What do you think?
Quilt Whisperer Mystery #1
The Quilt Whisperer Investigates
Working at the Arts and Crafts Museum in small town Massachusetts, a quilting and antique quilts expert pieces together a patchwork of clues against the vibrant backdrop of a New England fall in this crafty new cozy series from Peggy Ehrhart, acclaimed author of the Knit and Nibble Mysteries.
As associate director of the local Arts and Crafts Museum, Caroline is excited to pick up a prized antique quilt from Nancy Critchley, one of Banburyport’s wealthiest residents, for an upcoming exhibit. . . . Until she discovers Nancy dead on the floor of her beautiful Federalist home. The muslin bag that held the quilt is empty. On the table is a napkin smeared with what appears to be tomato juice—in a design that may have been Nancy’s final message.
Garret Seldon, the town’s new police detective, pinpoints museum intern Amber Foster as the top suspect. Amber’s blog is sharply critical of the Critchley family, among other prominent citizens from Banburyport’s past, for exploiting less fortunate residents in order to gain their riches. But could long-ago sins really have spurred someone to stab Nancy with a pair of sewing scissors?
All of Banburyport is abuzz with theories, including the regulars at the Farrow Square coffee shop. A humiliated caterer, a developer angered by Nancy’s work with the Historic Preservation Committee, disgruntled family members—there are plenty of possible motives and suspects. And then there’s the missing quilt, a priceless creation that’s almost 200 years old.
Caroline and her good friend and landlady Libby are convinced of Amber’s innocence. And somewhere among these tangled threads, Caroline knows there’s a pattern to be uncovered, one that ties together the colorful secrets of Banburyport’s past and present . . .
Includes quilting tips and pattern!
As associate director of the local Arts and Crafts Museum, Caroline is excited to pick up a prized antique quilt from Nancy Critchley, one of Banburyport’s wealthiest residents, for an upcoming exhibit. . . . Until she discovers Nancy dead on the floor of her beautiful Federalist home. The muslin bag that held the quilt is empty. On the table is a napkin smeared with what appears to be tomato juice—in a design that may have been Nancy’s final message.
Garret Seldon, the town’s new police detective, pinpoints museum intern Amber Foster as the top suspect. Amber’s blog is sharply critical of the Critchley family, among other prominent citizens from Banburyport’s past, for exploiting less fortunate residents in order to gain their riches. But could long-ago sins really have spurred someone to stab Nancy with a pair of sewing scissors?
All of Banburyport is abuzz with theories, including the regulars at the Farrow Square coffee shop. A humiliated caterer, a developer angered by Nancy’s work with the Historic Preservation Committee, disgruntled family members—there are plenty of possible motives and suspects. And then there’s the missing quilt, a priceless creation that’s almost 200 years old.
Caroline and her good friend and landlady Libby are convinced of Amber’s innocence. And somewhere among these tangled threads, Caroline knows there’s a pattern to be uncovered, one that ties together the colorful secrets of Banburyport’s past and present . . .
Includes quilting tips and pattern!
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2026
About the author
Peggy Ehrhart
26 books527 followersPeggy Ehrhart is a former English professor with a Ph.D. in Medieval Literature who now writes mysteries. Her publications include a prize-winning nonfiction book; she has also won awards for her short fiction. Her blues mystery series, featuring blues singer "Maxx" Maxwell, was inspired by her guitar-playing hobby. Her very cozy Knit & Nibble series, from Kensington Books, features amateur sleuth Pamela Paterson, founder and mainstay of the Knit and Nibble knitting club in charming Arborville, New Jersey. Peggy is currently writing the Quilt Whisperer mysteries, also from Kensington.
Series:
* Maxx Maxwell Mysteries
* Knit & Nibble Mysteries
* Quilt Whisperer Mysteries
Series:
* Maxx Maxwell Mysteries
* Knit & Nibble Mysteries
* Quilt Whisperer Mysteries
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 10, 2026
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway and am freely giving my thoughts.
This was a nice cozy start to a new series.
I was thrown off a bit when the mystery began right away. I’m normally used to at least some character or plot development.
Speaking of characters, how many can you fit in one story? This book had so many that it was hard to remember and keep track of them all. What was funny was that poor male barista never earned a name.
Once the suspects were eliminated, their involvement in the plot ended. I would have liked to see them continue in the book. Maybe we will see them in future mysteries?
Is this book predictable? A bit, but I still enjoyed it and I didn’t know who the killer was until the end. As with most books I’ve read, the ending seemed a bit rushed.
Despite not understanding quilting and any terms associated with it, I was able to read this book pretty smoothly. It was fun to read was a great break from my darker and more complicated palette.
This was a nice cozy start to a new series.
I was thrown off a bit when the mystery began right away. I’m normally used to at least some character or plot development.
Speaking of characters, how many can you fit in one story? This book had so many that it was hard to remember and keep track of them all. What was funny was that poor male barista never earned a name.
Once the suspects were eliminated, their involvement in the plot ended. I would have liked to see them continue in the book. Maybe we will see them in future mysteries?
Is this book predictable? A bit, but I still enjoyed it and I didn’t know who the killer was until the end. As with most books I’ve read, the ending seemed a bit rushed.
Despite not understanding quilting and any terms associated with it, I was able to read this book pretty smoothly. It was fun to read was a great break from my darker and more complicated palette.
September 6, 2026
This was a delightful start to a new cozy mystery series. I loved the protagonist and enjoyed the things she got up to. The mystery was a bit predictable but it was entertaining. The writing had a charming sense of warmth. I look forward to more in this series.
September 3, 2026
"The Quilt Whisperer Investigates" is the first book in the new series "Quilt Whisperer Mystery" by Peggy Ehrhart.
Caroline is working hard preparing for an upcoming exhibit at the Yates Museum. A major piece of that exhibit is an antique quilt owned by Nancy Critchley. However when she goes to have brunch with Nancy and pick up the quilt, she discovers the woman has been murdered and the quilt is gone. Detective Garret Seldon focuses on a museum intern but Caroline and her landlady Libby (Garret's mom) work together to figure out what really happened.
It took me a chapter or so to get into the book as getting to know a new setting and it's characters can take a bit of time. The story itself was interesting with the search for a killer and finding the missing quilt. As with many series, the detective - Garret Seldon - isn't really very sharp and pretty much dismisses things that his mother Libby and Caroline are figuring out before he does.
As for who was behind the killing and the theft, I was pretty sure who was responsible well before the reveal, Yes, there were a variety of other suspects and some good red herrings but not enough to deter me from my prime suspect.
When it came to the quilt that was stolen and memory quilt that Caroline was commissioned to do, it was really hard to get a visual sense of what the designs were despite the lengthy descriptions. A basic sketch/diagram of the design at the beginning or end of the book would have been helpful. Instructions for a small project are included at the end of the book but if you aren't into quilting you really do need to go to the authors website for a better idea. (sneaky way to get hits for your site... sigh)
Then there are the regulars at the coffee shop. The coffee and treats may be very good but the talk is full of gossip and rumors. Eager ears waiting to hear anything that Caroline and Libby are willing to share. Mona - the author - is overly dramatic and extremely annoying. I was really hoping that someone would tell her to shut up and back off. Same thing for Elaine - the cat lady - SO pushy about trying to get Caroline and others to adopt a cat!
The backstory of a Seldon ancestor being honored with a street name and how they didn't feel worthy of the honor took things a bit far by naming it Nodles (Seldon spelt backwards). It's just bizarre. It's also a bit over the top that some people now refer to Garret as Nodles rather than Seldon. Personally, I kept thinking of him as Noodles as he certainly doesn't seem well equipped to do the same job his late father did.
Some interesting sub plots that I'm sure will be explored in further books of this series as we get to know more about the core characters.
Overall, a good cozy mystery.
Caroline is working hard preparing for an upcoming exhibit at the Yates Museum. A major piece of that exhibit is an antique quilt owned by Nancy Critchley. However when she goes to have brunch with Nancy and pick up the quilt, she discovers the woman has been murdered and the quilt is gone. Detective Garret Seldon focuses on a museum intern but Caroline and her landlady Libby (Garret's mom) work together to figure out what really happened.
It took me a chapter or so to get into the book as getting to know a new setting and it's characters can take a bit of time. The story itself was interesting with the search for a killer and finding the missing quilt. As with many series, the detective - Garret Seldon - isn't really very sharp and pretty much dismisses things that his mother Libby and Caroline are figuring out before he does.
As for who was behind the killing and the theft, I was pretty sure who was responsible well before the reveal, Yes, there were a variety of other suspects and some good red herrings but not enough to deter me from my prime suspect.
When it came to the quilt that was stolen and memory quilt that Caroline was commissioned to do, it was really hard to get a visual sense of what the designs were despite the lengthy descriptions. A basic sketch/diagram of the design at the beginning or end of the book would have been helpful. Instructions for a small project are included at the end of the book but if you aren't into quilting you really do need to go to the authors website for a better idea. (sneaky way to get hits for your site... sigh)
Then there are the regulars at the coffee shop. The coffee and treats may be very good but the talk is full of gossip and rumors. Eager ears waiting to hear anything that Caroline and Libby are willing to share. Mona - the author - is overly dramatic and extremely annoying. I was really hoping that someone would tell her to shut up and back off. Same thing for Elaine - the cat lady - SO pushy about trying to get Caroline and others to adopt a cat!
The backstory of a Seldon ancestor being honored with a street name and how they didn't feel worthy of the honor took things a bit far by naming it Nodles (Seldon spelt backwards). It's just bizarre. It's also a bit over the top that some people now refer to Garret as Nodles rather than Seldon. Personally, I kept thinking of him as Noodles as he certainly doesn't seem well equipped to do the same job his late father did.
Some interesting sub plots that I'm sure will be explored in further books of this series as we get to know more about the core characters.
Overall, a good cozy mystery.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.25 stars
I adore Ehrhart's Knit and Nibble series and was excited to see that this book is the first in a new series. The main character is Caroline Platte who puts her knowledge of quilts and antiques to great use as the assistant director and curator for the Yates Museum in Banburyport, Massachusetts. Caroline's "quilt whispering" skills also come in handy when a local resident, Nancy Critchley, is killed and the antique quilt she was going to lend to the museum for a special exhibition is stolen. Caroline and her friend and landlady, Libby Seldon, are convinced Detective Garret Seldon (Libby's son) has the wrong suspect and launch their own investigation.
This is a great start to a new series. Caroline is intelligent and capable in her job. We get to see her doing some of her day-to-day duties as the museum curator/assistant director which was interesting. There are a few different quilts that are part of the story and I enjoyed learning about quilting techniques and patterns even though I'm not a quilter. There are even instructions for a project at the end of the book.
I love how well Caroline and Libby work together and in addition to the quilting facts, their friendship is the highlight of the book for me. I've undecided about Detective Seldon. He doesn't seem like a bad person, but is in way over his head on this investigation and even though he wouldn't admit it, definitely needed Caroline and Libby's assistance. His inexperience and stubbornness in accepting help from Caroline leads to some inept calls in handling parts of the investigation which was frustrating at times. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. There is a hint of a possible rekindled romance or friendship at the very least near the end and I absolutely plan on continuing with this series.
I received a copy of this book from Kensington Books and Kensington Cozies. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
I adore Ehrhart's Knit and Nibble series and was excited to see that this book is the first in a new series. The main character is Caroline Platte who puts her knowledge of quilts and antiques to great use as the assistant director and curator for the Yates Museum in Banburyport, Massachusetts. Caroline's "quilt whispering" skills also come in handy when a local resident, Nancy Critchley, is killed and the antique quilt she was going to lend to the museum for a special exhibition is stolen. Caroline and her friend and landlady, Libby Seldon, are convinced Detective Garret Seldon (Libby's son) has the wrong suspect and launch their own investigation.
This is a great start to a new series. Caroline is intelligent and capable in her job. We get to see her doing some of her day-to-day duties as the museum curator/assistant director which was interesting. There are a few different quilts that are part of the story and I enjoyed learning about quilting techniques and patterns even though I'm not a quilter. There are even instructions for a project at the end of the book.
I love how well Caroline and Libby work together and in addition to the quilting facts, their friendship is the highlight of the book for me. I've undecided about Detective Seldon. He doesn't seem like a bad person, but is in way over his head on this investigation and even though he wouldn't admit it, definitely needed Caroline and Libby's assistance. His inexperience and stubbornness in accepting help from Caroline leads to some inept calls in handling parts of the investigation which was frustrating at times. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. There is a hint of a possible rekindled romance or friendship at the very least near the end and I absolutely plan on continuing with this series.
I received a copy of this book from Kensington Books and Kensington Cozies. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The first in a delightful new series from the author of the Knit & Kibble series, this mystery is set in an Arts and Crafts Museum in Massachusetts. Quilting and antique quilts expert Caroline Platt must solve a suspicious death and locate a missing, priceless quilt that's almost 200 years old. This one is a traditional cozy mystery, and as it sets up a new series, the character introduction and world building are detailed, and there is a great deal of quilting history interspersed throughout. I'm not a quilter myself but still found it interesting. And the story is just brimming with small-town fall vibes. Lighthearted and charming, this is a total comfort read.
Thank you to Kensington Books for the gifted review copy
Thank you to Kensington Books for the gifted review copy
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Kensington Books/ Kensington Creator Hq for this free ARC book in exchange for my honest review of The Quilt Whisperer Investigates by Peggy Ehrhart.
This is the first book in the Quilt Whisperer Mystery series and I already can't wait to read the next one! Set in New England during a crisp autumn, the story follows Caroline, a quilting and antique expert who investigates and ultimately solves a suspicious death. The writing is wonderful and I genuinely enjoyed every single character. It is the absolute definition of a cozy fall read, hooking me from the very first page and keeping me guessing until the end. Overall, this is one that I highly recommend to any cozy mystery fan.
This is the first book in the Quilt Whisperer Mystery series and I already can't wait to read the next one! Set in New England during a crisp autumn, the story follows Caroline, a quilting and antique expert who investigates and ultimately solves a suspicious death. The writing is wonderful and I genuinely enjoyed every single character. It is the absolute definition of a cozy fall read, hooking me from the very first page and keeping me guessing until the end. Overall, this is one that I highly recommend to any cozy mystery fan.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The last week of July, I received an (ARC) of The Quilt Whisperer Investigates. This murder mystery takes place during the fall season. 🍁🍂 Peggy Ehrhart, the author, mailed me a copy herself. Thank you so much, Peggy, for allowing me to read your new series early. 🥰
Several years ago, I was at Books A Million. 📚 While I was there, I discovered a murder mystery book series called Knit and Nibble. 🧶🪡🧵 This is when I first fell in love with Peggy Ehrhart books. 📚
The Quilt Whisperer Investigates is book one in a brand new series. Book one in the series was an excellent read.
A quilting expert at a smalltown Massachusetts arts museum stitches together clues for crimes amid the glow ✨️ of a New England fall, 🍁🍂 in this crafty, new cozy mystery series...
🍁🍂🧵🪡🍂🍁🧵🪡🍂🍁🧵🪡🍂🍁🧵🪡🍂
Several years ago, I was at Books A Million. 📚 While I was there, I discovered a murder mystery book series called Knit and Nibble. 🧶🪡🧵 This is when I first fell in love with Peggy Ehrhart books. 📚
The Quilt Whisperer Investigates is book one in a brand new series. Book one in the series was an excellent read.
A quilting expert at a smalltown Massachusetts arts museum stitches together clues for crimes amid the glow ✨️ of a New England fall, 🍁🍂 in this crafty, new cozy mystery series...
🍁🍂🧵🪡🍂🍁🧵🪡🍂🍁🧵🪡🍂🍁🧵🪡🍂
August 25, 2026
Thank you Peggy Ehrhart + Kensington for my copy of The Quilt Whisperer Investigates. 🤍 I received this book for review, all opinions are my own and given freely.
Peggy kicks off a brand new series with The Quilt Whisperer Investigates. Quilting is something that has caught my attention recently and I think I may dabble in it, eventually, when I have time to add another hobby to my resume. 😂
Although I read this book in the summer, it certainly had me craving the fall season that is quickly approaching. This book takes place in Massachusetts and I dream of experiencing a New England fall in real life one day. This was a very easy and enjoyable read. Perfect if you’re craving a cozy mystery.
Peggy kicks off a brand new series with The Quilt Whisperer Investigates. Quilting is something that has caught my attention recently and I think I may dabble in it, eventually, when I have time to add another hobby to my resume. 😂
Although I read this book in the summer, it certainly had me craving the fall season that is quickly approaching. This book takes place in Massachusetts and I dream of experiencing a New England fall in real life one day. This was a very easy and enjoyable read. Perfect if you’re craving a cozy mystery.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Took me a few chapters to get into the story and understand the flow of it. But once it hit, it had me sucked in. I loved the uniqueness of Caroline not only working at the museum but being an expert on quilts. That’s such a lost art form and never really sees any kind of representation. Even though I had the bad guy nailed from the get go, I still had my moments of maybe it’s not them. I love that I was still second guessing who it could be.
September 10, 2026
4.25 stars!
I really enjoyed this book. It's a cute little cozy mystery. I did feel like there was some background missing in some of the supporting characters, maybe because there will be more in the series and we will see more character development??
I loved the quilting project and recipe added to the end of the book. So much fun! I've never quilted before but have always wanted to so I might actually take on the project.
I really enjoyed this book. It's a cute little cozy mystery. I did feel like there was some background missing in some of the supporting characters, maybe because there will be more in the series and we will see more character development??
I loved the quilting project and recipe added to the end of the book. So much fun! I've never quilted before but have always wanted to so I might actually take on the project.
September 15, 2026
Engaging cozy mystery set in Banburyport, Massachusetts, centered around the theft of an heirloom quilt with the accompanying murder of the quilt's owner. As Caroline, the curator of acquisitions at the Yates Museum, where the quilt was slated to be displayed, found the body, she becomes embroiled in the search for the quilt, and the killer. Fun read, with some interesting information about quilts and quilting included.
September 17, 2026
Slow to catch your attention, but eventually the story engages you. Lots of quilt references of different styles which help the plot move along. The story did get bogged down now and then. I listened to the audiobook, and I didn’t care for the narrator. I really think I would have enjoyed the book better if I had read it instead of listening to it.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
September 18, 2026
If you love quilting, this is probably a four star for you. this is a quick, entertaining read perfect for a rainy weekend or day at the beach. I wasn't a fan of the police chief's character and there was a little too much of going to the coffee shop and not enough of the mystery. This book wasn't bad but I don't feel a need to read any more in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Everything about this book is wonderful!!! You have me hooked whenever a Cozy Mystery involves a missing Quilt , a cat , and a new police detective! The new Museum director , Caroline is trying to solve the mystery of who murdered and stoled the valuable quilt!
Very good!!!
Very good!!!
September 4, 2026
This just wasn't for me. I felt like there was not enough about the murder mystery in here and I was just reading her repeatedly waking up, going to the coffee shop and then going to work.
September 9, 2026
Paced well and a certain page turner!!
August 5, 2026
This is such a a fun cozy mystery read by Peggy Earhart. Caroline works at the town museum and when the quilt that was to be shown at the museum is stolen and the owner of the quilt is murdered, Caroline must find out who did it and where the quilt is. Garrett is the new detective in town. Just when you think you figured it out you get a new clue and then it’s off to see if it’s that person. If you love smalltown vibes and cozy mystery then this is a read for you.
Thank you Kensington HQ for the first read .
Thank you Kensington HQ for the first read .
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews