Thai Die: A Needlecraft Mystery

by: Monica Ferris

Published by: Berkley Prime Crime (December 2 release)

Reviewed by Andrea Sisco

Monica Ferris first came to my attention through the owners of Once Upon A Crime bookstore in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I was looking for local authors and Ms. Ferris was a Minnesota author and came highly recommended by the store staff. They were correct. I’ve been a fan since then.

Betsy Devonshire is the owner of the Crewel World needlework shop in Excelsior, Minnesota. Being the owner of a popular craft shop does not, however, prevent Betsy from continually honing her sleuthing skills. Some crimes are easier to handle than others. When Doris Valentine one of Crewel World’s regular customers (Betsy is her landlady) becomes embroiled in some shady business, it’s time for Betsy to step in and help.

Doris Valentine’s splendid trip to Thailand has ended and she’s excited to show her friend at Crewel World her fantastic souvenirs, which include mouth-watering silk panels and floss. She also proudly displays a small statue of Buddha made from stone. This item she’s bringing to a local antique dealer (Mr. Fitzwilliam) in St. Paul. Not thinking, Doris unwraps the statue to show her friends and tosses the wrapping. But Betsy is never one to throw away something that may have some value. She rescues the cloth.

Doris’ apartment is later burgled, the antique dealer is murdered and the Buddha statue is missing. When Doris is confronted by a gun-toting bad guy demanding the “Thai silk,” it becomes obvious to Betsy that Doris is in trouble and may have unwittingly brought into the United States some treasures someone is willing to kill for. The crime must be solved before the murderer strikes again.

Monica Ferris is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. Read all of her books, you’ll be glad you did.

Armchair Interviews says: Another winner from Monica Ferris.

Author’s Web site: http://www.Monica-Ferris.com