Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
This is the first book I've read in this series or by this author. As a knitter and a lover of all things Irish, I couldn't help picking this one up when I had the opportunity. The story opens as Pamela, a widow and craft magazine editor, and her friend Bettina, a reporter for the local paper, attend a senior center St. Patrick's Day luncheon. Bettina is there to cover the event for the paper. The fun and fellowship are evident, and the "Irishness" ramps up when local singer Isobel Lister arrives to perform a series of Irish songs. Not everyone enjoyed the performance, including at least one who walked out. Shortly after she finishes her performance, Isobel is found dead in the back room.
Pamela, Bettina, and the others in their knitting group have earned a reputation for solving mysteries. Pamela and Bettina are determined to figure this one out. I haven't read the others in this series but I wasn't very impressed with their methods. One or the other would seize on a possible suspect; then they would create some wild scenario that led up to the murder with no objective evidence for their suspicion. Then they would talk to the suspect, realize they had it all wrong, and move on to the next suspect. Rinse and repeat. I never got the feeling that they knew what they were doing. A second death threw everything they thought into turmoil, leaving them scrambling for answers. The eventual solving of the deaths felt anti-climactic.
I enjoyed getting to know the variety of characters. Bettina is a fashionista, and her outfits are described in detail. She is a woman with a big heart and a talent for drawing people out - a good thing for a reporter. She and her husband, Wilfred, are an adorable couple, and we hear all about the fantastic meals he cooks. Pamela is a widow with a grown daughter. Her husband has been gone for fifteen years, and she has begun dating again. Pamela is the editor of a craft magazine, and I am intrigued by the articles she is editing for it, especially the Civil War story.
The Knit & Nibble group members are introduced, and each has a unique personality, so it is relatively easy to keep them straight. I liked hearing about the projects they worked on. There were some upsides to Pamela and Bettina's focusing on suspects, and that was watching them "question" them. There was one character who was angry about the "misappropriation" of the Irish culture and dropped a few tidbits that were interesting to read. There was the Wiccan who wasn't happy about some of the conflation of various holidays. I liked seeing Pamela and Bettina learn about Ostara and its influence on Easter. I already knew this as I have a family member who is Pagan, and I'm always happy to see a little education slip into a story.
There are a few romantic elements. There's the end of one romance, a hint of a missed opportunity in another, and a new man that shows promise. I liked the new man, who clearly understands who he is after losing sight of what is important.
There were a few irritating things about the book. Most of it deals with repetitiveness. Every time Pamela gets a plate, bowl, or cup, we are told it's her wedding china. It's meant to be used, not saved for a special occasion, or so we are constantly reminded. The food is always described in detail, as are Bettina's outfits. It almost felt like the descriptions were needed to make up the word count.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, but I'm not sure I'm invested enough to seek out the other books.
#netgalley
Pamela, Bettina, and the others in their knitting group have earned a reputation for solving mysteries. Pamela and Bettina are determined to figure this one out. I haven't read the others in this series but I wasn't very impressed with their methods. One or the other would seize on a possible suspect; then they would create some wild scenario that led up to the murder with no objective evidence for their suspicion. Then they would talk to the suspect, realize they had it all wrong, and move on to the next suspect. Rinse and repeat. I never got the feeling that they knew what they were doing. A second death threw everything they thought into turmoil, leaving them scrambling for answers. The eventual solving of the deaths felt anti-climactic.
I enjoyed getting to know the variety of characters. Bettina is a fashionista, and her outfits are described in detail. She is a woman with a big heart and a talent for drawing people out - a good thing for a reporter. She and her husband, Wilfred, are an adorable couple, and we hear all about the fantastic meals he cooks. Pamela is a widow with a grown daughter. Her husband has been gone for fifteen years, and she has begun dating again. Pamela is the editor of a craft magazine, and I am intrigued by the articles she is editing for it, especially the Civil War story.
The Knit & Nibble group members are introduced, and each has a unique personality, so it is relatively easy to keep them straight. I liked hearing about the projects they worked on. There were some upsides to Pamela and Bettina's focusing on suspects, and that was watching them "question" them. There was one character who was angry about the "misappropriation" of the Irish culture and dropped a few tidbits that were interesting to read. There was the Wiccan who wasn't happy about some of the conflation of various holidays. I liked seeing Pamela and Bettina learn about Ostara and its influence on Easter. I already knew this as I have a family member who is Pagan, and I'm always happy to see a little education slip into a story.
There are a few romantic elements. There's the end of one romance, a hint of a missed opportunity in another, and a new man that shows promise. I liked the new man, who clearly understands who he is after losing sight of what is important.
There were a few irritating things about the book. Most of it deals with repetitiveness. Every time Pamela gets a plate, bowl, or cup, we are told it's her wedding china. It's meant to be used, not saved for a special occasion, or so we are constantly reminded. The food is always described in detail, as are Bettina's outfits. It almost felt like the descriptions were needed to make up the word count.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, but I'm not sure I'm invested enough to seek out the other books.
#netgalley
