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December 15, 2016

Better Off Thread by Amanda Lee - Review and Guest Post

I voluntarily reviewed this book

Published: December 6, 2016
Number of pages: 304
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Series: Embroidery Mystery #10

Synopsis:
Santa finds himself in a stitch of trouble in the tenth in the series from the national bestselling author of The Stitching Hour…

Marcy is busy helping her customers make hand-crafted ornaments at her embroidery shop, the Seven-Year Stitch. But despite the yuletide bustle, when her friend Captain Moe asks for her help, she can’t refuse—especially when the favor is to play the elf to his Santa for sick children at a local hospital. Despite the ridiculous outfit, Marcy finds herself enjoying spreading cheer—until the hospital’s administrator is found murdered.

Although the deceased had plenty of people willing to fill her stocking with coal, evidence pins the crime on Moe. Now it’s up to Marcy, with the help of her police officer boyfriend Ted and her Irish Wolfhound Angus, to stitch together the clues to clear Moe’s name—before someone else winds up crossed off Santa’s list for good…

My thoughts:
Another great addition to this fun series. I have enjoyed my journey with Marcy from the beginning and it just keeps getting better. It was fun that this one was holiday themed, well except for the murder. I love the sound of the ornaments that Marcy was making, wouldn't it be nice to have one for your own tree. The author always does such a good job describing what Marcy is working on. Of course I always like that Angus is included again, it is nice to have a favorite pet be a help. Each character in this book plays an important part to the story including the new ones - it helps keep the story going when we meet new people. I enjoyed how the author would give us just a few clues to keep me guessing. The ending was very good and I would not/did not figure it out until it was all spelled out for me. For me I think this was one of the best installments in this series. 

About This Author
Gayle Trent (and pseudonym Amanda Lee) writes the Daphne Martin Cake Decorating series and the Embroidery Mystery series. The cake decorating series features a heroine who is starting her life over in Southwest Virginia after a nasty divorce. The Embroidery Mystery series features a heroine who recently moved to the Oregon coast to open an embroidery specialty shop. She also writes the Down South Café Mysteries as Gayle Leeson.

Author Links
https://www.facebook.com/GayleTrentandAmandaLee
https://twitter.com/GayleTrent

Purchase Links:
Amazon B&N kobo

Guest Post:
DOING FAVORS CAN BE RUFF! By Angus O’Ruff

*Sigh* I just can't do it. I can't in good conscience run around with reindeer antlers on my head. I realize Marcy is wearing an elf costume, but this is different.

You see, Marcy is doing a favor for Captain Moe. I like Captain Moe. I like him very much. For one thing, he gives me cheeseburgers--no veggies, just meat, cheese, and bun, just the way I like them. But I was a little put out about how this Angus-as-a-reindeer thing came to be.

Captain Moe comes over to the house and asks Marcy to be an elf. And then somebody--I don't know who because I was outside securing the perimeter at the time--suggested that I act as Santa's reindeer. Um...no. I'll be delighted to act as Santa's dog, but I will not be a reindeer.

I'm from a proud family and a proud breed. Sure, I had a tough childhood--wound up in a puppy mill and then was rescued by Marcy--but my mom taught me about my heritage...about what it means to be an Irish wolfhound.

Our ancestors were war dogs. We dragged soldiers off horses and out of chariots. We helped our people survive by hunting large game. Marcy, my human mom, once read to me an article about seven Irish wolfhounds that were given to the Roman consul Aurelius. Aurelius said that all Rome viewed the dogs with wonder.

And now I'm expected to hold my head high and stroll into some fake North Pole as a reindeer? It's degrading, that's what it is.

Captain Moe just put these antlers on my head. Brown felt antlers. I look ridiculous.

*shake* *shake* *shake*

Off they go! Yes!

Marcy tries this time. She does a better job. I have to use my paw to get them off this time.

"Well, young man, I suppose you'll be Santa's dog instead of his reindeer," says Captain Moe. "Is that all right?"

I offer my paw for a handshake.

Captain Moe laughs and then finishes up with a Ho, Ho, Ho!

I hear giggles. Little people giggles. My tail starts wagging as I turn to look. And there they are! Little people! And they're gasping and calling to me. "Puppy!" "Doggie!" They're even more excited to see me than they are to see Captain Moe and Marcy. But don't tell them that. I wouldn't hurt their feelings for anything in the world.

Whoever said doing a favor for a friend was a drag? This is going to be great!


Tour Participants

December 1 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
December 1 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW
December 2 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW
December 3 – Grace. Gratitude. Life. by Marie McNary – REVIEW
December 3 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
December 4 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
December 4 – Author Annette Drake’s blog – SPOTLIGHT
December 5 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW
December 5 – T’s Stuff – SPOTLIGHT
December 6 – The Power of Words – REVIEW
December 6 – Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf – GUEST POST
December 7 – fuonlyknew – REVIEW
December 7 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
December 8 – deal sharing aunt – REVIEW
December 9 – MysteriesEtc – REVIEW
December 10 – LibriAmoriMiei – REVIEW
December 10 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT
December 12 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW
December 13 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
December 14 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW, GUEST POST
December 14 – Carole’s Book Corner – SPOTLIGHT
December 15 – A Holland Reads – REVIEW, GUEST POST
December 15 – Varietats – REVIEW
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