Seaside Knitters Mysteries

I have been a big fan of mysteries since I was a pre-teen.  It was about that same time that I first learned to knit through 4-H.  Move ahead many years and it is not surprising that I read a couple of knitting related mystery series.

Recently I finished the latest installment of the Seaside Knitters Mystery series, A Fatal Fleece.  This is the sixth book and Sally Goldenbaum continues to turn out engaging new plots. 

The characters are all inhabitants of a small seaside town but vary enough to offer many twists and turns to the plots.  Despite age and career differences they are tied together through the women at the local knit shop.  In many books a young yarn shop owner, her aunt and uncle, a lobster fisherman, the singer with a local band and a rich elderly woman would not have a lot in common.  I have found knitting to be a bond like that in real life as well. 

Goldenbaum's mystery plots are well worth the read even if you are not a knitter.  The main tie to knitting is the relationship between characters.  Although I have never lived by the sea the details seem plausible and real. This particular book touched me because the murder reminds us that "family" is not necessarily and can take on many shapes within a community.  I have experienced this many times in my own life.

Although this is a series it would not hurt to pick up or check out a copy of A Fatal Fleece, you will learn everything that is important to this story.  Then, perhaps, you will choose to start back at the beginning.  Don't knit?  Don't worry the mystery and setting will keep you engaged.

A Wedding, A Knitted Shawl and A Mystery

I love series mysteries where I get to know and care about a whole community of people that share my interests.  Sally Goldenbaum writes a series called the Seaside Knitters Mysteries which appeals to two of my hobbies--knitting and mysteries. 

I just finished The Wedding Shawl the fifth book in the series.  Izzy, the owner of the local yarn shop is getting married.  Her Aunt Nell is busy getting their house and yard ready to host the big event.  Izzy's friends are busy working on a special knitted lace shawl to complement the wedding dress.  The local band is preparing to provide music for the event and almost everyone in town is looking forward to seeing "their" Izzy marry Sam Perry. 

First a book discussion led by a local author dredges up a fifteen year old cold case that occurred in town.  Then the best friend of the murdered teenager is murdered, too.  Can Izzy, Aunt Nell, Birdie and Cas bring closure to two murders and finish a knitted lace shawl before Izzy walks down the isle?

While the knitting of the shawl is important to the story you need not be a knitter to enjoy The Wedding Shawl.  The friendships and personalities are warm and believable.  The mystery has twists and turns and although they feel threatened the group does not back off or give up.

Just for knitters the pattern for the wedding shawl is included.  Nell's recipe for Grilled Lobster Tails with Orange Butter Sauce is also in the book. 

The previous four books are Death by Cashmere, Patterns in the Sand, Moon Spinners and A Holiday Yarn.  Each includes a knitting pattern that ties in to the book and many of the yummy recipes mentioned are available on Goldenbaum's website.  Her next book, A Fatal Fleece, is due May 1, 2012.