Has anyone read the Benni Harper mystery books that also pertain to quilting. The author is Earlene Fowler They are titled after quilt patterns and features that pattern. Some titles are Goose in the Pond, Irish Chain, Dove in the Window. I have read the Elm Creek series and was wonder if the Benni Harper series is worth reading? Do you know how many are in the series and what order they go in. Any info would be helpful, I hate to buy books for them to collect dust on a shelf.

Thanks

I think I know one of our members who reads them. I will watch for her update on this post./Regards, Dorothy

I've read most if not all of them. I like them a lot. She may have a new one that I haven't seen yet. It is good to read them in order. Some of the events in one will spill over into another or be refenced in another. I don't know which is the first one, but you can probably go to Amazon and check the copyright dates. They are pretty quick reads.

I've read a few of them and enjoyed them.

I've never even heard of them, but they sound interesting. I might have to check them out to. Wonder if the library would have them.

I liked them - but there really wasn't that much directly related to quilting in the ones I read.

I would put them in the same category as "The Cat Who ... " type of mysteries.

Kind of fluffy reading.

Definitely not Patricia Cornwell type of mystery.

I have read all of the Benni Harper books, and have the last one on hold at the library.

I got all mine at the library, I'm to cheap to pay for a book, and I don't have the space in my house to store stuff like that!

I would say they are a light read, and not so much into the quilting techiniques or friendship part of quilting.

I like the term "fluff reading"!

Theresa

I've read most of them. I don't know how many there are either. I pass all my books on at our local library sale room and I don't remember which of them I've read. I always have to read the blurb on the book before I buy it, even then I've bought books twice.

Many authors have websites these days, and most of them list their books in order somewhere on their website.

Here is Earlene Fowler's book list page, so you can see how many Benni Harper books there are and in order order: http://www.earlenefowler.com/books.htm

I've read up to Goose in the Pond and plan to continue, am just taking a break. They are fun to read. I would call them light reading rather than fluff, but I agree, they're not heavy on quilting.

I haven't heard of them, but I am definitely going to check them out.

Thanks, I wrote them down to see if our little library has them. I know they can order from bigger libraries too!

I love the Benni Harper books. I got them from the library and once I read the first one, I was hooked. Sure they're light reading, but there's nothing wrong with that. I strongly recommend you read them in order; they're much more fun that way.

Earlene Fowler also co-wrote a quilting book; I think it's called "Benni Harper Quilt Album." I really liked several of the patterns in it and she also included additional stories about the characters in the books. However, you don't want to read these stories until after you read the first several books.

Enjoy!

They are good to read but not as "quilty" as Elm Creek.
Can you order them from your library?

I wouldn't buy them, unless you like to own books. Most libraries carry them and they are such a quick read that they go in and out fast so you don't have to wait long if a copy isn't in.

There is a Benni Harper mystery quilt club on line that you might want to check out as well, if you become a fan.

Another author who writes fiction with quilting is Sandra Dallas.

I've read a lot of them. They're OK - nothing earth shattering - but fine when you aren't in the mood to really think about what you're reading. They probably should be read in order, but if not, it's OK. You can figure things out - they're not that complex.

Thanks for these two tips! I'll be checking both of them out.

:thumbup:

I HATE to own books but I have a hard enough time finding someone to grocery shopping for us let alone go to the library to get me books.

She is so popular you cannot find them in the used stores either. I googled " fiction quilt books" and there are other authurs out there too. I even raed the Debbie Mccomber book and it's mostly knitting but I enjoy their meetings and friendships they make too. I just finished one by Arlene Sachitano called Quilt as Desired. It was good and she has lots of books out too. YOu might check her out. Happy reading.

I've read them, in fact I own most of them. Can't find them in my library half the time. I'm cleaning out books I'll never read again, and these fit the category. They weren't bad, just weren't great enough for me to hold on to. If anyone is interested, I will send them for cost of postage. I'll look at the books and let you know how many I have.

someone on the board was talking about them the other day on here

Yes I have read everyone. I even got one sign at houston one year. I read her stuff over and over. I have also ready the onje about the saddlemakers wife She is great

Hi tru..
never was a reader until I found the Elm Creek series...but I did get a good buy on two of Clare O'Donohue's paperback
mysteries..........pretty good and fast reading...

"The Lover's Knot" and "A Drunkard's Path"

The latest in the Elm Creek, "The Aloha Quilt" just arrived from Amazon....haven't started it as yet but will soon.......

mj

I love to read and some days that is all I have energy for. I love my library but some of the less know authors they don't have. I would love to read Arlene Sachitano but they don't have it. :-( I have even bought some books to finish out series that I started and then donated them to the library. I like all kinds of mystery stories but especially ones that have a theme such as quilts or anything to do with needlework or gardening etc. I have to see if they have the lastest Elm Creek book

I really like the Earlene Fowler books. They are in a catagory of "cozy mysteries". Here is a web site with lots of them. www.cozy-mysteries.com Sorry, don't know how to make this a link. I usually buy used ones from Amazon and have been happy with them.

Yes, I have read most of Earlene Fowler's Benni Harper's books. Enjoyed them, too. Easy read, kind of like literary M&M's.

I've read them and love them. They're very easy reading and are light mysteries. I used to live in the area in California where she writes about so that makes them even more interesting. If you start reading them I'd start with the first one and move on, that way you'll know who all the characters are and how they got there.

I have read every one of them including the most recent one. Loved them all! Bought most of them used thru amazon. I found the order on the author's website.

I have read the Elm Creek series and LOVED it. Actually, that is what got me into quilting again. I made 1 finished Log Cabin quilt about 25 years ago and also finished a quilt top right after that. I have not quilted in all this time but the Elm Creek Quileters made me go dig out all my quilting thing (guess I got rid of some of it and had to replace a few things). There are a few books in the series that I have been trying to get from the library but it is one POPULAR series in my area. Love...love...love the Elm Creek Quilters!!!!!!

I have Block Base by Barbara Brackman. It is a stand alone program and I am so glad I have it. I have yet to find a block anywhere that is not in BB. I can print it any size or instruction that I want...it sure cuts down on books.

I have taken to reading the Catherine Cookson novels, they are just marvelous. After collecting nine of her movies and watching them, I just had to get the books from the library and read those others too. I think she made wrote 100 books and I will read them all.

I've been lurking here for some time and just had to add to this topic. Have any of you read books by Emilie Richards? I just picked up "Touching Stars" at Curves where we have a book exchange. She has a few more titles--"Lover's Knot" (Which I just finished, the quilt that is, for first DGS to get married), Wedding Ring", Endless lChain".

thanks for all the info these are now on my to read list.

Great ! More pleasurable reading!!

I got hooked on J.D. Robb's Eve Dallas series. Has not a thing to do with quilting. lol. Checked out all the books and books on tape. I have read Emilie Richards books too. And one about an herb shop owner that solves mysteries. I read like 3 books a week or more if they are the fluff kind. And that's just reading before I go to bed. When I was recovering from surgery there were days I was reading 2 books a day . You can only watch so much TV.

I tried to get into the quilt-mysteries but found them a little contrived. SO I am back to regular guts and gore.

What do you consider regular guts and gore? I like Patterson and his Alex Cross series. And Jeffery Deaver
I am always looking for new authors

Love Patterson and Deaver too.
New authurs you might like to check out:
Julia Spencer-Fleming
Jan Burke
Greg Isles
Jonnie Jacobs
Faye & John Kellerman
John Sanford
I also love Diana Gabaldon, Jodi Picoult and J D Robb.
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

I have read some of the Benni Harper series and they are a light/relaxing read. Also enjoy reading Patterson's Alex Cross series.

I love Benni Harper books. The character is well developed and fun! If you like murder mysteries they are great books.

I've read all of Diana Gabaldon, and of course J.D Robb,
I am going to check out the rest on your list. I may have read some and just not remember the author

I love them myself, and pick them up every time I see a new one.
Here's the Internet site for them.
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Earlene Fowler
A bibliography of Earlene Fowler's books, with the latest releases, covers, descriptions and availability.
www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/f/earlene-fowler/ - Similar