A Deadly Yarn - Maggie Sefton

A Deadly Yarn
A Knitting Mystery
Maggie Sefton
Berkley Prime Crime

Mystery - Cozy

Kelly Flynn and her friend Megan are visiting Santa Fe to watch another friend, Allison Dubois, receive an award for her wearable art. Allison is thrilled with the award, of course, but overjoyed that renowned designer Sophia Emeraude wants her to come to New York and apprentice. This will put Allison’s career on the fast track! On their way from Santa Fe back to Fort Collins, CO, the ladies stop at various shops. None of the three can resist the siren song of yarn and fiber; and Allison finds some unique beads that will be perfect for her new design.

Once back in Fort Collins, Megan helps Allison pack and clean out her apartment for the big move. Megan and Kelly will drive Allison to the airport for a big send-off. But, when they arrive at Allison’s, they’re shocked to discover their friend, dead. The police believe that she overdosed on sleeping pills, but Kelly isn’t buying it. Why would a young woman, with her professional life just taking flight, want to kill herself? Despite warnings, Kelly investigates Allison’s death. What she finds is that, in contrast to her stellar professional life, Allison’s personal life was in serious disarray.

This is the third entry in this very entertaining series. Kelly is a realistic and sympathetic character. She’s an intelligent woman, and even though she deliberately ignores warnings to keep out of the investigations, it’s clear that she’s doing it to get justice for her friend. There are some interesting subplots that run through the novels, but newcomers will have no problems getting acquainted with recurring characters. The scenes set at the yarn shop, and revolving around knitting all ring perfectly true. Having been one of those people sitting around the table at the yarn shop, I can attest to that. This is a great cozy series, and I look forward to more.

Rating: 7 ½
August 2006
ISBN# 0-425-19461-2 (paperback)