Rating: 
Summary: Trite and condecending to the reader
Review: The actions of the police officers in this mystery are unrealistic and unprofessional. The author does capture the feel of a small, rural California town (I have lived in one for 20+ years) but the plot disjoints at moments and distracts. A boring but fast read.
Rating:
Summary: This would be fun except for the main character
Review: The best part of this book is that it's titled in honor of my favorite quilting pattern. This is a competent mystery of an amateur detective in a specialized field (quilting). There are two things that ruin the book for me. The first is that the heroine is such a fool. I expect amateur detectives to display a modicum of sense and know when to call the police, but she keeps doing obviously dangerous things. If someone told her that there was an axe murderer in the basement, she'd probably go down unarmed and alone to check. There just doesn't seem to be any compelling reason for her to become so involved. The second is that Fowler's idea of plotting includes lots of pointless bickering between the two main characters. I don't think it's romantic or amusing and I don't like reading it any more than I enjoy listening to it in real life. I use the same strategy in both cases: I go elsewhere.
Rating:
Summary: This would be fun except for the main character
Review: The best part of this book is that it's titled in honor of my favorite quilting pattern. This is a competent mystery of an amateur detective in a specialized field (quilting). There are two things that ruin the book for me. The first is that the heroine is such a fool. I expect amateur detectives to display a modicum of sense and know when to call the police, but she keeps doing obviously dangerous things. If someone told her that there was an axe murderer in the basement, she'd probably go down unarmed and alone to check. There just doesn't seem to be any compelling reason for her to become so involved. The second is that Fowler's idea of plotting includes lots of pointless bickering between the two main characters. I don't think it's romantic or amusing and I don't like reading it any more than I enjoy listening to it in real life. I use the same strategy in both cases: I go elsewhere.
Rating: 
Summary: LOVED IT!!!!
Review: The characters are so rich and down to earth! This is a MUST read. Even if you are NOT into Quilting :)
Rating:
Summary: I love it--I can hardly wait to see what Benni does next!!
Review: This book has everything I like in a great story - humor, intrigue, romance and suspence. I am a quilter and collector of fine art and about her age so I feel a kinship to Benni, although I'm not as mouthy as she is. Benni's Grandma Dove is so funny, I laughed out loud while I was reading (which I seldom do when I'm reading). How can you not love this feisty woman who definitely speaks her mind. Gabe Ortiz, who wouldn't love this blue-eyed hunk who likes to whisper Spanish words in Benni's ear. It's so easy to fall in love with him. Too bad he's just a character in a book! Once I started reading this book I couldn't put the book down. Congratulations Earlene Fowler, you have written a great book and I can't wait to read Irish Chain and the rest of the series!!
Rating:
Summary: Benni and Gabe
Review: This book is a wonderful "cozy" -- the first in a long, strong series by Fowler that sets up the relationship between amateur sleuth Benni Harper and the Chief Gabe Ortiz, one of the sexiest characters in mystery books today. I have read the book and given it as a gift, too. Readers of all ages seem to connect with not only the quirky setting but also the romantic tension and humorous tone. I highly recommend not just this one, but the others in the same series, especially Kansas Troubles and Mariner's Cross -- but I suggest readers start with this one.
Rating:
Summary: Benni and Gabe
Review: This book is a wonderful "cozy" -- the first in a long, strong series by Fowler that sets up the relationship between amateur sleuth Benni Harper and the Chief Gabe Ortiz, one of the sexiest characters in mystery books today. I have read the book and given it as a gift, too. Readers of all ages seem to connect with not only the quirky setting but also the romantic tension and humorous tone. I highly recommend not just this one, but the others in the same series, especially Kansas Troubles and Mariner's Cross -- but I suggest readers start with this one.
Rating:
Summary: Quilts, Mystery and Romance
Review: This story crosses several different paths. There's the quilting interest, because the main character, Benni Harper is the curator of a small folk-art museum in California. In fact, the story starts with Benni getting ready to have a quilt show. The mystery comes in when Benni discovers the body of a local artist in the museum. Finally, a little romance is provided by the attractive detective who's investigating the murder. He's Police Chief Gabe Ortiz and seems to have more than a little interest in the curator. We also meet Benni's grandmother who adds the humorous touch to the story. Earlene Fowler has made her characters into real personalities and provides us with a fun and enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
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