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Double Knit Murders
The first two books in the national bestselling Knitting mysteries- Knit One, Kill Two and Needled to Death.
In Knit One, Kill Two, Kelly Flynn returns to Colorado for her aunt's funeral only to suspect that the woman's death was not an accident. With the help of the knitting regulars at House of Lambspun, Kelly's about to get a few lessons in creating a sumptuously colored scarf-and in luring a killer out of hiding. In Needled to Death, Kelly visits her friend Vickie's alpaca farm, and finds her splayed out on her original hand-woven rug, blood seeping into the design. Kelly can't resist investigating-even if it means taking a break from the sweater she's been knitting in the round.
In Knit One, Kill Two, Kelly Flynn returns to Colorado for her aunt's funeral only to suspect that the woman's death was not an accident. With the help of the knitting regulars at House of Lambspun, Kelly's about to get a few lessons in creating a sumptuously colored scarf-and in luring a killer out of hiding. In Needled to Death, Kelly visits her friend Vickie's alpaca farm, and finds her splayed out on her original hand-woven rug, blood seeping into the design. Kelly can't resist investigating-even if it means taking a break from the sweater she's been knitting in the round.
448 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2010
129 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Sefton
35 books779 followersAka Margaret Conlan
From author website:
"First, a little biographical information as introduction: Born in Richmond, VA, I grew up in Northern Virginia in Arlington, close to Washington, D.C. I attended university and received a Bachelor's degree in English Literature & Journalism, married, and started my family there. All four of my daughters are grown and established in careers of their own and are literally scattered around the globe. I now reside in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado with two very demanding dogs."
From author website:
"First, a little biographical information as introduction: Born in Richmond, VA, I grew up in Northern Virginia in Arlington, close to Washington, D.C. I attended university and received a Bachelor's degree in English Literature & Journalism, married, and started my family there. All four of my daughters are grown and established in careers of their own and are literally scattered around the globe. I now reside in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado with two very demanding dogs."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 4, 2018
Cookie cutter book. It follows the standard format that most cookie cutter books follow. All is well...someone gets murdered who is a good friend of the heroine...heroine has a "hunch" and does more than the police do...the heroine gets the person to confess...all ends well in the little town. Kinda like the Perry Mason TV show.
I liked the first one...second one was too predictable. Easy read, no thinking required.
I liked the first one...second one was too predictable. Easy read, no thinking required.
September 11, 2022
These two stories were just okay, and so were most of the characters. I preferred the first story to the second. By the second story a few too many things were getting on my nerves.
I liked Kelly well enough in the first book, but her severe addiction to coffee and her endless search for another cup got so annoying. It also distracted from the plot. I'm also kind of disturbed by her need to squish and squeeze every roll of yarn or wool she sees in the store. She describes them as “yummy”, “scrumptious”, “delectable”, and “seducing her very fingers”. And this doesn't just happen a few times, it happens every single time she enters the knitting shop.
Speaking of the knitting shop, it seems like no one in the knitting club has much of a life outside it. It's mentioned at one point that the club is supposed to meet on Tuesday nights, but all the members are always in the shop when Kelly visits several times a day, or they come in a couple minutes after her. I also don't know how they have their projects done so fast. They're always almost done or starting a new one every time Kelly sees them.
I enjoyed the mystery in the first book better, but I loved learning about llamas and wool in the second. In both books Kelly's golf ball stealing dog, Carl, was my favourite character. Kelly lives next to a golf course and Carl loves to jump her fence and steal the golf balls that end up off-course.
"Contrite Carl was lying down on the grass, head between his paws, staring at her with his I-know-I-did-something-wrong-but-I-couldn't-stop-myself expression. Right behind him was a cluster of five golf balls. Kelly sucked in her breath. 'Carl! You did steal those golf balls!' Carl glanced toward his little stash of stolen treasure."
I liked Kelly well enough in the first book, but her severe addiction to coffee and her endless search for another cup got so annoying. It also distracted from the plot. I'm also kind of disturbed by her need to squish and squeeze every roll of yarn or wool she sees in the store. She describes them as “yummy”, “scrumptious”, “delectable”, and “seducing her very fingers”. And this doesn't just happen a few times, it happens every single time she enters the knitting shop.
Speaking of the knitting shop, it seems like no one in the knitting club has much of a life outside it. It's mentioned at one point that the club is supposed to meet on Tuesday nights, but all the members are always in the shop when Kelly visits several times a day, or they come in a couple minutes after her. I also don't know how they have their projects done so fast. They're always almost done or starting a new one every time Kelly sees them.
I enjoyed the mystery in the first book better, but I loved learning about llamas and wool in the second. In both books Kelly's golf ball stealing dog, Carl, was my favourite character. Kelly lives next to a golf course and Carl loves to jump her fence and steal the golf balls that end up off-course.
"Contrite Carl was lying down on the grass, head between his paws, staring at her with his I-know-I-did-something-wrong-but-I-couldn't-stop-myself expression. Right behind him was a cluster of five golf balls. Kelly sucked in her breath. 'Carl! You did steal those golf balls!' Carl glanced toward his little stash of stolen treasure."
February 20, 2018
Great characters! The writings not exactly my style, but it is well-written and I enjoyed it. Especially the knitting lessons! They cracked me up. The mysteries weren't bad, though I did figure out the murderer for both about a quarter way through. All in all, two decent books and I'm looking forward to #3!
June 11, 2017
The knitting and yarn descriptions are awesome! The struggles of a knitter is excellent But the mystery part was not my cup of tea. I got it to see what kind of patterns there were and found the stories were lacking to me like Debbie Macomber's.
July 27, 2020
This is a delightful read with lots of twists and turns. There are vivid descriptions and characters that you would want to call friends. This is definitely a place I would love to visit. I even picked up some knitting tips along the way. Can't wait to see more from this author.
August 9, 2020
Love the plot twists and turns it was not till the end that I began to suspect who did it.
Will be reading the rest of this series in the near future and I love the knitting directions and recipes.
Will be reading the rest of this series in the near future and I love the knitting directions and recipes.
November 20, 2023
Although Book 1 is an easy book to read, I thought it was too much book for the story...if that makes sense. I borrowed this book through my local library's Libby program and I have Book 2. I don't think I'll read anymore of the series.
August 10, 2017
I like how in the end the murderer is caught and it kept !email guessing right up until the end of the book
December 3, 2017
fun, light reading. well written and engaging. solid cozy mystery.
October 8, 2018
Too much coffee
Not as good as the first but enjoyed learning about wool, alpacas etc. Kelly drinks too much coffee and we do not need to know every time she takes a sip.
Not as good as the first but enjoyed learning about wool, alpacas etc. Kelly drinks too much coffee and we do not need to know every time she takes a sip.
May 4, 2020
Fun read
Easy read and kept my interest. Enjoy the characters. I could envision the scenery. left me wanting to grab the next in series. Well written.
Easy read and kept my interest. Enjoy the characters. I could envision the scenery. left me wanting to grab the next in series. Well written.
May 14, 2020
Excellent
As usual this book by Maggie had wonderful characters, a great plot with many twists and turns and a tension filled ending. A great read!!
As usual this book by Maggie had wonderful characters, a great plot with many twists and turns and a tension filled ending. A great read!!
April 12, 2021
i should have counted the amount of times i read the words luscious, frothy, or yummy...
March 14, 2022
Okay, I found another great series to read. Enjoyed both mysteries. Easy to get started, which isn't always the case with new series.
July 11, 2023
What can I say. It was a really really story. Fun characters, and good murder mystery. Kept me guessing on who the killer was. Looking forward to the next book.
May 9, 2025
If you’re looking for a riveting read - please look further
December 30, 2023
I loved it! Perfect escapism with just enough mystery to prevent the story from getting dull. It's a shame I read number 4 in the series before these first two, because these are a lot better.
July 21, 2020
Pleasantly surprised is a good description of how I feel about the first 2 books in the Knitting Mystery series. It’s been a long time since I pulled an all nighter in order to finish a book, but that’s exactly what I did to get to the end of Needled To Death. Before we get into that let’s back up a bit.
Back in 2018, I read Knit One, Kill Two, but never got around to writing a review. So when I snagged Double Knit Murders from Bookbub, I figured it would make the most sense to read it again to refresh my memory before moving on to Needled To Death. That was a good decision!
Like any good first in a series, Knit One, Kill Two introduces not only our heroine but also the supporting characters that we anticipate we will see throughout the series. Our heroine in this cozy mystery series is Kelly Flynn, an independent self disciplined woman, with an analytical mind. It is very easy to relate to Kelly and follow along with her emotional and logistical journey to uncover the hidden truths about her aunt’s life and ultimately her death.
A wide range of supporting characters develop through the context of the knitting group at the local yarn shop. Each supporting character is unique in their own right and yet this eccentric group of individuals, through the connection of knitting, develop into Kelly’s friends, family, and coconspirators in her hunt for the truth. In Needled to Death, those friendships and Kelly’s connection to Colorado, develop even further as another shocking murder hits close to home for the knitting group.
The first book in this series also does what all first books in a good mystery series do, that is form a paradigm that explains or at least gives authenticity to how the main character becomes intertwined in various murder investigations. For the Knitting Mystery series, it is my assumption that Kelly’s analytical mind and unique way of seeing details that others might not, is how we will see her become embroiled in investigations.
Although I had previously read Knit One, Kill Two, I still enjoyed refreshing my mind on the creative way the the story unraveled through Kelly’s simple belief that the story of how her aunt was murdered just did not make sense. With each page, I enjoyed following Kelly’s train of thought and also loved watching her passion for fiber arts begin to develop. Since I already knew, or at least had a slight recollection, of how the story ended, I was able to enjoy more of the “background” environment when reading this a second time.
Within the first couple chapters of the second book, Needled to Death, I was positive I knew who was responsible for the murder. As I continued in the story, I fell in love with the character that I thought was the murderer. Even though this individual seemed to be the most likely culprit, page by page I kept praying that it was not true. Growing closer and closer to the end, that’s when I pulled my all nighter in order to find out the truth.
When it comes to book series, I definitely have brand loyalty and a binge mentality. That is to say that when I find a book series that I really enjoy I tend not to veer off of that series until I have read everything available, save waiting my turn for a book from the library. Therefore, it should be no surprise, that I have already borrowed books 3 and 4 from my e-library. I look forward to seeing what else is in store for Kelly and the rest of the knitting group.
If you’re looking for an intriguing mystery, one that’s not very heavy with dark criminal activity, and yet is captivating enough to keep you turning the pages; if you’re looking for a story that has interesting characters and relatable life events; if you’re looking for you’re next good read: I highly recommend adding Double Knit Murders to your TBR list.
Back in 2018, I read Knit One, Kill Two, but never got around to writing a review. So when I snagged Double Knit Murders from Bookbub, I figured it would make the most sense to read it again to refresh my memory before moving on to Needled To Death. That was a good decision!
Like any good first in a series, Knit One, Kill Two introduces not only our heroine but also the supporting characters that we anticipate we will see throughout the series. Our heroine in this cozy mystery series is Kelly Flynn, an independent self disciplined woman, with an analytical mind. It is very easy to relate to Kelly and follow along with her emotional and logistical journey to uncover the hidden truths about her aunt’s life and ultimately her death.
A wide range of supporting characters develop through the context of the knitting group at the local yarn shop. Each supporting character is unique in their own right and yet this eccentric group of individuals, through the connection of knitting, develop into Kelly’s friends, family, and coconspirators in her hunt for the truth. In Needled to Death, those friendships and Kelly’s connection to Colorado, develop even further as another shocking murder hits close to home for the knitting group.
The first book in this series also does what all first books in a good mystery series do, that is form a paradigm that explains or at least gives authenticity to how the main character becomes intertwined in various murder investigations. For the Knitting Mystery series, it is my assumption that Kelly’s analytical mind and unique way of seeing details that others might not, is how we will see her become embroiled in investigations.
Although I had previously read Knit One, Kill Two, I still enjoyed refreshing my mind on the creative way the the story unraveled through Kelly’s simple belief that the story of how her aunt was murdered just did not make sense. With each page, I enjoyed following Kelly’s train of thought and also loved watching her passion for fiber arts begin to develop. Since I already knew, or at least had a slight recollection, of how the story ended, I was able to enjoy more of the “background” environment when reading this a second time.
Within the first couple chapters of the second book, Needled to Death, I was positive I knew who was responsible for the murder. As I continued in the story, I fell in love with the character that I thought was the murderer. Even though this individual seemed to be the most likely culprit, page by page I kept praying that it was not true. Growing closer and closer to the end, that’s when I pulled my all nighter in order to find out the truth.
When it comes to book series, I definitely have brand loyalty and a binge mentality. That is to say that when I find a book series that I really enjoy I tend not to veer off of that series until I have read everything available, save waiting my turn for a book from the library. Therefore, it should be no surprise, that I have already borrowed books 3 and 4 from my e-library. I look forward to seeing what else is in store for Kelly and the rest of the knitting group.
If you’re looking for an intriguing mystery, one that’s not very heavy with dark criminal activity, and yet is captivating enough to keep you turning the pages; if you’re looking for a story that has interesting characters and relatable life events; if you’re looking for you’re next good read: I highly recommend adding Double Knit Murders to your TBR list.
September 1, 2011
Double Knit Murders is actually two books in one, the first two books of the Knitting Mysteries by Maggie Sefton, "Knit One, Kill Two" and "Needled to Death". They were ok reads, a lot could be worked on, but when it came down to it, they were entertaining.
Knit One Kill Two has the main character, Kelly, coming to a small town in Colorado because her aunt who practically raised her had been murdered. Kelly has to settle affairs but doesn't believe that the vagabond caught running from her aunt's house is the actual killer so she decides to do some investigating on her own. She also spends time at the Knitting shop down the street where her aunt had frequented and finds herself drawn in by the wonderful yarns and maybe even being convinced to try knitting again. She makes some friends, discovers leads on the case, b ut must find out who the killer is before she becomes a target herself.
Needled to Death brings back Kelly and her knitting friends when another knitter, who owns an alpaca breeding operation is murdered. Once again, Kelly is on the case trying to desperately figured out who murdered their friend. When the friends daughter is also murdered, the case becomes even worse. And there's so many suspects, all with good motives. While trying to do all this Kelly finds a new found love of knitting scarves as well.
The characters are all rather unbelievable in these books. Especially when it comes to grief. In the 2nd book, Kelly is the first to find the body of her friend, yet she analyzes all the aspects of the crime and I don't think she sheds one tear or barely feels morose. That's pretty cold-hearted when its your friend. She also seems to jump into crime and figure out things a little too easy with a little too much assistance. But I suppose it wouldn't be a cozy mystery if she couldn't do those things. The other characters don't get as much face time but I find myself liking some of them more than I do Kelly. Except her potential love interest, like Kelly, I found him annoying.
For plots they are pretty standard. People get murdered, someone who doesn't really have any business doing so investigates. But they are entertaining and each have their own variations and twists. I did like all the descriptions on the knitting and the yarn shop. Made me want to go break out my knitting needles. And they thoughtfully included patterns and recipes in the book as well so its useful too. The writing is easy to read although she does get overly fond of adjectives at time. When in the yarn shop this is great, but everywhere else it doesn't have as much charm.
Not a bad set of reads but I won't go rushing out to buy her books. I might get them if they came to me in a used bookshelf or through a friend.
Double Knit Murders
Copyright 2010
437 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2011
Knit One Kill Two has the main character, Kelly, coming to a small town in Colorado because her aunt who practically raised her had been murdered. Kelly has to settle affairs but doesn't believe that the vagabond caught running from her aunt's house is the actual killer so she decides to do some investigating on her own. She also spends time at the Knitting shop down the street where her aunt had frequented and finds herself drawn in by the wonderful yarns and maybe even being convinced to try knitting again. She makes some friends, discovers leads on the case, b ut must find out who the killer is before she becomes a target herself.
Needled to Death brings back Kelly and her knitting friends when another knitter, who owns an alpaca breeding operation is murdered. Once again, Kelly is on the case trying to desperately figured out who murdered their friend. When the friends daughter is also murdered, the case becomes even worse. And there's so many suspects, all with good motives. While trying to do all this Kelly finds a new found love of knitting scarves as well.
The characters are all rather unbelievable in these books. Especially when it comes to grief. In the 2nd book, Kelly is the first to find the body of her friend, yet she analyzes all the aspects of the crime and I don't think she sheds one tear or barely feels morose. That's pretty cold-hearted when its your friend. She also seems to jump into crime and figure out things a little too easy with a little too much assistance. But I suppose it wouldn't be a cozy mystery if she couldn't do those things. The other characters don't get as much face time but I find myself liking some of them more than I do Kelly. Except her potential love interest, like Kelly, I found him annoying.
For plots they are pretty standard. People get murdered, someone who doesn't really have any business doing so investigates. But they are entertaining and each have their own variations and twists. I did like all the descriptions on the knitting and the yarn shop. Made me want to go break out my knitting needles. And they thoughtfully included patterns and recipes in the book as well so its useful too. The writing is easy to read although she does get overly fond of adjectives at time. When in the yarn shop this is great, but everywhere else it doesn't have as much charm.
Not a bad set of reads but I won't go rushing out to buy her books. I might get them if they came to me in a used bookshelf or through a friend.
Double Knit Murders
Copyright 2010
437 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2011
December 20, 2010
It was pretty easy to picture the shop and cafe since I have actually shopped at Lambspun and eaten at the cafe. I liked the relationships between the characters. I loved some of the characters. Lizzie made me laugh especially when she was at the wool market. Carl was a hoot. I wonder if it will be trend that murders come in twos in all of her mysteries. I might have to try knitting a scarf now but having tried knitting before, I don't think it is as easy they try make it in the books especially with those fancy yarns. ;-)
March 30, 2011
Certainly not the greatest writing or mysteries ever. The author is very descriptively repetitive and both of the first two books start out with one murder and turn into two. However, both stories were very cute and if you're a knitter, the tidbits about yarn and patterns are a fun little shout out. Like most hobby-themed mystery series, the hobby is a lot of the appeal but the peripheral characters are great and worth reading the books for. I will definitely read at least the next couple in the series.
March 17, 2011
Got my nose in this book and could hardly put it down. This is one to read when you have absolutely nothing else to do but that will be totally lost.
Then, to make matters worse, it makes you want to go to a yarn shop and bury your hands in all the textures and colors - even if you don't knit...
I knit a little but really want to do a sweater since it sounds like something I can do...
Great story line if you like a little mystry in with your coffee and muffins.
Then, to make matters worse, it makes you want to go to a yarn shop and bury your hands in all the textures and colors - even if you don't knit...
I knit a little but really want to do a sweater since it sounds like something I can do...
Great story line if you like a little mystry in with your coffee and muffins.
September 10, 2016
Este libro es una coleccion con los dos primeros libros de esta serie.
El primero "Knit one Kill two" Quisiera decir que me gustó, pero lo encontre muy lento y no habia mucha accion para captar mi atención. De todas maneras pienso que es un misterio "light" que podria gustarle a muchos y pienso hacer el patron de sweter que trae incluido. Voy a leer la otra historia; solo que dejaré pasar un poco de tiempo.
El Segundo estuvo mejor, aunque muy previsible.
El primero "Knit one Kill two" Quisiera decir que me gustó, pero lo encontre muy lento y no habia mucha accion para captar mi atención. De todas maneras pienso que es un misterio "light" que podria gustarle a muchos y pienso hacer el patron de sweter que trae incluido. Voy a leer la otra historia; solo que dejaré pasar un poco de tiempo.
El Segundo estuvo mejor, aunque muy previsible.
June 19, 2012
This is a book of the first two stories in the "Knitting Mysteries" series.
I really enjoyed reading these stories. I identified with the main character and her introduction to the wonders, complexities, and joys of becoming a knitter. I have often felt the need to do as Kelly Flynn (main character) does and walk up to a basket of brightly coloured yarn, and just sink myself into it, at least elbow deep! LOL!!
I really enjoyed reading these stories. I identified with the main character and her introduction to the wonders, complexities, and joys of becoming a knitter. I have often felt the need to do as Kelly Flynn (main character) does and walk up to a basket of brightly coloured yarn, and just sink myself into it, at least elbow deep! LOL!!
April 26, 2012
This book is actually two books in one, and I only finished the first one. It is a good story, but something about it took me forever to finish, which is why I only gave it three stars. I liked the characters, the setting and the plot, but it didn't necessarily have that "pull" that most murder mysteries do.
June 16, 2016
I love this series so much that when I had a chance to read the first two books I jumped on it! Been a number of years since I first encountered this loving and lovely group of knitters and the delightful protagonist named Kelly.
Very well written plots with plenty of action to keep you glued to the book right to the very end!
Very well written plots with plenty of action to keep you glued to the book right to the very end!
August 14, 2011
I think if she doesn't back off with the coffee stuff, I'm done. Just for fun I decided to count the number of times she says coffee in the book...67! Coffee cup or mug...45! Black stream, black nectar, dark brew, black gold...11! OK, you get it, I was a little bored this weekend ;)
July 3, 2016
An enjoyable read of the cozy mystery genre. It may have been I, but I struggled for a few chapters in getting into the book. Later on, I enjoyed staying with it as the story progressed. Have continued on to the sequels.
December 8, 2016
Quick read
Nice book that reads up quickly. I like the sunshine vibe that you get from the story and it's nice to have a book for adults that doesn't involve lots of sex and language.
Nice book that reads up quickly. I like the sunshine vibe that you get from the story and it's nice to have a book for adults that doesn't involve lots of sex and language.
December 6, 2010
Good read for light mysteries.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews