Knits, Knots, and Knives

Craft Fair Knitters Mysteries #3

by Emmie Caldwell

It will take the Ninth Street Knitters all the sleuthing skills they have to untangle the threads of a dyed-in-the-wool killer.

For once things seem to be running smoothly for knitting enthusiast Lia Geiger. Her daughter is living on her own and happy with her new job on the alpaca farm. Plus, Lia and her Ninth Street Knitters have been knitting for the Civil War reenactment being held on the grounds next to the Crandalsburg Craft Fair. It's all fun and battle games until one of the injured soldiers turns out to be the very real victim of a murder, and Lia's friend and neighbor falls under deep suspicion.

Suddenly, the good folks of Crandalsburg are spinning all kinds of yarns and pointing fingers at one another. Lucky for Lia, she has the combined wits of the Ninth Street Knitters to help her ply the truth from this crafty killer.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy, Audiobook, Fiction, Knitting

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 6, 2022

About the author

Emmie 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.

Reviews

[Mark Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lia Geiger’s normal weekend craft fair is looking a bit different thanks to a Civil War reenactment taking place on the property. She’s looking forward to it, although she quickly learns that there has been a recent power struggle in the group of reenactors. When the smoke on the battle clears, the dead body of Arden Sprouse is discovered. He was the one most responsible for the conflicts in the group. Unfortunately, suspicion has fallen on Lia’s neighbor. Can she figure out what really happened during the battle?

I’ve enjoyed this series because I really like Lia and her immediate family and friends. She is a little older than a typical cozy sleuth, which I appreciate. Her relationship with her daughter is a highlight as well. While the suspects are all strong, I wish we’d had more of a reintroduction to the minor characters who populate Lia’s world. The plot is good. I do wish we had gotten shorter clue recaps, but there were several good twists along the way to the logical climax. I also enjoyed some solid sub-plots. The reenactment combined well with the crafting theme. Those who have been enjoying this series will be pleased with the latest entry.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Samantha Fraenkel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this series! Fun craft vibes, good mother / daughter relationship, a decent mystery, and a charming small town. Looking forward to the next one!

ARC Provided by NetGalley

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series since I got an ARC of the first book a couple of years ago, probably because of the craft fair thing, as I used to enjoy attending craft fairs. Like the first two in the series, the book is set in Pennsylvania, in a fictional town not too far from where I live. It's always fun when a book is set in familiar surroundings :)

Lia, the MC, and her friends and family seem like people I would enjoy spending time with, and the weekly meeting of her knitting group reminds me of the weekly program at my local library that brings stitchers of all sorts – cross-stitchers, quilters, knitters, crocheters, and more – together for a couple of hours of just stitching and chatting. It’s a wonderful way to unwind, and in Lia’s case, it would be a great place to bounce ideas off the other ladies in the group.

We have attended many reenactments at Gettysburg over the years, so it was easy to visualize the scene and the chaos surrounding the “battle,” but it was obvious that one of the wounded/dead was going to be real and not just an actor playing dead. The victim was not a very popular guy, so there were quite a few suspects to think about. My mental list kept changing as the story progressed and new clues were uncovered, but I did not have the right person anywhere near the top of my list until just before the confrontation scene. The motive was equally as surprising, although it made sense given the killer’s identity.

This appears to be the final book in the series, but I hope it will continue, as I would like to visit Crandalsburg and the Ninth Street Knitters again and find out more about some of the more personal threads that were left hanging in this book.

[Ro Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a great series!

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lia Geiger and her fellow knitters are back for a third case in this suspenseful cozy mystery. The characters are carefully and consistently portrayed and it is especially enjoyable to have most of the plot unwind through the conversations and other interactions between them. The small-town atmosphere is portrayed with an empathy that adds to the feel of the story without being cloying or sentimental. There are some good subplots that add depth and real-world interest to the story, but the best part of the novel is the masterfully crafted, pitch-perfect feeling of suspense that runs through it with a steadily growing tension, leading to an ending that doesn't disappoint. Highly recommended!

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really about a 3.7. I like Lia a lot and for the most part she's sensible. I like the slow romances, character development and the mystery was fine. I didn't like the allegedly obligatory heroine confronts the killers by herself scene. The flimsy excuse Lia gave for doing it didn't work for me and made me think less of her-- if I were her beau the sheriff, I'd find it hard to trust her to be careful again. And the fact that he DOES trust her to be careful is one of the things I like about the series. I know most cozies seem to have such a scene but for me it's part of what gives cozies a bad name-- makes the heroine seem TSTL. A few cozy authors have still had the scene but done better at making it just occur: the heroine goes on one errand and accidentally encounters the killer, or the killer is stalking her. This is not a deal breaker for this series because there's a lot to like, but I hope it won't be a repeating event. As usual I half-spotted the killer very early on because of a particular sentence, and because I feel I've spotted a pattern in the author's approach. I was disappointed another potential clue never materialized though the groundwork was laid. I also figured out the other subplot "mystery" very early on.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Knits, Knots, and Knives is the third crafter cozy mystery by Emmie Caldwell. Released 6th Dec 2022 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 288 pages and available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. 

This is an engaging and well written crafter cozy which even includes a lovely ragdoll cat. I enjoyed the characters and the development of the mystery which although a tiny bit predictable and trope-y in places, is also appealingly well written and paced. Much of the action centers around a civil war re-enactment and living history group and the background research and descriptions are complete and full of interesting detail. The author has done her research well and provides good descriptions of the period re-enactments and the behind-the-scenes details. There are a number of suspects for Lia and the knitting group to examine and exonerate, and the denouement and resolution of the mystery are satisfying and well written. 

All-around comfortable cozy with an amateur group of knitters. I'm looking forward to future installments. With three books written in the series already, it would be a good choice for a weekend cozy mystery binge read.

Four stars. (Clean language, no sexual content). 
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Jessy · Rating 4 out of 5]

KNITS, KNOTS, AND KNIVES is a quick reading cozy with a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming.

[K Whatsherface · Rating 5 out of 5]

I doubt I'll get any more of this series but I would read it if it ever happens

[Linda Klinedinst · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Book. It is a Cozy Mystery. I give this Book 5/5 Stars.

[OpenBookSociety.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://openbooksociety.com/article/k...

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

What a great cozy mystery! The mysteries are knit together with elements I found interesting, including the alpaca farm and the Civil War battle reenactment. Knitting brings people together; in this novel, several old friends in the Ninth Avenue Knitters help with ideas and information about the murder victims and who may have done them in as they knit. This story invited this reader in from the beginning – in this case, the annual reenactment of the battle at Crandalsburg. I really enjoy the characters, especially Lia, her next-door neighbors Sharon and Jack, and Pete, the local police chief. I also enjoyed seeing a mother and daughter as close as Lia and Hayley.

Lia has been a widow for about a year and a half. She sold their home and now lives in a small, Civil War era home within easy visiting distance of York, where she goes each week to knit and catch up with friends in her knitting group. Lia also sells some of the projects that she and her friends knit at the Crandalsburg Craft Fair. Her daughter, Hayley, moved back to the area and is the marketing director for the alpaca farm where much of the yarn Lia loves to use is produced.

The Craft Fair is set up for sales after the reenactment. Vendors added Civil War era items, such as the woolen socks and scarves at Lia’s Ninth Avenue Knitters booth. Arden, a fairly new businessman in the area, has taken over control of the reenactment group that Lia’s next-door neighbor, Jack, has been overseeing for several years. There are hard feelings among Jack and his friends. Arden’s son-in-law Lucas is his right-hand man. Neither Arden nor Lucas care about how authentic they are, but when Jack was in charge, there were no sneakers on the battlefield or other things not true to the era.

A couple things are not authentic for safety reasons. The only time a bayonet could be on a rifle is for the bayonet demos, limited to only two rifles. Jack and Lucas allowed theirs to be used for the demo and arranged for where they would be stored during the battle.

Lia, her neighbor Sharon, and best friend Belinda had met Arden’s wife Heidi, who heard good things about the knitters’ booth. She is nothing like her husband. Heidi is kind, positive, friendly, and genuinely want to seeing the vendors’ booths. It wouldn’t happen on this day. When the battle was over, Arden’s body was found at the edge of the field. He died of a stab wound, but no knife was found nearby.

Lia’s neighbor Jack had been seen arguing with Arden before the battle and had no alibi for the approximate time of his death. A small spot of Arden’s blood was found on the bayonet of Jack’s rifle, which was determined to be the murder weapon. When Arden’s son-in-law Lucas was interviewed for local television news, he firmly proclaimed that Jack was responsible, he was unhinged, and the police needed to lock him up. The police did not have sufficient evidence on Jack, but people around town treat him as a ruthless killer. Those he did contracting work for canceled their jobs. One of his clients took advantage of the situation, suing him for shoddy work. She blackballed him on every local review site. She died from falling through the sabotaged railing of the deck he built.

I enjoyed most of the characters, and felt they were very well defined through their actions and realistic conversations. Pete, the police chief, has shown interest in Lia for a while, but she doesn’t feel ready yet to be any more than friends. I like how she handled it with sensitivity and the positive results.

Plot twists kept changing my opinion of who might be the bad guy or gal. I changed “pet suspects” partway through, convinced of the second person I chose. I was completely surprised at who killed Arden, and very surprised at the motive for killing the second person. I was sad about who did the deeds as there were years of circumstances that led up to the murders. The ending was overall satisfactory with no loose endings, and I am looking forward to the next in series. I highly recommend this compelling read.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this exciting mystery! I was interested in the setting and events from the first page. The main characters could almost step from the pages into their little Pennsylvania town of Crandalsburg. I was happy to visit Lia again and see how well she has settled into her small, Civil War era home. Suddenly widowed over a year ago, Lia took the suggestion of best friend, Belinda, to move. She is still close enough to her former home that she spends time with her friends at Nine Avenue Knitters at least once a week.

Lia, also at Belinda’s suggestion, sells products knitted by her friends in the group along with her own work at the weekly craft fair. Belinda is the manager of the fair and has been spot on with her ideas. Not only has Lia made new friends at the craft fair, she also has been able to make good sales. She even gets commissioned projects for herself or her friends.

Since moving here, Lia’s daughter Hayley left her job in Philadelphia. She stayed with Lia for a while, and now has a job she loves at a nearby alpaca farm, a place of her own, and a boyfriend. Hayley and Lia have also helped solve two murders. The police chief would like them to not get involved, but Hayley has been instrumental at talking her mom into sleuthing.

Hayley is working the day of the Civil War battle reenactment, but Lia is set up to sell products once the reenactment is over. Selling becomes the last thing on her mind, however, when Arden, a businessman involved with several companies, is murdered at the far edge of the property where the reenactment took place. Jack, who with his wife Sharon is Lia’s next-door neighbor, is suspected by several people, especially when Arden’s son-in-law announces on the TV news when interviewed that Jack did it. Too many people believe him, and Jack’s business suffers.

Just a few days later, a woman is found dead outside her home. She had been a client of Jack who tried to cause trouble for him and get out of paying some of her bill. Lia and Hayley have been asking a few questions around town and learning what they can about the victims. They were both bullies when alive but didn’t deserve to die for it. They had both made many enemies, and Jack was convenient to blame from his recent troubles with them.

This mystery kept me guessing throughout! I liked watching Lia, Hayley, and her friends helping find whodunit, as they came up with such good ideas! I was somewhat surprised at the ending and am absolutely looking forward to the next one. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys well-written cozy mysteries with fiber crafts, reenactments, and good friends.

From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.

[The Mystery Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Knits, Knots, and Knives," the third book in Emmie Caldwell's Craft Fair Knitters Mysteries, once again pulls us into the charming world of Lia Geiger and her Ninth Street Knitters. This time, things seem to be settling down for Lia, with her daughter doing well and the knitters involved in a local Civil War reenactment happening right next to the Crandalsburg Craft Fair. But as expected in this series, that peace doesn't last for long.

The setting here is wonderfully unique, blending the cozy charm of the craft fair with the historical backdrop of a Civil War reenactment. Caldwell really brings Crandalsburg to life, making it feel like a place you could visit, full of friendly faces and, unfortunately, a killer. The murder, when it happens—one of the "injured soldiers" turns out to be genuinely dead—is a clever twist that immediately ups the stakes. And when Lia's friend and neighbor falls under suspicion, it adds a personal touch to the investigation, making her even more determined to find the truth.

The heart of these mysteries is truly the Ninth Street Knitters. Lia, along with her friends, brings a warm, collaborative energy to the sleuthing. Their combined wits and local knowledge are essential for sifting through all the "yarns" and finger-pointing happening in Crandalsburg. It's that familiar, comforting group dynamic that fans of cozy mysteries really appreciate. The plot unravels nicely, with enough twists and turns to keep you engaged as Lia and her friends work to "ply the truth" from the killer.

While "Knits, Knots, and Knives" offers a solid, enjoyable mystery, there were moments where I wished for just a touch more complexity in the clues, or perhaps a slightly less obvious suspect list. However, it's a very satisfying read that delivers exactly what you'd want from a craft-themed cozy: engaging characters, a delightful setting, and a well-paced murder to solve. It's a great addition to the series.

★★★★☆

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[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knits, Knots, and Knives by Emmie Caldwell is the third book in the Craft Fair Knitters Mysteries series. Lia Geiger and the Ninth Street Knitters have another mystery to solve. The Ninth Street Knitters have some input but main character Lia Geiger took on the main role in this investigation. She is determined to prove her next-door-neighbor, Jack's innocence in a murder. Lia sure knows what questions to ask and who to ask them. I enjoyed reading about Lia's sleuthing and her blossoming relationship with Police Chief Pete Sullivan. This was a fun whodunit to read.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Laura Salas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick, enjoyable cozy. I always like Lia and her Ninth Street Knitters, and the Civil War Reenactment adds an interesting layer to the mystery this time. These stories are always a fun blend of mystery, family relationships, and friendships, and I find myself just chugging along right through them. Also, it's extra satisfying when the victim is basically a horrible person. :>) Looking forward to the next one.

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bayonets can be lethal.
The hooks for me were knitting, alpacas, retired nurse, cozy mystery, and reenactors.
The crafters are at a reenactment when Mr Despicable is found murdered. That is the beginning of this complex case involving a lot of people who are not what they seem to be. Lots of interesting characters, beautiful descriptions, a fantastic plot twist or two, and a slew of red herrings. Loved it!
I requested and received a free EARC from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Craft Fair Knitters Mystery series. I was able to enjoy reading this book without having read the first two in the series. The Ninth Street Knitters have a booth set up during the local Civil War reenactment. When one if the "injured" reenactors is found to be dead, Lia's neighbor and friend is the owner of the bayonet that has the victim's blood on it. Lia wants to help her friend and save the craft fair from this latest tragedy. This should be a good new series for people who enjoy cozy mysteries with a craft and knitting theme.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

About 3.5 stars but rounded up. During a Civil War reenactment one of the participants is murdered, and Lia's next-door neighbor, Jack, becomes the prime suspect, due to recent animosity between the two men. But Lia is convinced Jack is innocent, so is determined to find other suspects and other motives. Reasonably fast-paced, there are occasional slow spots while Lia contemplates her next move. But the murder plot also alternates with personal relationships for both Lia and her daughter Hayley.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good cozy mystery in this series. As always, I like Lia and how she did not give up in finding the real killer. I was feeling so sorry for Jack and Sharon because his business was suffering and it seemed like no one but Lia was supporting him. I also enjoyed the relationship that both Lia and Hayley have as well as the men in their lives.
Will book #4 show more interest between Lia and Pete? Will Hayley move in with Brady...time will tell

[Helen Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best book I've ever read, but I don't expect a cozy to be memorable. This one is all I ask from the genre--

In cozy fashion a quick read with all the elements: young female shop keeper , reliable sidekicks, murder of an unlikable character, number of suspects, and the murder solved by the 'hero' and her friends. Fairly quick read; no big surprises or plot twists. Probably a good airplane or vacation book.



Part of a series; my first read from this author.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Civil War reenactment turns deadly and Lia's neighbor, Jack, is the prime suspect. A weak alibi and his reproduction rifle and bayonet used as the murder weapon make it difficult for him to argue the police's thinking, but Lia is certain that his innocence is absolute and together with her 9th Street knitting group works (almost to her peril), to discover the true identity of the murderer.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leah and the crafts fair folks are participating in a civil war battle reenactment. A man is murdered at the event. Leah investigates because her neighbor Jack is the most obvious suspect.
The mystery has some really interesting twists and turns and I didn’t expect the outcome.
I enjoyed the narrator.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy this series ninth street knitters. I enjoyed the well written characters. I feel like part of the group. Solving the crimes is great fun too. I usually miss one or more clues given. However the solutions make sense. The only down side is not much police input. That is what we expect today. The romances are good too.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

A true cozy mystery with a likeable amateur detective, interesting townfolk and warm friendships to balance out the cruel murders. I hope Book 4 is on its way. In the meantime I'll check out Ms. Caldwell's other series. ;-) Meet you there!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything is going great for Lia and they are getting ready for the craft fair at the civil War Reenactment until one of injuried soldiers is found to be murdered. Everyone is pointing fingers at each other and Lia starts investigating.

[Cris · Rating 3 out of 5]

While readers could start the series here, I would highly encourage beginning with A wicked yarn. Starting here would spoil the ending of the previous books. Good character development. The mystery storyline is solid and accompanied by rich details that flesh out Lia's life.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice continuation of the series. Characters are allowed to grow and the plot moves quickly.

[Marge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope there are more in this series

[Mary Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

We think better when our hands are busy.

[Cherise Deeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this series! Lis is very likable and I love the craft fair and all the knitting group. Looking forward to more!