Hooks Can Be Deceiving: A Crochet Mystery

A lively ensemble cast led by Molly Pink, assistant manager of Shedd & Royal Books in Tarzana, Calif., lifts Hechtman’s entertaining, well-paced 13th Crochet mystery (after On the Hook). Molly and the other crochet enthusiasts who call themselves the Tarzana Hookers are all abuzz because the Craftee Channel plans to feature them in the first episode of a new program, to be filmed in the shop. Amid this excitement, two new members join the Hookers: Marianne Freeman and her assistant/companion, Connie Richards. When Connie is fatally electrocuted in what seems a bizarre accident, Molly’s ex-boyfriend, homicide detective Barry Greenberg, surprises her by asking that she do a little sleuthing on the case, finally admitting that her instincts have proven valuable in the past. Hechtman skillfully weaves the whodunit plot with intriguing personal story lines: How will Dinah Lyons, Molly’s best friend, deal with her deeply unpleasant visiting stepdaughter? And who’s the pseudonymous author of the steamy, self-published novel, The Hot Zone, who tells Molly at her book signing event that she trained Connie as a companion? Cozy fans will have fun. Agent: Jessica Faust, BookEnds Literary. (Dec.)