Title: Stitches in Time
Author: Barbara Michaels
First published January 1, 1995
387 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780061044748 (ISBN10: 0061044741)
Rating: 3.95
Overview
When a powerful entity threatens to use a magical relic to control all supernatural beings, Zoey Donovan takes on the challenge of finding it before it falls into the wrong hands. With her best furry friend missing and a new set of werewolf bodyguards by her side, Zoey races against time to track down the Strong Arm of Remus.
But when a vengeful enemy appears on the scene, Zoey realizes the stakes are higher than ever before. With the fate of the world in her hands, she must use her wit and cunning to outsmart her foes and save the day.
Can Zoey pull off the impossible once again? Only time will tell in this heart-pumping adventure full of danger and intrigue.
About the Author
Did you know that Barbara Michaels was actually a pen name used by Barbara Mertz? Not only did she write under that pseudonym, but she also wrote under the names Elizabeth Peters and her own given name.
Mertz hailed from Canton, Illinois and has published more than fifty books, with some of them delving into the world of Egyptology. It’s worth noting that Dr. Mertz earned a Ph.D. in Egyptology from the University of Chicago.
Editoral Review
Stitches in Time by Barbara Michaels is a gothic mystery novel that was first published on January 1, 1995. The book explores themes of superstition, suffrage, and mystery, and it is written in the classic form of a whodunit.
Barbara Michaels, who passed away in 2013, was a pseudonym for Barbara Mertz, who was a prolific writer of historical and mystery fiction. Being a trained Egyptologist, Michaels brought fascinating insights into the ancient civilizations and culture, which she incorporated into her novels.
Stitches in Time is set in the 1920s in a cozy town in rural America. The protagonist, Julianne, is a young woman who has returned to her ancestral home in Mystic, Connecticut, to study antique sewing techniques.
Her visit is cut short when her wealthy aunt is found dead, and Julianne becomes the prime suspect in the case. Soon, she discovers that she is not the only one who has a motive for the murder, and as she starts investigating, she realizes that there are more secrets to unravel than she thought.
The book takes a dive into the world of suffrage and the pervading social norms of the 1920s. Through the story, Michaels weaves the struggles of women’s rights into a tapestry of intrigue and murder.
The setting is also rich in history a world where superstition and the occult were rife. Michaels’ writing style is easy to read and gripping, and her characters are well-crafted, with distinct personalities and motives.
Julianne is a strong, intelligent woman who stands against the social norms of her time. Other characters, like a fellow seamstress, a handsome detective, and Julianne’s manipulative cousin, add complexity to the story, making the book a compelling read.
The plot of the book is well-thought-out and well-structured, and Michaels manages to keep the readers guessing until the end. The pacing is just right, neither too fast nor too slow, keeping the story engaging from beginning to end.
The themes of the book are refreshing and thought-provoking, and make the book relevant even today. While the book is a great read overall, it does have a few flaws.
Some of the minor characters are underdeveloped and could have been given more depth. Additionally, the supernatural elements of the story feel out of place at times and could be a turn-off for readers who prefer realistic storylines.
Overall, Stitches in Time is a great read for fans of gothic mystery novels. The book has a unique setting and thought-provoking themes, and Michaels’ writing style is charming and engaging.
I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good whodunit, historical fiction, or a book that explores social issues. On a scale of one to five, I would give this book four stars.