Picture a storyteller who swapped circuit boards for cozy mysteries, stitching together tales as intricate as a handcrafted quilt—meet Arlene Sachitano! This Oregon-based author weaves suspense and charm in her Harriet Truman/Loose Threads mystery series, where a long-arm quilter turns amateur sleuth in the fictional Foggy Point, Washington. With a knack for blending craft and crime, Sachitano’s stories captivate readers who crave cozy mysteries with a creative twist.
The Making of Arlene Sachitano
Born at Camp Pendleton during her father’s U.S. Navy service, Arlene Sachitano’s early life was shaped by movement, from Newport, Rhode Island, to the Pacific Northwest, where she now calls Oregon home. Before penning mysteries, she spent nearly three decades in the electronics industry, diving into solid-state research and production supervision. A skilled quilter and knitter, Sachitano’s love for crafting sparked her writing career, inspired by her passion for Agatha Christie’s intricate plots. Her transition from tech to storytelling was a natural fit, channeling her precision into crafting cozy mysteries.
Arlene Sachitano’s Unforgettable Stories
Sachitano’s Harriet Truman/Loose Threads series, starting with Quilt as Desired (2007), introduces Harriet Truman, a widow who inherits her aunt’s quilting business and a knack for solving mysteries. Set in Foggy Point, the series blends small-town charm with thrilling plots, as Harriet and her quilting guild, the Loose Threads, unravel crimes alongside their stitches. In Quilter’s Knot (2008), Harriet tackles a murder at a quilting retreat, while Quilt as You Go (2009) weaves a Civil War reenactment into a deadly puzzle. Her latest, Quilts of a Feather (2025), continues the tradition of cozy suspense. Sachitano’s style shines through vivid quilting details, relatable characters, and tightly woven plots that keep readers guessing.
Beyond the Loose Threads series, Sachitano explores other mysteries, like the Permelia O’Brien series, featuring a knitting enthusiast, and the Harley Spring mysteries, delving into corporate intrigue. Her stories celebrate community, creativity, and the quiet strength of everyday heroes, making them a perfect escape for fans of cozy mysteries.
Why Arlene Sachitano Matters
Arlene Sachitano’s impact lies in her ability to elevate the cozy mystery genre with her unique blend of crafting and sleuthing. Her novels resonate with quilters and non-quilters alike, offering a warm yet thrilling escape into Foggy Point’s tight-knit community. By spotlighting the art of quilting, she preserves and promotes a traditional craft while delivering modern, engaging stories. Sachitano’s work inspires readers to find joy in creativity and connection, proving that even the quietest hobbies can lead to gripping adventures.
- Born: Camp Pendleton, California
- Key Works: Harriet Truman/Loose Threads series, Permelia O’Brien series
- Hobbies: Quilting, knitting
- Residence: Portland and Tillamook, Oregon
Ready to dive into a cozy mystery that’s as comforting as a handmade quilt? Snag Quilt as Desired and let Arlene Sachitano’s charming world of Foggy Point unravel before you!