It Came upon a Midnight Shear (A Riverbank Knitting Mystery)
by Allie Pleiter
About It Came upon a Midnight Shear
It Came upon a Midnight Shear (A Riverbank Knitting Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Setting – Maryland
Berkley (November 1, 2022)
Mass Market Paperback : 304 pages
ISBN-10 : 0593201825
ISBN-13 : 978-0593201824
Digital ASIN : B09RPVTR4M
A murder in her yarn shop’s backyard puts Libby Beckett’s holiday plans on thin ice.…
The holiday season looks merry and bright for Libby and her friends at Y.A.R.N. The store is expanding for a holiday boom, and she’s gathered Collinstown’s businesses to decorate a community Christmas tree. Dashing “Gallant Herdsman” Vincenzo Marani arrives to showcase the rare vicuña, whose coat produces the world’s most luxurious yarn. It’s a perfect yuletide—until Libby’s ex-husband, Sterling, turns up in town…and then turns up dead.
The murder unravels Libby’s life faster than a hand-knit Christmas stocking. The luxe yarn goes missing, Sterling’s domineering family comes to town, and the vicuña attempt an escape. If Libby can’t stitch up a solution to the case, she may be trading in her knitting needles for a set of handcuffs.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
It’s Christmastime in Collinstown and again the village is pulling out all the stops with businesses decorated with plenty of Christmas finery, a party to decorate the community Christmas tree, and Libby hosting the Dashing “Gallant Herdsman” Vincenzo Marani along with a few rare vicunas whose coats will be sheared by the “Gallant Herdsman” during the three-day event. Vicuña wool is the most luxurious fiber in modern times and it has a price to match.
Too bad Libby’s Scrooge of a husband has arrived in Collinstown when everything was going so well. Then to make matters worse he is found dead behind Libby’s Y.A.R.N. shop bringing the vicuna part of the festivities to an end. Adding more misery to Libby’s event the pricey vicuna yarn she had on display is being stolen ball by ball, the vicuna tries to make a break for it, and her ex-inlaws show up making all kinds of demands.
With herself and her guest Vincenzo Marani high on the suspect list it is time to knit and purl all the clues together as fast as they can because neither has the wish to spend the holidays behind bars,
This was such a fun read! Before I got too far into the story I had to research vicuna to learn more about them but then I quickly jumped right back into the story.
I love the way Libby has gotten so involved in the community, now being the president of the Chamber of Commerce but sadly when she brings guests in for an event at Y.A.R.N. something goes wrong. Her husband Sterling “a Grinch in Gucci loafers” arrives in town and she knows he has an agenda. I found him being the victim was very satisfying for me but I sure didn’t want Libby to be a suspect. She had so much on her plate. Thankfully the author has surrounded her with a great group of friends with distinct personalities.
The mysteries were very well-written and plotted. Libby wasn’t the only one who had a beef with Sterling so there was a wider pool of suspects than I imagined. Ms. Pleiter stitched up quite a story with plenty of twists to keep readers on our toes. I enjoyed every minute of trailing along with Libby to tie up the actual killer. As for the missing yarn I had several ideas but still didn’t nail down the guilty party before the end of the book when it was revealed.
I enjoy the way the author tells a story. Her descriptive style sets a scene so well. I could see each scene so clearly. The story had a nice pace, ebbing and flowing depending on what was happening. Some moments had me laughing out loud and others had me concentrating with determination to not miss an important clue.
Crafty cozies are some of my faves especially because I can live vicariously through the characters now that I can no longer do most crafts due to my hemiplegic status. I so love Y.A.R.N. “You’re Absolutely Ready Now” is the meaning Libby started with when opening her store and that her customers can now share their own personal words for the Y.A.R.N. abbreviation. If it was a real shop I can tell you I would spend a lot of time there. I would also love to experience the feel of that vicuna yarn.
It Came upon a Midnight Shear is my favorite book in this series so far. Libby is a wonderful protagonist and the people of Collinstown are interesting. The mysteries are unique and the setting is delightful. Plus it is always fun to learn something new. I am excited about the continuation of the Riverbank Knitting Mysteries
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About Allie Pleiter
The bestselling author of over fifty titles, Allie Pleiter‘s twenty-year career has sold 1.6 million books. Allie also coaches on writing productivity and speaks nationally on time management for creatives. Allie is an avid knitter, confirmed coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better.” She lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her husband and the world’s most adorable dog.
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Great Escapes Praise for It Came upon a Midnight Shear (A Riverbank Knitting Mystery)
by Allie Pleiter
IT CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT SHEAR is an intricately plotted mystery filled with cute animals, lush fiber, and a tight-knit group of family and friends. Its holiday setting with baked goods nestled in creates cozy comfort, so grab a Christmas cookie and snuggle in for an enjoyable read.
~Cozy up with Kathy
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This sounds so good. Thanks for the review!
This is a new series to me. Thanks for the review.