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Novels and Needles Cozy Mystery #1
Knitting and Novels: Novels and Needles Cozy Mystery book 1
Someone in Rochester has kept a secret buried since long before Jessica Mitchell ever thought about moving there from Boston.
It might have even stayed buried had Jessica not bought the little craft shop and plumbed her dreams into it. If she had just kept her head down, minded her yarn, and let the past lie quiet under the floorboards where it belonged. Things might have been okay.
But that's not what happened.
Now there's a body, an accusation with Jessica's name on it, and a killer who thinks a nosy American with a Yorkshire terrier is the easiest problem in the world to solve.
But they should have done their Jessica was raised by a cop, and that's not the only challenge because trouble has a way of finding retired detective Albert Smith and his dog - and Rochester is right on their doorstep.
It might have even stayed buried had Jessica not bought the little craft shop and plumbed her dreams into it. If she had just kept her head down, minded her yarn, and let the past lie quiet under the floorboards where it belonged. Things might have been okay.
But that's not what happened.
Now there's a body, an accusation with Jessica's name on it, and a killer who thinks a nosy American with a Yorkshire terrier is the easiest problem in the world to solve.
But they should have done their Jessica was raised by a cop, and that's not the only challenge because trouble has a way of finding retired detective Albert Smith and his dog - and Rochester is right on their doorstep.
- GenresMystery
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 11, 2025
I think I might have enjoyed this book if it wasn’t for the glaring errors. In one Eleanor returned to the shop to pick up her bag yet later in the book it was still there. The other was the fact that the body was found in the shop yet that was left by the police and the victim’s house was cordoned off. There were other minor errors which spoilt the whole thing for me.
Better proof reading is definitely required.
Better proof reading is definitely required.
October 3, 2026
Acquired Kindle edition when offered free on Amazon.
Not formatted properly. I've made it a New Rule not to read novels formatted in double-spaced block paragraphs. This instantly suggests the author doesn't read much and doesn't know what a book is supposed to look like. Writers who don't read tend to be writers who can't write. I'm not going to waste my time on garbage.
Not formatted properly. I've made it a New Rule not to read novels formatted in double-spaced block paragraphs. This instantly suggests the author doesn't read much and doesn't know what a book is supposed to look like. Writers who don't read tend to be writers who can't write. I'm not going to waste my time on garbage.
September 20, 2026
Lots and Lots of Words
There is a good, basic whodunit at the heart of this book. Unfortunately, it is smothered by repetitive information, inconsistent time frames, and several instances of downright poor grammar.
Our intrepid heroine is accused of murder. That would be easily disproved by even the most incompetent police investigation. From that point on, every time she needs a clue, she finds another piece of evidence that was conveniently squirreled away by the murder victim. There are many unfinished threads left hanging. Apparently, some of them will carry forward into the next books.
Perhaps the most unbelievable thing is that the very day after murder, the victim's knitting group shows up at the MC's yarn shop for their customary meeting, just as if nothing had happened and MC was not being accused of the crime! They won't meet her eyes, but they carry on, letting her make tea for them, and talking about the deceased in a very cavalier fashion.
The dog, Darcy, is adorable, but there are so many pages devoted to his yarn chasing proclivities! He likes to chase yarn - we get it! It is not necessary to beat readers over the head with it.
The long and the short of it is that for me, it was not a satisfying read. There are too many loose ends, too many continuity glitches, not enough good, solid editing.
There is a good story there; however the author appears to have gone out of her way to bury it.
There is a good, basic whodunit at the heart of this book. Unfortunately, it is smothered by repetitive information, inconsistent time frames, and several instances of downright poor grammar.
Our intrepid heroine is accused of murder. That would be easily disproved by even the most incompetent police investigation. From that point on, every time she needs a clue, she finds another piece of evidence that was conveniently squirreled away by the murder victim. There are many unfinished threads left hanging. Apparently, some of them will carry forward into the next books.
Perhaps the most unbelievable thing is that the very day after murder, the victim's knitting group shows up at the MC's yarn shop for their customary meeting, just as if nothing had happened and MC was not being accused of the crime! They won't meet her eyes, but they carry on, letting her make tea for them, and talking about the deceased in a very cavalier fashion.
The dog, Darcy, is adorable, but there are so many pages devoted to his yarn chasing proclivities! He likes to chase yarn - we get it! It is not necessary to beat readers over the head with it.
The long and the short of it is that for me, it was not a satisfying read. There are too many loose ends, too many continuity glitches, not enough good, solid editing.
There is a good story there; however the author appears to have gone out of her way to bury it.
August 12, 2026
2.5 Good story but needs a lot editing as there are big gaps in places to get to conclusions. Like, how did she know Oliver had something to do with it? Also the use of some phrases is over done, "...unraveled like a poorly knit sweater."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 10, 2026The dog is really annoying (letting a rambunctious pup wreck havoc on your yarn stick is distressing to me) but I like the leading lady
August 3, 2026
Novels and Needles book 1.
A good introduction to a new series including cameo appearances that readers of Steve Higgs will recognise. Although a good basic story, I found parts of it to be disjointed. Several times there were jumps from the night before to the following day which left me slightly confused as to what happened in between. As an aside, I loved the drawings of Darcy the Yorkshire terrier that precede each chapter.
A good introduction to a new series including cameo appearances that readers of Steve Higgs will recognise. Although a good basic story, I found parts of it to be disjointed. Several times there were jumps from the night before to the following day which left me slightly confused as to what happened in between. As an aside, I loved the drawings of Darcy the Yorkshire terrier that precede each chapter.
July 27, 2026
Knitting and Novels, and Needles Cozy Mystery Book 1
Not bad for a new series, will read others and maybe I will give more stars, but good start. Keep it up.
Not bad for a new series, will read others and maybe I will give more stars, but good start. Keep it up.
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September 3, 2026Knitting & Novels
I'm always happy to read a new book with Steve Higgs' name attached! Not only is this cozy enjoyable to read, but it includes my favorite Higgs characters, Albert & Rex! I look forward to the rest of this series!
As a Crocheter of over 60 years, I feel for Jessica! I taught myself how to knit, but I'll never be "good" at it! And I wasn't solving murders instead of practicing! I may give knitting another shot though, just so I can feel I REALLY tried! I appreciated how Jessica's attempts were given respect, & though there is humor there, they aren't treated as mere comic relief. Her attempt to solve one murder in order to clear her name turned into so much more! It could easily have become busy & confusing, but it was written so well that it did not! I'm also an animal lover & love how Darcy's character was an honest-to-goodness character & not simply Jessica's accessory! Do I recommend this book? YES!
I'm always happy to read a new book with Steve Higgs' name attached! Not only is this cozy enjoyable to read, but it includes my favorite Higgs characters, Albert & Rex! I look forward to the rest of this series!
As a Crocheter of over 60 years, I feel for Jessica! I taught myself how to knit, but I'll never be "good" at it! And I wasn't solving murders instead of practicing! I may give knitting another shot though, just so I can feel I REALLY tried! I appreciated how Jessica's attempts were given respect, & though there is humor there, they aren't treated as mere comic relief. Her attempt to solve one murder in order to clear her name turned into so much more! It could easily have become busy & confusing, but it was written so well that it did not! I'm also an animal lover & love how Darcy's character was an honest-to-goodness character & not simply Jessica's accessory! Do I recommend this book? YES!
October 4, 2026
Dogs shouldn't have yarn!
Ugh. I kept waiting for Darcy to be rushed to the Vet for a intestinal blockage. Really, who lets their dog play with yarn!? Or string. Or rope! Especially small dogs. Other than writing about an idiot dog parent, the book was ok. I guess I expected more Albert and Rex. They pop up periodically, but not more than 5 times tops, if that. And only for a paragraph or so. The book starts slow and then gets interesting, give it time. I took a star off for dog endangerment.
Ugh. I kept waiting for Darcy to be rushed to the Vet for a intestinal blockage. Really, who lets their dog play with yarn!? Or string. Or rope! Especially small dogs. Other than writing about an idiot dog parent, the book was ok. I guess I expected more Albert and Rex. They pop up periodically, but not more than 5 times tops, if that. And only for a paragraph or so. The book starts slow and then gets interesting, give it time. I took a star off for dog endangerment.
January 9, 2026
I adored this 1st book in the series. Have I mentioned i'm a sucker for crafting (of all sorts) cozy misteries? I truly am! And this series is super interesting, NOT boring, and Jessica's new life in England with a knitting store proves the best combination. Jessica's skills at sleuthing, with such story plots, make sure a reader of cozies aficionado to stay glued to the screen reading book after book.
I've already started the 2nd book in the series ☺️
I've already started the 2nd book in the series ☺️
August 24, 2026
Enjoyed the book but there were quite a few typos and missing words or phrases that took away from my enjoyment of the book. What brand of editing software being used is not catching all the errors.
The little dog Darcy is a delight to read about his antics. Would have liked to have seen more interaction between Albert and Jessica and Darcy and Rex. That is what I was expecting and was disappointed. A nice light read otherwise.
The little dog Darcy is a delight to read about his antics. Would have liked to have seen more interaction between Albert and Jessica and Darcy and Rex. That is what I was expecting and was disappointed. A nice light read otherwise.
October 8, 2026
knitting actually happens!
I was surprised that there was some actual knitting and crafting going on in this book. It’s a pet peeve of mine when authors use titles that will reach out to a niche audience and then don’t really be about the niche. It’s false advertising as far as I’m concerned. I am a crocheter but fiber is my life blood. I will be continuing with the series as I enjoyed it!!! Thanks 😊
I was surprised that there was some actual knitting and crafting going on in this book. It’s a pet peeve of mine when authors use titles that will reach out to a niche audience and then don’t really be about the niche. It’s false advertising as far as I’m concerned. I am a crocheter but fiber is my life blood. I will be continuing with the series as I enjoyed it!!! Thanks 😊
December 9, 2025
Knitting is not easy!
No matter how you feel about crafts this was put together well. But knitting is hard... Really I just agree with the puppy steal the wool and play with it. But solving this mystery was incredibly difficult. Add to it the difference in England and American way of doing things. But the craft store has a nice way to go.
No matter how you feel about crafts this was put together well. But knitting is hard... Really I just agree with the puppy steal the wool and play with it. But solving this mystery was incredibly difficult. Add to it the difference in England and American way of doing things. But the craft store has a nice way to go.
September 2, 2026
I'm not a knitting enthusiast, but I am a fan of Steve Higgs writing. Anything with Rex and Albert gets my vote. This is a fun cozy mystery about a fast moving American trying to fit into a sedate English village hung up on tradition. Among the yarns and crafts there are plenty of laughs as the youtube expert teaches a class. Also included is one ornery terrier.
October 8, 2025
I just finished this book. As an avid knitter and crocheter I Had to check it out. I highly enjoyed it. And I look forward to many more books in this series! If you like fish out of water stories, cute little yorkies and a brave female lead check this one out.
May 8, 2026
Stab it, strangle it, solve it!
Jessica moves to England & buys a yarn shop where she learns to knit & solves a murder. Along with her dog, Mr. Darcy, she finds yarn corruption, new friends, and a place in the village. Now on to the next book!
Jessica moves to England & buys a yarn shop where she learns to knit & solves a murder. Along with her dog, Mr. Darcy, she finds yarn corruption, new friends, and a place in the village. Now on to the next book!
July 27, 2026
I really enjoyed this first book in this series. I love the retired detective Albert and his dog Rex series by Steve Higgs and Albert and Rex have some involvement in this series as Steve Higgs co-authored this book with Christina Rose.
October 5, 2026
I had a bit of trouble keeping my characters and locations straight with this one, but, still, I enjoyed the main character's journey toward finding herself. The confusion I had may well ne scattered mind due to pre-fall-break mind melt.
September 26, 2025
A good story from Rose and Higgs. Great characters and some humor amongst the intrigue, especially the antics of Darcy, the 'shop' dog.
January 5, 2026
cute Cozy with secrets everywhere
really great characters, lots of humor and gotta love a dog named Darcy!!!
loved it all!!!
Highly Recommend!!!
really great characters, lots of humor and gotta love a dog named Darcy!!!
loved it all!!!
Highly Recommend!!!
September 12, 2026
Would have been 5 stars if not for so many errors. Unusual for a Steve Higgs book. Story was good, but hopefully the proofreading will be better in the next one!
October 5, 2026
Was ok. The writing was a bit repetitive and the story had some unnatural progressions, but it was cute.
October 7, 2026
This is a cozy mystery that somehow got lost along the way of the writing and publishing. Boo hoo, and the dog was the worst behaved dog ever written as something special.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews