A Dark and Snowy Night (Seaside Knitters Society Mystery #16), by Sally Goldenbaum

 

Publication Sept. 27, 2022

This one is as much about family and friends and the ties that bind them together, as solving a murder. Although it took me awhile to get into the story, that was what kept me reading. I found myself liking the characters, even when I had to keep flipping back to confirm who they were and how they were connected. I'm honestly not sure if that is because I am new to this series, quite frankly the author did an excellent job filling in the background, but the changing points of view confused me somewhat initially. After getting to know them, however, the final reveal was both satisfying and sad. 

Although, as noted, this was my first visit to the Seaside Knitters Society, the memories and ties that bound the friends together are strong. They genuinely care about each other and their extended families. They are delighted to reconnect with Oliver/Ollie and his celebrity chef wife, Lidia. Thus, even though they barely knew her, Lidia's murder is upsetting and unbalances their world. Toss in a peeping Tom next door to Cass' home and the sudden disappearance of her Mary Poppins like nanny, Molly, along with her beloved senior rescue dog, and Cass is even more off-balance. Then, just as suddenly, Old Dog is back and Molly reappears the morning after the murder. 

Is there some connection there? Molly's friend Shannon, who worked the party that Lidia was there to prepare the food for, had nothing good to say about one of the kitchen workers. Why has Oliver been so vague when it comes to sharing not just Lidia's background but what she was really like? Secrets? Could Lidia's plan to buy a popular restaurant and then tear it down to replace it with her own design be connected? How does this all connect to Lidia's murder, or does it? Will the murder be solved in time for everyone to enjoy Christmas? Who....oh, never mind. No more teases. Read the book. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me over to check out the Seaside Knitters Society. Even if it took me awhile to warm up to them, I liked them and will be back.