A Model Mystery

A Model Mystery photo

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In the world of crochet fashion design, Kate Stevens knows that sometimes that which is old becomes new again. That’s what initially brings her to the door of Bebe Morehouse, a supermodel from the 1970s who now operates Bluebonnet Farm and Yoga Retreat near Kate’s home in Sage Hills, Texas.

Kate’s next book is a retro-look at the mod fashions of the ’70s, and Bebe’s collection of garments is a perfect fit for gathering ideas. But when Kate and her best friend, Vivi Lawrence, arrive at Bebe’s farm, they are drawn into a web of intrigue and danger.

First Slim Baker, a shyster who is trying to buy Bebe’s property to develop a motorsports park, puts pressure on the retired model to sell out. Then Bebe’s personal assistant is assaulted, with the unknown assailant slipping away undetected. Kate and Vivi set out to solve the mystery before it turns deadly.

Meanwhile, Kate and Paige Bryant, another of Kate’s friends who is the owner of the Once Upon a Yarn needlecraft shop, plan a retro fashion show to benefit a local women’s shelter. The show will feature items from Bebe’s personal collection along with several of Kate’s designs, all modeled by Kate’s daughter, Vanessa, and several of Vanessa’s college friends.

But the ongoing problems at Bluebonnet Farm worsen and bring Kate’s plans into doubt. Kate and Vivi, along with the help of Fort Worth police detective Peter Matthews, lay a trap for whomever is playing havoc with Bebe and her enterprise. 

Kate’s hope is that she, Vivi, and Peter can crack the case before this model mystery turns into a model murder.

The Characters

Single mother. Accomplished crochet designer. Murder suspect!

At 42 years old, Kate would have never expected to be described as any of these. But sometimes life has a funny way of taking you down the path least expected. The one thing that has remained constant in Kate's life is her amazing ability to turn imagined crochet designs into beautiful creations that others can enjoy.

It's Kate's God-given talent that landed her an amazing book deal featuring her crochet designs ... but will it end up being one huge mistake?

Known as the neighborhood serial killer -- of plants, that is -- Vivi is full of energy and excitement, and is always happy to share one of her mom's delicious home-cooked meals with Kate. While she may be a few years younger than Kate and not quite as skilled at crocheting, Vivi proves to be a tried-and-true friend who is happy to lend a hand in getting to the bottom of Kate's latest dilemma.

One of Fort Worth's finest detectives, Peter's handsome dark blue eyes can sparkle with mischief at times. The epitome of a Western lawman with his tall frame and wide shoulders, Peter is a welcome face as Kate works to clear her name in her book publisher's sudden death. For his part, Peter is captivated by Kate's smile and wants to be more than just a friend.

The owner of Once Upon a Yarn, a needlecraft shop in Fort Worth, Paige is full of life and wisdom. She likes to stock her shop with a mix of traditional and trendy needle arts that are as beautiful as her colorful personality. Delighted to welcome Kate into her cozy crafters' boutique, Paige at times finds herself stepping away from the counter to help Kate with her latest mystery.

A longtime friend of Paige Bryant and her husband, Adam provides Kate with practical advice to guide her career and helps fill the void left by Kate's father who died during her childhood. Adam has known his share of grief as well. Widowed two years ago, Adam learned crochet from his late wife, Julia, during her final illness. The craft provides constant comfort for him.

The old adage says, "like mother, like daughter," and Vanessa has definitely inherited Kate's keen eye for crochet design. But right now Vanessa prefers to wear her mother's designs than create her own. She's more focused on enjoying and exploring life as a freshman at Regency College in Fort Worth with an occasional stopover to see how Mom is settling into her new home in Sage Hills.

With a pleasant smile and laugh lines around his eyes, Roger is Kate's good-natured contact at Creative Inspirations Publishing. Their popular new magazine, Hook and Needle Artistry, featured Kate on the cover with an exclusive story inside the first issue. Now, Kate has a regular column in this well-liked craft magazine.