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Nimble Needle #2
Two Purloined Pillows
When 30-something graphic artist Shelby Phillips reluctantly returned to her small hometown outside Asheville, North Carolina to manage her mother’s needlepoint shop, she thought it was temporary. But getting entangled in murder investigations has a timeline of its own…
It’s been a little over a year since Shelby started managing Nina’s Nimble Needle following her office-romance and career implosion, and Shelby’s mom has finally handed her the reins—technically, at least. Next, Shelby is excited to oversee two well-known needlepoint designers who will be participating in the town’s first two-week-long arts festival . . .
Laura Bitters and Paul Bardo have each stitched up one-of-a-kind pillows that should be big wins for the Nimble Needle at the festival’s auction . . . until the pillows vanish amid a sudden string of shoplifting incidents.
To add to the knot in Shelby’s stomach, Laura proves highly anxious, while Paul is an egomaniac who believes Laura has been stealing his customers for years. But things go from bad to tragic when Laura behaves oddly at the auction dinner, then collapses—dead.
Soon after, Shelby makes a shocking discovery in Laura’s room at the local inn. Then tests reveal that Laura was poisoned. Resolved to piece together the truth, despite the police chief’s determination to keep her on the fringes, Shelby rallies her personal team, including her sister, Jessica, her friend Deb, and Jake, her potentially more than a friend. As an extra twist, a magazine reporter arrives with unsettling—yet useful—dirt that includes Laura and Paul.
What unravels is a skein of suspects, long-held resentment, bitter jealousy, and betrayal, from which Shelby will have to pull the one crucial thread tied to the killer: a murder-worthy motive . . .
It’s been a little over a year since Shelby started managing Nina’s Nimble Needle following her office-romance and career implosion, and Shelby’s mom has finally handed her the reins—technically, at least. Next, Shelby is excited to oversee two well-known needlepoint designers who will be participating in the town’s first two-week-long arts festival . . .
Laura Bitters and Paul Bardo have each stitched up one-of-a-kind pillows that should be big wins for the Nimble Needle at the festival’s auction . . . until the pillows vanish amid a sudden string of shoplifting incidents.
To add to the knot in Shelby’s stomach, Laura proves highly anxious, while Paul is an egomaniac who believes Laura has been stealing his customers for years. But things go from bad to tragic when Laura behaves oddly at the auction dinner, then collapses—dead.
Soon after, Shelby makes a shocking discovery in Laura’s room at the local inn. Then tests reveal that Laura was poisoned. Resolved to piece together the truth, despite the police chief’s determination to keep her on the fringes, Shelby rallies her personal team, including her sister, Jessica, her friend Deb, and Jake, her potentially more than a friend. As an extra twist, a magazine reporter arrives with unsettling—yet useful—dirt that includes Laura and Paul.
What unravels is a skein of suspects, long-held resentment, bitter jealousy, and betrayal, from which Shelby will have to pull the one crucial thread tied to the killer: a murder-worthy motive . . .
272 pages, Hardcover
Published March 31, 2026
About the author
Allie Pleiter
122 books667 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 37 reviews
April 14, 2026
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Shelby Phillips has been managing her mother’s needlepoint shop for just over a year now and is very excited about Gwen Lake’s two-week-long arts festival. Two well-known needlepoint designers will be featured artists for the event. Two pillows stitched by Paul Bardo and Laura Bitters are being auctioned off as the headlined pieces for the festival’s auction, and their new needlepoint designs will be available to purchase at Nina’s Nimble Needle.
Sadly, the two stitchers do not get along. Shelby tries to schedule them to be in the shop at separate times, but when the two pillows disappear, the artists meet face-to-face and square off with barbs and accusations. They meet again at the auction dinner, where Shelby notices Laura is clearly unwell, but before she can render aid, the woman falls to the floor convulsing. By the time the paramedics arrived, Laura Bitters had died. Tests show that she had been poisoned. Police Chief Tallen asks Shelby to leave the case to him, but soon Shelby, her friends, and a magazine reporter very familiar with both needlepointers are trying to unravel the evidence and canvassing clues to stitch together everything they need to pin down the killer.
In this second Nimble Needle Mystery, Shelby’s mom is having trouble letting Shelby take control of the shop and their part in the festival. This is compounded by needlepoint designer Paul Bardo’s lack of trust in Shelby’s abilities. I admired Shelby’s patience with her mother and her professionalism in dealing with Paul. I also enjoyed how she brought together a group of her peers to enjoy needlepoint and how she nurtures the NYAGs (Not Your Average Grannies) group. The police chief and the mayor being married brings a fun dynamic to the story.
The festival brought a variety of artists and art lovers to town, a few with motives to murder Laura Bitters. I took great pleasure tagging along with Shelby and her friends, as they worked through all the twists and turns. The confession was intense, and the arrest was harrowing. I was pleased to see that my armchair sleuthing was on the right track.
I especially liked how Ms. Pleiter mixed in relevant subplots seamlessly, taking into account how a business could be hurt during a murder investigation and how a community comes together to help rectify the situation, the funny festival events, and Shelby’s quest to bring needlepoint to the younger generations.
Two Purloined Pillows was a fast-paced, entertaining cozy mystery with charming characters and a fun, crafty theme. The future looks bright for the Nimble Needle. I look forward to returning to Gwen Lake for another needling adventure with Shelby and her friends.
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 has been managing her mother’s needlepoint shop for just over a year now and is very excited about Gwen Lake’s two-week-long arts festival. Two well-known needlepoint designers will be featured artists for the event. Two pillows stitched by Paul Bardo and Laura Bitters are being auctioned off as the headlined pieces for the festival’s auction, and their new needlepoint designs will be available to purchase at Nina’s Nimble Needle.
Sadly, the two stitchers do not get along. Shelby tries to schedule them to be in the shop at separate times, but when the two pillows disappear, the artists meet face-to-face and square off with barbs and accusations. They meet again at the auction dinner, where Shelby notices Laura is clearly unwell, but before she can render aid, the woman falls to the floor convulsing. By the time the paramedics arrived, Laura Bitters had died. Tests show that she had been poisoned. Police Chief Tallen asks Shelby to leave the case to him, but soon Shelby, her friends, and a magazine reporter very familiar with both needlepointers are trying to unravel the evidence and canvassing clues to stitch together everything they need to pin down the killer.
In this second Nimble Needle Mystery, Shelby’s mom is having trouble letting Shelby take control of the shop and their part in the festival. This is compounded by needlepoint designer Paul Bardo’s lack of trust in Shelby’s abilities. I admired Shelby’s patience with her mother and her professionalism in dealing with Paul. I also enjoyed how she brought together a group of her peers to enjoy needlepoint and how she nurtures the NYAGs (Not Your Average Grannies) group. The police chief and the mayor being married brings a fun dynamic to the story.
The festival brought a variety of artists and art lovers to town, a few with motives to murder Laura Bitters. I took great pleasure tagging along with Shelby and her friends, as they worked through all the twists and turns. The confession was intense, and the arrest was harrowing. I was pleased to see that my armchair sleuthing was on the right track.
I especially liked how Ms. Pleiter mixed in relevant subplots seamlessly, taking into account how a business could be hurt during a murder investigation and how a community comes together to help rectify the situation, the funny festival events, and Shelby’s quest to bring needlepoint to the younger generations.
Two Purloined Pillows was a fast-paced, entertaining cozy mystery with charming characters and a fun, crafty theme. The future looks bright for the Nimble Needle. I look forward to returning to Gwen Lake for another needling adventure with Shelby and her friends.
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.
April 8, 2026
I received a free copy from Tantor Audio and voluntarily reviewed it.
I really liked the first book in this series and started this one shortly after I received it. Two Purloined Pillows was even better than the first book. It had everything I liked from the first book and then more. I liked how this one takes place a year after the first book and Shelby is more settled running the needlepoint shop as a manager.
The mystery in this one was a solid one. This was a poisoning mystery with the victim being poisoned by a smoothie someone brought her. There are plenty of solid suspects and it was fun seeing the mystery play out and more clues come to light. I managed to guess the murderer pretty early on, but that was mostly as I remembered another mystery I read were that type of character was the murderer. I turned out to be correct and it was interesting seeing more clues to that person come to light and how I could interpret that information differently knowing who the murderer was.
It took me some time to guess the motive and it was satisfying when that guess turned to be correct as well. The motive and means all made sense when it came to light and it was also kinda sad. Again I liked the way Shelby investigates and how she has some help from her friends and how they come up with some unique ways to get some information. I liked how Shelby was the one to figure things out and was essential for solving this mystery.
I loved the craft theme in this one, there's a lot of focus in various arts and how they help people and what it means to various people. And I just loved reading about this. I liked seeing how Shelby encouraged her nephew's interest in art. And I like how she has some crafty friends she does needlepoint with. This book has an art festival and some various type of artists that are in town, which was fun as well.
I liked reading more about Shelby and seeing her interact with the other characters. Her blossoming romance with Jake is so sweet and I liked reading about them. There are still some struggles with her sister Jessica, but I liked how they try to communicate and figure things out. This one also has their parents be more present and it was interesting to see how Shelby interacts with her parents and seeing how her mother is doing with Shelby taking over the shop.
The narrator was a great fit for this book and I really enjoyed listening to this book. She does the various voices well and it was pleasant to listen to this one.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this book, it was even better than the first book with Shelby being more settled into her new job and being back home. I liked the mystery and there were some interesting twists and turns. I did guess the murderer relatively early on due to a similar character type being a murderer in another mystery I read. I managed to guess the motive correctly too, but that took some more time. I liked seeing some clues in a different light due to knowing who the murderer was. I liked how Shelby investigates and is essential in figuring things out and solving the case. I like reading about these characters and seeing them interact. Shelby is a likeable main character and her romance with Jake is sweet. I also like the crafty theme, there's so much focus on art and what it means to people and different artsy characters in this one. The narrator is great too and I enjoyed listening to this one. I hope there will be more books in this series.
I really liked the first book in this series and started this one shortly after I received it. Two Purloined Pillows was even better than the first book. It had everything I liked from the first book and then more. I liked how this one takes place a year after the first book and Shelby is more settled running the needlepoint shop as a manager.
The mystery in this one was a solid one. This was a poisoning mystery with the victim being poisoned by a smoothie someone brought her. There are plenty of solid suspects and it was fun seeing the mystery play out and more clues come to light. I managed to guess the murderer pretty early on, but that was mostly as I remembered another mystery I read were that type of character was the murderer. I turned out to be correct and it was interesting seeing more clues to that person come to light and how I could interpret that information differently knowing who the murderer was.
It took me some time to guess the motive and it was satisfying when that guess turned to be correct as well. The motive and means all made sense when it came to light and it was also kinda sad. Again I liked the way Shelby investigates and how she has some help from her friends and how they come up with some unique ways to get some information. I liked how Shelby was the one to figure things out and was essential for solving this mystery.
I loved the craft theme in this one, there's a lot of focus in various arts and how they help people and what it means to various people. And I just loved reading about this. I liked seeing how Shelby encouraged her nephew's interest in art. And I like how she has some crafty friends she does needlepoint with. This book has an art festival and some various type of artists that are in town, which was fun as well.
I liked reading more about Shelby and seeing her interact with the other characters. Her blossoming romance with Jake is so sweet and I liked reading about them. There are still some struggles with her sister Jessica, but I liked how they try to communicate and figure things out. This one also has their parents be more present and it was interesting to see how Shelby interacts with her parents and seeing how her mother is doing with Shelby taking over the shop.
The narrator was a great fit for this book and I really enjoyed listening to this book. She does the various voices well and it was pleasant to listen to this one.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this book, it was even better than the first book with Shelby being more settled into her new job and being back home. I liked the mystery and there were some interesting twists and turns. I did guess the murderer relatively early on due to a similar character type being a murderer in another mystery I read. I managed to guess the motive correctly too, but that took some more time. I liked seeing some clues in a different light due to knowing who the murderer was. I liked how Shelby investigates and is essential in figuring things out and solving the case. I like reading about these characters and seeing them interact. Shelby is a likeable main character and her romance with Jake is sweet. I also like the crafty theme, there's so much focus on art and what it means to people and different artsy characters in this one. The narrator is great too and I enjoyed listening to this one. I hope there will be more books in this series.
December 1, 2025
TwoPurloinedPillows #NetGalley is the debut book in a new series by Allie Pleiter.
This book is such fun to read, I like the author's style of writing and her characters are all so unique.
The main character, Shelby, returns home to manage her mother's needlepoint shop.
Shelby is happy to be returning right when the arts festival begins, but she doesn't expect to be tied up in a bizarre murder investigation.
It was a lot of fun following Shelby and her clues, and I was happy when she figured everything out.
This book is such fun to read, I like the author's style of writing and her characters are all so unique.
The main character, Shelby, returns home to manage her mother's needlepoint shop.
Shelby is happy to be returning right when the arts festival begins, but she doesn't expect to be tied up in a bizarre murder investigation.
It was a lot of fun following Shelby and her clues, and I was happy when she figured everything out.
April 1, 2026
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Two Purloined Pillows by Allie Pleiter has Shelby entertaining two very different needlers.
Will Shelby catch Laura Bitters' mystery?
Shelby Phillips
Shelby Phillips is the youngest daughter of Nina Phillips. She is the manager at Nina's Nimble Needle and will have a big job keeping two different needlers groups for the town's art festival. Shelby is a crafter, but not one who can make a living from it; aside from working at her mom's shop, she works other jobs. She knows that, and she is happy with who she is now.
I have to say, Shelby is a good character and an awesome sleuth.
The Mystery
Gwen Lake, North Carolina, is hosting an art festival, with Laura Bitters and Paul Bardo as the two bigwigs who are being used as the draw. Except those two are like oil and vinegar, and they don't work together. Shelby didn't like the fact that their town had a bit of a crime spree of stolen goods until Laura Bitters died on their first night of the festival. I definitely didn't figure out who committed any of the crimes, and I was surprised by it all.
Four Stars
My rating for Two Purloined Pillows by Allie Pleiter is four stars, and I do recommend it. Ms. Pleiter is a good author and kept me guessing on who did it. The biggest reason I recommend it is that Ms. Pleiter wrote the book without letting anything from the first book slip out. I love that.
Ms. Pleiter does have a needlepoint pattern available at the back.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Two Purloined Pillows by Allie Pleiter.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Two Purloined Pillows by Allie Pleiter has Shelby entertaining two very different needlers.
Will Shelby catch Laura Bitters' mystery?
Shelby Phillips
Shelby Phillips is the youngest daughter of Nina Phillips. She is the manager at Nina's Nimble Needle and will have a big job keeping two different needlers groups for the town's art festival. Shelby is a crafter, but not one who can make a living from it; aside from working at her mom's shop, she works other jobs. She knows that, and she is happy with who she is now.
I have to say, Shelby is a good character and an awesome sleuth.
The Mystery
Gwen Lake, North Carolina, is hosting an art festival, with Laura Bitters and Paul Bardo as the two bigwigs who are being used as the draw. Except those two are like oil and vinegar, and they don't work together. Shelby didn't like the fact that their town had a bit of a crime spree of stolen goods until Laura Bitters died on their first night of the festival. I definitely didn't figure out who committed any of the crimes, and I was surprised by it all.
Four Stars
My rating for Two Purloined Pillows by Allie Pleiter is four stars, and I do recommend it. Ms. Pleiter is a good author and kept me guessing on who did it. The biggest reason I recommend it is that Ms. Pleiter wrote the book without letting anything from the first book slip out. I love that.
Ms. Pleiter does have a needlepoint pattern available at the back.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Two Purloined Pillows by Allie Pleiter.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
May 15, 2026
I liked the first book in the series and was looking forward to the second. I usually find the second books are even more fun because you already know the characters and setting so the story can get more complex. This book did not disappoint me. I enjoyed the rivalry between the two needlepoint artists and the whole arts festival setting (although I would have loved more details about it).
I really liked the push to encourage young artists, and how Shelby is trying to help her young artistic nephew. The challenges she has with her mother over the shop’s management seemed so authentic.
My only dislike was not seeing more with her new group of needlepointers. I did like her developing relationship with Jake.
The mystery itself was good, and I solved it just a couple of chapters before the reveal in the book. I thought the addition of the victim having a penchant for stealing was a fun twist. This was a fun read and most of what I look for in a cozy!
I really liked the push to encourage young artists, and how Shelby is trying to help her young artistic nephew. The challenges she has with her mother over the shop’s management seemed so authentic.
My only dislike was not seeing more with her new group of needlepointers. I did like her developing relationship with Jake.
The mystery itself was good, and I solved it just a couple of chapters before the reveal in the book. I thought the addition of the victim having a penchant for stealing was a fun twist. This was a fun read and most of what I look for in a cozy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was so happy to see a second book in Allie Pleiter's A Nimble Needle series. I read the first one and really enjoyed Shelby's return to her hometown to run her Mom's needlepoint shop. I enjoy the small-town feel, the cast of characters that includes family, friends, and customers, as well as the attention to the arts and needlepoint. In this volume, we get even more Arts and Crafts as the town is hosting a two week festival. Everything seems to be ready to go until we realize the two canvas artists that are being featured at Nina's Nimble Needle, while talented are odd personalities who strongly dislike each other and are highly competitive. When two beautiful pillows, one made by each artist, to be donated to a scholarship fund are stolen and then one of the artists drops dead at the festival's first event, can Shelby and friends find out what's going on and save the festival? Come along for a smart, cozy adventure that keeps everyone on their toes while celebrating the arts. Special thanks to #Netgalley, #KensingtonCozies, and the author for an opportunity to read! #TwoPurloinedPillows #ANimbleNeedleMystery #AlliePleiter #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
April 6, 2026
Another great book in this series and might I say even better than the first. It's so nice seeing Shelby getting re-settled in her hometown and running her mom's shop. I hope she can re-ignite her passion for art past just for work, and really love being creative again. She has great ideas and has surrounded herself with a great group of old and new friends. I love how passionate she is in bringing new people into the love of fiber arts and how vehemently she is standing up against bias spewed by others in the town. She is willing to put her own family relationship in a tough spot to side with her nephew and put him and other young people in touch with local and even make successful artists to show them that it's not gender oriented AND it's something you can make a career out of. I love and admire her passion so much. This book had so many fun elements, especially the cardboard boat race and had me laughing many times. The mystery was very twisty and again I was totally shocked by the ending! I really love this series and cannot wait for more!
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC; my thoughts and review are my own.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC; my thoughts and review are my own.
June 21, 2026
I’m not a crafty person but enjoy the needlepoint shop and the NYAGS. The cozy town setting makes me want to be there. The team sleuthing adds a fun perspective with different ideas brought to the table. Strong family dynamic adds an interesting aspect to the story. The murder kept me guessing. Will definitely be awaiting the next in the series
April 6, 2026
Two Purloined Pillows by Allie Pleiter
Nimble Needle Mysteries Book Two
Shelby Phillips, manager of Nina’s Nimble Needle, is ready for the arts festival the town of Gwen Lake is putting on. A two-week-long festival. An auction to help raise money for scholarships for art students, artists of various kinds who would be teaching classes and selling their art, and all the fun that would go with it.
Well, that was the hope. Two of their top guests hated each other and needed to be kept apart. Shelby was excited that Laura Bitters was coming; she’d been a mentor and encourager to Shelby. While Paul Bardo created beautiful needlework canvases, his ego was challenging to be around.
It turns out they didn’t need to keep them apart. After one of them is murdered, the festival goes downhill. Shelby is determined to help find the murderer before the festival ends.
Another page-turning cozy mystery, full of suspicious individuals who all have reasons to be involved in the deceased person’s demise. Entertaining series.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Nimble Needle Mysteries Book Two
Shelby Phillips, manager of Nina’s Nimble Needle, is ready for the arts festival the town of Gwen Lake is putting on. A two-week-long festival. An auction to help raise money for scholarships for art students, artists of various kinds who would be teaching classes and selling their art, and all the fun that would go with it.
Well, that was the hope. Two of their top guests hated each other and needed to be kept apart. Shelby was excited that Laura Bitters was coming; she’d been a mentor and encourager to Shelby. While Paul Bardo created beautiful needlework canvases, his ego was challenging to be around.
It turns out they didn’t need to keep them apart. After one of them is murdered, the festival goes downhill. Shelby is determined to help find the murderer before the festival ends.
Another page-turning cozy mystery, full of suspicious individuals who all have reasons to be involved in the deceased person’s demise. Entertaining series.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
June 24, 2026
Another entertaining mystery with a needlepoint store setting. Pleiter gets it right most of the time, but I really think I need to explain to her that we stitch with thread, which is made from fibers. Don't call it fiber! Bonus in this book: A Belladonna pattern. I just may have to whip that thing up.
April 3, 2026
I really enjoyed returning to Gwen Lake and hanging out with Shelby, her mom and the NYAG ladies (Not Your Average Grannies) who remind me a lot of the Golden Girls, lol. When one of the needlepoint artists for the festival was murdered, Shelby took it personally and set out to find the killer. She had a little help from her pals Deb and Jake (with Jake, I hope she becomes a lot more than pals eventually!).
I enjoyed the side story of Shelby’s sweet nephew who just wanted to be an artist and not mess around trying to play sports. I loved what she did for him using the help of one of the festival artists. Meanwhile that wily killer had totally fooled everyone. I never even had a suspicion! I can’t wait for the next book now that some fun changes are coming to the Nimble Needle’s needlepoint groups.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the side story of Shelby’s sweet nephew who just wanted to be an artist and not mess around trying to play sports. I loved what she did for him using the help of one of the festival artists. Meanwhile that wily killer had totally fooled everyone. I never even had a suspicion! I can’t wait for the next book now that some fun changes are coming to the Nimble Needle’s needlepoint groups.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
June 3, 2026
Libby. Listened to. This is a fun series Murder mystery with fun knitting etc.
April 26, 2026
Author Allie Pleiter has followed up with a second Nimble Needle Mystery. When Shelby Phillips lost her job due to a corporate merger, she agreed to manage her mother's needlepoint shop. Mom has trouble turning over the reins, but Shelby has much bigger problems. During a Craft festival, one of the honored guests dies and Shelby and her friends try to help solve the murder. 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 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 young friends of stitchers, they have yet to come up with a name for themselves. The town's power couple the sheriff and his wife the mayor are also fun recurring characters. The town is filled with artists there for the festival, and many of them have a motive for the murder. It is up to Shelby to find the loose thread and fill in the picture with the right clues. With the colorful characters and interesting plot threads, Pleiter weaves a great story. Avid cozy mystery readers usually have the case solved long before the protagonist. But this time around I was completely surprised by the solution.
May 20, 2026
A very fun craft based cozy mystery.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
I immediately loved the community of Gwen Lake, North Carolina, when I read the first book in Allie Pleiter’s latest cozy mystery series, whether it’s the people that claim Nina’s Nimble Needle shop as their own or the broader base of townspeople in Shelby’s purview. So I was eager to read Two Purloined Pillows if for no other reason than to hang out with them all again. My delight didn’t stop there, however, as I was also treated to a layered whodunit and a dash of romance too!
Two Purloined Pillows picks up about a year after the events of One Sharp Stitch, and Shelby Phillips is navigating her takeover of her mom’s responsibilities at the Nimble Needle. A changing of the guard that proves a bit difficult at times between her mom Nina’s struggle to completely let go of the daily shop management and the temperamental needlepoint artists who don’t trust Shelby to know as much as Nina. I loved Shelby’s savvy spirit though, her patient understanding with her mom, and how she’s making needlepoint attractive to the younger generations. She’s such a likable protagonist who’s easy to root for, and I enjoy being in her head with the first person narrative. I especially loved her interactions with the police chief in this installment, as well as the slight progress toward romance we saw in her relationship with her friend Jake. (They’re so sweet together – I’m happy for every moment he drew her a little closer or showed his heart a little bit more clearly.)
Gwen Lake is fixing to host an art festival as our story begins, and we’re only pages into the book when we see how the title ties in. Two popular needlepoint artists (who are also bitter rivals) have each designed & stitched a pillow to be auctioned off at the festival, but as quickly as they’re put on display they’re stolen. Fortunately not from the Nimble Needle, but Shelby still wants to know what happened. She’s featuring both artists at the shop after all – along with kits based on the pillows’ designs. And wowza, these two make ‘temperamental’ look tame. One’s a nasty egomaniac with a sharp tongue. The other’s an anxious hot mess. Drama galore wherever they are, as you might imagine, which makes for some juicy gossip and some startling secrets… and a fun reading experience. When one of them ends up dead – poisoned – the story really kicks off and I happily jumped right into sleuthing along with Shelby and her inner circle. The two rivals aren’t the only artists in town for the festival, and that means multiple suspects to snoop around and sort through. I went back and forth over who I thought was responsible and while I ultimately landed on the correct person(s) I wouldn’t have been surprised to be proven wrong because the clues were so cleverly stitched among the red herrings.
Bottom Line: Gwen Lake, North Carolina, is my kind of town … murders notwithstanding… Nina’s Nimble Needle is the kind of shop I’d love to hang out in, and Shelby Phillips is exactly the kind of character I would want as a friend. Two Purloined Pillows by Allie Pleiter allowed another engaging visit with all of the above and gave me a clever murder mystery to help solve at the same time. I’m loving the hints of slow-burn romance between Shelby and Jake as well as the insights into the needlepoint craft & profession. The suspects in this cozy mystery take ‘dramatic’ to a whole new level, and the culprit(s) honestly could have been any one of them, especially as the victim’s secrets begin to come to light. Two Purloined Pillows is a warm, delightful story with a layered mystery that keeps you invested and will have you eager for more time with these great characters.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
I immediately loved the community of Gwen Lake, North Carolina, when I read the first book in Allie Pleiter’s latest cozy mystery series, whether it’s the people that claim Nina’s Nimble Needle shop as their own or the broader base of townspeople in Shelby’s purview. So I was eager to read Two Purloined Pillows if for no other reason than to hang out with them all again. My delight didn’t stop there, however, as I was also treated to a layered whodunit and a dash of romance too!
Two Purloined Pillows picks up about a year after the events of One Sharp Stitch, and Shelby Phillips is navigating her takeover of her mom’s responsibilities at the Nimble Needle. A changing of the guard that proves a bit difficult at times between her mom Nina’s struggle to completely let go of the daily shop management and the temperamental needlepoint artists who don’t trust Shelby to know as much as Nina. I loved Shelby’s savvy spirit though, her patient understanding with her mom, and how she’s making needlepoint attractive to the younger generations. She’s such a likable protagonist who’s easy to root for, and I enjoy being in her head with the first person narrative. I especially loved her interactions with the police chief in this installment, as well as the slight progress toward romance we saw in her relationship with her friend Jake. (They’re so sweet together – I’m happy for every moment he drew her a little closer or showed his heart a little bit more clearly.)
Gwen Lake is fixing to host an art festival as our story begins, and we’re only pages into the book when we see how the title ties in. Two popular needlepoint artists (who are also bitter rivals) have each designed & stitched a pillow to be auctioned off at the festival, but as quickly as they’re put on display they’re stolen. Fortunately not from the Nimble Needle, but Shelby still wants to know what happened. She’s featuring both artists at the shop after all – along with kits based on the pillows’ designs. And wowza, these two make ‘temperamental’ look tame. One’s a nasty egomaniac with a sharp tongue. The other’s an anxious hot mess. Drama galore wherever they are, as you might imagine, which makes for some juicy gossip and some startling secrets… and a fun reading experience. When one of them ends up dead – poisoned – the story really kicks off and I happily jumped right into sleuthing along with Shelby and her inner circle. The two rivals aren’t the only artists in town for the festival, and that means multiple suspects to snoop around and sort through. I went back and forth over who I thought was responsible and while I ultimately landed on the correct person(s) I wouldn’t have been surprised to be proven wrong because the clues were so cleverly stitched among the red herrings.
Bottom Line: Gwen Lake, North Carolina, is my kind of town … murders notwithstanding… Nina’s Nimble Needle is the kind of shop I’d love to hang out in, and Shelby Phillips is exactly the kind of character I would want as a friend. Two Purloined Pillows by Allie Pleiter allowed another engaging visit with all of the above and gave me a clever murder mystery to help solve at the same time. I’m loving the hints of slow-burn romance between Shelby and Jake as well as the insights into the needlepoint craft & profession. The suspects in this cozy mystery take ‘dramatic’ to a whole new level, and the culprit(s) honestly could have been any one of them, especially as the victim’s secrets begin to come to light. Two Purloined Pillows is a warm, delightful story with a layered mystery that keeps you invested and will have you eager for more time with these great characters.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
April 8, 2026
TWO PURLOINED PILLOWS by Allie Pleiter
The Second Nimble Needle Mystery
Gwen Lake, North Carolina is holding its first Arts Festival and Shelby Phillips is eager to spread the love of crafting while also showing that art can be a career. Nina's Nimble Needle will be showcasing two famous needlepoint designers, the boorish Paul Bardo and Laura Bitters, the woman who encouraged Shelby's artistic ability when she was young. Unfortunately, the two despise each other and great pains must be made to keep the peace.Things get off to a rocky start when the two pillows designed and stitched by these artists are stolen. More petty pilferings occur and then on the opening night of the festival Laura collapses and dies. Was it murder? Shelby and her friends will have to unravel many secrets to find the truth...and a killer.
I enjoyed my trip to Gwen Lake and my own love for needlework has been rekindled. While I can't see myself cross stitching again. I can enjoy my time at Nina's Nimble Needle. The mystery was intriguing and I loved the various secrets and truths that were slowly revealed. I appreciate how Shelby works with the police.
What I found most intriguing about TWO PURLOINED PILLOWS was the different faces people show as well as secrets they hide. Shelby thought the world of Laura, others had different experiences. Different artists certainly showed their mercurial sides. These two sides is also seen with the NYAGs. In a way these differences can be seen even more obviously through Shelby's nephews. I, for one, would like to punch Hal for his views and encouraging the problems between his sons.
A positive push for the arts and a fun mystery make TWO PURLOINED PILLOWS a delightful read.
The Second Nimble Needle Mystery
Gwen Lake, North Carolina is holding its first Arts Festival and Shelby Phillips is eager to spread the love of crafting while also showing that art can be a career. Nina's Nimble Needle will be showcasing two famous needlepoint designers, the boorish Paul Bardo and Laura Bitters, the woman who encouraged Shelby's artistic ability when she was young. Unfortunately, the two despise each other and great pains must be made to keep the peace.Things get off to a rocky start when the two pillows designed and stitched by these artists are stolen. More petty pilferings occur and then on the opening night of the festival Laura collapses and dies. Was it murder? Shelby and her friends will have to unravel many secrets to find the truth...and a killer.
I enjoyed my trip to Gwen Lake and my own love for needlework has been rekindled. While I can't see myself cross stitching again. I can enjoy my time at Nina's Nimble Needle. The mystery was intriguing and I loved the various secrets and truths that were slowly revealed. I appreciate how Shelby works with the police.
What I found most intriguing about TWO PURLOINED PILLOWS was the different faces people show as well as secrets they hide. Shelby thought the world of Laura, others had different experiences. Different artists certainly showed their mercurial sides. These two sides is also seen with the NYAGs. In a way these differences can be seen even more obviously through Shelby's nephews. I, for one, would like to punch Hal for his views and encouraging the problems between his sons.
A positive push for the arts and a fun mystery make TWO PURLOINED PILLOWS a delightful read.
May 15, 2026
After reading and enjoying the characters in One Sharp Stitch, I was ready to read Two Purloined Pillows. Shelby Philips is anxious to see how rival needlepoint canvas designers Laura Bitters and Paul Bardo will behave during the Gwen Lake Arts Festival. She's also looking forward to showing her nephew what a working artist looks like. The jock vs. artist battle remains alive and well among his friends and in his family. At the Friday night launch event, however, Laura's breathing becomes erratic and she drops dead right in front of Shelby! Mayor Rose Tallen announces that the festival must go on, but the town is shaken and Chief Tallen now has a murder to solve. Shelby's helpful sleuthing is fun to read about. I like the NYAG's--the Not Your Average Grannies who frequent Nina's Nimble Needle. I liked the cardboard boat regatta with boats made with only cardboard and tape trying to stay afloat long enough to cross the finish line. I like the hint of a romance between Shelby and Jake London. This is a well written cozy mystery series and it is entertaining. I'm ready for the next book.
April 22, 2026
Shelby has been managing her mother’s Needlepoint shop for a year. With her mom in town, there are a few minor power struggles as Nina remembers she put Shelby in charge. The town is holding an art festival and two rival needlepoint canvas designers bring a new level of drama.
One of the two winds up dead, poisoned. Shelby is in the thick of it all. Chief Tallen is more open to Shelby’s help this time as most of the suspects are artists.
I enjoyed the mystery. The book offers a slice of life. Artists are just people and have their foibles. The culprit behind the murder was hiding in plain sight. I had wonderings about them, but the why was cleverly woven into the storyline.
I enjoyed reading Two Purloined Pillows, however it didn’t have the effect of the first book in creating an urge to start crafting myself. This book showed more the challenges and perils involved in being an artist. Lovers of crafting of many sorts will enjoy this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington for the opportunity to read this book.
One of the two winds up dead, poisoned. Shelby is in the thick of it all. Chief Tallen is more open to Shelby’s help this time as most of the suspects are artists.
I enjoyed the mystery. The book offers a slice of life. Artists are just people and have their foibles. The culprit behind the murder was hiding in plain sight. I had wonderings about them, but the why was cleverly woven into the storyline.
I enjoyed reading Two Purloined Pillows, however it didn’t have the effect of the first book in creating an urge to start crafting myself. This book showed more the challenges and perils involved in being an artist. Lovers of crafting of many sorts will enjoy this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington for the opportunity to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Two Purloined Pillows is the second installment in Allie Pleiter's Nimble Needle cozy mystery series, and is a fun, charming read that will keep readers guessing from start to finish.
In the first title, we were introduced to Shelby, who had recently returned to her hometown to take over her mother's craft store, Nina's Nimble Needle. In this follow up, Shelby is attempting to insert herself more fully into the local craft scene, and is looking forward to being a sponsor of the town's first of it's kind art festival. Unfortunately, the Nimble Needle once again finds itself thick in the midst of a mystery when the prized items for the auction (two needlepoint pillows from two famous artists) go missing, followed shortly by the death of one of the artists. As Shelby and her friends try their best to piece the mystery together clue by clue, the situation keeps escalating, and every suspect starts to look more suspicious. This time, they may have bitten off more than they can chew as they race to get to the bottom of everything once and for all.
A fun mystery that twists and turns in many different directions, and returns readers to the beloved characters associated with the Nimble Needle, Two Purloined Pillows is a fantastic follow up to One Sharp Stitch. This particular title had a wonderfully crafted mystery, a touch of romance, and a focus on family, friendship and small town craziness that all added up to a lovely story that I had a hard time wanting to put down.
The only negative for me was that I had pieced the mystery together at about the halfway point of the story, so I didn't get the huge surprise reveal at the end like I typically enjoy in my mysteries. However, I think that was just a personal thing, and I don't think the author made the culprit obvious or anything, so hopefully that won't be the case for anyone else choosing to pick this one up.
All in all, another wonderful cozy mystery from author Allie Pleiter, and one I would highly recommend if you enjoy clean, cozy mysteries with a small town setting and the romance not being so in your face.
Final Rating: 4/5.
Thanks so much to Allie Pleiter for allowing me to advance read and review this title!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author as part of her review team Allie's Allies. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
In the first title, we were introduced to Shelby, who had recently returned to her hometown to take over her mother's craft store, Nina's Nimble Needle. In this follow up, Shelby is attempting to insert herself more fully into the local craft scene, and is looking forward to being a sponsor of the town's first of it's kind art festival. Unfortunately, the Nimble Needle once again finds itself thick in the midst of a mystery when the prized items for the auction (two needlepoint pillows from two famous artists) go missing, followed shortly by the death of one of the artists. As Shelby and her friends try their best to piece the mystery together clue by clue, the situation keeps escalating, and every suspect starts to look more suspicious. This time, they may have bitten off more than they can chew as they race to get to the bottom of everything once and for all.
A fun mystery that twists and turns in many different directions, and returns readers to the beloved characters associated with the Nimble Needle, Two Purloined Pillows is a fantastic follow up to One Sharp Stitch. This particular title had a wonderfully crafted mystery, a touch of romance, and a focus on family, friendship and small town craziness that all added up to a lovely story that I had a hard time wanting to put down.
The only negative for me was that I had pieced the mystery together at about the halfway point of the story, so I didn't get the huge surprise reveal at the end like I typically enjoy in my mysteries. However, I think that was just a personal thing, and I don't think the author made the culprit obvious or anything, so hopefully that won't be the case for anyone else choosing to pick this one up.
All in all, another wonderful cozy mystery from author Allie Pleiter, and one I would highly recommend if you enjoy clean, cozy mysteries with a small town setting and the romance not being so in your face.
Final Rating: 4/5.
Thanks so much to Allie Pleiter for allowing me to advance read and review this title!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author as part of her review team Allie's Allies. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was technically well written and the and the mystery was well done. I don't think you will guess who the murderer is until the very end..
If you liked the first book, you will probably like this one just as much. To be frank,I read about 20 books per month, so a book has to be a real page turner to get my attention and approval. This week I read 3 great page turners. This book took me a few weeks to get around to finishing because I just couldn't relate to the characters and get pulled into the story. I wondered why there was a second book in this town. For me it was too much like watching a soap opera. Of course, if you liked these characters, or if you like soap opera, as so many people do, then I think you will enjoy revisiting this town. My thanks to the author for this ARC..
If you liked the first book, you will probably like this one just as much. To be frank,I read about 20 books per month, so a book has to be a real page turner to get my attention and approval. This week I read 3 great page turners. This book took me a few weeks to get around to finishing because I just couldn't relate to the characters and get pulled into the story. I wondered why there was a second book in this town. For me it was too much like watching a soap opera. Of course, if you liked these characters, or if you like soap opera, as so many people do, then I think you will enjoy revisiting this town. My thanks to the author for this ARC..
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a great sequel! I enjoyed it just as much as One Sharp Stitch, the first book in the series!
It was great catching up with the characters again, especially the NYAGs, and hanging out in the charming small town of Gwen Lake.
The mystery was great! There were plenty of suspects, and I suspected each one at one point or another. I did keep going back to one person, though, which turned out to be correct. I was still surprised by it, though.
This masterful mystery kept me glued to the pages. I loved it! Even though this is book two in the series, it can stand alone perfectly fine. I highly, highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries, especially craft-related ones.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
It was great catching up with the characters again, especially the NYAGs, and hanging out in the charming small town of Gwen Lake.
The mystery was great! There were plenty of suspects, and I suspected each one at one point or another. I did keep going back to one person, though, which turned out to be correct. I was still surprised by it, though.
This masterful mystery kept me glued to the pages. I loved it! Even though this is book two in the series, it can stand alone perfectly fine. I highly, highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries, especially craft-related ones.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
TWO PURLOINED PILLOWS is a fun, entertaining cozy mystery. Even though it is the second book in the A NIMBLE NEEDLE MYSTERY series, it works as a stand-alone.
Two customed-made pillows, each crafted by two fierce competitors, disappear before a festival auction and murder soon follows. Shelby Phillips, manager of her mother’s needlepoint shop, is determined to solve the mystery.
The book is a fast-paced read, with many twists and turns, and quite a dramatic reveal of the killer. The details of setting are so vivid, you’ll believe that you’ve actually visited Gwen Lake, North Carolina. The characters are quirky and fun. Very enjoyable read.
I was given an advanced copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion of this book.
Two customed-made pillows, each crafted by two fierce competitors, disappear before a festival auction and murder soon follows. Shelby Phillips, manager of her mother’s needlepoint shop, is determined to solve the mystery.
The book is a fast-paced read, with many twists and turns, and quite a dramatic reveal of the killer. The details of setting are so vivid, you’ll believe that you’ve actually visited Gwen Lake, North Carolina. The characters are quirky and fun. Very enjoyable read.
I was given an advanced copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Two Purloined Pillows is the second book in the Nimble Needle Mystery series. This series is a fun, easy to read mystery that takes place in one of those small towns we would all love to live in where everyone has plenty of money and lots of time and money to host huge community events. The mystery wasn’t super hard to figure out, but it was fun to join along as the characters figured it out. It’s also interesting to read about the needlepoint store and the craft of needlepoint. As a cross stitcher, it was fun to learn about a needlecraft that is different than what I do. All in all it was a fun read and I recommend it to cozy readers!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shelby swaps her needles for a detective cap once again in this cozy mystery, the sequel to One Sharp Stitch. However, it can easily be read as a standalone, as the author does an excellent job of re-introducing the characters and Nina’s Nimble Needle. The story features plenty of characters to love, and just as many to dislike.
The book discusses how encouraging creativity in children's art can have positive effects on their future careers, bringing additional depth to the story.
I hope this becomes a series, as I enjoy the quirky characters and the mysteries Shelby solves.
Thank you to the publisher and author for providing me with a complimentary advanced copy. All thoughts shared here are my own.
The book discusses how encouraging creativity in children's art can have positive effects on their future careers, bringing additional depth to the story.
I hope this becomes a series, as I enjoy the quirky characters and the mysteries Shelby solves.
Thank you to the publisher and author for providing me with a complimentary advanced copy. All thoughts shared here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
We are back at the Nimble Needle Shop in North Carolina with Shelby Phillips. She came back home temporarily to run the shop for her mom while her parents vacationed. That was a year ago.
Now, she's excited to welcome a couple of artists to the town's first craft festival. Unfortunately, one ends up dead.
This book is a fun and easy to read mystery, but it's also fast paced. You are left guessing with all the twists and turns. Shelby is a pip, and the supporting characters are equally as endearing. I sure hope we'll get to meet up with the folks at the Nimble Needle again in the future!
My thanks for the complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are entirely my own.
Now, she's excited to welcome a couple of artists to the town's first craft festival. Unfortunately, one ends up dead.
This book is a fun and easy to read mystery, but it's also fast paced. You are left guessing with all the twists and turns. Shelby is a pip, and the supporting characters are equally as endearing. I sure hope we'll get to meet up with the folks at the Nimble Needle again in the future!
My thanks for the complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are entirely my own.
April 3, 2026
Goodness, what characters author Allie Pleiter has written in this one. Laura deals with anxiety. Paul is an egomaniac. Both are a challenge to like but so well developed. And poor Shelby has to deal with them. She just wants her mother to fully turn the shop over to her.
This small town arts festival is good to go. Until it isn’t. Mysteries pop up and threaten everything. Include a life. Throw in amateur detectives and matchmakers, and there is something for everyone. Give it a read if you enjoy cozy mysteries.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review. All thoughts are my own.
This small town arts festival is good to go. Until it isn’t. Mysteries pop up and threaten everything. Include a life. Throw in amateur detectives and matchmakers, and there is something for everyone. Give it a read if you enjoy cozy mysteries.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review. All thoughts are my own.
Did Not Finish
April 7, 20264.6 - 4.7.2026
DNF@23%
Kindle/NetGalley
Hoopla Audiobook [Carrie Coello]
I had so much hope for this book. I had read book #1 and was not a fan, but sometimes it just takes a second book to really settle in and have it become a good read. Alas, this was not the case for me. I found what I disliked about the first book even more magnified here and really didn't want to continue.
As someone who is always looking for a new cozy series, having this one not work for me is a huge disappointment.
Thank you to NetGalley, Allie Pleiter, and Kensington Publishing/Kensington Cozies for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
DNF@23%
Kindle/NetGalley
Hoopla Audiobook [Carrie Coello]
I had so much hope for this book. I had read book #1 and was not a fan, but sometimes it just takes a second book to really settle in and have it become a good read. Alas, this was not the case for me. I found what I disliked about the first book even more magnified here and really didn't want to continue.
As someone who is always looking for a new cozy series, having this one not work for me is a huge disappointment.
Thank you to NetGalley, Allie Pleiter, and Kensington Publishing/Kensington Cozies for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2026
This author is new to me and I picked up the book as it was a giveaway prize in a Facebook group for cozy mystery fans. It did not disappoint. I like Shelby and her town of Gwen Lake. The mystery truly kept me guessing. I liked all the theories presented. If you like books by Laurien Berenson and Krista Davis, this series is for you. A+ cozy mystery writing and I appreciated learning more about needlepoint. It’s not an overdone topic in the cozy world and I always like to learn about topics new to me.
May 24, 2026
It was a tricky plot and I had trouble guessing the murderer. That's a good thing! But as a needlepointer, I found a few things that seemed incorrect to me - maybe they are a regional thing. I have never heard "pulling colors", it's always "pulling threads". And, other than waste knots, I have always been told no knots in needlepoint. But these are minor in the plot of the book and most wouldn't notice.
Read
March 31, 2026Though I really liked book one in this series, I didn't find myself enjoying book two the same way. I hope I am in the minority here, and I hope also to keep reading the series, following Shelby as she continues her novice sleuthing around Gwen Lake. Perhaps one of these days, Chief Tallen will just go ahead and deputize her!
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