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Jane Jeffry #2
A Farewell to Yarns
Life is hectic enough for suburban single mom Jane Jeffrey this Christmas season--what with her having to survive cutthroat church bazaar politics and finish knitting the afghan from Hell at the same time. The last thing the harried homemaker needs is an unwelcome visit from old acquaintance Phyllis Wagner and her ill-mannered brat of a teenage son. And the Wagner picture becomes even more complicated when a dead body is woven into the design.Solving a murder, however, is a lot more interesting than knitting, so Jane's determined to sew the whole thing up. But with a plethora of suspects and the appearance of a second corpse, this deadly tapestry is getting quite complex indeed. And Jane has to be very careful not to get strangled herself by the twisted threads shes attempting to unravel.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 1991
About the author
Jill Churchill
42 books200 followersA pseudonym used by Janice Young Brooks.
Jill Churchill, winner of the Agatha and Macavity Mystery Readers Awards, and nominated for an Anthony for her best-selling Jane Jeffry series, lives as Jane does, in a midwestern suburb. On purpose! She says writing this series and the Grace and Favor series is the best treat she can have without a knife and fork.
Under her real name, Janice Young Brooks, and various pseudonyms, she's written historical novels, a gothic novel, and a history textbook as well as many articles for newspapers and magazines. When she's not writing, she's avidly doing genealogy which she says is a lot like mysteries with all the red herrings, clues, speculations, and surprises.
She gardens enthusiastically, needlepoints superbly, and plays a mean game of gin against the computer. She has a son and daughter and two granddaughters, Rose Louise and Emma. Janice is currently in a battle of supremacy with her cat Max.
Jill Churchill, winner of the Agatha and Macavity Mystery Readers Awards, and nominated for an Anthony for her best-selling Jane Jeffry series, lives as Jane does, in a midwestern suburb. On purpose! She says writing this series and the Grace and Favor series is the best treat she can have without a knife and fork.
Under her real name, Janice Young Brooks, and various pseudonyms, she's written historical novels, a gothic novel, and a history textbook as well as many articles for newspapers and magazines. When she's not writing, she's avidly doing genealogy which she says is a lot like mysteries with all the red herrings, clues, speculations, and surprises.
She gardens enthusiastically, needlepoints superbly, and plays a mean game of gin against the computer. She has a son and daughter and two granddaughters, Rose Louise and Emma. Janice is currently in a battle of supremacy with her cat Max.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
April 17, 2010
I have read just about the entire Jane Jeffry Mystery series, but I had missed this, the second book. Being that I already knew things that happen years down the storyline, a lot of this book was very familiar. The mystery itself was new to me though. I had the suspects narrowed down to two, but wasn't sure who the killer was until it was revealed which is always a huge plus. I love the characters in this series and am glad that I went back to read this one.
January 2, 2009
The 2nd in the Jane Jeffry mystery series.
I rarely read a series out of order - but I started with the second book in this series because it had the word YARN in the title and my inner knitster forced me to read it.
These are definetly mystery light - but enjoyable. I liked this one well enough to go on a Jill Churchill rampage and read book after book.
I rarely read a series out of order - but I started with the second book in this series because it had the word YARN in the title and my inner knitster forced me to read it.
These are definetly mystery light - but enjoyable. I liked this one well enough to go on a Jill Churchill rampage and read book after book.
December 10, 2020
Another good entry in the series. I like Jane and reading about her adventures. The mystery in this one kept me guessing and I was entertained by the story. It does kind of throw you off though when you read an older book and wonder why someone has to go inside to call the police instead of just grabbing a cell phone from their pocket.
October 29, 2012
I acquired this book through a book swap on Ravelry. I had not heard of it before and only chose it because it had "Yarns" in the title.
I gave this book three stars mainly because there were some very humorous moments and phrasings found throughout the story.
I was disappointed because I guess the identity and motive of the murderer almost immediately.
The plot is pretty good. I enjoyed the characters and found them to be realistic.
I don't really like the main character, but I think that's more because I can't identify with her than any flaw in her make-up.
If the other books in this series have knitting/crochet weaved in, I may be interested in reading them.
I gave this book three stars mainly because there were some very humorous moments and phrasings found throughout the story.
I was disappointed because I guess the identity and motive of the murderer almost immediately.
The plot is pretty good. I enjoyed the characters and found them to be realistic.
I don't really like the main character, but I think that's more because I can't identify with her than any flaw in her make-up.
If the other books in this series have knitting/crochet weaved in, I may be interested in reading them.
February 14, 2012
This book was just as great as the first. During this stressful time (first year of teaching) I was looking for an easy and engaging read. This satisfied that for me!
February 5, 2016
I am in love with this series of books. Can't wait to read the next one.
September 6, 2022
Jane Jeffreys has enough going on in her life with carpools, her kids dishes on the counter, and knitting an afghan for a church fundraiser. So when an old friend Phylles visits not for a couple of days but for a couple of weeks and not just by herself but with her rude son, Jane is worried about how she is going to keep the seems of her hectic life together. When Phylles finds an apartment to stay at instead, Jane thinks that her life will being going back to normal that was until a sudden event unravels what she thought she knew.
♥I have been loving books mystery books through the eyes of a mother/housewife because they just see things differently than the cops.
♥Jane has grown as a detective from the first time that we met her. "If you knew a house had only a tiny only bedroom and a big master suite and was going to be lived in by a single mom and her teenage son, who would you expect to have the little room?" / Mel paused in midsentence. "The kid. Yeah-" / "Only Phyllis was the kid of sap that let him have the big room. Now, if you'd been the murder, prowling around in the dark to kill an obnoxious teenager in his sleep, which-"
In the first book, I felt so frustrated because Jane was missing things that were right in front of her. However, in this one, I felt like there were inquiries that I had not thought of.
❌While I was impressed with the growth in the story, I predicted who the killer was in this one as well.
❌Jane gets a phone call that the police are at Phyllis house. When she immediately rushes over, she finds out that her friend was brutally murdered. In a state of shock, she starts SMOKING and the cop gives her an ashtray. (While they are standing in her friend's apartment.) Don't they need to do forensics?
❌I wanted more time with all of the characters. The book has such a foray of strong characters so I'm confused that we only got to see Jane's best friend and a bit of Suzie. Especially because a big part of the book is in the background of the church fundraiser which could have been an opportunity to see all of them.
♥I have been loving books mystery books through the eyes of a mother/housewife because they just see things differently than the cops.
♥Jane has grown as a detective from the first time that we met her. "If you knew a house had only a tiny only bedroom and a big master suite and was going to be lived in by a single mom and her teenage son, who would you expect to have the little room?" / Mel paused in midsentence. "The kid. Yeah-" / "Only Phyllis was the kid of sap that let him have the big room. Now, if you'd been the murder, prowling around in the dark to kill an obnoxious teenager in his sleep, which-"
In the first book, I felt so frustrated because Jane was missing things that were right in front of her. However, in this one, I felt like there were inquiries that I had not thought of.
❌While I was impressed with the growth in the story, I predicted who the killer was in this one as well.
❌Jane gets a phone call that the police are at Phyllis house. When she immediately rushes over, she finds out that her friend was brutally murdered. In a state of shock, she starts SMOKING and the cop gives her an ashtray. (While they are standing in her friend's apartment.) Don't they need to do forensics?
❌I wanted more time with all of the characters. The book has such a foray of strong characters so I'm confused that we only got to see Jane's best friend and a bit of Suzie. Especially because a big part of the book is in the background of the church fundraiser which could have been an opportunity to see all of them.
September 15, 2020
Oh my dogness.
Mom and I loved this book so much it. First of the mystery takes place at Christmas. The way the author captures the Christmas experience was rather interesting. (Wither the author intentionally meant to make it a 'Christmas' mystery or not I am not sure, nor is mom, but it does take place during Christmas time a she does capture the chaotic rush of Christmas.) For example we start the book with Jane and Shelley of to airport to pick up Phyllis. On the way to the airport Jane is crocheting an afghan and Shelley is driving like a crazy lady. (To be far Shelley drives like a crazy all the time, but it really does add to that Christmas rush feeling.) When they get to the airport Shelley and Jane find the Phyllis is not alone. (Jane was not against Phyllis, who was a friend from way back who Jane had only barely kept InTouch with by letter, come for Christmas.) For a moment they thing that Phyllis has a young boy toy with her, comes to realize it is far worse. Phyllis has brought along her strange son, who Shelley and Jane are luck to have not killed by the time they get back to Jane's house. Phyllis wants to help Jane and Shelley up the Christmas Craft Sale at the neighbors house. Phyllis loves all this so much that she decides to buy the empty house eight next store to the neighbors. (I forgot to mention that Phyllis is ridiculously rich.) In less than 24 hours Phyllis is moved in across the street. And in less than 24 hours Jane finds her friend dead. Jane needs to figure out who will kill such a sweet woman. Her husband, her estranged son, or maybe her step-son? It up to Jane, with a little help from Shelley and Mel VanDyne.
Mom and I loved this book so much it. First of the mystery takes place at Christmas. The way the author captures the Christmas experience was rather interesting. (Wither the author intentionally meant to make it a 'Christmas' mystery or not I am not sure, nor is mom, but it does take place during Christmas time a she does capture the chaotic rush of Christmas.) For example we start the book with Jane and Shelley of to airport to pick up Phyllis. On the way to the airport Jane is crocheting an afghan and Shelley is driving like a crazy lady. (To be far Shelley drives like a crazy all the time, but it really does add to that Christmas rush feeling.) When they get to the airport Shelley and Jane find the Phyllis is not alone. (Jane was not against Phyllis, who was a friend from way back who Jane had only barely kept InTouch with by letter, come for Christmas.) For a moment they thing that Phyllis has a young boy toy with her, comes to realize it is far worse. Phyllis has brought along her strange son, who Shelley and Jane are luck to have not killed by the time they get back to Jane's house. Phyllis wants to help Jane and Shelley up the Christmas Craft Sale at the neighbors house. Phyllis loves all this so much that she decides to buy the empty house eight next store to the neighbors. (I forgot to mention that Phyllis is ridiculously rich.) In less than 24 hours Phyllis is moved in across the street. And in less than 24 hours Jane finds her friend dead. Jane needs to figure out who will kill such a sweet woman. Her husband, her estranged son, or maybe her step-son? It up to Jane, with a little help from Shelley and Mel VanDyne.
July 6, 2017
This was my first time reading anything by Jill Churchill. I like "hobby" mysteries--book sellers, bakers, crafters; so when I found this at the library I gave it a shot.
The writing is find, but I didn't care for the main character. She is a single mother with 3 kids, 2 cats and a dog and is disorganized. Nothing against Ms. Churchill but I just don't care for stories where the main character is a mommy.
The plot is, protagonist Jane has an old friend (Phyllis) come to visit right before Christmas. She brings with her a sullen teen boy, who turns out to be the baby she gave up for adoption when she got pregnant at 15. Her wealthy husband found the teen as a surprise for her. The kid is a major brat but Phyllis is blind to his faults.
All in one day, Phyllis tells Jane the story of her son, buys a house, moves in and the next day is found murdered. This is not a spoiler, it's on the cover.
It just gets boring from there as Jane and her friends are busy setting up a church Christmas bazaar. The mystery seems like an afterthought.
Unlike a lot of the "hobby" mysteries/stories, this one did not have any patterns or even much talk of knitting. Actually, Jane was crocheting a blanket, and according to my yarn buddies, neither are interchangeable. (You either knit or crochet. Go figure.)
That's all I've got.
The writing is find, but I didn't care for the main character. She is a single mother with 3 kids, 2 cats and a dog and is disorganized. Nothing against Ms. Churchill but I just don't care for stories where the main character is a mommy.
The plot is, protagonist Jane has an old friend (Phyllis) come to visit right before Christmas. She brings with her a sullen teen boy, who turns out to be the baby she gave up for adoption when she got pregnant at 15. Her wealthy husband found the teen as a surprise for her. The kid is a major brat but Phyllis is blind to his faults.
All in one day, Phyllis tells Jane the story of her son, buys a house, moves in and the next day is found murdered. This is not a spoiler, it's on the cover.
It just gets boring from there as Jane and her friends are busy setting up a church Christmas bazaar. The mystery seems like an afterthought.
Unlike a lot of the "hobby" mysteries/stories, this one did not have any patterns or even much talk of knitting. Actually, Jane was crocheting a blanket, and according to my yarn buddies, neither are interchangeable. (You either knit or crochet. Go figure.)
That's all I've got.
December 18, 2018
Mostly about the chaotic lifestyle of a suburban widow with three kids to take care of during an especially hectic holiday season - she has to maintain a busy household, chauffeur the kids to and from various activities, oversee a church Christmas bazaar, all while entertaining a visiting friend and her teenage son, who unfortunately are the victims of a grisly murder.
No commentary or subliminal plot lines about dieting, watching weight and figure, fashion and makeup; the suburban ladies here eat what they want, smoke, drink and do what they feel like doing without any guilt. Husbands are hardly mentioned.
The murder story line is somewhat complex involving ghosts from the past, hidden secrets, teenage indiscretions, and the downside of fame. All-in-all an entertaining cozy mystery with lots of Christmas flavor and atmosphere.
No commentary or subliminal plot lines about dieting, watching weight and figure, fashion and makeup; the suburban ladies here eat what they want, smoke, drink and do what they feel like doing without any guilt. Husbands are hardly mentioned.
The murder story line is somewhat complex involving ghosts from the past, hidden secrets, teenage indiscretions, and the downside of fame. All-in-all an entertaining cozy mystery with lots of Christmas flavor and atmosphere.
May 8, 2019
Phyllis Wagner was young and naïve when she was Jane Jeffries' neighbor years ago. Now her husband is immensely rich, and she's still naïve when she comes to visit Jane, dragging her obnoxious long-lost son with her. The last thing Jane expects is for someone to murder Phyllis! She feels guilty because the friendship mattered to Phyllis a lot more than it mattered to Jane, who is just trying to live her life as a widow with three children. As Jane tries to juggle with Christmas preparations, helping with the church Christmas bazaar, dealing with Phyllis' possibly grief-stricken husband, and the handsome detective investigating the case, she finds that things are not what they might appear on the surface.
March 17, 2019
#2 in her mid 30’s and recently widowed now single parent of three children Jane Jeffry mystery series set in a Chicago suburb. Supporting characters add weight to the story: her three children, neighbor and good friend Shelley Nowack, dreamy police homicide detective Mel VanDyne and earthy neighbor Suzie Williams.
It is December and Jane and neighbors are getting things ready for their church’s annual Christmas bazaar when Jane’s long time friend, Phyllis Wagner, arrives for a visit along with her extremely boorish and rude brat of a teenage son. It is not before Phyllis and son become murder victims and Jane is determined to solve it.
It is December and Jane and neighbors are getting things ready for their church’s annual Christmas bazaar when Jane’s long time friend, Phyllis Wagner, arrives for a visit along with her extremely boorish and rude brat of a teenage son. It is not before Phyllis and son become murder victims and Jane is determined to solve it.
June 9, 2025
I like the Jane Jeffrys books. The lady is doing the best job she can raising three teenagers(one is a preteen) without a husband and on limited resources. Sometimes in the book she seems like a Supermom. And the kids seem to like her too. This story takes place around Christmas and centers on a Christmas Bazaar. And who should arrive at her house, but an old friend with a nasty son. So she is a busy lady! But not too busy to solve two murders. With the help of a police detective, Mel VanDyne, who is slowly becoming a love interest. This novel kept me reading to the very end.
May 4, 2019
This is 2nd in the series and the first time reading this author. The main character is Jane, who has an old friend, Phyllis coming to visit. Within 24 hours of arriving, Phyllis is murdered. Jane is thrown into everything trying to figure out what happened and who did what. I enjoyed this story and can't wait to see what comes next.
March 5, 2018
Reread this oldie cozy for my Crime and a Cuppa book talks and remembered why I always liked this series . Sure they are dated now but still funny and witty and a neat puzzle to solve. Pretty good getaway reading.
June 23, 2018
This is a fun, cozy mystery, set at Christmas time in Chicago in the early 90s. I like this series for it’s interesting plots, well drawn characters, and a gentle sense of humor. I enjoyed this one very much.
January 31, 2018
nice murder mystery with a couple twist
April 19, 2018
I wish I'd started this series years ago, it's great fun!
June 22, 2018
A simple but fun story. The main character really keeps me in this series. I enjoyed the mystery.
June 25, 2020
This book kept my attention all the way through.
January 10, 2022
An okay book. Exactly what I thought when I purchased it. The ending was slightly different than I expected. Overall a decent entry in this genre.
March 1, 2023
Such a good series with a group of fun characters
April 16, 2023
Another enjoyable cozy. I will continue the series.
April 23, 2023
I continue to enjoy this series. Will definitely read another one.
April 28, 2024
Got a lot yarn put away and de-stashed will reading book.
May 12, 2025
Very entertaining! Great cozy with just the right touch of humor infused throughout the book.
November 8, 2025
Another easy read.
April 16, 2026
A fun, quick read, but I must confess I suspected the real killer early on.
August 17, 2016
ISBN: 1-58547-538-6 (hc, LP)
©1991
27 chapters/200 pages (or it could've been 238--can't read my notes)
Chapter 11 Review (3/11/13)—Haven’t quite gotten halfway yet and I’m filled with an overwhelming distaste for all involved. Jane’s annoying. Her kids suck. Shelley, well, she’s probably the one recurring character I don’t mind so much, but I can’t stand Jane or her love interest, Mel VanDyne, at all—and it sucks he’s Dutch because I adore Dutchmen and he would make one feel otherwise. I think he’s a jerk, though I suppose the authoress thought she was creating an attractive man—but I beg to differ. He’s wise-cracking, rude, and controlled solely by his lower brain when it comes to Jane, which tells me he isn’t so much interested in her as he is in scoring with an older woman. He hides his hormonal rages behind a very think wall of “caring” about her, but, really, he’s simply on the make, a man who thinks any “relationship” begins (and ends) with a roll in the hay. It’s all he ever does or says to her (when he’s not bickering with or insulting her): a petition for getting things started between them, first and foremost, by a night in bed. And she’s stupid enough to be tempted! She learned nothing fro her first disastrous marriage about finding a man who actually values her for her (which, I admit, she, in real life, never could/would because she doesn’t value herself), but she’ll allow her own hormones to control her, and these people really think they’re experiencing “free sex,” life without being enslaved to a moral code—excuse me, but you’re not free; you’re now just enslaved to/by SEX. And that’s put you in league with the animal kingdom because that’s basically all that rules/guides an animal, especially one in heat, as Mel is (consistently and constantly). I’m going to finish the story (though I know Who, Why, etc.), but I’m not interested in continuing on with this series. Jane Jeffry just isn’t worth the time.
My Review (spoiler alert!)—Nothing more to add (see above). I guessed who it (or should I say, “they”?), so no real “gotcha” there (because, if you pay close attention, you’ll see why it CAN’T be the one you start to suspect). And I still don’t like Jane [since I’m finally getting around to writing this review, 8/17/16, I don’t remember characters’ names unless, of course, I wrote them out and not in my shorthand, which uses the initials “JF,” so this may not be Jane], Mel, or the foul-mouthed Suzie Williams any more than I did before.
My biggest problem is: In one chapter, JF petitions God to give her a break because she’s “a nice person,” yet she’s easy with using Jesus’ Name in vain—and still calls herself a Christian (even putting up a crèche) and going to church. Well, I used to have a potty mouth to rival Suzie Williams (Before I rededicated my life to Christ), but the one expletive I NEVER used (never COULD get myself to use His Name blasphemously) was “Jesus.” I find the freedom with which all these women use His Name in vain unnecessary.
Grade: F (I won’t be finishing the series)
©1991
27 chapters/200 pages (or it could've been 238--can't read my notes)
Chapter 11 Review (3/11/13)—Haven’t quite gotten halfway yet and I’m filled with an overwhelming distaste for all involved. Jane’s annoying. Her kids suck. Shelley, well, she’s probably the one recurring character I don’t mind so much, but I can’t stand Jane or her love interest, Mel VanDyne, at all—and it sucks he’s Dutch because I adore Dutchmen and he would make one feel otherwise. I think he’s a jerk, though I suppose the authoress thought she was creating an attractive man—but I beg to differ. He’s wise-cracking, rude, and controlled solely by his lower brain when it comes to Jane, which tells me he isn’t so much interested in her as he is in scoring with an older woman. He hides his hormonal rages behind a very think wall of “caring” about her, but, really, he’s simply on the make, a man who thinks any “relationship” begins (and ends) with a roll in the hay. It’s all he ever does or says to her (when he’s not bickering with or insulting her): a petition for getting things started between them, first and foremost, by a night in bed. And she’s stupid enough to be tempted! She learned nothing fro her first disastrous marriage about finding a man who actually values her for her (which, I admit, she, in real life, never could/would because she doesn’t value herself), but she’ll allow her own hormones to control her, and these people really think they’re experiencing “free sex,” life without being enslaved to a moral code—excuse me, but you’re not free; you’re now just enslaved to/by SEX. And that’s put you in league with the animal kingdom because that’s basically all that rules/guides an animal, especially one in heat, as Mel is (consistently and constantly). I’m going to finish the story (though I know Who, Why, etc.), but I’m not interested in continuing on with this series. Jane Jeffry just isn’t worth the time.
My Review (spoiler alert!)—Nothing more to add (see above). I guessed who it (or should I say, “they”?), so no real “gotcha” there (because, if you pay close attention, you’ll see why it CAN’T be the one you start to suspect). And I still don’t like Jane [since I’m finally getting around to writing this review, 8/17/16, I don’t remember characters’ names unless, of course, I wrote them out and not in my shorthand, which uses the initials “JF,” so this may not be Jane], Mel, or the foul-mouthed Suzie Williams any more than I did before.
My biggest problem is: In one chapter, JF petitions God to give her a break because she’s “a nice person,” yet she’s easy with using Jesus’ Name in vain—and still calls herself a Christian (even putting up a crèche) and going to church. Well, I used to have a potty mouth to rival Suzie Williams (Before I rededicated my life to Christ), but the one expletive I NEVER used (never COULD get myself to use His Name blasphemously) was “Jesus.” I find the freedom with which all these women use His Name in vain unnecessary.
Grade: F (I won’t be finishing the series)
January 22, 2010
This will be the first Christmas since Jane Jeffry lost her husband in a car accident and she's determined to make it a good one for her three children, Mike, Katie, and Todd. Jane thinks she has everything under control (as much as anyone can during the holidays), even having time to crochet an afghan for an upcoming Christmas bazaar, but she is thrown for a loop when an old friend, Phyllis Wagner, tells Jane she is coming for a visit. Jane hasn't seen Phyllis in years and is wondering why Phyllis would want to spend Christmas with her instead of her rich and seemingly devoted husband. However, Jane gets an inkling of what is going on when Phyllis shows up with her long lost and extremely obnoxious son, Bobby. Phyllis settles in quickly, quickly buying a house in Jane's neighborhood, but is just as quickly murdered. There are plenty of suspects, including Bobby, Phyllis's husband Chet, and Chet's son John. A second murder narrows the list of suspects even further. Jane has been involved in murder investigations before and doesn't mind helping hunky detective Mel Van Dyne as he investigates this one.
"A Farewell to Yarns" is the delightful follow-up to Jill Churchill's first Jane Jeffry mystery Grime and Punishment (Jane Jeffrey Mystery Series #1). Jane continues to grow as a character - she can be strong willed yet find herself agreeing to open her house to someone she hasn't seen in years. Jane's friend Shelly Nowack also continues to grow as a character - she is a voice of reason when Jane isn't strong enough to do it herself and her helping Jane's kids plan a Christmas surprise for her was a great touch in the book. One of the things Churchill does best in the series is when she describes the world of the suburban housewife - most of the women in the series are stay at home mothers and I love the glimpses into their lives as Jane juggles carpooling for three children, volunteer activities, Christmas decorating, shopping, and crocheting an afghan for the bazaar. Mike's Christmas concert is a good example of how the small details make the book better. I also loved the details about the bazaar, especially when to came to pricing the items for sale. The minor characters are all well done especially Chet, Fiona and Albert Howard, Jane's "Uncle" Jim, and the always-delightful Suzie Williams. The romance between Jane and Mel is a nice, slow one, understandable because of the recent death of her husband, and it takes a step forward by the end of this book. The mystery is well plotted and had several intriguing twists, especially at the end, that will surprise readers.
"A Farewell to Yarns" is a well-done cozy mystery.
"A Farewell to Yarns" is the delightful follow-up to Jill Churchill's first Jane Jeffry mystery Grime and Punishment (Jane Jeffrey Mystery Series #1). Jane continues to grow as a character - she can be strong willed yet find herself agreeing to open her house to someone she hasn't seen in years. Jane's friend Shelly Nowack also continues to grow as a character - she is a voice of reason when Jane isn't strong enough to do it herself and her helping Jane's kids plan a Christmas surprise for her was a great touch in the book. One of the things Churchill does best in the series is when she describes the world of the suburban housewife - most of the women in the series are stay at home mothers and I love the glimpses into their lives as Jane juggles carpooling for three children, volunteer activities, Christmas decorating, shopping, and crocheting an afghan for the bazaar. Mike's Christmas concert is a good example of how the small details make the book better. I also loved the details about the bazaar, especially when to came to pricing the items for sale. The minor characters are all well done especially Chet, Fiona and Albert Howard, Jane's "Uncle" Jim, and the always-delightful Suzie Williams. The romance between Jane and Mel is a nice, slow one, understandable because of the recent death of her husband, and it takes a step forward by the end of this book. The mystery is well plotted and had several intriguing twists, especially at the end, that will surprise readers.
"A Farewell to Yarns" is a well-done cozy mystery.
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