What do you think?
Rate this book
Mainely Needlepoint #4
Dangling by a Thread
The Mainely Needlepointers are about to learn that no man is an island—especially when greedy developers want his land . . .
Hermit Jesse Lockhart lives alone on King’s Island, three miles east of Haven Harbor, Maine, where he’s created a private sanctuary for the endangered Great Cormorants. But when a wealthy family wants to buy the island and Jesse’s cousin Simon petitions for power of attorney to force him to sell, Jesse is the one who becomes endangered.
Mainely Needlepointer Dave Perry, who befriended Jesse in the VA hospital, rallies the group to his defense. Angie Curtis and the ravelers stitch “Save the King’s Island Cormorants” pillows and sell T-shirts to pay for Jesse’s legal counsel. But tragically, on a visit to the island, Angie and Dave find Jesse dead. Now the search is on for a common thread that can tie the murdered man to his killer . . .
“Offers a wonderful sense of place and characters right from the very beginning. Highly recommended.” —Suspense Magazine on Threads of Evidence
Hermit Jesse Lockhart lives alone on King’s Island, three miles east of Haven Harbor, Maine, where he’s created a private sanctuary for the endangered Great Cormorants. But when a wealthy family wants to buy the island and Jesse’s cousin Simon petitions for power of attorney to force him to sell, Jesse is the one who becomes endangered.
Mainely Needlepointer Dave Perry, who befriended Jesse in the VA hospital, rallies the group to his defense. Angie Curtis and the ravelers stitch “Save the King’s Island Cormorants” pillows and sell T-shirts to pay for Jesse’s legal counsel. But tragically, on a visit to the island, Angie and Dave find Jesse dead. Now the search is on for a common thread that can tie the murdered man to his killer . . .
“Offers a wonderful sense of place and characters right from the very beginning. Highly recommended.” —Suspense Magazine on Threads of Evidence
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2016
228 people are currently reading
953 people want to read
About the author
Lea Wait
40 books506 followersMaine author Lea Wait writes the NYT-praised 8-book Shadows Antique Print Mystery series, the latest of which is SHADWS ON A MORNING IN MAINE, and the USA Today best-selling Mainely Needlepoint series which debuted with TWISTED THREADS in January, 2015, and was followed by THREADS OF EVIDENCE in August, 2015, THREAD AND GONE, in January, 2016, DANGLING BY A THREAD in late October, 2016, and TIGHTENING THE THREADS in March, 2017. Wait also writes acclaimed historical novels for ages 8 and up set in 19th century Maine, the latest of which, UNCERTAIN GLORY, takes place in a small northern town during the first two weeks of the Civil War. Lea's LIVING AND WRITING ON THE COAST OF MAINE, about being an author and living year 'round in Maine with a husband who's an artist also includes writing tips. Lea did her undergraduate work at Chatham College (now University) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and her graduate work at New York University. While she was raising the four daughters she adopted as a single parent she worked as a manager for AT&T. Now she writes full time and speaks at schools and libraries. She loves rowing, visiting historical sites, and, of course, reading and writing. See her website,
www.leawait.com, and the blog she writes with other Maine Mystery writers, http://www.mainecrimewriters.com, friend her on FB and Goodreads, and, if you'd like to be on her email list to find out when her next book will be published, send her your email address write to her at leawait@roadrunner.com
www.leawait.com, and the blog she writes with other Maine Mystery writers, http://www.mainecrimewriters.com, friend her on FB and Goodreads, and, if you'd like to be on her email list to find out when her next book will be published, send her your email address write to her at leawait@roadrunner.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
March 4, 2021
The Mainely Needlepoint series by Lea Wait has quickly become one of my new favorites. Dangling by a Thread was full of mystery: an abandoned island, a changed will, a love tryst... all the things that keep me intrigued. Unfortunately, someone had to die, and this time, it has connections to other characters in the series.
Wait has created such a strong background setting. I enjoy reading all about Maine and getting know several of the town's primary families. Bonds are tested. I was a little concerned about the romantic interests for Angie in this one. Sarah kinda likes Patrick, but now so does Angie. Dave was dangling on the side too. How would it all turn out? I wasn't happy about the direction it seemed to be taking, but it got better, and then in the end, boom! The whole thing was left unanswered. I'm a major cliffhanger junkie, but this side story just went astray. The main murder plot also ended abruptly, so I had to knock off a star in the end. It was almost like "no clue who the killer is and then in last few pages, boom... the murderer is X, so The End..." done.
I'll still reading the other 5 in the series because I love the backdrop, and it reminds me of being somewhere I am quite fond of. But hopefully Wait brings the love aspects back somehow, even just flirting would be okay. In terms of the mystery, it was strong throughout (until the end). At least 5 suspects... many had some motives but which one would be the guilty party? And those birds seemed quite menacing but kind at the same time. What's up with that? All I know... number 5 is on order already. Who's with me?
Wait has created such a strong background setting. I enjoy reading all about Maine and getting know several of the town's primary families. Bonds are tested. I was a little concerned about the romantic interests for Angie in this one. Sarah kinda likes Patrick, but now so does Angie. Dave was dangling on the side too. How would it all turn out? I wasn't happy about the direction it seemed to be taking, but it got better, and then in the end, boom! The whole thing was left unanswered. I'm a major cliffhanger junkie, but this side story just went astray. The main murder plot also ended abruptly, so I had to knock off a star in the end. It was almost like "no clue who the killer is and then in last few pages, boom... the murderer is X, so The End..." done.
I'll still reading the other 5 in the series because I love the backdrop, and it reminds me of being somewhere I am quite fond of. But hopefully Wait brings the love aspects back somehow, even just flirting would be okay. In terms of the mystery, it was strong throughout (until the end). At least 5 suspects... many had some motives but which one would be the guilty party? And those birds seemed quite menacing but kind at the same time. What's up with that? All I know... number 5 is on order already. Who's with me?
October 22, 2016
Angie Curtis manages Mainely Needlepoint in Haven Harbor, Maine. Early one morning, she sees an old man rowing to shore. This turns out to be Jesse Lockhart. He is good friends with her friend Dave, but mostly he is a solitary individual. He lives rustically on an island that he owns with his cousin, that is home to the nesting grounds of theGreat Comorant, a threatened bird species. When a multimillionaire wants to buy the island and develop it into his Maine getaway, Jesse refuses to sell. Later, when Jesse is found with his head bashed in, Angie and her Needlepoint group take on Jesse's cause...and the solving of his murder.
This is the 4th book in the Mainely Needlepoint Mysterty series. I have not read any prior to this, and felt like I missed out on a lot of the backstory. The author seemed to refer back to a lot of things, so at times I felt lost. The book also has a strange writing style. When the characters are interacting, the writing is very straightforward and normal, but when it comes to descriptive paragraphs it gets a little flowery. I als out DNFed this book in the beginning due to the descriptions, but I found if I skimmed over them, the story was enjoyable.
I didn't really connect with any of the characters. None of them had much personality, they were just telling a story. The mystery took backstage to the save the birds information, and it was pretty easy to figure out the murderer. It was pretty disappointing. I finished the book and enjoyed parts of it, but I doubt I would pick up another one in this series.
*I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book and have given an honest review *
This is the 4th book in the Mainely Needlepoint Mysterty series. I have not read any prior to this, and felt like I missed out on a lot of the backstory. The author seemed to refer back to a lot of things, so at times I felt lost. The book also has a strange writing style. When the characters are interacting, the writing is very straightforward and normal, but when it comes to descriptive paragraphs it gets a little flowery. I als out DNFed this book in the beginning due to the descriptions, but I found if I skimmed over them, the story was enjoyable.
I didn't really connect with any of the characters. None of them had much personality, they were just telling a story. The mystery took backstage to the save the birds information, and it was pretty easy to figure out the murderer. It was pretty disappointing. I finished the book and enjoyed parts of it, but I doubt I would pick up another one in this series.
*I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book and have given an honest review *
December 24, 2018
4.5 stars. Angie Curtis is intrigued by a mysterious loner, Jesse Lockhart, whom some refer to as The Solitary. He lives on isolated Kings Island, alone, and occasionally travels into Haven Harbor for his mail and other necessities. Mainely Needlepointer, Dave Percy, seems to be a friend of The Solitary, but when Angie enquirers about him, Dave Is elusive about the man. One thing’s for sure, Jesse isn’t enthused about anyone who tries to invade his island. He’s protective of the great cormorants that nest there, and won’t have them disturbed by intruders, especially not rich ones who want to buy his island right out from under him. There are a few who would gain from the sale of Jesse’s island. So when Jesse turns up dead, Angie is intent on keeping Jesse’s dream alive of protecting the birds, and of finding out who murdered him.
Dangling By A Thread is another solid mystery by Lea Wait that I enjoyed. In addition to the suspense leading up to the culprit, I was enlightened by the nesting habits of great cormorants and the uniqueness of their wings.
An additional delight of this series is that each new chapter opens with brief facts about an ancient needle-pointer and their work. I looked forward to learning about each and every one.
Dangling By A Thread is another solid mystery by Lea Wait that I enjoyed. In addition to the suspense leading up to the culprit, I was enlightened by the nesting habits of great cormorants and the uniqueness of their wings.
An additional delight of this series is that each new chapter opens with brief facts about an ancient needle-pointer and their work. I looked forward to learning about each and every one.
November 26, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
grco_nigelvoadenterathopiusI am always excited when Lea Wait has a new book released. This time we are drawn right into the story as we travel to King’s Island, one of the many islands off the coast of Maine. This one is a nesting ground for some Great Cormorants and it is inhabited by just one person, Jesse Lockhart. He travels across the water 3 miles to Haven Harbor for his mail and supplies. He leads a solitary life and will do anything to protect “his” birds. When a well to do visitor to Haven Harbor decides he wants to purchase the island and build an enormous house, Jesse refuses to sell. But Jesse owns the island jointly with his cousin and the man is not giving up. Jesse asks his friend Dave Perry for help in halting the sale. Dave, one of Angie’s needlepointers asks her for her assistance but before they can even get a plan together Jesse, not his birds become the hunted. Now they need to find a way to save Jesse’s birds and find his killer.
I became invested in Jesse and his cause right away. I was sad that he became the victim. I love bird watching and even with all the great descriptions and information the author provided about Great Cormorants I wanted to know more. She also includes sampler sayings and information at the beginning of each chapter.
Angie is a wonderful main character. Her relationship with her grandmother always touches my heart. Dave Perry plays a major role in this story. Through him we also meet 3 new furry baby characters. Patrick and his mother have returned to town but he is still recovering from his injuries. There was also a real sense of community in all of Haven Harbor about the island and the birds.
The author’s writing style starts slow and builds so we get a chance to engage with the characters before they become a victim or a suspect. The needlepointing took a bit of a backseat to the mystery but the Mainely Needlepointers were helpful as Angie tried to eliminate suspects. Her friends make great sounding boards, but Angie’s best friend, Sarah Byrne, is involved in a new relationship that has her a little distracted. About half way through the book the pace picks up and the book becomes very hard to put down.
Lea Wait definitely brings Maine and her characters to life in each and every one of these stories. To fully enjoy them and realize the way the characters evolve I encourage you to read them all and in order. Each contains a wonderful mystery too!
grco_nigelvoadenterathopiusI am always excited when Lea Wait has a new book released. This time we are drawn right into the story as we travel to King’s Island, one of the many islands off the coast of Maine. This one is a nesting ground for some Great Cormorants and it is inhabited by just one person, Jesse Lockhart. He travels across the water 3 miles to Haven Harbor for his mail and supplies. He leads a solitary life and will do anything to protect “his” birds. When a well to do visitor to Haven Harbor decides he wants to purchase the island and build an enormous house, Jesse refuses to sell. But Jesse owns the island jointly with his cousin and the man is not giving up. Jesse asks his friend Dave Perry for help in halting the sale. Dave, one of Angie’s needlepointers asks her for her assistance but before they can even get a plan together Jesse, not his birds become the hunted. Now they need to find a way to save Jesse’s birds and find his killer.
I became invested in Jesse and his cause right away. I was sad that he became the victim. I love bird watching and even with all the great descriptions and information the author provided about Great Cormorants I wanted to know more. She also includes sampler sayings and information at the beginning of each chapter.
Angie is a wonderful main character. Her relationship with her grandmother always touches my heart. Dave Perry plays a major role in this story. Through him we also meet 3 new furry baby characters. Patrick and his mother have returned to town but he is still recovering from his injuries. There was also a real sense of community in all of Haven Harbor about the island and the birds.
The author’s writing style starts slow and builds so we get a chance to engage with the characters before they become a victim or a suspect. The needlepointing took a bit of a backseat to the mystery but the Mainely Needlepointers were helpful as Angie tried to eliminate suspects. Her friends make great sounding boards, but Angie’s best friend, Sarah Byrne, is involved in a new relationship that has her a little distracted. About half way through the book the pace picks up and the book becomes very hard to put down.
Lea Wait definitely brings Maine and her characters to life in each and every one of these stories. To fully enjoy them and realize the way the characters evolve I encourage you to read them all and in order. Each contains a wonderful mystery too!
November 18, 2024
There was so much about this book that I didn't like - I have real issues with people that use their money and status to get what they want, regardless of who or what they hurt, and apparently my issues with that carries over to books that have that story-line. And this one has that - as well as selfish people that care little about the nature around them if it means that they get what they want. It just grated on my last nerve throughout the whole book. And the end....sigh.
I really like this series and I will continue on with it - it really had nothing to do with the writing itself and more with the story-line. I am sure plenty of people will love this and not get all fired up about it like I have.
I really like this series and I will continue on with it - it really had nothing to do with the writing itself and more with the story-line. I am sure plenty of people will love this and not get all fired up about it like I have.
November 18, 2017
Dangling by a Thread is the 4th book in the Mainely Needlepoint series. Although I found the last book in the series a bit low moving, I was able to read this book in just a few sittings. The characters held my interest and the subject matter was not what you find in most cozies. I would have liked to have read more needlepoint project descriptions but all in all it was enjoyable. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed this book via NetGalley.
I voluntarily reviewed this book via NetGalley.
March 12, 2017
I cannot get enough of these books! Please Lea Wait do not stop writing about Angie Curtis and the Mainely Needlepointers! I would be so disappointed.
This story started out with Angie going down to the wharf early in the morning seeing the lobstermen getting ready to go out to get their daily catch. While she is down there she notices a strange small boat come in with a strange looking man she has never seen before. She asks around and all they tell her is they call him The Solitary. So she decides to follow him.
She follows him to the post Office but the post master does not tell her anything about him except that he comes into town to pick up his mail every week or two.
So she decides to visit one of the needlepointers, Dave to see how he is doing with some pillows she asked him to work up for her customer. When she gets there, the stranger is leaving Dave's house in a hurry! Now she knows she will at least find out what his name is. She finds out his name is Jesse Lockhart and he lives on King's Island where the Cormorant birds live and nest, just him and the birds!
He and Dave became friends when they were both in the VA hospital together. Jesse told Dave all about the area where he grew up and Dave came to Maine and fell in love, bought a small house in Haven Harbor, went to college on the GI bill, and got a job as the biology teacher in the HH High School.
When Jesse got out of the hospital, he headed back to Maine and settled down on his Grandfathers Island. He did not want to be bothered by other people, so he stayed on the island.
All the trouble started when a rich person stopped near the island and wanted to buy it! Jesse did not want to sell because the birds would have to leave.
When Jesse turns up dead, everyone involved thinks the sale will go through, but they did not think that jesse would change his part of the will to hold it up in court for many years to come!
This book was more exciting that the others and I am hoping that the newer ones to come will be even better. Keep up the amazing work,Lea!
This story started out with Angie going down to the wharf early in the morning seeing the lobstermen getting ready to go out to get their daily catch. While she is down there she notices a strange small boat come in with a strange looking man she has never seen before. She asks around and all they tell her is they call him The Solitary. So she decides to follow him.
She follows him to the post Office but the post master does not tell her anything about him except that he comes into town to pick up his mail every week or two.
So she decides to visit one of the needlepointers, Dave to see how he is doing with some pillows she asked him to work up for her customer. When she gets there, the stranger is leaving Dave's house in a hurry! Now she knows she will at least find out what his name is. She finds out his name is Jesse Lockhart and he lives on King's Island where the Cormorant birds live and nest, just him and the birds!
He and Dave became friends when they were both in the VA hospital together. Jesse told Dave all about the area where he grew up and Dave came to Maine and fell in love, bought a small house in Haven Harbor, went to college on the GI bill, and got a job as the biology teacher in the HH High School.
When Jesse got out of the hospital, he headed back to Maine and settled down on his Grandfathers Island. He did not want to be bothered by other people, so he stayed on the island.
All the trouble started when a rich person stopped near the island and wanted to buy it! Jesse did not want to sell because the birds would have to leave.
When Jesse turns up dead, everyone involved thinks the sale will go through, but they did not think that jesse would change his part of the will to hold it up in court for many years to come!
This book was more exciting that the others and I am hoping that the newer ones to come will be even better. Keep up the amazing work,Lea!
December 19, 2017
3.5 stars This is a quick fun cozy mystery series.
October 26, 2016
Dangling By A Thread is the fourth book in the Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series.
I always enjoy stopping by Haven Harbor, Maine to visit with the interesting residents of this quaint little seaside village.
One morning as Angie is enjoying a morning cup of coffee and the solace only a visit to the docks of Haven Harbor can provide for her, she spots a man rowing in from King’s Island. She does not recognize him and proceeds to ask some of the locals who he is. Dave, a member of the Maine Needlepointers, tells her that his name is Jesse and that he lives alone on King’s Island where his main goal is to protect the nesting area of the Great Cormorants. As Angie and Dave are about to land on the island to visit with Jesse about an attempt that is being made to purchase the island, Jesse shoots Dave in the leg with an arrow. The injury is not life-threatening but will lay Dave up for a bit.
It is soon learned that Gerry Bentley, an uncle of Patrick West, is the person that is interested in purchasing the island so that he may build a MacMansion there. Patrick is back in Haven Harbor, recuperating from burns received from a fire at his mother’s, Skye, home.
When Angie and police return to King’s Island to discuss the assault on Dave, the find the dead body of Jesse. Angie and the Mainely Needlepointers take up the cause to keep King’s Island as a sanctuary for the birds. Angie in the meantime hopes to get Patrick on her side and to convince his uncle to abandon the plan to purchase the island.
Wait does an excellent job of making the reader feel “at home” in all of her books by providing a realistic description of the community and providing a cast of interesting characters.
As with the other books in the series, this has interesting descriptions of embroidery work from the 1700’s. Also, a recipe is included.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I always enjoy stopping by Haven Harbor, Maine to visit with the interesting residents of this quaint little seaside village.
One morning as Angie is enjoying a morning cup of coffee and the solace only a visit to the docks of Haven Harbor can provide for her, she spots a man rowing in from King’s Island. She does not recognize him and proceeds to ask some of the locals who he is. Dave, a member of the Maine Needlepointers, tells her that his name is Jesse and that he lives alone on King’s Island where his main goal is to protect the nesting area of the Great Cormorants. As Angie and Dave are about to land on the island to visit with Jesse about an attempt that is being made to purchase the island, Jesse shoots Dave in the leg with an arrow. The injury is not life-threatening but will lay Dave up for a bit.
It is soon learned that Gerry Bentley, an uncle of Patrick West, is the person that is interested in purchasing the island so that he may build a MacMansion there. Patrick is back in Haven Harbor, recuperating from burns received from a fire at his mother’s, Skye, home.
When Angie and police return to King’s Island to discuss the assault on Dave, the find the dead body of Jesse. Angie and the Mainely Needlepointers take up the cause to keep King’s Island as a sanctuary for the birds. Angie in the meantime hopes to get Patrick on her side and to convince his uncle to abandon the plan to purchase the island.
Wait does an excellent job of making the reader feel “at home” in all of her books by providing a realistic description of the community and providing a cast of interesting characters.
As with the other books in the series, this has interesting descriptions of embroidery work from the 1700’s. Also, a recipe is included.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 12, 2016
I continue to enjoy Lea Wait's series, although I do have to admit that Dangling by a Thread is not its strongest book. There are two reasons for my opinion. First, the killer's identity was rather obvious, and two, the plot had much more to do with relationships and pitching in to help those in need than it did with the actual mystery. That said, there's nothing wrong with relationships and helping others; I'd just like more mystery.
As always, Wait knows how to bring her Maine setting to life. Each chapter begins with a quote and information about an antique needlework sampler. (I stitched a sampler when I was a child, but I have a feeling that they're "gone with the wind" now.) You may find it difficult to believe but these headings give quite a look at early life in Maine and other areas, and sometimes these glimpses can evoke strong responses. The author also puts us firmly on location with Jesse's protection of the endangered birds and how miserable the rich can make life for people living along the coast. (After all, the wealthy are the only ones entitled to a good view out their windows and a short commute, right?)
All in all, I did enjoy Dangling by a Thread. I found it to be an emotional read-- and not just because kittens destroyed some pieces of needlepoint. Jesse may not have lasted very long, but he made quite an impact on me. Wait hit home runs with her characters, their relationships, and with Maine, but I'm looking forward to more mystery in her next Mainely Needlepoint book.
As always, Wait knows how to bring her Maine setting to life. Each chapter begins with a quote and information about an antique needlework sampler. (I stitched a sampler when I was a child, but I have a feeling that they're "gone with the wind" now.) You may find it difficult to believe but these headings give quite a look at early life in Maine and other areas, and sometimes these glimpses can evoke strong responses. The author also puts us firmly on location with Jesse's protection of the endangered birds and how miserable the rich can make life for people living along the coast. (After all, the wealthy are the only ones entitled to a good view out their windows and a short commute, right?)
All in all, I did enjoy Dangling by a Thread. I found it to be an emotional read-- and not just because kittens destroyed some pieces of needlepoint. Jesse may not have lasted very long, but he made quite an impact on me. Wait hit home runs with her characters, their relationships, and with Maine, but I'm looking forward to more mystery in her next Mainely Needlepoint book.
October 26, 2016
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Published by Kensington Books via NetGalley.
Someone's trying to kill two birds with one stone...
When Angie is sitting at the wharf early one morning drinking coffee, she sees a man row in, someone she has never seen before. When she enquires about him, she learns that most people call him the 'Solitary Man' and he lives out on King's Island. Later she learns his name is Jesse Lockhart and he's a friend of Mainely Needlepointer Dave Perry.
King's Island is a private sanctuary for the endangered Great Cormorants where Jesse lives, which he jointly owns with his cousin in Chicago.
But trouble breaks out when a wealthy family want to buy and build a house on King's Island. And will not take No for an answer.
So the Mainely Needlepointers take up the cause to "Save the King's Island Cormorants" to help preserver the birds nesting area and Jesse's home.
Then Jesse is found murdered. Angie starts nosing around to find the killer, she could end up....dangling by a thread!
This is the fourth instalment of the Mainely Needlepointers mysteries, and keeps getting better and better as the series progresses. With a great set of characters, well plotted and written. A series well worth reading.
If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have made, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres... like, comment and follow.
Someone's trying to kill two birds with one stone...
When Angie is sitting at the wharf early one morning drinking coffee, she sees a man row in, someone she has never seen before. When she enquires about him, she learns that most people call him the 'Solitary Man' and he lives out on King's Island. Later she learns his name is Jesse Lockhart and he's a friend of Mainely Needlepointer Dave Perry.
King's Island is a private sanctuary for the endangered Great Cormorants where Jesse lives, which he jointly owns with his cousin in Chicago.
But trouble breaks out when a wealthy family want to buy and build a house on King's Island. And will not take No for an answer.
So the Mainely Needlepointers take up the cause to "Save the King's Island Cormorants" to help preserver the birds nesting area and Jesse's home.
Then Jesse is found murdered. Angie starts nosing around to find the killer, she could end up....dangling by a thread!
This is the fourth instalment of the Mainely Needlepointers mysteries, and keeps getting better and better as the series progresses. With a great set of characters, well plotted and written. A series well worth reading.
If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have made, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres... like, comment and follow.
October 29, 2016
Many have written a short synopsis of the plot so I will write about my thoughts after reading the book. The Mainely Needlepoint series was my favorite new cozy mystery series for 2015. One reason I liked it was that it was a little edgier than other cozy mystery series. Angie, the protagonist, had somewhat of a chip on her shoulder when she returned home to Maine after being in Arizona for ten years.. In Arizona, she was an assistant to a private investigator. Angie is very independent, reads people very well, has a business mind and is not a girly girl. That being said, Angie seems to have homogenized in the fourth book into a more typical cozy protagonist. Some readers have stated they like this change and the softer Angie. So as readers, we all differ in what we prefer. The plot of the book did not interest me as much as the other books. It was written well and well developed though. I would have given it 3.5 stars if that rating was available.
.
This is one series that I pre-order and I will the next book. I do like this series very much. The secondary characters in this book bring a wealth of material to the series too. It seems no one character is featured along with Angie in every book. They all make appearances. This book featured Dave who is a high school teacher and does needlepoint for Angie.
.
This is one series that I pre-order and I will the next book. I do like this series very much. The secondary characters in this book bring a wealth of material to the series too. It seems no one character is featured along with Angie in every book. They all make appearances. This book featured Dave who is a high school teacher and does needlepoint for Angie.
January 30, 2018
This is the first one in this series that I have read and it wasn't bad.
When Mainely needlepointers Dave Perry and main character Angie Curtis find hermit Jesse Lockhart dead on King's Island they begin the search for the murderer to avenge his death and save the island as it's a sanctuary for endangered Great Cormorants.
Basically there I've just reworded the blurb and may have made it sound weird but it's an entertaining cozy mystery that has good characters and a lovely setting. I will be looking for the rest of this series as I do love me some cozies!
*Huge thanks to Lea Wait, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
When Mainely needlepointers Dave Perry and main character Angie Curtis find hermit Jesse Lockhart dead on King's Island they begin the search for the murderer to avenge his death and save the island as it's a sanctuary for endangered Great Cormorants.
Basically there I've just reworded the blurb and may have made it sound weird but it's an entertaining cozy mystery that has good characters and a lovely setting. I will be looking for the rest of this series as I do love me some cozies!
*Huge thanks to Lea Wait, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
November 23, 2020
I enjoyed listening as the mystery and the solution unfolded, but I particularly looked forward to hearing about the historical needlework and its creator that began each chapter.
October 28, 2016
It has been three months since Angie Curtis moved back to her hometown of Haven Harbor, ME. Her much-loved Gram has married the pastor and moved out of the family home and left Angie rattling around in the big house. The needlepoint business is going well and Angie is reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. However, as her self-imposed six months for a decision about staying in Haven Harbor approaches, she finds herself restless. On one restless early morning she walks down to the harbor and watches a man row in from a small island offshore. She has never seen him before and is intrigued. It turns out that he is a hermit named Jesse Lockhart who has lived on the protected island with a population of Great Cormorants for three years and is called "The Solitary" by the people of Haven Harbor. Only Dave Percy, a needlepointer and high-school teacher seems to know much about Jesse. Multimillionaire Gerry Bently is visiting in Haven Harbor and is determined to buy the island and build a huge home there. Jesse, as part-owner, has no interest in selling. He just wants to be left alone to protect the Great Cormorants. Someone is willing to kill Jesse to make sure that the sale goes through.
I always enjoy the Mainely Needlepoint series and Dangling by a Thread is no exception. As a long-time summer visitor in Maine, I am well aware of the tension that between those who want development and those who are concerned for the environment. Maine has always had a hard-scrabble economy and people struggle to get by. In today's world, it's good to see people work together to solve a problem, and that is the way it's done in Haven Harbor. Angie and her group of needlepointers are an interesting and likable group in a setting I love.The antique sampler sayings and descriptions that precede every chapter are often hilariously dour and revealing of the life of early New Englanders. I highly recommend the Mainely Needlepoint series for cozy mystery readers and those who have an interest in Maine life.
Lea Wait is a regular contributor to the Maine Crime Writers blog and recently posted a piece on real-life Maine hermits. Anyone who loves Maine and crime writing should take a look at this highly entertaining blog. Thanks to Kensington Books for an advance digital copy in return for an honest review.
RATING- 4 Stars
I always enjoy the Mainely Needlepoint series and Dangling by a Thread is no exception. As a long-time summer visitor in Maine, I am well aware of the tension that between those who want development and those who are concerned for the environment. Maine has always had a hard-scrabble economy and people struggle to get by. In today's world, it's good to see people work together to solve a problem, and that is the way it's done in Haven Harbor. Angie and her group of needlepointers are an interesting and likable group in a setting I love.The antique sampler sayings and descriptions that precede every chapter are often hilariously dour and revealing of the life of early New Englanders. I highly recommend the Mainely Needlepoint series for cozy mystery readers and those who have an interest in Maine life.
Lea Wait is a regular contributor to the Maine Crime Writers blog and recently posted a piece on real-life Maine hermits. Anyone who loves Maine and crime writing should take a look at this highly entertaining blog. Thanks to Kensington Books for an advance digital copy in return for an honest review.
RATING- 4 Stars
September 24, 2016
Dangling by a Thread, written by Lea Wait is a surefire page turner!
In this book, Angie meets Jesse Lockhart, a local hermit who prefers to live a solitary life on King;s Island, where his one passion is taking care of the Great Cormorants, a "threatened" bird species.
Local needle pointer Dave Perry is a friend of Jesse's, and when word spreads that a wealthy couple want to purchase King's Island as a vacation spot for a million dollar home to be built on, Dave tries to warn his friend.
Before Dave can actually warn his friend, he becomes the victim of a senseless accident that leaves him hospitalized.
Angie and her needle point family do all they can to help Jesse, but they might to be too late.
In the last review I wrote for this series, I expressed concern for Angie and her drinking.
I was stunned to see that the drinking was curbed in this book, it was a very pleasant surprise.
While Angie is still trying to come to terms with her past, she is making some dear friends and seems to be finding her way in the quaint town of Haven Harbor, Maine.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was an exciting read and I felt I could relate better to Angie in this story.
I am glad I decided to read this book, the changes in Angie were noticeable and the author really wove a wonderful tale that was hard to put down.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
In this book, Angie meets Jesse Lockhart, a local hermit who prefers to live a solitary life on King;s Island, where his one passion is taking care of the Great Cormorants, a "threatened" bird species.
Local needle pointer Dave Perry is a friend of Jesse's, and when word spreads that a wealthy couple want to purchase King's Island as a vacation spot for a million dollar home to be built on, Dave tries to warn his friend.
Before Dave can actually warn his friend, he becomes the victim of a senseless accident that leaves him hospitalized.
Angie and her needle point family do all they can to help Jesse, but they might to be too late.
In the last review I wrote for this series, I expressed concern for Angie and her drinking.
I was stunned to see that the drinking was curbed in this book, it was a very pleasant surprise.
While Angie is still trying to come to terms with her past, she is making some dear friends and seems to be finding her way in the quaint town of Haven Harbor, Maine.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was an exciting read and I felt I could relate better to Angie in this story.
I am glad I decided to read this book, the changes in Angie were noticeable and the author really wove a wonderful tale that was hard to put down.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
October 26, 2016
Princess Fuzzypants here:
Before this series, I didn't know much about samplers. Momma would never do it since she cannot sew worth beans. It is an interesting art form and I love the way the author weaves different samplers into the beginning of each chapter with a bit of a biography of the creator of the piece. It would be something that would fascinate me even if I did not like the books.
But I do like this series.
The reader gets a palpable feel for the rugged Maine location, complete with recognizable characters. The people are fully fleshed and realistic. I always like when a heroine is smart and savvy and doesn't do silly things to put herself in danger. I have gotten quite invested in Angie and her family and friends.
Could the presence of a great Maine Coon cat, Juno, be part of it? Could three adorable kittiens who changed human lives have contributed? Well, maybe. But if the story wasn't compelling and the characters people for whom the reader can care, it would be all for naught.
i do confess I sussed out the murderer pretty early in the book. Maybe I am getting to be a better detective after reading so many mystery books.
If you are looking for a quick read and good characterization, check it out.
I give this five purrs and two paws up.
Before this series, I didn't know much about samplers. Momma would never do it since she cannot sew worth beans. It is an interesting art form and I love the way the author weaves different samplers into the beginning of each chapter with a bit of a biography of the creator of the piece. It would be something that would fascinate me even if I did not like the books.
But I do like this series.
The reader gets a palpable feel for the rugged Maine location, complete with recognizable characters. The people are fully fleshed and realistic. I always like when a heroine is smart and savvy and doesn't do silly things to put herself in danger. I have gotten quite invested in Angie and her family and friends.
Could the presence of a great Maine Coon cat, Juno, be part of it? Could three adorable kittiens who changed human lives have contributed? Well, maybe. But if the story wasn't compelling and the characters people for whom the reader can care, it would be all for naught.
i do confess I sussed out the murderer pretty early in the book. Maybe I am getting to be a better detective after reading so many mystery books.
If you are looking for a quick read and good characterization, check it out.
I give this five purrs and two paws up.
October 3, 2016
I won this book in an author's contest. It is the 4th in the series about Angie Curtis who moved back to take over her grandmother's needle point store. In this book Hermit Jesse lives on King's island an undeveloped island with not running water or electricity and is called the Solitary man. A weather man wants to buy the island and force Jesse to sell it. Jesse doesn't want his birds disturbed and it becomes an issue with the Needlepointers to save the birds. Later Angie finds Jesse dead and has to figure out who did it. This book has very little of the needlepoint store in it, but at the beginning of each chapter there is the inscription from old samplers with information about the young girls that made them.
November 17, 2016
Over the years, I have read many of this author's books and have yet to read one I didn't relish. This one was not any different as Angie Curtis becomes involve in a movement to save the breeding area of the Great Cormorants Jessie Lockhart, a retired veteran of the middle east wars has make his home on Kings Island. A wealthy businessman has decided to buy the island and build a family complex there. There are enough bends and changes to keep you turning the pages. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
August 7, 2019
I love how engaging the series is. This one was a bit contrived. I kept thinking "why didn't they just...." It didn't engage me. It was well written as the others have been. I was just very meh and "Why does no one else see who the killer is" through most of it. And I really disliked Sarah not being a part....she brings out the best of Angie. (I'm trying not to say too much since I don't want to give away any of the plot...is it worth reading? Hrm...maybe...but I don't know if it adds to the series....Guess I'll find out when I read the next one) (And poor Dave...he's turned into a 2D character in this one)
October 1, 2016
I've enjoyed all the books in this series, Mainely Needlepoint, this is book 4. We are back with Angie, Dave and all the other needle workers as they decide to help Jesse save the Great Cormorants in Haven Harbor, Maine. Jesse's family has been trying to sell his island to developers declaring him incompetent but someone wasn't willing to wait and now Jesse is dead. As always a great mystery with all the locals helping solve the murder and save the birds they all love.
September 30, 2016
A deep emotionally satisfying read, this series gets better with each installment. The mystery was so well crafted it caused me to keep turning the pages well into the night. This was one book that didn't leave you 'dangling.'
A must read!
I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A must read!
I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2016
**I voluntarily reviewed this ARC**
This is the first book I have read in this series, and I had absolutely no trouble following along with the story. The characters were well-written, although not very genre savvy at times. I did figure out who did it and why easily, but it was still an interesting mystery.
This is the first book I have read in this series, and I had absolutely no trouble following along with the story. The characters were well-written, although not very genre savvy at times. I did figure out who did it and why easily, but it was still an interesting mystery.
March 9, 2017
Great series!!
January 10, 2020
I enjoyed this 4th book in the series. I learned about one of the birds of Maine, mainly the Cormorants. I also like the quotes on the samplers that appear at the beginning of each chapter.
January 19, 2019
“‘Can human nature not survive Without a listener?’”
In this, the fourth in the Mainely Needlepointers series, Angie Curtis has begun to feel more at home living by herself in her Grandmother’s, now her home. She’s moved Mainely Needlepointers into the living room/office and begun to change things a bit to better suit her. Her Grandmother is settling into her own new life as Rev.Tom’s new spouse and feels like Angie may decide to stay longer as her Needlepointers have begun to be more focused on custom work and their online business is expanding.
Through Dave Percy, Angie meets Jesse: a semi-hermit living alone on King’s Island, a cormorant nesting area that he and his cousin Simon inherited from their grandfather, but that Jesse has maintained for years. When someone shows great interest in buying the Island for development and Jesse accidentally shoots Dave with a compound bow, things begin to happen that find Jesse dead and everyone invloved suspect. As Dave recovers in hospital, Angie sets out to try to find just what happened and the results are not quite what everyone expects.
I love Lea Waite’s cosy mysteries. I learn so much about Maine and many other things, and can hardly wait to see the next thing she writes. Highly recommended 5/5
[This was my library system’s ecopy I chose to review]
September 24, 2018
The Mainley Needlepointers are doing well and Angie is adjusting to her grandma being out of the house and married to Reverend Tom. She is having dinner with some of the Needlepointers when she meets a local hermit, Jesse Lockhart who lives on an island 3 miles off the coast. Jesse only cares about being nice to people and the Cormorants that live on the island. When a big mucky much comes to town and decides he wants to buy Jesse's island to build a vacation home, Angie and some of the needlepointers rally to stop the purchase and save the Cormorants. Angie takes a ride out to the island to check on Jesse and update him, but when she arrives on the island she finds him dead. Now Angie is even more determined to fight for the Cormorants and solve Jesse's murder.
April 21, 2024
This was a good read, I'm really liking this series and the characters. This one I feel leaves a lot of storylines unanswered that will hopefully get concluded in the next books, like what is up with Sarah and the art gallery owner Ted? And it seems like Angie will end up with either Patrick or Dave but I hope the love storyline doesn't drag out too long. It also did seem to just abruptly end with the murderer not really making sense but I feel that's happened the last couple books as well. I don't mind too much because the book is good throughout but I am surprised when I realize the book is over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2016
Dangling by a Thread is the fourth book in Lea Wait’s Mainely Needlepoint Mystery series and I have enjoyed them all. One thing I like about this series is that not only is there a murder to be solved but there is always a secondary storyline that is just as interesting and often very timely. You do not have to have read the other books in this series to follow along, but I find that I enjoy them much more if I do.
Protagonist Angie Curtis and her group of Mainely Needlepointers are a great cast of characters. They all lead very interesting lives, and are friendly, personable and play roles in the community. They run their business in the small town of Haven Harbor, Maine. There are several things going on with the Needlepointers in their personal lives in this book as well as their Needlepoint lives. When Angie sees a strange man getting out of a small boat at the town dock, she follows him to see what he is up to. Jesse Lockhart (The Solitary) lives alone on King’s Island, with no house, running water, or electricity. He is ex-military and may be suffering from P.T.S.D. King’s Island, located three miles from Haven Harbor, Maine, is also a protected nesting area for the Great Cormorants, which are threatened. It turns out that Jesse is a friend of one of the Mainely Needlepointers, Dave. At the same time Patrick and Skye West have also returned to Haven Harbor. Skye's brother-in-law is visiting the area and wants to buy land to build a vacation home. It turns out that he and his wife fall in love with King's Island and want to buy it. When Angie finds out, she tells Dave so they can warn Jesse that his cousin and co-owner of the island is on his way to Haven Harbor to convince Jesse to see the island. This begins a string of tragedies and Angie is right in the middle of it. When the needlepointers get involved, they contact the Audubon Society and begin a "Save the Seabirds" campaign. A worthy cause and very important to the area.
I found this to be a wonderful story with a well-plotted storyline and great characters. This is a quick, smooth read with twists and turns and finally an ending that ties up all the loose ends, almost. In this story, Sarah is having a relationship with a man 20 years her senior and is keeping it a secret. She says they are just friends, but is there more to it than that? I hope we find out more in the next book coming out in 2017. When we find out who the killer is, it was not someone I suspected, but in retrospect, could definitely see it being that person. I like that it makes sense and does not come out of left field. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a well-crafted cozy mystery. The publisher generously provided me with an advanced copy of this book to read and review.
Protagonist Angie Curtis and her group of Mainely Needlepointers are a great cast of characters. They all lead very interesting lives, and are friendly, personable and play roles in the community. They run their business in the small town of Haven Harbor, Maine. There are several things going on with the Needlepointers in their personal lives in this book as well as their Needlepoint lives. When Angie sees a strange man getting out of a small boat at the town dock, she follows him to see what he is up to. Jesse Lockhart (The Solitary) lives alone on King’s Island, with no house, running water, or electricity. He is ex-military and may be suffering from P.T.S.D. King’s Island, located three miles from Haven Harbor, Maine, is also a protected nesting area for the Great Cormorants, which are threatened. It turns out that Jesse is a friend of one of the Mainely Needlepointers, Dave. At the same time Patrick and Skye West have also returned to Haven Harbor. Skye's brother-in-law is visiting the area and wants to buy land to build a vacation home. It turns out that he and his wife fall in love with King's Island and want to buy it. When Angie finds out, she tells Dave so they can warn Jesse that his cousin and co-owner of the island is on his way to Haven Harbor to convince Jesse to see the island. This begins a string of tragedies and Angie is right in the middle of it. When the needlepointers get involved, they contact the Audubon Society and begin a "Save the Seabirds" campaign. A worthy cause and very important to the area.
I found this to be a wonderful story with a well-plotted storyline and great characters. This is a quick, smooth read with twists and turns and finally an ending that ties up all the loose ends, almost. In this story, Sarah is having a relationship with a man 20 years her senior and is keeping it a secret. She says they are just friends, but is there more to it than that? I hope we find out more in the next book coming out in 2017. When we find out who the killer is, it was not someone I suspected, but in retrospect, could definitely see it being that person. I like that it makes sense and does not come out of left field. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a well-crafted cozy mystery. The publisher generously provided me with an advanced copy of this book to read and review.
September 26, 2016
Dangling by a Thread is the 4th in the Mainely Needlepoint series featuring Angela "Angie" Curtis. Angie has been in Haven Harbor, ME for the past six months running her Grandmother's needlepoint business and settling in to her empty family home now that her Grandmother has married Reverend Tom and moved to the rectory.
Jesse Lockhart is the man the locals call the Solitary. He is an army veteran suffering from PTSD who lives as a hermit on King's Island, just a few miles east of the Mainland. Jesse co-owns the island with his cousin Simon, and is devoted to the protection of the threatened Great Cormorants who use the island as their nesting refuge.
Patrick West is back in town after months of rehabilitation for the burns he suffered during the construction of Aurora, the large mansion he owns with his movie star mother, Skye. Patrick's Uncle Gerry Bentley and his pregnant wife float into town on their mega yacht and soon have their hearts set on buying King's Island and evicting both Jesse and his birds.
Dave Percy, one of the Mainely Needlepointers, is Jesse's closest friend. The man shows up on his doorstep agitated and upset that Simon and Gerry along with local realtor Jed Fitch are trying to have him found mentally unstable in order to force him from the island. The next day Dave and Angie set out for the island in order to visit, but feeling threatened by the visitors Jesse takes a shot with his bow and arrow, severely wounding Dave. Jesse is now wanted for questioning and is facing attempted murder charges, Angie volunteers to go out to the island to convince him to come to the Mainland and discovers the man bludgeoned to death.
There are plenty of suspects and Angie is determined to find Jesse's killer and protect the Cormorants habitat. Along with her investigating she has adopted one of the feral kittens from Dave's barn and named her Trixi, short for Beatrix. Unfortunately, it seems as though the author is about to introduce the dreaded love triangle and fingers are crossed that she doesn't.
A fun, fast paced storyline that features returning characters although there is not much interaction between the needlepointers in this installment, Angie's best friend Sarah Byrne is very distant as she seems distracted by a new relationship. While not absolutely necessary to read this series from the beginning, I would encourage it only to better understand the different characters and their backgrounds.
I received an advanced copy of Dangling by a Thread from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
Jesse Lockhart is the man the locals call the Solitary. He is an army veteran suffering from PTSD who lives as a hermit on King's Island, just a few miles east of the Mainland. Jesse co-owns the island with his cousin Simon, and is devoted to the protection of the threatened Great Cormorants who use the island as their nesting refuge.
Patrick West is back in town after months of rehabilitation for the burns he suffered during the construction of Aurora, the large mansion he owns with his movie star mother, Skye. Patrick's Uncle Gerry Bentley and his pregnant wife float into town on their mega yacht and soon have their hearts set on buying King's Island and evicting both Jesse and his birds.
Dave Percy, one of the Mainely Needlepointers, is Jesse's closest friend. The man shows up on his doorstep agitated and upset that Simon and Gerry along with local realtor Jed Fitch are trying to have him found mentally unstable in order to force him from the island. The next day Dave and Angie set out for the island in order to visit, but feeling threatened by the visitors Jesse takes a shot with his bow and arrow, severely wounding Dave. Jesse is now wanted for questioning and is facing attempted murder charges, Angie volunteers to go out to the island to convince him to come to the Mainland and discovers the man bludgeoned to death.
There are plenty of suspects and Angie is determined to find Jesse's killer and protect the Cormorants habitat. Along with her investigating she has adopted one of the feral kittens from Dave's barn and named her Trixi, short for Beatrix. Unfortunately, it seems as though the author is about to introduce the dreaded love triangle and fingers are crossed that she doesn't.
A fun, fast paced storyline that features returning characters although there is not much interaction between the needlepointers in this installment, Angie's best friend Sarah Byrne is very distant as she seems distracted by a new relationship. While not absolutely necessary to read this series from the beginning, I would encourage it only to better understand the different characters and their backgrounds.
I received an advanced copy of Dangling by a Thread from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews