How to Knit a Murder

Seaside Knitters Society #2

by Sally Goldenbaum

* Includes a knitting pattern *

A mysterious woman arrives in picturesque Sea Harbor, Massachusetts, and the Seaside Knitters welcome her into their cozy world of intricate patterns and colorful skeins. Unfortunately, nothing frays a warm introduction like cold-blooded murder . . .

With her shy manner and baggy jeans, Rose Chopra becomes an unlikely superhero the night she stumbles into Izzy Perry's shop and inadvertently saves a shipment of yarn from water damage. When the Seaside Knitters help the enigmatic handywoman settle into town and find work at a popular real estate company, Rose proves she can fix just about anything--until a potential homebuyer is killed and she becomes entangled in murder . . .

The moment controversial entrepreneur Spencer Paxton is found dead in a pricey ocean-side house, accusations fly at the last person on the property--Rose. But the Seaside Knitters have their doubts. After all, Spencer's political aspirations as well as his company's plans to pave over Sea Harbor's historic art district with luxury apartments earned him some very real enemies . . .

Now, Izzy, Birdie, Nell, and Cass must swap knitting for sleuthing as they struggle to move the needle on a twisted homicide case causing turmoil across town. As tensions build in the sleepy New England community and Rose's secret past unravels, the ladies face an unsettling realization--true victims aren't always the ones buried six feet under . . .

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Knitting, Audiobook, Crime

289 pages, Hardcover

First published November 27, 2018

About the author

Sally Goldenbaum is a philosophy teacher, knitter, editor, and the author of more than two-dozen novels.

Series:
* A Seaside Knitters Mystery
*

Reviews

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading only my second in this awesome series, I realized what sets them apart, and that is people. These books are more than just a great cozy that is solved by a group of friends. They're about the people they come into contact with. Sometimes some of the people don't have much to do with the case itself, but I never have the urge to speed read or read super fast. There's just a feeling you get afterwards that you want to hold onto for awhile. I feel like I've been with some real friends.

Rose Chopra was a newcomer to town, although she'd lived there as a child and young teen. She made friends with the Knitters as well as another newcomer who was their friend, Bree. When Bree's husband was killed at a house that Rose was doing repairs on for her new boss, Stella, she was the only person of interest the police could come up with for that moment. But after this clever group of friends put their heads together and refused to let go of this case, the truth came out. Rose had a very interesting story which was shared by another person in the town but who had unfortunately died. Getting to that point was bittersweet but led them to their killer.

I do want to start this series at the very beginning and see how these friendships came about and grew. I just love that they always consult with each other. None of them braves out on their own or seems to be in any mortal danger. That's kind of refreshing. These ladies, along with their two new friends are definitely people that I would want to hang out with! I love the friendship of the older guys in town too. They always celebrated as if their fourth buddy was still with them. They loved life and weren't afraid to let anyone know. I think I'll need to visit Sea Harbor again soon!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Back in Sea Harbor amongst some of my favorite cozy ladies was exactly where I needed to be the night I started reading this book. A stranger comes into Izzy’s shop and solves a huge problem and almost immediately Rose Chopra is moving into to the apartment above the shop, has a job she loves and friends that care about her. But Rose has a secret, a secret that has to come out, especially after Spencer Paxton is murdered and Rose appears to be the last person to see him alive. The man had made plenty of enemies in the seaside town. Izzy, Birdie, Nell, and Cass decide it is time to knit together some clues to solve the murder and try to protect their new friend whose life will never be the same.

I do love this series. It is very character driven. The core group of characters is close and heavily involved in each other’s lives every day, so when a pesky murder pops up they are all in. The ladies and their significant others band together to solve the case but also comfort the victim’s family and the person wrongly accused. It is like a big warm blanket that surrounds them that always includes food, shoulders to lean on and ears ready to listen. Rose and Stella blend into this group nicely and benefit from the big blanket of comfort.

I didn’t like the victim from the moment he was introduced. A snide man, greedy and feeling entitled, pushed all my beware buttons. If I lived in Sea Harbor I would have been on the suspect list.

The author takes on the big hot topic of bullying. A big topic in life and schools today but bullying has always been around. We see how it changed the life, the long-lasting effect, it has on a victim.

The mystery she has laid out is very well done. I did catch a key clue very early on that explained the how, but the who and the why took me quite a bit longer. Twists unraveling, turns to misdirect, knit the clues together, purl to see them in a different way. Following along with the characters as a pattern emerges to get us on the right path. This was such a fun mystery to read.

Sea Harbor is a wonderful place no matter the time of year. The mansion where the murder takes place wouldn’t be somewhere I would want to live but it sure has all the bells and whistles. At the end of the story, it does find the perfect owner.

This is another fantastic story from Sally Goldenbaum. She gives plenty of detail for the story to stand on its own. I have been blessed to read the story of the Seaside Knitters from the beginning and highly recommend them all.

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is nothing quite like visiting Sea Harbor, Massachusetts the ladies of the Seaside Knitter’s Society. Author Sally Goldenbaum makes everything come to life to the point that you can hear the sounds and smell the aromas of the sea.

In HOW TO KNIT A MURDER, the Knitters welcome a newcomer with a secret past. Author Goldenbaum brilliantly reveals that past, and more, in this wonderful, faced paced mystery. Every chapter brought something to the tale that increased my need to find answers. Reading well into the night, I couldn’t bring myself to close this book until I had finished.

One thing I didn’t think I would get used to with this series, but I now enjoy is that you never know which character you’ll be “following”. Unlike books with one protagonist, this series gives all the Knitters equal status.

HOW TO KNIT A MURDER is a must read for any fans of knitting themed mysteries. But take it from someone who would be dangerous with a knitting needle, you don’t have to know how to knit to enjoy this series.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are visiting the Seaside Knitters in the 13 I installment of this series. A Couple of formers residents have returned to See Harbor, Massachusetts. One who spent a privileged student, Spenser Paxton who bullied other students. The other one, Rose Chopra whose family moved after her freshman year who was bullied throughout her school days. Rose is repairing a wall at a mansion when Spenser arrived unannounced making her the last person to see him alive. The SeaSide Knitters feel they must find out who murderer was to remove the stain on Rose. Will they succeed?
A Knitting pattern included.

Disclosure: Many to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Kirsti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publlisher for the chance to read this book.

Normally I love a good cozy mystery, but at the heart of this book it really didn't feel like a traditional cozy to me, because there is very little investigating. There is plenty of the things I enjoy about cozies; food, friendship, a themed book. I just felt like the murder took far too long to occur (40% or more in) and then there wasn't a rush of clues, more like a book of whimsy. It's hard to describe the writing, but whimsy is the word I choose because this book reminds me of a dream. Kind of soft and flowing but not particularly engaging?

Maybe it is being the 13th in a series; however I believe with cozy mystery you should fall right in and I didn't. I really wanted to enjoy this one but in the end I feel drained and not satisfied with the ending at all. Three stars.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to Knit a Murder by Sally Goldenbaum takes us to Sea Harbor, Massachusetts. Rose Chopra has returned to town to heal after the death of her mother. Rose is admiring the display in The Seaside Knitting Studio when Bree McIntosh draws her inside. Rose saves a new shipment of yarn from water damage and then proceeds to fix the leak for Izzy Perry. When Izzy learns that Rose is staying at a run down boardinghouse, she invites her to live in the apartment above the shop. Stella Palazola, a local realtor, offers Rose a job as the fix-it person for her listings. Spencer Paxton III has been making enemies with his plans to destroy Sea Harbor’s historic district and his political aspirations. Spencer wishes to purchase a home that he father tried to acquire many years ago. That listing needs some dry wall repaired from squirrel damage and it is Rose’s first job with Stella. When Spencer is found dead inside the home, fingers point at Rose since she was the last person known to have been on the property. The Seaside Knitters rally round Rose and begin exploring Spencer’s murder. They have no shortage of suspects including Mayor Scaglia. Can the group stitch together the clues to reveal the killer?

How to Knit a Murder is part of A Seaside Knitters Society Mystery series. If you have not read any of the previous twelve books in the series, I do not recommend starting with How to Knit a Murder (it would be confusing for new readers). While I enjoyed the earlier books in this series, I was not drawn into this one. I found the pace to be slow (the book dragged for me) with the murder not occurring until I was 39% through the book. By the time Spencer was found dead, I already knew the killers’ identity (plus I knew Spencer would be the one to die). There was little investigating by the knitting group (they did discuss the case). There are many cozy moments in the story with the group enjoying their Thursday night get togethers, chatting, eating, and knitting. I liked the reference to Grey’s Anatomy made by Mae. Bullying and its devastating effects are addressed in How to Knit a Murder. There is a knitting pattern for a slouchy cardigan at the end. How to Knit a Murder does contain all our favorite knitters plus the new addition of Rose with a quaint small town (good basis for a cozy). The characters are well-developed, but there are a number of them. It can be hard to keep them all straight. I like the charming town of Sea Harbor with the various artistic characters (creative bunch of people) and the charming knitting shop (I wish we had one in my town). I would, though, like the author needs to focus on the mystery element (make the story less predictable). The author needs to deviate from her formula and provide a complex mystery with active investigating (less eating). I hope Sally Goldenbaum ups her game in the next installment in A Seaside Knitters Society Mystery series. I am giving How to Knit a Murder 3 out of 5 stars.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Knit a Murder by Sally Goldenbaum is the 13th book in the "Seaside Knitters Society" but it's my first book. Obviously I wouldn't normally start with #13 of a series unless I knew it was a standalone, but after reading it I'd say it definitely is not. I do think I should've read the other books (at least #1) first, because it was honestly a bit confusing to me even if the cover is deceptively simple and cute. lol

That being said, I very much enjoyed this quick-to-read cozy mystery. It's set in Sea Harbor, Massachusetts. Rose has come back to Sea Harbor after her mother's passing, and she becomes something of a "heroine"due to her quick acting when a near disaster happened. Plus she was quite the "handyman."

One of the men in town is murdered, and I don't think he was too grieved over because he wasn't all that likable. Rose becomes a prime suspect, but there are quite a few potential suspects. Many people help her try to discover what happened, if she indeed was innocent. Parts of the murder/mystery were predictable though.

I enjoyed the camaraderie among the knitters. I think I might have missed friendships developed over the first 12 books, but otherwise I thought the character development was done quite well.

[Tasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes all the Seaside Knitters are in the book along with all the regulars that appear in each book. Some new characters are brought in. But this book just fell flat for me. 13 books in and the formula of no the person that committed the murder cannot be one of our good friends. It has to be someone on the fringe of our group. I think Sally Goldenbaum needs to shake the series up a bit and maybe have a "good" friend do the nasty deed in a book. All the other cosy stuff is in the book food,knitting,long lunches and dinners. But l think the series needs to be shaken up a bit to make it go longer.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to Knit a Murder by Sally Goldenbaum is the 13th book in the Seaside Knitters Society series, and my second book by this author. I really enjoyed this book, but feel I would have gotten a lot more from if I would have read the whole series. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters,but found myself loosing track of all the characters. I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series. You don't have to be a knitter to really enjoy this book. If you love cozy mysteries, I recommend this book, but I would start with book one.

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Micky Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters are so well fleshed out that they feel like old friends or new friends. The heartache, joys, celebrations and fear that the characters feel and share with their friends are felt by the reader as you feel like you have a connection to them. The plot is, as always, well done and the potential suspect pool in this case is quite deep. The childhood angst of Rose resonates for many, myself included. I love the camaraderie that the core characters share and can honestly say that I would love to visit this small seaside village and the wonderful yarn shop that resides there!

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The gang of knitters known as the seaside knitters society get involved in a murder when a man who charmed most people is found dead at his new residence. Nell and her friends ask questions and discover some answers which leads to more questions but in the end leads to the killer.The characters are believable and likeable. The book was a quick easy read.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable cozy mystery in the Seaside Knitters series. I always like the way there are several characters in the story who have a motive for killing the victim, but the chance to reconnect with characters that I would like to be friends with is just as much of a draw. Stories set in beach towns are high on my reading list and the town created by Goldenbaum is fantastic. Cozy restaurants with delicious food, the bakery, the bookstore and deli are so well described, you can almost walk the streets yourself. Add in Izzy's warm and charming knitting shop and the deck at Nell and Ben's house where the friends gather for Friday night dinners and you are ready to pull up a chair for yourself. I always feel welcome and I know that I will go back to be with my knitting friends soon. Why not join me?

[Elizabeth Sofia · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to Knit a Murder by Sally Goldenbaum is the 13th book in the Seaside Knitters Society Mystery series. It is set in Massachusetts, and has a group of main and supporting characters of three to four generations, depending on various books in the series. The books are best read in order, because the back stories play a prominent role in plot development and characterization. The first book in the series is Patterns in the Sand.

I want to start by warning those who are triggered by bullying, that it is a major theme and plotline in this book. While I "enjoyed" the story, and am grateful not one character, other than the murder victim, thought past or present incidents were okay, or should be ignored, I had trouble reading the book. Yes, I was bullied quite routinely as a child and teen, and yes I was told to toughen up and pretend everything was fine.

After I submitted my review, I was on another site and noticed trigger warnings for animal cruelty, which I don't remember, and for mental health. In the back stories we learn that Rose thought of walking into the water and not walking out, but was able to walk out of the water. Unfortunately, another teen girl was unable to overcome her despair and acted on it. This action had long reaching consequences.

In How to Knit a Murder, we meet Rose, Stan, and Bree. Rose has come back to Sea Harbor to honor a final request of her dying mother, and the Seaside Knitters welcome her into their lives not knowing her past. Stan is from Sea Harbor, and has moved back, along with his wife Bree, with definite short and long term goals to accomplish. Stan is the type of person that doesn't let anyone or anything prevent him from carrying out what he wants to do.

How to Knit a Murder is set in the early fall. Most of the tourists and summer residents have left, and the permanent citizens are looking forward to a slower paced off season. Rose helps Izzy with a plumbing emergency one Thursday night, and events are put into play where she is offered a place to live, a job, and friends. We learn just how much the adult Rose has overcome.

Bree is making friends and a place for herself as well. She fits right in with the local artist's colony, and becomes active in events as well.

Stan is throwing his weight around, which does not sit well with a considerable number of people.
When a murder occurs, the community will learn just exactly the type of person Stan had been both as a child and adult.

[Valerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is just not very good.

Throughout this book it is peppered with somewhat off-putting comments about the physical appearance of the characters. “Geesh, Rose though, has Sea Harbor turned into some sort of Stepford Wives place with only beautiful people allowed in.” “She was exquisite, that perfect beauty that stared out at you from the cover of magazines. Unnatural. Unreal.” “She told them at the store one day that she didn’t like to dress up, a surprising admission from someone so lovely.” They just seem pointless with the descriptions of nearly all the characters just being summed up at “hot women” in a way that adds nothing to the story.

But beyond that, the mystery is just terrible. Slight spoiler, but everyone in the “small town” seems to have amnesia about those who lived there just a decade or so ago. And then when the mystery is finally being solved it is drawn out with each chapter ending with a clue they don’t reveal to the reader. This could be a photograph where the chapter ends with something to the effect of “they all stood in shock recognizing the woman in the photo.” Who is the woman? Wait 6 chapters to find out. It annoyingly draws out the answer in an unsatisfying way.

[Sofia Lazaridou · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

How to knit a murder is a story that's told from so many point of views that made me wonder, how I was able to remember half of the characters in it. I know it's book #13 in the series, but I couldn't resist the cover and I just wanted to read it. I didn't like two things about it though. The first thing was the multiple POV's because I kept losing track of them and it took me a while to fully grasp who was who. The second thing is the murder I was promised. The dead person is very much alive for half the book and the mystery was too short. I did like the reveal though, even if it were a little sad. I do not recommend to read this book as stand-alone. These characters have formed relationships over the past books that I feel like the reader needs to see herself. I did enjoy some of the parts of this book and that's why it gets 3.5 stars from me. I read it in one sitting and it was pleasant to read which is the reason why I am rounding the stars to 4 instead of three.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Izzy, Birdie, Nell, and Cass are some of my favorite characters. I love the comfy feeling I get when I open a book by Sally Goldenbaum and How to Knit a Murder is a great addition to the series.

When a young woman visits Izzy's yarn shop, she saves the day, literally. AS the tight knit friends draw Rose Chopra under their wings, they discover a horrible secret that has haunted Rose all her life.
When Rose becomes a top suspect in a murder investigation, it's up to the group of friends to dig deep into the tangled mess and find the answers.

I really enjoy the setting for this series. The author weaves a very life like story that is easy to lose yourself in while reading.
I highly recommend this story and the entire series.

I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book offered by the publisher and NetGalley.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story just didn't hold my attention. While I know that a man who was causing issues in town was murdered and his wife was found but stated that she really disliked her husband and that she was staying married so that her mother could receive the best care. They help to prove that the newest person to town who is very handy at fixing things was not the murderer.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book to finish the challenge! The knitting group a interesting women and the town is it’s own character. Loved the way they solved this murder. No spoiler. The food is always tempting. Excellent detail with background music. Not enough on the kittens even if they made the cover.

[A-L Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining, cozy mystery with a delightful mix of characters. 3,5 stars.

[quinnster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still really enjoying this series! There’s something relaxing about it and it always gets me in the mood to knit!

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book involves a handyman, an old house, a mayor, a newsletter, a yearbook, and Winnie-the-Pooh. The mystery in this book is okay. It involves some sad backstories. Some were worse than others. I enjoyed the bit of romance. Although, I did know it was coming before it was revealed.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my favorite cozy series.

[Yuna · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5* but too annoyed with it to round up. CW for suicidal ideation
I think I've reached my end with this series. It's been fun getting to know the characters, but the stories have been mediocre for a while and I'm not fond of the "withhold information from the reader (but the character knows!) so they can't solve the mystery and then reveal everything at the end in exposition or a big monologue."

The bullying aspect of this story is handled too softly/without much nuance, especially given that we do get to see how terrible the effects of it can be. And don't go patting yourself too hard on the back if all you did is not partake in the bullying yourself. This book is actually really sad because we see so many adults in authority positions repeatedly fail vulnerable children. How many times does a character say they should've known or it doesn't surprise them to hear that X was a shitty bully? Or how they noticed a child cowering from other students or extremely lonely? Do better people, especially in a town supposedly as small as Sea Harbor where everyone knows everyone (and yet the high school has metal detectors?? WTF).

Books are getting too head-hoppy for my taste. I was interested at first to see so many side characters brought back and highlighted, and for previous murders to be addressed, but then they all kinda got dropped or fizzled out. And, if you're going to bludgeon someone to death...you're going to get spattered. So that probably should've exonerated Rose from the get go. Just saying.

[Melissa Howard · Rating 1 out of 5]

"I'm gonna have an Indian character in my book, and her last name will be Chopra because it's the only Indian last name I know. She's going to do yoga and say Namaste, but like, to herself, as a self-soothing phrase. That's what all Indian people do, right?"

[RO G'ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Knit a Murder is the thirteenth book in Sally Goldenbaum’s Seaside Knitters Society series. The storyline is well plotted, and the relatable characters are well rounded. The sensitive issue of bullying and the long-lasting effect it can have on a victim and those who love them are addressed in this book. This steadily paced book can be read as a standalone as the author provides great background information for the main characters and explaining their relationships. There are lots of red herrings, and the complexity of the story made this an engaging read with a reveal that surprised me.

A young woman, Rose Woodley Chopra, enters the Seaside Knitting Studio in Sea Harbor, Massachusetts while it’s experiencing a plumbing disaster, with water flooding the shop, and threatening to ruin an expensive delivery of yarn. Izzy rushes into the room requesting someone to find a plumber quickly. Rose admits she’s not a plumber but has fixer-upper experience, and volunteers to fix the problem. After the leak is fixed and Izzy learns where she’s staying, she insists Rose move into the apartment above her shop for the remainder of her visit. Once Realtor Stella Palazola learns about Rose’s skills, she offers a job. Stella and the Seaside Knitters (Izzy Perry, Nell Endicott, Cass Halloran, and Birdie Favazza) are immediately drawn to Rose and take her under their wing. Rose didn’t share the fact that she grew up in Sea Harbor and returned to try to rid herself of the bad memories of her difficult time growing up and being tormented by bullies. Spencer Paxton III, the owner of Paxton Development, has also returned to his hometown and is determined to buy recently deceased Anthony Bianchi’s mansion but his wife, Bree McIntosh Bree, an artist, was perfectly happy in the small cottage they were renting in Canary Cove. Rose’s first project is making repairs in the Bianchi mansion, and while working one evening, Spencer enters the house and accuses her of breaking in. Unable to contain her emotions, she confronts him about the bullying he’d previously subjected her to. Later that evening, a security guard finds Spencer’s body on the third floor of the vacant house in the room where Rose had been working. They know Police Chief Jerry Thompson is competent and thorough, but when Rose becomes the prime suspect in Spencer’s murder, the group of friends decides to work together to help him figure out who committed the murder because they're convinced of her innocence. They quickly discover that between Spencer’s political aspirations to become mayor, his company’s plans to replace Sea Harbor’s historic art district with luxury condos and big box stores, and his treatment of people in general, there’s no shortage in the supply of people he’s turned against him.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Seaside Knitters are back. This time, a shy woman, Rose Chopra, who can fix or repair anything about as well as any handyman, arrives at Izzy Perry’s shop, just as a new shipment of yarn is about to be ruined by a water leak. Luckily, Rose is there, since she fixes the leak and saves the day. After this, the group helps Rose settle into the town, and she finds a job doing repairs for a local realtor. Things look like they are going well for everyone, though no one really can figure out why Rose showed up in the town (but that is another matter, which eventually comes out). Then, when a prospective buyer for an old manse in the town is found dead, the story takes a turn, as the group and Rose become entangled in the intricate web that is a big part of the dead man and his story. Naturally, the group work to figure out what exactly is going on and who committed this deadly (no pun intended) deed, working in parallel (though not really with or against) with the town law enforcement.

I have read most of the author’s earlier books, set in this small New England town, and found this one a bit different. In the others, the author really focused on the group and their inner workings as they dove deeper and deeper into some town mystery that needed to be solved. In this book, the new character Rose was brought in, but really did not seem to become a solid part of the knitters’ group. In the others, the new characters introduced really became part of this small-town group as each story progressed. One thing I found difficult to take was the fact that the murder occurred so late in the story, unlike most other cozies or even other books of this genre. Then, things moved along quite well, but before the murder, they sort of dragged. All I can say is this book is not like the others I have read that take place in this locale by this author. I guess she is branching out into new territory, though I felt this one lacked the personality and warmth of the others. I just did not feel like the group was there just for me like I had in the past. Still, the characters already introduced earlier, with all their quirks and personalities I have come to know and enjoy, were there, so things were not that difficult for me to read the book. As in the past, I am very familiar with the setting for the story and truly love this area, so the read brought me a lot of satisfaction in that respect. Not sure, however, this one will ever be one of my favorites, or one I will grab off the shelf to re-read when I am looking for to sit back and enjoy an old friend. Still, if you enjoy the author’s books, you will probably enjoy this one, though, like me, it may not rank up there with the rest. It definitely is worth the try. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

[Ruth Chatlien · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this audiobook because a) it was on sale, b) the setting looked interesting, c) I'm a lifelong knitter, and d) I wanted something light but not TOO light. Most of those expectations were fulfilled.

However, before buying, I looked it up on Amazon and saw that it was listed aa #2 of series, so even though I prefer to read mysteries series in order, I thought dipping in this early wouldn't be too bad, and if I liked it, I could go back and catch up on the opening installment without too much confusion.

Except the label on Amazon is deceptive. This isn't book 2 of 5. it's book 12 of I don't know how many—16 maybe? Apparently, the author switched publishers after 11 books, and the publisher decided to restart the numbering. Why would they do that? It's very confusing to readers, and one of the most basic rules of marketing is not to confuse or annoy your customers.

Anyway, the whole time I was reading it, I was having difficulty remembering the characters who seemed to be the recurring cast. I'd get bits of their personalities here and there—but not enough to stick. It was like transferring to a new high school halfway through junior year and not only being unable to break into the in group but also finding it impossible to glean enough information to understand the relationships swirling around you.

The mystery was fine, although I easily spotted the essential piece of information that was tossed out casually about halfway through the book. But I just couldn't engage enough with the knitting group to want to spend time with this town or these characters further, certainly not enough to go back and wade through 12 books to reach this point and move forward.

I feel like I'm being unnecessarily negative and I'm punishing the author for something the publisher did, but I don't like being led to expect something that isn't what I'm getting. Perhaps if Kindle or one of the audiobook vendors I use offers a really cheap version of the real book 1 in the series, I'll give it another try, or maybe I'll eventually see if my library carries the books. But not until I've had a chance to let the irritation settle and see whether I develop any curiosity about the characters.

[Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Sally Goldenbaum updates readers on the Seaside Knitters and their lives in Sea Harbor beginning with a plumbing disaster flooding the Seaside Knitting Studio. As luck would have it, Rose Chopra just enters the shop when store owner Izzy comes rushing down to ask Mae for help getting a plumber. Experienced as a fixer-upper, Rose volunteers to help and proceeds to stop the leak.

Rose grew up in Sea Harbor, but this is her first day back since high school and the town is very different from when she lived here before. After repairing the leak Rose accepts Izzy’s invitation to stay in the apartment above the shop for as long as she’s in town. While having lunch with Izzy and Birdie, Realtor Stella Palazola joins them for a short visit and ends up offering Rose a job fixing up houses she is going to list for sale or rent.

One of the first projects Rose works on is a huge home whose deceased owner, Anthony, insisted the listing be handled by his friend Mario, Stella’s uncle, in his will. A very anxious buyer, Spencer Paxton III, also grew up in Sea Harbor and had an altercation with Rose in high school. So, when Spencer is found dead on the third floor of the vacant house in the room where Rose had been working she becomes a suspect. Fortunately for Rose, Spencer is quite unpopular so there are several “persons of interest” available for the police to investigate.

In creating Rose, Ms. Goldenbaum draws a very sensitive portrait of a young woman challenged by bullies as young girl and who has persevered to overcome those early circumstances. The author skillfully weaves Rose’s experiences and feelings into the fabric of the story making it more meaningful without distracting from the cozy mystery milieu.

How to Knit a Murder is an excellently plotted mystery with red herrings, distractions and friendly, relatable characters. The complexity of the story makes this an engaging read, one that moves quickly as well. If Ms. Goldenbaum knits as well as she writes, her pieces must be highly treasured.

[The Mystery Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

"How to Knit a Murder" is a delightful and engaging second installment in Sally Goldenbaum's Seaside Knitters Society series. Returning to the charming coastal town of Sea Harbor, Massachusetts, we once again find ourselves immersed in the cozy world of Izzy Perry and her knitting circle, this time as they welcome a mysterious newcomer whose arrival coincides with a perplexing murder.

Goldenbaum excels at creating a warm and inviting community within Sea Harbor, and the knitting circle remains a central source of comfort and camaraderie. The introduction of Rose Chopra, a seemingly shy but capable woman who the knitters take under their wing, adds an intriguing new dynamic to the group. Her quiet competence and the hints of a hidden past immediately pique the reader's curiosity.

The murder of a controversial entrepreneur in a high-end property where Rose is working throws suspicion directly onto her, being the last person seen at the scene. However, the steadfast belief of the Seaside Knitters in Rose's innocence propels the investigation forward. Their collaborative efforts, blending their knowledge of the town and their keen observations, make for an enjoyable and classic cozy mystery setup.

The unraveling of Rose's secret past adds a layer of suspense and depth to the narrative, making her more than just a suspect. Goldenbaum skillfully weaves together the threads of the murder mystery with Rose's backstory and the interconnected lives of the Sea Harbor residents. The tension builds nicely as the knitters work to clear Rose's name and uncover the true killer within their seemingly peaceful community. "How to Knit a Murder" delivers a satisfying blend of small-town charm, engaging characters, and a well-plotted mystery that will keep cozy fans happily turning the pages.

★★★★☆

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[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 13th book in this beloved cozy series. I was thrilled to receive this book for review as I have read all of the series and highly recommend the entire series set in The Seaside Knitting Studio. I am a fan of knitting series and enjoy the friendships throughout this series as well as the knitting information. This is a wonderfully structured mystery with multiple complex story lines that was enjoyable to read to conclusion .
The very current and sensitive issue of bullying is addressed in this book.

A young woman, Rose, enters the Seaside Knitting Studio while a terrible plumbing disaster is flooding the shop. Rose offers to try to fix the problem as she has some experience. After the repair Izzy finds out she needs a place to stay and offers her the apartment above her shop . She try's to befriend her but finds Rose to be private. Rose is hiding the fact that she lived in the area before and is traumatized by a childhood of bullying. She trys to keep to herself but soon finds she is the hot ticket in town to be hired as a handy person. She does not want to stay in town and is planning on leaving.

Rose’s first project is making repairs in a mansion where she runs into her childhood bully and has a terrible accusatory confrontation. When he is murdered Rose is the main suspect and the Seaside Knitters come to her aid as they try to prove her innocence.

I love the women in the knitting group and how they support one another. This is a endearing series that once again proves to be the perfect cozy read. I love the seaside setting, the shop and the small town of kind friendly people. I liked the mystery and multiple story lines in this next in series. I found that the plot was interesting and kept me guessing throughout to the end. Well done to the author !