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Bait & Stitch Cozy Mystery #1
A Pattern for Murder
Upper Michigan Finnish-American Community Shocked by Murder -- Hatti Lehtinen Searches for Answers in A PATTERN FOR MURDER, the First Installment in the BAIT & STITCH COZY MYSTERY SERIES by Ann Yost
Red Jacket, Michigan, On the Keweenaw Peninsula
There's never been a serious crime on the Keweenaw Peninsula – that anyone can remember – until bait shop manager and knitter extraordinaire, Hatti Lehtinen, along with her dogs, Larry the Basset and Lydia the Poodle, discover a fresh body below the lighthouse.
The Alex Martin, the son of the lighthouse’s late owner, who chose the last day of a grace period to assert his right to the lighthouse, oust the senior citizens living there, and claim the five-million-dollar trust fund that accompanies it.
As the town Sheriff jumps to the obvious conclusion and arrests the wrong person, Hatti sets out to find the killer. She is, after all, an Agatha Christie fan who has a year of law school under her belt!
But as more bodies turn up and lies are revealed, it becomes clear that not everybody in Keweenaw is as innocent as Hatti thought.
Publisher's While you don’t need to be a knitter to enjoy this series, you just might pick up a fun and rewarding hobby in addition to enjoying a thoroughly delightful, clean and wholesome, mystery with a good dose of humor.
The BAIT & STITCH
A Pattern for Murder
A Double-Pointed Murder
A Fair Isle Murder
Red Jacket, Michigan, On the Keweenaw Peninsula
There's never been a serious crime on the Keweenaw Peninsula – that anyone can remember – until bait shop manager and knitter extraordinaire, Hatti Lehtinen, along with her dogs, Larry the Basset and Lydia the Poodle, discover a fresh body below the lighthouse.
The Alex Martin, the son of the lighthouse’s late owner, who chose the last day of a grace period to assert his right to the lighthouse, oust the senior citizens living there, and claim the five-million-dollar trust fund that accompanies it.
As the town Sheriff jumps to the obvious conclusion and arrests the wrong person, Hatti sets out to find the killer. She is, after all, an Agatha Christie fan who has a year of law school under her belt!
But as more bodies turn up and lies are revealed, it becomes clear that not everybody in Keweenaw is as innocent as Hatti thought.
Publisher's While you don’t need to be a knitter to enjoy this series, you just might pick up a fun and rewarding hobby in addition to enjoying a thoroughly delightful, clean and wholesome, mystery with a good dose of humor.
The BAIT & STITCH
A Pattern for Murder
A Double-Pointed Murder
A Fair Isle Murder
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2018
397 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Ann Yost
11 books65 followersAnn’s hometown is Ann Arbor, Michigan and she is a graduate from the University of Michigan. She spent ten years as a reporter for three daily newspapers in Michigan and, not surprisingly, she wound up married to a journalist and moving with him to the Washington D.C. area. Although a hard-news reporter, she preferred to write features. She especially enjoyed writing a column about her first year of marriage (I Did, I Did) as it allowed her to dispense with strict accuracy. She has written for the Washington Post about her harrowing experiences as a substitute teacher and a little league umpire. Ann's passions, in addition to reading and writing, include her grown children, tiny grandchildren, dogs, friends, spending time with her recently retired husband, avoiding housework and naps.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 5, 2019
This was a nice start for the series. I've had this book and been meaning to read it since it came out. Even though some of the names aren't easy to pronounce, I thought it was cool that the people on the peninsula were of Finnish descent and continued some of their ancestors' traditions. That was what made Hatti, the main character, decide that she wanted to open a knitting store inside her stepdad's bait shop. Since he and her mom were away on a second honeymoon, I'm guessing that the shop will open in the next book.
As a couple of the characters mentioned, this book did seem like "And Then There Were None." Was someone killing off the older people who lived in the Lighthouse Retirement Home? The first body was the man whose mother had left the lighthouse and a trust fund to the county for taking care of the older lower-income residents. How many more would die before Hatti and her friends could figure this mystery out? I actually did guess the killer fairly early on and kept wondering when the people--especially Hatti-- would realize--then I had to remember that I'm a reader of these mysteries and the main character was new at all of this mystery-solving. Of course she might end up trusting the wrong people. ;) I really liked all the main characters and definitely found myself caring about what happens to them next, so I do plan to read on in the series.
As a couple of the characters mentioned, this book did seem like "And Then There Were None." Was someone killing off the older people who lived in the Lighthouse Retirement Home? The first body was the man whose mother had left the lighthouse and a trust fund to the county for taking care of the older lower-income residents. How many more would die before Hatti and her friends could figure this mystery out? I actually did guess the killer fairly early on and kept wondering when the people--especially Hatti-- would realize--then I had to remember that I'm a reader of these mysteries and the main character was new at all of this mystery-solving. Of course she might end up trusting the wrong people. ;) I really liked all the main characters and definitely found myself caring about what happens to them next, so I do plan to read on in the series.
May 30, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. It’s not only a great mystery but it’s a wonderful book about knitting & the Finnish culture as well. The characters are well written with quirky personalities. I love the sense of community, the small town vibe where everyone knows everyone & their business. Hatti is a wonderfully flawed heroine. I love her determination & persistence in not only trying to find the answers to the murders but to sort the somewhat broken pieces of her life. The mystery is very well done. It kept me guessing right up to the end! A really fun read all around & a great start to a new series. Highly recommend!!
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
June 2, 2022
Pros and cons
I gave the book three stars because the author writes well and I truly enjoyed learning about the culture of the Finnish people, their knitting history and traditions.
Personally, I am not a fan of the first person voice and I found the introduction of so many characters at the beginning to be confusing. I also had trouble keeping up with the who's who of the periphery characters through-out the book.
While I have great respect for the teachings of the bible, I found the constant quoting of scripture on the part of the Irene character to be a bit condescending and preachy, while the author absolutely slandered the legal religion of Wicca. She is correct that a minority of Wiccans might practice skyclad (in the nude), however, most do not. However, on the more slanderous side, Wiccans do not sacrifice goats or any other animal. This idea is completely against the religion whose main tenet is 'be it harm none'. Between the entire Wiccan Rede, the Law of Three and the book of Wiccan Law, Wicca is an highly ethical religion which respects and cares for all of nature. The sacrifice of animals is strictly forbidden. The author would have done well to actually research the religion before writing about it rather than integrating her own misguided notions into the book.
I gave the book three stars because the author writes well and I truly enjoyed learning about the culture of the Finnish people, their knitting history and traditions.
Personally, I am not a fan of the first person voice and I found the introduction of so many characters at the beginning to be confusing. I also had trouble keeping up with the who's who of the periphery characters through-out the book.
While I have great respect for the teachings of the bible, I found the constant quoting of scripture on the part of the Irene character to be a bit condescending and preachy, while the author absolutely slandered the legal religion of Wicca. She is correct that a minority of Wiccans might practice skyclad (in the nude), however, most do not. However, on the more slanderous side, Wiccans do not sacrifice goats or any other animal. This idea is completely against the religion whose main tenet is 'be it harm none'. Between the entire Wiccan Rede, the Law of Three and the book of Wiccan Law, Wicca is an highly ethical religion which respects and cares for all of nature. The sacrifice of animals is strictly forbidden. The author would have done well to actually research the religion before writing about it rather than integrating her own misguided notions into the book.
May 31, 2018
Light humor and interesting details.
A cozy murder mystery with lots of information about the Finnish culture.
Note: I received an ARC for review purposes and an honest and unbiased opinion.
A cozy murder mystery with lots of information about the Finnish culture.
Note: I received an ARC for review purposes and an honest and unbiased opinion.
May 31, 2018
Since the title has murder in it I knew someone was going to get murdered. As soon as Alex Martin was introduced to us as the son of the owner of the lighthouse that was suddenly there to get his inheritance I knew he was going to be the one that died. I am glad the death was not the obvious push off the balcony from the light house that there was more to it. I won't go into details because that might spoil it for others. Hatti has recently moved back home and is the manager of her fathers bait shack. She somehow is the one to help instigate the murder and is able to help solve the crime. As well as lend out her vehicle to the deputy because the sheriff has a fancy car and can not haul bodies.
I never did figure out who did it. I had my ideas but never clearly guessed who. That is one of my favorite things about mystery and it is even better when I can't guess it.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review. The opinions in this review are 100% my own
I never did figure out who did it. I had my ideas but never clearly guessed who. That is one of my favorite things about mystery and it is even better when I can't guess it.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review. The opinions in this review are 100% my own
October 3, 2020
Lighthouse, Romance, Murder
What could be more intriguing than a 100 year old light house in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan? Throw in some romance, a murder or two, cultural history, and you've got a great story. Though marketed as a knitting mystery, there were very few references to knitting, which I found disappointing. Maybe the main character should take over the yoga studio, since she talked/thought more about it than knitting. I will try the next book in the series, but I'm not holding out much hope. Additionally, the publisher could use a good proofreader as there were enough errors to cause distraction, considering the author's journalistic background.
What could be more intriguing than a 100 year old light house in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan? Throw in some romance, a murder or two, cultural history, and you've got a great story. Though marketed as a knitting mystery, there were very few references to knitting, which I found disappointing. Maybe the main character should take over the yoga studio, since she talked/thought more about it than knitting. I will try the next book in the series, but I'm not holding out much hope. Additionally, the publisher could use a good proofreader as there were enough errors to cause distraction, considering the author's journalistic background.
July 25, 2018
I did finish the book, but I really didn't want to bother. The clues were very obvious and the killer was easily identifiable early in the book. It was a slow slog through this one.
January 22, 2025
"A Pattern for Murder," the first installment in the Bait & Stitch Cozy Mystery Series by Ann Yost, is a charming and cozy read that will appeal to fans of the genre.
The story follows Hatti Lehtinen, a knitter extraordinaire and the manager of a bait shop in the quaint Keweenaw Peninsula. When a body is discovered below the lighthouse, Hatti, with a year of law school under her belt and a passion for Agatha Christie, decides to take matters into her own hands.
The setting of the Keweenaw Peninsula adds a unique and picturesque backdrop to the story, and the cozy atmosphere of the small-town community is well-captured. Hatti is a likable protagonist, and her knitting hobby adds a delightful touch to the narrative.
While the mystery itself may not be groundbreaking, "A Pattern for Murder" is a pleasant and entertaining read that provides a cozy escape and introduces a promising new series.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
#APatternForMurder #AnnYost #CozyMystery #KnittingMystery #BookReview #TrueCrime #Bookworm #MysteryLover #Bookstagram #MysteryReader #BookwormLife #BookRecommendation #BookAddict #MysteryThriller #CozyMysteryLover #MysteryBookworm #BookishLife #MysteryBooksOfInstagram #NewSeries #CozyMysteries #KeweenawPeninsula #Michigan
The story follows Hatti Lehtinen, a knitter extraordinaire and the manager of a bait shop in the quaint Keweenaw Peninsula. When a body is discovered below the lighthouse, Hatti, with a year of law school under her belt and a passion for Agatha Christie, decides to take matters into her own hands.
The setting of the Keweenaw Peninsula adds a unique and picturesque backdrop to the story, and the cozy atmosphere of the small-town community is well-captured. Hatti is a likable protagonist, and her knitting hobby adds a delightful touch to the narrative.
While the mystery itself may not be groundbreaking, "A Pattern for Murder" is a pleasant and entertaining read that provides a cozy escape and introduces a promising new series.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
#APatternForMurder #AnnYost #CozyMystery #KnittingMystery #BookReview #TrueCrime #Bookworm #MysteryLover #Bookstagram #MysteryReader #BookwormLife #BookRecommendation #BookAddict #MysteryThriller #CozyMysteryLover #MysteryBookworm #BookishLife #MysteryBooksOfInstagram #NewSeries #CozyMysteries #KeweenawPeninsula #Michigan
February 17, 2024
I made it through 23% before running into something that genuinely bothered me. The 'dispatcher'.
Completely unprofessional when answering the phone, talked like it was a friendly social call and not coming over AN EMERGENCY LINE. And after the MC says there's possibly been a MURDER, the lady ... tries to hook up the MC with some guy?
"This is the perfect time to look him up, Henrikki. Strike while the iron's hot."
The people who respond don't seem to take it very seriously either. What had me set the book aside and just return it was the Wiccans. WICCANS DON'T SACRIFICE GOATS. OR PEOPLE. It was just insulting, as someone who's been wiccan for almost thirty years.
One out of five, because I can't give it zero.
Completely unprofessional when answering the phone, talked like it was a friendly social call and not coming over AN EMERGENCY LINE. And after the MC says there's possibly been a MURDER, the lady ... tries to hook up the MC with some guy?
"This is the perfect time to look him up, Henrikki. Strike while the iron's hot."
The people who respond don't seem to take it very seriously either. What had me set the book aside and just return it was the Wiccans. WICCANS DON'T SACRIFICE GOATS. OR PEOPLE. It was just insulting, as someone who's been wiccan for almost thirty years.
One out of five, because I can't give it zero.
May 28, 2018
What do you get when you add murder, knitting and a budding romance? A recipe for a great book. Murder is my cup of tea and I've always been a sought of amateur sleuth. A Pattern For Murder is a quick read that left me delighted. Hatti and all the characters are likable. The story development is well paced and that keeps the reader hooked until the end .Even though the information on Finnish and Swedish food and culture is educative. It had the tendency to steal the light from the main show, which was the murder mystery. Overall, i would recommend the book to readers of all ages.
I received this book from ebook discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
I received this book from ebook discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
September 21, 2018
This is book one in a new cozy series set in the upper peninsula of Michigan. There is never much crime in the small village and when Hattie finds a dead body on the shore near the lighthouse it is a shock to the community. This is a knitting cozy but the mystery is nicely written. I think the biggest complaint about the story was the difficulty with not only the names of the characters but the towns. I realize that Ms. Yost has the story set in a Finnish village but I did have some trouble with pronunciation in my head. The story is wholesome and fun to read. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 7, 2019
This book was a little hard to follow with so much Finnish and Swedish culture thrown in. Once you get past that part the story itself is quite interesting. The small town of Red Jacket wants to use the lighthouse as a retirement home and had been thanks to the former owners will. The former ownsers son then showed up and frightened people into thinking he would take it away. He then was murdered and the most obvious suspect arrested. Twist ending and references to bible verses, Swedish and Finnish lore, and Agatha Christie novels. I received this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
May 18, 2018
Ann has created a wonderful range of characters who are all well developed, with interesting quirks and mannerisms. I am definately going to on the lookout for the rest of the series.
With interesting titbits on everything from knitting patterns to the 'proper' pronunciation of sauna and Finnish terms scattered throughout this book has a number of interesting details for everyone.
I received a copy of this book from ebook discovery. this is my honest, freely given review.
With interesting titbits on everything from knitting patterns to the 'proper' pronunciation of sauna and Finnish terms scattered throughout this book has a number of interesting details for everyone.
I received a copy of this book from ebook discovery. this is my honest, freely given review.
April 16, 2020
Something a little different
I think I’m going to like this series. The Finnish-American community depicted appear to live somewhere near Lillian Jackson Braun’s Jim Qwilleran, in a remote, cold place on the edge of the Great Lakes.
The story is a little different, and the characters likeable. I did identify the murder or, or at least suspect who it was, a few chapters before the end of the book, but that didn’t really spoil the story.
I think I’m going to like this series. The Finnish-American community depicted appear to live somewhere near Lillian Jackson Braun’s Jim Qwilleran, in a remote, cold place on the edge of the Great Lakes.
The story is a little different, and the characters likeable. I did identify the murder or, or at least suspect who it was, a few chapters before the end of the book, but that didn’t really spoil the story.
May 7, 2021
A Lighthouse To Die For
While celebrating the inheritance of a lighthouse for use by the county as a retirement home, fate steps in when the son of the deceased owner shows up to claim his inheritance. When he’s murdered, his son is the primary suspect. Then a second murder occurs and a resident disappears. A puzzle worthy for Sherlock Holmes with a little romance to spice it up.
While celebrating the inheritance of a lighthouse for use by the county as a retirement home, fate steps in when the son of the deceased owner shows up to claim his inheritance. When he’s murdered, his son is the primary suspect. Then a second murder occurs and a resident disappears. A puzzle worthy for Sherlock Holmes with a little romance to spice it up.
January 21, 2023
3.5–Set in a tight-knit Finnish community on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, A Pattern for Murder by Ann Yost taught me some things about Finnish customs and food. This book is the first in the author’s Bait & Stitch Cozy Mystery series. Although knitting is mentioned and one of the characters presented a lecture on Finnish mittens, I would have appreciated more of an emphasis on knitting. I hope that will be accomplished in A Yarn-Over Murder, the second book in the series.
November 3, 2025
This starts a cozy mystery series that takes place in the U.P., the upper peninsula of Michigan, for those of you non-midwesterners. There are quite a few references for those of us in the know, but nothing that needs translating. It is a pretty cute story, but I lost interest as soon as the murderer was unmasked. I didn't care at all about how the story was wrapped up. That may have been on me. I will read the second book and see.
October 6, 2019
Different
A well written cozy mystery with so many surprises and lots of bits and pieces of customs from Finland. It’s not one of those books where you guess the murderer right away either, the author throws in several red herrings to get you going down the wrong path. A good read with just a bit of romance. I enjoyed reading it.
A well written cozy mystery with so many surprises and lots of bits and pieces of customs from Finland. It’s not one of those books where you guess the murderer right away either, the author throws in several red herrings to get you going down the wrong path. A good read with just a bit of romance. I enjoyed reading it.
March 31, 2020
Okey dokey
I liked the main character, Hattie, but had trouble keeping some of the other characters straight. I really enjoyed learning about Finnish knitting traditions since I am a knitter myself. I am going to read the next book in the series and will try a bit harder to latch on to the other characters. It should be easier since I know most of them from the first book.
I liked the main character, Hattie, but had trouble keeping some of the other characters straight. I really enjoyed learning about Finnish knitting traditions since I am a knitter myself. I am going to read the next book in the series and will try a bit harder to latch on to the other characters. It should be easier since I know most of them from the first book.
March 16, 2021
Well-written, clever cozy. I feel like I know a lot more about Finnish culture and life in the Upper Peninsula because of this book. The characters are likeable and there's a hint of romance to come in future books. I figured out whodunit fairly early, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the book.
May 10, 2021
Such an amazing array of characters and knowledge into another culture and time. Such a well written clean cozey murder mystery with ups and downs twists and turns,adventure after adventure mixed with bits of humor, sadness and a dash of romance. Acquire " A Pattern for Murder " so you yourself can discover it's entertaining and engaging pages.,Kat
May 6, 2018
What a delightful mystery. This was a funny. Witty and clever story. I highly recommend reading it. Will be on the lookout for the next story. I received this book from ebooks discovery. I voluntarily give my review. This is my honest review.
August 9, 2019
A great cozy
Ok short and sweet because I'm getting the next book now. If you love a great cozy with characters you will love and a story that keeps you turning the page then this series by Anna Host is a must read
Ok short and sweet because I'm getting the next book now. If you love a great cozy with characters you will love and a story that keeps you turning the page then this series by Anna Host is a must read
January 1, 2020
Lighthouse horror
1,2,3 murders all over ownership of old lighthouse turned into retirement home. Several suspects and a confession. Inept sheriff is clueless. Great read. You'll love the characters.
1,2,3 murders all over ownership of old lighthouse turned into retirement home. Several suspects and a confession. Inept sheriff is clueless. Great read. You'll love the characters.
August 15, 2020
An interesting mystery set in the Michigan UP. I was hoping for a knitting pattern at the end but got a recipe for pancake. The story was interesting and the characters likeable. I look forward to seeing how the series progresses
February 18, 2024
Simply murder
This book gives you a good feel for life in a small town...where everyone knows your business. The muder is complicated, and you aren't sure who did it till the very end.
This book gives you a good feel for life in a small town...where everyone knows your business. The muder is complicated, and you aren't sure who did it till the very end.
April 10, 2024
A Pattern For Murder by Ann Yost was truly exciting. I was drawn into the region of the Upper Peninsula. A murder involving an inheritance was straightforward. At times it was scary but was resolved in the end.
September 16, 2025
Nice and cozy mystery, capturing style
I wished it had more knitting related events in it and I would appreciate the mitten pattern or a picture of them since this book came up under knitting mystery search.
I wished it had more knitting related events in it and I would appreciate the mitten pattern or a picture of them since this book came up under knitting mystery search.
November 27, 2018
Great start to a new series.
August 12, 2019
Great read
This was a new author for me. I learned a lot about Finnish culture, as well as enjoyed a well-written mystery with some very interesting characters!
This was a new author for me. I learned a lot about Finnish culture, as well as enjoyed a well-written mystery with some very interesting characters!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews