| Title | : | Crossed by Death (Stitches In Crime, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 220 |
| Publication | : | First published February 18, 2021 |
When salvage expert and historian Paisley Sutton crawls into an abandoned store with a house attached, she certainly isn’t expecting to find a body on site. But soon, her discovery sends Paisley on an expedition through history that links this murder to the one that led the previous owners to abandon the building in the first place. And someone doesn’t want her to salvage this story from the wreckage.
Can Paisley preserve herself and her young son while also uncovering the stories that matter most?
Crossed by Death (Stitches In Crime, #1) Reviews
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Single mother Paisley Sutton's job was salvaging items from old properties, which fitted in well with her two year old son Sawyer. She was also an historian, loving the research that went into finding long lost details of houses and their owners, of family trees and anything more of interest, then writing an article for her blog. She also sold the items she'd salvaged, knowing how much of a thrill some people got from 'old stuff'. But her salvage operation of the old Skuggs store with the house at the back, all of which was going to be demolished, saw her discover the body of an old woman. But was she long dead, or was it more recent?
With the local sheriff on the case, Paisley did her best to investigate the history of the site. But what she unearthed led to danger, secrets and lies - and a long ago murder in the same place. What would be the outcome for Paisley and Sawyer?
Crossed by Death is the 1st in the Stitches in Crime series by ACF Bookens and it was an entertaining read. Some great characters kept the story going well, and Sawyer often made me smile. Plus the Maine coon cat, Beauregard! A good start to a series I'm sure I'll continue. Recommended. -
The beginning was good, very good. But I guessed the whodunit easily, and there was a instalove (I particularly don't like it at all). And the female sleuth made a bad mistake in the end which put her life in danger unnecessarily (as always in these cozy books that I read lately) and the male sheriff saved her.
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I'm always afraid to try Amazon freebies, but this one caught my attention because it involved cross stitch. I ended up being pleasantly surprised. Paisley Sutton operates a salvage business. She'd been granted permission by owners George and Berlinda to salvage what she could from an old country store they owned and planned to demolish. When she made her way into the attached house, she discovered a body. Over the course of the book, she and the sheriff become good friends. Paisley is a single mother who lives close enough to a good friend Mina and to her father to receive help with childcare when needed. An unexpected bonus for me occurred when Paisley's love for history sent her on a genealogical quest in search of information about the family who owned the store. Although it isn't labeled as Christian fiction, it clearly leans in that direction as one important moment occurs in a church and an ensuing conversation eventually leads towards a reconciliation. I'll likely look for the next in this series in the coming months. (3.5 stars)
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Paisley is a 46 year old historical researcher and single mom of a 2 year old. When she is looking through an old building looking for salvage items, she comes across a dead woman. The building has been vacant for a long time, so it's not clear what the woman was doing there. The new sheriff is a handsome gentlemen who shows interest not only the murder, but also in both Paisley and her son. The title is puzzling, because aside from a few mentions of Paisley's hobby, it has nothing to do with the plot at all.
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Ugh! I got sick of hearing about that spoiled brat Sawyer! It was more about the kid than the mystery. One minute she loves her kid so much but she leaves him locked in a car seat while she goes salvaging? Or running around the field while she has a cup of tea! Plus, who in their right mind takes a kid for a daily 2 hour trip so he can nap? Then Paisley complains about barely having enough money for groceries. She can afford gas, beer, vanilla lattes but not groceries!
Another huge error is that there is no cell service at the gas station (she has to drive a couple miles to call police), but, miraculously, she is able to call for backup when her boyfriend cop goes around the building to catch the killer!
What a stupid story, do not waste your time. I wish I had read some of the reviews before I read this bomb. -
I received a free copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
I've been wanting to read one of this author's book for a while now and own multiple of her books already. I am glad I decided to check out Crossed by Death, the first book in her newest series. I liked the unique focus of this series, Paisley is not only a single mom to a 2 year old, she also does salvaging work as a job and cross stitching as a hobby. It was interesting reading about her daily life and when she stumbles upon a dead body she gets pulled deeper into the mystery as well as researching the history of the convenience store where she found the body.
Crossed by Death was an enjoyable read. At times it feels a bit heavy of the daily life parts compared the mystery, but I mostly thought that worked here. I enjoyed reading about Paisley and what her days looked like, although at times it was a bit toddler heavy for me. I am not a big fan of reading about kids and at times it was a bit much for me. I think the author handled it really well, Sawyer had quite the personality and there are plenty of scenes with him in the background or somewhere else as well.
The mystery is a solid one. For most of the book I had no clue who was behind it, slowly more and more of the mystery comes to light, but only at the end do all the pieces come together. I was surprised by the reveal as there aren't as many hints as to who was behind it, but it did make sense. I liked how Paisley was part of the mystery. As she found the body and might be in danger herself she knows a bit about what's going on and then she's looking into the history of the store where she found the body and getting closer to the sheriff on the case and she slowly gets pulled deeper into the mystery that way. I like how the mystery is nicely woven throughout the book even in the pieces where the focus was more on the daily life parts. I also liked how the mystery is intertwined with Paisley figuring out the history of the place as well, it gave some more background and information about the place and eventually also the murder. The historical focus was interesting and I liked how it added to the story as well as Paisley's personality. I liked the wrap up at the end and the positive note it all ended on.
One of my favorite parts of this book was how realistic it felt, the daily struggles and joys of a single mom, as well as the way she dealt with the mystery. She tried to keep her distance from the mystery and mostly focused on researching the history of the building for her newsletter. She also didn't annoyed about the sheriff trying to protect her, which you sometimes see in books. She understood the need for it and was thankful for it and I liked that attitude.
This book also had some great side characters. I liked how Paisley had some close friends and family who supported her and are there to help her out, whether she needs emotional support or someone to look after her kid or someone to bounce ideas off. I liked reading about her dad and step-mom as well as her best friend Mika. I also liked seeing Paisley and Santiago (the sheriff) grow closer as the book progresses. I really liked their romance and the way it slowly builds through the book in a way that made sense and I liked their chats on the porch. I am curious to see where things go next.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this book. It was a solid mystery that progressed slowly throughout the book as well as the main character researching the history of the place where she found the body. There is plenty of daily life scenes as well and I liked reading about Paisley. This cozy mystery had themes I haven't read about often in cozies, with Paisley being a single mom, a salvage expert and doing cross stitches as a hobby. I wasn't sure who was behind the murder and the reveal was a surprise to me. I liked Paisley as a main character and how realistic her actions felt. I liked the side characters and how she had some great family and friends around her. I liked the slowly deepening relationship she had with Santiago, the sheriff. All in all a solid start to this new series and I look forward to the next book! -
What began as a compelling story quickly went down hill with the author's woke-ism. Unnecessary. That pulled me right out of the story. Personal beliefs need not be in this book and appears to be pandering. Also I cannot find anything endearing about an unbelievable 2 year old. Unbelievable is not a compliment. The term single mom is on every page. Too much. And what kind of single mom, or any mom, locks the 2 year old in a car with a cat so she can salvage? Also, what kind of salvager leaves the "big" items that, if this is her income, would bring high dollars? The writing is sloppy and not thought out.
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A solid mystery with likable characters
A solid mystery with interesting and likable characters. I'll enjoy visiting these people again. The solution came about more by accident than through detective work, but overall it was a satisfying story. -
Crossed by Death is the first in the “Stitches in Crime” cozy mystery series by ACF Bookens. Paisley does salvage work by trade. In the course of a job, she discovers a dead body on this rundown, dilapidated property. And that sets off our story. And the potential that this is tied to a murder that happened decades ago.
It’s pretty standard cozy mystery stuff. I enjoyed it for the most part. Everything made sense. There is a romance brewing between Paisley and the sheriff on the case. It’s actually really sweet. I don’t tend to like the romances in cozies. But this I liked.
There are some standard issues that arise because of the lack of an editor. But nothing too bad.
So here’s the weirdness. The title and cover of the book would lead you to believe that this is heavily cross-stitch themed. Like maybe there is a shop or a club involved. But no, it’s just a hobby that is rarely referenced. The book spends more time in her friend’s yarn shop than it does on her cross-stitch hobby. I don’t know why Bookens didn’t make her series salvage-themed. That’s what the mystery revolves around. Or to be really petty, why she didn’t make the series single-mother themed. Paisley obsesses about the hardships of single motherhood. Like to the point of distraction. Like other cozies do about their theme.
Bookens also does this thing where she name drops the tv shows that she’s watching, her favorite Etsy shop (that actually exists), another author and her cozy mystery series, but goes out of her way to avoid saying EBay. She calls it her favorite auction website. It’s a weird choice. -
Super cute cozy mystery, and refreshing that it wasn't set in a bookshop or a bakery!
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I can't count how many times a single mom and middle age (46yrs) single mom of a toddler is mentioned. There is a story mixed in with that often repeated theme.
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Nice Cozy Mystery
Paisley is a mother of a young son who she is supporting. Money it tight so she savage around and sell the things she fines to help ends met.
So she is savaging a old gas station that is about to be taken down with the permission if the current owners. Little did she know that one of those things she would be a recently murder women -
Pretty good cosy with some cross stitch related content. Will definitely continue with this series.
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Paisley Sutton has picked an unusual career - she's a salvager. With a toddler in tow, she has to make the most of her time and the salvaging business has been kind to her. The day she enters an abandoned store, however, things begin to change for the worse. It seems that finding a dead body leads to repercussions that no one could anticipate.
I waffled on my opinion of this book. The premise and the set-up were outstanding but I couldn't quite fathom Paisley. At first. As we spent time together, she grew on me and by the end of the story, I was so firmly in her corner that there was barely enough room for the both of us!
Here's what didn't work for me: 1. Her child. That tot was a menace! I've heard that the terrible twos are a bad time, but my goodness. And he seemed too advanced verbally/ mentally for a child of that age. Especially one that was so hyperactive. 2. The backstory. I have so many questions. Why does a 46-year-old have an infant? And why is she divorced from the father? 3.
Here's where it gets good: 1. As a sleuth, Paisley is a whiz at research! She is so adept at following paper trails. Truly. I wanted to peer over her shoulder all the time. So. Much. Knowledge. 2. Paisley has an enviable support network. Anyone who has such a system in place has it together. Then again, that seems to go hand in hand with her natural empathy. This leads me to my final point - 3. Paisley is kind She's constantly looking out for others and catering to their interests, not because it will gain her some advantage but because it will enrich their lives. Admirable.
The mystery had me hooked right from the start. There were enough clues that I should have been able to guess the "doer" if I hadn't let the herrings lead me astray. I should have known that a plot from A.C.F. Bookens would be fabulous and it was!
Definitely looking forward to much more in this series.
Recommended. -
I was going to give this read three stars on my cozy mystery rating system. Here’s the thing. I read cozy mysteries for escapism, and a book tied around a toddler’s nap schedule and feeding rituals is jarring. If you have to take your kid on picnics to get him to eat, you probably shouldn’t be investigating murders with him in tow.
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The book was terrible, bad writing!
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I just couldn't take the involvement of the main character's 2 year old son in just about everything. It got old real fast so I gave it up.
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I really enjoyed this book and have already bought the books 1-4 in the series. This is the 1st book of the Stitches In Crime series by A C F Bookens (St Marins Cozy Mystery series) set in Virginia. A predominantly cozy mystery series with a touch of romance too, what's not to like!
The main character, Paisley Sutton is a 46 year old Single Parent to a young boy Sawyer (Saw) and fur Mum to a large cat who walks on a leash, Beauregard. She's a Freelance Writer centering on History, and runs her 1 woman salvage business to make ends meet. It was in clearing a derelict building set for demolition that she comes across a body a body which shouldn't be there, and a very much deceased one at that.
Other main characters are her Dad and Step Mum (Lucille) best friend Mika who runs the yarn store in the town and newly elected Sheriff Shifflett. There's also the owners of the store who have employed her to clear the store Berlinda and George Jefferson.
The story moved quite quickly and covered the time in history where there was alot of segregation and prejudice.
I love cozy mystery stories and couldn't guess the person behind the murder at all. I'm all ready to start the next book in this delightful series. -
What a great way to start 2023 with a Cosy Mystery...
I enjoyed reading Crossed by Death...then again, what's not to like? Murder and a little Cross Stitch.
I love the dynamic between the Sherrif and Paisly (the main character), and the little tidbits about being a single mother to a 2yr old made me smile...I will be continuing with the series.
Best Quote from the Book - "Baby Girl. You can't argue with stupid." -
Wat een gezellig boek!
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Paisley Sutton’s historical writing career went out the window when she became a single mom of a toddler too active to allow the necessary research time. Now she provides for herself and two-year-old Sawyer by salvaging vintage items from abandoned buildings and reselling them online.
Exploring a long-closed rural gas station was not supposed to end with her finding a dead body. Nor was meeting the town sheriff supposed to unfold into a potential for romance.
I enjoyed following Paisley’s research as she tries to untangle generational secrets that might explain not only the present-day murder but the long-ago one that closed the gas station.
Cozy mystery fans will find a few familiar staples: a well-stocked yarn store is a key setting (although Paisley herself prefers cross-stitch), there’s an interesting pet (a Maine Coon cat) and plenty of food references, along with the law enforcement romantic hero. Her salvage career is interesting, and the mystery is an engaging puzzle to follow.
I like Paisley’s accepting way with people and her desire to contribute to their lives. Her mama-bear determination to provide for and protect her son create a strong reader connection. The book does a great job of showing white characters (including Paisley) interacting with Black characters with no prejudice but also with no sense of “hey, look at us being non-racist.” It’s just natural, as it should be, with a few regretful references to past segregation.
Crossed by Death is book 1 in the Stitches in Crime mystery series. A.C.F. Bookens has a few other cozy mystery series as well, one of which is a free download on her site: acfbookens.com. Fans of Karin Kaufman’s Juniper Grove series will want to give this author a try, and vice versa. -
"Crossed By Death" is the first book in the new "Stitches In Crime" series by A.C.F. Bookens. Paisley Sutton operates her own salvage business and is a single mom of a very active toddler. She is smart, strong, resourceful and a great mom.
In the first book, she enters an abandoned store that is about to be taken down. It had been abandoned after a murder twenty years earlier. While searching for items to salvage, she comes across another dead body. Paisley realizes this is more than just another murder. It is part of a complex, tangled yet fascinating story of a family and business. She works to unravel the truth, bring answers to the family and solve the murders.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The main characters are well defined. The background history of the building and the family that ran it is interesting and well thought out. Dialogue is well done. The relationships between Paisley, her family and friends are believable. There is a touch of humor and hints of possible romance. I've already pre-ordered the next two books in the series and look forward to reading more of this series
