Knitty Gritty Murder
Most times of the year, the tight-knit community gardens in quaint Arborville, New Jersey, overflow with seasonal vegetables and herbs. But who planted the dead body? Farm-to-table enthusiast Jenny Miller had a cookbook in the works when she was suddenly found strangled by a circular knitting needle in her own plot. Now, the pressure is on Pamela and her neighbor Bettina as they weave together clues in search of the person who kept Jenny’s renowned heirloom plants and budding career from growing. With suspects and victims cropping up like weeds, it’ll take a whole lot more than green thumbs and creative minds this spring to entangle the crafty culprit.
The Details
Series: A Knit & Nibble Mystery – Book #7
Author: Peggy Ehrhart
Genre/Category: Cozy – Garden/Hobby
Publisher: Kensington Books
ISBN: 1496733894
Page Count: 288
Rating: 
The Review
Knitty Gritty Murder, like other books in this series, gets bogged down in the details. However, this addition is better than some of the others. There are scenes, especially those when the knitting group gets together that will keep readers attached to their seats. The investigation of a murder of a young woman who is strangled with a circular knitting needle while out in the garden is unique and intriguing. It becomes more intriguing when the victim’s mother falls prey to the same fate.
I enjoy the friendship between Pamala and Bettina, the characters are well-written, and you definitely get a good sense of them as individuals. I don’t like the fact that Pamala’s daughter seems to treat her mother as if she is ready for the old folks’ home. Pamala is, by all indications, barely in her 50s, yet she acts at times and is treated as if she is in her 80s. This grates on the reader, more so if the reader is a woman entering her 50s or already there. The knitting group and the garden in this story are the best parts, and if the story had used more about both and less cooking and grocery shopping, it would have made for a better read.
The murder(s) are interesting; even with the evidence being sparse, readers will most likely already know who the killer is. However, there are suspects, even a few members of the knitting group and the garden co-op, who are under suspicion and lend an air of intrigue to an otherwise hum-drum cast. There are a few twists but nothing too drastic. Red herrings are far and few, and, frankly, easily missed. Knitty Gritty Murder is an easy read, made for someone who just wants to kick back and not have to be overly attentive. If they love knitting, gardens, and characters that are predictable, they will enjoy this book and series.
The Author
Peggy Ehrhart is a former English professor who writes mysteries and plays blues guitar. She holds a doctorate in Medieval Literature, and her publications include a prize-winning book dealing with classical mythology in the Middle Ages. Peggy is a member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. She plays guitar with the Still Standing Band.
Other books in the “A Knit & Nibble Mystery” series readers may want to read include Knit One, Die Two, and Silent Knit, Deadly Knit.
Represented by: Evan Marshall Agency
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