Hanging by a Thread is book #2 in the Sewing Studio Mystery series by Dorothy Howell.

I enjoy sewing as a hobby and I enjoyed books related to sewing. I thought most of the characters were likable and I like the small town setting. The mystery kept me guessing and I didn’t guess who the guilty party is until the end. I found this to be entertaining and I look forward to the next book.

Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Hanging By A Thread is the second book in the A Sewing Studio Mystery series by Dorothy Howell.

Many shops in Hideaway Grove barely make ends meet, including Abbey’s aunt’s bakery, Sarah’s Sweets. They're hoping that might change with the upcoming regional meeting of the Women’s Alliance for Progress coming to town soon. Abbie and Sarah are very concerned with recent newcomer Blaine Hutchinson, who is about ready to open her bakery, Blaine is wealthy, and she will probably force Sarah out of business.

Imogene, the owner of Dottie’s Toys, approaches Abbey and asks her to look into the toys that have been stolen from her storeroom. The toys are relatively valuable, and she was planning to sell the toys during the WAP. Imogene confides in Abbey that she feels that her employee, Holly, is the thief. Abbey is not sure she wants to help Imogene, as Holly is the niece of Sheriff Grumman, and they hardly happen to have a working relationship. But Abbey does finally agree. A day or two later, Abbey is walking down the alley behind Dottie’s Toys when she notices the door ajar. Abbey enters and finds the body of Blaine, who had been shot. Aunt Sarah will quickly become the prime suspect. Abbey will call on her friends to help find out who the murderer was. She soon finds that there is no shortage of suspects.

The book is well-written and plotted. The characters are well-written, developed, and engaging. There were plenty of twists and turns that I kept guessing until the end about who the murderer was.

I will be waiting for the next book in the series. I’m anxious to see if Abbey and Zack can solve their differences.

I’d forgotten a few things about the first book but it all came back as the characters interacted and the story unfolded. I had quite a few pieces of the puzzle figured out but not quite everything, although I like to believe I was right about the basic why of the murder. Once again, the sewing studio was a crucial place when the showdown started. I was going “Go Abbey!” You just never know what might come in handy in your sewing room if you encounter a killer.

The side mystery that Abbey was investigating for Imogen at the toy store had an unexpected and sweet outcome, and Abbey herself got something unexpected. Now I can’t wait to read more and see how all this works out.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

I read the first Sewing Studio mystery, Seams Like Murder by Dorothy Howell, and thanks to #NetGalley, I was able to read this one.. I love stories that take place in a small town and Hanging by a Thread doesn't disappoint. I also, enjoy cozy mysteries that make me want to try something new, whether it's a new recipe or as in this case, new ideas for sewing.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

I did not read the first book in this series, but the characters will resonate with cozy lovers who like a small town atmosphere. Since most people today can relate to juggling finances, it is easy to relate to the desperation shop keepers have to keep their businesses going in hard times.

Although the title would have led me to believe the sewing shop would be the focus of this book, the murder involves the main character's aunt's bakery when a rival intends on opening a competitive store.

If you enjoy amateur sleuths, you can unravel the mystery along with Abbey who is determined to clear her Aunt Sarah's name and keep their businesses from having to close.

Thank you to Net Galley and Kensington for an ARC of this book.

This is book 2 in the A Sewing Studio Mystery series. Abbey's Aunt Sarah is the only bakery in town until a rich newcomer decides to open her own bakery. When Blaine is murdered, Aunt Sarah is Sheriff Grumman's main suspect. Time for Abbey to clear Aunt Sarah's name.

I really liked this first book. The characters were fun, quirky and I really do want to learn more about them. I will be definitely reading the next book in the series.

The second Sewing Studio Mystery finds Abbey investigating to clear her aunt’s name after her aunt’s baking competitor is found murdered.

I’d suggest reading the first one of this series before this one because it jumps right in with characters and plot. If you enjoyed the first one, you will enjoy this one!

This is an interesting cozy mystery with a main character who takes on more than she can handle and is more than a bit scattered in her process. Abbey has been in Hideaway Grove for a few months now. She is trying to get her business idea off the ground. She has taken on so many different roles and jobs that it took a while for me to know what her business idea involved.
When the co-owner of a rival bakery is murdered, Abbey investigates in order to find the real culprit and keep the sheriff from accusing her Aunt Sarah. At the end of the day, Abbey stumbles on the most important information. I think she missed a lot of clues because she had too many things going on that drew her focus away from the murder.
As an interesting side note, the sheriff is absent from the book except in one scene where he comes to the bakery to question Sarah. He is mentioned all the way through but absent in every other way, which is very different from the first book in the series when he was alway popping up in various places to accuse Abbey of that murder.
I like visiting Hideaway Grove but with all the activity surrounding Abbey it’s not a peaceful sort of cozy.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review the book.

Many of the small, independent shops in Hideaway Cove are struggling to stay afloat, including that of Abbey’s Aunt Sarah, Sarah’s Sweets. Besides her delicious products, her biggest advantage is that she has the only bakery in town – until a wealthy newcomer to town sets her cap on opening a competing bakery. When the woman is found dead in her own shop, Sarah becomes the primary suspect, and Abbey must put plans for expanding her own business on hold so she can clear her aunt’s name.

I read the first book in this series last year and was interested enough to want to continue the series. While I like the relationship between Abbey and her aunt, it did seem strained in this book, perhaps because Sarah was trying to protect Abbey? Some of the core characters were likeable, but a few really got on my nerves and others seemed to be present simply to add more possibilities to the list of murder suspects.

Abbey is described as being in her mid-20s, but in too many ways to count, she acts more like someone in her 40s or even older, which made her character more than a bit unbelievable, and she takes on too many projects at once. She needs to learn how to say no and mean it. In addition, I really struggle with the whole idea of Abbey turning even custom-designed tote bags into a profitable business. How many tote bags does any one person need? Like the magical ability to master a complicated embroidery/sewing machine in the first book, this seems unrealistic. There was also a lot of repetition in the book, which was irritating but offset by touches of humor here and there.

The murder victim wasn’t very popular among the town’s residents, so there were quite a few potential suspects, even as the story progressed. My list kept changing as the book continued, and I started to put the pieces together a bit before Abbey and the local law did. Given the character, the motive made sense, although it seemed misguided.

I will consider reading the next book in the series, if only to see what shopkeeper’s secret is revealed next, and how Abbey will get involved in solving the crime.

While i enjoyed book 1 in this series, i did not enjoy this as much. The MC annoyed me the entire book. I understand she’s young, but I was constantly frustrated with her passivity. Also, our love interest seems toxic. The mystery was ok, but I felt like there were a lot of things mentioned, mentioned often, but then was just rushed through to tie up loose ends.

The shop owners of Hideaway Cove are hanging on by a thread, with many hopes pinned on an upcoming Women's Conference. Abbey, who recently set up a sewing business in the back area of her aunt Sarah's bakery finds herself investigating a murder- the murder of a woman who was opening a rival bakeshop because Sarah is the key suspect. Classic cozy territory complete with Deputy Zach as a romantic interest. I know this is listed as the second in a series but I can't locate the first making this a standalone. While I liked Abbey and Sarah, I did question the wisdom of opening a new business in a town where the small business is struggling (this is especially true of the owner of the other bakery). Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Interested to see where this goes next.

I adored this cozy mystery! The group of characters were fantastic, and I loved the setting. I enjoyed the plot twists and the mystery. It was well paced and well written!

Crafts, desserts, and a death shake the small town of Hideaway, California in Hanging by a Thread by Dorothy Howell. Abbey Chandler has recently moved to the community and has set up a small sewing studio. She’s hoping to build a clientele for her business. Many of the shops are barely surviving and are depending on an upcoming women’s conference to help them. That includes Abbey’s Aunt Sarah’s bakery. However, when a partner in a competing shop is killed during its construction, Sarah becomes a suspect. Abbey is determined to find the culprit and clear her aunt’s reputation.

This novel has good characterization. Abbey takes on too many tasks. She can’t seem to say no to anyone and seemed somewhat scattered as she moved from one thing to another. This didn’t quite fit with my expectations of a character who had worked for a marketing firm in Los Angeles. Anna, the thrift shop owner, is known to gossip and jump to conclusions. However, she also donates pillowcases to be turned into dresses for charity. Other shop owners have varying degrees of depth. Aunt Sarah is mainly worried about her business and how she can make it more profitable. She’s also a loving aunt who Abbey spent her childhood summers with and who welcomed Abbey into her home when she moved to Hideaway Cove.

This is a fun cozy featuring many unique and interesting characters. However, I thought Aunt Sarah would play a larger role in the first half of the book. The stimulating plot kept me turning the pages after a somewhat slow start. Additionally, there are a few things that became repetitive such as why the streets have bird names and the offers to pay for the thrift store pillowcases. Other than that, the prose is well-written. Additionally, the world-building was well-done. I could easily visualize the shops. There’s a subplot within the storyline as well that deals with stolen goods. How can Abbey solve it, find the killer, and do all the other things she was volunteered for?

There is humor sprinkled throughout the novel as well as one major action scene. Woven through it are themes of caring for and helping others, charity work, family, gossip, death, friendship, a budding romance, and giving up one’s dreams due to family expectations. I see several threads from the story that could and likely will show up in future books.

Overall, this novel is entertaining and was a pleasurable reading experience. Those who enjoy cozy mysteries featuring crafts and desserts will likely enjoy this book. I’m looking forward to the next one in the series.

Kensington Books, Kensington Cozies and Dorothy Howell provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for September 26, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

Abbey Chandler is trying to find ways to make money in Hidden Cove, California. Making tote bags for businesses. A new business is coming into town , a bakery. Aunt Sarah is worried but she isn't saying anything. When the new owner of the bakery is found dead in her bakery. Aunt Sarah is the prime suspect. Abbey decides to investigate and tries to finish all her projects.

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. I had no idea who the killer was until the end. I can't wait to read more of this series.

Hanging By A Thread is the 2nd book in A Sewing Studio Mystery series. It is a low key pleasant cozy mystery with likable characters. The culprit wasn't too hard to guess but there were a few other things going on. Abbey recently moved back to town and is using her Aunt Sarah's spare room at her bakery for a sewing room. Aunt .Sarah, Abby's friend Caitlin, Police Officer Zach and the sewing group are all likable characters. They mostly talk about the upcoming conference and the murder. Everyone is excited about a women's conference that is due to arrive. It will help all of the small businesses. Abbey is trying to start a tote bag business and is continuing to make pillowcase dresses for a charity. Aunt Sarah is very worried about a new bakery opening and the unpopular owner ends up dead. Aunt Sarah is the prime suspect. Abbey wants to clear her Aunt and asks a lot of questions. There is a potential romance between Abbey and Zach but it is still in the friend stage. The book starts out slowly and it is a bit repetitive at times. Overall it is a pleasant cozy mystery. #HangingByAThread. #ASewingStudioMystery #NetGalley. #KensingtonBooks

This was a fun, quick read, cozy mystery. Lots of great and unique characters, an interesting plot, and a sprinkle of romance. Loved it . Have to admit, I did not realize why the victim was killed at first, took a while for the clues to come together. Looking forward to the next book and seeing what comes next for this little town and all it's residents .
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is the second book in a new series, A Sewing Studio Mystery, and somewhat confusing, having yet to read the first one. Abbey Chandler shares space in Aunt Sarah’s bakery to start her new sewing business. Both businesses are challenged: a fancy new bakery is opening in competition with Sarah’s Sweets, while Abbey just opened her sewing studio.

Aunt Sarah becomes a suspect when her competitor is found murdered before opening her new bakery. Dorothy Howell leads Abbey through looking for motives and other suspects to clear her aunt.

This is the second book in this series and I haven't read the first. That said, I don't think it should be read as a stand-alone. There are a lot of characters and I think I needed more backstory. I would definitely recommend reading the first one as the writing was crisp and the setting delightful. I will go back and start with book one.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

I had read the first Sewing Studio mystery, [book:Seams Like Murder|61833227] by [author:Dorothy Howell|1401520], and enjoyed it, so I was happy to pick this one up. This is a good cozy series.

Description:
After setting up a small sewing studio in quaint Hideaway Grove, Abbey Chandler is focused on finding crafty, creative ideas to build up her clientele. But murder can be bad for business . . .

Some of the independent shops in this sleepy town are barely hanging on financially—and that includes Sarah’s Sweets, Abbey’s aunt’s bakery. The shop’s advantage—aside from the deliciousness of its products—is the fact that it’s the only bakery in the area. But it looks like that’s about to change. The second wife of a wealthy businessman wants her own bakery—and money is no object.

When murder unravels the plans for the competing shop, Aunt Sarah is an immediate suspect—and Hideaway Grove’s merchants are on pins and needles about a big upcoming women’s conference, fearing the organization will cancel their booking because of the crime. Abbey’s doing her best to stay optimistic and stitch some custom tote bags for the attendees, but she’s also concerned with patching up Aunt Sarah’s good reputation. And when it comes to sorting through the possible motives of the victim’s family members and associates, she’s got a few tricks up her sleeve . . .

My Thoughts:
Love the characters and the little town of Hideaway Grove. There are actually two mysteries going on in this book - the murder mystery, and a case of stolen collectible dolls from a toy store. Both were interesting stories. In this book the town is getting ready for a Women's Conference which will provide great exposure benefits for the town as well as increased revenue for the shop owners, so a lot of the story is about the town's involvement in getting ready for the conference. Everyone was worried the murder would cause the conference to be cancelled. I enjoyed the relationships in the story as well as the plot. My favorite characters are Abbey and her romantic interest, Deputy Zach McKenna. I liked Abbey's efforts getting her sewing business off the ground.

Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on September 26, 2023.

Hanging by a Thread
A Sewing Studio Mystery #2
By Dorothy Howell

Publisher’s Description
From USA Today bestselling author Dorothy Howell, the charming new cozy mystery featuring twenty-something Abbey Chandler and her fellow sewing circle members in the quaint, touristy town of Hideaway Cove, California.

After setting up a small sewing studio in quaint Hideaway Grove, Abbey Chandler is focused on finding crafty, creative ideas to build up her clientele. But murder can be bad for business . . .


Some of the independent shops in this sleepy town are barely hanging on financially—and that includes Sarah’s Sweets, Abbey’s aunt’s bakery. The shop’s advantage—aside from the deliciousness of its products—is the fact that it’s the only bakery in the area. But it looks like that’s about to change. The second wife of a wealthy businessman wants her own bakery—and money is no object.

When murder unravels the plans for the competing shop, Aunt Sarah is an immediate suspect—and Hideaway Grove’s merchants are on pins and needles about a big upcoming women’s conference, fearing the organization will cancel their booking because of the crime. Abbey’s doing her best to stay optimistic and stitch some custom tote bags for the attendees, but she’s also concerned with patching up Aunt Sarah’s good reputation. And when it comes to sorting through the possible motives of the victim’s family members and associates, she’s got a few tricks up her sleeve . . .

What I liked about Hanging by a Thread
Hanging by a Thread brings the reader back into Hideaway Grove and to many of the characters introduced in the first book. Abbey Chandler is the main character, and she is still struggling to build up her sewing business by selling her custom totes. She’s had some success selling them in stores around Hideaway Grove, but she knows she needs to expand or lose her business entirely. She’s also still trying to figure out her relationship with local deputy, Zack. It’s off to a very rocky start, but Abbey sets boundaries with Zack. His response signals he wants to give this relationship a try as well. There is still the sewing circle doing volunteer sewing work and spreading town gossip.

What I didn’t like about Hanging by a Thread
The murder victim, Blaine Hutchinson, never makes an appearance in the book. We learn about her through the other characters, and even then it isn’t much and it is clouded by the others’ intense dislike of her. For me, the story lacks something when the murder victim is one step removed from the storyline. Also I wish last names were included in the first few chapters of any book, to help me keep people straight. It’s helpful in each book in a series, grounding the reader in the story whether is the first book in a series or the 15th.

Some of the tropes present in Hanging by a Thread
Small town
Antagonistic relationship with local law enforcement
Main character is a small business owner, female amateur sleuth working to clear her aunt’s name.

The mystery in Hanging by a Thread
I had the murderer figured out before the reveal, but not the why, even though the
clues were planted throughout the book.

Final thoughts
I like this series. I like the sewing aspect of it and the community that forms around it. While I feel the book had some weaknesses, it is still an entertaining and quick read. Recommended, especially if you like some sort of craft with your mystery.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonCozies for giving me a copy of #HangingByAThread in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.