While My Pretty One Knits

My sister had been telling me for months about how much she enjoys these cozy mystery books. Well, I like bios.,nature books,and Love Inspired Historicals,so was reluctant to try a new genre! I never had even been a fan of mysteries! Well,I decided to give them a try, and While My Pretty One Knits was my first! I loved it! I pre-ordered the next one in this series already! I brought it with me on a 3 week vacation, and every chance I got, I was busy reading about these charming ladies.It makes one want to live in their town,and join their knitting group!! The story held my interest....I was unsure going in, but it did! I like this author...she does have a talent for storytelling. The characters well well fleshed-out,and the book moves at a good pace! I plan to send this to my sister, as I am sure she will so enjoy it! I cannot wait until book 2...Hopefully, there will be book 3,4,5,.....I am now a "Cozy" fan too! They are great! Wish I had listened to my sister, and started sooner!

Knitting mysteries are the latest "whodunits" to saturate the shelves. It seems every cozy writer wants to try their hand weaving one making the sub-genre blend together in a knot... Enter the stellar Anne Canadeo w/ her exemplary mystery debut While My Pretty One Knits. Delightful. Enchanting. Humorous. Impressive. Witty. Those are just a few adjectives to describe Anne Canadeo's effervescent cozy debut, While My Pretty One Knits. I absolutely adore this series. I couldn't put it down & when I was closing in on the ending I hid it. Yes, I did! I recently moved off the island & moved up to gorgeous northern New York & hid it in my huge house; ). Well, I tried to hide it but the engaging cast of characters whispered for me to hang out w/ them @ the Black Sheep Knitting Shop. When I tried to ignore them they poked me w/ a knitting needle. Ouch! OK, it was more than one knitting needle. Geez, knitters are a crafty bunch ; ). While My Pretty One Knits is a dynamite introduction to an energetic new cozy mystery series. Canadeo's writing flows effortlessly off the page & the enchanting, fun, ingenious cast steals the show. Canadeo knows how to absorb the reader w/ a skillful, fast-paced plot. The characters are well-developed & Canadeo knows how to create a cast of characters you care about. All you need is a cup of hot cocoa overflowing w/ marshmallows, a crackling fire, a throw & you have an impeccable cozy evening (cheese, fruit, wine & crackers may enhance your reading pleasure). Canadeo showcases her sharp writing skills. She is a brilliant new addition to the cozy genre. When I reached page 249 it was bittersweet. Infact, I am in a bit of a diva monster mood (grumpy sourpuss) because I have to wait until December for Knit, Purl, Die. Grrr... Where are those knitting needles when I need them? While My Pretty One Knits is a perfect summer read for all of those scrambling to make the most of summer as it draws to a close but it is also an excellent read to curl up w/ as fall arrives. I really wish I could visit Plum Harbor, Massachusetts & visit all the terrific friends Canadeo vibrantly created. I really want to spend time w/ adorable Tink & Matt -- *sigh*! While My Pretty One Knits was so richly penned it has made me interested in learning to knit. Really! Moi, who can barely lace her kicks. I loved this book so much that I imagine myself as a character visiting the Book Review & the Black Sheep Knitting Shop. Non-knitters will revel in the picturesque surroundings. While My Pretty One Knits is a tightly stitched novel not to be missed! Hurry & grab a copy of While My Pretty One Knits. It's as relaxing as a day @ the shore!

I loved the book, could not put it down. It is a fun read, a light mystery, and very likeable characters. Books like this make me want to take a knitting class, join a knitting group but it would have to be in shop like Maggie's. I am looking forward to Anne Canadeo's next book.

A fan of Anne Canadeo's "Cape Light" series, written under the pen name Katherine Spencer, I eagerly awaited this first in a new mystery series. Canadeo's strengths lie in her witty dialogue, realistic portrayal of familiar situations and feelings and the chemistry between very different women bonded first by a common interest, and then by mutual respect and understanding. Not to give anything away, because this is a mystery, but the friendship and ingenuity of a group of knitters is tested when an acquaintance, and rival knitting shop owner is murdered. "While My Pretty One Knits" blends the aspects of a murder mystery with a solid portrayal of female friendship, with a measure of suspense, and a little romance (who doesn't need a little romance?). While the murder is all too real, Canadeo doesn't revel in the gory details. I found this a great, quick read that kept me guessing, and rooting for the women I'd now call my friends.

The tiny New England coastal village of Plum Harbor contains two knitting shops. Amanda Goran owns the Knitting Nest; while the Black Sheep Knitting Shop is owned by Maggie Messina. To Amanda's chagrin, Maggie's operation though newer is doing better. Amanda will do anything to take customers away from her competitor to include spreading lies that are so preposterous no one believes her. Maggie does her best to stay above the gutter as she knows there is room for two knitting shops to thrive in the area. The day before Maggie has her former student Cara Newhouse over for a book singing, Amanda arrives acting friendly and looking as if she had a make-over. She tells Maggie she is happy to be at the lecture and signing. The next morning, Amanda's soon to be ex husband finds her dead. The coroner rules it a homicide. The police believe Maggie is their best suspect especially when the murder weapon is found in her store. However, the cops do not have enough evidence to arrest her. Her weekly knitting group the Black Sheep Knitters try to cheer up the depressed Maggie, but one of them Lucy Berger goes further; she investigates the murder seeking a different suspect. The Black Sheep Knitters meet every week to work on their projects and gossip; they have become close knit friends who each needs to keep Maggie's falling spirits up. The killer hides in plain sight making it nearly impossible for Lucy and the reader to notice the culprit. Fans of Monica Ferris' Crewel World will enjoy this engaging amateur sleuth as much for its salute to friendship as to Lucy's inquiry made one stitch at a time. Harriet Klausner