Sally Goldenbaum‘s Murder Wears Mittens has been on my bookshelf for a few years. I’m relatively sure I won a copy on Goodreads.
As autumn washes over coastal Sea Harbor, Massachusetts, the Seaside Knitters anticipate a relaxing off-season. But when murder shatters the peace, the craftiest bunch in town must unravel a killer’s deadly scheme . . .
After retrieving fresh lobster nets from a local Laundromat, Cass Halloran rushes to attend a last-minute gathering with her knitting circle. But Cass can’t stop worrying about the lonely boy seen hanging around the dryers, and the school uniform he left behind in a hurry. When the ladies return the lost clothing the next day, they find the child and his younger sister alone, seemingly abandoned by their mother . . .
The knitters intend to facilitate a family reunion, not investigate a crime. But the death of Dolores Cardozo, a recluse from the edge of town, throws the group for a loop. Especially when the missing mother and one of their own become tied to the victim’s hidden fortune—and her murder. It’s up to the Seaside Knitters to string together the truth about Dolores—while preventing a greedy killer from making another move!
I didn’t hate this, but I didn’t particularly like it either. Honestly, I found it a little exhausting. I’ll grant that I’m an introvert. But, my god, the social lives of these characters never stop—brunch, coffee at the club, drinks at the pub, fancy dinners, the market, volunteering together, hiking, knitting circles, dinners on the deck, etc. They feel very much like a bunch of wealthy socialites, filling their time by volunteering and sticking their noses in other people’s business. Exhausting.
The mystery itself was interesting enough. Goldenbaum threw in enough red herrings that I wasn’t 100% sure who the murderer was. But I also wasn’t at all surprised when it was revealed. I found the rest of it pretty predictable. I had it figured out very early on. All in all, as I said, I didn’t hate it. But I’ll probably never bother to pick up the rest of the series.
Other Reviews:
Bibliophile Reviews: Murder Wears Mittens