Lea Wait (1946–2019)

Residents of Haven Harbor, Maine, are relieved to learn that "Aurora", an old, neglected Victorian mansion and eyesore of the community, that has sat desolate for the past 25 years has been bought. Aurora has a macabre past. Jasmine Gardener, age 17, died on the property back in 1970. Jasmine's parents were hosting a party at Aurora, their summer home, the day she died. The death was ruled an accidental drowning by police, but Jasmine's mother, Millie Gardener, believed her daughter was show more murdered. Now, 45 years after the murder, famous actress, Skye West, who's bought Aurora has commissioned Angie Curtis, Director of Mainely Needlepoint, to appraise the needlepoint pictures that were left inside the property. As Angie makes her way through the mansion and realizes that its condition inside is even worse than she imagined, she wonders why Skye West would be interested in restoring and living in a place that seems more suited for demolition than renovation. As the story moves forward we learn of Skye's connection to Jasmine, which inadvertently answers Angie's question. And as Angie investigates a 45 year old murder involving the then 17 year old, we see how many partygoers that night had a reason to want her dead.

Threads of Evidence is, in my opinion, a more intricately composed Murder mystery than book 1, Twisted Threads. There are more suspects, clues and variables to consider. Although Threads of Evidence can be read on its own, I benefited from reading the first book in the series because it introduced me to the many characters that made an appearance in book 2, enabling me to keep them all straight in my head. The actress, old Victorian mansion, colorful cast of characters, along with the protagonist's sleuthing strategies, made Threads of Evidence enjoyable. And since I like to learn new things, it's great that the author shares embroidery tidbits. I also learned about some poisonous plants which was interesting. Overall, another well constructed cozy mystery that I'd recommend. show less

I've enjoyed Lea Wait's Mainely Needlepoint cozy series from the beginning. I've painlessly learned a lot about Maine through these books-- from its fascinating history to its landscape and weather to the customs of present-day Mainers. And I am happy to announce, Thread Herrings is the best of the series so far.

I loved the reminder of how much fun attending auctions can be, and I can imagine many other readers being tempted to attend their first one from Wait's description of Angie's show more experience at the beginning of the book. But the one thing that takes center stage in Thread Herrings is the mystery. Angie's friend is shot to death on her way to meet Angie at a local restaurant. From strangers asking locals where she lives to death threats by email and other means, it's clear to see that Angie's life is well and truly in danger and Wait skillfully ratchets up the suspense (and the need to read faster to make sure Angie doesn't come to harm).

And guess what? Wait doesn't create this palpable tension by having Angie do something stupid! I can't tell you how refreshing that is. Angie gets a bad case of cabin fever, but when the local and state police tell her to stay put and stay inside, she does it-- and the book is still scary and suspenseful. (There are authors who need to make note of this because I'm not the only reader who can't stand characters who are TSTL-- Too Stupid To Live.)

The reveal at the end of Thread Herrings is a satisfying one, and now I have to settle down and wait for the next installment. It can't come fast enough for me. show less

THREAD AND GONE is the 3rd title in the Mainely Needlepoint series by Lea Wait.
I quite enjoyed the ‘sense of place’ in this book and the down-to-earth characters. The mystery held my interest and the plot was evenly paced. The premise of the story - that a small piece of needlepoint (sewn by Mary, Queen of Scots or one of her ladies in waiting) could have been discovered in a Maine attic is not overly fanciful. The Maine coast abounded with sea captains and ocean voyages. There was quite show more a ‘privateer’ history as well. There is a strong link between the two Marys - Mary, Queen of Scots and the French queen, Marie Antoinette - and they were known for their needlework. I found these tie-ins very interesting.
I wish the ending wasn’t so abrupt. There is no follow-up - the future of Mary Clough? the emotional upheavals of the families involved? what happened to the needlework? I want to know more details. show less

With just two books in the Mainely Needlepoint series so far, I confess that I'm hooked. Lea Wait has a series that delivers when it comes to needlepoint (this time restoring old damaged pieces) without going overboard. That can be a tricky path to tread, but if there's needlepoint in the cozy I'm reading, I want its percentage to be somewhere between just walking past a shop window and saying, "Oh look at that needlepoint pillow!" and doing so much stitching that the characters don't have show more time to stick their noses outside to solve a murder. The author has the perfect blend in this series, and that really ups the enjoyment factor for me.

Threads of Evidence also started like gangbusters with Angie and her friend clearing out that marvelous old house and getting ready for a sale. As long as that was going on, I refused any and all attempts to get me to come up for air. What's wonderful is that once the sale was over, the story and the characters assumed control and kept me turning the pages enthusiastically.

Angie is one of the best amateur sleuths going because she worked for a private investigator in Arizona. She's familiar with how to do things, and if she needs some help, she can always phone up her former boss. She's also very level-headed and smart. Life dealt her some hard knocks rather early in life, so even though she's positive and upbeat, she's still a bit reserved. (Have some fun, but don't be surprised if someone wants to shove you into the handbasket to Hell.)

There's some competition between Angie and her friend, and other Mainely Needlepointers do their part to help solve the crime. If that's not enough, there's Angie's grandmother's wedding to keep tabs on. I only solved half the mystery which is always a plus-- and I have a confession to make. I wish that Hollywood actress had chosen a screen name that didn't make my eyes hiccup every time they saw it. It probably won't bother you a bit, but since I'm from Phoenix, Skye West just sounds like a blend of Sky Harbor Airport and the old America West Arena-- or the name of an airline. I know. Silly, aren't I?

What's not silly is how much I enjoyed this book, and how highly I rate this series. Bring on book three! I can't wait to see what happens next to Angie and the Mainely Needlepointers. show less