Step into the delightful chaos of the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries, where glue guns are deadly, and a crafty sleuth stitches together clues with wit and humor! This cozy mystery series by Lois Winston follows Anastasia Pollack, a widowed crafts editor turned reluctant amateur detective, as she navigates murders, family drama, and financial woes in suburban New Jersey. Perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum, this series blends suspense, crafting, and laugh-out-loud moments into a charming package.
With its relatable heroine and clever plot twists, Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries offers a refreshing take on the cozy mystery genre. Kirkus Reviews calls it 'North Jersey’s more mature answer to Stephanie Plum,' and readers can’t get enough of Anastasia’s spunky spirit and knack for solving crimes amidst domestic mayhem.
How Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries Began
Lois Winston, a USA Today bestselling author and former craft designer, launched the series in 2011 with Assault with a Deadly Glue Gun. Drawing from her experience as a crafts editor for consumer magazines, Winston crafted Anastasia as a grounded, feisty protagonist who mirrors the struggles of modern women. The idea sparked when Winston’s agent pitched a crafting mystery, but she ditched the typical shop-owner lead for a magazine editor, adding a unique spin. Her background in romance and suspense, paired with a love for humor, shaped the series’ distinctive tone.
The Heart of Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries
The series kicks off with Assault with a Deadly Glue Gun, where Anastasia’s life unravels after her husband’s death reveals his gambling debts and a loan shark’s threats. When a colleague is found glued to her office chair, Anastasia becomes the prime suspect and must clear her name. In Death by Killer Mop Doll, she’s roped into a TV show gig that turns deadly when a producer is murdered. Revenge of the Crafty Corpse sees her teaching crafts at a senior center, only to investigate a resident’s death when her mother-in-law is accused. Scrapbook of Murder weaves guilt and grief as Anastasia helps a friend’s daughter while solving another killing.
Set in northern New Jersey, the series blends cozy mystery staples—small-town vibes, quirky characters—with darker themes like betrayal and financial strain. Anastasia’s sharp humor and crafting expertise shine, with each book including craft projects for readers to try. Themes of resilience, family loyalty, and empowerment resonate, as Anastasia juggles her chaotic life with courage and caustic wit, making her a standout in the genre.
Why Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries Resonates
The series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery world, earning praise for its relatable protagonist and clever storytelling. Fans love Anastasia’s authenticity—she’s no superhero, just a woman tackling life’s messes with grit and humor. Winston’s ability to weave crafting into intricate plots, alongside mature themes like aging and loss, sets the series apart. With 13 books and several novellas, it’s a beloved escape for readers seeking suspense with heart.
The series’ impact lies in its community of fans who connect over Anastasia’s trials and triumphs. Winston’s engaging narratives and crafty details inspire readers to embrace their creativity while unraveling mysteries. Its enduring appeal proves that even in a crowded genre, a fresh voice like Anastasia’s can shine.
- First Book Published: 2011 (Assault with a Deadly Glue Gun)
- Total Books: 13, plus novellas
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
- Awards: Critically acclaimed, dubbed 'North Jersey’s Stephanie Plum' by Kirkus Reviews
Grab Assault with a Deadly Glue Gun and dive into the Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries’ world of crafts, crime, and clever sleuthing!