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Seaside Knitters Mystery #9
A Finely Knit Murder
In the newest mystery from the national bestselling author of Murder in Merino, the sleuthing skills of Izzy Chambers Perry and the Seaside Knitters are tested as death mars the beginning of the school year…
Seaside Knitter Birdie Favazza is thrilled that her granddaughter Gabby will be visiting for the fall and attending the Sea Harbor Community Day School. Gabby loves the school, with its newly-adopted progressive curriculum, and she loves that the Seaside Knitters are teaching knitting as part of the enrichment program. It’s a huge success, and on crisp autumn days, girls camp out on the terraces, knitting up hats for charity.
But not everyone is happy with the direction the school is taking. Outspoken board member Blythe Westerland has sparked tempers with her determination to unravel the current administration. Then, on the evening of an elegant school event, Blythe’s body is found near the school boathouse.
With a killer on the loose, Birdie is determined to keep Gabby safe. Working together, the Seaside Knitters carefully unravel the layers of Blythe’s complicated life, bringing faculty members and town residents under scrutiny. Before the cast-off rows are made on the students’ projects, the knitters will need to stitch together the evidence to see if a murderer has been walking beside them all along.
Seaside Knitter Birdie Favazza is thrilled that her granddaughter Gabby will be visiting for the fall and attending the Sea Harbor Community Day School. Gabby loves the school, with its newly-adopted progressive curriculum, and she loves that the Seaside Knitters are teaching knitting as part of the enrichment program. It’s a huge success, and on crisp autumn days, girls camp out on the terraces, knitting up hats for charity.
But not everyone is happy with the direction the school is taking. Outspoken board member Blythe Westerland has sparked tempers with her determination to unravel the current administration. Then, on the evening of an elegant school event, Blythe’s body is found near the school boathouse.
With a killer on the loose, Birdie is determined to keep Gabby safe. Working together, the Seaside Knitters carefully unravel the layers of Blythe’s complicated life, bringing faculty members and town residents under scrutiny. Before the cast-off rows are made on the students’ projects, the knitters will need to stitch together the evidence to see if a murderer has been walking beside them all along.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 5, 2015
185 people are currently reading
1691 people want to read
About the author
Sally Goldenbaum
38 books911 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 156 reviews
April 28, 2015
I just finished book 8 in this wonderful series and was thrilled to be able to move right into this one. After reading MURDER IN MERINO (book 8), the member of the Seaside Knitters are now one of my favorite groups of characters to read. I have no idea how to knit, but I would enjoy just sitting with them and talking. Author Sally Goldenbaum has done a magnificent job in the creation of the diverse group.
The descriptions in the story (I dare to guess, the entire series) are so fantastic, I could feel the sea breeze and smell the aromas from the restaurants and cafes.
Ms Goldenbaum also continues to pen a story with remarkable mystery and intrigue. This is only my second book by this author, but comparing this book and to the one before, her writing just continues to evolve.
I really enjoyed the fact that the murder in A FINELY KNIT MURDER came later in the story, as it did in book 8. I like the buildup and getting to know the person, good or bad, that gets killed. Spending time with them makes the death more real for me. I look forward to reading books 1-7 to see if this is how the author always writes it.
As always, check out the end of the book for a knitting pattern and a mouthwatering recipe!
If you haven’t read this series, I would encourage you to give it a try. And don’t worry, you don’t have to know how to knit to enjoy.
The descriptions in the story (I dare to guess, the entire series) are so fantastic, I could feel the sea breeze and smell the aromas from the restaurants and cafes.
Ms Goldenbaum also continues to pen a story with remarkable mystery and intrigue. This is only my second book by this author, but comparing this book and to the one before, her writing just continues to evolve.
I really enjoyed the fact that the murder in A FINELY KNIT MURDER came later in the story, as it did in book 8. I like the buildup and getting to know the person, good or bad, that gets killed. Spending time with them makes the death more real for me. I look forward to reading books 1-7 to see if this is how the author always writes it.
As always, check out the end of the book for a knitting pattern and a mouthwatering recipe!
If you haven’t read this series, I would encourage you to give it a try. And don’t worry, you don’t have to know how to knit to enjoy.
May 26, 2015
A disappointment.
As a huge fan of this series, I preordered and had been looking forward to the latest installment, but am shocked by the writing quality and poor editing.
For the first 24 chapters, gone are the endearing knitting metaphors, descriptions of yarns and current projects are absent, quiet moments knitting after coffee or at Thursday Night Knitting group have gone missing. Once they finally do arrive for the last 11 chapters, they are spotty at best, almost tucked in as an afterthought. Perhaps the series has evolved into Seaside Eaters Mysteries, as food seems to have become the new focus.
There are also many inconsistencies that should have been corrected by the editor. A few examples: On pages 118 - 119, Birdie finally pulls her knitting out of her bag and begins "rhythmically knitting" except this is just as the group is sitting down to ribs and cocktails. Page 102 has Birdie rinsing coffee cups and putting them in the dishwasher but then drying a cup with a kitchen towel. Pg 121 says Josh "stared at them from outside the street, outside Jane's Gallery," when it should read, "across the street, outside . . . " Pg 154 has Angelo pick up boxes but set down bags. Makes for a frustrating read.
But by and large the worst error is in the front of the book in the Cast of Characters list on page xii. To refresh my memory, I read through the 4 pages of character descriptions. One of them inaccurately states that the victim is another character's mother. At first I thought the denouement had been spoiled. Then I had difficulty following the actual denouement as I tried to reconcile it with this statement of maternity, but it is just, yet again, another piece of very poor editing.
June 25, 2015
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Returning to Sea Harbor is always a pleasure. The Seaside Knitters, their families and their friends have truly become fictional friends to me. I love checking in to catch up a news and what their are knitting and the local gossip too. This story focuses on the Sea Harbor Community Day School, the school Birdie’s granddaughter, Gabby attends. There is a new headmistress, Elizabeth Hartley, and she has fabulous ideas but board member Blythe Westerland prefers the old ways and she is very vocal about it. When her lifeless body is found the police tie her murder to the school and its new headmistress. The Seaside Knitters rally to prove her innocence as Police Chief Jerry Thompson is sidelined due to his romantic relationship with Elizabeth. The will need to finely knit all the clues together to find the real murderer.
Over the years the cast of characters has really grown. Fans of the series will have no trouble keeping everyone straight but if this series is new to you don’t worry the author tells you about all of them at the beginning of the book. The characters are absolutely fantastic and have evolved more in each installment. The Seaside Knitters and “the men in their lives” are a tight-knit group of friends and that is what makes these stories so great. The spend a lot of time together and when a murder needs to be solved that all band together and don’t give up until the mystery is solved. I especially like the way that they spend every Friday night at Ben and Nell’s for some delicious food and drinks and share their lives.
In A Finely Knit Murder they are all drawn into events at the Sea Harbor Community Day School because one of the youngest and newest characters goes to school there. Some have taken positions on the board and several are teaching the girls to knit as part of the enrichment program. This introduces us to some new characters and new place for things to go awry. Blythe Westerland was not a popular person at the school and she was definitely an easy woman to dislike. When the Knitters dig a little deeper into her life more suspects emerge giving readers a wonderful read as we try to solve the mystery ourselves.
Sea Harbor sounds like a beautiful town and Sally Goldenbaum describes it so well we are easily transported there. The school grounds, the boats in the harbor, the boathouse, and even Ben and Nell’s home and deck are crystal clear.
As always the mystery is very intriguing, the characters are genuine and thoughtful and the setting is sublime. While the story reads well as a stand alone I do recommend you start at the beginning with Death by Cashmere.
I can’t wait to celebrate the holidays in Sea Harbor, Trimmed With Murder: A Seaside Knitters Mystery hits shelves November 1.
August 8, 2022
This one was okay, but for some reason, not one of my favorites. I'll be honest a couple of the characters' conversations were too "on the nose," so much so that I figured out who did it 2/3 to 3/4 of the way through. [Though as you can see, I did finish it ;) ]
September 1, 2015
This one has way too many characters, too many points of view, and too much repetition.
I found it hard to follow in places. There's hardly any knitting to be had, but there's plenty of meddling.
I found it hard to follow in places. There's hardly any knitting to be had, but there's plenty of meddling.
May 12, 2016
Light fluffy murder mystery set in New England. Group of JB Fletchers knitting and gossiping to determine who murdered the rich mean lady.
June 13, 2020
I really enjoyed this entry in the series. The school setting was a little different and I liked it. The part I maybe enjoyed most was not only identifying the murderer but also the motive ahead of time (something that doesn’t happen often). I do enjoy that there is a quiet grace to these books.
April 28, 2015
"A Finely Knit Murder" is a cozy mystery. This is the ninth book in the series, but you don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one, and this story didn't spoil the previous mysteries.
The main characters are very nice, caring people, and they reacted realistically to the murder. The heroines asked reasonable questions and were good listeners. I had two strong suspects based on things the heroines observed and learned. The more they learned, the clearer it was whodunit. I correctly guessed whodunit and why a bit before the heroines finally picked up on what had happened. It was an enjoyable, slowly unraveled mystery.
There was no sex. There was a minor amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this warm, cozy mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
The main characters are very nice, caring people, and they reacted realistically to the murder. The heroines asked reasonable questions and were good listeners. I had two strong suspects based on things the heroines observed and learned. The more they learned, the clearer it was whodunit. I correctly guessed whodunit and why a bit before the heroines finally picked up on what had happened. It was an enjoyable, slowly unraveled mystery.
There was no sex. There was a minor amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this warm, cozy mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
May 26, 2015
A Finely Knit Murder: A Seaside Knitters Mystery
by Sally Goldenbaum
A nice visit with characters that feel like old friends and a town you definitely want to visit.
My only complaint is Nell's overly dramatic "Woe is me" attitude when a murder occurs. For heaven's sake, this is their 10th murder. I also sense a change in the way the characters "solve" murders. In early books, they went around and talked to people on purpose, asked questions, etc. Now they mostly seem to sit back and narrate the story. It is pretty predictable, I got it at the hardware store, but still enjoyable.
I still love these books, the town is described in such loving detail, you can easily see it in your mind. This is my favorite cozy mystery series and I recommend it to anyone that loves "Cozies".
by Sally Goldenbaum
A nice visit with characters that feel like old friends and a town you definitely want to visit.
My only complaint is Nell's overly dramatic "Woe is me" attitude when a murder occurs. For heaven's sake, this is their 10th murder. I also sense a change in the way the characters "solve" murders. In early books, they went around and talked to people on purpose, asked questions, etc. Now they mostly seem to sit back and narrate the story. It is pretty predictable, I got it at the hardware store, but still enjoyable.
I still love these books, the town is described in such loving detail, you can easily see it in your mind. This is my favorite cozy mystery series and I recommend it to anyone that loves "Cozies".
June 20, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/fi...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
A Finely Knit Murder is the ninth in Sally Goldenbaum’s A Seaside Knitters Mystery series. You really do not have to read the others in order to enjoy this one or any of them. They can all stand alone, although I do suggest reading them as they are all wonderful. The amazing cast in these books feel like family. The mystery is finely woven, yet as the seaside knitters stitch the clues together, it unravels. These mysteries are unique as each one has one of the main characters in the spotlight. All of the characters are involved in each book and solving the mystery. All of them are delightfully well developed and wonderfully written. You really cannot go wrong reading any of these mysteries.
In A Finely Knit Murder Birdie’s granddaughter Gabby is attending the Sea Harbor Community Day School and loving it. The headmaster has been doing a great job as far as everyone is concerned. Well everyone except for board member Blythe Westerland. Her family owned the building that now houses the school. Blythe is harsh with her criticism and quick to action. After her first attempt to get the board to fire Elizabeth Hartley, the headmistress, is thwarted, she ends up dead. Murdered during a successful party at the school. Blythe was not a popular resident of this wonderful seaside town and the suspect list is a long one. Unfortunately for the chief, Jerry Thompson, his lady friend is on top of that list.
As the ladies of the Seaside Knitters, Nell, Izzy, Cass and Birdie, try to get some answers, they find more and more people that had a motive for wanting Blythe gone. Along the way to solving the murder, the ladies enjoy meeting for knitting, eating and just friendly get-togethers. This is a wonderful and superbly written mystery that keeps the reader guessing. All the while, enjoying the companionship and friendship of this amazing cast. Each main character plays a part in the story, has their own voice. While Nell is the major speaker, no one plays a lesser part. The descriptive writing and wonderful voices of the characters is such a delight to read.
A Finely Knit Murder is another fabulous addition to this great series. Reading it is like taking a mini vacation to the seaside. I could almost smell the salt in the air, the whiffs of fabulous food, and the wonderful sea breezes. The characters are so diverse however they are all people I would love to be friends with and enjoy their company. I personally do not knit, but for those knitters out there, you can find knitting patterns at the end of the book. Even not being a knitter, I love this series. And this one is just fabulous. I would recommend A Finely Knit Murder to any reader that wants a pleasant escape, fun characters, an intriguing mystery or fabulous friends that are all knitted together in one amazing bundle.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
http://openbooksociety.com/article/a-...
A Finely Knit Murder
Seaside Knitters Mystery, Book #9
By Sally Goldenbaum
ISBN 9780451471611
Author’s website:sallygoldenbaum.com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie
4 Stars
Synopsis:
In the newest mystery from the national bestselling author of Murder in Merino, the sleuthing skills of Izzy Chambers Perry and the Seaside Knitters are tested as death mars the beginning of the school year…
Seaside Knitter Birdie Favazza is thrilled that her granddaughter Gabby will be visiting for the fall and attending the Sea Harbor Community Day School. Gabby loves the school, with its newly-adopted progressive curriculum, and she loves that the Seaside Knitters are teaching knitting as part of the enrichment program. It’s a huge success, and on crisp autumn days, girls camp out on the terraces, knitting up hats for charity.
But not everyone is happy with the direction the school is taking. Outspoken board member Blythe Westerland has sparked tempers with her determination to unravel the current administration. Then, on the evening of an elegant school event, Blythe’s body is found near the school boathouse.
With a killer on the loose, Birdie is determined to keep Gabby safe. Working together, the Seaside Knitters carefully unravel the layers of Blythe’s complicated life, bringing faculty members and town residents under scrutiny. Before the cast-off rows are made on the students’ projects, the knitters will need to stitch together the evidence to see if a murderer has been walking beside them all along.
Review:
A Finely Knit Murder is the 9th novel in A Seaside Knitters Mystery series; it instantly appeals to the readers’ senses with a gorgeous, colorful cover. It can be read as a standalone, but might for maximum enjoyment be read after at least one or more earlier mysteries. One of the things the author does that I really like is include a list of characters at the beginning of the book. Especially for a first time reader, this is a gem.
The early chapters introduce us to current events and challenges at the Sea Harbor Community Day School which plays a central role in this novel, then to many of the characters. The Day School had, amongst its various groups, two individuals who could hardly be more different than Dr. Elizabeth Hartley, Headmistress, and Blythe Westerland, one of the board members. Elizabeth was willing to go any length to help any of the students and their families. Blythe was more about how things appeared, what the bottom line would be and keeping those staff members around her who made her look good. She was a flirt, appreciated by guys and not as well liked by the ladies. Most folks were not surprised, then, when her body was found dead, most likely murdered – by the old boathouse at the property where the school was. Unfortunately, it was also on the night of a special event at the Day School and at least one, possibly two people at the school would become suspects.
There are many characters in this mystery, most of whom have been part of the series for quite some time. Primary to, and most well defined, are the four ladies of whom the Seaside Knitters are centered around. They are Izzy, who owns the The Seaside Knitting Studio, Izzie’s Aunt Nell, Birdie, and Cass and their significant others. The other characters are defined as much as required for their roles. A bit of background is shared about most of those included. In the case of Blythe, we learn more about her posthumously than she ever shared with anyone while still alive.
The plot at times seemed a little slow, more like a women’s fiction novel than a cozy mystery in those areas. The author’s writing style is always excellent, and it is likely this reader may be appealed to more by how quickly mysteries are spent rather than a steady pace in women’s fiction. The author draws the reader in by maximizing use of clues, tantalizing tidbits about the deceased and her activities, and showing how well the group of knitters and friends worked together to bring resolution to the case. There was no shortage of suspects, as it seemed that most had a bone to pick with Blythe. Narrowing the field was more challenging than one would think possible, and the elusive bad guy or gal may have long since gotten away with it had it been up to me to discover who it was. All loose ends were tied up and motives revealed, bringing the mystery to a satisfying ending. I recommend A Finely Knit Murder to those who enjoy women’s fiction and cozy mystery genres combined, who enjoy rich detail and relationships with conversations built from years of satisfying relationships, all together with the common grounds that include knitting and art.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
A Finely Knit Murder is the ninth in Sally Goldenbaum’s A Seaside Knitters Mystery series. You really do not have to read the others in order to enjoy this one or any of them. They can all stand alone, although I do suggest reading them as they are all wonderful. The amazing cast in these books feel like family. The mystery is finely woven, yet as the seaside knitters stitch the clues together, it unravels. These mysteries are unique as each one has one of the main characters in the spotlight. All of the characters are involved in each book and solving the mystery. All of them are delightfully well developed and wonderfully written. You really cannot go wrong reading any of these mysteries.
In A Finely Knit Murder Birdie’s granddaughter Gabby is attending the Sea Harbor Community Day School and loving it. The headmaster has been doing a great job as far as everyone is concerned. Well everyone except for board member Blythe Westerland. Her family owned the building that now houses the school. Blythe is harsh with her criticism and quick to action. After her first attempt to get the board to fire Elizabeth Hartley, the headmistress, is thwarted, she ends up dead. Murdered during a successful party at the school. Blythe was not a popular resident of this wonderful seaside town and the suspect list is a long one. Unfortunately for the chief, Jerry Thompson, his lady friend is on top of that list.
As the ladies of the Seaside Knitters, Nell, Izzy, Cass and Birdie, try to get some answers, they find more and more people that had a motive for wanting Blythe gone. Along the way to solving the murder, the ladies enjoy meeting for knitting, eating and just friendly get-togethers. This is a wonderful and superbly written mystery that keeps the reader guessing. All the while, enjoying the companionship and friendship of this amazing cast. Each main character plays a part in the story, has their own voice. While Nell is the major speaker, no one plays a lesser part. The descriptive writing and wonderful voices of the characters is such a delight to read.
A Finely Knit Murder is another fabulous addition to this great series. Reading it is like taking a mini vacation to the seaside. I could almost smell the salt in the air, the whiffs of fabulous food, and the wonderful sea breezes. The characters are so diverse however they are all people I would love to be friends with and enjoy their company. I personally do not knit, but for those knitters out there, you can find knitting patterns at the end of the book. Even not being a knitter, I love this series. And this one is just fabulous. I would recommend A Finely Knit Murder to any reader that wants a pleasant escape, fun characters, an intriguing mystery or fabulous friends that are all knitted together in one amazing bundle.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
http://openbooksociety.com/article/a-...
A Finely Knit Murder
Seaside Knitters Mystery, Book #9
By Sally Goldenbaum
ISBN 9780451471611
Author’s website:sallygoldenbaum.com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie
4 Stars
Synopsis:
In the newest mystery from the national bestselling author of Murder in Merino, the sleuthing skills of Izzy Chambers Perry and the Seaside Knitters are tested as death mars the beginning of the school year…
Seaside Knitter Birdie Favazza is thrilled that her granddaughter Gabby will be visiting for the fall and attending the Sea Harbor Community Day School. Gabby loves the school, with its newly-adopted progressive curriculum, and she loves that the Seaside Knitters are teaching knitting as part of the enrichment program. It’s a huge success, and on crisp autumn days, girls camp out on the terraces, knitting up hats for charity.
But not everyone is happy with the direction the school is taking. Outspoken board member Blythe Westerland has sparked tempers with her determination to unravel the current administration. Then, on the evening of an elegant school event, Blythe’s body is found near the school boathouse.
With a killer on the loose, Birdie is determined to keep Gabby safe. Working together, the Seaside Knitters carefully unravel the layers of Blythe’s complicated life, bringing faculty members and town residents under scrutiny. Before the cast-off rows are made on the students’ projects, the knitters will need to stitch together the evidence to see if a murderer has been walking beside them all along.
Review:
A Finely Knit Murder is the 9th novel in A Seaside Knitters Mystery series; it instantly appeals to the readers’ senses with a gorgeous, colorful cover. It can be read as a standalone, but might for maximum enjoyment be read after at least one or more earlier mysteries. One of the things the author does that I really like is include a list of characters at the beginning of the book. Especially for a first time reader, this is a gem.
The early chapters introduce us to current events and challenges at the Sea Harbor Community Day School which plays a central role in this novel, then to many of the characters. The Day School had, amongst its various groups, two individuals who could hardly be more different than Dr. Elizabeth Hartley, Headmistress, and Blythe Westerland, one of the board members. Elizabeth was willing to go any length to help any of the students and their families. Blythe was more about how things appeared, what the bottom line would be and keeping those staff members around her who made her look good. She was a flirt, appreciated by guys and not as well liked by the ladies. Most folks were not surprised, then, when her body was found dead, most likely murdered – by the old boathouse at the property where the school was. Unfortunately, it was also on the night of a special event at the Day School and at least one, possibly two people at the school would become suspects.
There are many characters in this mystery, most of whom have been part of the series for quite some time. Primary to, and most well defined, are the four ladies of whom the Seaside Knitters are centered around. They are Izzy, who owns the The Seaside Knitting Studio, Izzie’s Aunt Nell, Birdie, and Cass and their significant others. The other characters are defined as much as required for their roles. A bit of background is shared about most of those included. In the case of Blythe, we learn more about her posthumously than she ever shared with anyone while still alive.
The plot at times seemed a little slow, more like a women’s fiction novel than a cozy mystery in those areas. The author’s writing style is always excellent, and it is likely this reader may be appealed to more by how quickly mysteries are spent rather than a steady pace in women’s fiction. The author draws the reader in by maximizing use of clues, tantalizing tidbits about the deceased and her activities, and showing how well the group of knitters and friends worked together to bring resolution to the case. There was no shortage of suspects, as it seemed that most had a bone to pick with Blythe. Narrowing the field was more challenging than one would think possible, and the elusive bad guy or gal may have long since gotten away with it had it been up to me to discover who it was. All loose ends were tied up and motives revealed, bringing the mystery to a satisfying ending. I recommend A Finely Knit Murder to those who enjoy women’s fiction and cozy mystery genres combined, who enjoy rich detail and relationships with conversations built from years of satisfying relationships, all together with the common grounds that include knitting and art.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
April 20, 2019
Read Harder Task #14: a cozy mystery. A fun feminist read; it felt like Friday teas at Smith College felt, only with more lobster.
May 18, 2015
When I opened up this book and saw the "Cast of Characters" I was a little intimidated and fearful. There were were a lot of characters in this story but I also found out as I read on that each of them played a important part in the story. I personally had a hard time keeping the characters straight and some times had to go back to the "Cast of Characters" to see who they were. This book is intergrated with family, friends and with a murderer in the mix it makes this close knit set of characters come together to try to find a killer, it makes all their bonds even more stronger.
The Seaside Knitters, Nell, Cass, Birdie, and Izzy are very excited that Birdie's granddaughter, Gabby is attending the Sea Harbor Community Day School and the Seaside Knitters are also to teach knitting classes there. Elizabeth Hartley is the headmistress of the school, she is well liked and is trying to do her best for the school and everyone appreciates and looks forward to her efforts except member of the board, Blythe Westerland. Not only did her family once own the mansion that now houses the school but she is making it seems everyone's life a living hell with her bad attitude and bossy ways. She is not happy that the headmistress is employed at the school and does her best to get her fired and also is instermental in getting a teacher, Josh Babson fired.
Blythe Westerland to the shock of the Seaside Knitters is found dead while attending a party for the school. It seems that Blythe had a lot of enemies along the way and almost everyone had a reason to want her dead in including fired teacher, Josh Babson. The Seaside knitters along with the rest of Seaside Harbor come together to help find a murderer. With headmistress, Elizabeth Hartley as the main suspect, Police Chief, Jerry Thompson is trying his hardest to find the real killer so he don't see his friend pay for a crime she could have never commited.
Beautifully written and descriptive, like a much needed vacation to the Seaside. A Finely Knit Murder mixes family, friends, knitting, great food and murder perfectly. I love reading knitting cozies because of my desire to want to learn how to knit but more than that to discover new characters and mysteries and this book had no shortage of characters to get to know and love with an intriguing mystery that kept me reading despite my not being able to follow who all the characters were at times. It was as the title says, "A finely Knit Murder.".
FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher for providing me a copy of this book for review.This did not influence my thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book and review are my own.
The Seaside Knitters, Nell, Cass, Birdie, and Izzy are very excited that Birdie's granddaughter, Gabby is attending the Sea Harbor Community Day School and the Seaside Knitters are also to teach knitting classes there. Elizabeth Hartley is the headmistress of the school, she is well liked and is trying to do her best for the school and everyone appreciates and looks forward to her efforts except member of the board, Blythe Westerland. Not only did her family once own the mansion that now houses the school but she is making it seems everyone's life a living hell with her bad attitude and bossy ways. She is not happy that the headmistress is employed at the school and does her best to get her fired and also is instermental in getting a teacher, Josh Babson fired.
Blythe Westerland to the shock of the Seaside Knitters is found dead while attending a party for the school. It seems that Blythe had a lot of enemies along the way and almost everyone had a reason to want her dead in including fired teacher, Josh Babson. The Seaside knitters along with the rest of Seaside Harbor come together to help find a murderer. With headmistress, Elizabeth Hartley as the main suspect, Police Chief, Jerry Thompson is trying his hardest to find the real killer so he don't see his friend pay for a crime she could have never commited.
Beautifully written and descriptive, like a much needed vacation to the Seaside. A Finely Knit Murder mixes family, friends, knitting, great food and murder perfectly. I love reading knitting cozies because of my desire to want to learn how to knit but more than that to discover new characters and mysteries and this book had no shortage of characters to get to know and love with an intriguing mystery that kept me reading despite my not being able to follow who all the characters were at times. It was as the title says, "A finely Knit Murder.".
FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher for providing me a copy of this book for review.This did not influence my thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book and review are my own.
October 1, 2015
I love the people in this town and their closeness. I love the town and the cozy shops. I can see the boats bobbing in the water down at the yacht club and can hear the gulls screeching and the waves pounding on the shore. I would love to live there .... except for the very high homicide rate. Someone seems to be murdered just about every year and I certainly wouldn't want to be murdered or be a suspect. As an outsider or newcomer everyone who lives there would just love to hang the murder on me, too!
Blythe Westerland's wealthy family has long been a part of the fabric of Sea Harbor. She lived with her father after her mother took off and she attended the Sea Harbor Community Day School. She is now spending much more time in Sea Harbor than in her home in Boston and takes her position on the board of the school very seriously. She fought the hiring of the newest headmistress and was instrumental in having the art teacher fired. She has had many relationships and quickly loves them and leaves them - on her terms. She holds grudges and is just plain unlikeable. When she is found murdered, the night of the big school fundraiser there are not many people who are left sad and mourning over her loss. There are, however, plenty of suspects from those who she has hurt in one way or another.
This is the first Seaside Knitter's Club book that I have read that I was able to figure out what had probably happened before I got to the last 10 pages or so. Maybe Sea Harbor will be wanting me to work along side the Chief and Tommy Porter! These stories are just delightful. Give one a try!
Blythe Westerland's wealthy family has long been a part of the fabric of Sea Harbor. She lived with her father after her mother took off and she attended the Sea Harbor Community Day School. She is now spending much more time in Sea Harbor than in her home in Boston and takes her position on the board of the school very seriously. She fought the hiring of the newest headmistress and was instrumental in having the art teacher fired. She has had many relationships and quickly loves them and leaves them - on her terms. She holds grudges and is just plain unlikeable. When she is found murdered, the night of the big school fundraiser there are not many people who are left sad and mourning over her loss. There are, however, plenty of suspects from those who she has hurt in one way or another.
This is the first Seaside Knitter's Club book that I have read that I was able to figure out what had probably happened before I got to the last 10 pages or so. Maybe Sea Harbor will be wanting me to work along side the Chief and Tommy Porter! These stories are just delightful. Give one a try!
April 29, 2017
You might say I adore anything that Sally Goldenbaum writes when it comes to one of my favorite locations Coastal MA, and one of my favorite circle of friends that started with the first book, Death by Cashmere.
Life is never quite settled when it comes to this crew despite all the wondrous things that take place in their constantly transitioning lives. But despite the occasional murder and mayhem there is the continuum of close woven relationships among this circle of friends.
The latest involves the prickly philanthropist whose faux friendship breaks hearts and falls short of the mark leaving a trail of disappointments and pain along the way. Birdie Favazza's granddaughter, Gabby attends the Sea Harbor Community School, which offers enrichments of learning for most, and a charming Headmistress, Dr. Elizabeth Hartley. With the school , comes the Board made up of those who embrace what Elizabeth brings to their school and those whose rabid affection for Blythe Westerland border on the dark side of what power in the wrong hands can render. When tragedy strikes, it is, yet again up to the Seaside Knitters to unravel this whodunit. Need I say more..Not I, I will not impede your journey through this fascinating tale of love gone wrong or right and how all the knots in this twisted tale unwind.
Life is never quite settled when it comes to this crew despite all the wondrous things that take place in their constantly transitioning lives. But despite the occasional murder and mayhem there is the continuum of close woven relationships among this circle of friends.
The latest involves the prickly philanthropist whose faux friendship breaks hearts and falls short of the mark leaving a trail of disappointments and pain along the way. Birdie Favazza's granddaughter, Gabby attends the Sea Harbor Community School, which offers enrichments of learning for most, and a charming Headmistress, Dr. Elizabeth Hartley. With the school , comes the Board made up of those who embrace what Elizabeth brings to their school and those whose rabid affection for Blythe Westerland border on the dark side of what power in the wrong hands can render. When tragedy strikes, it is, yet again up to the Seaside Knitters to unravel this whodunit. Need I say more..Not I, I will not impede your journey through this fascinating tale of love gone wrong or right and how all the knots in this twisted tale unwind.
May 4, 2016
I received a copy of A Finely Knit Murder as part of thr Goodreads' Giveaways.
Some books in a series you can join at any point and still pick up on any ongoing story lines and major character interactions without difficulty. Other series, not so much. For me A Finely Knit Murder was the latter. I felt like the newcomer arriving late at a party of old friends - too much history to be comfortable and fit in. There are a large number of important characters in this book as well as quite of few ongoing storylines and references to past events and people. It made it very difficult to get involved in the story since I was constantly trying to figure out who people were and what was going on. Prior history aside I felt the actual mystery was slow starting - well over half way into the book before any 'investigating' even started and the it was more discussion than anything else. I was disappointed that knitting was not incorporated more into the book - knitting coupled with mystery was why I had entered this Giveaway. While I am sure this book would be a very enjoyable read for people familiar with the series this is definitely not a stand alone work.
Some books in a series you can join at any point and still pick up on any ongoing story lines and major character interactions without difficulty. Other series, not so much. For me A Finely Knit Murder was the latter. I felt like the newcomer arriving late at a party of old friends - too much history to be comfortable and fit in. There are a large number of important characters in this book as well as quite of few ongoing storylines and references to past events and people. It made it very difficult to get involved in the story since I was constantly trying to figure out who people were and what was going on. Prior history aside I felt the actual mystery was slow starting - well over half way into the book before any 'investigating' even started and the it was more discussion than anything else. I was disappointed that knitting was not incorporated more into the book - knitting coupled with mystery was why I had entered this Giveaway. While I am sure this book would be a very enjoyable read for people familiar with the series this is definitely not a stand alone work.
May 29, 2016
The Seaside Knitters are on the scene when a woman active in the Country Day School and community is found murdered at an elegant dinner event. This woman had man; y people who could be suspected of her murder; the knitters are kept on their toes trying to find the real killer and take the heat off of the primary suspect. The school's headmistress is a well-respected and liked member of the community, definitely not a murderess.
One thing I very much appreciated was a list of characters with brief descriptions at the beginning of the book; as a first-time reader I referred to it more than once. It might be helpful to read at least one of the earlier novels in the series to become better acquainted with the community and characters.
The plot was well planned and executed; at times the story seemed to drag but that was probably just me. It is kind of a combination of women's fiction and mystery, as the group of friends meet for more than just knitting. They are long-term friends that many of us would like to be part of.
Recommend to those who enjoy both women's fiction and cozy mysteries, writing is definitely top-notch excellent.
One thing I very much appreciated was a list of characters with brief descriptions at the beginning of the book; as a first-time reader I referred to it more than once. It might be helpful to read at least one of the earlier novels in the series to become better acquainted with the community and characters.
The plot was well planned and executed; at times the story seemed to drag but that was probably just me. It is kind of a combination of women's fiction and mystery, as the group of friends meet for more than just knitting. They are long-term friends that many of us would like to be part of.
Recommend to those who enjoy both women's fiction and cozy mysteries, writing is definitely top-notch excellent.
November 10, 2015
A finely knit murder, a Seaside Knitters mystery by Sally Goldenbaum
Have read all the other books in this series and have enjoyed them. A mix of knitting and a mystery to solve.
Starts out in a town along the coast in MA. An artists' town, a teacher is being let go because he forgets to teach class and spends his time painting at home.
Birdie's granddaughter is there for a visit and she's enrolled in the all girls school where they learn how to knit and sit outside and knit hats for charity.
The ladies at the yarn shop set up a group of people who will watch out for Gabby while she's at school as there has been a murder. Love how this one starts out with the cast of characters-sometimes things get confusing.
It's up to the ladies and friends of the yarn shop to ask questions and do the time frame of where everybody was at the time of the murder.
Love knit pattern at the end of this book along with a recipe.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Have read all the other books in this series and have enjoyed them. A mix of knitting and a mystery to solve.
Starts out in a town along the coast in MA. An artists' town, a teacher is being let go because he forgets to teach class and spends his time painting at home.
Birdie's granddaughter is there for a visit and she's enrolled in the all girls school where they learn how to knit and sit outside and knit hats for charity.
The ladies at the yarn shop set up a group of people who will watch out for Gabby while she's at school as there has been a murder. Love how this one starts out with the cast of characters-sometimes things get confusing.
It's up to the ladies and friends of the yarn shop to ask questions and do the time frame of where everybody was at the time of the murder.
Love knit pattern at the end of this book along with a recipe.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
November 28, 2015
This series is on the short-list of cozies that I actually like. I have read the whole series. This latest one was good, however, not as good as usual for this series. It took a little longer to get into and I figured out who did it way before the end. In fact, I thought it was so obvious that it was a red herring! Still, it was an enjoyable read. The setting is a charming fictional seaside town near Boston. The main characters are a group of 4 friends who gather every Thursday night at the knit shop for dinner, knitting, and a discussion of whatever is going on in their small town, including solving a murder. The peripheral characters are the husbands, boyfriends, family members and friends about town of the 4 main ladies. The book also includes a knitting pattern at the end and a recipe or 2.
April 24, 2020
Saccharine and self-satisfied. Plus it’s not much fun to know a book is slowly approaching an abortion revelation like it’s a justifiable reason for murder (or to quote, “Blythe hurt someone so badly that the agony of it, the irreparable pain, killed something inside that person” – a line which should have read “A sexist who didn’t wear a condom murdered a woman who was clear that she didn’t want children, and who got the medical care she needed”. A woman’s lack of desire for children is also referred to as a ‘scar’, by the way).
I would for sure eat all that seafood though.
I would for sure eat all that seafood though.
May 25, 2023
Someone offed Blythe Westlander with a rock at an outdoor fundraiser for the school on whose board Blythe served. You don’t learn of the murder until chapter eight, and that’s one of the criticisms many had for the book. It’s a long climb to the murder. Those who liked the book said it’s necessary to know the characters better before you get to the center of the plot. I respect and even agree with that to a degree, but this could have used some tighter editing. The character seem voluminous at this point.
Elizabeth Hart is the school administrator, and she’s the one who has implemented some of the so-called progressive changes. Blythe felt a kinship for the school since she attended it years earlier and because her grandfather’s home is now the school. The seaside Knitters are interested in the school because Birdie’s granddaughter, Gabby, attends it. The local police chief is dating Elizabeth Hart, so while she’s a suspect, he must recuse himself from the investigation. That means the Seaside Knitters have an even more important role to play.
This is as much or more about friendships than about mysteries solved. It almost feels too saccharin at times. As much as these people eat, I’m surprised they aren’t all obese beyond measure and broke beyond anyone’s worst nightmare. There’s always an open café somewhere and an open bottle of wine within reach. I’m told the next book in the series is a Christmas one, so I’ll stay with it at least long enough to read that. This just felt about 10 percent too long and several characters too many.
That said, the mystery was decent enough. I figured it out way too early, but that doesn’t mean everyone does. There are plenty of suspects, and if you’re invested in this series, you’ll stay with it just to see how people turn out.
Elizabeth Hart is the school administrator, and she’s the one who has implemented some of the so-called progressive changes. Blythe felt a kinship for the school since she attended it years earlier and because her grandfather’s home is now the school. The seaside Knitters are interested in the school because Birdie’s granddaughter, Gabby, attends it. The local police chief is dating Elizabeth Hart, so while she’s a suspect, he must recuse himself from the investigation. That means the Seaside Knitters have an even more important role to play.
This is as much or more about friendships than about mysteries solved. It almost feels too saccharin at times. As much as these people eat, I’m surprised they aren’t all obese beyond measure and broke beyond anyone’s worst nightmare. There’s always an open café somewhere and an open bottle of wine within reach. I’m told the next book in the series is a Christmas one, so I’ll stay with it at least long enough to read that. This just felt about 10 percent too long and several characters too many.
That said, the mystery was decent enough. I figured it out way too early, but that doesn’t mean everyone does. There are plenty of suspects, and if you’re invested in this series, you’ll stay with it just to see how people turn out.
June 27, 2017
This book isn't all that well written, has a weak plot, and really drags, especially towards the end.
I mostly enjoyed it, anyway. It really painted a beautiful picture of the perfect town it was set in (although, it got a bit annoying how often the reader is reminded that it's perfect). I felt really calm and transported while reading; it was nice. The characters are a bunch of goody-goodies, but still likeable. They're pretty hard to keep straight, but I haven't read anything else in this series, so maybe that would help. Food is mentioned a lot and I wanted it.
I've read in other reviews that the author isn't a knitter. I don't know if this is true, but it certainly makes sense seeing as how all the knitting details are totally off. If so, it is an insult to the knitting community.
All in all, I maybe could have given this three stars, if it weren't for the denouement. Slight spoiler alert, but it has nothing to do with the story line, so I think it's worth reading before reading this book:
Also, big spoiler:
I'll maybe give the first book in the series a try. Other reviews seem to imply that this one is not the best one.
I mostly enjoyed it, anyway. It really painted a beautiful picture of the perfect town it was set in (although, it got a bit annoying how often the reader is reminded that it's perfect). I felt really calm and transported while reading; it was nice. The characters are a bunch of goody-goodies, but still likeable. They're pretty hard to keep straight, but I haven't read anything else in this series, so maybe that would help. Food is mentioned a lot and I wanted it.
I've read in other reviews that the author isn't a knitter. I don't know if this is true, but it certainly makes sense seeing as how all the knitting details are totally off. If so, it is an insult to the knitting community.
All in all, I maybe could have given this three stars, if it weren't for the denouement. Slight spoiler alert, but it has nothing to do with the story line, so I think it's worth reading before reading this book:
Also, big spoiler:
I'll maybe give the first book in the series a try. Other reviews seem to imply that this one is not the best one.
January 6, 2020
Sally Goldenbaum has done it again! She draws you into Sea Harbor and makes you want to stay there!
Gabby is back in Sea Harbor and this time it is for a decent length of time and so Birdie has enrolled her in the Community Day School which is making a name as the place to go for schooling with the Headmistress being liked by nearly everyone, unfortunately one of the people that doesn't like her is Blythe Westerland, the Westerlands donated the buildings and money to set the school up and now Blythe wants Elizabeth fired, and normally what Blythe wants she gets - but not on this occasion. The problems really start though at a fundraiser where Blythe manages to upset more than one person ... but then she ends up dead and not from natural causes.
Now the Police Chief Jerry needs to take a backseat in the investigation as the clues start pointing towards Elizabeth as the killer, and he and Elizabeth have been going out for a while, the thing is the Seaside Knitters don't believe in Elizabeth's guilt and they will dig and knit the clues together to find out the truth and make Sea Harbor a safe haven again.
Gabby is back in Sea Harbor and this time it is for a decent length of time and so Birdie has enrolled her in the Community Day School which is making a name as the place to go for schooling with the Headmistress being liked by nearly everyone, unfortunately one of the people that doesn't like her is Blythe Westerland, the Westerlands donated the buildings and money to set the school up and now Blythe wants Elizabeth fired, and normally what Blythe wants she gets - but not on this occasion. The problems really start though at a fundraiser where Blythe manages to upset more than one person ... but then she ends up dead and not from natural causes.
Now the Police Chief Jerry needs to take a backseat in the investigation as the clues start pointing towards Elizabeth as the killer, and he and Elizabeth have been going out for a while, the thing is the Seaside Knitters don't believe in Elizabeth's guilt and they will dig and knit the clues together to find out the truth and make Sea Harbor a safe haven again.
September 9, 2021
Over the previous 9 books of this series the author has built a strong foundation of regular characters and that foundation grows with each book. If readers have an issue with stories that have a large number of characters, this is not the book/series for them.
Perhaps because of the number of ongoing characters, it’s getting more difficult to add new people to serve as victim, murderer and the necessary red herrings. I’m not one to be able to pick out the murderer but it was so obvious here that the whole second half of the book was less trying to determine murderer and more trying to figure out how the author was going to bring about the reveal.
The author deserves credit for delicately dancing around an inflammatory topic. Or perhaps not addressing it left a gaping hole in the story. Maybe readers have to make that determination for themselves.
Perhaps because of the number of ongoing characters, it’s getting more difficult to add new people to serve as victim, murderer and the necessary red herrings. I’m not one to be able to pick out the murderer but it was so obvious here that the whole second half of the book was less trying to determine murderer and more trying to figure out how the author was going to bring about the reveal.
The author deserves credit for delicately dancing around an inflammatory topic. Or perhaps not addressing it left a gaping hole in the story. Maybe readers have to make that determination for themselves.
March 28, 2022
We are back in Cape Ann with the Seaside Knitters in this installment, where things are busy preparing for a gala at the Sea Harbor Community Day School. The new headmistress, Elizabeth Hartley is doing a great job as far as most people are concerned, but the complete opposite is the opinion of Blythe Westerland, the descendant of the school's founders, who still believes that her opinion is the one that matters. After more or less forcing the board to agree to fire a popular art teacher, Blythe now feels that the way is clear to get rid of the headmistress.
At the end of the evening of the gala, Blythe's body is discovered among some boulders by the coastline on the school's property. Since Birdie's granddaughter Gabby attends the school, the Seaside Knitters are particularly interested in finding out what happened this time.
There are a few really good red herrings in this story, and of course this series appeals to me due to my love of Cape Ann and all of the area around it. This was a good read.
At the end of the evening of the gala, Blythe's body is discovered among some boulders by the coastline on the school's property. Since Birdie's granddaughter Gabby attends the school, the Seaside Knitters are particularly interested in finding out what happened this time.
There are a few really good red herrings in this story, and of course this series appeals to me due to my love of Cape Ann and all of the area around it. This was a good read.
July 27, 2020
Reading a book in this series is like visiting a group of good friends, who welcome you with food and knitting. This time the mystery centers on dissension at a local private girls' school. Birdie's granddaughter, Gabby, now living with her, is one of the students. While most of the parents and school board support the current principal, one board member seems determined to undermine her. Blythe was herself a student there, and the school was founded by her family, so she has strong protective feelings for the school. But when Blythe is found murdered after a school event, suspects are not hard to find. So once again the Seaside Knitters put their heads together and try to piece together just what happened, why, and who did it. Much as I enjoyed this book, I must admit I identified the culprit fairly early on, and was certain once the motive was mentioned. Despite that, I would still recommend this.
March 11, 2023
Birdie’s interest in the doings at Sea Harbor Community School is keener than usual this fall, since her granddaughter is now attending while her dad is on an extended trip; with her position on the board, Birdie knows some of the background tensions among the staff and other board members, especially toward on of the women, the heir of the family who founded the school. Her meddling and possessiveness over the school’s direction extends to even what sort of students she thinks “fit” best, but it’s her influence in the firing of a popular art teacher that sets others’ teeth on edge. When her body is found wedged in the rocks, her head bashed in, the only question is not who wanted her dead, but which of the many who did made sure she was? Birdie, Nell, Cass and Izzy, feeling protective instincts toward Gabby and the other children, put their heads together to find the threads that will tie the whole together, determined to keep their community safe from such dark forces.
April 12, 2018
A solid addition to the series, especially since imo the last couple have been flagging. Not a good starting place for someone new to the series. The supporting cast is getting to be quite unwieldy with Goldenbaum trying to make sure everyone's name gets dropped at least once. I also enjoyed the slower burn start--there's no body by the end of the first chapter. I liked it because it gave some breathing room to get to know some of the new characters that were going to be major players in this installment.
I don't know if this is a cozy mystery thing or what, but I'm amused/eye-rolling that 9 books in, the main cast never remarks on the number of murders that have plagued the town. Each one is so fresh and new!
I don't know if this is a cozy mystery thing or what, but I'm amused/eye-rolling that 9 books in, the main cast never remarks on the number of murders that have plagued the town. Each one is so fresh and new!
September 19, 2017
Another excellent visit to with the Seaside Knitters. I do believe that the mysteries improve with each book. While I was pretty sure I had figured out who the killer was, the hints or little reveals were more subtle in this story so it left the door open for the killer to be several different characters. Kudos on that! The plotting is excellent, but the character development and the relationships that the characters build amongst themselves is what really makes this series one of the better ones to select!
June 21, 2020
Probably closer to 3.5.
This is the 9th book in the Seaside Knitters Mystery. If I had been able to read the first 8, I may not have been so confused for the first three chapters or so. There are a lot of characters and some have two names and some are related. I still may not have them all figured out.
The story was fine although the clues were pretty easy to follow to the murderer.
I shall look for some of the earlier books in this series and see if the relationships of the characters become clearer.
This is the 9th book in the Seaside Knitters Mystery. If I had been able to read the first 8, I may not have been so confused for the first three chapters or so. There are a lot of characters and some have two names and some are related. I still may not have them all figured out.
The story was fine although the clues were pretty easy to follow to the murderer.
I shall look for some of the earlier books in this series and see if the relationships of the characters become clearer.
May 17, 2017
Most people are happy with the way the Head Mistress of the Sea Harbor Community Day School is being run, but board member Blythe Westerland wants her fired. On an evening of a school event, Blythe's body is found near the school boathouse. It's up to Nell and the rest of the Seaside Knitters to unravel this mystery. I really enjoy the "Seaside Knitters Mystery" cozy series. The friendship, the food and the mysteries are always good. Can't wait to read the next book!
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