I received a digital copy of Murder Wears Mittens from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to like this book so badly, I really really did, but I couldn't even get to the halfway point. If I had known from the get go that this was not the first book in a new series as it is marketed, but in fact a continuation under a different publisher I probably wouldn't have requested it. It did have a guide of who is who at the front which was helpful but with such a large cast of characters and no attachment to them it was very hard to care/get into the story. I do want to give the author and the stories a fair shake so I will likely go back to the beginning and read the real book 1 some day but this just didn't have enough development, both character and story, to hook me and keep me reading.

Murder Wears Mittens fits all the hallmarks of a classic cozy, and I appreciated that this installment gave more insight into Cass as a character. I love the descriptions of the setting, and found the plot line intriguing.

This book starts out when Cass Halloran is doing last minute laundry and notice some kids clothes in her dryer at the laundromat. When she tries to confront the kid about a uniform left behind she can't find the kid anywhere. The next day Cass and some of her friends show up at the boy's house to find it's him and his sister his mother is missing. Not long after that we learn that Dolores Cardozo died she was a hermit so to speak. When Kayla Stewart shows up banged up in the head and having memory issues the knitters want to get to the bottom of what is going on. Who killed Dolores and why? Did Kayla have something to do with it? What is she hiding?

Add to this the reporter Richie Pisano is hovering all over Kayla and the knitting gals what is her up to and what is his obsession with Kayla Stewart is it more than Kayla really wants. Then there is Izzy's brother Charlie Chambers who seems really attached to Kayla and can't place where he knows her from.somewhere just can't recall where. Can Charlie help Kayla or cause her more pain?

I love this series with the fun Friday nights and the various perspectives on the situations. I also loved how Charlie was in this book and we got to see his side of things as he tried to connect with Kayla and we got to see how welcoming the women are which is awesome in my opinion. Anytime a group will accept others they don't know is always a positive. Can't wait to see what is next in this series!

My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book one with a new publisher, but really book 12 in the series.

I am so glad Kensington picked up this series. Cass and the rest of the Seaside Knitters never fail to make me wish there was a LYS (Local Yarn Store, for non-knitters) and knitting group like them nearby.

This book focuses a bit more on Cass this time, which is wonderful because she has long been one of my favorites and we get to learn a bit more about her family, including her outspoken aunt, who also happens to be a Catholic nun. However, the whole group is present and they are, as always, kind, compassionate and helpful in a crisis.

The mystery is interesting and a little sad, but the ending will delight long time fans and new readers alike.

Always looking forward to more of the Seaside Knitters!

I was excited to see Cass would take the lead role in this story, only she seemed to take a back seat to Izzy's brother Charlie and the young mom (and her aunt Sister Fiona). The story seemed more low key and less exciting than usual due to it's mundane story line. It was a disappointment for Cass to not really have been able to shine.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is a nice village cozy with a twist--a group detective. The four members of the Seaside Knitters work together, and share top billing, as they solve this mystery that disturbs the peace of their small New England village. In fact, at first I had some trouble keeping everyone straight--it seemed like every character who was introduced was equally important, and my summer-vacation brain had trouble sorting them out. Fortunately, the author helps with this by providing a comprehensive "Cast of Characters" at the beginning, and by halfway through they had emerged in my mind as distinct people.

The mystery is pretty well worked out, with a reasonably convincing motive and a pretty clear track to the solution (I do object to books where the solution comes in a sudden leap that the reader can't follow; this one had a clear trail to follow all the way). In point of fact, I worked it out well ahead of the sleuths, as well as sorting out the general outline of the only main red herring, but that didn't stop me from being interested in how the author would get there.

I do have some quibbles with this book. For one thing, although it says it's the first in the series, it isn't. I had to do some sleuthing of my own to realize that it's the continuation of a series with a new publisher. That would explain why there was so evidently a lot of history with these people (including another murder in their past) that I didn't know about. I think it would be better to read the ones that come before first.

I was more troubled by what I see as poor editing, in the form of too many slightly mis-used words, or sound-alikes, like "jived" for "jibed" or "low and behold" for "lo and behold." This happened enough to distract me a bit, though I'd be the first to admit I'm a little OCD about that type of thing.

As for the knitting pattern, this reader is much better with a bike wrench than any form of handiwork, and has no ability whatsoever to read a knitting pattern, let alone evaluate it. I'm guessing it will be lovely, and it does make a nice change from recipes.

My Recommendation:
This is for those who like village cozies with a good sense of place and a whiff of sea air about them.

Murder Wears Mittens by Sally Goldenbaum is the first book in A Seaside Knitters Society Mystery series. Cass Halloran is rushing to finish washing the lobster nets at the laundromat (who knew lobster nets needed washing) so she can get to her weekly knitting meeting (and dinner). She checks the dryer and notices some children’s clothing. A young boy comes in from the rain, grabs the clothing and takes off on his bike with his dog. Cass spots that he left behind a little girl’s uniform for Safe Sea’s Elementary School. When Cass mentions it to the group, they agree to go with her to check out the situation. Cass, Izzy, Nell, and Birdie head over to the children’s home (Christopher and Sarah Grace) the next day and discover they are alone. The kids do not know what happened to their mother, Kayla. Sister Fiona, Cass’s aunt and principal of the children’s school, quickly takes charge of the situation (she is a bossy woman). Kayla is soon found, but so is the body of Dolores Cardozo. Kayla has no recollection of the past day. When her bicycle is found outside Dolores’ home, the police consider Kayla their prime suspect. The Seaside Knitters start digging into Dolores’ life to uncover who might have wished her harm. Secrets are being disclosed and the killer has already shown what they will do to keep their skeletons locked away!

A Seaside Knitters Society Mystery series is a continuation of A Seaside Knitters Mystery series. It contains the same characters in the same town (which is disappointing). When you first open the book, you will find a long list of characters. I only mentioned a few above. There are too many characters to keep straight (along with their husband, relationships, etc.). I highly recommend reading A Seaside Knitters Mystery series prior to picking up Murder Wears Mittens (that is no guarantee that you will still be able to keep the characters straight). I did not enjoy Murder Wears Mittens as much as Death by Cashmere (first book in original series). I miss the book being centered around the knitting shop (they father around the dinner table now). I appreciate the strong, female characters in Murder Wears Mittens, and it is nice to see how the various characters have grown/evolved (especially Cass) since Death by Cashmere. My rating for Murder Wears Mittens is 3.5 out of 5 stars. The mystery has several components that are revealed as the group delves into Dolores’ life. The suspect list is extremely small, and I thought the killer’s identity was obvious. I believe most readers will figure out this puzzle before the reveal. The reason for Kayla’s secrecy is a no-brainer. I wish there had been more time devoted in the story to the mystery. It seems like more time is spent on the group’s meals than the whodunit. Murder Wears Mittens is easy to read, has a decent pace, good characters, and has a quaint seaside town. For those cozy mystery readers who prefer that the emphasis is placed on the cozy, you will love reading Murder Wears Mittens.

To say this was a good book is an understatement. It was enthralling, engaging, and cozy to read. I felt as though I had known the cast of characters for many books, and not just meeting them for the first time. It is the 12th book in the series, and if any readers are like me they worry about feeling left out. Not the case with this book. I thought the mystery was well done with goosebump moments and a plot to keep you going. A great fall read!

A new author for me and long running series. One I will read again. As a standalone, I was able to follow the story with the help of the list of characters. There were a number of persons involved. There 4 MC characters that form the center of a group of knitters whose curiosity about matters solved difficult situations.
In this book the Seaside Knitters are heading a drive to knit hats, socks and scarves for everyone in the community.
Delores Cardozo, an elderly woman who lived on the edge of town is found dead. She selected Birdie as her executor of her will. Delores was wealthy woman and she left gifts to many, leaving her estate to a young mother who was found wondering along with no memory of what happened. The books takes several turns at this point keeping the readers attention. The ending will surprise you. I highly recommend this book.
A pattern for a knitted sock is included.

Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.

Dollycas’s Thoughts
This is one of my very favorite series. Now it has been reborn as Seaside Knitters Society Series by Kensington Publishing. For fans of this series it picks up right where Murder at Lambswool Farm (Seaside Knitters Mystery) leaves off. For those just discovering this fabulous group of characters there is a cast list at the beginning of the book, don’t panic by the long list, the author gives plenty of detail throughout the story so you can get to know the characters easily.

If I could I would pack my bags today and move to Sea Harbor, Massachusetts. The residents are smart and fun and generous. They are always willing to give a helping hand, a little advice, a warm hug and a full belly. Their dinners on the deck will make you swoon. They will also be sure you have all the sweaters, scarves and mittens you need.

Case in point; Cass Halloran is at the laundromat when she finds some unusual items in her dryer. She is surprised when a young boy hurries in, pulls some things out of her dryer and quickly rides off on his bicycle. She tries to catch up but can’t. Then she finds a school uniform just like she used to wear that the boy had left behind. She just can’t get the child out of her mind, with a little help she finds out his name and where he lives. She along with her friends Izzy, Nell, and Birdie go to return the uniform only to find the boy and his sister alone, no sign of their mother. While trying to track down the woman they also find themselves investigating another death. A recluse, Dolores Cardozo, is found dead in her home and the children’s mother could be involved. So now in addition to knitting mittens for charity they are going to have to knit together all the clues to solve this murder.

The Seaside Knitters, Izzy, Nell, Cass and Birdie, along with their spouses, significant others, kids and friends are some of the best characters right now in cozy literature. Over the years the group has grown because as a whole and they are all so welcoming. Knitting may have brought them together in the beginning but it is their friendships that have stood the test of time. They are realistic, engaging, with hearts as big as all outdoors. Such a fine group of people. With each book I feel as I am returning to visit old lifelong friends.

These character’s lives would make a great women’s fiction story on their own but Ms. Goldenbaum knits and purls them right into a fantastic mystery. Dolores Cardozo mostly kept to herself. Few people knew her by name, they would see her walking on the beach but didn’t really know much about her. Now that she has gone and named Birdie executor of her will, plus the news that she may have been murdered by the mother of the children that Cass has become attached to sends this story in a very interesting direction. The plot is thought out and so well written. I was invested in the new characters just as much as those that have warmed my heart in 11 previous books. I needed to know how things would turn out. The ending was surprising and so satisfying.

This is a story of friendship first and foremost but the mystery is top-notch. I try to slow down and savor my visits to Sea Harbor but find that impossible because I need to solve the crime right along with the Seaside Knitters. I have enjoyed every story but hate to say good-bye after the final page. Same time, next year…..can’t wait.

Murder Wears Mittens by Sally Goldenbaum is the latest addition to her Seaside Knitters Society mysteries and it is definitely a winner. It kept me guessing from beginning to end, even the wrap up was a mystery.

In this book Izzy's knitting shop and Izzy and her friends (Cass, Birdy, and Nell) are working with the community to knit hats, socks, and mittens (along with a few scarves) for those in need. When Cass runs across a young boy and his dog in the laundromat one very rainy evening, she can't stop looking until she is able to return the school uniform he dropped. When the group finally locate the family, they find Cass' aunt Sister Fiona is a champion of the family and that the mother is not home. A murder, a nosy reporter, a shocking will, and many great meals to discuss the events, knit, and solve the crimes.

As with all of her books the author weaves the story without letting on who the guilty party will turn out to be. The characters are well drawn, as you would expect after eleven books (this is number twelve) but not tiring. There are the four main women, their spouses/boyfriend, family members, community leaders, etc., etc., etc., but there is also a cast of characters in the front of the book. Murder Wears Mittens is as enjoyable as Death by Cashmere, the first in the series.

This is a wonderful cozy mystery series. Any reader can easily fall into the characters and series. This is book One in the series republished under a new publisher . It is the perfect foray into this wonderful series. This book was a delight from beginning to end. I adore this series because the writing is so well crafted, the characters are strong additions to each story and the sleuth is perfectly designed to keep every mystery reader on their toes.
The story is a story of family, friendship and community, compassionate people who work together to solve a murder. Murder Wears Mittens is all that I could ask for in a cozy mystery, its pure cozy mystery delight.

The wonderful characters will warm your heart, leaving each reader wishing they knew the seaside knitting group. I recommend very highly Murder Wears Mittens for every mystery reader. Thank you for the ARC which did not influence my review.

Murder Wears Mittens by Sally Goldenbaum is the 12th book in the Seaside Knitters Society series, and my first book by this author. I really enjoyed this book, can't believe I have not read this series before. I stayed up half the night to finish it in one setting. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series. You don't have to be a knitter to really enjoy this book. If you love cozy mysteries, I recommend this book.

This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is an excellent addition to Goldenbaum's Seaside Kniitters mystery series!! I always enjoy seeing which member of the group will play a lead role in the latest installment. I've never been disappointed in seeing the development of that character and her place in the group. This book should appeal to anyone who enjoys reading about what can be achieved by a group of committed, caring women. It will also be a delight to anyone who enjoys knitting or other needle arts. The fact that a young single mother is considered a prime suspect in a murder investigation, and she's struggling to protect her family adds timely discussion topics for book groups. Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for providing access to such a well-written mystery!!

I really like this cozy read. It is a quick, typical cozy but a nice diversion.

First things first. This is book number one in the Seaside Knitters Society Mysteries, but it is the same setting as in the Seaside Knitters Mysteries, and in a way, book twelve. Starting with this book, there is a new publisher, so a new name.

Readers of the first eleven books will find their favorite characters between the covers of MURDER WEARS MITTENS. New readers picking this up as number one in a series will be reading well established characters, but will be able to follow along. Author Sally Goldenbaum always includes a list of characters at the beginning to help her readers keep track.

With the same skill as always, author Goldenbaum weaves an intricate mystery that will have readers captivated with the people and scenery, and enthralled with the mystery, and the story surrounding it.

An emotional tale, I felt both sadness and joy while reading, MURDER WEARS MITTENS. However, when I read the conclusion I was smiling with contentment.

Attention knitters: You’ll find a great instructions for Simple Skyp Socks, and a link to the pattern so you can print it out!

I have a real weakness for cozy mysteries published by Kensington. All their books must be carefully chosen because I’ve been thrilled by almost all of them. When you need a chance to relax with a good mystery, you can’t go wrong with one of theirs.

This is another wonderful book, part of a series, but it works well as a standalone. There are a lot of people in this book; however, the cast of characters, listed in the beginning, helps to sort them all out. The main group are friends who are working to make gloves, socks and mittens so the residents who need things like that are nice and toasty during the winter. They are the kind of people I would enjoy meeting, and I loved getting to know them while reading this book.

There are some clues throughout the book that if you pay attention, will let you know who the murderer is. There are also quite a few suspects. I did figure out who did it before the ending; however, it did not detract in the least from my enjoyment of the closing scenes.

After Cass Halloran sees a young boy quickly leave a laundromat, leaving behind his clothes, something strikes a chord in Cass. She can’t get the boy’s quick departure out of her mind. She tells her friends from the Seaside Knitters Society all about it. The women agree to help find the boy and make sure everything is alright. When they find him, he is alone in his house with his younger sister and his dog. There’s no adult in sight and the women wonder if they’ve been abandoned.

Things take a strange turn when a local recluse is found murdered. The children’s mother is found, but is immediately considered the prime suspect in the murder. The knitters find themselves right in the middle of a murder mystery, when all they wanted to do was make sure the children were safe and cared for. Slowly they begin to uncover a mystery they never expected.

Sea Harbor, Massachusetts and the Seaside Knitters Society are perfect for a cozy mystery. This story has everything I love about the genre…a “feel good” atmosphere with a cast of lovable characters that quickly become friends of the reader. There are many red herrings tossed into the mix which kept me guessing right along with the knitters. The author has a wonderful writing style that matches this genre perfectly. She keeps you guessing through the entire book while creating characters that jump off each page.

Although this book is billed as #1 in the Seaside Knitters Society Mysteries, it is actually a continuation of the Seaside Knitters Mysteries that was discontinued by the previous publisher. The Seaside Knitters is already a well established series. I never read the first series, although it has been on my list to read forever. When I saw this as #1 in a sequel-type of series, I figured I would start there. It works as a self-contained mystery. There are no cliffhangers. The mystery is solved in this book, but I do admit that I wish I knew the cast better. That’s my favorite part of the cozy mystery genre - seeing the growth in characters and relationships develop. I want to know more. I’ll be going back and reading the original series from the start, but it’s not necessary to do that. This really is a standalone mystery.

This new-to-me author has a new fan who can’t wait to delve into more of this lovely series. .A huge thank you to Kensington in continuing to keep this series alive.

If this is your first visit to Sea Harbor, Mass, do not be intimidated by the number of characters listed at the beginning of this novel. You will meet each casually, informally, and pleasantly as you get to know your way around.
The Seaside Knitters are a generous, caring group who are involved in their community and accept both the good and less than best about it and the residents. This year they are preparing to knit hats, scarves and mittens aplenty - enough that no one will suffer frostbite during the coldest months.
There are many generous organizations around Sea Harbor - those that feed and shelter the less fortunate and help people get their lives back on track. There are also the greedy who think only of themselves.
An odd notice in the newspaper brings attention to the death of someone who was a long fixture around the area. yet few could say they knew her well. Even fewer knew that she had deep secrets and supported many of these fine organizations. When that secret was revealed, the knitters decided that they needed to understand her, even though she is no longer among them.

An odd occurrence in a laundromat gets the attention of Cass, who brings her good friends in to investigate it further. She has a bad feeling about a boy and his dog out alone in bad weather.
Trying to do something good turns into more of a mystery for them all.
Somehow this and the mysterious woman's death are tied together.

A well thought out and complexly entwined story of secrets and striving to stay safe.
It makes you think about the people in your own neighborhood and if you really know what struggles each of them faces.
The characters are well developed, with kids and dogs that will steal your heart.
You'll wish you had good friends like these.
I accepted a copy of this book to review

It's always intimidating to see a long character list at the start of a book but I actually found it quite helpful here as I was leaping into this series for the first time. I like knitting mysteries; this has less knitting and more mystery but that's ok. The key thing, to me, was the interplay between the characters. I liked Cats and the fact that she pulled together her friends to solve the murder mystery. This wasn't too complicated and it has a good heart. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC- this is a classic of the genre. I'm going to look for more from Goldenbaum.