
Purls Before Swine (Clear Creek Mysteries)
by Rebecca McKinnon
About Purls Before Swine
Purls Before Swine (Clear Creek Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Setting – Rocky Mountains –
I am thinking more Idaho after reading this story.
Independently Published (March 23, 2023)
Length: ~250 pages
Digital ASIN : B0BRJYRQZX
Autumn has arrived in the Rocky Mountains. The resort that was almost the death of the small town of Clear Creek is trying to mend relations by hosting a local artisan show.
Jemma has been asked to create a display showing beginner projects all the way up to expert. Hoping to knit up attention for the shops in Clear Creek, she agrees. The last thing she expects is to trip over a body in the middle of the exhibits.
Curiosity piqued, she wants to know how someone was killed under the watchful eyes of the resort’s security staff — headed by the man she loves.
Even though her past experiences have taught Jemma she doesn’t want to be anywhere near a killer, when Deputy Chase surprises everyone by asking for her help she can’t bring herself to say no. Because if the killer isn’t bound off before the resort guests leave, someone will get away with murder.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
With a huge resort just up the road, Clear Creek is fighting for every tourism dollar it can get. So when Jemma is asked to host a booth during the resort’s local artisan show she can’t say no. It will be great promotion for her shop and Clear Creek. Plus she will get to spend some time with the resort’s head of security, the man in her life Brandon.
But any romance goes out the window when Jemma stumbles over a dead body near her booth. She recognizes the man as some she saw arguing with another man earlier in the lobby.
While this isn’t her first experience with a body she really doesn’t want to step on any toes so she is totally surprised when Deputy Matthew Chase gives her an assignment and actually encourages her to get involved in his investigation. Brandon thinks is it too dangerous but he knows Jemma isn’t going to turn down Chase’s offer. Hopefully, the three of them can work together and knit together all the clues and catch the killers before all the artisans pack up and leave.
I like Jemma more with each new story. She has found a firm place in the community and her grandmother would be so proud of all she has accomplished. Kitty, Emmilene, and Granny all work to keep Black Sheep Yarns and Woolies open while Jemma attends the show at the resort but one of them goes missing for a few days giving Jemma another mystery to solve. I do love the friendship she has forged with Chef Leandro at the resort. He keeps her well stocked with the best coffee and she and Brandon get to act as taste testers when he is working on new dishes for the restaurant. Jemma also meets a bride-to-be hoping to find the perfect shawl to go with her wedding dress. I really enjoy the way the core characters continue to grow and that even the new characters develop nicely within these pages.
Having the majority of the story takes place at the resort was a great move by Ms. McKinnon. Clear Creek is a small town and having so many murders would probably lead to its demise. The resort opens up the mystery to guests that can travel in from anywhere and opens up the possibility of future stories now that the resort is bringing in tourists that can visit Clear Creek. We kept in touch with the residents of Clear Creek as Jemma returned every day to share what was happening with the murder case. There was a good balance and a great flow.
The mystery was not easy to solve. I loved that Jemma was inserted into situations to keep her eyes and ears open. She was also told not to ask any questions but three stories in we know Jemma will do her best but sometimes those questions are just going to pop out. Working side by side with Matthew and Brandon was a nice twist. She also finds herself in the right place and at the right time during some key moments. I was very entertained by the way the entire story was plotted out and that I had chosen the right guilty party before everything was laid out and revealed.
Purls Before Swine is a dynamic new cozy mystery filled with fun characters. With perfect amounts of intrigue, romance, and humor it is truly a Perfect Escape. I hope to return to Clear Creek soon to see what is happening at Black Sheep Yarns and Woolies and the rest of this cool little town.
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About Rebecca McKinnon
Rebecca McKinnon enjoys playing with her imaginary friends and introducing them to others through her writing. She dreams of living in the middle of nowhere, but has been unable to find an acceptable location that wouldn’t require crossing an ocean.
Website/Social Media Links: Website Instagram Facebook GoodReads
Purchase Link – Amazon
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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.”
You are a new author to me. I look forward to reading your books. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
I love the cover and title!
Sounds like a book I will enjoy reading.
This sounds so good. Thanks for the article.
Thank you for the amazing review! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the series.
Sounds like a great Cozy Mystery. I like the cover.
Purls Before Swine sounds intriguing and I look forward to reading it.
Thank you so much! Judy Gregory