Purls and Peril

Maeve Lynch Knitting Mysteries #1

by Kitty Graham

A cozy Irish mystery with a twist of yarn, a touch of tech—and one very nosy terrier.When Maeve Lynch’s scruffy Westie unearths a body during a walk in the Dublin Mountains, it’s not just any corpse. The victim is wearing a distinctive hand-knit cowl—one Maeve designed for a local knit-along.

Suddenly, the part-time knitting instructor and full-time SaaS project manager finds herself tangled in something far more sinister than dropped stitches. As questions mount, Maeve’s curiosity—and her conscience—pull her into a web of tech corruption, real estate fraud, and old secrets with dangerous consequences.

With the help of her sharp-witted best friend, a yarn shop full of nosy knitters, and a handsome Garda detective who’d really prefer she stop meddling, Maeve must unravel the truth—before someone else gets cast off.

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2025

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun, cozy mystery! I loved Nidge, the dreamy detective, and so many cozy snacks…I may even consider learning to knit! The book had a great balance of lovable characters, a little suspense, lots of laughs, and a mystery that kept me guessing! I hope there will be more of Maeve, Liam, Nidge, and maybe even Karl, in the future!!!

[Debby Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story. The characters I did find the detailed part of the crime tedious … but understand it was a ‘white collar’ crime and trying to explain why it was not an easy crime to catch did require details. It was just a little too much for my brain haha but that’s just me! Enjoyed it and will get the next in series.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It could have been good. I don’t like bad language in a cozy mystery.

I thought this sounded like a great cozy mystery but . . . I couldn’t understand all the technical issues Maeve was trying to figure out & was completely turned off by the bad language. If not for that, it could be a good book.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect cozy mystery. I loved how relatable Maeve was and Nidge was sidekick to this crazy adventure! Also, being a crocheter, I really enjoyed the crafting side. All in all I had no idea who the murderer and true motive was until it was revealed. It kept me engaged and I’m so looking forward to Skeins and Secrets!!

[Wendy]

I love how this book included the knitting pattern that cracked the case! The book was well written with a down-to-earth, “real” woman. I’m not one for a lot of detail but I do wish the author embellished a few more of the scenes, like when she met the detective for their first date or in the end at the station when the culprits were arrested. Besides wanting a little more (which it seems we’ll get as this is a series :), I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery.

[Christina Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely delivered on the cozy Irish mystery with a touch of tech, yarn and terrier! A well written easy read! Looking forward to learning more about Mauve and the cheeky Nidge in future books!

[Chelsey Lepinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute cozy mystery. Interested to see where this goes next. Especially with the detective and Karl lol.

[andrea holliway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

I enjoyed this mystery from a new to me author. Maeve was a great amateur sleuth and I look forward to her next adventure!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting mystery and cute with two guys are interested in you. I hope Liam wins

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this cozy mystery- especially the knitting, dog, and Irish references.