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Knitty Kitty Mystery #2
Purled and Poisoned
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 curator of lots of squishy/fuzzy goodness at my granddad’s little yarn store. The Serial Knitters and Happy Hookers in the store’s Craft for Calmness group have been busy creating booties and baby blankets for a christening fit for a prince. But when I stumble onto the little prince’s fatally poisoned mother, a right royal mess ensues. The kid’s paternity is in question and I’m tasked to sniff out the baby daddy as a favour for a frenemy—don’t ask. I did, and now the bodies are piling up and a killer just might use my cupcake addiction against me.
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.
I’m a former high school counsellor, middle-child peacemaker, and curator of lots of squishy/fuzzy goodness at my granddad’s little yarn store. The Serial Knitters and Happy Hookers in the store’s Craft for Calmness group have been busy creating booties and baby blankets for a christening fit for a prince. But when I stumble onto the little prince’s fatally poisoned mother, a right royal mess ensues. The kid’s paternity is in question and I’m tasked to sniff out the baby daddy as a favour for a frenemy—don’t ask. I did, and now the bodies are piling up and a killer just might use my cupcake addiction against me.
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.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2021
160 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 9, 2021
Rating: 4.5/5.0
This suspense-laden book takes the reader through the hearts and the minds of possible murderers through the very tactful snooping skills of the lead character.
Read full review in the 2021 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
This suspense-laden book takes the reader through the hearts and the minds of possible murderers through the very tactful snooping skills of the lead character.
Read full review in the 2021 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 24, 2022
A cozy mystery in the vein of Murder She Wrote or Miss Marple, the book is written with a heavy dose of humor. It is the humor that is key to the charm of this series. Characters are quirky individuals and the heroine quirkiest of all. In a horrible statement of stereotype, these characters epitomize my American picture of New Zealanders. I know that the image may be wrong, but these books make me want it to be right soooooo badly.
I have listened to this and the first book in the series on audiobook. If you can, I recommend it. There is nothing that can get you into the setting of a country not your own like a reader who exudes the accent and attitude that makes the setting a living character in its own right.
I am sorry to say that these will not be the next Poirot or Marples, classics that’s define a genre. It would be wonderful if schoolchildren 50 years from now are assigned these books to show mysteries can be fun. But these are things I have no power to change. Instead, I will keep listening to this series while I knit in the evening.
I have listened to this and the first book in the series on audiobook. If you can, I recommend it. There is nothing that can get you into the setting of a country not your own like a reader who exudes the accent and attitude that makes the setting a living character in its own right.
I am sorry to say that these will not be the next Poirot or Marples, classics that’s define a genre. It would be wonderful if schoolchildren 50 years from now are assigned these books to show mysteries can be fun. But these are things I have no power to change. Instead, I will keep listening to this series while I knit in the evening.
May 15, 2021
This was a stronger story than the last one, and I liked that the heroine is getting smarter in her nosy ways. Lol. I’m not digging the possibility of a triangle though. Hopefully the author will resolve that soon.
March 3, 2021
Purled & Poisoned by Tracey Drew
Knitty Kitty Mystery #2
Tessa Wakefield has taken over Unraveled, her deceased grandmother’s yarn and needlecraft shop, and is settling into small town life again after leaving counseling, the city, and her ex behind. In the previous book she made her debut as a cozy mystery sleuth and as I enjoyed that book opted to read this one, too. Tessa is asked to search for the lover and potential father of a newly deceased woman’s child might be. Putting on her thinking cap and using her interviewing skills she is off to find out what she can and find out a lot she does!
What I liked:
* Tessa: a real woman with cravings, feelings, family, and friends. She works hard in the shop, is there for family and more curious than most.
* Pearl & Kit: the Knitty Kitties are siblings, black, mischievous, there for Tessa when she needs them…and sometimes when she doesn’t want their help at all.
* Tessa’s family: Mother, father, brother, and grandfather – they seem like good people and there for Tessa should she need them.
* Rosie: a potential friend though a “mean girl” in high school. She runs a local shop with her mother, has three children, is married and is the half-sister to the baby that loses his mother in this story.
* The writing, weaving of strands that create the story, not knowing who the killer was immediately, the family intrigue, and the way the strands of the story are all cast off tightly once woven together.
* The little fizz and sizzle that Tessa feels around two men she sees from time to time.
* Oliver – pub owner, handsome, animal lover, friendly, laid back, potential love interest in the future…maybe.
* Eric – homicide detective, great smile, hunk and a half, mysterious, another potential love interest
* The potential friendship between Rosie and Tessa that seems to be developing.
* The small town setting and the way the people interact.
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* The killer – that was the intention and it succeeded.
* One should not speak ill of the dead but some who died were not easy to like.
* Having to wait for the next book in the series ;)
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Knitty Kitty Mystery #2
Tessa Wakefield has taken over Unraveled, her deceased grandmother’s yarn and needlecraft shop, and is settling into small town life again after leaving counseling, the city, and her ex behind. In the previous book she made her debut as a cozy mystery sleuth and as I enjoyed that book opted to read this one, too. Tessa is asked to search for the lover and potential father of a newly deceased woman’s child might be. Putting on her thinking cap and using her interviewing skills she is off to find out what she can and find out a lot she does!
What I liked:
* Tessa: a real woman with cravings, feelings, family, and friends. She works hard in the shop, is there for family and more curious than most.
* Pearl & Kit: the Knitty Kitties are siblings, black, mischievous, there for Tessa when she needs them…and sometimes when she doesn’t want their help at all.
* Tessa’s family: Mother, father, brother, and grandfather – they seem like good people and there for Tessa should she need them.
* Rosie: a potential friend though a “mean girl” in high school. She runs a local shop with her mother, has three children, is married and is the half-sister to the baby that loses his mother in this story.
* The writing, weaving of strands that create the story, not knowing who the killer was immediately, the family intrigue, and the way the strands of the story are all cast off tightly once woven together.
* The little fizz and sizzle that Tessa feels around two men she sees from time to time.
* Oliver – pub owner, handsome, animal lover, friendly, laid back, potential love interest in the future…maybe.
* Eric – homicide detective, great smile, hunk and a half, mysterious, another potential love interest
* The potential friendship between Rosie and Tessa that seems to be developing.
* The small town setting and the way the people interact.
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* The killer – that was the intention and it succeeded.
* One should not speak ill of the dead but some who died were not easy to like.
* Having to wait for the next book in the series ;)
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
February 27, 2023
4.5 stars
I’m really enjoying this series. This had the perfect amount of humor, suspense, and intrigue. It was yet again another fun and entertaining read. It kept me on the edge of my seat of two things. One was who was Archie’s father because there were many men that were in play. And two was who was the actual murderer. Again lots of suspects and motives there. Plus there were multiple victims of the murderer which made it even more intense and mysterious. Those darn cats were as cute button yet such trouble markers, however they were saviors many times over. I love it.
I’m really enjoying this series. This had the perfect amount of humor, suspense, and intrigue. It was yet again another fun and entertaining read. It kept me on the edge of my seat of two things. One was who was Archie’s father because there were many men that were in play. And two was who was the actual murderer. Again lots of suspects and motives there. Plus there were multiple victims of the murderer which made it even more intense and mysterious. Those darn cats were as cute button yet such trouble markers, however they were saviors many times over. I love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2022
'I'm a knitter not a fighter.' Same here =^.^=
Lovely book, I can easily imagine the author having fun writing this.
Lovely book, I can easily imagine the author having fun writing this.
May 18, 2022
I'm enjoying this series a lot, Tessa is a great MC.
July 16, 2022
Thoroughly enjoying this series. A nice twisty mystery keeps me on my toes throughout the book. I love the development of the main character throughout the books as well as her trusty side kicks.
It's not often that I can find a good read that combines my love of reading and adventure along with my fiber art crafting. Definitely recommended to many of my fiber artists friends.
It's not often that I can find a good read that combines my love of reading and adventure along with my fiber art crafting. Definitely recommended to many of my fiber artists friends.
March 6, 2021
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 3/6/21.
Another fun cozy mystery in the Knitty Kitty Mystery series!
Tessa Wakefield is finally beginning to settle into her new life back in her hometown. She's making her grandmother's yarn shop her own, and is developing a comfortable routine with her new roomies, AKA her grandfather Harry and Kit and Pearl, the cats she also inherited. Except once again Tessa manages to find herself nearly tripping over a dead body--spoiler alert, it might actually be more than one this time...her hometown didn't used to be this deadly, did it?
The excess of murders isn't the only thing different in Cape Discovery this time around--Tessa is also discovering that her high school nemesis might not be quite as vile as she used to be (convenient, since said ex-nemesis and her mother happen to own the best bakery in town). But the (first) dead woman is her new maybe-now-a-friend Rosie's stepmom, and her death brings the paternity of Rosie's baby stepbrother into question--can Tessa figure out whodunit before it's too late? *Should* she attempt to figure it out?
(I mean, of course not. She should leave it to hunky Detective Eric Mana while she eats a few too many sweets and supervises the beginner knitters and crocheters. But obviously this isn't that kind of book ;))
Tessa is definitely a heroine in the tradition of Jessica Fletcher, if Jessica Fletcher were 40-some years younger, lived in New Zealand, and owned a yarn shop instead of writing mysteries. They both live in a charming small town with a plethora of quirky characters and excel at sticking their noses where they don't belong, exasperating law enforcement even while managing to solve the case. There's also an element of Stephanie Plum as well, given her innate clumsiness and the fact that in addition to a hot detective, there is also a hunky bar owner in town as well who also might serve as a love interest (though hopefully Ms Drew won't draw out the who will she choose? aspect of the series to the level of ridiculousness that Ms Evanovich has).
I have to say, I think Kit and Pearl make excellent sidekicks/investigative assistants, even if they do have a tendency to snack on baked goods that are definitely not meant for them. (Much like my own cats, sadly. Who do *not* make up for it by helping me solve murders, thankyouverymuch.)
This is the second book in the series (third, if you count the prequel novella) but could work as a standalone. If you enjoy the quirky antics of Tessa and her feline co-conspirators, though, you'll definitely want to make reading the others a priority!
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Another fun cozy mystery in the Knitty Kitty Mystery series!
Tessa Wakefield is finally beginning to settle into her new life back in her hometown. She's making her grandmother's yarn shop her own, and is developing a comfortable routine with her new roomies, AKA her grandfather Harry and Kit and Pearl, the cats she also inherited. Except once again Tessa manages to find herself nearly tripping over a dead body--spoiler alert, it might actually be more than one this time...her hometown didn't used to be this deadly, did it?
The excess of murders isn't the only thing different in Cape Discovery this time around--Tessa is also discovering that her high school nemesis might not be quite as vile as she used to be (convenient, since said ex-nemesis and her mother happen to own the best bakery in town). But the (first) dead woman is her new maybe-now-a-friend Rosie's stepmom, and her death brings the paternity of Rosie's baby stepbrother into question--can Tessa figure out whodunit before it's too late? *Should* she attempt to figure it out?
(I mean, of course not. She should leave it to hunky Detective Eric Mana while she eats a few too many sweets and supervises the beginner knitters and crocheters. But obviously this isn't that kind of book ;))
Tessa is definitely a heroine in the tradition of Jessica Fletcher, if Jessica Fletcher were 40-some years younger, lived in New Zealand, and owned a yarn shop instead of writing mysteries. They both live in a charming small town with a plethora of quirky characters and excel at sticking their noses where they don't belong, exasperating law enforcement even while managing to solve the case. There's also an element of Stephanie Plum as well, given her innate clumsiness and the fact that in addition to a hot detective, there is also a hunky bar owner in town as well who also might serve as a love interest (though hopefully Ms Drew won't draw out the who will she choose? aspect of the series to the level of ridiculousness that Ms Evanovich has).
I have to say, I think Kit and Pearl make excellent sidekicks/investigative assistants, even if they do have a tendency to snack on baked goods that are definitely not meant for them. (Much like my own cats, sadly. Who do *not* make up for it by helping me solve murders, thankyouverymuch.)
This is the second book in the series (third, if you count the prequel novella) but could work as a standalone. If you enjoy the quirky antics of Tessa and her feline co-conspirators, though, you'll definitely want to make reading the others a priority!
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
June 29, 2023
I really enjoyed this second book in a lovely cozy mystery series set in Cape Discovery, New Zealand. Tessa, ex-high school counsellor returned home after she found out her ex was cheating on her. Initially it was just to make sure her Grandad (Harry) was coping after the loss of his wife, but after getting involved in solving a local murder, Tessa decides to stay. Harry gives her the yarn shop to run and this gives her a focus. She lives above the shop with Harry, and 2 cats Kit and Pearl who were her Grandmothers cats, but they play a big part in solving the murders too.
In this book, Tessa's school nemesis asks for her help in finding out who fathered her half brother, after her Dad marries someone much younger, and has a baby with her.
The same cast of characters are in this book including Detective Eric Mana, and the local bar owner, Oliver; who both seem to have taken a liking to Tessa.
The books cozy mysteries with an element of humour in them, especially as Tessa gets herself into embarrassing situations. They are all standalone mysteries but they're best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
Really enjoyable to read and I can't wait to read book 3.
In this book, Tessa's school nemesis asks for her help in finding out who fathered her half brother, after her Dad marries someone much younger, and has a baby with her.
The same cast of characters are in this book including Detective Eric Mana, and the local bar owner, Oliver; who both seem to have taken a liking to Tessa.
The books cozy mysteries with an element of humour in them, especially as Tessa gets herself into embarrassing situations. They are all standalone mysteries but they're best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
Really enjoyable to read and I can't wait to read book 3.
October 10, 2025
I was immediately charmed by the concept of Purled and Poisoned by Tracey Drew. Our protagonist, Tessa Wakefield, has returned to the seaside village of Cape Discovery to help out at her granddad’s yarn store after a breakup, and she finds her family is truly the nuttiest of all the nut-ball residents.
The book is a fun, classic cozy setup. Tessa spends her days surrounded by "squishy/fuzzy goodness" at the shop and navigating the quirks of her Craft for Calmness group (aka the Serial Knitters and Happy Hookers). But things quickly escalate when the mother of the baby they were knitting for is fatally poisoned at a christening. Now, Tessa is tasked with sniffing out the baby daddy, since the child's paternity is in question.
The plot is very busy, juggling the main murder, Tessa’s personal life (including two love interests), her crazy family, and the paternity mystery. While the book is highly entertaining and Tessa is a great multi-tasker, for me, the sheer volume of plots kept it from reaching higher marks. It's a great, diverting read that delivers on the cozy atmosphere and small-town charm, making it perfect for fans of the craft mystery subgenre.
★★★☆☆
#PurledAndPoisoned #TraceyDrew #CozyMystery #KnittyKittyMystery #YarnMystery #BookReview #
The book is a fun, classic cozy setup. Tessa spends her days surrounded by "squishy/fuzzy goodness" at the shop and navigating the quirks of her Craft for Calmness group (aka the Serial Knitters and Happy Hookers). But things quickly escalate when the mother of the baby they were knitting for is fatally poisoned at a christening. Now, Tessa is tasked with sniffing out the baby daddy, since the child's paternity is in question.
The plot is very busy, juggling the main murder, Tessa’s personal life (including two love interests), her crazy family, and the paternity mystery. While the book is highly entertaining and Tessa is a great multi-tasker, for me, the sheer volume of plots kept it from reaching higher marks. It's a great, diverting read that delivers on the cozy atmosphere and small-town charm, making it perfect for fans of the craft mystery subgenre.
★★★☆☆
#PurledAndPoisoned #TraceyDrew #CozyMystery #KnittyKittyMystery #YarnMystery #BookReview #
March 7, 2021
A good edition to the series. Tessa gets invited to the christening of Pamela Martin’s newborn nephew Archie. She is surprised that both of Kurt’s ex-wives have been invited, and both seem to dote over the new baby. It gets very tense, you know something is going to happen ... and then Tessa finds a body - Josephine, Archie’s mother is dead. Tessa finds Josephine’s mobile phone, and sees a text message, it seems that Josephine was having an affair. Is Archie Kurt’s child, or a product of the affair?
There are a lot of twists and turns, some very funny moments, some quite sad, and all emotions in between! There are quite a few red herrings and clues, and I got sidetracked for a while by a red herring. There is a further murder, and almost another when Tessa herself receives what she thinks is a Valentines Day gift, she is saved in dramatic fashion by the cats, Kit and Pearl. Tessa eventually works out who the murderer is, and rescues the situation with a comical arrest.
The story ends with perhaps the promise of a romance to begin in the next book of the series, we will have to wait and see!
There are a lot of twists and turns, some very funny moments, some quite sad, and all emotions in between! There are quite a few red herrings and clues, and I got sidetracked for a while by a red herring. There is a further murder, and almost another when Tessa herself receives what she thinks is a Valentines Day gift, she is saved in dramatic fashion by the cats, Kit and Pearl. Tessa eventually works out who the murderer is, and rescues the situation with a comical arrest.
The story ends with perhaps the promise of a romance to begin in the next book of the series, we will have to wait and see!
September 30, 2025
This was a slow starting book and I found it hard to get into it. Maybe because it was so long since I had read the first one and I couldn't remember the characters very well. That being said it suddenly took off and I couldn't put the book down and it made me wonder why I had taken so long to get back to this series.
Tessa finds a dead woman in the mens bathroom after a christening. So starts all the questions the biggest one is of course who killed her and why. Another question is who was the father of the baby. When Tessa is asked to find out who the dead woman was sleeping with she says yes.
I really like Tessa she is just real, chubby, a mess a bit of a clutz specially when there is a cute guy around but she is normal. I like her grandfather who is protective of her. I enjoyed the story line when the story moved and was guessing almost to the end who the guilty party was. It also looks like there might be two protential love interests Oliver (bar owner) and the Eric (detective). I don't feel like we have seen enough of Oliver to have an opinion of but Eric I like and think I will be on his team.
A good series with some great characters.
Tessa finds a dead woman in the mens bathroom after a christening. So starts all the questions the biggest one is of course who killed her and why. Another question is who was the father of the baby. When Tessa is asked to find out who the dead woman was sleeping with she says yes.
I really like Tessa she is just real, chubby, a mess a bit of a clutz specially when there is a cute guy around but she is normal. I like her grandfather who is protective of her. I enjoyed the story line when the story moved and was guessing almost to the end who the guilty party was. It also looks like there might be two protential love interests Oliver (bar owner) and the Eric (detective). I don't feel like we have seen enough of Oliver to have an opinion of but Eric I like and think I will be on his team.
A good series with some great characters.
January 9, 2021
Oh how I love this author and the characters she creates. Purled and Poisoned is book two in the A Knitty Kitties Mystery, and she has really outdone herself in this one. Tessa is once again thrown into solving the current murder mystery in the small town of Cape Discovery in New Zealand. The gang is all there including the hot Detective Mana and Bartender Oliver, along with the cats Kit and Pearl who honestly have you laughing throughout this book. Tessa gets herself into the funniest situations, and along with solving the new murder in town, this makes for quite a page turner that makes the story seem so much shorter than it is because you can’t wait to get to the end. Loved everything about this book, the setting, the characters, the mystery that keeps you guessing till the very end, and the relationships between the characters. Just a very well written, funny book that you will definitely enjoy. Pick this one up, you won’t be disappointed.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
March 6, 2021
I am really enjoying these mysteries. Every time I think that I figured out the culprit, something happened that caused my suspicion to shift. This book really made me think. I like that the outcome is not too obvious.
This is a light hearted, sometimes humorous, cozy mystery. While trying to figure out which suspect, I was also wondering if Tessa was going to move towards Oliver, the bartender, or Detective Mana.
I enjoy all of the characters, but I had to admit that I was a little confused at the beginning trying to keep track of the ex's, step sisters, mothers, etc. It took a while to get them straight in my head.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
This is a light hearted, sometimes humorous, cozy mystery. While trying to figure out which suspect, I was also wondering if Tessa was going to move towards Oliver, the bartender, or Detective Mana.
I enjoy all of the characters, but I had to admit that I was a little confused at the beginning trying to keep track of the ex's, step sisters, mothers, etc. It took a while to get them straight in my head.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
April 28, 2023
Not going to lie, I didn't quite see myself reading this book so soon after the first one, after all I didn't *love* it. But the entire series (5 books) is on Kindle Unlimited so I am maybe taking advantage of that.
This book is very like its predeccesor, cute fluff that isn't mentally taxing. Tessa manages to stumble into the solutions mostly through luck, and in this case definitely so in the 'thrilling' climatic finale.
The love triangle is, potentially, getting a bit more there. Tessa semi-accepts an interest with one of the potential beaus in this book, and if I am honest it's not the one I'm rooting for.
I've downloaded the next three books in the series so will be enjoying some light reading this weekend at least!
This book is very like its predeccesor, cute fluff that isn't mentally taxing. Tessa manages to stumble into the solutions mostly through luck, and in this case definitely so in the 'thrilling' climatic finale.
The love triangle is, potentially, getting a bit more there. Tessa semi-accepts an interest with one of the potential beaus in this book, and if I am honest it's not the one I'm rooting for.
I've downloaded the next three books in the series so will be enjoying some light reading this weekend at least!
March 5, 2021
'The world can thank me later'
You have to love Tessa, not only does she have a rather creepy knack for finding dead bodies but she manages to stumble from one embarrassing moment to the next, gathering clues and with the help of Pearl and Kit solving the murders....much to the frustration of the very gorgeous Eric - local Detective Sargeant.
Also to Eric's frustration he is not the only gorgeous man to be showing an interest in Tessa...who will work up the courage to ask her out on a date first? Hunky Eric or sexy Oliver The Hot Stud!
Join Tessa Pearl, Kit, the Happy Hookers and the Serial Knitters for an adventure you won't forget anytime soon!
You have to love Tessa, not only does she have a rather creepy knack for finding dead bodies but she manages to stumble from one embarrassing moment to the next, gathering clues and with the help of Pearl and Kit solving the murders....much to the frustration of the very gorgeous Eric - local Detective Sargeant.
Also to Eric's frustration he is not the only gorgeous man to be showing an interest in Tessa...who will work up the courage to ask her out on a date first? Hunky Eric or sexy Oliver The Hot Stud!
Join Tessa Pearl, Kit, the Happy Hookers and the Serial Knitters for an adventure you won't forget anytime soon!
July 24, 2022
3.5 stars
Again, a quick, cute read. I thought it was a bit weaker than the first part, because some themes became a bit repetitive (Tessa litally stumbling upon murder victims all the time) and also I was not a fan of Josephine being such a stereotypical character.
In addition to that still not the greatest fan of the love triangle being set up. I would have much preferred one good love interest and the evolution of that relationship.
But the good stuff is still there: the quick wit, the banter, the underbelly of small town life, the cats, the knitting, the baked goods. I'm definitely going to read the next part as well for a nice palate cleanser!
Again, a quick, cute read. I thought it was a bit weaker than the first part, because some themes became a bit repetitive (Tessa litally stumbling upon murder victims all the time) and also I was not a fan of Josephine being such a stereotypical character.
In addition to that still not the greatest fan of the love triangle being set up. I would have much preferred one good love interest and the evolution of that relationship.
But the good stuff is still there: the quick wit, the banter, the underbelly of small town life, the cats, the knitting, the baked goods. I'm definitely going to read the next part as well for a nice palate cleanser!
March 5, 2021
I loved this book! It had great writing, like I expected from one of my favourite writers, interesting characters, I still want to get to know better (can’t wait for the next book in this series) and the return of Pearl and Kit.
The mystery kept me guessing until the end. I’m not going to say more about this, because I don’t want to spoil anything.
Pearl and Kit were great, and, at times, I wished there was more of them. But they reminded me very much of the two cat sleuths, I got to know in book 0.5 of this series Balls & Bones.
The mystery kept me guessing until the end. I’m not going to say more about this, because I don’t want to spoil anything.
Pearl and Kit were great, and, at times, I wished there was more of them. But they reminded me very much of the two cat sleuths, I got to know in book 0.5 of this series Balls & Bones.
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March 6, 2021Purled & Poisoned is a great addition to the series. Tessa once again finds a body (or two) and sets out to find the killer, and Archie's father, at the behest of the deceased step-daughter. There are plenty of suspects but I never suspected the person who turned out to be the killer--even though it made sense. The characters are likable, Tessa is sensible, Eric is a competent detective, Harry is a hoot, and Oliver helps save the day. Pearl and Kit bring humor to the story. A truly enjoyable story. I look forward to the next book in the series.
May 31, 2021
Better and Bettet
After reading the first of this series, I wasn't too impressed. Too wordy! I skipped a lot of pages. But I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Maybe because I know the regular characters now? Which is good, because this one felt like it had a cast of hundreds! I'm on to the third installment with hopes that Tessa gets over herself and the constant blushing when she is complemented by the hunky eligible guys.
After reading the first of this series, I wasn't too impressed. Too wordy! I skipped a lot of pages. But I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Maybe because I know the regular characters now? Which is good, because this one felt like it had a cast of hundreds! I'm on to the third installment with hopes that Tessa gets over herself and the constant blushing when she is complemented by the hunky eligible guys.
January 21, 2023
These cozy mysteries were great fun to read. I enjoyed the stories, characters, and eagerly devoured all 4 books in the series. Of course there was the added benefit of the kitties that played important roles in the stories, but as cat's, not as personified animals playing the role of investigators. Which is a find premise as well, but not provided in these book.
Certainly worth the time to read. So read and enjoy.
Certainly worth the time to read. So read and enjoy.
July 6, 2021
Another cute book set in a yarn store. It reminds me of a Stephanie Plum book when the young woman running the yarn store has two men getting to know her. It's a fun fast read. Will be getting the next book soon.
June 19, 2022
This is turning out to be a fun series. While the body count was a bit high for such a nice town, the story was engaging and I'm enjoying the character development.
The mystery did manage to keep me a bit.
The mystery did manage to keep me a bit.
October 12, 2022
Pulled and Poisoned back Tracey Drew
With a surprise twist at the end, this time Tessa breaks a bit more than the case! Great follow-up to the first book, can't wait to read the next one in the series 🙂
With a surprise twist at the end, this time Tessa breaks a bit more than the case! Great follow-up to the first book, can't wait to read the next one in the series 🙂
February 5, 2023
Good Mystery
The truth of the matter is that a crazy person systematically kills three people by poisoning them.
This is an interesting mystery.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
The truth of the matter is that a crazy person systematically kills three people by poisoning them.
This is an interesting mystery.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
May 6, 2023
I Love Tessa, Kit and Pearl!
I listened to the first book because it was free with audible plus. When I saw that the others weren’t, I just bought them for my kindle. Book two was amazing! Just taking a few secs to review, before I start book three, now!!
I listened to the first book because it was free with audible plus. When I saw that the others weren’t, I just bought them for my kindle. Book two was amazing! Just taking a few secs to review, before I start book three, now!!
August 6, 2023
Entertaining cozy mysteries, takes place in part at the protagonist's yarn store so there's talk of knitting and crocheting, but that doesn't get in the way of the story. Two possible romantic interests thicken the plot.
March 16, 2024
This was a fun read, with a good dose of Kiwi humour. A new mother dies at her baby’s Christening. Who hated her enough to kill her? Fortunately Tessa and her cats, Kit and Pearl, are ablevto help the police solve the mystery, and the baby remains loved and cared for.
September 23, 2025
I actually enjoyed the book and its cast of characters plus the cats (tee hee) who supported the plotline and scheme along! So, I would like to know if I could go on to the next book in the series to find out some more about the heroine and her associations one to two at a time!!
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