What do you think?
Rate this book
Knitty Kitty Mystery #1
Knitted and Knifed
Wanted: Cat mum to manage a yarn store, corral two curious cats, all the while being tangled up in murderous mayhem and mystery.
A smart woman would dump her cheating ex, move from the city, and give herself a chance for a well-deserved do-over. A smarter woman—smarter than me, anyway—wouldn’t jump out of that same frying pan and return to Cape Discovery, a seaside village where her family is the nuttiest of all the nut-ball residents.
I’m a former high school counsellor, middle-child peacemaker, and current curator of lots of squishy/fuzzy goodness at my granddad’s little yarn store. Temporary assistant. Until I decide what to do with the rest my life. There’s only one knotty problem to untangle first. The knife sticking out of the most unpopular man in town, and the police detective trying to pin the murder on the donkey—otherwise known as my younger brother. With a pair mischievous cats determined to be underfoot and a craft group of Serial Knitters and Happy Hookers wanting the inside scoop, a girl could lose her mind. And if the killer has their way, maybe even my life...
Tessa Wakefield has her hands full juggling a cozy craft store, her crazy family, and two men who’d rather poke out their eyes than describe themselves as cute. Which they totally are. Cute, charismatic, and occasionally on her mind when she’s not stumbling over dead bodies and using her newfound sleuthing skills to track down murderers. Lucky she’s an excellent multi-tasker because digging beneath Cape Discovery’s surface can unearth secrets that kill.
A smart woman would dump her cheating ex, move from the city, and give herself a chance for a well-deserved do-over. A smarter woman—smarter than me, anyway—wouldn’t jump out of that same frying pan and return to Cape Discovery, a seaside village where her family is the nuttiest of all the nut-ball residents.
I’m a former high school counsellor, middle-child peacemaker, and current curator of lots of squishy/fuzzy goodness at my granddad’s little yarn store. Temporary assistant. Until I decide what to do with the rest my life. There’s only one knotty problem to untangle first. The knife sticking out of the most unpopular man in town, and the police detective trying to pin the murder on the donkey—otherwise known as my younger brother. With a pair mischievous cats determined to be underfoot and a craft group of Serial Knitters and Happy Hookers wanting the inside scoop, a girl could lose her mind. And if the killer has their way, maybe even my life...
Tessa Wakefield has her hands full juggling a cozy craft store, her crazy family, and two men who’d rather poke out their eyes than describe themselves as cute. Which they totally are. Cute, charismatic, and occasionally on her mind when she’s not stumbling over dead bodies and using her newfound sleuthing skills to track down murderers. Lucky she’s an excellent multi-tasker because digging beneath Cape Discovery’s surface can unearth secrets that kill.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2021
504 people are currently reading
785 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
July 3, 2021
I loved how Jennifer returns to her home town to work in her grandparents knitting store when her live goes haywire and her grandma passes away. She gets involved into solving a murder after discovering the victim and her brother becoming the main suspect.
You gotta love the 2 sweet cats that stomp all over the the crime scene and wreak havoc with the evidence.
A fun mystery read with a bit of romance.
You gotta love the 2 sweet cats that stomp all over the the crime scene and wreak havoc with the evidence.
A fun mystery read with a bit of romance.
April 17, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Tessa Wakefield’s life was in flux due to a cheating ex and the death of her Nana Dee-Dee. Knowing her grandfather could use her help running the craft store, Unraveled, he and Nana Dee-Dee ran in Camp Discovery she decides to return home to help him while she decides what she wants to do with her life. But returning home also means dealing with her crazy family.
Part of her crazy family is her brother Sean. He had requested she meet him at his place of employment. When she arrives the door is unlocked but her brother is nowhere to be seen. She decides to wait inside where she is surprisingly joined by her grandparent’s knitty kitties, Pearl and Kit. There is no stopping from them exploring the shop forcing Tessa beyond the door. She finds them in the back room but she also finds her brother’s boss. He is not shocked by his visitors because he is dead with a knife stuck through his body with an eerie message attached.
Tessa makes some interesting discoveries before the police detective arrives and decides quickly that Sean is his prime suspect. Tessa knows she is going to have to save her brother by finding the real killer if the killer doesn’t catch her first.
____
I liked Tessa and the way she just went with the flow. Her family, the craft store with its Happy Hookers and Serial Knitters, two crazy cats, and now a murder. It stresses her a bit but she takes it all on. Unraveling a murder mystery isn’t going to be easy but she turns out to be a formidable amateur sleuth.
Readers are introduced to a large supporting cast. Her grandfather Harry is dealing with the loss of his love Nana Dee-Dee. He and Tessa have a heartwarming relationship. We also meet her mother, father, and brother. Sean and his mother are a little over the top but I liked that her father was pretty normal and a calming presence. We also meet the two men that may be bringing some romance to Tessa’s life. Oliver Kerr, owner of a local pub, and Detective Eric Mana. Both are easy on the eyes and have their own strengths. It will be interesting to see this romantic triangle develop.
I really enjoyed the small-town feel of Camp Discovery and that the suspects are kept to a manageable number. As I said, Tessa slips into the role of amateur sleuth easily and works her way quickly through the suspects. Unfortunately, she goes one step too far and puts herself in danger but her rescue was great fun to read.
This book is billed as a Humorous & Heartwarming Cozy Mystery and it is definitely that. Knitted and Knifed is full of comedy while giving readers a top-notch mystery with some delightful characters and some wacky characters too.
My first visit down under to Camp Discovery, New Zealand was totally entertaining. I hope to visit again soon!
Tessa Wakefield’s life was in flux due to a cheating ex and the death of her Nana Dee-Dee. Knowing her grandfather could use her help running the craft store, Unraveled, he and Nana Dee-Dee ran in Camp Discovery she decides to return home to help him while she decides what she wants to do with her life. But returning home also means dealing with her crazy family.
Part of her crazy family is her brother Sean. He had requested she meet him at his place of employment. When she arrives the door is unlocked but her brother is nowhere to be seen. She decides to wait inside where she is surprisingly joined by her grandparent’s knitty kitties, Pearl and Kit. There is no stopping from them exploring the shop forcing Tessa beyond the door. She finds them in the back room but she also finds her brother’s boss. He is not shocked by his visitors because he is dead with a knife stuck through his body with an eerie message attached.
Tessa makes some interesting discoveries before the police detective arrives and decides quickly that Sean is his prime suspect. Tessa knows she is going to have to save her brother by finding the real killer if the killer doesn’t catch her first.
____
I liked Tessa and the way she just went with the flow. Her family, the craft store with its Happy Hookers and Serial Knitters, two crazy cats, and now a murder. It stresses her a bit but she takes it all on. Unraveling a murder mystery isn’t going to be easy but she turns out to be a formidable amateur sleuth.
Readers are introduced to a large supporting cast. Her grandfather Harry is dealing with the loss of his love Nana Dee-Dee. He and Tessa have a heartwarming relationship. We also meet her mother, father, and brother. Sean and his mother are a little over the top but I liked that her father was pretty normal and a calming presence. We also meet the two men that may be bringing some romance to Tessa’s life. Oliver Kerr, owner of a local pub, and Detective Eric Mana. Both are easy on the eyes and have their own strengths. It will be interesting to see this romantic triangle develop.
I really enjoyed the small-town feel of Camp Discovery and that the suspects are kept to a manageable number. As I said, Tessa slips into the role of amateur sleuth easily and works her way quickly through the suspects. Unfortunately, she goes one step too far and puts herself in danger but her rescue was great fun to read.
This book is billed as a Humorous & Heartwarming Cozy Mystery and it is definitely that. Knitted and Knifed is full of comedy while giving readers a top-notch mystery with some delightful characters and some wacky characters too.
My first visit down under to Camp Discovery, New Zealand was totally entertaining. I hope to visit again soon!
March 8, 2021
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Nothing can take the place of a super talented hardworking woman with tones of intuition.
Read full review in the 2021 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Nothing can take the place of a super talented hardworking woman with tones of intuition.
Read full review in the 2021 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 30, 2021
Tessa Wakefield is the quintessential cozy protagonist. She is wonderfully human…introspective, sympathetic, and genuine. The author has done a wonderful job of layering her character one relationship at a time. She is the rock that is helping her grandfather mourn his dead wife. She is the big sister who is willing to turn the town upside down to prove that her baby brother isn’t a killer, all the while allowing herself to be honest about his flaws. She is the daughter who accepts her place in her relationship with her mother with a grace that most women would envy and her being secure in her own skin, despite her insecurities when dealing with intimidating peers and potential love interests, give her a level of class not often seen in a cozy. Of course, it is her interactions with her grandmother’s cats that keep the story rolling in humor and humility. It takes a special kind of person to understand their place in a cat’s life:
Because I was that kind of inherited by default cat-staff. The kind convinced that cats understand everything we say but choose to react only to the things that interest them. Or benefit them. Or entertain them. Call me insane, but I shot devil eyes at Kit for a moment, waiting for an apology. I got a bored yawn instead.
As Tessa investigates the murder she discovers as much about herself as she does the secrets that thrive in a small town. I love that small towns are small-town-like no matter where in the world they are. The mystery is well written. I did guess whodunnit early on but I dismissed the person, then thought about them again later and was still surprised by the way it ended. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
I received an advance review copy for free through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Because I was that kind of inherited by default cat-staff. The kind convinced that cats understand everything we say but choose to react only to the things that interest them. Or benefit them. Or entertain them. Call me insane, but I shot devil eyes at Kit for a moment, waiting for an apology. I got a bored yawn instead.
As Tessa investigates the murder she discovers as much about herself as she does the secrets that thrive in a small town. I love that small towns are small-town-like no matter where in the world they are. The mystery is well written. I did guess whodunnit early on but I dismissed the person, then thought about them again later and was still surprised by the way it ended. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
I received an advance review copy for free through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
February 1, 2022
This series is turning into one of my favourite cozy mysteries.
February 15, 2021
Review coming up soon !
May 14, 2021
2.5 stars.
This was one part chick lit, one part cozy, and while cozies are my thing, chick lit decidedly is not However, I did enjoy the family and small town vibe of this cozy, plus I'm a serious knitter, so I'll probably continue on with this series.
I also liked that this was a clean read. It had its funny moments and I'm hoping that there won't be a dreaded love triangle.
This was one part chick lit, one part cozy, and while cozies are my thing, chick lit decidedly is not However, I did enjoy the family and small town vibe of this cozy, plus I'm a serious knitter, so I'll probably continue on with this series.
I also liked that this was a clean read. It had its funny moments and I'm hoping that there won't be a dreaded love triangle.
May 3, 2021
Knitted & Knifed is the first book I’ve read by Tracey Drew but this is definitely a series I’m going to follow! There is a lot to enjoy in this first book – quirky characters (including the cats), family ties, a layered mystery, wit, and a dash of romance! Not to mention the unique New Zealand setting. I loved the small, coastal town of Cape Discovery, its quaint shops, its interesting residents, and the simple fact that it is in New Zealand.
Tessa’s first person POV adds a lot of charm to this story, and despite all she’s been through lately, the tone stays mostly lighthearted. There are some tender moments, too, as Tessa, her grandfather, and her grandparents’ cats (Kit & Pearl) work through the loss of Tessa’s beloved Nana Dee-Dee & how to go about life in the new normal. The author does a good job of keeping that process realistic without weighing down the story, and she also skillfully weaves wit & humor into the book in ways that make sense without being disrespectful to her grandmother’s memory.
The mystery is cleverly plotted with plenty of suspects, and Tessa’s inability to stay out of it keeps it entertaining (even if ill-advised lol). Even the cats get in on the action in delightful ways, and I of course also loved the fact that Tessa’s investigating puts her in the continued orbit of two very swoony guys. Detective Eric Mana & pub owner Oliver Kerr are both attracted to Tessa – and some occasional posturing was fun to observe as each made sure the other knew he was staking his claim. I usually have a clear favorite when it comes to love triangles, but I honestly didn’t this time – I love them both, though I think Detective Mana is just a teensy bit swoonier.
Bottom Line: Knitted & Knifed by Tracey Drew is entertaining, witty, and heartfelt. The charming setting on the New Zealand coast, the engaging characters, the moments of humor, the brewing romantical possibilities, and the layered mystery will keep readers eagerly turning the pages – and smiling while they do so. I enjoyed ‘meeting’ Tessa and even her cats (high praise from dog-loving me lol), as well as the little touches that made this book so fun.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Tessa’s first person POV adds a lot of charm to this story, and despite all she’s been through lately, the tone stays mostly lighthearted. There are some tender moments, too, as Tessa, her grandfather, and her grandparents’ cats (Kit & Pearl) work through the loss of Tessa’s beloved Nana Dee-Dee & how to go about life in the new normal. The author does a good job of keeping that process realistic without weighing down the story, and she also skillfully weaves wit & humor into the book in ways that make sense without being disrespectful to her grandmother’s memory.
The mystery is cleverly plotted with plenty of suspects, and Tessa’s inability to stay out of it keeps it entertaining (even if ill-advised lol). Even the cats get in on the action in delightful ways, and I of course also loved the fact that Tessa’s investigating puts her in the continued orbit of two very swoony guys. Detective Eric Mana & pub owner Oliver Kerr are both attracted to Tessa – and some occasional posturing was fun to observe as each made sure the other knew he was staking his claim. I usually have a clear favorite when it comes to love triangles, but I honestly didn’t this time – I love them both, though I think Detective Mana is just a teensy bit swoonier.
Bottom Line: Knitted & Knifed by Tracey Drew is entertaining, witty, and heartfelt. The charming setting on the New Zealand coast, the engaging characters, the moments of humor, the brewing romantical possibilities, and the layered mystery will keep readers eagerly turning the pages – and smiling while they do so. I enjoyed ‘meeting’ Tessa and even her cats (high praise from dog-loving me lol), as well as the little touches that made this book so fun.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
February 6, 2021
Tessa Wakefield returns to Cape Discovery, New Zealand, to help her grandfather, Harry, run his family business, a yarn shop, after her grandmother, Nana Dee-Dee, passes and so she can get her life back on track after a difficult breakup. Little does she know she’s about to embark on the life of solving murder mystery’s because her brother ends up being a murder suspect of a man no one really liked. Through in two handsome brooding felines and two brooding handsome men into the mix, and you have a perfect cozy murder mystery cake, or in this case, knitted blanket.
To me, this was one of those stories that are quite similar to landing in a basket filled with fluffy, soft balls of yarn. Yes, you are definitely going to get yourself tangled up, but getting out is just as much fun as getting in. And what's the harm when you can do that giggling at the quirky and fun writing style of Tracey Drew?
Full review available on Elza Reads
To me, this was one of those stories that are quite similar to landing in a basket filled with fluffy, soft balls of yarn. Yes, you are definitely going to get yourself tangled up, but getting out is just as much fun as getting in. And what's the harm when you can do that giggling at the quirky and fun writing style of Tracey Drew?
Full review available on Elza Reads
April 23, 2022
3.7 stars, a good start to the series. Unlike some of the other cozy mysteries I’ve read, this one was pretty good. Witty, great secondary characters and a main character that’s not just a bumbling fool 😒, I’m deducting a bit because of the silly “possible, love triangle troupe
April 16, 2021
Great read!
Very well written. Highly recommend for a fun and playful mystery!
After scrolling through Facebook and seeing an ad, I knew I had to read! You will not be disappointed!
Very well written. Highly recommend for a fun and playful mystery!
After scrolling through Facebook and seeing an ad, I knew I had to read! You will not be disappointed!
May 3, 2021
Great book..
I had no idea “Who did it” till the end. It was interesting all the way though never knowing what was going to happen next. I did get a little confused with so many characters at times.
I had no idea “Who did it” till the end. It was interesting all the way though never knowing what was going to happen next. I did get a little confused with so many characters at times.
December 24, 2020
This review can also be found in Currant7 Recommends
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Tessa Wakefield is a woman who is going through a lot of changes. She is a thirty-five-year-old successful counselor to a recent divorcee with no home and had to move back to her hometown, Cape Discovery, and be a temporary assistant to her granddad's little yarn store. With her in her adventure, Tessa has her Nana Dee-Dee's two high maintenance and busybody cats - Pearl and Kit, while they all stumbling through dead bodies and solving murders!
This book is the first book to the Knitty Kitty Series. Unlike the prologue book, Balls & Bones, this story is told from Tessa's POV only. It is all about the mystery, which I appreciate. Sometimes, readers need a good mystery with no frills and just detective work going on.
The fun part of the book - everyone in town is suspect! I love how weeding out the murder turns into a sport for Tessa as she runs around all over town - questioning suspects, finding out alibis while making sure Sean, her brother as the top suspect for the crime - is still on walking outside of a 4x4 cell.
It is an intriguing storyline that is not so simple when Tessa started digging around. I am liking the complexities of finding a clue or even linking clues with a suspect's reactions. Tessa is a curious and funny woman. Her counseling background undoubtedly helped her "read" into people and have them "confess" things to her. It is a great trait to pinpoint the murder and later discover more than a simple motive. Things are NOT what they seem on the surface, and the many secrets that Tessa unraveled in this novel were far beyond tame as what this supposedly sleepy town.
I recommend this book for mystery buffs who loves a bit of comedy to balance things out. I enjoyed Tessa's crazy antics as she solved the mystery. Its simple-at-first-sight storyline-but-turned-complex storyline woven in with "interesting" characters will surely keep having readers guessing.
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Tessa Wakefield is a woman who is going through a lot of changes. She is a thirty-five-year-old successful counselor to a recent divorcee with no home and had to move back to her hometown, Cape Discovery, and be a temporary assistant to her granddad's little yarn store. With her in her adventure, Tessa has her Nana Dee-Dee's two high maintenance and busybody cats - Pearl and Kit, while they all stumbling through dead bodies and solving murders!
This book is the first book to the Knitty Kitty Series. Unlike the prologue book, Balls & Bones, this story is told from Tessa's POV only. It is all about the mystery, which I appreciate. Sometimes, readers need a good mystery with no frills and just detective work going on.
The fun part of the book - everyone in town is suspect! I love how weeding out the murder turns into a sport for Tessa as she runs around all over town - questioning suspects, finding out alibis while making sure Sean, her brother as the top suspect for the crime - is still on walking outside of a 4x4 cell.
It is an intriguing storyline that is not so simple when Tessa started digging around. I am liking the complexities of finding a clue or even linking clues with a suspect's reactions. Tessa is a curious and funny woman. Her counseling background undoubtedly helped her "read" into people and have them "confess" things to her. It is a great trait to pinpoint the murder and later discover more than a simple motive. Things are NOT what they seem on the surface, and the many secrets that Tessa unraveled in this novel were far beyond tame as what this supposedly sleepy town.
I recommend this book for mystery buffs who loves a bit of comedy to balance things out. I enjoyed Tessa's crazy antics as she solved the mystery. Its simple-at-first-sight storyline-but-turned-complex storyline woven in with "interesting" characters will surely keep having readers guessing.
July 25, 2021
A cozy mystery set in Australia with a school counselor turned yarn shop manager who finds herself involved in solving a local murder mystery when suspicion falls on her brother.
This is a completely boiler plate story with cut and paste characters, plot and descriptions. I realize that for this particular sub genre readers are not necessarily interested in a writer straying too far from the boundaries and just want a nice read.
This book may well fulfill that desire but for this reader, I was hoping for something more than bare competence. You can’t just add some cats and a lame mystery, sprinkle in a couple of possible love interests and expect to gain a new fan.
This is paws down for me.
This is a completely boiler plate story with cut and paste characters, plot and descriptions. I realize that for this particular sub genre readers are not necessarily interested in a writer straying too far from the boundaries and just want a nice read.
This book may well fulfill that desire but for this reader, I was hoping for something more than bare competence. You can’t just add some cats and a lame mystery, sprinkle in a couple of possible love interests and expect to gain a new fan.
This is paws down for me.
February 5, 2021
Knitted and Knifed by Tracey Drew
Knitty Kitties Mystery #1
Cozy mysteries are a genre unlike any other…though they are like some they are still unique. I just refreshed my memory about what they should include and this one ticks all the boxes! I love this author under her other writing name and had to try this as it is a departure from her contemporary romances set in New Zealand although…the locale and the romance are still part of this series.
What I liked:
* Tessa Wakefield: in a bit of a break between jobs, relationships and life as she has known it she finds herself back in her hometown, running Unraveled for her grandfather and suddenly immersed in solving a murder. She is…hmm…intriguing. I want to know more about her.
* Pearl and Kit: the knitty kitties, all black feline siblings, usually in the midst of things and definitely different one from the other. Loved the way Pearl became a scarf on Tessa’s neck…I had a cat like that long ago :)
* Oliver Kerr: hunky owner of Stone’s Throw pub and previous employer of Tessa’s brother. He seems like a good guy and definitely not hard on the eyes.
* Eric Mana: a detective, the opposite of Oliver but equally intriguing if in a different way.
* Wondering if either Oliver or Eric will one day be THE man in Tessa’s life.
* Harry: Tessa’s widowed grandfather seems to be a solid presence that will ground Tessa and her family.
* Tessa’s father – seems a lot more down to earth than his wife and son, Sean. Would like to hear more about this family in t he future books of the series.
* The Happy Hookers and Serial Knitters: patrons of Unravelled – they come together to unwind, gossip and spend time crafting with yarn bought in the shop.
* The various other characters brought into plan and introduced…do wonder about them and look forward to hearing more as the series progresses.
What I didn’t like:
* Only who I was meant to dislike…and it was not hard doing so by the end of the book.
* Tessa’s ex…don’t hear much about him BUT what a loser he must have been!
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
Knitty Kitties Mystery #1
Cozy mysteries are a genre unlike any other…though they are like some they are still unique. I just refreshed my memory about what they should include and this one ticks all the boxes! I love this author under her other writing name and had to try this as it is a departure from her contemporary romances set in New Zealand although…the locale and the romance are still part of this series.
What I liked:
* Tessa Wakefield: in a bit of a break between jobs, relationships and life as she has known it she finds herself back in her hometown, running Unraveled for her grandfather and suddenly immersed in solving a murder. She is…hmm…intriguing. I want to know more about her.
* Pearl and Kit: the knitty kitties, all black feline siblings, usually in the midst of things and definitely different one from the other. Loved the way Pearl became a scarf on Tessa’s neck…I had a cat like that long ago :)
* Oliver Kerr: hunky owner of Stone’s Throw pub and previous employer of Tessa’s brother. He seems like a good guy and definitely not hard on the eyes.
* Eric Mana: a detective, the opposite of Oliver but equally intriguing if in a different way.
* Wondering if either Oliver or Eric will one day be THE man in Tessa’s life.
* Harry: Tessa’s widowed grandfather seems to be a solid presence that will ground Tessa and her family.
* Tessa’s father – seems a lot more down to earth than his wife and son, Sean. Would like to hear more about this family in t he future books of the series.
* The Happy Hookers and Serial Knitters: patrons of Unravelled – they come together to unwind, gossip and spend time crafting with yarn bought in the shop.
* The various other characters brought into plan and introduced…do wonder about them and look forward to hearing more as the series progresses.
What I didn’t like:
* Only who I was meant to dislike…and it was not hard doing so by the end of the book.
* Tessa’s ex…don’t hear much about him BUT what a loser he must have been!
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
February 22, 2023
4.5 stars
This was a really great cozy mystery. It was the exact vibe I want while reading a cozy. It had good pacing. It was easy to follow. There were lots of motives and suspects without being overwhelming. It was funny and entertaining. They had some very cheeky and mischievous kitty cats, Kit and Pearl, that helped solved the crime. The whole knitting angle was cool. It was just a good time all around. I’m very interested in carrying on reading this series.
This was a really great cozy mystery. It was the exact vibe I want while reading a cozy. It had good pacing. It was easy to follow. There were lots of motives and suspects without being overwhelming. It was funny and entertaining. They had some very cheeky and mischievous kitty cats, Kit and Pearl, that helped solved the crime. The whole knitting angle was cool. It was just a good time all around. I’m very interested in carrying on reading this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2022
This book is fantastic! I’m really into cozy mysteries right now and this one is perfect! I love the voice of the narrator, all of the knitting references and the characters. As knitter and and as a mystery lover who is looking for easy reads this book is amazing. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
November 21, 2022
This is in the genre of cozy mysteries, given to me by my son Brian and his family for my birthday. I enjoyed it; there was humor, mystery, a hint of romance...basically everything you require in a light enjoyable read. My library doesn't have any of Tracey Drew's 3 books (not even on digital!), so I'll have to actually spend money to get the other two!
June 2, 2023
This was cute. Super short but an easy read
May 26, 2022
I really enjoyed this one.
April 22, 2021
Cute Knitted Cozy
I like to read quick mystery cozies especially with felines and yarn!
Tessa has returned home to help her widowed Grandfather run her Grandmother's yarn store. Unfortunately, her brother's boss is murdered and Tessa must get him off the list of suspects.
Through all this she must choose what to do with her future.
.
I like to read quick mystery cozies especially with felines and yarn!
Tessa has returned home to help her widowed Grandfather run her Grandmother's yarn store. Unfortunately, her brother's boss is murdered and Tessa must get him off the list of suspects.
Through all this she must choose what to do with her future.
.
January 1, 2022
This is a charming series but I am so glad I waited to read Book 1, and first enjoyed the prequel of "Balls and Bones." It's so much fun to read the introduction meeting felines Pearl and Kit as they each tell the reader about their sibling and their humans. That said, Book 1 was a bit of a let down as although Pearl and Kit continue to add delight to the series it is by participation with their humans not direct communication to the reader. The author's sense of humor remains evident in a different way via the "Crafting for Calmness" classes with attendees either part of the "Serial Knitters" or "Happy Hookers." Without a doubt I wish I could shop for my knitting yarn at "Unraveled."
Harry Wakefield and Nana Dee-Dee had owned the yarn store, "Unraveled" for almost 40 years and Harry isn't sure what's next for the business following the recent loss of his wife. I loved the relationship between Tessa and her grandfather Harry as the characterization of the two is very endearing not only as they now live together but also as they work at the yarn store.
Tessa also isn't sure what the future holds but certainly didn't expect her present to involve the pop-up store where her younger brother is working. The store was formerly an old butcher shop but mystery continues at this address and is more complicated than first evident. For all armchair amateur sleuths who like to solve puzzling investigations before the reveal, multiple suspects and twists in the clues add to the entertainment. I'll definitely keeping reading the series.
Harry Wakefield and Nana Dee-Dee had owned the yarn store, "Unraveled" for almost 40 years and Harry isn't sure what's next for the business following the recent loss of his wife. I loved the relationship between Tessa and her grandfather Harry as the characterization of the two is very endearing not only as they now live together but also as they work at the yarn store.
Tessa also isn't sure what the future holds but certainly didn't expect her present to involve the pop-up store where her younger brother is working. The store was formerly an old butcher shop but mystery continues at this address and is more complicated than first evident. For all armchair amateur sleuths who like to solve puzzling investigations before the reveal, multiple suspects and twists in the clues add to the entertainment. I'll definitely keeping reading the series.
August 1, 2023
I really enjoyed this new series. I really liked Tessa as a main character and all the side characters to go with her like her grandfather. The story line was really good with a couple of twists and turns and it was a quick and easy read. I also think we might have to make a choice on who the love interest will be will it be Oliver bartender or Detective Eric Mana? Both of them seem nice so I will have to hold my judgement on which one I want to win Tessa's hand. A great fast read.
December 27, 2022
I really do love cozy mysteries! They are all so cliche, but so so entertaining. I enjoyed the knitting theme in this one too.
December 16, 2020
I received an early copy of Knitted and Knifed by Tracey Drew in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Excerpt:
Around us, people had begun to notice Officer Austin’s marked police vehicle parked outside the store. A few bolder locals wandered over to ask what was going on. I kept my gaze locked onto my phone screen, feigning sudden interest in social media posts of funny cat memes and updates on the mundane things people did on a beautiful summer’s morning.
One of Sean’s talents was people skills, which he successfully employed to evade any direct questions about what was going on inside. As the youngest, he’d learned from his older siblings how to circumvent Mum and Dad’s rules and the consequences of breaking them: with charm and misdirection.
However, by the time two more police cars cruised down Cape Street toward us, even Sean’s cheeky banter couldn’t keep the curious onlookers at bay. Quite a few people now milled around outside the store, and the lead vehicle had to double-park next to a ute and order its driver to move along. As uniformed officers poured onto the sidewalk and immediately began issuing instructions, I caught a glimpse of one man in the second car. He remained in place until the crowd had been ushered aside.
Then, and only then, did he unfold his sizable bulk from the car. And by bulk, I mean six foot something of broad-shouldered, rugby-player-thighed, hands-that-could-crush-a-fistful-of-unshelled-walnuts big. He cut an imposing figure in his charcoal-colored suit, totally out of place in this small seaside town where tidy-casual was considered business attire.
With precision-cut black hair, dark shades, and what might have been a sexy mouth if it wasn’t curved downward in a scowl, he strode toward us, his long legs eating up the sidewalk. I didn’t need to see behind those shades to know he was sizing up my brother and me because he immediately struck me as a size ’em up kind of guy.
He stopped in front of us, arms folded across his chest. “Good morning. I’m Detective Sergeant Mana.”
His voice was as deep as a gravel pit and equally as abrasive.
“Hey,” Sean said.
I kept my lips zipped. Did he expect a polite greeting in return or an impressed gasp in recognition of his authority?
His gaze slowly swept from Sean’s face to mine. “Tell me. Which one of you brought a cat to a crime scene?”
Tessa Wakefield moves back to her hometown after a failed relationship to take care of her grandfather and his yarn store after her Nana Dee-Dee passed away. She’s trying to figure out life when she and her brother stumble on a murder. When her brother becomes the prime suspect, Tessa starts her own investigation. She’ll do anything for her family, but would she die for them?
Honestly, I couldn’t latch on to this book well, and that’s my fault. I’m not into murder mysteries and found it slow, and as some would say, not my cup of tea. I wanted to try something different and I'm glad I picked up Tracey Drew’s book. It’s quite a nice story to follow along with. Has a touch of knitting, and a lot of cats, which I found to be rejuvenating. I'm not a cat person but having the two mischievous cats in the storyline made it that more interesting. You never know what kind of trouble they’ll bring to Tessa. Although it was a nice book to read, it seemed to me it was more for younger teens mainly because of the chirpy attitude and the lack of action adults look for.
So if you’re into cats, crafting, and murder mysteries, I say read the book. It might just surprise you.
Excerpt:
Around us, people had begun to notice Officer Austin’s marked police vehicle parked outside the store. A few bolder locals wandered over to ask what was going on. I kept my gaze locked onto my phone screen, feigning sudden interest in social media posts of funny cat memes and updates on the mundane things people did on a beautiful summer’s morning.
One of Sean’s talents was people skills, which he successfully employed to evade any direct questions about what was going on inside. As the youngest, he’d learned from his older siblings how to circumvent Mum and Dad’s rules and the consequences of breaking them: with charm and misdirection.
However, by the time two more police cars cruised down Cape Street toward us, even Sean’s cheeky banter couldn’t keep the curious onlookers at bay. Quite a few people now milled around outside the store, and the lead vehicle had to double-park next to a ute and order its driver to move along. As uniformed officers poured onto the sidewalk and immediately began issuing instructions, I caught a glimpse of one man in the second car. He remained in place until the crowd had been ushered aside.
Then, and only then, did he unfold his sizable bulk from the car. And by bulk, I mean six foot something of broad-shouldered, rugby-player-thighed, hands-that-could-crush-a-fistful-of-unshelled-walnuts big. He cut an imposing figure in his charcoal-colored suit, totally out of place in this small seaside town where tidy-casual was considered business attire.
With precision-cut black hair, dark shades, and what might have been a sexy mouth if it wasn’t curved downward in a scowl, he strode toward us, his long legs eating up the sidewalk. I didn’t need to see behind those shades to know he was sizing up my brother and me because he immediately struck me as a size ’em up kind of guy.
He stopped in front of us, arms folded across his chest. “Good morning. I’m Detective Sergeant Mana.”
His voice was as deep as a gravel pit and equally as abrasive.
“Hey,” Sean said.
I kept my lips zipped. Did he expect a polite greeting in return or an impressed gasp in recognition of his authority?
His gaze slowly swept from Sean’s face to mine. “Tell me. Which one of you brought a cat to a crime scene?”
Tessa Wakefield moves back to her hometown after a failed relationship to take care of her grandfather and his yarn store after her Nana Dee-Dee passed away. She’s trying to figure out life when she and her brother stumble on a murder. When her brother becomes the prime suspect, Tessa starts her own investigation. She’ll do anything for her family, but would she die for them?
Honestly, I couldn’t latch on to this book well, and that’s my fault. I’m not into murder mysteries and found it slow, and as some would say, not my cup of tea. I wanted to try something different and I'm glad I picked up Tracey Drew’s book. It’s quite a nice story to follow along with. Has a touch of knitting, and a lot of cats, which I found to be rejuvenating. I'm not a cat person but having the two mischievous cats in the storyline made it that more interesting. You never know what kind of trouble they’ll bring to Tessa. Although it was a nice book to read, it seemed to me it was more for younger teens mainly because of the chirpy attitude and the lack of action adults look for.
So if you’re into cats, crafting, and murder mysteries, I say read the book. It might just surprise you.
February 7, 2021
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 2/7/21.
Knitted and Knifed is the first book in Tracey Drew's (AKA Tracey Alvarez) new cozy mystery series, the Knitty Kitty Mysteries. It's a single-POV story about newly-single Tessa, who has (temporarily? Maybe...) left the big city to move in with her grandfather to help him run the business that he had started with his recently deceased wife, a yarn shop called Unraveled. Along with the business, she has also sort-of inherited her nan's two cats, Kit and Pearl, who are exactly as troublesome (and adorable!) as cats can be, even when they don't have the run of a yarn shop. ;)
It's actually her nan's cats that accidentally(?) get Tessa embroiled in her first--but given that this is a series, undoubtedly not her last--murder mystery. They also may or may not have a hand in bringing her to the attention of not one, but two attractive men in town--local bar owner Oliver, and police detective Eric (the one who is *technically* charged with solving the crime and who doesn't really think he needs her help).
The focus here is definitely on the mystery, though, and the direction that Tessa will take her life in going forward. Fingers crossed that Ms Drew doesn't go the route of the Stephanie Plum series here, and eventually *does* have Tessa make a choice if romance is indeed in her future. We don't see enough of either gentlemen here to really develop a preference (yet!), but I trust that we--and Tessa!--eventually will.
This was a fun read, and I enjoyed trying to solve the mystery alongside Tessa, Kit, and Pearl. I don't tend to read a lot of cozy mysteries, but between the quirky heroine and the antics of her two cats (not to mention the promise of a possible romance), I definitely will look for more of this series going forward!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Knitted and Knifed is the first book in Tracey Drew's (AKA Tracey Alvarez) new cozy mystery series, the Knitty Kitty Mysteries. It's a single-POV story about newly-single Tessa, who has (temporarily? Maybe...) left the big city to move in with her grandfather to help him run the business that he had started with his recently deceased wife, a yarn shop called Unraveled. Along with the business, she has also sort-of inherited her nan's two cats, Kit and Pearl, who are exactly as troublesome (and adorable!) as cats can be, even when they don't have the run of a yarn shop. ;)
It's actually her nan's cats that accidentally(?) get Tessa embroiled in her first--but given that this is a series, undoubtedly not her last--murder mystery. They also may or may not have a hand in bringing her to the attention of not one, but two attractive men in town--local bar owner Oliver, and police detective Eric (the one who is *technically* charged with solving the crime and who doesn't really think he needs her help).
The focus here is definitely on the mystery, though, and the direction that Tessa will take her life in going forward. Fingers crossed that Ms Drew doesn't go the route of the Stephanie Plum series here, and eventually *does* have Tessa make a choice if romance is indeed in her future. We don't see enough of either gentlemen here to really develop a preference (yet!), but I trust that we--and Tessa!--eventually will.
This was a fun read, and I enjoyed trying to solve the mystery alongside Tessa, Kit, and Pearl. I don't tend to read a lot of cozy mysteries, but between the quirky heroine and the antics of her two cats (not to mention the promise of a possible romance), I definitely will look for more of this series going forward!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
February 6, 2021
This is a light-hearted cozy mystery set in a small New Zealand town and involves a couple of crazy kitties, lots of yarn and a bunch of kooky characters. I enjoyed it immensely and will definitely read more of this series as the books come out. The prequel to this story is written from the cats point of view and it gave me a great perspective as to what makes these cats tick. It's definitely worth looking up.
Tessa has recently (and temporarily) relocated to her home town to help take care of her newly widowed granddad and help to run the yarn shop that her grandparents have owned for 40 years. As a high school guidance counselor, Tessa has everything figured out in her life until she finds herself back home to attend her Nana Dee Dee's funeral following a massive stroke and finds out that her long-time (10 year) boyfriend has been unfaithful. Suddenly she's spending the summer in Discovery Cove and things take on a new perspective as she learns to navigate this new normal and adjusts to helping to run Unraveled (the yarn store) and take up the weekly Crafting for Calmness class that Nana Dee Dee and Granddad Harry have run.
Kit and Pearl (aka as the crazy cats) have taken over everything (as is their right as cats, of course) and are bonding with Tessa as she is learning the ropes. I got a big kick out of the antics that Kit and Pearl get into and as Tessa learns to deal with them - and anyone that has had a cat as a pet knows that they own the house (and you) and these two are double the trouble.
Many clever and zany things happen as Tessa finds her brother's boss dead in his store and she sets about to prove that her brother isn't the responsible party. She meets her brother's ex-boss, Oscar, and the police detective from the neighboring town who is in charge of the case.
I love a good, light-hearted cozy mystery, and this one had me chuckling at various points throughout. It is a nice, quick read with memorable characters and a sort of surprising outcome. I received a free advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Tessa has recently (and temporarily) relocated to her home town to help take care of her newly widowed granddad and help to run the yarn shop that her grandparents have owned for 40 years. As a high school guidance counselor, Tessa has everything figured out in her life until she finds herself back home to attend her Nana Dee Dee's funeral following a massive stroke and finds out that her long-time (10 year) boyfriend has been unfaithful. Suddenly she's spending the summer in Discovery Cove and things take on a new perspective as she learns to navigate this new normal and adjusts to helping to run Unraveled (the yarn store) and take up the weekly Crafting for Calmness class that Nana Dee Dee and Granddad Harry have run.
Kit and Pearl (aka as the crazy cats) have taken over everything (as is their right as cats, of course) and are bonding with Tessa as she is learning the ropes. I got a big kick out of the antics that Kit and Pearl get into and as Tessa learns to deal with them - and anyone that has had a cat as a pet knows that they own the house (and you) and these two are double the trouble.
Many clever and zany things happen as Tessa finds her brother's boss dead in his store and she sets about to prove that her brother isn't the responsible party. She meets her brother's ex-boss, Oscar, and the police detective from the neighboring town who is in charge of the case.
I love a good, light-hearted cozy mystery, and this one had me chuckling at various points throughout. It is a nice, quick read with memorable characters and a sort of surprising outcome. I received a free advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 22, 2021
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.
https://novelsalive.com/2021/04/22/4-...
Knitted & Knifed is the first book in the Knitty Kitty Mystery series by Tracey Drew, and I can’t wait to read more. Set in New Zealand, it’s a cozy mystery that held my interest from the first page to the last. Tessa is an amateur sleuth who tries to piece together who murdered a local business owner who wasn’t on the up and up. The detective in charge isn’t too happy with her, and she always seems to be where he doesn’t want her. As she rules suspects out and tries to take the heat off her younger brother, the story twists and turns with clues galore.
There’s knitting and crocheting going on, and even though I don’t do either craft, I love when they are part of the story. Tessa lost her grandmother a few months before. Since she wanted to get away from her loser boyfriend and was burned out from her job as a high school counselor, the family thought it would work out nicely to have Tessa move in with her grandfather, keep him company and help him run his yarn shop. So, by day, Tessa is helping her grandfather keep his yarn store afloat and quite enjoys spending time with him. It’s fun to watch their interactions. There are family and friends, some not-so likable people, laughter, hope, playful and scary moments, anxiety, cats, and even a pet goose.
There are beautiful descriptions of the yarns and their projects, the town, and the businesses. There’s a lot of gossiping, too, which keeps things interesting as well. Many stories are being told, and they weave together nicely. The story has a good flow, and the reveal of whodunnit was not who I was expecting. There is nice closure as life goes on, and Tessa tries to determine the next step in her life.
I love the colorful cover, especially with the two cats, Kit, and Pearl, who are an integral part of the story. At the back of the book, there’s a preview of the next book in the series, Purled & Poisoned, which whet my appetite for more.
Ms. Drew is a new to me author. It’s a pen name for author Tracey Alvarez who is also new to me. I look forward to reading more of their books.
https://novelsalive.com/2021/04/22/4-...
Knitted & Knifed is the first book in the Knitty Kitty Mystery series by Tracey Drew, and I can’t wait to read more. Set in New Zealand, it’s a cozy mystery that held my interest from the first page to the last. Tessa is an amateur sleuth who tries to piece together who murdered a local business owner who wasn’t on the up and up. The detective in charge isn’t too happy with her, and she always seems to be where he doesn’t want her. As she rules suspects out and tries to take the heat off her younger brother, the story twists and turns with clues galore.
There’s knitting and crocheting going on, and even though I don’t do either craft, I love when they are part of the story. Tessa lost her grandmother a few months before. Since she wanted to get away from her loser boyfriend and was burned out from her job as a high school counselor, the family thought it would work out nicely to have Tessa move in with her grandfather, keep him company and help him run his yarn shop. So, by day, Tessa is helping her grandfather keep his yarn store afloat and quite enjoys spending time with him. It’s fun to watch their interactions. There are family and friends, some not-so likable people, laughter, hope, playful and scary moments, anxiety, cats, and even a pet goose.
There are beautiful descriptions of the yarns and their projects, the town, and the businesses. There’s a lot of gossiping, too, which keeps things interesting as well. Many stories are being told, and they weave together nicely. The story has a good flow, and the reveal of whodunnit was not who I was expecting. There is nice closure as life goes on, and Tessa tries to determine the next step in her life.
I love the colorful cover, especially with the two cats, Kit, and Pearl, who are an integral part of the story. At the back of the book, there’s a preview of the next book in the series, Purled & Poisoned, which whet my appetite for more.
Ms. Drew is a new to me author. It’s a pen name for author Tracey Alvarez who is also new to me. I look forward to reading more of their books.
January 30, 2021
Tessa has reached a low point in her life. She discovers her boyfriend of ten years standing has been cheating on her, and her beloved grandmother dies. She moves back home to help her grandfather run the yarn store that had been her grandmothers joy for almost forty years. There she has to contend with her grandmothers two naughty and greedy cats, Kit and Pearl.
Her brother Sean wants to ask her advice, and asks her to call at the shop he works at first thing the next morning, when it will be quiet, and Tessa duly obliges. When she gets there the shop is unlocked but there is no sign of Sean, but she finds that the cats have followed her. She opens the shop door to see if Sean is inside, and the cats rush in, Tessa has to follow to chase them out again. Inside she discovers a body, her brother’s boss has been killed, a chef’s knife sticking out of his back.
It turns out that her brother has a motive for killing him, so Tessa puts her detective hat on to try and find out who the murderer really is, she cannot believe her brother would do such a thing. We meet quite a few of the townsfolk at craft evenings in the yarn shop, and Tessa finds out little snippets of information that give her people to quietly investigate. Not that she should be doing so, Detective Inspector Mana, who has been assigned the case, is not amused at her involvement, and Tessa is rather attracted to him. She is also charmed by Oliver Novak who owns the bar where Sean also works. Oliver and Eric Mana are complete opposites in looks and character.
It is a small town, there are not too many suspects, so Tess is quite quickly able to narrow down the number of people to focus on. Unfortunately she takes a step too far, and gets caught by the killer. The cats, who have been following her in all her exploits, are part of the rescue party, alongside Eric Mana.
This is a sweet look at small town life, where everyone knows everybody else’s business, we can all probably match up many of the characters with someone we know! A cosy read for these trying times.
Her brother Sean wants to ask her advice, and asks her to call at the shop he works at first thing the next morning, when it will be quiet, and Tessa duly obliges. When she gets there the shop is unlocked but there is no sign of Sean, but she finds that the cats have followed her. She opens the shop door to see if Sean is inside, and the cats rush in, Tessa has to follow to chase them out again. Inside she discovers a body, her brother’s boss has been killed, a chef’s knife sticking out of his back.
It turns out that her brother has a motive for killing him, so Tessa puts her detective hat on to try and find out who the murderer really is, she cannot believe her brother would do such a thing. We meet quite a few of the townsfolk at craft evenings in the yarn shop, and Tessa finds out little snippets of information that give her people to quietly investigate. Not that she should be doing so, Detective Inspector Mana, who has been assigned the case, is not amused at her involvement, and Tessa is rather attracted to him. She is also charmed by Oliver Novak who owns the bar where Sean also works. Oliver and Eric Mana are complete opposites in looks and character.
It is a small town, there are not too many suspects, so Tess is quite quickly able to narrow down the number of people to focus on. Unfortunately she takes a step too far, and gets caught by the killer. The cats, who have been following her in all her exploits, are part of the rescue party, alongside Eric Mana.
This is a sweet look at small town life, where everyone knows everybody else’s business, we can all probably match up many of the characters with someone we know! A cosy read for these trying times.
May 22, 2022
I enjoyed this book. I loved the fact it was set in New Zealand (and the narrator was a good choice), so unusual for a cosy mystery but not sure how well that would come across if I was just reading it. Anyway, I liked the characters and of course the helpful guard cats. I don't think the family really came across as nutty and it just seemed like a normal family dynamic to me. There is no romance but there is the potential and as this is the first book in the series, I am sure the heat will be turned up, now that the characters have been introduced. The mystery was the main focus of the story, with enough family drama and background to keep it flowing nicely. There was a number of suspects who all looked guilty and this kept you guessing who the killer was. It will be interesting to see how the author develops the series.
When Tessa returns home to help her grandfather get over the death of his wife and help him fuqn the local knitting store, she thought the biggest problem would be not getting scratched by her mischievous cats and helping to pick up stitches for the knitting club. But when her brother ask her to meet him before work for some advice, she couldn't have guessed she would be following two cats as they discovered a dead body. The dead man was her brother's boss and somebody he owed a lot of money to. Scared her brother will be arrested Tessa starts her own investigation, against the detective in charges wishes. With a number of suspects in her knitting group she is in the perfect position to ask them question but by doing so is she stitching a target to her back? The man wasn't well liked to begin with but the more she learns about him and her small home town the more she wonders if maybe he deserved to die, just as long as her brother isn't arrested.
I liked the narrator. I don't know if she is a native New Zealander or just very good at accents but she really helped to sell the story.
When Tessa returns home to help her grandfather get over the death of his wife and help him fuqn the local knitting store, she thought the biggest problem would be not getting scratched by her mischievous cats and helping to pick up stitches for the knitting club. But when her brother ask her to meet him before work for some advice, she couldn't have guessed she would be following two cats as they discovered a dead body. The dead man was her brother's boss and somebody he owed a lot of money to. Scared her brother will be arrested Tessa starts her own investigation, against the detective in charges wishes. With a number of suspects in her knitting group she is in the perfect position to ask them question but by doing so is she stitching a target to her back? The man wasn't well liked to begin with but the more she learns about him and her small home town the more she wonders if maybe he deserved to die, just as long as her brother isn't arrested.
I liked the narrator. I don't know if she is a native New Zealander or just very good at accents but she really helped to sell the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews