About the Book

For Libby Beckett, opening her charming yarn shop, and introducing customers to the joys of knitting and crochet, is the work she was meant to do.  Until the yarn she loves is used for murder….
 
Libby has come home to Collinstown, Maryland to live her dream and open her own yarn shop, aptly named Y.A.R.N., along the Chester River. To Libby, Y.A.R.N. stands for “You’re Absolutely Ready Now.” But the acronym changes whenever inspiration strikes, and customers add to the list of suggestions that fill the blackboard wall in a shop stuffed with color, fiber, and comfort. 
 
Libby is thrilled when she lands famous Norwegian knitting celebrity Perle Langager for a series of events  at Y.A.R.N. Libby’s English bulldog, Hank, has been modeling one of Perle’s doggie sweaters, and customers just can’t wait to see Perle in action. The mayor of Collinstown even decrees a Collinstown Yarn Day to celebrate. But once Perle arrives in town, she seems distracted and on edge.  And when she’s found strangled with a skein of red yarn, Libby knows she has to solve a knotty mystery before her new life unravels.

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In My Opinion

On Skein of Death is Allie Pleiter’s first foray into the cozy mystery genre. From the authors note to the characters names and even a dog sweater pattern, the authors love for knitting is evident throughout the book.

One of the things that draw me to cozy mysteries is the small-town setting and the characters, and this book is rich with both. There is also just the hint of a possible romance (which I’m sure will be developed as the series continues), a curmudgeon who is Libby’s nemesis, good friends, an adorable dog, and a murder.

While this is an enjoyable story that introduced me to the town and people of Collinstown, the mystery fell flat. That may just be because I’m an avid suspense reader, but it could also be because it became obvious early on (at least to me) who was behind the crime. There were a couple of red herrings thrown in there, but they were so glaring they didn’t throw me off the trail.

However, the mystery isn’t usually what draws me to cozies (despite it being part of the genre), and I will definitely be visiting Libby, Gavin, Jillian, and the rest of the crew again.

**Content warning: For those who are fans of Pleiter’s inspirational books, will want to not this clean cozy mystery does contain a few curse words.

Disclosure statement:                                          
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.