Crewel and Unusual

Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery #6

by Molly MacRae

Yarn shop owner Kath Rutledge is looking forward to the grand opening of the Blue Plum Vault, a new co-op of small shops, but in the week before the grand opening, two of the new shopkeepers, Nervie and Belinda, declare each other’s embroidery patterns and antique embroidered linens fakes, copies—and stolen goods. Kath is caught in the middle when she’s asked to use her textile expertise to decide if there’s any truth to the accusations.Then, the day before the grand opening, an exquisite tablecloth that Kath has fallen in love with—the pride of Belinda’s shop—is found cut to shreds. Belinda accuses Nervie of the outrage, but Nervie has an airtight she was at Kath’s shop, the Weaver’s Cat, teaching a crewel embroidery class.Despite worries over the rivalry and vandalism, the opening is a success—until Belinda is found dead, stabbed in the back with a pair of scissors from the Weaver’s Cat. Geneva, the ghost who haunts Kath’s store, claims she saw the murderer leaving the scene of the crime. But the ghost is the ultimate unreliable witness—only Kath and her shop manager can see or hear her. That means it’s up to Kath, TGIF, and especially Geneva the ghost to solve the crime before the killer cuts another life short.

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

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Molly MacRae spent twenty years in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Upper East Tennessee, where she managed The Book Place, an independent bookstore; may it rest in peace.

Before the lure of books hooked her, she was curator of the history museum in Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town.

MacRae lives with her family in Champaign, Illinois, where she connects children with books at the public library.

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! My first 5 star of 2019. I haven't read the others in this series and think it stands alone fine but it's obvious I missed connections and characters so I'm definitely starting from the beginning. I so enjoy this author's gentle wittiness and compassion that comes through in Kath. This is one of those above the rest cozy. I love cozies but this one really stands out in writing, characters and plot.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crewel and Unusual by Molly MacRae is the sixth A Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery. Kath Rutledge owns the Weaver’s Cat in Blue Plum, Tennessee. Kath shares her office with Argyle, the shop cat and Geneva, a temperamental ghost. The town is looking forward to the opening of the Blue Plum Vault which is housed in the old bank and houses small co-op shops. The recently deceased Garland Brown spearheaded the project. The Spivey twins stop by to tell Kath the rumors circulating around town that Nervie Bates embroidery patterns were not created by her. They also suggest that Kath stop by the Vault to check out the vintage linens being sold by Belinda Moyer. Kath visits Belinda’s shop, Belle’s Vintage & Antique Linens and falls in love with an Arts & Crafts tablecloth done with silk embroidery thread. She is surprised by the animosity between Belinda and Nervie. The next day, Kath is shocked when she gets a call from Joe that the beautiful tablecloth has been found in shreds. Before Deputy Cole Dunbar can arrive, the shreds disappear. All of Blue Plum turns out for the grand opening including Geneva. Kath hears Geneva singing a dirge in a storage closet. When the door is opened, they find Belinda face down with a pair of scissors in her back. Geneva says she saw the killer, but her recollections leave a lot to be desired. Kath and TGIF members along with Geneva establish their murder board and set out to unravel this perplexing mystery.

Crewel and Unusual is the sixth delightful installment in the unique A Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery series. If you have not read the previous books in the series, you will not be lost. Everything a new reader needs to know is included. Blue Plum is a cozy small town with charming shops and friendly residents. Kath is slowly discovering her special gifts and how they work. Geneva is a humorous addition to the story. She is dramatic, moody and observant. I especially enjoyed the interactions between Kath and Geneva. I am glad that Ardis can now see Geneva as well. I found Crewel and Unusual to be a slow starter as the author introduces the characters, town, shops, etc. There are many descriptive details that help bring the story alive (visually). The mystery has multiple suspects and misdirection to keep readers off the trail of the real killer. If you pay careful attention, you will find the clues that will lead you to the guilty party. It is a complicated mystery, and I appreciated how everything tied together in the end. I am giving Crewel and Unusual 4 out of 5 stars. I wish the pace had been peppier and that there had been a smoother flow. I was happy to return to Blue Plum in Crewel and Unusual. I look forward to further adventures with Kath and Geneva in A Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery series.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very happy to see a 6th book published in the Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery series. This series has been one of my favorite series and I have followed it from the beginning.

The main reason I like this series so much is the characters. It felt good reading about their adventures again. My favorite character is probably Geneva, the dramatic yet lovable ghost who stays in the yarn stop. I almost wrote lives in the year shop. She and Kath, the shop owner, have developed a strong friendship over time. There is word play and humor.

I also like to read about the customers especially the posse who join Kath and Ardis in solving the murders. A new coop store which contains small artistic craft shops is ready for a grand opening. Arguments ensue between two of the shop owners and then a murder. The murders are never easy to solve in the books in the series which I like.

I hope there will be a 7th book. Could there be a male companion ghost for Geneva? We as readers learn more about Geneva's past with each book.

[ML Blair · Rating 3 out of 5]

I caught on a little sooner this time (in guessing the killer) but again I had difficulty with all the people there are in these books. An okay read.

[Stormi (StormReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this series but it got cancelled by the original publisher and I am glad it has been picked up by another so that we can continue with this fun series.It has been a few years since the last one so it took me a little while to get back into the characters but once I started remembering them I started to really enjoy it.Kath Rutledge took over her Aunts yarn shop and has been making a pretty good go of things. She has gotten use to it's resident ghost who can be a handful sometimes. She is looking forward to the grand opening of the Blue Plum Vault, but before it's open she hears rumors of some rivalries between a couple shop owners and then one ends up dead. Geneva, the ghost, is pretty sure she seen the murderer but she has an unusual way of saying what she seen so it takes Kath some sleuthing on her own to figure out what Geneva might have seen.This was a lot of fun and I really like the characters, Geneva the ghost is really funny! I like Kath and Joe and the yarn group. If you like ghost in your cozies then check out this series!

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cozy mystery has definitely been worth waiting for! The author brings to life the charm of small-town life, close-knit friendships, creative fiber craft folks, a lamenting ghost who is finding new value, and a complex mystery. Sixth in the series, it can be read as a standalone, yet each novel builds on the next.

Kath jumped into The Weaver's Cat and Blue Plum, Tennessee with both feet since losing Granny, Ivy, earlier in the year. One of her favorite groups is TGIF, Thank Goodness It's Fiber, specifically its offshoot, Fast & Furious Friday. The members of this group make newborn caps for babies born in the hospital, a great service to the community. They have also contributed to the community in other, more controversial ways. Kath and her Posse, as the F&FF group call themselves, have contributed to solving several murders since Kath has come to town. Even Geneva, the mournful ghost, has been an unknown part of the Posse. Only Kath and Ardis, the shop manager, are able to see or communicate with her. Oh, and Argyle, the shop cat.

The mysteries this time are complex. First, one of the people spearheading the Blue Plum Vault, Gar, was found murdered at a hiking trail parking area just a couple weeks before the grand opening. The Vault was formerly a bank that Gar worked at for many years before his retirement. It is now set up with many vendor booths, primarily for crafters and collectors to sell their beautiful works. A couple days before the opening, Kath hears of a vendor, Belinda, who is selling an antique silk embroidered table runner, and also finds a fabulous embroidered museum-quality tablecloth that she absolutely falls in love with. The day before the grand opening, Belinda finds that someone has destroyed the tablecloth, an act of rage or revenge based on how completely it was destroyed. As a gifted textile restorer, Kath's heart aches for the loss of this tablecloth that cannot be saved. The following day, Belinda is found murdered. Minor thefts occur throughout the Vault, and a couple strangers are popping up everywhere there seems to be trouble.

This is such a suspenseful, fascinating mystery! The crafting is, as always, fabulous, and I always learn about different crafts in each mystery. The characters at the Weaver's Cat overall get along well together, and Geneva is a hoot, as always. She becomes more "person"able with each mystery, and it is fun to watch her learn more about life in the 21st century, more than 100 years since she died. I really enjoy this novel, and the series in general! There is a unique mix of characters and wit that just works. There is humor even in the darkest moments. The mysteries were simply beyond my ability to solve, and the motivations and solutions related to people I never considered. For those who enjoy cozy mysteries with fiber arts, humor, and a bit of magic, I highly recommend this mystery!

From a grateful heart: I received a review copy of the mystery, and this is my honest review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I figured it out! Very subtle clues in there for the avid mystery reader. And I figured out why I like this series so much - while there is a progression in the storylines of each of the characters, each mystery only takes a week or so of their lives, without being tied to a year having passed. So this series can go on for a very long time . . . .

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in the beloved "Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery" series by Molly MacRae. i have read the entire series and find it very endearing . Thank you for the ARC which does not influence my personal review.

In this 6th installment our protagonist Kath Rutledge is looking forward to the opening of a small group of shops in town. Much excitement is generated by the locals and by her knitting group (TGIF) Thank Goodness Its Fiber group that meets at her shop. Kath soon is involved in a murder at one of the shops and begins to investigate. Geneva the ghost that lives in Kath's shop tells Kath she has witnessed the murder. Kath cannot share this information because as a ghost Geneva is a unreliable witness. Kath must go to great lengths to prove who the murdered is and soon she has put herself at risk . Soon Kath ask the TGIF knitting ladies to help her investigate and put the clues together when she is in over her head. As the suspects and clues come together the ladies and Kath find murder is never easy to solve.
I like the well crafted sleuth and the likable charcters of this series. Returning to the TGIF ladies is always a delightful read. The author has a pleasing writing style that keeps you reading and unable to guess the ending. This is a very enjoyable cozy series and i look forward to the next in series. The knitting group are people you would want to be friends with and very supportive of each other and of Kath. i enjoy reading about their escapes solving murders together in each and every installment. The ghost is the perfect accompaniment to the series and adds humor and a bit of the paranormal in a most pleasing way. A very well done enjoyable cozy read indeed.

[FangirlNation · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Crewel and Unusual by Molly MacRae, Kath Rutledge gets involved in another case as her town opens the Blue Plum Vault, a co-op of shops operated by various artisans and booksellers. Belinda Moyer sells antique textiles, which draws the textile expert Kath to her shop. The day before the official opening, Belinda reports that her valuable antique table runner has been destroyed, and then the ruined item disappears. On the day of the opening, the Blue Plum Vault draws a big crowd, and Kath enjoys exploring the place. She goes with Artis Buchanan, the manager of her shop, Weaver’s Cat, and the only other person besides Kath who can see the ghost Geneva. The pair hear sorrowful singing in a storage closet and realize that Geneva is inside. When they get the closet open, Kath discovers Geneva cradling the murdered body of Belinda. Then Kath learns that Geneva witnessed the murderer, so she faces an extra challenge in solving the case without revealing her source.

Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation

[Jypsy]

Crewel and Unusual is a cozy mystery fans will enjoy. It's got fun engaging characters. The story is lively and twisty enough to keep you reading from beginning to end. It's an overall charming story. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Joan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I enjoyed the previous books in this series, but just could not get into this one. Found the dialogue awkward.

[Anne Slater · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many characters, apparently unresolved secondary question (where is the magic tablecloth?)
I read it all but am sorry I bothered, having read others of the series that I enjoyed.

[Ms. Bryant · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not very sorry to say goodbye to Kath, The Weaver's Cat, Blue Plum, the Posse or Geneva and Argyle (a great name for a real cat). This was an OK cozy series. I'll start MacRae's Highland Bookshop Series next year.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: The Blue Plum Vault sounds like a fabulous place to visit with all sorts of artisans and one of a kind shops. Sadly its grand opening is darkened by the murder of one of its members. She has had some rip-roaring altercations with a number of locals but is that any reason to kill her? Kath is involved because the victim has a very rare and special tablecloth that has Kath drooling. Then it is Kath who finds the body hidden in a locked storage room.
Kath finds the body when the ghost who haunts her is wailing behind the closed door. The ghost, Geneva, has become obsessed with tv cop shows and thinks she and Kath need to find the killer. There are a lot of moving parts in this story, perhaps a tad too many for me. There were times when I had to backtrack or forge ahead to keep the story straight. It is a shame because I liked the basic story and I like the interaction between Kath and Geneva. Once all the loose pieces were tied up it was a satisfying read but the confusion in the middle makes me give it a bit lower rating than I might have done on the pure story alone.
I give it four purrs and one paw up.

[Melli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this book but I just could not get into it.. it is slow paced and its not what I thought that it would be. not saying that I might not finish it but as of today I am going to put it to the side for now. I have read this author before with no issues but this one just wasn't for me.

[OpenBookSociety.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://openbooksociety.com/article/cr...

Crewel and Unusual
A Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery #6
By Molly MacRae
ISBN 9781643130088
mollymacrae.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie Dannheim

Synopsis:

Yarn shop owner Kath Rutledge is looking forward to the grand opening of the Blue Plum Vault, a co-op of small shops on Main Street. But in the week before the grand opening, Kath and her needlework group, TGIF (Thank Goodness It’s Fiber), hear rumors of an unpleasant rivalry developing between two of the new shopkeepers. Nervie Bales and Belinda Moyer declare each other’s embroidery patterns and antique embroidered linens fakes, copies—and stolen goods. Kath is caught in the middle when she’s asked to use her textile expertise to decide if there’s any truth to the accusations.

Then, the day before the grand opening, an exquisite tablecloth that Kath has fallen in love with—the pride of Belinda’s shop—is found cut to shreds. Belinda accuses Nervie of the outrage, but Nervie has an airtight alibi: she was at Kath’s shop, the Weaver’s Cat, teaching a crewel embroidery class.

Despite worries over the rivalry and vandalism, the opening is a success—until Belinda is found dead, stabbed in the back with a pair of scissors from the Weaver’s Cat. Geneva, the ghost who haunts Kath’s store, claims she saw the murderer leaving the scene of the crime. But the ghost is the ultimate unreliable witness—only Kath and her shop manager can see or hear her. That means it’s up to Kath, TGIF, and especially Geneva the ghost to solve the crime before the killer cuts another life short. (from Goodreads)

Review:

Molly MacRae is a gifted storyteller, successfully weaving an indoor and outdoor setting in picturesque Tennessee, a group of quirky crafters, and an intriguing, complex mystery. Kath, Geneva, and the gang at The Weaver’s Cat are back, better than ever! Sixth in the series, it can be read as a standalone, but many readers might decide to go back and read the rest of the series after enjoying this delightful, intriguing mystery. I for one will go back to the ones I haven’t read yet as they simply aren’t worth missing. Many of the fiber arts crafters consider themselves part of Kath’s Posse since helping her find a killer when she first arrives for Granny Ivy McClellan’s funeral several months prior. They are also part of the Thank Goodness it’s Fiber subgroup, Fast & Furious Friday, that makes caps for newborns at the local hospital.

It has been two weeks since Gar Brown was found murdered at a trailhead parking area, thought to be a victim of the smash and grab thieves vandalizing vehicles at hiking trailhead lots. Gar’s favorite project, the Blue Plum Vault, is about to open. Formerly the bank where he had started as a teller many years ago and eventually retired from, it has been repurposed as a craft co-op from where local artisans, crafters, and collectors sell their wares. Even Joe, brother of Deputy Cole Dunbar (aka “Clod”), is selling postcard-size watercolor paintings and hand-tied flies. Joe and Kath are seeing each other but have not yet given a name to what they might have.

Geneva, the despondent ghost is still at the Cat. Thankfully Ardis, the full-time manager of the shop, can now see and hear Geneva; they discovered a special link between the two. Geneva is an enthusiastic member of the posse. While she can’t go out and question people, she is great at listening in on conversations without being caught and has a “PhD” in the TV cop series from Andy Griffith to Law and Order and everything in between.

Before the grand opening, Granny’s cousins, the Spivey twins, stop to tell Kath about a fabulous, silk-embroidered antique table runner that Belinda Moyer is selling at the Vault. They claim to have told Belinda that with Kath’s training and experience (she is a highly-trained textile preservation specialist), she might be able to authenticate it. Kath went to see Belinda’s shop and was captivated by the table runner. Even more so was she taken with a gorgeous embroidered tablecloth that is museum quality. Nervie, another vendor, accused Belinda of selling cheap knockoffs made in other countries and, in the case of the tablecloth, claimed it was stolen. Whew!

The next day, Joe texted Kath that there was vandalism at the vault. Kath went to see Belinda and the beautiful, museum quality tablecloth that had been murdered, painstakingly and thoroughly cut up and shredded. Edges of some pieces were singed. Belinda accused Nervie of destroying it. Then on the day of the grand opening, it gets much, much worse. Geneva discovered Belinda, murdered in a storage room. The posse is back in business!

I really enjoy the characters, each of whom is drawn with insight and a touch of whimsy. These are folks who can laugh at themselves (and sometimes each other), are willing to help others when needed, and have unique talents used for the good of the community. Kath is supposed to have inherited Ivy’s ability to work magic through the special dye recipe journals she kept hidden. It’s fun to see how Geneva changes from one mystery to the next.

There is always something new to learn in one of Ms. MacRae’s mysteries. Other than crocheting, I am not familiar with the many fiber crafts, and I wasn’t aware there were many kinds of embroidery, including one with silk threads that looks like a painting. Who killed the tablecloth? It is a running theme since the shredded piece of art was discovered until its owner was murdered. Even the means of death was surprising, adding another twist to this multi-tiered novel. There are plot twists throughout, and the end brought multiple surprises, from the real bad guy (not someone I had considered) and various motives (could never have guessed them) to what really happened to the tablecloth. This intriguing, suspenseful, and witty mystery will delight readers who are new to the series and those returning to Blue Plum, Tennessee and I highly recommend it.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

[JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kath Rutledge is looking forward to visiting the Blue Plum Vault, a former bank that is now home to small shops on Main Street. When she receives a visit from the Spivey twins, Mercy and Shirley, they tell her she needs to visit one of the shops because the owner has a magnificent embroidered table runner. Kath, owner of the Weaver's Cat, can't resist. When she finally sees it, she is enamored, but when the owner, Belinda Moyer, allows her to view and even more precious treasure - a tablecloth - Kath is in awe. While Belinda hurriedly tucks it away, she lets Kath know it will be for sale. However, Nervie Bales declares it's a fake, even though Kath knows better. But when the shops all open, she hears a scream from Belinda and arrives to find the tablecloth cut to shreds. Soon after, even the shreds disappear and no one knows where.

Then Belinda's body is found - by Geneva the ghost, no less - and Kath is wondering if Nervie hated her enough to kill her. When she isn't getting any information from Deputy Cole Dunbar, she figures it's up to her and her TGIF group of knitters to flush out a killer. But they soon learn that the recent murder of Gar Brown and Belinda might be connected. Who would want to kill two people - one of them new to town and one of them a respected resident - and why? What did they know that someone else didn't want them to tell? How does the destroyed tablecloth fit in? With a slew of suspects and ghostly Geneva offering up her own ideas, Kath tries to corner a killer who's killed twice before - and might try for a third...

I'm very fond of this series with its gloomy ghost Geneva, who resides at Kath's shop and even though she only remembers bits and pieces about her past, she has a very real presence. Kath has even come along in the fact that she sort of likes having Geneva around. The only other person who can see her is Ardis, retired schoolteacher and part-time worker at the Cat, who's a descendant of Geneva's family.

While Kath at first gets interested because of the destroyed tablecloth, she soon figures out that there's more to what's going on, but it seems that not only are the people who have shops at the co-op suspects, but maybe even a few people around town. We watch as they conference and sift through clues, trying to decide motives and eliminating people along the way. It's a fun process to be part of, and I enjoyed reading about their deductions.

While there isn't a lot about any of the characters in this book, insofar as to their lives aside from investigating, it doesn't seem important somehow. The only thing that bothered me, just a little, was the fact of Kath and Joe's non-relationship. I get that she's concerned with her shop and that he loves fishing; and they sleuth a little (long with the others, but they don't really do anything together. There was one nice moment when you knew Joe had feelings for her, (and that involved Geneva) but that was it. I think as the series proceeds (and I am so glad that it's been revived) I would at least like to see them progress. (Not that I want this to turn into a romance series).

Aside from that, and as I stated, it was minor, I felt that while the book started slow, it picked up considerably and the mystery was done well. There were a couple of interesting subplots going on, and the Spivey sisters are as annoying as always, but all in all, it was a delightful read.

When the killer was discovered and the reason why, I thought it all came together nicely in the end. I had a good time trying to figure it out along with Kath, and it was worth the wait. In the end, a nice cozy to read on a chilly evening. There's even a nice recipe for Pear and Ginger Scones in the back, if you like to cook (I do). I look forward to the next in the series. Recommended.

[Annie (is so far behind 😬) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sixth in an established series and although I haven't read a previous installment, I was drawn into this story quite easily. The characters were (mostly) well done - the TGIF (Thank Goodness It's Fibre) group were a bit light and I didn't get a really good feel for them as individuals, but they obviously have a solid friendship with Kath and it appears this isn't the first murder investigation for them.

The opening of the Blue Plum Vault artist co-op is highly anticipated in the town, as it will allow local artisans to showcase their works and visitors to interact - albeit it on an irregular schedule - with the artists. Kath, a textile restorationist, is pointed towards a tablecloth by the Spivey twins, and heads directly to the Vault to see the collecter, Belinda, and the item itself. It's even better than she can imagine, and she's devasted when, the day before the grand opening of the Vault, the tablecloth is found destroyed in Belinda's 'shop'. Belinda believes a woman called Nervie is responsible and makes no secret about it.

While the grand opening is a success, it is disturbed by the discovery of Belinda's body in a storage closet. Kath, apparently a chronic 'nosy Nancy' can't stay out of the investigation, especially as she more or less discovered the body, thanks to Geneva the ghost.

I enjoyed this despite coming into the series at the latest book. I liked the relationships between the characters, although I'm not sure if Kath and Joe are a 'thing' or a 'Thing' or where that's headed, really, as they don't seem to spend much time together despite obviously liking each other.

I'd definitely continue the series and am interested enough to go back and start at the beginning to see how Kath arrives in Blue Plum.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crewel and Unusual by Molly MacRae is a Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery and yes, there is a ghost, Geneva, who enjoyed scones and snark, and rarely, if ever, left the shop. There was also a cat, Argyle, who had come to the shop after a devil-may-care existence elsewhere, but loved it here now and was loved in return by the employees and customers, usually. Kath had inherited the Weaver's Cat from her grandmother who had started it years before with Kath's grandfather. They are part of a small town, Blue Plum, inhabited by relatives and friends alike, as well as some who could hardly be called friends and thankfully were not relatives. On the horizon was the opening of an art barn: The Blue Plum Valut, run by the Arts Council and full of booths of artisans of different types and styles. There is a murder and then connections arise between it and the death of Granny's friend, Gar, who had been found dead in his truck, odd at the time.

This is an ensemble book with Kath as the leader, mostly. There are a lot of characters and one would have to read all the books (this is the sixth) in the series to really put them in place. They have strengths and weaknesses as do all humans but they work together well. This is a decent mystery and solving it takes all the personalities. There is a lot of detail in the book about the town and the Blue Plum Vault and the people. It is enjoyable and fun to read. I recommend it.

I received a free ARC of Crewel and Unusual in exchange for a fair and honest review. #netgalley #crewelandunusual

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kath Rutledge owns a yarn shop, the Weaver’s Cat that she inherited from her grandmother. Before becoming a shop owner, Kath worked restoring vintage tapestries, etc. for a museum. There’s a new business in town, the Blue Plum Vault, that houses a co-op of small shops, two of which will be competitors of the Weaver’s Cat. Before the Vault can open, however, someone cuts an antique tablecloth that Kath has lusted after into shreds. Belinda, who owned the tablecloth, accuses fellow Vault shopkeeper Nervie of destroying the tablecloth. Nervie, however, has an airtight alibi – she was teaching a class at the Weaver’s Cat. When Kath studies the tablecloth she notices singe marks. The local sheriff is out of his league in this investigation and does not consider asking Kath for her expert opinion. Of course, Kath feels obligated to investigate. During the grand opening of the Vault, a murder takes place using scissors from Kath’s shop.

This is a well written fun cozy that includes a cast of interesting characters, including Geneva a ghost who is depressed, but may be a witness to the murder. McCrae moves the story along at a sprightly pace that doesn’t get bogged down. This the latest book in a series featuring Kath and Geneva, but you do not need to have read the others in the series to thoroughly enjoy this entry.

If you like your cozy mysteries with an unique setting and a ghost as a character, this is the book for you.

[Ed · Rating 3 out of 5]

#6 in the Haunted Yarn Shop mystery series. This 2019 series entry by author Molly MacRae follows a 4 year hiatus apparently spent on the first two books of the author's Highland Bookshop series. This series is populated by a varied and mostly likeable cast of characters. If I were a little more interested. I would look back through the book and see when I suspected a significant clue, it was due to my razor sharp sleuthing ability of is the author was particularly blatant with her hints. Instead, I'll just be lazy and settle for an "Aha! I knew it all along."

Series returns to the Weaver's Cat needlework shop in Blue Plum, Tennessee, which owner Kath Rutledge shares with a ghost, Geneva, who died a century ago. The big news in town is the opening of the Blue Plum Vault, a series of small shops housed in a repurposed bank. Kath, who loves vintage fabrics, is intrigued by an embroidered tablecloth belonging to Belinda Moyer, who rents a space at the Vault. When the linen is shredded, Belinda thinks her nemesis, Nervie Bales, is the logical culprit. But who is responsible when Belinda is found dead the day before the grand opening? The mystery is center stage, but there is plenty going on around it, including Kath's burgeoning relationship with her boyfriend, Joe (and her sleuthing competition with Joe's policeman brother), and Geneva's sometimes wacky meddling.

[Jan Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Pegasus books. This is the first book by Molly MacRae that I have read so the residents of Blue Plum are new friends to me. Kath Rutledge inherited Weaver’s Cat yarn shop from her grandmother. A cat named Argyle and a ghost named Geneva inhabit the shop. Blue Plum is getting ready for the grand opening of a co-op of small shops in what used to be a bank, named appropriately the Blue Plum Vault. Gar Brown who is instrumental in this transformation, is found dead. As the local authorities investigate his murder, tensions fly among shop owners as they approach opening day. Shop owner Belinda Moyer’s shop features vintage linens that intrigue Kath, especially an antique hand stitched tablecloth which is later found destroyed. Opening day finally comes and business is booming. The day comes to a schreeching halt when Belinda is found dead, apparently stabbed with a pair of scissors with Weaver Cat logo on them. Can Kath, Geneva and her “Fast and Furious”knitting group find the killer before he claims another victim?

[Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm torn on the rating for this book. If I could I would give it a 3 because of the characters, but a 4 for the plot. The premise of the story was fun, with the Ghost and all. However, it took quite a while before I became engaged in the story. Part of the reason were the characters. I didn't love them. Kath and Ardis are OK, but many of the other character like the twins, Clod, Sierra, and Nervie, not so much. Joe seemed to be kind of a shell, just not really fleshed out. I know that cozy's don't follow reality, but many of the characters were extreme in their stereotype.

The story was fun and I liked that it took place in a yarn/needlework shop. I also liked the Fast and Furious group, which included a mix of people that worked together to solve the crime all while knitting! I didn't figure out the criminal until the big reveal with many suspects to muddy the waters. So that's always entertaining.

I would read another book by this author/series to see if the next book strikes my fancy a little better.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful! This is one of those books that is so well-crafted it just leaves you with a satisfied feeling when you end it. The characters are very real and interesting and the plot is intricate. I always enjoy it best when the reader joins the main character (MC) in discovering and deciding on clues along the way. The main crime(s) starts with a "murdered" tablecloth, which is in itself a unique way of beginning any mystery. The MC's response to the embroidered artwork is interesting. In the end the outcome of the main crime wasn't totally unexpected, though the reason why was. While the story unfolds the author provides interesting information about knitting and other hand tasks and also moments of out-loud laughter. The latter is always a plus in any book!

There is a ghost in this series but it is handled very well. She makes for an interesting side-character and provides comic relief along with a way for the MC to share thoughts about the action. There are also some interesting ideas about how a ghost interacts with live people and some thought-provoking observations about how it would affect a "person" to be unseen and unheard, "a ghost of a ghost," for decades.

I always prefer to hold books in hand over e-books and this series, along with the author's Highland Bookshop series, are some of the most beautifully produced books in terms of layout and printing. This book, for example, even has a light lilac linen look on the inside covers. A gorgeous extra touch! It is such attention to little details that make MacRae's books a joy to hold and to read.

"It's a puzzle. So, I'm puzzled. That's why I am interested. I loved that tablecloth. I wanted to see it again. I wanted to visit it often. I wanted it, period."
Plus I had that perceptive thing going. I hoped. Definitely the persistent thing.

Yes, it does help a cozy MC to have persistence, a ghostly friend, and the occasional "perceptive thing" going. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it’s lovely when a new instalment of a beloved series is out after a long time but unfortunately it also mean that there are quite high expectations.
You remember the other books in this series as a lot of fun to read, engaging and entertaining and expects that the new one will mirror your memories.
As a matter of fact you have reconsider your expectations and enjoy the book for what it is.
It was a pleasant and entertaining read, a bit slow at the beginning.
It was great to meet again the lovely cast of characters, both ghostly and human.
I loved the depiction of the small town life with gossips and some nasty rumors.
The mystery is full of twists and turns, it kept me guessing till the end and I couldn't put the book down.
This is a lovely addition to this series even if it can fully appreciated by anyone who already read the previous instalments.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Pegasus Books for this ARC

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another mystery series I'm finding in the middle of. This one features a yarn shop which houses a 150 year old ghost. The ghost seems to be quite charming and harmless and can only be seen by the owner and one of the employees. This is the sixth book. So I'm sure many of these characters are old friends, but I wasn't left out in the cold, they were all well introduced as the plot thickened. The murder takes place, not in the yarn shop, but in a newly opened co-op craft shop located in an old bank building in the heart of the town. The murdered woman is one of the stall owners. Her particular stall features vintage linens. She had been arguing prior to her murder with several people about the legitimacy of her wares, among other things. This is an engaging book which makes me want to read the five books that preceded it.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read a lot of cozy murder mysteries, and I try to avoid the worst tropes in the genre, especially books written or co-written by cats. I do read many with recipes in the back, however, and I was drawn in to this series by the setting in the mountains of Tennessee. I found the ghost annoying in the early books, but picked up the new one anyway, because the characters are interesting and I was desperately seeking reading material -- a new mystery, specifically.
I was pleasantly surprised; this one is the best in the series so far, and I have hope for the future -- though I wouldn't mind if the ghost found piece at last and left the haunted yarn shop.

A new artist co-pop has come to Blue Plum, and it looks like it will be a good thing for the town -- if only its grand opening isn't overshadowed by murder.

[Bert Strange]

It's only been a few months in "Blue Plum Time" and Kath and her fellow TGIF (Thank Goodness It's Fiber) associates have another murder on their hands. This is the sixth (and I hope not last) in the Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery series. The usual cast of characters (including yarn shop residents Argyle the cat and Geneva the ghost) is present, along with a few new folks (one of whom, of course, ends up as the corpse). It's always interesting to see how Molly MacRae creates new plots for the same small-town amateur sleuths to solve. She strings us along to the very end, though there are opportunities for the reader to figure it out for themselves. Personally, I prefer just to go along for the ride, and let MacRae get me to the destination on her schedule. It's always a fun trip -- unless you're the corpse.

[Barb Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Molly MacRae's "Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery" series just keeps getting better. Kath and Geneva are funny together, and it's just a relaxing vibe . . . even if the body count in this small municipality is pretty high.

Kath and her friends are looking forward to the opening of Blue Plum Vault, a former bank converted into eclectic shops. Of course, trouble is in the offing. First, Kath starts hearing rumors about fake embroidery patterns and stolen antique linens. Death soon follows.

I like that we learn more about Geneva in each book, and her circle of "friends" is growing, too. Her character growth is impressive, too. She's not just an annoying one-note ghost.

I hope the series continues. I'm thinking about writing a fan letter.

[Miriam Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the newest installment of the Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery, Geneva (the ghost) helps solve a variety of crimes including the destruction of an Arts & Crafts table cloth, the murder of Belinda who sold the antique cloths, and Gar Brown's murder at a trail head. How can these crimes possible be connected? The stitching sleuths (Thank God for Fibers) posse is on the prowl and searching for clues along with the ghost.

There's a few laughs, some new twists, and a host of crimes and loose ends to wrap up. You'll enjoy the read, the ginger-pear scones, and the lovely embroidery pattern all tucked into one volume.

Happy reading and stitching.