I am participating in a readathon for the month of November hosted by James J. Cudney on This is My Truth Now. We are reading the first four books in Renaissance Faire cozy mysteries by Joyce and Jim Lavene.
I read the first book back in 2015, so had to skim it to remember what it was about. Below is my review from the first time I read it. I added a few new thoughts to the end.
Wicked Weaves (A Renaissance Faire Mystery #1)
4 Stars: This is the first book in the Renaissance Faire mystery series. The main character in this book is Jessie Morton. She is a professor who is earning her doctorate. Every summer she works at the Renaissance Faire and apprentices to different people to learn everything she can about the period and the crafts. This year she is working with Mary Shift, a master basket-weaver. When Mary’s ex-husband turns up dead outside her shop, she is the prime suspect. The fact that nobody knew she had ever been married or had a son added to the mystery. As days go on and Jessie and Chase, the town ballif and her new boyfriend try to figure out who the murderer is. When Mary disappears, Jessie thinks she knows what is going on. I really enjoyed this series. The characters were a hoot as they acted in character during the story. It was funny, romantic and there was a mystery, what else could you ask for. I am definitely going to look for the next one in the series.
Additions in 2018: The mystery in this book, was not front and centre, the story was very much about the setting of the Renaissance Faire. Learning about the many crafts and jobs of the time will be covered over the next few books. This one was about basket-weaving. As I have become an avid reader of cozy fiction over the last few years, I would definitely not rate this book as high now as I did three years ago, I would probably give it 3 stars now. The pacing of this book was very halting. You start getting into the flow, then the chapter ends. I shall see how the next one goes. I also want to mention that since I read this book, both Jim and Joyce Lavene have passed on. They were prolific writers in the cozy mystery genre and have many followers of their books. Rest in Peace Jim and Joyce Lavene.
November 16, 2018 at 1:21 pm
Isn’t it amazing how our views change! Thanks for sharing again. I’ll link at the main page @: https://thisismytruthnow.com/tbd-readathon-november-2018/
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November 16, 2018 at 3:07 am
I’m becoming a real fan of cosy mysteries – many thanks for the review and enjoy the rest of the read-a-thon:)
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November 16, 2018 at 9:24 am
Thanks Sarah, I hope I do.
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November 15, 2018 at 7:02 pm
Ah it’s interesting how our tastes can change through the years or even perhaps just on different days with a different mood. Sorry it wasn’t such a hit with you the second time though.
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November 15, 2018 at 9:40 pm
I think that may be why I am putting off reading the next one even though I committed to doing this readathon.
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November 17, 2018 at 11:18 pm
I would have the same problem I’m sure.
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November 14, 2018 at 3:47 pm
Lovely review. I like how you showed how you changed up your rating.
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November 14, 2018 at 3:49 pm
Thanks Nina
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November 14, 2018 at 4:09 am
Great review, Carla for what sounds like a great series. Its interesting how our feelings about books change over time. I think I am the same way with thrillers. A few years back, they were all so jaw dropping 😀 Now I struggle to find out that isn’t too predictable.
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November 14, 2018 at 8:17 am
I agree with that. When I come across a book that seems predictable, I don’t rush to finish it as I might have in the past.
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November 13, 2018 at 10:37 pm
It’s very interesting that your rating has changed, but I understand. I know I have been affected by my reading as well.
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November 14, 2018 at 8:16 am
I think there are so many different styles in the cozy mystery genre, that the more I read them, my preference for what is important in the story changes and becomes more refined, if that makes sense.
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November 12, 2018 at 7:31 pm
Wonderful review, Carla. I love the idea of a cozy-a-thon. Today I bought an Eva Gates cozy from the Lighthouse Library series because it had a lighthouse and a cat on the cover, along with good reviews.
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November 12, 2018 at 9:30 pm
I have read a couple from Eva Gates Lighthouse Library series and liked them, I hope you do as well. I am also a person who often selects books based on the cover. They are usually always pretty good.
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November 12, 2018 at 6:39 pm
What a great time of year for any kind of cozy-a-thon! Isn’t it funny how our tastes change over time? Though this sounds like it would be right up my alley. I love the idea of a Ren Faire, but I’ve never been to one. Great reviews. 🙂
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November 12, 2018 at 6:48 pm
Thanks Angie. I am looking forward to reading the next one and seeing what I think.
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November 12, 2018 at 9:22 am
I read this series over the summer and enjoyed it. Great post!
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November 12, 2018 at 10:00 am
Thanks Angela.
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