High Strung: A Glass Bead Mystery 1, by Janice Peacock

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Last year I decided I wanted to challenge myself to read an entire book in one day. At the time, I didn't know when it would happen, nor which book it would be. In December I finally decided I wanted to make an attempt to accomplish this goal with the last cozy mystery of the year that I read - High Strung, A Glass Bead Mystery 1, by Janice Peacock. It just so happened that this book was just over two hundred pages, about one hundred pages shorter than most other books I've read. So that made it a little easier. On Monday, December 26, 2022 I accomplished my goal. It took about four hours total reading time, but since I took breaks throughout the day, it took about 14 hours.

Jax O'Connell is happily living the good life in Seattle as a beadmaker and jewelry designer. She works from home in her newly inherited house. Jax accepts an offer to display her work at a local bead shop's grand opening. Things go awry when a young beadmaker is found dead. To make matters worse for Jax, her best friend Tess quickly becomes a prime suspect. Jax is determined to untangle this mystery and clear her best friend's name. 

I ended the year on a high note with High Strung. This was unquestionably one of my favorite cozies that I read in 2022. Once the mystery got started, I was engaged and I wanted justice to be served. I had my suspicions about who ended up being the culprit, but I did waver a few times. 

As is the case for many first-in-series cozies, the body is discovered several chapters into the book. I am not usually a fan of the mystery starting so late in the book (though I understand the need to introduce and get to know the characters). However, this one had my attention from beginning to end. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. What I also enjoyed, and why I chose this book in the first place, was reading about the bead making. I used to make jewelry quite often, mostly by stringing beads, and I've always been fascinated by all kinds of beads. I've been to many a bead show. Those bead shows are eye candy for any fan of beads. I was fully immersed in the detailed descriptions of the bead making process in this book. It is clear that the author is very knowledgeable and passionate about this subject, which I appreciate.

This was an enjoyable read also because of the humor. There are some laugh-out-loud moments throughout the book. In fact, I'm still replaying some of it in my mind and laughing about it.The humor is tasteful and not too over-the-top.

This was a fairly easy book to read all in one day because I enjoyed it so much and I did not want to put it down. However, it was also tiring and I don't think I'll be doing this again anytime soon. I was exhausted (but happy) at the end of the day. I'm glad I did it at least once.

I wish my best friend was still here so I could share this book experience with her. We used to make jewelry and attend bead shows together. I'm glad I did discover the series, though, and that I can share my experience with all of you. Book 2 in this series, A Bead in the Hand, is high priority on my TBR list. I will definitely be continuing this series and I hope you'll give it a try too, if you haven't already. Let me know in the comments if you have read it and what you think or if you think it's one you might like to read.