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Knitty Kitty Mystery #4

Striped & Strangled

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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.

When our town’s resident fortune-teller fails to predict her own demise, courtesy of a dog leash wrapped around her throat, I once again find myself in a pickle. I mean, what’s a girl to do when her crush becomes the prime suspect? Don my sleuthing cap and rally my Knitty Kitties to solve the mystery, of course! However, more and more suspects keep popping up like poisonous toadstools. And, spoiler: one of them seems determined to keep me from asking questions…permanently.

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.

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2021

74 people are currently reading
128 people want to read

About the author

Tracey Drew

7 books178 followers
This is a pen name for author Tracey Alvarez.

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5 stars
245 (53%)
4 stars
145 (31%)
3 stars
55 (12%)
2 stars
9 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Cathy Geha.
4,365 reviews119 followers
August 5, 2021
Striped & Strangled by Tracey Drew
Knitty Kitties Mystery #4

Tessa may have not been lucky in love BUT she is a super sleuth that often finds out who the killer is before the professionals do. Is she a death magnet destined to stumble across bodies the rest of her life? If so, it will be an interesting ride for her and for me as long as the author provides stories chronicling her adventures!

What I liked:
* Tessa: yarn store owner, small town girl back from the bigger city, cheated on by her ex but not down and out, sister, daughter, granddaughter, friend, responsible, can’t say no, curious, animal lover, teaching her cats to walk in a harness, amateur sleuth, possible romance interest for a couple of nearby hunky guys.
* Kit & Pearl: The siblings that are THE KNITTY KITTIES
* The small town vibe
* The number of red herrings
* That it stands alone without having read the previous books
* The potential for romance – which one will she choose?
* Eric: big, buff, quiet, detective sergeant, stalwart, and there for her when she most needs him
* Oliver: pub owner, dog walker, good neighbor, fit, fine, has secrets – a few come out in this story, attracted to Tessa but is slow to move.
* The way the killer is unearthed
* The reference to tarot – I have decks of tarot cards so liked the tie-in
* Looking forward to finding out what happens next

What I didn’t like:
* The people and situations I was meant not to like – murder and murderers are never “nice” but a cozy mystery can be fun to read.

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.

5 Stars
Profile Image for Mareli Thalwitzer.
518 reviews29 followers
September 23, 2021
This review was first published @ Elza Reads

Our two brilliant feline sleuths and their wannabe human sleuth, are back with the 4th instalment of one of my favorite feline series. Lovely to be back in Cape Discovery! We thoroughly enjoyed touching noses again with a few other regulars to this well loved series. The still pregnant Cora who starts to grow on Tessa like mold; Reggie, the demon goose; Birdie, our favorite animal whisperer and of course Maki, the white fluffball and Kit's canine BFF.

For this instalment to the series, it's poor Maki who caused all he murderous mayhem. Or rather, Maki's leash wrapped around the throat of his fortune-teller owner. No no, the hunky Oliver Novak did not sell the pub and joined the circus. Remember, Oliver isn't Maki's rightful owner. He is just the rightful dog walker. And now he is also a suspect in a murder investigation. Rightful or not, is for you to find out. Note: This is not a spoiler alert. It's simple Math. Dogwalker + leash = killer.

We also met up with a few pee-on-their-pants characters in Striped & Strangled. But I can't tell you who that is, because that will be a spoiler alert. Let's just stay a few of them stank worse than yesterday's tuna left out in the sun. My Mommy is still rather new to the Cozy Murder Mystery genre and she likes her murder mysteries to have unsavory characters. This installment to the Knitty Kitty Series had more than enough of those. And don't forget the red herrings! Another favorite dish on my Mommy's murderous plate. Plenty of those on the menu to distract the reader from the actual killer who my Mommy did not see coming. I actually did. I tried to tell her more than once who the killer was, but she said it just didn't make sense. Guess what? I was right!!! And I believe it made perfect sense. I didn't even need a crystal ball.
Profile Image for Becky.
3,449 reviews142 followers
August 19, 2021
Another fun entry in Tracey Drew's Knitty Kitty Mysteries!

In Striped & Strangled, Tessa Waakefield--former high school counselor and current yarn store owner extraordinaire--once again (wait for it!) stumbles upon a dead body and (shockingly! ;)) decides she needs to investigate the case, despite the fact that (also shockingly) the hunky police detective who is actually on the case wishes she wouldn't.

I mean, she could stay out of it, but then we wouldn't have much of a book, would we, Detective Mana? ;)

I have to admit, once again Ms Drew had me guessing whodunit, and once again I didn't truly suspect the real culprit until it was almost too late. This time I at least had a single teensy moment where I thought, hey...maybe...? but then I quickly dismissed that person. So I'm getting better? I guess? But probably not really, darn it. Clearly, Ms Drew and I should both keep our day jobs--she can keep writing cozy mysteries and I'll keep reading them ;)

This time someone close to Tess is a suspect, and she gets closer to both of her possible love interests--really close to one of them! Though he's not the one I was rooting for the most, I do like both of them so it's hard to be too upset about it. I'm excited to see where their relationship goes in future books--fingers crossed that she won't make us wait too long to find out!

Striped and Strangled is the fourth book in the series, but it could work fairly well as a standalone too. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries with quirky characters and small town charm, though, do yourself a favor and read them all!

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
792 reviews6 followers
August 2, 2021
An enjoyable and easy read, a worthy addition to the series. Tessa Wakefield is trying to persuade Kit, one of her cats, to go for walks wearing a harness, he is getting too plump. One chilly morning she does so and she realises that Kit’s sister Pearl is following them when they are chased by Reggie, the Vicar’s goose. They are all joined by Maki, the dog that Tessa’s friend Oliver regularly exercises. The animals start behaving strangely, Tessa investigates, and discovers a body - Maki’s owner Natasha Winters is lying on the path near her home, clearly she has been strangled.

And so begins Tessa’s hunt for the murderer, during which she learns a great deal more about Oliver. She also learns more about Detective Sergeant Eric Mana. Our Tessa is attracted to both men, but at the moment Oliver appears to be the one who is winning her heart! We shall see! There are a few unpleasant characters in this story, but the murderer came as a surprise amongst the red herrings! This book can be read as a stand-alone as you learn about Tessa and several of the other residents of Cape Discovery, but this is an amusing series, all of the books are well worth reading,
906 reviews5 followers
August 1, 2021
I absolutely adore this author and series! Tessa is always finding a way to land herself in the middle of the small town of Cape Discovery’s latest murder mystery, and this one is a good one to solve. What I love about this authors writing is her natural humor, especially when it comes to the cats, Kit and Pearl. You find yourself laughing throughout this story, along with trying to figure out the who done it aspect of the story, there’s a lot of twists and turns that keeps you guessing right up to the end. All the little clues that lead you down a path of who done it, absolutely loved it. Then you throw in Tessa’s “like” triangle with the gorgeous and illusive Detective Mana and the manly and secretive bar owner Oliver, and you’ve got one hell of a side story that keeps you very entertained while trying to figure out who killed the latest victim. Reggie makes another hysterical appearance, along with the other Cape Discovery group of players, loved it! Well worth the read, yet another book going into my permanent library.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,198 reviews
August 8, 2021
I am not a cat person by any means, but Kit and Pearl have grown on me. I liked the way Maki and Kit bonded. I love the twists and turns the book takes where almost every character (including the regulars) could possibly be a suspect.

Tessa uncovers yet ANOTHER body and the search for the killer is on. I like the way the suspects are presented and I am never 100% sure that I know the identity of the killer. Even when I convinced that I know the culprit, something inevitably happens where I end up counting myself. As usual, it happened again, and I was right the first time. LOL.

That aspect of the books in this series make them fun to read. The one thing that does irritate me is I keep going back and forth between Oliver and Eric. Who should Tessa be with? I can't make up my mind, and I am really glad I won't have to. I can sit back, relax, and wait for Tracey Drew to decide. LOL

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Carina.
1,913 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2023
I'm honestly disappointed in this book, which is surprising because I wouldn't say I had high expectations of the series at all.

The villain of this book came entirely out of the blue, at least to me, and I feel like it was very tropey. I was incredibly uninvested in solving the murder, even less so than in book 2.

The fancy (there's no hint of love here so I'm not calling it a love triangle anymore) triangle is still there, but Tessa has seemed to pick the person with whom she has less chemistry and who raises more alarm bells...

There's one book left of this series so far, which I've already downloaded via Kindle Unlimited, and I'll probably keep an eye for more, for free books they're not dreadful.
Profile Image for Kelly.
225 reviews
August 6, 2021
Tessa and her feline cohorts, Kit and Pearl, are on the the case in Cape Discovery as the local palm reader, Natasha, has found herself strangled by her doggie's leash. Natasha's step mom is no other than Oliver, the hot owner of the Stone's Throw, someone that Tessa has a hard time ignoring. I loved the twists and turns of this book and was totally surprised by the time the guilty party was discovered. It seems that wherever Tessa, Kit and Pearl show up there is bound to be quirky things happening.

I received a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I've also purchased a copy myself so I get to read it again and see what clues I happened to miss.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,914 reviews6 followers
December 28, 2021
2.5 stars.

There's a lot to like about this series: the warm small town vibe, the mentions of knitting and yarn, the heroine's quirky but loving family, the adorable animals, and the clean content. I also really like the heroine's relationship with her grandfather. However, I really don't like love triangles or a heroine who pines away for someone who runs hot and cold. Unfortunately, both of those things are present in this book. So while I might like loads about this series, my two biggest pet peeves knock the rating down a star. I'm continuing with this series as cozy stories and whatever romance there is as unexpected. :)
2,291 reviews28 followers
July 26, 2021
Tessa is confused about Oliver - I mean he did kiss her but apologized and now acts like nothing happened. - awkward - She handles it well and I do love her internal dialog as well as her conversations with her kitties. Sometimes things aren't exactly like they look but finding a dead body is pretty straightforward. Will Tessa stay in her lane? Or will she investigate again? We know the answer to that question. This was a mystery with several moving parts that kept me guessing. Loved the ending ending with her and Oliver. Looking forward to book 5.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,274 reviews53 followers
August 8, 2021
That kiss...

Tessa may find another dead body but she also has some unexpected lip-locks too with a certain hunky local...but which one?
I love Tessa's slightly accident prone, awkward but endearing approach to life and investigating, and we finally get her grabbing an opportunity and making a move on her guy too! Obviously Kit and Pearl 'assist' along the way, as does the very cute Maki. Another great addition to the Knitty Kitty series with plenty of twists and unexpected diversions, I think this may be my favourite of the series. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Donna.
Author 7 books33 followers
July 26, 2021
Another delightful book in the Knitty Kitties series. When Tessa finds the body of the local fortune teller, she sets out to find whodunit. There were multiple suspects but I had the culprit figured out. Something just didn't ring true about this person to me. Kit and Pearl were their usual irrepressible selves. It looks like Tessa's love life is finally on track. I hope it is anyway. I'm really enjoying this series and am looking forward to the next book.
283 reviews
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.
89 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2021
What can I say without giving away too much?
Once more great writing and a mystery, where I dismissed the killer after knowing them for a few pages.

We also see some more character development with the main characters and some (of my beloved) side characters (I really like Birdie!).

I can’t wait for the next installment of this series.
Profile Image for Pat Plummer.
133 reviews
September 15, 2021
Kitty Kitties Kontinue

Tessa and Harry, along with Kit and Pearl continue on with their adventures. This time, Oliver's stepmother and steps sister join in. Take one pregnant person, add in her fortune telling mother, Oliver's dad, stir with a good string hand, and you have the makings of a good story. Sorry to see that this is the last book to date of this crew. I want MORE!
Profile Image for Lisa Downey.
63 reviews
May 7, 2023
Love, Love, and more Love!

Holy crap! I only have one book left to read!! Nooooo!! I’ve been neglecting regular household chores to read. I absolutely love Kit, Pearl, Harry and Tessa! It’s a toss up between the two men, but I’m not saying who I think is better. No spoilers from me, you’ll have te read for yourself.
141 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2021
Murder Romance Knitting Cats

What an awesome combination! When Tessa is charged with finding a Fortune Teller to set up a booth at the Gala, things start to change, not for the better. There is a murder, mafia, mayhem, kissing, and cats to the rescue.
498 reviews
October 8, 2021
Who says black cats are bad luck?!!

I have enjoyed all of the books in this series. I hope there will be more of the story of Tessa Oliver and Eric, and of course the black cat brother and sister duo!
Profile Image for Peculiar.
106 reviews
January 18, 2022
Awesome Read

I recommend all Cozy Mystery fan's read this series. Peculiar characters and suspenseful. I love the knitting crew they are a lively bunch . There's a,lot of suspect which make this read more intriguing.
1,506 reviews3 followers
March 16, 2022
Good read

This book involves a bar owner, a gangster, a dog, and psychic. There is loads of humor, murder, mystery, several suspects, and finally some kissing. This series is well written and really holds your attention. Highly recommend.
666 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2022
Great read.

I had read the first three books in a boxed set and had to get the fourth. This is a fun series without anything to take offense at the lead character doing. She gets herself in situations because she is curious, but not because she does dangerous things.
Profile Image for Andrea Walker.
151 reviews7 followers
September 20, 2022
Love this series so much I'm so sad it's coming to an end.

This book, however, is unlike the others to me because I instantly knew who did it.... I felt the ending was a bit rushed... and now I'm torn over tessa's decision!!!! Oy!
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,526 reviews48 followers
February 5, 2023
Excellent Mystery Book

This is awesome and you'll never guess the outcome.
The culprit is someone who is the least likely.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
5 reviews
September 2, 2021
Great read

Striped & Strangled has lots of twists. Enjoyed it and recommended it to anyone looking for a good mystery with believable characters.
192 reviews5 followers
September 19, 2021
Looking forward to the next book

This book is either the last in the series or the first in a new direction for Tessa and crew.
10 reviews
October 5, 2021
Fun and fast read

A good read to relax by and get a few laughs.
I especially liked how the author gave each kitty their own unique personality.
Profile Image for Sarah.
155 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2023
I am really enjoying this cozy mystery series. Knitting,Yarn shop,cats, and all!
Profile Image for Susan.
946 reviews
July 2, 2023
Good fun summer read

Hmmm. Might just have to copy and paste my "headline" to finish out the required word count.

Good fun summer read.
Good fun summer read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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