Cover Image: Knit of the Living Dead

Knit of the Living Dead

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Arborville, New Jersey’s annual Halloween parade is something the entire town looks forward to. It is a fantastic community event where everyone can show off their costumes and enjoy the town’s decorations and the yearly bonfire. This year though, this year the only screams come from the college girl who stumbled over a murdered Bo Peep with a thick strand of yarn wrapped around her neck. Having arrived shortly after the body was found, Paula and Bettina of the Arborville Knit and Nibble find themselves determined to get to the bottom of the crime.

Peggy Ehrhart’s Knit of the Living Dead falls pretty strongly in the category of books that are not strictly bad, just not really for me. Part of this may come from it being the sixth book in its series, so all of the characters have already been introduced and developed. Part of it might also be that Knit of the Living Dead is far to the cozy side of cozy mysteries.

I think that is where I want to start, because it wound up being where a lot of my issues with getting the book read came from. Knit of the Living Dead felt so incredibly disinterested in its own mystery that I found myself putting it down over and over again. The story would wonder over to Paula doing her grocery shopping or working on editing articles for the magazine she works for. The book seems more interested in the characters meeting for dinner and what is served or side character Bettina’s outfit of the day than its own plot. I found myself exhausted by it, waiting for something to happen only to receive more of the same.

The writing itself added to this. In many cases Ehrhart would use words that read as more than a touch mischosen. Characters frequently whimpered or wailed their lines, mostly Bettina, suggesting that she trends towards deep dramatics, but it was repeated to the point of annoyance rather than as a character note. Other word choices might be down to my copy being a NetGalley ARC, a sandwich reposed on a plate, a fine word on its own but dramatic for a sandwich, a cup of coffee had cream added to it until it was mocha color, making the coffee coffee colored. Nothing wrong exactly, nothing that could be called incorrect specifically, but just off enough to be unpleasant to come across.

I am mildly unsure of how I feel about the characters here. Given that this is the sixth book in the series, again as above, the characters are set in their characterization and their development has happened already. It can leave them feeling more than a little flat for a first time reader. In the last half of the book Paula’s previous love interest is brought up. It felt less like the story going back into something in the character’s life and exploring her feelings now that that ship has sailed and more like another instance of trying to avoid the plot at all costs. I admit, I rolled my eyes at that one.

Again, I feel like my issues with Knit of the Living Dead are my issues rather than being entirely issues with the book itself. I did not enjoy it and I find myself unlikely to read more of Ehrhart’s writing, but it is very much a standard for cozy mysteries as a sub genre. Perhaps not a sub genre I am likely to visit again soon. All told, I give Knit of the Living Dead a two out of five.

Was this review helpful?

Pamela and her friends make for an adorable cast of characters as they navigate a murder they happen upon at a bonfire. They are curious and intelligent and determined to help the police solve what turns out to be several murders. This was a nice cozy mystery.

Was this review helpful?

Cute cozy knitting themed mystery. Mean girl knitting blogger Mary Lyons has to change her Halloween costume at the last minute and the person who wears her costume is murdered. Pamela and her bestie Bettina are convinced Mary's life is in danger, and when she winds up dead, the pair and their friends are determined to uncover whodunit.

Was this review helpful?

This book was great and its was relatable because I came from New Jersey. The characters were also fun and interesting and the story like was greats. It also help get me in the mood for Halloween after how bad this year has been looking forward to cooler weather and stuff.

Was this review helpful?

Even if I liked this story I think it's not one of the best instalments in this series.
It was great to catch up with Pamela and her friends but the mystery often took the backseat.
It was an enjoyable and fun read, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Was this review helpful?

What can I say about this latest edition of the Knit & Nibble series that I haven't already said. It's very typical of all the other books, with the same main characters (those of the Knit & Nibble group & their spouses) and then a few new ones related to the storyline. One nice thing about this series is that a reader can start with any of the books and not really be at a disadvantage. The author does a good job of explaining the background of the characters, even though it may be repetitive to faithful readers. In this Halloween episode, someone is murdered during the town celebration, and the knitters are some of the first to discover the body. They set out to figure out the murderer by interviewing various people. It's a very simple plot line, but satisfies the reader's curiosity.

I have to say I appreciate the sub-plots in these books. The parts relating to Pamela's editing job with the Fiber Crafts magazine are interesting--I learn new things from them. And, in this case, they help with solving the murder. The food references make me want to be there partaking of whatever they're eating. And, though the cats are just window-dressing, they at least interact with their person even though they don't help with solving the mystery. And, they behave as cats behave. The one complaint I have is that the whole storyline with Pamela's neighbor (potential romance, but she didn't act soon enough) keeps dragging out. While it seemed it was over in the last book, this book hints that there may be more to it. I'd like to see this resolve.

Was this review helpful?

Craft lovers and cooks will enjoy this spooky take on murder at Halloween. Pamela and her buddies are enjoying an Arborville holiday bonfire when another body is discovered. At first it looks like an unlikable neighbor is the victim. Was this a mistake? Once again the knitters put down their yarn to unravel another puzzle. I enjoyed the fall references, and appreciate the friendships shown. However the plot leaned more towards entertaining, and discussing recipes than in mystery solving. There were plenty of suspects; the who done it was more of a 'why done it. My inner curmudgeon found the townsfolk to be too nice. I am sure others will disagree. All told this will be a comforting Halloween mystery.

Full disclosure: I received this ARC from Kensington and netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

The sixth book in the Knit and Nibble mystery series, and in this one it's Halloween. I loved this Halloween mystery and enjoyed the cats in this one. I enjoy this series because it's group of friends working together to solve a mystery.

Was this review helpful?

Princess Fuzzypants here: It is Halloween and Pam and Bettina are attending a bon fire. When a scream shatters the mood, they find the screamer and the reason why she screamed. Little Bo Peep has done more than lose her sheep: she’s lost her life. And there is yarn around her neck that intrigues the Knit and Nibblers. Things become more personal when it becomes clear the victim may not have been the intended. In fact, it may have been the lady who lives across the street from Nell.

She has a blog where snark is a key component so there are lots of possible suspects. But two more murders and the list of suspects dwindling at a rapid pace, Pamela and Bettina reconsider. There might be another reason for the triple murders. Now if they could just figure out what that reason was they might also figure out the identity of the killer. They eventually twig after a number of false starts. That’s okay. I didn’t guess either.

Four purrs and two paws up.

Was this review helpful?

This is the 6th book in the Knit and Nibble cozy series and it's highly enjoyable. I love the setting and the characters in this book. I had a great time reading a Halloween cozy on this rainy, foggy night. I highly recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

A cozy mystery set in the weeks after Halloween, as a group of avid knitters and neighbours investigate a murder that may be a case of mistaken identity.

Was this review helpful?

Knit and Nibble is one of my top series, mainly for the close "knit" group (pun intended). I love the community and the knitting group. I love for small town life; however, I could do without the murders.

In this installment, its Halloween. I adore Fall themed cozies. Pamela and Bettina joined by Nel this go around, use their sleuthing skills to get to the bottom of murders, yes that is plural.

I did thoroughly enjoy this book, but it was not one of the stand outs in this series for me. I was hoping for more Fall for one, Penny didn't come in town, and the murders (not to spoil) were not anyone of importance in my opinion. Maybe its just me as I am totally invested in the series and I know its ending next year, I just wanted more.

Again, this was still a 4 Star Mystery!

I enjoyed the digital version of this book (from Netgalley) as well as the audio version.

Was this review helpful?

This is the 6th book in the wonderful "Knit & Nibble series by cozy mystery author Peggy Ehrhart. This is a delightful series that I highly recommend. I have read the entire series and enjoy returning to each book in the series. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinions are my own.

In this next in series our protagonist Pamela and her knitting ladies are looking forward to the town Halloween festival. I love the strong charcters the author has created for this series and the male addition to the knitting club is a delightful addition. The charcters are all likable and add to each book with fun, friendship and sleuthing. With the Halloween festival they do not have much time to knit and are all contributing to the fun creating crafts and decor.

During the much anticipated Halloween costume parade a attendee is strangled who is dressed as Little Bo Peep. Pamela and Bettina her best friend and fellow sleuth are on the case. As they investigate they find out that the costume had been changed before the parade to another person which adds mystery to the case as to who the mystery Bo Peep was and why she was murdered. Pamela and Bettina are a great team and soon on the right track.

The mystery kept me guessing to conclusion. I enjoyed the addition of a Llama into the story and different charcters that contributed to the sleuth . This was a fun next in this delightful series. Review delayed due to fire evacuation.

Was this review helpful?

Disclaimer: I received a free copy via netgalley.com.

This book is the 6th in the series by Peggy Ehrhart.

I would classify this as a cozy mystery novel for the knitting lover. While it is my first novel in this series, it will not be my last.

I enjoyed the story line, the knitting and Halloween. The characters were believable. The plot was easy to follow but not easy guess right away.

Was this review helpful?

I'm all thumbs when it comes to knitting but reading this series makes me think that being friends with the Knot and Nibblers might change that. Bet they could teach me to at least knit a pretty scarf. This, the sixth book in the series, brings us to Halloween in the town of Arborville, NJ. Mistaken identity presents the first murder victim and the Knitters realize that they might be able to warn the intended victim. Unfortunately their warning fails and the murderer strikes again. Mary, the second victim, wasn't all that well liked and Pamela and Bettina, along with the rest of the Knit and Nibble Club, set out to track down the killer.
This entry works well as a stand alone but be prepared to play catch up with the series. Between the knitting theme and the great food it makes for a winning combination. The mystery is well crafted, the main characters are people I'd enjoy spending time with and I'm looking forward to reading more in the series.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This is an easy read. The mystery was a bit obvious but the story was well written and the focus is on the friendships of the characters.

Was this review helpful?

When a murder takes place at the annual Halloween bonfire Pamela and Bettina are on top of things. It appears the victim, local hairdresser , Dawn Dilbert wasn't supposed to be wearing the Little No Peep outfit. That was suppose to be Mary Lyon.. Pamela and Bettina try to earn the intended victim but she laughs them off and ends up the 2nd victim.. A list of suspect a mile long makes the case a crazy one. . It takes another victim before Pamela can put things together and figure out who are all the victims. Great read, maybe a bit too repetitive in some areas but we'll worth the read.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 Stars




A fun Halloween themed cozy with the Knit and Nibble gang in Knit of the Living Dead.

Arborville, New Jersey is all in the spirit of Halloween with the anticipation of its local parade. When scarry fun turns into screams of murder the festivities come to an end and the sleuthing begins. Pamela along with bestie Bettina are on the case using the powers of the press and the love of yarn to finding out who murdered Lil Bo Peep.

Knit of the Living Dead has me as a newcomer to this well established series. I will admit it was easy to jump six books in. I didn’t feel like I was lost or missing out on something. Readers can totally feel the bonds of friendship that Pamela and Bettina share. They are a riot together. I loved the knitting group and that there was a male among them. I love the love of fiber throughout the story. As a yarn crafter is a touch that hits home. The town of Arborville was truly cozy. A serene setting with the colorful array of town folks that you expect within a cozy mystery. The mystery has more layers than I anticipated and was unable to figure out who had done it.

Author Peggy Ehrhart gives a fun read with many twists and gets readers ready for Halloween.

Was this review helpful?

This is the sixth book in the Knit and Nibble series set in Arborville, New Jersey. A case of mistaken identity during a Halloween gathering starts the beginning of a series of murders. Pamela and Bettina are always up for the job when a murder happens in their little town.

This is a well written series that involves a kitting group. As a fiber fiend I really enjoy the discussion about knitting and the patterns in the book. This round we get to meet a very odd llama farmer who could be a potential suspect in the murder of a wool blogger.

I love the feel of the small town that is just close enough to New York City to provide an escape. The characters are well written and feel like old friends. The murders were interesting and I did not discover the culprit until Pamela did.

I love Halloween so the setting along with the lovely book cover really caught my attention. The various cats throughout the story are a plus as well.

Pamela's job as an editor for Fiber Craft magazine intrigues me. I would definitely subscribe to it. Bettina is a hoot! I love her sense of style.

This is a good series for fans of knitting and good food.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 stars

This is the sixth book in the A Knit & Nibble mystery series by Peggy Ehrhart.

I think the best thing about this story was Pamela herself. I loved following her around and seeing how she just lived her life. Quite insightful. The mystery involving the yarn was just a bonus. The victim here was a popular yarn blogger who received a lot of items from various sources to review. So when Pamela goes to help root out some gems in this blogger’s stash, she realizes she really doesn’t need to add more to her own hoard of stuff. Any normal person would jut grab the goodies and run. This gave me a lot of respect for Pamela.

Pamela tries to help the local police department by offering advice but her insights come to rest on deaf ears. I think this happens all too often when people’s ideas are immediately discounted before even taking them into consideration.

This is definitely a series I want to continue on with. Just loved the whole ambiance of it and the mystery was just spot on!

If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Was this review helpful?