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Danger at the Sheepdog Trials : A Northwoods Knitting Mystery
A summer festival. A champion sheepdog circuit. And a dog-toy mogul with a squeaky toy shoved in her mouth.
Julia Holmes came to Frosty Pines, Wisconsin to help her cousin, and stayed because it felt like home. Now she's managing the yarn shop, getting tangled up in Maple Hill Knitters drama, and cautiously figuring out what exactly is happening with log-cabin architect Owen Peters. It's a quiet life. She's starting to like it.
Then the annual sheepdog trials roll into town, flashy dog-toy mogul Marti Kessler turns up dead beside a shepherd's crook, and Frosty Pines stops being quiet.
Marti had enemies the way border collies have enthusiastically and in every direction. With Blu the Australian Shepherd already on the scent and the Maple Hill Knitters constitutionally incapable of minding their own business, Julia finds herself pulling at threads that lead somewhere darker than she into the festival's competitive underbelly, a web of financial grudges, and secrets that someone is willing to kill twice to protect.
Because when a second body surfaces and someone breaks into Julia's yarn shop, it becomes clear the sheepdog trials are just the cover story. The real competition has been happening behind the scenes all along.
Can Julia flush out the killer before Frosty Pines' favorite summer tradition becomes its most infamous?
Danger at the Sheepdog Trials is a warm, sharp, and thoroughly charming Midwestern cozy perfect for fans of Maggie Sefton, Amanda Flower, and Laurie Cass. Packed with Northwoods Wisconsin atmosphere, knitting-circle camaraderie, a scene-stealing Australian Shepherd, and slow-burn romance that's finally starting to simmer.
If you love...
Midwestern small-town settings that feel genuinely lived-ina sleuth who chose this life, and is still surprised it keeps finding herfestival mysteries where the whole community is a suspecta slow-burn romance worth waiting through a murder investigation for...welcome back to Frosty Pines.
Book 2 in the Northwoods Knitting Mysteries, available in Kindle Unlimited.
Julia Holmes came to Frosty Pines, Wisconsin to help her cousin, and stayed because it felt like home. Now she's managing the yarn shop, getting tangled up in Maple Hill Knitters drama, and cautiously figuring out what exactly is happening with log-cabin architect Owen Peters. It's a quiet life. She's starting to like it.
Then the annual sheepdog trials roll into town, flashy dog-toy mogul Marti Kessler turns up dead beside a shepherd's crook, and Frosty Pines stops being quiet.
Marti had enemies the way border collies have enthusiastically and in every direction. With Blu the Australian Shepherd already on the scent and the Maple Hill Knitters constitutionally incapable of minding their own business, Julia finds herself pulling at threads that lead somewhere darker than she into the festival's competitive underbelly, a web of financial grudges, and secrets that someone is willing to kill twice to protect.
Because when a second body surfaces and someone breaks into Julia's yarn shop, it becomes clear the sheepdog trials are just the cover story. The real competition has been happening behind the scenes all along.
Can Julia flush out the killer before Frosty Pines' favorite summer tradition becomes its most infamous?
Danger at the Sheepdog Trials is a warm, sharp, and thoroughly charming Midwestern cozy perfect for fans of Maggie Sefton, Amanda Flower, and Laurie Cass. Packed with Northwoods Wisconsin atmosphere, knitting-circle camaraderie, a scene-stealing Australian Shepherd, and slow-burn romance that's finally starting to simmer.
If you love...
Midwestern small-town settings that feel genuinely lived-ina sleuth who chose this life, and is still surprised it keeps finding herfestival mysteries where the whole community is a suspecta slow-burn romance worth waiting through a murder investigation for...welcome back to Frosty Pines.
Book 2 in the Northwoods Knitting Mysteries, available in Kindle Unlimited.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 26, 2026
I’m really enjoying this series and being back with the Knitters Group—they’re such a fun, supportive group and always add something extra to the story. I also liked seeing how things are starting to shift with Julia and Owen. It feels like their relationship is heading in a better direction compared to the first book. The mystery kept me interested and definitely had me second guessing where it was going.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2026
3/5 STARS! My first book by this author & I had fun with the audiobook. Fun characters & great murder mystery with a unique premise. Really good cozy mystery. Definitely want to read more from this author & series.
March 29, 2026
Danger at the Sheepdog Trials is exactly the kind of cozy mystery I love settling into — warm, character-driven, and filled with a charming small-town atmosphere… with a murder thrown in to keep things interesting.
Set in the picturesque Northwoods town of Frosty Pines, this second installment in the Northwoods Knitting Mystery series finds Julia and her friends attending the local “Woollypalooza” sheepdog trials — a festival filled with yarn vendors, sheep demonstrations, food booths, and plenty of small-town charm. But the cheerful atmosphere quickly turns tense when event sponsor Marti Kessler is found dead, and the cozy festival becomes the center of a complicated investigation.
The friendships between Julia, Lani, Carole, and the rest of the Frosty Pines cast feel genuine and warm. Their knitting shop connections, small-town interactions, and supportive relationships create a cozy backdrop that balances the darker mystery elements beautifully.
The mystery itself unfolds at a satisfying pace. Suspicion falls on several characters — including tensions between event organizers, business rivalries, and personal conflicts that slowly come to light. As Julia digs deeper, what first appears to be a straightforward case becomes more layered, with secrets, motives, and surprising twists.
I also really enjoyed the subtle romance woven throughout the story. Julia’s growing relationship with Owen adds emotional warmth without overshadowing the mystery. Their interactions are sweet, believable, and add depth to Julia’s character as she settles more fully into life in Frosty Pines.
And honestly, the setting itself deserves a mention. Sheepdog trials, yarn booths, cozy cabins, and crisp Northwoods scenery made this book feel like a warm cup of tea on a cool morning. It’s the kind of place readers will want to return to again and again.
I’m looking forward to the next visit to Frosty Pines.
Set in the picturesque Northwoods town of Frosty Pines, this second installment in the Northwoods Knitting Mystery series finds Julia and her friends attending the local “Woollypalooza” sheepdog trials — a festival filled with yarn vendors, sheep demonstrations, food booths, and plenty of small-town charm. But the cheerful atmosphere quickly turns tense when event sponsor Marti Kessler is found dead, and the cozy festival becomes the center of a complicated investigation.
The friendships between Julia, Lani, Carole, and the rest of the Frosty Pines cast feel genuine and warm. Their knitting shop connections, small-town interactions, and supportive relationships create a cozy backdrop that balances the darker mystery elements beautifully.
The mystery itself unfolds at a satisfying pace. Suspicion falls on several characters — including tensions between event organizers, business rivalries, and personal conflicts that slowly come to light. As Julia digs deeper, what first appears to be a straightforward case becomes more layered, with secrets, motives, and surprising twists.
I also really enjoyed the subtle romance woven throughout the story. Julia’s growing relationship with Owen adds emotional warmth without overshadowing the mystery. Their interactions are sweet, believable, and add depth to Julia’s character as she settles more fully into life in Frosty Pines.
And honestly, the setting itself deserves a mention. Sheepdog trials, yarn booths, cozy cabins, and crisp Northwoods scenery made this book feel like a warm cup of tea on a cool morning. It’s the kind of place readers will want to return to again and again.
I’m looking forward to the next visit to Frosty Pines.
April 28, 2026
Danger at the Sheepdog Trials
This is the second mystery in the Northwoods Knitting series by Amelia Pine. The setting is a small Wisconsin town, far from city lights, but you’ll find yourself wrapped in warmth, not only created by the wool the crafters knit but also by the care they show for each other. The characters are well-drawn across multiple storylines.
Julia, who left the corporate world to come to the Northwoods and start a new career, owns a knitting shop. She chose this town because her father, a widower, had relocated there. She signed up for a vendor booth to showcase her wares at the annual sheepdog trials. Her dog, a constant companion named Blu, joined her. The lead sponsor for the trials, Marti, was a loud and proud woman who did many things to excess. She owned a pet boutique with her sister, where she sold unusual, and some thought unnecessary, items for pets.
Marti overheard her arguing with someone over the phone, but knew Marti frequently disagreed with others, so she did not listen carefully. When she later found Marti dead, she wished she knew more. Julia is tasked by the sheriff to keep her eyes open because she can move freely about the fairgrounds. She enlisted the members of her knitting club to join her to keep an eye on events.
Of course, there are overlapping plot lines as some are concerned about who has the rights to land where valuable moonstones could be found. Does a land lease allow mining? Could a well-known teacher be a murderer? When will Julia go on a real date? Will her dad find romance? Will her friends ever get their quirky historic house fixed up? Will the knitters on the job catch the killer? Why are drones tracking her moves? Why was a second death so startling?
I enjoyed this cozy mystery, the care taken in making the people in the town realistic and the humor in many vignettes. I look forward to reading other books by this author.
I received an advance copy of this book and have reviewed it honestly.
This is the second mystery in the Northwoods Knitting series by Amelia Pine. The setting is a small Wisconsin town, far from city lights, but you’ll find yourself wrapped in warmth, not only created by the wool the crafters knit but also by the care they show for each other. The characters are well-drawn across multiple storylines.
Julia, who left the corporate world to come to the Northwoods and start a new career, owns a knitting shop. She chose this town because her father, a widower, had relocated there. She signed up for a vendor booth to showcase her wares at the annual sheepdog trials. Her dog, a constant companion named Blu, joined her. The lead sponsor for the trials, Marti, was a loud and proud woman who did many things to excess. She owned a pet boutique with her sister, where she sold unusual, and some thought unnecessary, items for pets.
Marti overheard her arguing with someone over the phone, but knew Marti frequently disagreed with others, so she did not listen carefully. When she later found Marti dead, she wished she knew more. Julia is tasked by the sheriff to keep her eyes open because she can move freely about the fairgrounds. She enlisted the members of her knitting club to join her to keep an eye on events.
Of course, there are overlapping plot lines as some are concerned about who has the rights to land where valuable moonstones could be found. Does a land lease allow mining? Could a well-known teacher be a murderer? When will Julia go on a real date? Will her dad find romance? Will her friends ever get their quirky historic house fixed up? Will the knitters on the job catch the killer? Why are drones tracking her moves? Why was a second death so startling?
I enjoyed this cozy mystery, the care taken in making the people in the town realistic and the humor in many vignettes. I look forward to reading other books by this author.
I received an advance copy of this book and have reviewed it honestly.
April 18, 2026
This was a charming and thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery set in the tight-knit small community of Frosty Pines which is preparing for the upcoming annual Wollypalooza Sheepdog Trials!
This author once again delivers a delightful story, full of colorful characters and a classic whodunit atmosphere that keeps you guessing.
The setting is especially enchanting, with irresistibly quaint names like Sheep Haven Acres, Cozy Cabin Café, Blu’s Yarn Barn, and Frosty Dogs bringing the town to life.
Julia Holmes is a great main character, and with the help of her fellow knitters—fondly known as the Knitwits (Carole, Lani, PJ, and Kristen)—she dives into an investigation after local business owner Marti Kessler is found dead on the very first day of the trials.
There’s also a sweet romantic thread between Julia and Owen Peters, a handsome luxury logcabin architect, that adds warmth without overshadowing the mystery. And of course, Blu—Julia’s loyal Australian Shepherd—is also a lovable companion who adds both heart and charm.
With its sheep and knitting themes, cozy small-town backdrop, and engaging cast, this is a perfect read for fans of the genre. I had a wonderful time with this book and continue to really enjoy this author’s writing style as i have previously.
I received a free advanced reader copy and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
This author once again delivers a delightful story, full of colorful characters and a classic whodunit atmosphere that keeps you guessing.
The setting is especially enchanting, with irresistibly quaint names like Sheep Haven Acres, Cozy Cabin Café, Blu’s Yarn Barn, and Frosty Dogs bringing the town to life.
Julia Holmes is a great main character, and with the help of her fellow knitters—fondly known as the Knitwits (Carole, Lani, PJ, and Kristen)—she dives into an investigation after local business owner Marti Kessler is found dead on the very first day of the trials.
There’s also a sweet romantic thread between Julia and Owen Peters, a handsome luxury logcabin architect, that adds warmth without overshadowing the mystery. And of course, Blu—Julia’s loyal Australian Shepherd—is also a lovable companion who adds both heart and charm.
With its sheep and knitting themes, cozy small-town backdrop, and engaging cast, this is a perfect read for fans of the genre. I had a wonderful time with this book and continue to really enjoy this author’s writing style as i have previously.
I received a free advanced reader copy and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
April 20, 2026
"Danger at the Sheepdog Trials" is a cozy mystery that leans into everything readers love about small‑town intrigue: quirky festivals, loyal dogs, nosy neighbors, and a heroine who keeps stumbling over bodies at the worst possible moments. Even without having read the earlier books in the series, it’s easy to settle into the world of Woollypalooza and follow the characters’ dynamics.
The female lead is sharp, observant, and just chaotic enough to be charming. Her circle of knitting friends adds warmth and humor as they rally around her and help her investigate the murders. The slow‑burn romance with her neighbor adds a sweet thread of tension that keeps you rooting for them between clues.
What makes the book especially fun is its twisty pacing. Secrets pile up, suspects multiply, and the festival backdrop gives everything a lively, slightly absurd energy. It’s the kind of mystery that pairs perfectly with a rainy afternoon: light enough to breeze through, but clever enough to keep you guessing.
If you enjoy small‑town cozies with festivals, sheepdogs, friendship, and a heroine who can’t help but get involved, this one is a delight.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The female lead is sharp, observant, and just chaotic enough to be charming. Her circle of knitting friends adds warmth and humor as they rally around her and help her investigate the murders. The slow‑burn romance with her neighbor adds a sweet thread of tension that keeps you rooting for them between clues.
What makes the book especially fun is its twisty pacing. Secrets pile up, suspects multiply, and the festival backdrop gives everything a lively, slightly absurd energy. It’s the kind of mystery that pairs perfectly with a rainy afternoon: light enough to breeze through, but clever enough to keep you guessing.
If you enjoy small‑town cozies with festivals, sheepdogs, friendship, and a heroine who can’t help but get involved, this one is a delight.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 21, 2026
Danger at the Sheepdog Trials is a Superb story and series about Julia Holmes who Manages Wool Shop and her very clever, sleuthing dog Blu. They go to the Annual Sheepdog Trials with their friends Lani, PJ and Carole who were Knitters. Unfortunately Blu started to search and Julia followed and discovered a dead body. She called for Sheriff Scott Peters and he and his team start to investigate. Sheriff Peters asks Julia to assist by listening to the town. Julia is helped by her friends and Father. But can they discover all the clues and uncover the truth?
I enjoyed the story very much and I highly recommend that you read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the story very much and I highly recommend that you read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 30, 2026
Danger at the Sheep dog Trials is Book 2 in A Northwest Knitting Mystery by Amelia Pine. This small town festival brings a top dog toy giant, Marti, to the festival. She was not expected to be found dead in a pen. Julia and her Maple Hills Knitters are hot on the case. Of course, Julia has her Aussie Blu with her. I think that the characters are very interesting and well written. The mystery was good and I felt that the author guided the reader with clues to help us discover the killer. Book 3, Chaos at the Christmas knit making is the groups next adventure. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
May 15, 2026
This book was a surprise to me, I really enjoyed it. It was more than "just a cozy mystery" - it has so many interesting characters (which hopefully will be fully covered in future books/mysteries) in a charming small town setting but most of all - it has awesome dogs!!! Julia is just getting settled in town, trying to figure out what's going on with Owen and then there is a murder. Of course, the knitting group is right on it with Julia in the lead. Good storyline, lots of interesting characters and twists and turns.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 8, 2026
This was a great mystery with a hefty cast of characters that I hope will be detailed even more in the next book of the series! It has the solid group of knitters and other essential town folk who come together to solve the murder. The plot is well crafted so it's not a direct journey to the exciting conclusion but rather a twisting turning trip where characters are suspected, eliminated , and once again suspect! Brilliant. Like the blush of romance on two fronts so that it doesn't overpower the mystery!
April 24, 2026
I really enjoyed the first book so I was excited to read this one. If you love small town mysteries this is the book for you. julia is a yarn shop owner in frosty pines with her knitting group. she solves mysteries with her group without getting herself in trouble. her trusty companion dog blu makes this book so cozy. I could not put this book down. I look forward to reading the next book in this awesome series. highly recommend for all my fiber freinds
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 2, 2026
The author weaves an utterly irresistible storyline filled with drama and suspense. There were so many possible suspects- I accused everyone in my mind!! The tale is so twisted when all is revealed. It captured my interest immediately and held it until the end. Even a bit of romance for Julia this time. A great read! I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
April 5, 2026
This was a perfect cozy mystery--a murder mystery, animals, a little romance and friends that help solve the murder. This was a new author to me, and this was the second book, so I think I will have to go back and read the first one. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. i started reading this today and enjoyed every word and every character. Loved the quirkiness of knitters. I absolutely recommend this book and hope to read more by this author.
April 7, 2026
I never thought that knitters would make good mystery-solvers, yet here I am, enjoying another installment of this fun series! Set a few months after the first mystery, this one involves a murder that hits a little closer to home, causes a lot of chaos, and includes a lot of sheep. Great characters, intriguing twists and turns, and a budding romance make this one a great read for a cozy weekend in.
Many thanks to BookSirens for an ARC in exchange for my honest assessment of this work.
Many thanks to BookSirens for an ARC in exchange for my honest assessment of this work.
April 13, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was a great follow up to the first book. Once again, the mystery kept my interest. The killer wasn't really a surprise but that didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. I recommend this and the first book if you enjoy cozy mysteries with fun characters.
March 30, 2026
The story was good to a point but it ended with neither murder being solved. I would give the story a four and a half because I don't like being hung up like it did.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 3, 2026
A festival, special stones, sheep , what could go wrong?
I enjoyed this story about Julia, Blu, the Knitters group. It had me guessing to the end about who did and why. This is the first book that I read from this author and look to read more.
I enjoyed this story about Julia, Blu, the Knitters group. It had me guessing to the end about who did and why. This is the first book that I read from this author and look to read more.
July 19, 2026
A wonderful cozy mystery by author Amelia Pine. This is the second book in this series.
Even better than the first. Julia and her dog Blu are wonderful characters.
I loved reading this awesome book and highly recommend it...
Even better than the first. Julia and her dog Blu are wonderful characters.
I loved reading this awesome book and highly recommend it...
August 11, 2026
3.5 Stars. The Knitting group with all their fascinating characters are back, this time at the sheepdog trials and fair. Again there were an abundance of red herrings, but I felt the timeline between some of the plotlines didn't mesh as well as in the first book.
April 13, 2026
Such a joy to read. Amelia’s writing is full of such detail and imagery that I always feel like I am right there part of Julia’s crew solving crimes and knitting cowls.
April 20, 2026
Great story, good mystery, lots of interesting characters and the yarn descriptions are just a bonus.
May 4, 2026
A fun mystery, the pages flowed - I did not guess the culprit, the characters are likeable, and the dog is the cutest and quite frankly steals the scenes! ( you can tell I’m a dog Mum😂) I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews