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Black Sheep & Company Mystery #1
While My Pretty One Knits
The Black Sheep Knitters -- Maggie, Lucy, Dana, Suzanne, and Phoebe -- meet once a week without fail, sharing the varied and colorful skeins of their lives as much as knitting tips, recipes, and small-town gossip, and creating an intricate, durable pattern of friendship. Now a shocking murder has peaceful Plum Harbor, Massachusetts, in knots -- and the Black Sheep women must herd together to protect one of their own from a scandalous frame-up.
Maggie Messina, beloved owner of the Black Sheep Knitting Shop, is thrilled to be hosting a workshop for one of her former students, now a celebrity in the knitting world. But the celebration is upstaged when Amanda Goran, the owner of the rival Knitting Nest, is found dead in her shop on the other side of town.
Maggie had reasons to dislike Amanda, a thorn in her side ever since Maggie's shop surpassed Amanda's in popularity. Then again, it wasn't hard to dislike Amanda -- the contentious woman, whose marriage was on the rocks, seemed to specialize in causing misery all over town. But the pointed evidence has a detective casting a suspicious eye on Maggie. She may be a whiz at knitting, but can she keep the police from needling her before her shop, her reputation, and her circle of friends become unraveled?
249 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 2009
136 people are currently reading
2841 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews
February 9, 2020
This is a good, solid story.
For some reason, after reading the blurb I expected the main character to be Meggie. It turned out to be Lucy. And I think it's even better. There are so many books in which the main characters and often also the narrators are shop owners or people suspected of murder. And here we have some insights from the outside and from the inside at the same time. It's a good idea. And Lucy makes an interesting heroine.
The plot is also fine, although nothing out of the ordinary for this genre. Was I surprised by the identity of the murderer? Absolutely not. The murderer turned out to be the person I suspected from the very beginning. I think this is quite obvious to the reader. The motives for their behavior were no surprise to me either. Still, I enjoyed the story.
Maybe except for the ending. I understand that the ending requires great dramatic scenes, but logically Lucy should have called the police and not put herself in a dangerous situation. This is stupid. Although even this thoughtless situation has not escalated to the size of a gigantic error that makes me roll my eyes. It is bearable but could be smarter.
There is also a small romantic thread. But there is really nothing to talk about. As for a group of friends, they create an interesting jumble. Interactions between them are an interesting element of this book. I must admit that for a group knitting together they are not sugary sweet or sickly cute.
As I said at the beginning, it's a good, solid story. Lucy proves herself as the main character. One day I can read another book in this series.
For some reason, after reading the blurb I expected the main character to be Meggie. It turned out to be Lucy. And I think it's even better. There are so many books in which the main characters and often also the narrators are shop owners or people suspected of murder. And here we have some insights from the outside and from the inside at the same time. It's a good idea. And Lucy makes an interesting heroine.
The plot is also fine, although nothing out of the ordinary for this genre. Was I surprised by the identity of the murderer? Absolutely not. The murderer turned out to be the person I suspected from the very beginning. I think this is quite obvious to the reader. The motives for their behavior were no surprise to me either. Still, I enjoyed the story.
Maybe except for the ending. I understand that the ending requires great dramatic scenes, but logically Lucy should have called the police and not put herself in a dangerous situation. This is stupid. Although even this thoughtless situation has not escalated to the size of a gigantic error that makes me roll my eyes. It is bearable but could be smarter.
There is also a small romantic thread. But there is really nothing to talk about. As for a group of friends, they create an interesting jumble. Interactions between them are an interesting element of this book. I must admit that for a group knitting together they are not sugary sweet or sickly cute.
As I said at the beginning, it's a good, solid story. Lucy proves herself as the main character. One day I can read another book in this series.
June 14, 2010
Several things wrong with this book.
1. Within 18 pages, I wanted to take my red pen to it. Whoever edited it did a poor job.
2. The writing wasn't that great either.
3. Once I figured out for sure who did it, I wasn't interested in keeping reading. I had no connection with the characters at all.
4. Though it's a book about women who love to knit (one of them owns a knitting shop, actually), there's none of that love conveyed in the story. The author did her research, and she knows about knit and purl and cabling and the Yarn Harlot and UFOs, but there's no passion behind it. It felt like she was just regurgitating facts so that she'd sound good. It just sounded forced.
5. The title is dumb.
1. Within 18 pages, I wanted to take my red pen to it. Whoever edited it did a poor job.
2. The writing wasn't that great either.
3. Once I figured out for sure who did it, I wasn't interested in keeping reading. I had no connection with the characters at all.
4. Though it's a book about women who love to knit (one of them owns a knitting shop, actually), there's none of that love conveyed in the story. The author did her research, and she knows about knit and purl and cabling and the Yarn Harlot and UFOs, but there's no passion behind it. It felt like she was just regurgitating facts so that she'd sound good. It just sounded forced.
5. The title is dumb.
December 28, 2020
It started out a bit slow but once it took up a bit speed it was a very nice cozy read. I expected the owner of the knitting shop to be the main character which was not the case. It will be fun to see where the romance is going and I am looking forward to reading more about sweet little Tink, Lucy's dog.
May 16, 2011
Shallow, especially stupid entry in the crafts-n-mystery genre. I guessed the murderer by page 28. Several things caused me to say out loud: "Oh, how stupid!" or "Yeah, that's believable!" including when the veterinarian character doesn't charge for a vet visit that turns out to include exam, blood work, x-rays, surgery to remove an obstruction, and several days boarding for observation/recuperation at the clinic. Yeah, all for free, right. Also, there are several glaring errors in police procedure. The writing quality is okay, although the book itself needed a better proofreader. One personal quibble
May 1, 2016
I don't read a lot of cozy mysteries as I prefer psychological mysteries, but I am usually up for a cozy related to my favorite pasttime, knitting. After 50 pages I decided this book lacked too much. I then read the description of the author as a novice knitter. Ah ha. Another opportunist who knows there are readers like me who will read a mystery because it's related to knitting. Immediately I realized this writer doesn't know much about knitting. The description of the shop and knitters lacked genunie details. Plus the first chapter features a demo and speaker in the shop talking about felting knitted projects as though it's the next best thing. Felted knits were all the rage about 6-8 years before this book was written. Some knitters still make them but many many have moved onto other things. The books are set in a small town north of Boston on the coast. Absolutely no local color or sense of place in this book. The author is not from the area and it shows. I am not finishing this or reading the other I have. The real mystery is why this series is published in trade paperback format with cover prices around $15.
March 29, 2010
When I know that a book will have more than one volume, I like to start at the beginning. This book introduced the characters and the knit shop. For those who knit, this is a cute story. Knitting techniques are discussed websites are listed at the end of the book for the patterns worked on in the book. Overall it's an enjoyable read.
April 25, 2015
This was a pretty adorable cozy mystery. I don't grab them for deep thoughts, controversial subjects or complex plots. I grab them for the fluff fun read they are.
I especially like that this one wasn't JUST about knitting, but about the friendships you make with others who love a craft you do too. Although predictable, I did love the addition of the vet and Tink.
I especially like that this one wasn't JUST about knitting, but about the friendships you make with others who love a craft you do too. Although predictable, I did love the addition of the vet and Tink.
June 17, 2019
While My Pretty One Knits by Anne Canadeo is more than a cozy mystery....it is a story about friendship and the depths of that friendship among a group of women.
In Plum Harbor Maggie owns a knitting shop called the Black Sheep Knitting Shop and she developed a bond with 4 other women when they came together for a class Maggie was teaching....now these women - Lucy, Dana, Suzanne and Phoebe - will do anything for each other and in While My Pretty One Knits, their commitment to Maggie will be shown. When Maggie's rival is found murdered in her knitting shop across town Maggie is considered a person of interest.....mainly because the two were competitors in a small town. Maggie's friends know that she would not do anything to harm someone let alone kill them but convincing the police will be a different story !!!
I loved how Canadeo provides the reader with a different aspect of a cozy mystery. You get to really look into Maggie and her friends, with a new romance for one of them thrown into the mix. The reader gets a deep feeling of friendship and commitment and to see what a friend really and truly will do for another. The book provides the reader with a different way of investigating and solving the murder....a quiet and more laid back approach if you will. Even though the main focus, of course, is on solving the murder and clearing Maggie's name, it is done around the reader getting to really know the characters and their town.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read more in the Black Sheep Knitting Mystery series......
In Plum Harbor Maggie owns a knitting shop called the Black Sheep Knitting Shop and she developed a bond with 4 other women when they came together for a class Maggie was teaching....now these women - Lucy, Dana, Suzanne and Phoebe - will do anything for each other and in While My Pretty One Knits, their commitment to Maggie will be shown. When Maggie's rival is found murdered in her knitting shop across town Maggie is considered a person of interest.....mainly because the two were competitors in a small town. Maggie's friends know that she would not do anything to harm someone let alone kill them but convincing the police will be a different story !!!
I loved how Canadeo provides the reader with a different aspect of a cozy mystery. You get to really look into Maggie and her friends, with a new romance for one of them thrown into the mix. The reader gets a deep feeling of friendship and commitment and to see what a friend really and truly will do for another. The book provides the reader with a different way of investigating and solving the murder....a quiet and more laid back approach if you will. Even though the main focus, of course, is on solving the murder and clearing Maggie's name, it is done around the reader getting to really know the characters and their town.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read more in the Black Sheep Knitting Mystery series......
May 30, 2017
A fast paced and enjoyable cozy mystery. Full of twists and turns. I really enjoy the Black Sheep Knitting Group. They seem like a nice bunch of ladies I would love to hang out with.
April 17, 2018
Five good friends have a knitting club at their friend Maggie's shop, Black Sheep Knitting. When a rival yarn shop owner is found dead in her own shop, Maggie is the first one the police look to since it's no secret the two of them didn't get along well even though Maggie tried to tolerate the other shop owner, Amanda. Maggie had just hosted well known knitting author Cara Newsome who had just written her second book and was looking into having a TV series as well. She'd hoped that would help promote her shop but now with the town thinking she's guilty of murder or even a person of interest, things aren't looking too great for her business. Her faithful friends are not about to let Maggie go down since they all know she's innocent.
This was such an enjoyable mystery and story of how five women came together over the love of knitting, something that has actually been making a comeback with younger people. The little group consisted of five very different women of all ages but the thing they all had in common was the love of their art and soon, their friendship and camaraderie with each other, along with helping Maggie of course.
I did guess the killer but not really for the reason that was given at first, although the clues were planted and as it unfolded I saw the why. There weren't a whole lot of people in the story line that could have done it but I think it was written so we the readers could guess it. The take down was pretty cool, Maggie was proven innocent and the perp even confessed. After that the girls all thought they should name their knitting group the Black Sheep even though Maggie was no longer the black sheep in Plum Harbor. She said there was a touch of black sheep in all of them, referring to their snooping, gathering gossip and doing whatever clandestine thing it took to save her from a murder charge.
At the end of the book, Phoebe shares her Jell-o dye recipe, Maggie shares some felting resources, Lucy shares a few sock monkey hat resources since she was knitting those for her nieces and Suzanne shares her famous guacamole dip recipe. I thought it was fun that the notes were written from the actual characters. I'm definitely going to read more in this series!
This was such an enjoyable mystery and story of how five women came together over the love of knitting, something that has actually been making a comeback with younger people. The little group consisted of five very different women of all ages but the thing they all had in common was the love of their art and soon, their friendship and camaraderie with each other, along with helping Maggie of course.
I did guess the killer but not really for the reason that was given at first, although the clues were planted and as it unfolded I saw the why. There weren't a whole lot of people in the story line that could have done it but I think it was written so we the readers could guess it. The take down was pretty cool, Maggie was proven innocent and the perp even confessed. After that the girls all thought they should name their knitting group the Black Sheep even though Maggie was no longer the black sheep in Plum Harbor. She said there was a touch of black sheep in all of them, referring to their snooping, gathering gossip and doing whatever clandestine thing it took to save her from a murder charge.
At the end of the book, Phoebe shares her Jell-o dye recipe, Maggie shares some felting resources, Lucy shares a few sock monkey hat resources since she was knitting those for her nieces and Suzanne shares her famous guacamole dip recipe. I thought it was fun that the notes were written from the actual characters. I'm definitely going to read more in this series!
October 27, 2009
I admit - I knew "Who Done It" in the first chapter. The set up just kind of gave it away. I spent most of the book waiting for the other characters to catch on to what was already obvious to the reader.
And still I enjoyed the book. I can't say it was written very well - I found who was saying what confusing at times - but there was something about the chemistry of characters that was "ON" enough to make me like reading it.
I definitely felt echoes of other knitting mysteries here. Maggie reminded me a little of Betsy Devonshire from the Monica Ferris books. Lucy reminded me of Kelly Flynn from Maggie Sefton's books And I think there might have been a hint of Debbie Macomber thrown in here too. Maybe that is why I liked it? I found the characters familiar? Even the plot was rather similar to Mary Krueger's "Died in the Wool".
Regardless - it was a quick and fun read and I liked the recipes and knitting patterns/hints in the back of the book a fun little bonus - and the reason this is going on my "Keeper" shelf.
I have hope that future books will improve in plot line and writing development and that the character chemistry will continue on an upward path.
And still I enjoyed the book. I can't say it was written very well - I found who was saying what confusing at times - but there was something about the chemistry of characters that was "ON" enough to make me like reading it.
I definitely felt echoes of other knitting mysteries here. Maggie reminded me a little of Betsy Devonshire from the Monica Ferris books. Lucy reminded me of Kelly Flynn from Maggie Sefton's books And I think there might have been a hint of Debbie Macomber thrown in here too. Maybe that is why I liked it? I found the characters familiar? Even the plot was rather similar to Mary Krueger's "Died in the Wool".
Regardless - it was a quick and fun read and I liked the recipes and knitting patterns/hints in the back of the book a fun little bonus - and the reason this is going on my "Keeper" shelf.
I have hope that future books will improve in plot line and writing development and that the character chemistry will continue on an upward path.
May 6, 2014
I knit, I write, I read. This is the perfect book for knitters like me who are too tired to knit and want to curl up with a good knitting "yarn." It keeps you guessing who the murderer is up to the last chapter, while giving you the sensation of knitting vicariously through each main character. The writing style is definitely genre-specific, which is great if you want a quick read that is highly entertaining. What stuck out to me about this book, compared with other "knit lit" books, is that it infused knitting into every scene. Knitting wasn't just a backdrop to the story, it was the story. Other obsessive knitters will enjoy feeling so immersed in yarn and needles, even when their own knitting is set aside for the night.
October 17, 2009
This book was pretty good as far as knitting/mystery books go. There was a nice mix of characters and an actual plot. Wow. The mystery part of it was a bit predictable, but that's OK. I loved the fact that the vet knit. Why can't I meet a guy like that, darn it.
April 13, 2019
I enjoyed this, but I'm kicking myself for reading the second one first (because that's the one I found at my library). I don't think the second one actually said who had done it, but it did give away some things in the characters' lives. Oh well. I was pleased to actually figure out "whodunit" before the end! Will definitely be looking for the third in the series.
June 28, 2025
Not bad at all...
More a 3.5 than a flat 3, this first of a series offered a lot to like for fans of mysteries and knitting. Also, there's a decidedly sweet dog. I appreciate that the author uses plays on classic mystery titles, this one from Mary Higgins Clark's While My Pretty One Sleeps, to name her entries. Guess I will be checking out the next one.
More a 3.5 than a flat 3, this first of a series offered a lot to like for fans of mysteries and knitting. Also, there's a decidedly sweet dog. I appreciate that the author uses plays on classic mystery titles, this one from Mary Higgins Clark's While My Pretty One Sleeps, to name her entries. Guess I will be checking out the next one.
Read
April 9, 2011Knitting mysteries are the latest "whodunits" to saturate the shelves. It seems every cozy writer wants to try their hand weaving one making the sub-genre blend together in a knot...
Enter the stellar Anne Canadeo w/ her exemplary mystery debut While My Pretty One Knits.
Delightful. Enchanting. Humorous. Impressive. Witty. Those are just a few adjectives to describe Anne Canadeo's effervescent cozy debut, While My Pretty One Knits.
I absolutely adore this series. I couldn't put it down & when I was closing in on the ending I hid it. Yes, I did! I recently moved off the island & moved up to gorgeous northern New York & hid it in my huge house; ). Well, I tried to hide it but the engaging cast of characters whispered for me to hang out w/ them @ the Black Sheep Knitting Shop. When I tried to ignore them they poked me w/ a knitting needle. Ouch! OK, it was more than one knitting needle. Geez, knitters are a crafty bunch ; ).
While My Pretty One Knits is a dynamite introduction to an energetic new cozy mystery series.
Canadeo's writing flows effortlessly off the page & the enchanting, fun, ingenious cast steals the show.
Canadeo knows how to absorb the reader w/ a skillful, fast-paced plot. The characters are well-developed & Canadeo knows how to create a cast of characters you care about.
All you need is a cup of hot cocoa overflowing w/ marshmallows, a crackling fire, a throw & you have an impeccable cozy evening (cheese, fruit, wine & crackers may enhance your reading pleasure).
Canadeo showcases her sharp writing skills. She is a brilliant new addition to the cozy genre.
When I reached page 249 it was bittersweet. Infact, I am in a bit of a diva monster mood (grumpy sourpuss) because I have to wait until December for Knit, Purl, Die. Grrr... Where are those knitting needles when I need them?
While My Pretty One Knits is a perfect summer read for all of those scrambling to make the most of summer as it draws to a close but it is also an excellent read to curl up w/ as fall arrives.
I really wish I could visit Plum Harbor, Massachusetts & visit all the terrific friends Canadeo vibrantly created. I really want to spend time w/ adorable Tink & Matt -- *sigh*!
While My Pretty One Knits was so richly penned it has made me interested in learning to knit. Really! Moi, who can barely lace her kicks.
I loved this book so much that I imagine myself as a character visiting the Book Review & the Black Sheep Knitting Shop.
Non-knitters will revel in the picturesque surroundings.
While My Pretty One Knits is a tightly stitched novel not to be missed!
Enter the stellar Anne Canadeo w/ her exemplary mystery debut While My Pretty One Knits.
Delightful. Enchanting. Humorous. Impressive. Witty. Those are just a few adjectives to describe Anne Canadeo's effervescent cozy debut, While My Pretty One Knits.
I absolutely adore this series. I couldn't put it down & when I was closing in on the ending I hid it. Yes, I did! I recently moved off the island & moved up to gorgeous northern New York & hid it in my huge house; ). Well, I tried to hide it but the engaging cast of characters whispered for me to hang out w/ them @ the Black Sheep Knitting Shop. When I tried to ignore them they poked me w/ a knitting needle. Ouch! OK, it was more than one knitting needle. Geez, knitters are a crafty bunch ; ).
While My Pretty One Knits is a dynamite introduction to an energetic new cozy mystery series.
Canadeo's writing flows effortlessly off the page & the enchanting, fun, ingenious cast steals the show.
Canadeo knows how to absorb the reader w/ a skillful, fast-paced plot. The characters are well-developed & Canadeo knows how to create a cast of characters you care about.
All you need is a cup of hot cocoa overflowing w/ marshmallows, a crackling fire, a throw & you have an impeccable cozy evening (cheese, fruit, wine & crackers may enhance your reading pleasure).
Canadeo showcases her sharp writing skills. She is a brilliant new addition to the cozy genre.
When I reached page 249 it was bittersweet. Infact, I am in a bit of a diva monster mood (grumpy sourpuss) because I have to wait until December for Knit, Purl, Die. Grrr... Where are those knitting needles when I need them?
While My Pretty One Knits is a perfect summer read for all of those scrambling to make the most of summer as it draws to a close but it is also an excellent read to curl up w/ as fall arrives.
I really wish I could visit Plum Harbor, Massachusetts & visit all the terrific friends Canadeo vibrantly created. I really want to spend time w/ adorable Tink & Matt -- *sigh*!
While My Pretty One Knits was so richly penned it has made me interested in learning to knit. Really! Moi, who can barely lace her kicks.
I loved this book so much that I imagine myself as a character visiting the Book Review & the Black Sheep Knitting Shop.
Non-knitters will revel in the picturesque surroundings.
While My Pretty One Knits is a tightly stitched novel not to be missed!
Read
October 14, 2017Nice cozy mystery. Like to characters will continue series.
January 19, 2017
In Anne Canadeo's While My Pretty One Knits, the first installment in the Black Sheep Knitting Cozy Mystery series, this tale would get you all tangled up in knitted knots with a compelling storyline. When local book author Cara Newhouse arrived in Maggie Messina's book signing and felting demonstration, she had hidden a terrible secret. It all started when it would be brought to light, when Maggie's craft store rival Amanda Goran made an appearance and acting good-spirited with a new look at her store. Something was up with her change of attitude. After the book signing, word came about on her suspicious death at her own home. And the police believed Maggie had something to do with her murder as a suspect, when her fellow knitter friends thought it might Amanda's own ex-husband Peter. To help Maggie get off the hook, they dug deeper into Amanda's life, when more suspicious robberies made them raise their own eyebrows. For Lucy Binger, she had put the pieces together, when she rescued Tink, one of Amanda's dog, and had taken him to the vet, which made him real sick. Not only had she had eyes on the new vet as a possible love interest, she made some other shocking discoveries between Amanda's and Cara's alliance with the key evidence, when things came to a head with a heated confrontation between her and fight for their lives to bring her to justice.
November 28, 2011
This book is about the formation of a knitting group consisting of Maggie, the owner of the knitting store, Lucy, Dana, Suzanne, and Phoebe. From reading the back blurb of the book, I thought the sleuth was going to be Maggie but it wasn't.
There is a book signing at the store for a former pupil, now author, of Maggie's. Cara Newhouse, author of a popular book on felting (a process done to completed projects.) Everyone is so excited and the five ladies help set up the store.
To their surprise, Maggie's arch-rival appears to actually give compliments and announce that she would attend the book signing. This leaves the ladies almost speechless with shock. Amanda Goren, owner of Knitting Nest, formerly the only shop of its type in Plum Harbor, MA, has made an concerted effort to cause woe for Maggie, ever since her shop opened. Why the change of heart?
The Book signing day arrives and prior the author's talk, another customer arrives with the news that Amanda has been found dead. Maggie knows she will be the main suspect.
Lucy decides to do a bit of investigating on her own.
This was a nice and pleasant cozy mystery. The characters are likable and interesting. Knitters will become fond of the newly named "Black Sheep."
There is a book signing at the store for a former pupil, now author, of Maggie's. Cara Newhouse, author of a popular book on felting (a process done to completed projects.) Everyone is so excited and the five ladies help set up the store.
To their surprise, Maggie's arch-rival appears to actually give compliments and announce that she would attend the book signing. This leaves the ladies almost speechless with shock. Amanda Goren, owner of Knitting Nest, formerly the only shop of its type in Plum Harbor, MA, has made an concerted effort to cause woe for Maggie, ever since her shop opened. Why the change of heart?
The Book signing day arrives and prior the author's talk, another customer arrives with the news that Amanda has been found dead. Maggie knows she will be the main suspect.
Lucy decides to do a bit of investigating on her own.
This was a nice and pleasant cozy mystery. The characters are likable and interesting. Knitters will become fond of the newly named "Black Sheep."
July 24, 2017
The Black Sheep Knitters -- Maggie, Lucy, Dana, Suzanne, and Phoebe -- meet once a week without fail, sharing the varied and colorful skeins of their lives as much as knitting tips, recipes, and small-town gossip, and creating an intricate, durable pattern of friendship. Now a shocking murder has peaceful Plum Harbor, Massachusetts, in knots -- and the Black Sheep women must herd together to protect one of their own from a scandalous frame-up.
I don't want to reveal more of the plot beyond the book blurb excerpt. Suffice it to say for readers who love to knit, this cozy mystery will entertain. Anne Canadeo writes well and develops the characters to the point where you feel that Maggie, Suzanne, Dana, Lucy, and Phoebe are old friends. The suspense level in the novel surprised me, since cozy mysteries aren't known for their suspense.
I definitely will read more novels in the Black Sheep Knitting Mysteries Series.
I don't want to reveal more of the plot beyond the book blurb excerpt. Suffice it to say for readers who love to knit, this cozy mystery will entertain. Anne Canadeo writes well and develops the characters to the point where you feel that Maggie, Suzanne, Dana, Lucy, and Phoebe are old friends. The suspense level in the novel surprised me, since cozy mysteries aren't known for their suspense.
I definitely will read more novels in the Black Sheep Knitting Mysteries Series.
January 23, 2016
#1 om the Black Sheep Knitting mystery series
I wasn't sure about this one at first. There were dozens of grammatical errors at the beginning that distracted me. Obviously I wasn't the only one because someone who had borrowed the book from the library in the past had written in corrections. But once I got beyond that section and started to get into the mystery, I really enjoyed it, not guessing the murderer until just before the reveal. What I liked was that it was sort of a chick-lit book, becoming involved in the personal lives of several woman who also get together on a regular basis to knit. There was a bit of romance too, always a good thing, in my opinion. What was interesting was that the owner of the shop was not actually the main character, instead it was one of her friends who figured things out and followed up. This juxtaposition made for a different viewpoint and a bit of oomph to what was otherwise a fairly typical cozy mystery. I will definitely read more in this series.
I wasn't sure about this one at first. There were dozens of grammatical errors at the beginning that distracted me. Obviously I wasn't the only one because someone who had borrowed the book from the library in the past had written in corrections. But once I got beyond that section and started to get into the mystery, I really enjoyed it, not guessing the murderer until just before the reveal. What I liked was that it was sort of a chick-lit book, becoming involved in the personal lives of several woman who also get together on a regular basis to knit. There was a bit of romance too, always a good thing, in my opinion. What was interesting was that the owner of the shop was not actually the main character, instead it was one of her friends who figured things out and followed up. This juxtaposition made for a different viewpoint and a bit of oomph to what was otherwise a fairly typical cozy mystery. I will definitely read more in this series.
June 25, 2011
Well, I did finish the book but was disappointed. I actually stopped it and read another book and then completed the book mostly because I wanted to see that I was correct in solving the murder mystery. If I had not been mildly intrigued to read to the end, then I would have given it one star. The writing was poor and the characters were quite one-dimensional. I honestly felt like I was reading a story I wrote in middle school because it was simplistic in writing style and development. Sorry- it was too simple for me!
June 5, 2013
I'm a knitter and I enjoy mysteries. I picked this up on a whim at my local library for some escape reading. Hard to escape when the editing is so poor. Aran knitting, not Aryan knitting! Also, my copy left out the actual event when the main character (a recently-divorced woman) is asked out on her first date. That the date might happen is referred to as the character is lovingly teased by her friends. Next mention of the date is as the character is getting ready. No scene where she is actually asked out!
December 2, 2018
This book is mostly harmless. It was a light, breezy cozy mystery, but I was annoyed with the main character throughout. For someone who was supposed to be a grown woman, she ignored so many important details and acted like a high schooler preoccupied with their smartphone. The supporting characters were fine, but mostly one dimensional.
The biggest disappointment for me was the squandering of the small town, rival wool shops storyline. This setting and premise has the potential to be Agatha Christie levels of twisted, petty, and drama-filled, but instead it just felt trite and sleepy.
The biggest disappointment for me was the squandering of the small town, rival wool shops storyline. This setting and premise has the potential to be Agatha Christie levels of twisted, petty, and drama-filled, but instead it just felt trite and sleepy.
March 3, 2018
The biggest mystery of this book is how a "small town" can support two knitting shops. I mean, really? What small town has two yarn stores?
The mystery is a bland as can be, the villain and the victim are flat, uninteresting creatures, and while the core of the Black Sheep knitters circle is slightly better, is still doesn't really come far from boilerplate.
All in all a harmless sort of book, but it didn't grip me.
The mystery is a bland as can be, the villain and the victim are flat, uninteresting creatures, and while the core of the Black Sheep knitters circle is slightly better, is still doesn't really come far from boilerplate.
All in all a harmless sort of book, but it didn't grip me.
May 7, 2018
It wasn't bad, just not that great. The whole knitting group were entertaining and the story was well paced but obvious. The mistakes regarding knitting were annoying to any semi experienced knitter, and the whole not paying the vet was ridiculous. Good for anyone who wants to know "who dunnit" in the first couple of chapters and doesn't know the first thing about knitting!
September 10, 2020
Sweet! I like that the women in the knitting group are close knit friends (ha, ha) and NOT all of the same age or place in life. I like that they are not all excellent crafters. I like the love of fur friends. I look forward to more.
May 21, 2017
When Maggie Messina is accused of a rival shop owner’s shocking murder, the Black Sheep knitters are formed to defend their friend. The peaceful town of Plum Harbor, Massachusetts is the setting for While My Pretty One Knits, the first of Anne Canadeo’s Black Sheep Knitter mysteries.
A group of keen knitters meet every week in the little New England coastal village to knit, gossip and catch up on local small town news. There is Maggie the owner of the Black Sheep, Lucy a divorcee graphic designer, Dana a psychologist, Suzanne a mum and estate agent and Phoebe a funky college student who is also Maggie’s tenant.Maggie is thrilled that Cara Newhouse, her former pupil, has agreed to give a felting presentation and book signing in the store. Cara has become a celebrity in the knitting world and the group enthusiastically help Maggie prepare for the visit to the Black Sheep Knitting Shop.
However, there is a thorn in Maggie’s side in the form of Amanda Goran. Amanda owns the Knitting Nest; Plum Harbor’s other knitting shop. Amanda is a disagreeable woman who is irritated that Maggie’s newer shop is doing better than her own. She dislikes Maggie to such an extent that she has been known to spread malicious lies about Maggie to win over customers.
The knitters are therefore puzzled when Amanda pops into the Black Sheep Knitting Shop, the day before Cara Newhouse’s appearance, full of good wishes, having had a makeover and saying how much she is looking forward to the presentation the next day. That is nothing, however, to the surprise the group experience when they are told that during the night Amanda has been murdered in her shop across town.
Amanda was not a popular woman with the locals; her marriage had broken up and her social life appeared to be lousy too. Yet, the police quickly hone in on the rivalry between the two shop owners. Maggie becomes number one suspect when all of the circumstantial evidence points towards her being the murderer. Maggie soon becomes subdued. Her spirits get very low and she finds herself wondering whether she will have to close her yarn shop and whether she will be able to knit in prison. Lucy then steps in to help her friend. She starts to do a bit of amateur sleuthing and forms the knitters into the Black Sheep Knitting Group to uncover the killer’s true identity.
You can tell that the author, Ann Canadeo, is a genuine knitter. Throughout the novel, there are knitting ideas and techniques described. The Jell-o dying technique is one that I had never heard of before. There are some good knitting patterns and interesting web links at the back of the book (although some of the web sites are defunct now as is the way with such things).
I thought it was quite cool that the dog was named Tink because, as I’m sure you know, it is the term for stitches that need to be unravelled (and is also knit spelt backwards). I also loved the fact that the vet was a knitter too!
While My Pretty One Knits is a murder mystery which has a bit of a romance thrown in. What Anne Canadeo does best is the portrayal of the female friendships in the story. She blends together the everyday life and feelings of the friends with a suspense brought about by the suspicions about Amanda. However, although there are murders, it is not gory and is still a pleasant read. I found that the story flowed nicely. The dialogue is witty and there are some humorous sections.
From the blurb on the back of the book, it would appear that the main character is going to be Maggie. This is not the case. The story is told from the viewpoint of Lucy, who becomes the amateur detective in the story. The detection process made sense to me. The book is not so much about detective work though. It is more about the personalities and characters of the knitting group. They all have different traits and I found that I could relate to them well.
For a light hearted read, I found that there were quite a few high brow terms. I even learnt some new sayings like “every pot has its lid”. However, I was almost put off reading this book because of the terrible puns on the back cover. One other thing that I didn’t like was the amount of product placement in this book, especially at the beginning of it.
The mystery was not the most taxing of puzzles as far as murder mysteries are concerned. However, as I said, the strength of this book is not as a murder mystery but in the friendship of a group of knitters trying to solve a whodunit. This book was focussed on Maggie and Lucy, so the other Black Sheep Knitters didn’t get as much of a look in. Maybe they will in the next book?
While My Pretty One Knits is full of knitters, their colourful yarns and their conversations about their latest projects and ideas. The notes and instructions at the end of the book added to overall creative knitting atmosphere of the story. For these reasons I would recommend While My Pretty One Knits to knitters who enjoy curling up with a nice knitting murder mystery. I will be reviewing the second in the series soon. I hope for further development with the friendships and the romance with the vet.
I read this book on softback version. My review is available at: https://www.theknittingsquirrel.com/p...
In case you’re interested I wrote about this very pretty scarf on my blog: https://www.theknittingsquirrel.com/s...
A group of keen knitters meet every week in the little New England coastal village to knit, gossip and catch up on local small town news. There is Maggie the owner of the Black Sheep, Lucy a divorcee graphic designer, Dana a psychologist, Suzanne a mum and estate agent and Phoebe a funky college student who is also Maggie’s tenant.Maggie is thrilled that Cara Newhouse, her former pupil, has agreed to give a felting presentation and book signing in the store. Cara has become a celebrity in the knitting world and the group enthusiastically help Maggie prepare for the visit to the Black Sheep Knitting Shop.
However, there is a thorn in Maggie’s side in the form of Amanda Goran. Amanda owns the Knitting Nest; Plum Harbor’s other knitting shop. Amanda is a disagreeable woman who is irritated that Maggie’s newer shop is doing better than her own. She dislikes Maggie to such an extent that she has been known to spread malicious lies about Maggie to win over customers.
The knitters are therefore puzzled when Amanda pops into the Black Sheep Knitting Shop, the day before Cara Newhouse’s appearance, full of good wishes, having had a makeover and saying how much she is looking forward to the presentation the next day. That is nothing, however, to the surprise the group experience when they are told that during the night Amanda has been murdered in her shop across town.
Amanda was not a popular woman with the locals; her marriage had broken up and her social life appeared to be lousy too. Yet, the police quickly hone in on the rivalry between the two shop owners. Maggie becomes number one suspect when all of the circumstantial evidence points towards her being the murderer. Maggie soon becomes subdued. Her spirits get very low and she finds herself wondering whether she will have to close her yarn shop and whether she will be able to knit in prison. Lucy then steps in to help her friend. She starts to do a bit of amateur sleuthing and forms the knitters into the Black Sheep Knitting Group to uncover the killer’s true identity.
You can tell that the author, Ann Canadeo, is a genuine knitter. Throughout the novel, there are knitting ideas and techniques described. The Jell-o dying technique is one that I had never heard of before. There are some good knitting patterns and interesting web links at the back of the book (although some of the web sites are defunct now as is the way with such things).
I thought it was quite cool that the dog was named Tink because, as I’m sure you know, it is the term for stitches that need to be unravelled (and is also knit spelt backwards). I also loved the fact that the vet was a knitter too!
While My Pretty One Knits is a murder mystery which has a bit of a romance thrown in. What Anne Canadeo does best is the portrayal of the female friendships in the story. She blends together the everyday life and feelings of the friends with a suspense brought about by the suspicions about Amanda. However, although there are murders, it is not gory and is still a pleasant read. I found that the story flowed nicely. The dialogue is witty and there are some humorous sections.
From the blurb on the back of the book, it would appear that the main character is going to be Maggie. This is not the case. The story is told from the viewpoint of Lucy, who becomes the amateur detective in the story. The detection process made sense to me. The book is not so much about detective work though. It is more about the personalities and characters of the knitting group. They all have different traits and I found that I could relate to them well.
For a light hearted read, I found that there were quite a few high brow terms. I even learnt some new sayings like “every pot has its lid”. However, I was almost put off reading this book because of the terrible puns on the back cover. One other thing that I didn’t like was the amount of product placement in this book, especially at the beginning of it.
The mystery was not the most taxing of puzzles as far as murder mysteries are concerned. However, as I said, the strength of this book is not as a murder mystery but in the friendship of a group of knitters trying to solve a whodunit. This book was focussed on Maggie and Lucy, so the other Black Sheep Knitters didn’t get as much of a look in. Maybe they will in the next book?
While My Pretty One Knits is full of knitters, their colourful yarns and their conversations about their latest projects and ideas. The notes and instructions at the end of the book added to overall creative knitting atmosphere of the story. For these reasons I would recommend While My Pretty One Knits to knitters who enjoy curling up with a nice knitting murder mystery. I will be reviewing the second in the series soon. I hope for further development with the friendships and the romance with the vet.
I read this book on softback version. My review is available at: https://www.theknittingsquirrel.com/p...
In case you’re interested I wrote about this very pretty scarf on my blog: https://www.theknittingsquirrel.com/s...
November 27, 2014
I enjoyed the mystery went quickly and I guessed who did it !
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