Hanged By A Thread (Stitches In Crime) by A.C.F. Bookens


Hanged By A Thread (Stitches In Crime)
Title : Hanged By A Thread (Stitches In Crime)
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 1952430224
ISBN-10 : 9781952430220
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 192
Publication : First published May 11, 2021

The promise of old printer’s trays has her heart aflutter, but it nearly stops when she finds a body at the bottom of the elevator shaft. When salvage expert and historian Paisley Sutton heard that a 19 th century printing press was still in the old warehouse that was scheduled for demolition, she knew she had to get in there. But when her dreams of a salvage windfall lead her on the genealogical hunt for the owners of the press and their descendants, she uncovers a story that promises to stay with her far longer than the income from her salvage operations. When the story becomes public, will Paisley’s business be safe? Will she?


Hanged By A Thread (Stitches In Crime) Reviews


  • Melinda

    This was more a book promoting gender change than a mystery. It was interesting in the fact that it was very wrong for a wedding cake designer to refuse service to a gay wedding, but it was not wrong for a store owner to refuse service to people who wanted to come to her store, I generally do not preferred to read books that are trying to make some sort of statement that takes away from the reading of the book.

  • Lola

    I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

    I am really enjoying this cozy mystery series and was excited to dive into book 3 of this series. Hanged by a Thread is another great read in this series. Main character Paisley stumbles upon another dead body in a house she's excavating and gets involved in another mystery. Slowly she finds out more about the young women who died and who might've wanted her death.

    I really liked this book. There's something comforting about the small town feel, Paisley's interactions with her son Sawyer, the sweet romance between Paisley and the sheriff and the group of awesome characters around Paisley. I really liked returning to this series and while the vibe of the setting and characters stays the same in each book, the mystery is very different in every book and gives each book a distinct feel. This series is quickly turning into one of my favorite cozy mystery series as I am really enjoying these books.

    This book had a great mystery that kept me guessing for a long time. I eventually settled on one main suspect with two other potential suspects and it turned out my guess was right although I was still surprised by details when they came to light. This book deals with the murder of a young trans women and I liked how we slowly find out more about who she was. I liked how there aren't a bunch of suspects from the start. In fact it takes quite some time before things become clearer and as more details come to light so do the suspects. I also liked how Paisley didn't set out to solve this mystery, she just wanted to help remember this young women who died too soon. This gives the mystery and progression a realistic feel that I really appreciate in a cozy mystery as it's hard to pull off.

    The characters really help this series shine. I really like paisley, she's so sweet and compassionate, but also stands up for what she believes in. I like her love for old buildings and her savaging job is fun to read about. She feels so real and I like that. Normally I am not a big fan of books with kids in them, but Sawyer really grew on me. I like how Sawyer really feels like a kid. And I also really how Paisley is as a mother, how she wants to teach him things and plays along, but also protects him by getting him out of harms way or letting her emotions out when she's not with her son.

    The side characters are awesome too. Paisley's Dad and Lucille are both great, I like how caring they are and how they're always there to help out and take care of Sawyer. Mika is a great friend for Paisley and I really like their friendship. Then there is the Sheriff who is now dating Paisley and I really like them together. They make for a great couple. I like how he is caring and worries, but also isn't over protective or tries to tell Paisley what to do.

    To summarize: This series is quickly turning into one of my favorite cozy mystery series and I love returning to this lovely small town and fun characters each time for another installment. The mystery in this one kept me guessing, but I ended up being able to guess right who the killer was. I liked how the mystery played out, with us slowly finding out more about the murdered women and the possible suspects. I liked how Paisley didn't set out to solve the mystery, but was involved anyway as she was helping with the memorial for the dead women. It felt realistic. I really like Paisley and the awesome group of side characters. I can't wait for the next book!

  • Alisha Carderella

    3.75 stars

  • Andrea

    Another great book with Paisley and her crew! I love how ACF Bookens includes all kinds of people, specifically trans people in this one. These books are more than just a mystery. They are also a lesson in compassion and humanity. Paisley discovers the murderer in a realistic way and she gets herself out of trouble in a realistic way. The murderer and other bad guys were complex, so even the bad guys seem more human. I just love this series.
    I received a copy of the book. This is my review.

  • Vicky

    Ugh. I deleted my entire review of book 2 yesterday so the next reader could make up their own mind. But this goody goody virtue signaling leaves a taste of overly sweet lemonade in my mouth.

  • Stephanie Dallas

    subject matter not my cup of tea.
    quite a few errors in text.

  • dnsyl57

    "Hanged By A Thread" is the third book of the "Stitches In Crime" series by A C F Bookens.

    Paisley has secured the rights to salvage items from an old warehouse before it is torn down. As Paisley and Saul go through the building to see what can be saved, they eventually come across a skeleton hidden in the basement. The identity of the body brings out a lot of emotions and turmoil. Paisley quickly finds herself needing to find justice for the victim - despite the objections and outright intolerance from the victims parents.

    I love how Ms Bookens, always finds a way to express compassion over intolerance for the victim, to explore social injustice and help readers see that there is more to each person than their appearance or belief. Her family and friends are supportive, open minded and always there to lend a helping hand. Sawyer is downright adorable. Santiago? Well what's not to like? Who wouldn't want a Santiago in their life!

    I thoroughly enjoy this series and the St Marin Cozy series that Ms Bookens also writes. Interesting plots, unique characters, great dialogue, social justice without being preachy and well written. You can't go wrong!

  • Nikki

    I think this is the most emotive book in this series so far, I loved it and would read it time and time again!

    Paisley is asked to salvage what she can from an old warehouse, which was once a cannery then a printers. Mika's Uncle Saul is helping her out, but when the pair of them take a final sweep of the building, they come across something they didn't expect to, another body.

    So begins another case for Sheriff Shifflett and of course, Paisley, Mika, Saul and others get involved too. This time though, it soon becomes apparent that not all is what it seems, and an influential family in the area is involved.

    Will Paisley end up in danger again when she begins to piece the story together? Will Sawyer end up motherless?

    It's a great story and one which deals with a delicate subject so very well. I'm so looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

    These books are best read in order to preserve the continuity of the characters.

    If you like this series, try St Marins cozy mystery series by the same author, set in a bookshop, comes complete with reading recommendations.

  • Chris N

    After reading this one, I got the first three books as a set for free, I won’t be getting any more in this series.

    First is that every time Paisley finds a dead body she immediately thinks of how she would feel if her 2 year old son died. I’m sorry but it’s a bit too much to have her sobbing just thinking about this every time. Honestly, who thinks like this constantly? The only time I thought of my son dying was when he was serving in Afghanistan.

    Way too much about Sawyer and Paisley constant juggling for someone to watch him or how much she is in awe of him. He gets to run riot in her friends store and everyone is so friendly and helpful all the time, just to sickly sweet for my taste. Oh and Paisley’s need to cry at least four times in each book, just stop already. You can have empathy without the constant need to cry.

    What sheriff in his right mind would let her help in investigating and give her so much relevant information about a crime?

    These are just some of the things that bother me about these books. I like a cozy mystery but these just didn’t cut it for me. If you like clean, very light mysteries that don’t need much thought then this series is for you.

  • Jeanne

    Hanged by a Thread is the third book in the Stitches in Crime series by ACF Bookens.

    Paisley is salvaging a warehouse when she makes an unfortunate discovery.

    I really enjoyed this installment. Paisley is working with Saul on her business, Sawyer is doing well, her relationship with Santiago is progressing, Mika and Paisley’s dad and step-mom are there for her. There are characters from previous books that became more prominent as well. There were some very touching scenes that brought me to tears. I like how Paisley fills Santiago in whenever she finds information rather than keeping it to herself and trying to solve things herself. As a cross-stitch, I enjoy hearing what projects Paisley is working on.

    I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens next.

    I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

  • Shelly Mendenhall

    I loved this book. Paisley Sutton, a single mother and local antique collector in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia is a fascinating character who always seems to have a habit of finding more than antiques, she finds dead bodies. This time it’s a trans woman named Celeste. But who killed her and why?

    ACF Bookens stories are just the right mix of cozy Murder mystery, light romance, and discussion of social justice issues within the LGBT communities. Great story. Enjoyed every page and it was a mix of fun, serious, and once in a while sad read.

  • Trick Wiley

    I loved this story! So much mystery and danger in this story that kept me reading to find out what happened!! The characters have a life of their own where they start to become real people and you forget that they are just a story! It's a must read and I love how the people come together to help out where need be!! ACF ,they have the best stories and I try to make sure I get them all read and so will you once you read any of these fantastic stories that becomes real!!

  • Zee

    3.5 ⭐️

    I really enjoy these books. The scenarios are entirely unbelievable (I mean, three bodies in what is probably as many months? Plus the constant getting involved in the investigation while saying she's not going to get involved in the investigation...) but I love the cast of characters and Paisley's support network. And I would really love to spend and afternoon in Mika's shop.

    compared to the other books in the series this has to be my fav

  • Colleen

    Paisley has once again found a body. This time it’s in the basement of an old warehouse she’s salvaging from. The body is that of a transgender woman from town who went missing 5 years ago. Paisley and Santiago have to figure out if this was a hate crime or a crime of passion.

    I liked this story, the respect toward the trans community, and the care of a small town that may be conservative in some ways but can still understand that a person has the right to be who they feel they are inside. 4/5

  • Ty Starks

    This book was a surprise. Not your typical cozy topic. The murder victim is the trans fem daughter of a wealthy couple in town who have disowned her. But the rest of the town rallies around this woman, Celeste, and throws her a memorial service. Lots of good discussion about dead names, pronouns, and homophobia. Just not your typical cozy mystery. But I’m glad for the topic and the attempts to honor the deceased by not dead naming her. Really well done.

  • Terry Nichols

    Paisley Sutton is demolishing with the help of Saul's crew when she discovers a body in the elevator. She helps Santiago, the police chief, solve the case along with the help of many others. I enjoyed reading this book very much and recommend it to all mystery book lovers.

    I received a free copy of this book.

  • Rose Mcclarin

    Lots of twists and turn on this roller coaster ride of a mystery. I did not even suspect who it was until the very end. Love the characters and that Paisley is in her 40's - nice to have a heroine that's over 25 particularly one in an unusual field and a single mom. They are the kind of people you want as a friend. Really enjoyed this book and the series. Highly recommend.