To Bead or Not to Bead (Glass Bead Mystery, #4) by Janice Peacock

To Bead or Not to Bead (Glass Bead Mystery, #4) Reviews

• 
  LORI CASWELL

  Dollycas’s Thoughts
  
  Jax and Tessa have volunteered to help with a charity event at a local theater. A fashion show/auction to benefit an organization that helps the homeless. They are stunned by the beautiful glass chandelier donated for the auction, now hanging in the theater. More stunning is learning that it fell on the theater owner and killed him. It was no accident either, Detective Zachary Grant has ruled the death a homicide and he has begged his girlfriend Jax to stay out of his investigation. When she learns that Tessa’s teenage daughters, models for the fashion show, are considered suspects there is no way she can sit idly by. Before long Jax has a “bead” on several more suspects, but her snooping may lead her right into the killer’s path.
  
  The characters in this series are so much fun. They are always busy with something. Jax and Tessa have their hands full trying to keep the charity event on track. Val is manless at the moment but a new character may help her out of her rut. Jax and Detective Grant are trying to move their relationship forward but a little jealousy could throw a wrench into those plans. The four-legged creatures are always entertaining and by the end of the story, there is a new one added to the mix. One who was very important to the plot.
  
  The theater and all its unique places make it a great setting for the murder. People involved with an upcoming play also become involved in the murder mystery adding to the list of suspects. I enjoyed learning about different things related to the theater and the play. One thing I did already know and I loved how it was treated within this story.
  
  The plot flowed very well. The murder weapon was different that what we don’t usually see in a cozy mystery and learning about the chandelier creator opened up a new direction for the mystery. I was very impressed with the several diversions the author put on our path to solving the mystery. There were so many secrets. I was totally surprised when the killer was revealed.
  
  Well-written and well-plotted I read the entire book in one sitting. A fine who-dun-it!
• 
  Lisa Ks Book Reviews

  I’ve heard it said that writers write what they know. It’s so very clear that author Janice Peacock must know what she’s talking about when it comes to glass bead making. But how does she get her knowledge for mysteries. Who cares. As long as she keeps more coming like, TO BEAD OT NOT TO BEAD!
  
  I’ve enjoyed the Glass Bead Mysteries from the very first book in the series. In this installment all the great characters are back. Jax and Tessa are in the thick of things again, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. They’re just so much fun to read.
  
  As for the whodunit, I was so happy to see the victim get what he deserved (I’m really not so vengeful in my own life), and in a very creative way. A gun or poison weren’t good enough. No, author Peacock had other ideas for this victim, and I’m so happy she did!
  
  Mystery fans, you will be blown away with, TO BEAD OR NOT TO BEAD.
  
• 
  Linda ~ *Chatcozy*

  I loved this cozy mystery! The story is a pageturner with constant action. I’m a huge fan of jewelry designing so I really enjoyed the way this plot was woven around so many necklace artists. Protagonist, Jax O’Connell, a glass bead designer, is volunteering for a fundraiser to be held at a local theater. Her best friend, Tessa, and her two daughters will also be participating. Everyone working at the theater is shocked when a one-of-a-kind glass chandelier hanging over center stage falls and crushes the theater owner, Mr. Greer. Jax’s boyfriend, Detective Zachary Grant deems it a homicide and soon entrusts Jax with a special undercover mission which almost gets her killed.
  
  The author does a fabulous job of focusing readers’ attention on several viable suspects and multi-plot twists to steer you away from guessing the true criminals. This is a fun, entertaining story with an ending that not only wraps up all the motive, means, and opportunity of the killer, but also sets up a scenario for the fifth book in the series.
  
  I reviewed a digital copy provided by the author. Thank you.
  
• 
  Jessica Robbins

  *I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
  
  Jax is involved in yet another murder no matter how hard she tries not to be. Working as a volunteer at a local theater things are great until the owner turns up murdered. Not directly involved she skirts the issue to keep Zachary happy but life seems to have other plans. Delightful cozy mystery full of crafty bead details, a cute kitty, and a murder that will keep you guessing. I highly recommend it to fans of the genre. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
• 
  Carla

  In To Bead or Not to Bead, Jax and Tessa are volunteering at a charity fashion show, gala and auction at the local theatre. They are raising money for HAT, a homeless advocacy charity. When they head to the theatre for rehearsal, they find police have cordoned off the area. The gorgeous glass chandelier that was to be auctioned off, fell from the ceiling and landed on the wealthy theater owner and killed him. It is quickly determined that it was not an accident, someone released the chandelier on purpose. Who killed Austin Greer? When Tessa's daughters and her friends that are modeling in the show are considered suspects, Jax knows she needs to find the culprit. Detective Zachary Grant, Jax's boyfriend wants her to stay out of the investigation, but when it is revealed that the Greer family is being investigated for money laundering, Jax is recruited to wear a microphone and see what she can find out.
  
  I really like Jax as a protagonist. She knows a lot of people and is pretty good at schmoozing people to get information. She is also smart and good at putting puzzles together. Once again, Val adds some comic relief and even helps to solve the mystery. It seems that Zachary and Jax are getting more serious and I like where their relationship is going. When Austin's wife tries to shut down the theatre, Jax is able to convince her to keep it open, at least until the fundraiser is over. Not only is Jax trying to find a killer, but she and Tessa are scrambling to carry on with a charity fashion gala. The emcee quits, and takes his jewelry with him, so they need more items to auction off. There seems to be a lot happening in this story and Jax being asked to help is new. As the chaos unfolds, Jax discovers more suspects at every turn, including an edgy glass blower, an agoraphobic socialite, and a hunky former-cop-turned-actor. It is not an easy mystery to solve, but I like how it all comes together in the end, with one final problem that they have to overcome. Another great addition to this series.
• 
  Lisa Currier

  Thank you to the author, Janice Peacock, for having me as a beta reader. I was honored to read this book before it was actually published.
  I'm a big fan of this series, so reading this book was a pleasure.
  A murder, a play, and secrets will surely keep you guessing in To Bead or Not to Bead.
  The laugh out loud moments were wonderful, especially when reading about Val's diets. She is such a quirky character who blends well in the story.
  I can't wait to catch up with everyone again in the next book.
• 
  Teresa Kander

  I've been a big fan of this series from the beginning, and always look forward to a new book. Jax and Tessa always have memorable adventures, and this is no exception.
  
  As usual, there are moments of hilarity mixed in with the sleuthing, and also some romantic moments. I enjoyed Jax's matchmaking with Val and the new veterinarian.
  
  I always enjoy the jewelry and bead making descriptions the author works into the story (and I am blessed to be the proud owner of one of her bracelets!).
  
  There are secrets galore to be uncovered in this story, and Jax manages to put herself in danger yet again. I was totally surprised at the identity of the killer, for sure.
  
  I can hardly wait to see what will happen next with this crew.
• 
  Janis Hill

  Let’s start with me being open and honest – as always. If I gave half stars, this would be a 4 ½ out of 5.
  
  Oh, and I would also like to thank the author Janice Peacock for accepting me as a Beta Reader for ‘To Bead or Not to Bead’. I have been a fan of her work since book one of the ‘Glass Bead Mystery series’ and so did indeed do a little happy dance when given the opportunity to read the next book in the series before nearly anyone else.
  
  I read, I review, and I love free books from my favourite authors. So, yes, this was an awesome opportunity for me. Though, I will add here, that in this case I then went and BOUGHT my own eBook copy of ‘To Bead or Not to Bead’ with my own money. Yup, I put my money where my mouth is and supported an author. So you can’t think that I am just saying all of this as I was paid to do so… not that any of my frequent readers would think that, right? ;-)
  
  So, let’s get on with the actual review rather than my open and honest statements about how I got the book!
  
  Okay, so the story is set back in Jax’s hometown, where she has partnered up with her best friend Tessa to help out with a fashion parade in aide of charity. The usual gang – met via the other books in the series so far – are all there, including my favourites Val – Jax’s next door neighbour – and Jax’s catnip addicted cat Gumdrop. Plus there are a few new characters to get to know, even if for just a short time.
  
  As always, the setting is well described, the plot sound and the little side stories – like Val’s fad dieting – always highly amusing and relevant to the overall tale being told. Jax once more finds herself in the midst of a murder and the ensuing whodunit required to ensure a friend is not blamed for the crime. The reason I gave it a half star off the full 5 stars is simply because there were too many love interests for the one gal. Perhaps I am just jealous? ;-) Pssst, don’t tell my husband that!
  
  I mean, she has the “Clark Kent cute” Zachary the cop, while also trying to help a former love interest Ryan and for a moment I thought the cute vet was also a candidate buuut…. Well, you can wait and see what happens there without any spoilers. ;-)
  
  As far as your cosy crime/ mystery series go – this is a fantastic read. It has all the plot lines, characters, twists and turns an excellent cosy/ mystery needs. So, it carries on in quality seamlessly from the previous books in this series.
  
  And, although I’ve not yet read the final print copy of ‘To Bead or Not to Bead’, I would like to think you won’t find any clangers or typos in it. But that could just be me being a bit prideful. ;-) Oh, let’s face it…. “My Padawan” thrilled me! :-D
  
  Would I recommend this book to others?
  
  Yes I would, and do feel it could possibly be enjoyed as a stand-alone read. However, you would be doing yourself an injustice if you didn’t go and grab the first three books (and the novella) and read them first. Go on… they’re available at all good online bookstores (and not so good ones like Amazon) so go grab them, thank me later.
  
  Basically, if you love cosy crimes/ mysteries with a craft based under current – you will love this book and this whole series. Janice’s love of lamp work beading really shines through in all her stories and can be quite addictive.
  
  Would I buy this book for myself?
  
  This section is fairly redundant, isn’t it? I’ve already said that I did go and buy it and I can’t wait to have a read through once more to see if it’s as good the second time as it was the first. I bet it will be!
  
  In summary: Craft loving cosy crime/ mystery fans will love this book. Go buy it now! Thank me later.
  
• 
  Laura

  I admire how clever authors can be when relating a book title to the story within. Being a theatre geek and loving all creative crafts, I knew this series, especially this book, was calling to me.
  I am not reading this series in proper book order but it does not seem to be making a difference.
  The characters are appealing and the situations Jax finds herself in are engaging and curious.
  While Jax is involved in a romantic relationship, she is still free enough and alive enough to be open to possibilities around her. Sometimes that adds to the humor in each book.
  
  The book has a wonderful combination of humor and romance and danger and above all, mystery.
  Theatres have always had an air of mystery about them, particularly with superstitions, history and certain plays. In this book something is always happening!
  Usually you have the official detectives pushing the amateur sleuths away from investigating.
  Zachary seems to be wavering between asking for Jax's insider help and desiring to keep her safe.
  
  One rule of writing a cozy mystery is never to kill off a well liked character. I did not hate the victim and it seems he did some philanthropic behaviors. Were they a smokescreen or was he as much in the dark as many around him? The person I really did not care for was the person in charge of HAT. You will have to read and decide for yourself.
  
  If you have done any volunteering, you know how easy it is to get involved in over your head and for a simple job to take up far more time, and occasionally muscle, than anticipated. For Jax, this event begins to involve more and more of her friends and neighbors. It was fun to get to know more about the extra characters of this series. And Gumdrop as well. There are a lot of different personalities here.
  
  A fun book to escape into with plenty of motives for harm and misdirection everywhere.
  
  
• 
  Theresa

  Last in a series of cozy mysteries featuring amateur sleuth Jax, a glass bead maker living in Seattle. Jax is involved in a charitable fashion show and auction being held in an old theater used for amateur theatricals. The philanthropist behind the charity and theater dies gruesomely in the theater one night, and Jax of course is in the middle of the investigation. Even though her boyfriend Zachary, a homicide detective, disapproves.
  
  This was slightly better than the last full length and a short story were, but still not as good as the first 2 in the series were. I'm actually giving this 2.5 stars rounded down to 2. The writing is weak, the adult behavior and emotions coming off as adolescent. Oh and every plot development is so broadly hinted at as to be anything but a surprise.
  
  Note: the author is an acclaimed glass bead and jewelry maker, whose pieces are in museums. I think she should stick to her day job.
• 
  Rosalie

  I had the pleasure beta reading this books and I found it to be just what the doctor ordered. The characters were vivid and unique. Jax O'Connell is a woman who sees the beauty in the little things and knows when they are important. This allows her to be the perfect amateur sleuth! In this book, she is dragged into a murder unique in method. She is able to take the many different pieces that she manages to gather while looking for the killer and figure out who the killer is and what their motive is. To Bead or Not to Bead is fast paced and packed full of action. It was a joy to join Jax on her latest adventure.
• 
  Edith

  I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Like the others in the series, the characters were interesting, the plot had many surprises and I wasn’t able to solve the mystery. This is the first cozy mystery series I ever read and one of my very favorites. I hope the next book comes out soon!
• 
  Liz Whelan

  FANTASTIC
  
  I Loved All 4 Books. I need more books to this Series. Please Janice Peacock give us more books from this Series.
• 
  Pamela

  My favorite in the series so far
  
  I've enjoyed this series and it's quirky characters. For me Book 4 was a particular treat. There is a lot of storylines involved in this mystery and the author neatly ties them together. I like how the characters have grown and the mystery is more complicated. Looking forward to the next book.