Take a step back into history, and follow the threads of eleven stories that feature mystery, romance, and suspense, woven into a tapestry quilt of events that will lead you through many genres; all with the theme of “sewing” interwoven into the collection.

From the nimble fingers of a slave stitching codes into her quilts to help runaway slaves obtain freedom, to a mystifying fire during the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, to a Haight-Asbury romantic interlude between a professor and a bewitching macramé designer; each story adds another quilt block to this duvet of skillfully intertwined tales.

One of my favorite stories in this collection is the yarn about a pioneer wife and mother who gets her first sewing machine. Anyone who is an avid sewing buff, or quilter will laugh at the competition between her family and her craft. Stitch by stitch, she is able to head off one of the worst Pioneer/Native American clashes that could have killed many on both sides.

I was so wrapped up in reading this particular story, I found myself laughing out loud, to the chagrin of my poor sleeping husband next to me, which made the story even funnier! I love when an author imprints their words on my heart.

These tales were skillfully fashioned within each historical period concerned, and I found them to be unique and unusual. I was astounded at the originality of linking the tales with the idea of sewing becoming the underlying theme in each plot. Each story then becomes a cog, in the crazy quilt of design, with Sarah Mallery stitching a place in our hearts with her words.

Anyone who enjoys variety in their reading tastes will relish these stories. Just because there is a sewing premise in each story does not mean that men will not enjoy this assortment of short stories. There is enough history, murder, and excitement to keep you guessing all through the book.

I loved this assortment of short stories, and they left me wrapped in warmth, just like a quilt constructed from the hands of the author herself.

RATINGS
Realistic Characterization: 5/5
Made Me Think: 4/5
Overall enjoyment: 5/5
Readability: 5/5
Recommended: 5/5
Overall Rating: 5 ( )

I would actually give this book 2 1/2 stars. Which is interesting since it has so many good reviews. I found that I was struggling just to get through most of the stories. The thing that bothered me the most was how abruptly each story would end. The would end with a single sentence that would sometimes wrap the story up but for the most part I was left confused on some of them. What I did really like was the different time periods and world events that were covered in some of the stories. The sewing aspect in some of them were very loose though. ( )

Sewing Can Be Dangerous by S.R. Mallery is a 2015 publication.

This may be the most unique collection of short stories I have ever read.

For the sake of time and space, I will only detail a few of the stories, but each tale has a connection through weaving or sewing, which is a subject I would never would have expected a group of stories be centered around, but after reading this anthology , I feel this was a clever way to connect all the individual tales, places, and events, with just a hint of allegory from time to time.

Short stories are often a hit or miss thing for me. I think it may be harder to write novellas or short stories because a lot of information gets stuffed into a small space. Details, dialogue, and characterizations can suffer as a result. But, this was not a problem here. Most stories are fleshed out quite nicely, and are rich in details. As with most anthologies, one or two stories were not as strong as the others, but all were solid, well written, and entertaining.

The title story sets the stage with the tale of a young Jewish girl forced to work in terrible conditions to help support her family, but is treated just as poorly by her father. Although, her story ends quite tragically, she is never forgotten. This story, like several others in this anthology, ends with a surprising twist of irony.

This lead story gives this collection of stories a strong foundation and sets the tone for the stories that followed it. Most of the stories have a historical and contemporary thread, with mystery and intrigue in the forefront, and ending a feeling of closure and satisfaction at the way things turned out.

Since these stories deal with history, and with several vastly different cultures, the author’s writing chops are showcased as she injects different dialects and scenery into the story, which must have required some research or familiarity with the subject.

The closing story, “Nightmare at Four Corners”, dealt with Native American beliefs and racism as well as redemption. This story is very rich in detail, giving the characters, as well as the reader, a feeling of relief and happiness over the outcome.

I was impressed with this interesting and diverse collection of short stories. I had intended to read one or two stories each evening until I completed the book, but ended up binge reading them all at once.

I can’t decide on how to categorize this anthology, so I will suggest this one to those who enjoy historical fiction, short stories, mysteries, or stories that showcase different cultures. This is my first book by S. R. Mallery, but, now that I have witnessed her talent as a writer, I am eager to explore more of her work.

4.5 stars ( )

At first glance, the title SEWING CAN BE DANGEROUS may seem innocently humorous, but when you look into what inspired it, you realize that the collection revolves around a serious issue. The author’s father told her all about the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911. According to him, not only was that day horrific—over 140 young women’s lives were lost—but how important that event was because of the building codes that were changed after that.

Riveted by the fate of those hapless immigrant girls, Sarah Mallery set out to flesh out, in her sensual style, her vision of the event, in the short story by that name. “By nightfall the fire has subsided, leaving glowing embers and assuring the firemen of an end in sight. But along with their relief came the dreaded job of scouting for more girls inside the building, and as the searchlight crisscrossed up towards the hollowed floors, an even more gruesome sight was revealed…”

This is historical fiction at its best, where the research into the subject matter enriches the writing without hindering the way you engage with the characters. This is the case with every story of the eleven stories in this collection, with every page, every paragraph: it inspires you to experience the plight of the characters as if you are there with them, and at the same time delight in the beauty of the language. My favorite muse is the muse of literature. Spinning tales takes a fine thread, and skill in sewing. It can be dangerous.

Five stars. ( )

This book is a collection of short stories with an underlying theme of the sewing art. That said, these stories are rich in history, thoughtfulness, and intrigue.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes history, sewing, weaving, and tales about people’s survival. This is all-around a good book. Some of the stories are better than others, but that is why they are a collection. Alone they are just another story, but together they weave a thread of understanding which will cover your thoughts and keep you wanting more. ( )