Welcome to Cozy Wednesday!
I am delighted to share my thoughts about The Quilt Whisperer Investigates (A Quilt Whisperer Mystery) by Peggy Ehrhart today!
The Quilt Whisperer Investigates (A Quilt Whisperer Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Massachusetts
Publisher : Kensington Cozies
Publication date : August 25, 2026
Print length : 272 pages
Hardcover
ISBN-10 : 1496759257
ISBN-13 : 978-1496759252
Kindle
ISBN-13 : 978-1496759276
ASIN : B0G54HSWN2
Working at the Arts and Crafts Museum in small town Massachusetts, a quilting and antique quilts expert pieces together a patchwork of clues against the vibrant backdrop of a New England fall in this crafty new cozy series from Peggy Ehrhart, acclaimed author of the Knit and Nibble Mysteries.
As Associate Director and Curator of Special Collections at the Yates Museum, Caroline is excited to pick up a prized antique quilt from Nancy Critchley, one of Banburyport’s wealthiest residents, for an upcoming exhibit. . . . Until she discovers Nancy dead on the floor of her beautiful Federalist home. The muslin bag that held the quilt is empty. On the table is a napkin smeared with what appears to be tomato juice—in a design that may have been Nancy’s final message.
Garret Seldon, the town’s new police detective, pinpoints museum intern Amber Foster as the top suspect. Amber’s blog is sharply critical of the Critchley family, among other prominent citizens from Banburyport’s past, for exploiting less fortunate residents in order to gain their riches. But could long-ago sins really have spurred someone to stab Nancy with a pair of sewing scissors?
All of Banburyport is abuzz with theories, including the regulars at Farrow Square Coffee. A humiliated caterer, a developer angered by Nancy’s work with the Historical Preservation Committee, disgruntled family members—there are plenty of possible motives and suspects. And then there’s the missing quilt, a priceless creation that’s almost 200 years old.
Caroline and her good friend and landlady, Libby, are convinced of Amber’s innocence. And somewhere among these tangled threads, Caroline knows there’s a pattern to be uncovered, one that ties together the colorful secrets of Banburyport’s past and present . . .
Includes quilting tips and pattern!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
In this new series from Peggy Ehrhart, we meet Dr. Caroline Platte, Associate Director and Curator of Special Collections at the Yates Museum. She is working on the Banburyport at 400 exhibit. A prized antique quilt belonging to Nancy Critchley, one of the town’s wealthiest residents, is one of the exhibit’s primary pieces. Nancy had invited Caroline to brunch to talk about and pick up the quilt. When Caroline arrives, a pale green-eyed gray tabby cat meets her at the door and leads her to a room all set for her visit. One place setting was undisturbed, and the other had a tipped crystal tumbler. Then she sees Nancy’s body on the floor with a stained, crumpled linen napkin nearby. It looks like Nancy tried to leave a message. She also finds an empty muslin quilt bag.
Soon, the town’s new detective and Caroline’s landlady and friend’s son, Gary Seldon, arrives on the scene. He quickly concentrates on Amber Foster, a museum intern, because she has a blog where she voices her displeasure regarding the Critchley family. Just because she exercises her right to free speech doesn’t mean she committed murder. Caroline and Libby head to the local coffee shop, a place where gossip flows unfettered, to hear what the good people of Banburyport have to say about the murder. Turns out there are several people who may have had motive to kill Nancy Critchley. Now they need to stitch together the clues and information to pin down the true killer and clear Amber’s name.
For the first book in a new series, Ms. Ehrhart did a great job of introducing the main characters. She has left plenty of room for them and the supporting cast to evolve as the series continues. I enjoyed meeting Caroline, Libby, and the long list of supporting characters. I love Libby; we’re close to the same age, and I feel like we have the same attitude. I think we would be great friends. I do enjoy Caroline’s hobby. She creates memory quilts with clothing and fabrics brought to her. I enjoyed the one she worked on throughout this story and the special results. As a former quilter, I will enjoy this theme very much.
I enjoyed the museum setting. It was only fitting that the murder mystery harkened to something in the past. New amateur sleuths Caroline and Libby picked up on one of the most important skills needed: eavesdropping. They also knew how to use their captive audience and not to give up if a plan doesn’t come together as hoped. I was a little disappointed in Detective Gary Seldon. He ignored proper police procedures and made a huge mistep regarding a key piece of evidence. He was darn lucky his mother and Caroline were investigating. I don’t think he would have come close to closing the case on his own. I enjoyed following along with Caroline and Libby, but I had the killer in my sights before all was revealed.
The Quilt Whisperer Investigates has given this series a splendid start with a fun theme, an interesting setting, an entertaining whodunit, and authentic characters I can’t wait to visit again. I hope we don’t have to wait too long.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
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About the Author
Peggy Ehrhart is the author of acclaimed cozy mysteries, including the Knit and Nibble Mystery series and the Quilt Whisperer Mysteries. Her short stories have appeared in anthologies as well as Futures Mystery Anthology Magazine, Crime and Suspense, Flashing in the Gutters, Spinetingler, Crime Scene: New Jersey 2, and Murder New York Style. A former English professor, she holds a Ph.D. in medieval literature from the University of Illinois and taught writing and literature at Queens College, CUNY, and Fairleigh Dickinson University. She is a longtime member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, and previously served as president of Sisters in Crime NY/TriState as well as on the board of MWA New York. A longtime knitter, quilter, needlepointer, and blues guitarist, she lives in New Jersey and can be found online at PeggyEhrhart.com.
Find all of Peggy Ehrhart’s books HERE.
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