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Seaside Knitters Mystery #5
The Wedding Shawl
Readers can't help but get entangled in this national bestselling series...
Izzy Chambers is about to get married, but much remains to be done. Then the wedding plans get complicated when the wedding party's hair stylist begins missing appointments. When she's found dead, things really begin to unravel. Rumors circulate about the stylist's past and her connection to an unsolved murder years ago.
All the Seaside Knitters really know is they must rally to find some answers, so Izzy can don the wedding shawl they're surprising her with- and replace the whispers about town with wedding bells.
Izzy Chambers is about to get married, but much remains to be done. Then the wedding plans get complicated when the wedding party's hair stylist begins missing appointments. When she's found dead, things really begin to unravel. Rumors circulate about the stylist's past and her connection to an unsolved murder years ago.
All the Seaside Knitters really know is they must rally to find some answers, so Izzy can don the wedding shawl they're surprising her with- and replace the whispers about town with wedding bells.
299 pages, Hardcover
First published May 3, 2011
105 people are currently reading
1105 people want to read
About the author
Sally Goldenbaum
38 books906 followersSally Goldenbaum is a philosophy teacher, knitter, editor, and the author of more than two-dozen novels.
Series:
* A Seaside Knitters Mystery
*
Series:
* A Seaside Knitters Mystery
*
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
February 22, 2019
The mystery was intriguing. It involves a cold case and a present day murder. A girl drowns just after her high school graduation, and her friend is found dead fifteen years later. I liked the way the stories came together. Also, I still like the characters and their relationships. This story ends with a wedding. It was nice to end this on a happy note. The setting is still lovely. The knitting and the yarn shop are still delightful. The food sounds delicious, especially the deserts.
September 9, 2019
A wedding should be a joyous occasion with the only tears being tears of happiness, but not when a cold case becomes a current murder case.
This book opens with the discussion of a local cold case, Harmony Farmer went missing on the night of her high school prom, only to be discovered drowned the next day, the case was never solved but Danny is using the case as an example of how a cold case can become the basis for a book (not maybe the whole thing, but taking a part of it and twisting it to fit the writing), that should have been the end of it, only a few days later Harmony's best friend is found murdered. Co-incidence? the police don't think so and neither to the Seaside Knitters one problem being that a good friend didn't have an alibi for the first death, nor for this latest one! Izzy, Nell, Birdie and Cass are sure that Andy has nothing to do with either death - but someone seems determined to make it look as though he does, now the Seaside Knitters and the Police of Cape Anne need to figure out who is a double killer so that Izzy and Sam's wedding doesn't have the cloud of murder hanging over it!
This book opens with the discussion of a local cold case, Harmony Farmer went missing on the night of her high school prom, only to be discovered drowned the next day, the case was never solved but Danny is using the case as an example of how a cold case can become the basis for a book (not maybe the whole thing, but taking a part of it and twisting it to fit the writing), that should have been the end of it, only a few days later Harmony's best friend is found murdered. Co-incidence? the police don't think so and neither to the Seaside Knitters one problem being that a good friend didn't have an alibi for the first death, nor for this latest one! Izzy, Nell, Birdie and Cass are sure that Andy has nothing to do with either death - but someone seems determined to make it look as though he does, now the Seaside Knitters and the Police of Cape Anne need to figure out who is a double killer so that Izzy and Sam's wedding doesn't have the cloud of murder hanging over it!
November 27, 2023
The Wedding Shawl by Sally Goldenbaum is the fifth book in the Seaside Knitters Mystery series. It takes place on a Massachusetts island. IMO, the books need to be read in order, because stories and relationships build upon each other.
It is summertime, and the count down towards Izzy's wedding is on the Seaside Knitters mind. Nell, Birdie, and Cass are knitting a shawl for Izzy to wear on top of her wedding dress. Nell has even hired a part time gardener to help her back yard look its absolute best.
"Everybody" is concerned with a cold case from fifteen years ago which has been brought back to the forefront by the murder of the victim's best friend. The Seaside Knitters want to solve the murders at least one week before the wedding festivities, especially since several of their close friends are being implicated in one or both cases.
IMO, this is one of the more interesting books in the series. It seems to flow more smoothly, and held my interest and attention more than some of the other books in the series. I have read other reviews of books in the series, and some people are turned off by the focus on food, too many characters, too much information, and the like.
It is summertime, and the count down towards Izzy's wedding is on the Seaside Knitters mind. Nell, Birdie, and Cass are knitting a shawl for Izzy to wear on top of her wedding dress. Nell has even hired a part time gardener to help her back yard look its absolute best.
"Everybody" is concerned with a cold case from fifteen years ago which has been brought back to the forefront by the murder of the victim's best friend. The Seaside Knitters want to solve the murders at least one week before the wedding festivities, especially since several of their close friends are being implicated in one or both cases.
IMO, this is one of the more interesting books in the series. It seems to flow more smoothly, and held my interest and attention more than some of the other books in the series. I have read other reviews of books in the series, and some people are turned off by the focus on food, too many characters, too much information, and the like.
June 27, 2017
The story involves the wedding of Izzy and Sam but it also includes a cold case - the death of young woman 15 years earlier. Then another young woman, a very good friend of the earlier woman, is killed and everyone is upset. The knitters are trying to find connections but are being threatened. The book was a fast easy read.
September 28, 2024
It’s no secret that the seaside knitter mysteries are my favorite cozy mystery series of all time!! The evocative depictions of the sea, quaint seaside town, delicious food and heartwarming relationships - Sally Goldenbaum is a magician. I guessed who the murderer is slightly before the big reveal but the actual plot isn’t exactly why I read these stories so that’s not an issue for me! Can’t wait for the next one :)
July 23, 2018
Always love books in this series and this one didn't disappoint. The characters are so believable that I can imagine myself with them. Not one character that I do not like. This is a series I could read over and over again.
March 19, 2020
This is my favorite in this series. I just didn't see this one coming. I tried to pin murder on so many characters and I just didn't have a clue. Anyway I like this series very much.
June 10, 2020
Another great book by Ms. Goldenbaum.
December 6, 2023
Not my favorite plot of the series (actually a pretty messed up plot when you think about it), but now I’m in it more for the knitters than the murder!
March 22, 2024
2 Stars
July 30, 2012
“A Tight Knit of Love, Marriage and Mystery”
Once again, I have had the pleasure to “Travel” to Sea Harbor and join Nell, Birdie, Cass Izzy and friends, as the long-awaited wedding of Izzy and Sam draws near. Taking a break from the preparations, the group joins the Knitting Book Club for a special event at Art Brandley’s Bookstore. His talented author/knitter/Son (also Cass’s boyfriend); Danny is speaking about the process of writing a mystery. In doing so, he dredges up a “Cold Case File”—that of young high school graduate; Harmony Farrow, who drowned at the Markham Quarry fifteen years ago. As suspicious as the death seemed, there was no proof of foul play and no arrest was ever made. At the time, many fingers pointed to her boyfriend, Andy Risso, who had an alibi, and has had to live with sad memories and loss all of these years. Reviewing the details of the case made the assembled gathering uneasy and Nell, Birdie and Cass decided to re-focus on their special wedding project they had been knitting—a delicate wedding shawl for Izzy. This, combined with a long to-do list (as Izzy’s Mother is not able to help with the preparations) falls on Nell’s shoulders and she wants everything to be perfect for her Niece’s outdoor ceremony. She hires dynamic but mysterious gardener; Claire Russell to turn the backyard into a “Fantasyland of Love” with her artful plantings and landscaping. As the backdrop for the nuptials has been handled, Izzy, Nell, Birdie and Cass head to their appt. at “M.J.’s Salon” to arrange hair styling and bridal pampering on the big day with M, J.’s shy wedding coordinator, Tiffany Ciccolo. They soon discover that Tiffany has forgotten all about the meeting but is spotted two hours later, at the local hotspot; “The Artist’s Palate”, mooning over her crush; Andy Risso (who is the drummer in the band “Fractured Fish”). Embarrassed, apologies are made and re-scheduling is promised—this time with Tiffany going to Nell’s home, where she is glared at by Claire. But why?? Between this meeting and the wedding, Birdie and Nell keep their regular hair appts., only to have a solution mix-up for Birdie and her white locks turn pink! Mortified, M.J. and Nell trudge down into the dark basement for a remedy, and stumble over Tiffany’s life-less body sprawled on the floor! It is disclosed that her death is not accidental and many questions arise. Who would want Tiffany dead? It is discovered that Tiffany and Harmony were best friends in high school but are their deaths related? Fingers point once again at Andy Risso. Had he gotten away with Harmony’s death and now will be found guilty of Tiffany’s demise? What about the jealous, gossipy receptionist; Tanya Gordon? Did she desire a promotion to Tiffany’s position at the salon that much that she would do anything to get it? Will Izzy and Sam’s wedding be marred by the unsettled crime, complete with subtle warnings for the sleuthing knitters? Ms. Goldenbaum has not only included a recipe for Nell and Ben’s grilled lobster tails with orange butter sauce (yum!) ,but the directions for knitting Izzy’s exquisite wedding shawl. She has also snuck in a snippet of her latest work, “A Fatal Fleece”, which you don’t want to miss. Armed with tissues and something to nibble, I’ll be anxious to visit Sea Harbor/Cape Ann again and I bet you will be too! Nancy Narma
Once again, I have had the pleasure to “Travel” to Sea Harbor and join Nell, Birdie, Cass Izzy and friends, as the long-awaited wedding of Izzy and Sam draws near. Taking a break from the preparations, the group joins the Knitting Book Club for a special event at Art Brandley’s Bookstore. His talented author/knitter/Son (also Cass’s boyfriend); Danny is speaking about the process of writing a mystery. In doing so, he dredges up a “Cold Case File”—that of young high school graduate; Harmony Farrow, who drowned at the Markham Quarry fifteen years ago. As suspicious as the death seemed, there was no proof of foul play and no arrest was ever made. At the time, many fingers pointed to her boyfriend, Andy Risso, who had an alibi, and has had to live with sad memories and loss all of these years. Reviewing the details of the case made the assembled gathering uneasy and Nell, Birdie and Cass decided to re-focus on their special wedding project they had been knitting—a delicate wedding shawl for Izzy. This, combined with a long to-do list (as Izzy’s Mother is not able to help with the preparations) falls on Nell’s shoulders and she wants everything to be perfect for her Niece’s outdoor ceremony. She hires dynamic but mysterious gardener; Claire Russell to turn the backyard into a “Fantasyland of Love” with her artful plantings and landscaping. As the backdrop for the nuptials has been handled, Izzy, Nell, Birdie and Cass head to their appt. at “M.J.’s Salon” to arrange hair styling and bridal pampering on the big day with M, J.’s shy wedding coordinator, Tiffany Ciccolo. They soon discover that Tiffany has forgotten all about the meeting but is spotted two hours later, at the local hotspot; “The Artist’s Palate”, mooning over her crush; Andy Risso (who is the drummer in the band “Fractured Fish”). Embarrassed, apologies are made and re-scheduling is promised—this time with Tiffany going to Nell’s home, where she is glared at by Claire. But why?? Between this meeting and the wedding, Birdie and Nell keep their regular hair appts., only to have a solution mix-up for Birdie and her white locks turn pink! Mortified, M.J. and Nell trudge down into the dark basement for a remedy, and stumble over Tiffany’s life-less body sprawled on the floor! It is disclosed that her death is not accidental and many questions arise. Who would want Tiffany dead? It is discovered that Tiffany and Harmony were best friends in high school but are their deaths related? Fingers point once again at Andy Risso. Had he gotten away with Harmony’s death and now will be found guilty of Tiffany’s demise? What about the jealous, gossipy receptionist; Tanya Gordon? Did she desire a promotion to Tiffany’s position at the salon that much that she would do anything to get it? Will Izzy and Sam’s wedding be marred by the unsettled crime, complete with subtle warnings for the sleuthing knitters? Ms. Goldenbaum has not only included a recipe for Nell and Ben’s grilled lobster tails with orange butter sauce (yum!) ,but the directions for knitting Izzy’s exquisite wedding shawl. She has also snuck in a snippet of her latest work, “A Fatal Fleece”, which you don’t want to miss. Armed with tissues and something to nibble, I’ll be anxious to visit Sea Harbor/Cape Ann again and I bet you will be too! Nancy Narma
May 5, 2011
"The Wedding Shawl" was a cozy mystery in every sense. I felt emotionally warm and comfortable just reading this story due to how nice everyone was. Actually, I'd call the novel a general fiction with a whodunit mystery because the story was more realistic to how things happen in real life than most mystery novels. I also liked that the police weren't idiots or "the enemy."
While the suspense was low, there was a thread of sadness for what the unsolved murder was doing to the people involved. The main characters wanted to make that sadness go away (as much as possible). There was enough uncertainty about who the murderer was that I kept reading to discover the answer. I did figure out whodunit before our heroines, but they figured it out soon after I did and had a good reason not to see the answer before then. I thought the mystery was handled very well.
The characters were engaging, complex, and had flaws, but they still came across as extremely nice people that would be relaxing to hang out with. They almost made me want to learn how to knit. The vivid details about the setting and people brought the story alive in my imagination.
This book was the fifth in the series, but you don't need to read the previous ones to follow the events in this one. This book didn't spoil the mysteries of the previous books, but I suspect it spoiled the relationship outcomes of the previous novels. (I haven't read them, so I don't know.)
There was no explicit sex. There was some minor explicit use of one curse word (d---). Overall, I'd highly recommend this enjoyable, well-written novel.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
While the suspense was low, there was a thread of sadness for what the unsolved murder was doing to the people involved. The main characters wanted to make that sadness go away (as much as possible). There was enough uncertainty about who the murderer was that I kept reading to discover the answer. I did figure out whodunit before our heroines, but they figured it out soon after I did and had a good reason not to see the answer before then. I thought the mystery was handled very well.
The characters were engaging, complex, and had flaws, but they still came across as extremely nice people that would be relaxing to hang out with. They almost made me want to learn how to knit. The vivid details about the setting and people brought the story alive in my imagination.
This book was the fifth in the series, but you don't need to read the previous ones to follow the events in this one. This book didn't spoil the mysteries of the previous books, but I suspect it spoiled the relationship outcomes of the previous novels. (I haven't read them, so I don't know.)
There was no explicit sex. There was some minor explicit use of one curse word (d---). Overall, I'd highly recommend this enjoyable, well-written novel.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
May 18, 2011
A Seaside Knitters Mystery
5th in the series
Izzy is getting married and all her friends are getting together to knit her a beautiful wedding shawl. Everyone contributing their knitting talents to one wonderful project. What a treasured gift!!!
Oh yes, there is mystery too, as the hair stylist for the wedding participants disappears and later is found dead. This lands the Seaside Knitters in the middle of another murder investigation. But these ladies can handle it, they will finish the shawl and solve the crime to get the towns focus back on wedding bells instead of jail cells.
You know I loved this book because I truly love this series. The friendship these women have, their personalities, their wisdom, added to the perfect setting, all brilliantly written, makes every trip to Sea Harbor a well deserved vacation with the friends we have come to love. Yes, the sensory factors are amazing, you can almost smell the sea air, feel the yarn fibers and taste the seafood and fine wine.
5th in the series
Izzy is getting married and all her friends are getting together to knit her a beautiful wedding shawl. Everyone contributing their knitting talents to one wonderful project. What a treasured gift!!!
Oh yes, there is mystery too, as the hair stylist for the wedding participants disappears and later is found dead. This lands the Seaside Knitters in the middle of another murder investigation. But these ladies can handle it, they will finish the shawl and solve the crime to get the towns focus back on wedding bells instead of jail cells.
You know I loved this book because I truly love this series. The friendship these women have, their personalities, their wisdom, added to the perfect setting, all brilliantly written, makes every trip to Sea Harbor a well deserved vacation with the friends we have come to love. Yes, the sensory factors are amazing, you can almost smell the sea air, feel the yarn fibers and taste the seafood and fine wine.
September 24, 2016
Another visit with the Seaside Knitters as they prepare for Izzy's wedding, but things become less festive when a young woman in the village is killed and it is clear that someone they know is the murderer. If you like a great cozy mystery then this one will have you delighted. The character development is fantastic and varied. The group of women who are close friends range from late 20's to 80's so you have personality types and friendships that cross the decades. If you like good food and knitting or then you will be in your element, but you don't have to be in either to enjoy the friendships and mystery!
June 13, 2011
This was one of the best in the series. Nell and her friends are knitting a shawl for Izzy's wedding and investigating the murder of a young hair stylist whose death is somehow related to a mysterious but tragic drowning fifteen years ago. Although sad, there was no angst as there had been in the previous novel. I completely missed the clues pointing to the murderer although I had questions as to why a minor character kept popping up.
February 29, 2016
This could be my favorite Seaside Knitters book to date. I enjoyed the mystery surrounding events from 15 years ago and today, figuring it out a step behind Nell (in my defense I didn't see what she actually read to figure it out). Looking forward to the next book.
June 4, 2018
Writing is a bit too florid for my tastes. Death to adjectives. Please.
September 26, 2025
Meh, it's all right. This is my first book by this author and while the mystery was interesting, it was too White upper-class American for me.
The book is very lovey-dovey -- e.g. everyone is always saying how much they care about each other and no one has serious conflicts -- and it's a bit rambly and slow because of that. There are lots of unnecessary descriptions of food (I don't think anyone ever ate without you learning what the meal was) and general socializing and upper class ("upper middle class") white American culture. I did appreciate that the main character is like 70 (never specified) and doesn't go around being a jerk or breaking a bunch of laws the way some other amateur sleuth series do. The mystery was really interesting - I love when cold cases are woven into current mysteries - though some parts of it were unbelievable and contrived just to draw out the confusion I only guessed the killer like 3/4 of the way through, though that was partly because of a contrived delay in receiving one piece of info that should have been known from the start.
So, read it if you like mysteries and have it on hand, but I won't be continuing the series.
The book is very lovey-dovey -- e.g. everyone is always saying how much they care about each other and no one has serious conflicts -- and it's a bit rambly and slow because of that. There are lots of unnecessary descriptions of food (I don't think anyone ever ate without you learning what the meal was) and general socializing and upper class ("upper middle class") white American culture. I did appreciate that the main character is like 70 (never specified) and doesn't go around being a jerk or breaking a bunch of laws the way some other amateur sleuth series do. The mystery was really interesting - I love when cold cases are woven into current mysteries - though some parts of it were unbelievable and contrived just to draw out the confusion I only guessed the killer like 3/4 of the way through, though that was partly because of a contrived delay in receiving one piece of info that should have been known from the start.
So, read it if you like mysteries and have it on hand, but I won't be continuing the series.
December 11, 2025
⭐⭐⭐
The Wedding Shawl by Sally Goldenbaum is a warm and pleasant entry in the Seaside Knitters Mystery series that delivers on cozy comfort. Izzy Chambers is getting ready to walk down the aisle, and the Seaside Knitters are hard at work on a surprise wedding shawl for her. But wedding plans get complicated when the hair stylist starts missing appointments. When she's found dead, the peaceful wedding preparations turn into a murder investigation. Rumors swirl about the stylist's mysterious past and a possible connection to an unsolved murder from years ago. The Seaside Knitters rally together to find answers so Izzy can wear her beautiful wedding shawl and the town can focus on celebration instead of tragedy.
What works best here is the warmth of the friendships and the knitting group dynamics. Goldenbaum really captures the supportive, loving relationships between these women, and the wedding preparations add a sweet backdrop to the darker mystery. The surprise wedding shawl project gives the knitting scenes purpose and emotional weight. The seaside setting remains inviting and makes you want to visit Sea Harbor.
The mystery itself is decent but not particularly complex. The connection to the past unsolved murder is interesting, but could have been developed more deeply. The pacing is gentle, which fits the cozy genre but might feel slow for some readers.
A nice addition to the series that focuses more on friendship and celebration than edge-of-your-seat mystery. Perfect for when you want something comforting with your knitting.
#TheWeddingShawl #SallyGoldenbaum #SeasideKnittersMystery #CozyMystery #MysteryBooks
The Wedding Shawl by Sally Goldenbaum is a warm and pleasant entry in the Seaside Knitters Mystery series that delivers on cozy comfort. Izzy Chambers is getting ready to walk down the aisle, and the Seaside Knitters are hard at work on a surprise wedding shawl for her. But wedding plans get complicated when the hair stylist starts missing appointments. When she's found dead, the peaceful wedding preparations turn into a murder investigation. Rumors swirl about the stylist's mysterious past and a possible connection to an unsolved murder from years ago. The Seaside Knitters rally together to find answers so Izzy can wear her beautiful wedding shawl and the town can focus on celebration instead of tragedy.
What works best here is the warmth of the friendships and the knitting group dynamics. Goldenbaum really captures the supportive, loving relationships between these women, and the wedding preparations add a sweet backdrop to the darker mystery. The surprise wedding shawl project gives the knitting scenes purpose and emotional weight. The seaside setting remains inviting and makes you want to visit Sea Harbor.
The mystery itself is decent but not particularly complex. The connection to the past unsolved murder is interesting, but could have been developed more deeply. The pacing is gentle, which fits the cozy genre but might feel slow for some readers.
A nice addition to the series that focuses more on friendship and celebration than edge-of-your-seat mystery. Perfect for when you want something comforting with your knitting.
#TheWeddingShawl #SallyGoldenbaum #SeasideKnittersMystery #CozyMystery #MysteryBooks
October 13, 2021
I never thought I’d read cozy mysteries about knitters and actually enjoy them, but I do; and this is a series I’ll continue to read. I’m not yet disappointed by any of the plots. The sweetness and coziness among these women is a bit cloying, and some of the ultra-healthy things these people eat as a matter of course had me reflexively wandering about the house in search of red meat. But those are minor things that shouldn’t stop you from reading the series.
Someone murdered 17-year-old Harmony on graduation night back in 1996. Her friend, Andy, was the last person to see her alive; she got into her vehicle and drove out to an abandoned quarry away from town. They never figured out who killed her.
Advance 15 years, and someone murders Tiffany. She and Harmony were friends in high school, and Tiffany worked for the local hair salon. Izzy Chambers involved Tiffany in helping plan Izzy’s wedding, and that meant doing lots of hair for lots of honored guess. When Tiffany became unreliable and just didn’t show up one day for an appointment, Izzy and the other members of the Seaside Knitters investigate. They find Tiffany’s broken body in the basement of the hair salon. Initially, the cops thought she fell from the ladder; in reality, someone pushed her. The amateur sleuths must find a killer and thereby clear up the cloud of fear and anxiety that grips the community. After all, one of their most beloved members, the woman who owns the knit shop they all adore, is marrying Sam, and there must not be a pall over the community.
Someone murdered 17-year-old Harmony on graduation night back in 1996. Her friend, Andy, was the last person to see her alive; she got into her vehicle and drove out to an abandoned quarry away from town. They never figured out who killed her.
Advance 15 years, and someone murders Tiffany. She and Harmony were friends in high school, and Tiffany worked for the local hair salon. Izzy Chambers involved Tiffany in helping plan Izzy’s wedding, and that meant doing lots of hair for lots of honored guess. When Tiffany became unreliable and just didn’t show up one day for an appointment, Izzy and the other members of the Seaside Knitters investigate. They find Tiffany’s broken body in the basement of the hair salon. Initially, the cops thought she fell from the ladder; in reality, someone pushed her. The amateur sleuths must find a killer and thereby clear up the cloud of fear and anxiety that grips the community. After all, one of their most beloved members, the woman who owns the knit shop they all adore, is marrying Sam, and there must not be a pall over the community.
March 7, 2017
I love this series. The mysteries get better as it continues and the author doesn't shy away from using fairly high-profile characters as the culprits. I knew who the killer was before they were revealed but it was still heart-pounding good reading until it actually happened in the book.
This is the fifth installment of the Seaside Knitters Mysteries, and although the title suggests a wedding-filled story...it's not. Thank You, Sally Goldenbaum. Pre-wedding parties and preparation abound for Izzy and Sam in Sea Harbor, Mass. but as a backdrop to the unfolding mystery that begins in the opening pages. The town's attention is on a 15-year-old cold case brought to light as part of a discussion at book club. Everyone has feelings about the cold case being dredged up again - most wish it had never come to light. But then, Tiffany - the hair stylist who is planning Izzy's wedding day hair and makeup - dies under suspicious circumstances in her basement office at the salon.
This death - although not initially thought to be connected to the first murder - is troubling since Tiffany was the best friend of the 17-year-old Harmony who died after her high school graduation. And so the mystery begins.
Goldenbaum weaves a story ripe with suspects; suspicions, emotion and compassion.
Two thumps up!
This is the fifth installment of the Seaside Knitters Mysteries, and although the title suggests a wedding-filled story...it's not. Thank You, Sally Goldenbaum. Pre-wedding parties and preparation abound for Izzy and Sam in Sea Harbor, Mass. but as a backdrop to the unfolding mystery that begins in the opening pages. The town's attention is on a 15-year-old cold case brought to light as part of a discussion at book club. Everyone has feelings about the cold case being dredged up again - most wish it had never come to light. But then, Tiffany - the hair stylist who is planning Izzy's wedding day hair and makeup - dies under suspicious circumstances in her basement office at the salon.
This death - although not initially thought to be connected to the first murder - is troubling since Tiffany was the best friend of the 17-year-old Harmony who died after her high school graduation. And so the mystery begins.
Goldenbaum weaves a story ripe with suspects; suspicions, emotion and compassion.
Two thumps up!
July 1, 2021
I really wish I was knowledgeable about knitting because I’m sure it would add to the enjoyment of this series. Even knowing less than nothing about the hobby doesn’t diminish how great the characters are. And it is a character driven series. The author continues to write the four central individuals and their significant others as very pleasant people each with a distinct, well developed personality.
This book is the story of a cold case from 15 years ago which becomes apparent it is related to a recent murder. The author provides a feasible reason for the four friends to get involved: a good friend and member of the band to play at Izzy’s wedding reception is considered a suspect. As with the other books in this series, the author successfully juggles the search for the killer, personal storylines and, of course, food. A lot of time is spent on food in these books. More eating than knitting
This book is the story of a cold case from 15 years ago which becomes apparent it is related to a recent murder. The author provides a feasible reason for the four friends to get involved: a good friend and member of the band to play at Izzy’s wedding reception is considered a suspect. As with the other books in this series, the author successfully juggles the search for the killer, personal storylines and, of course, food. A lot of time is spent on food in these books. More eating than knitting
September 4, 2020
In this series installment, yarn shop owner Izzy Chambers is finishing up the plans for her upcoming wedding. The problem arises when the wedding group's hair stylist is found murdered in the basement storage room and office of the salon where she works. When Izzy and the other knitters start to try and put the pieces together, they realize quickly that it might be related to an unsolved murder in the town that happened years ago. As they keep investigating, the threats amp up, and everyone gets more tense. Fortunately, things are resolved by the day of the wedding, as is expected in any cozy mystery.
I enjoy this series, not just because I like the characters and of course enjoy knitting, but also because it is set on Cape Ann in Massachusetts, which is one of my most favorite places on earth. None of these books claim to be great literature, but the characters are enjoyable, as is the setting. They also eat and drink a lot wonderful things, which is also a winner for me.
After a couple of seriously intense books, this was the perfect and enjoyable palate cleanser. And there are still plenty of titles in the series waiting for me!
I enjoy this series, not just because I like the characters and of course enjoy knitting, but also because it is set on Cape Ann in Massachusetts, which is one of my most favorite places on earth. None of these books claim to be great literature, but the characters are enjoyable, as is the setting. They also eat and drink a lot wonderful things, which is also a winner for me.
After a couple of seriously intense books, this was the perfect and enjoyable palate cleanser. And there are still plenty of titles in the series waiting for me!
March 1, 2023
Love and marriage
A fifteen year old cold case is suddenly hot in the focus of Sea Harbor’s residents when Danny uses it as an example of sources of inspiration for his mystery novels. With many who lived through that time recalling the tragic drowning death of a young woman in an old quarry, emotions that had been slumbering awaken - especially for the man who had been her boyfriend, and a person of interest to the police at the time. Suspicions, rumors, and speculation run rampant again, reaching new heights when the best friend of the young woman is killed a day after the renewed interest in the case is awakened. Amidst the questions and worries surrounding the current murder and the cold case, the Seaside Knitters are determined to get the matter resolved so nothing will dim the joy of Izzy and Sam’s wedding. The paths they take may lead to a sorrowful conclusion.
A fifteen year old cold case is suddenly hot in the focus of Sea Harbor’s residents when Danny uses it as an example of sources of inspiration for his mystery novels. With many who lived through that time recalling the tragic drowning death of a young woman in an old quarry, emotions that had been slumbering awaken - especially for the man who had been her boyfriend, and a person of interest to the police at the time. Suspicions, rumors, and speculation run rampant again, reaching new heights when the best friend of the young woman is killed a day after the renewed interest in the case is awakened. Amidst the questions and worries surrounding the current murder and the cold case, the Seaside Knitters are determined to get the matter resolved so nothing will dim the joy of Izzy and Sam’s wedding. The paths they take may lead to a sorrowful conclusion.
January 12, 2023
#5 in the saga of the Seaside Knitters finds Nell, Birdie and Cass planning Izzy's wedding to Sam or, rather, implementing Izzy's plans for the wedding. Everything would have been perfect were it not for the murder of Tiffany, the wedding planner in the local hair salon. Fifteen years earlier, Tiffany's best friend, Harmony, had been found dead in Markham Quarry Lake right after the high school graduation party. Also a mystery woman returns to Sea Harbor. A talented gardener, she is preparing Nell and Ben's garden for the site of the wedding.
Nell, Birdie and Cass are knitting a beautiful wedding shawl to grace Izzy's shoulders for the ceremony. Will they find the murderer and finish the shawl in time for the wedding?
Nell, Birdie and Cass are knitting a beautiful wedding shawl to grace Izzy's shoulders for the ceremony. Will they find the murderer and finish the shawl in time for the wedding?
July 4, 2024
Izzy Chambers and Sam Perry are planning their wedding in Aunt Nell and Uncle Ben's back yard. They have hired Claire to fix up the garden. Claire is a recent returnee to town having left when her daughter died suspiciously 15 years earlier. But Tiffany, the hairstylist seems to be having all the wedding problems, missing scheduled appointments. Then she was found dead and some think there are ties to the older case. So Izzy needs to get things solved before it ruins her wedding. As a side theme the Seaside Knitters group is creating a special shawl for Izzy for the wedding. Things are obviously resolved, and the shawl completed on time, so the wedding can be a beautiful celebration in the last chapter.
May 12, 2017
Seaside murders
What an absolutely wonderful series, and I think this is the best one yet. These characters simply come to life like real friends in these books; what a talent this author posseses. In this fantastic cozy, the past and the present collide, connected by murder. The Seaside knitters know they have to help put these murders to rest for the sake of the community, their friends, and for the sake of Izzy and Sam's impending wedding. The guilty party is a surprise even though there were some clever hints at, "who done it". Really great mystery, my personal favorite. 5+++++ stars!
What an absolutely wonderful series, and I think this is the best one yet. These characters simply come to life like real friends in these books; what a talent this author posseses. In this fantastic cozy, the past and the present collide, connected by murder. The Seaside knitters know they have to help put these murders to rest for the sake of the community, their friends, and for the sake of Izzy and Sam's impending wedding. The guilty party is a surprise even though there were some clever hints at, "who done it". Really great mystery, my personal favorite. 5+++++ stars!
May 9, 2024
4.0 #5 in the Seaside Knitters Mystery books this one where the knitters are preparing for Izzy and Sam's wedding and each taking time to share knitting a wedding shawl for Izzy. As always things do not go as planned and they have a stylist coming to coordinate their pampering on the wedding day but she is murdered and it turns out she was a friend of a young woman who was a cold case many years ago. A newcomer to the community is helping Nell replant her garden and this woman has special talents but is very quiet and secretive. Will the cold case and the new murder be solved and are they connected? All this while wedding preparations must go on.
April 6, 2018
I really enjoy this series - it makes me wish to visit this seaside community, browse and knit in Izzy's shop and join the warm, believable characters as their live in their delightful town on the sea. This volume is preparing Izzy and Sam for their wedding day and the mystery is a cold case, that is sad and when solved, simply heartbreaking - all too real. Can't help but reach for a cup of tea, a scone warm from Nell's oven and my knitting bag when reading these books. As it series, it's only gotten better, and I am looking forward to the next one!
July 7, 2020
This was a great book. It had a lot more insight into the personal lives of the characters, with the mystery being a somewhat lesser thread throughout the book. The exploration of the history of Sea Harbor was also interesting, although my favorite portions of the book were those describing the many gatherings on the Endicott's deck, it made you wish you were there relaxing along with them! The mystery itself was a touch disappointing, and it will be interesting to see how the change in the cast of Sea Harbor characters will play out in future books in the series.
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