Mary Marks - Forget Me Knot Review

This charming first book in a new cozy mystery series from debut author Mary Marks is set in San Fernando Valley, California, where the heroine, Martha Rose, and her coterie of quilters are enjoying life on the good side of retirement-until a murder pulls a stitch out of their plans...

"Martha and her besties Lucy and Birdie are set to expand their Quilty Tuesdays by inviting newcomer Claire Terry into their group. Though at forty Claire's a tad younger than their average age, her crafty reputation could perk up their patchwork proceedings, especially as they prepare for the fancy quilt show coming to town. But when they arrive at Claire's home and find her dead inside the front door, and her exquisite, prize-winning quilts soon missing, Martha is not one to leave a mystery unraveled. Especially if she wants to stop a killer from establishing a deadly pattern."

          I was so excited to read a galley copy of Mary Marks' cozy mystery Forget Me Knot. While I'm not an avid quilter by any means, I have made a "cheat" one in the past and helped my mother-in-law Helen cut pieces for some of the amazing ones she made over the years. I was curious to see how Mary would work quilting into a mystery. When I cracked open the novel, I was sucked into a rollercoaster ride of fabric, secrecy and hot flashes.

            Martha, the protagonist, has an eye for a good mystery and certainly finds a good one when quilts go missing and a handsome detective appears. Following her through the highs and the lows was fun and well worth the read. In fact, Mary Marks makes her characters come to life and not only leaves her reader thinking, but also craving a sequel.

Here's a little taste of Chapter 1:

             Lucy reached out and ran the doorbell. No one answered. After a minute, she ran the bell again. Still no answer.

            "We're on time, aren't we?" Birdie whispered.

            Lucy raised her eyebrows and gave us a meaningful look. "My bad feeling's getting worse."

            I walked over to a front window, shoved my glasses back on my nose, and peered inside. The walls were painted a golden yellow. Wide hardwood planks covered the floor. A quilted masterpiece featured appliqued flowers and birds hung prominently on the wall behind the comfy-looking sofa.

            There was something on the hallway floor. I squeezed closer to the window and put my hands around my face to cut out the glare.

            A pair of red shoes...

            Feet inside the shoes, and legs...

            I couldn't see more because the wall was in the way.

            "I think there's someone lying on the floor."

Intrigued? Order Forget Me Knot on Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Forget-Me-Knot-Mary-Marks-ebook/dp/B00DV1IVCE

Available JAN 7 2014!!!