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A Needlecraft Mystery #7
Cutwork
After an artisan is murdered at the Excelsior, Minnesota, art fair, everyone is on pins and needles. It's up to needlework shop owner Betsy Devonshire to figure out who had designs on the dead designer.
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
46 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
About the author
Monica Ferris
27 books486 followersHas published as
Mary Monica Pulver (real name)
Mary Kuhfeld
Margaret Frazer (with Gail Frazer)
[from the author's own website)
Mary Monica Pulver (her maiden name) is an incidental Hoosier — Terre Haute, Indiana, had the hospital closest to her parents’ home in Marshall, Illinois. She spent the later part of her childhood and early adult life in Wisconsin, graduating from high school in Milwaukee.
She was a journalist in the U.S. Navy for six and a half years (two in London), and later attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She is married to a museum curator.
Mary Monica sold her first short story, “Pass the Word,” to Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, in 1983, and has since sold more than two dozen short stories to anthologies and magazines, including some in Germany, England, Italy and France.
She has appeared in such anthologies as The Mammoth Book of Historical Detectives, The Mammoth Book of Historical Whodunnits, Shakespearean Mysteries, Royal Whodunnits, Unholy Orders, Murder Most Crafty, and Silence of the Loons. Her first mystery novel, Murder at the War, appeared from St. Martin’s Press in 1987 and was nominated for an Anthony as Best First Novel. The Unforgiving Minutes and Ashes to Ashes followed in 1988; but Original Sin was sold to Walker, who also presented the fifth book, Show Stopper, in May of 1992. Berkley Diamond brought these mysteries out in paperback. They feature detective Peter Brichter – a cop one reviewer said was “a hardboiled sleuth who’s somehow landed in a cozy mystery”.
Berkley published six medieval mysteries Mary Monica wrote in collaboration with Gail Frazer under the pseudonym Margaret Frazer: The Novice’s Tale, The Servant’s Tale (nominated for an Edgar as Best Original Paperback of 1993), The Outlaw’s Tale, The Bishop’s Tale, The Boy’s Tale, and The Murderer’s Tale. The detective in the mysteries is a nun, Dame Frevisse, a niece by marriage of Thomas Chaucer, the legendary Geoffrey’s son. The stories take place in England in the 1430s. Gail presently continues the series alone.
In 1998 Mary Monica began writing a new series for Berkley featuring amateur needleworking sleuth Betsy Devonshire. Set in Excelsior, Minnesota, Crewel World came out in March and was followed by Framed in Lace, A Stitch in Time, Unraveled Sleeve, A Murderous Yarn, Hanging by A Thread, Cutwork, Crewel Yule, Embroidered Truths, Sins and Needles, Knitting Bones, Thai Die, Blackwork, and Buttons and Bones. Threadbare will appear in December of 2011, and she is at work on And Then You Dye. The first six were paperback originals. Subsequent books were hardcovers followed by paperback editions. These light and traditional novels are written under the pseudonym Monica Ferris, and all have gone to multiple printings – the first one is in its eighteenth printing!
Mary Monica has taught courses on mystery writing to children at North Hennepin Community College, gifted children in District #287, and adults at one-evening seminars at Hennepin and Ramsey County libraries. She does lectures and signings, and has appeared on panels at mystery and science fiction conventions, including Bouchercon, Minicon, Diversicon, Magna Cum Murder, and Malice Domestic.
She has spoken to stitchery guilds on local, state, and national levels. She has won a place on national and local best-seller lists, including USA Today and the independent mystery bookstore compilation. She is a member of Sisters in Crime (a national organization that promotes women who write mystery fiction), remains a paid speaker on the life of a mystery author, and is a volunteer for Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, and in
Mary Monica Pulver (real name)
Mary Kuhfeld
Margaret Frazer (with Gail Frazer)
[from the author's own website)
Mary Monica Pulver (her maiden name) is an incidental Hoosier — Terre Haute, Indiana, had the hospital closest to her parents’ home in Marshall, Illinois. She spent the later part of her childhood and early adult life in Wisconsin, graduating from high school in Milwaukee.
She was a journalist in the U.S. Navy for six and a half years (two in London), and later attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She is married to a museum curator.
Mary Monica sold her first short story, “Pass the Word,” to Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, in 1983, and has since sold more than two dozen short stories to anthologies and magazines, including some in Germany, England, Italy and France.
She has appeared in such anthologies as The Mammoth Book of Historical Detectives, The Mammoth Book of Historical Whodunnits, Shakespearean Mysteries, Royal Whodunnits, Unholy Orders, Murder Most Crafty, and Silence of the Loons. Her first mystery novel, Murder at the War, appeared from St. Martin’s Press in 1987 and was nominated for an Anthony as Best First Novel. The Unforgiving Minutes and Ashes to Ashes followed in 1988; but Original Sin was sold to Walker, who also presented the fifth book, Show Stopper, in May of 1992. Berkley Diamond brought these mysteries out in paperback. They feature detective Peter Brichter – a cop one reviewer said was “a hardboiled sleuth who’s somehow landed in a cozy mystery”.
Berkley published six medieval mysteries Mary Monica wrote in collaboration with Gail Frazer under the pseudonym Margaret Frazer: The Novice’s Tale, The Servant’s Tale (nominated for an Edgar as Best Original Paperback of 1993), The Outlaw’s Tale, The Bishop’s Tale, The Boy’s Tale, and The Murderer’s Tale. The detective in the mysteries is a nun, Dame Frevisse, a niece by marriage of Thomas Chaucer, the legendary Geoffrey’s son. The stories take place in England in the 1430s. Gail presently continues the series alone.
In 1998 Mary Monica began writing a new series for Berkley featuring amateur needleworking sleuth Betsy Devonshire. Set in Excelsior, Minnesota, Crewel World came out in March and was followed by Framed in Lace, A Stitch in Time, Unraveled Sleeve, A Murderous Yarn, Hanging by A Thread, Cutwork, Crewel Yule, Embroidered Truths, Sins and Needles, Knitting Bones, Thai Die, Blackwork, and Buttons and Bones. Threadbare will appear in December of 2011, and she is at work on And Then You Dye. The first six were paperback originals. Subsequent books were hardcovers followed by paperback editions. These light and traditional novels are written under the pseudonym Monica Ferris, and all have gone to multiple printings – the first one is in its eighteenth printing!
Mary Monica has taught courses on mystery writing to children at North Hennepin Community College, gifted children in District #287, and adults at one-evening seminars at Hennepin and Ramsey County libraries. She does lectures and signings, and has appeared on panels at mystery and science fiction conventions, including Bouchercon, Minicon, Diversicon, Magna Cum Murder, and Malice Domestic.
She has spoken to stitchery guilds on local, state, and national levels. She has won a place on national and local best-seller lists, including USA Today and the independent mystery bookstore compilation. She is a member of Sisters in Crime (a national organization that promotes women who write mystery fiction), remains a paid speaker on the life of a mystery author, and is a volunteer for Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, and in
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
March 12, 2018
This was an okay mystery that by the end you could figure out whodunit just because there was no one else. It was also kind of odd because Betsy was investigating but it seemed like she didn't do a lot and this might just be because there were a couple of chapters from other characters view points.
June 22, 2025
I thought this was an engaging mystery, and I was impressed by the art discussions.
January 7, 2023
I figured out pretty early who did it and kind of why. Though I doubted myself a bit, ultimately I was right. I didn't like the switching points of view. It made it too easy to figure out who it was. I'm not sure why the author decided to change her writing style for this book.
March 10, 2022
A very good mystery with engaging characters.
October 8, 2022
My appetite for simple, cozy mysteries continues. Especially when they're free.
July 10, 2018
SPOILERS! It was a struggle to read this book. In the past books, the main character Betsy did most of the sleuthing through talking to other characters. In this one, she didn't. About two thirds of the book was other characters talking about the person who died. I didn't feel the title had anything to do with the murder except maybe both things were cut. In the previous books, the needlework was directly tied to the murder. I almost didn't finish the book, I didn't like any of the characters and still can't quite understand Jill and Lars' relationship. And the guy Betsy was seeing, there could have been so much more added to their relationship if Betsy had done more legwork than at the very end of the story.
In the previous book, #6, was glad that Jill finally told whining Betsy to either claim being a sleuth or drop it. In this book, Betsy starts out saying she's a sleuth. Really? What happened to the shop? And she got so serious about it that she didn't do it in this book. There was no real interaction with the other characters in her shop. The old man who was recently hired didn't make an appearance at all and the way Shelley reacted to her new beau being pegged just bothered me. He's a killer and she's still pining after him. This was a hot mess and it took so long for me to get through the huge cast of characters, I didn't know who's story it was. If I pick up the next book in the series, it will be maybe next year. I did like the patterns in the previous books, except in this book because it didn't fit with the murder.
In the previous book, #6, was glad that Jill finally told whining Betsy to either claim being a sleuth or drop it. In this book, Betsy starts out saying she's a sleuth. Really? What happened to the shop? And she got so serious about it that she didn't do it in this book. There was no real interaction with the other characters in her shop. The old man who was recently hired didn't make an appearance at all and the way Shelley reacted to her new beau being pegged just bothered me. He's a killer and she's still pining after him. This was a hot mess and it took so long for me to get through the huge cast of characters, I didn't know who's story it was. If I pick up the next book in the series, it will be maybe next year. I did like the patterns in the previous books, except in this book because it didn't fit with the murder.
December 19, 2008
The 7th book in the Needlecraft Mystery Series.
This book reminds me of my job in a round-about way. When I read this I was working at a bookstore and we had a book on Hardanger that was from our distributer. It was one of those books that if you had one or two copies it would languish on the shelf - but if you had 10 copies in a pile in the center of the Crafts table it would sell quite well. I milked that book for sales that way for about 2 years. Darndest thing.
So when I read this book I finally got to understand a little bit about Hardanger and cut out work. I never had a clue about what it was but this book opened my eyes to the artistry behind this craft and there was a fun little mystery to boot.
I think that is why I enjoy these books as much as I do. Being a crafty grrl I really like to learn more about crafts surrounding the crafts I already know. Who knows when I might need to incorporate some cut work into my knitting? I think being open to other arts can often get the creative juices flowing.
This book reminds me of my job in a round-about way. When I read this I was working at a bookstore and we had a book on Hardanger that was from our distributer. It was one of those books that if you had one or two copies it would languish on the shelf - but if you had 10 copies in a pile in the center of the Crafts table it would sell quite well. I milked that book for sales that way for about 2 years. Darndest thing.
So when I read this book I finally got to understand a little bit about Hardanger and cut out work. I never had a clue about what it was but this book opened my eyes to the artistry behind this craft and there was a fun little mystery to boot.
I think that is why I enjoy these books as much as I do. Being a crafty grrl I really like to learn more about crafts surrounding the crafts I already know. Who knows when I might need to incorporate some cut work into my knitting? I think being open to other arts can often get the creative juices flowing.
August 25, 2016
Another fantastic mystery with Betsy solving the crime! I didn't realize how much she would grow on me as a character from the first book. She's got a reputation to uphold now, and she needs to put all the puzzles together to save a not so innocent boy from a murder charge- or did he really do it?
A great book in a great series, five stars this time.
A great book in a great series, five stars this time.
September 22, 2012
Another great book in this series,I read it over two days :)
August 5, 2017
Betsy Devonshire solves another mystery in this, the seventh book in the series. You do not have to be familiar with the other books to enjoy this one.
Betsy inherited Crewel World, a needlework shop, from her sister. Betsy solved the murder of her sister and kept the store.
In this book, she is volunteering at an art fair in a nearby town in Minnesota, when a wood-carver is murdered just before the show opens for the day. The obvious suspect is a boy who has means and opportunity, but the motive is weak. Betsy is sure he stole the money in the cash box, but the murder doesn't fit.
The boy's family hires Betsy to solve the crime. She is put off by the boy's rudeness and lies, but is convinced he did not commit the crime. She begins to look for other likely suspects, one who have all three: means, motive, and opportunity. As in her other books, there are several suspects, but none quite fit the murder.
While all this sleuthing is going on, Betsy blabs a secret and it almost costs her the friendship with Jill, a police who just landed an investigative desk job, which means she can now think of marriage and children.
As in all the books, there is a lot of information about needlework. Hardanger, in this case. I enjoy the down-to-earth aspect of the art and work, because it is a metaphor for problem solving.
Betsy inherited Crewel World, a needlework shop, from her sister. Betsy solved the murder of her sister and kept the store.
In this book, she is volunteering at an art fair in a nearby town in Minnesota, when a wood-carver is murdered just before the show opens for the day. The obvious suspect is a boy who has means and opportunity, but the motive is weak. Betsy is sure he stole the money in the cash box, but the murder doesn't fit.
The boy's family hires Betsy to solve the crime. She is put off by the boy's rudeness and lies, but is convinced he did not commit the crime. She begins to look for other likely suspects, one who have all three: means, motive, and opportunity. As in her other books, there are several suspects, but none quite fit the murder.
While all this sleuthing is going on, Betsy blabs a secret and it almost costs her the friendship with Jill, a police who just landed an investigative desk job, which means she can now think of marriage and children.
As in all the books, there is a lot of information about needlework. Hardanger, in this case. I enjoy the down-to-earth aspect of the art and work, because it is a metaphor for problem solving.
June 17, 2024
3.5 stars.
---Synopsis---
Betsy Devonshire is volunteering at the annual Excelsior Art Fair when an artist is stabbed to death with one of his own carving tools. Although Detective Sergeant Mike Malloy arrests a troubled teen because his footprints were found at the scene of the crime, Betsy believes the boy’s family that he would never commit murder.
Years previously, the victim, Robert McFey, had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. His wife had expected to receive an insurance payout upon his death that would help pay for her son’s college. However, McFey not only did not die but used his recovery as an opportunity to pursue his lifelong dreams: sculpting animal figurines. To his family’s disappointment, McFey sold his lucrative advertising business and began peddling his figurines at craft fairs across the country.
Officer Jill Cross and Betsy have to wade through layers of disappointment and betrayal to get to the murder suspect.
---Thoughts---
I understand why reviewers do not like Cutwork as much as the other books in the series; Betsy does not do as much sleuthing, and the perpetrator is pretty obvious. Nevertheless, I enjoyed meeting up with Betsy, Officer Cross, and Godwin. The mystery, while somewhat obvious, was still pretty interesting.
I hope Goddy dumps John soon. He is unpleasant, even borderline abusive. Goddy deserves so much better. I am glad that Betsy has made him a beneficiary of her estate. We also see Officer Cross get angry for the first time in the series. When Betsy discloses confidential information to the gossip network at Crewel World (a.k.a. the Monday Bunch), Jill gives her friend the cold shoulder. Betsy must learn to discern between information that is meant for the public and information that Jill has given her in confidence.
All in all, this was a good installment in the Needlecraft Mystery series. On to #8.
-For more cozy mystery reviews, check out my blog Cozy Mystery Reads
---Synopsis---
Betsy Devonshire is volunteering at the annual Excelsior Art Fair when an artist is stabbed to death with one of his own carving tools. Although Detective Sergeant Mike Malloy arrests a troubled teen because his footprints were found at the scene of the crime, Betsy believes the boy’s family that he would never commit murder.
Years previously, the victim, Robert McFey, had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. His wife had expected to receive an insurance payout upon his death that would help pay for her son’s college. However, McFey not only did not die but used his recovery as an opportunity to pursue his lifelong dreams: sculpting animal figurines. To his family’s disappointment, McFey sold his lucrative advertising business and began peddling his figurines at craft fairs across the country.
Officer Jill Cross and Betsy have to wade through layers of disappointment and betrayal to get to the murder suspect.
---Thoughts---
I understand why reviewers do not like Cutwork as much as the other books in the series; Betsy does not do as much sleuthing, and the perpetrator is pretty obvious. Nevertheless, I enjoyed meeting up with Betsy, Officer Cross, and Godwin. The mystery, while somewhat obvious, was still pretty interesting.
I hope Goddy dumps John soon. He is unpleasant, even borderline abusive. Goddy deserves so much better. I am glad that Betsy has made him a beneficiary of her estate. We also see Officer Cross get angry for the first time in the series. When Betsy discloses confidential information to the gossip network at Crewel World (a.k.a. the Monday Bunch), Jill gives her friend the cold shoulder. Betsy must learn to discern between information that is meant for the public and information that Jill has given her in confidence.
All in all, this was a good installment in the Needlecraft Mystery series. On to #8.
-For more cozy mystery reviews, check out my blog Cozy Mystery Reads
December 2, 2023
It seems that I like this series more than many other GR members, but that's ok - they like a lot of books that I don't care for :) That said, I didn't find this book quite as... compelling? as the previous books in the series.
There were several significant developments in the personal lives of some of the characters, which I liked, but maybe all that took some of the attention away from the murder and the investigation. There weren't many serious suspects to consider, which may have made it easier for me to identify one of them as the most likely killer. I was right, but hadn't quite figured out the motive until it was revealed in the book.
The remaining books in this series are all in my Audible+ library, so as long as they're not pulled from the catalog, I'll get to all of them eventually.
There were several significant developments in the personal lives of some of the characters, which I liked, but maybe all that took some of the attention away from the murder and the investigation. There weren't many serious suspects to consider, which may have made it easier for me to identify one of them as the most likely killer. I was right, but hadn't quite figured out the motive until it was revealed in the book.
The remaining books in this series are all in my Audible+ library, so as long as they're not pulled from the catalog, I'll get to all of them eventually.
February 28, 2022
Needlework shop owner Betsy Devonshire is starting to get a reputation as a sleuth who fights for the underdog. This time, Betsy is working at a local art fair when one of the artists is murdered in his own tent. The victim is a wood carver who was killed with his own knife, and all the money in his cash box is gone. A young boy known as a hoodlum is arrested, and the detective thinks he has an open and shut case, but Betsy isn’t so sure, and when the boy’s parents ask her to help, she starts asking questions. This was an interesting mystery with several subplots that may extend into the next book. I’m enjoying the minor characters as much as I like the way the mystery is solved.
February 11, 2023
This book is interesting in the way that it ties in needlecraft with the mystery. I bet the author is a lovely person. For someone interested in needlecraft, this is likely to be a more pleasant read. Personally, I found the heavy mentions of sewing a bit daunting. I wanted to hear about the main plot, not knots. Additionally, I found the remarks about Félix González-Torres’ “Untitled” distasteful considering the context of the piece, however I am reading this in a much different political landscape than that of when the book was written.
June 22, 2024
A ho-hum book about another murdered artist. I'm increasingly disenchanted with this series. The main character, Betsy, is ok, but the cop, Jill, behaves more like a nonhuman robotic entity, and the gay clerk named general manager in this book is over-the-top stupid and ridiculous.
As for the unfortunate teacher, I'm thrilled she's not educating any of my grandchildren.
This would have garnered one of my rare one-star ratings were it not for the narration. The narrator did as much as she could to save the book from itself.
As for the unfortunate teacher, I'm thrilled she's not educating any of my grandchildren.
This would have garnered one of my rare one-star ratings were it not for the narration. The narrator did as much as she could to save the book from itself.
November 23, 2022
Cutwork by Monica Ferris is the 7th book in A Needlecraft Mystery series. A sculptor is murdered at the Excelsier Art Fair and Betsy Devonshire, owner of Crewel World, is asked by the suspect's aunt to investigate. I am enjoying this series more and more. I love learning about the various needlecrafts and arts and getting to know more about the characters and their interests and quirks. The mystery is nicely interwoven into the crafting scene making for an enjoyable and pleasant cozy read.
November 18, 2017
Nothing outstanding. Typical mass market mystery, but the murder occurred at the Excelsior Art Show. Fun to read about a show that I used to do. A wood carver is murdered and the police think that they have the murderer. In steps Betsy Devonshire, the owner of Crewel World, a local needlework shop and the local amateur sleuth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2020
Betsy lost ook nu weer een moord op. Dat is aardig om te lezen, maar enthousiaster ben ik altijd over de lotgevallen van Betsy en haar vrienden en de gebeurtenissen in Crewel World, haar handwerkwinkel,
Ook de beschouwingen over de gebruiken in de kunstwereld waren interessant om te lezen.
Aardig deel uit de Crewel world-serie.
Ook de beschouwingen over de gebruiken in de kunstwereld waren interessant om te lezen.
Aardig deel uit de Crewel world-serie.
June 9, 2022
A Bit Low-key and Meandering
Perhaps I’ve listened to too many of these, back-to-back, because this narrative was not fully engaging and none of the characters imbue you to truly care about them.
Therefore, even the perpetrator, when you discover who it is, doesn’t surprise or interest you! And the apprehension is not only low-key, but also very dull and boring!
(Time for a break).
Perhaps I’ve listened to too many of these, back-to-back, because this narrative was not fully engaging and none of the characters imbue you to truly care about them.
Therefore, even the perpetrator, when you discover who it is, doesn’t surprise or interest you! And the apprehension is not only low-key, but also very dull and boring!
(Time for a break).
October 16, 2022
I like all of the references to the different needle crafts that the main character sells in her store. The character herself is a bit stuffy and dated. She tires to watch her weight and eat sensibly by trading in for a salad in order to have pie for dessert? Please it's 2022! Unfortunately on this particular book she makes it a bit obvious as to who the murderer is.
January 22, 2018
This makes me want to do cutwork. And I found the plot fairly interesting - though the good citizens of Excelsior continue to show their unpleasant side, what with getting friends into trouble for the sake of sharing a piece of gossip.
February 24, 2019
I really have enjoyed this series! Love the setting and all the characters in this little hometown. I think Ms. Ferris does a great job of bringing her characters to life. Cqm't wait to start the next one.
August 17, 2019
When a fellow artist is killed at the art fair, and a belligerent teenager is accused of the crime, Betsy is asked to find out the truth. As Sally becomes involved with the killer, Betsy becomes more involved until the truth is found out. Another good read from Monica Ferris.
October 20, 2019
I enjoy this series because I’m a needleworker. My only gripe with this story is in how she revealed the clues Betsy used to solve the murder; it almost felt like something was missing. Her reasoning wasn’t quite so clear, in my opinion.
May 8, 2022
A very nice book. I had read it before, but I still was unsure about the identity of the murderer. I was unsure until the last chapter. She has written a number of books in this series, and I am thinking about breaking into a few more of her books
December 21, 2023
This needlecraft related mystery was set at a craft fair. It involved the normal townsfolk and progressed their character arcs further. I've been thoroughly enjoying this series since Audible made them free to all Audible members.
October 23, 2017
Interesting to learn about hardanger!
January 2, 2018
I love these books. I'm now buying the entire set in hard copy so I can read them again. If you are even remotely interested in needlework, you'll love them.
February 5, 2018
Interesting and predictable.
February 9, 2018
Ok mystery but a little far-fetched. On the plus side, the characters are enjoyable and the amateur "sleuth" is smart enough to include back up when she confronts the "villain"! However, I didn't like having the narration change back and forth from the main character to the killer. This can often work well, but in this case the transition was always confusing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews