TILL DEATH DO US PURL (Anne Canadeo)

Like Sally Goldenbaum's Seaside Knitters, the Black Sheep Knitters are all about friendship, but I think that Canadeo's characters are more true-to-life.  We were lucky enough to have Author Anne Canadeo visit the Windsor Locks Public Library last Friday to talk about her career as a writer and how she develops her wonderful characters.  Anne admitted that she is not an expert knitter (but she has friends who are) and she develops all of the recipes in her novels herself.  The flourless chocolate cake in this one is delicious, by the way!

When bride-to-be Rebecca Bailey's society wedding is moved forward to accommodate deadlines at her in-law' chemical business, she asks Maggie Messina and the Black Sheep knitters to help her complete the unique wedding gown that she has been knitting. Then, just 2 days after the nuptials, an explosion at the At-Las laboratory tragically takes the life of brilliant young scientist Jeremy Lassiter, Rebecca's groom.  The town of Plum Harbor is stunned, especially when doubts are raised about the actual circumstances of Jeremy's death.  Could bride Rebecca be implicated?  What about Jeremy's own father or his former business partner, Lewis Atkins?  When Maggie's car is vandalized it becomes evident that someone doesn't want the Black Sheep knitters investigating!

As usual, the characters are what draw the reader into Canadeo's series.  The mystery is excellent, but it is the  Black Sheep knitters that give the reader that warm and fuzzy feeling and make you want to come back for more.  Maggie, widowed and a little lonely, is a giver who shares her knitting expertise and sympathy without reservation.  Lucy, still wary after a divorce, left her law practice to find peace and a new life in Plum Harbor. She also finds handsome veterinarian Mat!.  Suzanne, with her large family and busy real estate career, still finds time to knit and dish out creative snacks, and college student Phoebe, with her multi-colored hair and rock-star boyfriend, proves an able shop assistant, tenant, and friend to Maggie.  Psychologist Dana always has some insight into the criminal mind. Together, with the addition of sundry locals who come and go in each novel, they make up the Black Sheep knitters.  I want to be friends with these women!  This series is highly recommended for the characters, plot, and excellent writing.  Great job, Anne!