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Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery #5
Knot the Usual Suspects
In the latest from the bestselling author of Plagued by Quilt , Kath Rutledge yarn bombs Blue Plum, Tennessee—and gets tangled up in the mystery of a bumped-off bagpiper.
It’s time for Handmade Blue Plum, an annual arts and crafts fair, and Kath and her knitting group TGIF (Thank Goodness It’s Fiber) plan to kick off the festivities with a yarn bombing. But they’re not the only ones needling Blue Plum. Bagpiper and former resident Hugh McPhee had just returned after a long absence, yet his reception is anything but cozy. The morning after his arrival, he’s found dead in full piper’s regalia.
Although shaken, Kath and her knitting group go forward with their yarn installation—only to hit a deadly snag. Now, with the help of Geneva, the ghost who haunts her shop, Kath and TGIF need to unravel the mystery before someone else gets kilt!
It’s time for Handmade Blue Plum, an annual arts and crafts fair, and Kath and her knitting group TGIF (Thank Goodness It’s Fiber) plan to kick off the festivities with a yarn bombing. But they’re not the only ones needling Blue Plum. Bagpiper and former resident Hugh McPhee had just returned after a long absence, yet his reception is anything but cozy. The morning after his arrival, he’s found dead in full piper’s regalia.
Although shaken, Kath and her knitting group go forward with their yarn installation—only to hit a deadly snag. Now, with the help of Geneva, the ghost who haunts her shop, Kath and TGIF need to unravel the mystery before someone else gets kilt!
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
68 people are currently reading
822 people want to read
About the author
Molly MacRae
21 books838 followersMolly MacRae spent twenty years in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Upper East Tennessee, where she managed The Book Place, an independent bookstore; may it rest in peace.
Before the lure of books hooked her, she was curator of the history museum in Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town.
MacRae lives with her family in Champaign, Illinois, where she connects children with books at the public library.
Before the lure of books hooked her, she was curator of the history museum in Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town.
MacRae lives with her family in Champaign, Illinois, where she connects children with books at the public library.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
August 31, 2015
This latest entry (book 5 in the Haunted Yarn Shop series) was my first experience with this author and her captivating Blue Plum, TN residents. I am always a little nervous about jumping into an established series, and will usually go out of my way to begin with book 1 and work forward so that I don't feel lost in regard to character relationships and established backstory. However, in this instance I had an opportunity I just couldn't pass up - an offer to receive a complimentary copy of this book prior to its release in exchange for my honest review. Since I am a lover of cozy mysteries, have no problem sharing an honest opinion and always enjoy discovering new authors I happily accepted the invitation. I am so glad I did. I really enjoyed this book, and warmed up to the characters immediately. The mystery elements were solid, and I was not disappointed in the resolution. That said, while I always enjoy a good mystery I found just as much enjoyment in the characters (living and not-so-living) and their rapport with one another. The author thoughtfully included a "cast of characters" in the front of the book, and that did help me get my feet under me a little bit as there are quite a few. The paranormal/ghost aspect was fun without being overwhelming or too dark. The story is well paced, and I never felt that it was dragging or being drawn out too much, or conversely too rushed. It seemed just right (Do I sound like Goldilocks there, sorry). The only problem I found with this book was that now I feel like I want to go back and read the other 4 in the series and I really didn't need that big an addition to my "to be read" pile (it was already pretty big to being with). This story does stand well on its own, and I feel like I got a good idea of the relationships but I also feel like I want to know the history between these people and learn how they got where they are. Ms. MacRae has pulled me into the circle she created here, and I find I really want to go back and spend more time with these people of Blue Plum. Well done, Ms. MacRae.**As stated, I did receive a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased, honest opinion. I do not know this author, have no personal connection to her or anyone involved with this material and this was my first experience with her work.
September 8, 2015
A fun cozy mystery that takes place in the scenic town of Blue Plum, Tennessee. The cast of characters is a great deal of fun. The well described scenery sounds like heaven on Earth. The mystery itself kept me guessing until the very end. I enjoyed my short stay in the Haunted Yarn Shop and will be looking for others in the series. The chemistry between Kath and the other characters (including ghost, Geneva) is real and well developed. I love the fact that the knitting group decides to Yarn Bomb the town on the eve of the town's annual craft fair. Unfortunately, someone else has some surprises for the town as well.... murder. Now Kath and the gang are up a creek without a paddle if they cannot figure out whodunnit.
I was given a copy of the book by the author in return for a fair and honest review.
I was given a copy of the book by the author in return for a fair and honest review.
March 1, 2024
Fun characters are like old friends by now. The mysteries are intriguing and there are Plenty of Laughs!! Just what I like in a book!
I listened to the BARD Audio.
I listened to the BARD Audio.
July 29, 2021
This was such a fun trip to Blue Plum & the haunted yarn shop. I love these cozies – they're warm, light, and have great mysteries and twists. (And somehow the writing is still very well done, while most cozy mysteries drop in sharply in quality after book 3 or 4) 8/10
February 25, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/kn...
Knot the Usual Suspects
A Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery #5
Author: Molly MacRae
ISBN13: 9780451471314
Author website: http://www.mollymacrae.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
In the latest from the bestselling author of Plagued by Quilt, Kath Rutledge yarn bombs Blue Plum, Tennessee—and gets tangled up in the mystery of a bumped-off bagpiper.
It’s time for Handmade Blue Plum, an annual arts and crafts fair, and Kath and her knitting group TGIF (Thank Goodness It’s Fiber) plan to kick off the festivities with a yarn bombing. But they’re not the only ones needling Blue Plum. Bagpiper and former resident Hugh McPhee had just returned after a long absence, yet his reception is anything but cozy. The morning after his arrival, he’s found dead in full piper’s regalia.
Although shaken, Kath and her knitting group go forward with their yarn installation—only to hit a deadly snag. Now, with the help of Geneva, the ghost who haunts her shop, Kath and TGIF need to unravel the mystery before someone else gets kilt!
Review:
In Knot the Usual Suspects the main character Kath Rutledge and her coworkers and friends are planning to yarn bomb Blue Plum to celebrate the annual arts and crafts fair Handmade Blue Plum. Pretty interesting information about yarn bombing here as well as another great book in the “A Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery” series. This series is special to me since it is set here in Tennessee. I like that author Molly MacRae does not over do the supernatural aspect of this series. I am not normally a fan of them, but the ghost in this series is more like a main character and I can sometimes forget she is even a ghost.
As the gang is getting ready for not only the fair, but their secret mission of yarn bombing, a character from the town’s past returns home. Hugh McPhee once lived in Blue Plum and left never to return it seemed to those who had known him. No one knows why he has returned and where he had been. But when he plays his bagpipe in the middle of town everyone notices he is there. Unfortunately after a late night of piping in full outfit, the strange bagpiper ends up dead. Kath and her knitting group TGIF – Thank Goodness It’s Fiber have to find the answers and get the yarn bombing done as well.
Not only are the characters well written and developed but the setting comes to life in the words of Molly MacRae. The mystery is an adventure and kept me guessing till the conclusion. The interaction between characters including ghost Geneva is amusing and entertaining. I loved the back story of the victim and how it related to several members of this town. Somehow when I read this, all of the colors and settings came to life. Thanks, I am sure, to the wonderful writing style of Molly MacRae. I am sure any reader will be happy to come back to Blue Plum again and again.
Knot the Usual Suspects is the fifth in this enjoyable series, but I do not think you have to read them in order. I am sure once you read this one (or any other) you will want to read all of them. The author does a great job of introducing the reader to the characters and the town without boring those of us who already know them. I would recommend this fun-filled book to any lover of the cozy novels, knitters or crafters and those that enjoy a great cast of characters and a well written tale. Readers that enjoy a bit of the supernatural in their books will love this one. I think those that do not care for supernatural in your reads will still appreciate and like this book and this series. I cannot wait for my next journey to this cozy little town and a visit with the fabulous characters.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
Knot the Usual Suspects
A Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery #5
Author: Molly MacRae
ISBN13: 9780451471314
Author website: http://www.mollymacrae.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
In the latest from the bestselling author of Plagued by Quilt, Kath Rutledge yarn bombs Blue Plum, Tennessee—and gets tangled up in the mystery of a bumped-off bagpiper.
It’s time for Handmade Blue Plum, an annual arts and crafts fair, and Kath and her knitting group TGIF (Thank Goodness It’s Fiber) plan to kick off the festivities with a yarn bombing. But they’re not the only ones needling Blue Plum. Bagpiper and former resident Hugh McPhee had just returned after a long absence, yet his reception is anything but cozy. The morning after his arrival, he’s found dead in full piper’s regalia.
Although shaken, Kath and her knitting group go forward with their yarn installation—only to hit a deadly snag. Now, with the help of Geneva, the ghost who haunts her shop, Kath and TGIF need to unravel the mystery before someone else gets kilt!
Review:
In Knot the Usual Suspects the main character Kath Rutledge and her coworkers and friends are planning to yarn bomb Blue Plum to celebrate the annual arts and crafts fair Handmade Blue Plum. Pretty interesting information about yarn bombing here as well as another great book in the “A Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery” series. This series is special to me since it is set here in Tennessee. I like that author Molly MacRae does not over do the supernatural aspect of this series. I am not normally a fan of them, but the ghost in this series is more like a main character and I can sometimes forget she is even a ghost.
As the gang is getting ready for not only the fair, but their secret mission of yarn bombing, a character from the town’s past returns home. Hugh McPhee once lived in Blue Plum and left never to return it seemed to those who had known him. No one knows why he has returned and where he had been. But when he plays his bagpipe in the middle of town everyone notices he is there. Unfortunately after a late night of piping in full outfit, the strange bagpiper ends up dead. Kath and her knitting group TGIF – Thank Goodness It’s Fiber have to find the answers and get the yarn bombing done as well.
Not only are the characters well written and developed but the setting comes to life in the words of Molly MacRae. The mystery is an adventure and kept me guessing till the conclusion. The interaction between characters including ghost Geneva is amusing and entertaining. I loved the back story of the victim and how it related to several members of this town. Somehow when I read this, all of the colors and settings came to life. Thanks, I am sure, to the wonderful writing style of Molly MacRae. I am sure any reader will be happy to come back to Blue Plum again and again.
Knot the Usual Suspects is the fifth in this enjoyable series, but I do not think you have to read them in order. I am sure once you read this one (or any other) you will want to read all of them. The author does a great job of introducing the reader to the characters and the town without boring those of us who already know them. I would recommend this fun-filled book to any lover of the cozy novels, knitters or crafters and those that enjoy a great cast of characters and a well written tale. Readers that enjoy a bit of the supernatural in their books will love this one. I think those that do not care for supernatural in your reads will still appreciate and like this book and this series. I cannot wait for my next journey to this cozy little town and a visit with the fabulous characters.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
September 6, 2015
Knot the Usual Suspects by Molly MacRae is a very enjoyable read. This was my first trip to Blue Plum, Tennessee (this book is fifth in the Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery series), and I can assure you it won’t be my last. Aside from the lovely cover, the first thing that really appealed to me was the inclusion of a Cast of Characters. This is always helpful, especially when one is starting the series in the middle. I have never read a “haunted” story, but I was drawn in immediately to the ghost character of Geneva who is quite sassy and made me smile and laugh out loud, I really like her personality. The characters are warm and down to earth, and very likeable (well, most of them – lol!). I enjoy knitting, mysteries, small towns, and reading about knitting and mysteries in small towns so this book was perfect for me. Another thing that I really liked was that I was kept guessing until the end…..I really dislike it when I figure out the mystery/murder/culprit before the end, and this did not happen with Knot the Usual Suspects. I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, which I have given, and I will most certainly be ordering the first book in the series so that I can get caught up on all of the back stories. I highly recommend!
September 1, 2015
I really enjoyed this trip to Blue Plum. I loved the characters, Kath is a very likeable woman who with her knitting group is trying to solve the murder of her cousin's former student. The mystery is good and kept me guessing, with twists that kept me changing my mind. The story moves at a steady pace and my pages started turning faster the further I got into the book. I have to say that I liked most of the characters but I fell in love with Ernestine, she doesn't play a huge part in the book but while she was around I thoroughly enjoyed her. Geneva the ghost of the story had me laughing a few times and the yarn bombing that takes place had me laughing out loud a couple of times, I could picture it so clearly. My only drawback with book was that a couple of times I was confused with who was talking at the time and had to back up once or twice to double check, but that was so minor. I will definitely continue on with this series and can't wait for the next adventures in Blue Plum.
I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review, and this is my honest review.
I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review, and this is my honest review.
September 1, 2015
Author Molly MacRae has written another winner in the Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery series. Like a beautiful afghan, every new stich she makes in this series only serves to make it more wonderful.
KNOT THE USUAL SUSPECTS is absolutely delightful. I can’t knit a knot, but I loved reading about the lovely projects this fun loving, sassy group of characters create. It really does inspire me to want to learn the craft.
Kath and crew find themselves in the middle of another murder, and of course they investigate, with the help of resident ghost, Geneva.
Ms. MacRae has a wonderful talent for combining mystery, fun, crafting, and the paranormal. With twists and turns and surprises all the way to the exciting reveal, KNOT THE USUAL SUSPECTS is a must read mystery that will thrill readers and have them begging the author for more.
This is also a great mystery for readers of several mystery sub-genres. Craft-cozies, and para-cozies. There is indeed something for everyone in this one.
Don’t forget to check out the back of the book for recipes and knitting patterns!
KNOT THE USUAL SUSPECTS is absolutely delightful. I can’t knit a knot, but I loved reading about the lovely projects this fun loving, sassy group of characters create. It really does inspire me to want to learn the craft.
Kath and crew find themselves in the middle of another murder, and of course they investigate, with the help of resident ghost, Geneva.
Ms. MacRae has a wonderful talent for combining mystery, fun, crafting, and the paranormal. With twists and turns and surprises all the way to the exciting reveal, KNOT THE USUAL SUSPECTS is a must read mystery that will thrill readers and have them begging the author for more.
This is also a great mystery for readers of several mystery sub-genres. Craft-cozies, and para-cozies. There is indeed something for everyone in this one.
Don’t forget to check out the back of the book for recipes and knitting patterns!
September 3, 2015
Knot The Usual Suspects is a crafty mystery about a close knit group of friends, built around a haunted yarn shop.
The owner Kath leads her group of artisans' posse through the myriad of clues the each snoop out to find a killer in their town. Great descriptions, character reactions and a bit of romance fill the book. I loved it so much I have to go back and read the beginning of the series. I requested and received this book free for my honest opinion.
And my opinion is simply......Buy it you won't regret it.
The owner Kath leads her group of artisans' posse through the myriad of clues the each snoop out to find a killer in their town. Great descriptions, character reactions and a bit of romance fill the book. I loved it so much I have to go back and read the beginning of the series. I requested and received this book free for my honest opinion.
And my opinion is simply......Buy it you won't regret it.
September 1, 2015
Charming escapism. Photo bombing with a twist of yarn. The yarn bombing sounds as if it would be a fun project. I would love to attend the craft fair. Solving the murder mystery is a challenge. I usually avoid books containing a ghost. I was attracted by the yarn and stayed for the mystery.
February 5, 2017
Another enjoyable read. I'm glad the characters are evolving...it makes it more fun.
One hanging thread at the end that I wished had been tied up since I'm a little anal that way. (Why was Tammie in the workshop)
One hanging thread at the end that I wished had been tied up since I'm a little anal that way. (Why was Tammie in the workshop)
January 31, 2020
I believe this is the first book of the series that mentions crochet. Each book has a different kind of fiber craft. I can understand how spinning, dyeing and quilting are kind of unusual and probably not a lot of people do it, they also need some specific equipment, but crochet? It's even done with the same type of yarn they use for knitting, they could have easily had a crocheter in their baby hats group. Or just something in passing to show the shop isn't all about knitting.
I found this as confusing as the others, I read it mainly just because I had it and wanted to pass some time. I'm done with this series.
I found this as confusing as the others, I read it mainly just because I had it and wanted to pass some time. I'm done with this series.
October 19, 2017
The characters are hilarious and have so much energy. Leave it to them to solve the mystery not the police, I’m beginning to think the police count on them more and more. Loved it as I have with the rest of the series.
July 23, 2024
If Blue Plum has 500 people, they were all likely to be mentioned in this book! That’s an exaggeration but with 4 law enforcement officers, two former townsfolks, 12 shop people, six co-stars and assorted folks in the background, it gets a little busy. You get strung along (see what I did there?) and then bing bang boom it all gets tied up in two pages. Meh!
May 11, 2024
The murders were sad. The ghost was superfluous. The yarn- bombing was a delight. Only 1 more book to go in this series!
August 12, 2024
I was honestly surprised at how long it took Kath to piece things together. All I can guess is she was too preoccupied with the yarn bombing to put two and two together. Pacing wise, I think it would have made more sense to solve the mystery sooner and have the Handmade Blue Plum events play out after.
https://pussreboots.com/blog/2024/com...
https://pussreboots.com/blog/2024/com...
January 18, 2016
Kath and her posse are getting ready to yarn bomb Blue Plum when a bag piper who just came back into town is killed. He use to be from Blue Plum and not a lot of people seem to like him. One of those people being the policeman Cole Dunbar.
Kath and her posse try to figure out why Hugh was back in town and whom might have had such a grudge against him that they would kill him as soon as he showed up. They are also still preparing for their yarn bomb.
Something happens and Cole Dunbar is suspended for something that seems like a farce but he is now off the case, so for the first time he can’t harp Kath about interfering in one of his investigations. But why was he suspended?
During the yarn bombing it is interrupted when Kath find a dead body. Now they have two dead bodies and no idea who might have done it. Are they tied in together? Could it be a member of TGIF?
There are plenty of suspects as Kath and her posse from the TGIF (Thank Goodness it’s Fiber) to sift through and see if they can find a killer.
The mysteries in this series are always really good. I really enjoy them and usually can’t figure it out until close to the reveal if I do figure it out.
I really like Kath and the TGIF posse as they are a lot of fun. The Spivie twins are my favorite characters as they are a hoot. I also love Kath’s resident ghost Genevieve as she is sort of a part of the Posse though nobody really knows it and some times she makes Kath look a bit crazy when she forgets and answers the ghost…lol.
So now I am all caught up on this series and that is kind of sad as I like it so I can’t wait for another one to come out. If you enjoy cozies with a hint of paranormal then you will enjoy this series.
Kath and her posse try to figure out why Hugh was back in town and whom might have had such a grudge against him that they would kill him as soon as he showed up. They are also still preparing for their yarn bomb.
Something happens and Cole Dunbar is suspended for something that seems like a farce but he is now off the case, so for the first time he can’t harp Kath about interfering in one of his investigations. But why was he suspended?
During the yarn bombing it is interrupted when Kath find a dead body. Now they have two dead bodies and no idea who might have done it. Are they tied in together? Could it be a member of TGIF?
There are plenty of suspects as Kath and her posse from the TGIF (Thank Goodness it’s Fiber) to sift through and see if they can find a killer.
The mysteries in this series are always really good. I really enjoy them and usually can’t figure it out until close to the reveal if I do figure it out.
I really like Kath and the TGIF posse as they are a lot of fun. The Spivie twins are my favorite characters as they are a hoot. I also love Kath’s resident ghost Genevieve as she is sort of a part of the Posse though nobody really knows it and some times she makes Kath look a bit crazy when she forgets and answers the ghost…lol.
So now I am all caught up on this series and that is kind of sad as I like it so I can’t wait for another one to come out. If you enjoy cozies with a hint of paranormal then you will enjoy this series.
September 2, 2015
Knot The Usual Suspects is the fifth book in the A Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery series.
The residents of Blue Plum are the annual Handmade Blue Plum, an arts and crafts festival. The TGIF group at Weaver's Cat is planning something special for this year's event – yarn bombing. Kath is busy measuring the columns at the Courthouse when she is approached by Hugh McPhee, who used to live in Blue Plum, but left soon after high school. Kath noticed Cole Dunbar out of the corner of her eye and turned to tell him to come see one of his classmates, when she turned around McPhee was gone. Then one night, Kath is awakened by a bagpipe being played and right in the middle of a note it stops. The next morning Dunbar stops by Weaver's Cat and informs Kath and her assistant Ardis that McPhee's lifeless body has just been found. Ardis has just had lunch with McPhee
With the of the members of the TGIF group and Geneva, her friendly(well mostly friendly) go in search of clues to find who murdered McPhee.
This series has a wonderful cast of characters and I would love to friends with all the recurring characters. The Spivey sisters are around to once again torment Kath, Mel who owns the diner is once again preparing delicious desserts to share with the TGIF members. Joe Dunbar, Kath romantic interest, is there to help and things are looking good for their relationship. And Geneva, you have to love Geneva. The cantankerous ghost is back helping Kath and at times annoying her, but it would be the same without the technology adept around.
Definitely will be watching for the next book in the series
The residents of Blue Plum are the annual Handmade Blue Plum, an arts and crafts festival. The TGIF group at Weaver's Cat is planning something special for this year's event – yarn bombing. Kath is busy measuring the columns at the Courthouse when she is approached by Hugh McPhee, who used to live in Blue Plum, but left soon after high school. Kath noticed Cole Dunbar out of the corner of her eye and turned to tell him to come see one of his classmates, when she turned around McPhee was gone. Then one night, Kath is awakened by a bagpipe being played and right in the middle of a note it stops. The next morning Dunbar stops by Weaver's Cat and informs Kath and her assistant Ardis that McPhee's lifeless body has just been found. Ardis has just had lunch with McPhee
With the of the members of the TGIF group and Geneva, her friendly(well mostly friendly) go in search of clues to find who murdered McPhee.
This series has a wonderful cast of characters and I would love to friends with all the recurring characters. The Spivey sisters are around to once again torment Kath, Mel who owns the diner is once again preparing delicious desserts to share with the TGIF members. Joe Dunbar, Kath romantic interest, is there to help and things are looking good for their relationship. And Geneva, you have to love Geneva. The cantankerous ghost is back helping Kath and at times annoying her, but it would be the same without the technology adept around.
Definitely will be watching for the next book in the series
August 30, 2015
I am a fan of cozy mysteries and if they include a haunted aspect to the book that makes them that much more enjoyable for me. This book was a quick read and I was able to read it in two days. I enjoy getting the chance to visit all of my friends in the TGIF group. It would be such fun to attend the craft show. I like when the mystery keeps me guessing until the last of the book and this did just that. It seems that Kath always gets knotted up in some sort of adventure trying to figure things out before the police do. If you enjoy knitting, mystery, and ghosts then this is the book for you. I suggest you start with book one so that you don't miss out on any of the adventures that Kath and her group have gone through. I look forward to the next book in this series.
August 31, 2015
I had the chance to read and review Knot the Usual Suspects by Molly McRae. This is book number three in the series. I have not read book one or two yet but I will go back and read them. This book was an amazing read. I love the list characters in the beginning. Since I had not read the first and second I had to refer back to the list. I love a book that has ghost in them. If you are looking for a terrific series to read, I would recommend A Haunted Yarn Shop Mysteries by Molly McRae. Susan Summey Moon
September 10, 2015
I enjoyed this book. I liked that the author had a list of the characters at the beginning of the book. This book is about a ladies knitting group that are trying to help Kath solve a murder. The ghost in the yarn shop, Geneva, made me laugh several times through out the book. I loved the knitting group yarn bombed the town. The author keeps you guessing till the end of the book. I will definitely go back and read the rest of the books in the series. I received this book in exchange for an honest review
September 27, 2015
This is my second read by Ms MacRae and it was well worthwhile. The adventures of the knitting club are humorous and full of good intent. The "Yard Bombing" is an interesting concept and makes one wonder if it could really be pulled off. I love mysteries but I have to admit I could not figure this one out. Even thinking back over the book, I didn't see the clues I may have missed. So give it a try to see if you can figure out before the author tells you.
September 3, 2015
This a wonderful book by a phenomenal author. Molly MacRae hits it out of the park with the Haunted Yarn Shop Mysteries. I love Kath, her friends, and Geneva her resident ghost. This book kept me guessing who did it until the end. If you love murder mysteries with knitting, a ghost and a cat then this is the series for you. I highly recommend this series! I received this book from the author for a fair and honest review.
September 8, 2015
Bombs away
The blue plum is having a festival, but the death of two people has the people on edge. Could a manic be on the loose or is something more sinister happening. This time we get a close look at family and how far some would go to be rid of theirs and others to protect the ones they love. Kath and Geneva have a lot in come like the gift they share, oh you don't know what the gift is ? Then read this book to find out.
The blue plum is having a festival, but the death of two people has the people on edge. Could a manic be on the loose or is something more sinister happening. This time we get a close look at family and how far some would go to be rid of theirs and others to protect the ones they love. Kath and Geneva have a lot in come like the gift they share, oh you don't know what the gift is ? Then read this book to find out.
September 7, 2015
I loved it. It kept me guessing and the descriptions painted pictures in my head of the yarn bombing. I could just see Blue Plum covered in yarn. I wasn't sure until the end who done it and there were a few surprises in there as well. I would recommend this book to everyone. LOVED IT
January 27, 2021
A cute cozy! I love the ghost element. I love the knitting element. I found the characters hard to keep track of? And I hate when heroines are always talking about dieting. But! I would recommend for a mystery pick-me-up
September 6, 2022
A great relaxing read. Loved the T.G.I.F. Group ,and the connection with all the characters. Especially the ghost Geneva. Women doing a yarn bomb and solving two murders. Awesome.
February 5, 2017
Why do I even try these goofy amateur detective stories when I know I won't like them? This isn't as bad as some but still pretty awful. And with a ghost and knitting...I should have known better.
April 7, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up.
I usually don't review books past the first in a series mainly because, if I choose to continue reading a series after the first book, I read them all one after the other and it's like one looooong book. However, I wanted to write a quick review for a couple of reasons.
First, I was happy that Joe finally got more time to shine. The one thing I kind of didn't like in the previous books in this series was how Kath and Joe get together with no fanfare almost at all, which was sad because it takes away the "rooting for them to get together" aspect of their romance. Although I know this isn't a romance series, I would have expected Kath getting into a serious relationship to be treated with more importance. All of her friendships get very well developed, so it was a bit notable how little development her romantic relationship received. That said, this was the first book that I really thought that her and Joe were a good match for one another, and I really liked seeing more of Joe and his various crafts. More importantly, I liked seeing Kath helping Joe out through his stress. It was a very "couple-y" thing to do, and (to me anyway) more telling about the strength of their relationship than their alleged "canoodling."
Second, I really loved the development of Geneva and Ardis' relationship. Geneva can be such a difficult person because she has suffered so much and spent so much time completely isolated. I am happy that she has another person at last, so she can express herself to more people and not be as alone. It's also cool to see how other characters interact with her, and I only wish all of TGIF could see her...
The only thing I didn't like about this book was that the ending was rather silly, like Scooby-Doo levels of catching the killer. Not that I was expecting realism in the discovery of the murderer (they always confess everything immediately, which is unrealistic but something I have come to accept in this series as a way of getting closure and an explanation), but this had visuals that I could simply not see as anything but being straight pulled from a cartoon.
All in all, I love this series and the characters, and will definitely read the next book.
I usually don't review books past the first in a series mainly because, if I choose to continue reading a series after the first book, I read them all one after the other and it's like one looooong book. However, I wanted to write a quick review for a couple of reasons.
First, I was happy that Joe finally got more time to shine. The one thing I kind of didn't like in the previous books in this series was how Kath and Joe get together with no fanfare almost at all, which was sad because it takes away the "rooting for them to get together" aspect of their romance. Although I know this isn't a romance series, I would have expected Kath getting into a serious relationship to be treated with more importance. All of her friendships get very well developed, so it was a bit notable how little development her romantic relationship received. That said, this was the first book that I really thought that her and Joe were a good match for one another, and I really liked seeing more of Joe and his various crafts. More importantly, I liked seeing Kath helping Joe out through his stress. It was a very "couple-y" thing to do, and (to me anyway) more telling about the strength of their relationship than their alleged "canoodling."
Second, I really loved the development of Geneva and Ardis' relationship. Geneva can be such a difficult person because she has suffered so much and spent so much time completely isolated. I am happy that she has another person at last, so she can express herself to more people and not be as alone. It's also cool to see how other characters interact with her, and I only wish all of TGIF could see her...
The only thing I didn't like about this book was that the ending was rather silly, like Scooby-Doo levels of catching the killer. Not that I was expecting realism in the discovery of the murderer (they always confess everything immediately, which is unrealistic but something I have come to accept in this series as a way of getting closure and an explanation), but this had visuals that I could simply not see as anything but being straight pulled from a cartoon.
All in all, I love this series and the characters, and will definitely read the next book.
January 24, 2018
As Knot the Usual Suspects by Molly MacRae opens, Kath Rutledge is preparing for the annual arts and crafts festival Handmade Blue Plum by putting together the first ever Blue Plum Yarn Bombing in which they secretly cover the town in yarn graffiti the night before the festival. As they get all their yarn pieces put together in advance of the yarn bombing, Kath gets caught measuring the pillars of the courthouse, but by a stranger. However, she soon discovers that this man, by the name of Hugh McPhee, was a former favorite student of Ardis, who became manager of The Weavers Cat after retiring from teaching. He comes into the shop, where Ardis is thrilled to see him, but Geneva, the slightly less depressed ghost than we have seen in the previous books, notes that while Ardis can’t stop smiling at Hugh’s presence, Hugh hasn’t actually smiled once. After an afternoon with Hugh, Ardis returns to announce that he has happily agreed to become an honorary member of TGIF (Thank Goodness It’s Fiber) by participating in the top secret yarn bombing coming up. The next morning, the community is upset at a bagpiper who played at midnight and woke up the entire town, only to find out that this bagpiper was Hugh, and he has been murdered. It seems that this man who played for other people’s funerals officiated at his own.
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