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Knitty Kitty Mystery #1-3
The Knitty Kitties Mysteries Books 1-3
Cats? Check! Yarn? Check! Murderous Mayhem in Small Town New Zealand? Check, check, check!
The Knitty Kitties Mysteries boxed set contains the first three books of Tracey Drew’s heart-warming and humorously quirky cozy mysteries. Included are:
Knitted & Knifed: I’m a former high school counsellor, middle-child peacemaker, and current curator of lots of squishy/fuzzy goodness at my granddad’s little yarn store. Temporary assistant. Until I decide what to do with the rest my life. There’s only one knotty problem to untangle first. The knife sticking out of the most unpopular man in town, and the police detective trying to pin the murder on the donkey—otherwise known as my younger brother. With a pair mischievous cats determined to be underfoot and a craft group of Serial Knitters and Happy Hookers wanting the inside scoop, a girl could lose her mind. And if the killer has their way, maybe even my life…
Purled & Poisoned: 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.
Hanks & a Hitman: More exciting than a delivery of rainbow colored wool is the news of movie location scouts in the area, though not everyone believes all publicity is good publicity. Game on between landowners to secure such a lucrative deal. I can’t help being caught up in movie fever, until I stumble onto one of those landowners, face down in a kitty litter tray. Deader than dead thanks to an unknown assailant. With dating disasters aplenty both online and in-real-life and a hitman on the loose, things couldn’t get much more murderously crazy in Cape Discovery. If only that were true…
The Knitty Kitties Mysteries boxed set contains the first three books of Tracey Drew’s heart-warming and humorously quirky cozy mysteries. Included are:
Knitted & Knifed: I’m a former high school counsellor, middle-child peacemaker, and current curator of lots of squishy/fuzzy goodness at my granddad’s little yarn store. Temporary assistant. Until I decide what to do with the rest my life. There’s only one knotty problem to untangle first. The knife sticking out of the most unpopular man in town, and the police detective trying to pin the murder on the donkey—otherwise known as my younger brother. With a pair mischievous cats determined to be underfoot and a craft group of Serial Knitters and Happy Hookers wanting the inside scoop, a girl could lose her mind. And if the killer has their way, maybe even my life…
Purled & Poisoned: 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.
Hanks & a Hitman: More exciting than a delivery of rainbow colored wool is the news of movie location scouts in the area, though not everyone believes all publicity is good publicity. Game on between landowners to secure such a lucrative deal. I can’t help being caught up in movie fever, until I stumble onto one of those landowners, face down in a kitty litter tray. Deader than dead thanks to an unknown assailant. With dating disasters aplenty both online and in-real-life and a hitman on the loose, things couldn’t get much more murderously crazy in Cape Discovery. If only that were true…
591 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2021
314 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 25, 2023
Knitted & Knifed
Finished on 16/04/2023
Synopsis
After her boyfriend cheated on her and her grandmother passed away, Tessa moves back to her hometown to help her grandfather out with Unraveled the family yarn and knitting shop. Falling into a routine and finding her granny's cats are warming up to her more than anyone else, Tessa is settling in nicely. What she isn't expecting is her brother's new boss to be murdered in his shop and being the one to find his body.
🐈 A well thought out and thorough mystery
🐈 A hint of romance brewing - maybe a love triangle?
🐈 Adorable cats and their antics
🐈 Family drama that adds to the story
🐈 New Zealand small town setting
🐈 Craft shops & murder
My Thoughts
This was my first Tracey Drew novel and it was so good! I liked how the first chapter was more like a diary entry, setting the background and getting the reader comfy with where we were.
The book is written in first person, and using Tessa as the narrator adds a fun, slightly quirky and lighthearted element into the novel. Her charming view of the world and hopeful outlook solidifies the book as a cosy mystery in a very steady way. There is a murder (obviously) but the tone of the book remains hopeful, light and overall a little fun.
Drew has done an amazing job of writing the experience of grief over a grandparent to me. The process seems realistic, and it flows nicely with the timeline set up. There are moments both Tessa and her grandad seem to wallow, but overall they're finding their feet and getting used to the new normal that exists for them.
I have read a few cosies where there was no reason for the MC to get involved but this felt slightly more natural. The humour and family angle - without it being the MC themselves - made it more believable. There are a long list of suspects and everyone is accusing someone else of the crime. Having a varied cast from ages to motives to relationships while not becoming overly confusing on connections led to a very fun and interesting read.
Ollie and Eric are being set up for the potential as love interests but there was no real romance in this novel. The later books while probably grow this and expand on the two men more, but I liked getting the snippets of both.
The best part? I was wrong about my assumption on who done it!
Purled & Poisoned
Finished on 24/05/2023
Really liked the relationship building between Rosie and Tessa, the overcoming childhood enemies to friends is very cute!
A bit sick of the love triangle when the story could work just as well without any romance. It feels forced and given NOTHING is happening with the two guys anyway (that half-assed do you want to go on a date sometime was not anything) so just.. leave it out? It really feels like it's being pushed in to make Tessa seem desirable and quirky but there isn't really a plot reason for it to be there at all.
Hanks & A Hitman
Finished on 25/05/2023
Again the romance brought this down for me. It was again pointless and not adding anything to the plot. There was actually very little in this other than Tessa not being able to control herself away from a murder investigation. There wasn't really any growth of character, romance, relationships with friends and family, barely any mention of the cats or the shop at all.
Overall I really enjoyed the series but the first one was the best so far.
Finished on 16/04/2023
Synopsis
After her boyfriend cheated on her and her grandmother passed away, Tessa moves back to her hometown to help her grandfather out with Unraveled the family yarn and knitting shop. Falling into a routine and finding her granny's cats are warming up to her more than anyone else, Tessa is settling in nicely. What she isn't expecting is her brother's new boss to be murdered in his shop and being the one to find his body.
🐈 A well thought out and thorough mystery
🐈 A hint of romance brewing - maybe a love triangle?
🐈 Adorable cats and their antics
🐈 Family drama that adds to the story
🐈 New Zealand small town setting
🐈 Craft shops & murder
My Thoughts
This was my first Tracey Drew novel and it was so good! I liked how the first chapter was more like a diary entry, setting the background and getting the reader comfy with where we were.
The book is written in first person, and using Tessa as the narrator adds a fun, slightly quirky and lighthearted element into the novel. Her charming view of the world and hopeful outlook solidifies the book as a cosy mystery in a very steady way. There is a murder (obviously) but the tone of the book remains hopeful, light and overall a little fun.
Drew has done an amazing job of writing the experience of grief over a grandparent to me. The process seems realistic, and it flows nicely with the timeline set up. There are moments both Tessa and her grandad seem to wallow, but overall they're finding their feet and getting used to the new normal that exists for them.
I have read a few cosies where there was no reason for the MC to get involved but this felt slightly more natural. The humour and family angle - without it being the MC themselves - made it more believable. There are a long list of suspects and everyone is accusing someone else of the crime. Having a varied cast from ages to motives to relationships while not becoming overly confusing on connections led to a very fun and interesting read.
Ollie and Eric are being set up for the potential as love interests but there was no real romance in this novel. The later books while probably grow this and expand on the two men more, but I liked getting the snippets of both.
The best part? I was wrong about my assumption on who done it!
Purled & Poisoned
Finished on 24/05/2023
Really liked the relationship building between Rosie and Tessa, the overcoming childhood enemies to friends is very cute!
A bit sick of the love triangle when the story could work just as well without any romance. It feels forced and given NOTHING is happening with the two guys anyway (that half-assed do you want to go on a date sometime was not anything) so just.. leave it out? It really feels like it's being pushed in to make Tessa seem desirable and quirky but there isn't really a plot reason for it to be there at all.
Hanks & A Hitman
Finished on 25/05/2023
Again the romance brought this down for me. It was again pointless and not adding anything to the plot. There was actually very little in this other than Tessa not being able to control herself away from a murder investigation. There wasn't really any growth of character, romance, relationships with friends and family, barely any mention of the cats or the shop at all.
Overall I really enjoyed the series but the first one was the best so far.
September 13, 2022
Three stories, well-written and entertaining. Wonderful characters including Tessa Wakefield, the rather snarky owner of Unraveled, the local yarn shop; her granddad Harry; her black cats Kit and Pearl; and various residents of Cape Discovery, a
small seaside town in New Zealand.
Each story is a murder mystery. Tessa, who is certain the future assigned to her at birth was -- or should have been -- Sleuth. Since she knows everyone in town, it's only natural that she go around asking questions and putting herself in danger. Detective Sergeant Eric Mana does not seem to be suitably grateful for her assistance.
10
small seaside town in New Zealand.
Each story is a murder mystery. Tessa, who is certain the future assigned to her at birth was -- or should have been -- Sleuth. Since she knows everyone in town, it's only natural that she go around asking questions and putting herself in danger. Detective Sergeant Eric Mana does not seem to be suitably grateful for her assistance.
10
Read
May 4, 2024Knitted and Knifed 3.5* 4/8-13/24 single book edition (?)
Purled and Poisoned ?* ?/?/? (?)
Purled and Poisoned ?* ?/?/? (?)
March 11, 2022
Knitted and Knifed (Knitty Kitty Mystery, #1)
A great start to a new series. Tessa is a sensible, competent woman. She doesn't put herself in unnecessary danger by doing silly things. Eric appears to be a good detective. It looks like Tessa will have two men interested in her--Eric and Oliver(bar owner)--as the series continues. It will be interesting to see how that plays out. Pearl and Kit play a big part in the story even though they don't narrate this book like they did the prequel. There were plenty of suspects and twists to keep me turning the pages and guessing whodunit. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Purled and Poisoned (Knitty Kitty Mysteries, #2)
Purled & 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.
Hanks and a Hitman (A Knitty Kitties Mystery Book 3)
Another fabulous book in A Knitty Kitties Mystery series. Tessa is once again embroiled in a murder investigation. There were plenty of reasons to want to kill the victim so there were several suspects. Plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing and turning the pages. Just when it looked like Tessa's love life was about to get interesting, things fizzled. I wish one of the guys would become the front-runner in the race to win her heart. As always, Pearl and Kit bring humor to the story. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with likable characters that keep you wondering whodunit, then read this series. You won't be disappointed.
A great start to a new series. Tessa is a sensible, competent woman. She doesn't put herself in unnecessary danger by doing silly things. Eric appears to be a good detective. It looks like Tessa will have two men interested in her--Eric and Oliver(bar owner)--as the series continues. It will be interesting to see how that plays out. Pearl and Kit play a big part in the story even though they don't narrate this book like they did the prequel. There were plenty of suspects and twists to keep me turning the pages and guessing whodunit. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Purled and Poisoned (Knitty Kitty Mysteries, #2)
Purled & 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.
Hanks and a Hitman (A Knitty Kitties Mystery Book 3)
Another fabulous book in A Knitty Kitties Mystery series. Tessa is once again embroiled in a murder investigation. There were plenty of reasons to want to kill the victim so there were several suspects. Plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing and turning the pages. Just when it looked like Tessa's love life was about to get interesting, things fizzled. I wish one of the guys would become the front-runner in the race to win her heart. As always, Pearl and Kit bring humor to the story. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with likable characters that keep you wondering whodunit, then read this series. You won't be disappointed.
April 23, 2022
I got this set when it was free on Amazon. The hardest thing for me when reading something like this is noting all the similarities from book to book--much more noticeable to me when I'm reading them one right after the other. A friend had noticed this was free on Amazon and posted it to Facebook. Another friend asked how much the cats factored into the stories. None of us knew at the time.
Tessa is a former high school counselor who moves in with her grandfather after her grandmother dies and helps with the yarn store her grandparents ran for years. Along with the yarn store, Tessa has inherited two cats, Pearl and Kit, who factor more into the earliest book than they do in the third book.
And we've got the requisite love triangle with Tessa trying to decide between a police detective and a pub owner.
These were okay but not really impressive. I'd read another one if I came across it free or discounted but I'm also not compelled to go search out future books in the series.
Tessa is a former high school counselor who moves in with her grandfather after her grandmother dies and helps with the yarn store her grandparents ran for years. Along with the yarn store, Tessa has inherited two cats, Pearl and Kit, who factor more into the earliest book than they do in the third book.
And we've got the requisite love triangle with Tessa trying to decide between a police detective and a pub owner.
These were okay but not really impressive. I'd read another one if I came across it free or discounted but I'm also not compelled to go search out future books in the series.
October 23, 2024
I enjoyed reading these three books. in them, I met a whole new set of engaging characters, chief amongst them is Tessa, the main character. Tessa is in her early thirties but behaves more like she is in her twenties, and she is a treat, full of life and laughter, ready to make fun of herself and her indiscretions. She is ably supported by her two cats, Kit and Pearl and her Grandpa, whom she calls Harry.
All three books are separate and can be read by themselves, but together they give you more of what you would have come to enjoy. Tessa gets herself involved in these murders which she then goes about solving while running her shop and her knitting clubs. Extra interest is generated from Tessa's attraction to Eric, the detective and Ollie, the salon owner. Who is Tessa going to claim?
All three books are separate and can be read by themselves, but together they give you more of what you would have come to enjoy. Tessa gets herself involved in these murders which she then goes about solving while running her shop and her knitting clubs. Extra interest is generated from Tessa's attraction to Eric, the detective and Ollie, the salon owner. Who is Tessa going to claim?
March 24, 2022
The Knitty Kitties books 1-3
Well I started to a short few pages before bed that was last night around 9:30 pm now three entertaining mysterys later it's 6:30 am I was enticed from one page to the next and then one mystery to the next by Tracey Drew's fabulous mystery writing skills filling page after page with vibrant, colorful and scheming characters bringing intrigue,laughter, mayhem, compassion and more charm and cheek one could imagine 😉and mischief by two felines 😉 Acquire " The Knitty Kitties " for hours of enjoyable entertainment. 🤔😏😊Kat
Well I started to a short few pages before bed that was last night around 9:30 pm now three entertaining mysterys later it's 6:30 am I was enticed from one page to the next and then one mystery to the next by Tracey Drew's fabulous mystery writing skills filling page after page with vibrant, colorful and scheming characters bringing intrigue,laughter, mayhem, compassion and more charm and cheek one could imagine 😉and mischief by two felines 😉 Acquire " The Knitty Kitties " for hours of enjoyable entertainment. 🤔😏😊Kat
March 17, 2022
Truly enjoyed these - worth the time
The first book made me hesitate because it didn't exactly feel like a first book. I felt like I was missing back story, but by the time I hit the 1\3 mark, it didn't matter anymore. Overall all 3 books were fun and interesting (not obvious who did it, but also not some random new character out of the blue)
Will definitely read more from this author
The first book made me hesitate because it didn't exactly feel like a first book. I felt like I was missing back story, but by the time I hit the 1\3 mark, it didn't matter anymore. Overall all 3 books were fun and interesting (not obvious who did it, but also not some random new character out of the blue)
Will definitely read more from this author
March 18, 2022
very very enjoyable
A lot of fun, a lot of sleuthing, greats cast of characters and the suspicion of a touch of heart throbbing and googly eyes with a couple of fellas.
Well written, clean with some hints of crudeness, pretty tame.
Actually it’s the first set of three books I’ve finished reading all at once, or haven’t just skipped most of the third book to get to the end. So that made it 5 stars for me.
A lot of fun, a lot of sleuthing, greats cast of characters and the suspicion of a touch of heart throbbing and googly eyes with a couple of fellas.
Well written, clean with some hints of crudeness, pretty tame.
Actually it’s the first set of three books I’ve finished reading all at once, or haven’t just skipped most of the third book to get to the end. So that made it 5 stars for me.
May 13, 2022
Sweet wonderful Kitties Living in New Zealand With a crazy family!!!
I Loved these stories!!! The two black kitties tugged at my heart strings as I recently had to put to rest my own (mostly) black kitty, Leah, just a month ago. I loved the humor and the flirty relationships Tessa had with Oliver and Eric, Detective Mana. Texas's relationships with her family were extremely heartwarming as well as how life seemed to work out the "kwirks" between Tessa and Rosi !!!
I Loved these stories!!! The two black kitties tugged at my heart strings as I recently had to put to rest my own (mostly) black kitty, Leah, just a month ago. I loved the humor and the flirty relationships Tessa had with Oliver and Eric, Detective Mana. Texas's relationships with her family were extremely heartwarming as well as how life seemed to work out the "kwirks" between Tessa and Rosi !!!
April 30, 2023
This is only about the first book, because I quit there - too much else to read! It isn't BAD per se... it's just not very GOOD. It's too heavy on the romantic feelings and love-triangle, and a bit light on the humour for my taste - and there's not enough of the cats. I mean, they feature quite a bit, but they could have been removed from the tale entirely and we wouldn't have lost anything of any importance to the story.
December 21, 2023
Don't be scared off by the knitting or the kitties. They're actually not as focal as you might expect. This is a fun series of light (if murder can be light) mysteries. I love the main character because she feels so real–with normal, human flaws, nerves, and an "oh, what the heck" attitude. I might even read these again when I've forgotten the details–that's saying something. Well done, Tracey Drew!
March 15, 2022
Good read
Three great mysteries. There are so many possible suspects in each book that you are totally surprised by the time you come to the end. And I am usually pretty good at guessing the culprit early on. The author keeps you on your toes and engrossed in the story. There is also great humor and a little romance. Can't wait to read the Book 4. Highly recommend.
Three great mysteries. There are so many possible suspects in each book that you are totally surprised by the time you come to the end. And I am usually pretty good at guessing the culprit early on. The author keeps you on your toes and engrossed in the story. There is also great humor and a little romance. Can't wait to read the Book 4. Highly recommend.
March 17, 2022
An enjoyable book
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The prognostic, Tessa, is a delightful, quirky, loveable character. The world building is fantastic. I could picture how every shop, pub and farm looked like, in my minds eye. If you like characters like Tessa and cats (Tessa's 2 black cats Kit and Pearl) this trilogy is your next read. Go ahead, I highly recommend it.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The prognostic, Tessa, is a delightful, quirky, loveable character. The world building is fantastic. I could picture how every shop, pub and farm looked like, in my minds eye. If you like characters like Tessa and cats (Tessa's 2 black cats Kit and Pearl) this trilogy is your next read. Go ahead, I highly recommend it.
April 28, 2022
Fun mysteries
These were fun, light cozy mysteries. I really enjoyed them. The cast of characters especially the recurring ones are entertaining. The romance was very light, in fact I'm going to have to keep reading the rest of the series to see if anything does develop with either guy.
These were fun, light cozy mysteries. I really enjoyed them. The cast of characters especially the recurring ones are entertaining. The romance was very light, in fact I'm going to have to keep reading the rest of the series to see if anything does develop with either guy.
June 26, 2022
The MC is funny, kind and observant with a family of interesting individuals who love one another despite each other’s quirks. The plot is driven by relationships - those tested by time and those just developing, both positively and otherwise.
Although it was my pleasure to receive this free novel from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
Although it was my pleasure to receive this free novel from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
March 25, 2022
A New Zealand mystery
A triple book of mysteries about a former high school guidance counselor who seems to get in the middle of murder investigations to the consternation of the local detective.
A triple book of mysteries about a former high school guidance counselor who seems to get in the middle of murder investigations to the consternation of the local detective.
Read
March 25, 2022Small town, New Zealand cozy trio
Set in a small New Zealand town, this trio of books has a craft shop owner snooping into local murders. It has an interesting cast of characters Andis afun read,
Set in a small New Zealand town, this trio of books has a craft shop owner snooping into local murders. It has an interesting cast of characters Andis afun read,
April 1, 2022
Multiple Genres in One ✓✓✓✓
Found this series by happy accident. Writing is excellent and I found myself avoiding chores to indulge in great fun I will finish the entire series.
Found this series by happy accident. Writing is excellent and I found myself avoiding chores to indulge in great fun I will finish the entire series.
April 23, 2022
A real gem
If you have no sense of humor and don't want one then skip this book. But if you are a cozy mystery fan, or even if you are not, don't miss this fun filled, very well written series.
If you have no sense of humor and don't want one then skip this book. But if you are a cozy mystery fan, or even if you are not, don't miss this fun filled, very well written series.
June 3, 2022
I am a knitter
And was drawn to this series because of the titles. The plots were good and had me guessing for longer than usual. I am not familiar with all the New Zealand references, but they made the books more charming.
And was drawn to this series because of the titles. The plots were good and had me guessing for longer than usual. I am not familiar with all the New Zealand references, but they made the books more charming.
July 1, 2022
Book 3
Yarn, cats and mayhem, the three novels are a refreshing distraction from heavy complex themes. Likeable characters, with a mixture of personality traits. Some questionable decisions create silly out comes. Enjoyable read
Yarn, cats and mayhem, the three novels are a refreshing distraction from heavy complex themes. Likeable characters, with a mixture of personality traits. Some questionable decisions create silly out comes. Enjoyable read
September 18, 2022
Great fun
Really enjoyed reading these clever cosy mysteries, with great characters, plots and intrequing relationships certainly provide a fascinating view of life in a tight knit (no pun intended) Community in this case in New Zealand however it could be anywhere.
Really enjoyed reading these clever cosy mysteries, with great characters, plots and intrequing relationships certainly provide a fascinating view of life in a tight knit (no pun intended) Community in this case in New Zealand however it could be anywhere.
November 12, 2023
Fun Read
This series is a fun, cozy mystery read. Stories keep you focused, and the twists keep you guessing the outcome. If you want a good curl up and enjoyable read, these are the ones!
This series is a fun, cozy mystery read. Stories keep you focused, and the twists keep you guessing the outcome. If you want a good curl up and enjoyable read, these are the ones!
March 13, 2022
Entertaining
Loved the kitties and Tessa. The touch of romance was fun. Altogether an enjoyable couple of days read..fast reader here
Loved the kitties and Tessa. The touch of romance was fun. Altogether an enjoyable couple of days read..fast reader here
March 17, 2022
Getting good
Dislike all the death, but the plots are getting better. And the does he or not is getting even better. Practically vibrating with anticipation for the next book!
Dislike all the death, but the plots are getting better. And the does he or not is getting even better. Practically vibrating with anticipation for the next book!
March 23, 2022
Ok. Some descriptive humor.
March 23, 2022
Entertainingly Funny
Very well written. Tracey Drew has a casual way of making you laugh. The situations her characters get into are classic.
Very well written. Tracey Drew has a casual way of making you laugh. The situations her characters get into are classic.
March 24, 2022
Fun read.
March 24, 2022
Loved these!
The stories, relationships, characters and the fun humour had me reading these back to back. Going to look out for more in the series.
The stories, relationships, characters and the fun humour had me reading these back to back. Going to look out for more in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews