Holly Quinn

What a fun read!!! I really enjoyed not only the characters but the storyline as well! Being a crafter and knitter, I found it refreshing to find a book that centers around my interests and because of that, I think I may have gotten more involved in the story.

The characters themselves were quite easy to be able to identify with and all were quite likeable. I will say that Sammy could be a bit "over the top" at times, but I think that made her more fun. Then there's Detective Nash, he's, well... you will just have to read the book to find out more about him.

I found A Crafter Knits a Clue a very enjoyable and an easy read. It went quickly, almost too quickly! I was almost sad to have finished the book but happy to find out if my theory of "who done it" was correct. There were enough red herrings that I changed my guess a couple of times. Once I get caught up on my reading list, I will definitely be getting the next book in the series: A Crafter Quilts a Crime!

This is definitely a must read for anyone that loves cozy mysteries - especially those that love cozies based on their passion of crafting!

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion.… (altro)

I listened to this on Audible. I thought the narration by Kristen Price was good. I do like that the narrator is the same for all three books.
The mystery is set in Wisconsin. When I lived in Chicago I visited Wisconsin often. I find it delightful when a series setting matches what I remember from my visits. The author did an excellent job with the setting.
Sammy is our main character. Her friend Kate, who ran a community crafting store, has passed away. Sammy returns to her hometown for the funeral and stays on, taking over running Kate’s store. I had to adjust a bit to Sammy. She tends to be plain spoken which often comes off as a bit snippy or rude. Since I tend to think of characters as friends, I was okay with her manner as she is also a caring person. She is balanced by her sister, Elle, and a cousin Heidi. I love that they had a club called S.H.E. when they were younger. It was a Nancy Drew thing that I found fun. I like that the author lets us get to know all three women. I enjoyed how their personalities mixed. I also love Bara, a golden retriever. Put a dog in and I’m thrilled. The women bring their Nancy Drew skills into play when Ingrid, who owns the shop next to Sammy’s is murdered. Sammy’s personality was a bit strong at times with the detective on the case. I think it will be interesting to see the relationship between them develop in future books.
The pacing of the book, for me, started off slow with the building of setting and getting to know everyone. I think this might be a “me thing” as I find this beginning slow pace to be true in a few first books in the series. The pace, however, does pick up once things get rolling. I suspect the pacing will even out in the next book. I definitely plan to read the next book. I think this book will appeal to crafters and to readers with an affection for Nancy Drew, (my crafting skill is about first grade level but I was caught with the introduction of S.H.E.. I love that!). Perhaps this series will inspire me to actually use the knitting loom I bought that still has a half made project attached, (hello ADHD, my old friend, haha). Nancy Drew fans get this book. I think you will enjoy it.… (altro)

A Crafter Knits a Clue is the first book in the new Handcrafted Mystery series. Samanatha Kane has recently moved back to Heartsford, WI. She came back for her best friend's funeral but stayed to run Kate Allen's craft shop, Community Craft. The shop sells local artists' work on consignment and also sponsors community fundraisers and other projects. She just didn't have the heart to see the business close after her friend's death, especially since it is so important to the community. Just as the town is gearing up for the annual Spring Fling, tragedy strikes. Ingrid Wilson, owner of The Yarn Barn, is stabbed to death with a knitting needle in her shop. Ingrid was a difficult person...but she didn't deserve to be murdered. Sam joins forces with two of her childhood buddie, Heidi and Ellie. They used to play at detective in grade school. Things are little bit more serious when they are tracking a murderer!

A nice start to a new cozy series! There really isn't anything new here....there are a lot of crafting theme cozies. But, the characters are entertaining, the mystery is engaging and the theme of a local artists' consignment shop works nicely. I like Samanatha as a main character. She's putting her life together and helping the community and herself deal with the death of her good friend. The supporting cast of characters are great! I love how she pairs up with her old childhood sleuthing partners to solve the crime. Hunting down a killer is a lot different than searching out lost puppies and stolen bicycles though!

The mystery moved along at a nice pace with lots of clues, sleuthing and twists. The ending wasn't a total surprise, but the story held my attention from start to finish.

In the back of the book there are several knitting patterns for socks! :) Yay! I love it when cozies have crafting patterns included! As with most cozies, the cover is fantastic!

All in all, while there was nothing especially creative or new about this story, I enjoyed it. Entertaining and interesting! It made for a nice rainy day read. I will definitely be checking out more of this series.

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Crooked Lane via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**… (altro)