Disturbing The Fleece, by Reagan Davis

 

First, welcome back and hugs, Reagan Davis. You've been missed. That said....

Davis had me almost immediately as she mentioned main character Megan enjoying the "liminal space" of early morning with her corgi Sophie. While not a commonly used term, it's characteristic of her ability to use just the right phrasing to set the scene. While I'm more likely to enjoy the liminal space of late night, I knew exactly what she meant. This has been a favorite series of mine for a long time and, in fact, is one of those that turned me into a cozy mystery fan. The characters are multi-dimensional and their personalities shine through. I've got to admit, too, that one of the opening scenes with husband Eric fresh from working a traffic accident involving chickens, lots of angry chickens, made me chuckle and settle into my chair knowing I'd enjoy what was coming. I mean, who doesn't giggle at the idea of the police trying to wrangle angry chickens. If you're familiar with chickens, you know they can be scary at times, bizarre as it sounds. I still have nightmares of my grandparents' territorial rooster from childhood. Grin. 

Of course, it isn't long until the real story begins. Megan and much of the town of Harmony Lake is hustling to prepare to open for the first day of the country's huge annual yarn and fibre festival. You'll immediately feel right at home with these people and, most likely, even have some sympathy for the killer as the story winds down. The festival isn't limited to yarn enthusiasts, of course, as there's something for everyone, including local farmers. Even better for Megan and Eric, his Aunt Dorothy is in town and, wow, she's about as organized as any organizer be. She winds up in the middle of quarrel between the town's two premiere yarn dyers, Annabelle and Dawn, and, no surprise, one of them winds up dead. Not only does Megan find her but they also find Dolores, who'd gone missing after her confrontation, unconscious by where, yes, you guessed it, one of the dyers is found dead. And, ugh, what a way to go. Nope, not telling. In fact, this is about as much plot as I'm going to share. It's a good mystery, one with not just twists and turns and nuances, but multiple suspects.   

As noted many times in my reviews, I'm a character drawn reader and that is one of the strengths of author Davis. You'll feel like you know these people and how they're related and connected as the plot moves along smoothly. The book works well as a standalone, sharing Megan's relationship with her ex-husband who is now, no lie, Eric's best buddy. Davis also does an excellent job setting the scene, describing not just the setting but what you'd see, smell, and hear were you to enter the festival  Oh, and taste. You'll also learn a bit about such fun treats as Beaver Tail and what it is really made of. Let's just say, make sure you have something handy to munch on as you read given all the delicious sounding mentions of food. Kudos to Davis for weaving (knitting?) it all together smoothly and sensibly. She definitely kept me guessing. Don't hesitate to pick this one up even if, like me, you aren't a knitter or crocheter. 

 

Murder by the Hook, by Betty Hechtman

 Publication April 8, 2025

 Although it took me awhile to get into this one, I ultimately wound up enjoying it quite a bit. The main characters were interesting, with Molly Pink seeming to be juggling three romantic possibilities at once, while the supporting cast was quirky but memorable. I'm not quite sure how Molly and best-friend Dinah managed not to strangle Adele and become the focus of a murder investigation themselves. While Adele is married to a policeman, she is a definite, frequently annoying diva who thinks knitting is taboo while crochet is the only way to go. Nor is she reluctant to share her opinion, wanted or not. It took me a bit to sort out the other members of the Hookers, ie crochet group, further complicated by a relatively large group of suspects encountered at Lisa and Jerry R's gathering, most with some sort of show business ties. My favorite was Heddy, a former pop star who now using her talent to sing to her avocado trees. Oh, and she thinks she's being invaded by aliens. You know, just another day in the Hollywood zone.

So, who kills Kirkland Rush, a news hound always in search of a good story. I mean, this gathering was to celebrate his upcoming marriage. The bride-to-be? She doesn't seem terribly distraught but, then again, maybe discovering his ex-wife not only there but more or less in charge of the plans....and his finances. Hmm... money is always a good motive?  There at the behest of her almost-husband, Mason, now friend, or maybe employer, Molly seems unsure of which. And, oh, the detective in charge? Seems to be another of Molly's former romantic partners. Ah, nothing like complicating things. But, wait, what did Molly and Dinah see while checking out the murder scene? Nah, couldn't be. Could it? All the while soothing the cranky Hookers who weren't having the relaxing outing they'd expected. And, to think, it starts when Molly's hired to catch a petty thief? How are the two crimes related? Or, are they? 

But, more than enough teasers. Once I more-or-less had the characters sorted and the murder happened, the pace seemed to pick up. The twists and turns and red herrings kept me guessing, all wrong, I must admit. I ultimately liked the main cast of characters and wait till you meet Adele's husband. What does a tie have to do with anything? Nope. Not telling. Thanks #BeyondThePagePublishing for this early peek at Molly's busy, complicated life and friendships. I'm waiting now to find out how she uses that special gift she picked up at that booth while I enjoy the crochet pattern and yummy sounding recipe.. 

Mistletoe Murder, by Karen MacInerney

An oldie from 2017 that's been sitting in my Kindle files awhile. I'm pretty sure I've read some of the newer releases in the series but it was fun to see Lucy's earlier adventures. I like Lucy and Tobias as a couple, and found the friends about them quite likable, too. A former investigative reporter, Lucy is still finding her legs as the owner of a small farm, always struggling for money for the inevitable repair for the older site. Chuck the dog is fun, too, even if he's on a not-very-successful diet in this installment. Seems Tobias, his vet, too, not just Lucy's boyfriend, has put him on a diet. Lucy's not the best at denying her dog anything, so it's slow. We also get a peek at some of the difficulties even small farmers experience, especially in winter weather. I loved that she seemed to enjoy it all, however, even while acknowledging the difficulties. Lucy and Tobias aren't living together at this point but she definitely appreciates his help when he's able to stay over and help.

As for the murder, it kept me guessing. The victim, Randy Stone, wasn't the best liked guy around and there were several possibilities. The side-story of the bones discovered in the old courthouse and then hidden, stolen paintings are intriguing. Lucy's ability to find time to go around asking questions while dealing with her own farm work, preparing items for the Christmas market, knitting (and she's ever so slow), keeping up with friends, and finding time to spend with Tobias when she isn't out snooping, er, asking questions, amazes me. Needless to say, her inability to let things go when she feels an injustice is being done, not to mention that the local sheriff is, well, let's be kind, inept and even literally manages to shoot himself in the foot, winds up getting her into trouble. I did like that she was smart enough to have a sort of backup plan, albeit a speedier one might have been nice. 

Bottom line, a fun read that reminded me, one, that I need to find a recent installment and see where everyone/thing stands now, and, two, that while this wasn't mega-Christmas-y, this is a well written series that I'm sorry I've let slide. Check it out if you like country settings, romance, animals, a fun dog, and watching a regular person solve a twisty crime.

Death Among the Stitches, by Betty Hechtman

 Publication Jan. 7, 2025

Annie Sara Hart's background may be touched by Hollywood glamour from her father's job as an agent to the stars, but Annie isn't loving it. She works as an assistant of sorts to her father, which largely means keeping Gray's superstar mother happy. When we first meet Gray, it's pretty clear why Annie may not be loving her job. Gray is both demanding and spoiled, used to the best in life, expecting others to be impressed when they find out who her mother is. So, how they heck does Gray wind up in a small town, sleeping in a small cottage and, gasp, actually working to help out? It seems Annie needed a quick influx of cash and Gray's mother needed someone to monitor Gray's diet. Seems her mother expects Gray to fit into basically a size zero pair of jeans to be acceptable in public as her daughter. Yikes. And this is only a small part of the story.

I won't detail the plot as the blurb for this first book in a new series does an excellent job. What I will share is that the characters, and there are quite a few, come across as likable and real people with real lives, not just cut-out characters. Some are quirky, such as mega-perfectionist Patty and Toby, Jenny's seemingly autistic son who does much of the superb baking at the bake shop. Then there's Liv, who appears to be a major character. She's married to a mystery writer Bill and adores having folks over to eat. Then there's Matt Austin, owner/publisher of the local paper, who appears to be a potential romantic interest. Officer Cooper Smith, a former military guy who still seems rigid at times, is one we'll meet early on, too. And, oh, my, I can't forget Jack, the cat, who seems to have some talents that aren't quite explainable yet. I actually found it relatively easy to differentiate characters as the book went along although I did make a list early on and was glad to have it handy at first. This small town seemed to all come out to meet Annie and Gray. My hunch is that, like me, you'll start off rolling your eyes at Gray but wind up liking her by the end. There are definitely layers there, not to mention a sidestory for the future on expectations imposed on the children of stars, such as being stick-thin, in Gray's case. Watching both Annie and Gray slowly, almost apologetically breaking away from their rather controlling parents was fun.

As for the mystery, it appears a former owner of Classy Yarn, the shop Annie inherits from her late uncle, died a rather mysterious death. Not sharing, especially since it takes Annie awhile to get all the details. As it turns out, Eleanor wasn't an easy person to like. Prickly and strict on the rules she set for the knitting group who used the shop. Jack was her cat, however, and seems happy to be back in his known home with Annie thanks to Liv's efforts. There's lots of growth and definitely lots of fun and friendship. Thanks #SevernHouse for this early introduction to Annie, Gray, and the rest. Anyone who enjoys character driven books where the characters are likable and have room to grow in future books, should give this one a read. Heck, you don't even need to knit or crochet. The schoolhouse now Classy Yarn shop sounds delightful and can't wait to explore the town more. But, oh, that ending!

Irish Milkshake Murder Carlene O'Connor , Petty Ehrhart, Liz Ireland

 Publication Dec. 5, 2023

This is a collection of three stories with different vibes all centered around St. Patrick's Day. The blurb does an excellent job introducing the stories, all by authors I'm familiar with. O'Conner's story was probably the darker toned of the three. That's odd because the characters are coming together to celebrate an upcoming wedding. Bride-to-be Tara isn't enthusiastic about the idea of a hen party, but agrees to go along with the idea. Good thing as everything has already been set up, including the tour boat to take them to a more isolated area. There's a storm coming, too. See where this one's going? Needless to say, things go wrong. A man, a twin Irish dancer, dies after drinking a special holiday milkshake. The guest are already rather, uh, tipsy. The boat captain goes missing, and they spend a great deal of time trudging through mud while getting drenched and blown about. I didn't have a clue who did it, to be honest, and found myself rather lost in the festivities, I guess, as this entry didn't quite grab my interest. That said, I did grin at the reference to television's "Dancing With the Stars".

The second story felt like I was back on solid, familiar turf, however. Peggy Ehrhart's knitting mysteries were one of my introductions to cozy mysteries, so I'm always glad to spend time hanging out with Pamela and her far more flashy reporter friend Bettina. In this case, they've stopped for something to eat when they experience, one, a sheep parade down the street past the restaurant, and, two, seeing a man at a nearby table die after drinking a green milkshake. Bettina takes the lead in their follow-up investigation but we get the cozy size of the mystery, too, as they knit, chat, and visit friends. And, regular readers, you'll be happy to see Pamela's romance is moving along nicely and it's always fun to imagine the fiber related articles she's okaying and editing. In any case, their lives are endangered, that's the nature of cozy mystery amateur sleuths, but, hey, there's a knitting pattern and recipes included with this one. This is the more leisurely of the trio of stories, so relax, have a snack (or shake) handy, and enjoy as they try to sort out who the murderer is and make all the seemingly unconnected clues some together.

Quite frankly, as a fan of Liz Ireland's Mrs. Claus series, I honestly think I asked to review this book  solely because I wanted to read Ireland's "Mrs. Claus and the Luckless Leprechaun". It's a fun, whimsical story that somehow manages to make talking reindeer, competitive elves, iceball season, building ice houses for living snowmen, ballooning, Santa Claus, and more seem to make perfect sense. It's spring, so the elves have more downtime and that seems to bring out the competitive, nasty side in some. An iceball (the elf version of hockey?) superstar is sidelined by an injury and winds up being conked in the head by an iceball. April Claus, Santa's wife, is determined that justice be done, all while dealing with an overly officious flying reindeer who also suffers panic attacks, playing in the Santaland band, and trying to find a way to help a quite unlikable elf be successful. Somehow I never quite envisioned Santa's homeland being so complicated but it's a heap of fun to drop in every time to see what's going on there. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for allowing me to spend some time getting my Irish on in three very different locations. I mean, I never quite expected to be virtually eating green ice cream in Santaland. Grin.

A Twisted Skein (Seaside Knitters Society Book 6), by Sally Goldenbaum

 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.

Knitmare on Beech Street, by Peggy Ehrhart

 

Publication Nov. 28, 2023

Like visiting old friends. Pamela and Bettina felt like characters that could easily step right off the page and sit down around my kitchen table to enjoy chatting and laughing about life in general. I don't knit but I'm sure they could teach me. They could also teach me a thing or two about persistence and sleuthing out answers. Now, true, Pamela would probably rather Bettina wasn't so persistent in probing her romantic life but, well, that's what friends are for. They frequently know us almost better than we know ourselves. Bettina uses her reporter persona as an excuse to keep probing but it's obvious she's as invested in finding answers as Pamela, who frequently seemed just along for the ride. Both are caring and smart, however, and bring those qualities to the the solving of a murder. Even Pamela's daughter Penny shows some knack for sleuthing. Who killed new resident Tassie? That question and more kept me guessing until the big reveal. Oh, I was sure I had it figured out but, nope. I didn't see this one coming but should have. 

Could Tassie have actually died of fright? Turns out, that's possible, albeit unlikely. She already knew the house was supposedly haunted and her career even revolved about debunking such stories. How about the mega-snoopy, apparently lonely neighbor, Win? Why was she so invested in the murder? How about the neighbor on the other side? Between his almost obsessive cleaning of the driveway and quick closing of the trunk of his car and garage door when Pamela and Bettina approach, not to mention he can't seem to account for the absence of his wife, he seems suspect. Could it have been someone from Tassie's past? Why are there eerie sounds and lights emerging from the house? Is it really haunted? What secrets might the old house be hiding? Who... oops, more than enough teasers. 

Since the fun is in figuring it out on your own, I'll just say you will enjoy the relaxed, occasionally slow pace of this book. Initially that annoyed me but, as I fell into the story, much like the almost mesmerizing rhythm of knitting, I actually felt myself relaxing into the rhythm and pace. Just be sure you have a snack or two on hand as the goodies discussed will make you hungry. And, don't forget to check out the recipes at the end, not to mention the knitting patterns. Photos available on the author's website. There also seems to be a slow build of romance between Pamela and handyman Pete, formerly of Wall Street. I enjoyed his role in the story and hope to see him stick around. I mean, not only do Pamela and he share the same first initial, but their last name is already the same, Paterson. Somewhere inside of me the hidden teenage girl gushed that "it's meant to be". So, thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for allowing me to visit Pamela and her wonderful circle of friends again, including the cats. I mean, can't leave out Ginger, Catrina, and Precious. Ha

The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times (AUDIO), by Michelle Obama, author and narrator

 

I'm delighted to make this my first review of 2023. I sat down with so many things I wanted to say but, as I thought about it, I opted to keep it simple. This one is a must for anyone who has ever wondered, "Am I good enough?" Or, those who have ever feel discouraged, despair, and questioned our own efforts to make the world a better place. 

I like Michelle Obama. Oh, I've always admired her. I read her first book, "Becoming", and felt like I was peeking into her life. This time, we're peering into her soul. It's no secret that she doesn't like the political life, but hearing her read her words of her turmoil knowing she had the last call on her husband's presidential run, plus the complex feelings she experienced becoming a frequent target, made me want to give her a hug. Then, reading of how covid impacted this very prominent family and her worries for not just family but the nation as the then president failed to address the pandemic, is a stark reminder that we really were, and still are, in this together. She's open, candid, and allows her vulnerability to show. Yes, I like this woman and want to give her a hug.

I won't detail the ideas she shares that helped her work through what she admits was at least a low level state of depression, but they all seem to come back to one thing: One step at a time. We can't save the world in one day, change things in one day, or change others' minds in one day, but we can take small, measured steps forward. As a former fan of crochet, I smiled when she talked about learning to knit and how it helped center her, remind her that small steps forward are progress. 

Oh, there's so much more, but I'd strongly suggest you read this one for yourself. As she notes, one person's solution or suggestions won't solve everyone's needs, but hopefully you'll find something here to smooth and soothe your road. Even better, get the audio version as I did.. You'll relate to her obvious vulnerability and fears as well as her steps forward, even when she was frightened.

Irish Knit Murder; by Peggy Ehrhart

 

Publication Feb. 28, 2023

This series by Peggy Ehrhart was one of the cozy mystery series that introduced me to the genre. As such, I was looking forward to delving into the "Irish Knit Murder". Unfortunately for me, I found it slow going, taking me quite awhile to get into the story. That said, for the most part, once I found my rhythm, the pace seemed to pick up and hold my interest despite all too frequently seemingly getting bogged down in details like food, clothing, and things that had no real relevance to the story. 3.5 rounded to a 4.

That said, the characters are interesting and I always find it intriguing to read about the stories submitted to the Fiber Craft publication of which Pamela is associate editor. This go-round, the one that grabbed me was about Civil War quilts, a project that connected quilters on both sides via their love for those serving and devotion to their craft. It's always a plus for me to read a book that not only entertains me but teaches me something new. 

The mystery itself centered around the murder of Isobel Lister only minutes after she put on a memorable display of talent with a St. Patrick's Day theme. Both main characters Pamela and Bettina, a reporter for the town's weekly newspaper, were at the show. The murder is particularly startling as there seemed to be no reason anyone would kill Isobel. Several suspects emerge, however, with reasons connected to both family and the holiday itself. In the process, we learn a bit about the possible origin of the Easter Bunny, not to mention the holiday name itself. See, another learning moment. Isobel's daughter is a knitter and attends the Knit and Nibble gathering, where we learn about making mini-crochet nests for tiny orphaned or ill birds, squirrels, and such. Interesting idea, actually. 

Of course, while all this is going on, Pamela and Bettina are investigating, although partaking in ample respites that involve food. Again, a bit too much detail about tastes, dripping items, and such for me. So, who did it? Why would someone kill an innocent seeming senior citizen? Could someone actually kill someone over a mere song or two? Or, was there more? Like, another murder? Hmm....

One thing there was was kittens. Will Pamela get a kitten? What do the Tarot Cards foresee? Now that she's solved a murder, what's next for her. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me to the St. Patrick's Day show.                                              

Bait and Switch, by Reagan Davis

What would you do if you were suddenly cut off from the outside world with no way to leave or even phone or internet access? 

 

That is the situation Megan and friends find themselves caught up in in "Bait & Stitch". This time, they are out of their usual element without the usual backup that includes Megan's husband Mike, who is with the police. In other words, they are forced to rely on their own wits, common sense, and some new faces. 

 

I won't detail the plot as others will but will give you a hint that even Megan seems to be considered suspect at one point. As always, even out of its usual setting, this latest entry in the Knitorious murder mystery series is a winner. Heck, you may find yourself doing the same thing I did when I first discovered it and going back to read the entire series. It's that good. Give it a read.

 

 

A Vacation to Die For (A Tourist Trap Mystery #14), by Lynn Cahoon

 

Publication Sept. 6, 2022

When I last dropped in on Jill Gardner, she was reeling after discovering a body when stopping to pick up a party gown, only to discover the person she thought had been killed alive and well soon after. This visit there's another body. Thankfully, Jill didn't discover it this time. Instead, the unidentified man sort of fell into the police station, I guess saving the police a trip to a murder site. It's this event that cuts Jill and her detective boyfriend Greg's vacation short.

The body remains unidentified throughout much of the book but the suspects are numerous and the side-stories intriguing. Are they related? It's unclear. Somehow it all seems to be related to one of Jill's shop workers, distracting her once again from wedding planning. Gee, will Jill and Greg ever manage to walk down the aisle? Author Lynn Cahoon remains a must-read for me, so I'm sure I'll be on the wedding invitation list, right?

I like Jill and Greg, who worries about her but without being overbearing, and the cast of supporting characters. I was definitely intrigued by Judith, a fill-in bookshop hire. Btw, as a bookaholic myself, I did have to laugh at Jill's idea that a heavy book in hand was better than no weapon at all. She even manages to stay out of danger's way, well, mostly. It wouldn't be a cozy mystery if our amateur sleuth wasn't in peril at some point, after all. That said, she does have the knack of being in the right (wrong?) place at the right (wrong?) time and is instrumental in discovering the identity of the dead man, not to mention his possible connections to others. She even gets to visit a shrine of sorts to actress Vivian Leigh in the process, which made me curious as she describes what she's seeing. Lynn Cahoon always manages to come up with intriguing characters to whet our curiosity.

Bottom line, an easy, interesting read with fun characters, mysterious bodies, reclusive wives, plus civic issues that also occupy Jill's time. I'm already looking forward to the next visit. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me to catch up with Jill, Greg, and the rest but, oh, we can't forget, their dogs.

Christmas Scarf Murder, by collective authors Carlene O'Connor, Maddie Day, and Peggy Ehrhart

Publication Sept. 27, 2022

This felt as comfortable as, well, a soft, fuzzy Christmas scarf. The three novellas were by not just three authors I am familiar with but with characters that, as I read, were remembered and came back to life in my mind. This is a perfect read for lovers of cozy mysteries who might be short on time but want to partake of some virtual sleuthing as the holiday season arrives. 

True, as novellas are wont to do, they seemed to be short and a bit contrived at the end but, well, but the endings were satisfactory and all made sense. I liked that Maddie Day, in particular, made a point to support other authors by mentioning Becky Clark's book featuring a crossword puzzle designer solving crimes. As it turned out, I am also familiar with that series, giving it more of the feeling of having come home. 

But, never fear. Even if you've never read or heard of any of these authors, you'll enjoy the stories and characters. I won't detail them all except to note that in the blurb the Day story is called "The Unfinished Scarf" whereas in the actual digital version I received it was titled ""Scarfed Down". You'll love the down home country sayings in it, no matter what the title. Then there's the tractor parade in "Christmas Scarf" and heroic cats in "Death By Christmas Scarf", so lots to take in. So, grab this one when it's available, sit down in your favorite, comfy chair, and enjoy some virtual sleuthing with twinkling Christmas lights and carols playing. And, oh, if you knit, be sure to check out the instructions for what sounds like an adorable teddy bear at the end of "Death By Christmas Scarf" in addition to the recipes included with all. Enjoy!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for helping get me in the Christmas mood. Now, if I just knew how to knit.....
 

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.

Death of a Knit Wit (A Knit & Nibble Mystery Book 8), by Peggy Ehrhart

 

We are largely in the mind of main character Pamela Paterson when the story opens, seeing things as they happen through her eyes. Pamela is an editor of a fiber crafts magazine and has helped organize a knitting bee as a part of a conference on fiber crafts and arts at the local college. When an invited but not particularly well-liked speaker attends the bee and after drinking the same coffee everyone else was drinking suddenly takes ill and dies, Pamela finds herself feeling it is somehow her fault. She is fearful of losing her job. It turns out her concerns are baseless but her initial sense of being overwhelmed slowly evaporate. She slowly returns to normal and helped along by her best friend and neighbor, who just happens to be a reporter, begins to investigate and gather clues. Unlike most cozy mysteries where there is a constant law enforcement presence, the detective in charge is largely kept to the shadows in this episode, I might note. 

There are a number of suspects as the victim was not only not particularly well liked but a womanizer. Toss in more than a few red herrings and twists in relationships between possible suspects. Pamela is likeable and given her shock at the death, a very sympathetic amateur sleuth. I honestly believe I've read some early books in this series but simply didn't pursue it further given that I have so little interest in knitting. Knitting is definitely a part of this plot but mostly in the sense that it brings together both the victims and Pamela's circle of friends. I did get a chuckle out of the curiosity of the Knit and Nibble group as they tried to decide what one member was knitting during their gatherings. He wasn't telling and it was a cute reveal near the end. Cats and dogs are also very much a part of this story and, in fact, oh...... never mind. I'm not telling. You're just going to have to read the book to find out what role some beloved furry friends play in the story.

Thank you #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for the ARC. Love the cover!

Murder, It Seams, by Reagan Davis

 I've followed this series from day one and just like the previous books, I loved this one. I found it not just an intriguing mystery, well thought out and with lots of twists and turns, but one that showcased the characters well. Ironically, given that main character Megan has never much liked Karla, it's Karla who adds an interesting summation of Megan at one point, saying "you've taken a community of small-town busybodies and whipped up a network of supportive family and friends who take care of each other." Given that network's diligence when it came time to keep Megan safe from the killer, that was telling.

I also wound up liking Karla. She's smart and had an edge that makes her come off to many as snarky and even mean. Megan has always resented her ability to lob compliments that aren't compliments, for instance, and do it with apparent glee. Yet, when forced to work with Karla to solve a murder, one where Karla is a suspect, Megan discovers another side to Karla. She learns how caring about others Karla is and is quick to follow her instincts that Karla could not be a killer. Oh, the snark is still there but they come to respect and, yes, maybe even like each other by the time all is said and done. Karla even finds a major clue that points the finger at the guilty party at the end. Nope, not telling. Getting to that point was half the fun as Megan and Karla traded zingers and heart-felt feelings with the other characters blending in and out of the action. All while solving a crime with a little help from those "busybodies" Karla referenced.

I was kept guessing and switched main suspects several times but, as luck would have it, was interrupted and had to put aside the book for a couple days. Upon my return to it I was right at the point the clues began to make me suspect the eventual culprit but that was sheer luck and an "It's too easy" gut instinct at my then main suspect. Kudos to Reagan Davis for weaving together such an intriguing, timely case while letting us get to know the characters better as real people. They are people I wish I knew and I'm looking forward to Megan's next adventure.

Life Crafter Death, A Knitorous Murder Mystery, Book 9, by Reagan Davis

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The humor in it, mostly the result of busy body neighbors, was cute and connected, too. Poor, Eric. In any case, as with the rest of the series, this addition is complex and full of twists and turns, not to mention multiple suspects. Main character Megan is quite likeable and I admire the friendly relationship she and her former husband, Adam, have forged for the benefit of their daughter Hannah. Adam's a lawyer, too, which comes in handy in this story.

I won't detail the plot aside from that one comment as I'm sure others will do a better summation than I could. Instead, I'll simply say that the story, while perhaps confusing to first time readers given the comings and going of characters and their back stories, moves right along. Megan has come to respect boyfriend Eric's need for evidence, not hunches, frustrating as it might be, not to mention the conflict he's facing being pulled in two different direction as he investigates a case that is essentially connected to a family member. Okay, almost family member.

So, mystery that keeps you guessing, abundant characters that we do learn quite a bit about, even the seemingly peripheral ones, some humor, and family ties. Give it a read. You won't regret it.

But Knot for Me, by Betty Hechtman

Casey Feldstein is complicated. On the one hand she's friendly and efficient and shows not just investigative skills but leadership skills. On the other, she seems a mass of contradictions. As we discover, her past has colored her present and she's wary of putting down roots and opening up to others. Initially, it almost appears as if her closest and most enduring relationship is with her cat. As the story continues, however, she slowly begins to realize that she not only has friends but a man who, despite all the barriers she has thrown up, seems to genuinely care about her. 

I won't detail the plot, which focuses on the retreat of a flashy and demanding, but charismatic guru known as Jordan and the contrast with Casey's own, more laid back, knitting retreat.They are all looking for something, however, an improved, better life. Then, two members of the Jordan retreat staff are murdered. Casey's ability to open up to others provides her with insight when some members of  Jordon's staff come to her for enjoyable food and coffee. Seems the focus on Jordan's retreat is self-sufficiency, self-sufficiency right down to foraging for their own food. In the quest for that improvement, people have been seriously injured, Casey discovers. Given that some of the challenges include walking on hot coals and an escape room with all your fears included in the experience, it's no wonder. Casey's experience in the escape room is, well, you'll have to read the book to find out. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #BeyondThePage for the ARC.