Janice Peacock

If you are looking for an hour or two of whodunit sizzle, Off The Beadin’ Path might be the book for you. Lifetime besties, Jax and Tessa are wonderful counterparts for each other. They know one another so well, the reader feels like a part of the relationship. This story will resonate with crafters. On one hand they will wish the classes they take could only offer so much excitement, while on the other hand they will be totally grateful that all they get out of a class is a new crafting skill. This book is full of colorful well written characters. It is easy to see why this series is so popular with readers.

This is the first book in the series that I have read, though I have also read the Valentine mini-mystery, “Be Still My Beading Heart.” I have to admit the back and forth between possible boyfriends gets a little old for my taste, (it is possible that knowing more back story would make me a little more sympathetic) and the book could have been a little longer, as I finished it in less than 90 minutes. Still the little secrets and innuendos among friends and classmates makes this story fun to read and I really didn’t catch on to the killer until the end. Getting me to chase a red herring or three is always a plus for me. Jax and her friends are people I would choose to spend time with again.… (mehr)

Jax O'Connell is a glass bead artist. When she isn't working with glass to make her one of a kind beads and jewelry, she slips in a bit of amateur sleuthing. Be Still My Beading Heart is a Valentine's Day short mystery and part of the Glass Bead Mystery Series.

I enjoyed this story. The action centers around someone stealing Jax's VW Bug. I've loved the old style Bugs since my family had a lemon yellow one back in the 70's. I wish I had one! I love my PT Cruiser.....but the little rounded putt-putt classic VW Bugs are still my favorite cars! Valentine's Day for Jax turns out to be a mix of juggling two love interests and looking for her car. Cute story!

I like the background theme of a glass artist who creates beads and jewelry for sale to shops and galleries. There was a nice mix of humor and sleuthing. Well-written. Fun to read. I will definitely be reading more by this author! I love reading short stories that introduce a cozy series or author that is new-to-me. After reading this story, I'm definitely going to read the Glass Bead Mystery series. I like to read cozies in-between thrillers, horror novels or other hard-hitting adult fiction. Makes for a nice relaxing reading experience....a happy palate cleanser before jumping into rougher reads again. This series has fun characters and humor....perfect cozy series for me!

The Glass Bead Mystery series has 4 books so far. The author's website states that she will be announcing a new cozy series in 2019! I enjoyed this short story. I own book 1 of this series, High Strung. Looking forward to reading it!

**I received a free copy of this short story from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.**… (mehr)

High Strung is the first instalment in the Glass Beads Mystery series. After reading this one, I am looking forward to the next.

The book begins with Jax O'Connell, living in Florida with her deadbeat boyfriend, receiving a letter from the lawyer of her late aunt Rita. She has been left in her will her house in Seattle, with one condition. She must move there and live in the house. The letter she is sent reads: "I know inside your tired heart is a woman waiting to start living." Then she sets the condition, "You must live in my house and find your creative passion. I hope my gift helps you live the life you love."

Jax accepts the offer, dumps her boyfriend, quits her job and moves to Seattle. The house has been divided into a duplex so she fixes up one side and rents it out to flamboyant Val. Her side contains a studio, Aunt Rita was a quilt artist, that she turns into a studio to make glass beads.

A bead event, hosted by Aztec Beads, brings together bead and jewellery makes from all over. There are workshops, parties and of course displays of the beautiful items. When Rosie, the hostess of the event almost dies after falling down the stairs and being choked by her beaded necklace, Jax is there to save her and get he to the hospital. The next morning while helping Tessa, her best friend and mentor clean up, they discover the body of a young homeless bead maker in the dumpster. Are these two events related? Who killed Missy? Both Tessa and Jax are suspects at one point in the story.

The many characters that are introduced in the story are wonderful. From the shy beadmaker, to Rosie and her daughter, Val and Tessa and all their families, the book tells you as much about the life in the town and the bead making business as it does about solving the mystery, but it is all entertaining.

I did not have the slightest idea of who the murderer was which makes the book more interesting to me. I am looking forward to the next instalment.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.… (mehr)

Jax is in a rush to deliver some of her handmade glass beads to a glass gallery, but afterwards, she can't find her car. She either forgot where she parked, or her precious Ladybug has been stolen. Not to mention it's Valentine's Day, so Jax hopes to track down her missing wheels and maybe get something together to scoot her love life along in Be Still My Beading Heart: A Glass Bead Mini-Mystery by author Janice Peacock.

Well! It turns out this ebook is mostly comprised of all the Bonus Material after the short story, so the story itself is the bonus, to me. And I'd say the mystery and the romance play pretty equal parts in this quick tale.

So, even though the story didn't fill as much reading time as I expected, I otherwise got what I was looking for out of it: a jolly little read with a crime to solve and some fun romance woven in. I enjoyed the story's humor and was pleased to see that it's set in Seattle—best city ever! Plus, sometimes I just want a mystery that isn't about murder, since, yes, there are other types of cases to solve.

Cozy mystery fans may want to check this Glass Bead Mystery series out.… (mehr)