Middle Sister's February Reads

There was a mini-theme of knitting this month, but scroll down to find some more classic mystery books as well as the latest from one of my favorite authors.

Cast On, Kill Off by Maggie Sefton  I decided to re-visit this old series, which was part of the original wave of the subgenre of mystery books centered on knitting. This was the tenth book in the Knitting Mystery series centered on the House of Lambspun and Kelly Flynn. Kelly is very excited as her two friends are finally tying the knot, and she and her ex-boyfriend seem to be tentatively finding their way back to each other. But when the seamstress who is finalizing the wedding and bridesmaids dresses, it looks as if there may be major problems getting everything ready in time for the ceremony. Everyone assumes that the seamstress' abusive and soon-to-be-ex husband killed her in one his fits of rage, but Kelly stumbles into information that the easy solution is not the right one. Set in Colorado, and House of Lambspun is based on a real yarn shop. Not too much knitting info, although I was very surprised that by this time and after 10 books, Kelly didn't know how to block her wedding shawl. A solid although perhaps uninspired read, I'd give this one a B.

New Lace Knitting by Rosemary Hill Rosemary (Romi) Hill is a well-known knitting designer whose expertise lies in lace knitting. For any non-knitter reading this, lace is very fine weight yarn, and it can be a challenge to knit. Romi presents lovely patterns beyond the more usual shawl patterns for lace weight yarn. The patterns are laid out well, with lovely photographs. The book may be over 10 years old, but the designs are timeless. 

Inspired to Knit by Michele Rose Orne Knitting patterns inspired by the seasons are presented in this nicely illustrated book. From a wedding skirt to a winter coat to a beautiful autumn jacket of intarsia leaves to summer halter tops, there's a wide variety of patterns for the adventurous knitter.

Classic Knits by Marianne Isager In this book, well-known designer Marianne Isager presents her take on classic knits, which often include her signature modern color work. Zigzags and color blocks can be found on many of the patterns, which are classic in style but contemporary in color, fit, and technique.

Closely Knit by Hannah Fettig A variety of hand knit patterns that would make great gifts are presented by Hannah Fettig in this book. Thirty-two patterns range from home decor (a mat and pillows) to a teddy bear and clothes for a toddler or baby to adult-sized sweaters and a vest, as well as the ubiquitous socks pattern. A little bit of something for everyone.

Mockingbird Court by Juneau Black  The latest mystery in one of my favorite series finally brings to light how and why our intrepid heroine, Vera Vixen, landed in Shady Hollow. Previous books have made very slight allusions to a scandal in her past, but now, that past has finally caught up with Vera, and it threatens her new life and her romance with Orville Braun. This book has a lot more introspection that previous stories in the series, but don't let that put you off. The series regulars are still there, and they help Vera solve the mystery and emerge sadder but wiser.

Middle Sister's January Reads

January 2022--the beginning of year 12 of this book blog, and what a lovely set of books that rang in the new year. 

No Stopping Us Now: The Adventures of Older Women in American History by Gail Collins Gail Collins is one of my favorite columnists in The New York Times. In this book, she addresses how women and aging have been perceived by American society. As an aging woman myself who lives history and social commentary, how could I not read this book? Ms. Collins begins with the lives of woman in the early seventeenth century, when their lives were short, hard, and likely full of medical issues But a surprising number of women found successful lives as ministers, midwives, and even authors as society changed during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The pressure to be beautiful and appear young becomes more urgent even as a small number of professional opportunities arose in the twentieth century. Ms. Collins introduces the reader to many famous and should-be famous women of history, and IO enjoyed the book very much. I listened to the audiobook, and I wish Ms. Collins had read more than her prologue; I found the narrator's style sometimes annoying, The book, however, was fascinating. 

After the Funeral by Agatha Christie I listened to audiobooks while walking this month, and I was happy to find my library has acquired audiobooks of several Agatha Christie short stories. Cora thinks her brother's death was not an accident, but it's not until her murder that her suspicions are taken seriously. Hercule Poirot is hired to find out the truth. Enjoyable as all Agatha Christie stories are, and personally delightful to me to find some Hercule Poirots that I don't remember. 

The Gate of Baghdad by Agatha Christie Parker Pyne appears in several Agatha Christie short stories, and in this one, Mr. Parker Pyne his traveling in Syria when one of the passengers on the bus is murdered. As much as I love Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, I enjoy stories that rely on her other detectives like Mr. Parker Pyne or Ariadne Oliver. Another engrossing short story enjoyed as an audiobook while walking.

The House by Raelyn Drake Everyone is scared of the abandoned house at the end of Gracie's street. Part of the mystery surrounding the house is that every Halloween. candy appears on the porch for trick or treaters brave enough to venture close. Gracie and her friends decide to investigate and solve the mystery of the house be bravely spending an entire night there, alone. Wonderful, atmospheric story for young tweens, with engaging role models in Gracie and her friends, and a heartwarming mystery behind the abandoned house.

Vanishing Fleece: Adventures in American Wool by Clara Parkes Clara Parkes is well known in the fiber arts world. In Vanishing Fleece, she tells the story of her year-long adventure to turn a 676-pound bale of wool into yarn. Ms. Parkes begins at the beginning, at the merino sheep farm and the very sheep from which her wool was shorn. She documents the process that fleece undergoes and how the wool industry, once dominant in certain parts of America, has dwindled to just a few producers and a number of mills that can be counted on one hand. Wool lovers and crafters will be fascinated by the journey of the raw material, but historians will find the book a useful summary of the history of wool production in America.  

Wendy Knits Lace by Wendy D. Johnson Charming book of knit lace patterns by designer Wendy Johnson. Beautiful photos illustrate patterns for socks, shawls, and even a couple of sweaters. 

Closely Knit by Hannah Fettig Hannah Fettig is popular knit designer on Ravelry whose Featherweight Cardigan pattern has been knit 10,176 times as of this writing, so it makes sense that her popularity would lead to a publication of her patterns. Closely Knit features 32 patterns for adults, children, and the home.

Knitting Classic Style by Veronik Avery Prolific knit designer Veronik Avery has published several books of patterns. As the title implies, those published in this 2007 compilation stress classic lines for men, women, and children.