A Bead in the Hand is the second book in the Glass Bead Mystery series by Janice Peacock. In this book we catch up with Jax O'Connell and her best friend Tessa at a Bead Bazaar. Jax is trying to promote her name and sell her handmade glass beads and jewelry. Tessa is there as a buyer. When the power goes out, the exhibition room is closed and everyone is ushered out. The next morning when things reopen, Jax finds a dead body under her table. The victim was the artist in the next booth and because she and Jax had argued the day before, she is the first suspect. Jax and Tessa must figure out who the murderer was, or Jax may find a new home in a jailcell.

I enjoyed this story with it's mystery, characters, humor and a little romance. Jax and Tessa have a great relationship and have been friends since grade school. They are there for each other and do whatever is needed to support one another. Tessa's family is a hoot. She is a mom who tries to micromanage everything, even when she is away, so there is some humor there. I like that the setting and occupation of the protagonist is something different, and I learned some about glass art and jewelry making. The mystery was a good one, and although Jax investigates, she doesn't put herself in too much danger. The policewoman investigating seems competent, but in the end, it is Jax who solves the crime and brings down the culprit. There is a bit of a romance line in the story and I liked the male interest, Ryan. I hope to see where their relationship goes in future books. Overall, a quick and enjoyable story. If you enjoy a fun cozy mystery, then I suggest you pick up this book and series.

Great idea and concept for a book. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommended. .

Sadly this book was archived before I could download to read it. It has been added to my TBR and I’ll keep an eye out for it again in the future or at my local library.

Another cozy mystery from the world of beadmaking.

Jax and her friend Tessa (a do not forget Val!) go to visit the bead bazaar. And sure, this is just the Jax's luck to have her stand near the most obnoxious bead diva at the event. And also for Jax to find the said diva dead. Not wanting to be the prime suspect (again), Jax starts to investigate. And the world of beadmakers is as colourful as their designs are, so there is a plenty of possible perpetrators...

Nice cozy mystery. And this time better edited! While I generally tend to power-read through the books of this genre, here I have well read the page after page. This is one warm, fun, light-hearted read which leaves you with a light heart.