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Yarn Retreat Mystery #5
A Tangled Yarn
Betty Hechtman knits up murder and mayhem in the latest in the national bestselling Yarn Retreat Mystery series.Casey Feldstein has her hands full with preparations at the Vista Del Mar hotel on the scenic Monterey Peninsula as another yarn retreat begins. The retreaters will be thrown for a loop this time, learning the trendy art of arm knitting and finger crocheting. But not everyone is enthusiastic about trying something new, and Casey is forced to come up with an alternative craft for her less adventurous pupils. Things go from worst to worsted when a travel writer from a neighboring retreat group is found dead in his room among a sea of feathers. When one of the owners of Vista Del Mar pleads for help, Casey gets hooked into the case and must unravel a delicate skein of secrets to catch a killer.INCLUDES KNITTING PATTERNS AND A RECIPE!
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2017
98 people are currently reading
607 people want to read
About the author
Betty Hechtman
33 books714 followersI grew up on the south side of Chicago and in a very busy weekend, got married, graduated college and moved to Los Angeles.
Although my degree is in Fine Arts, all I ever wanted to be was a writer and I've been doing it in one form or another for as long as I can remember. My shining moments in elementary and high school always involved stories or poetry I'd written. I wrote news stories and a weekly column in my college newspaper. My first job out of college was working on the newsletter of a finance company. I worked for a public relations firm and wrote press releases and biographies. Later I wrote proposals for video projects and television shows that went through various stages of development.
I tried writing screenplays and wrote three. I sold one and another was a winner in a Writers' Digest contest.
I was lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom and did all kinds of volunteering at my son's schools including editing and writing several newsletters.
I wrote essays and small pieces that ran in the Los Angeles Times, the Daily News and Woman's Day among others. My short romantic and mystery fiction appeared in Woman's World, and Futures magazine.
From time I was a thirteen-year-old babysitter cooking for the kids I babysat, I dreamed of writing a book about babysitting. It took a little longer than I'd expected, but BLUE SCHWARTZ AND NEFERTITI'S NECKLACE was published in 2006.
My affair with crochet began in Las Vegas. I had always had a fascination with crochet, particularly granny squares, but thought there was some magic involved with making them that was beyond me. And then everything changed that day in Vegas when I saw the kids' kit in FAO Schwartz. If the instructions were easy enough for kids, I thought they might work for me.
My first granny square was missing a corner, but when I tried again, all four corners were there. I was in awe of my own accomplishment. I had found the magic. I went granny square crazy until pretty soon I didn't need directions anymore. Then I learned there were more squares than just basic grannies and I made squares with sunflowers in the middle and other patterns. I moved beyond squares and made flowers, hearts, bookmarks and more.
I was in love with crochet and began to make scarves, purses, afghans, and shawls. I started carrying my hooks everywhere. A plane trip became a pile of granny square wash cloths, or part of a shawl. A vacation in Hawaii turned into a tote bag.
And now I get to write about it...
** Sourced from authors website
Series:
* A Crochet Mystery
* Yarn Retreat
Although my degree is in Fine Arts, all I ever wanted to be was a writer and I've been doing it in one form or another for as long as I can remember. My shining moments in elementary and high school always involved stories or poetry I'd written. I wrote news stories and a weekly column in my college newspaper. My first job out of college was working on the newsletter of a finance company. I worked for a public relations firm and wrote press releases and biographies. Later I wrote proposals for video projects and television shows that went through various stages of development.
I tried writing screenplays and wrote three. I sold one and another was a winner in a Writers' Digest contest.
I was lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom and did all kinds of volunteering at my son's schools including editing and writing several newsletters.
I wrote essays and small pieces that ran in the Los Angeles Times, the Daily News and Woman's Day among others. My short romantic and mystery fiction appeared in Woman's World, and Futures magazine.
From time I was a thirteen-year-old babysitter cooking for the kids I babysat, I dreamed of writing a book about babysitting. It took a little longer than I'd expected, but BLUE SCHWARTZ AND NEFERTITI'S NECKLACE was published in 2006.
My affair with crochet began in Las Vegas. I had always had a fascination with crochet, particularly granny squares, but thought there was some magic involved with making them that was beyond me. And then everything changed that day in Vegas when I saw the kids' kit in FAO Schwartz. If the instructions were easy enough for kids, I thought they might work for me.
My first granny square was missing a corner, but when I tried again, all four corners were there. I was in awe of my own accomplishment. I had found the magic. I went granny square crazy until pretty soon I didn't need directions anymore. Then I learned there were more squares than just basic grannies and I made squares with sunflowers in the middle and other patterns. I moved beyond squares and made flowers, hearts, bookmarks and more.
I was in love with crochet and began to make scarves, purses, afghans, and shawls. I started carrying my hooks everywhere. A plane trip became a pile of granny square wash cloths, or part of a shawl. A vacation in Hawaii turned into a tote bag.
And now I get to write about it...
** Sourced from authors website
Series:
* A Crochet Mystery
* Yarn Retreat
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
August 9, 2023
Casey Feldstein is getting ready for another yarn retreat. This is being held at Vista Del Mar hotel on Monterey Peninsular. At the same time Kevin St John is hosting a writers retreat. When one of the writers is found dead, the weekend which had not started great, goes from bad to worse. When Casey is asked by a friend to help solve the murder she complies, even though she knows local police officer Lieutenant Borgnine resents her help in solving crimes as she has in the past. She needs to find a way to get him onside without giving up the quest to solve the murder. Before anyone else ends up in danger.
There are other books in the yarn retreat series. This was book five. It didn’t matter that I hadn’t read the others. This book can stand alone.
Casey is an interesting character although, considering this is not her first yarn retreat, she does seem a bit clueless and haphazard in her organisational skills. The story is peppered with some fun characters, some not so likeable and those hiding secrets. A romance is brewing as well but it is certainly not the main emphasis of this cosy mystery.
A light, fun read as signified by the cute, colourful cover. Even this non crafty person enjoyed this book.
There are other books in the yarn retreat series. This was book five. It didn’t matter that I hadn’t read the others. This book can stand alone.
Casey is an interesting character although, considering this is not her first yarn retreat, she does seem a bit clueless and haphazard in her organisational skills. The story is peppered with some fun characters, some not so likeable and those hiding secrets. A romance is brewing as well but it is certainly not the main emphasis of this cosy mystery.
A light, fun read as signified by the cute, colourful cover. Even this non crafty person enjoyed this book.
May 8, 2019
This book in the series definitely had more than the previous books since this time there was more than one retreat at the resort this time. A retreat that turns deadly for one of the participants. Casey intends to stay out of this one until Madeline Delacorte asks her to solve the murder. Even with lots of help from her friends this is a tough one. Now I have to wait for my library to make available the next book in the series.
July 31, 2017
Murder, and mayhem, and yarn? Oh my!
Not being a person who can do any kind of needle work (I checked . . . making knots doesn’t count), it may be surprising to some just how much I enjoy the Yarn Retreat Mysteries. Well, it might surprise those of you who haven’t read it, but for regular readers of this series, oh yeah, they understand.
Luckily for us readers, A TANGLED YARN is another misadventure for protagonist, Casey Feldstein. What should have been a peaceful retreat for folks of like yarn interests, turns into a murder investigation. And this isn’t an easy on for Casey, (not that others have been), because nothing is as seems.
I didn’t have a lot of time when I sat down to read a couple chapters of this story. Big mistake. When I finally managed to pull myself away, I was already way off schedule for the day. Just like all the books in this series so far by author Betty Hechtman, A TANGLED YARN, had pulled me in and held on tight.
Fast moving scenes, something exciting happening in every chapter, and an action filled reveal, serve to make A TANGLED YARN the best installment of this series so far!
Please make sure to check out the back of the book. For those of you with the talent to knit, Ms. Hechtman has included a pattern. Can’t do anything but make knots like me? The author also included a recipe that I’m looking forward to trying.
Not being a person who can do any kind of needle work (I checked . . . making knots doesn’t count), it may be surprising to some just how much I enjoy the Yarn Retreat Mysteries. Well, it might surprise those of you who haven’t read it, but for regular readers of this series, oh yeah, they understand.
Luckily for us readers, A TANGLED YARN is another misadventure for protagonist, Casey Feldstein. What should have been a peaceful retreat for folks of like yarn interests, turns into a murder investigation. And this isn’t an easy on for Casey, (not that others have been), because nothing is as seems.
I didn’t have a lot of time when I sat down to read a couple chapters of this story. Big mistake. When I finally managed to pull myself away, I was already way off schedule for the day. Just like all the books in this series so far by author Betty Hechtman, A TANGLED YARN, had pulled me in and held on tight.
Fast moving scenes, something exciting happening in every chapter, and an action filled reveal, serve to make A TANGLED YARN the best installment of this series so far!
Please make sure to check out the back of the book. For those of you with the talent to knit, Ms. Hechtman has included a pattern. Can’t do anything but make knots like me? The author also included a recipe that I’m looking forward to trying.
November 22, 2019
What happens at Vista Del Mar when you have a bunch of writers plotting the perfect murder? Well duh, a murder of course! Good thing the yarn retreat is going on at the same time so Casey can help untangle the clues to find the killer or maybe the killer finds her! Another great installment in the yarn retreat mystery series! I seriously wish that yarn retreats were a real thing as I would go just to learn to knit and have fun, but it would be even better if the characters were real so I could hang out with them as well since they are like old friends at this point in the series!
June 14, 2019
Very cute! I enjoyed it, although I wonder how old Casey is. The narrator sounded like an older woman so that makes me wonder about the character's age. Otherwise an easy listen!
January 10, 2019
I really think Casey needs to hire me to replace her as yarn retreat coordinator. Crystal and Wanda are fine for leading the actual projects, but Casey does an appalling job in her leadership role. At the very least, she should take a weekend and pretend she is a retreater and make the assigned product PRIOR to the retreat. She also needs to step it up about ensuring that everything is done when and how it's supposed to be.
Sometimes, ripping a cozy mystery apart is half the fun.
Honestly, aside from my frustrations with Casey's limitations in her role with the retreat, the story was fine. A travel writer, there for one of Vista Del Mar's retreats, is killed. We have loads of suspects. Casey does her thing.
Honestly, I figured out what I considered three big mysteries in this novel before the answers were revealed. I'm not sure if that makes me happy or sad.
We used to joke that they had to get Jessica Fletcher out of Cabot Cove because the fictional small town featured in "Murder, She Wrote" was becoming the murder capitol of the world. Think for a second about the fact that every single time Casey holds a yarn retreat at Vista Del Mar, someone is murdered at Vista Del Mar.
I would run for the hills before I attended a yarn retreat there.
Sometimes, ripping a cozy mystery apart is half the fun.
Honestly, aside from my frustrations with Casey's limitations in her role with the retreat, the story was fine. A travel writer, there for one of Vista Del Mar's retreats, is killed. We have loads of suspects. Casey does her thing.
Honestly, I figured out what I considered three big mysteries in this novel before the answers were revealed. I'm not sure if that makes me happy or sad.
We used to joke that they had to get Jessica Fletcher out of Cabot Cove because the fictional small town featured in "Murder, She Wrote" was becoming the murder capitol of the world. Think for a second about the fact that every single time Casey holds a yarn retreat at Vista Del Mar, someone is murdered at Vista Del Mar.
I would run for the hills before I attended a yarn retreat there.
August 17, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/a-...
A Tangled Yarn
A Yarn Retreat Mystery, Book #5
By Betty Hechtman
ISBN 9780425282687
Author Website: bettyhechtman.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Betty Hechtman knits up murder and mayhem in the latest in the national bestselling Yarn Retreat Mystery series.
Casey Feldstein has her hands full with preparations at the Vista Del Mar hotel on the scenic Monterey Peninsula as another yarn retreat begins. The retreaters will be thrown for a loop this time, learning the trendy art of arm knitting and finger crocheting.
But not everyone is enthusiastic about trying something new, and Casey is forced to come up with an alternative craft for her less adventurous pupils. Things go from worst to worsted when a travel writer from a neighboring retreat group is found dead in his room among a sea of feathers. When one of the owners of Vista Del Mar pleads for help, Casey gets hooked into the case and must unravel a delicate skein of secrets to catch a killer. (Goodreads)
Review:
A Tangled Yarn is the most fabulous novel to date in A Yarn Retreat Mystery. It is fifth in the series, and can easily be read as a standalone. Casey Feldstein is always a blast to visit! She says that she is no expert on yarn arts, but has been a quick study since inheriting the business from her aunt. A first-time pet owner, she has a most delightfully helpful black cat, Julius, and a quirky bunch of artistic friends in gorgeous Carmel-by-the-Sea. One can almost smell the ocean breeze and see the textured skies and native trees!
Casey has tried many careers in her young life, but nothing seemed a good fit for her until she moved to California. Her year-round job includes baking treats for local upscale eateries that sound so luscious, one could gain a pound or two just reading about them. She also plans and organizes yarn retreats, held at a nearby conference center. When you come to her yarn retreat, you join a group of people who are ready to learn something new in an environment that is unplugged – no cellphone reception, Wi-Fi, or television. You use a pay phone in the lobby if you need to make a call, and pick up your messages from a board by the phones.
You will meet Wanda and Crystal, who will teach the new yarn technique; they are available to help you learn the craft. There are also three helpers who attend every retreat. One of the helpers is a man who knits, and at this retreat he will help make comfortable the new guy on the retreat who also knits. This retreat, however, is a bit different for those who are used to traditional knitting and crocheting. The yarn arts are arm knitting and finger crocheting, and some of the traditional folks are out of their comfort zones.
Not only does Casey, with the suggestions of Wanda and Crystal, need to come up with new crafts on the spur of the moment, trouble is brewing in another area of the resort. Most of the conference center is filled with a writer’s retreat, and each writer feels they are sharing their beloved “baby” with their respective group leader and attendees. Someone didn’t take kindly to a critique, possibly, as a more prominent and opinionated seminar leaders, a travel writer, is found murdered.
Not just any leader, but the writer who Madelaine Delacorte, one of the owners of the conference center, shared conversation with on their flights back from Peru. Madeleine, for reasons of her own, can’t be involved as anyone who knows the late travel writer, and wants Casey to help find who the bad guy(s) might be. Casey, friends with one of the local police officers, has promised time and again to not get involved in investigations, only to unwittingly get caught up again. Meanwhile, there is a killer on the loose in the conference center where her retreat folks are staying.
Reading this novel is like visiting friends, due to Betty Hechtman, who has put together a great cast of mostly-loveable characters. Each is well defined and shown as their most unique selves, including good and not as good traits. I like Casey the best, and have grown to enjoy Madelaine, a lively lady in her 70’s who is enjoying freedom for the first time. In contrast is Madeleine’s sister, Cora, who continues to wear proper clothing and do only what was proper for ladies of wealth to do in a bygone era. Watching Casey skillfully handle such varied personalities in her groups, from the most helpful to the most needy, is like a course in gentle leadership.
The plot is filled with interesting twists that kept this reader on her toes! I continue to marvel at an author who can make any mystery fresh and new, with unique details and room for lots of laughter. I was impressed by little details that build upon each other throughout. This novel is evenly paced, holding my attention from beginning to end. Some people jog to clear their mind and solve problems, others might ride a bicycle, but Casey knits. And she knit up the perfect solution to the situations! While one of the bad guys isn’t a huge surprise, there is much more than simply a murder. That is what makes this a cozy mystery that I highly recommend, what makes it most enjoyable, is the layers of mystery. I was very satisfied with the conclusion. There is a special knitting pattern included at the end, and a mouth-watering new recipe that will appeal to many readers; I hope you will be on board for the next yarn retreat!
A Tangled Yarn
A Yarn Retreat Mystery, Book #5
By Betty Hechtman
ISBN 9780425282687
Author Website: bettyhechtman.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Betty Hechtman knits up murder and mayhem in the latest in the national bestselling Yarn Retreat Mystery series.
Casey Feldstein has her hands full with preparations at the Vista Del Mar hotel on the scenic Monterey Peninsula as another yarn retreat begins. The retreaters will be thrown for a loop this time, learning the trendy art of arm knitting and finger crocheting.
But not everyone is enthusiastic about trying something new, and Casey is forced to come up with an alternative craft for her less adventurous pupils. Things go from worst to worsted when a travel writer from a neighboring retreat group is found dead in his room among a sea of feathers. When one of the owners of Vista Del Mar pleads for help, Casey gets hooked into the case and must unravel a delicate skein of secrets to catch a killer. (Goodreads)
Review:
A Tangled Yarn is the most fabulous novel to date in A Yarn Retreat Mystery. It is fifth in the series, and can easily be read as a standalone. Casey Feldstein is always a blast to visit! She says that she is no expert on yarn arts, but has been a quick study since inheriting the business from her aunt. A first-time pet owner, she has a most delightfully helpful black cat, Julius, and a quirky bunch of artistic friends in gorgeous Carmel-by-the-Sea. One can almost smell the ocean breeze and see the textured skies and native trees!
Casey has tried many careers in her young life, but nothing seemed a good fit for her until she moved to California. Her year-round job includes baking treats for local upscale eateries that sound so luscious, one could gain a pound or two just reading about them. She also plans and organizes yarn retreats, held at a nearby conference center. When you come to her yarn retreat, you join a group of people who are ready to learn something new in an environment that is unplugged – no cellphone reception, Wi-Fi, or television. You use a pay phone in the lobby if you need to make a call, and pick up your messages from a board by the phones.
You will meet Wanda and Crystal, who will teach the new yarn technique; they are available to help you learn the craft. There are also three helpers who attend every retreat. One of the helpers is a man who knits, and at this retreat he will help make comfortable the new guy on the retreat who also knits. This retreat, however, is a bit different for those who are used to traditional knitting and crocheting. The yarn arts are arm knitting and finger crocheting, and some of the traditional folks are out of their comfort zones.
Not only does Casey, with the suggestions of Wanda and Crystal, need to come up with new crafts on the spur of the moment, trouble is brewing in another area of the resort. Most of the conference center is filled with a writer’s retreat, and each writer feels they are sharing their beloved “baby” with their respective group leader and attendees. Someone didn’t take kindly to a critique, possibly, as a more prominent and opinionated seminar leaders, a travel writer, is found murdered.
Not just any leader, but the writer who Madelaine Delacorte, one of the owners of the conference center, shared conversation with on their flights back from Peru. Madeleine, for reasons of her own, can’t be involved as anyone who knows the late travel writer, and wants Casey to help find who the bad guy(s) might be. Casey, friends with one of the local police officers, has promised time and again to not get involved in investigations, only to unwittingly get caught up again. Meanwhile, there is a killer on the loose in the conference center where her retreat folks are staying.
Reading this novel is like visiting friends, due to Betty Hechtman, who has put together a great cast of mostly-loveable characters. Each is well defined and shown as their most unique selves, including good and not as good traits. I like Casey the best, and have grown to enjoy Madelaine, a lively lady in her 70’s who is enjoying freedom for the first time. In contrast is Madeleine’s sister, Cora, who continues to wear proper clothing and do only what was proper for ladies of wealth to do in a bygone era. Watching Casey skillfully handle such varied personalities in her groups, from the most helpful to the most needy, is like a course in gentle leadership.
The plot is filled with interesting twists that kept this reader on her toes! I continue to marvel at an author who can make any mystery fresh and new, with unique details and room for lots of laughter. I was impressed by little details that build upon each other throughout. This novel is evenly paced, holding my attention from beginning to end. Some people jog to clear their mind and solve problems, others might ride a bicycle, but Casey knits. And she knit up the perfect solution to the situations! While one of the bad guys isn’t a huge surprise, there is much more than simply a murder. That is what makes this a cozy mystery that I highly recommend, what makes it most enjoyable, is the layers of mystery. I was very satisfied with the conclusion. There is a special knitting pattern included at the end, and a mouth-watering new recipe that will appeal to many readers; I hope you will be on board for the next yarn retreat!
August 22, 2017
Stavolta, oltre a un ritiro di appassionate di maglia, è in corso anche uno di scrittori: ho notato che ultimamente stanno nascendo come funghi serie che vedono come argomento principale il ritiro per scrittori... Non che la cosa mi dispiaccia, anzi!
Tornando a questo libro, la storia mi è piaciuta e anche stavolta non ho capito chi fosse il colpevole; avevo capito che dietro ci fosse qualche traffico strano, ma avevo preso un bel granchio su cosa fosse di preciso. L'unico neo è che la vita amorosa della protagonista continua a trascinarsi, anche se il finale apre, forse, la possibilità che si arrivi a un dunque. Spero solo che la serie continui perché, in caso contrario, continuerei a chiedermi come doveva andare a finire...
Questa serie mi piace e dovrei decidermi a proseguire anche l'altra di questa autrice, visto che il primo libro non mi era dispiaciuto...
Tornando a questo libro, la storia mi è piaciuta e anche stavolta non ho capito chi fosse il colpevole; avevo capito che dietro ci fosse qualche traffico strano, ma avevo preso un bel granchio su cosa fosse di preciso. L'unico neo è che la vita amorosa della protagonista continua a trascinarsi, anche se il finale apre, forse, la possibilità che si arrivi a un dunque. Spero solo che la serie continui perché, in caso contrario, continuerei a chiedermi come doveva andare a finire...
Questa serie mi piace e dovrei decidermi a proseguire anche l'altra di questa autrice, visto che il primo libro non mi era dispiaciuto...
January 30, 2019
Casey can’t seem to decide where she should focus her energies. She is the coordinator for a yarn retreat, she is making muffins to sell as well as coming up with new creations, she steps in as Dr. Sammy’s magical assistant, and she is trying to solve a murder. With so many irons in the fire, no wonder she’s running in all directions! When a travel writer who was involved with the writers’ workshop gets murdered, Casey is pressured into finding the killer by one of the owners of the resort. She willingly sets out to ferret out the clues, but there is not much to go on. Even the local police force is stymied. But you’re sure to follow the trail to the end of tale in this interesting cozy. With colorful characters in a twisting plot, it’s sheer entertainment of the best kind.
July 28, 2017
A Tangled Yarn is the fifth book in the A Yarn Retreat Mystery series.
Usually, Cassie Feldstein is on top of her preparation for her yarn retreats, but she has been thrown for a loop with Wanda and Crystal, her friends and helpers with the retreats, having selected arm knitting and finger crocheting as two projects for this retreat.
At the same time as Cassie’s retreat, there is also a writer’s conference going on headed by Cassie’s nemesis and Vista Del Mar’s manager, Kevin St. John. On the second day of meetings, the body of Don Porter, a travel writer and one of the speakers at writer’s conference is found dead in his room. Cassie gets hooked into the investigating his death by Madeleine Delacorte, part owner of Vista Del Mar. Madeleine had just returned from a trip to Peru and didn’t want her sister to know that she had talked to a stranger and then to have that person killed. She asks Cassie not to tell anyone and to please hurry and find out who the killer is.
Cassie soon finds that is there is a long list of possible suspects. A writer who had his work severely criticized by Porter, a couple other writers who willing to share all they know about what went on in some of the meetings, a couple, the man is part of writer’s group and the woman a member of the knitting retreat. They claim to be married, but Cassie senses that they may be married, just not to each other and Mona the mystery lady of the knitting group. She claims to have a sun allergy and keeps herself.
Another interesting and informative book with a wonderful cast of entertaining characters. I think non-knitters, like myself, will find this an interesting series.
I am looking forward to next adventure in store for Cassie.
Usually, Cassie Feldstein is on top of her preparation for her yarn retreats, but she has been thrown for a loop with Wanda and Crystal, her friends and helpers with the retreats, having selected arm knitting and finger crocheting as two projects for this retreat.
At the same time as Cassie’s retreat, there is also a writer’s conference going on headed by Cassie’s nemesis and Vista Del Mar’s manager, Kevin St. John. On the second day of meetings, the body of Don Porter, a travel writer and one of the speakers at writer’s conference is found dead in his room. Cassie gets hooked into the investigating his death by Madeleine Delacorte, part owner of Vista Del Mar. Madeleine had just returned from a trip to Peru and didn’t want her sister to know that she had talked to a stranger and then to have that person killed. She asks Cassie not to tell anyone and to please hurry and find out who the killer is.
Cassie soon finds that is there is a long list of possible suspects. A writer who had his work severely criticized by Porter, a couple other writers who willing to share all they know about what went on in some of the meetings, a couple, the man is part of writer’s group and the woman a member of the knitting retreat. They claim to be married, but Cassie senses that they may be married, just not to each other and Mona the mystery lady of the knitting group. She claims to have a sun allergy and keeps herself.
Another interesting and informative book with a wonderful cast of entertaining characters. I think non-knitters, like myself, will find this an interesting series.
I am looking forward to next adventure in store for Cassie.
November 10, 2017
AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall 5 Narration 4 Story 5
Oh what a fun series this is – I’ve been trying to catch up in between reviews (to no avail) but the author has included enough information about prior events to not feel lost. What lost me here was the “arm knitting’ which took several searches to understand, finger crocheting I got (thank you summer camp) but even with a needle my crochet looks like a 3 year old did it. (Apologies to 3 year olds everywhere!) In this book, Casey is again preparing for (then running) another Yarn Retreat – full of crafty, fuzzy goodness, with plenty of new techniques and trends for people to try. The resort on the Monterey Peninsula is again a wonderful and scenic setting, easy to imagine with the descriptions and evocative prose that Hechtman uses. Again, there are multiple groups holding events at the Vista del Mar, and this time a participant from the writer’s retreat is found dead in his room in a bunch of feathers. Is it a remix of The Birds? With Casey’s experience and previous successes in solving the multiple murders that have happened on the grounds, she’s asked to pitch in for a solution.
Atmospherically, Casey’s voice and presence, along with her desire to incorporate events for her retreaters that all will enjoy, and her innate curiosity and never-ending drive to make a success of her business all combine with the retreat and the characters that we encounter to make for a solidly enjoyable and often twisty tale. Never once have I ferreted out the culprit as I thoroughly enjoyed the twists, turns and journey along the way. Adding in ‘guest’ teachers and helpers, two men and the quest for answers when nothing is as it would seem – this is possibly the most difficult and complex murder that Casey has yet to solve. Fast paced, clues and red herrings dropping in every chapter, secondary characters who add to the overall story and plenty of intrigue, the story speeds along and keeps your brain jumping from one moment to the next. The combination of mystery, craft and story come together to make this a favorite.
Narration for this story is provided by Margaret Strom and from the last to this book I did notice some minor changes: her broad middle American accent managed to play well for each character, while some emotional nuance was noted in Casey’s voice and added to her portrayal. Some of the other secondary characters did have additional emotion available, a change from earlier performances, and while there weren’t a great variety of tones and pitches used to distinguish characters, I did feel as if the narrator was enjoying the story as she presented it, and that did make a better impression on me overall. December (for me) is booked with plenty of time to read titles I want to catch up on – and this series will be in that pile.
I received an AudioBook copy from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Stars: Overall 5 Narration 4 Story 5
Oh what a fun series this is – I’ve been trying to catch up in between reviews (to no avail) but the author has included enough information about prior events to not feel lost. What lost me here was the “arm knitting’ which took several searches to understand, finger crocheting I got (thank you summer camp) but even with a needle my crochet looks like a 3 year old did it. (Apologies to 3 year olds everywhere!) In this book, Casey is again preparing for (then running) another Yarn Retreat – full of crafty, fuzzy goodness, with plenty of new techniques and trends for people to try. The resort on the Monterey Peninsula is again a wonderful and scenic setting, easy to imagine with the descriptions and evocative prose that Hechtman uses. Again, there are multiple groups holding events at the Vista del Mar, and this time a participant from the writer’s retreat is found dead in his room in a bunch of feathers. Is it a remix of The Birds? With Casey’s experience and previous successes in solving the multiple murders that have happened on the grounds, she’s asked to pitch in for a solution.
Atmospherically, Casey’s voice and presence, along with her desire to incorporate events for her retreaters that all will enjoy, and her innate curiosity and never-ending drive to make a success of her business all combine with the retreat and the characters that we encounter to make for a solidly enjoyable and often twisty tale. Never once have I ferreted out the culprit as I thoroughly enjoyed the twists, turns and journey along the way. Adding in ‘guest’ teachers and helpers, two men and the quest for answers when nothing is as it would seem – this is possibly the most difficult and complex murder that Casey has yet to solve. Fast paced, clues and red herrings dropping in every chapter, secondary characters who add to the overall story and plenty of intrigue, the story speeds along and keeps your brain jumping from one moment to the next. The combination of mystery, craft and story come together to make this a favorite.
Narration for this story is provided by Margaret Strom and from the last to this book I did notice some minor changes: her broad middle American accent managed to play well for each character, while some emotional nuance was noted in Casey’s voice and added to her portrayal. Some of the other secondary characters did have additional emotion available, a change from earlier performances, and while there weren’t a great variety of tones and pitches used to distinguish characters, I did feel as if the narrator was enjoying the story as she presented it, and that did make a better impression on me overall. December (for me) is booked with plenty of time to read titles I want to catch up on – and this series will be in that pile.
I received an AudioBook copy from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
August 16, 2017
What a delightful new Yarn Retreat Mystery - this author makes me want to pack up crochet hooks and yarn and find a local retreat!
The characters are an eclectic small-town group of people, from Casey, the retreat leader and fearless protagonist, to the most needy person on retreat - or worse, those who complain about every little thing. Seriously? Casey sent out a perfectly clear description of where the retreat group would meet; the conference center is unplugged. There is no TV, cell phone reception, or Wi-Fi. There is a lovely antique bank of pay phones and a message board in the lobby. And a perfect time to relax and enjoy what one came for.
There is also a huge writer's retreat going on at the conference center. Such a noisy bunch of people, all wanting to have their work reviewed - and praised to the sky, of course. Which leads to a little problem. A well-known travel writer who is scheduled to lead several groups is found the first morning of the retreat. Dead. Not again. Casey just seems to be destined to have a murder take place at every retreat.
I was very pleased with the plot, including the twists and turns that kept me guessing. Keep an eye on the details, as things are never what they seem! While I wasn't too surprised at one of the bad guys, there were things going on behind the scenes that only Casey, alone with knitting needles and yarn, could discover. Love the resolution! Highly recommend A Tangled Yarn and the series, as well!
The characters are an eclectic small-town group of people, from Casey, the retreat leader and fearless protagonist, to the most needy person on retreat - or worse, those who complain about every little thing. Seriously? Casey sent out a perfectly clear description of where the retreat group would meet; the conference center is unplugged. There is no TV, cell phone reception, or Wi-Fi. There is a lovely antique bank of pay phones and a message board in the lobby. And a perfect time to relax and enjoy what one came for.
There is also a huge writer's retreat going on at the conference center. Such a noisy bunch of people, all wanting to have their work reviewed - and praised to the sky, of course. Which leads to a little problem. A well-known travel writer who is scheduled to lead several groups is found the first morning of the retreat. Dead. Not again. Casey just seems to be destined to have a murder take place at every retreat.
I was very pleased with the plot, including the twists and turns that kept me guessing. Keep an eye on the details, as things are never what they seem! While I wasn't too surprised at one of the bad guys, there were things going on behind the scenes that only Casey, alone with knitting needles and yarn, could discover. Love the resolution! Highly recommend A Tangled Yarn and the series, as well!
April 8, 2022
Solid mystery, but not a classic fair play one; I picked up on a lot of clues but there wasn't enough info to make any guesses until the major info dump at the end. Likable characters; especially enjoyed Madeline. A couple of nasty to be nasty people, and a slight subplot that started sometime previously and which may take center stage next book. I liked the cat Julius but have some concerns about his lifestyle. Wouldn't mind reading another.
November 27, 2024
One thing I don't get is that they keep blaming the main character's retreats for the deaths (which happened 1 out of 5 times) and not the hotel at which they happened (5 out of 5).
September 6, 2017
Good book. Lots of twists.
September 4, 2017
A good cozy. Always enjoy this series.
April 17, 2018
One of the things that I enjoy most about Hechtman's Yarn Retreat series is that she doesn't forget about the "hook," or what made me start reading the series in the first place. (I like to knit.) Not only does the author always include yarn arts in her storyline, she also makes me feel as though I have a good idea of how these yarn retreats work.
This is the first time that a retreat has gone wrong with its choice of classes, although I had serious doubts about combining two trendy arts-- arm knitting and finger crochet-- instead of combining one trendy with one traditional. Having worked in customer service for a long time, I had to smile when Casey had her first two attendees who seemed to pay the fees and show up simply for the pleasure of non-stop complaining. Yes indeed, it's all about how you deal with those folks!
A Tangled Yarn is another example of a trend I've noticed in cozies lately: that of having the main character swearing off amateur investigation yet having a friend guilt/embarrass her into doing it anyway. In some ways, this irks me because it shows that the character has no spine, but that's just me. Regardless of how I feel about trends, there's a good, solid mystery here and a cast of characters I really like. This is another fun entry in one of my favorite cozy series.
This is the first time that a retreat has gone wrong with its choice of classes, although I had serious doubts about combining two trendy arts-- arm knitting and finger crochet-- instead of combining one trendy with one traditional. Having worked in customer service for a long time, I had to smile when Casey had her first two attendees who seemed to pay the fees and show up simply for the pleasure of non-stop complaining. Yes indeed, it's all about how you deal with those folks!
A Tangled Yarn is another example of a trend I've noticed in cozies lately: that of having the main character swearing off amateur investigation yet having a friend guilt/embarrass her into doing it anyway. In some ways, this irks me because it shows that the character has no spine, but that's just me. Regardless of how I feel about trends, there's a good, solid mystery here and a cast of characters I really like. This is another fun entry in one of my favorite cozy series.
October 5, 2022
Casey is preparing for her next Yarn Retreat at the Vista Del Mar hotel, which is on the Monterey peninsula. She also bakes for various cafes and a restaurant in the town.
This retreat will be testing in many ways, the retreaters will be learning to arm knit and finger crochet. Casey has some guests who are the early birds who help her make the other people welcome and help them settle in. The yarn retreat is not the only retreat taking place, there is a writers retreat as well.
Within a day, Casey has to rethink the activities for her retreat as there are a number of attendees who are not happy with the activities, add to that one of the guest speakers at the writer’s retreat has been murdered. When Casey is asked is asked by one of the owners of the Vista Del Mar to find out who the murderer is Casey agrees to help.
I really enjoyed this book; it was my first time reading this author and I will be reading more. I enjoyed the plot and all the red herrings that were used. The characters were well thought out and written, I really liked Casey and her early birds. Her friendship with one of the local policemen was good and I hope that it develops more. I also liked the setting; the town sounds a nice place to visit and is picturesque.
If you like cosy mysteries with a knitting basis then this is for you. There is a knitting pattern at the back of the book as well.
This retreat will be testing in many ways, the retreaters will be learning to arm knit and finger crochet. Casey has some guests who are the early birds who help her make the other people welcome and help them settle in. The yarn retreat is not the only retreat taking place, there is a writers retreat as well.
Within a day, Casey has to rethink the activities for her retreat as there are a number of attendees who are not happy with the activities, add to that one of the guest speakers at the writer’s retreat has been murdered. When Casey is asked is asked by one of the owners of the Vista Del Mar to find out who the murderer is Casey agrees to help.
I really enjoyed this book; it was my first time reading this author and I will be reading more. I enjoyed the plot and all the red herrings that were used. The characters were well thought out and written, I really liked Casey and her early birds. Her friendship with one of the local policemen was good and I hope that it develops more. I also liked the setting; the town sounds a nice place to visit and is picturesque.
If you like cosy mysteries with a knitting basis then this is for you. There is a knitting pattern at the back of the book as well.
August 29, 2018
A Tangled Yarn Casey is hosting her 5th yarn retreat. She is still having lots of help from Wanda and Cindy and her friend Lucinda at the meals. The hotel is also hosting a Writer's group and Madeline has returned from a trip and she is so happy with her friendship with a travel writer. When the writer is found dead the next day, Madeline doesn't want to be involved and hides every time the police detective or any police officer comes around. At some point, the police detective asks Casey for her help. She also makes some special muffins just for him to help him and make friends with him.
My kids were rapt as they listened to the book as we drove to Kentucky (again). They put their own books down and laughed at some of the things that happened. It was a good story and the story is the 5th in the series and I am currently reading them out of order. I let the girls choose what they wanted to hear and they chose this book.
My kids were rapt as they listened to the book as we drove to Kentucky (again). They put their own books down and laughed at some of the things that happened. It was a good story and the story is the 5th in the series and I am currently reading them out of order. I let the girls choose what they wanted to hear and they chose this book.
July 31, 2017
"A Tangled Yarn" is a cozy mystery. It's the fifth book in a series, but you can understand this book without reading the previous ones. This book didn't spoil the previous mysteries.
The main characters were interesting and nice people. Casey asked questions and listened to people talk, but the clues didn't connect together to point to a whodunit but rather hinted at what had happened and why. Casey did figure out whodunit right before whodunit confronts her, and whodunit actually had a good reason for confronting her (rather than just fleeing).
There were no sex scenes. There was a very minor amount of bad language. Overall, it was an interesting mystery.
I received this book a a review copy from the publisher.
The main characters were interesting and nice people. Casey asked questions and listened to people talk, but the clues didn't connect together to point to a whodunit but rather hinted at what had happened and why. Casey did figure out whodunit right before whodunit confronts her, and whodunit actually had a good reason for confronting her (rather than just fleeing).
There were no sex scenes. There was a very minor amount of bad language. Overall, it was an interesting mystery.
I received this book a a review copy from the publisher.
January 9, 2023
Contentious or content?
When Casey’s yarn retreat and a writers’ retreat overlap at the Vista Del Mar, it seems like it should be a fairly calm, quiet weekend, since both pursuits tend to draw quiet-natured people. But the universe is laughing, first with some irritable or high-maintenance yarn retreaters, then with the fireworks at one of the writers’ sessions. But when a well-known travel author is shot to death in his room, Casey feels she needs to help the police solve the crime, especially when Madeleine asks her. It becomes a bit of a tangled mess, with threads seeming randomly strewn about - can Casey find the common cord to stitch the picture together in time?
When Casey’s yarn retreat and a writers’ retreat overlap at the Vista Del Mar, it seems like it should be a fairly calm, quiet weekend, since both pursuits tend to draw quiet-natured people. But the universe is laughing, first with some irritable or high-maintenance yarn retreaters, then with the fireworks at one of the writers’ sessions. But when a well-known travel author is shot to death in his room, Casey feels she needs to help the police solve the crime, especially when Madeleine asks her. It becomes a bit of a tangled mess, with threads seeming randomly strewn about - can Casey find the common cord to stitch the picture together in time?
July 23, 2018
I think its funny how Casey labeled the troublemakers at the beginning, Difficult Duo just because they started wondering if they should stop the retreat thanks to the manager of Del Mar telling the women there had been some murders happen in her past retreats. He has always been a creep and wanting to have Casey fail at her retreats.
crystal still doesn’t know Madeleine and Cora are her great - aunts and as I read, I wondered if she ever would find out in this book.
don who runsends up dying shortly into the book, but the reader wonders why. They just started their retreat, so there should be no jealousy for anyone to murder anyone, which makes you just want to read faster to find out how, why, and who!
if l didn’t know any better, i would think that Madeline had something to do with the killing being how scared she was that someone would find out that they knew eaxh other , but at the same time, isn’t that crazy thinking?
I laughed at the part where Casey told the Lieutenant he wasn’t going to take the group into custody. That they would be all mad and upset if he locked them up and they missed their yarn classes. Plus none of them would tell him if it was one of them who did kill the guy if anyone in the group had. You can just imagine steam rising from his head in frustration.
Who is ransacking the totes and rooms ? The knitters know its not Casey's cat despite what St. John thinks. What are they looking for?
If Rayanne and Don were related , did Rayanne kill him after a disagreement after they met late at night? Was he going to reveal something to everyone that she didn't want people to know ? Or was it the writer who had the public meltdown? Will Gwen tell people she's heir as well as the sisters to the Vista Del Mar? Read and find out.
crystal still doesn’t know Madeleine and Cora are her great - aunts and as I read, I wondered if she ever would find out in this book.
don who runsends up dying shortly into the book, but the reader wonders why. They just started their retreat, so there should be no jealousy for anyone to murder anyone, which makes you just want to read faster to find out how, why, and who!
if l didn’t know any better, i would think that Madeline had something to do with the killing being how scared she was that someone would find out that they knew eaxh other , but at the same time, isn’t that crazy thinking?
I laughed at the part where Casey told the Lieutenant he wasn’t going to take the group into custody. That they would be all mad and upset if he locked them up and they missed their yarn classes. Plus none of them would tell him if it was one of them who did kill the guy if anyone in the group had. You can just imagine steam rising from his head in frustration.
Who is ransacking the totes and rooms ? The knitters know its not Casey's cat despite what St. John thinks. What are they looking for?
If Rayanne and Don were related , did Rayanne kill him after a disagreement after they met late at night? Was he going to reveal something to everyone that she didn't want people to know ? Or was it the writer who had the public meltdown? Will Gwen tell people she's heir as well as the sisters to the Vista Del Mar? Read and find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2017
Casey is gearing up for another yarn retreat at the Vista Del Mar. She runs into Madeleine Delacorte on her way over to check on things. Madeleine has just returned from a trip to Peru and has brought Casey some yarn. She arrives with a gentleman, Don Porter, who is a travel writer at the resort for a writers conference. Casey starts out her retreat with all kinds of problems from the retreat members to the workshops she's hosting. The day after everyone arrives, Don Porter is found murdered in his room. Madeleine asks for Casey's help in solving the case quickly so no one know she knew the deceased. Plenty of suspects arise between the knitters and the writers. Casey has to figure out the killer before the plug is pulled on her knitting retreats. This was a great book an I look forward to seeing a relationship develop between Casey and Dane as well as seeing what's next for the knitters.
April 7, 2018
Casey Feldstein is leading another yarn retreat at Vista Del Mar, the hotel and conference center across the street from the house she inherited from her aunt. As her retreaters come in, she finds that. Kevin St. John, manager of the Vista Del Mar, is hosting a writers’ retreat the same weekend and overhears someone say that this is a good place for a murder. When the travel writer scheduled to lead the writers’ retreat is murdered and her yarn retreat people notice that someone is going through their rooms, Casey once again tries to solve the case. Once again, her black cat Julius does nothing more than ask for food and an open window. I did like that the humans in this book series change and grow with each passing yarn retreat. It’s fun to see who they become.
November 11, 2017
Casey is holding her 5th yarn retreat. This one focuses on arm knitting and finger crocheting. Neither activity is well received by the retreaters, which includes some very interesting characters. A new plan takes place after an impromptu trip to Cadbury Yarn. A writer’s workshop is taking place at the same time and one of the writers is killed. Casey gets roped into helping solve the murder and once again depends on her early birds and Lucinda to take care of the knitters. I sure hope they get a discount on their retreat fee! The mystery was really good as I had no idea who did it or why and the reveal was exciting.
November 29, 2017
Casey inherited her aunt's yarn retreat business, and has found two women to help her with the part that involves knowing about crafts. She has an ill-assorted bunch this time, and it doesn't help that they're sharing retreat headquarters with a much larger writers' retreat. When one of the writers is murdered, the owner of the headquarters and Casey's friend Madeleine Delacorte begs her to solve the crime before Madeleine is questioned by the police. Unspoken but real in Casey's mind is the fear that otherwise she'll lose the discount from the retreat center that keeps her business afloat.
December 27, 2020
Yarn retreat #5 shares the Vista Del Mar with a writer's workshop. When one of the attendees at the writers function is murdered, Casey is on the case. One of the elderly owners of the VDM is attending Casey's retreat and had met the deceased on the plane back from Peru. Through it all - Sammy's magic, Dane's attentions, her mom's annoying phone calls - Casey gets advice from her former PI boss. The story is good, but I don't care what designer Lucinda is wearing today or that Casey's favorite attire is jeans. If you are into knitting, there are always patterns in the back that they have been working on at the retreat. Yummy sounding recipes also from Casey's side job.
March 16, 2021
Casey is brought into an investigation of a murder when one of the sisters who own the lodge is involved but does not want anyone to know that she knew the victim. A presenter at a writers workshop is killed and the mystery is why? It is the first day of the retreat, he is a well respected travel writer. Was someone angry at the critique he gave of their writing? It is up to Casey to find out and at the same time not getting the detective in charge any more angry than he already is that she has been involved in solving other crimes.
April 27, 2022
Another cute cozy, although I have to admit I get really annoyed at how Casey runs her retreats. If I'd paid to go to a yarn retreat that only taught me finger crochet or arm knitting, I, too, would demand a refund! And she lets Wanda and Crystal stomp all over her without putting her foot down and asking them to compromise. It just causes silly problems that, in my mind, aren't terribly realistic if you were someone who ran an actual business.
That being said, the mystery in this one was quite enjoyable and while I have my quibbles, I still really enjoy this series!
That being said, the mystery in this one was quite enjoyable and while I have my quibbles, I still really enjoy this series!
March 4, 2023
This book should be item 1 on the agenda for the next writers retreat in this series set in not-Carmel or alternate-Mendocino or wherever. “How Not to Write.” Amateurish, void of any drama or suspense, utterly unrealistic characters, all talk. My favorite nonsense was the hungry sleuth who had to kept having to leave a delicious meal on the table to rush off and handle some minor issue. I don’t know why I listened to the whole thing but now I hate myself. And I used to enjoy a good “cozy”. Never again. This time I mean it.
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