A Crime of a Different Stripe
While no-nonsense mother-to-be Cass Halloran tries downplaying her pregnancy and her frequent doctor’s visits as an “older” mother-to-be, a softer side of the lobsterwoman emerges as she joins the Seaside Knitters in knitting an abundance of delicate hats and booties. But in contrast to the happy news, terrifying events unfold in the town’s art series that put a real chill in their New England fall.
Izzy Perry’s husband Sam had reservations about inviting his one-time mentor Harrison Grant to speak at the opening reception, although he never imagined the famed and charismatic photographer would rudely embarrass his hosts that evening. But when a dead body turns up along the wooded shoreline the next day, startling secrets come into focus that could undo the tight-knit community of local artists.
With a mysterious murder pitting neighbors against each other, Izzy, Birdie, Nell, and a vulnerable Cass find themselves entangled in a dangerous hunt for answers. Can four best friends somehow tie together scattered clues and pacify a list of potential culprits before a cascade of fallen foliage buries the pièce de résistance of a ruthless killer?
Series: Seaside Knitters Society – Book #4
Author: Sally Goldenbaum
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Business/Crafts
Publisher: Kensington Books
Page Count: 336
Rating: 
A Crime of a Different Stripe is a fantastic addition to this series. The multiple narratives from the main characters keep you ingrained in the story and their lives. You don’t know just the thoughts of one character; you get all of them. You learn about their lives, from having babies to their craft of knitting to deep relationship fears, and joys. Each character plays a vital intricate role in the lives of the other characters; they work, play, and live together as one big family. They take strangers under their wing and make them feel as though they are a part of everything and everyone. These characters feel grief when a stranger dies and joy when a child is born. They keep readers smiling and, at times, crying. They are impossible to forget.
The small-town setting gives you a sense of closeness and life in a place where everyone knows everyone. New England is a picturesque setting for any series and ideal for this one. Add in a knitting craft group who love each other, several expectant mothers, with a murderer, and you have a combination that keeps a small town filled with life, gossip, and love.
There is little to no police involvement in this book. If readers are looking for an in-depth hard-driven murder investigation, this is not the book for them. There are suspects, perhaps more than you would expect. The evidence is found within the writer’s words, but readers may need to sit back and think things over before realizing that a red herring may be more important than they thought. This is not a book that you can rush through. Readers will need to find a quiet place, a hot beverage, and the time to immerse themselves in the characters’ lives. This is not a stand-alone book; most readers will be lost if they have not read at least one of the other installments in this series. The knitting patterns in the back would be terrific for those interested in the craft. A Crime of a Different Stripe has an intensity you may not find in other stories of the same type. This is a character drive experience you won’t want to miss with an ending that will have readers filled with joy and hope.
Other crafting series readers will want to check out include the late Lea Wait’s tremendous “A Mainly Needlepoint Mystery” or Mary Marks’ thrilling series “A Quilting Mystery.”
About the Author:
Sally Goldenbaum is the author of over three-dozen novels, including the Queen Bees Quilt Shop Mysteries and the nationally bestselling Seaside Knitters Society Mystery Series, set in the fictional town of Sea Harbor, Massachusetts. Born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Sally now lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts, with her husband, Don. In addition to writing mysteries, Sally has taught philosophy, Latin, and creative writing, edited bioethics and veterinary healthcare journals, and worked in public television at WQED Pittsburgh (then home to Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood).
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