What do you think?
Rate this book
Tangled Web Mystery #2
A Knit before Dying
When an antiques-store owner is murdered, a close-knit community could come “An enjoyable read.”—Kirkus Reviews Shop owner Josie Blair is finally settling into the pace of living in Dorset Falls, Connecticut. Between running Miss Marple Knits, jumpstarting a blog, and handcrafting items with the help of her knitting pals, Josie’s too preoccupied to worry about her past. And thanks to Lyndon and Harry, the owners of the brand-new antique shop next door, she’s also busy repurposing a box of vintage crocheted doilies adorned with the most curious needlework… But before Josie can formally welcome her neighbors, she discovers Lyndon on the floor of his shop stabbed to death by a rusty old pair of sheep shears. Police have pinned Harry as the killer, but Josie isn’t so sure. Now, she’s lacing up for another homicide investigation—and no eyelet or stitch can go unexamined, lest she herself becomes ensnared in the criminal’s deadly design… INCLUDES ORIGINAL KNITTING PATTERNS! “Hartwell’s charming, humorous, and villainous characters will please cozy fans.”—Publishers Weekly “Plenty of quirky Yankee characters and a clever clue make for an enjoyable read.”—Kirkus Reviews
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2016
126 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
September 9, 2017
Josie Blair wasn’t sure how moving her life from New York to the small town of Dorset Falls, Connecticut would work out for her, but things are going well. She is very happy with the success of her shop, Miss Marple’s Knits. She wants nothing more than to see the floundering town come to life with even more businesses. So, Josie is more than delighted when a new antique shop opens right next door. The new owner seems nice enough, but when she finds him dead in his shop, she doesn’t know what to think. The police arrest the man’s partner, but Josie is convinced there’s more to his death than anyone suspects.
As Josie does her own investigating, stumbles upon an old murder mystery that happens to be connected to her friends in Dorset Falls. She wonders if the old murder case may have something to do with the new one. She can’t leave it alone and continues to snoop around.
There’s also a side story involving Josie’s uncle Eb fighting with his old friend Roy, who happens to be the father of a man Josie is more than interested in. Josie and Mitch are getting closer all the time, but Eb and Roy are major stumbling blocks.
The story is more mystery than romance, which is good. The reader becomes engrossed in playing sleuth right along with Josie. There were so many different possibilities.
The author expertly combines both history with the present day. It’s done in an intriguing manner. It kept my interest from the beginning and never let go. I wanted to know what was going on and who was behind it all.
This is the second book in a series, but they do stand alone. However, it’s more fun when you get to know the characters right from the start. Beautifully developed characters who we met previously along with some new ones made for an entertaining read.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
As Josie does her own investigating, stumbles upon an old murder mystery that happens to be connected to her friends in Dorset Falls. She wonders if the old murder case may have something to do with the new one. She can’t leave it alone and continues to snoop around.
There’s also a side story involving Josie’s uncle Eb fighting with his old friend Roy, who happens to be the father of a man Josie is more than interested in. Josie and Mitch are getting closer all the time, but Eb and Roy are major stumbling blocks.
The story is more mystery than romance, which is good. The reader becomes engrossed in playing sleuth right along with Josie. There were so many different possibilities.
The author expertly combines both history with the present day. It’s done in an intriguing manner. It kept my interest from the beginning and never let go. I wanted to know what was going on and who was behind it all.
This is the second book in a series, but they do stand alone. However, it’s more fun when you get to know the characters right from the start. Beautifully developed characters who we met previously along with some new ones made for an entertaining read.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 3, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I have been anxiously awaiting the release of this book.
This second installment takes us back to Dorset Falls where Josie is getting more comfortable running Miss Marple Knits even though she still has knot learned how to knit a stitch. She and Uncle Eb are also getting used to living together, him creating his “thingamajigs” and she making sure he eats and taking care of the house. She also has new tenants in the store next to hers. Lyndon Bailey is opening an antique store. His partner Harry Oglethorpe will be on the road searching for more items to sell.
While welcoming Lyndon she notices a box of vintage doilies. She doesn’t know what she’ll do with them yet but she can’t resist especially at the price Lyndon is asking.
But before any other customers can gaze at his treasures Josie finds Lyndon dead the next day. A pair of sheep shears protruding from his chest. His partner, Harry, has arrived in town just in time to become the police’s prime suspect. Josie disagrees and quickly finds herself tangled up in another murder investigation.
The characters I loved are all back in this one. Josie, a smart and determined woman is an wonderful leading lady. Her Uncle Eb plays a major prank on his neighbor Roy, and Mitch is there to help Josie get to the bottom of it. Their relationship also takes a small step in the right direction in a surprising and absolutely perfect way.
The author has added some interesting new characters as well. Harry trying to prove his innocence. Lyndon’s niece, Taylor arrives in town with a television producer claiming to be her uncle’s heir. We also learn about Bea Ryder, the woman who made the doilies. She disappeared from town many years ago and the case is still open.
Ms. Hartwell blends a old mystery with a new one and cleverly draws the reader into both. I was so impressed with how she connected everything together while giving us so many delightful twists. Life around Dorset Falls in knit right into the mysteries too. I found this book very hard to put down and would have read it all in one night had I not needed to get a little sleep.
The story contains enough of a backstory and would read well all on its own, but I recommend reading Yarned and Dangerous too!
I totally enjoyed my return trip to Dorset Falls. The characters are so engaging and the mysteries were quite a test to solve. Maybe by the next visit Josie may have learned to knit and maybe even purl. I hope we don’t have to wait too long.
I have been anxiously awaiting the release of this book.
This second installment takes us back to Dorset Falls where Josie is getting more comfortable running Miss Marple Knits even though she still has knot learned how to knit a stitch. She and Uncle Eb are also getting used to living together, him creating his “thingamajigs” and she making sure he eats and taking care of the house. She also has new tenants in the store next to hers. Lyndon Bailey is opening an antique store. His partner Harry Oglethorpe will be on the road searching for more items to sell.
While welcoming Lyndon she notices a box of vintage doilies. She doesn’t know what she’ll do with them yet but she can’t resist especially at the price Lyndon is asking.
But before any other customers can gaze at his treasures Josie finds Lyndon dead the next day. A pair of sheep shears protruding from his chest. His partner, Harry, has arrived in town just in time to become the police’s prime suspect. Josie disagrees and quickly finds herself tangled up in another murder investigation.
The characters I loved are all back in this one. Josie, a smart and determined woman is an wonderful leading lady. Her Uncle Eb plays a major prank on his neighbor Roy, and Mitch is there to help Josie get to the bottom of it. Their relationship also takes a small step in the right direction in a surprising and absolutely perfect way.
The author has added some interesting new characters as well. Harry trying to prove his innocence. Lyndon’s niece, Taylor arrives in town with a television producer claiming to be her uncle’s heir. We also learn about Bea Ryder, the woman who made the doilies. She disappeared from town many years ago and the case is still open.
Ms. Hartwell blends a old mystery with a new one and cleverly draws the reader into both. I was so impressed with how she connected everything together while giving us so many delightful twists. Life around Dorset Falls in knit right into the mysteries too. I found this book very hard to put down and would have read it all in one night had I not needed to get a little sleep.
The story contains enough of a backstory and would read well all on its own, but I recommend reading Yarned and Dangerous too!
I totally enjoyed my return trip to Dorset Falls. The characters are so engaging and the mysteries were quite a test to solve. Maybe by the next visit Josie may have learned to knit and maybe even purl. I hope we don’t have to wait too long.
September 13, 2018
A great follow-up to the first book in the series. Nice twists and turns made this the a cozy all readers can enjoy.
August 12, 2017
A Knit Before Dying is the second book in the A Tangled Web Mystery series.
An interesting and enjoyable follow-up to the first book, Yarned And Dangerous.
It’s only been a couple months since Uncle Eban made Josie the proud owner of the yarn shop, Miss Marple Knits, and building, but also the building next door. Today, her first tenant, Lyndon Bailey is moving his antique business in. A couple days later Josie heads over to pay Lyndon for some doilies that he had gotten at the sale of Bea Ryder’s estate and that Josie thought she could repurpose. When she enters the antique store she finds a man standing over the body Bailey, he had been stabbed with an antique tool from the store. The man introduces himself as Harry Oglethorpe, the partner with Bailey and claims to have been on a buying trip for the store. Then Kai Norton shows claiming that he had an agreement with Bailey to produce a reality TV show centering around the antique business. He has with him, Taylor, who claims to be Bailey’s niece and is to be in the show, too. Soon Taylor demands to be allowed access to the store. She claims she wants to look for the partnership agreement between her uncle and Harry. But Josie wonders if there is some other reason she is so anxious to gain entrance.
The story behind Bea Ryder and the doilies will become an integral part of the story. Bea Ryder at one time had a dress shop across the street from Miss Marple Knits. Bea has been missing for a couple decades and no knows if she is still alive or dead. One of the doilies that were in the box proves extremely valuable in learning the identity of the killer, but will Josie be able to unravel everything before it is too late.
We get to learn more about the cantankerous Uncle Eb and Roy Woodruff feud that has them playing pranks on each other for a number of years. As well learn more about some of the characters.
A very exciting follow-up to the first book, Yarned and Dangerous. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book and to learn more about the quaint little town of Dorset Falls.
Knitting patterns are also included with the book
An interesting and enjoyable follow-up to the first book, Yarned And Dangerous.
It’s only been a couple months since Uncle Eban made Josie the proud owner of the yarn shop, Miss Marple Knits, and building, but also the building next door. Today, her first tenant, Lyndon Bailey is moving his antique business in. A couple days later Josie heads over to pay Lyndon for some doilies that he had gotten at the sale of Bea Ryder’s estate and that Josie thought she could repurpose. When she enters the antique store she finds a man standing over the body Bailey, he had been stabbed with an antique tool from the store. The man introduces himself as Harry Oglethorpe, the partner with Bailey and claims to have been on a buying trip for the store. Then Kai Norton shows claiming that he had an agreement with Bailey to produce a reality TV show centering around the antique business. He has with him, Taylor, who claims to be Bailey’s niece and is to be in the show, too. Soon Taylor demands to be allowed access to the store. She claims she wants to look for the partnership agreement between her uncle and Harry. But Josie wonders if there is some other reason she is so anxious to gain entrance.
The story behind Bea Ryder and the doilies will become an integral part of the story. Bea Ryder at one time had a dress shop across the street from Miss Marple Knits. Bea has been missing for a couple decades and no knows if she is still alive or dead. One of the doilies that were in the box proves extremely valuable in learning the identity of the killer, but will Josie be able to unravel everything before it is too late.
We get to learn more about the cantankerous Uncle Eb and Roy Woodruff feud that has them playing pranks on each other for a number of years. As well learn more about some of the characters.
A very exciting follow-up to the first book, Yarned and Dangerous. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book and to learn more about the quaint little town of Dorset Falls.
Knitting patterns are also included with the book
August 13, 2017
Josie Blair who owns Miss Marple Knits as well as the store and apartment next to it, is excited when her new business neighbor and tenant starts moving in. Lyndon and his business partner, Harry (still out on a buying trip), are going to run Nutmeg Antiques and Curiosities. Lyndon also rented the apartment upstairs for himself. But there's a huge problem when Lyndon ends up dead, stabbed with an antique sheep shears and Josie comes into the shop to find Harry standing over the body. So of course poor Harry gets hauled off to jail but hasn't been charged yet. Josie feels compelled to investigate and she's lucky that Sharla, the lead officer on the case, is also a good friend so there isn't any butting of heads. Lyndon's niece Taylor and a whole cast of extras show up to toss in all the appropriate twists and fun turns that make this a really well-written mystery.
This was a very fun mystery to read because I felt like all the characters, even though I have not yet read the first book, seemed like family. The author does a good job of explaining who is who so that this could be read as a stand-alone. But I do want to read the first one and see a little of the history of Josie coming to Dorset Falls. I always enjoy cozies that have a crafting element. I don't knit (like Josie) but I wouldn't be opposed to learning.
All the twists, turns and back stories along with a fun side mention that talks about Josie's best friend Lorna and her dream of having her own cafe, add to the intrigue. One hint, if you think the story is done, well think again! Oh and the epilogue is epic--very cute and trying to make you think one thing when it's really something else. I caught on to the something else fairly quickly but I didn't guess the perp of the story, oh well. I'll definitely be reading the first one in this series and any others that come out. I want to visit Dorset Falls again!
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing.
This was a very fun mystery to read because I felt like all the characters, even though I have not yet read the first book, seemed like family. The author does a good job of explaining who is who so that this could be read as a stand-alone. But I do want to read the first one and see a little of the history of Josie coming to Dorset Falls. I always enjoy cozies that have a crafting element. I don't knit (like Josie) but I wouldn't be opposed to learning.
All the twists, turns and back stories along with a fun side mention that talks about Josie's best friend Lorna and her dream of having her own cafe, add to the intrigue. One hint, if you think the story is done, well think again! Oh and the epilogue is epic--very cute and trying to make you think one thing when it's really something else. I caught on to the something else fairly quickly but I didn't guess the perp of the story, oh well. I'll definitely be reading the first one in this series and any others that come out. I want to visit Dorset Falls again!
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing.
July 17, 2017
4.5 stars TOP PICK
June 16, 2020
Mi ero completamente dimenticata di avere questo libro, forse perché la serie è terminata dopo solo due volumi... Comunque sia, buona lettura e con un colpo di scena finale riguardante un colpevole che non avevo anticipato. Peccato non sapere come si svilupperà la vita privata della protagonista...
August 29, 2017
A Knit Before Dying by Sadie Hartwell is the second cozy mystery in A Tangled Web Mystery series. Josie Blair owns Miss Marple Knits as well as the building next to it in Dorset Falls, Connecticut. Josie has recently leased to Lyndon Bailey and his business partner, Harry Oglethorpe for Nutmeg Antiques and Curiosities. Josie purchases a box of beautiful (and one a little unusual) handcrafted doilies from Lyndon after he arrives. The day after the weekly knitting meetings, Josie heads over to give Lyndon some brownies. She walks in to find a stranger looking very pale standing in the middle of the shop. Josie goes to where the man is looking and finds Lyndon on the floor behind the checkout counter stabbed with old sheep shears. The stranger is Lyndon’s business partner, Harry. The police quickly zero in on Harry as the killer. Josie feels the solution is not so simple. She exchanges her knitting needles for a magnifying glass as she searches for clues and suspects. Who could have wanted to harm Dorset Falls newest citizen?
A Knit Before Dying may be the second book in A Tangled Web Mystery series, but it can be read alone. I do, though, recommend the delightful Yarned and Dangerous (first book in series). I was hooked with Yarned and Dangerous and could not wait to get my hands on A Knit Before Dying. I thought A Knit Before Dying was easy to read and had nice, relatable characters (there is a nice mix too). I appreciated the small-town setting and the yarn shop (I want to buy up all the beautiful yarn). The book has a nice, steady flow which keeps the book moving toward the conclusion. One of my favorite characters is Josie’s uncle, Eben Lloyd. He is such a character. I found myself laughing at his antics (his practical joke was very clever and amusing). My rating for A Knit Before Dying is 4.5 out of 5 stars (I loved it, but I did accurately solve mystery before reveal). I thought the mystery was intriguing with its complexity and uniqueness (hooray). Many readers will be surprised by the outcome (I loved it). I did feel that food was given too much attention. I do not need to know each and every item that the main character eats (I have been seeing this a lot lately in cozy mysteries). The romance element was light and nicely handled (thank you Ms. Hartwell). The ending is sweet and I loved who is teaching Josie to knit. I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment in A Tangled Web Mystery series.
A Knit Before Dying may be the second book in A Tangled Web Mystery series, but it can be read alone. I do, though, recommend the delightful Yarned and Dangerous (first book in series). I was hooked with Yarned and Dangerous and could not wait to get my hands on A Knit Before Dying. I thought A Knit Before Dying was easy to read and had nice, relatable characters (there is a nice mix too). I appreciated the small-town setting and the yarn shop (I want to buy up all the beautiful yarn). The book has a nice, steady flow which keeps the book moving toward the conclusion. One of my favorite characters is Josie’s uncle, Eben Lloyd. He is such a character. I found myself laughing at his antics (his practical joke was very clever and amusing). My rating for A Knit Before Dying is 4.5 out of 5 stars (I loved it, but I did accurately solve mystery before reveal). I thought the mystery was intriguing with its complexity and uniqueness (hooray). Many readers will be surprised by the outcome (I loved it). I did feel that food was given too much attention. I do not need to know each and every item that the main character eats (I have been seeing this a lot lately in cozy mysteries). The romance element was light and nicely handled (thank you Ms. Hartwell). The ending is sweet and I loved who is teaching Josie to knit. I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment in A Tangled Web Mystery series.
May 5, 2019
Oh my paws and whiskers! I thought the first book in this series was good, this has topped it, well and truly topped it! If they keep improving at the same rate then book 4 will end up being 20 out of 5!
At the end of the first book Josie had been gifted the yarn shop and the shop next door, she has rented this out to an Antiques business and they arrive a little earlier than expected, or at least one of the partnership does along with a LOT of stock! Moving in early isn't a problem, the problem arises a couple of days later when Josie pops around to give Lyndon some brownies (to keep him going whilst sorting out everything). only to find his business partner standing over his dead body!
Now along side this murder a cold case of disappearance has reared up, Josie's friend Lorna is being given short shrift at work (even though she is the only one there at the General Store that actually does any work!), the murdered man's partner has been arrested, the murdered man's niece is only grieving for the camera (oh yes a "reality" show is being filmed) and her hunky neighbour's grandfather seems to be going dolally! Can Josie, Mitch (the afore mentioned hunk). Evelyn and Helen (her knitting brainstrust), oh and not forgetting Shalla (Evelyn's link in the police force) and of course Lorna work out what has happened, when and are there any links? The denouement gave me shivers and the final ending made me snigger!
At the end of the first book Josie had been gifted the yarn shop and the shop next door, she has rented this out to an Antiques business and they arrive a little earlier than expected, or at least one of the partnership does along with a LOT of stock! Moving in early isn't a problem, the problem arises a couple of days later when Josie pops around to give Lyndon some brownies (to keep him going whilst sorting out everything). only to find his business partner standing over his dead body!
Now along side this murder a cold case of disappearance has reared up, Josie's friend Lorna is being given short shrift at work (even though she is the only one there at the General Store that actually does any work!), the murdered man's partner has been arrested, the murdered man's niece is only grieving for the camera (oh yes a "reality" show is being filmed) and her hunky neighbour's grandfather seems to be going dolally! Can Josie, Mitch (the afore mentioned hunk). Evelyn and Helen (her knitting brainstrust), oh and not forgetting Shalla (Evelyn's link in the police force) and of course Lorna work out what has happened, when and are there any links? The denouement gave me shivers and the final ending made me snigger!
September 2, 2017
A Knit before Dying by Sadie Hartwell is the 2nd book in the Tangled Web series. I loved this book and can not wait for the next adventure. Josie Blair leaves New York City to take care of her cranky great uncle Eb and ends up take over her aunt Cora's yarn shop. Sadie rents out the space next door, which she now owns, and the new renter is found dead. Wanting to save her business, Josie tries to solve the murder, and there are plenty of suspects.
Once I started this book I did not want to put it down. This book is filled with twists and turns, and don't forget the hunky neighbor next door. I recommended this book for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries, and you don't have to be a knitting fan to enjoy this book.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. G
Once I started this book I did not want to put it down. This book is filled with twists and turns, and don't forget the hunky neighbor next door. I recommended this book for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries, and you don't have to be a knitting fan to enjoy this book.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. G
September 2, 2017
Title: A Knit Before Dying - Tangled Web Mystery Book 2
Author: Sadie Hartwell
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 8-20-2017
Pages: 288
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Sub-Genre: Amateur Sleuths, Suspense, Cozy Mystery, Women Sleuths, Crafts & Hobbies,
ISBN: 9781617737206
ASIN: B01CMGW66U
Reviewed For NetGalley and Kensington Books
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.75 Stars
Josie Blair, owner of Miss Marple Knits in Dorset Falls, Connecticut, leases her second property to Lyndon Bailey and his business partner, Harry Oglethorpe for Nutmeg Antiques and Curiosities. When she goes to bring Lyndon some of her brownies she finds a shaken and pale Harry looking at the murdered body of Lyndon. Police are sure Harry is the killer, but Josie's not convinced. She begins her own investigation to find the real killer. Has a few lovely knitting patterns of Sadie Hartwell included.
Sadie Hartwell brings to mind a sleepy, picturesque village with her words. A place where you can walk the street and brows through windows in to a variety of shops, Drop in for a chat as you shop or share a cup of tea. Filled with interesting people you will enjoy getting to know better. Overall a town you would not mind visiting often "A Knit Before Dying is a well written complex mystery with a few twist and turns and moves quickly and smoothly from scene to scene. This is the second book in the series thus far, but can be read without the benefit of having read the first book.
My rating of "A Knit Before Dying - Tangled Web Mystery Book 2" is 4.75 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CMGW66U/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-kn...
Books-A-Million Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-kn...
Google Play Link: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Indigo Link: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...
Kobo Link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-kn...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: Sadie Hartwell
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 8-20-2017
Pages: 288
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Sub-Genre: Amateur Sleuths, Suspense, Cozy Mystery, Women Sleuths, Crafts & Hobbies,
ISBN: 9781617737206
ASIN: B01CMGW66U
Reviewed For NetGalley and Kensington Books
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.75 Stars
Josie Blair, owner of Miss Marple Knits in Dorset Falls, Connecticut, leases her second property to Lyndon Bailey and his business partner, Harry Oglethorpe for Nutmeg Antiques and Curiosities. When she goes to bring Lyndon some of her brownies she finds a shaken and pale Harry looking at the murdered body of Lyndon. Police are sure Harry is the killer, but Josie's not convinced. She begins her own investigation to find the real killer. Has a few lovely knitting patterns of Sadie Hartwell included.
Sadie Hartwell brings to mind a sleepy, picturesque village with her words. A place where you can walk the street and brows through windows in to a variety of shops, Drop in for a chat as you shop or share a cup of tea. Filled with interesting people you will enjoy getting to know better. Overall a town you would not mind visiting often "A Knit Before Dying is a well written complex mystery with a few twist and turns and moves quickly and smoothly from scene to scene. This is the second book in the series thus far, but can be read without the benefit of having read the first book.
My rating of "A Knit Before Dying - Tangled Web Mystery Book 2" is 4.75 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CMGW66U/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-kn...
Books-A-Million Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-kn...
Google Play Link: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Indigo Link: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...
Kobo Link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-kn...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
August 29, 2017
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. (but I would have bought it anyway!)
In her first novel in the Tangled Web Mystery series, “Yarned and Dangerous” Sadie Hartwell introduced us to Josie Blair, a former Manhattanite who came to Dorset Falls, CT to assist her Great Uncle Eb after the death of his wife, Cora. One of her tasks was to close Cora’s yarn store, Miss Marple’s Knits. As soon as she did this, Josie was heading back to her life in NYC. But the town, the people, the store (and even grumpy Uncle Eb) made Josie so welcome that she decided to stay. Shortly after arrival there was a murder – right in the shop! - and Josie and some old friends of Cora’s put on their sleuthing hats (handknit, of course) and worked to solve it.
In her new novel, “A Knit Before Dying” Sadie continues Josie’s story. A bit more experienced in handling both her great aunt’s store as well as her Uncle Eb, Josie is happy to welcome a new tenant to the building she has inherited in hopes of reviving the downtown shopping area. However, before the antique store is even open, the new owner is murdered. The partner of the murder victim, his property-hungry daughter and a ruthless TV producer are all suspects.
Weaving their way through a variety of long held secrets, family feuds and disgruntled neighbors, can Josie and friends come up with the real killer before a possibly innocent suspect is jailed as well as helping to solve the cold case of a missing woman?
Warm and comfy, like an over-stuffed armchair and a luscious skein of alpaca, Sadie Hartwell has spun another tale of intrigue, friendship and, of course, yarn! Knitters will relate to the joy of a fiber community the store provides, the bond knitting can bring, life in a small town - and many people will want to go to the g.s. (general store) for some mouth-watering clam chowder and sandwiches.
The question is – will Josie ever learn to knit?
In her first novel in the Tangled Web Mystery series, “Yarned and Dangerous” Sadie Hartwell introduced us to Josie Blair, a former Manhattanite who came to Dorset Falls, CT to assist her Great Uncle Eb after the death of his wife, Cora. One of her tasks was to close Cora’s yarn store, Miss Marple’s Knits. As soon as she did this, Josie was heading back to her life in NYC. But the town, the people, the store (and even grumpy Uncle Eb) made Josie so welcome that she decided to stay. Shortly after arrival there was a murder – right in the shop! - and Josie and some old friends of Cora’s put on their sleuthing hats (handknit, of course) and worked to solve it.
In her new novel, “A Knit Before Dying” Sadie continues Josie’s story. A bit more experienced in handling both her great aunt’s store as well as her Uncle Eb, Josie is happy to welcome a new tenant to the building she has inherited in hopes of reviving the downtown shopping area. However, before the antique store is even open, the new owner is murdered. The partner of the murder victim, his property-hungry daughter and a ruthless TV producer are all suspects.
Weaving their way through a variety of long held secrets, family feuds and disgruntled neighbors, can Josie and friends come up with the real killer before a possibly innocent suspect is jailed as well as helping to solve the cold case of a missing woman?
Warm and comfy, like an over-stuffed armchair and a luscious skein of alpaca, Sadie Hartwell has spun another tale of intrigue, friendship and, of course, yarn! Knitters will relate to the joy of a fiber community the store provides, the bond knitting can bring, life in a small town - and many people will want to go to the g.s. (general store) for some mouth-watering clam chowder and sandwiches.
The question is – will Josie ever learn to knit?
May 28, 2018
In Sadie Hartwell's A Knit Before Dying, the second installment in the Tangled Web Cozy Mystery series, this newest cozy would leave you tied up in knots at the end. When Josie Blair had settled into her new business and home in Dorset Falls, she had met her newest tenant, Lyndon Bailey, who owned the antique shop next there. After she had heard an argument between the owner of the general store with someone else, it had piqued her interest. But later when she wanted to discuss the matter of the new lease agreement, she had discovered Lyndon's dead body. Now it was up to figure out and solve this mystery, when his business partner Harry had arrived on the scene and later arrested for his murder. But while she had run-ins with her arch-nemesis, she had a blog to update, a business to run in the yarn shop, and tried to figure out how to deal with her great-uncle Eben Lloyd. If that wasn't enough, she had dealt with Lyndon's niece Taylor and the reality show to shoot in the vicinity along the way. Besides all that, she discovered a couple of doilies with one of them that intrigued her. That small town had a cold case of a disappearance of Bea Ryder, who once owned one of the shops. While she tried to pick up the pieces to piece it together, she had thought she had it all figured out, until one of her friends goes missing. And that leaves Josie to find her and then later straighten out the facts to fight for her life.
September 25, 2017
Princess Fuzzypants here:
I love when a good cozy has both characters you can like and a ripping good mystery. This book has both. When Josie's new tenant is murdered before he even opens his shop, Josie is convinced the "obvious" suspect- the man's business partner who is discovered standing over the body- is innocent. The obnoxious niece and the sleazy reality tv producer seem like good candidates but all is not what it seems and it takes some very particular skills to unlock both that murder and another mystery from years before.
I like Josie. She is smart and capable but still very human. She has an irascible uncle who provides some amusing secondary entertainment. Her friends and her colleagues are a great bunch of characters and the usual cozy "nasties" are also there in force.. The story has enough twists and turns to satisfy the hard core mystery lover and just when it appears all is revealed, it is a false ending and there is more to discover much to Josie's chagrin. I love when a book can come back on itself to reveal another darker conclusion. Just when you think you have it all worked out....
I give this five purrs and two paws up.
I love when a good cozy has both characters you can like and a ripping good mystery. This book has both. When Josie's new tenant is murdered before he even opens his shop, Josie is convinced the "obvious" suspect- the man's business partner who is discovered standing over the body- is innocent. The obnoxious niece and the sleazy reality tv producer seem like good candidates but all is not what it seems and it takes some very particular skills to unlock both that murder and another mystery from years before.
I like Josie. She is smart and capable but still very human. She has an irascible uncle who provides some amusing secondary entertainment. Her friends and her colleagues are a great bunch of characters and the usual cozy "nasties" are also there in force.. The story has enough twists and turns to satisfy the hard core mystery lover and just when it appears all is revealed, it is a false ending and there is more to discover much to Josie's chagrin. I love when a book can come back on itself to reveal another darker conclusion. Just when you think you have it all worked out....
I give this five purrs and two paws up.
September 15, 2018
Josie is still in the town and running her knit shop, that her uncle gave her. She continues to live with her uncle, taking care of him, bringing him food from the g.s. The only place that is like a local store, gas station and restaurant. She is friends with Lauren, who is the only employee and cooks like a dream. Josie encourages her to leave Dougie and move into her own place. Josie also tries to help her friend, Mitch, keep an eye on his grandfather, as her great-uncle and his grandfather are feuding and had never hurt each other, just done some damage here or there, that they were able to fix.
Josie is curious about a missing woman, Bea. Bea had been in the WAVES and was a radio operator. Her place is being converted into a small brewery that will cater to tourists. Josie had also fallen in love with the doilies that she had created years ago.
She is also trying to maintain control of her property when a man is murdered in the shop she rented to an antique dealer and his partner.
The story was interesting and since it was not an audiobook I read it a little here and there until I finished it.
Josie is curious about a missing woman, Bea. Bea had been in the WAVES and was a radio operator. Her place is being converted into a small brewery that will cater to tourists. Josie had also fallen in love with the doilies that she had created years ago.
She is also trying to maintain control of her property when a man is murdered in the shop she rented to an antique dealer and his partner.
The story was interesting and since it was not an audiobook I read it a little here and there until I finished it.
September 25, 2017
The book is set in Dorset Falls, Connecticut with Josie Blair as the main character who owns a knitting shop. A new shop opens next door and when Josie enters the store she finds one of the owners dead and the other owner standing over the body. Josie likes mysteries so she starts asking questions. The book was a quick easy read.
October 7, 2017
Well, the love interest and the cat character are both still underdeveloped, but Josie and her women friends in Dorset Falls, CT are getting a layer deeper as the back story of the town begins to be filled in. The yarn shop is thriving, and the knitters are putting their knowledge to good use solving murders. Some creeps get their comeuppance, too. I’d keep an eye on Uncle Eb, though. That man is up to no good.
December 20, 2022
This is the first book I've read with knitting as a central theme...and I didn't want to throw it across the room within the first 15 pages! I found it light and enjoyable. I'll be picking up Sadie Hartwell's first book in the series.
July 21, 2025
This was such a fun cozy with interesting characters. I just discovered the book and was disappointed to see that this appears to be the last book in a two-book series. It's still an enjoyable book, but wish there were more.
October 3, 2017
To see why I gave this book 5 stars, please see my blog at http://www.gailchianese.com/blog
November 17, 2017
Loved the love interest and how the older characters play a main part.
November 29, 2017
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this book. It was well-written and kept me engaged. I liked all the characters. I did not realize it was part of a series, but I'm definitely interested in reading more.
ARC from Kensington Books via Netgalley.
ARC from Kensington Books via Netgalley.
August 29, 2017
As someone who loves mysteries and knitting, the name of Josie Blair's shop, Miss Marple Knits, makes me smile. It is simply brilliant. By this second book, Sadie Hartwell's Tangled Web cozy series is shaping up nicely. Josie is funny and smart-- so smart that I can't quite figure out why she's having so much trouble learning how to knit. After all, if I can figure out those instructional videos on YouTube....
Anyway, there's a solid cast of secondary characters in A Knit Before Dying, and several of them have become Josie's good friends. For comic relief, there are two cantankerous, mule-headed old men in town-- one of them Josie's Uncle Eb-- who have been feuding with each other practically since they were in diapers. Now we get some background on the feud, and although the start to the feud is much as I'd guessed, it still made me scratch my head. Some of the things those two get up to do make for good comic relief, however!
There's also a complex mystery to enjoy, so if you're in the mood for good characters, crafting, a bit of humor, and a murder to solve, curl up with Sadie Hartwell's Tangled Web series. The first one is Yarned and Dangerous.
Anyway, there's a solid cast of secondary characters in A Knit Before Dying, and several of them have become Josie's good friends. For comic relief, there are two cantankerous, mule-headed old men in town-- one of them Josie's Uncle Eb-- who have been feuding with each other practically since they were in diapers. Now we get some background on the feud, and although the start to the feud is much as I'd guessed, it still made me scratch my head. Some of the things those two get up to do make for good comic relief, however!
There's also a complex mystery to enjoy, so if you're in the mood for good characters, crafting, a bit of humor, and a murder to solve, curl up with Sadie Hartwell's Tangled Web series. The first one is Yarned and Dangerous.
August 6, 2017
A Knit Before Dying is the second book in Sadie Hartwell’s A Tangled Web Mystery series and a wonderful read. The storyline is well written, flows smoothly, and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the reveal. The characters are well developed, likeable, and relatable. There’s a strong sense of friendship in the community and especially within the knitting group at Miss Marple Knits. The characters, combined with Ms. Hartwell’s writing style, two mysteries, and lots of twists and turns in this book, made it hard to put this book down. There is no graphic violence or adult situations. I highly recommend this series to readers who enjoy a well-crafted cozy mystery.
Josie Blair was raised in Dorset Falls, Connecticut, but moved to New York City twelve years ago to be a fashion designer. Things didn’t go as planned, so when her Great Uncle Eben’s wife, Cora, passed away, she returned to Dorset Falls to help him close Cora’s yarn shop, Miss Marple Knits. She decided to stay and her great uncle gave her the yarn shop (even though she doesn’t know the first thing about knitting or crocheting) and the building next to it. Josie’s first tenants, Lyndon and Harry, are opening an antique shop, but Lyndon is murdered in the shop his first night there. Harry is the prime suspect because she walked into the shop the next morning and found him standing over Lyndon’s body. Josie loves a good mystery and she finds herself trying to discover who murdered her tenant and solve an old missing person case.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Josie Blair was raised in Dorset Falls, Connecticut, but moved to New York City twelve years ago to be a fashion designer. Things didn’t go as planned, so when her Great Uncle Eben’s wife, Cora, passed away, she returned to Dorset Falls to help him close Cora’s yarn shop, Miss Marple Knits. She decided to stay and her great uncle gave her the yarn shop (even though she doesn’t know the first thing about knitting or crocheting) and the building next to it. Josie’s first tenants, Lyndon and Harry, are opening an antique shop, but Lyndon is murdered in the shop his first night there. Harry is the prime suspect because she walked into the shop the next morning and found him standing over Lyndon’s body. Josie loves a good mystery and she finds herself trying to discover who murdered her tenant and solve an old missing person case.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
December 14, 2017
This is the second book in the series. I haven’t read the first. There were a lot of references to the first that I didn’t understand, so that was flow disruptive. Clearly, the main character, Josie, solved a murder in the last book but I have no idea who it was or who dun it. People are mad at her without any explanation, so I was left to assume their kin had something to do with the murder.
Josie was ok. Kind of bland. Actually that’s a good description for the whole book, bland. Josie solves two murders that are intertwined while running her Great Aunt’s yarn shop. It just didn’t evoke any emotion in me. Even the “big bad” scene was flat. And several times Josie refers to herself as Blair in her thoughts, before someone uses her whole name and you find out her last name is Blair. Which – double weird. Who refers to themselves by their last name in their own mind?
Why did I finish it? Well, I had it in my bag on a super busy week. And I never cared if I had to put the book down. So it filled a lot of awkward time and it was vaguely entertaining.
I finished it and it wasn’t offensive. Bland is the word of the day.
Josie was ok. Kind of bland. Actually that’s a good description for the whole book, bland. Josie solves two murders that are intertwined while running her Great Aunt’s yarn shop. It just didn’t evoke any emotion in me. Even the “big bad” scene was flat. And several times Josie refers to herself as Blair in her thoughts, before someone uses her whole name and you find out her last name is Blair. Which – double weird. Who refers to themselves by their last name in their own mind?
Why did I finish it? Well, I had it in my bag on a super busy week. And I never cared if I had to put the book down. So it filled a lot of awkward time and it was vaguely entertaining.
I finished it and it wasn’t offensive. Bland is the word of the day.
September 13, 2019
I was fortunate to receive the first book in this series from Sadie to read and review and I could not put it down and this one was no different. Great writing, interesting characters and that small town feeling. Moving from New York to a small town was a big adjustment for Jodie Blair but she is beginning to like it. Plus taking over her Aunt's knitting shop (even though she can't knit) is turning out to be a lot of fun and she is making great trusting friends. The town is excited about a new antique shop owned by Lyndon and Harry opening up right next door to Josie's knit shop. They are leasing the building from Josie and she is excited because she knows they will be good tenants who are committed to making the shop work until Lyndon is found dead in the shop and Harry is standing over him. Josie doesn't believe for a minute that Harry killed him but all clues point to him. On top of that an old mystery of a woman disappearing years ago resurfaces. Could there be a connection? Josie intends to find out and get killed trying. Great read.
September 20, 2017
I had completely forgotten I had read the first book in this series and it took a while for what few details I remembered to come back to me. I have a feeling that even less will come back to me about this book. The characters and what happens just aren't memorable or interesting. At least the older women had a quirky hobby in the first book, that's gone here. Eb is not cutely curmudgeonly, but unpleasant and even cruel. There's also some repetition, especially about a dinner Lorna is preparing. There's not really much active sleuthing.
I was engaged enough to finish the book.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I was engaged enough to finish the book.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
October 9, 2017
Josie is settling into living in a small town of Dorset falls. She is running the knitting shop her aunt willed to her, running a blog and renting out a building she also owns. Her latest tenet is found dead on the floor stabbed. Josie isn't sure the police have the run suspect so she and her knitter friends set out to find who did it. Interesting view of morse code is involved.
September 5, 2017
Rarely do I give a book 5 stars.
It wasn't difficult to decide to honor Sadie Hartwell, Josie and the fun residents of Dorsett Falls with my 5 star rating.
Here's what I liked loved about A Knit Before Dying.
If I was choosing the best plot of the year it would go to Sadie.
Best integration of title to the plot. I don't want to give anything away but this author does an amazing job of weaving or in this case Knitting the title into the plot of the story.
Best integration of theme of series to the plot I don't think I've read a book with a better integration of the theme. The knitting theme is woven through out the book/plot. The author provides patterns at the end.
The cast of characters in A Knit Before Dying are fun and endearing.
Josie gets some help from Miss Evelyn is an elderly bit of a snoop. Always ready to jump cook a casserole or jump in and help Josie out in her sleuthing. Or instigating a little matchmaking.
Josie's uncle Eb is just a character who plays tricks on a neighbor all because of a years old family feud.
Then there is Lorna the cook and waitress of the local diner. Lorna plays a huge part in the plot/story by providing food for Josie and Uncle Eb. I don't want to 'spill the beans' so to speak but the story ends with Lorna becoming the owner of the local diner. Will we see Lorna as a main character in a future installment? We can only hope! I would love to see some of Lorna's recipes included.
There is a brewing romance between Josie and her neighbor
Mitch. I suspect that things might begin to simmer in book 3.
Although A Knit Before Dying is book 2 of the series it is written as a stand alone book. I have not had the chance to read book 1. I was not at all lost.
The only negative I can mention is the wait for book 3!
If your a fan of good and clean books you need to check this
book out!
I received a complimentary copy from Great Escape Tours.
It wasn't difficult to decide to honor Sadie Hartwell, Josie and the fun residents of Dorsett Falls with my 5 star rating.
Here's what I liked loved about A Knit Before Dying.
If I was choosing the best plot of the year it would go to Sadie.
Best integration of title to the plot. I don't want to give anything away but this author does an amazing job of weaving or in this case Knitting the title into the plot of the story.
Best integration of theme of series to the plot I don't think I've read a book with a better integration of the theme. The knitting theme is woven through out the book/plot. The author provides patterns at the end.
The cast of characters in A Knit Before Dying are fun and endearing.
Josie gets some help from Miss Evelyn is an elderly bit of a snoop. Always ready to jump cook a casserole or jump in and help Josie out in her sleuthing. Or instigating a little matchmaking.
Josie's uncle Eb is just a character who plays tricks on a neighbor all because of a years old family feud.
Then there is Lorna the cook and waitress of the local diner. Lorna plays a huge part in the plot/story by providing food for Josie and Uncle Eb. I don't want to 'spill the beans' so to speak but the story ends with Lorna becoming the owner of the local diner. Will we see Lorna as a main character in a future installment? We can only hope! I would love to see some of Lorna's recipes included.
There is a brewing romance between Josie and her neighbor
Mitch. I suspect that things might begin to simmer in book 3.
Although A Knit Before Dying is book 2 of the series it is written as a stand alone book. I have not had the chance to read book 1. I was not at all lost.
The only negative I can mention is the wait for book 3!
If your a fan of good and clean books you need to check this
book out!
I received a complimentary copy from Great Escape Tours.
September 9, 2017
Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://bit.ly/2wOXCo9
I enjoyed A Knit before Dying so much and instantly became a fan of Sadie Hartwell’s Tangled Web series. It is well written, imaginative, and has that perfect blend of small-town setting, likeable characters that you want to spend time with, and a well-crafted mystery.
A story can succeed or fail based on the main character’s appeal, and Josie is an appealing leading lady. Having previously worked in the New York fashion industry, she returns to her hometown of Dorset Falls and takes over a knitting shop in the business-challenged town. Josie is delightful as she finds herself “living on a farm in rural Connecticut – and actually doing chores on that farm.” And honestly, could there be a more appropriate name for Josie’s shop than “Miss Marple Knits”? This is book #2 in the Tangled Web series and can stand alone, but I’m eager to read the previous book, Yarned and Dangerous.
There’s several things I like about Josie. Although she manages a knitting shop, she hasn’t yet conquered the art of knitting. She’s surrounded by a wonderful circle of friends. And I loved her for the way she cares for her great uncle Eb, cantankerous though he may be.
A box of vintage doilies draws Josie into an old mystery as she is also drawn into the murder of the man who was renting the shop next door to her. Both storylines blend seamlessly into a plot that kept me eagerly turning the pages. The solution is not obvious or one that is easily solved. There’s a sweet hint of romance between Josie and Mitch, but it takes second place to the main theme.
I loved that A Knit before Dying is a clean read and am eager to spend more time in Dorset Falls with these characters. Highly recommended to fans of cozy mysteries.
I was provided a free copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I enjoyed A Knit before Dying so much and instantly became a fan of Sadie Hartwell’s Tangled Web series. It is well written, imaginative, and has that perfect blend of small-town setting, likeable characters that you want to spend time with, and a well-crafted mystery.
A story can succeed or fail based on the main character’s appeal, and Josie is an appealing leading lady. Having previously worked in the New York fashion industry, she returns to her hometown of Dorset Falls and takes over a knitting shop in the business-challenged town. Josie is delightful as she finds herself “living on a farm in rural Connecticut – and actually doing chores on that farm.” And honestly, could there be a more appropriate name for Josie’s shop than “Miss Marple Knits”? This is book #2 in the Tangled Web series and can stand alone, but I’m eager to read the previous book, Yarned and Dangerous.
There’s several things I like about Josie. Although she manages a knitting shop, she hasn’t yet conquered the art of knitting. She’s surrounded by a wonderful circle of friends. And I loved her for the way she cares for her great uncle Eb, cantankerous though he may be.
A box of vintage doilies draws Josie into an old mystery as she is also drawn into the murder of the man who was renting the shop next door to her. Both storylines blend seamlessly into a plot that kept me eagerly turning the pages. The solution is not obvious or one that is easily solved. There’s a sweet hint of romance between Josie and Mitch, but it takes second place to the main theme.
I loved that A Knit before Dying is a clean read and am eager to spend more time in Dorset Falls with these characters. Highly recommended to fans of cozy mysteries.
I was provided a free copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews