Betty Hechtman Books In Order

Publication Order of Crochet Mysteries Books

Publication Order of A Crochet and Crumpets Mystery Books

Publication Order of Writer For Hire Mysteries Books

Publication Order of Yarn Retreat Mysteries Books

Publication Order of Blue Schwartz Books

An American author well known for her cosy brand of mysteries, Betty Hechtman has been writing for a number of years now and, having grown up in the south side of Chicago, went on to become a household name for many, both nationally and internationally. With her warm style and gentle sense of wit and good humor, she keeps her readers engaged through her finely crafted characters and well paced mysteries that maintain a sense of intrigue and suspense throughout. Whilst the genre with all its well worn codes and conventions could easily slip into cliché, in her hands she is able to place enough of a twist on them in order to bring about something new and interesting.

Early and Personal Life

Born in the south side of Chicago, it was here that she spent the formative years of her life, taking in inspiration from the world around her, drawing upon her experiences which enabled her to form the articulate voice that she has today in her writing. With a strong passion for both reading and the written word from a very early age, she was able to craft her skills, as she honed and refined her love of literature over the years. Maintaining a whole range of creative interests throughout her life, she has managed to draw upon a variety of other different skills and outlets too, many of which made their way into her finished novels later on.

Going on to study at Roosevelt University, she soon graduated with a B.A. in Fine Art, a course which saw her studying everything from tap dancing to magic performances, thus giving her a greater insight into the creative process, allowing to explore her talents in different ways. Moving on afterwards, she went to live in Los Angeles and, before long she was married, still maintaining her passion for writing throughout. Whilst she may have studied in a number of different professions, it was the role of writer that she was always interested in, a dream and passion that she’d constantly keep with her.

Many jobs throughout her life have revolved around writing, many of which involved creating columns for newspapers and magazines, producing copy for public relations firms, publishing biographies, and even submitting some screenplays, some of which she managed to sell, along with winning a contest for another. All of this managed to prepare her for the writing career that was to follow as she branched out into her novels, all whilst providing for her family. Over the course of this period, as she was a stay-at-home mother, she not only gained experience and a unique insight into the publishing industry, but she also managed to raise her profile as well.

With her love of crochet, she now incorporates such interests into her writing through such series as her ‘Crochet Mysteries’ series for which she is perhaps best known. Creating stories about what she has a passion for is reflected in her work, and it is an eagerness which has proved infectious for her readers as well. Still writing to this day, she continues to publish her books, as fans worldwide keenly await each novel with anticipation, something which will continue for some time yet.

Writing Career

Her first novel ‘Hooked on Murder’ came out in 2008 on the sixth of May and was released through the Berkley publishing house. Setting up the premise for the ‘Crochet Mysteries’ franchise, she managed to produce a successful series, a success which was soon replicated with the ‘Yarn Retreat Mystery’ series in 2013. Both franchises involved her primary pastime, a pastime which proved to be a popular hit with her readers as well.

She is no stranger to critical acclaim either, as she has won a number of awards for her writing as well, gaining the admiration of both her peers and contemporaries. With her work appealing to a worldwide audience, her books are read both nationally and internationally by a variety of different readers. It appears that she’s not going to be stopping anytime soon either, as her career grows from strength-to-strength with more titles set to be released into the foreseeable future.

By Hook or by Crook

Originally published on the 16th of April in 2009, this was to be the third book in the ‘Crochet Mystery’ series, as it was initially brought out through the Berkley publishing label. Using the same theme driven narrative as the previous novels, it centers itself around the subject of crochet, and the mysteries that happen around a group of crafts-people. Knowing its genre well, Hechtman is able to play with the codes and conventions, giving the readers what they want, but also providing enough of a twist to keep them engaged.

Molly Pink and her team of crocheters are faced with a new mystery when they discover a paper bag with a collection of strange and question raising items in it. One is a note which tells of remorse in detail, then another which features a diary entry explaining the sorrow of parting, and then a complex segment of filet crochet depicting a clue in pictures. That’s when one of the more talented crocheters is murdered, their body discovered to have been poisoned by a box of deadly marzipan apples. What could be the motive behind the murder? Will they strike again? Can they find the killer by hook or by crook?

Wound Up in Murder

Initially published in 2015 on the 7th of July through the Berkley publishing label once again, this was the third book in the Yarn Retreat Mystery franchise. Like before, it is a series revolving around the principal passions of Betty Hechtman, as she writes about what she knows, with an eye for accuracy. Whilst it may be similar to the Crochet Mystery series, it features a new set of characters, all revolving around dessert chef Casey Feldstein and the business that was left to her by her deceased aunt; ‘Yarn2Go’.

Setting up yarn retreats whereby knitters come to work on personal projects, Casey is now setting up her third one in the Monterey Peninsula. Giving all the knitters there a project to work on for the duration of their time there, she comes across a murder following an argument between an organizer and his wife. After this it seems that an investigation is now underway, as the knitters all get together to discover all the clues and find out who the murderer is before it’s too late. Why did they commit such a heinous act? Where will they strike again? How did they find themselves all wound up in murder?

6 Responses to “Betty Hechtman”

1. Lorueen: 11 months ago

   I just finished your last book Killer Hooks can’t wait for the next one.

   Reply
2. ShirleyAnne Smithey: 2 years ago

   Love all your books. Waiting for the next Crochet book.

   Reply
3. Lorueen: 2 years ago

   I have read all your Crochet mysteries and am on your last Yard Retreat mysteries
   I love your books

   Reply
4. MaryGrace Raine: 2 years ago

   Love your books, the way you develop the characters as well as the plot. Look forward to more good reads.

   Reply
5. Helen Suridge: 3 years ago

   I have just finished reading Murder Ink which i found on the ‘new books shelf’ at my local library in Blackwood Adelaide South Australia.
   I really loved it and the character Veronica. I am looking forward to reading more of your books now that i have discovered you😊

   Reply
6. Pat France: 3 years ago

   Love your crochet mystery books! Thanks for being a cozy author.

   Reply