The Drowning Spool (A Needlecraft Mystery)
This seventeenth in the popular series starring Betsy Devonshire, owner of a needlecraft shop in rural Minnesota, finds Betsy taking a swim class in a senior complex called Watered Silk. The body of a young woman is found a few days later floating in the pool, and a young man working the front desk is fired. Betsy, a friend of the fired boy’s aunt, is asked by the aunt to investigate. Then a resident of Watered Silk is also murdered. While Betsy talks to the locals, learning more with each conversation, her friends help her chase down leads and run her needlecraft store. Ferris skillfully sews in details about punch needlepoint among scenes discussing the emotionally moving circumstances of the victims. Unlike many overly amiable amateur-sleuth tales, Betsy’s suspects lie to her and sometimes turn belligerent, offering a refreshingly realistic break from typical cozy fare. Fans of Livia Washburn’s Phyllis Newsom stories, boasting a similar style, may also enjoy Ferris’ series. --Amy Alessio