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Seaside Knitters Mystery #10
Trimmed With Murder
All Izzy Chambers Perry wants for Christmas is to keep her brother out of jail—in this holiday yarn from the national bestselling author of A Finely Knit Murder…
In Sea Harbor the holidays mean cozy fires, festive carols, and soft skeins of yarn waiting to become hats and sweaters and scarves. And this year Izzy and the other Seaside Knitters are also knitting tiny ornaments to decorate a tree for the first annual tree-trimming contest.
Their holiday cheer is multiplied when Izzy's younger brother, Charlie Chambers, unexpectedly arrives to volunteer at a local clinic. He brings with him outspoken hitchhiker Amber Hanson, who is returning to Sea Harbor to claim an inheritance. She quickly reacquaints herself with the area--and forms an unlikely friendship with Charlie. But their bond is shattered when her body is found beneath the undecorated trees on the Harbor Green.
With Charlie a suspect in the murder, Izzy and her fellow knitters step in to uncover the truth. It's only by peeling away long-buried secrets that they can hope to restore joy to the season, and enjoy the shining lights of the newly decorated trees.
In Sea Harbor the holidays mean cozy fires, festive carols, and soft skeins of yarn waiting to become hats and sweaters and scarves. And this year Izzy and the other Seaside Knitters are also knitting tiny ornaments to decorate a tree for the first annual tree-trimming contest.
Their holiday cheer is multiplied when Izzy's younger brother, Charlie Chambers, unexpectedly arrives to volunteer at a local clinic. He brings with him outspoken hitchhiker Amber Hanson, who is returning to Sea Harbor to claim an inheritance. She quickly reacquaints herself with the area--and forms an unlikely friendship with Charlie. But their bond is shattered when her body is found beneath the undecorated trees on the Harbor Green.
With Charlie a suspect in the murder, Izzy and her fellow knitters step in to uncover the truth. It's only by peeling away long-buried secrets that they can hope to restore joy to the season, and enjoy the shining lights of the newly decorated trees.
322 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2015
130 people are currently reading
1321 people want to read
About the author
Sally Goldenbaum
38 books906 followersSally Goldenbaum is a philosophy teacher, knitter, editor, and the author of more than two-dozen novels.
Series:
* A Seaside Knitters Mystery
*
Series:
* A Seaside Knitters Mystery
*
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
November 7, 2015
At First Glance: Trimmed With Murder looks like a great cozy mystery to bundle up with on a dreary day.
Though my days this week have not been as dreary, summer made some kind of a comeback, Trimmed With Murder was still a great cozy to bundle up at nights with. It was exactly what I was looking for starting this November. I love books with holiday themes around this time of year and Sally Goldenbaum delivered just that.
As Sea Harbor prepares for Christmas by kicking off a Christmas tree contest, two new strangers make way into the small town and create a bit of a disturbance. Amber is a woman that jumps into Charlie’s car in the middle of the night, in the middle of the road when he almost accidentally hits her coming into town. She is flighty, abrasive, and has somehow managed to wedge herself into Charlie’s life. Unfortunately, Amber ends up dead shortly after being included in a recent will reading that dumped some big news on this newcomer, and Charlie ends up being the suspect.
I enjoyed this one I did. The writing was well done, very descriptive and warm. Charlie has left Sea Harbor a while ago and it’s his first time back after being away. There is a bit of wariness between him, his sister and his aunt so it takes a bit for Charlie to try and mend this relationship in hopes to begin some healing. I couldn’t help but feel a little mad that Nell, his aunt, doubted Charlie at the beginning in light of the events.
The story was done a bit different. Goldenbaum introduces Amber into the story before the murder and really gives the reader a feel for the girl. You can’t help but feel sorry for Amber and what she was going through. Her grandmother and her family blamed her for her mother’s mistakes and kind of taking it out on her. She suffered and became a sort of a black sheep in the family. It was nice to see Esther, a town resident step up and take care of the girl during her short stay at Sea Harbor. I felt for Amber, I did, she seemed sort of lost and a bit of a tortured soul, misunderstood. When it turns out that she ends up the murder victim, the style that Goldenbaum introduced me to in this book is rare. We meet Amber, and it isn’t until almost 100 pages into the book that the murder finally happens and you just feel for you, you can’t help it. Or, at least I did.
Outside of that, there were plenty of warmth and friendship that you can’t help but adore and admire through the book. This is the first book for me in this series and I guess It could benefit from reading it from the beginning, but for me it did work as a stand-alone. I was able to learn about the characters quickly and it was nice to see how they stick up for each other, especially when it came to try and clear Charlie’s death.
There were a few other mysteries connecting to Amber that played a big roll in this book, which I liked. I also liked the whole holiday feel as well. It was definitely worth a read.
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July 10, 2017
Seaside Harbor is home of the fighting Cool Cods.
Just knowing that makes makes me think Trimmed With Murder will be a fun cozy mystery to curl up with on a cold winter’s night…or on the sunny beach and celebrate Christmas in July.
It all starts when Charlie picks Izzy up on the side of the road. Neither one of them wanted to be here, because we all know, in a small town there are no secrets.
Most of the characters are warm and giving…once you get to know them, but there are some with secrets to hide and will cross the line to keep them buried.
I feel bad for Charlie and wonder about the missing years in his life. Where has he been and why is he so different from the person they knew before?
And the murderer…
I know who I feel it could be, but there is also a deeper mystery to be solved…
The Knitting Club knows everyone and everything happening in town, so they figure they should be the ones to find the answers and put the town’s fears to rest, so they began to “walk the road.” I love when a group of small town ladies get it in their heads to investigate a murder. Some times it can be fun, other times…
I love stories located by the seaside. They lend an extra element to the story that makes me want to walk along the shore with this “tight knit” group of friends who care about their town and the people in it.
Trimmed With Murder by Sally Goldenbaum shows us that you can go home again.
Sally Goldenbaum has also included knitting instructions for a sailboat ornament and a recipe for pork tenderloin in Trimmed With Murder
To see more visit fundinmental
Just knowing that makes makes me think Trimmed With Murder will be a fun cozy mystery to curl up with on a cold winter’s night…or on the sunny beach and celebrate Christmas in July.
It all starts when Charlie picks Izzy up on the side of the road. Neither one of them wanted to be here, because we all know, in a small town there are no secrets.
Most of the characters are warm and giving…once you get to know them, but there are some with secrets to hide and will cross the line to keep them buried.
I feel bad for Charlie and wonder about the missing years in his life. Where has he been and why is he so different from the person they knew before?
And the murderer…
I know who I feel it could be, but there is also a deeper mystery to be solved…
The Knitting Club knows everyone and everything happening in town, so they figure they should be the ones to find the answers and put the town’s fears to rest, so they began to “walk the road.” I love when a group of small town ladies get it in their heads to investigate a murder. Some times it can be fun, other times…
I love stories located by the seaside. They lend an extra element to the story that makes me want to walk along the shore with this “tight knit” group of friends who care about their town and the people in it.
Trimmed With Murder by Sally Goldenbaum shows us that you can go home again.
Sally Goldenbaum has also included knitting instructions for a sailboat ornament and a recipe for pork tenderloin in Trimmed With Murder
To see more visit fundinmental
January 16, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I have been looking forward to this book since I finished A Finely Knit Murder in the Spring and it is even better than I had hoped!
Charlie Chambers, Izzy’s brother, returns to Sea Harbor very unexpectedly and just happens to pick up Amber Hanson along the way. Charlie is there to start work at a free clinic and Amber has some papers to sign regarding an inheritance. They become fast friends knowing that neither of them plans to stay in town for long. Sadly Amber’s visit is cut short when she is found dead on the Harbor Green. Charlie may have been the last person to see her alive and quickly becomes the prime suspect. So Izzy and the Seaside Knitters are plowing through the clues to prove his innocence. They are also hoping he stays in Sea Harbor well past the holidays.
Curl up in front of the fire with a class of wine and enjoy the latest Seaside Knitters mystery. I sure did.
Sally Goldenbaum breathes such life into these characters it is hard to remember they are not real. Izzy, Nell, Cass and Birdie are the Seaside Knitters. They meet each week at Izzy’s shop to work on their projects, enjoy some delicious food and discuss everything from knitting to families and sometimes even murder. They also gather at least once a week at Nell’s along with their families and friends for a potluck dinner and some adult beverages. The current crime is also a hot topic. After 10 years we have met so many wonderful characters. I have given up trying to choose a favorite because I love them all.
It was so easy to envision Sea Harbor at Christmastime. The annual tree decorating contest is an awesome idea. All the trees recently planted on the Harbor Green and each business or group trimming with specially made ornaments all to raise money for charity.
Several plotlines, Charlie’s return after so many years, Amber’s life that was tear jerking as we came to know more and more, the holiday events. They all converge when Amber is murdered. The killer strikes several chapters into the story so Amber has found her way into our hearts. Charlie’s pain at the loss was just so sad.
Like all the earlier installments friendship is the main theme of this book. The people we meet in these stories are one big family. The celebrate the highs and are so supportive in the lows. There are shoulders to cry on, hugs are passed out freely and ears are always open to listen. Great food and drink and yarn entangles them altogether. And vicariously we get to go along for the ride.
It has been an amazing 10 books and I truly can’t wait for trip #11.
I have been looking forward to this book since I finished A Finely Knit Murder in the Spring and it is even better than I had hoped!
Charlie Chambers, Izzy’s brother, returns to Sea Harbor very unexpectedly and just happens to pick up Amber Hanson along the way. Charlie is there to start work at a free clinic and Amber has some papers to sign regarding an inheritance. They become fast friends knowing that neither of them plans to stay in town for long. Sadly Amber’s visit is cut short when she is found dead on the Harbor Green. Charlie may have been the last person to see her alive and quickly becomes the prime suspect. So Izzy and the Seaside Knitters are plowing through the clues to prove his innocence. They are also hoping he stays in Sea Harbor well past the holidays.
Curl up in front of the fire with a class of wine and enjoy the latest Seaside Knitters mystery. I sure did.
Sally Goldenbaum breathes such life into these characters it is hard to remember they are not real. Izzy, Nell, Cass and Birdie are the Seaside Knitters. They meet each week at Izzy’s shop to work on their projects, enjoy some delicious food and discuss everything from knitting to families and sometimes even murder. They also gather at least once a week at Nell’s along with their families and friends for a potluck dinner and some adult beverages. The current crime is also a hot topic. After 10 years we have met so many wonderful characters. I have given up trying to choose a favorite because I love them all.
It was so easy to envision Sea Harbor at Christmastime. The annual tree decorating contest is an awesome idea. All the trees recently planted on the Harbor Green and each business or group trimming with specially made ornaments all to raise money for charity.
Several plotlines, Charlie’s return after so many years, Amber’s life that was tear jerking as we came to know more and more, the holiday events. They all converge when Amber is murdered. The killer strikes several chapters into the story so Amber has found her way into our hearts. Charlie’s pain at the loss was just so sad.
Like all the earlier installments friendship is the main theme of this book. The people we meet in these stories are one big family. The celebrate the highs and are so supportive in the lows. There are shoulders to cry on, hugs are passed out freely and ears are always open to listen. Great food and drink and yarn entangles them altogether. And vicariously we get to go along for the ride.
It has been an amazing 10 books and I truly can’t wait for trip #11.
August 10, 2016
This story is number 11 in the Seaside Knitter's series. When I went to find this book on Goodreads, I discovered that in May 2016 Sally Goldenbaum came out with another story in this series so I now have a new book to look forward to soon.
A rotten night finds a young man struggling to make it to town despite the horrid weather. Suddenly, Charlie sees a form and the next thing he knows his car door opens and a young girl is sitting next to him. He takes her into town with him and when they stop, they meet Tommy, the police officer standing on the sidewalk. After chatting with Tommy, Charlie prepares to go see his estranged family and start a new job in town But when he turns around he finds that Amber has disappeared.
No one, least of all Charlie, was prepared for how Amber, his hitchhiking companion was becoming a part of his life. She was very abrasive and at times very unlikeable and yet he couldn't stay away from her. As usual, a corpse is found in town and the women knitters set about finding who the murderer is and why this person has committed the crime.
Descriptions of the stores in town, the community events, and the food they eat provides a wonderful, sensory addition to the story. The main characters are people that you would enjoy spending time with and you feel as though you are right next to the fire in Nell's family room or seated at the large table in Izzy's yarn store. Can't wait to return and find out about Lambswool Farm!
A rotten night finds a young man struggling to make it to town despite the horrid weather. Suddenly, Charlie sees a form and the next thing he knows his car door opens and a young girl is sitting next to him. He takes her into town with him and when they stop, they meet Tommy, the police officer standing on the sidewalk. After chatting with Tommy, Charlie prepares to go see his estranged family and start a new job in town But when he turns around he finds that Amber has disappeared.
No one, least of all Charlie, was prepared for how Amber, his hitchhiking companion was becoming a part of his life. She was very abrasive and at times very unlikeable and yet he couldn't stay away from her. As usual, a corpse is found in town and the women knitters set about finding who the murderer is and why this person has committed the crime.
Descriptions of the stores in town, the community events, and the food they eat provides a wonderful, sensory addition to the story. The main characters are people that you would enjoy spending time with and you feel as though you are right next to the fire in Nell's family room or seated at the large table in Izzy's yarn store. Can't wait to return and find out about Lambswool Farm!
October 26, 2015
Author Sally Goldenbaum pens a beautiful image of Christmas in Sea Harbor, a cozy little sea side town with so much to offer…including murder.
In this newest installment in the Seaside Knitters Mystery series, Ms. Goldenbaum not only gives us another wonderful mystery, she knits together a story of family and homecoming, good or bad. There were moments in this story that tugged at my heart, and caused me to tear up.
TRIMMED WITH MURDER is a perfect addition to this charming series. Filled with extraordinary characters…both old and new, a quaint setting described in such detail I could smell the chilly sea breeze, and a first rate murder mystery that if you are anything like me, will have you holding your breath until the incredible ending.
Set some time aside, grab a soft blanket, put on a pot of tea, and enjoy trimmed with murder.
And check out the back of the book for a fun knitting project and a delicious recipe!
In this newest installment in the Seaside Knitters Mystery series, Ms. Goldenbaum not only gives us another wonderful mystery, she knits together a story of family and homecoming, good or bad. There were moments in this story that tugged at my heart, and caused me to tear up.
TRIMMED WITH MURDER is a perfect addition to this charming series. Filled with extraordinary characters…both old and new, a quaint setting described in such detail I could smell the chilly sea breeze, and a first rate murder mystery that if you are anything like me, will have you holding your breath until the incredible ending.
Set some time aside, grab a soft blanket, put on a pot of tea, and enjoy trimmed with murder.
And check out the back of the book for a fun knitting project and a delicious recipe!
April 19, 2016
3.5 stars
My first cozy mystery book, and I really enjoyed it.
A little overwhelming because there are many characters in this little town. The cast of characters really helped, I had to refer to it even until the very end of the book. I guess I should have started with book #1, but it's Christmas and I don't want to wait to get started.
It's a great read, all the eating in the book made me hungry. Could have been a tad shorter, but the author wanted to keep us guessing...and it was just too obvious.
My first cozy mystery book, and I really enjoyed it.
A little overwhelming because there are many characters in this little town. The cast of characters really helped, I had to refer to it even until the very end of the book. I guess I should have started with book #1, but it's Christmas and I don't want to wait to get started.
It's a great read, all the eating in the book made me hungry. Could have been a tad shorter, but the author wanted to keep us guessing...and it was just too obvious.
December 16, 2020
I really liked this one. There is something so calming about this series. The Seaside Knitters always make their town safe again and they do it somewhat calmly and professionally even though none of them are law enforcement professionals. I enjoyed the character additions in this this book and am looking forward to seeing them in future books.
November 9, 2015
"Trimmed With Murder" is a cozy mystery. This is the tenth book in the series, but you don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one, and this story didn't spoil the previous mysteries.
The main characters are very nice, caring people, and they reacted realistically to the murder. The heroines asked reasonable questions and were good listeners. However, in this story, they were pretty slow to follow up on clues.
I had a fair idea of what was going on from the available clues. However, the heroines would see or be told clues that the author would hide from the reader. For example, they see someone they recognize in a position that is very revealing, but we're not told the person's name. Whodunit might come as a surprise because major clues were hidden from the reader. Hiding information that the viewpoint characters know is a major pet peeve of mine, otherwise I probably would have given this book a 4.5 stars.
There was no sex. There was a minor amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this cozy mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
The main characters are very nice, caring people, and they reacted realistically to the murder. The heroines asked reasonable questions and were good listeners. However, in this story, they were pretty slow to follow up on clues.
I had a fair idea of what was going on from the available clues. However, the heroines would see or be told clues that the author would hide from the reader. For example, they see someone they recognize in a position that is very revealing, but we're not told the person's name. Whodunit might come as a surprise because major clues were hidden from the reader. Hiding information that the viewpoint characters know is a major pet peeve of mine, otherwise I probably would have given this book a 4.5 stars.
There was no sex. There was a minor amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this cozy mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
April 4, 2019
This one involves Christmas, love, family, a small business, and a dance. I liked the Christmas setting, but most of the story didn't feel Christmasy. The ending was a surprise, which I liked. I thought it was someone else for a different reason. There were two new characters in this story that are related to several townspeople. I didn't like Amber, but I didn't want her to die. I did feel bad for her and Charlie, the other new character. Both went through some rough times. I didn't like their relationship, though.
February 3, 2020
Another brilliant offering from Sally Goldenbaum! In this one we have the four friends astounded when Izzy's younger brother (who has been incommunicado on and off for about 10 years) arrives to take up a post at the local free clinic, he hasn't arrived alone though, he has with him a hitchhiker who has arrived to hear the reading of her Grandmother's will, Amber is not expecting much and so she (and her relatives) are stunned when she is given a part share of the prosperous plant nursery business. Unfortunately she doesn't get to enjoy it for long as within a week she is found dead among the pine trees, planted by the nursery to be an ongoing Christmas celebration. Now Charlie Chambers is in the spotlight as murderer #1, and all the seaside knitters have to work with is their instinct that says Izzy's brother is innocent and so the true murderer is still walking amongst them.
December 29, 2019
I found this to be a satisfying mystery with a little Christmas cheer blended in but I did have some trouble keeping track of all the characters despite the "Cast of Characters" list provided in the front of the book. A warning -just reading about all of the food that the Seaside Knitters consume might put on a few extra holiday pounds!
December 7, 2018
In this latest tale from the Seaside Knitters we are introduced to Izzy's long lost brother Charlie and Amber who was coming to town to just take care of a few things.
Charlie had been running from his own demons for many years and now in a good place he's trying to figure out how to engage again with his family. He picked up a hitchhiker on his way into town and together they set off a series of events that will change many people's lives.
I really grew to love Amber, our hitchhikers, and was sad that she had to die! (Not a spoiler, it's in the blurb.) She had a ton of dimension and lots of interesting stories to unpack. I feel like in death she was even more engaging and still revealing layers.
This book was engaging and drove me to turn pages quickly. I wanted to uncover all the mysteries that layered themselves throughout the book. I read this well past my bedtime just to find out who the shady murder was! Overall I loved this book, but hated the ending. We were given clues and info throughout the book, but then all the sudden at the end of the book the final pieces were just given to the one character in the book and not shared with the reader. It was annoying and frustrating because it was a deviation of what had already been established in the book.
Charlie had been running from his own demons for many years and now in a good place he's trying to figure out how to engage again with his family. He picked up a hitchhiker on his way into town and together they set off a series of events that will change many people's lives.
I really grew to love Amber, our hitchhikers, and was sad that she had to die! (Not a spoiler, it's in the blurb.) She had a ton of dimension and lots of interesting stories to unpack. I feel like in death she was even more engaging and still revealing layers.
This book was engaging and drove me to turn pages quickly. I wanted to uncover all the mysteries that layered themselves throughout the book. I read this well past my bedtime just to find out who the shady murder was! Overall I loved this book, but hated the ending. We were given clues and info throughout the book, but then all the sudden at the end of the book the final pieces were just given to the one character in the book and not shared with the reader. It was annoying and frustrating because it was a deviation of what had already been established in the book.
November 6, 2025
Cute and perfect to fill time. Quaint Hallmark like village with a murder to solve. Enter the knitting club.
November 11, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/tr...
Trimmed with Murder (A Seaside Knitters Mystery #10)
By Sally Goldenbaum
ISBN13: 9780451471628
Author website: http://www.sallygoldenbaum.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
All Izzy Chambers Perry wants for Christmas is to keep her brother out of jail—in this holiday yarn from the national bestselling author of A Finely Knit Murder.
In Sea Harbor the holidays mean cozy fires, festive carols, and soft skeins of yarn waiting to become hats and sweaters and scarves. And this year Izzy and the other Seaside Knitters are also knitting tiny ornaments to decorate a tree for the first annual tree-trimming contest.
Their holiday cheer is multiplied when Izzy’s younger brother, Charlie Chambers, unexpectedly arrives to volunteer at a local clinic. He brings with him outspoken hitchhiker Amber Hanson, who is returning to Sea Harbor to claim an inheritance. She quickly reacquaints herself with the area–and forms an unlikely friendship with Charlie. But their bond is shattered when her body is found beneath the undecorated trees on the Harbor Green.
With Charlie a suspect in the murder, Izzy and her fellow knitters step in to uncover the truth. It’s only by peeling away long-buried secrets that they can hope to restore joy to the season, and enjoy the shining lights of the newly decorated trees.
Review:
As always with Sally Goldenbaum’s A Seaside Knitters Mystery series, Trimmed with Murder is full of friends, family and community unity. Also one of the interesting things about her books is each one centers on different main characters while the others still play a big part. This installment has Izzy’s younger brother Charlie arriving after being incommunicado for years. Along his way to Sea Harbor a mysterious woman hitches a ride, she actually gets in without being asked. Unbeknownst to Charlie, Amber Hanson is coming home after being summoned to the reading of a will. It is the holiday season so lots of activities are going on in the wonderful town as well.
I love that the author lists the characters in the front. This is really helpful to me and especially helpful when there is such a large cast of characters. You do not have to be a knitter to enjoy the way these characters, Nell, Izzy, Cass, and Birdie knit together the clues of these mysteries. Along with the men in their lives, they are able to keep things from getting too tangled up. The murder in this one comes later in the book. I am not sure I enjoyed getting to know Amber, getting to care for her and then having her murdered. It seemed harder and harsher than normal. Charlie’s relationship with Amber also made her murder that much sadder. It was the one thing I really did not care for. And for Cass and Danny to find the body while they were making strides in their relationship was also a bit rough.
Sally Goldenbaum has a wonderful and warm writing style and that did soften the blow at times in this one. Her characters are always enjoyable. The care with which she crafts them, the way they interact and get involved with their community is superb. Trimmed with Murder is an intuitive and insightful mystery. The side stories are intricate and stitched together perfectly with the murder mystery. Descriptive writing really paints a wonderful picture of the Christmas season in Sea Harbor. Izzy wants to keep her brother from being arrested for the holidays. The first annual tree trimming contest is endearing. Definitely a great cozy for the season.
All of the Seaside Knitters Mystery series can be read as stand-alone books, however reading them is like coming home to visit for the holidays. The characters have become friends and as their lives have bloomed and changed, long time readers are able to enjoy the growth. I really love the characters, with Nell and Birdie being my favorites. I would recommend Trimmed with Murder to any reader of cozies, any knitters and anyone that enjoys a good story with great characters. The caring and connected characters are truly the stars in this series. That said though, the mystery is first class.
*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*
Trimmed with Murder (A Seaside Knitters Mystery #10)
By Sally Goldenbaum
ISBN13: 9780451471628
Author website: http://www.sallygoldenbaum.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
All Izzy Chambers Perry wants for Christmas is to keep her brother out of jail—in this holiday yarn from the national bestselling author of A Finely Knit Murder.
In Sea Harbor the holidays mean cozy fires, festive carols, and soft skeins of yarn waiting to become hats and sweaters and scarves. And this year Izzy and the other Seaside Knitters are also knitting tiny ornaments to decorate a tree for the first annual tree-trimming contest.
Their holiday cheer is multiplied when Izzy’s younger brother, Charlie Chambers, unexpectedly arrives to volunteer at a local clinic. He brings with him outspoken hitchhiker Amber Hanson, who is returning to Sea Harbor to claim an inheritance. She quickly reacquaints herself with the area–and forms an unlikely friendship with Charlie. But their bond is shattered when her body is found beneath the undecorated trees on the Harbor Green.
With Charlie a suspect in the murder, Izzy and her fellow knitters step in to uncover the truth. It’s only by peeling away long-buried secrets that they can hope to restore joy to the season, and enjoy the shining lights of the newly decorated trees.
Review:
As always with Sally Goldenbaum’s A Seaside Knitters Mystery series, Trimmed with Murder is full of friends, family and community unity. Also one of the interesting things about her books is each one centers on different main characters while the others still play a big part. This installment has Izzy’s younger brother Charlie arriving after being incommunicado for years. Along his way to Sea Harbor a mysterious woman hitches a ride, she actually gets in without being asked. Unbeknownst to Charlie, Amber Hanson is coming home after being summoned to the reading of a will. It is the holiday season so lots of activities are going on in the wonderful town as well.
I love that the author lists the characters in the front. This is really helpful to me and especially helpful when there is such a large cast of characters. You do not have to be a knitter to enjoy the way these characters, Nell, Izzy, Cass, and Birdie knit together the clues of these mysteries. Along with the men in their lives, they are able to keep things from getting too tangled up. The murder in this one comes later in the book. I am not sure I enjoyed getting to know Amber, getting to care for her and then having her murdered. It seemed harder and harsher than normal. Charlie’s relationship with Amber also made her murder that much sadder. It was the one thing I really did not care for. And for Cass and Danny to find the body while they were making strides in their relationship was also a bit rough.
Sally Goldenbaum has a wonderful and warm writing style and that did soften the blow at times in this one. Her characters are always enjoyable. The care with which she crafts them, the way they interact and get involved with their community is superb. Trimmed with Murder is an intuitive and insightful mystery. The side stories are intricate and stitched together perfectly with the murder mystery. Descriptive writing really paints a wonderful picture of the Christmas season in Sea Harbor. Izzy wants to keep her brother from being arrested for the holidays. The first annual tree trimming contest is endearing. Definitely a great cozy for the season.
All of the Seaside Knitters Mystery series can be read as stand-alone books, however reading them is like coming home to visit for the holidays. The characters have become friends and as their lives have bloomed and changed, long time readers are able to enjoy the growth. I really love the characters, with Nell and Birdie being my favorites. I would recommend Trimmed with Murder to any reader of cozies, any knitters and anyone that enjoys a good story with great characters. The caring and connected characters are truly the stars in this series. That said though, the mystery is first class.
*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*
November 4, 2015
The book starts out very differently from most of the books in this series. We first meet Charlie Chambers, regular Izzy's brother, who's been missing from the family for about 10 years. We don't really know who he is at the start, only that he's coming to Sea Harbor to work in the clinic. On his way there, he picks up a young hitchhiker named Amber. Again, at the start we're not sure who she is, just that she's very skittish about being back in Sea Harbor. She even says she hates the place. We eventually find out why and know she has good reason.
When we finally meet the regulars, it's during a storm and a big dance at the community center that supports the clinic. Everyone is surprised that Charlie is back, especially Izzy. Then we find out that Amber has returned to receive an inheritance. She and Charlie become close, but when her body is found, he becomes the top suspect.
The Seaside Knitters have to find out the truth.
It's a pretty good novel, but I would've preferred not to get to know Amber quite so well before she was killed off. It makes it really hard to enjoy the mystery as much when you like the person who gets axed. But that's just a personal preference. I think this is one of the better books in the series so far.
When we finally meet the regulars, it's during a storm and a big dance at the community center that supports the clinic. Everyone is surprised that Charlie is back, especially Izzy. Then we find out that Amber has returned to receive an inheritance. She and Charlie become close, but when her body is found, he becomes the top suspect.
The Seaside Knitters have to find out the truth.
It's a pretty good novel, but I would've preferred not to get to know Amber quite so well before she was killed off. It makes it really hard to enjoy the mystery as much when you like the person who gets axed. But that's just a personal preference. I think this is one of the better books in the series so far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2017
Another great Seaside knitters mystery.
Izzy has a younger brother named Charlie who is on his way to Sea Harbor. But no one in Izzy's family knows that Charlie is on his way back! It is a cold stormy night and Charlie stops for a minute to get his bearings and a young girl jumps into his car and tells him she is on her way to Sea Harbor. Right where Charlie is headed! So he takes her along to the town. They get to know each other personally and start to fall for each other. Then Amber (Charlie's friend) is found dead in the snow by Cass and Danny on a early walk by the wharf.
As in other Seaside Knitters Mysteries, the knitters who gather at Izzy's yarn shop try to find the murder by following Amber's steps leading up to her murder on Saturday night. But they come to a dead end, until the town Christmas Tree lighting. When Cass's Mom calls them all to the Church.
The book lead me to a different murderer and I did not figure it out until the end. It was well written as all the Seaside Knitter Mysteries are and now on to the next one. I enjoy these books so much. Well worth the time to read them. And them usually have receipes and knitting patterns at the end of the books.
Izzy has a younger brother named Charlie who is on his way to Sea Harbor. But no one in Izzy's family knows that Charlie is on his way back! It is a cold stormy night and Charlie stops for a minute to get his bearings and a young girl jumps into his car and tells him she is on her way to Sea Harbor. Right where Charlie is headed! So he takes her along to the town. They get to know each other personally and start to fall for each other. Then Amber (Charlie's friend) is found dead in the snow by Cass and Danny on a early walk by the wharf.
As in other Seaside Knitters Mysteries, the knitters who gather at Izzy's yarn shop try to find the murder by following Amber's steps leading up to her murder on Saturday night. But they come to a dead end, until the town Christmas Tree lighting. When Cass's Mom calls them all to the Church.
The book lead me to a different murderer and I did not figure it out until the end. It was well written as all the Seaside Knitter Mysteries are and now on to the next one. I enjoy these books so much. Well worth the time to read them. And them usually have receipes and knitting patterns at the end of the books.
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December 26, 2015The opening of this cozy is out of character for this genre. A man with a dark past picks up a mysterious female hitchhiker, both of them heading for a small town where they have a rendezvous with destiny...
Then we're at a community center for a wonderful small town, where everybody knows everyone else, and everything is just peachy...at least until the murder.
To be honest, most of the small town secrets revealed aren't that big of a deal, and the motive for murder struck me as not especially believable, but the book manages to hang together.
Then we're at a community center for a wonderful small town, where everybody knows everyone else, and everything is just peachy...at least until the murder.
To be honest, most of the small town secrets revealed aren't that big of a deal, and the motive for murder struck me as not especially believable, but the book manages to hang together.
November 11, 2015
This was a fun read. I enjoyed this one very much. If you are new to the series, this is not the starting point for you. There is a lot of backstory character development needed to get the full impact of the story, in my opinion.
May 19, 2016
Fun, cozy mystery set on Cape Anne, MA. Interesting characters and a good plot.
May 15, 2016
The perfect book to read on a snowy weekend.
March 12, 2023
A stormy December night brings two people to Sea Harbor, separately but together, each with their own purposes: Charlie, Izzy’s brother who has had minimal contact with the family for years, has taken a job as a nurse at the health clinic; Amber, a woman who’d lived in Sea Harbor until her teens, has come back to attend the reading of her grandmother’s will and put to rest some questions about her mother’s death. When her questions shake up the established routine, as Amber learns of her inheritance and begins to dig into the past, someone begins to get nervous. When she’s murdered a mere week after her arrival, the Seaside Knitters realize someone had felt very threatened by her - but who? Suspicion falls on Charlie, since he’d gotten close to her within that short time, but Izzy and Nell can’t believe he’d have changed that much - and set about proving what else could have happened, and who would have taken such drastic action to silence her. The revelations they uncover will open a new perspective on several of Sea Harbor’s most illustrious citizens.
December 23, 2017
I read this one for a book club and got through it pretty quickly. My only problem was that there were SOOOO many characters!! When I saw that index in the beginning, I almost set the book right back down! I'm not sure why so many people were listed (since they weren't main characters) but it was a little discouraging. I've never read any others in the series, so maybe they were main characters before?
Anywho...so the story...I had read the blurb and saw that Amber was going to die, but I still grew to like her character before her demise. I was sad to see her go. The plot with her did seem a little rushed and thrown together. Her murderer was a little easy to guess. When they say certain things about Amber's mother, it makes it easy to figure out. I still enjoyed the ending though.
I'm not sure if I will read any more in this series or not.
Anywho...so the story...I had read the blurb and saw that Amber was going to die, but I still grew to like her character before her demise. I was sad to see her go. The plot with her did seem a little rushed and thrown together. Her murderer was a little easy to guess. When they say certain things about Amber's mother, it makes it easy to figure out. I still enjoyed the ending though.
I'm not sure if I will read any more in this series or not.
October 13, 2018
You know you're reading the tenth book in a series when it isn't until you're 35% through a murder mystery that someone actually gets murdered.
I'm a sucker for these cozy knitting mysteries--Sea Harbor and the Seaside Knitters are like old friends. There weren't as many knitting references as there have been in the past, which is good and bad. It kinda made this feel not very knitterly, but also in the past sometimes the knitting analogies have felt rather forced so...I don't know.
The mystery was fine, though the reasons the murderer used for justifying their actions are getting a bit old--we've seen this before I think a few times now in this series. Liked the character development though. I'm really only here these days to see what happens with this cast of characters I've been with for years.
I'm a sucker for these cozy knitting mysteries--Sea Harbor and the Seaside Knitters are like old friends. There weren't as many knitting references as there have been in the past, which is good and bad. It kinda made this feel not very knitterly, but also in the past sometimes the knitting analogies have felt rather forced so...I don't know.
The mystery was fine, though the reasons the murderer used for justifying their actions are getting a bit old--we've seen this before I think a few times now in this series. Liked the character development though. I'm really only here these days to see what happens with this cast of characters I've been with for years.
December 6, 2021
As always, this series provides realistic relationships and personalities. It makes the reader wish they knew these people personally, not just as characters on the page.
Being a "holiday cozy" the book was condensed into a short period of time. Unfortunately this reduced the number of available weeks to enjoy Thursday night knitting sessions and Friday dinners at the Endicotts.
To me, this book had the feel that the author was obligated to write a Christmas book. There is minimal mention of the holiday. Other than a community tree decorating contest the story could have been unfolding in any season. The book does have a beautiful, festive cover illustration.
The story was ok but I really liked the characters so it averages a 3 star rating.
Being a "holiday cozy" the book was condensed into a short period of time. Unfortunately this reduced the number of available weeks to enjoy Thursday night knitting sessions and Friday dinners at the Endicotts.
To me, this book had the feel that the author was obligated to write a Christmas book. There is minimal mention of the holiday. Other than a community tree decorating contest the story could have been unfolding in any season. The book does have a beautiful, festive cover illustration.
The story was ok but I really liked the characters so it averages a 3 star rating.
May 20, 2017
Another enjoyable read with many characters I've grown to love and feel like I know. Sea Harbor seems like a nice place to live except for all the murders.
Loved meeting Charlie, Izzy's younger brother, and seeing how her daughter Abby is growing.
Set at Christmas with lots of holiday scenes that bring the community together even with a murder sometimes overshadowing things. Love how our sleuths - Izzy, Nell, Birdie and Cass, figure out the whodunnit each time!
Some twists and turns with nice closure and a happily ever after in the offing along with hints of what's to come in the next book.
Loved meeting Charlie, Izzy's younger brother, and seeing how her daughter Abby is growing.
Set at Christmas with lots of holiday scenes that bring the community together even with a murder sometimes overshadowing things. Love how our sleuths - Izzy, Nell, Birdie and Cass, figure out the whodunnit each time!
Some twists and turns with nice closure and a happily ever after in the offing along with hints of what's to come in the next book.
August 17, 2020
Another wonderful — if at times hearfbreaking — visit with old friends in Sea Harbor. This time we are introduced to Charlie Chambers, Izzy's brother, who has been out of touch for ten years, and Amber Hanson, who has her own reasons for coming to town. Amber has a spiky personality, but life has not always been fair to her. Despite this, I found her very likable — and so does Charlie. So it was sad and upsetting that she should be the murder victim, though perhaps not surprising. Again, strong characterization and a compelling plot will keep the reader up way too late! Highly recommended.
August 15, 2023
I love this series of books and recently wanted to pick up the next one, and discovered I'd read a couple and never noted them here. I always enjoy these books, more for the small, seaside town, the friendships and of course, the knitting. The mysteries are an added bonus and I always look forward to the next visit to this sweet town filled with interesting people, shops and eateries. I might add that reading any of these books makes my fingers itch to pick up a knitting project! I especially love a holiday themed book at the holiday - truly enjoyable and helps set the tone for the season - it did not disappoint!
July 30, 2017
I find the Seaside Knitters books such a comfort read.
Trimmed with Murder seemed to take a while to get going - almost half the book until the action started. There was quite a lot of sentimental filler in this story. Usually I like the sentimental bits, but I felt it was overdone and that affected the pace of the plot.
Some of the plot turns seemed more implausible than usual, in particular relating to Charlie Chambers's disappearance.
Not the best of the series, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Trimmed with Murder seemed to take a while to get going - almost half the book until the action started. There was quite a lot of sentimental filler in this story. Usually I like the sentimental bits, but I felt it was overdone and that affected the pace of the plot.
Some of the plot turns seemed more implausible than usual, in particular relating to Charlie Chambers's disappearance.
Not the best of the series, but enjoyable nonetheless.
September 10, 2023
This mostly bored me. I can't decide whether to even finish the series. All they do is eat and talk, then they eat some more. How do they not all weigh 700 pounds and require constant oxygen?They say it's because they don't go back for seconds and thirds, but that's irrelevant considering all the eating.
This was super slow; you don't get to the murder for several chapters. I've already deleted it, and I can't remember which chapter finally gets murderous. To its credit, I didn't see who the killer was until the reveal, so that's a positive thing.
This was super slow; you don't get to the murder for several chapters. I've already deleted it, and I can't remember which chapter finally gets murderous. To its credit, I didn't see who the killer was until the reveal, so that's a positive thing.
December 30, 2023
My Winter Reading Bingo card has a space for reading a book with a winter scene on the cover. This definitely meets that objective. But I'm probably not the target audience for this. I do knit, but there wasn't really that much about knitting in the book. Too many characters to keep track of as well. I did like all the descriptions of the delicious food they were eating and I like that the book has a recipe in the back as well as a knitting pattern for a sailboat ornament. This is #10 in a series and perhaps if I had started with the first book, I would have appreciated this one more.
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