Publisher: Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group
Pub. Date: May 2009
ISBN-13: 9781416598091
272pp
Synopsis
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?
Knitting 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!
Hurry & grab a copy of While My Pretty One Knits. It's as relaxing as a day @ the shore!
