Book Review/Interview/Giveaway Knot What You Think by Mary Marks

About the book (provided by Great Escapes Tours)
The newest member of Martha’s close-knit quilting circle has an eye for couture. But when the designer’s fingerprints are found blanketing a crime scene, Martha must prove that he didn’t have a hand in homicide! 
 
Martha Rose is alarmed by the discovery of Dolleen Doyle’s dead body, especially when evidence suggests a fellow quilter committed the crime.  Set on clearing her pal, Martha searches for answers—but with ties to a convicted fraudster’s stolen millions and a secret office room, the victim’s past raises even more questions. As Martha inches towards the culprit, she learns that wrapping the case up—and living to baste another square—will be trickier than she ever imagined . . .

And I thought

It Was Not What I Expected

I did not expect to be laughing from page 1.

I did not expect to be unable to put the book down after page 1.

I did not expect such endearing characters.  All of them. 

These characters sweep their way into your heart and don't let go. Even if you really don't want them to.
From the 'over the top' Jazz who is accused of murder to all Martha's other cronies.
I was kept snickering at every page turn.
When Jazz becomes the suspect Martha waste no time snooping for answers.  
While she antagonizes her ex boyfriend Arlo the local 'law' with her snooping she struggles with her 'left over' feelings  from their 'recent past' and her feelings for her current boyfriend. 
I struggled along with Martha trying to decide whether to root for the 'feet on the ground cop' or the bike riding undercover guy with ties to the middle east called 'Crusher'.  
Both guys are dangling engagement rings under Martha's nose!
I enjoyed the story/plot and how the author wove the quilting and Jewish culture into the story.  I learned alot about both (and I am a quilter).
Of course the story ends with Martha finding out who the culprit is and we are left with a bit of a cliff hanger as Martha's daughter returns to town and seems to 'notice' Arlo's partner.  
 Book 6 should be another winner!
Be sure and check out the interview below where Mary shares a few secrets and he casting suggestions for the movie. (dream)

I received a complimentary copy from Great Escapes Tours.
This review will appear on retail sites where available.
This review will appear on Good Reads.

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The giveaway follows the interview

Interview with the author . . . 

Hello Mary welcome to the blog.  I think maybe we should

Set a timer!  Quilts and mysteries two of my favorite things I know

I’ll have a bajillon questions!

Hi Sherry. Thanks for inviting me to join you.

Besides quilting and mysteries do you have any other hobbies?

I really enjoy watching TV. There are so many good dramas. I also love to play sudoku and hidden object adventure games on the computer.

Do you have any animals that help or maybe hinder you in your

writing.

My dog Ginger keeps me company while I write, and warns me if there are squirrels outside.

My big orange cat Louie will sometimes hop on my desk, stand in front of the computer screen and tell me when it’s time to take a break. Then he’ll settle down in my lap for a cuddle. 

Did you plan on a series when you wrote Forget Me Knot?

Yes. I thought Martha had a few potential adventures in front of her. As it turned out, she had more than I thought! I just finished writing the sixth book in the series.

Of all the books in the series do you have a favorite?

That’s like saying “Do you have a favorite child?” There is something special for me in each of my books whether it’s plot, characters, social issues, or humor. I also aim to inform my readers about history, Jewish customs and quilting – but in an entertaining way. So far, I think Something’s Knot Kosher is the funniest book in the series. 

Which was the easiest to write?

I have to say Something’s Knot Kosher was the easiest, because I found myself laughing a lot.

Will you continue with the series after Knot What You Think?

As a matter of fact, KWYT is only the fifth book in the series.  I have already written number six. It’s called Knot My Sister’s Keeper and will be released sometime next year. My publisher says they want three more after that.

If you were to choose one of Martha’s friends to branch out into

a new series who would you choose and why?

Maybe Jazz Fletcher, designer of men’s and doggie fashions. I can also see the colorful psychic Paulina Polinskaya and her dog Hathor as chief characters.

If Martha ever got a chance to travel where would you take her?

I’m thinking of taking her to Israel.

I know that you’re a quilter so I’m sure you have a vast knowledge of

quilting but I was wondering if you have to do any additional research

for your writing?

Yes. I do research all the time while I’m writing. Google is a great resource for everything you ever wanted to know.  So if I’m not absolutely sure of my information, I’ll look it up because readers are smart! And mystery readers pay special attention to detail, trying to discover hidden clues. They don’t mind being surprised by the killer’s identity at the end of a book, but they do mind if an author makes a factual or historical mistake.

For those of us new to the series can you tell us a little bit about the first 4 books?

Martha Rose and her friends meet every Tuesday to sew quilts. When they keep finding dead bodies, they team up to solve the crimes. Think of “Murder She Wrote” meets a Jewish “I love Lucy.”

 And where does the series take place?

Martha and her friends live in Encino, in the San Fernando Valley. However, their escapades can take them all over the city. In Something’s Knot Kosher, the group takes a road trip to Oregon.  In book number six, Martha travels to Arizona, New York and Las Vegas.

  

Let’s fantasize for a minute.  You got the call that your series will be made into

mde for t.v. movie!  Congratulations.  You get to choose the actress to play

Martha.  Who would you choose?

First of all, from your lips to God’s ears. I’d choose Debra Messing or Kathy Najimy

Martha seems to have quite a group of talented and helpful friends.   Who do you

think would play them in the movie?

Wendy Malik as Lucy.

Judy Densch as Birdie

Sam Elliot as Arlo

John Goodman as Crusher

Tim Gunn as Jazz

Billy Crystal as Uncle Isaac

This has been so fun.  I told you I’d have a bunch of questions.  I see

Our timer is about to ding!  One last question. 

Chocolate… nuts or not?

Hazelnuts or almonds. Never walnuts.

Thanks so much for the visit.  Best wishes on the tour!

This was so much fun. Thanks for having me.

Giveaway

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