Kitzi is strictly a hobbyist, but Beth is a serious beader with serious talent. Beth is also in an unhappy marriage and lacks confident where her talent is concerned and Kitzi is certain a contract with a nation-wide catalog could be just what Beth needs.

Along with Beth”s seventeen-year-old daughter Shannan, and a psychotic cat named Sinatra, the group heads to Camp Green Clover for a relaxing weekend of learning the latest trends and techniques and renewing old friendships. The last thing anyone expected at the retreat is murder.

May Feather, professional beader is found dead in the river the first morning at camp, after Kitzi and Shannan saw May with Shannan’s father in the back of a parked car. Even though she is not proud of spying, Kitzi urges Shannan to tell the police about their late night trip, but when the teenager balks, Kitzi doesn’t fess up either, afraid it will make Shannan look guilty of something.

Kitzi raises the detective’s antenna and now he has developed a special interest in Kitzi. If trying to stay under the police radar and keeping her friend from finding out what a creep her husband really is isn’t enough, Kitzi’s former lover Jeb is at the camp for a family reunion with his sister the camp owner. Kitzi and Jeb never really ended their relationship and Kitzi still has unresolved issues where Jeb is concerned. Not helping the situation is Jeb’s brother Nate, who seems to have a mutual magnetic attraction to Kitzi.

There are many things here to enjoy, especially the characters (many of whom have strong personalities) and their interplay with each other. The investigation into May’s murder is a little unfocused as are the reason’s Kitzi and Shannan make several trips off the camp grounds over the short weekend. The beading sessions offer several ideas, but could have been expanded for contrast with the murder investigation. While some of Kitzi’s far past is explored, her current life is only touched on, with messages left for her two adult children and elderly mother, yet Kitzi has potential for growing into an enjoyable heroine. Bead on Trouble is an enjoyable first mystery that will appeal to the craftier set.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry