Murder in Merino

Seaside Knitters Mystery #8

by Sally Goldenbaum

Readers can't help but get entangled in this USA Today bestselling series.It’s autumn in Sea Harbor, and as the tourists leave, a mysterious guest arrives. When she’s implicated in a crime, the Seaside Knitters must quickly table their knitting project and search out a motif for murder. Fall is usually a relaxing time in Sea Harbor, but it’s turning out to be a busy season for Izzy Chambers Perry. Not only is she helping the Seaside Knitters make a magnificent throw to celebrate the fortieth wedding anniversary of her aunt and uncle, but she and her husband are finally selling the cottage she lived in before she got married and had a darling baby girl. To Izzy’s surprise, newcomer Julia Ainsley seems determined to buy the home—although she’s never set foot inside. But on the day of the open house, things take a dark turn. A body is uncovered in the cottage’s backyard. When the police find Julia’s name and phone number in the victim’s pocket, this slender thread of evidence makes her a person of interest. Soon the spotlight of suspicion widens to include old friends and town leaders as a tragic happening, long buried in the sleepy seaside town, is slowly brought to the surface. Before the joyful anniversary celebration can be realized, the Seaside Knitters must work to unravel the real reason Julia Ainsley has come to their town—and the tangled and troubled ties from the past that bind friends and townsfolk together. KNITTING PATTERN INCLUDED

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Knitting, Crafts, Contemporary

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 6, 2014

About the author

Sally Goldenbaum is a philosophy teacher, knitter, editor, and the author of more than two-dozen novels.

Series:
* A Seaside Knitters Mystery
*

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do like Sea Harbor and my visits here. It’s always fun catching up with my favorite knitters. I liked how this time they were piecing together what happened in the past and how it impacted present events.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s autumn in Sea Harbor, and as the tourists leave, a mysterious guest arrives. When she’s implicated in a crime, the Seaside Knitters must quickly table their knitting project and search out a motif for murder.

Julia Ainsley has come to Sea Harbor and she is not your typical tourist. She quickly knits herself into the fiber of this seaside town, even wanting to purchase a house, Izzy’s house, even though she has never set foot inside.

The realtor has already set up an Open House and Julie receives a mysterious call from a man asking her to meet him before the Open House starts. But when she arrives he is nowhere in sight. Deciding to take a quick look around the property Julia finds more the a beautiful view. She finds a dead body in the backyard. Her name and phone number are found on the body and she becomes the police’s prime suspect.

Things take a drastic turn as secrets kept for years are revealed and old friends are linked to both Julia and the dead man. The Seaside Knitters must work to unravel the real reason Julia Ainsley has come to their town—and the tangled and troubled ties from the past that bind friends and townsfolk together.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

The characters in this story continue to amaze me. They are so welcoming even when they have a few doubts about a newcomer. They all support each other through life’s daily drama and celebrate together the milestones. This time it was Nell and Ben’s 40th wedding anniversary and young woman who seems just work her way into their lives. They also pull together to find a killer even when they can’t believe where the clues are leading.

Sally Goldenbaum makes every trip to Sea Harbor pure pleasure with the great characters, the beautiful setting and a top-notch whodunit. I started to see where this story was headed and thought I had to be wrong and with that final twist thankfully I was and I was still knocked for a loop when it all came together.

In addition to being a cozy mystery these stories are also about the powerful friendship this group of people have. They meet each week at Ben and Nell’s for a wonderful dinner. Ben is the chef and everyone brings something to add from a bottle of wine to a pie for dessert. They share their lives and dreams and dilemmas and if there is a murder to solve they talk it out together. If a member is missing everyone worries. If there is a joy to share everyone celebrates. Friendship like this today seems to be rare with everyone having so much to do and no time to relax. Our heads are staring at our phones or computers. We text and email and don’t take time to just stop and enjoy our friends. We could all learn a little something from the wonderful people of Sea Harbor.

[Melina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first visit to Sea Harbor, but it won't be my last. I fell in love with this charming seaside town. I also really liked the characters and their close relationships in this series. These are a group of people that really care about each other and want what's best for everyone. This town would be a wonderful town to visit. I really loved the mystery in this book also, there is not just one mystery, but a couple of different mysteries that the group of friends has to uncover. Sally is also a great writer and that helped this book along. I can't wait to visit the charming hamlet of Sea Harbor again, even though I don't knit, I enjoyed that aspect of this book also. There really wasn't anything about this book that I didn't like. If you are looking for a an entertaining mystery that will keep you guessing and a book that has a great friendship/relationship aspect, then this is a book you will definitely enjoy. I look forward to reading more about Sea Harbor and it's wonderful inhabitants.


I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.

[Marlene]

I love this series. The mystery is an aside. I love immersing myself in the well-defined characters lives. Having Friday dinner on the deck at Nell and Ben's. Worrying about Cass's relationship with Danny. Watching Baby Anna grow. Yes, I'm hooked on this one. And the mystery was very interesting in this one too!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series and it just keeps getting stronger with each book.

[Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by Sally Goldenbaum!

Sea Harbor has a visitor in the form of Julia (Jules) Ainsley and she seems to be setting the town about it's ears, Danny is spending a LOT of time with her and Cass isn't happy, then she decides to buy Izzy's old cottage - sight unseen!  On the morning of the open house (Izzy and Sam are determined to do things right) Jules is found with a dead body - the dead body of the well liked bartender at the local restaurant (well bartender and part owner) she is suddenly suspect #1 in the eyes of the town, well not ALL the town, the knitters, Mary Pisano and Rebecca Early are all convinced she is being set up (even Cass doesn't believe she is guilty!)

Now Jules has to prove her innocence and the real culprit needs to be found so that Nell and Ben's 40th wedding anniversary can go off without a hitch.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series and how you get to know the characters a bit more in depth with each new book. In this installment there is a new gal in town and she is raising eyebrows and making friends everywhere. Is she a visitor or is she a new resident, that remains to be seen however as the new gal she is the one everyone is looking at when a longtime and beloved resident turns up dead! A great plot with interesting subplotting to keep the story entertaining and entangled!

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia Ainsley has recently come to Sea Harbor and is seen all over the town. She is seen in deep conversations with Danny which causes problems with Cass. However the knitters seem to like her even Cass so when she discovers a dead body the group know they have to help her. In helping with solving a murder they also are solving the mystery that brought Julia to town. The book was a quick easy read.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable series.

[Nancy Narma · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Knitted Brows & Purls of Wisdom With a Measure of Murder”

As we travel back to Sandswept Lane, we find there’s a lot going on in the cozy community of Sea Harbor, Mass. Nell and Ben Endicott’s 40th wedding anniversary is fast approaching, and, what they had hoped would be a quiet celebration with family and friends could get out of hand rather quickly with Mary Pisano at the helm. The upcoming election for mayor is heating up, with incumbent, well-respected Stan Hanson going up against political hopeful (at least in her own mind) Beatrice Scaglia, who will explore every avenue in her bid for the mayoral seat. But, it’s not Beatrice who’s causing such a stir in this sleepy, seaside town—but a beautiful newcomer named Julia (“Jules”) Ainsley. She inserts herself into the Seaside Knitters’ lives, charming all of their men, much to Nell’s, Izzy’s and Cass’s dismay. She is not only beautiful, but smart, clever, plus she knits and sails—but she is toting a boatload of emotional baggage with her. Jules meets Author (and Cass’s Boyfriend), Danny Brandley at the Ocean’s Edge Bar and is scrutinized by usually friendly bartender/co-owner Jeffrey Meara, who keeps staring at her like he’s met her before. Jules is confused by his actions and is further puzzled when he asks if she would meet him at 27 Ridge Road, the cottage-style house that Izzy used to live in before she married Sam Perry. Jules is unexplainably drawn to the house and is interested in purchasing same, so she decides to meet him before the realtor’s open house. Jules travels to Ridge Road early, hoping to get the mysterious meeting out of the way and beat any other possible buyers to the purchase. When she arrives, she discovers Jeffrey’s car is already parked out front. Why would he be here so early? A short time later, the usual Friday night dinner with friends on the Endicott’s deck is interrupted by a frantic call from Realtor Stella Palazola, asking Ben and Sam to come to the house immediately…they arrive, only to find Jeffrey Meara’s lifeless body sprawled in the backyard. Who would want to hurt, never mind kill, this amiable fellow, who called most of the residents of Sea Harbor, his friends? Sadly, but not surprisingly, Jules is on the top of the list of suspects. How can she explain her visit to the area when she has no family or friends living here and has never been to Sea Harbor before? And the strange way she’s drawn to the cozy cottage? If she’s not the killer, then who is? Perhaps Jeffrey’s partner in Ocean’s Edge, Don Wooten, who was not always happy with Jeffrey’s decisions? Maybe another disgruntled employee—or ex-employee?
Or bird watcher/Ocean’s Edge employee, creepy Garrett Barros who lives next door to the crime scene? Will the killer be identified so that the residents can relax their fears and have the Anniversary Party go on without a hitch? Will Jules find the answers to the mysteries of the past? And in doing so, who may be hurt in the process? Ms. Goldenbaum has held us in suspense once again as she leads us down the zig-zagged paths of mysterious crime and everlasting friendship. As is true with her other volumes, she has kindly included a list of characters for our referral and has graciously enclosed the knitting pattern (designed specifically for “Murder in Merino” by the talented Cindy Craig) for the Endicott’s ruby red anniversary afghan and a copy of the Seafood Salad that the “Seaside Knitters” often order at “Ocean’s Edge”. There are “oceans” to enjoy with this book and the whole Seaside Knitters series. If you haven’t had a chance to read them, I highly suggest that you do--although you do not have to start from the first volume to quickly become acquainted with this loving and caring group. As for me, I can’t wait to see what adventures they’ll be up to their knitting needles in next –I’m making room on my bookshelf—how about you?
Nancy Narma

[Deb Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally Goldenbaum continues her highly popular Seaside Knitters series with Murder in Merino. Fans of the series have come to know and love the eclectic bunch of ladies who always seem to find themselves in the middle of another mystery. From Izzy, whose married and has a new baby to Nell who is getting ready to celebrate her 40th anniversary. There is something for everyone in this series including a fantastic seaside town that provides the perfect backdrop for some serious amateur sleuthing.

What I liked:

The Seaside Knitters series is one of my favorites. Sally Goldenbaum has a way of incorporating the setting so completely into her writing that it takes on the characteristics of a character in her stories. That isn't easily done, but when an author is able to create that feeling, it's sure to be a very atmospheric novel that will have readers thinking about it long after they've turned the last page. Murder in Merino is definitely that kind of book. I enjoyed the way that Goldenbaum made Sea Harbor come to life and how the sea was such a part of the town and it's inhabitants. I don't think this book or series would have been nearly as good set anywhere else. It makes me want to move to the coast.

Izzy isn't a typical cozy heroine by a long shot and to be honest when reading Goldenbaum's books I'm never completely sure which of the ladies is actually the main lead character. I think they all share the spotlight in different books, which makes this series very unique, because the view points shift and change with each new tale. Izzy is the main focus of this particular story. She has a husband and a beautiful baby and cottage she needs to get rid of and that is the catalyst for this novel. I like the fact that Goldenbaum gives Izzy a family as well as the amateur sleuth bug. It's unusual and gives the book an even homier feel than the setting and that's saying a lot.

When a body turns up in the backyard of the cottage, suspicion turns to a new face in Sea Harbor, a woman with no ties to the town, who is obsessive about buying Izzy's cottage. Jules is an outsider to this very close knit town and usually that's the kiss of death in most cozies, but not this time. I liked the fact that the outsider didn't become the victim, but a suspect. She provided a lot of angst and urgency in the book and it was interesting to watch each of the knitters try to rationalize her reasons for being there. It just gave the mystery an air of secrecy.

I also enjoyed that this novel has a story within a story feel. The story is about the current murder of a local, but it ties back to the history of Sea Harbor itself and a long buried secret that has been hidden for years. It not only gave the story a historical feel, but it provided some great info for long time readers of the series about the town itself. Sea Harbor is one of my all time favorite fictional towns and that was such a wonderful added bonus.

What I didn't like:

Sally Goldenbaum's books are always well written, the pacing is good, the characters are so deeply layered and have become like good friends throughout the series. But I felt like Jules needed a little more background. She didn't feel as fleshed out as some of Goldbaum's characters and that took a little bit away from the novel, but not much. This one was still pretty great.

Bottom Line:

I can't possibly give this one less than a 5 because it was a very good read. It had atmosphere, it had exceptional characters a good plot line. You can't ask for much more with a good cozy. I loved it!

[OpenBookSociety.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://openbooksociety.com/article/mu...

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Laurie

There are quite a few things to like about the latest installment in the Seaside Knitters series. Set in a small town on the North Shore of Massachusetts, this book sees our knitters moving into the autumn, away from the busy tourist season. I absolutely love the atmosphere of these books. I grew up in Massachusetts, on Cape Ann, in fact, and I love Goldenbaum’s depictions of the environment. Massachusetts in early autumn is lovely, and the reader gets placed in the middle. Possibly a bit more sarcasm would have made it more realistic to the Massachusetts I know and love, but the sense of place is very well done.

I also enjoyed the fact that we get the perspective of multiple characters. The main sleuth in this book is Izzy, one of the younger members of the knitting group, but we learn details in the story from other characters too. This keeps the narrative less static, and certainly requires more work on the part of the author, to get inside the heads of the different women. As with any good cozy mystery there are also captivating descriptions of delicious food, smartly decorated houses, in short, the kind of sensory pleasures that really add to the genre. Sea Harbor has a very active social scene, I wish I had the social life of some of these ladies!

As for the mystery, the intertwined mysteries that the ladies investigate were scintillating, and kept me guessing. There are sufficient twists and turns to keep the amateur sleuth reader on her toes. I look forward to the next in the series.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. This review is part of the author’s blog tour organized by the publisher*

[Andrea Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Seaside Knitters Mystery that I've read and I absolutely loved it. It is book 8 in the series, which means I have quite a bit of catching up to do.

I loved all the locals in Sea Harbor instantly. Sally has created a wonderful town that you really wish you could visit, by the time you finish reading the book.

The murder involves a local man who is a bartender/owner of a local restaurant and the chief suspect is Julia Ainsley, a tourist/wannabee local, who you love to hate. Julia is someone that is trying to fit in, but there are things about her, that you just can't like. From the minute you know that she's part of the murder investigation, you want to know what part she played in the murder.

Then when you find out why she's in Sea Harbor..well, the story takes a whole other turn. I actually felt like the mystery in this book was more about Julia Ainsley and the reason she was there, than who killed Jeffrey.

When her mystery is solved, so is the murder, and if you don't have a hint of a tear in your eye at the end, well, you might be lacking a heart!

This is a fantastic read. Definitely a great addition to any cozy lover's mystery shelf!

[Kristi | Hidden Staircase | · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first Seaside Knitters mystery. I had difficulty getting into the story. The beginning was very much about the characters, and there are an abundance of characters. Pages and pages of going around town and seeing people. In fact, there are so many characters in this novel that there is a multi-page character index at the beginning of the book. I referenced it quite a bit throughout the story. (And I discovered there were even a few characters missing from said index.)

Once the murder happened, the story did pick up. There were some things that I was able to figure out, and some bits that I didn't. I enjoyed the overall conclusion. I think if I had read others in this series the story may have started out as more of a page turner.

I received this book free from the Goodreads giveaways program (first reads).

[N Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon the series a while ago, and have read them in order. The main cast of characters are invested in each other, but always willing to include others into their circle.
The plot is well written, many twists and turns. I thought I had it figured out, but then again, not. I won't go into too many details as this has already been done.
It's a quick light read, and I think the series merits reading.

I wish I lived in Sea Harbor. I wish I could go to Nell and Ben's each Friday night for dinner. The dinners sound heavenly!!

[Becky Leier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. I always feel like I'm coming home to freinds when I read one of the Seaside Knitters Mysterys. Sally Goldembaum keep them coming

[T K Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This seemed a little slower pace than other books in this series. And surprisingly, it includes a bit of a rehash from previous plotlines. A daughter comes to town to look for her roots, not specifically her father like Willow did in book two, but similar enough to be noticeable. There’s also the similarity to book six where an elected official’s spouse turns out to be the murderer. Some irrational, mysterious force causes the newcomer to fall in love with Izzy’s previous house. She offers to buy it sight unseen. I did have trouble imagining how she recognized the house from the rear looking up at it from the beach through a tangle of overgrowth.

Even as the author adds more depth to the personalities of the main characters, the newly introduced citizens of Sea Harbor continue to be written as delightful and charming. Perhaps that’s why Beatrice comes off as so unlikeable. She seems to be the only continuing character not written as overly nice making her, by contrast, seem unpleasant and slightly obnoxious.

I appreciate that this author provides detail for everyday activities. Izzy really runs a business: when she takes time off away from the shop, it’s explained who is covering for her. When Izzy and Sam spend an evening out, having a babysitter is mentioned. Characters sometimes even wash dishes after the Friday night dinners on the deck. Now if Nell would cook a main dish that wasn’t seafood based. It is a fact that people who live at the coast eat red meat and chicken.

Deducted a star because all the red herrings were male but it was a female who left a message asking the victim to arrive early

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 5 out of 5]

The members of the Seaside Knitters group are embracing the end of summer and the approach of the autumnal season. Walks, strolls, picnics and even the weekly get together of the Thursday Night knitting session. There is a visitor name of Julia. Julia or Jules, as she prefers, is a lovely vision running the roads, beaches etc. Everyone seems to like her but wonder exactly why she seems so interested in an old fix-up house on the island? Cape Ann is a lovely New England area but doesn't attract many new comers. Most likely Jules is thinking of becoming a summer resident, or is she?

A couple of persons seem to have seen a likeness to someone they can't quite remember. Ah well, the lure of the season change has local residents enjoying themselves and they fold Jules into their lives.

Suddenly, there is a dreadful event. A local, life long resident of Cape Ann's is murdered. Human nature makes all eyes turn upon the newcomer, especially as the crime happened at the property Jules is desperate to own.

This book carries the flavor of the seasonal changes, the friendships of long time making, and the lure of changes, both in life and relationships. I love this series. I love the deep friendship of the knitting group and their partners. I enjoy the setting and foods. Cape Ann draws me in.

Do give this series a read. It gets better each volume.

[Nolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s that time of year in Sea Harbor, Massachusetts when people can still enjoy socializing outdoors. Fall’s real bluster and the upcoming Halloween won’t happen for a while. Into that Indian summer bursts Julia Ainsley. She’s a singularly attractive young woman devoted to running, and the longer she’s in town, the more devoted she becomes to the community. There’s something magic in the place for her; somehow, her past is here. She senses it.

In the town, they’re planning for a 40th wedding anniversary celebration. Everyone who can knit is knitting, and they’re creating a community gift for the couple.

But Julia’s arrival is disruptive at best. She’s spending lots of time with Danny, a mystery writer and investigative reporter who lives in town. That doesn’t set well with the independent-minded Cass. She and Danny live together until her suspicions of the newly arrived runner put an end to that arrangement.

But Sea Harbor, despite its close-knit highly social populous, apparently includes deadly secrets. When the lovely Miss Ainsley unearths some of those secrets with her research into her past, things turn deadly. Someone murders a local bar tender to keep him from shooting off his mouth about what he knows of a long-ago party. The locals put everything on hold including their community knitting project while they figure out who killed the guy and why.

[Anna Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seeking to know herself better, Julia Ainsley shows up in Sea Harbor at the tail end of summer, presumably on vacation after her mother’s death. But the Seaside Knitters sense there is something else going on with her - while seemingly friendly, she’s not entirely open, appearing a bit guarded about personal details. And why is she so apparently interested in Danny? Cass’s nose is out of joint, despite assurances that he’s merely helping her with something. The mystery deepens when it seems Jeffery, the long-time bartender at Ocean’s Edge, feels he knows her from somewhere - and later, is found murdered in the backyard of the house Julia plans to buy, Izzy’s old cottage. Peeling away the layers of confusion and self-protection, the truth of a long-held secret comes to light, revealing a decades old tragedy influencing the present.

[Debbie Maskus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy reading Sally Goldenbaum and her cozy mystery series named Seaside Knitters. Sally presents real characters with flaws, but with kindness and understanding. I love meeting a new character, and Sally provides a list of characters at the beginning of each story with a short description of that person. I wish that all authors inserted a cast of characters. In this story, a beloved bartender and restaurant owner is murdered, but no one can figure the reason. Izzy and her aunt Nell race to discover the killer before another murder happens. Again, I enjoy the mention of food, the knitting, and the friendship in Sally Goldenbaum’s mysteries.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, quick reading, cozy mystery. Jules Ainsley is a newcomer to town. An attractive forty-year-old, everyone seems to like her. But why is she there? What is she looking for? When Izzy and Sam sell Izzy's cottage, Jules jumps at the chance to buy it. But when she finds a man's body in the yard, she immediately becomes the prime suspect. Who could have wanted Jeffrey Meara, the beloved "Bartender" at a local restaurant dead? And why did he think he recognized Jules? These are the questions the Seaside Knitters ponder as they also prepare for Nell and Ben's fortieth anniversary party. Recommended.

[E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took a bit for me to get interested in this book. I was easily distracted. But I kept plugging away until I was hooked, which was pretty much when the murder finally took place (it's a few chapters in). The characters are interesting, but I felt the plot plodded along at some points, and I figured out the suspect at what I felt was an early point. The author does a wonderful job of engaging you through her characters and the delicious food descriptions.

I liked Murder in Merino enough to be interested in reading other books in this mystery series.

[quinnster · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a little weird because it was so similar to the one where Willow is introduced. A daughter looking for her long lost father becomes the suspect in a murder. Of course, it wasn't the same, but like I said, similar. I'm also bummed about the direction Cass and Danny are going! And I'm sorry, but I do not like Beatrice!! I do enjoy that the murder is second to the relationships in the book. I've come to like the characters very much (except Beatrice!)!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first Seaside Knitters mystery and I would probably read others. Not sure if you need to read in order. This story had a lot of characters and it felt like the author was trying to introduce them all in the first few chapters. The story did not flow as well as I would have liked - I was able to figure out some of the mystery, but other clues were alluded to but never made clear. Overall, a fun read.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series of books and recently wanted to pick up the next one, and discovered I'd read a couple and never noted them here. I always enjoy these books, more for the small, seaside town, the friendships and of course, the knitting. The mysteries are an added bonus and I always look forward to the next visit to this sweet town filled with interesting people, shops and eateries. I might add that reading any of these books makes my fingers itch to pick up a knitting project!

[Ann Boytim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Knitters come together to plan Ben and Nell’s 40 wedding anniversary and into the picture comes a young woman looking serious town and wants to buy Indy’s old house no one knows why this woman is here and at first think she’s a vacationer but she has a secret longing to find more about the man who was her father but who never married her mother but if course nit hung ever runs smoothly and once again a murder happens

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one involves a secret, a newcomer, a cottage, a painting, and a mayoral campaign. The story centers on the newcomer in search of answers. This part of the story was okay. I liked the food and friendships more than the mystery. The solution was a bit surprising. I thought the story was going in a different direction.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small towns and a stranger, a tourist town visitor who doesn't act like a tourist, brings mystery and occasions unusual reactions from residents, ultimately finding a body and being suspected of being the killer. Women who work together to unravel the puzzle and complete the picture of what really happened. I'm enjoing the series - just jealous of all the good meals.

[Bridget · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wasn't actually planning on reading this for a while, but it was on my Nook reader, and one day at work it was the only book that would load!

In this installment of the series, everyone is talking about Jules Ainsley, a young woman who is visiting Sea Harbor, but who seems to be befriending everyone. Then when she purchases Izzy Chambers' house everyone is surprised - who goes on vacation, and buys a house?? But things really get going when a very popular local bartender, who is a fixture in Sea Harbor is found murdered right outside the garden shed. He had contacted Jules to meet with her, saying he had something for her.

Jules immediately becomes the likely suspect, but the Seaside Knitters aren't convinced that she really had anything to do with it. As they get to know Jules better, they find out her real reasons for coming to town, and eventually uncover not only why Jeffery wanted to meet with her, but who killed him and why.

This was actually a pretty interesting story. The whole series of events and background was a bit more complex than is usually in this book, and the reader really wants them to figure it out!