Publication Nov. 28, 2023
Cozy. That's how I somehow felt as I read this mystery. It reminded me of what the best cozy mysteries have to offer, the cozy feel of friendship, togetherness, and home. Some will argue that the pace was slow, true, but it was somehow fitting of this small town and group of knitters. It was absolutely fascinating to see how they all come together to solve the murder while still managing to go about their daily lives. You will probably feel like you know these characters better than you know many of your own neighbors by the time you finish. Even better, you'll like them.
The plot is nicely summarized in the blurb so I'll just say that the sense of sadness that hangs over the town makes you feel the pain. Many cozy mysteries seem somewhat removed from the actual killing, often via a widely disliked character being the victim. Not this time. Josh was a beloved teacher and as the plot moves along, you feel his loss was even more of a tragedy than expected. He may have marched to his own drummer but he cared about people (and birds) and had done many things to better the lives of those who live in Sea Harbor. He was the teacher you'd turn to when you felt like your world was about to collapse. He was a good person, bottom line. Thus, his murder was heartbreaking, even for those without direct connections. In fact, only after his death did many learn how much the perhaps owed the man.
So, who killed Josh? The immediate suspect is Rose, who was heard having words with him about her sister Jillian's relationship with him. Rose and Jillian are twins and Rose had taken her mother's wish that she protect her once sickly sister to heart, albeit Jillian was now healthy. Could Rose have done it, believing Josh had harmed her sister? How about the mysterious hiker? Or maybe Leon, who works/manages what was Josh's family's commercial real estate business? He's stand to lose a great deal should Josh become invested in overseeing the company or even sell it? How about the teacher heard bad mouthing Josh? Why was the memorial service quickly arranged by the school principal so impersonal? Josh died while out on a birding expedition. Could one of his fellow birders have killed him, even by accident? What sort of hints does....oh, enough teasers. Read the book. You'll like it.
Seriously, I hated to see this book end. Usually I'm all in a rush to finish and find out whodunit but this time that was mixed with a sense of having to leave behind my wonderful friends again. I don't knit but would still love to spend more time with this bunch, especially given the amazing knit creations showcase they presented at the end. Connections between people are important and this book has that in spades. I highly recommend it and thank #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for allowing me to spend time in Sea Harbor despite the heavy clouds or suspicion and lose of security hanging over the town for awhile. I'm already looking forward to my next visit.
