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Seaside Knitters Society #7
The Herringbone Harbor Mystery
It’s beginning to feel a lot like tourist season in Sea Harbor, Massachusetts, and beachside shopkeepers are getting ready for the annual wave of visitors. But even before the season starts, the heat is on to find a killer . . .
The Yarn Studio’s Seaside Knitters have their hands full designing new classes for vacationers, as well as testing each other’s originality by creating a single blanket together. Birdie’s teenage granddaughter is also visiting for the season, and soon has plans with her friend Daisy to start a dog-walking business. Meanwhile, the Lazy Lobster and Soup Café’s local fare is gaining newfound attention with the addition of a well-known Boston chef. It’s sure to be another beautiful, busy time in their tightknit town . . .
Until Birdie spots a huge blaze from her balcony one evening, frighteningly close to knitter Cass’s lobster business. But the morning brings news that it was a house in small Fisherman’s Cove, and a familiar fisherman is found dead inside. Not only did the young women walk his beloved sheepdog, Squid, they may have been the last people to see him alive.
When questions surface about the actual timing of the man’s death, it turns out something is more than fishy. As suspicion rocks usually placid Sea Harbor, knitters Izzy, Birdie, Cass, and Nell must pick apart tangled secrets and wrap up false accusations—before the killer hooks another victim . . .
The Yarn Studio’s Seaside Knitters have their hands full designing new classes for vacationers, as well as testing each other’s originality by creating a single blanket together. Birdie’s teenage granddaughter is also visiting for the season, and soon has plans with her friend Daisy to start a dog-walking business. Meanwhile, the Lazy Lobster and Soup Café’s local fare is gaining newfound attention with the addition of a well-known Boston chef. It’s sure to be another beautiful, busy time in their tightknit town . . .
Until Birdie spots a huge blaze from her balcony one evening, frighteningly close to knitter Cass’s lobster business. But the morning brings news that it was a house in small Fisherman’s Cove, and a familiar fisherman is found dead inside. Not only did the young women walk his beloved sheepdog, Squid, they may have been the last people to see him alive.
When questions surface about the actual timing of the man’s death, it turns out something is more than fishy. As suspicion rocks usually placid Sea Harbor, knitters Izzy, Birdie, Cass, and Nell must pick apart tangled secrets and wrap up false accusations—before the killer hooks another victim . . .
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2024
140 people are currently reading
8775 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 100 reviews
October 24, 2025
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A rather slow moving cozy about the murder of a small town golden boy, who was thinking of running for mayor.
Not as light as some cozies. I think the author was trying to say something.
A rather slow moving cozy about the murder of a small town golden boy, who was thinking of running for mayor.
Not as light as some cozies. I think the author was trying to say something.
July 29, 2024
#TheHerringboneHarborMystery #NetGalley is another great addition to this series.
This close knit group of friends are working together on a project and enjoying their time together until tragedy strikes one of their own.
A brutal fire engulfs a friend's house, their dog escaping to Birdie's for help, and the suspect list is long.
Izzy and the gang are determined to find truth before someone else gets hurt.
I love this series, the friendships are genuine and the love they have for each other shines in this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
This close knit group of friends are working together on a project and enjoying their time together until tragedy strikes one of their own.
A brutal fire engulfs a friend's house, their dog escaping to Birdie's for help, and the suspect list is long.
Izzy and the gang are determined to find truth before someone else gets hurt.
I love this series, the friendships are genuine and the love they have for each other shines in this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
November 23, 2024
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Sea Harbor, Massachusetts is getting ready for the tourists to descend on their wonderful town. Izzy is stocking up on varieties of yarn and planning new classes. Birdie’s granddaughter Gabby and her friend Daisy have started a successful little dog-walking business. There’s a new chef at the Lazy Lobster and Soup Café. The Seaside Knitters are creating a herringbone patterned afghan with each person knitting a long panel that will all be knitted together as their entry for the upcoming art auction. And the mayor is running around town trying to stay on top of it all.
Then one evening Birdie is awakened and sees smoke down by the harbor and hears sirens. Then Cass wakes up, smells burning wood, sees the smoke, and hears the sirens. Next, it’s Izzy’s turn. Then Nell. They all trusted the Sea Harbor Fire Department to take care of the fire. The next morning one of the dogs Gabby walks showed up at their door lost and scared. Soon the news is out. The home on fire belonged to a popular resident of the town and the dog’s owner. Nick Cabot was found dead in the ruins but he did not die in the fire. The police are investigating a homicide.
There are many questions surrounding Nick’s death and the Seaside Knitters are ready to untangle the clues and knit them back together to catch Nick’s killer before they cast on a new victim.
It is always a delight to return to Sea Harbor and catch up with my favorite knitters, Birdie, Cass, Nell, and Izzy. I love that they are collaborating on a knitting project for the art auction. You just have to look at the gorgeous cover to get a peak at the finished afghan. They get together every Thursday night to knit, eat, drink a little wine, and discuss everything happening around town. Nell’s house is usually a gathering place on Friday nights or whenever they need to all put their heads together about the current murder. This group of women and their spouses are all genuine and giving people. They are ready to lend a hand or a listening ear or with the best advice they can for anyone and everyone. Their friendships are solid and that is what makes this series one of my favorites.
The murder in this story was hard to take. We just meet Nick Cabot and learn of all the good things he did for others, that he wanted to run for mayor, and that he had a great shaggy pup named Squid. Then he was gone. It was hard to believe and even harder to pin down who would have killed him but the knitters came up with a few suspects. You know the author was going to throw in some twists and turns and she did. This story was perfectly plotted. A phone call that almost wasn’t made, made everything clear leading to a heartbreaking confession. I was surprised by whodunit, why, and how it happened. It was an emotional end to the case. The end of the story was filled with emotions too.
Sally Goldenbaum is an incredible storyteller. In The Herringbone Harbor Mystery, we are treated to a complicated mystery, set on the beautiful Massachusetts coast, with characters that leap off the page to bring readers into their lives. The theme of friendship is knitted into each book in the series. The Seaside Knitters have the golden gift of each other, a gift many of us long to have. And for us armchair sleuths to have a mystery to solve would be icing on the cake. Curling up with a newly created afghan would be special too.
Each of the books in this series can be read on its own. There are 11 books before the 7 published by Kensington cozies. You truly can start anywhere but if you can start at the beginning you will get to know Nell, Birdie, Izzy, and Cass from the start and see their friendships and lives build to where they are today.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Sea Harbor, Massachusetts is getting ready for the tourists to descend on their wonderful town. Izzy is stocking up on varieties of yarn and planning new classes. Birdie’s granddaughter Gabby and her friend Daisy have started a successful little dog-walking business. There’s a new chef at the Lazy Lobster and Soup Café. The Seaside Knitters are creating a herringbone patterned afghan with each person knitting a long panel that will all be knitted together as their entry for the upcoming art auction. And the mayor is running around town trying to stay on top of it all.
Then one evening Birdie is awakened and sees smoke down by the harbor and hears sirens. Then Cass wakes up, smells burning wood, sees the smoke, and hears the sirens. Next, it’s Izzy’s turn. Then Nell. They all trusted the Sea Harbor Fire Department to take care of the fire. The next morning one of the dogs Gabby walks showed up at their door lost and scared. Soon the news is out. The home on fire belonged to a popular resident of the town and the dog’s owner. Nick Cabot was found dead in the ruins but he did not die in the fire. The police are investigating a homicide.
There are many questions surrounding Nick’s death and the Seaside Knitters are ready to untangle the clues and knit them back together to catch Nick’s killer before they cast on a new victim.
It is always a delight to return to Sea Harbor and catch up with my favorite knitters, Birdie, Cass, Nell, and Izzy. I love that they are collaborating on a knitting project for the art auction. You just have to look at the gorgeous cover to get a peak at the finished afghan. They get together every Thursday night to knit, eat, drink a little wine, and discuss everything happening around town. Nell’s house is usually a gathering place on Friday nights or whenever they need to all put their heads together about the current murder. This group of women and their spouses are all genuine and giving people. They are ready to lend a hand or a listening ear or with the best advice they can for anyone and everyone. Their friendships are solid and that is what makes this series one of my favorites.
The murder in this story was hard to take. We just meet Nick Cabot and learn of all the good things he did for others, that he wanted to run for mayor, and that he had a great shaggy pup named Squid. Then he was gone. It was hard to believe and even harder to pin down who would have killed him but the knitters came up with a few suspects. You know the author was going to throw in some twists and turns and she did. This story was perfectly plotted. A phone call that almost wasn’t made, made everything clear leading to a heartbreaking confession. I was surprised by whodunit, why, and how it happened. It was an emotional end to the case. The end of the story was filled with emotions too.
Sally Goldenbaum is an incredible storyteller. In The Herringbone Harbor Mystery, we are treated to a complicated mystery, set on the beautiful Massachusetts coast, with characters that leap off the page to bring readers into their lives. The theme of friendship is knitted into each book in the series. The Seaside Knitters have the golden gift of each other, a gift many of us long to have. And for us armchair sleuths to have a mystery to solve would be icing on the cake. Curling up with a newly created afghan would be special too.
Each of the books in this series can be read on its own. There are 11 books before the 7 published by Kensington cozies. You truly can start anywhere but if you can start at the beginning you will get to know Nell, Birdie, Izzy, and Cass from the start and see their friendships and lives build to where they are today.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
November 9, 2024
The seaside knitters are back to their knitting at the beginning of the summer. Gabby, Birdie's granddaughter is visiting for the summer, and she and her friend have started a dog walking business. Gabby brings Squid (Nick's dog which Gabby loves) to meet the folks in the knitting group. Bobby Palazola is now the Chef at Gracie's Lazy Lobster. Gracie has also hired Elena's husband Marco. There seem to be some problems with the food, and Nick has suggested that they be made by Marco, who is also working with the chef at a new restaurant which is about to open in the old bank building.
Than, Nick's house is burned down and the police find Nick has been shot dead in his house. There are several possible murderers, including Marco, who Nick was suggesting should be fired from the Lazy Lobster, and Bobby, who had yelled at Nick. Also Mayor Beatrice Scaglia has been very upset when it was suggested that Nick should take her place as Mayor.
However, the Seaside knitters get their act together and eventually figure out why there were problems in the restaurant and what happened to Nick. This is a very good addition to the series on the Massachusetts sea side. I thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for the ARC so that I could read it before publication.
Than, Nick's house is burned down and the police find Nick has been shot dead in his house. There are several possible murderers, including Marco, who Nick was suggesting should be fired from the Lazy Lobster, and Bobby, who had yelled at Nick. Also Mayor Beatrice Scaglia has been very upset when it was suggested that Nick should take her place as Mayor.
However, the Seaside knitters get their act together and eventually figure out why there were problems in the restaurant and what happened to Nick. This is a very good addition to the series on the Massachusetts sea side. I thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for the ARC so that I could read it before publication.
March 13, 2025
A “cosy” mystery. I was initially excited to find a new series, but believe I’ll give the others a miss!
February 27, 2025
The best thing I have to say about this book is I finished it. That said, I'm writing this review to remind myself to not read any other books by this author.
Despite the well-developed characters and decent story, it's just not well written. It could be, but the author would need to learn to approach the art of writing completely differently. While that might seem like harsh criticism, it's not meant that way. Because, like I said, the characters are good and the story is decent, it's just the way the story is told that's the problem.
My big complaints:
There is no clear POV for this thing. At some point in the story, the reader is privy to the inner thoughts of every character who isn't a suspect or the actual killer (guess that's a spoiler of sorts).
In addition to telling us exactly what each character is thinking, the author also tells us exactly how to interpret every behavior (I would include an example here, but I listened to the audiobook, so grabbing one is difficult).
The author also breaks a couple of cozy mystery rules without a strong justification for doing so:
1. The victim is a great guy. Generally, cozy readers prefer that bad people are the ones who die. It's extra appreciated when it looks like the person was a good guy, but in investigating the crime, we learn he actually wasn't that nice.
2. The dead body appears, get this, in Chapter 17! Give us the dead body no later than chapter 2. Bonus points if it's in the first few pages. But more than a third of the way through is just dragging it out. Plus, in this case, all of those other chapters were devoted to showing the reader just how great a guy the victim is.
I won't be reading anything else from this author. But maybe what I've described is the kind of thing you like to read. In that case, enjoy. There's a lot of books in the series, so you'll stay busy for quite some time.
Despite the well-developed characters and decent story, it's just not well written. It could be, but the author would need to learn to approach the art of writing completely differently. While that might seem like harsh criticism, it's not meant that way. Because, like I said, the characters are good and the story is decent, it's just the way the story is told that's the problem.
My big complaints:
There is no clear POV for this thing. At some point in the story, the reader is privy to the inner thoughts of every character who isn't a suspect or the actual killer (guess that's a spoiler of sorts).
In addition to telling us exactly what each character is thinking, the author also tells us exactly how to interpret every behavior (I would include an example here, but I listened to the audiobook, so grabbing one is difficult).
The author also breaks a couple of cozy mystery rules without a strong justification for doing so:
1. The victim is a great guy. Generally, cozy readers prefer that bad people are the ones who die. It's extra appreciated when it looks like the person was a good guy, but in investigating the crime, we learn he actually wasn't that nice.
2. The dead body appears, get this, in Chapter 17! Give us the dead body no later than chapter 2. Bonus points if it's in the first few pages. But more than a third of the way through is just dragging it out. Plus, in this case, all of those other chapters were devoted to showing the reader just how great a guy the victim is.
I won't be reading anything else from this author. But maybe what I've described is the kind of thing you like to read. In that case, enjoy. There's a lot of books in the series, so you'll stay busy for quite some time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2024
Typical cozy mystery. It wrapped up nicely and was well constructed. What drove me crazy though, was how the characters would have conversations where they would get a big clue and the chapter would end with something like (without giving anything away) "and then she heard something that changed everything". Instead of revealing then what the character heard, Goldenbaum waits until one or more chapters later when the character who discovered the clue relates it to the rest of the group. This happened several times in this book and just felt cheap. She couldn't create suspense naturally so she added it in this very awkward-feeling way.
December 6, 2024
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟5 Stars for The Herringbone Harbor Mystery by Sally Goldenbaum!
What I Loved:
🧶 The knitting project! The Seaside Knitters' collaborative herringbone afghan was not just a plot device but a symbol of their strong bonds. It's so lovely to see how these women weave their lives together, just like their yarn.
👭 The friendships! The genuine care and camaraderie among Birdie, Cass, Nell, and Izzy made my heart feel all warm and fuzzy. Their Thursday night gatherings sound like the perfect way to spend an evening.
🔍 The mystery! The plot was a well-spun yarn, with enough twists to keep me guessing but not so many that it got tangled. The emotional depth added when we learned more about Nick Cabot and his untimely end was truly poignant.
Room for a Tiny Bit More:
📚 With so many characters, it was a bit challenging to keep everyone's relationships straight, especially since this was my first book in the series. A character list at the beginning might have helped!
Oh, what a delightful dive into the cozy mystery world with The Herringbone Harbor Mystery! 🧶🐕 This charming tale, set in the picturesque Sea Harbor, Massachusetts, had me completely enchanted from start to finish. Even though this was my first dance with Sally Goldenbaum's writing, I felt like I was welcomed into a warm, fuzzy circle of friends. Here's why I loved it:
What I Loved:
🧶 The knitting project! The Seaside Knitters' collaborative herringbone afghan was not just a plot device but a symbol of their strong bonds. It's so lovely to see how these women weave their lives together, just like their yarn.
👭 The friendships! The genuine care and camaraderie among Birdie, Cass, Nell, and Izzy made my heart feel all warm and fuzzy. Their Thursday night gatherings sound like the perfect way to spend an evening.
🔍 The mystery! The plot was a well-spun yarn, with enough twists to keep me guessing but not so many that it got tangled. The emotional depth added when we learned more about Nick Cabot and his untimely end was truly poignant.
Room for a Tiny Bit More:
📚 With so many characters, it was a bit challenging to keep everyone's relationships straight, especially since this was my first book in the series. A character list at the beginning might have helped!
Despite that little hiccup, the storytelling was top-notch! Sally Goldenbaum has a gift for crafting a mystery that's both engaging and heartwarming. The reveal was both surprising and emotional, and the resolution felt satisfyingly complete. The setting of Sea Harbor was described so vividly, I could almost smell the sea air and feel the yarn between my fingers. 🐟🌊
The end of the story was filled with heartfelt moments that really connected me to the characters. The way the Seaside Knitters rally around each other and their community is truly the stuff of cozy mystery dreams. Plus, who doesn't love a good dog like Squid? 🐶
Even though I started with this book, it's clear each one in the series stands well on its own, but now I'm itching to go back and catch up from the beginning to see how these wonderful friendships were first knit together.
I received a free copy from Kensington Publishers for my review, and I'm so glad I did because this book has definitely knitted itself into my heart. If you're into cozy mysteries with a dash of friendship and a sprinkle of seaside charm, this one's for you! 📖💖
#TheHerringboneHarborMystery
February 21, 2025
Book Review: The Herringbone Harbor Mystery by Sally Goldenbaum
Rating: 3 Stars
When I picked up The Herringbone Harbor Mystery by Sally Goldenbaum, I'll admit it was the delightful cover that first caught my eye. There's something about those cozy, seaside vibes that just draw you in, promising a charming escape to the picturesque town of Sea Harbor, Massachusetts. It's the kind of place where the locals know each other well, and the tourists flock in as predictably as the tide, eager to soak up the sun and the small-town charm.
The story sets us right in the midst of this idyllic setting, as the Yarn Studio’s Seaside Knitters are busy with their latest creative project—designing new classes for the incoming vacationers and collaborating on a single, unique blanket. Birdie, one of the knitters, is enjoying a visit from her teenage granddaughter, who has started a dog-walking business with her friend Daisy. Meanwhile, there's a buzz in town about a new chef at the Lazy Lobster and Soup Café that's drawing in crowds.
However, the peace is shattered when Birdie witnesses a fire from her balcony, dangerously close to knitter Cass’s lobster business. The next morning reveals an even more shocking discovery: a popular businessman and mayoral candidate has been found dead in the blaze. This man wasn't just any victim; he was well-liked in the community, which is a bit of a twist from the typical murder victim scenario. Kudos to the author for shaking things up in that regard.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there's more simmering beneath the surface of this quaint town than meets the eye. The Seaside Knitters—Izzy, Birdie, Cass, and Nell—find themselves unraveling a web of secrets and false accusations to catch the killer before they can strike again.
While I enjoyed The Herringbone Harbor Mystery, it didn't quite captivate me as much as I'd hoped. The plot was engaging enough, but perhaps a bit too much emphasis was placed on a victim who seemed almost too good to be embroiled in such nefarious circumstances. Still, the author's writing is undeniably strong; her descriptions of Sea Harbor are vivid and transportive, painting a picture of a place you'd love to visit. The characters are likable, and there's even the added bonus of knitting patterns at the end for those who are crafty at heart.
All in all, it's a well-written cozy mystery that offers an enjoyable read, even if it didn't entirely sweep me off my feet. It earns a solid three stars from me—worth picking up for a lazy afternoon when you're in the mood for some seaside sleuthing.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 3 Stars
When I picked up The Herringbone Harbor Mystery by Sally Goldenbaum, I'll admit it was the delightful cover that first caught my eye. There's something about those cozy, seaside vibes that just draw you in, promising a charming escape to the picturesque town of Sea Harbor, Massachusetts. It's the kind of place where the locals know each other well, and the tourists flock in as predictably as the tide, eager to soak up the sun and the small-town charm.
The story sets us right in the midst of this idyllic setting, as the Yarn Studio’s Seaside Knitters are busy with their latest creative project—designing new classes for the incoming vacationers and collaborating on a single, unique blanket. Birdie, one of the knitters, is enjoying a visit from her teenage granddaughter, who has started a dog-walking business with her friend Daisy. Meanwhile, there's a buzz in town about a new chef at the Lazy Lobster and Soup Café that's drawing in crowds.
However, the peace is shattered when Birdie witnesses a fire from her balcony, dangerously close to knitter Cass’s lobster business. The next morning reveals an even more shocking discovery: a popular businessman and mayoral candidate has been found dead in the blaze. This man wasn't just any victim; he was well-liked in the community, which is a bit of a twist from the typical murder victim scenario. Kudos to the author for shaking things up in that regard.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there's more simmering beneath the surface of this quaint town than meets the eye. The Seaside Knitters—Izzy, Birdie, Cass, and Nell—find themselves unraveling a web of secrets and false accusations to catch the killer before they can strike again.
While I enjoyed The Herringbone Harbor Mystery, it didn't quite captivate me as much as I'd hoped. The plot was engaging enough, but perhaps a bit too much emphasis was placed on a victim who seemed almost too good to be embroiled in such nefarious circumstances. Still, the author's writing is undeniably strong; her descriptions of Sea Harbor are vivid and transportive, painting a picture of a place you'd love to visit. The characters are likable, and there's even the added bonus of knitting patterns at the end for those who are crafty at heart.
All in all, it's a well-written cozy mystery that offers an enjoyable read, even if it didn't entirely sweep me off my feet. It earns a solid three stars from me—worth picking up for a lazy afternoon when you're in the mood for some seaside sleuthing.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
November 26, 2024
The Seaside Knitters Society is a close-knit group of women who get together to create different projects once a week. They are also friends -- and some relatives -- who live in Sea Harbor, Massachusetts; a fishing town that they love. When an old friend from years ago returns, Nick Cabot, everyone is glad to see him. Well, almost everyone. The mayor isn't happy, because she thinks he plans to run against her. And a local chef isn't happy because he's a bit jealous of his presence. Other than that, Nick is a welcome addition once again, and he brightens the lives of everyone there.
One early morning, there's a fire and everyone seems to know whose home it was. No one is happy about it, and they wonder where's the body? Eventually, it's discovered, and it saddens those people in the town who knew and loved the residents. But why was the person murdered? The women know it was murder, and they set out to find the killer before they can strike again...
Full disclosure on my part is that I have not read anything by Ms. Goldenbaum for many years. Saying that, I have not read any of the others in this series, so perhaps I shouldn't have started with this one. The reason I say that is there are far too many characters to keep track of, and their relations to each other. Yes, there is a 'cheat sheet' in the front of the book; but if you are reading the digital version, as I am, you can't easily go back and check it out when you have questions. So you have to write the characters down with all their relations to each other to refer to. It's annoying, to say the least, but I am not dumping on the author; she writes well and the story line is very good.
What bothered me is the fact that someone was murdered who seemed by all appearances to be really nice and usually in mysteries, the slain person has some awful quality that we know will doom them. To add that we are supposed to feel sorry for the person who killed them, but I did not. Not a shred of sorrow on my part. I have my reasons, but murder is what it is and the reason for the killing did not make any sense to me.
Other than that, I will add again that the story is written well, the descriptions of the town itself are very good, and the quality of writing is high. Perhaps I will go back and begin again with the first book in the series and have another look at the Seaside Knitters!
I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
One early morning, there's a fire and everyone seems to know whose home it was. No one is happy about it, and they wonder where's the body? Eventually, it's discovered, and it saddens those people in the town who knew and loved the residents. But why was the person murdered? The women know it was murder, and they set out to find the killer before they can strike again...
Full disclosure on my part is that I have not read anything by Ms. Goldenbaum for many years. Saying that, I have not read any of the others in this series, so perhaps I shouldn't have started with this one. The reason I say that is there are far too many characters to keep track of, and their relations to each other. Yes, there is a 'cheat sheet' in the front of the book; but if you are reading the digital version, as I am, you can't easily go back and check it out when you have questions. So you have to write the characters down with all their relations to each other to refer to. It's annoying, to say the least, but I am not dumping on the author; she writes well and the story line is very good.
What bothered me is the fact that someone was murdered who seemed by all appearances to be really nice and usually in mysteries, the slain person has some awful quality that we know will doom them. To add that we are supposed to feel sorry for the person who killed them, but I did not. Not a shred of sorrow on my part. I have my reasons, but murder is what it is and the reason for the killing did not make any sense to me.
Other than that, I will add again that the story is written well, the descriptions of the town itself are very good, and the quality of writing is high. Perhaps I will go back and begin again with the first book in the series and have another look at the Seaside Knitters!
I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
August 23, 2024
Thanks to #Kensington Publishing and #NetGalley for letting me read the advance reader's copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
I almost didn't request this book, because the last one was so truly terrible I felt I was through with the series, but I decided to give it one last chance. This one is much better than the last, and, though the plot through line is similar to every other book in the series, the author does not repeat herself endlessly, and even tries to mix up a few of the commonplace events. The author is good at creating the idea of red herrings, but not on making them believable, so it is always easy to spot the murderer. Also, the characters are always saying what a nice place Sea Harbor is, but people die there, by violence and in response to jealousy and envy and other passions, a lot. This is the 18th book in the series, and the characters age, so it's maybe 18+ murders in less than 10 years, judging by the ages of the children in the story (though Gabby seems to age faster than the two children born to main characters, but I didn't go back and try to actually do the math --and obviously, no editors have done so, either). Not really a town I'd want to visit.
This story, which involves high school friends, the Mayor's race, and a few unusual plot twists is decent; the characters are the heart of the story, and this is a much more pleasant visit with them than the last one, but will not draw in new fans.
It's sort of heartbreaking, because with a little more effort, by both the author and the editorial team, we could see some growth in the main characters, some changes in the town, and some realistic dialogue from the Ken doll collection of men attached to the women main characters.
For series fans.
If you like knitting and the sea shore, try the early books. https://ww2.kdl.org/libcat/WhatsNext_...
I almost didn't request this book, because the last one was so truly terrible I felt I was through with the series, but I decided to give it one last chance. This one is much better than the last, and, though the plot through line is similar to every other book in the series, the author does not repeat herself endlessly, and even tries to mix up a few of the commonplace events. The author is good at creating the idea of red herrings, but not on making them believable, so it is always easy to spot the murderer. Also, the characters are always saying what a nice place Sea Harbor is, but people die there, by violence and in response to jealousy and envy and other passions, a lot. This is the 18th book in the series, and the characters age, so it's maybe 18+ murders in less than 10 years, judging by the ages of the children in the story (though Gabby seems to age faster than the two children born to main characters, but I didn't go back and try to actually do the math --and obviously, no editors have done so, either). Not really a town I'd want to visit.
This story, which involves high school friends, the Mayor's race, and a few unusual plot twists is decent; the characters are the heart of the story, and this is a much more pleasant visit with them than the last one, but will not draw in new fans.
It's sort of heartbreaking, because with a little more effort, by both the author and the editorial team, we could see some growth in the main characters, some changes in the town, and some realistic dialogue from the Ken doll collection of men attached to the women main characters.
For series fans.
If you like knitting and the sea shore, try the early books. https://ww2.kdl.org/libcat/WhatsNext_...
October 22, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sally Goldenbaum for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Herringbone Harbor Mystery coming out November 26, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Yarn Studio’s Seaside Knitters have their hands full designing new classes for vacationers, as well as testing each other’s originality by creating a single blanket together. Birdie’s teenage granddaughter is also visiting for the season, and soon has plans with her friend Daisy to start a dog-walking business. Meanwhile, the Lazy Lobster and Soup Café’s local fare is gaining newfound attention with the addition of a well-known Boston chef. It’s sure to be another beautiful, busy time in their tightknit town . . .
Until Birdie spots a huge blaze from her balcony one evening, frighteningly close to knitter Cass’s lobster business. But the morning brings news that it was a house in small Fisherman’s Cove, and a familiar fisherman is found dead inside. Not only did the young women walk his beloved sheepdog, Squid, they may have been the last people to see him alive.
When questions surface about the actual timing of the man’s death, it turns out something is more than fishy. As suspicion rocks usually placid Sea Harbor, knitters Izzy, Birdie, Cass, and Nell must pick apart tangled secrets and wrap up false accusations—before the killer hooks another victim . . .
I haven’t read all of the books in the series, but I really enjoy seaside cozy mysteries. I thought the setting was really quaint and I love the small town vibes. I also enjoy sewing cozies. The mystery was good. There were some good friendships in the book. It was slightly long, but I really enjoyed it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!
The Yarn Studio’s Seaside Knitters have their hands full designing new classes for vacationers, as well as testing each other’s originality by creating a single blanket together. Birdie’s teenage granddaughter is also visiting for the season, and soon has plans with her friend Daisy to start a dog-walking business. Meanwhile, the Lazy Lobster and Soup Café’s local fare is gaining newfound attention with the addition of a well-known Boston chef. It’s sure to be another beautiful, busy time in their tightknit town . . .
Until Birdie spots a huge blaze from her balcony one evening, frighteningly close to knitter Cass’s lobster business. But the morning brings news that it was a house in small Fisherman’s Cove, and a familiar fisherman is found dead inside. Not only did the young women walk his beloved sheepdog, Squid, they may have been the last people to see him alive.
When questions surface about the actual timing of the man’s death, it turns out something is more than fishy. As suspicion rocks usually placid Sea Harbor, knitters Izzy, Birdie, Cass, and Nell must pick apart tangled secrets and wrap up false accusations—before the killer hooks another victim . . .
I haven’t read all of the books in the series, but I really enjoy seaside cozy mysteries. I thought the setting was really quaint and I love the small town vibes. I also enjoy sewing cozies. The mystery was good. There were some good friendships in the book. It was slightly long, but I really enjoyed it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!
December 28, 2024
The Herringbone Harbor Mystery 🧶
I recently had the opportunity to read an ARC of The Herringbone Harbor Mystery by Sally Goldenbaum, and I was thoroughly charmed. As a devoted fan of the Seaside Knitters Mystery series, I was eagerly anticipating this latest installment, and it certainly did not disappoint.
The tranquility of the seaside town is shattered when a prominent local businessman is found dead in his home. As the community reels from the shock, Birdie's teenage granddaughter, visiting for the summer, and her friend Daisy, are drawn into the investigation after walking the victim's beloved dog. When questions arise about the timing of the man's death, the Seaside Knitters find themselves unexpectedly embroiled in the mystery.
Goldenbaum masterfully weaves together a captivating mystery with the warmth and camaraderie of the Seaside Knitters. The characters are endearing and relatable, and the setting of the charming seaside town is beautifully evoked. The knitting element adds a unique and enjoyable layer to the story, making it a perfect read for fans of cozy mysteries with a touch of crafting.
If you're a fan of the Seaside Knitters Mystery series, you won't want to miss The Herringbone Harbor Mystery. This charming coastal mystery is the perfect escape for a cozy afternoon.
Rating: ★★★★☆
#SallyGoldenbaum #SeasideKnittersMystery #CozyMystery #BookReview #TrueCrime #Bookworm #MysteryLover #Bookstagram #MysteryReader #BookwormLife #BookRecommendation #BookAddict #MysteryThriller #CozyMysteryLover #MysteryBookworm #BookishLife #MysteryBooksOfInstagram #ARC #AdvancedReaderCopy #SeasideMystery #KnittingMystery
I recently had the opportunity to read an ARC of The Herringbone Harbor Mystery by Sally Goldenbaum, and I was thoroughly charmed. As a devoted fan of the Seaside Knitters Mystery series, I was eagerly anticipating this latest installment, and it certainly did not disappoint.
The tranquility of the seaside town is shattered when a prominent local businessman is found dead in his home. As the community reels from the shock, Birdie's teenage granddaughter, visiting for the summer, and her friend Daisy, are drawn into the investigation after walking the victim's beloved dog. When questions arise about the timing of the man's death, the Seaside Knitters find themselves unexpectedly embroiled in the mystery.
Goldenbaum masterfully weaves together a captivating mystery with the warmth and camaraderie of the Seaside Knitters. The characters are endearing and relatable, and the setting of the charming seaside town is beautifully evoked. The knitting element adds a unique and enjoyable layer to the story, making it a perfect read for fans of cozy mysteries with a touch of crafting.
If you're a fan of the Seaside Knitters Mystery series, you won't want to miss The Herringbone Harbor Mystery. This charming coastal mystery is the perfect escape for a cozy afternoon.
Rating: ★★★★☆
#SallyGoldenbaum #SeasideKnittersMystery #CozyMystery #BookReview #TrueCrime #Bookworm #MysteryLover #Bookstagram #MysteryReader #BookwormLife #BookRecommendation #BookAddict #MysteryThriller #CozyMysteryLover #MysteryBookworm #BookishLife #MysteryBooksOfInstagram #ARC #AdvancedReaderCopy #SeasideMystery #KnittingMystery
October 15, 2024
This is a cozy mystery, though the mystery was never fully explained. It's the 18th novel in a series, but you can understand this story without reading the previous books.
So much of the story was the sleuths spotting clues but feeling too overwhelmed by the murder to think things through, so they ate or knitted instead. They also spent a lot of time sorrowfully saying how dealing with various bad events was just so 'heavy' and difficult to handle emotionally.
There were several mysteries to solve, and there were plenty of clues for those who like to solve the puzzle, though some critical clues were withheld from the reader at the very end. Still, I had most of it figured out long before the end. However, while the murderer confessed, the person didn't explain everything and frankly I didn't believe some of what whodunit did say. Worse, the guy who was killed was a wonderful person, but we're clearly supposed to feel sorry for whodunit, too!
I read an Advanced Reader Copy so this may be fixed in the final copy, but the grammar was bad. It was hard to keep track of who "her" referred to, for example, and sometimes the wrong name was used. This made the reading confusing and required stopping to figure out what the author was trying to say.
There was no sex. There were only a few uses of bad language. Fans of the characters might still like the book, but I no longer feel like this author writes what I look for in cozy mysteries.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
So much of the story was the sleuths spotting clues but feeling too overwhelmed by the murder to think things through, so they ate or knitted instead. They also spent a lot of time sorrowfully saying how dealing with various bad events was just so 'heavy' and difficult to handle emotionally.
There were several mysteries to solve, and there were plenty of clues for those who like to solve the puzzle, though some critical clues were withheld from the reader at the very end. Still, I had most of it figured out long before the end. However, while the murderer confessed, the person didn't explain everything and frankly I didn't believe some of what whodunit did say. Worse, the guy who was killed was a wonderful person, but we're clearly supposed to feel sorry for whodunit, too!
I read an Advanced Reader Copy so this may be fixed in the final copy, but the grammar was bad. It was hard to keep track of who "her" referred to, for example, and sometimes the wrong name was used. This made the reading confusing and required stopping to figure out what the author was trying to say.
There was no sex. There were only a few uses of bad language. Fans of the characters might still like the book, but I no longer feel like this author writes what I look for in cozy mysteries.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
November 4, 2025
The Herringbone Harbor Mystery (Seaside Knitters Society)
by Sally Goldenbaum
Thank you to Kensington for the copy.
The Herringbone Harbor Mystery continues the Seaside Knitters’ tradition of weaving friendship, community, and compassion into every stitch. Sally Goldenbaum crafts a story that feels as comforting as a hand-knit afghan, even as it unravels a murder that shakes the heart of Sea Harbor.
As the town readies for tourist season, Birdie, Cass, Nell, and Izzy find their peaceful rhythm interrupted by tragedy. What begins as the loss of a beloved fisherman quickly becomes a layered mystery filled with secrets, loyalties, and unexpected motives. Amid the suspense, Goldenbaum’s gift lies in her quiet observations of friendship and aging, the ties that bind small communities, and the healing found in shared purpose.
While the pacing is slower and more reflective than some cozies, it matches the tone of Sea Harbor itself: deliberate, warm, and full of small-town authenticity. The emotional depth of Nick Cabot’s story, the tenderness of his dog Squid, and the knitters’ determination to seek truth all come together beautifully.
• Thoughtful and atmospheric, with a mystery that unfolds like a tide coming in
• Richly detailed setting and characters who feel like old friends
Goldenbaum reminds us that even in the midst of loss, connection is what holds us together; one stitch, one friendship, one truth at a time.
by Sally Goldenbaum
Thank you to Kensington for the copy.
The Herringbone Harbor Mystery continues the Seaside Knitters’ tradition of weaving friendship, community, and compassion into every stitch. Sally Goldenbaum crafts a story that feels as comforting as a hand-knit afghan, even as it unravels a murder that shakes the heart of Sea Harbor.
As the town readies for tourist season, Birdie, Cass, Nell, and Izzy find their peaceful rhythm interrupted by tragedy. What begins as the loss of a beloved fisherman quickly becomes a layered mystery filled with secrets, loyalties, and unexpected motives. Amid the suspense, Goldenbaum’s gift lies in her quiet observations of friendship and aging, the ties that bind small communities, and the healing found in shared purpose.
While the pacing is slower and more reflective than some cozies, it matches the tone of Sea Harbor itself: deliberate, warm, and full of small-town authenticity. The emotional depth of Nick Cabot’s story, the tenderness of his dog Squid, and the knitters’ determination to seek truth all come together beautifully.
• Thoughtful and atmospheric, with a mystery that unfolds like a tide coming in
• Richly detailed setting and characters who feel like old friends
Goldenbaum reminds us that even in the midst of loss, connection is what holds us together; one stitch, one friendship, one truth at a time.
January 17, 2025
The Herringbone Harbor Mystery is the next installment of the cozy Seaside Knitters mystery series. As the town is enjoying a wonderful sunny season, the seaside knitters are getting ready for the local art auction. Birdie is delighting in the time spent with her granddaughter, and almost everyone is enjoying the new recipes at The Lazy Lobster and Soup Café. However, with a handful of bad reviews, Gracie is starting to worry. When she shares her concerns with her close friend, and then the much-loved friend is discovered murdered, Gracie finds herself as the prime suspect of a homicide. Now, Izzy, Cass, Birdie, and Nell must come together and solve this mystery before one of their dear friends is found guilty,
While I have enjoyed other books in this series, I did not overly like The Herringbone Harbor Mystery. Overall, the book is just super sad. The victim is a much-loved local, and most of the book is spent discussing how amazing and loved he was. The actual details behind the death were also too tragic for a cozy. The author also spent too much time focusing on the characters' feelings in each moment. Finally, the dialogue felt off in this book; none of the conversations between characters were natural.
While I have enjoyed this series so far, this was not a book for me. I may continue with the series, since I do like the characters and the town.
While I have enjoyed other books in this series, I did not overly like The Herringbone Harbor Mystery. Overall, the book is just super sad. The victim is a much-loved local, and most of the book is spent discussing how amazing and loved he was. The actual details behind the death were also too tragic for a cozy. The author also spent too much time focusing on the characters' feelings in each moment. Finally, the dialogue felt off in this book; none of the conversations between characters were natural.
While I have enjoyed this series so far, this was not a book for me. I may continue with the series, since I do like the characters and the town.
February 27, 2025
This is book 7 in the Seaside Knitters Society. It's a fun addition to the series. I enjoy getting back to see what the ladies are up to and see what pattern is included at the end of the book. The Yarn Studio’s Seaside Knitters have their hands full designing new classes for vacationers, as well as testing each other’s originality by creating a single blanket together. Birdie’s teenage granddaughter is also visiting for the season, and soon has plans with her friend Daisy to start a dog-walking business. Meanwhile, the Lazy Lobster and Soup Café’s local fare is gaining newfound attention with the addition of a well-known Boston chef. It’s sure to be another beautiful, busy time in their tightknit town . . . Until Birdie spots a huge blaze from her balcony one evening, frighteningly close to knitter Cass’s lobster business. But the morning brings news that it was a house in small Fisherman’s Cove, and a familiar fisherman is found dead inside. Not only did the young women walk his beloved sheepdog, Squid, they may have been the last people to see him alive. When questions surface about the actual timing of the man’s death, it turns out something is more than fishy. As suspicion rocks usually placid Sea Harbor, knitters Izzy, Birdie, Cass, and Nell must pick apart tangled secrets and wrap up false accusations—before the killer hooks another victim . . .
November 4, 2024
The weather is getting warmer in Sea Harbor, Massachusetts, and the tourists will soon be flocking to the picturesque, friendly town. The Seaside Knitters are working on an afghan (the pattern for which is included) to be auctioned later in the year and enjoying each other's company along with Gabby, the granddaughter of Knitters member, Birdie, who is staying for the summer. Everything changes when a well loved member of the community is killed, leaving almost everyone bereft and confused. The four friends determine to do everything they can to help find the person responsible, but the possibility of it being someone they might know and love takes its toll on all of them.
Book seven in this series has a far more serious and mindful storyline than previous books as the death of a close friend is investigated and mourned by the four main protagonists. The reason for this only becomes clear in the author's notes, which explains everything.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing/Kensington Cosies, but the opinions expressed are my own. I found this a sad read and would recommend new readers starting with an earlier book in the series.
Book seven in this series has a far more serious and mindful storyline than previous books as the death of a close friend is investigated and mourned by the four main protagonists. The reason for this only becomes clear in the author's notes, which explains everything.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing/Kensington Cosies, but the opinions expressed are my own. I found this a sad read and would recommend new readers starting with an earlier book in the series.
January 5, 2025
This is such an outstanding series, but this book in particular is fantastic! One of the things I love about the series is the close friendship between the multi-generational core characters. Nell, Izzy, Birdie and Cass are the core characters who are good friends and share the love of yarn craft. Then you bring in their spouses, their other friends, townspeople and business owners in the small coastal town where they reside and you have a depth of personalities and layers of interactions that make the stories more realistic and engaging. As the story progresses, you get perspectives from each of the characters as they each uncover a tidbit or clue that may be helpful in each mystery. When the characters finally put the clues together, they start to piece together the who, what, where and when needed to figure everything out. If you pay attention, you'll be able to figure it out too! In this book in particular, the mystery is extremely well woven with a variety of suspects who make sense...almost, but not quite. The key is to figure it out before someone else gets hurt. Also, in each book there is more than one mystery to be solved. Once again, the author has written an outstanding cozy mystery and I can't wait for more!!!
January 19, 2025
The Herringbone Harbor Mystery by Sally Goldenbaum is the 18th book of the Seaside Knitters Society is always like coming back to a group of friends.
Sea Harbour is getting ready for the start of tourist season in their beautiful little town . Izzy stocking up on all the beautiful yarns and planning new classes for the flight of tourists that are about to flood the town. The whole town is running around like a little baby. Until one evening when everyone is woken up from the smell of smoke and the scream of siren. More bad news comes when a dead body is found in the ruins of the fire, but it’s discovered he did not die of the fire.
The seaside knitters have their hands full, trying to untangle this mystery that has been crossed upon them by many questions or ringing, but the knitting crew has put needles to the grindstone to figure it out.
This is truly a fun bunch of characters to go back and visit with. I love how the town works together, the friendships that are shared and the fact that you get a really good mystery in the pages.
Sea Harbour is getting ready for the start of tourist season in their beautiful little town . Izzy stocking up on all the beautiful yarns and planning new classes for the flight of tourists that are about to flood the town. The whole town is running around like a little baby. Until one evening when everyone is woken up from the smell of smoke and the scream of siren. More bad news comes when a dead body is found in the ruins of the fire, but it’s discovered he did not die of the fire.
The seaside knitters have their hands full, trying to untangle this mystery that has been crossed upon them by many questions or ringing, but the knitting crew has put needles to the grindstone to figure it out.
This is truly a fun bunch of characters to go back and visit with. I love how the town works together, the friendships that are shared and the fact that you get a really good mystery in the pages.
April 8, 2025
This was my introduction to Sally and the Seaside Knitters Society.
I'd like to thank Goodreads and Kensington Publishing Books for this delightful cozy mystery ARC.
FIrst of all I was impressed with the close friendships and warmth of the community of Sea Harbor.
Everyone seemed to have enough money to live their best life, even with so many complications among the characters. Maybe a lot of it can be due to the fact that they almost live in each other's pockets.
I was immediately drawn to Nick, Gracie and Birdie. Their personalities were wonderful.
The further I got into the book, I wished I'd read the previous 17. And that I had a flow chart with photos of the inhabitants. I found myself rechecking the 'Cast' page because there were so many and I was busy trying to follow all the clues sprinkled throughout, following the 'murder.'
The ending came to a stunning conclusion, which made the budding romance a much more painful loss.
I recommend that others who enjoy cozy mysteries start at the beginning. I'm sure they'll enjoy this.
I'd like to thank Goodreads and Kensington Publishing Books for this delightful cozy mystery ARC.
FIrst of all I was impressed with the close friendships and warmth of the community of Sea Harbor.
Everyone seemed to have enough money to live their best life, even with so many complications among the characters. Maybe a lot of it can be due to the fact that they almost live in each other's pockets.
I was immediately drawn to Nick, Gracie and Birdie. Their personalities were wonderful.
The further I got into the book, I wished I'd read the previous 17. And that I had a flow chart with photos of the inhabitants. I found myself rechecking the 'Cast' page because there were so many and I was busy trying to follow all the clues sprinkled throughout, following the 'murder.'
The ending came to a stunning conclusion, which made the budding romance a much more painful loss.
I recommend that others who enjoy cozy mysteries start at the beginning. I'm sure they'll enjoy this.
October 30, 2025
Having lived on the North Shore in the past, I was excited to pick up this cozy mystery, set in the mythical town of Sea Harbor, Massachusetts. My mind visualized the docks, the smell of sea air and hear the sound of seagulls in the air. I was initially thrown by the dizzying number of characters and found there was quite a lot of chatter about this person and that. It's a little harder to get situated in the tale, coming in the middle of a multi volume series but there is a character index to help you out. I think a family tree for the main characters showing the interrelationships revealed might have been helpful. The friendships are long lasting and strong and it takes a little while in establishing the characters before there is an opportunity to sort out what's going on. Red herrings abound before the solution is finally revealed. I liked but didn't love it despite the charming characters and the sweet little dog. For people who knit, there's a pattern in the book at the back and also a recipe. I received this book via a #Goodreadsgiveaway. #KensingtonBooks
November 27, 2024
"The Herringbone Harbor Mystery (A Seaside Knitters Society Mystery #18)" by Sally Goldenbaum is well into the series but is still fairly okay as a standalone book. My only issue was that it was somewhat difficult at times to understand who the perspective was coming from. It jumps around a little bit between some of the characters and I'd have to figure it out a bit. It also made it hard to keep track of who already knew what sometimes.
The mystery was around what happened to a well liked man in town. His only possible conflict that most people knew about was that the current mayor didn't want him running against her in the next election because he'd probably win. In the end things didn't go exactly how I expected them to but made sense, for the most part. I wouldn't totally have believed the killer would change the m.o. It seemed changed to create a more dramatic reveal scene and to be caught.
The mystery was around what happened to a well liked man in town. His only possible conflict that most people knew about was that the current mayor didn't want him running against her in the next election because he'd probably win. In the end things didn't go exactly how I expected them to but made sense, for the most part. I wouldn't totally have believed the killer would change the m.o. It seemed changed to create a more dramatic reveal scene and to be caught.
December 5, 2024
It was really sad when a man who was as loved as the murder victim was got killed. He was kind and generous to everyone and there weren't too many who had anything bad to say about him which made his death even more tragic.
It was so cool to see those who loved him most continuing to do things he would've done or wanted to do. Our fabulous four knitters were on the case in their usual subtle way they had of finding out clues and reporting back to their fellow knitters and loved ones over some amazing food and family time.
The showdown was a a surprise as was someone who stepped in to help. I loved how the victim's sweet pup got his forever home and an amazing tribute was paid to both him and his late owner. Yes, eye leakage can and may occur during certain parts of the book but it's all good.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
It was so cool to see those who loved him most continuing to do things he would've done or wanted to do. Our fabulous four knitters were on the case in their usual subtle way they had of finding out clues and reporting back to their fellow knitters and loved ones over some amazing food and family time.
The showdown was a a surprise as was someone who stepped in to help. I loved how the victim's sweet pup got his forever home and an amazing tribute was paid to both him and his late owner. Yes, eye leakage can and may occur during certain parts of the book but it's all good.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
October 22, 2024
Sea Harbor is a small fishing village in Massachusetts where most everyone have known each other since their school days and most are cordial to each other if not actively good friends. The Yarn Studio’s Seaside Knitters are currently working on an afghan project for charity while gossiping. They are quite concerned that the mayor has been acting uncharacteristically paranoid and aggressive over a rumored rival, but they certainly didn't expect that said rival (and old friend to many) would be found dead in the burned-out shell of his house. Now the investigating begins in earnest!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof copy from Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies via NetGalley. Thank you! Avail Nov 26, 2024
#TheHerringboneHarborMystery by @sallygoldenbaum #SeasideKnittersSocietyBk7 #NetGalley @KensingtonBooks #KnittingPattern #Recipe
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof copy from Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies via NetGalley. Thank you! Avail Nov 26, 2024
#TheHerringboneHarborMystery by @sallygoldenbaum #SeasideKnittersSocietyBk7 #NetGalley @KensingtonBooks #KnittingPattern #Recipe
November 15, 2024
This was an ok cozy mystery for me. There were too many characters and POVs to keep track of and I would often get the characters mixed up. Most of the dialogue contained every day chatter that didn’t relate to the murder they were trying to solve which made the story drag on forever. I just wanted to skip to the end and find out what happened. The second half of the book I skimmed the pages until I found my answer. It was easy for me to figure out who the killer was but I was surprised by the circumstances in which it happened. The book includes instructions for knitting a herringbone scarf and blanket as well as a recipe for Creamy Broccoli With Pasta. Unfortunately, I will not be reading more of this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
November 28, 2024
Cass and the seaside knitters are saddened when a beloved member of the community dies in a fire. When it turns out the man murdered before the fire was set, the ladies have their work cut out for them.
Was it the incumbent mayor the man was going to challenge in the next election? With fingers pointing and accusations being made, the ladies set out to separate back from fiction and determine who killed the man and tried to cover it up with a fire. Well, they saw the case, or will the heat be too much for them this time?
Another entry in the series. It never gets old. I love the fact that the seaside knitters age from an octogenarian down to a 30 something member of the club. This book is for cozy mystery Leaver out there, regardless of age. it’s chock full of red herrings and will keep you guessing into the very end. Always excellent read.
Was it the incumbent mayor the man was going to challenge in the next election? With fingers pointing and accusations being made, the ladies set out to separate back from fiction and determine who killed the man and tried to cover it up with a fire. Well, they saw the case, or will the heat be too much for them this time?
Another entry in the series. It never gets old. I love the fact that the seaside knitters age from an octogenarian down to a 30 something member of the club. This book is for cozy mystery Leaver out there, regardless of age. it’s chock full of red herrings and will keep you guessing into the very end. Always excellent read.
December 17, 2024
The Herringbone Harbor Mystery is the newest addition to the Seaside Knitters Society series, set in the charming coastal town of Sea Harbor, Massachusetts. The story follows the close-knit group of friends—Birdie, Cass, Izzy, and Nell—as they become entangled in the investigation of a beloved community member's murder.
The novel has a great atmospheric setting and I love the deep bonds among the characters, it adds a deeper dive into the characters' lives and relationships while also adding to the mystery.
Overall, The Herringbone Harbor Mystery has a wonderful cozy atmosphere, well-developed relationships, and engaging setting. While some readers may find the mystery elements less compelling, fans of the series and those who enjoy character-driven cozy mysteries are likely to find it a satisfying read.
The novel has a great atmospheric setting and I love the deep bonds among the characters, it adds a deeper dive into the characters' lives and relationships while also adding to the mystery.
Overall, The Herringbone Harbor Mystery has a wonderful cozy atmosphere, well-developed relationships, and engaging setting. While some readers may find the mystery elements less compelling, fans of the series and those who enjoy character-driven cozy mysteries are likely to find it a satisfying read.
January 26, 2025
Sally Goldenbaum writes exciting and interesting novels, especially the Seaside Knitters series. I adore that each novel finishes with a knitting pattern and a recipe, and that both are shown on Sally’s website. Laura Childs writes a Charleston series, but her latest novels have flopped, in my estimation. Goldenbaum also includes a list of all the characters in each novel, which I love. A loved and friendly and helpful man perishes in his burning home. But, the police find that Nick Cabot fell victim to a gunshot. So many red herrings into the list of potential killers. Goldenbaum writes with style and detail in the characters and settings. Of course, the friendship of the community glistens throughout the story. I would love to visit the knit shop and all the eating establishments in the community, as well as Nell’s weekly gathering.
April 28, 2025
Things are gearing up in Sea Harbor. The Seaside Knitters are designing new classes for vacationers. A couple of teenaged girls are busy earning money walking dogs. A local cafe is gaining attention with new and tasty dishes developed by its recently acquired chef. But all this activity comes to a screeching halt when the murdered body of a popular resident is found inside his smoldering house. The Seaside Knitters will have to untangle more than yarn to get to the bottom of this mystery. The solution is bound to surprise the whole community. This intriguing tale is peopled with equally interesting characters. Though the book is a stand-alone, readers will get the most enjoyment of the series if they read it in order. This 7th book shows that the series just keeps getting better and better.
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