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Craft Fair Knitters Mysteries #2
Stitched in Crime
When murder pierces the fabric of the close-knit Crandalsburg Craft Fair, it's up to the Ninth Street Knitters to make a killer slip their stitch.
The Craft Fair may have hit a few snags lately, but knitting enthusiast Lia Geiger is hopeful her quiet life will return to its usual patterns in no time. Her daughter has officially moved back home, and sure, the house is a little crowded with Hayley's take-home work from the alpaca farm, but that's a price Lia will happily pay. All seems well until Cori Littlefield, a new vendor with a gift for crochet, is found dead, sending shock waves through all of Crandalsburg.
What begins as a tragic accident turns into a snarled spool of lies that only the combined efforts of the Ninth Street Knitters can untangle. When Lia makes a connection between Cori's death and a decades-old murder, it's up to her to weave together the clues and find the truth.
The Craft Fair may have hit a few snags lately, but knitting enthusiast Lia Geiger is hopeful her quiet life will return to its usual patterns in no time. Her daughter has officially moved back home, and sure, the house is a little crowded with Hayley's take-home work from the alpaca farm, but that's a price Lia will happily pay. All seems well until Cori Littlefield, a new vendor with a gift for crochet, is found dead, sending shock waves through all of Crandalsburg.
What begins as a tragic accident turns into a snarled spool of lies that only the combined efforts of the Ninth Street Knitters can untangle. When Lia makes a connection between Cori's death and a decades-old murder, it's up to her to weave together the clues and find the truth.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 7, 2021
26 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Emmie Caldwell
3 books86 followersEmmie Caldwell is the pen name of Mary Ellen Hughes, author of 4 cozy mystery series.
A WICKED YARN begins Emmie's Craft Fair Knitters Mystery Series, set in Crandalsburg, PA, where Lia Geiger and her Ninth Street Knitters solve murders as they knit up a storm.
A WICKED YARN begins Emmie's Craft Fair Knitters Mystery Series, set in Crandalsburg, PA, where Lia Geiger and her Ninth Street Knitters solve murders as they knit up a storm.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 10, 2021
Life is beginning to settle down again for Lia Geiger, and the crowds are returning to the craft fair where she sells her knitting projects, thanks in part to Cori Littlefield and her wonderful crochet projects. Sadly, Cori is found dead one day near the bottom of a waterfall. While the police rule it a tragic accident, Lia thinks there might be a connection to a similar death from two decades ago – a death that Cori claimed to witness as a little girl. But can Lia find any evidence to back up her claim?
I enjoyed the first book in this series, and this was just as much fun. We get a puzzling mystery with several strong suspects. Every time I thought I knew who done it, another suspect would do something to put them at the top of my list. The ending answered all my questions, including one the characters never asked. I do feel like the characters could be a little stronger, but maybe that’s just me, and maybe it’s because of all the background characters. I had no trouble keeping all the characters straight, and a character that rubbed me a bit the wrong way in the first book has definitely softened here. If you are looking for a fun cozy, this is the book you need to pick up.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, and this was just as much fun. We get a puzzling mystery with several strong suspects. Every time I thought I knew who done it, another suspect would do something to put them at the top of my list. The ending answered all my questions, including one the characters never asked. I do feel like the characters could be a little stronger, but maybe that’s just me, and maybe it’s because of all the background characters. I had no trouble keeping all the characters straight, and a character that rubbed me a bit the wrong way in the first book has definitely softened here. If you are looking for a fun cozy, this is the book you need to pick up.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
May 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this knitting themed cozy. I love stories that take place at fairs or festivals and this tale is top notch. I like Lia, the protagonist, and her daughter, Haley. They have a great mother/daughter relationship. As the story unravels, I had a suspect in mind, and for once, my guess was correct! The plot is very good and this story can be enjoyed anytime. I highly recommend this series.
December 7, 2021
Stitched In Crime is the second book in the A Craft Fair Mystery series by Emmie Caldwell.
The Crandalsburg Craft Fair has a new vendor, Cori Littlefield, who crochets animals, vegetables, fruit, and other items, and many who see her work call them works of art. Cori’s booth is next to Lia’s, and Lia enjoys talking with her. But Lia notices that Cori seems to be a little tentative dealing with customers at times. In a couple of weeks, Lia gets a phone call informing her that Cori’s body was discovered at Long Run Falls, and police have ruled it an accident. When Lia goes to the wake and talks with people attending, some believe she might have committed suicide. Lia doesn’t think she committed suicide and will investigate to learn if it was.
Lia soon learns that as a young girl of six or seven, she had witnessed the fall and death of her babysitter, Jessica, and had recurring nightmares of what she saw that day. She feels it is too much of a coincidence and will begin to interview friends of Jessica to learn what might have happened to her. Lia feels that somebody had pushed Jessica and Cori knows who it was, and that person has eliminated Cori. Lia will soon find three or four suspects. The story will end with Lia preventing the killer from committing another murder.
A subplot deals with Lia’s daughter, Hayley. Hayley has moved back to her mother’s and has a job at an alpaca farm. She is handling the planning of a fundraiser for the communities Parks Booster Club. Her contact at the Booster Club turns out to be almost impossible to work with.
The book is well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed and believable. There were enough red herrings that I was surprised at who the killer was.
The author also writes as Mary Ellen Hughes.
I will be watching for the next book in this enjoyable series.
The Crandalsburg Craft Fair has a new vendor, Cori Littlefield, who crochets animals, vegetables, fruit, and other items, and many who see her work call them works of art. Cori’s booth is next to Lia’s, and Lia enjoys talking with her. But Lia notices that Cori seems to be a little tentative dealing with customers at times. In a couple of weeks, Lia gets a phone call informing her that Cori’s body was discovered at Long Run Falls, and police have ruled it an accident. When Lia goes to the wake and talks with people attending, some believe she might have committed suicide. Lia doesn’t think she committed suicide and will investigate to learn if it was.
Lia soon learns that as a young girl of six or seven, she had witnessed the fall and death of her babysitter, Jessica, and had recurring nightmares of what she saw that day. She feels it is too much of a coincidence and will begin to interview friends of Jessica to learn what might have happened to her. Lia feels that somebody had pushed Jessica and Cori knows who it was, and that person has eliminated Cori. Lia will soon find three or four suspects. The story will end with Lia preventing the killer from committing another murder.
A subplot deals with Lia’s daughter, Hayley. Hayley has moved back to her mother’s and has a job at an alpaca farm. She is handling the planning of a fundraiser for the communities Parks Booster Club. Her contact at the Booster Club turns out to be almost impossible to work with.
The book is well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed and believable. There were enough red herrings that I was surprised at who the killer was.
The author also writes as Mary Ellen Hughes.
I will be watching for the next book in this enjoyable series.
December 9, 2021
This was a fabulous mystery, second in a new series, in which many of the characters are crafters. The setting in Pennsylvania sounds gorgeous, especially during the summer. I enjoyed reading about the various crafts represented. The mystery was intriguing; that and the characters welcomed me into their town on the first page and held my attention throughout.
Lia is a recently retired widow. Her adult daughter, Hayley, came for a great job opportunity at a local alpaca farm and is temporarily living with her. Belinda had encouraged Lia to move to Crandalsburg, then suggested involvement in the Crandalsburg craft fair. Every Saturday and Sunday, vendors gather to sell crafts of various types, from yarn arts to leatherworking to jewelry, as well as food items such as jams and honey. A knitter for many years, Lia sells items she or her friends in the Ninth Street Knitters in York have designed.
Lia has a new vendor in the booth next to hers, a young woman who makes unique crochet creations, such as lifelike plants, birds, and animals. One Sunday, the newspaper has printed photos and a story about Cori and her special yarn art, and the customers are flocking in. Cori has a great day of sales, and the new visitors buy from other vendors as well. The next day, just hours after Lia had visited her, Cori is found dead at the foot of a nearby waterfall, and police consider it an accident.
A few days later, Lia learns the younger woman had a babysitter who died in the same manner 26 years earlier. Cori was only six when Jessica died, and without any evidence, Jessica’s death was closed as an accident. According to one person, Cori had terrible dreams about seeing Jessica fall to her death since she about twelve. Based on some things she saw and heard when visiting Cori that day, Lia doesn’t think Cori’s fall was an accident. Nor does she believe what her stepsister said about how emotionally fragile Cori had always been. She thinks Cori committed suicide.
Lia and her friends in the Nine Street Knitters think something is way off. Lia is determined to find out for certain how Cori fell to her death. The Knitters are very encouraging, and Hayley will help as much as she can. Discovering more about Cori isn’t easy; learning about Jessica after all these years is even harder. If either death was not an accident, whodunit won’t get away with it if Lia can help it!
This fast-paced novel has many fine elements, including excellent dialog, descriptions of surroundings that brings the reader into the story, the crafts, and the likeable characters. I am very happy to see another series that is primarily made up of older adults. I would love to see more about the alpacas in the future! I think that both the individual ones at the Weber farm, and alpacas in general, would be quite interesting. I liked how the alpacas were shown to help calming or bring humor to people around them. Whodunit was quite a surprise in some ways, and no open ends remained. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries with house pets and unusual farmed animals, crafts, and a primarily older group of sleuths.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
Lia is a recently retired widow. Her adult daughter, Hayley, came for a great job opportunity at a local alpaca farm and is temporarily living with her. Belinda had encouraged Lia to move to Crandalsburg, then suggested involvement in the Crandalsburg craft fair. Every Saturday and Sunday, vendors gather to sell crafts of various types, from yarn arts to leatherworking to jewelry, as well as food items such as jams and honey. A knitter for many years, Lia sells items she or her friends in the Ninth Street Knitters in York have designed.
Lia has a new vendor in the booth next to hers, a young woman who makes unique crochet creations, such as lifelike plants, birds, and animals. One Sunday, the newspaper has printed photos and a story about Cori and her special yarn art, and the customers are flocking in. Cori has a great day of sales, and the new visitors buy from other vendors as well. The next day, just hours after Lia had visited her, Cori is found dead at the foot of a nearby waterfall, and police consider it an accident.
A few days later, Lia learns the younger woman had a babysitter who died in the same manner 26 years earlier. Cori was only six when Jessica died, and without any evidence, Jessica’s death was closed as an accident. According to one person, Cori had terrible dreams about seeing Jessica fall to her death since she about twelve. Based on some things she saw and heard when visiting Cori that day, Lia doesn’t think Cori’s fall was an accident. Nor does she believe what her stepsister said about how emotionally fragile Cori had always been. She thinks Cori committed suicide.
Lia and her friends in the Nine Street Knitters think something is way off. Lia is determined to find out for certain how Cori fell to her death. The Knitters are very encouraging, and Hayley will help as much as she can. Discovering more about Cori isn’t easy; learning about Jessica after all these years is even harder. If either death was not an accident, whodunit won’t get away with it if Lia can help it!
This fast-paced novel has many fine elements, including excellent dialog, descriptions of surroundings that brings the reader into the story, the crafts, and the likeable characters. I am very happy to see another series that is primarily made up of older adults. I would love to see more about the alpacas in the future! I think that both the individual ones at the Weber farm, and alpacas in general, would be quite interesting. I liked how the alpacas were shown to help calming or bring humor to people around them. Whodunit was quite a surprise in some ways, and no open ends remained. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries with house pets and unusual farmed animals, crafts, and a primarily older group of sleuths.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
January 16, 2022
Stitched in Crime by Emmie Caldwell has Lia solving the murder of fellow crafter, Cori Littlefield. Stitched in Crime is the second A Craft Fair Knitters Mystery and it can be read as a standalone. The story contains good writing with medium pacing. The characters are realistic and relatable. They are, though, still works in progress. I feel the characters especially the background characters need more development. It can be hard to keep track of the various secondary characters because there are so many of them. I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of Cori’s crocheted items. They sounded amazing. The mystery was thought out with good clues, several suspects, and a red herring. Cori was a talented artist, but she had an issue from her childhood that troubled her. It led to the woman having problems as an adult. It depends on your sleuthing level on how soon you solve this whodunit. I thought one suspect stood out above the others. The case was neatly wrapped up at the end. I like the Ninth Street Knitters. They are a great bunch of people who create lovely knitted items. It is great how Lia and the group work to solve the case (they are a clever bunch who do not let grass grow under their feet). Stitched in Crime is a creative cozy with a creative crocheter who is now a corpse, a daughter’s muddled mess, a confusing cold case, messy memories, delicious dinners, an awful accident, and a frustrating fundraiser.
December 28, 2021
I believe this is my first time reading this author, I enjoyed the mystery, characters and setting. I look forward to more in the series. I missed the first book in the series, but don't think I it impacted my enjoyment as I never felt lost in regards to the characters.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2021
4.5 stars Great cozy mystery with some depth. I will continue to follow this series.
January 12, 2022
“A Craft Fair Knitters Mystery” series is what I term laid back. The characters are mostly older mature individuals who are still growing old, but some are still young enough not to worry about it too much. Lia is a mom who cares about her daughter Hayley’s future but doesn’t want to look like she is interfering. She is also a knitter who is good at her craft and enjoys working with the Ninth Street Knitters, who are also her best friends. The knitters help Lia investigate mysteries and solve murders, and they have fun doing it. The craft fair where Lai and the knitters sell their material keeps Lia busy, and she, like many other vendors, depends on it for an income. Thankfully, the array of talent and products is enticing and keeps buyers returning. They can purchase anything from sculptures to knit sweaters and crocheted flowers, and so much more. Of course, it helps that Lia’s best friend runs the craft fair. All in all, this group of characters always leaves readers happy and wanting more, and in Stitched in Crime that hasn’t changed.
When a new talented crochet vendor at the fair, Cori, dies unexpectedly, everyone is willing to accept that it was a tragic accident, but it doesn’t sit right with Lia. She doesn’t think it was an accident at all. She also suspects that Cori’s death ties in with another “accident” long ago. It doesn’t take long for Lia to develop a few suspects and possible motives. The Ninth Street Knitters jump in to help Lia figure out who the killer is and find clues that will tell everyone that Cori’s death was not an accident but a murder. In the meantime, Hayley is having issues at work, and she and Lia’s living arrangements are starting to show signs of stress. Dealing with Hayley, the craft fair and Cori’s death keeps Lia hopping.
The Ninth Street Knitters are a group of people I wouldn’t mind spending time with. Lia and her craft fair friends track down the clues in a smart and quick manner. Cori was a talented crochet artist who had a past that seemed to haunt her, and it was easy for people to believe that her death was an accident or suicide; even Lia has moments when she isn’t certain. But with tenacity and stubbornness, she finds that she is right and does what it takes to capture the murderer. Stitched in Crime is a fun and entertaining read. The writing is wonderful, the characters are believable and enjoyable, and the setting is memorable. Readers will love Lia, the knitters, a desire to learn knitting or crochet and the action.
When a new talented crochet vendor at the fair, Cori, dies unexpectedly, everyone is willing to accept that it was a tragic accident, but it doesn’t sit right with Lia. She doesn’t think it was an accident at all. She also suspects that Cori’s death ties in with another “accident” long ago. It doesn’t take long for Lia to develop a few suspects and possible motives. The Ninth Street Knitters jump in to help Lia figure out who the killer is and find clues that will tell everyone that Cori’s death was not an accident but a murder. In the meantime, Hayley is having issues at work, and she and Lia’s living arrangements are starting to show signs of stress. Dealing with Hayley, the craft fair and Cori’s death keeps Lia hopping.
The Ninth Street Knitters are a group of people I wouldn’t mind spending time with. Lia and her craft fair friends track down the clues in a smart and quick manner. Cori was a talented crochet artist who had a past that seemed to haunt her, and it was easy for people to believe that her death was an accident or suicide; even Lia has moments when she isn’t certain. But with tenacity and stubbornness, she finds that she is right and does what it takes to capture the murderer. Stitched in Crime is a fun and entertaining read. The writing is wonderful, the characters are believable and enjoyable, and the setting is memorable. Readers will love Lia, the knitters, a desire to learn knitting or crochet and the action.
January 10, 2022
Lia and The Ninth Street Knitters really grabbed my attention in this fantastic new release.
Lia and her friends find themselves tangled up in another murder investigation, when Corri, a young woman, is found dead.
I had no idea who the murderer was until the reveal, and I was left speechless.
I'm excited to read the next in this series.
#StitchedinCrime #NetGalley
Lia and her friends find themselves tangled up in another murder investigation, when Corri, a young woman, is found dead.
I had no idea who the murderer was until the reveal, and I was left speechless.
I'm excited to read the next in this series.
#StitchedinCrime #NetGalley
December 7, 2021
4.5 Stars - Top Pick
The main character, Lia Geiger is a widow and a retired surgical nurse. Lia is fairly new to the small town of Crandalsburg, Pennsylvania and her grown daughter, Hayley, is living with her temporarily. Lia belongs to a crafting group and sells their creations each weekend in a booth at the Crandalsburg Craft Fair. Lia befriends a new vendor named Cori Littlefield whose shyness hides her extraordinary talent in crocheting artistic pieces. Lia is hit hard when Cori is found dead and can’t accept that she committed suicide. Lia thinks Cori’s death could be connected with a similar death years ago and is determined to get justice for both young women.
Stitched in Crime is the second in the Craft Fair Knitters Mystery series, but the first I’ve read. I had no problem getting to know the main characters or enjoying the book. I liked Lia immediately. She is intelligent, talented, and kind. I admire her courage in pursuing an investigation even when the police felt both Cori and the prior death were both accidental. It took a little longer for her daughter, Hayley, to grow on me, but I was a fan of hers by the end of the book. I enjoyed seeing Lia get to know the chief of police of the town and could see that friendship eventually blossoming into something more. Lia’s friendship with her fellow crafters is also enjoyable and realistic.
The author, Emmie Caldwell, also writes books under the name Mary Ellen Hughes, and I am impressed with her writing. This book has all the best elements of a cozy mystery – a strong, likeable main character with an interesting hobby, a supportive circle of friends, cute animals, and a little romance. The book also has depth in the subject matter and the investigation that I love. Lia finds several people with the motive for killing and that keeps the reader guessing throughout the book. The ending is very satisfying, and I am looking forward to reading more by this author. I think the book would appeal to fans of Leslie Meier, Ellery Adams, or Paige Shelton.
~ Christine
The main character, Lia Geiger is a widow and a retired surgical nurse. Lia is fairly new to the small town of Crandalsburg, Pennsylvania and her grown daughter, Hayley, is living with her temporarily. Lia belongs to a crafting group and sells their creations each weekend in a booth at the Crandalsburg Craft Fair. Lia befriends a new vendor named Cori Littlefield whose shyness hides her extraordinary talent in crocheting artistic pieces. Lia is hit hard when Cori is found dead and can’t accept that she committed suicide. Lia thinks Cori’s death could be connected with a similar death years ago and is determined to get justice for both young women.
Stitched in Crime is the second in the Craft Fair Knitters Mystery series, but the first I’ve read. I had no problem getting to know the main characters or enjoying the book. I liked Lia immediately. She is intelligent, talented, and kind. I admire her courage in pursuing an investigation even when the police felt both Cori and the prior death were both accidental. It took a little longer for her daughter, Hayley, to grow on me, but I was a fan of hers by the end of the book. I enjoyed seeing Lia get to know the chief of police of the town and could see that friendship eventually blossoming into something more. Lia’s friendship with her fellow crafters is also enjoyable and realistic.
The author, Emmie Caldwell, also writes books under the name Mary Ellen Hughes, and I am impressed with her writing. This book has all the best elements of a cozy mystery – a strong, likeable main character with an interesting hobby, a supportive circle of friends, cute animals, and a little romance. The book also has depth in the subject matter and the investigation that I love. Lia finds several people with the motive for killing and that keeps the reader guessing throughout the book. The ending is very satisfying, and I am looking forward to reading more by this author. I think the book would appeal to fans of Leslie Meier, Ellery Adams, or Paige Shelton.
~ Christine
January 25, 2022
Really about a 3.5, good solid sequel to the first one. The characters continue to be well drawn and interesting; I like the sense of community. I like the growth on the part of one character. I didn't quite buy the change of heart by another, which is why it was knocked down a little in my rating. I didn't see the groundwork. But this is indeed an enjoyable cozy and comes recommended.
December 19, 2021
The second book in this series, ‘Stitched in Crime’ is an outstanding cozy mystery with lots of suspense. The author deftly and cleverly traces knitter Lia Geiger’s amateur sleuthing among a handful of plausible suspects in two related deaths which took place decades apart. Caldwell’s skill at character development shows up in the carefully portrayed supporting characters, all of whom are essential to the plot, even if only in a minor way—these details make for a realistic and interesting story that unflaggingly held my attention from cover to cover. Highly recommended!
June 20, 2024
Cute cozy read but also a mystery which didn’t end how I suspected originally! Got me out of a book slump! :)
November 30, 2021
Lia and the other vendors are excited when a new, young artist joins the team at the Craft Fair. Cori's crocheted pieces aren't potholders and sweaters but works of art. When Cori is found dead, Lia doesn't agree with the ruling of accidental death, so she decides to ask a few questions of her own. When she finds a connection to another death, decades ago, she is determined to find out what happened, to both women.
This is book #2 in the Craft Fair Knitters series, and I liked it even more than the first book. It is set in Pennsylvania, and although the town is fictional (yes, I looked to be sure!), it seems to be relatively near to where I currently live, which makes the setting feel a bit like home. I like the recurring characters and would love to spend some time at the alpaca farm and browsing the Craft Fair where Lia works. There weren't a lot of suspects to choose from in this book, and their position on my list kept changing as the story progressed, and I wasn't able to figure out a connection between the two deaths. I had a niggling feeling about the identity of the killer, but I wasn't certain until just before it was revealed in the book. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is book #2 in the Craft Fair Knitters series, and I liked it even more than the first book. It is set in Pennsylvania, and although the town is fictional (yes, I looked to be sure!), it seems to be relatively near to where I currently live, which makes the setting feel a bit like home. I like the recurring characters and would love to spend some time at the alpaca farm and browsing the Craft Fair where Lia works. There weren't a lot of suspects to choose from in this book, and their position on my list kept changing as the story progressed, and I wasn't able to figure out a connection between the two deaths. I had a niggling feeling about the identity of the killer, but I wasn't certain until just before it was revealed in the book. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 16, 2021
"Stitched in Crime" is a cozy mystery. It's the second in a series. You don't need to read the previous book to understand this one, and this book didn't spoil the whodunit of the previous mystery.
The main characters were likable and interesting. The police declared Cori's death an accident. When Lia realized that Cori had witnessed a similar death--perhaps a murder--when she was a child, she decided to investigate in case Cori was killed because of what she had seen. She asked questions and looked for clues but had difficulty finding proof or narrowing down the suspect pool. I strongly suspected whodunit from various hints, and I became even more sure as the story went on. Lia saved the day, catching whodunit in the act of another murder and so gained her proof. There were no sex scenes or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
The main characters were likable and interesting. The police declared Cori's death an accident. When Lia realized that Cori had witnessed a similar death--perhaps a murder--when she was a child, she decided to investigate in case Cori was killed because of what she had seen. She asked questions and looked for clues but had difficulty finding proof or narrowing down the suspect pool. I strongly suspected whodunit from various hints, and I became even more sure as the story went on. Lia saved the day, catching whodunit in the act of another murder and so gained her proof. There were no sex scenes or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
December 19, 2021
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Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
I enjoyed this cozy mystery very much! The main characters are delightful; it was easy for me to become invested in them. It can be read as a standalone, as I had not yet read the first one and found it easy to keep up. The crafts and various pieces people worked on were discussed with just the right amount of detail. This complex mystery kept me guessing, especially through the various plot twists and turns. There were no easy solutions!
It is summer in Crandalsburg, and the craft fair is in full swing every weekend. Lia has been a long-term member of the Ninth Street Knitters in York; since she moved, she values the deep friendships enough to drive to when the group meets every week. Belinda, her close friend who talked her into making the move, got her involved with the weekly local craft fair, where people with many, varied crafting skills gather to sell their products. Lia sells her own knitted products as well as those of her friends in the knitters’ group. Her adult daughter, Hayley, lives with her since moving back to town. Hayley plans to get her own place once the major event she has been planning for her new employer is complete.
A young woman, Cori, has the booth next to Lia’s, and sells specialty crocheted items, including whimsical animals, birds, flowers, and vegetables. She is very shy and trying to learn to be a good saleswoman despite her reticence. The newspaper did an excellent article, with photos, in Sunday’s paper about her creations. The craft fair had many more customers than usual that day, mostly people who wanted to see her work. She did a great business, as did the rest of the vendors. After she left, a customer came in wanting a special order from her, so Lia committed to getting it to her.
Lia called Cori the next day and took the information to her. Cori had recently moved back to her mother’s house from York, but her mother was in rehab recovering from a serious car accident. Cori was happy to have a commission requested, and excited about future sales. She showed Lia some of her work. When she took a phone call, Lia saw a shadowbox with crocheted figures in it. It was troubling to Lia, and when Cori saw her with it, she became upset and took it to her room. Cori had to leave, as the person who called wanted to meet with her.
Later that day, Lia heard that a young woman died while hiking at the falls, and for some reason, thought of Cori and how suddenly she left that morning. The next morning, the gut feeling was confirmed. Cori was dead; her fall was determined accidental.
At the wake, Lia heard several interesting things. One was from Cori’s half-sister Robin, certain that Cori committed suicide. She learned from a high school friend about the nightmare Cori lived with, over and over, most of her life. Cori had said it was an actual memory of seeing someone, Jessica, her babysitter, fall to her death when she was little. Lia is sure there is more than meets the ear, and eye, as do the people in her knitting group. They are prepared to help her find information about the young woman and get justice for her as the police are convinced that both deaths were accidental.
The characters were fun to meet and learn about. I’m sad that one of the people I wanted to know better was the victim. I appreciate getting to know Lia, her daughter Hayley, and Lia’s friends in the Nine Street Knitters and at the Craft Fair. Each was defined through realistic conversations and behaviors. I also appreciated that many characters are mature, as I felt I had something in common with them. Meeting Pete was interesting, and I am curious to see the role he will have in future novels.
I was fascinated by how various people were willing to talk with Lia, and how much information she, her daughter, and their friends obtained! It was especially challenging when they learned the babysitter Cori had when she was only six had died in a fall from the same waterfall, the very same spot, more than two decades ago. That opened the door for potential suspects, as Jessica had been very popular throughout high school and college. This novel held my attention throughout, and there were definitely surprises at the end. I highly recommend this exciting, crafty cozy mystery!
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
I enjoyed this cozy mystery very much! The main characters are delightful; it was easy for me to become invested in them. It can be read as a standalone, as I had not yet read the first one and found it easy to keep up. The crafts and various pieces people worked on were discussed with just the right amount of detail. This complex mystery kept me guessing, especially through the various plot twists and turns. There were no easy solutions!
It is summer in Crandalsburg, and the craft fair is in full swing every weekend. Lia has been a long-term member of the Ninth Street Knitters in York; since she moved, she values the deep friendships enough to drive to when the group meets every week. Belinda, her close friend who talked her into making the move, got her involved with the weekly local craft fair, where people with many, varied crafting skills gather to sell their products. Lia sells her own knitted products as well as those of her friends in the knitters’ group. Her adult daughter, Hayley, lives with her since moving back to town. Hayley plans to get her own place once the major event she has been planning for her new employer is complete.
A young woman, Cori, has the booth next to Lia’s, and sells specialty crocheted items, including whimsical animals, birds, flowers, and vegetables. She is very shy and trying to learn to be a good saleswoman despite her reticence. The newspaper did an excellent article, with photos, in Sunday’s paper about her creations. The craft fair had many more customers than usual that day, mostly people who wanted to see her work. She did a great business, as did the rest of the vendors. After she left, a customer came in wanting a special order from her, so Lia committed to getting it to her.
Lia called Cori the next day and took the information to her. Cori had recently moved back to her mother’s house from York, but her mother was in rehab recovering from a serious car accident. Cori was happy to have a commission requested, and excited about future sales. She showed Lia some of her work. When she took a phone call, Lia saw a shadowbox with crocheted figures in it. It was troubling to Lia, and when Cori saw her with it, she became upset and took it to her room. Cori had to leave, as the person who called wanted to meet with her.
Later that day, Lia heard that a young woman died while hiking at the falls, and for some reason, thought of Cori and how suddenly she left that morning. The next morning, the gut feeling was confirmed. Cori was dead; her fall was determined accidental.
At the wake, Lia heard several interesting things. One was from Cori’s half-sister Robin, certain that Cori committed suicide. She learned from a high school friend about the nightmare Cori lived with, over and over, most of her life. Cori had said it was an actual memory of seeing someone, Jessica, her babysitter, fall to her death when she was little. Lia is sure there is more than meets the ear, and eye, as do the people in her knitting group. They are prepared to help her find information about the young woman and get justice for her as the police are convinced that both deaths were accidental.
The characters were fun to meet and learn about. I’m sad that one of the people I wanted to know better was the victim. I appreciate getting to know Lia, her daughter Hayley, and Lia’s friends in the Nine Street Knitters and at the Craft Fair. Each was defined through realistic conversations and behaviors. I also appreciated that many characters are mature, as I felt I had something in common with them. Meeting Pete was interesting, and I am curious to see the role he will have in future novels.
I was fascinated by how various people were willing to talk with Lia, and how much information she, her daughter, and their friends obtained! It was especially challenging when they learned the babysitter Cori had when she was only six had died in a fall from the same waterfall, the very same spot, more than two decades ago. That opened the door for potential suspects, as Jessica had been very popular throughout high school and college. This novel held my attention throughout, and there were definitely surprises at the end. I highly recommend this exciting, crafty cozy mystery!
May 19, 2025
"Stitched in Crime" by Emmie Caldwell offers a cozy mystery woven into the fabric of a small-town craft fair. When a new crochet vendor is found dead, the close-knit community of Crandalsburg is shaken, and knitting enthusiast Lia Geiger of the Ninth Street Knitters finds herself drawn into unraveling the truth.
Caldwell creates a pleasant small-town atmosphere, and the backdrop of the craft fair adds a unique charm with its various vendors and handmade creations. Lia is a relatable protagonist, a knitting enthusiast whose quiet life is disrupted by the unexpected murder. The dynamic of the Ninth Street Knitters, a group of friends who knit and, as it turns out, sleuth, provides a comforting and familiar element often found in cozy mysteries.
The connection Lia makes between Cori's death and a cold case from decades past adds an intriguing layer to the mystery, raising the stakes beyond a simple whodunit at the fair. The process of Lia and her knitting friends piecing together clues within their community has a gentle, methodical pace.
However, while the setting and characters are enjoyable, the mystery itself felt a little underdeveloped at times. The clues weren't always as tightly woven as they could have been, and the path to the resolution felt somewhat straightforward. While "Stitched in Crime" provides a pleasant and cozy read for fans of craft-themed mysteries, it didn't quite deliver the intricate puzzle that would have elevated it further.
★★★☆☆
#StitchedInCrime #EmmieCaldwell #CozyMystery #BookReview #Bookstagram #KnittingMystery #CraftFairMystery #SmallTownMystery #AmateurSleuth #NinthStreetKnitters #MysteryBooks #Whodunnit
Caldwell creates a pleasant small-town atmosphere, and the backdrop of the craft fair adds a unique charm with its various vendors and handmade creations. Lia is a relatable protagonist, a knitting enthusiast whose quiet life is disrupted by the unexpected murder. The dynamic of the Ninth Street Knitters, a group of friends who knit and, as it turns out, sleuth, provides a comforting and familiar element often found in cozy mysteries.
The connection Lia makes between Cori's death and a cold case from decades past adds an intriguing layer to the mystery, raising the stakes beyond a simple whodunit at the fair. The process of Lia and her knitting friends piecing together clues within their community has a gentle, methodical pace.
However, while the setting and characters are enjoyable, the mystery itself felt a little underdeveloped at times. The clues weren't always as tightly woven as they could have been, and the path to the resolution felt somewhat straightforward. While "Stitched in Crime" provides a pleasant and cozy read for fans of craft-themed mysteries, it didn't quite deliver the intricate puzzle that would have elevated it further.
★★★☆☆
#StitchedInCrime #EmmieCaldwell #CozyMystery #BookReview #Bookstagram #KnittingMystery #CraftFairMystery #SmallTownMystery #AmateurSleuth #NinthStreetKnitters #MysteryBooks #Whodunnit
March 22, 2023
Raging jealousy
Lia finds herself helping Cori, one of the newest vendors at the craft barn, when her wildly popular crocheted creations overwhelm her ability to help her customers; a shy person, she seems a little fragile to Lia, but does better as the day goes on. Lia is stunned to learn Cori fell to her death later that day, in the same place her former babysitter had met her death, over 26 years before. Her half-sister Robin implies Cori was suicidal, the police think it was merely accidental, but Lia can’t help but feel there is something off about those too-easy answers. She determines to learn more about Cori, and in the process, finds information about the babysitter which makes her wonder if the two deaths are connected - could the babysitter have been murdered? And is the killer responsible for Cori’s death? Finding answers to her questions may lead Lia to dangerous paths.
Lia finds herself helping Cori, one of the newest vendors at the craft barn, when her wildly popular crocheted creations overwhelm her ability to help her customers; a shy person, she seems a little fragile to Lia, but does better as the day goes on. Lia is stunned to learn Cori fell to her death later that day, in the same place her former babysitter had met her death, over 26 years before. Her half-sister Robin implies Cori was suicidal, the police think it was merely accidental, but Lia can’t help but feel there is something off about those too-easy answers. She determines to learn more about Cori, and in the process, finds information about the babysitter which makes her wonder if the two deaths are connected - could the babysitter have been murdered? And is the killer responsible for Cori’s death? Finding answers to her questions may lead Lia to dangerous paths.
January 16, 2022
This is the second Craft Fair Knitters mystery. Lia Geiger is a good main character having an interesting background and a current paying hobby of knitting that keeps her busy while allowing plenty of time to snoop.
When a new craft booth owner, Cori, dies unexpectedly, Lia is not satisfied with the answers she gets about Cori’s death. So she starts asking questions.
The pacing of the story is a bit slow, which lead to putting down and picking up the book many times.
There are several good suspects and the story provides outcomes for each.
I’m glad the book ends with the fundraising event at the alpaca farm that Hayley has been working on for the entire book.
Even with the slow bits I’d pick up the next craft fair knitters mystery.
When a new craft booth owner, Cori, dies unexpectedly, Lia is not satisfied with the answers she gets about Cori’s death. So she starts asking questions.
The pacing of the story is a bit slow, which lead to putting down and picking up the book many times.
There are several good suspects and the story provides outcomes for each.
I’m glad the book ends with the fundraising event at the alpaca farm that Hayley has been working on for the entire book.
Even with the slow bits I’d pick up the next craft fair knitters mystery.
March 11, 2022
This is book 2 in the Craft Fair Knitters series and can be read as a stand alone. The Ninth Street Knitters have their weekly showings and shoppers are returning in droves since the newspaper did a story on a new crafter, Cori who crochets realistic animals and flowers. When Lia befriends her she is dismayed that she is found dead. I wish they would include a few patterns. A great cozy story that will have you guessing. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 13, 2022
I generally love "who done it" novels. It took me quite a while to get involved with the main character, Lia. The last 3rd of the story finally was the most exciting as Lia starts to narrow down her idea of who was responsible for the death of Cori, who had a booth next to Lia's table. Lia followed her instincts and manages in the end to solve the homicide.
I must also admit that I did not suspect the person, who in the end, was shown to be guilty. I like stories that keep me guessing. Still, I didn't feel excited about the tale.
I must also admit that I did not suspect the person, who in the end, was shown to be guilty. I like stories that keep me guessing. Still, I didn't feel excited about the tale.
March 31, 2023
A knitter who runs a booth at the local craft fair is devastated to learn a young woman has committed suicide. The young woman who ran a crochet booth had just received a glowing write-up in the newspaper and a special commission. The knitter disagrees with the suicide verdict and decides to investigate.
Usually the victim is someone hated. The reader will be heart-broken over the death and root for the truth to be uncovered. Great characters - several subplots -you will want to get to the end.
Usually the victim is someone hated. The reader will be heart-broken over the death and root for the truth to be uncovered. Great characters - several subplots -you will want to get to the end.
January 5, 2022
Lia Geiger and her fellow Ninth Street Knitters and Craft Fair members group have another murder mystery to solve in Emmie Caldwell's latest, Stitched In Crime. Each member of these groups contribute in some way but Lia Geiger is the main sleuth. I liked how the murder victim was introduced and how well the storyline flowed. The characters in this series are very interesting and fun. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
January 24, 2022
Lia is busy with her daughter living with her and getting ready for the craft fair when a new crafter , Cori, is found dead off a cliff. Cori had had problems in the past with nightmares after seeing her college age babysitter dead off the same cliff. Since that happened when she was six, the police think it is just by chance, but Lia is sure Cori didn’t commit suicide and the two events are tied together.
July 20, 2022
I really enjoy this series! Lia the main character is a widow and a mom of a college age daughter and she is a part of a knitting group. She sells the group’s products at a craft fair on the weekends! I would truly like to go to this fair! Lia is smart and kind and I really enjoy her company! Highly recommend this series
January 23, 2023
Probably 3.5 stars. Cori Littlefield is excited to be joining the Craft Fair and selling her crocheted items. So it is quite a surprise when the other crafters hear about Cori's death, caused by a fall at a nearby waterfall. Lia, in particular, can't believe it was an accident, and sets out to find the truth. Very quick read, with interesting characters. I did, however, correctly guess whodunnit.
January 12, 2022
Lovely, cozy read perfect for those rainy winter days! I liked a lot about this; the mother-daugher relationship, all the crafting / the craft fair, the general small town vibes. I really like this series and look forward to reading the next book.
ARC Provided by NetGalley
ARC Provided by NetGalley
February 19, 2022
Great start to a new series set among crafters. There are several characters and stories within stories. A new crafter catches the eye of Lia with her creative crocheted pieces. She is eventually found to have fallen from a peak with a very similar situation several years.
June 15, 2022
Lia befriends a fellow crafter at a craft fair named Cori. Cori is found deceased a few days later in what appears to be a similar accident to years ago. Lia spurs into action to try to find out what happened to Cori.
January 2, 2024
#2 in the series. Not much backtracking and it was still easy to see the role of each character. There was too little time spent on knitting as well as too many suspects. This kept the book from gently flowing
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