Herringbones and Hexes

Vampire Knitting Club #12

by Nancy Warren, Sarah Zimmerman (Narrator)

What the hex is going on?

Life at Cardinal Woolsey’s knitting and yarn shop is about as smooth as shop owner Lucy’s knitting. In other words, lumpy, tangled and prone to disaster. Much like her spell-casting. But things get worse when her cousin and shop assistant Violet shows alarming symptoms of a hex. Who would do such a thing? Was it the guy from Witch Date she blew off? Or is Lucy the real target?

Meanwhile, Lucy’s dating a much older man. Like five hundred years older. The gorgeous vampire Rafe wants to marry her, but there’s more keeping them apart than an age gap. Can they make a May-medieval marriage work? Or will they say goodbye forever.

When someone dies, either the hex is to blame or there’s a murderer on the loose in Oxford.

Don’t miss the fun in this 12th novel in the best-selling Vampire Knitting Club series from a USA Today Bestselling author. There’s no gore, sex or swearing, just romance humor—and murder. Come join the Vampire Knitting Club for the fun of it. Knitting skills not required.

“Reading this series is like visiting with beloved friends!”

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fantasy, Audiobook, Paranormal, Vampires, Romance

Audiobook

First published February 24, 2021

About the author

Nancy Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 novels.

She’s known for writing funny, sexy and suspenseful tales. She’s an avid hiker, animal lover, wine drinker and chocolate fiend. Favorite moments in her career include being featured on the front page of the New York Times, being the answer to a crossword puzzle clue in Canada’s National Post newspaper and being a finalist three times in the Rita awards. She has won the Reviewer’s Choice Award from Romantic Times magazine.

Get a free short story when you sign up for Nancy's newsletter at www.NancyWarrenAuthor.com or join Nancy in her private Facebook group to talk about books, knitting, pets & life.
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Reviews

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the witches is hexed and Lucy needs to remove the curse and find the culprit.

Still good.
Still entertaining.
But not in the same league as the previous books.
This one felt a little muddled. It was trying to do too much.

[Micky Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better with each book! The murder mystery is more intriguing in this book and the characters personal lives are even more entertaining! Each book brings you closer to the characters, but in this book you are on the edge of your seat over the personal aspects of the characters as much as you are the murder mystery! I can't wait to read or rather listen to the next book in the series! The narrator does an outstanding job of bringing the characters to life so this is one of my must listen audio series!

[Amber J (Thereadingwitch) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The worst thing about these books. Is that I want to be done with them. But they are just intriguing enough to make me not give up on the series.


How I choose my rating:
1* Didn't like it at all. These are rare as I usually just don't finish any book I dislike this much.
2** Didn't like it. Again usually DNF if I dislike it this much, but occasionally I feel it still has potential and I try to stick with it to the end.
3*** I liked it. It wasn't great but it was enjoyable enough. It is unlikely I'll ever reread it but I might finish the series if it is a part of one.
4**** I really liked this book. Maybe not a work of genius, but highly entertaining. I might reread this at some point, and I will almost always finish the series if part of one.
5***** I loved this book. I found little to no issues with it at all. I will probably reread this and possibly more than once. I will definitely finish the series if it's part of one.

[Rachel C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the last few, but I admit that I was definitely distracted by the beginning clues and it didn't end up being the murderer I expected. And a happy ending, finally! Honestly, I just wish we had more details of this supposed love between Rafe and Lucy... it makes me happy but it also feels very surface since we don't see much of them as a true dating couple.

[Tracy Smyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better with each book. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I have to say Lucy didn't annoy me as much as she usually does. She seemed to have a little bit of personal growth and realized that a certain someone was not going to wait around for her forever to figure out how she feels about hm. I have to admit I almost cried when Rafe prepared to leave for New Zealand and not ever come back. Even I panicked a bit.

I really liked the mystery in this one. However Margaret Twig is a bit cray cray. I don't blame Lucy for not fully trusting her or even wanting to ask for her help. She seems to do more harm than good.

For once I am looking forward to the next installment.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Love is always the answer"

Question remains will Lucy realize the answer in time?

Leave it to Lucy, and another body appears! But just like her knitting the situation is tangled and knotted; muddled and misunderstood. Lucy is getting more comfortable in her wiccan power. She loves Cardinal Woolsey's and is proud of its expansion and sales increases. She tolerates Violet, her cousin and clerk. But when someone is hurt by a hex, is she able to figure out who, what, when and WHY it was done. Can her coven leader help or hurt the situation, and most of all, is Nyx telepathically talking to her?

This, the 12th book in the series solidifies these characters in our hearts. This is a whimsical cosy series we hope will continue long into the future....or until Lucy can knit a smooth design! Highly recommended. 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]

[J.H. Moncrieff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still enjoying these brain candy reads, but the romance between Rafe and Lucy seems really farfetched to me. He's only been married once in 500 years, but is determined to make Lucy his second wife? Why? It's hardly like they've been dating in any real sense. And she seems to become more dimwitted and inept with each book. She still can't manage a basic stitch after all this time? If he's as intelligent as portrayed, I don't get the attraction between them.

[Tiny Dragon Books~ Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad story but wasn’t anywhere near as exciting as some of the other plot lines. I loved seeing more from Lucy and Rafe but this felt like a filler book.

[Mandy Kool · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are just so cute. I have adored that these last couple have dealt more with curses and stolen items and the murders are just an aside.

The character development is on point. Love.

[SydneyR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Herringbones and Hexes did not disappoint!!! When I first read the book description, I was so nervous that Lucy and Rafe were going to break up that I almost didn’t read this book. But I decided I needed to read on.

I really liked getting to know more of Violet in this book and laughed out loud when Witch Date was mentioned. So relatable.

Overall, this book is the perfect cozy escape everyone needs right now. The mysteries in each book has been getting better and better. This one has so many layers and twists. I can’t wait for what will happen next!

(Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it)

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was waiting in anticipation to read book 12 of one of my favorite series... and Nancy Warren did not disappoint. The characters are so likeable! I feel like I’m back in high school, giddy to read what will happen next.

A hex is found at the knitting shop and the side effects get brutal. Lucy has to tap into her witchiness. Will she save today? Who cast the hex? Also, we get more pages about William and Violet, two wonderful characters that are complex but personable. But most importantly... Lucy and Rafe.... will she say yes?

A fun read from cover to cover.

Please note... I was given an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

In love

I loved this book. I'm not sure if I am happy Lucy and rafe have coupled up. I do hope William and Violet get it on

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!!

More fun with Lucy and friends, although I had a few bumps. Some, “Come on!” Moments that anyone who’s been paying attention will catch, not just proofreaders! But I still enjoyed the book and look forward to the next!

[Maribeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES YES YES! 1000 times yes!!!!

[Leticia · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was some series arc resolution here that might indicate that this series will be over soon?
I hope not.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending to this book was 12 books in the making and oh baby was it worth it

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. Yes there was a murder mystery to solve, but came later in the book and a lot more magic this time.

[Malissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super Cute

Worth the read. I absolutely enjoyed this one. So glad the fmc finally found what she already knew in her heart.

[Annette]

Always a pleasure

As always this was definitely a cozy read with my favorite tea of chamomile Nancy Warren is a great Storyteller it's always fun and I can never guess who done it can't wait for the next installment always a fan of a great read

[K Whatsherface · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally!

[Eden · Rating 3 out of 5]

2021. bk 63. The newest is both about a mystery and life changing decision making. William's financial advisor is not quite as discreet as he had hoped - and her indiscretions lead to murder. When Lucy learns she isn't at fault in the death, her thoughts turn to solving the murder. At the same time, Rafe is reaching the point where he can no longer wait for an answer to his off of marriage. Such turmoil and angst - and in the midst, Lucy tries a knitting pattern that is far beyond her skill level.

[William Saeednia-Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved reading this cozy, fun and fascinating series. This book really feels like the first part of a two part story so, while I'm going to miss these characters, I'm moving straight on to the last book in the series .

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome as always. What more could you ask for in a book. Hexes and disaster and perhaps more. Who would do a hex, a rejected suitor perhaps. Totally enjoyable.

[Allison Jones-Lo · Rating 5 out of 5]

O.K. I have read the first 12 books. I hope Nancy Warren can crank out more and quickly!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

The Vampire Knitting Club series by Nancy Warren is another series that has been collecting dust on my TBR for a while now- but I have finally got my act together (well, somewhat lol) and gotten around to reading it. And I am soooo glad I did, as it turned out to be such an unexpectedly fun read.
One of the reasons I love being on Goodreads is seeing all the book reviews and recommendations that everyone does, and then hunting down the ones that catch my eye. This series would probably never have come to my attention if it hadn’t been for my Goodreads friend, Eliza- so thank you Eliza for your recommendation (in the form of your glowing reviews) which gave me the urge to dive in, even though I didn’t get to them right away- it was such a great series to binge. But one book has now turned into a bit of an addiction lol.
This is quite a long series, so I am going to save myself some time by doing one review for the entire series. So here we go…..
The Vampire Knitting Club is a wonderful paranormal cozy mystery series, with vampires, witches, adventure, action, crime & investigation, witty humour, family, friendship, a small-town setting, dramatic developments, magic, suspense, intrigue, fun, a dash of romance, knitting/knitting group, murder/murder mysteries, whodunnit vibes, danger, secrets, a cat familiar, tangled webs, the supernatural, and a slew of wonderfully quirky characters.
To condense things for the sake of this review, Lucy Swift ‘inherits’ her grandmother’s knitting shop when her grandmother dies…. only grandma is not dead, but is definitely undead. That’s not all she discovers…. so let the adventures begin…
“ …. I run a knitting shop and I can’t knit. I’m a beginning witch who can’t always control her cat, never mind her magic….. Oh, and for some reason, I keep getting involved in murder investigations. Good thing I have my vampire knitters to help sniff out clues.
I really recommend this book/series – especially for those who love a great paranormal cozy mystery.

The series contains…
-Tangles and Treason (Prequel)
-The Vampire Knitting Club (Book #1)
-Stitches and Witches (Book #2)
-Crotchet and Cauldrons (Book #3)
-Stockings and Spells (Book #4)
-Purls and Potions (Book #5)
-Fair Isle and Fortunes (Book #6)
-Lace and Lies (Book #7)
-Bobbles and Broomsticks (Book #8)
-Cats Paws and Curses (Book #8.5)
-Popcorn and Poltergeists (Book #9)
-Garters and Gargoyles (Book #10)
-Diamonds and Daggers (Book #11)
-Herringbones and Hexes (Book #12)
-Ribbing and Runes (Book #13)
-Mosaics and Magic (Book #14)

Can’t wait to explore some of Ms. Warren’s other series now.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Nancy Warren!

[Cissy Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Herringbone and Hexes is #12 in this series and IT IS GREAT. Lucy, the owner of the knit shop is about to embark on the greatest adventure of her life. But first she is going to have to solve a murder. But, I am getting ahead of myself. Lucy is having a normal day in the knit shop. Her witch cousin, Vi, is being her usual self-centered self. But she is acting rather strange. Lucy finally gets it out of her that she is expecting a man to show up at the shop because she has a date. Not just a "date", but a male witch from the dark net dating site, "Witch Date". Lucy is not sure she is happy about this but Vi is a grown woman and free to do what she wants. However Lucy does warn her about dating someone she doesn't even know and if he is a witch and has powers this could go wrong in so many ways. And it does. Vi is so put out by him that she tells him off in a rather rude and unkind way.

They thought that was the end of it until Vi comes to work the next day and there is a goat skull in front of the front door. It has all kinds of weird symbols carved on it, etc. Both ladies are a little thrown off their game and not sure what is going on. Vi has come to work with a large band-aid on her chin. She has a big pimple and she is rather put out. She is always so concerned about her looks, etc. Rafe is called and he comes in to check the skull and he remarks that they are usually used to put a hex on someone. Everyone is sure it is Lucy and their thoughts and investigation go in that direction but it is Vi that is slowly having one problem after another, first a tooth falls out, then her hair starts to fall out. Her eye is swollen and drooping, more pimples or boils break out on her face. Obviously it is Vi that has been hexed. This is just the beginning.

This story has so many stories in it. It is by far the best adventure for Lucy and the vampires to go on. I really loved this one. Don't start late at night because you will not be able to put it down. There is just no place to stop. The story travels at the speed of sound. And the ending.??? If you have been with Lucy since book 1, you will end up SCREAMING as this story ends. The ending is out of this world great. We have been waiting for this since book 1. LOVED it, LOVED it, LOVED it. I definitely highly recommend it. GREAT read. You will just flip over the ending.

I was not paid for this review. I am not a writer nor do I know one. I am not kin to this author. I am a reader and this is my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. 2/8/2021 THANK YOU NANCY!!

[Amanda Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dating dilemmas.

Lucy still can't decide what to do about Rafe's proposal but she's also aware that Violet seems to be very fond of William despite having set herself up with a dating profile on a Witch Date.

So Violet arranges to meet her first web date and when William asks if she's free Saturday night Lucy can only commiserate with her when William adds that he could really do with her help waitressing at an event for his financial advisor. With her first meeting with Leo not going well Violet agrees to help William however one of the guests, Felicity, enters the kitchen and fawns all over him and William appears to be equally attracted. Violets mood doesn't improve!

When her second date with Leo goes down the toilet she caustically tells the young man he's nothing more than a powerless wannabe who really shouldn't be playing around with witches or using Witch Date. But when she later calms down and tries to apologise Leo's profile has gone.

Then a goat skull appears on Cardinal Woolsey's doorstep and Violet seems to have been badly affected by some kind of hex. But who is it aimed at? Could it be Lucy who was the intended recipient or was it really aimed at Violet? Tracking down Leo and trying to reverse the hex creates bigger issues.. the hex was grow ugly, wither and die.. so when Felicity's body is found Lucy is convinced that she's killed her by reversing the hex and wants to hand herself in.

The knitting club come together to solve the case but at the end Rafe admits he can't stay in Oxford with Lucy unable to commit to him.. what will she do when he decides to leave for New Zealand indefinitely? It's decision time and Lucy doesn't have long to make up her mind.

[Wolf_Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally some development in Lucy and Rafes relationship

As usual this book has all the usual different parts with vampires, magic, knitting, murder mystery and romance. It flowed really well and was all linked together very well. The murder mystery was quite obvious and I figured that out from the beginning but did enjoy Lucy’s interaction with various characters and glad she got some girl time. She really needs a good girlfriend in this series bit no good prospects yet. It was nice to delve into her cousin and Williams stories and do hope they end up together. I enjoyed the magic side of things with the hex. There is so much more potential story on the magic side. Regarding her knitting, she does try, but she really has a mind for other things like solving murders and magic. Always like how the vampire knitting club come together and their various characters. Hopefully the author will delve into some of their personalities and stories further into the series. We see some vampire power in this book. Finally some development in Lucy and Rafe’s relationship although very clean, but really hope she becomes a vampire too or some magical long lived life? You could really delve into the vampire stuff more. You will have to read the book to find out what happens. Getting more curious about the cat and keep on thinking she is the witch in Rafes story which I haven’t read as didn’t want to give anything away but now thinking I need to read it. Looking forward to the next book and hope there is some Egypt involved even though Lucy says it’s not Egyptian and reading about all the old and new characters.

[colleen the convivial curmudgeon · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those, who like me, get a little bit annoyed when the magic takes a backseat, you'll be happy to know there's a good bit of magic in this one!

Also, I'm pretty sure it'll be obvious to anyone that Violet is the one who gets hexed, and not Lucy, and I know that's obvious from the write-up, but I avoid the write-ups before reading (for just that reason), and I was dumbfounded by how long it took Lucy to figure out it was Violet who was hexed, though I guess I shouldn't be at this point, because Lucy really isn't ever that quick on the uptake.

Anyone else think that Margaret Twigg is, like, the worst head-of-coven ever? Like, I get that she wants Lucy to practice her magic, but she's just so unhelpful. And when your mentee actively avoids you because you're so awful, well, that's a problem...

Anyway -

I didn't guess the whodunit this time, but I did guess that the lady who died wasn't the intended target, because that seemed a little obvious. Though I have a hard time feeling too sorry for her, considering she put a pretty massive hex on somebody just because she thought they were a potential romantic rival.

Lastly, the best part was Lucy finally agreeing to marry Rafe! Yay, girl! Way to finally get your head out of your butt! I didn't entirely buy the whole Rafe leaving thing, though. Like, he literally told her a book or two ago that he could wait, because if there's one thing he has plenty of it's time... and now it's suddenly too hard to be around her? Meh. But at least we're finally moving along with that particular plotline!