Knit or Dye Trying (A Riverbank Knitting Mystery #2), by Allie Pleiter

Protest sheep? How can you not love a mystery that starts out with a parade of protest sheep. Yes, sheep. Although Libby Beckett knew animal-friendly Julie Wilson courted controversy while pushing plant-based knitting fibers and dyes, she never expected inviting noted yarn dyer Julie to do a presentation during Collinstown's festival would lead to a parade of sheep and their shepherds. Nor did she expect a murder.

Shepherd crooks were found at the scene of the murder. Libby's shop is vandalized. Her mother decides she is moving in with Libby, never mind Libby keeps saying no. There's a fire in the restaurant where the murder victim's sister Monica is showcasing a meal. What was going on between the sisters? What did Julie tell Monica prior to the murder? Where did Julie's complicated dying recipes/directions disappear? Is Yale really as obnoxious as he seems? It's nice to see the respect she gets from the town's police but will Libby press on questioning one too many people? What is up with her relationship with Gavin, who is town mayor? what surprise awaits Caroline when she accompanies Libby to question someone who may have supplied the crafted crooks? will "King George" or Libby be victorious in the campaign for Chamber President? Are chamber meetings dangerous? How does all this tie together? Not telling. You'll have to read the book.

If you like intriguing mysteries with likeable characters, small town gossip , and a hint of romance, you'll enjoy this book. I have to admit, too, that I had no clue whodunit until the big reveal. You don't even have to knit. I don't but enjoyed learning a bit about the process of how they get the different colors used in the yarns, not to mention how dangerous the whole process can be if done incorrectly. Finally, it was fun to see all the various interpretations of Libby's shop's name, Y.A.R.N.  

Thanks to #NetGalley and #BerkleyPublishingGroup - #Berkley for inviting me to Colinstown's festival to meet Libby and her friends. The sheep protest was a hoot.