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Knit & Nibble Mystery #3
Knit One, Die Two
When Arborville, New Jersey’s snooty theater scene is upstaged by a shocking murder, Pamela Paterson and her Knit and Nibble knitting club must act quickly to stop a killer from making an encore performance . . .
Knit and Nibble’s numbers are growing! In addition to a litter of adorable kittens, the knitting club just welcomed their newest member, Caralee Lorimer, who’s learning to knit for her upcoming role in A Tale of Two Cities. According to the amateur actress, the behind-the-scenes drama at the theater is getting downright catty, and Caralee wants a reckoning for Arborville’s pretentious suburbanites. Her claws are out, and just like her character in the play, Caralee is ready to name names. But before she can finish her snitchy stitches, Caralee is killed in a suspicious theater accident. Someone thinks they’ve staged a perfect murder, but Pamela and her Knit and Nibblers are ready to pounce on the real killer . . . before it’s curtains for anyone else!
Knitting tips and delicious recipe included!
Knit and Nibble’s numbers are growing! In addition to a litter of adorable kittens, the knitting club just welcomed their newest member, Caralee Lorimer, who’s learning to knit for her upcoming role in A Tale of Two Cities. According to the amateur actress, the behind-the-scenes drama at the theater is getting downright catty, and Caralee wants a reckoning for Arborville’s pretentious suburbanites. Her claws are out, and just like her character in the play, Caralee is ready to name names. But before she can finish her snitchy stitches, Caralee is killed in a suspicious theater accident. Someone thinks they’ve staged a perfect murder, but Pamela and her Knit and Nibblers are ready to pounce on the real killer . . . before it’s curtains for anyone else!
Knitting tips and delicious recipe included!
278 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 30, 2019
295 people are currently reading
667 people want to read
About the author
Peggy Ehrhart
27 books487 followersPeggy Ehrhart is a former English professor with a Ph.D. in Medieval Literature who now writes mysteries. Her publications include a prize-winning nonfiction book; she has also won awards for her short fiction. Her blues mystery series, featuring blues singer "Maxx" Maxwell, was inspired by her guitar-playing hobby. She currently writes the very cozy Knit & Nibble mystery series for Kensington Books, featuring amateur sleuth Pamela Paterson, founder and mainstay of the Knit and Nibble knitting club in charming Arborville, New Jersey.
Series:
* Maxx Maxwell Mysteries
* A Knit & Nibble Mysteries
Series:
* Maxx Maxwell Mysteries
* A Knit & Nibble Mysteries
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
May 23, 2019
Knit One, Die Two by Peggy Ehrhart is the third book in the cozy A Knit & Nibble Mystery series. Each book in the series contains their own mysteries to be solved within so they can be read as a standalone if choosing to do so. However, as with most cozy series you can get to know the main characters better reading from the beginning.
In the first book of the series readers met Pamela Paterson who found herself with an empty nest when her daughter had gone off to college. Pamela began to fill her free time along with her best friend, Bettina, with their knitting group, Knit and Nibble. The group alternates homes of it’s members to get together to craft and share some snacks once a week.
Now in Knit One, Die Two, Knit and Nibble just welcomed their newest member, Caralee Lorimer, who is an amateur actress who wants to learn to knit. Caralee begins to share all of the theater drama with the group right before she is killed in a suspicious theater accident. Pamela and the other ladies have a hard time believing Caralee’s death is an accident and vow to stop a murderer.
Once again I will admit that I’m not a knitter but my attraction to this series is it reminds me of my grandmother who did love to knit and bake so with every turn of a page I think of her. While the Knit & Nibble Mystery series is not one that is overly quirky I have enjoyed the characters and this mystery once again. My only downside has been the author tends to get a bit step by step with knitting and baking so again when finished I will give this third book 3 1/2 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
In the first book of the series readers met Pamela Paterson who found herself with an empty nest when her daughter had gone off to college. Pamela began to fill her free time along with her best friend, Bettina, with their knitting group, Knit and Nibble. The group alternates homes of it’s members to get together to craft and share some snacks once a week.
Now in Knit One, Die Two, Knit and Nibble just welcomed their newest member, Caralee Lorimer, who is an amateur actress who wants to learn to knit. Caralee begins to share all of the theater drama with the group right before she is killed in a suspicious theater accident. Pamela and the other ladies have a hard time believing Caralee’s death is an accident and vow to stop a murderer.
Once again I will admit that I’m not a knitter but my attraction to this series is it reminds me of my grandmother who did love to knit and bake so with every turn of a page I think of her. While the Knit & Nibble Mystery series is not one that is overly quirky I have enjoyed the characters and this mystery once again. My only downside has been the author tends to get a bit step by step with knitting and baking so again when finished I will give this third book 3 1/2 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
May 18, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The Knit and Nibble knitting group has another new member. Caralee Lorimer is playing a part in the local theater group’s latest play, A Tale of Two Cities, and her character, knits on stage and she wants to play the part convincingly. She is not afraid to share her opinions of happenings around Arborville along with some things people would like to keep under wraps. She has rubbed several people the wrong way and made a few outright enemies. Pamela had no idea what Caralee was up to, but when the young woman is killed in a theater “accident” Pamela and the rest of the nibblers start to find out what she was really like. She obviously pushed someone too far and Pamela is sure the so-called accident was really a cleverly constructed murder. She just has to prove it and enlists her friend Bettina to help her investigate.
I really love the members of this knitting club. They take their nibbles as serious as their knitting. The group shares mouthwatering treats at a designated time at each of their meetings. They are an eclectic group and always seem to have a good time when they get together. In this installment Pamela as a kindle of kittens to find homes for and when the group meets at her home, the little ones steal the hearts of more than one member. The kittens are as diverse as the group and I laughed at their antics throughout the book.
I have said in previous reviews that the author has a very descriptive writing style and for the most part, she describes things I am interested in, but this time she went a little over the top and was sometimes repetitive of things we had read just a few pages before. It messed with the flow of the book and took away from the story. A sub-plot mystery was also added that I felt really had no purpose. I really enjoyed the unique clue that set off the real investigation revealing some suspects thanks to Bettina’s husband, Wilfred. I was focused on a certain person early on and as more and more was revealed I knew I was right. I didn’t understand the whole reasoning as to why though until it was all spelled out for me.
I love the theme of this series. The characters in this series are strong and likable. The author needs to tighten up her writing to improve the flow and add more depth to the mystery. I am invested in these characters and need to see what happens to them next.
The Knit and Nibble knitting group has another new member. Caralee Lorimer is playing a part in the local theater group’s latest play, A Tale of Two Cities, and her character, knits on stage and she wants to play the part convincingly. She is not afraid to share her opinions of happenings around Arborville along with some things people would like to keep under wraps. She has rubbed several people the wrong way and made a few outright enemies. Pamela had no idea what Caralee was up to, but when the young woman is killed in a theater “accident” Pamela and the rest of the nibblers start to find out what she was really like. She obviously pushed someone too far and Pamela is sure the so-called accident was really a cleverly constructed murder. She just has to prove it and enlists her friend Bettina to help her investigate.
I really love the members of this knitting club. They take their nibbles as serious as their knitting. The group shares mouthwatering treats at a designated time at each of their meetings. They are an eclectic group and always seem to have a good time when they get together. In this installment Pamela as a kindle of kittens to find homes for and when the group meets at her home, the little ones steal the hearts of more than one member. The kittens are as diverse as the group and I laughed at their antics throughout the book.
I have said in previous reviews that the author has a very descriptive writing style and for the most part, she describes things I am interested in, but this time she went a little over the top and was sometimes repetitive of things we had read just a few pages before. It messed with the flow of the book and took away from the story. A sub-plot mystery was also added that I felt really had no purpose. I really enjoyed the unique clue that set off the real investigation revealing some suspects thanks to Bettina’s husband, Wilfred. I was focused on a certain person early on and as more and more was revealed I knew I was right. I didn’t understand the whole reasoning as to why though until it was all spelled out for me.
I love the theme of this series. The characters in this series are strong and likable. The author needs to tighten up her writing to improve the flow and add more depth to the mystery. I am invested in these characters and need to see what happens to them next.
March 27, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book.
I did enjoy this one, although I feel like the 'cozy' aspect is a little overdone. The main character spends most of the time eating various cakes, baking and cooking dinner, and too much time on mundane tasks that get repetitive. She also obsesses a little too much over whether her hunky neighbour has returned or not, and I kind of wanted to see something (anything) happen in that direction and we really don't. Also it's an odd mystery with an odd conclusion, which I guess makes it different. Not different good, but still different. At least it's trying new things for a cozy mystery.
Probably needs a little more excitement, but I still enjoyed some parts and the writing is good. Three stars.
I did enjoy this one, although I feel like the 'cozy' aspect is a little overdone. The main character spends most of the time eating various cakes, baking and cooking dinner, and too much time on mundane tasks that get repetitive. She also obsesses a little too much over whether her hunky neighbour has returned or not, and I kind of wanted to see something (anything) happen in that direction and we really don't. Also it's an odd mystery with an odd conclusion, which I guess makes it different. Not different good, but still different. At least it's trying new things for a cozy mystery.
Probably needs a little more excitement, but I still enjoyed some parts and the writing is good. Three stars.
June 17, 2019
Caralee has joined the knitting club to learn how to knit for a role in A tale of two cities. She says there is too much backstabbing at the theater and she is ready to name names. Caralee is killed in an odd theater accident. Pamela and her knitters decide it wasn’t an accident and start looking into it. This book spent too much time describing trips to the grocery store and what she bought, what she made for supper and how she made it. It seems more time could’ve been spent on the mystery and not so much detail about daily life. 0
May 6, 2019
Knit One, Die Two is the third book in A Knit & Nibble Mystery series. I do recommend reading the series in order since background information is lacking in Knit One, Die Two. The book is nicely written, but I wish the pace had been livelier. Peggy Ehrhart is a descriptive writer who goes into detail on cooking, baking, feeding the cats, clothing, going to the grocery, etc. An example is “she added a few tablespoons of sugar to the flour mixture, then poured in melted butter and stirred until some of the flour mixture formed buttery lumps”. This is just a portion of the paragraph describing Pamela making cobbler. These types of descriptions are included for all the items cooked. I would have liked more action in the book and less focus on everyday tasks. I like the main characters of Pamela, Bettina, Wilford and the other members of the Knit & Nibble club. They are a friendly bunch of people. I did not understand Pamela’s obsession over when her neighbor would return from his out of town excursion. She likes her new neighbor, Richard Larkin (though she does not want to admit it), but I did not feel it needed to be mentioned so frequently. The mystery is lackluster. Only Pamela believes Caralee has been murdered. Pamela, with Bettina as her sidekick, question various people around town (food is usually involved). The reveal of the killer is not a surprise nor is the murder weapon. I wanted more focus on the mystery and less on food, kittens, grocery shopping, and chatting. The kittens are adorable and add humor to the story. The recipe for Pamela’s peach cobbler is at the end of the book along with a knitting pattern for a sachet. For those readers who prefer laid back cozy mysteries with more cozy than mystery, you will find Knit One, Die Two enjoyable. I just wanted a little more oomph.
October 8, 2021
3.5⭐
this series continues to be so fun, comforting, and entertaining. each book manages to keep the mystery + clues fresh and exciting, and even after 3 books, i'm nowhere near tired of following these characters throughout their daily lives.
also...catrina's kittens?? yes i'll take them all please???
this series continues to be so fun, comforting, and entertaining. each book manages to keep the mystery + clues fresh and exciting, and even after 3 books, i'm nowhere near tired of following these characters throughout their daily lives.
also...catrina's kittens?? yes i'll take them all please???
June 2, 2019
Book 3 in the series.
This one was almost too cozy. There was so much repetition of mundane, every day things that it got old fast. I ended up skipping parts where once again, Pamela was baking, eating, or talking about her wedding china. Don't get me started on her obsession with her neighbor's whereabouts.
The mystery took a back seat to all the boring stuff and I found myself skipping large chunks and putting it down for even larger chunks (of time).
Too bad, I liked the concept but I don't see myself reading anymore in this series.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given to me by the publisher, via NetGalley.*
This one was almost too cozy. There was so much repetition of mundane, every day things that it got old fast. I ended up skipping parts where once again, Pamela was baking, eating, or talking about her wedding china. Don't get me started on her obsession with her neighbor's whereabouts.
The mystery took a back seat to all the boring stuff and I found myself skipping large chunks and putting it down for even larger chunks (of time).
Too bad, I liked the concept but I don't see myself reading anymore in this series.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given to me by the publisher, via NetGalley.*
December 2, 2024
Yarn - a long implausible story. That’s exactly what this was! It could’ve been 100 pages shorter if everything wasn’t repeated over and over again. Every chapter was practically verbatim the same as the one before. The author describes every meal preparation with explicit instructions. I know how to make a grilled cheese sandwich, how to make coffee, and meatloaf. Even Lucy Stone can make meatloaf for Bill without having to explain every step in the process. How many times are we going to be told that Richard is overdue for his return from Maine? Who cares, apparently Pamela. That’s a romance that’s never going to get off the ground.
The only saving grace of this book was Catrina and her adorable six kittens. I’m through with this series.
PS - I will have to say the author inspired me to take up my knitting needles again. I cast on 12 stitches, just like she said to do, and I am happily making a catnip toy for my Sara.
The only saving grace of this book was Catrina and her adorable six kittens. I’m through with this series.
PS - I will have to say the author inspired me to take up my knitting needles again. I cast on 12 stitches, just like she said to do, and I am happily making a catnip toy for my Sara.
September 30, 2019
It was cute but there was a lot going on outside of the mystery...too much, almost. I figured out who the murderer was early on (but not why; again, this didn't let the reader really figure it out except for guessing) but there was SO MUCH that wasn't about the murder. I'm not sure I'll continue the series.
May 7, 2019
A trip back to Arborville, New Jersey was what I needed during these rainy Spring days. The third book in the Knit and Nibble series was as charming and full of mystery as the first two!
When an actress, visiting the group to get knitting tips for a role in a local theater production is murdered, Pamela and Bettina swing into action to bring the murderer to justice.
The friendship between the knitters is growing and I enjoyed seeing each person's personality emerge in the book. The friendship between Pamela and Bettina and Pamela's growing attraction to Richard is delightful!
The book had the quaint descriptions of everyday life in Arborville along with friendship, delicious food (and recipes) and of course - mystery. All of these combined, created a cozy that you settle in to read with a hot drink, pastry and a warm blanket. The mystery kept me guessing and while I thought I knew "whodunit" - I didn't!
Waiting impatiently for the next "vacation" in Arborville!
I received an ARC of this book, from NetGalley, for a fair and honest review of the book.
When an actress, visiting the group to get knitting tips for a role in a local theater production is murdered, Pamela and Bettina swing into action to bring the murderer to justice.
The friendship between the knitters is growing and I enjoyed seeing each person's personality emerge in the book. The friendship between Pamela and Bettina and Pamela's growing attraction to Richard is delightful!
The book had the quaint descriptions of everyday life in Arborville along with friendship, delicious food (and recipes) and of course - mystery. All of these combined, created a cozy that you settle in to read with a hot drink, pastry and a warm blanket. The mystery kept me guessing and while I thought I knew "whodunit" - I didn't!
Waiting impatiently for the next "vacation" in Arborville!
I received an ARC of this book, from NetGalley, for a fair and honest review of the book.
January 21, 2023
Was it an accident or murder?
I’m really enjoying this series. We follow Pamela and her knitting club as they develop friendships and solve murders.
I did not guess the murderer or why. I was too wrapped up in the kitten antics.
A knitting pattern and cobbler recipe are included.
I’m really enjoying this series. We follow Pamela and her knitting club as they develop friendships and solve murders.
I did not guess the murderer or why. I was too wrapped up in the kitten antics.
A knitting pattern and cobbler recipe are included.
May 31, 2024
Great book and mystery. I am enjoying this series. The characters are wonderful
May 17, 2019
Pamela Paterson's knitting group is growing, and has just gladly accepted a new member, Caralee Lorimer. As an amateur actress, Caralee has a new role, and knitting is sure to help her prepare. Caralee intimates that there are issues going on in the play, and she is not shy about saying that she will be all too happy to name names.
Now it seems that someone was more than proficient in staging what just might be called a perfect murder. In typical fashion, Pamela, Bettina and friends will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of things.
In this delightful group of knitters, there is one, Roland, who tickled me. He was supposed to be knitting in order to teach himself how to relax. However, on one of his projects he had counted the number of stitches per day, per his goal, in order to present a gift to his wife, by a specific date. A way to relax? Well, I am not so sure. It was passages like this that made this story so much fun. Then, the six adorable kittens at least have to be mentioned in this review.
As always for this series, knitting tips are shared, as well as wonderful recipes. This story, like the others, is full of exceptional characters and I look forward to reading much more.
The first book in this enjoyable series is Murder, She Knit, to be followed by Died in the Wool. The next in the series are Silent Knit, Deadly Knit, scheduled for release in October, and A Fatal Yarn, with a release date in March, 2020.
Many thanks to Kensington and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Now it seems that someone was more than proficient in staging what just might be called a perfect murder. In typical fashion, Pamela, Bettina and friends will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of things.
In this delightful group of knitters, there is one, Roland, who tickled me. He was supposed to be knitting in order to teach himself how to relax. However, on one of his projects he had counted the number of stitches per day, per his goal, in order to present a gift to his wife, by a specific date. A way to relax? Well, I am not so sure. It was passages like this that made this story so much fun. Then, the six adorable kittens at least have to be mentioned in this review.
As always for this series, knitting tips are shared, as well as wonderful recipes. This story, like the others, is full of exceptional characters and I look forward to reading much more.
The first book in this enjoyable series is Murder, She Knit, to be followed by Died in the Wool. The next in the series are Silent Knit, Deadly Knit, scheduled for release in October, and A Fatal Yarn, with a release date in March, 2020.
Many thanks to Kensington and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 29, 2019
The third so far. We continue to use the wedding china and the cut crystal sugar and cream, Bettina is still trying to pair Pamela up with Richard next door and Penny is still worrying about Pamela getting involved with crimes and trying to one-up the police. The local players are going to put on Tale of Two Cities (rather a large undertaking for a single evening's entertainment and with a small town's limited casting possibilities). The young woman who is to play Madame Defarge has decided she needs to learn to knit so that she will appear accurate on-stage so she has joined the knit and nibble group to learn. She has an accident in the storage room where all the props are kept and is killed by falling chairs and other furniture. This is not the first time things have fallen and Pamela has doubts about the accidental nature of the events.
The search for causes takes place as life goes on: Catrina the adopted cat is in heat and escapes outside while a large ginger tom is in the area so there are six kittens to look after now, Karen, the young wife of the group, becomes pregnant, and there are meals! Breakfast is always one piece of whole grain toast and black coffee. Lunch is most often a toasted cheese sandwich with sliced tomato unless it is an omelet. Dinner rarely has potato, has a small serving of meat, fish, or chicken and the only vegetables mentioned are tomatoes, cucumber, celery, and undifferentiated salad. No peas, beans, squash, beets, spinach. The peach cobbler is good, although I'd add cinnamon and/or nutmeg to it. Yes, there is too much tiny daily detail and I will not discuss the logicality of the crimes. It was a fun read, though.
The search for causes takes place as life goes on: Catrina the adopted cat is in heat and escapes outside while a large ginger tom is in the area so there are six kittens to look after now, Karen, the young wife of the group, becomes pregnant, and there are meals! Breakfast is always one piece of whole grain toast and black coffee. Lunch is most often a toasted cheese sandwich with sliced tomato unless it is an omelet. Dinner rarely has potato, has a small serving of meat, fish, or chicken and the only vegetables mentioned are tomatoes, cucumber, celery, and undifferentiated salad. No peas, beans, squash, beets, spinach. The peach cobbler is good, although I'd add cinnamon and/or nutmeg to it. Yes, there is too much tiny daily detail and I will not discuss the logicality of the crimes. It was a fun read, though.
September 15, 2020
If you want to read about cat husbandry, this is the book for you (although there's no actual knowledge communicated). If you wanted a knitting pattern in prose, this is the book for you (although the only instruction is to cast on 12 stitches and knit. Or do stockinette.). If you want to be put to sleep at night, this truly is the book for you. It does a great job at that. In fact, you could nestle in the padding and sleep very well.
Although I knit and read cozies, I'm not the person this book is aimed at. Its ideal reader would be someone who finds Diana Mott Davidson horrifyingly gruesome and loves "Murder She Wrote." There's nothing wrong with that, but there are better series in the genre than this.
Although I knit and read cozies, I'm not the person this book is aimed at. Its ideal reader would be someone who finds Diana Mott Davidson horrifyingly gruesome and loves "Murder She Wrote." There's nothing wrong with that, but there are better series in the genre than this.
November 9, 2020
I enjoy getting hooked on a series. After forcing myself to finish the 3rd Knit & Nibble, I can say I'm not the least bit interested in continuing.
In book one, I thought hmmm.... this author likes being descriptive. In book two, I thought, all right already, Pamela likes whole grain bread.
By book 3, I was so sick of reading about Pamela using her wedding china every day even though she's now a widow, I wanted to gag.
Too much repetition. Odd relationships. Nancy Drew would be appalled at Pamela's behavior.
In book one, I thought hmmm.... this author likes being descriptive. In book two, I thought, all right already, Pamela likes whole grain bread.
By book 3, I was so sick of reading about Pamela using her wedding china every day even though she's now a widow, I wanted to gag.
Too much repetition. Odd relationships. Nancy Drew would be appalled at Pamela's behavior.
April 15, 2019
A Cozy Book - Knit and Nibble’s numbers are growing! In addition to a litter of adorable kittens, the knitting club just welcomed their newest member, Caralee Lorimer. Caralee is learning to knit for her upcoming role in “A Tale of Two Cities.” According to the actress, the behind-the-scenes drama at the theater is getting downright catty. Caralee wants a reckoning for Arborville’s pretentious suburbanites. Her claws are out, and just like her character in the play, Caralee is ready to name names. Before she can finish her project, she is killed in a suspicious theater accident. Someone thinks they’ve staged a perfect murder, but Pamela and the Knit and Nibblers are ready to pounce on the real killer before it’s curtains for anyone else!
--
Series: A Knit & Nibble Mystery - Book 3
Author: Peggy Ehrhart
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Hobby
Publisher: Kensington Books
Page Count: 288
From Kensington Books comes the third installment, Knit One, Die Two, in the Knit & Nibble Mystery series from author Peggy Ehrhart. This is a well written cozy book with most of the elements that all cozies should have. Ms. Ehrhart's writing is smooth and the plot different than most.
The main character, Pamela is older and a widow with a job unique. She edits articles about crafts for a magazine and is involved in a knitting club with a diverse membership. Pamela is busy, and her heart is in the right place but often finds herself getting involved in criminal investigations that usually involve murder. Other characters throughout this book have odd personalities and quirks that make them interesting and could be expanded upon. The setting, the town of Arborville, NJ is well defined and easy to like.
Unfortunately, this is not the cozy book to start reading in this series, or if you are new to the cozy genre. There is no legitimate background for the reader to grasp that helps to understand who the characters are or keep the reader turning the page. The book is not a fast-paced read; it is lethargic and tedious. There is too much description of food being cooked or eaten. Also, there is too much detail of boring day-to-day activities such as going to the store to buy groceries that do not move the story forward and detracts from the reader's enjoyment.
Pamela's love interest plays no part in this book and makes a forgettable appearance literally in the last few pages. There is little action leading up to the unveiling of the killer. Although the villain is somewhat of a surprise, overall the book is not exciting. That is not to say the book is totally lacking in entertainment; it does have moments of enjoyment and intrigue.
This book is not for everyone. Readers who like more detail and less action will enjoy this story. Readers who like craft-based cozies such as Holly Quinn’s “A Handcrafted Mystery” or Alexis Morgan’s “An Abby McCree Mystery” series, may enjoy Knit One, Die Two.
--
Series: A Knit & Nibble Mystery - Book 3
Author: Peggy Ehrhart
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Hobby
Publisher: Kensington Books
Page Count: 288
From Kensington Books comes the third installment, Knit One, Die Two, in the Knit & Nibble Mystery series from author Peggy Ehrhart. This is a well written cozy book with most of the elements that all cozies should have. Ms. Ehrhart's writing is smooth and the plot different than most.
The main character, Pamela is older and a widow with a job unique. She edits articles about crafts for a magazine and is involved in a knitting club with a diverse membership. Pamela is busy, and her heart is in the right place but often finds herself getting involved in criminal investigations that usually involve murder. Other characters throughout this book have odd personalities and quirks that make them interesting and could be expanded upon. The setting, the town of Arborville, NJ is well defined and easy to like.
Unfortunately, this is not the cozy book to start reading in this series, or if you are new to the cozy genre. There is no legitimate background for the reader to grasp that helps to understand who the characters are or keep the reader turning the page. The book is not a fast-paced read; it is lethargic and tedious. There is too much description of food being cooked or eaten. Also, there is too much detail of boring day-to-day activities such as going to the store to buy groceries that do not move the story forward and detracts from the reader's enjoyment.
Pamela's love interest plays no part in this book and makes a forgettable appearance literally in the last few pages. There is little action leading up to the unveiling of the killer. Although the villain is somewhat of a surprise, overall the book is not exciting. That is not to say the book is totally lacking in entertainment; it does have moments of enjoyment and intrigue.
This book is not for everyone. Readers who like more detail and less action will enjoy this story. Readers who like craft-based cozies such as Holly Quinn’s “A Handcrafted Mystery” or Alexis Morgan’s “An Abby McCree Mystery” series, may enjoy Knit One, Die Two.
April 20, 2019
I had started reading thinking I had not read any in the series but a few chapters in I was recognizing the setting as well as the characters. I like this series and enjoyed this book.
When Arborville, New Jersey's snooty theater scene is upstaged by a shocking murder, Pamela Paterson and her Knit and Nibble knitting club must act quickly to stop a killer from making an encore performance . . .
Knit and Nibble's numbers are growing! In addition to a litter of adorable kittens, the knitting club just welcomed their newest member, Caralee Lorimer, who's learning to knit for her upcoming role in A Tale of Two Cities. According to the amateur actress, the behind-the-scenes drama at the theater is getting downright catty, and Caralee wants a reckoning for Arborville's pretentious suburbanites. Her claws are out, and just like her character in the play, Caralee is ready to name names. But before she can finish her snitchy stitches, Caralee is killed in a suspicious theater accident. Someone thinks they've staged a perfect murder, but Pamela and her Knit and Nibblers are ready to pounce on the real killer . . . before it's curtains for anyone else!
The cast of characters are likable and I enjoy the friendship between Pamela and her neighbours Wilfred and Bettina. The addition of the kittens were a great plus, I am a sucker for cats and dogs..The mystery was good, lots of twists and turns and red herrings which kept me guessing till the end. I wouldn't say this is a fast read like some of the cozies I read but one I read over several days.
I look forward to reading the next installment as I want to know what will happen to Pamela and if there'll be romance with her neighbour.Richard Larkin.
I requested and received an Advanced Reader Copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
When Arborville, New Jersey's snooty theater scene is upstaged by a shocking murder, Pamela Paterson and her Knit and Nibble knitting club must act quickly to stop a killer from making an encore performance . . .
Knit and Nibble's numbers are growing! In addition to a litter of adorable kittens, the knitting club just welcomed their newest member, Caralee Lorimer, who's learning to knit for her upcoming role in A Tale of Two Cities. According to the amateur actress, the behind-the-scenes drama at the theater is getting downright catty, and Caralee wants a reckoning for Arborville's pretentious suburbanites. Her claws are out, and just like her character in the play, Caralee is ready to name names. But before she can finish her snitchy stitches, Caralee is killed in a suspicious theater accident. Someone thinks they've staged a perfect murder, but Pamela and her Knit and Nibblers are ready to pounce on the real killer . . . before it's curtains for anyone else!
The cast of characters are likable and I enjoy the friendship between Pamela and her neighbours Wilfred and Bettina. The addition of the kittens were a great plus, I am a sucker for cats and dogs..The mystery was good, lots of twists and turns and red herrings which kept me guessing till the end. I wouldn't say this is a fast read like some of the cozies I read but one I read over several days.
I look forward to reading the next installment as I want to know what will happen to Pamela and if there'll be romance with her neighbour.Richard Larkin.
I requested and received an Advanced Reader Copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 11, 2019
The Knit and Nibblers have a temporary new member, Caralee Lorimer is to play the part of Madame Defarge in a local stage production of a Tale of Two Cities and so she needs to have knitting and be SEEN to be knitting, at one meeting Pamela is sat next to her and is stunned to see a huge bruise and scrape on her arm, Caralee explains it away as some of the props having fallen on her, but then it appears the same thing happens again (even though it was made safe ... supposedly) only this time Caralee doesn't end up with bad bruises - she ends up dead!
Pamela and Bettina are not sure that this was an accident and so start digging, especially as Pamela had overheard a heated exchange between Caralee and another member of the cast - and then they discover that Caralee could knit and she had knitted names in the scarf, but as they start to ask questions Pamela's daughter becomes increasingly worried about Pamela's safety, especially when another body is found buried in the prop room and this proves to be no accident.
Pamela and Bettina are not sure that this was an accident and so start digging, especially as Pamela had overheard a heated exchange between Caralee and another member of the cast - and then they discover that Caralee could knit and she had knitted names in the scarf, but as they start to ask questions Pamela's daughter becomes increasingly worried about Pamela's safety, especially when another body is found buried in the prop room and this proves to be no accident.
November 19, 2025
This has a lot of shopping for groceries, cooking and eating, with preparations described in detail, quite a bit of admiring china, and a fair amount of knitting, but really not a lot of mystery, and what there is just wasn't convincing. Also, it took way longer to read than it should have done, because it just wasn't very good.
Also, I'm not sure the author understands cat genetics - a litter of three black males and three ginger females from a ginger father and a black mother would be very unusual. One maybe - and only if the female has the ginger gene, but they'd be more likely to be calico or tortoiseshell.
Also, I'm not sure the author understands cat genetics - a litter of three black males and three ginger females from a ginger father and a black mother would be very unusual. One maybe - and only if the female has the ginger gene, but they'd be more likely to be calico or tortoiseshell.
May 29, 2019
another enjoyable entry in this series.
January 5, 2021
Review to come
June 10, 2021
This one didn't interest me as much as the previous two, but didn't bore me enough to give up yet.
December 5, 2019
This takes place in New Jersey around Labor Day. The story involves a theater group, knitting, a blog, and kittens. The story focuses on the death of a member of the local theater group. Knitting and food are also a big part of the story. The kittens were a minor part of the story but a cute diversion. Also, there is a hint of romance.
July 3, 2020
Loyal endearing friends, loads of kittens, and many detailed meals which I enjoy and one use of profanity that I could have done without!
February 22, 2021
Pamela Paterson is a widow who lives in Arborville, New Jersey and does online editing for a craft magazine. She started the Knit and Nibble knitting club, and they have a new member - Caralee Lorimer, an actress who's learning to knit for her role in A Tale of Two Cities. But it's not long before they hear of an accident at the theater, and Caralee is found dead. But both Pamela and her best friend Bettina think it was murder, and set out to find the truth. Unfortunately, it's not going to be easy, and their suspects all have a reason to want the woman dead...
This is the third book in the series and I've actually been reading them in order. I guess my main problem with it is I don't understand the author's obsession with dinnerware and food. She needs to describe each plate that is used by each member of the club -- whether it's wedding china or thrift store finds, and then every dish that is made and served is described in innumerable sentences. Honestly, I don't care who serves what on which dish. Unless it's the murder weapon, what does it matter? It's pages of the story that don't need to be there, and takes away from the mystery. That and the fact that we're told every single thing that Bettina wears and all Pamela ever wears is jeans and a cotton top.
Pamela isn't quite forty, but she acts much older. She doesn't act like an amateur sleuth, but more like a nosy neighbor. She doesn't have the "sleuthing qualities" that I've come to love in most cozies, and she's just nosy enough to want to know what is going on, including wondering about where her handsome neighbor is, but not enough to find out.
Then, she has six kittens to "dispose of." I say that because she obviously knows nothing about kittens or cats. As a lifetime cat owner, you don't dispose of kittens by giving them away to just anyone (for the record, I spay and neuter my cats). Where was the mention of taking them to the vet? Was she planning on giving them their first shots? Did she care if they were immunized? Even if she didn't plan on the kittens, she should have been a responsible pet owner. Make sure the cats will be well cared for and kept indoors. I'd rather read about this than someone's wedding china. Enough of my rant...
Back to the story: trying to figure out who killed Caralee. When it's discovered that she left clues behind, both Pamela and Bettina decide to look further for a killer. They come across several suspects, and they try and figure out what it was that Caralee was trying to say. What they did find was that Caralee hated Arborville, and some of the people in it. She wasn't a likeable person at all in my book.
When the ending comes and the killer is revealed, I had it figured out before that, but the motive wasn't worth killing for, in my opinion. The author also did what she did in the last book -- left questions unanswered that I would have liked to have known, leaving me feeling as if the food mattered more than resolutions to some of the questionable characters. But ah, well...I don't expect them to be told in the next book, either.
This is the third book in the series and I've actually been reading them in order. I guess my main problem with it is I don't understand the author's obsession with dinnerware and food. She needs to describe each plate that is used by each member of the club -- whether it's wedding china or thrift store finds, and then every dish that is made and served is described in innumerable sentences. Honestly, I don't care who serves what on which dish. Unless it's the murder weapon, what does it matter? It's pages of the story that don't need to be there, and takes away from the mystery. That and the fact that we're told every single thing that Bettina wears and all Pamela ever wears is jeans and a cotton top.
Pamela isn't quite forty, but she acts much older. She doesn't act like an amateur sleuth, but more like a nosy neighbor. She doesn't have the "sleuthing qualities" that I've come to love in most cozies, and she's just nosy enough to want to know what is going on, including wondering about where her handsome neighbor is, but not enough to find out.
Then, she has six kittens to "dispose of." I say that because she obviously knows nothing about kittens or cats. As a lifetime cat owner, you don't dispose of kittens by giving them away to just anyone (for the record, I spay and neuter my cats). Where was the mention of taking them to the vet? Was she planning on giving them their first shots? Did she care if they were immunized? Even if she didn't plan on the kittens, she should have been a responsible pet owner. Make sure the cats will be well cared for and kept indoors. I'd rather read about this than someone's wedding china. Enough of my rant...
Back to the story: trying to figure out who killed Caralee. When it's discovered that she left clues behind, both Pamela and Bettina decide to look further for a killer. They come across several suspects, and they try and figure out what it was that Caralee was trying to say. What they did find was that Caralee hated Arborville, and some of the people in it. She wasn't a likeable person at all in my book.
When the ending comes and the killer is revealed, I had it figured out before that, but the motive wasn't worth killing for, in my opinion. The author also did what she did in the last book -- left questions unanswered that I would have liked to have known, leaving me feeling as if the food mattered more than resolutions to some of the questionable characters. But ah, well...I don't expect them to be told in the next book, either.
October 25, 2019
3.5 Stars: This is the third book in the Knit & Nibble Mystery series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but there is some character development that you might miss. This should not decrease your enjoyment of this mystery. In this outing, the Knit and Nibble knitting group has another new member. Caralee Lorimer is playing a part in the local theater production of A Tale of Two Cities. Because Madame Defarge knits on stage, Caralee wants to learn to knit so she looks convincing. She is also a bit of a gossip and shares her opinions freely. She has upset several people around town, so when Caralee is in an accident at the theatre, Pamela is sure it was not an accident. Pamela and Bettina begin an investigation to get to the bottom of the so-called accident.
I have enjoyed previous books in this series, but this one was not as good. There was a lot of repetition and too many details and descriptions of mundane things. I had a hard time getting invested in this story, which was too bad. I like the main characters of Pamela, Bettina, Wilford and the other members of the Knit & Nibble club. They are a friendly bunch who take their nibbles as serious as their knitting. The mystery was lackluster in this story. Pamela, with Bettina as her sidekick, question various people around town (food is usually involved) to see what they could find out. They did push some buttons and get some people upset with them, which added a bit of a kick to the story. As the story progresses, there is another murder, which gives Pamela some ammunition to her murder theory. The reveal of the killer was not a surprise as this story was pretty telegraphed. There were kittens which were cute, but Pamela spent too much time dealing with finding them homes, food, grocery shopping and visiting. I prefer more focus on a well-developed mystery so was disappointed with this one. For those readers who prefer laid-back cozy mysteries with more cozy than mystery, you will find Knit One, Die Two enjoyable.
I listened to the audiobook of this story. The narrator, Callie Beaulieu, does a nice job narrating cozy mysteries. She does not do voices as she reads these stories, but she has a very pleasant voice to listen to, with her inflection and expression being right on. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
I have enjoyed previous books in this series, but this one was not as good. There was a lot of repetition and too many details and descriptions of mundane things. I had a hard time getting invested in this story, which was too bad. I like the main characters of Pamela, Bettina, Wilford and the other members of the Knit & Nibble club. They are a friendly bunch who take their nibbles as serious as their knitting. The mystery was lackluster in this story. Pamela, with Bettina as her sidekick, question various people around town (food is usually involved) to see what they could find out. They did push some buttons and get some people upset with them, which added a bit of a kick to the story. As the story progresses, there is another murder, which gives Pamela some ammunition to her murder theory. The reveal of the killer was not a surprise as this story was pretty telegraphed. There were kittens which were cute, but Pamela spent too much time dealing with finding them homes, food, grocery shopping and visiting. I prefer more focus on a well-developed mystery so was disappointed with this one. For those readers who prefer laid-back cozy mysteries with more cozy than mystery, you will find Knit One, Die Two enjoyable.
I listened to the audiobook of this story. The narrator, Callie Beaulieu, does a nice job narrating cozy mysteries. She does not do voices as she reads these stories, but she has a very pleasant voice to listen to, with her inflection and expression being right on. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
October 20, 2019
Knit One, Die Two is the third book in Peggy Ehrhart’s Knit & Nibble Mystery series and is a light and entertaining read. The author’s descriptive writing flows smoothly, with several things are repeated multiple times and cooking descriptions and daily routines that are somewhat monotonous. The well-developed characters are likable, and the interesting mystery kept me guessing until the final reveal.
Pamela Paterson lives in Arborville, New Jersey. She’s a widow with one daughter, Penny, who’s in college who lives in. She’s an associate editor of a craft magazine and the founder of the Knit and Nibble knitting club that meets every Tuesday evening. Bettina Fraser is her neighbor, friend, fellow knitter, and sleuthing partner. The Arborville Players are preparing for the opening of their latest play, A Tale of Two Cities, and are practicing in the church next to Pamela’s house. One of the actresses, Caralee Lorimer, joined the knitting club to learn how to knit and get into character for her role. When Caralee is crushed and killed when a pile of stuff falls on her when she’s removing chairs in the church storage room fall on her, the police rule her death as accidental, but Pamela questions their conclusion because Caralee told her the same thing had happened to her twice. Pamela reassures her daughter that there is nothing for her to worry about, but when Pamela sees a man in her back yard, she becomes unsettled. Pamela and Bettina begin digging into motives and alibis, Bettina’s husband, Wilfred, discovers a surprise in Caralee’s knitting, and Pamela has five, maybe seven, people on her suspect list. When a second body is found in the same location, Pamela hopes the police will reevaluate their findings in Caralee’s death.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Pamela Paterson lives in Arborville, New Jersey. She’s a widow with one daughter, Penny, who’s in college who lives in. She’s an associate editor of a craft magazine and the founder of the Knit and Nibble knitting club that meets every Tuesday evening. Bettina Fraser is her neighbor, friend, fellow knitter, and sleuthing partner. The Arborville Players are preparing for the opening of their latest play, A Tale of Two Cities, and are practicing in the church next to Pamela’s house. One of the actresses, Caralee Lorimer, joined the knitting club to learn how to knit and get into character for her role. When Caralee is crushed and killed when a pile of stuff falls on her when she’s removing chairs in the church storage room fall on her, the police rule her death as accidental, but Pamela questions their conclusion because Caralee told her the same thing had happened to her twice. Pamela reassures her daughter that there is nothing for her to worry about, but when Pamela sees a man in her back yard, she becomes unsettled. Pamela and Bettina begin digging into motives and alibis, Bettina’s husband, Wilfred, discovers a surprise in Caralee’s knitting, and Pamela has five, maybe seven, people on her suspect list. When a second body is found in the same location, Pamela hopes the police will reevaluate their findings in Caralee’s death.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
May 20, 2023
I’m sorry. I’ve tried two books. I just can’t take it anymore. How many times in a single book do we need to read “the grinding of the beans, the boiling of the water@, the seemingly unending minutiae of Pamela making coffee. Every morning. Every visit from her best friend who always bring dessert. At the knitting club meetings. That’s a lot of coffee. A lot of noises and conversations being drowned out by the grinder. A lot of sudden and loud screeching of the kettle. I can forgive the rapturous details of every single thing Pamela makes (toast, cheese slices, cinnamon toast, etc) because I know there will be a corresponding recipe at the back and many cozies market to that crowd. But coffee? Really? Every single morning to repeat the same steps, the same words, the same routine? More than I can bear. I’m out.
March 5, 2024
Pamela and Bettina are a little slow on the uptake in this Knit & Nibble Mystery.
Local actors plan to stage "A Tale of Two Cities." The woman playing Madame DeFarge joins the Knit & Nibble crew to hone some realistic knitting skills before the play takes the stage. Pamela and crew are not impressed with Madame DeFarge's knitting nor her people skills.
Folks, she's in character.
But not for long. She's our murder victim, and Pamela takes forever to figure out who did it.
I was shocked . . . I'm telling you. SHOCKED! . . . to discover in this book that Pamela is only supposed to be in her early 40s. I thought for sure she was in her 60s. Peggy Ehrhart certainly writes the character as if she were an old lady.
Knit & Nibble is a perfectly fine series, but I am disappointed that so many women cozy mystery authors tend to write their female characters as old women.
Local actors plan to stage "A Tale of Two Cities." The woman playing Madame DeFarge joins the Knit & Nibble crew to hone some realistic knitting skills before the play takes the stage. Pamela and crew are not impressed with Madame DeFarge's knitting nor her people skills.
Folks, she's in character.
But not for long. She's our murder victim, and Pamela takes forever to figure out who did it.
I was shocked . . . I'm telling you. SHOCKED! . . . to discover in this book that Pamela is only supposed to be in her early 40s. I thought for sure she was in her 60s. Peggy Ehrhart certainly writes the character as if she were an old lady.
Knit & Nibble is a perfectly fine series, but I am disappointed that so many women cozy mystery authors tend to write their female characters as old women.
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