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 April Reads

 Happy springtime! It's hard to read when the weather outside is so perfect, isn't it? This April, I read some pattern books I've been wanting to look at, with the hopes of finding some new items to update my wardrobe and replace things I've unfortunately outgrown (thank you, menopause).

Hygge Style Knitting by Interweave Editors The idea of hygge was very popular in the press just before the pandemic. Many people who found themselves confined to their homes spent time learning new crafts, improving their home spaces, and generally trying to increase the presence of anything that could provide comfort. This book of knitting patterns was just one book to provide knitted comfort to craft. Nicely photographed, as Interweave Press publications are, this collection of socks, cowls, sweaters, and others are generally made of bulkier yarns to simulate that large knitted comfort look that is popular, and which take much less time for new knitters to create. And that's the perfect way to help novice knitters grow their skills, as a successfully completed project is a great spur to make something else! Suitable for movie and experienced knitters alike, but the sweaters are far too warm for a desert dweller like me. 

New Lace Knitting by Rosemary Hill Beautiful pattern book of sweaters, tops, and accessories made from lace weight yarn. Rosemary Hill is an accomplished and well-known designer, and her patterns are always beautiful to look at. I've bookmarked a couple I want to try for myself, since lace weight yarn is the thickets I can wear out here. But don't expect me to report back anytime soon--lace weight yarn takes me forever to knit. The patterns are lovely, the photography is good, but I would rate the patterns are for intermediate and more advanced knitters as lace weight yarn can be difficult to work with. 

Simple Style by Ann Budd Ann Budd is another well known knitwear designer, and in this book, she presents several patterns that are simple in style and construction, but stylish and therefore great mainstays for a knitted wardrobe. But don't be fooled by the title; the Stay Put Wrap, for example, is a modern interpretation of a stile or rectangular wrap that is anything but old fashioned or boring. There were several sweater and tops that I bookmarked for myself, because sometimes I need a quick knitting fix. The patterns are a great mix of just challenging enough for a novice knitter and not too boringly easy for more experienced knitters. Lovely photographs and nice presentation.

Metropolitan Knits by Melissa Wehrle Metropolitan Knits presents 20 knitting projects designed to reflect a modern urban style that combines both feminine silhouettes and funkier yet classic designs. Look for surprising elements that are a bit unexpected, such as the peep of lace in the back hem of the Secret Garden Tank. I liked several of the patterns, but don't think the styles are ones that my middle aged body can wear anymore. Too bad this books wasn't around 20 years ago, when the styles would have been flattering for my figure. There are several accessories presented as well, so the book is appropriate for novice knitters and those with more experience alike. 

Death by Beach Read by Eva Gates I enjoy the Lighthouse Library mystery series, although I will admit right away that I have not read all of them. I think I read the first, one in the middle somewhere, and then this one, which is the latest and will be published in June 2022. Lucy, the lighthouse librarian, and her love Connor, dentist and mayor, have bought their dream home. It's located right on the beach, but requires quite a bit of renovation as it's been sitting derelict for quite a few years. Of course there is a ghost story associated with it. As Connor and his dad undertake the renovations, Lucy gets drawn into the house's troubled past until one night, the ghost pays her a visit. Easy, breezy style, Eva Gates is the non de plume of prolific mystery writer Vicki Delaney. I like another of her series (Tea by the Sea) although I'm slightly less interested in her Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series. I'm a little worried that with 5 series in print at the same time (Year Round Christmas and Catskills Summer Resort mysteries), the quality of the books may soon start to decline, but Death by Beach Road, although predictable, was still a pleasant read, and perfect for a warm spring day. (Net Galley)

The Bellamy Trial by Frances Noyes Hart One of the first courtroom dramas to become a bestseller, The Bellamy Trial unravels, through courtroom testimonials, the murder of a young socialite. Published in 1927, it was almost immediately made into a silent movie; sadly, most of the reels have disappeared or decayed. The story is told in a fairly crisp style, with the sworn testimonies of various witnesses and suspects presented in individual chapters interspersed with commentary by a never-names male Reporter and The Red-headed Girl, a young reporter covering her first trial. The reporter explains what's going on for her and the reader's benefits, and it's a very modern approach that makes the nearly 100-year-old book feel much more modern than the situations and social mores that are exposed by the trial itself portray. I enjoyed this book very much, and recommend it to anyone looking for something new, and perhaps a bit different from the normal mystery genre. (Net Galley)