I thought it would be an interesting cozy mystery . . . it didn't hold my interest. 40 or so pages in and no mention of the Seaside Knitters Society (which is the series title). Yes, I did jump into the series at #15 and maybe if I'd read it starting from the beginning it would have made sense. ( )

A famous photographer comes to Sea Harbor as a guest speaker and lecturer at the fall art series of events. At Jane’s request but with reservations of his own, Sam has invited Harrison Grant, his former mentor. Grant comes with his own agenda, one the proves his downfall. The fourth in the series, this well-written mystery works as a stand-alone, especially since the author has kindly included a list of the many characters and their relationships. Though the mystery is an intriguing one, much of the enjoyment of the story comes from the interaction of the characters as well as the seaside setting. ( )

Sally Goldenbaum writes a novel overrun with friendship and loyalty and sense of community and this reader applauds her endeavor. The love and camaraderie among the Seaside Knitters amazes me and creates a sense of wonder and envy. A famous photographer arrives in Sea Harbor to host a lecture series, but Harrison Grant also plans something else in his return to Sea Harbor. Cassie and a new, young friend, Elena, plan the birth of their first babies. So many stories unfold in this short book: the disappearance of Rico’s wife over 20 years ago, the yoga teacher Harmony and her past life, and Elena’s adoptive parents. Ms. Goldenbaum deftly moves the story and the friendship of the characters and the community’s attitude. During troubling times, Ms. Goldenbaum shows that friendship and trust are the ultimate gifts of stability. ( )

"A Crime of a Different Stripe" brings readers of this series back home among their friends in Sea Harbor. Birdie, Nell, Cass, and Izzy (the Seaside Knitters) combine their problem-solving talents to try to solve the mystery of who killed Grant Harrison,a famous photographer. Grant comes to Sea Harbor to present a lecture series at a new art center. However, when he does not show up for his own introduction at the opening reception, foul play is suspected. Past lives and secrets are unraveled as the plot moves forward. And a few babies are born to add to the mix!

Readers of past books in the series will enjoy reconnecting with old friends in this newest release. Those new to this series will find this an intriguing and gentle read, despite the subject matter. You do not have to be a knitter to peek into the goings-on of the Seaside Knitters and their friends!This is a clean read, without overt violence, strong language, or descriptions of intimacy.

I received this novel from NetGalley and from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own. ( )

A Crime Of A Different Stripe is the fifteenth book in the Seaside Knitters Society Mystery series by Sally Goldenbaum.

The Canary Cove Art Colony is planning a lecture series that they are planning to hold in their magnificent new old house. They would like Sam Perry, Izzy’s husband, to extend an invitation to renowned photographer Harrison Grant. Sam, a former student of Grant’s, is reluctant to extend the invitation but finally relents, never revealing why. The evening of the event arrives, and Grant seems to be enjoying visiting with the attendees. Toward the end of the event, Grant appears to have disappeared.

The next morning as Izzy is out running along the beach with her dog, she discovers Grant’s lifeless body on the steps to the house’s shore next door to where the Art Colony party had been held. The property owner, a curmudgeon, and recluse becomes a suspect, but Izzy and her fellow knitters aren’t sure. When Izzy receives information, that makes her wonder if Sam is somehow involved. Soon, Grant’s personal secretary arrives in town and provides the knitters with information that proves to be invaluable in determining the killer.

A subplot of the story centers around Cass and her new yoga partner, Elena. Elena is in her 20’s like Cass is pregnant, and they do yoga together. Her husband works on Cass’s lobster boat. As Cass is trying to learn more about her, she is vague about her past as if she is hiding something. Goldenbaum will skillfully weave Elena’s history into the mystery.

The book is well-written and plotted and moves at a nice pace. The characters are all well-developed, engaging, and believable. They are ones that I would like to have as friends.

A pattern for a baby hat also is included in the book. ( )