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Nimble Needle #1
One Sharp Stitch
When thirty-something Shelby Phillips returns to her quiet hometown just outside of Asheville, North Carolina, she reluctantly takes over her mother’s Nimble Needle needlepoint shop—and gets entangled in a murder investigation . . .
It’s only temporary. That’s what Shelby Phillips tells herself when she returns to excruciatingly harmless Gwen Lake after her graphic arts career—and the office romance blooming with it—get tossed like rejected design mockups. Her plan is as simple and fool-proof as a tent manage the family needlepoint shop duringher parents’ RV vacation. It’s just a month. It’s not as if they’re retiring . . . right?
When Shelby becomes responsible for hosting a trunk show with local vendors, she’s determined to pull it off. Even if that means dealing with former classmate Kat Katsaros, a rising entrepreneur specializing in needlework scissors. Kat has changed since high school—and she’s angling to take over the Nimble Needle herself. The tension unspools when Shelby makes a terrible discovery on the morning of the Kat’s dead body.
Shelby can’t believe the death was an accident. That’s why she’s set on exposing who committed the murder with Kat’s own equipment. She finds help in a new friend, a potential crush, and the surprising support of her sister and the Nimble Needle stitchers. Still, Shelby must move quickly to stop the crafty culprit before her maybe not-so-temporary new life in Gwen Lake comes apart at the seams . . .
It’s only temporary. That’s what Shelby Phillips tells herself when she returns to excruciatingly harmless Gwen Lake after her graphic arts career—and the office romance blooming with it—get tossed like rejected design mockups. Her plan is as simple and fool-proof as a tent manage the family needlepoint shop duringher parents’ RV vacation. It’s just a month. It’s not as if they’re retiring . . . right?
When Shelby becomes responsible for hosting a trunk show with local vendors, she’s determined to pull it off. Even if that means dealing with former classmate Kat Katsaros, a rising entrepreneur specializing in needlework scissors. Kat has changed since high school—and she’s angling to take over the Nimble Needle herself. The tension unspools when Shelby makes a terrible discovery on the morning of the Kat’s dead body.
Shelby can’t believe the death was an accident. That’s why she’s set on exposing who committed the murder with Kat’s own equipment. She finds help in a new friend, a potential crush, and the surprising support of her sister and the Nimble Needle stitchers. Still, Shelby must move quickly to stop the crafty culprit before her maybe not-so-temporary new life in Gwen Lake comes apart at the seams . . .
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2025
53 people are currently reading
6270 people want to read
About the author
Allie Pleiter
121 books615 followersAn avid knitter, coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better,” Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four novels at a time. The bestselling author of over fifty books, Allie has enjoyed a twenty-year career with over 1.5 million books sold. In addition to writing, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on the creative process, publishing, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management for writers. Visit her website at www.alliepleiter.com to learn more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
January 27, 2025
A new cozy series from Allie Pleiter, I had read a previous series based around a craft shop by this author and enjoyed it, and I enjoyed this one as well. When her management job at a graphic design business disappears as the company is sold and her fledgling relationship with the owner goes with it, Shelby moves from Savanah back to her small hometown in North Carolina. The timing is perfect for her parents as they want to roam the US in their new motor home, and now Shelby is there to hold down the kingdom of Nina's Nimble Needles, her Mom's needlepoint shop. Shelby gets way more than she bargained for with her mother's friends the NYAGs riding herd at the shop, a cat that decides he wants to share her apartment over the shop and her somewhat contentious relationship with her older "perfect" sister. As crazy as Shelby finds these changes in her world, it's nothing compared to finding a former schoolmate who is supposed to be doing a trunk show at the shop, dead in her van. With likable characters, colorful arts and crafts, and amateur sleuth who is smart and cautious, this was a story I enjoyed from start to finish. Many thanks to #Netgally, #KensingtonCozies, and the author for a chance to read. #OneSharpStitch #AlliePleiter #ANimbleNeedleMystery #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
April 19, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Shelby Phillips’ life is in flux after her career and office romance implodes when the company is sold. So, returning to Gwen Lake to manage the family needlepoint shop while her parents take a long RV vacation around the U.S. could be a welcome distraction while she plans what path her life will take next.
When she learns a former classmate, Kat Katsaros, has a trunk show of her special needlework scissors scheduled at Nimble Needle, Shelby plans to make the event a rousing success. Kat has evolved since their school days, driven to be a success, and even has plans to take over the needlework shop when Shelby’s parents decide to retire.
But then Kat fails to show up for her trunk show. Shelby goes to look for her, and she makes a horrific discovery. She finds Kat’s dead body in her work van. The death is ruled an accident, but Shelby just isn’t buying that theory. She may have had issues with the woman, but she does deserve justice. She decides to investigate the death herself with her own theory, and she has a lot of help – the Nibble Needle stichers, aka Not Your Average Grannies/NYAGS, her sister, a new friend, and an old friend she may want to really want to reconnect with.
Can Shelby, the Grannies, and her friends, old and new, prove that Kat was murdered and who cut the woman down in her prime? Or will the killer get away with murder?
In this first Nimble Needle Mystery we meet Shelby Phillips, her mom, Nina, who owns Nina’s Nimble Needle, her dad, her sister Jessica, and her family, and the Grannies, Faye, Livvy, Tilly, and Dot. There are a lot of family dynamics in play. Shelby believes Jessica is the perfect child with the perfect life and she is the screw up. But all is not as blissful in Jessica’s life as it appears. I enjoyed how this sister relationship changed and evolved throughout the course of the story. I loved their dad and his laid-back common-sense style. Their mother is high energy with many plans and an open heart. The NYAGs are unique and love doing needlepoint projects as well as catching up on the town’s gossip, butting in where they may not be wanted, and trying to help Shelby in any way they can. Ms. Pleiter’s characters are all well-crafted, leaving room for growth as the series continues.
The victim had quite a talent for design, knife sharpening, and making her share of enemies. There were more suspects than I first imagined. The author makes readers sharpen their sleuthing skills with some quick twists and red herrings. My personal list of suspects had them moving up and down with each turn. The actual “crafty culprit” did not move much until late in the story as clues started to fall into place. Our protagonist had to do some quick thinking when the killer transformed before her eyes.
As a former crafter, I love the needlepoint theme and would love to shop and hang out at Nina’s Nimble Needle. Ms. Pleiter did an excellent job of describing it and Gwen Lake.
My dream is to travel around the United States in an RV with my husband and family, so I loved Shelby’s parents’ vacation. Someday I hope to hit the road just like them.
One Sharp Stitch has set this series off to a great start. Filled with engaging characters I want to get to know better, a fun theme, and a well-plotted mystery, this book kept me entertained from beginning to end. I am excited for the next Nimble Needle Mystery.
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.
Shelby Phillips’ life is in flux after her career and office romance implodes when the company is sold. So, returning to Gwen Lake to manage the family needlepoint shop while her parents take a long RV vacation around the U.S. could be a welcome distraction while she plans what path her life will take next.
When she learns a former classmate, Kat Katsaros, has a trunk show of her special needlework scissors scheduled at Nimble Needle, Shelby plans to make the event a rousing success. Kat has evolved since their school days, driven to be a success, and even has plans to take over the needlework shop when Shelby’s parents decide to retire.
But then Kat fails to show up for her trunk show. Shelby goes to look for her, and she makes a horrific discovery. She finds Kat’s dead body in her work van. The death is ruled an accident, but Shelby just isn’t buying that theory. She may have had issues with the woman, but she does deserve justice. She decides to investigate the death herself with her own theory, and she has a lot of help – the Nibble Needle stichers, aka Not Your Average Grannies/NYAGS, her sister, a new friend, and an old friend she may want to really want to reconnect with.
Can Shelby, the Grannies, and her friends, old and new, prove that Kat was murdered and who cut the woman down in her prime? Or will the killer get away with murder?
In this first Nimble Needle Mystery we meet Shelby Phillips, her mom, Nina, who owns Nina’s Nimble Needle, her dad, her sister Jessica, and her family, and the Grannies, Faye, Livvy, Tilly, and Dot. There are a lot of family dynamics in play. Shelby believes Jessica is the perfect child with the perfect life and she is the screw up. But all is not as blissful in Jessica’s life as it appears. I enjoyed how this sister relationship changed and evolved throughout the course of the story. I loved their dad and his laid-back common-sense style. Their mother is high energy with many plans and an open heart. The NYAGs are unique and love doing needlepoint projects as well as catching up on the town’s gossip, butting in where they may not be wanted, and trying to help Shelby in any way they can. Ms. Pleiter’s characters are all well-crafted, leaving room for growth as the series continues.
The victim had quite a talent for design, knife sharpening, and making her share of enemies. There were more suspects than I first imagined. The author makes readers sharpen their sleuthing skills with some quick twists and red herrings. My personal list of suspects had them moving up and down with each turn. The actual “crafty culprit” did not move much until late in the story as clues started to fall into place. Our protagonist had to do some quick thinking when the killer transformed before her eyes.
As a former crafter, I love the needlepoint theme and would love to shop and hang out at Nina’s Nimble Needle. Ms. Pleiter did an excellent job of describing it and Gwen Lake.
My dream is to travel around the United States in an RV with my husband and family, so I loved Shelby’s parents’ vacation. Someday I hope to hit the road just like them.
One Sharp Stitch has set this series off to a great start. Filled with engaging characters I want to get to know better, a fun theme, and a well-plotted mystery, this book kept me entertained from beginning to end. I am excited for the next Nimble Needle Mystery.
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.
March 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. The characters were well developed and likeable, the plot was a perfect mixture of lighthearted and mysterious and the narrator made Shelby with all her insecurities come to life. I especially enjoyed the growing relationship between Shelby and her sister. The small town setting was cute. I'm hoping for a series of needlepoint mysteries!
4,25⭐
Thanks to Netgalley and Tantor Audio for the download of this audiobook!
4,25⭐
Thanks to Netgalley and Tantor Audio for the download of this audiobook!
May 23, 2025
Crafty Cross Stitch Cozy
Author Allie Pleiter has created another Craft Cozy series. Pleiter follows formula with the fan favorite trope of a woman returning back to her small home town to start over when her life falls apart. When Shelby Phillips loses her job due to a corporate merger, she agrees to manage her mother's needlepoint shop while her parents take an extended vacation. But when she discovers a body and the police assume it is a freak accident, Shelby becomes a sleuth. The plot is well planned and the clues are plentiful, but it is the variety of quirky characters that provide most of the entertainment. Besides her mothers staff, there are the shop regulars who often gather there to gossip as they work on their latest projects. They call themselves NYAGs- Not Your Average Grandmother. Shelby gathers her own friends old and new. with the colorful characters and interesting plot threads, Pleiter weaves a great story.
Author Allie Pleiter has created another Craft Cozy series. Pleiter follows formula with the fan favorite trope of a woman returning back to her small home town to start over when her life falls apart. When Shelby Phillips loses her job due to a corporate merger, she agrees to manage her mother's needlepoint shop while her parents take an extended vacation. But when she discovers a body and the police assume it is a freak accident, Shelby becomes a sleuth. The plot is well planned and the clues are plentiful, but it is the variety of quirky characters that provide most of the entertainment. Besides her mothers staff, there are the shop regulars who often gather there to gossip as they work on their latest projects. They call themselves NYAGs- Not Your Average Grandmother. Shelby gathers her own friends old and new. with the colorful characters and interesting plot threads, Pleiter weaves a great story.
March 18, 2025
I got this one as an audiobook ARC from Netgalley and I loved it.
As a big cross stitch aficionado who has made and sold my own patterns, the title jumped out at me right away as something I wanted to read and I was so happy I got selected for it. This was one I couldn't stop listening to and finished in only 2 days.
The story follows Shelby as she moves home after her job as a graphic designer (as well as her love life) implode when her company gets purchased. Her parents are going on a retiree road trip and leave her to manage the family needlepoint shop. All is going well until a close associate of the store loses her life in a tragic accident.... or was there foul play involved?
Shelby is sure there is more to this death than meets the eye and she's going to try figure that out all while keeping the family store running, and making new friends along the way.
I thought this story did a great job of introducing fun characters that you really enjoyed getting to know. The mystery gives a few possibilities on what happened so the reader is able to make several guesses without anything being too obvious.
I also loved how arts (especially the textile kind) are set up to be something cool not just for grannies but also for a younger crowd. My cross stitch patterns also cater more to a younger audience with pop culture related designs. I would absolutely love to visit this store.
As a big cross stitch aficionado who has made and sold my own patterns, the title jumped out at me right away as something I wanted to read and I was so happy I got selected for it. This was one I couldn't stop listening to and finished in only 2 days.
The story follows Shelby as she moves home after her job as a graphic designer (as well as her love life) implode when her company gets purchased. Her parents are going on a retiree road trip and leave her to manage the family needlepoint shop. All is going well until a close associate of the store loses her life in a tragic accident.... or was there foul play involved?
Shelby is sure there is more to this death than meets the eye and she's going to try figure that out all while keeping the family store running, and making new friends along the way.
I thought this story did a great job of introducing fun characters that you really enjoyed getting to know. The mystery gives a few possibilities on what happened so the reader is able to make several guesses without anything being too obvious.
I also loved how arts (especially the textile kind) are set up to be something cool not just for grannies but also for a younger crowd. My cross stitch patterns also cater more to a younger audience with pop culture related designs. I would absolutely love to visit this store.
March 21, 2025
Loved this cosy mystery about needle point stitching, which I, of course, knew nothing about. I loved the small town feeling of the setting and the charming cast of characters. The mystery had a few twists and turns and while not completely unexpected, they did keep the action going.
I especially enjoyed the sibling dynamic and the personal and emotional growth that took place when each revealed their vulnerability.
Will be reading more from this author.
I especially enjoyed the sibling dynamic and the personal and emotional growth that took place when each revealed their vulnerability.
Will be reading more from this author.
June 11, 2025
In this new series Pleiter leaves the yarn shop to take on needlework. As with all good cozy mysteries, we a dead body, a small quirky town and a main character who somehow becomes embroiled in the investigation of the murder that she alone is convinced happened. I enjoyed the relaxed pace of the story and the many possible suspects. I look forward to Shelby's future adventures in Gwen Lake.
March 21, 2025
I received an advance copy of One Sharp Stitch on NetGalley. This was a cozy and endearing mystery novel. I liked the characters and the goings-on of the small town. Overall it was an enjoyable read.
May 21, 2025
Quick & easy mystery, I enjoyed reading this! ☺️
July 1, 2025
2.5⭐️ The story had potential, but the writing felt dumbed down and cheesy.
November 9, 2025
A fun murder mystery! 4 stars
April 24, 2025
One Sharp Stitch by Allie Pleiter is an amazing cozy mystery that will keep you guessing.
When Shelby Phillips moves back to Gwen Lake to take care of Nina's Nimble Needle, her mother's needlepoint store, she is expecting a calm month between jobs. What she got was anything but calm!
Gina "Kat" Katsoros is killed before a she can have her trunk show at the "Needle," as the locals call it. The police insist it is an accident; but Shelby doesn't agree. Now she needs to figure out if Kat was murdered.
I loved the characters in this book. Shelby meets new friends as she figures out what happened to Kat. And her relationships with family and friends are what add the warmth and cozy to this story. And some truly funny moments as well.
Allie Pleiter also keeps the suspense and tension through the novel as Shelby investigates as well. People and things aren't always what they seem. And it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
This is the first in a series and I am anxiously awaiting Shelby's next adventure.
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher for an honest review.
When Shelby Phillips moves back to Gwen Lake to take care of Nina's Nimble Needle, her mother's needlepoint store, she is expecting a calm month between jobs. What she got was anything but calm!
Gina "Kat" Katsoros is killed before a she can have her trunk show at the "Needle," as the locals call it. The police insist it is an accident; but Shelby doesn't agree. Now she needs to figure out if Kat was murdered.
I loved the characters in this book. Shelby meets new friends as she figures out what happened to Kat. And her relationships with family and friends are what add the warmth and cozy to this story. And some truly funny moments as well.
Allie Pleiter also keeps the suspense and tension through the novel as Shelby investigates as well. People and things aren't always what they seem. And it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
This is the first in a series and I am anxiously awaiting Shelby's next adventure.
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher for an honest review.
March 24, 2025
This murder mystery is set in a needlepoint shop, which has recently been entrusted to our narrator Shelbie. She’s freshly back in her hometown and trying to find her footing when she discovers a dead body. As the murder case develops, Shelbie becomes more comfortable running the shop, deals with her complicated relationship with her sister, and considers what she wants to do for a living long-term. It’s a quirky, relatable story; entertaining and lighthearted.
Narration on the audiobook was great.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for an ARC, which was provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
Narration on the audiobook was great.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for an ARC, which was provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
Read
April 9, 2025A nice, quick read. I found myself caring way less about the actual mystery though, and it kind of felt like so did the book itself. Enjoyed it regardless, will probably pick up more by this author.
edit: forgot about the dubloon nonsense. that did make me laugh really hard I will say. felt like it was from an entirely different book. extremely funny
edit: forgot about the dubloon nonsense. that did make me laugh really hard I will say. felt like it was from an entirely different book. extremely funny
December 29, 2024
4 stars
One Sharp Stitch
Wow! I have never read this author before, but I will definitely go looking for more of her books.
One Sharp Stitch is the first in a new series and one of those books that is so good, you don't want to put it down, but you hate to read it because it will end. I loved main character Shelby and her sister Jessica. The characterizations were excellent and so believable.
I love it when an author throws me off track and I have no clue to whom the murderer is. The only reason I didn't rate this a 5 is due to the main character getting a little woo-woo about this "being placed in her path."
But otherwise an absolutely fantastic cozy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.
One Sharp Stitch
Wow! I have never read this author before, but I will definitely go looking for more of her books.
One Sharp Stitch is the first in a new series and one of those books that is so good, you don't want to put it down, but you hate to read it because it will end. I loved main character Shelby and her sister Jessica. The characterizations were excellent and so believable.
I love it when an author throws me off track and I have no clue to whom the murderer is. The only reason I didn't rate this a 5 is due to the main character getting a little woo-woo about this "being placed in her path."
But otherwise an absolutely fantastic cozy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.
April 19, 2025
4.5 stars
I can sorta crochet when I’m in the right mood (knitting, not so much), but of all the needlecrafts, cross stitching is where I’m most at home. So even though One Sharp Stitch by Allie Pleiter is set at a needlepoint shop (which is much more involved than counted cross stitch), reading this delightful cozy mystery made me want to find a shop like that where I can go sit and stitch with other needlecrafters. Hopefully where nobody gets murdered though lol.
And the murder in One Sharp Stitch is a puzzler. As the list of potential suspects and their motives grew, I didn’t feel any closer to figuring it out ahead of Shelby… or even along with Shelby. It takes a lot to completely stump me, given how many mysteries I read (and that I was basically raised on Murder, She Wrote), but Allie Pleiter certainly did so in this new book. Brilliant twists and clever red herrings kept me pleasantly distracted while she worked her magic in revealing the real killer, and even as the pieces started to click into place I wasn’t 100% convinced until… well, until it’s obvious that this person is in fact a murderer.
In the meantime, I also enjoyed getting to know the quaint mountain community of Glen Lake, North Carolina and the folks that are part of the Nimble Needle shop’s community. This part of North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, etc. is my happy place so I always gravitate to books set here too. And when it’s written by a favorite author like Allie Pleiter? Well then I’m doubly sure to be first in line to read it! The protagonist Shelby has a compelling backstory that finds her back home in Glen Lake and managing her mom’s needlepoint shop while her parents go on a long RV vacation. (Side note: her parents’ posts on social media and the pics they send along the way cracked me up, as did Shelby’s thoughts on this new side to her parents.) I loved watching her settle back in with old friends, make new ones, and navigate her strained relationship with her ‘perfect’ sister. Shelby’s parents and the NYAGS (Not Your Average Grannies) who hang out at the shop add a multi-generational feel to the story along with the younger crowd that Shelby introduces to the craft and her nephews, too. (I love aunts in fiction!)
Bottom Line: One Sharp Stitch by Allie Pleiter combines engaging characters, a layered mystery, and a charming setting to deliver a story that will appeal to fans of cozies, Southern small towns, and/or needlecrafts. I loved Shelby’s first person narrative and her take on the quirky personalities that make up Glen Lake, and I can tell I’m going to enjoy her character growth across this series. I’m also eager to see what happens with her crush in future books because you know, it’s hopeless-romantic me after all. The murder mystery in One Sharp Stitch is well-plotted and fun to follow, with a unique cause of death and some surprising twists too. A great start to what promises to be a great new series!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading is My SuperPower
I can sorta crochet when I’m in the right mood (knitting, not so much), but of all the needlecrafts, cross stitching is where I’m most at home. So even though One Sharp Stitch by Allie Pleiter is set at a needlepoint shop (which is much more involved than counted cross stitch), reading this delightful cozy mystery made me want to find a shop like that where I can go sit and stitch with other needlecrafters. Hopefully where nobody gets murdered though lol.
And the murder in One Sharp Stitch is a puzzler. As the list of potential suspects and their motives grew, I didn’t feel any closer to figuring it out ahead of Shelby… or even along with Shelby. It takes a lot to completely stump me, given how many mysteries I read (and that I was basically raised on Murder, She Wrote), but Allie Pleiter certainly did so in this new book. Brilliant twists and clever red herrings kept me pleasantly distracted while she worked her magic in revealing the real killer, and even as the pieces started to click into place I wasn’t 100% convinced until… well, until it’s obvious that this person is in fact a murderer.
In the meantime, I also enjoyed getting to know the quaint mountain community of Glen Lake, North Carolina and the folks that are part of the Nimble Needle shop’s community. This part of North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, etc. is my happy place so I always gravitate to books set here too. And when it’s written by a favorite author like Allie Pleiter? Well then I’m doubly sure to be first in line to read it! The protagonist Shelby has a compelling backstory that finds her back home in Glen Lake and managing her mom’s needlepoint shop while her parents go on a long RV vacation. (Side note: her parents’ posts on social media and the pics they send along the way cracked me up, as did Shelby’s thoughts on this new side to her parents.) I loved watching her settle back in with old friends, make new ones, and navigate her strained relationship with her ‘perfect’ sister. Shelby’s parents and the NYAGS (Not Your Average Grannies) who hang out at the shop add a multi-generational feel to the story along with the younger crowd that Shelby introduces to the craft and her nephews, too. (I love aunts in fiction!)
Bottom Line: One Sharp Stitch by Allie Pleiter combines engaging characters, a layered mystery, and a charming setting to deliver a story that will appeal to fans of cozies, Southern small towns, and/or needlecrafts. I loved Shelby’s first person narrative and her take on the quirky personalities that make up Glen Lake, and I can tell I’m going to enjoy her character growth across this series. I’m also eager to see what happens with her crush in future books because you know, it’s hopeless-romantic me after all. The murder mystery in One Sharp Stitch is well-plotted and fun to follow, with a unique cause of death and some surprising twists too. A great start to what promises to be a great new series!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading is My SuperPower
March 28, 2025
I'm already a fan of Allie Pleiter's Love Inspired romances, so reading one of her cozy mysteries wasn't a real stretch. With quirky NYAGs (Not Your Average Grandmas) and nosy townspeople, the story sparkles with humor amid the mystery.
Shelby Phillips' graphic design career AWAY from Gwen Lake crashes along with her romantic dreams when the business is swallowed by a larger conglomerate. Returning home is not her favorite option, but right now it's the only one open to her. When her parents decide to take a 3-week trip, her mother asks her to take charge of her needlework shop, Nora's Nimble Needle while they are away. Since she grew up in the store, Shelby has no doubt that she can do the job. Her only doubt is if she wants to do the job. One week in, she's gearing up for the trunk show her mother has scheduled when she learns that the woman showing her wares has been trying to buy the Needle from her mother. Not only that, she's someone who followed Shelby around and claimed her as a friend even though Shelby barely tolerated her. Kat Katsaros has made a major change in herself since high school, and it appears that few people in town like the woman she has become.
Determined to show her mother that her faith isn't misplaced, and to show her "perfect" older sister that she, too, can handle running the shop, Shelby dives in with everything she's got, trying to put the past behind her and deal with Kat as an adult. However, the morning of the trunk show where Kat is supposed to show her newest scissors and canvas designs, Kat doesn't show up. Shelby goes looking for her and finds her van nearby. She hears her machinery running, opens the back door, and finds Kat slumped over the machinery with a knife buried in her chest. The police declare it a tragic accident, but Shelby has a niggling feeling that won't leave her alone. Could this really have happened the way the police are sure it did? Have they even looked at any of Kat's enemies that seem to be crawling out of the woodwork everywhere Shelby looks?
Shelby doesn't believe it's an accident, but can she expose a killer when everyone else sees a tragic mistake on Kat's part?
The mark of a good cozy for me is not figuring out the culprit until the very end of the book. I was truly surprised at the reveal in this one. Readers who love a good mystery will enjoy One Sharp Stitch. I loved the wit and humor throughout, and the oddball characters that popped up everywhere. I definitely recommend!
Shelby Phillips' graphic design career AWAY from Gwen Lake crashes along with her romantic dreams when the business is swallowed by a larger conglomerate. Returning home is not her favorite option, but right now it's the only one open to her. When her parents decide to take a 3-week trip, her mother asks her to take charge of her needlework shop, Nora's Nimble Needle while they are away. Since she grew up in the store, Shelby has no doubt that she can do the job. Her only doubt is if she wants to do the job. One week in, she's gearing up for the trunk show her mother has scheduled when she learns that the woman showing her wares has been trying to buy the Needle from her mother. Not only that, she's someone who followed Shelby around and claimed her as a friend even though Shelby barely tolerated her. Kat Katsaros has made a major change in herself since high school, and it appears that few people in town like the woman she has become.
Determined to show her mother that her faith isn't misplaced, and to show her "perfect" older sister that she, too, can handle running the shop, Shelby dives in with everything she's got, trying to put the past behind her and deal with Kat as an adult. However, the morning of the trunk show where Kat is supposed to show her newest scissors and canvas designs, Kat doesn't show up. Shelby goes looking for her and finds her van nearby. She hears her machinery running, opens the back door, and finds Kat slumped over the machinery with a knife buried in her chest. The police declare it a tragic accident, but Shelby has a niggling feeling that won't leave her alone. Could this really have happened the way the police are sure it did? Have they even looked at any of Kat's enemies that seem to be crawling out of the woodwork everywhere Shelby looks?
Shelby doesn't believe it's an accident, but can she expose a killer when everyone else sees a tragic mistake on Kat's part?
The mark of a good cozy for me is not figuring out the culprit until the very end of the book. I was truly surprised at the reveal in this one. Readers who love a good mystery will enjoy One Sharp Stitch. I loved the wit and humor throughout, and the oddball characters that popped up everywhere. I definitely recommend!
November 2, 2025
I received a free copy from Tantor Audio and voluntarily reviewed it.
I enjoy listening to cozy mysteries and this sounded like a fun new series to try. I haven't read as many cozies with a crafting theme like this and I enjoyed reading about the craft shop as well as main characters Shelby's creative endeavors with stitching and managing the shop.
At first I wasn't quite sure whether this book was going to work out for me, I had a bit of trouble warming up to main character Shelby as she came across as pretty judgemental of Kat. I could relate more to Kat's status as not quite fitting in. Luckily Shelby became more likable as I continued the story and I liked how she wanted to find justice for Kat and felt sad she never made more of an effort to get to know Kat. I liked how convinced she was that Kat's death wasn't an accident and wanted to figure out what happened.
The mystery was a twisty one that kept me guessing. There are some clear suspects, but it's clear there are some missing pieces to fully make sense of it and they slowly come to light. Shelby looks a lot into the method that supposedly caused the accident, the knife sharpening machine as well as who would have a motive to kill her. I liked how she tackled the investigation and there are some interesting ways she investigates from involving her friends to the way she wanted to collect hand writing samples. Everything falls on it's place toward the end. This mystery could feel quite gruesome and sad at times with the way this mystery and the secrets surrounding it tear apart some families. I liked how Shelby was instrumental in figuring it out and while the police seemed incompetent at first, it did became clear they were doing their own investigation.
I liked reading about the Nimble Needle craft shop and learning a bit about needlepoint as this is not something I know much about. I liked how Shelby gathers a group of friends around her and she starts her own needlepoint group with them. And seeing her tumultuous relationship with her sister slowly mend was great to see and it felt realistic too how they had some struggles. It also was fun to hear about their parents adventures in their RV as they travel.
This was a new to me narrator and I enjoyed her style for this audiobook with plenty of variation for the different voices.
To summarize: I enjoyed this start to this new series. I liked reading about the craft store The Nimble Needle and how Shelby manages it. I struggled a bit with the start as Shelby came across as judgemental, but I liked how she changed and then wanted justice for the murdered women. The mystery is a twisty one and I liked the twists and turns. There are some secrets that come to light and this mystery could feel quite gruesome and sad at times. I liked the needlepoint theme, seeing Shelby find her place in this town again with a cat and friends around her and a possible romance as well as slowly mending her relationship with her sister. I enjoyed reading this one and hope there will be more in the series.
I enjoy listening to cozy mysteries and this sounded like a fun new series to try. I haven't read as many cozies with a crafting theme like this and I enjoyed reading about the craft shop as well as main characters Shelby's creative endeavors with stitching and managing the shop.
At first I wasn't quite sure whether this book was going to work out for me, I had a bit of trouble warming up to main character Shelby as she came across as pretty judgemental of Kat. I could relate more to Kat's status as not quite fitting in. Luckily Shelby became more likable as I continued the story and I liked how she wanted to find justice for Kat and felt sad she never made more of an effort to get to know Kat. I liked how convinced she was that Kat's death wasn't an accident and wanted to figure out what happened.
The mystery was a twisty one that kept me guessing. There are some clear suspects, but it's clear there are some missing pieces to fully make sense of it and they slowly come to light. Shelby looks a lot into the method that supposedly caused the accident, the knife sharpening machine as well as who would have a motive to kill her. I liked how she tackled the investigation and there are some interesting ways she investigates from involving her friends to the way she wanted to collect hand writing samples. Everything falls on it's place toward the end. This mystery could feel quite gruesome and sad at times with the way this mystery and the secrets surrounding it tear apart some families. I liked how Shelby was instrumental in figuring it out and while the police seemed incompetent at first, it did became clear they were doing their own investigation.
I liked reading about the Nimble Needle craft shop and learning a bit about needlepoint as this is not something I know much about. I liked how Shelby gathers a group of friends around her and she starts her own needlepoint group with them. And seeing her tumultuous relationship with her sister slowly mend was great to see and it felt realistic too how they had some struggles. It also was fun to hear about their parents adventures in their RV as they travel.
This was a new to me narrator and I enjoyed her style for this audiobook with plenty of variation for the different voices.
To summarize: I enjoyed this start to this new series. I liked reading about the craft store The Nimble Needle and how Shelby manages it. I struggled a bit with the start as Shelby came across as judgemental, but I liked how she changed and then wanted justice for the murdered women. The mystery is a twisty one and I liked the twists and turns. There are some secrets that come to light and this mystery could feel quite gruesome and sad at times. I liked the needlepoint theme, seeing Shelby find her place in this town again with a cat and friends around her and a possible romance as well as slowly mending her relationship with her sister. I enjoyed reading this one and hope there will be more in the series.
March 17, 2025
One Sharp Stitch is the first book in a new cozy mystery series by Allie Pleiter. We follow Shelby, a thirty-something who has just lost her job and has to move back home to help out in her mother's needlepoint shop, Nimble Needle. On her first day at work, she finds one of the shop's suppliers, and a former school acquaintance, dead in his van. Shelby keeps her cool and decides to solve the mystery, convinced that the death was not an accident. Together with her colleagues and regular customers at the shop, as well as her overly perfect sister, they try to solve the mystery.
One Sharp Stitch is a subdued, cozy mystery without overly disturbing or frightening scenes. The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, and any bumps in the road are quickly resolved. There are few surprising elements in the book. The main characters come across as somewhat bland, and the only character who shows much personality is murdered right at the beginning. I missed a bit more character development in Shelby and would have liked to hear more from her good colleagues. However, since this is the first book in a planned series, I am confident that this will improve over time.
I enjoyed the small-town setting, the craft shop, and the witty comments along the way. It wasn't the most entertaining cozy mystery I've read, but it certainly meets all the genre's rules. Pick it up if you're looking for a cozy, easy-to-read story.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
One Sharp Stitch is a subdued, cozy mystery without overly disturbing or frightening scenes. The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, and any bumps in the road are quickly resolved. There are few surprising elements in the book. The main characters come across as somewhat bland, and the only character who shows much personality is murdered right at the beginning. I missed a bit more character development in Shelby and would have liked to hear more from her good colleagues. However, since this is the first book in a planned series, I am confident that this will improve over time.
I enjoyed the small-town setting, the craft shop, and the witty comments along the way. It wasn't the most entertaining cozy mystery I've read, but it certainly meets all the genre's rules. Pick it up if you're looking for a cozy, easy-to-read story.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
March 20, 2025
- I received this audiobook from NetGalley -
I needed a cozy mystery! The first book in the Nimble Needle series, One Sharp Stitch, ticked all the boxes. Shelby Phillips is returning home after her job reluctantly ends abruptly. But no fear! Her parents want to travel so she can watch the shop for the next month. Every is going well, Shelby can definitely handle a trunk show on her second day, what could go wrong??
Being a huge fan of cozy mysteries, I have read a few and One Sharp Stitch has all the elements that I find endearing. The cast of characters have their quirks and being all brought together shows the small town vibes and helpful nature.
I appreciated the embroidery and cross stitch information that was sprinkled throughout the book. Like the canvases that can be bought to the scissors that are used, including the specialized needles with names! It didn’t feel overwhelming or that you need to know it all before going into the book.
The narrator did a wonderful job with all the different characters (including kids, which can be hard), and her voice was so soothing it was easy to listen to this book over a few days.
All the red herrings and final delivery was very well done and I can’t wait to read more in this series!
I needed a cozy mystery! The first book in the Nimble Needle series, One Sharp Stitch, ticked all the boxes. Shelby Phillips is returning home after her job reluctantly ends abruptly. But no fear! Her parents want to travel so she can watch the shop for the next month. Every is going well, Shelby can definitely handle a trunk show on her second day, what could go wrong??
Being a huge fan of cozy mysteries, I have read a few and One Sharp Stitch has all the elements that I find endearing. The cast of characters have their quirks and being all brought together shows the small town vibes and helpful nature.
I appreciated the embroidery and cross stitch information that was sprinkled throughout the book. Like the canvases that can be bought to the scissors that are used, including the specialized needles with names! It didn’t feel overwhelming or that you need to know it all before going into the book.
The narrator did a wonderful job with all the different characters (including kids, which can be hard), and her voice was so soothing it was easy to listen to this book over a few days.
All the red herrings and final delivery was very well done and I can’t wait to read more in this series!
January 25, 2025
This was a good book! I didn't figure out until the characters did who did it! It took me awhile to get into the book, as it's first person, and I'm not crazy about first person. I usually don't read mysteries, though I grew up reading them. However, this was good and kept me on my toes!! We also have quite a few different family dynamics going on, as Shelby and her sister, Jessica, still have some sibling rivalry issues to work out. Shelby wasn't looking forward to going back to Gwen Lake and working in her mom's needlepoint shop for a month, and she sure wasn't prepared to find Kat's dead body! There were some perks to being back in her home town, though, like making new friend, a possible crush, and getting things back on track with her sister. The story takes quite a few twists on the way to solving what happened to Kat!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
March 23, 2025
What a great start to this new cozy mystery series! I loved it! I quickly became invested in the story and was flying through the pages. I couldn't read it fast enough.
I loved the charming town of Gwen Lake. The Nimble Needle was such a cozy and inviting shop. I’ve never done needlepoint, but now I’m very intrigued by it. I thought CHNO, the coffeeshop, was really neat, and the yacht club was fun! Very clever!
This book is full of so many wonderful characters. Shelby, her sister Jessica, their parents, the NYAGs—the list could go on and on. I loved the dynamic between Shelby's family. It was realistic. Shelby and Jessica had the typical sibling rivalry, but I loved how they were still supportive of each other.
The mystery was great and kept me guessing. I was completely shocked by the reveal. I sure didn’t see that coming, but it made perfect sense. I love when I can be surprised like that.
If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, grab a copy of this book. You won’t be disappointed. I highly, highly recommend it and can’t wait for the next one.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
I loved the charming town of Gwen Lake. The Nimble Needle was such a cozy and inviting shop. I’ve never done needlepoint, but now I’m very intrigued by it. I thought CHNO, the coffeeshop, was really neat, and the yacht club was fun! Very clever!
This book is full of so many wonderful characters. Shelby, her sister Jessica, their parents, the NYAGs—the list could go on and on. I loved the dynamic between Shelby's family. It was realistic. Shelby and Jessica had the typical sibling rivalry, but I loved how they were still supportive of each other.
The mystery was great and kept me guessing. I was completely shocked by the reveal. I sure didn’t see that coming, but it made perfect sense. I love when I can be surprised like that.
If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, grab a copy of this book. You won’t be disappointed. I highly, highly recommend it and can’t wait for the next one.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
March 28, 2025
I really enjoyed meeting Shelby and her new friends in town along with her family when she came to take care of her mom’s needlepoint shop so Mom and Dad could go on a nice long road trip. She sure had no idea she’d be dealing with a murder soon after her parents left, although at first that’s not what it was being called. But Shelby persisted and even got Jessica somewhat involved.
On the shop front, Shelby managed to combine sleuthing with coming up with a needlepoint prize for a rotation all the shops took every few months. I liked the group she got together to help her do the stitching since they all talked about the case while they worked. The showdown and reveal were good—I’d definitely never suspected that person. Shelby and Jessica grew a lot closer as sisters after that which was gonna make the reveal during the epilogue a lot easier for both, lol. I sure can’t wait for that next book now!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
On the shop front, Shelby managed to combine sleuthing with coming up with a needlepoint prize for a rotation all the shops took every few months. I liked the group she got together to help her do the stitching since they all talked about the case while they worked. The showdown and reveal were good—I’d definitely never suspected that person. Shelby and Jessica grew a lot closer as sisters after that which was gonna make the reveal during the epilogue a lot easier for both, lol. I sure can’t wait for that next book now!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
March 15, 2025
This was such a fun read. It’s so much more than a cozy mystery. It has amateur sleuthing, new/old friendships (human & feline), a hint of potential romance and lots of humor. Some of the characters are bizarre which added to the overall experience. It really took a turn there at the end!!
Taking a quote from the book sums it up well, “Quirky in a heartwarming kind of way”. 🥰
Highly recommend to all readers who enjoy a feel good book - yes I know there’s a murder but still…😅
Can’t wait for further adventures with Shelby and Nabbit in Gwen Lake.
Thank you to the publisher/author for the opportunity to read this complimentary advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Taking a quote from the book sums it up well, “Quirky in a heartwarming kind of way”. 🥰
Highly recommend to all readers who enjoy a feel good book - yes I know there’s a murder but still…😅
Can’t wait for further adventures with Shelby and Nabbit in Gwen Lake.
Thank you to the publisher/author for the opportunity to read this complimentary advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
March 16, 2025
The first book of Allie Pleiter that I have read and it was a delightful cozy mystery.
Shelby Phillips loses her graphic design job and returns home to help manage her mother’s needlepoint shop, Nina’s Nimble Needles, while her parents are on holiday. Shelby is reluctant to return but has not found new employment and decides she will make the best of the situation.
While back in town Shelby runs into a former classmate and the interaction is awkward at best. Shelby learns, Cat, her classmate, wanted to manage Nina’s shop and eventually buy it when Nina was ready to retire and is disappointed Shelby has comeback to run the shop. Shelby’s sister, Jessica, lives in town and their relationship is strained. Shelby is counting the days mail her mom returns.
Days after Shelby’s parents leave she discovers a body near the shop and everyone, including the police believe it to be a tragic accident. Shelby doesn’t believe it to be that simple.
Thank you to NetGalley for an early review audiobook.
Shelby Phillips loses her graphic design job and returns home to help manage her mother’s needlepoint shop, Nina’s Nimble Needles, while her parents are on holiday. Shelby is reluctant to return but has not found new employment and decides she will make the best of the situation.
While back in town Shelby runs into a former classmate and the interaction is awkward at best. Shelby learns, Cat, her classmate, wanted to manage Nina’s shop and eventually buy it when Nina was ready to retire and is disappointed Shelby has comeback to run the shop. Shelby’s sister, Jessica, lives in town and their relationship is strained. Shelby is counting the days mail her mom returns.
Days after Shelby’s parents leave she discovers a body near the shop and everyone, including the police believe it to be a tragic accident. Shelby doesn’t believe it to be that simple.
Thank you to NetGalley for an early review audiobook.
November 12, 2025
When Shelby Phillips' job and maybe boyfriend implode, she returns home to a small town in western North Carolina to babysit her mom's needlepoint shop. As her parents try out retirement on a cross-country RV trip, Shelby keeps telling herself that being shop manager is only temporary. When an old high school "friend" is found dead in her business van, Shelby has doubts about the death being accidental. This charming mystery hits a lot of topics -- coming home again after a long absence, sibling rivalry, old friends who are the same but different, and aging parents. I'd like it enough to try Nimble Needle Book 2 when it's published.
March 29, 2025
As an avid cross-stitcher myself, as soon as I saw the title I knew this was a book I had to read. I really appreciate modernizing fiber arts. Cross-stitch and Embroidery is not "just for the grannies" or just for females for that matter, as the Nimble Needle is keen to share. Shelby is a fun character to get to know, as are the customers of the Nimble Needle, especially the NYAG's. I love Kat's character, I'm just sorry we couldn't get to know her alive. I really enjoyed the mashup between a cozy contemporary and a mystery, I've heard of cozy mysteries, but have never read one and I think this nails the genre on the head. I can't wait to see what other work this author has, rumor has it another craft centered series exists.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley and Kensington Cozies in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley and Kensington Cozies in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2025
Shelby Phillips heads to her hometown of Gwen Lake in North Carolina. Her parents are going on a month-long vacation, and her mother asks if Shelby could manage her Nimble Needle shop. It comes at a great time since she was just let go from her job in Georgia.
She didn’t realize things would get so complicated, but she immediately finds out she’s responsible for hosting a trunk show featuring one of her former classmates, Kat Katsaros. Kat has her own business, which includes creating needlework scissors. Kat, also, had hoped she’d be the one watching over Nimble Needle, not Shelby.
Shelby gets nervous when Kat doesn’t show up for the trunk show. She searches for her and is shocked when she discovers Kat’s dead body. The police rule it as an accident, but Shelby is convinced there is more to this story than meets the eye.
This is the beginning of a brand new cozy mystery series and I was hooked right from the start. Shelby is a strong main character. She is surrounded by a wonderful supporting cast. The author did an excellent job of bringing each character to life.
The setting is perfect for a cozy mystery series. It’s a small, quaint town where everybody knows everybody else. Not to mention that gossip is one of their main hobbies.
The storyline moves at a fast-pace. It’s intriguing, captivating and keeps you guessing until the end. There were many potential suspects, and I was totally taken by surprise at how it ended.
It’s an enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to catching up with Shelby in the next entry into this series. It’s always fun to get in on the ground floor of a new series.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
She didn’t realize things would get so complicated, but she immediately finds out she’s responsible for hosting a trunk show featuring one of her former classmates, Kat Katsaros. Kat has her own business, which includes creating needlework scissors. Kat, also, had hoped she’d be the one watching over Nimble Needle, not Shelby.
Shelby gets nervous when Kat doesn’t show up for the trunk show. She searches for her and is shocked when she discovers Kat’s dead body. The police rule it as an accident, but Shelby is convinced there is more to this story than meets the eye.
This is the beginning of a brand new cozy mystery series and I was hooked right from the start. Shelby is a strong main character. She is surrounded by a wonderful supporting cast. The author did an excellent job of bringing each character to life.
The setting is perfect for a cozy mystery series. It’s a small, quaint town where everybody knows everybody else. Not to mention that gossip is one of their main hobbies.
The storyline moves at a fast-pace. It’s intriguing, captivating and keeps you guessing until the end. There were many potential suspects, and I was totally taken by surprise at how it ended.
It’s an enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to catching up with Shelby in the next entry into this series. It’s always fun to get in on the ground floor of a new series.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 23, 2025
I really enjoyed the author’s Riverbank Knitting Series and have been disappointed there haven’t been more. While the title in this new series doesn’t fill that void, it was good. What I loved most about it is that some of the characters don’t have the perfect lives that are the norm for most cozy series. These characters felt real. The plot was complex though the story had a predictable ending. Looking forward to book 2. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for review.
April 26, 2025
This was a fun listen while I did a little needlepointing of my own. It was my first time reading this author, and I enjoyed the crafting theme and small-town setting. While it wasn’t my favorite cozy overall, it was an easy, enjoyable listen with good narration that made for a relaxing experience.
Thank you NetGalley and Tantor audio for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.
Thank you NetGalley and Tantor audio for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.
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