Friday, March 13, 2015

National Crochet Month




I am glad to be part of the Crochetville.com blog tour to celebrate National Crochet Month. I want to thank Amy and Donna for including me and for all the work that went into putting the tour together.

I write a crochet mystery series that features Molly Pink and the Tarzana Hookers who get together to work on their yarn craft and as it turns out, solve murders,too. Really Molly is the chief sleuth, but they all help. They are cozy mysteries which means more puzzle than gore. Mine are light and I like to think there are dead bodies, but everybody has a good time.

Molly works at a bookstore which over the series seems to be selling more and more non book items and eventually adds a yarn department. These days where drugstores are selling groceries, anything goes. Molly begins the series as a novice crocheter and first time sleuth. Her skills at both improve as the series continue. Recently widowed, she experiences the world of middle age romance as well.

Since all my readers aren't crocheters, I try not to be too technical and the patterns included are all at an easy level. Personally, I love crochet which makes writing the series a joy. And it give me an excuse to buy way too much yarn. I am bistitcheral, both in real life and writing. My first love is crochet, but I do knit. And I also write the Yarn Retreat series which features mostly knitting.

So Hooray for National Crochet Month. Below is an excerpt from KNOT GUILTY, the ninth book in the series. Enjoy! If you leave a comment on this blog before 11:59 P.m. Sunday,March 15. you will be entered into a random drawing for a copy of KNOT GUILTY. I will announce the winner next Friday in my blog.





You know that saying about being careful what you wish for? My name is Molly Pink, and I can tell you it’s one hundred percent true. Ever since my husband, Charlie, died, I’ve been saying that I want to try flying solo. To live without having to answer to anyone. You know, I could wear sweatpants with a hole in them and eat ice cream for dinner. I’d be the captain of my own ship.
I thought I was headed right to that lifestyle. I’d gotten past my grief and had started a new chapter in my life by getting the job at Shedd & Royal Books and More as the event coordinator/community relations person. But then I met Barry Greenberg and we had a relationship. Okay, maybe he was my boyfriend. It’s hard for me to say that word, even in my mind. It just sounds so ridiculous since Barry is a homicide detective in his fifties.
You might notice that I said had a relationship. Really it was off and on again and off again and on again. You get the pictures. But now it was finally off forever.
Let me offer a little catch-up on that. During all the off and on agains of our relationship, there had been the complication of my friendship with Mason Fields. Mason had always wanted it to be something more, but I had wanted it to stay the same.
Then when Barry and I had yet another hiccup, we decided we would be better off as friends. Barry had seemed to accept it, but then he showed up and said he was walking away from the whole situation. He said the friendship thing was all a sham and I was the only one who didn’t know it. Then he suggested I go out with Mason because I deserved better than what he, Barry, could offer.
It reminded e of the whole King Solomon story when two women were fighting over a baby and the king offer to cut it in half. One of the women stepped forward relinquishing her claim rather than seeing the baby injured. The king knew that meant she loved the baby more and gave it to her. So, it seemed Barry was saying he cared more because he was so concerned with my happiness. But that didn’t mean I was ready to resume our relationship.
I had never told Mason about Barry’s gallant act. Actually, I had barely talked to Mason after that. It was all on my part and I’m not even sure why. He left messages and I didn’t return them. Then the holidays hit and I got lost in work. Mason stopped trying to contact me. I can only imagine what he thought. In the end, I had let my social life go dark..
Assorted people had been staying with me for various reasons but that had ended as well.
The final step came when my son Samuel moved out– well, in with his girlfriend. Though he didn’t take his cats.
And suddenly there I was alone. At least almost alone. I had the two cats and the two dogs; my terrier mix Blondie and Cosmo, a little black dog that was supposed to be Barry and his son’s dog, but that’s another story. So here at last my chance to soar on my own wings. Do whatever I wanted. Answer to no one.
At first I was so busy with the holidays and everything at the bookstore, I didn’t think much about being on my own. But it was January now, and as I once again looked around my cavernous living room, it all began to get to me. I made a tour of the three bedrooms on the other side of the house from mine. Only the one I used to keep all my yarn in and crochet in showed any signs of life. The other two were uncomfortably neat. My footsteps echoed as I walked into the kitchen. It was just as I’d left it when I went to bed. Just like yesterday and a lot of yesterdays before, there were no dishes in the sink, no ravaged refrigerator. No one had come knocking at my door in the middle of the night looking for comfort after a bad night with suspects. No one hd called and suggested a fun outing. All the peace started to overwhelm me.
I made coffee for myself quickly. Did I want to sit around and reveal in all this quiet and independence? No, I couldn’t wait to get to work and the problems, the confusion, and most of all the people. I’d heard the statement that silence is deafening and now I understood it. I needed some noise. I needed some upheaval in my life. Yes, I had learned my lesson about being careful what I wished for. Id gotten it in spades and absolutely hated it. I knew what I had to do to stir up the pot of my life.

61 comments:

Just-in said...

I really like the series! And haven't read this one yet, so fingres crossed!

Planner said...

Dare I ask: How does Adele celebrate National Crochet Month?

Is there a National Knitting Month, too?

Beckie said...

Can't wait for the newest book. I have read them all and enjoy every one.

Beckie said...

I agree with your comment, "stylish garments and accessories for plus-sized people" should be the next trend.

Anonymous said...

I adore the Tarzana hookers! My hubby is a secret fan, too. I have read a few of these books to him while camping! We enjoy sitting by a crackling fire, listening to the water babbling in the stream nearby, chuckling at the mischief the hookers get into.

Marlene said...

I am a new fan of your books and I look forward to reading all of them. I love that you have I included patterns in your books.

Anonymous said...

I had not heard of the Crochet Mystery book series until now. I will be reading one very soon !

Unknown said...

Yay, I am so glad that I learned about your books do to the national craft month...I am getting book one today!!! I loved how the lady asked about the diet book...too funny...thank you..looking forward to reading and crocheting with you!!!

Unknown said...

Yay, I am so glad that I learned about your books do to the national craft month...I am getting book one today!!! I loved how the lady asked about the diet book...too funny...thank you..looking forward to reading and crocheting with you!!!

Crochetbird.wordpress.com said...

I love your crochet mystery books!

Unknown said...

I am going to search for the books! I am an avid reader, who crochets. This is the perfect combination. I am glad your talents got showcased for NatCroMo. You work is amazing, and I enjoyed the post. Now I have a new blog to follow. Thanks for sharing all you do with us. I appreciate it. Loving NatCroMo!
~Crystal

Unknown said...

How wonderful to find your blog! I too am an avid reader and crocheter. Just reading your short excerpt has got me "hooked!" I would be absolutely thrilled to win "Knot Guilty!" Thank you for your talent and creativity!

Unknown said...

How wonderful to find your blog! I too am an avid reader and crocheter. Just reading your short excerpt has got me "hooked!" I would be absolutely thrilled to win "Knot Guilty!" Thank you for your talent and creativity!

Amy Shelton said...

Betty, thank you so much for participating in the blog tour this year. I hope you end up with many new fans of your books!

Linda O. Johnston said...

Great excerpt, Betty--and Happy National Crochet Month!

Unknown said...

I haven't read any of your books yet, but now I am interested.

Unknown said...

Crochet and writing...what a combination. Guess I'll have to find these series to add to my reading list. So much to do...so little time. Thank you for participating in the blog tour.

Kay said...

I would love to win this. What a great addition a signed copy would be to my collection!

The worst part of reading your books is having to wait for the next installment.

Hookers unite!

Unknown said...

I'll put down my crocheting for a good murder mystery! ;-)

Dawn Frazier said...

I haven't read this series yet, but would like to. Thanks for the chance.

The Knotty Wench said...

I have LOVED this series since book one, and have all of them on my desk! I'm working through Knot Guilty right now, and I think it's my favorite so far. :D

Toni said...

I love to crochet and would love to introduce this series to my cozy book club. This sounds like so much fun. Checking library for #1!

Barbara T. said...

I would rather read about some of the crafts than actually do them.

Sandie said...

I just finished reading this book. Can't wait for the next one. Loved it!

Sonya said...

Thank you for being a part of the blog tour! I have had my eye on your books for a while!

Terri said...

Thanks for the chance! I love this series and haven't read this one yet!

Anonymous said...

Wow, I can't believe that it's the ninth book. What a lovely contest. Thank you!

Liz said...

Our little black cat is named "CeeCee" - when arguing about the spelling with my family, we finally decided to go with the CeeCee Collins spelling. It's the definitive way. :) Love the series!

Helen King said...

I have not heard about this series but I will definitely be looking for these books.

Niv Niamh said...

This sounds like a fun series.

BJM said...

I love finding a good mystery series.

Unknown said...

I am currently reading FOR BETTER OR WORSTED. I love Molly Pink and Adele!

Gypsy said...

I absolutely love your books! Molly is such a realistic and witty character who reminds me of a combination of several women in my family. Keep on writing!

Gypsy said...

I absolutely love your books! Molly is such a realistic and witty character who reminds me of a combination of several women in my family. Keep on writing!

Unknown said...

I will have to check out your books. I love it when authors incorporate yarn crafts into their story line. Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite authors for that reason. I bet you will be too! :)

Fiona T said...

I recently re-read most of the series over our summer holidays here in Australia. I love the puzzles (not gore) in the books and that in some more recent ones there are a couple of these to solve (like- who was the yarn bomber!)I love all things craft, including Knitting, corchet, sewing and my addiction- Tatting. I am waiting patiently for a series for Tatters....hoping for one one day :) Love the books, blog and facebook page. Thanks Betty, keep up the great work!

Dacarsha said...

I love your crocheting mystery books!

Bobbi said...

I've read this one, and so can't wait for the next one. You sure dropped a bombshell, but I won't tell anyone what it is. :)

Anonymous said...

Sorry, I couldn't edit my post or I couldn't figure it out. Any who thought I better add my name....Carol Krout. And a big thank you for being such a great author!!!!!!

Unknown said...

Somehow I missed this series. I love mysteries and crochet (of course!) so I'll be sure to check these out.

I also thought it was awesome that one of your favorite people is Delma Myers. She was the "buddy" for my mom and I for our very first Knit & Crochet conference a couple of years ago. She's so friendly and welcoming that I've always enjoy seeing her again at every conference since.

Bonnie said...

I just finished For Better or Worsted. I love all your books and I'm glad you are writing more in the series.

Tammy said...

I love your stories and references To the SFV,

Amy B said...

I'm reading Knot Guilty right now. Does Molly really end up with Mason? I guess I'll find out in 8 more chapters!

Unknown said...

Hmm, intriguing! I just found your Tarzana hookers series and I'm only on book 2, so this is still a bit in the future for me. I'm really enjoying the series, though!

Unknown said...

I love these two series. Thanks for the giveaway.

Maria said...

I've been curious about these books, I'm thinking they're on my to read list

Amandakn said...

I love this book series! I haven't had a chance to read this one yet, so hopefully....
Thank you for the giveaway!!

Monica Ferris said...

Not to be overwhelmingly picky, but I'm smarting from a big, silly error in my newest book and can't resist pointing out that it's "revel" not "reveal" in your text.

Nancy said...

I'm also bistitchual, so both series appeal to me. Hapy Crochet Month!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the chance to win one of your books. It's a great series! LHoberg

Anonymous said...

Wow...just discovered your series and I would love to read this..
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

cyn209 said...

would love to read this book!!!
thank you for the giveaway!!

cyn209 at juno dot com

Unknown said...

Thanks for the give away! Two things I love crochet and mystery! Yes Please! Also want to check out the other series as I'm getting into my (new), longed for knitting hobby!

Anonymous said...

I am looking forward to read your books. It is like I know you, and I enjoy the book more when I know who wrote the stories. Thanks Mary H Mitchell

Jade said...

I live books that incorporates yarn crafts in the story.

Carmen N said...

Most of the books I've read the past few years have been the child-variety only; now that I'm getting back into adult reading, your books are on my to-read list :)

kiki w said...

This looks like a great cozy mystery.

Mary Ellen said...

Just read the excerpt and I'm . . . hooked. (Bad pun intended.)

Betty Hechtman said...

Thank you all very all the comments and for stopping by my blog!

Faithabounds said...

Love the way you write. I can relate and the flow of the story is perfect. Can't wait to read Knot Guilty.

wilddog-1978 said...

me pick me please pick me-my b-day was march 8th and i didn't get any presents. i love this series and i have never won anything as of yet anyway. i need a pick me up. thanks.