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Seaside Knitters Mystery #11
Murder at Lambswool Farm
Late summer blooms in beautiful Sea Harbor, Massachusetts, and while a harvest thrives, Izzy Chambers Perry and the other Seaside Knitters will need to cast on their sleuthing skills to save a local farm. Unfortunately, finding a killer can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. . . .
Seaside Knitter Birdie Favazza has long loved knitting, but lately she’s taken on a new challenge—making a family farm operational again. With help from friends, Lambswool Farm is now up and running, with thriving crops and grazing sheep. In addition, the farm will host rustic, six-course prix fixe dinners plated by local chefs and served on a gorgeous restored harvest table, decorated to perfection with colorful knitted vegetables crafted by Izzy Chambers Perry, her aunt Nell, and the other Seaside Knitters.
But on the night of the first meal, everything spins out of control when one of the guests, Seaside Harbor’s family physician, is found dead on the property. It seems that behind Dr. Alan Hamilton’s friendly bedside manner was a man worth killing.
Soon the town is gossiping and pointing fingers at all possible suspects—including the women at Lambswool Farm. Now the Seaside Knitters must join together to uncover the truth in Dr. Hamilton’s complicated past—and restore peace to town and country alike.
Seaside Knitter Birdie Favazza has long loved knitting, but lately she’s taken on a new challenge—making a family farm operational again. With help from friends, Lambswool Farm is now up and running, with thriving crops and grazing sheep. In addition, the farm will host rustic, six-course prix fixe dinners plated by local chefs and served on a gorgeous restored harvest table, decorated to perfection with colorful knitted vegetables crafted by Izzy Chambers Perry, her aunt Nell, and the other Seaside Knitters.
But on the night of the first meal, everything spins out of control when one of the guests, Seaside Harbor’s family physician, is found dead on the property. It seems that behind Dr. Alan Hamilton’s friendly bedside manner was a man worth killing.
Soon the town is gossiping and pointing fingers at all possible suspects—including the women at Lambswool Farm. Now the Seaside Knitters must join together to uncover the truth in Dr. Hamilton’s complicated past—and restore peace to town and country alike.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published May 3, 2016
107 people are currently reading
1213 people want to read
About the author
Sally Goldenbaum
38 books910 followersSally Goldenbaum is a philosophy teacher, knitter, editor, and the author of more than two-dozen novels.
Series:
* A Seaside Knitters Mystery
*
Series:
* A Seaside Knitters Mystery
*
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
May 25, 2016
3.5 stars
I love everything about it but one thing. I wish the story moves a bit faster.
I love everything about it but one thing. I wish the story moves a bit faster.
July 8, 2016
I really like the Seaside Knitters series by Sally Goldenbaum. However, I have to issue a warning: Do NOT read this when you have to fast!!! Forget the murder, the references to food and the wonderful descriptions of dishes made me so hungry I was contemplating the repercussions of a mid night snack. Sanity and willpower prevailed, and I was able to resist and even finish the book.
Now back to my review... I like the characters in this series, but they don't seem to change or evolve, or even DO much for that matter. Things in the series started well, but some characters seem to have hit a wall developmentally. I still enjoy visiting, and find the new characters interesting, but want to see some motivation in the old ones. The storyline was okay, and had me guessing at what was going on behind the scenes. The murder itself was predictable, and the culprit easily ascertained. I found myself skimming through explanations and repeats of the same information just so I could mark this one "read". That said, I'm looking forward to the next installment to see where things go.
Now back to my review... I like the characters in this series, but they don't seem to change or evolve, or even DO much for that matter. Things in the series started well, but some characters seem to have hit a wall developmentally. I still enjoy visiting, and find the new characters interesting, but want to see some motivation in the old ones. The storyline was okay, and had me guessing at what was going on behind the scenes. The murder itself was predictable, and the culprit easily ascertained. I found myself skimming through explanations and repeats of the same information just so I could mark this one "read". That said, I'm looking forward to the next installment to see where things go.
April 5, 2024
Murder at Lambswool Farm by Sally Goldenbaum is the eleventh book in the Seaside Knitters Society mystery series. The setting is Sea Harbor, Massachusetts in late summer/harvest time. While some series are written in such a way that a reader can read the books in any order and understand the story, this series is best understood and enjoyed by being read in order.
The Seaside Knitters Society consists of mature/senior ladies Nell and Birdie, and thirty something ladies Cass and Izzy. Birdie has returned Lambswool Farm to production, and the produce will be sold and turned into fabulous meals by local chefs. During a practice run/dinner party, a beloved local doctor dies under mysterious circumstances.
The Seaside Knitters are determined to find the killer before the opening of Lambswool Farm is ruined. As always, the ladies are helped by husbands, boyfriends, and friends.
This is not one of my favorites in the series. I struggled to get through it. Perhaps it is just me, but something is missing. I don't know if it moved too slow, or if I missed the insight into personal and community life/tidbits of conversations/gossip/ plans.
The Seaside Knitters Society consists of mature/senior ladies Nell and Birdie, and thirty something ladies Cass and Izzy. Birdie has returned Lambswool Farm to production, and the produce will be sold and turned into fabulous meals by local chefs. During a practice run/dinner party, a beloved local doctor dies under mysterious circumstances.
The Seaside Knitters are determined to find the killer before the opening of Lambswool Farm is ruined. As always, the ladies are helped by husbands, boyfriends, and friends.
This is not one of my favorites in the series. I struggled to get through it. Perhaps it is just me, but something is missing. I don't know if it moved too slow, or if I missed the insight into personal and community life/tidbits of conversations/gossip/ plans.
April 18, 2019
This one involves a farm, a stranger, a doctor, a clinic, a will, and a dinner party. I liked the farm. It was nice to have a new location. I also liked the lambs. They sounded sweet. The dinner party was also interesting. It was mostly the food that I liked. The mysteries were intriguing, but I had one figured out early on.
June 1, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/mu...
Murder at Lambswool Farm
Seaside Knitters Mystery, Book #11
by Sally Goldenbaum
ISBN13: 9780451471642
Author website: http://www.sallygoldenbaum.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
Late summer blooms in beautiful Sea Harbor, Massachusetts, and while a harvest thrives, Izzy Chambers Perry and the other Seaside Knitters will need to cast on their sleuthing skills to save a local farm. Unfortunately, finding a killer can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. . ..
Seaside Knitter Birdie Favazza has long loved knitting, but lately she’s taken on a new challenge—making a family farm operational again. With help from friends, Lambswool Farm is now up and running, with thriving crops and grazing sheep. In addition, the farm will host rustic, six-course prix fixe dinners plated by local chefs and served on a gorgeous restored harvest table, decorated to perfection with colorful knitted vegetables crafted by Izzy Chambers Perry, her aunt Nell, and the other Seaside Knitters.
But on the night of the first meal, everything spins out of control when one of the guests, Seaside Harbor’s family physician, is found dead on the property. It seems that behind Dr. Alan Hamilton’s friendly bedside manner was a man worth killing.
Soon the town is gossiping and pointing fingers at all possible suspects—including the women at Lambswool Farm. Now the Seaside Knitters must join together to uncover the truth in Dr. Hamilton’s complicated past—and restore peace to town and country alike.
Review:
If you are looking for an action packed, suspenseful, dark novel, you are in the wrong place with Murder at Lambswool Farm. On the other hand, if you want a wonderfully written, descriptive, read full of fabulous relationships, small town charm and a murder mystery mixed in, you have come to the right place. The ladies in the Seaside Knitters are a lovely group that are more than friends. Along with their spouses, partners, housekeepers and children, they are a true extended family. Their love for one another and their charming town, Sea Harbor, Massachusetts, are what bring me back again and again to this wonderful series. Author Sally Goldenbaum keeps this group interesting, relevant and charming always.
In the 11th installment of “A Seaside Knitters Mystery”, Murder at Lambswool Farm finds the ladies getting ready for the ‘practice run’ at Lambswool Farm. Eldest member of the Seaside Knitters, Birdie Favazza is getting the old family farm operational. It will not only have crops and sheep (never to be eaten though), but will also host 6 course meals made by the clamoring local chefs. Birdie has invited all of the knitters and their families as well as many other townsfolk to the practice meal. Included in the invitees is family doctor and friend, Dr. Alan Hamilton. He has seemed a bit ill and out of sorts for days. Yet no one expected him to fall over dead at the table. When the gang finds out the doctor was actually murdered, they are shocked. Who would want to kill such a wonderful man?
With so many people in the suspect pool, the ladies are really at loose ends trying to find answers to who killed the good doctor. It does not help that a seemingly friendly and perfectly nice young doctor has appeared in town just before the murder. Glenn seems to be keeping secrets and he has definitely lied. Although his secret was easy enough for me to figure out, the reasons for his visit and how things played out were still a mystery to me and quite fun to read it all play out.
I really love the pacing and writing style of author Sally Goldenbaum. Murder at Lambswool Farm is a super addition to this endearing series. The characters are like good friends and I love being able to visit with them in their sweet town. Nell will always be my favorite. I love the character table in the front of the book. This also makes it easy for anyone new to the series to delve right in without any problems. This is another seamless effort by author Goldenbaum. Her descriptive writing style truly brings Sea Harbor and its occupants to life. This is a masterfully woven tale, knitted with love and tied up with a wonderful mystery that kept me guessing.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
Murder at Lambswool Farm
Seaside Knitters Mystery, Book #11
by Sally Goldenbaum
ISBN13: 9780451471642
Author website: http://www.sallygoldenbaum.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
Late summer blooms in beautiful Sea Harbor, Massachusetts, and while a harvest thrives, Izzy Chambers Perry and the other Seaside Knitters will need to cast on their sleuthing skills to save a local farm. Unfortunately, finding a killer can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. . ..
Seaside Knitter Birdie Favazza has long loved knitting, but lately she’s taken on a new challenge—making a family farm operational again. With help from friends, Lambswool Farm is now up and running, with thriving crops and grazing sheep. In addition, the farm will host rustic, six-course prix fixe dinners plated by local chefs and served on a gorgeous restored harvest table, decorated to perfection with colorful knitted vegetables crafted by Izzy Chambers Perry, her aunt Nell, and the other Seaside Knitters.
But on the night of the first meal, everything spins out of control when one of the guests, Seaside Harbor’s family physician, is found dead on the property. It seems that behind Dr. Alan Hamilton’s friendly bedside manner was a man worth killing.
Soon the town is gossiping and pointing fingers at all possible suspects—including the women at Lambswool Farm. Now the Seaside Knitters must join together to uncover the truth in Dr. Hamilton’s complicated past—and restore peace to town and country alike.
Review:
If you are looking for an action packed, suspenseful, dark novel, you are in the wrong place with Murder at Lambswool Farm. On the other hand, if you want a wonderfully written, descriptive, read full of fabulous relationships, small town charm and a murder mystery mixed in, you have come to the right place. The ladies in the Seaside Knitters are a lovely group that are more than friends. Along with their spouses, partners, housekeepers and children, they are a true extended family. Their love for one another and their charming town, Sea Harbor, Massachusetts, are what bring me back again and again to this wonderful series. Author Sally Goldenbaum keeps this group interesting, relevant and charming always.
In the 11th installment of “A Seaside Knitters Mystery”, Murder at Lambswool Farm finds the ladies getting ready for the ‘practice run’ at Lambswool Farm. Eldest member of the Seaside Knitters, Birdie Favazza is getting the old family farm operational. It will not only have crops and sheep (never to be eaten though), but will also host 6 course meals made by the clamoring local chefs. Birdie has invited all of the knitters and their families as well as many other townsfolk to the practice meal. Included in the invitees is family doctor and friend, Dr. Alan Hamilton. He has seemed a bit ill and out of sorts for days. Yet no one expected him to fall over dead at the table. When the gang finds out the doctor was actually murdered, they are shocked. Who would want to kill such a wonderful man?
With so many people in the suspect pool, the ladies are really at loose ends trying to find answers to who killed the good doctor. It does not help that a seemingly friendly and perfectly nice young doctor has appeared in town just before the murder. Glenn seems to be keeping secrets and he has definitely lied. Although his secret was easy enough for me to figure out, the reasons for his visit and how things played out were still a mystery to me and quite fun to read it all play out.
I really love the pacing and writing style of author Sally Goldenbaum. Murder at Lambswool Farm is a super addition to this endearing series. The characters are like good friends and I love being able to visit with them in their sweet town. Nell will always be my favorite. I love the character table in the front of the book. This also makes it easy for anyone new to the series to delve right in without any problems. This is another seamless effort by author Goldenbaum. Her descriptive writing style truly brings Sea Harbor and its occupants to life. This is a masterfully woven tale, knitted with love and tied up with a wonderful mystery that kept me guessing.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
November 22, 2021
These are fun to read. I love visiting the seaside town. Nell and her friends are so active, I don’t know how they do it all. The mystery was good and kept me guessing.
May 8, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
When I pick up a book by Sally Goldenbaum I feel like I am going to visit dear friends. I can’t believe this is book 11 in this series, meaning this is my 11th visit to Sea Harbor. This time we travel to Lambswool Farm. Birdie with the help of several Sea Harbor residents has given new life to the Favazza Family Farm. The fields are full of crops and there are sheep in the pasture. The farm will now serve diners huge farm to table dinners outside at huge table. (Check out the cover for a great picture.) I love this idea! But on the night the first meal is served a long time Sea Harbor resident dies. No one else even got sick, so there is definitely some cause other than the fabulous food. The Seaside Knitters need to find the truth before it not only ruins Birdie’s plans but tears the community apart.
The Seaside Knitters, Izzy, Nell, Cass and Birdie, along with their spouses, significant others, kids and friends are some of the best characters right now in cozy literature. Over the years the group has grown because as a whole they are all so welcoming. Knitting may have brought them together in the beginning but it is their friendships that have stood the test of time. (Don’t worry if you are new to the series or need a little refresher the author includes a cast list as the start of the book.) They welcome someone new to the group this time who seems to be just passing through but ends up staying longer than they planned.
The dialogue between the characters is genuine and smart. They all have different ways to process clues and it is fun to see how it all comes together in the end.
Great dialogue is born from a great story. The murder plot was so well written and knit together with everything else going on is Sea Harbor flawlessly. I really enjoy the way Ms. Goldenbaum tells a story. The death doesn’t happen early in the book. She lets the reader catch up with our favorite characters and all that is happening in their lives before we really need to sink our teeth in to trying to solve the mystery. Then she throws in some twists that have us doing a backstitch or two as she keeps us guessing right to the end.
I have enjoyed every virtual vacation to Sea Harbor. It is a beautiful place to visit full of wonderful people. I am ready to book my next trip there as soon as possible.
Thank you Sally for the wonderful trip!
When I pick up a book by Sally Goldenbaum I feel like I am going to visit dear friends. I can’t believe this is book 11 in this series, meaning this is my 11th visit to Sea Harbor. This time we travel to Lambswool Farm. Birdie with the help of several Sea Harbor residents has given new life to the Favazza Family Farm. The fields are full of crops and there are sheep in the pasture. The farm will now serve diners huge farm to table dinners outside at huge table. (Check out the cover for a great picture.) I love this idea! But on the night the first meal is served a long time Sea Harbor resident dies. No one else even got sick, so there is definitely some cause other than the fabulous food. The Seaside Knitters need to find the truth before it not only ruins Birdie’s plans but tears the community apart.
The Seaside Knitters, Izzy, Nell, Cass and Birdie, along with their spouses, significant others, kids and friends are some of the best characters right now in cozy literature. Over the years the group has grown because as a whole they are all so welcoming. Knitting may have brought them together in the beginning but it is their friendships that have stood the test of time. (Don’t worry if you are new to the series or need a little refresher the author includes a cast list as the start of the book.) They welcome someone new to the group this time who seems to be just passing through but ends up staying longer than they planned.
The dialogue between the characters is genuine and smart. They all have different ways to process clues and it is fun to see how it all comes together in the end.
Great dialogue is born from a great story. The murder plot was so well written and knit together with everything else going on is Sea Harbor flawlessly. I really enjoy the way Ms. Goldenbaum tells a story. The death doesn’t happen early in the book. She lets the reader catch up with our favorite characters and all that is happening in their lives before we really need to sink our teeth in to trying to solve the mystery. Then she throws in some twists that have us doing a backstitch or two as she keeps us guessing right to the end.
I have enjoyed every virtual vacation to Sea Harbor. It is a beautiful place to visit full of wonderful people. I am ready to book my next trip there as soon as possible.
Thank you Sally for the wonderful trip!
March 2, 2020
When a man breaks down outside Lambswool Farm he ends up staying in Seaside Harbor for a while waiting for his car to be fixed, he doesn't say much about himself other than the fact he is a doctor and his father has recently died and so he is travelling, most people seem to like him but a couple are not so sure, Glenn Mackensie has made himself popular with Angelo Garozzo mind you as when he broke down he ended up fixing the tractor on the farm (his car was a step too far though), the farm has been brought back from the brink of ruin and there are plans for it to be an organic, fairly self sustaining restaurant (well once a month it will host a fixed dinner), Birdie is one of those that likes Glenn and so she invites him to the trial run dinner, he has got on well with the local family doctor and also with Sam Perry so it seems he will fit in well. No one expects Dr Alan to keel over at the end of the meal though and die the next day in hospital, granted he had been under some stress but he still seemed reasonably fit, and then they discover he has been poisoned, now fingers are pointing here, there and everywhere and the seaside knitters need to unravel the clues to find out what happened and to give more than one person closure.
November 1, 2017
In this book, Birdie Favazza has turned a run down farm into a new business featuring meals prepared by the chefs of Seaside Harbor. At the end of the practice meal, the town's family physician becomes ill and dies. It turns out the doctor was murdered by poison over time and the town wants answers. Previous to this dinner, a stranger has come to town and somewhat made himself a part of the town. When the murder happens, the stranger is looked at and wondered about. The knitters start to dig deeper to find the answers and make sure everyone is safe. The book was a quick easy read.
August 16, 2018
An excellent addition to the Seaside Knitters Mystery series! The plot was very intriguing and interesting. Characters that had been background characters in the past were brought more fully into the spotlight and fleshed out even more, a mysterious visitor and of course a murder all made this story much more interesting. I always feel like I am visiting old friends when I read another of these stories and I can't wait to come back and visit again!
June 25, 2017
One of my favorite authors. Sally Goldenbaum combines a cozy mystery with some knitting sidelines that are always a good read for me.
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January 31, 2017This was my second book to read for my monthly challenge. I did not realize how many of Sally Goldenbaum Seaside Knitters Books I have read, but I think I have read them all now and I am waiting for a new one to come out. I will have to go to Lea Wait's Needlepoint books!
This book started out with a stranger coming into town and getting stuck near the old Lambswool Farm that Birdie Favazzo and Claire Russell are rebuilding into a high end restaurant for their family and friends.
Glenn Mackenzie's car breaks down on their property and Angelo the handy man helps him find someone to fix it while Glenn fixes the John Deere tracker that Angelo needs help with. Soon everyone in town knows that Glenn has helped Angelo and is staying in town until his car is fixed at the Ravenswood B and B. run by Mary Pisano. Mary who is also a reporter for the local newspaper tells everyone she meets that Glenn is a wonderful person and they should stop by and meet him.
Nell and Ben Endicott are out for dinner one night with Izzy, Sam, Cass, Danny, and Birdie, and they run into Glenn at the bar and invite him to have dinner with them so they can all get to know the new guy in town. Well it turns out that he loves photography the same as Sam and mystery books, the same as Danny so he fits right into the group.
Soon Sam and Danny ask him to go with them on a project they are working on about the town history for a book they are writing. He agrees and fits right in.
He meets the town Doctor and likes him right off the bat. But there is a problem, the Doctor gets sick at Birdie's first Lambswool Farm dinner and dies right there.
Everyone is upset and the Seaside Knitters set out to find the murderer. You have to read this story because it is so good you will not be able to put it down. Everyone will think that Glenn the new guy in town did it! It is well worth the read. Sally really out did herself on this book!
This book started out with a stranger coming into town and getting stuck near the old Lambswool Farm that Birdie Favazzo and Claire Russell are rebuilding into a high end restaurant for their family and friends.
Glenn Mackenzie's car breaks down on their property and Angelo the handy man helps him find someone to fix it while Glenn fixes the John Deere tracker that Angelo needs help with. Soon everyone in town knows that Glenn has helped Angelo and is staying in town until his car is fixed at the Ravenswood B and B. run by Mary Pisano. Mary who is also a reporter for the local newspaper tells everyone she meets that Glenn is a wonderful person and they should stop by and meet him.
Nell and Ben Endicott are out for dinner one night with Izzy, Sam, Cass, Danny, and Birdie, and they run into Glenn at the bar and invite him to have dinner with them so they can all get to know the new guy in town. Well it turns out that he loves photography the same as Sam and mystery books, the same as Danny so he fits right into the group.
Soon Sam and Danny ask him to go with them on a project they are working on about the town history for a book they are writing. He agrees and fits right in.
He meets the town Doctor and likes him right off the bat. But there is a problem, the Doctor gets sick at Birdie's first Lambswool Farm dinner and dies right there.
Everyone is upset and the Seaside Knitters set out to find the murderer. You have to read this story because it is so good you will not be able to put it down. Everyone will think that Glenn the new guy in town did it! It is well worth the read. Sally really out did herself on this book!
May 2, 2016
MURDER AT LAMBSWOOL FARM is another wonderful installment in the long running Seaside Knitters series.
Author Sally Goldenbaum knows how to set a scene. Every time I visit Sea Harbor, Massachusetts, I want to stay. I can picture this lovely town the entire time I’m reading a new Seaside Knitters Mystery. The author has really developed the series since the first book, DEATH BY CASHMERE, came out back in 2008. It’s been a joy to watch the character evolve and grow.
MURDET AT LAMBSWOOL FARM is a shining example of why this series continues to flourish. With the superb writing style of Ms. Goldenbaum, and the keep-the-reader-guessing mystery, this addition to her series is sure to be a hit with her fans, and earn her many more.
I also want to thank author Goldenbaum for the character list in the beginning of the book. It helps aging brains like mine to keep track. ;-)
Check out the back of the book for instruction on making a knit and felted bowl, and for a great recipe!
Author Sally Goldenbaum knows how to set a scene. Every time I visit Sea Harbor, Massachusetts, I want to stay. I can picture this lovely town the entire time I’m reading a new Seaside Knitters Mystery. The author has really developed the series since the first book, DEATH BY CASHMERE, came out back in 2008. It’s been a joy to watch the character evolve and grow.
MURDET AT LAMBSWOOL FARM is a shining example of why this series continues to flourish. With the superb writing style of Ms. Goldenbaum, and the keep-the-reader-guessing mystery, this addition to her series is sure to be a hit with her fans, and earn her many more.
I also want to thank author Goldenbaum for the character list in the beginning of the book. It helps aging brains like mine to keep track. ;-)
Check out the back of the book for instruction on making a knit and felted bowl, and for a great recipe!
November 6, 2023
It has been some time since I was last in Sea Harbor for a visit with the knitting gang. This 4.5 star read took me back there and reminded me why I love these books so much. This one was slightly different for me....it was the first time in 11 books that I figured out who did it before the gang. Very cleverly plotted, beautifully written and skillfully knitted together this was another wonderful read. As we return to Sea Harbor we meet all our old friends and we are introduced to some new ones. We get a feel for the people, the place, the scenery and can picture ourselves right there. There were some real laugh out loud moments and a beautifully concluded cozy mystery. If you have read this author before I am sure you will have this on your TBR. If you have never read Sally Goldenbaum I would start at book one and you will be in for a treat of a cozy mystery series. I pray there is a book 12 so we can visit out friends again.
May 29, 2016
I've read a number of Ms Goldenbaum's books over the years and have enjoyed them all. This book reaches new heights in the way her characters act and how much effort they put into solving a mystery that involves the happiness of the entire community.
I haven't done much blogging this last year or so but this book is bringing the words back into my fingers. The stranger who comes to town out of nowhere, who spends his time investigating the town and the people in it. The guileless way he appears to talk to people and make friends. All this and more make Murder at Lambswool Farm the BEST in the series. I strongly suggest reading it if you love mystery stories.
I haven't done much blogging this last year or so but this book is bringing the words back into my fingers. The stranger who comes to town out of nowhere, who spends his time investigating the town and the people in it. The guileless way he appears to talk to people and make friends. All this and more make Murder at Lambswool Farm the BEST in the series. I strongly suggest reading it if you love mystery stories.
November 4, 2016
The Seaside Knitting group never fails. I find myself reading slower than with other books because I want to “savor” each page. Since reading from the first book, I feel like part of this group but I am still surprised when I get to the end. I always think I know who the murderer is and the motive and yet I don’t.
Fantastic read!!!
Fantastic read!!!
July 28, 2016
A fun cozy mystery.
September 12, 2023
I was so disillusioned with both books 10 and 11 in this series that I don’t know whether I have what it takes to read another one. In this book, you don’t get to the murder until the very end of chapter 12. Now, don’t misunderstand. There are times, especially in those cerebral British police procedurals, when holding the murder off to chapter 12 makes sense. But this felt slow, slow, and grinding to me. I very nearly exclaimed, “At last! Someone’s dead!” That’s terrible and ghoulish, I realize that. But it’s how I felt.
Seaside Knitter Birdie Favazza has undertaken a project to bring back to life of a working farm for the growth of organic things. The farm will also play host to a delectable eating establishment. What else? This Sea Harbor group should all weigh 700 pounds and require 168 hours’ worth of oxygen every week. If you read this series, you know these people are either eating or hugging; sometimes, they seem to be doing both. (Stick those crumbs in your beard, by gosh!) In any case, the knitters are fascinated by the appearance of a drifter who claims his car broke. They offered him a job at the farm, but he politely refused even though he fixed the farm’s tractor.
More interesting is the fact that the town doctor is ill or overly tired and seems to be worsening. Alas, at the end of chapter 12, it is he who slips the surly bonds of Earth and yet another Seaside Knitter’s table.
Again, please try to understand that I’m not taking potshots at an author who is clearly talented. If the series isn’t running out of gas, perhaps it’s me. My frustration with this book isn’t her fault. These characters aren’t nearly as memorable as Jan Karon’s Mitford characters, but few are as memorable as those. That said, they are vivid enough that, if I jog the mind a bit, I can recall them even if I’m not reading the series. It’s always fun, for example, to read about Birdie’s flamboyant pre-teen granddaughter. The long-lasting love between Ben and Nel is admirable indeed. But the food is almost gluttonous, and the dialogue feels ponderous only because there’s so much of it. I gave up on the Louise Penny series because it felt like that was a town where watching paint dry made for a breathtaking day. This dangerously approaches paint-dry territory for me. I’m not giving up on the series just yet.
Seaside Knitter Birdie Favazza has undertaken a project to bring back to life of a working farm for the growth of organic things. The farm will also play host to a delectable eating establishment. What else? This Sea Harbor group should all weigh 700 pounds and require 168 hours’ worth of oxygen every week. If you read this series, you know these people are either eating or hugging; sometimes, they seem to be doing both. (Stick those crumbs in your beard, by gosh!) In any case, the knitters are fascinated by the appearance of a drifter who claims his car broke. They offered him a job at the farm, but he politely refused even though he fixed the farm’s tractor.
More interesting is the fact that the town doctor is ill or overly tired and seems to be worsening. Alas, at the end of chapter 12, it is he who slips the surly bonds of Earth and yet another Seaside Knitter’s table.
Again, please try to understand that I’m not taking potshots at an author who is clearly talented. If the series isn’t running out of gas, perhaps it’s me. My frustration with this book isn’t her fault. These characters aren’t nearly as memorable as Jan Karon’s Mitford characters, but few are as memorable as those. That said, they are vivid enough that, if I jog the mind a bit, I can recall them even if I’m not reading the series. It’s always fun, for example, to read about Birdie’s flamboyant pre-teen granddaughter. The long-lasting love between Ben and Nel is admirable indeed. But the food is almost gluttonous, and the dialogue feels ponderous only because there’s so much of it. I gave up on the Louise Penny series because it felt like that was a town where watching paint dry made for a breathtaking day. This dangerously approaches paint-dry territory for me. I’m not giving up on the series just yet.
August 11, 2025
Reading Murder at Lambswool Farm felt like being swept into a slow-moving reunion—complete with food, wine, and cozy friendships. It’s the kind of book that’s painfully long and predictable, yet somehow impossible to put down. I found myself cringing at times, especially with the overly familiar tone and the almost too-perfect community of knitters and neighbors. Still, there’s something oddly comforting about it. Maybe “cozy” is the right word—familiar, warm, and safe.
This book opens with a cast list of 47 characters and townspeople—and ends with a knitting pattern and a kabob recipe. That pretty much sums up the vibe: it’s a slow, meandering stroll through Sea Harbor, where four best friends unravel the murder of a local doctor-heartthrob over wine, yarn, and endless conversation.
All 294 pages breathe with dialogue from their knitting group, and while the murder mystery doesn’t grip you from the start, it does eventually deliver a surprising and interesting twist. The town takes about 30 chapters to recover from the shock and start solving the crime, and even then, the explanations don’t exactly pull you in. But oddly enough, I couldn’t put it down.
Do I recommend reading it? That depends. If you’re short on time, feeling ill, or surrounded by enemies—this is not your last book to read. But if you’re looking for something cozy to delve into over a lunch break, something that transports you to another world of friendship, food, and fiber arts—then yes. Absolutely.
This book opens with a cast list of 47 characters and townspeople—and ends with a knitting pattern and a kabob recipe. That pretty much sums up the vibe: it’s a slow, meandering stroll through Sea Harbor, where four best friends unravel the murder of a local doctor-heartthrob over wine, yarn, and endless conversation.
All 294 pages breathe with dialogue from their knitting group, and while the murder mystery doesn’t grip you from the start, it does eventually deliver a surprising and interesting twist. The town takes about 30 chapters to recover from the shock and start solving the crime, and even then, the explanations don’t exactly pull you in. But oddly enough, I couldn’t put it down.
Do I recommend reading it? That depends. If you’re short on time, feeling ill, or surrounded by enemies—this is not your last book to read. But if you’re looking for something cozy to delve into over a lunch break, something that transports you to another world of friendship, food, and fiber arts—then yes. Absolutely.
August 30, 2024
Murder at Lambswool Farm is the eleventh cozy mystery in the Seaside Knitters Society Mystery series. Birdie Favazza is in the process of revitalizing a local farm and is close to opening the new and improved Lambswool Farm to the public. During the soft launch of the new restaurant on the farm a death of a local doctor sets everyone on guard. In order to save the grand opening of Lambswool Farm and ease the tension around town, the Seaside Knitters must put on their sleuthing hats to get to the bottom of the murder before it’s too late.
I’ve been slowly reading this series over the last few years and it’s always fun to come back to Seaside Harbor. I enjoy the setting of this series so much and like the cast of characters in these books. There is always the same core group, but each installation pulls in different characters, some that we’ve met before and others that we haven’t, that keeps each mystery interesting. If you started half way through the series I could see the amount of characters getting confusing, but having started from the beginning I enjoy the amount of faces we get to see per mystery. This mystery is a little slow moving at times which makes for a slow read at points, but it’s fun to check in with the characters in between. I look forward to seeing what comes next in this series and await my next visit to Seaside Harbor. If you are looking for a cozy mystery series that has an amazing setting and good cast of characters this series is a good one to try.
I’ve been slowly reading this series over the last few years and it’s always fun to come back to Seaside Harbor. I enjoy the setting of this series so much and like the cast of characters in these books. There is always the same core group, but each installation pulls in different characters, some that we’ve met before and others that we haven’t, that keeps each mystery interesting. If you started half way through the series I could see the amount of characters getting confusing, but having started from the beginning I enjoy the amount of faces we get to see per mystery. This mystery is a little slow moving at times which makes for a slow read at points, but it’s fun to check in with the characters in between. I look forward to seeing what comes next in this series and await my next visit to Seaside Harbor. If you are looking for a cozy mystery series that has an amazing setting and good cast of characters this series is a good one to try.
August 2, 2017
I considered this novel a lazy summer book; which means that now and then, when you take a break in the summer, you might want to pick up the book and read for a while. It is a very slow read. I am not suggesting that it is not a good book; in fact, it was a very good book; it was simply slow as in the area where the novel take place appears to be one of those slow, restful, lacking action towns and the book reflected this.
When a stranger’s auto breaks down at the end of the driveway to Lambswool Farm it seems that destiny is at work. The driver of the auto knows enough about tractors to get the farm’s new tractor up and running, and a farm hand calls the local auto repair shop to tow the breakdown into the shop.
This stranger ingratiates himself into the lives of the townsfolk; but, when he is the last person to spend alone time with the beloved town doctor before he collapses and dies, people begin to wonder. The local knitter’s club decides to investigate what they learn has been a murder by first listing all of those who could not have possibly murdered the doctor.
When questionable actions come into play, the ladies must rethink their strategy. When they learn that the stranger’s vehicle has been fixed for some time and they take a deeper look at him, they realize that he is keeping a secret; but, is this secret something worth killing over?
July 24, 2017
This reminded me of the idyllic mysteries of Louise Penny that take place in Three Pines, an isolated perfect tiny town in southern Quebec. This tiny town is on the ocean, I think maybe in Massachusetts. There's no big box economy, everybody runs a tiny store, there are always customers waiting to check out. the local clinic is swamped with patients. Even the Ob/gyn needs to expand her busy practice. So you know this is a happily ever after type of mystery.
Because the detectives are four women the author has to bring them together constantly. It leads to dinners together practically every night, lots of morning meetings, visits to the farm, to the beach, busy, busy, busy. Exhausting. For everyone. Since it must end happily any reader will eliminate the characters under suspicion immediately, leaving peripheral people only. Not awful, kind of nice to get away from Jo Nesbo and his sickening constant violence, but not really my cup of tea. At least Louise Penny has nuanced characters.
Because the detectives are four women the author has to bring them together constantly. It leads to dinners together practically every night, lots of morning meetings, visits to the farm, to the beach, busy, busy, busy. Exhausting. For everyone. Since it must end happily any reader will eliminate the characters under suspicion immediately, leaving peripheral people only. Not awful, kind of nice to get away from Jo Nesbo and his sickening constant violence, but not really my cup of tea. At least Louise Penny has nuanced characters.
August 30, 2023
I just enjoy this series.
This time, it's nearing the end of summer and everyone is looking forward to the run-through dinner at Lambswool Farm, which had belonged to series regular Birdie's late husband. It has been restored and revived as the ultimate farm-to-table restaurant. But onyhe night in question, the beloved town doctor, Alan Hamilton, collapses and dies.
Once it has been determined as arsenic poisoning, the town is abuzz with rumor and fear. Is it the somewhat friendly stranger whose car broke down and has stuck around for a while, or one of their neighbors? The Seaside Knitters decide to investigate, and they learn some things about the suspects along the way that surprise them.
As usual, there are several little side stories going on, lots of knitting, and good-sounding food. Cape Ann, where the series takes place, is one of my favorite places, and I enjoy spending time with this group of fictional friends.
This time, it's nearing the end of summer and everyone is looking forward to the run-through dinner at Lambswool Farm, which had belonged to series regular Birdie's late husband. It has been restored and revived as the ultimate farm-to-table restaurant. But onyhe night in question, the beloved town doctor, Alan Hamilton, collapses and dies.
Once it has been determined as arsenic poisoning, the town is abuzz with rumor and fear. Is it the somewhat friendly stranger whose car broke down and has stuck around for a while, or one of their neighbors? The Seaside Knitters decide to investigate, and they learn some things about the suspects along the way that surprise them.
As usual, there are several little side stories going on, lots of knitting, and good-sounding food. Cape Ann, where the series takes place, is one of my favorite places, and I enjoy spending time with this group of fictional friends.
August 26, 2020
Another wonderful visit with the Seaside Knitters, their friends, and families, begins with the arrival of a stranger to their midst. When Glenn Mackenzie's car breaks down near Lambswool Farm, he ends up staying in Sea Harbor, waiting for it to be prepared, and somehow making himself at home there. But there are tensions beneath the surface, despite the lovely weather as summer winds down. Something is bothering the town doctor, Alan Hamilton, but is it taking a toll on his health as well? But when Alan dies at a festive dinner, it quickly appears that it wasn't natural. Someone killed him? But who could possibly have anything against him? Nell, Birdie, Izzy, and Cass are determined to discover the answer, no matter where it might lead. Recommended.
September 5, 2021
Harvest of Friends
This is, I believe, the 11th books in the Sea Harbor Knitters mystery series, (don’t quote me on that), and the characters and sense of place are still just as tangible as from the first book. More so even. The mystery was good, but I did find this book particularly sad. Perhaps it is because of the connection to the characters that Sally Goldenbaum has created so well. It really felt as if I was mourning the loss with the group. But as with all good mysteries, despite the trials, there were triumphs and a satisfying resolution. A restoration for the whole town, and for the reader! The well written characters really the star of this series. Another book well done!
This is, I believe, the 11th books in the Sea Harbor Knitters mystery series, (don’t quote me on that), and the characters and sense of place are still just as tangible as from the first book. More so even. The mystery was good, but I did find this book particularly sad. Perhaps it is because of the connection to the characters that Sally Goldenbaum has created so well. It really felt as if I was mourning the loss with the group. But as with all good mysteries, despite the trials, there were triumphs and a satisfying resolution. A restoration for the whole town, and for the reader! The well written characters really the star of this series. Another book well done!
March 13, 2023
Offspring
Birdie’s granddaughter Gabby is ecstatic about her new best friend, a ewe named Charlotte, who is pregnant and due soon. Birdie’s latest venture, Lambswool Farm, is turning one of her Favazza properties into a working farm, with a farm-to-table restaurant added. Sadness mars the rehearsal/shakedown dinner, however, when Sea Harbor’s preeminent doctor, Alan Hamilton, collapses and later dies, a victim of arsenic poisoning. With a new, somewhat mysterious man in town, suspicions run rampant - but then, what reason could that man have, if he hadn’t even been to Sea Harbor before? The Seaside Knitters use their social connections, inquisitive natures, and simple logic to reason out the true killer, deeply saddening them as they find the truth.
Birdie’s granddaughter Gabby is ecstatic about her new best friend, a ewe named Charlotte, who is pregnant and due soon. Birdie’s latest venture, Lambswool Farm, is turning one of her Favazza properties into a working farm, with a farm-to-table restaurant added. Sadness mars the rehearsal/shakedown dinner, however, when Sea Harbor’s preeminent doctor, Alan Hamilton, collapses and later dies, a victim of arsenic poisoning. With a new, somewhat mysterious man in town, suspicions run rampant - but then, what reason could that man have, if he hadn’t even been to Sea Harbor before? The Seaside Knitters use their social connections, inquisitive natures, and simple logic to reason out the true killer, deeply saddening them as they find the truth.
June 22, 2017
I do not recommend reading this book unless you've read the others in the series. I didn't realize it was part of a series and on it's on I liked it. I was excited at first because I thought it was a guy solving this murder not just another chick cozy. I thought hey this is different. Though as I read on I realized it was more like a village solving the murder. I do enjoy the first page and it naming the characters and a biography of them. Overall I felt lost some points of the books I understood and like other points I got lost in the people and characters. I think I need to read the first book and compare the two.
June 26, 2018
This is a great series for light summer reading or cosy by the fire reading in other words it has the right balance of family , intrigue, twists and turns to make an afternoon fly by. The characters are well drawn and with each book more layers are revealed just as the murderer may well have shown up as a benign character in a previous book .if you are not a knitter don’t be put off thinking it’s a little group just talking about what’s on their needles. The women are of varied ages and occupations who use their knitting to enhance their friendship and clear their minds to concentrate on the problems. 4.5
January 19, 2022
Another good addition to the series. It’s hard not to just rubber stamp a three or four star review and move on. None of the series fall to "just ok" status nor are any likely to reach "it's amazing".
Books in this series are all similar. And through the talent of the author that is not a criticism.
She has created a believable idyllic town anyone would want to visit.
She continues to populate that town with likeable, believable characters.
She provides enough twists and turns to solving the murder that it’s interesting yet still plausible.
This series continues to be one where readers come to visit old friends and stay for the mystery.
Books in this series are all similar. And through the talent of the author that is not a criticism.
She has created a believable idyllic town anyone would want to visit.
She continues to populate that town with likeable, believable characters.
She provides enough twists and turns to solving the murder that it’s interesting yet still plausible.
This series continues to be one where readers come to visit old friends and stay for the mystery.
August 9, 2024
A second-hand find, but not too bad. My main complaint would be that the book was too long with too many happenings that had nothing to do with solving the mystery. In the end, the solution was extremely simple and obvious. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the ending as to where the characters were headed. I won't look for another book in the series to read, though. There were so many characters to keep track of that I gave up completely near the middle. I do think the author does a good job of bringing the little town of Sea Harbor to life, but I am not interested enough to continue. Overall, an okay book, but not for me.
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