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Clear Creek Mystery #2
A Hill to Dye On
Summer has made its way up the mountain to Clear Creek, and with the new season, the town is offering a slew of summer classes at the community center. Happy to participate, Jemma and her yarn shop sponsor a fiber-dying class taught by her oldest friend, Kitty.
When a mysterious man walks into class, something about him pulls Jemma into a tangle. Learning Kitty once knew him, Jemma has questions — but her friend is staying mum. Then Jemma goes on an early-morning walk and discovers the man dead.
This time, Jemma’s determined to stay out of the investigation — until she learns that because of a past she’s been hiding, Kitty is the main suspect! Unwilling to turn her back on her friend, Jemma starts looking for a dropped stitch.
Because somewhere, there’s a person with dye on their hands.
When a mysterious man walks into class, something about him pulls Jemma into a tangle. Learning Kitty once knew him, Jemma has questions — but her friend is staying mum. Then Jemma goes on an early-morning walk and discovers the man dead.
This time, Jemma’s determined to stay out of the investigation — until she learns that because of a past she’s been hiding, Kitty is the main suspect! Unwilling to turn her back on her friend, Jemma starts looking for a dropped stitch.
Because somewhere, there’s a person with dye on their hands.
- GenresCozy MysteryContemporary
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2022
11 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca McKinnon
21 books271 followersRebecca McKinnon enjoys playing with her imaginary friends and introducing them to others through her writing. She dreams of living in the middle of nowhere, but has been unable to find an acceptable location that wouldn’t require crossing an ocean.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 22, 2023
If you enjoy beautiful scenery, mountains, and more, then you might want to check out this series. It is set in a small town in Colorado, and as it is with all small towns, everyone is nosey and in each other's business, and it is hard to keep much a secret.
Jemma moved back to this small town when her grandmother passed away, and she inherited her yarn store. From the moment she arrived in town, she has been investigating murders, primarily to keep herself clear of any accusations. In this book, it is her friend Kitty that is suspected of killing someone. However, this just doesn't seem logical, considering she is petite and probably doesn't have the upper body strength to kill someone or move them to another location.
There are several suspicious characters, and as Jemma uncovers the truth, we discover several other situations that will resolve themselves by the end of the book. We learn more about Kitty's past and her brother's need to control her life. Jemma does find herself the target and takes a hit to the head again and a few other threats to her and her life. While I had a strong inclination towards one character, I wasn't 100% correct. I enjoyed watching the story unfold.
Then there is the relationship between Jemma and Brandon. They are keeping it a secret, but because the town is nosey, it doesn't stay that way for long.
This is an enjoyable series, and we give it 4 paws up.
Jemma moved back to this small town when her grandmother passed away, and she inherited her yarn store. From the moment she arrived in town, she has been investigating murders, primarily to keep herself clear of any accusations. In this book, it is her friend Kitty that is suspected of killing someone. However, this just doesn't seem logical, considering she is petite and probably doesn't have the upper body strength to kill someone or move them to another location.
There are several suspicious characters, and as Jemma uncovers the truth, we discover several other situations that will resolve themselves by the end of the book. We learn more about Kitty's past and her brother's need to control her life. Jemma does find herself the target and takes a hit to the head again and a few other threats to her and her life. While I had a strong inclination towards one character, I wasn't 100% correct. I enjoyed watching the story unfold.
Then there is the relationship between Jemma and Brandon. They are keeping it a secret, but because the town is nosey, it doesn't stay that way for long.
This is an enjoyable series, and we give it 4 paws up.
October 14, 2022
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
I must admit that I am totally hooked on this series! We catch back up with Jemma as she helps her friend Kitty holds a fiber-dying class. Things go smoothly at first but then a strange series if events that ends in murder throw things off course. Unfortunately it all combines into making Kitty look guilty so of course Jemma has to look into things. This leads to quite the enjoyable read as the clues are found leading to quite the surprising ending. Makes for a fabulously fun read making it the perfect choice for cozy fans. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
I must admit that I am totally hooked on this series! We catch back up with Jemma as she helps her friend Kitty holds a fiber-dying class. Things go smoothly at first but then a strange series if events that ends in murder throw things off course. Unfortunately it all combines into making Kitty look guilty so of course Jemma has to look into things. This leads to quite the enjoyable read as the clues are found leading to quite the surprising ending. Makes for a fabulously fun read making it the perfect choice for cozy fans. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
January 30, 2023
A Hill to Dye On is another win for Rebecca McKinnon. I loved it. I enjoy the Clear Creek characters and their friendships. Granny is too funny. Jemma and Brandon’s growing relationship is still going strong. Brandon is such a great guy, so caring and attentive. A man from Kitty’s past is murdered and some new characters are in on the adventure. Kitty had some struggles in her life when she was younger and I loved reading her growth throughout this book.
I would definitely start with book one if you’re new to the series. You’ll have a better appreciation of who these great characters are. But the author does a great job of catching the reader up on the first book.
I received an ebook from the author. All views and opinions expressed are my own.
I would definitely start with book one if you’re new to the series. You’ll have a better appreciation of who these great characters are. But the author does a great job of catching the reader up on the first book.
I received an ebook from the author. All views and opinions expressed are my own.
October 13, 2022
A Hill To Dye On is a charming new cozy mystery by Rebecca McKinnon. It’s the second book in the Clear Creek Mystery series, but it’s the first I’ve read. Though you can read this as a stand-alone, I’d recommend reading book one first. There were some instances in which I wished I’d read the first book, so I could have known the characters a little bit better. In spite of that, I absolutely loved this book, and I will definitely go back to read The Yarn That Binds.
A Hill To Dye On takes place in the mountain town of Clear Creek, a small town in the Rocky Mountains. Jemma runs her late grandmother’s yarn shop in this town that’s trying to reinvent itself. They’ve succeeded in becoming more attractive to tourists, and tour busses regularly make stops downtown. That means Jemma’s shop is doing well, but as a vlogger, she’s conflicted about whether or not she wants to keep traveling and vlogging or if she should hang up her camera to focus on the store. I love the decision she comes to. Thanks to a friend, she decides to focus her vlogging on local attractions. But then things get hairy when she finds a body…not the first she’s found…and her friend is a person of interest!
A Hill To Dye On has all of the elements that make a cozy mystery so enjoyable: great characters, a small town setting, a cozy theme (yarn is very cozy!), and a mystery with just the right amount of clues to help you figure out whodunit.
The characters are very well-written and include an eclectic mix. Granny is my favorite character. I can’t get enough of her! As I said previously, there are characters that I need a little more background on, and I know I’ll get that by reading the first book. They’re all delightful, and I really want to know them! I can’t say that for every cozy mystery that I read, but I’m really invested in their lives now!
I love cozy mystery books set in small towns where everyone pretty much knows everyone else. There’s a real sense of community surrounding Jemma in this little town. I love that she has so many people who genuinely care about her.
Though I sort of knew who the “bad guys” were, it was fun putting all of the pieces of this mystery together! A Hill To Dye On was a very quick read for me since I didn’t want to put it down. If you read as much as I do, you can easily read it through in a day.
The cozy small town setting, the characters who genuinely care about each other, and the well=plotted mystery make A Hill To Dye On the perfect cozy mystery for a cozy day. I highly recommend it!
A Hill To Dye On takes place in the mountain town of Clear Creek, a small town in the Rocky Mountains. Jemma runs her late grandmother’s yarn shop in this town that’s trying to reinvent itself. They’ve succeeded in becoming more attractive to tourists, and tour busses regularly make stops downtown. That means Jemma’s shop is doing well, but as a vlogger, she’s conflicted about whether or not she wants to keep traveling and vlogging or if she should hang up her camera to focus on the store. I love the decision she comes to. Thanks to a friend, she decides to focus her vlogging on local attractions. But then things get hairy when she finds a body…not the first she’s found…and her friend is a person of interest!
A Hill To Dye On has all of the elements that make a cozy mystery so enjoyable: great characters, a small town setting, a cozy theme (yarn is very cozy!), and a mystery with just the right amount of clues to help you figure out whodunit.
The characters are very well-written and include an eclectic mix. Granny is my favorite character. I can’t get enough of her! As I said previously, there are characters that I need a little more background on, and I know I’ll get that by reading the first book. They’re all delightful, and I really want to know them! I can’t say that for every cozy mystery that I read, but I’m really invested in their lives now!
I love cozy mystery books set in small towns where everyone pretty much knows everyone else. There’s a real sense of community surrounding Jemma in this little town. I love that she has so many people who genuinely care about her.
Though I sort of knew who the “bad guys” were, it was fun putting all of the pieces of this mystery together! A Hill To Dye On was a very quick read for me since I didn’t want to put it down. If you read as much as I do, you can easily read it through in a day.
The cozy small town setting, the characters who genuinely care about each other, and the well=plotted mystery make A Hill To Dye On the perfect cozy mystery for a cozy day. I highly recommend it!
January 1, 2023
A Hill to Dye On by Rebecca McKinnon is a cute cozy mystery with a town full of characters who are up in each other’s business because they care. Not just nosy for the sake of being nosy, they truly do seem to want the best for one another, giving the book a warm mood despite the murder mystery. Granny in particular is a hoot – I don’t know why but I pictured her as a modern day Granny from Beverly Hillbillies lol. She always put a smile on my face when she shared a scene with our protagonist Jemma. Along with Granny, there are a heap of colorful supporting characters that make up Clear Creek, and readers will enjoy meeting them as much as I did.
The mystery in A Hill to Dye On is fairly straightforward, with several puzzle pieces floating just out of Jemma’s reach until the very end. Readers may put all the clues together before she does, but there are likely still some surprises in store even then. If Jemma can just keep from getting another concussion… bless her heart, she’s put through the wringer in this book! But in this case it’s fine because it gives us more opportunities to watch her secret boyfriend Brandon be all swoony and show how much he loves her. I didn’t really understand why they were trying so hard to keep their relationship a secret but that is probably because I haven’t read book 1 in this series. That’s really the only time I felt at a disadvantage for not doing so yet, so it can definitely be read as a standalone.
Bottom Line: A Hill to Dye On is both entertaining and engaging, with characters who feel like instant friends. The mystery is lightly layered and well written, and readers will be invested in the outcome. As an added bonus, there’s a lovely, sweet romance for our intrepid heroine Jemma with plenty of sparks and a swoony leading man. Make sure you add Clear Creek to one of your next reading destinations, and tell Granny hi while you’re at it!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
The mystery in A Hill to Dye On is fairly straightforward, with several puzzle pieces floating just out of Jemma’s reach until the very end. Readers may put all the clues together before she does, but there are likely still some surprises in store even then. If Jemma can just keep from getting another concussion… bless her heart, she’s put through the wringer in this book! But in this case it’s fine because it gives us more opportunities to watch her secret boyfriend Brandon be all swoony and show how much he loves her. I didn’t really understand why they were trying so hard to keep their relationship a secret but that is probably because I haven’t read book 1 in this series. That’s really the only time I felt at a disadvantage for not doing so yet, so it can definitely be read as a standalone.
Bottom Line: A Hill to Dye On is both entertaining and engaging, with characters who feel like instant friends. The mystery is lightly layered and well written, and readers will be invested in the outcome. As an added bonus, there’s a lovely, sweet romance for our intrepid heroine Jemma with plenty of sparks and a swoony leading man. Make sure you add Clear Creek to one of your next reading destinations, and tell Granny hi while you’re at it!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
October 13, 2022
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange of an honest review. I loved the first book because it was so much fun to try and figure things out before they happened. When this book was available to continue the story I was psyched!
It's now Summer in Clear Creek and Jemma now nestled in as an important part of the community finds herself with a target on her back once again.
Kitty finds herself more and more in the spotlight which gives us a little more perspective on why her brother controls every aspect of her life and there were times she made me wonder about her but I never once believed she was a danger to Jemma.
So begins the mystery! I love the community it's set in and all its nosey neighbors, they make me laugh and wish I lived in a community THAT close where everyone knows my business (even if I'd rather they didn't).
Jemma and Brandon are enjoying their discovery of one another while trying to keep a lid on it, but in this Gilmore-esque community, that's pretty impossible! And I think it's adorable!
If you love cute mysteries, a tight knit, if not too nosey, community and a man that knows his way around coffee and tacos, you NEED to read this series!
It's now Summer in Clear Creek and Jemma now nestled in as an important part of the community finds herself with a target on her back once again.
Kitty finds herself more and more in the spotlight which gives us a little more perspective on why her brother controls every aspect of her life and there were times she made me wonder about her but I never once believed she was a danger to Jemma.
So begins the mystery! I love the community it's set in and all its nosey neighbors, they make me laugh and wish I lived in a community THAT close where everyone knows my business (even if I'd rather they didn't).
Jemma and Brandon are enjoying their discovery of one another while trying to keep a lid on it, but in this Gilmore-esque community, that's pretty impossible! And I think it's adorable!
If you love cute mysteries, a tight knit, if not too nosey, community and a man that knows his way around coffee and tacos, you NEED to read this series!
June 24, 2024
I'm a sucker for Clear Creek!
The author has this amazing ability to make you feel like you're in the book as you read, just walking around town with all these fictional characters.
While I enjoyed the mystery plot and the secret relationship subplot, what I loved the most about this book was the friendship between Jemma and the deputy. As much as they were in each other's hair in the first book (still somewhat in this one), it made me really happy to also see them also be gentler and supportive towards each other.
I'm absolutely hooked on this series!
✔️ Cozy Mystery
✔️ Murd3r Mystery
✔️ Romantic Subplot
✔️ Secret Relationship
The author has this amazing ability to make you feel like you're in the book as you read, just walking around town with all these fictional characters.
While I enjoyed the mystery plot and the secret relationship subplot, what I loved the most about this book was the friendship between Jemma and the deputy. As much as they were in each other's hair in the first book (still somewhat in this one), it made me really happy to also see them also be gentler and supportive towards each other.
I'm absolutely hooked on this series!
✔️ Cozy Mystery
✔️ Murd3r Mystery
✔️ Romantic Subplot
✔️ Secret Relationship
October 28, 2022
I enjoyed this book every bit as much as book 1. It didn't have the timing issue that I found problematic in the first book. I love the characters and the town. I can't wait to read more in this series. Read my full review at Girl Who Reads.
November 2, 2024
Wonderful cozy mystery
I love this series! Jemma and the townsfolk of Clear Creek sure do have a lot going 9n for such a small town. Entertaining and a few good. Laughs with a muster afoot.
I love this series! Jemma and the townsfolk of Clear Creek sure do have a lot going 9n for such a small town. Entertaining and a few good. Laughs with a muster afoot.
October 1, 2023
Such a fun read!
The author dies a great job of pulling you in to the town. The characters are real interesting and fun. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
The author dies a great job of pulling you in to the town. The characters are real interesting and fun. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
December 24, 2023
Dollycas’s Thoughts
What a great cover! I love the vibrant colors!
Summer has arrived in Clear Creek and it’s time to dye some yarn. Jemma is excited to sponsor a class for just that taught by her friend Kitty at the local community center. Kitty gets a blast from her past when an old friend walks into her class. Jemma immediately has concerns about the man but Kitty isn’t talking. The next morning Jemma finds the man dead on the trail and Kitty becomes the prime suspect. Jemma planned to stay out of the investigation but she can’t leave her oldest friend to fend for herself. She is going to have to knit some clues together and catch the real killer in her web.
Jemma has been busy trying to fill her grandmother’s shoes in the community, managing her yarn shop while still trying to address the future of her travel vlog. She has reconnected with her old friends Kitty and Brandon. She and Brandon are trying to keep a secret from everyone but you know how gossip rolls in a small town. Kitty is her BFF from way back and having her accused of murder brings out Jemma’s protective nature. We learn more about Kitty’s life, when Jemma wasn’t around, and why some of Kitty’s behavior feels off to Jemma. The interactions between these characters are genuine. The author has done an excellent job of character development.
I love the small town setting and the way the town rallies around no matter what. They are an eclectic group. Granny the matriarch of Gossip Central is my favorite. She has been a part of Jemma’s life forever and is still in the middle of it today. From making sure Jemma gets fed because that girl just can’t cook at all, to her romantic life, and voicing her ideas about the murder. She is what some would call a busybody but her heart is in the right place.
Ms. McKinnon has plotted out a story where we find our protagonist in danger and hurt as she tries to untangle all the clues. There were more suspects than I first expected so I really enjoyed following along and trying to solve the mystery before everything was revealed. Because the author plotted the story so well that didn’t happen. I think I knitted when I should have purled.
A Hill to Dye On is a Perfect Escape for all cozy lovers. The characters are so well-written and the mystery was a real puzzler. I am excited to see the nearby places Jemma takes us on her vlog. It sounds like she is going to take us to some great places.
What a great cover! I love the vibrant colors!
Summer has arrived in Clear Creek and it’s time to dye some yarn. Jemma is excited to sponsor a class for just that taught by her friend Kitty at the local community center. Kitty gets a blast from her past when an old friend walks into her class. Jemma immediately has concerns about the man but Kitty isn’t talking. The next morning Jemma finds the man dead on the trail and Kitty becomes the prime suspect. Jemma planned to stay out of the investigation but she can’t leave her oldest friend to fend for herself. She is going to have to knit some clues together and catch the real killer in her web.
Jemma has been busy trying to fill her grandmother’s shoes in the community, managing her yarn shop while still trying to address the future of her travel vlog. She has reconnected with her old friends Kitty and Brandon. She and Brandon are trying to keep a secret from everyone but you know how gossip rolls in a small town. Kitty is her BFF from way back and having her accused of murder brings out Jemma’s protective nature. We learn more about Kitty’s life, when Jemma wasn’t around, and why some of Kitty’s behavior feels off to Jemma. The interactions between these characters are genuine. The author has done an excellent job of character development.
I love the small town setting and the way the town rallies around no matter what. They are an eclectic group. Granny the matriarch of Gossip Central is my favorite. She has been a part of Jemma’s life forever and is still in the middle of it today. From making sure Jemma gets fed because that girl just can’t cook at all, to her romantic life, and voicing her ideas about the murder. She is what some would call a busybody but her heart is in the right place.
Ms. McKinnon has plotted out a story where we find our protagonist in danger and hurt as she tries to untangle all the clues. There were more suspects than I first expected so I really enjoyed following along and trying to solve the mystery before everything was revealed. Because the author plotted the story so well that didn’t happen. I think I knitted when I should have purled.
A Hill to Dye On is a Perfect Escape for all cozy lovers. The characters are so well-written and the mystery was a real puzzler. I am excited to see the nearby places Jemma takes us on her vlog. It sounds like she is going to take us to some great places.
October 13, 2022
This return to Clear Creek was everything I wanted! The mystery is intriguing, and the characters - both old and new - are memorable and so much fun to be around!
Jemma is running her grandmother's yarn store, and truly settling into the Clear Creek community. She's also secretly dating Brandon (who I LOVE) in an attempt to have a little privacy to explore their relationship before everyone in the small mountain town inserts themselves.
It wouldn't be a mystery if Jemma didn't once again find herself investigating a murder, so of course that happens. This time, she's getting involved to help her friend Kitty. I loved learning more about Kitty in this book, and just getting to see more of the characters I love. Granny always makes me laugh, and Emmeline is a gem!
If you love a cozy mystery with loveable characters, a charming setting, and a great mystery, you'll love this book!
Jemma is running her grandmother's yarn store, and truly settling into the Clear Creek community. She's also secretly dating Brandon (who I LOVE) in an attempt to have a little privacy to explore their relationship before everyone in the small mountain town inserts themselves.
It wouldn't be a mystery if Jemma didn't once again find herself investigating a murder, so of course that happens. This time, she's getting involved to help her friend Kitty. I loved learning more about Kitty in this book, and just getting to see more of the characters I love. Granny always makes me laugh, and Emmeline is a gem!
If you love a cozy mystery with loveable characters, a charming setting, and a great mystery, you'll love this book!
October 7, 2022
It was so much fun to come back to Clear Creek and catch up with all the characters! I really recommend this series!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews