One Sharp Stitch is the first book in a new cozy mystery series by Allie Pleiter. We follow Shelby, a thirty-something who has just lost her job and has to move back home to help out in her mother's needlepoint shop, Nimble Needle. On her first day at work, she finds one of the shop's suppliers, and a former school acquaintance, dead in his van. Shelby keeps her cool and decides to solve the mystery, convinced that the death was not an accident. Together with her colleagues and regular customers at the shop, as well as her overly perfect sister, they try to solve the mystery.

One Sharp Stitch is a subdued, cozy mystery without overly disturbing or frightening scenes. The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, and any bumps in the road are quickly resolved. There are few surprising elements in the book. The main characters come across as somewhat bland, and the only character who shows much personality is murdered right at the beginning. I missed a bit more character development in Shelby and would have liked to hear more from her good colleagues. However, since this is the first book in a planned series, I am confident that this will improve over time.

I enjoyed the small-town setting, the craft shop, and the witty comments along the way. It wasn't the most entertaining cozy mystery I've read, but it certainly meets all the genre's rules. Pick it up if you're looking for a cozy, easy-to-read story.

The narrator of the audiobook did a fantastic job of portraying the characters and keeping me engaged in the story.

I enjoyed this cozy mystery. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advices reader audio copy.

The first book of Allie Pleiter that I have read and it was a delightful cozy mystery.

Shelby Phillips loses her graphic design job and returns home to help manage her mother’s needlepoint shop, Nina’s Nimble Needles, while her parents are on holiday. Shelby is reluctant to return but has not found new employment and decides she will make the best of the situation.

While back in town Shelby runs into a former classmate and the interaction is awkward at best. Shelby learns, Cat, her classmate, wanted to manage Nina’s shop and eventually buy it when Nina was ready to retire and is disappointed Shelby has comeback to run the shop. Shelby’s sister, Jessica, lives in town and their relationship is strained. Shelby is counting the days mail her mom returns.

Days after Shelby’s parents leave she discovers a body is near the shop and everyone, including the police believe it to be a tragic accident. Shelby doesn’t believe it to be that simple.

Thank you to NetGalley for an early review audiobook.

'One Sharp Stitch' features a likable female lead (Shelby) running a small business, quirky side characters, small-town drama, hints of romance, and amateur detective sleuthing. It is exactly what you would expect in a cozy mystery! Allie Pleiter weaves these elements into a swift and enjoyable read. Moreover, Shelby and the NYAGs inspired me to visit my local needlepoint shop and start crafting more!

If you enjoy cozy mysteries, I recommend this audiobook! Carrie Coello narrates with clarity and engaging charm.

Special thanks to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.