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Yarn Retreat Mystery #9
Knot a Game
In a new Yarn Retreat Mystery from national bestselling author Betty Hechtman, it's knit one, kill two when Casey Feldstein hosts a murder mystery weekend that turns into the real thing . . . At the urging of Vista Del Mar's owner, Casey Feldstein takes on the job of combining a murder mystery game with her next weekend yarn retreat. Enlisting the help of the hotel's staff to play the roles of victim and suspects, she lays out a plot and plants some red herrings. And as her intrigued guests watch the murder play out and the clues unfold, Casey is certain she's pulled off the perfect make-believe murder-until a real murder intrudes and everyone at the hotel is named as a suspect. As her retreat guests turn away from the fake murder to solve the real one, Casey has her hands full trying to keep them from meddling in police business. But even as they're dead-set on unraveling the mystery in their midst, Casey has her eye on a few of them, some of whom don't seem to be who or what they claim. With time ticking down on her weekend and her guests more interested in nabbing a killer than knitting, Casey will have to stitch together her own solution before the killer can stop her and declare game over . . .Includes a fun, easy knitting project and delicious muffin and biscuit recipes!
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2022
58 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Betty Hechtman
33 books714 followersI grew up on the south side of Chicago and in a very busy weekend, got married, graduated college and moved to Los Angeles.
Although my degree is in Fine Arts, all I ever wanted to be was a writer and I've been doing it in one form or another for as long as I can remember. My shining moments in elementary and high school always involved stories or poetry I'd written. I wrote news stories and a weekly column in my college newspaper. My first job out of college was working on the newsletter of a finance company. I worked for a public relations firm and wrote press releases and biographies. Later I wrote proposals for video projects and television shows that went through various stages of development.
I tried writing screenplays and wrote three. I sold one and another was a winner in a Writers' Digest contest.
I was lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom and did all kinds of volunteering at my son's schools including editing and writing several newsletters.
I wrote essays and small pieces that ran in the Los Angeles Times, the Daily News and Woman's Day among others. My short romantic and mystery fiction appeared in Woman's World, and Futures magazine.
From time I was a thirteen-year-old babysitter cooking for the kids I babysat, I dreamed of writing a book about babysitting. It took a little longer than I'd expected, but BLUE SCHWARTZ AND NEFERTITI'S NECKLACE was published in 2006.
My affair with crochet began in Las Vegas. I had always had a fascination with crochet, particularly granny squares, but thought there was some magic involved with making them that was beyond me. And then everything changed that day in Vegas when I saw the kids' kit in FAO Schwartz. If the instructions were easy enough for kids, I thought they might work for me.
My first granny square was missing a corner, but when I tried again, all four corners were there. I was in awe of my own accomplishment. I had found the magic. I went granny square crazy until pretty soon I didn't need directions anymore. Then I learned there were more squares than just basic grannies and I made squares with sunflowers in the middle and other patterns. I moved beyond squares and made flowers, hearts, bookmarks and more.
I was in love with crochet and began to make scarves, purses, afghans, and shawls. I started carrying my hooks everywhere. A plane trip became a pile of granny square wash cloths, or part of a shawl. A vacation in Hawaii turned into a tote bag.
And now I get to write about it...
** Sourced from authors website
Series:
* A Crochet Mystery
* Yarn Retreat
Although my degree is in Fine Arts, all I ever wanted to be was a writer and I've been doing it in one form or another for as long as I can remember. My shining moments in elementary and high school always involved stories or poetry I'd written. I wrote news stories and a weekly column in my college newspaper. My first job out of college was working on the newsletter of a finance company. I worked for a public relations firm and wrote press releases and biographies. Later I wrote proposals for video projects and television shows that went through various stages of development.
I tried writing screenplays and wrote three. I sold one and another was a winner in a Writers' Digest contest.
I was lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom and did all kinds of volunteering at my son's schools including editing and writing several newsletters.
I wrote essays and small pieces that ran in the Los Angeles Times, the Daily News and Woman's Day among others. My short romantic and mystery fiction appeared in Woman's World, and Futures magazine.
From time I was a thirteen-year-old babysitter cooking for the kids I babysat, I dreamed of writing a book about babysitting. It took a little longer than I'd expected, but BLUE SCHWARTZ AND NEFERTITI'S NECKLACE was published in 2006.
My affair with crochet began in Las Vegas. I had always had a fascination with crochet, particularly granny squares, but thought there was some magic involved with making them that was beyond me. And then everything changed that day in Vegas when I saw the kids' kit in FAO Schwartz. If the instructions were easy enough for kids, I thought they might work for me.
My first granny square was missing a corner, but when I tried again, all four corners were there. I was in awe of my own accomplishment. I had found the magic. I went granny square crazy until pretty soon I didn't need directions anymore. Then I learned there were more squares than just basic grannies and I made squares with sunflowers in the middle and other patterns. I moved beyond squares and made flowers, hearts, bookmarks and more.
I was in love with crochet and began to make scarves, purses, afghans, and shawls. I started carrying my hooks everywhere. A plane trip became a pile of granny square wash cloths, or part of a shawl. A vacation in Hawaii turned into a tote bag.
And now I get to write about it...
** Sourced from authors website
Series:
* A Crochet Mystery
* Yarn Retreat
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 29, 2022
Knot a Game was a fun read. Casey Feldstein is the main character who lives in the town Cadbury by the Sea, CA. She owns a yarn retreat business that she inherited from her Aunt Joan. Casey is also a dessert chef at a local restaurant and bakes muffins for the coffee shops. Lucinda Thornkill, a good friend and her husband, Tag own the restaurant The Blue Door. Her boyfriend, Dane Managano is a cop, The Vista Del Mar hotel and conference center is owned by the Delacorte family. It had originally been a camp and social hall. Casey uses the hotel for her weekends devoted to yarn crafts, and more. Madeline Delacorte has asked Casey to met her at the hotel cafe. She wants the next retreat to be a mystery game called Murderous Yarn. Madeline wants to be Mrs. Marble. Casey can't say no so she has to organize it. Kevin St. James is the manager of the hotel and wants to take over the yarn retreats. He makes things difficult for Casey. Cloris Dunphy is the assistant manager who Kevin doesn't like and is looking for a reason to get rid of her. Gwen Selwyn who owns Cadbury Yarns the knitting part of the retreat. Gwen was the love child of Edmond Delacorte, late brother of Madeline and Cora. The sister's accepted her and has part in the hotel. She has a son Cory who works at the hotel.
Casey calls her old boss, Frank Shaw a PI who she worked for when she lived in Chicago. She asks about how to put together a murder. She puts together a mystery story and gets the employees at the hotel to participate in the story, The people who have paid for the mystery retreat arrive. They are Victor and Leslie Ackroyd, Sandra and Bruce Elliot, Mary Smith, Rose Wilburn, Manda Oliver. Jenn and Emily Van Ness, Mother and daughter and Milton Carruthers a mystery writer. They are given their package to go with the story but are told not to open until after the murder. The story starts with the murder of Sammy, friend of Casey who is helping with the story. He is on the floor oozing red stain on his shirt with the knife on the ground next to him. There is so much that goes on in this story I will leave the story for the reader. At the hotel there are a few other groups, one an insurance adjusters, Brooke Tanner and Gary Moser who seems very interested in their group. All goes well until the murder of Gary Moser who is found in the bathroom naked. He was killed by a hairdryer on an orange extension cord. Kevin comes in and tells them to all go downstairs. Police arrive along with Detective Borgnine who has it in for Casey. The think that this is also part of the mystery murder until they are told differently. They are all suspects. They all decide that they would rather solve this murder instead of the one for the retreat. Again I will leave all of this to the reader as it gets very interesting. The story comes to a surprised ending with the discovery of the real killer.
I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next book in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for this ARC.
Casey calls her old boss, Frank Shaw a PI who she worked for when she lived in Chicago. She asks about how to put together a murder. She puts together a mystery story and gets the employees at the hotel to participate in the story, The people who have paid for the mystery retreat arrive. They are Victor and Leslie Ackroyd, Sandra and Bruce Elliot, Mary Smith, Rose Wilburn, Manda Oliver. Jenn and Emily Van Ness, Mother and daughter and Milton Carruthers a mystery writer. They are given their package to go with the story but are told not to open until after the murder. The story starts with the murder of Sammy, friend of Casey who is helping with the story. He is on the floor oozing red stain on his shirt with the knife on the ground next to him. There is so much that goes on in this story I will leave the story for the reader. At the hotel there are a few other groups, one an insurance adjusters, Brooke Tanner and Gary Moser who seems very interested in their group. All goes well until the murder of Gary Moser who is found in the bathroom naked. He was killed by a hairdryer on an orange extension cord. Kevin comes in and tells them to all go downstairs. Police arrive along with Detective Borgnine who has it in for Casey. The think that this is also part of the mystery murder until they are told differently. They are all suspects. They all decide that they would rather solve this murder instead of the one for the retreat. Again I will leave all of this to the reader as it gets very interesting. The story comes to a surprised ending with the discovery of the real killer.
I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next book in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for this ARC.
November 25, 2022
I'm a big fan of Betty Hechtman and her other cozy mystery series, however, I was unimpressed with Knot a Game. Casey has been putting on yarn retreats for ages, so her self doubt in this book was irritating. The actual murder mystery yarn retreat sounded fantastic, and it's something I would love to do, but it seemed incredibly disorganized. I really hope this is just a one off, and that the next book will absolutely thrill me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book. #KnotaGame #NetGalley
December 2, 2023
Chaos ensues when Casey’s yarn retreat evolves into a yarn & mystery murder retreat. But of course, just while the participants are solving the fake murder, a real murder occurs. Now Casey and her group follow the clues. Knitting, baked goods and silliness, but good fun in this cozy mystery series.
July 1, 2023
Knot a Game is book nine in the Yarn Retreat mystery series by Betty Hechtman. Casey Feldstein runs a Yarn Retreat weekend at a local boutique hotel, Vista Del Mar, for people who want to knit and chat with others. When the next retreat was due, the Vista Del Mar owner asked her to combine her yarn retreat with a murder mystery weekend using the hotel staff. However, Casey Feldstein did not plan for her make-believe murder to become real and for her guest to become prime suspects. The weekend for Casey Feldstein is the race to find the killer and protect her guests. The readers of Knot a Game will continue to follow Casey Feldstein to discover what happens.
Knot a Game is the first book I have read by Betty Hechtman, and with tradition, I read the last book first. I engaged with the story and the characters from the first page. At times I had to laugh at the way the characters interacted with each other. I love Betty Hechtman's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Knot a Game is well-written and researched by Betty Hechtman. I like Betty Hechtman's description of the settings of Knot a Game which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Knot a Game will learn about running an event in a boutique hotel. The readers of Knot a Game will learn about knitting and cooking some of the items included in the story.
I recommend this book.
Knot a Game is the first book I have read by Betty Hechtman, and with tradition, I read the last book first. I engaged with the story and the characters from the first page. At times I had to laugh at the way the characters interacted with each other. I love Betty Hechtman's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Knot a Game is well-written and researched by Betty Hechtman. I like Betty Hechtman's description of the settings of Knot a Game which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Knot a Game will learn about running an event in a boutique hotel. The readers of Knot a Game will learn about knitting and cooking some of the items included in the story.
I recommend this book.
May 28, 2023
Published: 12/06/22
Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for accepting my request to read and review Knot a Game: A Yarn Retreat Mystery #9.
Okay. It wasn't over-the-top. However, there were aspects that bothered me. First, I liked the premise of a mystery with participants signing up and everyone having a role. The problem was this is book #9 (albeit my first) and the main character is not young, and I was not impressed with her to the point I wish I was just indifferent. I couldn't relate to her. I didn't like the chatty cat and the references to the smelly cat food. It wasn't cute the first time, and set the tone for subsequent banters.
Secondly, please. You run a business and everything is a rush, nothing comes together. Seriously? I wanted realistic and smart characters, and they weren't there.
2.5 stars rounding up because I don't recall any profanity, and at #9 there is an audience, just not me.
Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for accepting my request to read and review Knot a Game: A Yarn Retreat Mystery #9.
Okay. It wasn't over-the-top. However, there were aspects that bothered me. First, I liked the premise of a mystery with participants signing up and everyone having a role. The problem was this is book #9 (albeit my first) and the main character is not young, and I was not impressed with her to the point I wish I was just indifferent. I couldn't relate to her. I didn't like the chatty cat and the references to the smelly cat food. It wasn't cute the first time, and set the tone for subsequent banters.
Secondly, please. You run a business and everything is a rush, nothing comes together. Seriously? I wanted realistic and smart characters, and they weren't there.
2.5 stars rounding up because I don't recall any profanity, and at #9 there is an audience, just not me.
November 29, 2022
Knot A Game is the 9th book in this charming cozy series set in picturesque coastal Pacific Grove CA . The author captures all the charm and beauty of Pacific Grove which is renamed Cadbury by the Sea for the series. I have enjoyed this series as one of my top five favorite cozy series. Thank you to the publisher, to Net Galley and to the author for the opportunity for review. My review opinions are my own.
Casey has a new challenge with a murder mystery yarn retreat set at the historic retreat center where she holds her retreats for those that want to escape , go off line and learn more about knitting in a relaxed team setting. Her retreats are proving successful as a newer business venture for her that she is still learning about. Casey also is a dessert chef for the restaurants in town and a skilled baker. As the weekend is set in motion a real murder occurs and everyone that was present at the retreat center is a suspect.
The sleuth was well crafted and kept me guessing. The setting is mysterious and atmospheric in this California Coastal region. The charcters are all fun and add to the series. I look forward to the next in series as the author always delivers a fun interesting sleuth that is a great read and keeps this reader turning pages to conclusion. Well done to the author.
Casey has a new challenge with a murder mystery yarn retreat set at the historic retreat center where she holds her retreats for those that want to escape , go off line and learn more about knitting in a relaxed team setting. Her retreats are proving successful as a newer business venture for her that she is still learning about. Casey also is a dessert chef for the restaurants in town and a skilled baker. As the weekend is set in motion a real murder occurs and everyone that was present at the retreat center is a suspect.
The sleuth was well crafted and kept me guessing. The setting is mysterious and atmospheric in this California Coastal region. The charcters are all fun and add to the series. I look forward to the next in series as the author always delivers a fun interesting sleuth that is a great read and keeps this reader turning pages to conclusion. Well done to the author.
December 21, 2023
Storia piacevole, ma mi sembra che la protagonista si lasci condizionare da un po' troppe persone. E praticamente quasi tutti i partecipanti al suo ritiro nascondono (o sembrano nascondere) qualcosa: forse è un pochino troppo.
November 21, 2022
At the urging of Vista Del Mar’s owner, Casey Feldstein takes on the job of combining a murder mystery game with her next weekend yarn retreat. Enlisting the help of the hotel’s staff to play the roles of victim and suspects, she lays out a plot and plants some red herrings. And as her intrigued guests watch the murder play out and the clues unfold, Casey is certain she’s pulled off the perfect make-believe murder—until a real murder intrudes and everyone at the hotel is named as a suspect.
As her retreat guests turn away from the fake murder to solve the real one, Casey has her hands full trying to keep them from meddling in police business. But even as they’re dead-set on unraveling the mystery in their midst, Casey has her eye on a few of them, some of whom don’t seem to be who or what they claim. With time ticking down on her weekend and her guests more interested in nabbing a killer than knitting, Casey will have to stitch together her own solution before the killer can stop her and declare game over .
A staked mystery that turns into a real murder mystery. This is an awesome story that is not a happy tale.. .
Betty Hechtman is a new author to me. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
As her retreat guests turn away from the fake murder to solve the real one, Casey has her hands full trying to keep them from meddling in police business. But even as they’re dead-set on unraveling the mystery in their midst, Casey has her eye on a few of them, some of whom don’t seem to be who or what they claim. With time ticking down on her weekend and her guests more interested in nabbing a killer than knitting, Casey will have to stitch together her own solution before the killer can stop her and declare game over .
A staked mystery that turns into a real murder mystery. This is an awesome story that is not a happy tale.. .
Betty Hechtman is a new author to me. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
December 8, 2022
I'd like to thank NetGalley and and Beyond the Page Publishing for approving my request to read this novel. The synopsis including a bit about a murder mystery game that sounded similar to playing the board game Clue really intrigued me.
Having never read a book written by Betty Hechtman before, I wasn't sure what to expect as cozy mystery novels have always been hit or miss with me. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find Knot A Game to be well written, engaging, and an all around fun read. I enjoyed it so much that I'm looking forward to purchasing all the other books that came before this one in the series.
Most of the characters were likable with only a few being unpleasant, which is nice for a change. There are so many times where this isn't the case. I felt like I lived in the little town and knew all the characters that lived there. The pacing of the story had a nice tempo and didn't seem to drag one bit. I enjoyed all the red herrings and clues that the author planted throughout the book to keep me guessing the entire time.
Five out of five stars is what I gave Knot A Game (Yarn Retreat Mystery, #9) by Betty Hechtman. This novel includes some recipes of food described in the book along with instructions on how to knit the hand warmers the characters made in the story.
Having never read a book written by Betty Hechtman before, I wasn't sure what to expect as cozy mystery novels have always been hit or miss with me. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find Knot A Game to be well written, engaging, and an all around fun read. I enjoyed it so much that I'm looking forward to purchasing all the other books that came before this one in the series.
Most of the characters were likable with only a few being unpleasant, which is nice for a change. There are so many times where this isn't the case. I felt like I lived in the little town and knew all the characters that lived there. The pacing of the story had a nice tempo and didn't seem to drag one bit. I enjoyed all the red herrings and clues that the author planted throughout the book to keep me guessing the entire time.
Five out of five stars is what I gave Knot A Game (Yarn Retreat Mystery, #9) by Betty Hechtman. This novel includes some recipes of food described in the book along with instructions on how to knit the hand warmers the characters made in the story.
January 1, 2023
Betty Hechtman's Yarn Retreat Mystery series focuses on Casey Feldstein who lives in Cadbury by the Sea on the Monterey Peninsula. Busy Casey who quit law school after just one semester has tried a variety of jobs including teaching and working in department stores and had a job as a private investigator. She is a talented dessert maker and now she is running yarn retreat weekends, a business bequeathed to her by her Aunt Joan. Hosting a yarn retreat at Vista Del Mar, a hotel and conference centre, Casey combines her group with a murder mystery game called Murderous Yarn...
There is a lot to like in this novel. Casey is fun if a little disorganised and she calls the shots with her beau, Dane Mangano, a Cadbury police department copper, living life on her terms. The mystery is well written, the setting is super, and the characters are mostly winsome. I'm very tempted to read some of the books I've missed in the series. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
There is a lot to like in this novel. Casey is fun if a little disorganised and she calls the shots with her beau, Dane Mangano, a Cadbury police department copper, living life on her terms. The mystery is well written, the setting is super, and the characters are mostly winsome. I'm very tempted to read some of the books I've missed in the series. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
January 3, 2023
Casey is excited about her new upcoming yarn retreat. She was given the idea to combine the event with a murder mystery game and everything is looking good. She has several of the hotel staff playing the roles of suspects and victims. The plot has been set up along with a few red herrings thrown in to stump the players. The evening starts out great and Casey believes she has truly stumped her guests then someone is actually murdered. The guests have now become suspects along with Casey. The retreat continues and now everyone is trying to figure out who the real killer is. Casey knows that she needs to quickly figure out who the murder is so she can save her yarn retreat.
December 10, 2022
The yarn retreat is back in action and a murder mystery game has been included to make things even more action packed and exciting. Toss in a mixed bunch of retreaters, not all who are excited to be there and you have an explosive mix when a real body shows up at the lodge instead of just the fake one! Fantastic characters who are intelligent and competent, fun retreats and a bunch of potential suspects to make things all that more entertaining! I can never put these books down once I start and this one was no exception! I really do recommend that you read the books in order to build the layers of the characters and the small town they inhabit, but whether you do or don't, you will enjoy the book either way!
January 14, 2023
Knot a game !
I have to say "I love this series" The minute I start reading a book in this series, I feel like I'm right there taking part in whatever retreat is happening! The way Betty Hecht man writes her books, you feel like you are right there a parcipent in the storyline.
This book I felt such a connection to this storyline of an actual mystery retreat with a fake murder to solve and also a Real murder! I had no clue who the murder was, I Was completely taken by surprise, but thinking about it now,I do see the clues now, I obviously need to pay closer attention to the little background comments. I can not wait for the next book in this series!
I have to say "I love this series" The minute I start reading a book in this series, I feel like I'm right there taking part in whatever retreat is happening! The way Betty Hecht man writes her books, you feel like you are right there a parcipent in the storyline.
This book I felt such a connection to this storyline of an actual mystery retreat with a fake murder to solve and also a Real murder! I had no clue who the murder was, I Was completely taken by surprise, but thinking about it now,I do see the clues now, I obviously need to pay closer attention to the little background comments. I can not wait for the next book in this series!
December 29, 2024
This is one I didn't figure out. And I realize I skipped a book. Oops.
January 24, 2025
The ending is a little sensational, and I can't with the dance off, but still the mysteries you know and love.
July 3, 2025
Not bad
November 28, 2023
Casey’s latest yarn retreat is going to be a mystery party. While the staff take on the roll of possible suspects the guests are given clues and must figure out who the murderer is. Unfortunately the body they find is another guest and he’s really dead.
November 29, 2022
Casey Feldstein is approached by Madeleine Delacourt to combine one of her yarn retreats with a mystery weekend. Casey organizes the event with the help of the assistant manager of Vista Del Mar, Cloris. The slots quickly fill up. The guests are excited when the game begins. The group is busy discussing the clues when they hear a scream. The housekeeper found one of the guests dead in his room. Casey’s group is thrilled to have a real crime to solve. They work to gather clues and intel so they can identify the killer. Knot a Game by Betty Hechtman is the ninth A Yarn Retreat Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those who are new to the series. I like the author’s writing style. It made the book easy to read. The characters, though, are another story. I have become frustrated with Casey. Her character is at a standstill. She is still unsure about the yarn retreats (she should really have the hang of it by now) and her relationship with Dane has not moved forward. Dane is ready for them to go to the next step, but Casey has put on the brakes. If I ran a yarn retreat business, I would spend my spare time working on my skills. Casey is still at the beginner stage (she can make a scarf using the knit stitch). I would love to see her host a retreat using knitting looms (those plastic looms which can make hats, scarves, blankets, socks, and so much more). I liked that Casey was hosting a mystery weekend. I would love to attend one. Casey, though, is hesitant (of course). Thankfully, she gets help from Cloris, but I have to wonder if Casey has ever heard of the internet. Casey also needs to work on her organizational skills (the weekend was a bit disorganized). The whodunit did not begin until I was a third of a way into the book. There are a couple of suspects, a red herring, and obvious clues. There is a secondary mystery involving a woman staying at Vista Del Mar. When Casey is not baking, handling her retreat, feeding her cat the stinky fish food, talking to Dane, or searching for clues, she unravels the mystery woman’s secret. Let us not forget that the retreaters still need to solve their fake murder. There is too much repetition. Do we really need to know each time Casey feeds Julius (her cat) his stinky fish food? Or how stinky the food is, and that Casey uses multiple layers of clear wrap to keep the smell out of her fridge (did she ever hear of Ziploc bags or buy the small cans that are one serving). We are told several times about Dane offering free karate lessons to local teens and about his delectable spaghetti sauce (I will stop my rant now). These are just a couple of examples. I would like to see the characters grow and for the stories to have more substance. Knot a Game takes readers to Cadbury by the Sea where there is a mystery retreat, hand warmer woes, tasty treats, a furtive visitor, scrumptious spaghetti sauce, stinky fish food, and a messy murder.
November 21, 2022
I was super excited when I heard about this series, as it combines some of my favorite things- food, crafts, and cozy mysteries. I first tried to start with book 1 of the series before reading this one, but I didn’t get very far before the book irritated me to the point I couldn’t finish, so I decided to just read this one, and it seems like things haven’t changed in nine books. The things I didn’t like about book 1 are still present in this book (like how Lucinda talks about her husband), and there were many things in this book pertaining to the plot that got on my nerves (like book 1). I only got through the first few chapters before my annoyance cause me to abandon this one too. The main character acts like putting on a weekend murder mystery is this big, mystifying project, when these activities are pretty common, totally fit her retreat, and is actually a really good idea. It still feels like she doesn’t know what she’s doing, with either this project or the business she inherited from her aunt. For example, she acts like Frank (PI) is the only one she can ask for advice on putting together a fake crime, but he barely gives her any advice, and she’s dating a cop!! The idea for this book instantly attracted my attention, but the writing and execution leaves much to be desired
December 9, 2022
Years ago I read the first book in the Yarn Retreat mystery series - A Yarn to Go. I liked it well enough, so I thought I would catch up with Casey Feldstein, the main character, in Knot a Game.
Unlike most knitting there was more than one thread to pull to unravel the mysteries going on at Vista Del Mar.
I enjoyed the mystery and the flow of writing, thus the four stars.
Another reviewer commented on Casey’s lack of growth and I do find it curious that after 9 books Casey still doesn’t know whether she’ll be in town long term, she obsesses about the group and she doesn’t really know how to knit. One the one hand it makes little sense that she wouldn’t have gained more skill after 9 books. On the other hand, Casey does seem to focus on strengths in baking and organizing events. I can’t comment on the time lapse between book 1 and book 9, maybe it’s been a short time and not years. But if not years then, there have been a lot of dead bodies since Casey came to town and that’s suspicious in itself.
I would recommend Knot a Game.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
Unlike most knitting there was more than one thread to pull to unravel the mysteries going on at Vista Del Mar.
I enjoyed the mystery and the flow of writing, thus the four stars.
Another reviewer commented on Casey’s lack of growth and I do find it curious that after 9 books Casey still doesn’t know whether she’ll be in town long term, she obsesses about the group and she doesn’t really know how to knit. One the one hand it makes little sense that she wouldn’t have gained more skill after 9 books. On the other hand, Casey does seem to focus on strengths in baking and organizing events. I can’t comment on the time lapse between book 1 and book 9, maybe it’s been a short time and not years. But if not years then, there have been a lot of dead bodies since Casey came to town and that’s suspicious in itself.
I would recommend Knot a Game.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
August 15, 2023
Back to the Yarn to Go business with Casey. I really enjoy this series. This one though, was a little too meta... Casey sets up a murder mystery weekend with a couple knitting classes in the middle. But then a real murder happens, and Casey's amateur "amateur sleuths" start trying to figure out the real murder.
The mysteries kept piling up in this book. The main character needs to stop pushing away her boyfriend, though, because it's really quite frustrating to read. I get it, you're bad at committing to things, but at this point, you're at least 4-5 years into this yarn retreat business, you've got besties, and a great social network around you. Why are you still talking about doing a runner? Just settle in and get past it.
Also, I'd really love to see a little more of the relationship development on the page, instead of suggesting it happening off the page. In this book, she's talking about her parents coming for a visit, she talks about seeing up a girls' night, and the relationship with Dane has happened almost entirely off-page. Show the relationships, please, Ms Hechtman. Show. Not tell.
The mysteries kept piling up in this book. The main character needs to stop pushing away her boyfriend, though, because it's really quite frustrating to read. I get it, you're bad at committing to things, but at this point, you're at least 4-5 years into this yarn retreat business, you've got besties, and a great social network around you. Why are you still talking about doing a runner? Just settle in and get past it.
Also, I'd really love to see a little more of the relationship development on the page, instead of suggesting it happening off the page. In this book, she's talking about her parents coming for a visit, she talks about seeing up a girls' night, and the relationship with Dane has happened almost entirely off-page. Show the relationships, please, Ms Hechtman. Show. Not tell.
January 30, 2023
Princess Fuzzypants here: When Madeline speaks, everyone listens, including Casey. She wants to add a murder mystery to her latest yarn retreat and leaves all the planning to Casey while she participates as Mrs. Maple. In spite of many jitters, Casey has enlisted the help of the staff at Vista Del Mar and except for a couple of grumble-pusses, it starts off well. Unfortunately an actual murder distracts her attendees, and nothing will get them back on track. Casey has a passing interest until one of her friend’s is arrested. Now it is personal and she uses all the skill and contacts she has to delve into various backgrounds to find the killer.
When the murderer is revealed, it did seem to come out of left field as there were really no clues but lots of red herrings that would pivot the attention elsewhere. It turned out to be an interesting twist but I prefer mysteries where, if I guess wrong, I can go back and look at what I missed. I did not get that satisfaction. But I did enjoy the book and will still give it four purrs and two paws up.
When the murderer is revealed, it did seem to come out of left field as there were really no clues but lots of red herrings that would pivot the attention elsewhere. It turned out to be an interesting twist but I prefer mysteries where, if I guess wrong, I can go back and look at what I missed. I did not get that satisfaction. But I did enjoy the book and will still give it four purrs and two paws up.
March 22, 2023
Casey totally lacked professionalism in this installment of the Yarn Retreat Mystery series. As a quasi-representative of the Vista Del Mar resort, she should know better than to share personal information about the guests with other guests.
As usual, Casey also gave short shrift to the knitting portion of the yarn retreat. Sure, the idea behind the retreat in "Knot a Game" was to make a murder mystery game out of the experience. But even the murder mystery game got short-circuited when a real murder occurs.
Since a murder happens during every yarn retreat, you would think most folks would stay far, far away. The murders ONLY happen during the retreats. Keep the murder rate down by not having retreats.
Enough grumbling.
As usual, I now want to attend a yarn retreat . . . sans murder. Betty Hechtman advanced Casey's relationship with Dane. Sammy, Casey's former boyfriend and part-time magician, also got a boost in his personal life. The clues were mostly there for the mystery, but the red herrings got in the way.
As usual, Casey also gave short shrift to the knitting portion of the yarn retreat. Sure, the idea behind the retreat in "Knot a Game" was to make a murder mystery game out of the experience. But even the murder mystery game got short-circuited when a real murder occurs.
Since a murder happens during every yarn retreat, you would think most folks would stay far, far away. The murders ONLY happen during the retreats. Keep the murder rate down by not having retreats.
Enough grumbling.
As usual, I now want to attend a yarn retreat . . . sans murder. Betty Hechtman advanced Casey's relationship with Dane. Sammy, Casey's former boyfriend and part-time magician, also got a boost in his personal life. The clues were mostly there for the mystery, but the red herrings got in the way.
March 21, 2023
I liked how the author used red herrings and clues throughout the novel to keep me guessing the entire time.
As a first-time reader of a Betty Hechtman book, I wasn't sure what to anticipate because I've had a hit-or-miss relationship with homey mystery books in the past. But to my pleasant surprise, Knot A Game turned out to be a well-written, interesting, and all-around enjoyable book. The other novels in the series that came before this one will be added to my wish list because I loved this one so much.
For a change, it's good to see that the majority of the characters were likeable and only a few were unpleasant. This isn't the situation a great deal of the time. I had the impression that I was a resident of the small village and was familiar with all of its residents.
**This book was an ARC through NetGalley and I want to thank the publishers for allowing me to review the book. All opinions are my own**
As a first-time reader of a Betty Hechtman book, I wasn't sure what to anticipate because I've had a hit-or-miss relationship with homey mystery books in the past. But to my pleasant surprise, Knot A Game turned out to be a well-written, interesting, and all-around enjoyable book. The other novels in the series that came before this one will be added to my wish list because I loved this one so much.
For a change, it's good to see that the majority of the characters were likeable and only a few were unpleasant. This isn't the situation a great deal of the time. I had the impression that I was a resident of the small village and was familiar with all of its residents.
**This book was an ARC through NetGalley and I want to thank the publishers for allowing me to review the book. All opinions are my own**
November 20, 2022
With a murder mystery as part of her yarn retreat, Casey Feldstein believes her participants will have a great time at the retreat. Unfortunately when a real murder occurs, the participants are too busy solving the real murder to clear their names than the one Casey worked so hard to perfect.
Who to trust and who to look into further? Time is running out with a killer on the loose in their midst. Can Casey figure out whodunit before anyone else is looped in for the next murder?
A great series that always has a a mystery along with a yarn project and a recipe. I’ve never been disappointed on a “retreat” yet. Betty Hechtman crafts a solid mystery with multidimensional characters the are well developed and has you sitting on the edge of your seat trying to figure out the clues before the final reveal.
Who to trust and who to look into further? Time is running out with a killer on the loose in their midst. Can Casey figure out whodunit before anyone else is looped in for the next murder?
A great series that always has a a mystery along with a yarn project and a recipe. I’ve never been disappointed on a “retreat” yet. Betty Hechtman crafts a solid mystery with multidimensional characters the are well developed and has you sitting on the edge of your seat trying to figure out the clues before the final reveal.
November 22, 2022
Knot a Game by Betty Hechtman is book #9 in the Yarn Retreat Mystery series. Casey Feldstein, who runs a knitting retreat gets talked into combining the knitting retreat with a murder mystery weekend by Madeline Delacorte who is one of the owners of Vista Del Mar where Case holds her knitting retreats. During the retreat an actual homicide occurs and the retreat attendees choose to investigate the actual crime. Casey has to think fast to keep the attendees from interfering with the police investigation. She keeps them busy and out of trouble. I like this storyline and how the author kept me guessing until the end. The characters are all well-developed and their interactions are quite interesting. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
March 7, 2023
Playing for real
Madeleine’s idea for a Murder Mystery knitting retreat has Casey on overload, making arrangements and figuring out who to enlist for roles of victim, suspects, and villain. She can’t help but worry how it will go - and her fears are proven well-founded when a guest, not part of the mystery group, is found murdered in his room. The knitting/mystery group think it’s another part of the game, and even when told otherwise, are nevertheless eager to put their sleuthing skills to work to solve the real murder. Casey’s best efforts to keep them out of Lt. Borgnine’s investigation are making her work even more challenging, as she tries to distract her group, gather her own clues to clear her friend Cloris, and still somehow continue her dessert and muffin baking duties. Can she keep it all together, without coming apart herself?
Madeleine’s idea for a Murder Mystery knitting retreat has Casey on overload, making arrangements and figuring out who to enlist for roles of victim, suspects, and villain. She can’t help but worry how it will go - and her fears are proven well-founded when a guest, not part of the mystery group, is found murdered in his room. The knitting/mystery group think it’s another part of the game, and even when told otherwise, are nevertheless eager to put their sleuthing skills to work to solve the real murder. Casey’s best efforts to keep them out of Lt. Borgnine’s investigation are making her work even more challenging, as she tries to distract her group, gather her own clues to clear her friend Cloris, and still somehow continue her dessert and muffin baking duties. Can she keep it all together, without coming apart herself?
December 7, 2022
This is book 9 in the series. I hadn't read any of the previous books, and this one works well as a standalone.
Casey is asked to hold a murder mystery event at Vista Del Mar, and she decides this is the perfect opportunity to combine it with the yarn retreat she has been wanting to hold. However, when a real murder takes the attention of the guests, can she help solve the crime and still host a successful event?
The book didn't hold my attention very well, I felt it was very long winded with lots of sections where nothing really seemed to happen. However I did like Casey's relationship with the police (both romantically and professionally), and I would be tempted to read more in the series to see if this was just a weaker story.
Casey is asked to hold a murder mystery event at Vista Del Mar, and she decides this is the perfect opportunity to combine it with the yarn retreat she has been wanting to hold. However, when a real murder takes the attention of the guests, can she help solve the crime and still host a successful event?
The book didn't hold my attention very well, I felt it was very long winded with lots of sections where nothing really seemed to happen. However I did like Casey's relationship with the police (both romantically and professionally), and I would be tempted to read more in the series to see if this was just a weaker story.
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July 3, 2023Thank you Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC of Knot a Game! All opinions in this review are my own.
I loved the set up for this cozy mystery. Being disconnected from technology, learning how to knit, and solving a murder mystery sounds like a great weekend! I like how Casey's group favors solving the real murder instead of the staged one she created. I wish there had been more clues for the real murder. This mystery seemed to include more red herrings than actual clues. While I never actually figure out who did it, I like feeling like I could have if I just paid attention more. I was shocked by the ending and aside from one mention in the beginning, I didn't think there was enough to show that the person had done it.
I loved the set up for this cozy mystery. Being disconnected from technology, learning how to knit, and solving a murder mystery sounds like a great weekend! I like how Casey's group favors solving the real murder instead of the staged one she created. I wish there had been more clues for the real murder. This mystery seemed to include more red herrings than actual clues. While I never actually figure out who did it, I like feeling like I could have if I just paid attention more. I was shocked by the ending and aside from one mention in the beginning, I didn't think there was enough to show that the person had done it.
February 13, 2023
Knot a Game kept me interested enough to continue reading, but I was surprised to see it's the 9th in the series. It reads more like a second book (given Casey's relationship with Dane, they aren't meeting cute as i it was book 1).
The story and retreat was a little rag tag. I would have expected a more professionally done retreat even though this is the first time out as a mystery weekend. Things were also repeated, sometimes more than once. There was also a cheesy bit at the dance that's kind of silly.
So, an OK rating, but I wasn't convinced I should go back and read the first 8.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
The story and retreat was a little rag tag. I would have expected a more professionally done retreat even though this is the first time out as a mystery weekend. Things were also repeated, sometimes more than once. There was also a cheesy bit at the dance that's kind of silly.
So, an OK rating, but I wasn't convinced I should go back and read the first 8.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
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