A Crafter Quilts a Crime Recipe & Giveaway

I'm happy to turn over the blog today to Holly Quinn. Holly writes the Handcrafted Mystery series. A Crafter Quilts a Crime is the third book in the series and will be released next week.

Today I want to share one of Sammy’s favorite recipes that she prepares on a cold WI morning. Ellie and Heidi might happen to be hanging around on such mornings, as it’s a Sammy specialty. Especially when snowed in, or the S.H.E. gang is brainstorming for clues. You can find this recipe and more in the back of the book titled: A Crafter Quilts a Crime.

Recipes

Sammy’s Crust-less Spinach Quiche

 (for a cold snowy morning)

Ingredients:

1 TBSP olive oil or TBSP butter

½ Vidalia sweet onion finely chopped

1 clove fresh garlic minced

 ½ small package fresh Cremini mushrooms sliced

Few handfuls of fresh spinach washed and dried with a paper towel

5 organic eggs from the local farmer

3 cups Wisconsin cheese: 1 cup shredded cheddar and 2 cups pepper jack (If this is too spicy adjust cheeses to taste. For example: flip to 2 cups cheddar and 1 cup pepper jack or all cheddar)

Salt and pepper

4-6 slices crisp cooked bacon crumbled

Assemble:

Preheat oven to 350

Lightly grease 9-inch pie pan

Heat oil or butter in skillet

To the skillet add: onion, mushroom, to sauté and then add garlic, and wilt spinach

In large bowl scramble eggs with a fork and then add salt and pepper

 Fold cheese into eggs

Add spinach mixture and crumbled bacon into the bowl of eggs

Pour into greased pie pan

Bake 30 min or until set (check oven every 15 minutes for progress) When no liquid in the middle quiche is ready! 😊

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A Crafter Quilts a Crime: A Handcrafted Mystery by Holly Quinn

About A Crafter Quilts A Crime

A Crafter Quilts a Crime: A Handcrafted Mystery  

Cozy Mystery 3rd in Series  

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (February 11, 2020)  

Hardcover

Perfect for fans of Betty Hechtman and Maggie Sefton, Holly Quinn's third Handcrafted mystery aspires to wrap you in its warmth.

Community Craft proprietor Sammy Kane must piece together a patchwork of clues when a "live" mannequin ends up stone-cold dead.

Snowcapped pines and glittery dusted sidewalks adorn tranquil Heartsford, Wisconsin, while residents cuddle beneath heirloom quilts in front of cozy wood fires. But come the next day, the below-zero temperatures won't keep the locals away from Heartsford's annual Fire & Ice event. To boost customer traffic at Community Craft's one-night-only sale, Samantha "Sammy" Kane persuades a few of the craftspeople who sell their wares at the store to participate in a live mannequin window display contest.

Local quilter Wanda Wadsworth emerges as a favorite to win the contest, as she manages to not move a muscle for an unusual amount of time. Onlookers outside the window try everything to get her to crack--tapping on the glass and making funny faces--but nothing disrupts Wanda's stillness. When the eagle-eyed spectators realize Wanda isn't breathing, a blanket of grief and fear descends upon the wintry town.

Detective Liam Nash can't seem to piece the clues together. Fortunately, Sammy's cousin, Heidi, and her sister, Ellie, are on hand to reconvene their detective team, S.H.E. They set out to solve Wanda's untimely death before the case grows as icy as a sub-zero Wisconsin winter. But they are all too aware that the killer is too close for comfort.

About Holly Quinn

Holly Quinn has published two stand-alone fiction novels in another persona. She graduated from Carroll University in Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Science in business and a minor in marketing. This is her third Handcrafted mystery. Visit her @ www.authorhollyquinn.com

Author Links:
 Website – www.authorhollyquinn.com
 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HollyQuinnbooks/  
GoodReads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7940795.Holly_Quinn  

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – BAM – IndieBound – Powell’s Books – Walmart 

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A Crafter Hooks A Killer - An Excerpt & Giveaway

Today at Cozy Up for Kathy Holly Quinn shares an excerpt from A Crafter Hooks a Killer, the second book in her  Handcrafted Mystery series.

Excerpt:

The early summer sun warmed Samantha Kane’s shoulders as she tacked the advertisement to the outside display window in front of Community Craft. The air was warm and dry outside her storefront; not humid yet. She wished the summer would stay this picture-perfect temperature, but she knew it wouldn’t last. She couldn’t complain, as it sure beat the cloudy winters of Wisconsin that seemed to roll on endlessly.
The smell of sweet alyssum wafted on the subtle breeze from the recently planted oversized terra-cotta pot placed strategically by the front door to welcome her local customers. Dainty white flowers, contrasted with deep-blue lobelia, spilled generously over the sides and encircled orange and pink geraniums. Sammy wished she were on a long, leisurely stroll  with her golden retriever, Bara, to view the flower beds set in the freshly tilled soil along the river walk. Instead, she was stuck indoors on this beautiful June day working at her craft store, where members of the community sold their handcrafted wares. Hopefully the dry air would hold and she could sneak away from the store as soon as her sister Ellie came to work later in the afternoon.
“Sammy!”
The urgent cry swiftly caught the shop owner’s attention. Samantha dropped the Scotch tape to the cement sidewalk. Her auburn ponytail swung and slapped her hard in the face as she turned abruptly in the direction of the yelling of her nickname.
“Oh Marilyn, you startled me! Is everything okay? You all right?” Sammy’s round hazel eyes widened as she searched her harried next-door neighbor for signs of distress. The owner of the Sweet Tooth Bakery approached at a rapid pace.
“No. I’m absolutely not all right.” The baker fanned her overheated plump red cheeks with one hand, sending flour falling like snow. If only it had been snow and not flour, it might have cooled off the agitated baker. “Sammy! I’ve gone and burned the cupcakes for the book signing!”
Sammy tilted her head back and laughed. Her eyes crinkled like half-moons when her amusement transformed into a large smile. “You have four days before the book signing; no need to get your panties in a knot.” She pointed to the newly attached advertisement on the window, then leaned over to pluck the Scotch tape from the ground. “With all your bellowing, Marilyn, I thought something tragic had happened. I’m just hanging the sign with the time and details of the event now. If you made the dessert today, wouldn’t it be stale by Saturday afternoon anyway?” Sammy’s pencil-thin eyebrows came together in a frown.
“Yes, but this was the sample batch. I wanted you to taste-test them first. These cupcakes must be ab-so-lutely perfect! They’re for Jane Johnson’s book signing, after all. The Jane Johnson!” Her chubby fingers came together in air quotes. “I still can’t believe she’s coming here to little ol’ Heartsford! Well. I guess that will put us on the map for sure.” Marilyn placed her hand atop her large round bosom, transferring the remnants of flour to her chest. “And I’ve gone and ruined the sample!” The baker shook her hairnet-covered head in disgust.
“You’ve plenty of time to bake another batch.” Sammy waved her off casually. “No need to fret just yet. I’m the one hosting the signing for her latest book, and I’m going to be interviewed for her next book, Behind the Seams: A Journey of Why We Love to Craft. If you can imagine the preparation on my end. I have so much left to organize, and I also have to clean the store.” Sammy began ticking off a mental list of what needed to be tackled first.
“Well. I suppose you’re right . . . I’ll have time to try again.” The baker must have sensed she wouldn’t receive any sympathy from her neighbor, so she quickly changed the subject—to digging for dirt. “Has Jane Johnson made it to town yet? Where’s she staying? I heard a rumor that she’s booked a room at Pine Haven Bed and Breakfast. Annabelle saw a stretch limo driving in that direction! Have you already met her?” Marilyn placed her hands on her overrun hips, demanding answers.
“Aren’t you full of questions today?” Sammy laughed and rolled her eyes.
Just then, Sammy and Marilyn’s attention was diverted to Main Street by the sound of a honking horn, causing the two to check and see who was pulling up to park beside them on the sidewalk. Sammy was relieved to have a reprieve from the baker’s demands of juicy gossip. She wasn’t sure how private the bestselling author was, and she didn’t want to offend the new guest to their hometown by spreading needless information.
“Hi, Mayor Allen!” Sammy waved to the mayor of Heartsford as he stepped from his newly washed black SUV, drops of water still visible on the Toyota.
His hand rose in a friendly wave as he stopped momentarily to greet the women. “Be-a-u-tiful day, Sunshine Sam! And Marilyn, good afternoon to you. Connie will stop in soon to order a few of your famous strawberry pies. The wife and I love to indulge this time of year on your seasonal sweet treats.”
The mayor tipped his silver head, which shone in the sun like mounded strands of glitter, to regard the baker before looking both ways, crossing the street, and stepping inside Liquid Joy for his daily afternoon caffeine pick-me-up. Although Sammy was trying to cut down on her daily caffeine intake, iced coffee did sound delicious. Her mouth began to thirst for the cool, creamy liquid.
“Sunshine Sam? Why, I wasn’t aware the mayor had a special name for you, Samantha Kane. Why doesn’t he call you Sammy like the rest of us?” Marilyn searched her with inquisitive eyes.
“He’s called me that ever since I was a kid hanging out with his daughter, Kate.” Sammy explained. Although she didn’t think it needed an explanation. Everyone in town knew she had taken over the mayor’s deceased daughter’s store, Community Craft, after a tractor accident took her life far too soon. Everyone knew she and Kate had been best friends since childhood. Why wouldn’t Kate’s father have a nickname for her? Suddenly Sammy was weary of Marilyn’s inquisitive nature.
“You’d better get back into that kitchen quick,” Sammy urged. “You’re right, those cupcakes have to be perfect. Good luck with the next batch. I can’t tell you how much I look forward to that sample. And it sounds like the mayor is licking his lips for a few of your strawberry pies. You’d better get back to work. Busy, busy!” Sammy moved closer to the front door of her shop. “I should get a move on and get back to work too. Have a great afternoon, Marilyn,” she said as she dismissed the baker and swung open the door to retreat to the safety of Community Craft.
Bara lifted his golden head as Sammy approached. Her golden retriever’s bed sat directly beside the cash register on the right-hand wall toward the back of the store. He wasn’t a guard dog but rather a welcome furry face that made the customers smile and linger to pet him. When Sammy stopped to scratch his head, he lifted his weary body from its comfortable position and stretched his hind legs.
“Oh, the life you have,” she said to the dog. The tinkle of the bell on the front door alerted them both that a customer had entered. Bara, so accustomed to the sound after spending years in the store by the register, didn’t go and greet the customer but instead slumped lazily back to his original position. Sammy shook her head at him and smiled.
“Hello.”
Sammy’s eyes lifted from her lazy dog to the newcomer. She instantly knew it was not one of her regular customers. A real live celebrity had officially stepped inside Community Craft.
Jane Johnson held out a manicured hand in greeting. “You must be Samantha Kane?”
The bestselling author stood about Sammy’s height—barely over five feet. Her hair was cropped short in a wispy blonde cut and was obviously sprayed in place to perfection. Her azure eyes were friendly and alert and held an air of mystery. Jane’s casual dress surprised Sammy, as she had always seen the celebrity dressed to the nines on TV. Although, even in her sleeveless navy blouse and white cropped pants, she looked as though she had just stepped from a cruise ship and not Main Street in a small farm town.
For a moment, Sammy was speechless. If only Kate had been alive to witness the bestselling author in the craft world standing right here. The woman who was the queen of all crafts, hobbies, and home, standing just arm’s length away. The one all the fiber artisans in her store aspired to be. The one who had been interviewed on HGTV sharing her crochet talent. The one with her own monthly magazine. And numerous bestselling books!
Sammy reached for the author’s hand and shook it gently in greeting. She could feel her mouth moving and the words tumbling out. “I’m Samantha Kane. Most people call me Sammy. Only my mother calls me Samantha. And lately she’s been calling me Sam, unless of course we’ve had words—then she’s back to calling me Samantha. But she lives in Arizona with my dad now that the Wisconsin winters have become too brutal for them . . . They’re flying in for a visit this week. Actually, Mom should be here for the book signing.” Sammy could feel the flush rising from her neck to her cheeks. “I’m rambling. Sorry.”
The author smiled. Sammy wanted to crawl under the rug. Or hide under Bara’s dog bed. Even Bara seemed to shake his head. Why was she acting like an idiot? Sammy justified the nervous energy as a normal reaction. After all, it was rare to have anyone of stature here in Heartsford, never mind her store. She could barely feel her feet on the ground, and she suddenly felt uncharacteristically befuddled.
“So, this is Community Craft. I’ve heard so much about this place.” Jane turned from Sammy’s gaze and fingered a hand-dyed aqua silk scarf that hung close to her touch.
“The one and only,” Sammy said, before sneaking slow yoga breaths that her cousin Heidi had taught her to calm her jittery excitement. She really needed to relax. Right now. Breathe in . . . one . . . two . . . three . . .
“I’ve been actively researching the original owner. I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Kate Allen. Her tragic and early death led me to seek out the communal bonds she nurtured in this store. Very special and unique, from what I’ve gathered thus far in researching my next book, Behind the Seams. Very rare indeed.”
This comment from the famous author instantly stirred Sammy from her awkward stance. “Thank you,” she said sincerely. “Kate was the brains behind all of this, and of course she encouraged a sense of community and kindness that I’ve tried to keep alive. We don’t just create and sell handcrafted items here. We hold many community fund-raisers and the like. Whatever the people of Heartsford need, we’re here to build each other up, work together, and lift each other’s burdens.”
“Yes, it’s that very nature of community spirit and what you all do to support each other in this town that so intrigued me. I find it very unusual nowadays, don’t you think? That’s what inspired me to visit Heartsford, to be honest; news has traveled. I had to come see and experience this place firsthand. Do people actually live in genuine community anymore? Seems to me people are so preoccupied with their own lives and social media that they don’t reach out personally anymore . . . Everyone is so isolated. The idea of returning to the old-fashioned hooking circle certainly fascinates me. Or maybe I’m just not privy to that type of lifestyle, as my life is so different now. It seems because I spend the bulk of my time in the public eye, people have a way of treating me as if I’m above all that. But I’m not, you know. I’m really not. I’d love an afternoon working my hands through some yarn while chatting with other women. I wonder why people seem to think I wouldn’t enjoy that anymore?”
It was more of a statement than a question. Sammy remained silent.
Sammy then noticed Jane’s eyes scanning the space to take in her surroundings, and she pointed a finger to a room enclosed in glass on the opposite side of the open-concept store. “And what’s that room?”
“Oh, that’s our craft room. We hold art classes and host meetings for various fund-raisers and community events in that space. We keep it open, as people tend to get involved when they see things happening back there. We actually hold our monthly book club there, too, when the community room at the library is otherwise occupied.”
Jane nodded. “Inventive idea.” Sammy thought for a moment that the author seemed honestly impressed.
“I think it will be too small to host the book signing in that enclosed room, though, as we’re expecting a very large turnout. Heck, the whole town will probably show. I’ll have to move a few things around and have a table set up for you here. Maybe on the back wall . . .” Sammy’s voice trailed off as her attention diverted and her eyes pinballed around the room, seeking the perfect location to host the book signing for the author’s previous bestseller, Hooked for Life: Crocheting Through the Generations.
At that moment, the back door of Community Craft opened and Sammy’s sister Ellie rushed into the room. “Sorry I’m late,” Ellie said without raising her eyes. She stepped behind the register and dropped her oversized purse to the floor behind the expansive polished wooden counter.
“You’re an hour early,” Sammy corrected, pointing to the clock that hung behind the cash register.
When Ellie finally raised her hazel eyes to argue the fact, it was obvious the time wasn’t her only surprise. “Jane Johnson! You’re here! In the flesh!” Ellie blurted, her voice raised to an unusual octave. Sammy’s sister suddenly bubbled over with excitement.
Sammy couldn’t help but let out a nervous giggle. She clearly wasn’t the only one who was star-struck.
“Yes, in the flesh.” Jane shrugged, nonplussed. She seemed mildly uncomfortable with the two sisters gawking at her and quickly redirected the subject. “You two look so much alike. I’m guessing you’re related?” Her watery blue eyes danced between the two of them.
Ellie touched her shoulder-length russet hair and twirled it nervously.
“Sisters,” Sammy and Ellie said simultaneously, and the two shared a grin.
“But her hair has never been as red as mine. Sammy will have natural blonde highlights by the end of the summer if she spends any time outdoors. I’ll just end up with a face full of freckles and hair like Raggedy Ann.” Ellie regarded her sister. “But I was lucky to at least get a little more height from my father’s side of the family.”
Sammy smirked and nudged her sister playfully.
The author smiled. “Can I set up a time to interview you, Samantha? I’m only in town a few days. I’ll be leaving right after the book signing on Saturday. I have so much I’d like to discuss with you for my latest manuscript before I leave.”
“Absolutely! When would you like to meet?”
“Whenever you have time. How about now? I was thinking of visiting that lovely coffee shop across the street. Can I pull you away? Or is this a bad time?”
Annabelle Larson, owner of the Yarn Barn, suddenly approached out of nowhere, interrupting the three women, and rushed toward the counter at record speed. “Jane Johnson! Oh, what an honor!” Sammy must have missed seeing her gregarious neighbor enter the store in all the excitement. She knew her work neighbor was a bit miffed that Sammy had been chosen as an interview subject for the book and not her. Annabelle had assumed owning the yarn store would make her a shoo-in, but the famous author was more interested in the history of Community Craft than crochet or any other fiber art, apparently. Annabelle snapped her mint gum annoyingly as her eyes bored into the author with curiosity. “Are you going to be here awhile? I’ll go run and grab my cell phone for a selfie! Or maybe you’d like to come see my shop too? The Yarn Barn . . . It’s just a few doors down. Please come over and take a peek! Wait until you see all the natural fibers I sell. It’ll make you drool, I promise!”
Ms. Johnson seemed instantly overwhelmed or less than pleased as another customer overheard and barged toward the author, nearly knocking her from her feet. Sammy wondered if Jane was tired from her journey to Heartsford and suddenly felt protective of the new guest to her store. She stepped between the author and the overexcited crowd of fans, which was growing by the minute.
“Yes, ladies, and she’ll be here again on Saturday to meet with you,” Sammy said firmly as she raised a hand to block the lookie-loos. “But for now, she has to be on her way. I’m sure Ms. Johnson has prior engagements to tend to at the moment.”
Sammy protectively ushered the author toward the back exit of the store. When the two reached the safety of the door, Sammy turned to apologize for their collective behavior. “I’m sorry about that. We don’t have many famous people pass through our area. I apologize if we’re all a little overzealous.”
“Oh, it’s perfectly all right. I’m quite used to it. I’m afraid I’m still suffering a bit of jet lag. I’ve spent the last few days crossing the country in airports and hotels. After a few long days of travel, I think I might need some fresh air.”
Sammy nodded. It was then that she noticed the dark shadows under the author’s eyes, concealed under heavy makeup.
Jane continued, “But I do want to meet with you soon. Would you like to walk with me? I have some rather sensitive information I need to discuss with you. I’d really like it to be a private conversation, if that’s possible. Is there a place we can talk?” The author searched Sammy’s eyes with growing intensity. “I’m thinking the coffee shop across the street probably isn’t the best place?”
“I have a thought,” Sammy suggested. “Why don’t you follow the trail down along the river walk?” Sammy pointed across the expansive parking lot behind Community Craft to where the trail began. “This time of day, it’s usually quiet. There’s a set of stairs that will take you to a bench by the dam where the waterfall cascades. A very soothing spot. And private, too. I’ll go pick us up an iced coffee or tea from Liquid Joy and meet you there. How does that sound? It’ll give you a few moments to catch your breath and regroup. I’ll join you in about twenty minutes or so. Would that work?”
“Sure. Sounds perfect. And I’d love an iced coffee; that sounds wonderful. Thank you so much, Samantha. I’ll meet you there, then.” Jane was about to step out the back entrance when she stopped, turned, and reached for Sammy’s wrist with sudden urgency. “I uncovered some rather sensitive information in my research regarding the previous owner of Community Craft. I have something to tell you . . . something that could change everything. Please come alone.” The bestselling author released Sammy’s arm and was out the door in an instant, leaving an air of mystery in her wake.

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A Crafter Hooks a Killer: A Handcrafted Mystery by Holly Quinn

 

About the Book

A Crafter Hooks a Killer: A Handcrafted Mystery  

Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series  

Crooked Lane Books (June 11, 2019)  

Hardcover 274 Pages

Community Craft proprietor Sammy Kane suspects that a tantalizing thread links the deaths of her best friend and a bestselling author. But can she weave together the clues?

Samantha “Sammy” Kane is settling into her new life in idyllic Heartsford, Wisconsin, running her late friend Kate Allen’s craft shop, Community Craft when one early June day, bestselling crochet author Jane Johnson visits Heartsford. Captivated by Community Craft, Jane devotes a chapter in her new book, Behind the Seams, to the store. Sammy is honored, though satisfaction quickly turns to shock when she finds Jane strangled to death—her cold hands clutching a copy of her most recently published book, with the words “THE END” raggedly scratched into the cover.

Heavens to Etsy! Not only must Sammy contend with the author’s inauspicious demise, she has to untie some knotty details from her own past. It turns out Kate’s death was not what it seemed, and instead somehow hooked to Jane Johnson’s demise. Handsome Detective Liam Nash is on the “skein”, more than happy to see the shop owner again, if less than enamored by her sleuthing interventions. But this was Sammy’s best friend—she has to know.

Fortunately, Sammy has a “lace” in the hole. As a child, she formed the S.H.E. detective team with her cousin, Heidi, and her sister, Ellie. Having already reconstituted their partnership, the S.H.E. team searches for a pattern behind the latest death. As the case starts to unravel, will Sammy and team be able to sidestep Liam quick enough to stitch together the clues?

About the Author

Holly Quinn has published two stand-alone fiction novels in another persona. She graduated from Carroll University in Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Science in business and a minor in marketing. This is her second Handcrafted mystery. Visit her @ www.authorhollyquinn.com

Author Links: 
Website - www.authorhollyquinn.com  
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HollyQuinnbooks/
GoodReads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7940795.Holly_Quinn  

Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N - BAM - IndieBound - Powell's Books - Walmart

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Crafter Knits a Clue Interview & Giveaway

I'm happy to welcome Holly Quinn to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Holly writes the Handcrafted Mystery series. A Crafter Knits a Clue, the first book in the series, was released last week.

Kathy: A Crafter Knits a Clue finds Sammy Kane moving back to her hometown and changing her expectations about her life. Have you ever made a drastic change in your own life path?

HQ: Writing this Handcrafted Mystery series was not initially on my radar. My agent suggested I write one, and here we are!


Kathy: In this first Handcrafted Mystery Sammy takes over her friend's craft store. Are you a crafty person yourself? What crafts do you enjoy, either to make or look at?

HQ: I’m a very crafty person—mostly out of necessity. I live in a very cold climate and wouldn’t survive without numerous projects to keep me occupied. I sell painted glasses at a nearby gift shop (especially during the holiday season). I’ve quilted in the past, sewn and tied blankets, but haven’t recently, due to lack of time. My husband bought me a burn wood kit last year for Christmas, so I’ve tried my hand at that. I tend to master a craft, become bored, and then move on to something else to challenge me. I love perusing craft fairs and specialty stores to see what new things people are creating with their own two hands. I’d rather purchase something unique and handmade rather than something off the internet or a store as I know it’s made with love.


Kathy: Sammy has her trusted golden retriever and I had my cat with me when I first moved to another state. Did you have an animal companion with you when you started a new chapter of her life? Do you have any now?

HQ: Actually, no. Unfortunately, I suffer terrible allergies. Bara, the dog in the series, is based on my Aunt and Uncle’s dog and has long since passed. I really want to bring a Golden Retriever into my life, but I’m afraid if I do— and find out my allergies really suffer, I’d be crushed to then give the puppy up. Right now, I have four outdoor chickens! 😊


Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

HQ: I watch a lot of Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. I was raised in the library reading Nancy Drew as many other cozy fans can attest to and have loved finding a good mystery since my youth. I have a very busy and curious mind so anything I write seems to always gravitate toward the mystery spectrum. My Agent also suggested the cozy genera for me.


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

HQ: Yes, I’ve published two stand-alone novels in another persona. (Both Christian Fiction). Unfortunately, the publishing company is no longer in business. The books are out there, but I have no control nor gain over them.


Kathy: Tell us about your series.

HQ: A Crafter Knits a Clue, the first book in the Handcrafted Mystery series, follows Sammy Kane, who a few years prior, took over her beloved best friend’s craft store after her untimely death. The Main Street shop, Community Craft, is situated in a small Midwest town. The store not only sells the locals’ handmade wares, but it’s also the communal hotspot. Craft lessons take place, and members of the community gather to fundraise and support anyone who might have a burden, or to organize events such as the seasonal beautification for the town. With her sister and cousin, Sammy revives their childhood detective club, S.H.E. (S for Sammy, H for Heidi, her cousin, and E for Ellie, her sister, to help solve crimes.


Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?

HQ: No, I love them all. When you spend as much time as I do with these characters (especially developing a series), they become very real to me, so I love them …quirks, flaws, and all.


Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?

HQ: As I mentioned earlier, I sell painted glass at a gift store in town called Faith and Giggles. The community spirit I’ve witnessed there was definitely inspirational and is the backdrop for this series.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

HQ: I’ve been writing fulltime since 2009. This is more of who I am than what I do.


Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?

HQ: Jesus Christ. I couldn’t invite any others to join in as I would want a front seat and all His attention -Ha!

Honestly that is a tough question, one I’d have to ponder for a bit as there are so many talented and amazing authors out there. This I will say, they would be mystery authors.


Kathy: What are you currently reading?

HQ: Flowers and Foul Play by Amanda Flower

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (for my library book club)

I’m also reading 296 pages of my own work as I’m in the final edit of the 2nd book in the Handcrafted Mystery Series: A Crafter Hooks a Killer.


Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?

HQ: WRITE, read, paint, sew, quilt, garden (both veggie and flowers), cook, preserve veg’s and herbs


Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.

HQ: Vanilla creamer for coffee, butter, cheese (I live in WI) of course I have cheese! And lettuce ha!


Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?

HQ: I am contracted for 3 books thus far in the Handcrafted Mystery series. The 2nd book: A Crafter Hooks a Killer- pub date June 2019 and the 3rd untitled book pub date Feb 2020.


Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?

HQ: Working early morning or late hours in my yoga pants. I love that when I’m writing it’s really one of the only times I’m completely present in the moment—the rest of my life I’m a multitasking ninja.

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A Crafter Knits a Clue: A Handcrafted Mystery by Holly Quinn

About the Book

A Crafter Knits a Clue: A Handcrafted Mystery 

NEW COZY MYSTERY SERIES SET IN WISCONSIN  

Crooked Lane Books (October 9, 2018)

For fans of Betty Hechtman and Maggie Sefton, the latest craft frenzy is Holly Quinn’s Handcrafted series debut.

Sammy Kane just moved back to her hometown to run a craft store. But when the owner of a nearby yarn shop is murdered, Sammy will needle little help finding the killer.

When a heartbroken Samantha “Sammy” Kane returns to her hometown of Heartsford, WI, for her best friend Kate’s funeral, she learns that Kate’s much-loved craft store is in danger of perishing with its owner. Confounding all her expectations of the life she would live, Sammy moves back home with her golden retriever and takes over Community Craft. A few doors down Main Street, fellow new arrival Ingrid Wilson has just opened the Yarn Barn, a real “purl” of a shop. But when Sammy strolls over to see if Ingrid could use a little help, she finds Ingrid’s dead body—with a green aluminum knitting needle lodged in her throat.

Detective Liam Nash is thrown for a loop as every single citizen of Heartsford seems to have a theory about Ingrid’s murder. And nearly everyone in town seems to be a suspect. But the last time Sammy did any sleuthing was as a little moppet. And this is not fun and games. Sammy is eager to help the handsome Liam—who seems to be endlessly inventive in finding reasons to talk with her—and when Liam arrests affable woodworker Miles Danbury, Sammy puts everything on the line to help clear Miles.

As the case comes dangerously close to unraveling, Sammy must stitch the clues together. But the killer has other plans—and if Sammy’s not careful, she may wind up in a perilous knot in A Crafter Knits a Clue, the first warm and woolly yarn of Holly Quinn’s new Handcrafted mysteries.

About the Author

Holly Quinn is both an avid reader and crafter. Holly sells her artistic creations locally and dreamed of one day opening a gift shop to sell local artist’s handiwork. Instead, she began writing about it and thus her journey of the Handcrafted Mystery series was born. Visit her @ www.authorhollyquinn.com  
Author Links -  
Website - www.authorhollyquinn.com  
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HollyQuinnbooks/  
GoodReads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7940795.Holly_Quinn 

Purchase Links -  Amazon B&N IndieBound BAM Powell's Walmart BookBub


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