book and I enjoyed the mystery with all the twists and turns but did feel I missed some of the nuances in the relationships having not read the previous stories. The cast of characters were believable and a little quirky as I expect to find in small town cozy mysteries.
I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

This Christmas season, Angie Curtis has no time to bake cookies or enjoy herself. Her boyfriend, Patrick, has asked her to help out with the preparations for his mother, an actress, and her guests to come to town. Not long after they arrive, Angie finds an actor dead in the backyard. Can Angie find the murderer before another body drops?
This is a great holiday read for anybody who loves a cozy mystery. Ms. Wait creates characters that feel like they could be your neighbors. I love how the churches open their doors to assist people who have no place to go during the brutal winter storms. Ms. Wait has a gift in describing the winter weather of Maine. I could almost feel the cold wind and wet snow. The best thing about this mystery is the use of red herrings to drive us to a surprise ending. I can’t wait to read another of Ms. Wait’s mysteries. An Advanced Reading Copy was received in exchange for an honest review.

For me, this read it in one sitting title brought everything that I have come to appreciate from this series to the forefront. Angie, just over half a year back in Haven Harbor after a multi-year absence has started to truly put down roots. Living in the family home with a rescued kitten, a relationship with Patrick, a growing business with the Mainely Needlepointers and their cooperative, and discovering and making her own new holiday traditions.

But, the period of adjustment as Angie tempers her excitement for Christmas with her own need to define her holiday anew, as an adult and living alone are coming fast and furious. Better still, Patrick’s movie-star mother Skye is coming to stay at her house for the holiday, with a collection of people from the movie she is filming. Needing the house decorated, food cooked and a smashing party on Christmas Eve, Patrick goes to Angie for help. From the first moments of the holiday preparations to the last, with a houseguest found shot, a very excited and always-there new client for Mainely Needlepoint, the first Nor’Easter of the season and Patrick’s near death experience with Arsenic-laced cookies, the story moves from moment to moment in this book that covers about 6 or 7 days (and nights) of action. Moments with characters we’ve met in earlier books, the seeming callous and staged reactions to a guests death, a climax that brings two different suspects forward and plenty of Coastal Maine atmosphere – the story is quick to read, cleverly plotted and wholly engaging.

I’ve got copies of all the titles in this series – just waiting for a blank space in the schedule to open up so I can read them all, in order – hard to believe that 7 months have brought 6 books, multiple murders solved and lots of life changes for Angie, as well as living the seasons in Downeast Maine – and while you can read each of these titles alone – this is a good starter story to hook you in!

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=”http://wp.me/p3OmRo-9p3/”> <a> I am, Indeed </a>

There's no time for Angie Curtis and Patrick West to linger under the mistletoe this holiday season. Patrick's, mother and movie star Skye West wants a perfect white Christmas. She brings her co-star, screenwriters, and director home for the holidays and hopes it will help solve the issues that have been plaguing the movie set and actors. With his mother's long list of wishes, Patrick's needs help to get everything done before her arrival. The Mainely Needlepointers offer to help decorate Skye's Victorian mansion and create needlepoint pillows as gifts for the guests.

Hours after the celebrities invade Haven Harbor, a tragedy occurs. Skye’s co-star is murdered in her backyard. Someone delivers poison Christmas cookies to Patrick, and Skye blames Angie. Before Santa arrives at the town pier on a lobster boat, Angie and the Needlepointers need to trim down the naughty list, catch a cold-hearted killer, and wrap up the case.
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Series: A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery - Book 5
Author: Lea Wait (www.leawait.com)
Genre: Career/Hobby Cozy
Publisher: Kensington

Thread the Halls is a delightful adventure for the holidays with plenty of action and a great cast of characters. Lea Wait has created a fun, fast-paced story with a colorful location. This book will delight readers no matter how many cozy’s they have read.

Angie Curtis wants to reclaim her childhood Christmas’, everything from the experiences she had as a child, to the decorations on the tree and in her heart. Skye West, her boyfriend’s famous mother wants a picture-perfect postcard Christmas for her guests. Neither of them will get exactly what they want this year.

Recapturing our childhood is something most people want at some point in their life. Unfortunately, like Angie, we learn that we can’t really make this happen, but we can come close. Angie wants to go back and feel those special moments from holidays gone by. But… things keep getting in her way, including murder.

The cast of characters in this book are well-rounded and easily relatable. Even the killer is someone you feel you may know, or someone in your life just like him/her. Angie’s grandmother is an understanding and caring woman that readers will want to learn more about. Angie and Patrick's relationship is still in the new stage but progresses throughout the story to a very satisfactory conclusion. Even though Skye is a famous actress, she is very down to earth and loves her son. She wants Christmas to be special and happy, but she doesn’t become dramatic when things don’t go according to plan.

The setting in the town of Haven Harbor, although fictional, could easily be any small town where people know their neighbors and take care of each other. The food described in this book sounds delicious and makes the reader hungry. The townspeople are down home and in many cases set in their ways, but they treat each other with respect and dignity.

Thread the Halls is the 5th book in the “A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery” series and is a wonderful addition. The plot is straightforward and does not deviate from the main storyline. The story flows smoothly, and the writing is flawless. This book and series is highly recommended to those who enjoy a whodunit with humor, intrigue and old-fashioned holiday fun.

An ARC was provided by NetGalley

The Mainely Needlepoint Series by Lea Wait has added another book! Thread the Halls is about Christmas in Haven Harbor, Maine including a side of murder and snowstorms. Needle pointing plays a part in all these novels, but not to the extent that it is burdensome. I love the quotes at the beginning of each chapter.

The story begins when Angie Curtis was having a small Christmas party for the Mainely Needlepointers and a couple of others. Patrick’s mother calls and drops a bombshell! She and her castmates are coming for Christmas and could Patrick arrange a couple of things. By the end of the phone call, the reader knows it is going to be a complete assault on Haven Harbor and its resources. Angie and others chip in to help Patrick and the house is completely transformed into a Christmas Dream. Within hours of their arrival, there is a murder and fingers are pointed every which way. Angie and Patrick do not get a break as the situation gets even dicier with confusion and mix-ups.

Thread the Halls by Lea Wait is an entertaining, cosy mystery.

I was sad when the book was over because I wanted it to continue. A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series is amongst my favourite series and this books is the best one. Characters have been improved, the plot is tight and there is no hole. I was kept guessing til the last page and was not expecting any further twist but I was surprised.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for giving me the chance to read this book

Thread The Halls is the sixth book in the A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series.

Angie is looking forward to spending her first Christmas, in ten years, in Haven Harbor and baking cookies, relaxing with friends and most of all some quality time with her boyfriend, Patrick West. But that is not to be, as Skye West, Patrick’s mother, and actress, is planning on flying home from Scotland and wants the house decorated in a quaint Maine Christmas theme. Skye and the cast will be taking a much-needed break from the filming of their latest movie. There are problems with the cast and script but, with some time away from the location and do some rewriting of some script, it is hoped they can put those problems behind them. Before going to meet Skye and her guests Patrick decide to take a walk to enjoy the starlit sky and have a little private time. Just as they are about to turn and head towards the house, Angie notices a shadow and when she goes to investigate she finds the body of the co-star, Paul Carmichael. Even with this unfortunate incident there doesn’t seem to be a lot of sympathy for what has happened to a fellow cast member and Angie begins to wonder if one of them wanted him out of the picture...for good. Then when there is an attempt on Patrick’s life, Angie really feels the need to learn who the killer is

Lea Wait once again provides a well-plotted story with the Mainely Needlepointers providing their usual support for each other and members of their community.

Delicious recipes are also included.

I love this series and will be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.

Christmas and Murder in Maine
Thread the Halls is the sixth book in Lea Wait’s A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series and is an engaging, well-plotted mystery with well-developed characters. The writing style flows smoothly at a steady pace and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in descriptive writing and much of the time I was reading, I felt like I was there, watching the activities taking place. There are enough suspects, and twists and turns, to make it difficult to figure out who the killer is. This book combined plenty humor, suspense, tension and heartache and the author blended them all perfectly. The story quickly drew me in and the reveal and ending were surprising. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a well-crafted cozy mystery.

After years of living in Arizona, Angie Curtis is excited to spend her first Christmas back in Haven Harbor, Maine. She’s looking forward to reliving family traditions and introducing her boyfriend, Patrick West to all the Christmas activities revolving around Christmastime in Haven Harbor. Patrick receives a call from his mother, Skye West, a famous actress currently filming a movie in Scotland, who announces that she’s not only returning to Aurora, her Haven Harbor estate, but is also bringing two of her co-stars, her producer, and two screenwriters with her, and wants Patrick to transform Aurora into a traditional Maine Christmas wonderland. Not only does she want a fully decorated Christmas tree, wreaths, handmade needlepoint gifts for her guests, carolers, and a sleigh, but also a Christmas Eve party with all the foods eaten by residents of Maine at Christmastime. With only a couple of days to accomplish her requests, Patrick is in a full blown panic and calls upon Angie and the Mainely Needlepointers to help him. Everyone pitches in to help Patrick fulfill Skye’s requests and if there’s something they can’t provide, they put him in contact with members of their tight community who can. When Skye and her guests arrive, she’s thrilled with everything and Patrick invites Angie to dinner until she can catch up with his mom and meet her guests. When Angie arrives, she and Patrick decide to go on a walk before joining the others. As they are preparing to return to the house, Angie spots something in the field that doesn’t look right and when she investigates, discovers a body covered in snow. That person is identified as one of Skye’s guests, and it’s determined his death wasn’t an accident. As Christmas Eve approaches, clues are scarce, the police are baffled, Patrick is poisoned, and Skye is blaming Angie.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Thread the Halls, by Lea Wait, is set in the idyllic town of Haven Harbor, Maine.
It's Christmas time and Angie Curtis is looking forward to spending the holidays with her current beau, Patrick West.
Patrick is the son of Skye West, film star and owner of Aurora, a beautiful estate she lovingly restored.
When Skye opens Aurora to her co stars and the directors, she has no idea this might be her last Christmas!
A cold blooded killer is targeting Skye's friends and family. Angie knows she shouldn't get involved, but she can't resist the temptation when the killer targets someone close to her.
Angie is not only trying to get some answers, but she is also filling last minute Christmas orders for Mainely Needlepoint, and trying to avoid an obsessed fan of Skye's.

This holiday installation is my favorite. I love Angie and all her down to earth friends, the serene setting, and of course, trying to solve the mystery.
The vibrant cover is pleasing to the eye and readers will be delighted with the fast paced, well written mystery inside.

I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

Like fine wine, you can always depend on Lea Wait to craft an engaging read.

This latest adventure in the Mainely Needlepoint series provides readers with a visit to Haven Harbor, Maine during the Christmas holidays. While the author creates a mystery to anchor each story, the real gold is found in the way Wait draws you into the community.

The reader feels as if they've been dropped into Haven Harbor, almost literally.
As the story begins, Angie Curtis and boyfriend Patrick West are getting ready for the holidays along with Angie's Gram and her new husband, Tom. Patrick's mother Skye is a famous actress who has just renovated a local estate and is bringing her movie crew home for a "Maine Christmas".

Action begins on the first page. And the reader just goes along with the flow. As usual the story development and pacing are balanced and steady. The characters and relationships are quite realistic and Wait's gift for writing dialogue is outstanding. I did figure out who the murderer was but not the motive.

As always, this reader is eagerly waiting for the next adventure to see how the folks in Haven Harbor are faring.

This latest offering in the series is a winner.
Well written characters and whodunit.

Lea Wait has providing another sparkling addition to her Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series. Angie is looking forward to being back home for the holidays for the first time in 10 years and celebrating all of the wonderful traditions with Patrick. A murder where Angie discovers the body changes all the hopes for a joyful Christmas. The mystery is sharp, the characters are engaging and there are surprises along the way. I highly recommend 'Thread the Halls'.

Great addition to the series and have enjoyed the character development as it's gone on. Wasn't quite ready for a Christmas theme yet, but well written and enjoyed very much.

Excellent! Atmospheric,entertaining and enjoyable.

Great addition to the series with a solid Christmas theme. I have enjoyed watching Wait's characters grow and change as the series has progressed, especially Angie (who definitely has thawed the chip on her shoulder over time). Fans of the series will not be disappointed. Those new to the series may enjoy it as a stand-alone, but the reading is richer if you have already read some of the previous books.

This was a wonderful read! I really have enjoyed these books and enjoy learning about Maine. I think that everyone is learning how to grow and get along with the individual in Maine. It iw interesting to find how our lives are intertwined with one another.

Thread the Halls, the latest in the mainly needlepoint series just keeps getting better. Set before Christmas, Skye West, famous actress and Angie's boyfriend, Patrick's mother, is coming home last minute with movie guests for Christmas. Patrick and Angie scurry to have Skye's home, Aurora, decorated and ready for her arrival so everything will run smoothly. Of course, add a murder to the mix, and the opposite happens. The days before Christmas are thrown into chaos, and Angie is wondering how it will all end.. Lea Wait's wonderful characters are what drive these books and make it one of the best cozy mysteries to read.

As someone who loves cozy mysteries and all kinds of needlework, this series is perfect for me. It features an eclectic cast of needlework enthusiasts, a strong, intelligent protaganist in Angie Curtis and a compelling plot. Angie has returned to Haven Harbor and has taken over her grandmother's needlepoint business. She and her friends are trimming her tree, hoping for a Christmas just like the ones she had in her youth with her mother and grandmother when her boyfriend Patrick breaks the news that his mother, the famous actress Skye West, is coming to their estate and bringing some of her famous co-workers and expects a picture perfect Maine Christmas. Angie and her friends agree to help out in providing the experience Skye wants, but, as is usual with this group, murder intervenes and once more Angie, a former PI, is knee deep in investigations. This is a wonderful book with a strong sense of Maine and local customs, it has well developed characters and a plot that moves along steadily and involves all of the characters. I am a big fan of all of Lea Wait's books and I highly recommend it.

I really liked this book except for the mystery, which I found lacklustre and rather disappointing.