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Crabapple Yarns Mystery #2
The Brief Haunting of Raspberry Hill
Is Raspberry Hill haunted by more than old regrets and lost chances? Natalie Wolcott, one third potential beneficiary, is about to find out. When Grandma Rose passes away, she leaves her magnificent, if slightly sinister, mansion on the edge of town to her three estranged relatives who, according to the terms of the will, must live on site for one year, three months and four days for before they can inherit. It is obvious that Raspberry Hill, although given, still comes at a high price. Whispers of murder and a town with a long memory have Natalie wondering one thing… Who was Grandma Rose?... because it’s all too apparent that someone doesn’t want them there. When things start to go bump in the night, Natalie is convinced that someone from town, or perhaps even one of her co-inheritors, is trying to force her out. That is, until she meets the ghost in the basement. Her only comfort is her new job at Crabapple Yarns. Unfortunately, the shadows of the past are knitted together with the present and before she has a chance to fit in disaster strikes the sweet little yarn shop. The plan to save Crabapple Yarns unwittingly sets into motion a chain of events that just might end with another murder at Raspberry Hill.
296 pages, Paperback
Published December 3, 2018
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61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 9, 2018
The ghost pattern
Awesome read. A quirky, bit zany, light read that has wonderful characters in it which bring the whole plot alive. The 'baddie' is fairly obvious but the lively, humorous style that this is written in will hook you in until you finish.
A letter from a solicitor saying that her Grandmother had died and she has inherited something was a surprise. As her mother had told her that her Gran had died years ago. The inheritance was a meandering house full of turrets and windows. She has to live there for over a year to inherit. The only trouble is she isn't the only heir. Her mother (with whom she has fallen out) and her adopted cousin (who delights in pushing her buttons) are also heirs. Ghosts, an old murder, new job, spooky happenings and romance are all blended into a perfect mix that will delight the senses. Can she find out who is trying to get them to leave? Who is behind the spectral events? What happened in the old murder?
Awesome read. A quirky, bit zany, light read that has wonderful characters in it which bring the whole plot alive. The 'baddie' is fairly obvious but the lively, humorous style that this is written in will hook you in until you finish.
A letter from a solicitor saying that her Grandmother had died and she has inherited something was a surprise. As her mother had told her that her Gran had died years ago. The inheritance was a meandering house full of turrets and windows. She has to live there for over a year to inherit. The only trouble is she isn't the only heir. Her mother (with whom she has fallen out) and her adopted cousin (who delights in pushing her buttons) are also heirs. Ghosts, an old murder, new job, spooky happenings and romance are all blended into a perfect mix that will delight the senses. Can she find out who is trying to get them to leave? Who is behind the spectral events? What happened in the old murder?
August 21, 2020
Thank you in advance to Book Crash for providing a complimentary copy to review. A positive review was not required or requested, and all words are my own.
This is going to be the “I really hate this kind of a review” review. I mean that from the bottom of my heart.
And, this is the type of review that I don’t know quite where to begin. And, I don’t want to be mean either. I’m going to be as honest as possible in the nicest way.
Here’s the thing …
This story had a LOT of potential. The quirky and whimsical cover really sets up what could be a sweet little “clean read” cozy mystery. It is a clean read with no sex references or foul language. With only very minor references to God and bible passages, I can hardly see where it was classified as a Christian book.
What it doesn’t do – live up to the potential it had. It had a quirky, unpredictable, cutesy idea written in short chapters which should’ve moved it along quickly. But, it was by no means a quick read. I really struggled with it, despite really putting in an effort to like this book. And, this isn’t because Marsman is a “new-to-me-author”. It is because there are several issues with this book.
The characters are, to me, somewhat bland and boring. This is written in first person from Natalie’s POV. Hers is the only voice we hear in the story. We don’t get her mom Celia’s POV or Jack’s – especially Jack’s considering he was the second most featured character. Jack was about the only character I really liked. Natalie was far too indecisive, annoying, and really wound up. It was also off-putting for Natalie to think that Jack would poison her.
The narration style is one that is … direct. In some cases, Natalie is directly addressing the reader, and some come off as a bit snotty. This is where the author lost me.
Several examples of the “direct” narration:
“Slamming the door on someone isn’t very nice. Especially since Mr. Garvey was out there too. And it was cold. And raining. But, you don’t quite know all of the facts yet, so until you do, perhaps it would be better if you didn’t say anything and just waited until you knew everything.” (pg. 29)
“I will admit, to you only, dear reader, that as I passed the bakery, I did weird little run and duck … just in case Jack was inside and working.” (pg 67)
“I was staying. Unless, of course, they were trying to kill me. Which seemed very unlikely. Right? Hey, I said … right? Right. You could be quicker with your affirmations, you know. It would make me feel a whole lot better. Work on that, would you? Thanks.” (pg. 120)
“They could scare me all they wanted, but it’s not like they were going to kill me. Right? Thank you. Your response rate was much better this time. Keep up the good work.” (pg. 124).
At times, it is as if Natalie is rambling, but doesn’t say anything really to advance the story.
Another issue was a phrase that was repeated four (4x) times on the same page and a fifth time three (3) pages later – “wicked, ungrateful granddaughter” in reference to Natalie’s inheritance of the house. I get that Natalie didn’t want to seem like such with inheriting the house, but after a while repeating the line was a bit redundant.
While there are several interesting things that happen in this story; it tends to slug along with regard to moving the plot. Natalie was also far too dramatic for what was going on.
The murder mystery gets solved, but I didn’t find the entire plot very satisfying. The entire motive was a bit far-fetched given the complexity of the “haunting”. One character wasn’t fully explained either – Mildred. The “Knitting Fairy” from book #1 was mentioned a few times, but it wasn’t necessary to read the first one to understand this plot.
The issue with the yarn shop starts about 80 pages from the end of the book, and even by the end, there is no resolution with it or reason as to why it happened. That is unless the writer addresses it in the third story – “The Knitpicker”.
The only thing I thought was “cute” was the romance between Jack and Natalie. Also, the dinner invite inside the bakery box of goodies – though it wasn’t clear whether it was Ryan for Molly or Jack for Natalie.
This book could use a bit of “cleaning” and “editing” for clarity. Even the back “blurb” needs editing due to an error.
While this is book #2 of a three (3) book series, I am not inclined to read books #1 and #3. I’m not likely to re-read this one. It was okay, but I didn’t overly enjoy it.
Perhaps fans of the author, and those who enjoyed the first book – “The Knitting Fairy” might enjoy this novel.
This is going to be the “I really hate this kind of a review” review. I mean that from the bottom of my heart.
And, this is the type of review that I don’t know quite where to begin. And, I don’t want to be mean either. I’m going to be as honest as possible in the nicest way.
Here’s the thing …
This story had a LOT of potential. The quirky and whimsical cover really sets up what could be a sweet little “clean read” cozy mystery. It is a clean read with no sex references or foul language. With only very minor references to God and bible passages, I can hardly see where it was classified as a Christian book.
What it doesn’t do – live up to the potential it had. It had a quirky, unpredictable, cutesy idea written in short chapters which should’ve moved it along quickly. But, it was by no means a quick read. I really struggled with it, despite really putting in an effort to like this book. And, this isn’t because Marsman is a “new-to-me-author”. It is because there are several issues with this book.
The characters are, to me, somewhat bland and boring. This is written in first person from Natalie’s POV. Hers is the only voice we hear in the story. We don’t get her mom Celia’s POV or Jack’s – especially Jack’s considering he was the second most featured character. Jack was about the only character I really liked. Natalie was far too indecisive, annoying, and really wound up. It was also off-putting for Natalie to think that Jack would poison her.
The narration style is one that is … direct. In some cases, Natalie is directly addressing the reader, and some come off as a bit snotty. This is where the author lost me.
Several examples of the “direct” narration:
“Slamming the door on someone isn’t very nice. Especially since Mr. Garvey was out there too. And it was cold. And raining. But, you don’t quite know all of the facts yet, so until you do, perhaps it would be better if you didn’t say anything and just waited until you knew everything.” (pg. 29)
“I will admit, to you only, dear reader, that as I passed the bakery, I did weird little run and duck … just in case Jack was inside and working.” (pg 67)
“I was staying. Unless, of course, they were trying to kill me. Which seemed very unlikely. Right? Hey, I said … right? Right. You could be quicker with your affirmations, you know. It would make me feel a whole lot better. Work on that, would you? Thanks.” (pg. 120)
“They could scare me all they wanted, but it’s not like they were going to kill me. Right? Thank you. Your response rate was much better this time. Keep up the good work.” (pg. 124).
At times, it is as if Natalie is rambling, but doesn’t say anything really to advance the story.
Another issue was a phrase that was repeated four (4x) times on the same page and a fifth time three (3) pages later – “wicked, ungrateful granddaughter” in reference to Natalie’s inheritance of the house. I get that Natalie didn’t want to seem like such with inheriting the house, but after a while repeating the line was a bit redundant.
While there are several interesting things that happen in this story; it tends to slug along with regard to moving the plot. Natalie was also far too dramatic for what was going on.
The murder mystery gets solved, but I didn’t find the entire plot very satisfying. The entire motive was a bit far-fetched given the complexity of the “haunting”. One character wasn’t fully explained either – Mildred. The “Knitting Fairy” from book #1 was mentioned a few times, but it wasn’t necessary to read the first one to understand this plot.
The issue with the yarn shop starts about 80 pages from the end of the book, and even by the end, there is no resolution with it or reason as to why it happened. That is unless the writer addresses it in the third story – “The Knitpicker”.
The only thing I thought was “cute” was the romance between Jack and Natalie. Also, the dinner invite inside the bakery box of goodies – though it wasn’t clear whether it was Ryan for Molly or Jack for Natalie.
This book could use a bit of “cleaning” and “editing” for clarity. Even the back “blurb” needs editing due to an error.
While this is book #2 of a three (3) book series, I am not inclined to read books #1 and #3. I’m not likely to re-read this one. It was okay, but I didn’t overly enjoy it.
Perhaps fans of the author, and those who enjoyed the first book – “The Knitting Fairy” might enjoy this novel.
December 31, 2019
What happens when you discover that you’ve just inherited a house from your recently deceased Grandmother who you always believed had died when you were two years old….or so your currently estranged mother had always told you. To further complicate matters, upon arriving at the house you are told by grandma’s attorney that the house was left not only to you but to two other beneficiaries……your mother and an adopted male cousin and that in order to inherit you must all live together in the house for fifteen months and four days. Adding to an already complicated situation, Natalie Wolcott finds that not only does she have to contend with two relatives that really know how to get under her skin, Granny’s Raspberry Hill mansion appears to have a ghost or two that have also taken up residence.
To make ends meet Natalie, an accomplished knitter, takes a job in a local yarn shop where one of the locals alludes to the town belief that Granny was a murderer. A series of potentially deadly things begin to happen both at the mansion and at the yarn shop which indicate that someone or something wants the beneficiaries gone.
THE BRIEF HAUNTING OF RASPBERRY HILL is the knitting world’s answer to the cozy crime novel, filled with a little mystery, a dash of romance, some interesting and engaging characters and an unsolved long ago murder all cleverly knitted together with nary a dropped stitch.
To make ends meet Natalie, an accomplished knitter, takes a job in a local yarn shop where one of the locals alludes to the town belief that Granny was a murderer. A series of potentially deadly things begin to happen both at the mansion and at the yarn shop which indicate that someone or something wants the beneficiaries gone.
THE BRIEF HAUNTING OF RASPBERRY HILL is the knitting world’s answer to the cozy crime novel, filled with a little mystery, a dash of romance, some interesting and engaging characters and an unsolved long ago murder all cleverly knitted together with nary a dropped stitch.
April 21, 2024
This was a great book with wonderful characters.
Amazon synopsis:
Is Raspberry Hill haunted by more than old regrets and lost chances?
Natalie Wolcott, one third potential beneficiary, is about to find out.
When Grandma Rose passes away, she leaves her magnificent, if slightly sinister, mansion on the edge of town to her three estranged relatives who, according to the terms of the will, must live on site for one year, three months and four days for before they can inherit. It is obvious that Raspberry Hill, although given, still comes at a high price. Whispers of murder and a town with a long memory have Natalie wondering one thing… Who was Grandma Rose?... because it’s all too apparent that someone doesn’t want them there.
When things start to go bump in the night, Natalie is convinced that someone from town, or perhaps even one of her co-inheritors, is trying to force her out. That is, until she meets the ghost in the basement.
Her only comfort is her new job at Crabapple Yarns. Unfortunately, the shadows of the past are knitted together with the present and before she has a chance to fit in disaster strikes the sweet little yarn shop. The plan to save Crabapple Yarns unwittingly sets into motion a chain of events that just might end with another murder at Raspberry Hill.
Amazon synopsis:
Is Raspberry Hill haunted by more than old regrets and lost chances?
Natalie Wolcott, one third potential beneficiary, is about to find out.
When Grandma Rose passes away, she leaves her magnificent, if slightly sinister, mansion on the edge of town to her three estranged relatives who, according to the terms of the will, must live on site for one year, three months and four days for before they can inherit. It is obvious that Raspberry Hill, although given, still comes at a high price. Whispers of murder and a town with a long memory have Natalie wondering one thing… Who was Grandma Rose?... because it’s all too apparent that someone doesn’t want them there.
When things start to go bump in the night, Natalie is convinced that someone from town, or perhaps even one of her co-inheritors, is trying to force her out. That is, until she meets the ghost in the basement.
Her only comfort is her new job at Crabapple Yarns. Unfortunately, the shadows of the past are knitted together with the present and before she has a chance to fit in disaster strikes the sweet little yarn shop. The plan to save Crabapple Yarns unwittingly sets into motion a chain of events that just might end with another murder at Raspberry Hill.
August 30, 2020
Better than expected
To be blatantly honest, I normally don't like Christian mysteries as much because they feel preachy. There are often constant bible quotes and platitudes, unreal unlikable characters, and stilted speech because no one actually talks like that.
Ms. Marsman exceeded my expectations. While there was a little smidge of religion here and there, it wasn't overpowering. The religion got a little heavy at the end, but that's expected so that the story can draw to a conclusion. This was surprisingly well- written and the characters were human and likeable, which so often isn't the case in Christian fare. Well Done.
To be blatantly honest, I normally don't like Christian mysteries as much because they feel preachy. There are often constant bible quotes and platitudes, unreal unlikable characters, and stilted speech because no one actually talks like that.
Ms. Marsman exceeded my expectations. While there was a little smidge of religion here and there, it wasn't overpowering. The religion got a little heavy at the end, but that's expected so that the story can draw to a conclusion. This was surprisingly well- written and the characters were human and likeable, which so often isn't the case in Christian fare. Well Done.
August 14, 2025
cute read
I’m a knitter and I love mysteries so I’m looking forward to this series.
But this got so convoluted at the end I lost the explanation! I think it wasn’t explained clearly enough.
There are a lot of grammatical errors, as in the first on too, I don’t know how an editor can let them go.
The writing style is very casual but there are way too many comments or side notes in parentheses! I don’t understand why, since the writing style is as it is, just make it a complete sentence.
I’m a knitter and I love mysteries so I’m looking forward to this series.
But this got so convoluted at the end I lost the explanation! I think it wasn’t explained clearly enough.
There are a lot of grammatical errors, as in the first on too, I don’t know how an editor can let them go.
The writing style is very casual but there are way too many comments or side notes in parentheses! I don’t understand why, since the writing style is as it is, just make it a complete sentence.
September 4, 2020
Rather surprised
I LOVED the first book in this series, and got excited about this one. Once I began reading I wasn't so sure. It was a definite change in gears. Once it all came together, all made sense. Wouldn't it be great to have your LYS (local yarn shop) in the ballroom of a big old mansion that was supposed to be haunted? Sit-N-Knit nights would definitely be interesting! Looking forward to the next book!
I LOVED the first book in this series, and got excited about this one. Once I began reading I wasn't so sure. It was a definite change in gears. Once it all came together, all made sense. Wouldn't it be great to have your LYS (local yarn shop) in the ballroom of a big old mansion that was supposed to be haunted? Sit-N-Knit nights would definitely be interesting! Looking forward to the next book!
August 26, 2021
Even better
The 2nd story in the raspberry hill mysteries is even better than the first, although there is a distinct lack of cinnamon rolls…
Plenty of dead relatives, missing relatives, relatives you’d rather not see again and those you never knew you couldn’t wait to see sprinkled among yarn and an amazing haunted old house! Yes! Even better!
So get comfy and dig in to the latest raspberry hill mystery!
The 2nd story in the raspberry hill mysteries is even better than the first, although there is a distinct lack of cinnamon rolls…
Plenty of dead relatives, missing relatives, relatives you’d rather not see again and those you never knew you couldn’t wait to see sprinkled among yarn and an amazing haunted old house! Yes! Even better!
So get comfy and dig in to the latest raspberry hill mystery!
April 10, 2021
I did not see that coming
I love this book! I also loved its predecessor about the Knitting Fairy. Great characters get the reader to feel like these characters are prior you have known forever. The story keeps moving as the suspense build and then BOOK the solution is revealed. I cannot wait to start the next book.
I love this book! I also loved its predecessor about the Knitting Fairy. Great characters get the reader to feel like these characters are prior you have known forever. The story keeps moving as the suspense build and then BOOK the solution is revealed. I cannot wait to start the next book.
April 11, 2021
A clean cozy
Natalie is hilarious, and her asides to the reader are nutty and charming. It is good to revisit characters from the previous story; they balance her wacky, dysfunctional family! The mystery is convoluted, the resolution is highly improbable, and things get a bit preachy towards the end, but this is a worthwhile cozy read.
Natalie is hilarious, and her asides to the reader are nutty and charming. It is good to revisit characters from the previous story; they balance her wacky, dysfunctional family! The mystery is convoluted, the resolution is highly improbable, and things get a bit preachy towards the end, but this is a worthwhile cozy read.
June 16, 2024
2nd installment of this series. As part of a will on the Raspberry Hill mansion, three relatives move in the haunted house. The daughter finds the yarn shop in town and becomes friends with the owner, Caroline and assistant, Molly. There's a few mysteries going on and some family drama. A delightful book for summer reading.
September 19, 2019
With the inheritance of an old house full of turrets and secrets. To live in for a year, the drawback, along with a mother and cousin, who are great at pushing her buttons. Good zany, quirky plot that one will enjoy
March 20, 2020
The Brief Haunting of Raspberry Hill
Entertaining and fun mystery about a haunted house left in a strange kind of will to some unsuspecting relatives who don't like the terms of the will.
Entertaining and fun mystery about a haunted house left in a strange kind of will to some unsuspecting relatives who don't like the terms of the will.
May 14, 2025
I needed a light weight read as the other book on the go is not comfortable to read.
I did enjoy getting to know the uirky ins and outs of these characters,many of them familiar from a previous book - now starting the third in the series
I did enjoy getting to know the uirky ins and outs of these characters,many of them familiar from a previous book - now starting the third in the series
October 12, 2019
Nice little mystery story
This is a mystery story, not a paranormal one. Nice read with an unexpected ending. Looking forward to reading the next one.
This is a mystery story, not a paranormal one. Nice read with an unexpected ending. Looking forward to reading the next one.
April 15, 2020
Very good book. I liked the author's side comments to the reader.
April 19, 2020
Great Book
This book didn't start out like I thought, and I almost put y down. I am so glad I didn't. It was intricate, interesting, and oh so funny. Loved it.
This book didn't start out like I thought, and I almost put y down. I am so glad I didn't. It was intricate, interesting, and oh so funny. Loved it.
June 26, 2021
Crazy fun book and a good surprise at the end.
January 24, 2022
A fun read with a surprise at the end!
September 21, 2022
Fun and compelling
I liked this book as much as the first. I can hardly wait to see what happens in the next book. And, I really hope there will be a 4th someday too!
I liked this book as much as the first. I can hardly wait to see what happens in the next book. And, I really hope there will be a 4th someday too!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews