This is book 18 in the Seaside Knitters Society. It's a fun addition to the series. I enjoy getting back to see what the ladies are up to and see what pattern is included at the end of the book. The Yarn Studio’s Seaside Knitters have their hands full designing new classes for vacationers, as well as testing each other’s originality by creating a single blanket together. Birdie’s teenage granddaughter is also visiting for the season, and soon has plans with her friend Daisy to start a dog-walking business. Meanwhile, the Lazy Lobster and Soup Café’s local fare is gaining newfound attention with the addition of a well-known Boston chef. It’s sure to be another beautiful, busy time in their tightknit town . . . Until Birdie spots a huge blaze from her balcony one evening, frighteningly close to knitter Cass’s lobster business. But the morning brings news that it was a house in small Fisherman’s Cove, and a familiar fisherman is found dead inside. Not only did the young women walk his beloved sheepdog, Squid, they may have been the last people to see him alive. When questions surface about the actual timing of the man’s death, it turns out something is more than fishy. As suspicion rocks usually placid Sea Harbor, knitters Izzy, Birdie, Cass, and Nell must pick apart tangled secrets and wrap up false accusations—before the killer hooks another victim . . .

Book Review: The Herringbone Harbor Mystery by Sally Goldenbaum

Rating: 3 Stars

When I picked up The Herringbone Harbor Mystery by Sally Goldenbaum, I'll admit it was the delightful cover that first caught my eye. There's something about those cozy, seaside vibes that just draw you in, promising a charming escape to the picturesque town of Sea Harbor, Massachusetts. It's the kind of place where the locals know each other well, and the tourists flock in as predictably as the tide, eager to soak up the sun and the small-town charm.

The story sets us right in the midst of this idyllic setting, as the Yarn Studio’s Seaside Knitters are busy with their latest creative project—designing new classes for the incoming vacationers and collaborating on a single, unique blanket. Birdie, one of the knitters, is enjoying a visit from her teenage granddaughter, who has started a dog-walking business with her friend Daisy. Meanwhile, there's a buzz in town about a new chef at the Lazy Lobster and Soup Café that's drawing in crowds.

However, the peace is shattered when Birdie witnesses a fire from her balcony, dangerously close to knitter Cass’s lobster business. The next morning reveals an even more shocking discovery: a popular businessman and mayoral candidate has been found dead in the blaze. This man wasn't just any victim; he was well-liked in the community, which is a bit of a twist from the typical murder victim scenario. Kudos to the author for shaking things up in that regard.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there's more simmering beneath the surface of this quaint town than meets the eye. The Seaside Knitters—Izzy, Birdie, Cass, and Nell—find themselves unraveling a web of secrets and false accusations to catch the killer before they can strike again.

While I enjoyed The Herringbone Harbor Mystery, it didn't quite captivate me as much as I'd hoped. The plot was engaging enough, but perhaps a bit too much emphasis was placed on a victim who seemed almost too good to be embroiled in such nefarious circumstances. Still, the author's writing is undeniably strong; her descriptions of Sea Harbor are vivid and transportive, painting a picture of a place you'd love to visit. The characters are likable, and there's even the added bonus of knitting patterns at the end for those who are crafty at heart.

All in all, it's a well-written cozy mystery that offers an enjoyable read, even if it didn't entirely sweep me off my feet. It earns a solid three stars from me—worth picking up for a lazy afternoon when you're in the mood for some seaside sleuthing.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

The multi-generational Seaside Knitters of Sea Harbor are pleased with their latest group project: a herringbone blanket that they’re each knitting a portion of before sewing it all together. The plan is to put the finished blanket up for an art auction, benefiting the local children’s hospital.

Their latest gathering is interrupted, however, by the arrival of Sea Harbor’s long-time mayor Beatrice Scaglia. Ordinarily an energetic and fair-minded public servant, she’s been recently frazzled by unwelcome news. Rumor has it that popular business owner Nick Cabot is being persuaded to run against her in the next mayoral election. Beatrice is almost desperate for the knitters to assure her that she has their full support.

Trouble is, many of the knitters think that Nick would actually be a great mayor. Both thoughtful and gregarious, Nick is popular around town, and has done a lot for people that the knitters all know. Soon after, an insecure Beatrice has a very public confrontation with the younger man, who hasn’t even confirmed his candidacy yet. He’s been too busy looking into some things for several less well-connected friends, with the unfortunate side effect of invoking irate public dressing downs from more than just the mayor.

So when a fire breaks out and Nick is found dead in the ashes, there’s no shortage of possible suspects. None of the Seaside Knitters can bring themselves to believe that anyone they know could have possibly had enough hate in their heart to murder a man almost universally acknowledged as a good, if somewhat meddlesome, person. It’s an uncomfortable realization for the knitters, juxtaposing the grief of most of the town against the coldly business-like attitude of the mayor or the avowed jealousy of one of Nick’s life-long frenemies. Will they be able to figure out whodunnit in order to help their beloved town find closure over the loss of such an otherwise well-loved figure?

Sally Goldenbaum wrote this novel as her husband Don was dying, and the echoes of her grief permeate these pages. She’s turned a personal tragedy into a testimonial of community, however, celebrating the power of legacy and friendship even while working through her own loss. I did also appreciate how each member of the Seaside Knitters felt like a sleuth in her own right, as they all came together to solve Nick’s murder.

In addition to the herringbone knitting pattern, there’s also this delicious recipe included:

QUOTE
Creamy Broccoli With Pasta
Serves 6

1 lb/400g short pasta (farfalle, orecchiette, conchiglie, penne, or even macaroni)
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 white onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp fresh black pepper
1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
1 cup/250 g Boursin or goat cheese
6 tbsp/168 g pine nuts or cashews
1 15-ounce/400g can whole plum tomatoes
1 lb/400 g broccoli, cut into florets and stems
½ cup/50 g grated Parmesan
1 fresh mozzarella, shredded by hand

Put water on to boil, then cook the pasta according to package instructions. When ready, drain and set aside.

Heat butter and olive oil in a large frying pan, then cook the garlic and onion gently until softened. Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chili flakes, if using, and mix well. Take off the heat. In a blender or food processor, mix the Boursin or goat cheese, the nuts, and the tomatoes. Blend until completely smooth, then pour mixture into the frying pan. Heat until bubbling gently.

Meanwhile, boil or steam the broccoli until tender. Add the broccoli to the sauce, mix well, and then turn the mixture into a baking dish. Cover with Parmesan and mozzarella, and bake at 350°F/180°C for 25 minutes.
END QUOTE

I assumed that we were meant to bake the noodles with the broccoli, sauce and cheese, and really enjoyed the result! This deceptively simple casserole is elevated by the amazing goat cheese, pine nut and tomato sauce, which adds a marvelous amount of complexity and flavor to the pasta. My only criticism of this dish is that I didn’t think 1 lb was quite enough broccoli, so definitely feel free to use more if you’re so inclined. I also used mozzarella pearls instead of hand shredding a block of mozzarella, for a delightfully uniform finish. While you can absolutely eat this on its own, you can also have it on the side of a protein for an even more well-rounded meal.

Next week, we travel across the pond to make a decadent dessert while investigating homicidal shenanigans at a culinary school. Do join me!

The Herringbone Harbor Mystery by Sally Goldenbaum is the 18th book of the Seaside Knitters Society is always like coming back to a group of friends.

Sea Harbour is getting ready for the start of tourist season in their beautiful little town. Izzy stocking up on all the beautiful yarns and planning new classes for the flight of tourists that are about to flood the town. The whole town is running around like a little baby. Until one evening when everyone is woken up from the smell of smoke and the scream of siren. More bad news comes when a dead body is found in the ruins of the fire, but it’s discovered he did not die of the fire.

The seaside knitters have their hands full, trying to untangle this mystery that has been crossed upon them by many questions or ringing, but the knitting crew has put needles to the grindstone to figure it out.

This is truly a fun bunch of characters to go back and visit with. I love how the town works together, the friendships that are shared and the fact that you get a really good mystery in the pages.

The Herringbone Harbor Mystery is the next installment of the cozy Seaside Knitters mystery series. As the town is enjoying a wonderful sunny season, the seaside knitters are getting ready for the local art auction. Birdie is delighting in the time spent with her granddaughter, and almost everyone is enjoying the new recipes at The Lazy Lobster and Soup Café. However, with a handful of bad reviews, Gracie is starting to worry. When she shares her concerns with her close friend, and then the much-loved friend is discovered murdered, Gracie finds herself as the prime suspect of a homicide. Now, Izzy, Cass, Birdie, and Nell must come together and solve this mystery before one of their dear friends is found guilty,

While I have enjoyed other books in this series, I did not overly like The Herringbone Harbor Mystery. Overall, the book is just super sad. The victim is a much-loved local, and most of the book is spent discussing how amazing and loved he was. The actual details behind the death were also too tragic for a cozy. The author also spent too much time focusing on the characters' feelings in each moment. Finally, the dialogue felt off in this book; none of the conversations between characters were natural.

While I have enjoyed this series so far, this was not a book for me. I may continue with the series, since I do like the characters and the town.

Anyone who loves a cosy mystery will love this series, this book takes us back to Sea Harbor and the wonderful people within the community!
The main characters are well known for their Seaside Knitters Society and the strong bond they have for their family and community connections. I feel like I’m friends with Nell, Izzy, Birdie, and Cass, they have an aura of being special people that you want to be around.
This little seaside village is like most others, where everyone knows each other and the support network is strong.
The storyline flows easily, describing the daily lives of the community members and bringing the reader into their world. It's election time in Sea Harbor, and also a race to solve a murder in the devastated village.
The mystery of who could have caused this tragedy needs closure, the Knitters work together in their quiet way to find out who is responsible for this horrific act. I’m impressed by the depth of feeling and emotion that is always evident in this series.
A very well written story that shares many emotions but mainly grief, the investigation is sad but keeps you wondering. The four friends continue to develop their bonds with each book, making a great read that shouldn’t be missed.
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My thanks to Kensington Publishing, NetGalley and the wonderful Sally Goldenbaum for the opportunity to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

For the most part I have enjoyed reading this series. The refreshing friendships and personalities are so much fun. I can smell the salt in the air. But this one left me sad. The murder of a good person was the focal point and I was sad he had to be the victim.

This is such an outstanding series, but this book in particular is fantastic! One of the things I love about the series is the close friendship between the multi-generational core characters. Nell, Izzy, Birdie and Cass are the core characters who are good friends and share the love of yarn craft. Then you bring in their spouses, their other friends, townspeople and business owners in the small coastal town where they reside and you have a depth of personalities and layers of interactions that make the stories more realistic and engaging. As the story progresses, you get perspectives from each of the characters as they each uncover a tidbit or clue that may be helpful in each mystery. When the characters finally put the clues together, they start to piece together the who, what, where and when needed to figure everything out. If you pay attention, you'll be able to figure it out too! In this book in particular, the mystery is extremely well woven with a variety of suspects who make sense...almost, but not quite. The key is to figure it out before someone else gets hurt. Also, in each book there is more than one mystery to be solved. Once again, the author has written an outstanding cozy mystery and I can't wait for more!!!

The Herringbone Harbor Mystery 🧶

I recently had the opportunity to read an ARC of The Herringbone Harbor Mystery by Sally Goldenbaum, and I was thoroughly charmed. As a devoted fan of the Seaside Knitters Mystery series, I was eagerly anticipating this latest installment, and it certainly did not disappoint.

The tranquility of the seaside town is shattered when a prominent local businessman is found dead in his home. As the community reels from the shock, Birdie's teenage granddaughter, visiting for the summer, and her friend Daisy, are drawn into the investigation after walking the victim's beloved dog. When questions arise about the timing of the man's death, the Seaside Knitters find themselves unexpectedly embroiled in the mystery.

Goldenbaum masterfully weaves together a captivating mystery with the warmth and camaraderie of the Seaside Knitters. The characters are endearing and relatable, and the setting of the charming seaside town is beautifully evoked. The knitting element adds a unique and enjoyable layer to the story, making it a perfect read for fans of cozy mysteries with a touch of crafting.

If you're a fan of the Seaside Knitters Mystery series, you won't want to miss The Herringbone Harbor Mystery. This charming coastal mystery is the perfect escape for a cozy afternoon.


Rating: ★★★★☆

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The Herringbone Harbor Mystery by Sally Goldenbaum takes us back to Seaside Harbor, Massachusetts where the latest mystery involves Birdie’s granddaughter. There is a great cast of characters, and I enjoy the descriptions of the town. Other descriptions, though, can be a tad long winded. The women are a close group, but they do not hesitate to welcome newcomers. I like to hear what each knitter is working on at their weekly meetings and the type of yarn they are using. The whodunit did not follow the usual cozy mystery formula where a nasty individual is killed. In this story, the victim is nice person, and many people are upset by the individual’s death. I found the mystery a cinch to solve. I was frustrated with the incomplete resolution at the end because I do not like to finish a book with unanswered questions. The author’s note provides more insight into the whodunit. There are quite a few characters (the knitters, their spouses or significant others, friends, family) in the story, and it can be difficult to keep track of them. It does not help that the point-of-view switches between the core group of knitters (I frequently had to backtrack to figure out who was currently talking). It is very easy to get the characters mixed up (and I have been reading the series since the beginning). The story does contain mild foul language much to my disappointment. The majority of the dialogue is about everyday matters (what they are going to have for dinner or what event they are going to attend) which made the story drag. For those who are going to begin A Seaside Knitters Society Mysteries, I recommend reading the series in order. I admit that I preferred the series when it was A Seaside Knitters Mysteries. The Herringbone Harbor Mystery is my least favorite book in this series. I found myself skimming through the second half to get to the end. I wanted to give this series one more opportunity before I tossed in the towel. There is a pattern for a herringbone scarf at the end as well as a recipe for creamy broccoli with pasta.

My first Miss Goldenbaum novel and I don’t know if I should have come in this far into the series. There were so many people to keep track of when I was a little overwhelmed even with the cheat sheet in the front of the book story was well written in the town seemed really cute and I wanted to live there. It was well written and it did make me wanna go back to the first book of the series and start there.

The Herringbone Harbor Mystery is the newest addition to the Seaside Knitters Society series, set in the charming coastal town of Sea Harbor, Massachusetts. The story follows the close-knit group of friends—Birdie, Cass, Izzy, and Nell—as they become entangled in the investigation of a beloved community member's murder.

The novel has a great atmospheric setting and I love the deep bonds among the characters, it adds a deeper dive into the characters' lives and relationships while also adding to the mystery.

Overall, The Herringbone Harbor Mystery has a wonderful cozy atmosphere, well-developed relationships, and engaging setting. While some readers may find the mystery elements less compelling, fans of the series and those who enjoy character-driven cozy mysteries are likely to find it a satisfying read.

The murder victim was a highly liked member of the community. The knitters are determined to find the killer. A multi layered cozy mystery with characters that are likeable. Enjoyed this book! Thanks #Netgalley and #Kensington for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

The Seaside Knitters – Birdie, Cass, Izzy, and Nell – are working on an afghan for the upcoming art auction to benefit Boston Children's Hospital. At their Thursday night get-together, Mayor Beatrice Scaglia drops by and shares the disturbing news that local businessman Nick Cabot may be challenging her in the upcoming Mayor's election. The four knitters are surprised when the Mayor insists they help discourage Nick from running for Mayor.

Another visitor to this Thursday night gathering is Gabby, Birdie's visiting teenage granddaughter, a partner in Sea Harbor's Pawfect Day Dog Walkers. Gabby and her partner Daisy drop by with Squid, Nick Cabot's pet, who they walk daily.

Another thread in this book revolves around the changes introduced at the Lazy Lobster and Soup Café. A well-known chef and local, Bobby Palazola, begins creating new dishes and hires Marco Costa to help him keep up. Nick Cabot advises Gracie, the restaurant's owner, not to trust Marco and promises to check him out more thoroughly for her.

Then, Gabby wakes Birdie, asking for help with Squid, Nick's dog, who came scratching at the door early in the morning. Trying to figure out why Squid was so unsettled, they soon find out Nick's house burned down – with Nick inside. The police discover someone shot Nick before the fire started.

While Nick is well-liked in the community, the four knitters begin to check out a few suspects. Gabby relates her observation of an irritable man verbally attacking Nick at his front door, wishing him dead for ruining his life, when she dropped Squid back home after his walk one night. Unfortunately, Nick downplayed it and never identified the man for Gabby.

Sally Goldenbaum writes a complex, layered mystery with interesting characters and challenging threads to follow as readers uncover the solution.

It was really sad when a man who was as loved as the murder victim was got killed. He was kind and generous to everyone and there weren't too many who had anything bad to say about him which made his death even more tragic.

It was so cool to see those who loved him most continuing to do things he would've done or wanted to do. Our fabulous four knitters were on the case in their usual subtle way they had of finding out clues and reporting back to their fellow knitters and loved ones over some amazing food and family time.

The showdown was a a surprise as was someone who stepped in to help. I loved how the victim's sweet pup got his forever home and an amazing tribute was paid to both him and his late owner. Yes, eye leakage can and may occur during certain parts of the book but it's all good.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

The Herringbone Harbor Mystery by Sally Goldenbaum is a charming and captivating addition to this cozy mystery series. The characters feel like old friends, with a warmth and depth that makes you genuinely care about them and their lives. The small-town setting of Herringbone Harbor is as cozy and welcoming as a cup of tea on a rainy day, drawing you into its close-knit community. What makes this mystery stand out is the unique twist of a murder victim who isn’t just a stranger to the characters but someone the reader has come to know and care about, adding an emotional weight to the story. (I received an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own) Goldenbaum's writing beautifully balances intrigue and heartfelt connections, making this a delightful read for fans of cozy mysteries.

Cass and the seaside knitters are saddened when a beloved member of the community dies in a fire. When it turns out the man murdered before the fire was set, the ladies have their work cut out for them.

Was it the incumbent mayor the man was going to challenge in the next election? With fingers pointing and accusations being made, the ladies set out to separate back from fiction and determine who killed the man and tried to cover it up with a fire. Well, they saw the case, or will the heat be too much for them this time?

Another entry in the series. It never gets old. I love the fact that the seaside knitters age from an octogenarian down to a 30 something member of the club. This book is for cozy mystery Leaver out there, regardless of age. it’s chock full of red herrings and will keep you guessing into the very end. Always excellent read.

"The Herringbone Harbor Mystery (A Seaside Knitters Society Mystery #18)" by Sally Goldenbaum is well into the series but is still fairly okay as a standalone book. My only issue was that it was somewhat difficult at times to understand who the perspective was coming from. It jumps around a little bit between some of the characters and I'd have to figure it out a bit. It also made it hard to keep track of who already knew what sometimes.

The mystery was around what happened to a well liked man in town. His only possible conflict that most people knew about was that the current mayor didn't want him running against her in the next election because he'd probably win. In the end things didn't go exactly how I expected them to but made sense, for the most part. I wouldn't totally have believed the killer would change the m.o. It seemed changed to create a more dramatic reveal scene and to be caught.

It's been some time since I last read a novel in this series and reading this one was like catching up with old friends and discovering what's going on in their life.
I think it's a mix of women's fiction and cozy mystery and I didn't feel that the mystery was the main topic. The life of the characters and their friends was at the center of the story and i enjoyed it even if I would have preferred some more mystery.
It's a slow burning story, don't expect a crime early in the plot and I really like the victim and felt a bit like when I read Games of Thrones and Ned Stark died.
I liked the story and appreciated the solution.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The Herringbone Harbor Mystery is book #11 in the Seaside Knitters Society series by Sally Goldenbaum.

It was great to visit with the Seaside Knitters again. There is a house fire and it turns out the owner was murdered. I hate it when the victim is a nice person. The women investigate and there are twists and turns to keep you guessing who the murderer is. I enjoyed this book.

Thank you to the author, Kensington Publishing, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.