On Skein of Death

April 15, 2021
A passionate knitter shows remarkable aptitude as a detective in a new series kickoff by the prolific Pleiter. Returning to her hometown of Collinstown, Maryland, Libby Beckett has used her healthy divorce settlement to open Y.A.R.N., a shop devoted to all things fiber art. She plans a series of events to showcase Perle Lonager, whose Norwegian-inspired knitting patterns have earned her a devoted following. Perle's background is Danish, but her boyfriend, Henrik, is her inspiration. In addition to knitting designs, they're now marketing stunning wooden knitting needles inlaid with a Norwegian pattern. When Perle arrives, though, she seems nervous and distracted. Libby's a bit distracted herself by her mother's efforts to set her up with Collinstown mayor Gavin Maddock, her former high school boyfriend. Her bestie, Margo, who owns a pie shop, and her bulldog, Hank, help keep her centered. But when Perle is found strangled with red yarn just before the initial event, nothing can ease Libby's feeling of doom. Luckily, she's on good terms with the police chief, who's willing to listen to her ideas about the murder. There are only three likely suspects: Perle's nephew, her smarmy publisher's representative, and Henrik. Libby can unveil the killer if only she can find the hidden motive. Not so mysterious, but the sparkling heroine has room to grow.

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June 1, 2021
Recently divorced Libby Beckett has returned to her hometown, navigating relationships with her slightly dotty and meddling mother, new and old friends, and the overbearing head of the chamber of commerce. To put her specialty yarn store, Y.A.R.N., on the kniterati map, she plans a weekend event with an up-and-coming designer. Ticket sales for the lecture, dinner, and fashion show are brisk. The Friday afternoon event goes well, but just before the evening event begins, Libby finds the designer in the theater strangled, with bloodied needles nearby. A chance encounter with a secretive attendee while walking her English bulldog, Hank, draws Libby into the investigation, and to the sad realization that the craft she loves so much can have a dark side. This is the first in a series of mysteries from a romance and parenting author, with both those elements present in Libby's interactions with her also-divorced high-school sweetheart, now the town mayor, and his teenage daughter. Knitters will settle into Y.A.R.N. like it's their own local yarn store--and appreciate the pattern for the dog sweater Hank models.

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