Double Knit Murders

I am now a Maggie Sefton fan. The characters are as colorful and diverse has all the yarns described in the books. Can't wait to read the other books from the knitting murders series.

I was so excited was informed that "Double Knit Murders" this was being released, until I got it arrived at my house and realized that it is just her first two novels in one binding! I not only had read both of them, but still had them as I wanted to save the patterns. I wasn't ready to read them a second time. I was really hopeing that a BRAND NEW book of hers was being published. To me, it was misleading not mentioning (or I missed it) that this was just a grouping of her first two books. If I could have returned it I would have, but in my situation it was and is difficult so I may give it away, but I am still out the money,

This book offers the first two books in the Knitting Mystery series, "Knit One, Kill Two" and "Needled to Death" in one volume.Knit One, Kill Two:Kelly Flynn returns to her hometown of Fort Connor, Colorado, after her Aunt Helen is found murdered in her cottage. Kelly arranges to stay in town while settling her aunt's estate and uses some of her time there to ask questions and find out the truth behind her aunt's violent death and the discovery of a previously unknown relative.The expert knowledge of the author in the areas of accounting and real estate come through in the details of this mystery. It adds realism to the flow of the story and the digging out of clues to the mystery.Since a lot of the action takes place in the knitting shop and cafe next door to Aunt Helen's cottage, there are many references to knitting, yarns, and the process of learning to knit. Anyone who has learned to knit will be able to relate to the trials and errors suffered by Kelly as she struggles to master the ins and outs of creating a knitting project correctly. Some readers who are not into the needlearts may find these sections of the book repetitive and find it slows down the advancement of the plot.There are a lot of characters introduced, mostly customers or teachers at the knitting shop. Most of these characters are likable. There were some stereotyped elderly characters I found less than attractive and the tendency of a couple of the ladies to call everyone "dear" became grating rather than amusing. Luckily, there were plenty of other good characters who balanced out the stereotyped ones over the course of the book.The mystery itself has plenty of clues to assist the solve-along reader to do so in tandem with Kelly and her friends. One of the spinning teachers at the knitting shop, Burt, is a retired police detective who gives Kelly extra information about the official investigation beyond her own questioning and digging. He's a realistic and welcome male addition to a mostly female cast of characters.For those who like their cozy mysteries clean, this one is safe with no strong language, sex scenes, or extra gory murder details.There are two very simply beginner level knitting patterns using chunky and bulky weight yarns are included at the end of the book as is a recipe for the often mentioned scrumptious cinnamon rolls from the story.Recommended.Needled to Death:Kelly Flynn is still staying at her deceased aunt's cottage and telecommuting to her accountant job in Washington, DC, as she wades through the details of the estate and makes decisions about disposal of the property. When she discovers the body of a local alpaca breeder while assisting with a tour of the ranch, Kelly finds herself in the middle of another homicide case.Many of the characters from the first book return in this second entry in the series, plus several new characters from the ranching community are introduced and expanding the scope of the book from the knitting shop and into the surrounding area.The clues are there for the reader to follow to the final solution plus there is a lot of information about alpacas and breeding included to add to the reader's general knowledge. The author's background in accounting is a key to making many of the clues realistic.A funny subplot about Kelly's dog, Carl, and his hobby of stealing golf balls from the nearby course continues in this book with an expensive, but practical solution to the problem.As with the first book, there are two beginner level knitting patterns and a blueberry pie recipe are included at the end of the book.Also as with the first book, this is a safe, clean cozy mystery for those readers who prefer squeaky clean cozies.Recommended.

I wish I had known that this was a compilation of 2 of her books that I had already read.. I was hoping for a new book but got 2 that I had already read. :-( I Gave it to our Town Library.

Have all of Maggie Sefton books enjoy each and what is happening at the shop. Work in a shop now and we have added some ideas from the book thank you again.